cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flexibility in modeling languages and tools: a call to arms

In model-based development, the software development effort is centered around a formal description of the proposed software system; a description that can be subjected to various types of analysis and code generation. Based on years of experience with model-based development and formal modeling we believe that the following conjectures describe fundamental obstacles to wide adoption of formal modeling and the potential for automation that comes with it; (1) no single modeling notation will suit all, or even most, modeling needs, (2) no analysis tool will fit all, or even most, analysis tasks, and (3) flexible and stable tools must be made available for realistic evaluations and technology transfer. These conjectures form the basis for the call to arms outlined in this report. To make automated software engineering techniques more useful for more types of developers and allow us to move forward as a community it is crucial that we develop the foundation for building extensible and flexible modeling language processing tools. New common- infrastructure-based approaches are needed as traditional approaches based on file-based processing of intermediate language representations are not adequate. In this report we outline and illustrate the problem and discuss a possible solution. To initiate the discussions in the community, we hypothesize that languages and tools built using higher-order attribute grammars with forwarding can serve as a basis for such flexible language processing tools; tools that will allow us to unify our efforts and help bring our collective work to a broader audience.
Effect of the curing process on the transverse tensile strength of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix lamina using micromechanics computations

The effect of the curing process on the mechanical response of fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites is studied using a computational model. Computations are performed using the finite element (FE) method at the microscale where representative volume elements (RVEs) are analyzed with periodic boundary conditions (PBCs). The commercially available finite element (FE) package ABAQUS is used as the solver, supplemented by user-written subroutines. The transition from a continuum to damage/failure is effected by using the Bažant-Oh crack band model, which preserves mesh objectivity. Results are presented for a hexagonally packed RVE whose matrix portion is first subjected to curing and subsequently to mechanical loading. The effect of the fiber packing randomness on the microstructure is analyzed by considering multi-fiber RVEs where fiber volume fraction is held constant but with random packing of fibers. The possibility of failure is accommodated throughout the analysis—failure can take place during the curing process prior to the application of in-service mechanical loads. The analysis shows the differences in both the cured RVE strength and stiffness, when cure-induced damage has and has not been taken into account.
An experimental study into the dynamic plastic behaviour of wide beams and rectangular plates

Abstract An experimental programme was undertaken into the dynamic behaviour of wide beams and rectangular flat plates which were fully clamped and axially restrained at two ends. The initial energy of the uniformly distributed impulsive loads applied to the specimens was considerably greater than the corresponding static elastic strain energy capacities. Over 50 tests were conducted on mild steel and aluminium 6061-T6 specimens which had various L/H and L/B ratios. It appears that the permanent transverse deflections at the center of the beams and plates are essentially independent of the aspect ratios for L/B between 1 and 5. It is shown that an increase in strain-rate sensitivity of the material from which a wide beam or plate is made leads to smaller permanent deflections which agrees with earlier studies on beams. However, this effect is less important than the influence of geometry changes or finite-deflections when W 0 /H > 1 approximately. It is concluded that the predictions of rigidplastic theories for fully clamped beams give reasonable engineering estimates of the permanent transverse deflections provided the influence of geometry changes and material strain-rate sensitivity is retained when appropriate.
Increase in Functional Ca2+ Channels in Cerebral Smooth Muscle With Renal Hypertension

Abstract—The hypothesis that availability of functional Ca2+ channels in vascular smooth muscle is augmented in hypertension was tested in basilar artery cells from Wistar rats exhibiting stable systolic blood pressure (BPsys) for 2 to 11 weeks after partial renal artery ligation (Goldblatt 2-kidney 1-clip [2K1C] model). Cells were freshly isolated and patch-clamped using a nystatin–perforated patch method. BPsys ranged from 110 to 280 mm Hg and correlated with normalized kidney mass. Macroscopic current-voltage curves were fit to a Boltzmann function to obtain maximum conductance (gmax), steepness and midpoint potential for the voltage dependence of activation (k and E1/2, respectively), and extrapolated reversal potential for the chord conductance (Erev). Linear regression of normalized conductance (ngmax=gmax/cell capacitance) versus BPsys for 103 cells indicated a strong relationship, with a slope of 0.0019 nS · pF−1 · mm Hg−1 (P<0.0001). Similar analysis of data from 35 other cells exposed to 500 nmo...
Pulsatile two-dimensional flow and plaque formation in a carotid artery bifurcation

Velocity and pressure fields, streamlines and wall shear stress distributions were numerically obtained for two-dimensional, steady and pulsatile flow in a carotid artery segment. Distinct regions of reverse flow near the bifurcation and wavy flow patterns in the branching channels were observed during portions of the pulse. These phenomena disappear at the end of the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. A previously validated plaque formation model predicts that plaque sites and the local extent of atherosclerotic lesions are similar for those present on human angiograms.
Effects of analyst training and amount of available job related information on job analysis ratings

