cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Management of effluents from channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) embankment ponds in the southeastern United States

The unique nature of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) ponds in the southeastern United States is a challenge for effluent management. Most catfish ponds are used for many years without intentional discharge, but the region receives abundant rainfall, making it impractical to grow catfish in ponds without some water being discharged when ponds overflow. Overflow is, however, sporadic and infrequent, and the effluent is dilute with respect to nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, and solids. Furthermore, most of the organic matter and nutrients in pond effluents are associated with phytoplankton and other solids that do not readily settle. Overall, these characteristics make it difficult to formulate affordable post-discharge treatment technologies for effluents. The best approach to reducing mass discharge of substances from catfish ponds is to reduce effluent volume. This can be accomplished most effectively by increasing the interval between pond drainings and maintaining water storage capacity in ponds to capture rainfall. Mass discharge can be further reduced by draining ponds into low-gradient ditches with sufficient length to allow solids to settle before entering a public waterway.
RET/PTC-induced dedifferentiation of thyroid cells is mediated through Y1062 signaling through SHC-RAS-MAP kinase

Constitutive activation of the RET proto-oncogene in papillary thyroid carcinomas results from rearrangements linking the promoter(s) and N-terminal domains of unrelated genes to the C-terminus of RET tyrosine kinase (RET/PTC). RET/PTC expression has been demonstrated to inhibit transcription of thyroid-specific genes. To study the signal transduction pathways responsible for this, we generated PCCL3 thyroid cells with doxycycline-inducible expression of RET/PTC3, RET/PTC3(Y541F), or PTC2/PDZ. Acute expression of RET/PTC(Y541F) appropriately interacted with Shc, an intermediate in the activation of the Ras pathway, but failed to activate PLCgamma. By contrast, PTC2/PDZ failed to bind Shc, but interacted normally with PLCgamma. Acute expression of RET/PTC3 or RET/PTC3(Y541F), but not PTC2/PDZ, inhibited TSH-induced Tg and NIS expression, suggesting that activation of Shc-Ras, but not PLCgamma, is required for RET/PTC-induced dedifferentiation. Accordingly, acute expression of H-Ras(V12) or of a constitutively active MEK1 also blocked TSH-induced expression of Tg and NIS. Moreover, MEK inhibitors restored Tg and NIS levels. In conclusion, activation of the Ras/Raf/MEK/MAPK pathway through Shc mediates RET/PTC-induced thyroid cell dedifferentiation. This suggests that inhibition of this pathway may promote redifferentiation in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas with constitutive activation of either Ras or RET/PTC.
Comparison of Three Short Term Photovoltaic System Power Generation Forecasting Methods

An accurate forecasting method for solar power generation of the photovoltaic (PV) system is urgent needed under the relevant issues associated with the high penetration of solar power in the electricity system. This paper presents a comparison of three forecasting approaches on short term solar power generation of PV system. Three forecasting methods, namely, persistence method, back propagation neural network method, and radial basis function (RBF) neural network method, are investigated. To demonstrate the performance of three methods, the methods are tested on the practical information of solar power generation of a PV system. The performance is evaluated based on two indexes, namely, maximum absolute percent error and mean absolute percent error.
Analysis of the efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors using semi-mechanistic model.

Renal sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) is one of the most promising targets for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Two SGLT2 inhibitors, dapagliflozin and canagliflozin, have already been approved for use in USA and Europe; several additional compounds are also being developed for this purpose. Based on the in vitro IC50 values and plasma concentration of dapagliflozin measured in clinical trials, the marketed dosage of the drug was expected to almost completely inhibit SGLT2 function and reduce glucose reabsorption by 90%. However, the administration of dapagliflozin resulted in only 30–50% inhibition of reabsorption. This study was aimed at investigating the mechanism underlying the discrepancy between the expected and observed levels of glucose reabsorption. To this end, systems pharmacology models were developed to analyze the time profile of dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, ipragliflozin, empagliflozin, and tofogliflozin in the plasma and urine; their filtration and active secretion from the blood to the renal proximal tubules; reverse reabsorption; urinary excretion; and their inhibitory effect on SGLT2. The model shows that concentration levels of tofogliflozin, ipragliflozin, and empagliflozin are higher than levels of other inhibitors following administration of marketed SGLT2 inhibitors at labeled doses and non-marketed SGLT2 inhibitors at maximal doses (approved for phase 2/3 studies). All the compounds exhibited almost 100% inhibition of SGLT2. Based on the results of our model, two explanations for the observed low efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors were supported: 1) the site of action of SGLT2 inhibitors is not in the lumen of the kidney’s proximal tubules, but elsewhere (e.g., the kidneys proximal tubule cells); and 2) there are other transporters that could facilitate glucose reabsorption under the conditions of SGLT2 inhibition (e.g., other transporters of SGLT family).
CYP2D7 splice variants in human liver and brain: does CYP2D7 encode functional protein?

