cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Probing the conformation and dynamics of allatostatin neuropeptides : A structural model for functional differences

Abstract Allatostatins are a family of related neuropeptides that play an important role in development, reproduction, and digestion in insects. The cockroach Diploptera punctata has 13 allatostatin neuropeptides, with pleiotropic functions, two of which are: inhibition of juvenile hormone (JH) production and inhibition of gut muscle contraction. In this study, the conformation and dynamics of D. punctata allatostatin 5 (Dippu-AST 5) and allatostatin 8 (Dippu-AST 8) are investigated by CD, NMR, and molecular dynamics simulations. These peptides contain eight and nine residues, respectively, and the identical six-residue C-terminal motif. Yet Dippu-AST 5 and Dippu-AST 8 affect juvenile hormone production and hindgut contraction with different potencies. Dippu-AST 5 is one of the most potent inhibitors of juvenile hormone production and one of the least potent inhibitors of gut contraction, whereas Dippu-AST 8 has the opposite potencies with respect to these tissues. From the NMR structure, it is clear that Dippu-AST 5 has a 310 helix involving three of its residues and a “γ” turn at the end of its C-terminal motif. In contrast Dippu-AST 8 has an open “π” turn among five of its central residues. In addition, the orientation preferences within the membrane of the two peptides were simulated. Our simulation results show that the C-terminal segment of Dippu-AST 5 orients in the membrane surface with an average angle of 17.5°, whereas Dippu-AST 8 orients with an average angle of 5.1°. Taken together, from the structures and orientation preferences of these peptides within the membrane, it appears that these peptides may interact with the receptor very differently.
Multivariate Analysis of Mid-IR FT-IR Spectra of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Wet Soils

This article describes a series of mid-IR FT-IR reflectance spectroscopy measurements of hydrocarbon-contaminated wet soils. The eventual goal of this work is the development of an analysis tool suitable for real-time in situ underground measurements where a suitable reference spectrum is not available. Multivariate analysis of the resulting spectral data indicates that the strongly varying wet soil matrix and the absence of a suitable reference spectrum in the field do not render this measurement technique unfeasible as a means of realizing remote in situ chemical detection in wet soils. It was also observed that simultaneous quantification of moisture content and identification of soil composition may be achieved. These results have important applications to in situ site characterization for environmental cleanup and soil characterization for construction planning.
On the Valuation of Uncertainty in Welfare Analysis

Thisarticle developsa general model of private and public choice under temporal uncertainty. The model incorporatesthe effectsof ris k preferencesand the pros pect of future learning into both the individual and aggregate valuationsof public projects . The analys isprovidesnew ins ightson individual valuation, itsimplicationsfor benefit–cos t analys isand the characterization of Paretoefficiency under uncertainty. It also resolves some of the confusion in the option value and quasioption value literature. Private and public decisions typically involve many sources of uncertainty, including uncertainty about prices, income, technology, environmental quality, health, etc. Temporal uncertainty is also common, where some of the risk 1 getsresolved over time due to learning. Additionally, private and public decisions often exhibit some form of irreversibility, implying that current choicescan affect the ability of decision makers to be flexible and to adjust their future choices in response to forthcoming information. When uncertainty and irreversibility are both present, welfare analys isgainscomplexity and importance. Although considerable progress has been made since Weisbrod’s seminal article, a better understanding of the roles of uncertainty and irreversibility in welfare analys improve our ability aseconomis ts to communicate the importance of risk in project evaluation to public decision makers.
THE IMPACT OF DIFFERENTIAL GRAZING BY PHAGOTROPHIC CILIATES ON PHYTOPLANKTON BIOMASS AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE

There is a growing understanding that phagotrophic ciliates are often important members of aquatic communities in terms of their trophic role and mobilization of small cell production to higher consumers. As formidable consumers of small phytoplankton species they are likely to be also important in determining the community composition of the pico- and nanophytoplankton assemblages. Dilution method experiments were conducted during the winter and summer in the South Slough, an arm of the Coos Bay on the southern Oregon coast, to assess the impact of ciliate grazing on two size fractions of chlorophyll (0.2 to 5 mm and> 5 mm) and on the growth and abundance of specific phytoplankton groups, particularly cryptophytes and Synechococcus sp. The premise of the dilution technique is that grazers are diluted with their food and the observed rate of change in chlorophyll or phytoplankton abundance is linearly related to the dilution factor. Results from previous studies using the dilution technique have been given in terms of the grazing impact of microzooplankton on total chlorophyll. The findings of the research presented using a more rigorous application of the dilution method suggest that ciliates are differential in their grazing of phytoplankton, targeting small phytoplankton biomass and preying selectively on components of the assemblage that constitute this biomass.
A Performance-Based Assessment for Limiting Reactants

Educators are increasingly being called upon to provide evidence of student learning. Traditional assessments are not always the best venue for demonstrating conceptual understanding, particularly in science. This paper presents details on the design, use, and scoring of a performance-based assessment for measuring student understanding of limiting reactants. The authors encountered a variety of challenges in the process of designing the performance-based assessment; these are described as well.
A truncated Newton method with nonmonotone line search for unconstrained optimization

