cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of target model facetization on RCS predictions

The authors present the effects of 3-D model facetization on the radar signature predicted by Xpatch, a radar signature prediction code that provides both frequency-domain radar cross section predictions and time-domain results for a flat faceted triangular geometry file. Predictions were compared against exact and measured data for two primitives and one complex target. By changing the level of flat facetization on the same geometry file, the signature prediction can vary dramatically. The test results show that a higher number of facets gives a better prediction, but this comes at the expense of CPU time. Since faster run times are desired, care must be taken in building the geometry files to strike a balance between speed and accuracy. >
THE PEDIATRICIAN AND THE SEXUALLY ACTIVE ADOLESCENT: Sexual Activity and Contraception

Sexuality and its resultant consequences continue to be major issues for adolescents and for those who provide their health care. This article discusses current sexual behavior in adolescents and describes the various forms of hormonal contraception that sexually active adolescents should use.
Aspects of the stereochemistry of torularhodin biosynthesis.

1. The incorporation of [2-14C]acetate, [2-14C]mevalonic acid and [2-14C,2-3H2]-mevalonic acid into torulene and torularhodin by Rhodotorula rubra and Rhodotorula glutinis was studied. 2. A recovery of 14.3% of the label was obtained on decarboxylation of the torularhodin biosynthesized from [2-14C]mevalonic acid. 3. An analysis of the 3H/14C ratio in torularhodin gave a value of 9.44:8. 4. These results, obtained by different experimental techniques, show that the reactions in the conversion of the dimethyl group of isopentenyl pyrophosphate into the 16′,17′-position of torularhodin must be free from randomization. A mechanism for the isomerization of isopentenyl pyrophosphate to dimethylallyl pyrophosphate is suggested.
Side Effects of Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists in Asthmatic Children

Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are drugs which have been widely used more than ten years. As the use of LTRAs increases, our knowledge with respect to their side effects increases as well.The objective of our study was to evaluat the observed side effects of LTRAs used in patients with astma.1024 patients treated only with LTRAs owing to asthma or early wheezing were included in the study for a five-year period. The observed side effects of LTRAs in these patients were retrospectively investigated. The side effects were divided into two parts as psychiatric and non-psychiatric.Among the 1024 cases included in the study, 67.5% of the patients out of 41 with side effects were male, 32.5% were female and the average age was 6.5 years. The rate of patients with asthma was 63.41% and 36.58% of the patients had early wheezing. It was determined that sex, age and diagnosis (early wheezing or asthma) of the patients were ineffective in the emergence of side effects. The average period for the emergence of side effects was the first month. It was observed that hyperactivity was the most frequently observed psychiatric side effect and that abdominal pain was the non-psychiatric side effect.The side effects of LTRAs were common in children. Therefore, patients must be informed at the beginning of the treatment and they must be evaluated at certain intervals.
Particle rejection by Calanus pacificus: discrimination between similarly sized particles

Particle rejection behavior was studied for late-stage copepodites and adult females of Calanus pacificus collected from La Jolla Bay, California (32oN; 117oW) in spring and summer of both 1979 and 1982. Several particles of approximately the same size were offered, both singly and in mixtures, to C. pacificus. In the first set of experiments the copepods were presented with choices between a diatom, Thalassiosira weissflogii (13.1 μm equivalent spherical diam), and polystyrene beads of two sizes (11.1 and 16.5 μm diam). In the second set of experiments they were presented with choices between one of two dinoflagellates, Gyrodinium dorsum (27 μm diam) or Peridinium trochoideum (22 μm diam), and polystyrene beads of three sizes (15, 20 and 25 μm diam). When offered mixtures of cells and beads, the filtration and ingestion rates were significantly greater on the cells than on the beads, irrespective of bead size. We also find that C. pacificus demonstrates a clear preference for G. dorsum relative to P. trochoideum. Our results cannot be explained by a model of passive, size-selective feeding.
Comparative utilization of fructose and glucose given intravenously.

SummaryIn 10 experiments on human subjects comparative intravenous injections of 10% glucose and 10% fructose were carried out. Even at rapid rates of infusion very little fructose appeared in the urine as compared to the amount of glucose. Diuresis was also less pronounced with fructose. Moreover, the fructose infusions were not followed by either hyperglycemia nor by an excessive rise in the blood fructose level, thus indicating a more rapid utilization of fructose and presumably more rapid glycogenesis.
Complement inhibitors in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury is accompanied by an inflammatory response contributing to reversible and irreversible changes in tissue viability and organ function. Endothelial and leukocyte responses are involved in tissue injury, orchestrated primarily by the complement cascade. Anaphylatoxins, and assembly of the membrane attack complex contribute directly and indirectly to further tissue damage. Tissue salvage can be achieved by depletion of complement components, thus making evident a contributory role for the complement cascade in ischemia/reperfusion injury. The complexity of the complement cascade provides numerous sites as potential targets for therapeutic interventions designed to modulate the complement response to injury. The latter is exemplified by the ability of a soluble form of complement receptor 1 (sCR1) to decrease infarct size in in vivo models of ischemia/reperfusion injury as well as prevent myocyte and vascular injury and organ dysfunction by interdicting assembly of the membrane attack complex. Effective inhibitors of complement are not limited to newly developed compounds or solubilized forms of endogenous regulators of complement activation. Therapeutic agents in common use, such as heparin and related non-anticoagulant glycosaminoglycans, are known to inhibit the complement activation in vitro as well as in vivo and may prove useful as cytoprotective agents.
Functional characterization of the ubiquitin variant encoded by the baculovirus Autographa californica.