A CYP2D7 brain-specific protein metabolizing codeine and encoded by an alternate mRNA has recently been described in Indian subjects. To examine its potential presence in other ethnic backgrounds, CYP2D7 and CYP2D6 full-length splice products were analyzed in liver and brain. CYP2D7 splice variant-specific PCR on 13 subjects revealed the previously reported partial intron 6-containing transcript encoding CYP2D7 in both tissues as a minor variant. This transcript is not predicted to encode functional protein as a frame-shift-reverting deletion in CYP2D7 exon 1 (138delT) was not detected in any transcript or in 285 additional genotyped subjects. The g.14408G > C SNP required for functional transcript also was not observed; all transcripts and individuals genotyped as g.14408G/G that causes a premature stop codon in any splice variants that contain the 57 bp intron 6 insertion. Therefore, no evidence for functional CYP2D7 transcripts was observed in Asian, Caucasian or African American individuals.
Advanced Application of BNCT in Advanced Cancers

We present a new concept of one form of radiation binary targeted therapy that may offer hope for the often fatal relapsed and/or metastasized HER2+ cancers. The idea is to deliver boronated (boron-10 isotope) anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the patient to be deposited preferentially into the tumor followed by one session of a low energy neutron irradiation. Based on actual computed tomography data, we present the comprehensive theoretical (numerical) modeling of the new approach in designing the treatment conditions for the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) using the MITRII-FCB neutron beam facility. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed treatment option for the advanced breast cancers and the metastasized breast cancers in the lungs of a patient. Our theoretical analysis concludes that with a boron concentration of ∼316 μg/g in tumor and a tumor-to-healthy tissue boron concentration ratio of 35:1, this new BNCT breast cancer treatment can be performed with very low doses to normal tissue and 50 Gy, or higher, doses delivered to the tumor regions. In particular, when applied to the breast cancer treatment, the resulting doses to skin and lung remain under the tolerance dose values. We also went beyond the traditional application of the BNCT and analyzed its applicability in targeting the metastasized breast cancer; using the same theoretical approach we determined the doses delivered into the patient lung with scattered cancer loci.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Research in training clinics: A bridge between science and practice

Clinics associated with psychology training programs have potential to generate important research data. The expectation that research be experimental in nature has limited the pursuit of research in training clinics. This type of efficacy study is not feasible in most clinics, where too much variation occurs as a result of training and administrative demands. Numerous process–outcome studies have been effectively conducted in training clinics. This article reviews some of these studies, identifies problems related to research in training clinics, and makes recommendations for the development of an enhanced research agenda for training clinics. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 54: 315–327, 1998.
Investigation of the phase transition in PTS polydiacetylene using piezomodulated reflection spectroscopy

Abstract The phase transition in fully polymerized crystals of 2,4-hexadiyne-1,6-diol-bis( p -toluene sulfonate) has been studied using piezomodulated reflection spectroscopy. Temperature dependent spectra show the exciton origin and 1470 cm −1 sideband to split first. The energy difference between the exciton origin peaks is approximately constant with decreasing temperature while differences for vibrational sidebands increase. A change in the response occurs at 19600 cm −1 .
Chronic antagonism of Mig inhibits cellular infiltration and promotes survival of class II MHC disparate skin allografts.

Background. The goal of the current study was to test the ability of monokine induced by IFN-γ (Mig)-specific antibodies to inhibit long-term T cell infiltration into class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) disparate skin allografts and to test cellular and molecular changes in the graft during the rejection observed following cessation of treatment. Methods. C57BL/6 recipients of B6.H-2 bm12 skin grafts were treated with normal rabbit serum (NRS) or rabbit Mig antiserum (Mig AS) every other day from day 7 until day 21 posttransplant and then weekly thereafter. Allografts were retrieved during the course of treatment and following cessation. Tissue sections were prepared and stained to compare infiltration by macrophages and CD4 + and CD8 + T cells and to assess collagen deposition in the grafts. RNA was prepared and tested by ribonuclease protection assay for intragraft levels of Mig, monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and regulated on activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). Results. T cell and macrophage infiltration into allografts was inhibited and graft survival maintained as long as Mig-specific antibodies were given. Following cessation of treatment, T cells and macrophages infiltrated the allografts. In contrast to the histology of acute rejection observed in allografts from NRS-treated recipients, the resulting rejection of the allografts from Mig AS-treated recipients was accompanied by dense collagen deposition and high level expression of Mig and RANTES. Conclusions. Mig directs T cell infiltration into B6.H-2 bm12 skin allografts on C57BL/6 recipients. Delayed T cell and macrophage infiltration and rejection of the grafts following cessation of Mig AS treatment results in rejection that is histologically and molecularly distinct from acute rejection.
Analytic signals and the transition to chaos in deterministic flows