In this paper, an unconstrained minimization algorithm is defined in which a nonmonotone line search technique is employed in association with a truncated Newton algorithm. Numerical results obtained for a set of standard test problems are reported which indicate that the proposed algorithm is highly effective in the solution of illconditioned as well as of large dimensional problems.
OVARY STRUCTURE AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGIES OF LARVAL PARASITOIDS OF THE ALFALFA WEEVIL (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

Two manners in which parasitic Hymenoptera gather reproductive proteins are described. Hydropic species gather all protein necessary for reproduction as larvae. Only 5–10% of the material necessary to form a viable first instar larva is put into each egg; the remainder is gathered by the egg within the host. Egg storage is in the lateral oviducts, handling times are short and egg production is independent of host density. Three Bathyplectes spp. are examples of hydropic parasitoids. Anhydropic species gather some or all protein as adults, often by host feeding. All the material necessary for the formation of a viable first instar larva is stored within the egg. The eggs are held in the ovary until laid. Handling times are longer and continued egg production is dependent upon host density. Tetrastichus incertus (Ratzeburg) is an anhydropic parasitoid.Hydropic parasitoids appear best suited for biological control efforts in ephemeral situations (i.e. cotton or alfalfa). Anhydropic parasitoids appear best suited for biological control efforts in stable situations (i.e. citrus or walnuts).
Implementing SPC in a Simulation Model for Manufacturing Transitions

A method is proposed that integrates real-time statistical process control charting with discrete-event simulation modeling. The integrated method is effective in addressing transition issues arising from the introduction of new input material duri..
STIMULATION OF FEMORAL TRABECULAR BONE GROWTH IN OVARIECTOMIZED RATS BY HUMAN PARATHYROID HORMONE (HPTH)-(1-30)NH2

It has been proposed that intermittent bursts of adenylyl cyclase and the surges of cyclic AMP (cAMP) they produce can trigger PTH's bone anabolic action without the activation of phospholipase-C (PLC). This was based on the osteogenic action in ovariectomized (OVX) rats of hPTH-(1-31)NH2, which can stimulate adenylyl cyclase but not PLC in ROS 17/2 rat osteosarcoma cells, and the osteogenic impotence of fragments such as 1-desamino-hPTH-(1-34) and hPTH-(8-84) which strongly stimulate PLC but not adenylyl cyclase. But this seems to have been disproven by the inability of hPTH-(1-30)NH2 to stimulate bone growth despite its having hPTH-(1-31)NH2's ability to strongly stimulate adenylyl cyclase but not PLC in cells with rat type1 PTH/PTHrP receptors. Because of the importance of hPTH-(1-30)NH2's apparent osteogenic impotence for knowing how PTH triggers bone growth, we have reinvestigated the fragment's ability to stimulate trabecular bone growth in the femurs of young OVX rats and have found it to be strongly osteogenic at doses 2–10 times higher than the highest dose used previously. Thus, 6 weeks of once-daily subcutaneous injections of 10–50 nmol of hPTH-(1-30)NH2/100 g of body weight into young rats starting 2 weeks after OVX significantly increased the femoral trabecular volume and mean thickness of individual trabeculae above those in sham-operated control rats. In OVX rats treated with 50 nmol of hPTH-(1-30)NH2/100 g of body weight, the trabecular volume was 2.6 times higher and the mean trabecular thickness nearly 4 times higher than in the sham-operated control rats. This very large increase in the mean trabecular thickness was as much as the increase induced by 2 nmol/100 g of body weight of hPTH-(1-31)NH2, [Leu27]cyclo(Glu22-Lys26)-hPTH-(1-31)NH2, hPTH-(1-34)NH2 and [Leu27]cyclo(Glu22-Lys26)-hPTH-(1-34)NH2. These results have removed a major objection to the proposal that PTH's osteogenic action in rats can be triggered solely by intermittent surges of cAMP and the bursts of cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity they cause.
Magnetoencephalography: Clinical application in epilepsy

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) has developed to the point that it has now entered routine clinical application. Epilepsy MEG studies show that it can accurately localize spike sources—both ictal and interictal—as compared with both directly. Limitations involve difficulties in detecting complex or deep sources when recording spontaneous cerebral activity. MEG not only provides a novel tool to localize and characterize epileptiform disturbances, it also has an important role in determining the significance of abnormalities seen on both structural and functional imaging. Ultimately, MEG should play a major role in totally noninvasive epilepsy surgery evaluation.
Deoxycorticosterone inactivation by AKR1C3 in human mineralocorticoid target tissues.