The present study investigated the effects of job analysis training and the amount of information available to the job analyst on job analysis ratings. Forty subjects were asked to complete the Position Analysis Questionnaire (PAQ) and the Job Components Inventory (JCI) for the position of College Resident Assistant. Results indicated that when using the PAQ as the job analysis instrument, there was no significant effect for either training or the amount of information received by the job analyst. For the JCI, the results indicated that trained analysts were more reliable and accurate than untrained analysts. Also, it was found that the more information received by the job analysts, the more reliable and accurate were their JCI ratings.
An Integer Programming Algorithm with Network Cuts for Solving the Assembly Line Balancing Problem

In this paper, we describe an integer programming algorithm for assigning tasks on an assembly line to work stations in such a way that the number of work stations is minimal for the rate of production desired. The procedure insures that no task is assigned to a work station before all tasks which technologically must be performed before it have been assigned precedence restrictions are not violated, and that the total time required at each work station performing the tasks assigned to it does not exceed the time available cycle time restrictions are not violated. The procedure is based on a systematic evaluation enumeration of all possible task assignments to work stations. Significant portions of the enumeration process are performed implicitly, however, by utilizing tests described in the paper which are based on the specific structure of the line balancing problem. An artifice termed a network cut is also developed which eliminates from explicit consideration the assignment of tasks to work stations where such assignments would not lead to improved line balances. Results reported demonstrate that the procedure can obtain optimal balances for assembly lines with between 50 and 100 tasks in a reasonable amount of computation time and with modest computer storage requirements.
A survey of sexually transmitted diseases/HIV coinfection testing and reporting practices among health care providers in New Jersey.

Objectives: A survey was conducted to ascertain the adherence of health care providers (HCPs) to national guidelines recommending human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing among persons with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and STD testing among HIV-infected persons. Study: A random sample of HCPs reporting STD and HIV cases in New Jersey were surveyed regarding their STD/HIV testing and reporting practices. Results: Questionnaires were returned by 90 of 162 (55.5%) STD and 73 of 135 (54.1%) HIV HCPs. Sixty-six percent of STD HCPs reported offering HIV testing to persons with gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis. However, up to 42.1% of HIV HCPs who managed HIV-positive patients never or almost never performed initial STD screening in these patients. Among HIV-infected patients, 36.4% of HIV HCPs reported that they never or almost never conducted annual gonorrhea or chlamydia screening in women; 48.6% never conducted screening in men. Conclusions: Further efforts are needed to optimize the implementation of national guidelines for STD/HIV coinfection testing.
Relationship between arterial potassium and ventilation during exercise in patients with chronic heart failure

The mechanisms underlying the increased ventilatory response to exercise seen in patients with chronic heart failure are not clearly understood. Arterial potassium has been suggested as an important ventilatory stimulant. The authors have investigated the arterial potassium response in patients with heart failure. Although arterial potassium rises during exercise, no evidence was found to suggest a greater potassium response in patients with heart failure compared to normal subjects. There was no direct correlation between the rise in ventilation and the rise in arterial potassium. It remains possible that there is an increased sensitivity to arterial potassium in patients with heart failure, but it would need to be three times greater than in normal subjects.
Biosensing with Nanofluidic Diodes

Recently reported nanofluidic diodes with highly nonlinear current−voltage characteristics offer a unique possibility to construct different biosensors. These sensors are based on local changes of the surface charge on walls of single conical nanopores induced by binding of an analyte. The analyte binding can be detected as a change of the ion-current rectification of single nanopores defined as a ratio of currents for voltages of one polarity, and currents for voltages of the opposite polarity. In this article, we provided both modeling and experimental studies of various biosensing routes based on monitoring changes of the rectification degree in nanofluidic diodes used as a biosensing platform. A prototype of a sensor for the capsular poly γ-d-glutamic acid (γDPGA) from Bacillus anthracis is presented. The nanopore used for the sensing was locally modified with the monoclonal antibody for γDPGA. The proof of principle of the rectification degree-based sensing was further shown by preparation of sensors...
496 Mutations of Surfactant-Related Genes Sp-B, Sp-C and Abca3 in Unexplained Aleolar|[sol]|Interstitial Lung Disease in Newborn and Infants

Aims: To determine the role of surfactant-related gene anomalies in neonatal/infantile interstitial lung disease. Methods: 22 infants >32weeks/< 1year with unexplained progressive alveolar/interstitial lung disease. SP-B, SP-C and ABCA3 sequencing. Optical (OM) and electronical (EM) microscopy of biopsy/autopsy lung tissue. Surfactant proteins immunofluorescence. Results: 13/22 infants (59.1%) had lamellar bodies (LB) ultrastructural abnormalities suggesting genetic surfactant deficiency. Eleven infants (50.0%) carried ABCA3 mutations. In the 9 remaining infants (40.9%), one had alveolar proteinosis, one had COX-deficiency, one had Niemann-Pick C disease, two had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, four remained cryptogenetic. Conclusions: ABCA3 mutations are the most frequent abnormality. Although EM is indicative in most (92%) cases, molecular mechanisms are elusive in >50% of cases, likely involving complex, multiple surfactant-related gene interactions.
The effect of out-gassing from commonly used spacecraft/space instrument materials on the UV-visible-IR reflectivity of optical surfaces