The transition from regular to chaotic motions in deterministic flows is characterized by a change from a discrete Fourier spectrum to a broadband one. The onset of chaos is thus associated with the creation of an infinite number of new Fourier modes. Given a system that generates a time series $x(t),$ we study the transition to chaos from the perspective of analytic signals, which are defined via the Hilbert transform. In order to identify distinct analytic signals, we decompose the original time series $x(t)$ into a finite number of modes that correspond to proper rotations in the complex plane of their analytic signals. We provide numerical evidence that at the transition, there is no substantial change in the number of analytic signals characterizing $x(t).$ Furthermore, the distributions of the instantaneous frequencies of the analytic signals in the chaotic regime are well localized and exhibit no broadband feature. These results suggest a simple organization of chaos in terms of analytic signals.
Separate genetic regulation of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and its protein activator in cultured mouse fibroblasts

Abstract Dibutyryl cyclic AMP stimulated the synthesis of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (EC 3.1.4.17) but not its protein activator in normal mouse fibroblasts (3T3) and those virally transformed (3T3-SV 40). Stimulation appeared to be at the transcriptional level. These findings indicate that the increase of phosphodiesterase is not accompanied by its activator and that the two proteins are controlled by separate genes.
Quantum-Mechanical Studies of Atomic, Bond, and Molecular Polarizabilities: Dimanganese Iron Tetradecacarbonyl

The earlier work on the vibrational and structural studies has been given for the metal-carbon-oxygen bonds and the metal-metal bonds in dimanganese iron tetradecacarbonyl, ${(\mathrm{manganese})}_{2}$iron${(\mathrm{carbonyl})}_{14}$. The $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function potential model is developed and shown to be valuable in evaluating important quantities through the use of the variational method and the $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function electronic wave functions. It is then applied to calculations of bonding and nonbonding electron contributions to the parallel and perpendicular components of the bond polarizability, and the average molecular polarizability of both diatomic and polyatomic molecules. The $\ensuremath{\delta}$-function strengths, the values of the parameter $c$, and the atomic polarizabilities of all the atoms in dimanganese iron tetradecacarbonyl were calculated. The bond polarizabilities and contributions to their parallel and perpendicular components due to nonbonding electrons were calculated, and the average molecular polarizabilities were computed for both crystallographic versions of dimanganese iron tetradecacarbonyl.
H3R42me2a is a histone modification with positive transcriptional effects.

Histone posttranslational modification leads to downstream effects indirectly by allowing or preventing docking of effector molecules, or directly by changing the intrinsic biophysical properties of local chromatin. To date, little has been done to study posttranslational modifications that lie outside of the unstructured tail domains of histones. Core residues, and in particular arginines in H3 and H4, mediate key interactions between the histone octamer and DNA in forming the nucleosomal particle. Using mass spectrometry, we find that one of these core residues, arginine 42 of histone H3 (H3R42), is dimethylated in mammalian cells by the methyltransferases coactivator arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) and protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) in vitro and in vivo, and we demonstrate that methylation of H3R42 stimulates transcription in vitro from chromatinized templates. Thus, H3R42 is a new, “nontail” histone methylation site with positive effects on transcription. We propose that methylation of basic histone residues at the DNA interface may disrupt histone:DNA interactions, with effects on downstream processes, notably transcription.
An Overview of the NCCN and ASCO Guidelines on Cancer-Associated Venous Thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication of cancer and its treatment. The National Comprehensive Cancer Center Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) have published evidence-based guidelines on the management of VTE in the cancer patient. This paper will review the literature basis and substance of the NCCN and ASCO guidelines. Topics include the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of deep and superficial vein thrombosis, catheter-associated thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Management of recurrent thromboembolism and the use of anticoagulation to improve cancer survival as well as indications for thrombolytic therapy and vena cava filters are also reviewed.
Spatiotemporal dynamics due to stick-slip friction in an elastic-membrane system.

Frictional stick-slip dynamics is studied experimentally in an elastic continuum by means of a stretched latex membrane in contact with a translating glass rod. In contrast to other laboratory-scale experiments, the characteristic stiffness length here is small compared to the size of the system but large compared to the spatial resolution of the measurements. The internal displacement field u(s,t) is measured in detail with imaging techniques, which are shown to be more sensitive than total-force measurements. The magnitudes \ensuremath{\mu} of slipping events extend over a wide range and include both small localized events and large spatially extended ones. The shape of the distribution P(\ensuremath{\mu}) depends somewhat on the measurement threshold and also varies with the parameters describing the frictional interaction, which are affected by wear. The frictional force increases with velocity and an instability is due to waves of detachment. The temporal statistics of slipping events are also discussed. The experimental results are compared qualitatively to simplified models of earthquake faults.
Multivessel Palmaz-Schatz stenting: early results and one-year outcome.