Abstract Aldosterone is the principal endogenous mineralocorticoid in humans and regulates salt and water homeostasis. Cortisol, the major glucocorticoid, has high affinity for the mineralocorticoid receptor; however, 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 converts cortisol to the inactive steroid cortisone in aldosterone target cells of the kidney, thus limiting the mineralocorticoid action of cortisol. Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) binds to the mineralocorticocoid receptor with high affinity and circulates at concentrations comparable to aldosterone. Severe DOC excess as is seen in 17α- and 11β-hydroxylase deficiencies causes hypertension, and moderate DOC overproduction in late pregnancy is associated with hypertension. Here, we demonstrate that DOC is inactivated by the 20-ketosteroid reductase activity of the human AKR1C3 isozyme. Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrate that AKR1C3 is expressed in the mineralocorticoid-responsive epithelial cells of the renal cortical and medullary collecting ducts, as well as the colon. Our findings suggest that AKR1C3 protects the mineralocorticoid receptor from activation by DOC in mineralocorticoid target cells of the kidney and colon, analogous to cortisol inactivation by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2.
Age differences in dreams. I: men's dreams and thematic apperceptive fantasy

Is there a covert, middle-age shift towards passivity and lowered ego energy? Age differences were investigated in dreams recalled from REM sleep by fifty-eight well-educated men age twenty-seven to sixty-four, and also in their TAT stories and dreams recalled from sleep at home. There was no confirmation of previous findings, although there was evidence of a slight age-related decline of aggression in dreams. These results raise the possibility that previous findings reflect cohort differences rather than age changes. Dreams and TAT stories failed to correlate sufficiently to warrant any assumption that they are interchangeable or that they tap covert processes.
The Dark Side of Collection Management: Deselecting Serials from a Research Library's Storage Facility Using WorldCat Collection Analysis

ABSTRACT To address the situation of its nearly full storage facility, the Purdue University Libraries developed guidelines for the deselection of very low–use serial titles and conducted a pilot project to identify material for withdrawal. The library school intern hired to conduct the pilot used WorldCat Collection Analysis to create subject lists of titles to be considered for withdrawal. These lists also contained value-added information about how many benchmark institutions owned and duplicated the local holdings of each title. Working with subject specialists, the intern developed criteria to guide a major serials deselection project. After the success of the internship in six subject areas, the libraries funded a longer-term position to complete the deselection project.
Novel 30-membered octaazamacrocyclic ligand: Synthesis, characterization, thermodynamic stabilities and DNA cleavage activity of homodinuclear copper and nickel complexes.

A new 30-membered octazamacrocyclic ligand: 4,6,9,12,20,23,26,29-octaaza-35.36-dihydroxy-16,33-dimethyl-tricyclo[29.3.1.1 1 4 , 1 8 ]hexatriaconta-1(35),18(36),15,17,31,33-hexaene (L or BTBD) has been synthesized and characterized. Its coordination chemistry toward Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions has been investigated extensively by potentiometric titration in 1:1 or 1:2 (L-M) aqueous systems. L shows high complexation ability with Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions in 1:1 systems with formation constants: log K[ML] = 24.01 (M = Cu), 21.04 (M = Ni), respectively. In 1:2 (L-M) systems, two metal ions were suggested to enter into the cavity separately and locate in half of the compartment without formation of μ-oxo bridged core. BTBD served as N 8 O 2 -2 ligand to divalent binuclear copper and nickel complexes with similar stability constants (log K[M 2 L] = 15.38, 15.36, respectively). [C 3 0 H 5 0 Cu 2 N 8 O 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 .CH 3 OH.2(H 2 O) (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1 /n, a = 7.9662(7), b = 14.5925(4), c = 11.614(10) A, β = 105.187(4)°, V = 3905.5(6) A 3 and Z = 4. Each copper is complexed by half of the coordination sites of the dinucleating macrocycle, and completes square pyramidal polyhedron. [C 3 0 H 5 0 N 8 Ni 2 O 2 (H 2 O) 2 ](ClO 4 ) 2 .CH 3 OH.3(H 2 O) (2) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, a = 10.5559(5), b = 14.6947(7), c = 15.3025(10) A, α = 65.5470(10), β = 80.4650(10), γ = 72.7392(10)°, V = 2060.92(17) A 3 and Z = 2. The X-ray crystallographic results demonstrate that each nickel ion resides in the N 4 O - site and forms six-coordinated octahedron with exogenous solvents at the apex. Dinuclear copper complexes have been found have cleavage ability toward supercoiled pBR 322 DNA in the presence of H 2 O 2 . EPR and UV results showed that the possible cleavage mechanism was via Cu(II)-O-O-Cu(II) peroxide and leads to DNA oxidative cleavage.
Senior-Loken Syndrome (Familial Renal-Retinal Dystrophy) and Coats' Disease

Senior-Loken syndrome is a rare hereditary disease that combines a disorder resembling familial juvenile nephronophthisis with retinitis pigmentosa. Retinitis pigmentosa is even less frequently associated with exudative retinopathy. The patient, a 15-year-old boy, had hereditary renal-retinal dystrophy combined with an exudative vasculopathy of the Coats' type. The patient is on thrice-weekly hemodialysis after two kidney transplants failed. One eye became painful and blind and was eventually enucleated.
Biogeography emerging: provocative and integrative perspectives in historical biogeography

Well, perhaps you can judge a book by its cover, at least to some extent. Artist Neal Adams was commissioned by the editors of this collected volume of essays to illustrate a still far from mainstream, yet captivating, theory on the dynamics of the earth – the expanding earth theory – championed by a select group of individuals (most notably S. Warren Carey) from the 1950s to 1980s. The theory remains an unaccepted, but perhaps unappreciated, explanation for the dynamics of the continents and their respective biotas, which drifted apart as a small, primordial, continental earth expanded and ocean basins developed to fill in the gaps.
Hydrogen oxidation catalysis by a nickel diphosphine complex with pendant tert-butyl amines