We present laboratory measurements of the reduction in UV-to-visible/IR reflectivity (1200a - 10,000a) of optical surfaces due to 50a - 500a deposited layers of out-gassed molecular contaminants from 9 commonly used spacecraft/space instrument materials that include Apiezon-L hi-vacuum grease, Braycote-601EF lubricant, DC 704 silicon oil, EPOM rubber clad wire, PVC clad wire, Scotchweld 2216 epoxy, Uralane 5753 staking compound, Tefzel cable tie and Aeroglaze Z306 black paint on Kapton. Our results are compared with predictions from theoretical models currently being widely used throughout the space industry. Good agreement is found at UV wavelengths, but large differences occur at visible wavelengths. This latter effect is due to the application of Beer's Law, which ignores the non-negligible effect of reflectance scattering from the thin film of the contaminant.
Evidence of crussulacean acid metabolism in two North American isoetids

Abstract The internal acidity levels of four common North American isoetids, or rosette-form aquatic macrophytes, were monitored under field conditions to determine the presence of crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). The leaves of Littorella uniflora var. americana (Fern.) Gl. and Isoetes macrospora Durieu were found to have a diurnal fluctuation in titratable acidity characteristic of CAM plants, 124 and 142 μeq g −1 fresh wt., respectively. No variations were detected in the acidity of stems and leaves of Myriophyllum tenellum Bigel. and Lobelia dortmanna L. Litorella and Isoetes were then grown in the laboratory where the diurnal acid rhythm was shown to be due to the accumulation and disappearance of malic acid. Based on the magnitude of the diurnal acid rhythm and existing information on the productivity of these plants, it appears that the carbon assimilated via crassulacean acid metabolism may contribute substantially to their net annual productivity. This appears to be a case for which CAM has been selected directly as a response to carbon stress.
An Insider's Critique of the Social Movement Framing Perspective*

In the last decade the framing perspective has gained increasing popularity among social movement researchers and theorists. Surprisingly, there has been no critical assessment of this growing body of literature. Though the perspective has made significant contributions to the movements literature, it suffers from several shortcomings. These include neglect of systematic empirical studies, descriptive bias, static tendencies, reification, reductionism, elite bias, and monolithic tendencies. In addition to a critique of extant movement framing literature, I offer several remedies and illustrate them with recent work. The articles by Francesca Polletta, John H. Evans, Sharon Erickson Nepstad, and Ira Silver in this special section address several of the concerns raised in this critique and, in so doing, contribute to the integration of structural and cultural approaches to social movements.
Increased cyclic AMP in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells and relaxation of aortic strips by parathyroid hormone.

Abstract The effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) were examined in three model systems to determine the mechanism of PTH action in vascular tissue. Bovine parathyroid extract and synthetic bPTH-(1–34) relaxed norepinephrine-contracted rabbit aortic strips in a dose-dependent fashion. The ED50 was 33.1 nM (21.8–50.1 nM). The hypotensive diterpene, forskolin and the phosphodiesterase inhibitors, methylisobutylxanthine and papaverine, all greatly potentiated the relaxant action of PTH. Primary cultures of vascular smooth muscle cells isolated from rabbit and rat aorta and bovine pulmonary artery all responded to bPTH-(1–34) with 5- to 10-fold increases in intracellular cyclic AMP concentrations within 1 min. Again, this action of PTH was also markedly augmented (3-fold or greater) by methylisobutylxanthine, papaverine or forskolin. In addition, 1 μM bPTH-(1–34) stimulated adenylate cyclase activity in membrane preparations from vascular smooth muscle cells in the presence or absence of 100 μM GMPPNHP. These results indicate that PTH exerts direct relaxant actions on vascular smooth muscle and that cyclic AMP may be involved in the mechanism of PTH action in vascular tissue.
Experience With Introducing Robotics Toolbox for MATLAB in a Senior Level Undergraduate Course

While most K-12 students associate the field of “Robotics” with mobile robots, undergraduate and basic graduate level courses in the subject tend to focus on serial link manipulator arms on fixed bases. Senior level “Robotics” course discussed in this paper, emphasize the latter. In the study of serial link manipulator arms, linear algebra, fundamentals of kinematics and dynamics, control systems, trajectory planning, programming languages, robotic sensors (particularly vision) play a dominant role. The abstract mathematical concepts are often difficult for the undergraduate students to fathom. Laboratory demonstration using industrial robotic arms provides some physical insight; however, it is seldom practical to let undergraduate students work on these machines on their own without appropriate supervision. Time constraints associated with credit/contact hours is also a deterrent and a practical reality. A combination of laboratory demonstration and use of software environment such as MATLAB and in particular the “Robotics Toolbox” integrated with the course lectures help convey important ideas related to spatial transformations, forward and inverse kinematics, forward and inverse dynamics, control, robotic vision and programming concepts related to the field of robotics to the undergraduate students in a meaningful framework. The “Robotics Toolbox” allow students to work on simulations of different manipulator arms, as well as create their own. The schematic visualization of the simulations reinforces important concepts covered in course lectures, as well as laboratory demonstration.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Influence of saponins and tannins on intake and nutrient digestion of alkaloid-containing foods