Abstract Objectives. To determine whether the benefits outlined in Backgroundmight extend to patients with multivessel disease, we examined the short- and long-term outcome of multivessel Palmaz-Schatz stenting. Background. Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has become the dominant treatment for most patients with single-vessel coronary artery disease and has emerged as an alternative treatment for selected patients with multivessel coronary artery disease. Although multivessel angioplasty has excellent early results and low procedural complication rates, long-term outcome is tempered by the frequent need for repeat revascularization. In patients with single-vessel coronary artery disease, Palmaz-Schatz stenting has been shown to have a higher success rate and a lower restenosis rate than conventional PTCA. Methods. A total of 103 patients (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 78 men and 25 women) underwent stenting of 212 vessels (saphenous vein graft [53%], left anterior descending coronary artery [20%], left circumflex artery [12%] and right coronary artery [15%]). In 88 patients (85%), multivessel stenting was performed during the same procedure, whereas the remaining 15 patients (15%) had staged multivessel stenting within 1 week of the index stent. Stenting involved only native coronary arteries in 33 patients and only vein grafts in 51 patients. Results. Angiographic success was achieved in 102 patients (99%). Major complications developed in three patients: one patient died, and two patients had Q wave myocardial infarction, with no emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery or stent thrombosis. Eleven additional patients (11%) developed non–Q wave myocardial infarction, and nine patients (9%) had local vascular complications requiring surgical repair. Clinical follow-up was available in all patients at a mean of 13 ± 8 months. At 1 year, survival was 98%, with an event-free survival rate of 80%, reflecting predominantly repeat revascularization (17% overall, with 9% target site revascularization). Multivessel native coronary stenting resulted in a higher event-free survival rate and a lower probability of repeat revascularization than did multivessel saphenous vein graft stenting. Conclusions. In selected patients, multivessel Palmaz-Schatz stenting is technically feasible and carries both excellent early results and favorable 1-year clinical outcome. (J Am Coll Cardiol 1997;30:180–5)
Regional cardiac compression due to a large anaerobic bacterial empyema

Compression of the heart outside the pericardial sac is a rare cause of hemodynamic compromise and cardiac tamponade. We report an atypical case of regional cardiac compression caused by a large loculated anaerobic bacterial empyema.
ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES ON EDUCATIONAL POLICY: INTRODUCTION

The two papers that follow both deal with prospects for achieving efficiency in education. Psacharopoulos identifies the extent of government-induced distortions directly or indirectly related to education, and assesses the likely effects of such distortions on social welfare. He concludes that, among other things, governments should not attempt directly to provide or manage schooling services. Levin's article focuses upon one particular management decision…namely, extending the length of the school day and increasing the number of school days per year. He argues that mechanically increasing school sessions through legislative acts or through administrative mandates does not appear, in itself, to be a promising use of scarce resources.
Juvenile-onset OCD: clinical features in children, adolescents and adults.

Objective: To examine clinical correlates of juvenile-onset OCD across the lifespan. Method: Data collected at the intake interview from 257 consecutive participants with juvenile-onset OCD (20 children, 44 adolescents and 193 adults) in a naturalistic study of the clinical course of OCD were examined. Participants and parents of juvenile participants completed a structured diagnostic interview, rater-administered severity measures and self-report questionnaires. Results: Children and adolescents (i.e. juveniles) shared similar features with the exception of age at onset and OCD symptom expression. Clinically meaningful differences between juvenile and adult participants were also found. Compared with adults, juveniles were more likely to be male, recall an earlier age at OCD onset and have different lifetime comorbidity patterns. Conclusion: Juvenile-onset OCD symptom expression is remarkably similar across the lifespan. However, findings also suggest clinically meaningful differences between juveniles and adults. Future work using a prospective design will improve our understanding of course patterns of juvenile-onset OCD.
Intrapatient Variability of Serial Steady-State Plasma Tricyclic Antidepressant Concentrations

Abstract Nine or 10 serial steady-state plasma measurements of amitriptyline, desipramine, desmethyldoxepin, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline, or protriptyline were made in 23 depressed patients. Each patient was monitored for compliance by pill counts, and sampling time was controlled carefully to determine intrapatient variability of steady-state tricyclic levels on a day-to-day basis. The coefficients of variation during serial sampling of the various ingested drugs were: amitriptyline, 21%; desipramine, 26%; doxepin, 21% imipramine, 14%; nortriptyline, 13%; and protriptyline, 17%. The therapeutic ranges for the tricyclic antidepressants are relatively wide, so coefficients of variation of these magnitudes indicate that the position of an individual patient in relation to the optimal therapeutic range can be reliably determined on a clinical basis.
A Single N-linked Glycosylation Site Is Implicated in the Regulation of Ligand Recognition by the I-type Lectins CD22 and CD33