A bis-diphosphine nickel complex with tert-butyl functionalized pendant amines [Ni(PCy2Nt-Bu2)2]2+ has been synthesized. It is a highly active electrocatalyst for the oxidation of hydrogen in the presence of base. The turnover rate of 50 s−1 under 1.0 atm H2 at a potential of −0.77 V vs. the ferrocene couple is 5 times faster than the rate reported heretofore for any other synthetic molecular H2 oxidation catalyst.
Impurity study of alumina and aluminum nitride ceramics: Microelectronics packaging applications

Abstract Results are presented from an impurity comparison study, based on neutron activation analysis of alumina and aluminum nitride ceramics. For the samples investigated, alumina showed the elements K, Sc, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Se, Zr, Ba, Te, La, Ce, Sm, Dy, Yb and Hf whereas aluminum nitride revealed only Sc, Y, La, Tb, Dy, Yb and W. Both sets of impurities exhibited a broad range of concentrations. In addition, the alumina contained alpha-particle emitters U and Th at concentrations of 420 ng g−1 (±20%) and 220 ng g−1 (±15%), respectively.
Regulatory interactions between inducible nitric oxide synthase and eicosanoids in glomerular immune injury.

Regulatory interactions between inducible nitric oxide synthase and eicosanoids in glomerular immune injury. In a rat model of glomerular immune injury induced by administration of anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody and resembling human rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, we explored whether activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) regulates synthesis of eicosanoids originating from cyclooxygenation or lipoxygenation of arachidonic acid. At early stages (24 hr) of injury, inhibition of iNOS using the selective inhibitor L-N6-(1-iminoethyl) lysine (L-NIL) at doses sufficient to reduce urinary excretion of nitrate/nitrite, reduced glomerular synthesis of the prostaglandins PGE2 and PGI2, but had no effect on that of thromboxane A2 (TxA2). The syntheses of 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE), 15-HETE and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) were also reduced. That of 12-HETE remained unchanged. We also explored the effect of arachidonate cyclooxygenation and lipoxygenation eicosanoids on iNOS expression. Administration of the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor, indomethacin, at doses sufficient to inhibit glomerular prostaglandin synthesis, increased iNOS mRNA levels in glomeruli. Administration of the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor, MK-0591, at doses sufficient to inhibit glomerular LTB4 synthesis also increased iNOS mRNA. The effect of 5-LO inhibition on iNOS expression was more pronounced than that of COX inhibition. In nephritic animals given the iNOS inhibitor, L-NIL, or indomethacin proteinuria worsened. In those given the 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor there was no change in urine protein excretion. These observations point to regulatory interactions between the arachidonic acid and the L-arginine:NO pathways in glomerulonephritis. These interactions are of importance in considering antiinflammatory strategies based on inhibition of iNOS or of specific eicosanoids.
Irradiation: Making Produce Healthy and Safe.

ABSTRACT: One of the core competencies in the IFT education standards for students is to achieve competency in communications skills (that is, oral and written communication, listening, interviewing, and so on). According to the IFT guidelines, by the time students graduate, they should not only be able to search for and condense information but also be able to “communicate technical information to a nontechnical audience.” The Education Division of IFT sponsors an annual writing competition for undergraduate students to bring attention to and promote the development of communication skills. The short essays can be on any technical subject or latest development in the food science and technology field that may be important to the consumer. The article must be written in a nontechnical language such that someone reading a local newspaper could also understand it. Due date for submissions is typically the 1st week in June every year. More information on eligibility, rules, submission, and judging criteria is posted on IFT's Student Association website. Monetary prizes are awarded to the authors of the top 3 articles, and the winning entry is published in the Journal of Food Science Education (JFSE) each year. JFSE is pleased to publish this year's winning entry submitted by Masooma Zahed from Chapman Univ.
Toward Assessing the Position-Dependent Contributions of Backbone Hydrogen Bonding to β-Sheet Folding Thermodynamics Employing Amide-to-Ester Perturbations

An amide-to-ester backbone substitution in a protein is accomplished by replacing an α-amino acid residue with the corresponding α-hydroxy acid, preserving stereochemistry, and conformation of the backbone and the structure of the side chain. This substitution replaces the amide NH (a hydrogen bond donor) with an ester O (which is not a hydrogen bond donor) and the amide carbonyl (a strong hydrogen bond acceptor) with an ester carbonyl (a weaker hydrogen bond acceptor), thus perturbing folding energetics. Amide-to-ester perturbations were used to evaluate the thermodynamic contribution of each hydrogen bond in the PIN WW domain, a three-stranded β-sheet protein. Our results reveal that removing a hydrogen bond donor destabilizes the native state more than weakening a hydrogen bond acceptor and that the degree of destabilization is strongly dependent on the location of the amide bond replaced. Hydrogen bonds near turns or at the ends of β-strands are less influential than hydrogen bonds that are protected ...
Technical with a small 't': technology and the technical communication major