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that eating a food containing saponins (SAP), or tannins (TAN) prior to foods containing the alkaloids gramine (GRA) or 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (TRP) would provide benefits not possible when the alkaloid-containing foods were eaten alone. METHODS: In Trial 1, four groups of five lambs were first offered food with SAP for 30 min followed by food with either GRA or TRP for 3.5 h in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of a completely randomized design that included alkaloid (GRA or TRP) with or without SAP. In Trial 2 TAN replaced SAP. All foods were isocaloric (3.3 Mcal kg−1) and isonitrogenous (14% crude protein). Foods, fecal and urine samples were collected and analyzed for dry matter intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy (in megajoules, MJ), nitrogen (N), and neutral detergent fiber. RESULTS: Supplemental SAP did not affect digestibility of the parameters tested (P > 0.10). Supplemental TAN increased digestibility of N (g kg−1, P = 0.04), N retained (g day−1, P = 0.07), N digested (g day−1, P = 0.06), and N retained/N consumed (g kg−1, P = 0.07). However, digestibilities of dry matter (g kg−1, P = 0.0026), energy (MJ 1000 MJ−1, P = 0.003), neutral detergent fiber (g kg−1, P = 0.008), and digested N retained (g kg−1, P = 0.07) were lower for lambs fed TAN than for unsupplemented animals. CONCLUSIONS: Tannin supplementation can improve retention of nitrogen in animals fed alkaloid-containing grasses such as reed canarygrass and tall fescue. Combinations of forages with complementary primary and secondary compounds enable animals to maintain intake and improve nutrient utilization. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A domain adaptive stochastic collocation approach for analysis of MEMS under uncertainties

This work proposes a domain adaptive stochastic collocation approach for uncertainty quantification, suitable for effective handling of discontinuities or sharp variations in the random domain. The basic idea of the proposed methodology is to adaptively decompose the random domain into subdomains. Within each subdomain, a sparse grid interpolant is constructed using the classical Smolyak construction [S. Smolyak, Quadrature and interpolation formulas for tensor products of certain classes of functions, Soviet Math. Dokl. 4 (1963) 240-243], to approximate the stochastic solution locally. The adaptive strategy is governed by the hierarchical surpluses, which are computed as part of the interpolation procedure. These hierarchical surpluses then serve as an error indicator for each subdomain, and lead to subdivision whenever it becomes greater than a threshold value. The hierarchical surpluses also provide information about the more important dimensions, and accordingly the random elements can be split along those dimensions. The proposed adaptive approach is employed to quantify the effect of uncertainty in input parameters on the performance of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). Specifically, we study the effect of uncertain material properties and geometrical parameters on the pull-in behavior and actuation properties of a MEMS switch. Using the adaptive approach, we resolve the pull-in instability in MEMS switches. The results from the proposed approach are verified using Monte Carlo simulations and it is demonstrated that it computes the required statistics effectively.
Intravenous cyclosporin in ulcerative colitis: a five-year experience

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Cyclosporin (CSA) is a promising alternative for patients with severe steroid-refractory ulcerative colitis (UC) previously facing only surgical options. Concerns over the long term efficacy and side effects resulted in this investigation of the University of Chicago’s 5-yr CSA experience in these patients. METHODS: All steroid-refractory severe ulcerative colitis (UC) patients treated with IV CSA from 1991 to 1995 were identified by using the university’s IBD database, with additional information from patient charts and physician files. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients with severe UC unresponsive to IV steroids were treated with IV CSA (4 mg/kg/day). Of 42 patients, 36 (86%) responded; 31 were continued on oral CSA (8 mg/kg/day) for an overall mean of 20 wk. Ten initial CSA responders had colectomies after a mean of 6 months. Of the 36 initial responders, 25 (69%) also received 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or azathioprine (aza), and CSA and steroids were tapered. A total of 20% required colectomy, vs 45% of those not receiving 6MP/aza. In all, 62% of all patients, 72% of initial CSA responders, and 80% of initial CSA responders receiving 6MP/aza have avoided colectomy, with a life table analysis of “noncolectomy survival” of 58%, 70%, and 71%, respectively, at 5.5 yr. All colectomies occurred within 18 months of CSA initiation. Complications, resulting in CSA discontinuation in six patients, were all reversible, with complete recovery. CONCLUSIONS: CSA successfully allows most severe steroid resistant UC patients to retain their colons, and provides time for “elective” colectomy in others, especially if 6MP/aza are also given. Careful monitoring for side effects, including PCP prophylaxis, should be part of the treatment protocol.
A topological investigation of the Quantum Adiabatic Phase