CD22 is an immunoglobulin superfamily B lymphocyte-specific adhesion receptor and a member of the recently identified I-type class of lectins. Recent work has shown that CD22 specifically recognizes sialic acid linked α2,6 to terminal N-linked oligosaccharides on selected cell surface glycoproteins. CD22-ligand interaction is regulated by the activity of a β-galactoside α2,6-sialyltransferase that can inactivate CD22-mediated binding by sialylating the CD22 receptor itself. These observations suggest that N-linked glycosylation sites on the CD22 molecule may play a role in the regulation of CD22-mediated adhesion. In this work we have performed site-specific mutagenesis of potential N-linked glycosylation sites on CD22 in an effort to determine whether they might be involved in ligand recognition. We show that mutation of a single potential N-linked glycosylation site in the first immunoglobulin domain of CD22 completely abrogates ligand recognition. Interestingly, this site is characterized by the sequence NCT, where the cysteine is thought to be involved in an intrachain disulfide bond. Site-directed mutagenesis of similar NC(T/S) motifs in the first or second Ig domains of the I-type lectins myelin-associated glycoprotein, and sialoadhesin did not disrupt their ability to mediate sialic acid binding. In contrast, mutation of a NCS motif in the first Ig domain of the I-type lectin CD33 unmasked its sialic acid binding activity. These observations suggest that a single N-linked glycosylation site located at a similar position in the CD22 and CD33 glycoproteins is critical for regulating ligand recognition by both receptors.
Comparison of bag-valve-mask, manually triggered ventilator, and automated ventilator devices used while ventilating a nonintubated mannikin model.

Objective. To determine whether there were differences in tidal volume (Vt), minute volume (MV), average mask leak per breath (ML), gastric insufflation (GI), and peak airway pressure (PAP) when ventilating a nonintubated mannikin with a bag-valvemask (BV), manually triggered ventilator (MTV), and automated ventilator (AV). The authors' hypothesis was that there would be no differences among the devices for any of these variables. Methods. This was a prospective in-vitro experimental model. A convenience sample of 19 emergency medical technicians (EMTs) ventilated a nonintubated mannikin-mechanical test lung model with the BV, MTV (flow rate 40 L/min; pressure relief 55 cm H2O), and AV (800 mL/breath; rate 12). Each subject, blinded to volume and pressure gauges, used each device for 2 minutes at both normal (0.1 cm H2O) and poor (0.04 cm H2O) compliances. Vt, MV, GI, and PAP were measured directly and ML was calculated. A survey was issued to the EMTs who participated in the study. Data were analyzed wit...
Multi-sensor integration for unmanned terrain modeling

State-of-the-art unmanned ground vehicles are capable of understanding and adapting to arbitrary road terrain for navigation. The robotic mobility platforms mounted with sensors detect and report security concerns for subsequent action. Often, the information based on the localization of the unmanned vehicle is not sufficient for deploying army resources. In such a scenario, a three dimensional (3D) map of the area that the ground vehicle has surveyed in its trajectory would provide apriori spatial knowledge for directing resources in an efficient manner. To that end, we propose a mobile, modular imaging system that incorporates multi-modal sensors for mapping unstructured arbitrary terrain. Our proposed system leverages 3D laser-range sensors, video cameras, global positioning systems (GPS) and inertial measurement units (IMU) towards the generation of photo-realistic, geometrically accurate, geo-referenced 3D terrain models. Based on the summary of the state-of-the-art systems, we address the need and hence several challenges in the real-time deployment, integration and visualization of data from multiple sensors. We document design issues concerning each of these sensors and present a simple temporal alignment method to integrate multi-sensor data into textured 3D models. These 3D models, in addition to serving as apriori for path planning, can also be used in simulators that study vehicle-terrain interaction. Furthermore, we show our 3D models possessing the required accuracy even for crack detection towards road surface inspection in airfields and highways.
Nutrient availability for zooxanthellae derived from physiological activities of Condylactus spp

Abstract Differences in phosphate metabolism of symbiotic and aposymbiotic Condylactus suggest that the host animal makes available quantities of phosphate to support growth of zooxanthellae. Nitrite may serve as a nitrogen source for symbionts as indicated by host removal of nitrite from sea water. The presence of zooxanthellae is responsible for removal of phosphate from sea water in the dark whereas there is excretion during light periods. There is a greater uptake of nitrite from sea water in the light compared with the dark in symbiotic animals. Since nitrate is removed from sea water by aposymbiotic animals, the presence of nitrate reducing bacteria is proposed.
DELETION OF THE CONSERVED FIRST 18 N-TERMINAL AMINO ACID RESIDUES IN RAT LIVER CARNITINE PALMITOYLTRANSFERASE I ABOLISHES MALONYL-COA SENSITIVITY AND BINDING