A recent survey at Clarkson University showed that students consider technical communication the least worthy and the least difficult of the institution's majors. This prejudice is attributed to the student's high regard for technology and its quantitative, problem-solving analysis coupled with conversely low regard for writing. The author describes his experience with the misconceptions and how he came to understand that technical communication is not a contradiction in terms. >
Personality and sociocultural factors in intergroup attitudes: a cross-national comparison

little support to either pole. As further data are gathered with more refined research tools, it becomes increasingly apparent that the psychological and sociological correlates of prejudice are elaborately intertwined and that both are essential to provide an adequate theoretical framework for this complex phenomenon. Carrying this viewpoint further, Smith, Bruner, and White (38, pp. 41-44) have delineated three functions that attitudes
PREVALENCE AND POTENTIAL VECTORS OF Haemoproteus IN NEBRASKA MOURNING DOVES

Three hundred and nine mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) from Lancaster County, Nebraska, were examined for species of Haemoproteus. Older doves possessed higher Haemoproteus prevalences than younger doves. Mean total prevalence for each dove age group was as follows: adults, 61% H. sacharovi and 83% H. maccallumi; immatures, 35% H. sacharovi and 42% H. maccallumi; and nestlings, 31% H. sacharovi and 16% H. maccallumi. Yearly prevalences were less variable in mature doves than in immature and nestling doves. No correlation between nestling and parent Haemoproteus infections were observed, but nestmates in 10 or 18 nests harbored equivalent infections. Stilbometopa podopostyla and Microlynchia pusilla (Hippoboscidae) were collected from Nebraska doves. Hippoboscidae were collected from doves of all ages from April to August. Dove baited fly traps yielded Culex tarsalis and C. pipiens in Nebraska and Culicoides haematopotus, C. crepuscularis, and Simulium aureum in Ames, Iowa.
Hierarchy, Balancing, and Empirical Puzzles in Asian International Relations

In my article entitled “Getting Asia Wrong,” I make two major arguments.1 First, European-derived theories in general and realist theories in particular frequently have difaculty explaining Asian international relations. Second, international relations scholars need to be as careful about issues of empirical testing and theoretical rigor when studying Asia as they are when studying Europe. In a reply to my article, Amitav Acharya agrees with both of these claims while also critiquing my essay in arguing that shared norms and institutional linkages mitigate rivalry in Asia and that I am a historical determinist. Acharya, however, has misunderstood both international relations theory and the role of history. His response to my article provides me with an opportunity to clarify and brieoy expand on the major themes in “Getting Asia Wrong.” As Acharya’s reply exempliaes, most scholars not only dismiss the notion that the Asian experience might force a rethinking or modiacation of European-derived theories, but they also pay little attention to the historical Asian international system. Acharya writes, “Contrary to Kang’s argument, Asia’s future will not resemble its past” (p. 150). Acharya, however, has misunderstood my argument: To study the role of history is hardly to predict that it will replicate itself in the future. My main point is that there are good reasons to think that Asian states may not function like European states and that the study of Asia must begin with a discussion of some of Asia’s empirical anomalies and what might explain them. Acharya seems to argue that the only goal to which scholars who study Asia can aspire is to unquestioningly apply existing theory. In contrast, my goal is to expand international relations theory so that scholars can better identify factors that help to explain regional and temporal differences in how states think about and achieve security and how they conduct their international relations. Hierarchy, Balancing, and Empirical Puzzles
Do viruses use vectors to penetrate mucus barriers

I propose a mechanism by which viruses successfully infect new individuals, despite being immotile particles with no ability for directed movement. Within cells, viral particle movements are directed by motors and elements of the cytoskeleton, but how viruses cross extracellular barriers, like mucus, remains a mystery. I propose that viruses cross these barriers by hitch-hiking on bacteria or sperm cells which can transport themselves across mucosal layers designed to protect the underlying cells from pathogen attack. An important implication of this hypothesis is that agents that block interactions between viruses and bacteria or sperm may be new tools for disease prevention.
Mechanism of regulation of transcription initiation by ppGpp. II. Models for positive control based on properties of RNAP mutants and competition for RNAP.

Strains containing ppGpp, a nucleotide whose synthesis is dependent on the RelA and SpoT proteins of Escherichia coli, display slightly lower rRNA promoter activity and much higher amino acid biosynthesis/transport promoter activity than deltarelAdeltaspoT strains. In the accompanying paper, we show that ppGpp directly inhibits rRNA promoter activity in vitro by decreasing the lifetime of the rrn P1 open complex. However, ppGpp does not stimulate amino acid promoter activity in vitro. We show here that RNA polymerase (RNAP) mutants, selected to confer prototrophy to deltarelAdeltaspoT strains, mimic the effects of ppGpp on wild-type RNAP. Based on the positions of the mutant residues that confer prototrophy in the structure of core RNAP, we suggest molecular models for how the mutants, and by analogy ppGpp, generally decrease the lifetime of open complexes. We show that amino acid promoters require higher concentrations of RNAP for function in vitro and in vivo than control promoters, and are more sensitive to competition for RNAP in vivo than control promoters. Furthermore, we show that the requirement of an amino acid promoter for ppGpp in vivo can be alleviated by increasing its rate-limiting RNAP-binding step. Our data are consistent with a previously proposed passive model in which ppGpp inhibits stable RNA synthesis directly by reducing the lifetime of the rrn P1 open complex, liberating enough RNAP to stimulate transcription from amino acid promoters. Our data also place considerable constraints on models invoking hypothetical factors that might increase amino acid promoter activity in a ppGpp-dependent fashion.
A method to employ the aerodynamic particle sizer factory calibration under different operating conditions