Using algebraic topology, the appearance of the Quantum Adiabatic Phase over various parameter manifolds is investigated. The relation with nontrivial gauge bundles (both abelian and non-abelian) is studied and it is shown that the phase appears as a result of homotopically non-trivial mappings, induced by the Hamiltonian in the space of wave-functions. The cohomological picture is developed and some topological considerations concerning field theory anomalies in the Hamiltonian picture are presented. A proof of the Nielsen-Ninomiya theorem is given inspired from the notion of the adiabatic phase.
Comparing property owners' perceptions of sustainable tourism in a coastal resort county

The purpose of this study is to explore factors influencing property owners' (both full-time residents and second home property owners) attitude toward sustainable actions in tourism development in an amenity-rich coastal community with a predominance of second homes. A total of 858 property owner respondents contributed information about their perceptions on the importance of sustainable actions in tourism development to future economy success in their community. Factor analysis was used to reduce the number of variables in order to avoid the effect of multicollinearity and to identify the primary structural dimensions underlying the variable. Results from multivariate regression analyses showed that factors influencing local resident property owners' attitudes toward sustainable tourism development included gender and quality of infrastructure, while only the quality of life factor was associated with second home property owners' attitudes toward sustainable tourism development. The inclusion of second ...
Nimbus 7 total ozone mapping spectrometer (TOMS) data during the Gap, France, ozone intercomparisons of June 1981

The Nimbus 7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) data over Europe have been processed for 2 days of the ozone sensor intercomparison balloon campaign in June 1981 at Gap, France. The June 19 TOMS map shows an elongated ozone maximum (about 400 D.U) extending in a NW-SE direction across central Europe and an ozone minimum (300 D.U.) in the central Atlantic. This pattern produces a 12 D.U. decrease along the balloon trajectory from the fist ascent to the second descent. On June 26 a much smaller ozone maximum (400 D.U.) is centered in northern France with its main axis running in a SW-NE direction. The total ozone contours tend to lie parallel to the balloon trajectory so that the total ozone during the flight is nearly constant.
Illustrating interference in interfering versions of programs

The need to integrate several versions of a program into a common one arises frequently, but it is a tedious and time consuming task to merge programs by hand. The program-integration algorithm recently proposed by S. Horwitz, J. Prins, and T. Reps provides a way to create a semantics-based tool for program integration. The integration algorithm is based on the assumption that any change in the behavior, rather than the text, of a program variant is significant and must be preserved in the merged program. An integration system based on this algorithm will determine whether the programs incorporate interfering changes, and, if they do not, will automatically create an integrated program that includes all changes as well as all features that are preserved in all variants.In this paper we discuss how an integration tool can illustrate the causes of interference to the user when interference is detected. Our main technical result is an alternative characterization of the integration algorithm's interference criterion that is more suitable for illustrating the causes of interference. We then propose six methods for an integration system to display information to demonstrate the causes of interference to the user.
Optimizing redundancy design for chip-multiprocessors for flexible utility functions

Yield of chip-multiprocessors (CMP) can be improved by adding spares to the design. The optimal spare configuration has previously been derived for certain evaluation metrics, such as yield per area, performance-averaged yield, and so on. However, all previous approaches are limited to the scenario where only those chips which have the full-configuration (i.e., have ?? working processors, where ?? is the number of processors in the CMP's specifications) can be sold. In the meantime, yield problems have forced vendors of high-volume CMPs to sell chips with different numbers of working processors. The purpose of this paper is to extend our recent framework for the optimal redundancy design to systematically capture such flexibilities. We first define utility function for CMPs in terms of two functions: (i) the number-of-processors-binning (NPB) function, which captures the range of the number of (enabled) working processors over which a chip can be sold, and (ii) the value function, which captures how the value of a chip to the user depends upon the number of processors enabled in the chip. We use case studies to identify the relationships between utility functions and optimal spare configurations. Then we extend our branch and bound algorithm and incorporate a dynamic programming approach to develop the first framework for optimal and e-optimal (i.e., within e of optimal, typically at much lower area overhead) redundancy designs for different utility functions. We demonstrate that even in an era of high defect density which leads to extremely low yield, we are able to combine approaches in a way that provide figure of merit that is up to 83.8% of that of the ideal case, i.e., for a process with zero defect density.
Molecular Approximation between a Residue in the Amino-terminal Region of Calcitonin and the Third Extracellular Loop of the Class B G Protein-coupled Calcitonin Receptor