To assess the role of the 130 N-terminal amino acid residues of rat liver carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (L-CPTI) on malonyl-CoA sensitivity and binding, we constructed a series of mutants with deletions of the 18, 35, 52, 73, 83, or 129 most N-terminal amino acid residues. The deletion mutants were expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris. We determined the effects of these mutations on L-CPTI activity, malonyl-CoA sensitivity, and binding in isolated mitochondria prepared from the yeast strains expressing the wild-type and deletion mutants. The mutant protein that lacked the first 18 N-terminal amino acid residues, Delta18, had activity and kinetic properties similar to wild-type L-CPTI, but it was almost completely insensitive to malonyl-CoA inhibition (I50 = 380 microM versus 2.0 microM). In addition, loss of malonyl-CoA sensitivity in Delta18 was accompanied by a 70-fold decrease in affinity for malonyl CoA (KD = 70 nM versus 1.1 nM) compared to wild-type L-CPTI. Deletion of the first 35, 52, 73, and 83 N-terminal amino acid residues had a similar effect on malonyl-CoA sensitivity as did the 18-residue deletion mutant, and there was a progressive reduction in the affinity for malonyl-CoA binding. By contrast, deletion of the first 129 N-terminal amino acid residues resulted in the synthesis of an inactive protein. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate a critical role for these perfectly conserved first 18 N-terminal amino acid residues of L-CPTI in malonyl-CoA sensitivity and binding.
Behavioral treatment of obesity: The state of the art 1976

The paper describes the effectiveness of a large-scale behavioral program for the treatment of obesity. Results are compared with previous findings in a review of similar interventions. Primary conclusions are: (1) Behavioral interventions produce consistent, but only modest, weight losses; (2) these losses are maintained over a l-year period; and (3) interclient variability is large and cannot be accounted for by known subject or program characteristics. Examination of weight loss curves showed that the rate of weight reduction slowed significantly over time, and weight losses early in treatment were highly related to later weight loss. Further research to identify sources of variability and to elucidate the relationship between behavior change and weight change is encouraged.
Design and Control of a Powered Knee and Ankle Prosthesis

This paper describes the design and control of a transfemoral prosthesis with pneumatically powered knee and ankle joints. The current version of the prosthesis serves as a laboratory testbed for purposes of controller development and testing, and as such is tethered for both power and control. A subsequent version will be self-contained, with on-board control and hot gas (monopropellant) actuation. This paper presents the design of the prosthesis prototype, which is in essence a two degree-of-freedom powered robot mechanically attached to a user, and describes an impedance-based control approach that coordinates the motion of the prosthesis and user for the control of level walking. The control approach is implemented on the prosthesis prototype, and experimental results are shown that indicate the effectiveness of the active prosthesis and control approach in restoring fully powered level walking to the user. Finally, an accompanying video demonstrates the functioning prosthesis in level walking.
Enigmatic linear features in the Northern Hemisphere of Mars: Their formation process

[1] A variety of explanations have been proposed for intersecting networks of dark linear features on Mars. To better understand the origin and significance of these enigmatic linear features (ELFs), we have characterized ELFs located between 20°W and 80°W in the Northern Hemisphere of Mars. Our results show that while ELFs have several unusual characteristics, they are nevertheless dust devil tracks. Both features occur during equivalent Mars seasonal climatic conditions and trend in similar directions. While our data support the dust devil hypothesis, ELFs have atypical patterns that have implications for understanding the local and regional climate on Mars.
Making a better antibody: all is not lost

Effective anticancer therapy requires effective targeting of the malignant cells. In this issue of Blood, Beers and colleagues demonstrate that rituximab-induced loss ofCD20 from the surface of B cells may explain why rituximab is more effective in some B-cell malignancies, such as follicular lymphoma, than in others like CLL. 1 They also provide evidence that anti-CD20 mAb, designated type II anti-CD20 mAb, induce considerably less down-modulation of CD20 than rituximab, and therefore could be more effective therapeutically.
Sex and Race Characteristics in Patients Undergoing Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in an Urban Setting

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sex, race, and preoperative function in a large diverse patient population undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty. An observational study was conducted on 3542 consecutive primary unilateral total hip and knee arthroplasties. Harris Hip and Knee Society Scores were used to quantify preoperative function. The results demonstrate lower function, with average Harris Hip Scores that were 4.9 (P < .0001) and 8.77 (P < .001) and average Knee Society Scores that were 6.03 (P < .06) and 12.8 (P < .001) points lower in African American and Hispanic patients than white patients for the population, respectively. This study demonstrates that Hispanic and African American patients have worse preoperative hip and knee function before arthroplasty than white patients. Future efforts to elucidate the reasons for this decreased function as well as efforts to rectify any disparities should target these patient populations.
Disposition of Shelter Companion Animals From Nonhuman Animal Control Officers, Citizen Finders, and Relinquished by Caregivers

Many private not-for-profit humane societies have contracts with their local government entities to provide nonhuman animal control services that the law commonly requires the government to provide to its residents. These services normally have the humane organization providing either the total animal control program (including field work to pick up stray animal companions, enforcing local animal ordinances, and the impounding of stray companion animals) or just the boarding of companion animals with no fieldwork or enforcement duties. Shelter companion animals normally come from three main sources: (a) stray or lost companion animals impounded by animal control field officers or animals impounded for violations of humane care regulations; (b) stray companion animals brought to the shelter by a resident who happens across, and catches, a lost companion animal and delivers the animal to the shelter; and (c) companion animals relinquished by their caregivers.
A 5-Year-Old Girl With Persistent OSA After Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