The dimensionless aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) response function (normalized particle velocity against particle Stokes number) first reported by Chen et al. (1985) is explored for much larger solid particles (diameters to 35 μm) over a similar range of instrument pressures (624–l740 mm Hg) and flow rates (4.2–6.0 L/min). An essentially unique response function is found for low and intermediate Stokes numbers under a variety of operating conditions, including the use of argon as the carrier gas. For large particles, however, non-Stokesian drag effects introduce systematic differences among calibration sets so that a unique response function no longer applies. The largest differences are observed between calibrations performed in air and argon, although even in this case the sizing error amounts to < 12% for a 20-μm polystyrene latex sphere. For intermediate Stokes numbers, a direct consequence of this work is that a reference calibration (channel number against Stokes number) can be used under differen...
Novel diffraction tomographic algorithm for imaging two-dimensional targets buried under a lossy Earth

A novel diffraction tomographic algorithm has been proposed to detect two-dimensional (2D) dielectric cylinders buried under a lossy Earth. In this algorithm, the air-Earth interface has been taken into account and the exact treatment of Sommerfeld-like integrals has been considered. Using the algorithm, all locations, shapes, and dielectric properties of buried cylinders can be accurately reconstructed under the low-contrast condition. For high-contrast targets, this algorithm can also be used to determine their locations and approximate their dielectric properties. Due to the use of fast Fourier transforms to implement the problem, this algorithm is very fast and quite tolerant to the error of measurement data. Numerical examples are given to show the validity of the algorithm.
Cronwall's inequality and the Henstock integral

Abstract Gronwall's inequality for the Henstock integral is used in analysis of Kurzweil equations. In this paper we give a very simple proof of that inequality, for both the classical Riemann integral and the Henstock integral.
Hemangiopericytoma in the central nervous system: treatment, pathological features, and long-term follow up in 38 patients.

Object. The authors reviewed the Mayo Clinic experience with the treatment of hemangiopericytoma in the primary central nervous system (CNS). Methods. A retrospective study of all patients at the Mayo Clinic revealed 38 who had been treated for hemangiopericytoma in the CNS. Twenty of these patients were diagnosed in the decade between 1990 and 2000; 18 were initially diagnosed and underwent surgery before 1990. In the patients treated since 1990, the 5-year Kaplan—Meier survival rate was 93%. The 5-year disease-free survival rate was 89%. Sixty percent of patients treated with the aid of stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrent disease were alive 4.4 years after their initial treatment. Salvage chemotherapy was not effective. No survival benefit was detected in patients who had received initial adjuvant external-beam radiation therapy. High-grade tumors recurred 6.7 years earlier than did low-grade lesions (p = 0.004). Conclusions. The 5-year survival rate in patients with hemangiopericytoma of the CNS ha...
Detecting environmental regimes in fish stock-recruitment relationships by fuzzy logic

A fuzzy logic approach is developed to model and test the impact of environmental regimes on fish stockrecruitment relationships. Traditional methods use environmental variables to classify stock...
Current Account and Real Exchange Rate Dynamics in the G-7 Countries

The canonical predictions of intertemporal open-economy macro models are tested by a structural VAR analysis of Group of Seven countries. The analysis is distinguished from the previous literature in that it adopts minimal assumptions for identification. Consistent with a large set of theoretical models, permanent shocks have large long-term effects on the real exchange rate but relatively small effects on the current account; temporary shocks have large effects on the current account and exchange rate in the short run, but not on either variable in the long run. The signs of some impulse responses point toward models that differentiate tradables and nontradables.
Temperature Effect on Drop-Weight Impact of Hybrid Woven Composites

Abstract : This paper investigated the effect of temperature on hybrid and non-hybrid woven composite panels (100mm x 100mm x 6.35mm) drop-weight impacted at five different temperatures: -60 deg C, -20 deg C, room temperature, 75 deg C and 125 deg C. The studies were conducted by combining experimental and 3-D dynamic finite element approaches. The specimens tested were made of plain-weave hybrid S2 glass-IM7graphite fibers/toughened epoxy. The composite panels were damaged using an instrumented drop-weight impact tester equipped with an environmental chamber for temperature control. The time-histories of impact-induced dynamic strains and impact forces were recorded. The damaged specimens were inspected visually and using the ultrasonic C-scan method. A 3-D dynamic finite element (FE) software package, with Chang-Chang composite damage model, was then used to simulate the experimental results of the drop-weight tests. Good agreement between experimental and FE results has been achieved. It is observed that the variation of results obtained from our experiments for the hybrid composites was very small (about 8%) when compared to those of non-hybrid composites. Also, when looking at the hybrid or non-hybrid composite, the effect of temperature at -60 deg C, -20 deg C was not significant whereas at 75 deg C and 125 deg C the results were more distinct.
Yield stress history evaluated from paired in-situ shear moduli of different modes