The calcitonin receptor is a member of the class B family of G protein-coupled receptors, which contains numerous potentially important drug targets. Delineation of themes for agonist binding and activation of these receptors will facilitate the rational design of receptor-active drugs. We reported previously that a photolabile residue within the carboxyl-terminal half (residue 26) and mid-region (residue 16) of calcitonin covalently label the extracellular amino-terminal domain of this receptor (Dong, M., Pinon, D. I., Cox, R. F., and Miller, L. J. (2004) J. Biol. Chem. 279, 1167-1175). Chimeric receptor studies support the importance of this region and suggest important contributions of extracellular loop domains. To examine whether other parts of the ligand may contact those loops, we developed another probe that has its photolabile site of labeling within the amino-terminal half in position 8 of the ligand. This probe was a full agonist (EC(50) = 563 +/- 67 pm), stimulating cAMP accumulation in receptor-bearing human embryonic kidney 293 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. It bound specifically and saturably (K(i) = 14.3 +/- 1.9 nm) and was able to efficiently label the calcitonin receptor. By purification, specific cleavage, and sequencing of labeled wild-type and mutant calcitonin receptors, the site of attachment was identified as residue Leu(368) within the third extracellular loop of the receptor, a domain distinct from that labeled by previous probes. These data are consistent with a common ligand binding mechanism for receptors in this important family.
SU‐E‐T‐265: Measurement of Secondary Neutrons Produced in the (gamma,n) Reaction From the TrueBeam Linac Head

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure secondary neutrons produced via the (γ,n) reaction in the linac head of the Varian TrueBeam system for 10 MV and 15 MV x‐ray beams, respectively. Of note is that there is currently no measured data available in the literature on secondary neutron production from the TrueBeam treatment head. Methods: The linac was operated in flattening filter‐free (FFF) mode for the 10 MV beam and flattening filter (FF) mode for the 15 MV beam with the jaws and multileaf collimators in the fully closed position. A nominal setting of monitor units per minute (MU/min) were delivered for each beam energy and the secondary neutron dose rate was measured in triplicate using a LudLum neutron survey meter (model 12‐4) positioned at multiple locations including isocenter, longitudinal (gun‐target) and lateral to the isocenter. Results: For the 15 MV x‐ray beam (FF), 600, 300 and 100 MU/min were delivered. The secondary neutron dose rate peaked at a distance of 20 cm longitudinal to the isocenter at 600 MU/min and decreased with distance from the isocenter. Fluctuations in the longitudinal neutron dose rate were negligible; however, the lateral neutron dose rate varied up to nearly a factor of 2 away from the isocenter with decreasing MU/min. For the 10 MV x‐ray beam (FFF), 2400, 1200 and 400 MU/min were delivered and the secondary neutron dose rate was again observed to peak around 20 cm longitudinal to the isocenter with fluctuations varying by about 50% with decreasing MU/min in positions lateral to the isocenter. Conclusion: Our preliminary results suggest a secondary neutron dose rate on the order of a 45 mSv/hr or less for all measurements considered in this study indicating a relatively low contribution of produced secondary neutrons to the primary therapeutic beam.
Hessian Fly (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) Injury and Loss of Winter Wheat Grain Yield and Quality

The damage–yield-loss relationships of Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor Say, in soft red winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., were examined using results of studies on Hessian fly management and yield loss that were conducted over a 9-yr period with various cultivars and planting times and at various locations in Georgia. Differences in grain yield and test weight of susceptible and resistant cultivars with or without a systemic insecticide (disulfoton or phorate) at planting were compared with the percentage of infested tillers in autumn (vegetative stage) and the percentage of infested stems or the number of immatures per stem in spring during grain filling. Grain yield loss increased linearly with increasing percentage of autumn-infested tillers and spring-infested stems. Infestations had little effect on grain test weight until infestations exceeded 20% of autumn-infested tillers or 38% of spring-infested stems. Grain yield and test weight losses were exponentially related to number of immatures per stem during grain filling, with proportionate loss increasing as immature numbers increased up to 6 immatures per stem. Analysis of grain yield components of headed stems found that injury reduced seeds per spike, spikelets per spike, seeds per spikelet, and seed weight. Gain thresholds indicated that, depending on commodity price, an application of a systemic insecticide at planting provided positive marginal returns for 68–74% of plot-years ( n = 50) on susceptible cultivars but only provided positive returns for 23–27% of plot-years ( n = 26) on resistant cultivars. Depending on control cost, economic damage occurred when autumn infestations exceeded 5–8% of infested tillers or when spring infestations exceeded 13–20% of infested stems, or 0.4–1.0 immatures per stem. These results provide a quantitative basis for Hessian fly damage loss assessment in wheat.
A sulfonolipid and novel glucosamidyl glycolipids from the extreme thermoacidophile Bacillus acidocaldarius

The total lipid content of the extreme thermoacidophile Bacillus acidocaldarius comprises about 8.1% of the cell dry weight. Total lipid had a distribution of 15.7% neutral linique component initially characterized as an N-acylglucosamine beta-linked to the primary hydroxyl of an unusual fully saturated pentacyclic triterpene derived tetrol(C35H62O4, Mr 546), which appears to be a derivative of the pentacylcic triterpene hopane substituted at C-29 with a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroxy pentane. Other major glycolipids present were partially characterized as O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 leads to 4)-O-2-acylamido-2-deoxy-beta D-glucopyranosyldiacylglycerol and O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 leads to 4)-O-2-acylamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosylmonoacylglycerol. Minor components of the glycolipid fraction included O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 leads to 4)-O-2-acylamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosylglycerol, O-2-amino-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl pentacyclic tetrol and free pentacyclic tetrol. The distributions of esterified and amide-linked fatty acids were similar, being comprised primarily of branched heptadecanoic, 11-cyclohexyundecanoic and 13-cyclohexyltridecanoic acids. The acid lipids were composed of a sulfonoglycosyldiacylglycerol (43.2%), diphosphatidylglycerol (32.3%), lysodiphosphatidylglycerol (5.3%), phosphatidic acid (5.8%) and phosphatidylglycerol (13.4%).
Response of Respiration of Tobacco Leaves in Light and Darkness and the CO(2) Compensation Concentration to Prior Illumination and Oxygen.