5-year-old girl with a medical history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, recurrent tonsillitis, and recurrent otitis media presented for evaluation of witnessed snor ing, witnessed apneas, and OSA on diagnostic polysomnogram (PSG) despite two tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (TA albuterol, 90 m g inhaler as needed; and levocetirizine, 5 mg per day . Review of systems was positive for snoring, nasal congestion, and cough and negative for sore throat, dysphagia, odynophagia, neck pain, chest pain, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, and excessive sleepiness. Physical Examination Findings Physical examination revealed a slender, welldeveloped, well-nourished, developmentally normal child. She was 44 inches tall and weighed 50 pounds, with a BMI of 18 kg/m 2 . The upper airway was crowded with Mallampati class 4. No signifi cant tonsillar tissue was noted in the pharynx. The nasal airway showed mild inferior turbinate hypertrophy bilaterally. The remainder of the physical examination fi ndings were normal.
Land-use legacies in a central Appalachian forest: differential response of trees and herbs to historic agricultural practices

Question: Are contemporary herb and tree patterns explained by historic land use practices? If so, are observed vegetation patterns associated with lifehistory characteristics, soil properties, or other environmental variables? Location: Southeastern Ohio, USA. Methods: Using archival records, currently forested sites were identified with distinct land use histories: cultivated, pasture (but not plowed), and reference sites which appear to have never been cleared. Trees were recorded by size and species on twenty 20 m20 m plots; percent cover was estimated for each herb species in nested 10 m10 m plots. Environmental characteristics were noted, and soil samples analysed for nutrient availability and organic matter. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling ordination was performed separately on both tree and herb datasets to graphically characterize community composition among plots. Life-history traits were investigated to explain observed compositional differences. Results: Vegetation patterns were explained by current environmental gradients, especially by land-use history. Cultivated and pasture sites had similar tree composition, distinct from reference sites. Herb composition of pasture and reference sites was similar and distinct from cultivated sites, suggesting the ‘tenacity’ of some forest herbs on formerly cleared sites. Tilling removes rhizomatous species, and disfavors species with unassisted dispersal. These life-history traits were underrepresented on cultivated sites, although ant-dispersed species were not. Conclusions: Historic land-use practices accounted for as much variation in species composition as environmental gradients. Furthermore, trees and herbs responded differently to past land-use practices. Life-history traits of individual species interact with the nature of disturbance to influence community composition.
AN EXISTENCE RESULT FOR A MULTIPOINT BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM ON A TIME SCALE

We will expand the scope of application of a fixed point theorem due to Krasnosel'skiĭ and Zabreiko to the family of second-order dynamic equations described by uΔΔ(t) = f(u σ (t)), , with multipoint boundary conditions u(0) = 0, , and for the purpose of establishing existence results. We will determine sufficient conditions on our function f such that the assumptions of the fixed point theorem are satisfied, which in return gives us the existence of solutions.
Genomic Size and Ploidy Level Patterns of Intermountain West Lepidium Determined Using Flow Cytometry

Abstract. The taxonomic status of members of the genus Lepidium in the Intermountain West has been in flux for years. Species concepts and classification of these endemic species from the western United States center on the highly variable L. montanum complex. Until recently, classification treatments that use morphological features in this group have been adequate, but as new species are discovered and more locations reported, the limited number of morphological features available for classification and defining species concepts has led to more uncertainty about taxonomic rankings. As part of a molecular and morphological-based treatment of the group, flow cytometry was used to evaluate 58 collections of Lepidium from the Intermountain West. The ploidy level for 14 species and 11 varieties of Lepidium was surveyed to assess whether ploidy levels affected the interpretation of taxonomic rankings. Of the Lepidium taxa surveyed, 90% were tetraploid, and several were diploid and hexaploid. Tetraploid occurre...
Real robots don't need jigs

Robotics is a basic research field with a growing mandate to meet society's needs. I argue in this paper that robotics needs a new research agenda and set of guiding assumptions before it can fill both the basic and applied roles. An inadequate dependence on mimicking humans must be replaced by an outward looking, interdisciplinary effort that recognizes the importance of understanding the basic processes robots will do. Robotics restructured this way can overcome its focus on devices and become the technology that forces basic knowledge advances in processes, product design, manufacturing technology, and manufacturing organization.
Three-dimensional visualization of dislocation-precipitate interactions in a Al–4Mg–0.3Sc alloy using weak-beam dark-field electron tomography

Weak-beam dark-field images of dislocations interacting with particles acquired over a large angular range were used to reconstruct tomograms, which were then used as the basis to construct a three-dimensional (3D) model of the dislocation structure. These capabilities facilitate viewing the dislocation structure from different directions, recovering the information lost in the electron beam direction. Coupling these capabilities and a method to include the specimen coordinate system within them with conventional dislocation analysis enables a full characterization of the dislocation microstructure in three dimensions. This approach is used to understand the 3D nature of the interaction of dislocations and a twist boundary with Al3Sc particles in an Al–Mg–Sc alloy.
Determinants of Self-Perceived Changes in Health Status Among Pre- and Early-Retirement Populations:

Using data from the 1992 and 1994 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this study described reasons reported by pre- and early-retirement populations for perceived changes in global health status over a 2-year period. It then analyzed the association between self-perceptions of change and the actual changes in objective health conditions, controlling for demographics, emotional health status, and the changes in work status and health-affecting habits. The results were compared to the determinants of self-ratings of health at wave 2. Existing or increasing impairments in functional abilities were found to contribute to self-perceptions of decline. However, a diagnosis of new chronic disease and the experience of a major medical event per se did not universally contribute to self-perception of decline. The relationship between cross-sectional self-ratings of health and objective health conditions was more straightforward. Self-perception of improvement among people with serious health problems most likely owed to medical interventions and improvement in symptoms, the most frequently mentioned reasons for perceived improvement, and reflected the subjects' selective optimization and resiliency.
Influence of visually induced expectation on perceived motor effort: A visual-proprioceptive interaction at the Santa Cruz Mystery Spot

It is known that dense objects seem heavier than larger, less dense objects of the same weight. We have investigated a related illusion, in which visual context biases the apparent weight of a single object. The apparatus is a cabin on a steep hillside near Santa Cruz, CA, tilted 17° from vertical. From its ceiling hangs a weight on a chain. The cabin’s tilt makes the weight appear suspended at an angle. Pushing the weight toward the visually based vertical is perceived as difficult, whereas pushing it away from the visual vertical is perceived as easy. Seven subjects pushed the weight in both directions, judging required effort on a double-anchored 1–10 scale. All experienced the effort illusion, with no significant subject effect. When subjects’ eyes were closed, the effect was smaller but still present. Apparently proprioceptive and skin inputs, equal for both directions, are ignored or underweighted as visually based expectations influence perceived effort.
Assessing exotic plant species invasions and associated soil characteristics: A case study in eastern Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA, using the pixel nested plot design

Abstract Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado, USA, contains a diversity of plant species. However, many exotic plant species have become established, potentially impacting the structure and function of native plant communities. Our goal was to quantify patterns of exotic plant species in relation to native plant species, soil characteristics, and other abiotic factors that may indicate or predict their establishment and success. Our research approach for field data collection was based on a field plot design called the pixel nested plot. The pixel nested plot provides a link to multi-phase and multi-scale spatial modeling-mapping techniques that can be used to estimate total species richness and patterns of plant diversity at finer landscape scales. Within the eastern region of RMNP, in an area of approximately 35,000 ha, we established a total of 60 pixel nested plots in 9 vegetation types. We used canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and multiple linear regressions to quantify relationships between soil characteristics and native and exotic plant species richness and cover. We also used linear correlation, spatial autocorrelation and cross correlation statistics to test for the spatial patterns of variables of interest. CCA showed that exotic species were significantly ( P r = 0.55), soil nitrogen ( r = 0.58) and bare ground ( r = −0.66). Pearson's correlation statistic showed significant linear relationships between exotic species, organic carbon, soil nitrogen, and bare ground. While spatial autocorrelations indicated that our 60 pixel nested plots were spatially independent, the cross correlation statistics indicated that exotic plant species were spatially associated with bare ground, in general, exotic plant species were most abundant in areas of high native species richness. This indicates that resource managers should focus on the protection of relatively rare native rich sites with little canopy cover, and fertile soils. Using the pixel nested plot approach for data collection can facilitate the ecological monitoring of these vulnerable areas at the landscape scale in a time- and cost-effective manner.
The effect of targeted grazing and biological control on yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) in canyon grasslands of Idaho.

Yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis L.) is an invasive weed of significant importance on rangelands in the western United States. Field experiments were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to determine the effect of targeted grazing on yellow starthistle growth and bud production, and on the efficacy of four established biological control seed-head–feeding insects, which included three species of weevils and one fly species. We tested sheep and cattle grazing at three yellow starthistle growth stages—rosette, bolting, and late bud—at a site where all four biocontrol agents were established. The timing of grazing had a greater impact on yellow starthistle growth and bud production than the type of grazing animal. In comparison to the control, grazing at the rosette and bolting stage resulted in shorter plants both years of the study, but increased the number of buds following grazing at the bolting stage and at the rosette stage in 2003. Negligible seed production across treatments, in 2003, precluded detection of treatment effects. However, in 2004, grazing at the rosette and bolting stages resulted in a greater number of seeds per plant compared to the control and the late bud stage, which were similar. Results indicated that the timing of grazing did not negatively impact biocontrol efficacy. Eustenopus villosus adult injury and total insect larval damage were similar to control plants following each grazing treatment both years, indicating potential compatibility between targeted grazing and biocontrol for integrated management of yellow starthistle.