Abstract A special compiled database of shear moduli from different directional and polarization modes (HH, HV, and VH waves) at well-documented geologic sites shows that stiffness ratio (G0,HH/G0,VH) can be used to assess the yield stress ratio (YSR) in soils. In general, the reference profiles of YSR for these sites were determined using series of laboratory consolidation tests on undisturbed samples at varied elevations, coupled with a good understanding of the engineering geology background of the formations. For stress history assessment in soils, various empirical correlations were derived from multiple regression analyses using the stiffness ratio and additional variables.
Experimental Vascular Disease Elicited by Aldosterone and Renin

Daily doses of 0.2 mg of Daldosterone-21-acetate in sesame oil caused a mild type of hypertension without vascular disease in uninephrectomized rats given tap water or 1 % saline to drink. Renal secretion of pressor substances ceased and renal content decreased following aldosterone plus salt or water. Injection of partially purified renin to animals pretreated with aldosterone plus salt caused a syndrome similar to the DCArenin disease which is characterized by occlusive glomerular lesions, renal failure, water retention, hemorrhages and acute vascular lesions. The similarity of these symptoms and lesions to those seen during experimental malignant hypertension supports the hypothesis that high blood levels of renin and aldosterone may have some pathogenic significance in clinical malignant hypertension.
Intersession delay and avoidance extinction to training and generalization stimuli

Independent groups of albino rabbits were trained to an avoidance criterion using a 1000 cps pure tone CS. Independent subgroups were extinguished with tones of 1000, 2000, or 4000 cps either. 5, 12, 24, or 48 h after training. Resistance to extinction for 1000 cps was least after a. 5 h intersession delay (ISD) and greatest after 24 h ISD did not affect extinction in the 2000 cps groups. For 4000 cps, resistance remained low for the three brief ISDs and then increased after 48 h. These results are assumed to reflect a differential rate of increase over time in generalization to other CS values, versus apparatus stimuli.
2-Dimensional beamsteering using dispersive deflectors and wavelength tuning.

We introduce a 2D beamscanner which is controlled by wavelength tuning. Two passive dispersive devices are aligned orthogonally to deflect the optical beam in two dimensions. We provide a proof of principle demonstration by combining an arrayed waveguide grating with a free space optical grating and using various input sources to characterize the beamscanner. This achieved a discrete 10.3° by 11° output field of view with attainable angles existing on an 8 by 6 grid of directions. The entire range was reached by scanning over a 40 nm wavelength range. We also analyze an improved system combining a virtually imaged phased array with a diffraction grating. This device is much more compact and produces a continuous output scan in one direction while being discrete in the other.
Non-linear theories of sandwich shells

Abstract A partially non-linear theory of sandwich shells in tensor notation, and in terms of a reference state, is presented. The Hamilton principle is used to obtain the equations of motion and boundary conditions of sandwich shells. Each layer of the sandwich shell is of different thickness and of a different orthotropic material having symmetry with respect to two orthogonal planes. The transverse shear as well as the inertia and thermal effects are included in the analysis. The equations of motion and boundary conditions are simplified under the assumptions due to the Donnell-Mustari-Vlasov approximation.
Repeated ambulance use by patients with acute alcohol intoxication, seizure disorder, and respiratory illness

Abstract Three chronic conditions were examined—acute alcohol intoxication, seizure disorder, and respiratory illness—to quantify the extent of repetitive emergency medical services (EMS) use in a defined population. Urban EMS system ambulance data from 1992 to 1994 were analyzed for the three designated conditions with respect to transports by condition and individual patient. Analysis by χ 2 was used for comparing proportions. Analysis of variance after square root transformation was used to evaluate differences among means. The total number of transports analyzed was 15,541: 7,488 for acute alcohol intoxication, 4,670 for respiratory illness, and 3,383 for seizure disorder. These transports involved 8,692 patients who were transported at least once for one of the three designated conditions. The mean number of transports for alcohol was 1.96 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.92, 2.01), seizure 1.32 (95% CI: 1.27, 1.36), and respiratory 1.18 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.21). Of 369 patients transported five or more times during the study period, 260 (70.5%) were for alcohol, 56 (15.2%) for seizure, and 53 (14.4%) for respiratory complaints. This group comprised only 4.3% of patients, but 28.4% of all transports. Acute alcohol intoxication resulted in more repetitive ambulance transports than either seizure disorder or respiratory illness. A small number of patients were responsible for a large number of transports. Focused intervention for patients with high ambulance transport deserves further study.
A Patient/Family-Centered Strategic Plan Can Drive Significant Improvement

The use of a PFCSP, as a road map to operationalize the hospital's vision, has been a compelling paradigm to achieve significant QI results. The framework is simple yet directly aligns with the IOM domains of quality. It has inspired and helped actively engage hospital personnel in the work required to achieve the goals and vision of the hospital system. Five years after initiating this type of plan, activity is flourishing in each of the domains and midterm results are substantial. We think that the nature of this strategic plan has been an important aspect of our success to date.
Transcatheter atrial septal defect closure with the Amplatzer® atrial septal occluder in 13 dogs: short- and mid-term outcome.