The course of respiration in control leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) that were illuminated 4 to 5 hours and then darkened 0.25 to 10 hours and in tobacco leaves starved of carbohydrate by 14 hours or more of darkness was measured as CO(2) efflux in light and darkness into CO(2)-free atmospheres containing 0.04, 2.23, 21, 40, and 100% O(2).Control and starved leaves showed a postillumination burst of CO(2) that differed from the usual rapid postillumination burst of control leaves in its onset and duration and its sensitivity to O(2) and starvation. Relative to control leaves, starved leaves lacked the initial postillumination burst of photorespiration and the O(2)-stimulated CO(2) efflux in the light, but these characteristics were regained when starved leaves were permitted to assimilate CO(2) from air or N(2) for as little as 20 minutes. Five respiratory patterns of CO(2) evolution, two in the light and three in darkness, were identified by manipulating light, darkness, starvation, and O(2) concentration.The CO(2) compensation concentrations varied with O(2) but were alike in control and starved leaves regardless of the presence or absence of photorespiratory characteristics and rates of respiration in light and darkness.
Nuclear magnetic resonance study of the N-terminal fragment of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease☆

Abstract Hydrogen-deuterium exchange in the 19-residue N-terminus of ribonuclease at 8 °C, observed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, reveals the presence of two distinct groups of backbone NH protons. The first, with a mean exchange time of 7 ± 3 min, corresponds to NH protons in random coil segments; the second, with a mean exchange time of 33 ± 4 min is attributed to NH protons in a partially helical segment. The constancy of chemical shifts of the side-chain protons as temperature is decreased from 80 to 3 °C is not inconsistent with this conclusion. Line-width broadening between 50 and 35 °C indicates a transition from a random coil to ordered structure. Based on nmr studies alone, this ordered structure could be an α-helix, a β-turn, or some combination of them. Other experimental and theoretical information suggests that the broadening is due to the formation of a β-turn, possibly accompanied by the onset of the transition to an α-helix. If so, then one or possibly two of the slow-exchanging NH protons may be associated with the β-turn. Hence, the helical segment observed at 8 °C must be from five to seven residues in length.
WHO calls for extra resources to step up fight against tuberculosis.

Governments need to scale up national programmes to fight and control tuberculosis, which remains a major cause of illness and death worldwide, says a new report from the World Health Organization. In 2006 an estimated 9.2 million new cases and 1.7 million deaths from tuberculosis occurred worldwide, including 700 000 million cases and 200 000 deaths in HIV positive people, says WHO’s report. It estimates that the total number of cases in 2006 was 14.4 million. Some progress has been achieved, the report says. The incidence per capita is falling worldwide, and the prevalence and death rate are also falling, and the decline is …
Postpartum Lipid Levels in Women with Major Depression

Abstract Background: Maternal plasma lipids, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), increase during pregnancy, remaining elevated over prepregnancy levels through the immediate postpartum period. Triglycerides decrease rapidly to prepregnancy levels after delivery. Few data on postpartum lipid levels are available, and levels in postpartum women with depression have not been evaluated. We sought to determine the cross-sectional levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides between 1 and 14 weeks postpartum in postpartum women with DSM-4 diagnoses of major depression and determine if they are similarly elevated to published levels in other postpartum populations. Methods: As part of screening for a randomized controlled trial comparing treatments for postpartum depression (PPD), women (n=120) had postpartum fasting lipid levels determined. Linear regression models were used to assess the association between ...
Biochemical and immunological properties of a membrane-bound brain metalloendopeptidase: comparison with thermolysin-like kidney neutral metalloendopeptidase.

: Membrane-bound neutral metalloendopeptidase (“enkephalinase”) was purified from rabbit brain and compared with a homogeneous preparation of a similar enzyme (EC 3.4.24.11) isolated from rabbit kidney. The two enzymes had the same pH optimum and the same apparent molecular weight. They showed identical specificity toward several synthetic substrates and cleaved both Met- and Leu-enkephalin at the Gly-Phe bond. Minor, but significant, differences were found between the two enzymes in the inhibitory constants determined for phosphoramidon and the N-[1(R,S)-carboxy-2-phenylethyl] derivatives of phenylalanyl and alanyl-p-aminobenzoate. A guinea pig antiserum obtained against the rabbit kidney enzyme showed strong crossreactivity with the rabbit brain enzyme when tested in an anticatalytic immunoinhibition assay. Ouchterlony immunodiffusion experiments gave a pattern of precipitation consistent with partial identity of the two enzymes. The kidney enzyme, however, seemed to contain antigenic determinants not present on the brain enzyme. The data indicate that the two enzymes are identical with respect to specificity, pH optimum, and molecular weight, but show minor, although significant, differences in interaction with active-site-directed inhibitors and specific antisera.
Effects of deuterium oxide upon poliovirus multiplication.

The effects of deuterium oxide on the multiplication of CHAT, an attenuated type of poliomyeliths virus, was studied in cells of HeLa and of monkey kidney cells in primary cultures. Yields of virus obtained from deuterated cells were consistently higher than those obtained from controls. The incorporation of deuterium oxide in the growth media resulted in an increase in the average plague size of polio virus. (C.H.)
Indium tin oxide nanoparticles as anode for light-emitting diodes

Thin films of indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles have been investigated as anode materials for polymer light-emitting diodes. A luminance efficiency (0.13 cd/A), higher than that (0.09 cd/A) obtained in a control devices fabricated on conventional commercial ITO anodes were found. The thin films were made by spin coating of a suspension followed by annealing. The ITO nanoparticle films have a stable sheet resistance of 200 Ω/sq, and an optical transmittance greater than 86% over the range of 400–1000 nm. Their textural property is also reported. These results demonstrate that ITO nanoparticle can form a high efficient reproducible anode material. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3125–3129, 2006
The role of team collaboration in complex product developments

Cross-functional collaboration has become a critical success factor for new product teams to succeed in today's intensely competitive business environment. It is especially essential for complex and geographically dispersed developments helping to integrate subsystems, creating visibility throughout the project organization, and unifying team members behind the requirements, keeping the project effort focused and synchronized. This paper reports the results of a recent field study examining the conditions promoting collaboration in 23 technology-intensive product developments tracked over their lifecycles. The paper discusses the leadership challenges, managerial actions, organizational conditions and work processes that foster collaboration in a complex and culturally diverse team environment.
The alkaloids of American lotus, Nelumbo lutea

Abstract The leaves and stems of Nelubmo lutea (Willd.) Pers. from Wisconsin yielded the alkaloids nuciferine, (±)-armepavine, and two apparently new alkaloids to which we have assigned structures V ((−)N-norarmepavine) and XII ((−)-N-nornuciferine).
Uncoupling of Proliferative Potential and Gain of Effector Function by CD8+ T Cells Responding to Self-Antigens

Professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) are capable of transporting self-antigens from peripheral tissues to secondary lymphoid organs where they are presented to potentially autoreactive CD8+ T cells. In the absence of an inflammatory response, this results in immune tolerance. The presence of activated, antigen-specific CD4+ T cells converts this tolerogenic encounter into an immunogenic one by promoting extensive proliferation of CD8+ T cells and their development into effectors. Surprisingly, activation of APCs with an agonistic antibody specific for CD40 could not substitute for CD4+ help in this task. Anti-CD40 induced recruitment of dendritic cells expressing high levels of B7 costimulatory molecules into the lymph nodes, which in turn, greatly enhanced activation and expansion of CD8+ T cells. However, these activated CD8+ cells did not demonstrate effector function. We conclude that proliferative potential and gain of effector function are separable events in the differentiation program of CD8+ T cells.
Small Sample Issues for Microarray-Based Classification

In order to study the molecular biological differences between normal and diseased tissues, it is desirable to perform classification among diseases and stages of disease using microarray-based gene-expression values. Owing to the limited number of microarrays typically used in these studies, serious issues arise with respect to the design, performance and analysis of classifiers based on microarray data. This paper reviews some fundamental issues facing small-sample classification: classification rules, constrained classifiers, error estimation and feature selection. It discusses both unconstrained and constrained classifier design from sample data, and the contributions to classifier error from constrained optimization and lack of optimality owing to design from sample data. The difficulty with estimating classifier error when confined to small samples is addressed, particularly estimating the error from training data. The impact of small samples on the ability to include more than a few variables as classifier features is explained.
Pial arteriole dilation during somatosensory stimulation is not mediated by an increase in CSF metabolites

Pial arterioles supplying the hindlimb somatosensory cortex dilate in response to contralateral sciatic nerve stimulation. The mechanism of this pial vasodilation is not well understood. One possibility is that vasoactive metabolites released during brain activation may diffuse to subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to dilate pial vessels. To test this hypothesis, we implanted closed cranial windows in rats and measured pial arteriolar dilation to sciatic nerve stimulation during constant rate superfusion of the pial surface with artificial CSF. We reason that flushing the pial surface with CSF should quickly dissipate vasoactive substances and prevent these substances from dilating pial arterioles. CSF flow (1 and 1.5 ml/min) significantly reduced pial arteriole dilation induced by 5% CO2 inhalation, but the same flow rates did not affect dilator responses to sciatic nerve stimulation. We conclude that brain-to-CSF diffusion of vasoactive metabolites does not play a significant role in the dilation of pial arterioles during somatosensory activity.