Background: Transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in the dog was first reported in 2005. Objectives: Describe the technique and both short- and mid-term outcome of transcatheter ASD closure with the Amplatzer® atrial septal occluder (ASO). Animals: Thirteen client-owned dogs with ASD. Methods: Records of the initial 13 dogs in which transcatheter ASD closure was attempted at Texas A&M University were reviewed. Results: All dogs had hemodynamically relevant septum secundum ASD. Two dogs had concurrent congenital abnormalities. ASOs were deployed in 13 dogs and released in 12. Eleven were released by a right jugular approach and 1 by a transatrial approach through a right lateral thoracotomy. Transthoracic echocardiographic estimates of ASD size were 14.0 ± 5.4 mm (mean ± 1 standard deviation) with a range of 7–22 mm. Accidental right atrial release occurred in 1 dog and embolization after release occurred in 2 dogs. Transcatheter ASD closure was successful in 10 dogs. Transthoracic color Doppler echocardiography the day after ASD closure indicated complete occlusion in 5 dogs, trivial to mild residual shunting in 4 dogs, and moderate residual shunting in 1 dog. Follow-up echocardiograms (mean of 12.4 ± 7.4 months postprocedure) were available for 9 dogs. There was no residual ASD shunting in 6 dogs. In 3 of the 5 dogs with postoperative residual shunting it was judged to be decreased and hemodynamically unimportant relative to the dogs' postoperative evaluations. The mean length of event-free survival in the 10 dogs that underwent successful transcatheter ASD closure was 22.2 ± 10.2 months.
Metal-Ion-Mediated Allosteric Triggering of Yeast Pyruvate Kinase. 1. A Multidimensional Kinetic Linked-Function Analysis†

Regulation of the glycolytic pathway is considered to be primarily achieved by the carbon metabolites resulting from glucose metabolism [e.g., fructose 1,6-diphosphate (FDP), phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), and citrate] and by the ATP charge of the cell. The divalent cations (e.g., Mg2+ and Mn2+) have not been considered as having regulatory roles in glycolysis, although they are involved in almost every enzyme-catalyzed reaction in the pathway. Using a kinetic linked-function analysis of steady-state kinetic data for the interactions of PEP, FDP, and Mn2+ with yeast pyruvate kinase (YPK), we have found that the divalent metal is the principal trigger of the allosteric responses observed with this enzyme. The interaction of Mn2+ to YPK enhances the interaction of FDP by -1.6 kcal/mol and the interaction of PEP by -2.8 kcal/mol. The simultaneous interaction of all three of these ligands to YPK is favored by -4.3 kcal/mol over the sum of their independent binding free energies. Surprisingly, the binding of the allosteric activator FDP does not directly influence the binding of the substrate PEP since a coupling free energy near zero was calculated for these two ligands. Thus, communication between the PEP and FDP sites occurs structurally through the metal by an allosteric relay mechanism. These conclusions are supported by results of a thermodynamic linked-function analysis of direct binding data for the interactions of PEP, FDP, and Mn2+ with YPK [Mesecar, A. D., & Nowak, T. (1997) Biochemistry (following paper in this series)]. Our findings raise important questions as to the possible roles of divalent metals in modulating multiligand interactions with YPK and in the regulation of the glycolytic pathway.
A three state Markov model for discrimination learning

Abstract Previous treatments of discrimination learning have been ineffective in predicting both marginal responding and reinforcement effects in two-stimulus probability learning. A three state Markov model is proposed which is designed to account for these results. The basic assumption of the theory is that the subject is reinforced for behaving appropriately to a distinctive cue rather than for making a specific motor response. Empirical results that include variations of π, β, and cue similarity are accounted for by the model.
A detailed reaction study of phosphorus trichloride and water

This paper reports on a comprehensive literature search and small scale experimental work on the reaction characteristics of phosphorous trichloride and water. More than 30 tests were conducted, including both closed and open test cells. The water to phosphorus trichloride molar ratio was varied from 1 to 25. When in contact, water and phosphorus trichloride will form two liquid layers with a reaction starting at the interface. The impact of variables on reaction rates including the interface surface area, layer depth, and stirring were investigated experimentally. A reaction rate model that fits all the measured data is presented. Case studies illustrating the use of this data for emergency relief systems and vent containment design are presented in reference. [1].
DSP instead of circuits?-transition to undergraduate DSP education at Rose-Hulman

We assert that digital signal processing (DSP) can and should be taught early (sophomore-junior) in the electrical and computer engineering curricula. This paper looks at the impact this has on the rest of the curriculum, both in electrical and computer engineering and in other engineering curricula. While the early introduction of basic DSP makes it possible to offer better senior electives and graduate courses in DSP, the biggest benefit is the ability to build on DSP core concepts just as we have traditionally built on circuits core concepts in the past. Further, motivational examples in DSP lend themselves to multimedia and are often more familiar to today's students than basic circuits.