The marked evolutionary conservation of ubiquitin is assumed to arise from constraints imposed by folding, stability, and interaction of the polypeptide with various components of the ATP, ubiquitin-dependent degradative pathway. The present studies characterize the most divergent (75% identity) of the species-specific ubiquitin isoforms encoded as a late gene product of the baculovirus Autographa californica [Guarino, L. A. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 409-413]. Viral ubiquitin supports 40% of the rate of ATP-dependent degradation exhibited by eukaryotic ubiquitin. Inhibition of proteolysis correlated with a lower steady-state concentration of ubiquitin-conjugated degradative intermediates. Rate studies revealed that viral ubiquitin exerts its effect at the step of isopeptide ligase-catalyzed (E3) ubiquitin conjugation since viral and eukaryotic polypeptides are identical in their abilities to support ATP-coupled activation by E1 and transthiolation to E2 carrier proteins. Other studies demonstrated viral ubiquitin severely attenuated the rate of K48-linked multiubiquitin chain formation in E3-independent conjugation catalyzed by recombination yeast CDC34 or rabbit reticulocyte E232K but not chain elongation of alternate linkages formed by yeast RAD6 or human E2EPF. The latter observations suggest nonconserved positions on viral ubiquitin constitute recognition signals for K48-linked chain formation. Sequence comparison of species-specific ubiquitin isoforms indicates that nonconserved positions localized to a defined region on the polypeptide surface distinct from the basic face required for E1 binding. These results suggest this novel ubiquitin isoform may function in baculoviral replication to block destruction of a short-lived protein(s) by the host degradative pathway, targeted through either E2-catalyzed K48-linked multibiquitin chain formation or general E3-mediated conjugation.
The Metamodel in Simulation Analysis: Can It Be Trusted?

The use of a mathematical metamodel such as a regression model, constructed from simulation data and used to aid in the analysis of the simulated system, has been studied in recent years. For practitioners, the vast benefits of establishing a functional relationship among the variables in an unfamiliar and complex simulated system may be largely overshadowed by the concern that the metamodel, being a strongly data-based technique, may be valid only for the one particular set of simulation-generated data that went into it, which is to say not valid at all. Based on a study of 30 simulation experiments using three different simulation models, the authors conclude that the simulation metamodel is a reliable and valid technique to use in post-simulation analysis, and is probably just as good as the simulation model on which it is based.
Does the built environment make a difference? Additional evidence from the daily activity and travel behavior of homemakers living in New York City and suburbs

Abstract Homemakers, unlike employed people who have jobs and unemployed people who are seeking jobs, are a special group who do not have to spend time working out of the home, commuting to work, or looking for a job. Given that a regular job typically takes 9 h (This includes an assumed half-hour one-way commute time.) a day, the discretion to allocate their time is presumably much greater than other groups. In this paper, we focus our attention on homemakers’ activity and travel behavior in neighborhoods with different characteristics (e.g., very dense areas, dense areas, and suburbs). The question to be answered is quite simple: are there differences between travel behaviors of homemakers living in different types of neighborhoods? If yes, can these differences be attributed to differences in the built environment? The dataset used in the study is the Household Interview Survey (HIS) collected in 1997/1998 in the New York metropolitan area. We found significant differences in activity and travel related behavior by homemakers living in different types of neighborhoods. Compared to suburban homemakers, New York City homemakers spend more time on discretionary activities and less time on maintenance activities; use public transportation and walk more frequently; and conduct fewer trip chains. The study found that both individuals’ socio-economic characteristics and built environment appear to play a role in explaining behavior. A probably more important factor in explaining people’s time use behavior is the interrelationship between activities and trips, and between different types of activities.
Afferent connections to the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in the rat

Abstract A study of the terminal degeneration produced by lesions placed around the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in the rat has revealed an intrahypo-thalamic pathway originating in the region of the anterior hypothalamus and terminating in the core of the ventromedial nucleus. Lesions which excluded the anterior hypothalamus produced no significant degeneration in or around the ventromedial nucleus indicating that this structure receives direct input only from the anterior hypothalamus and the stria terminalis.
An actin nucleation mechanism mediated by Bni1 and Profilin

Formins are required for cell polarization and cytokinesis, but do not have a defined biochemical activity. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, formins and the actin-monomer-binding protein profilin are specifically required to assemble linear actin structures called 'actin cables'. These structures seem to be assembled independently of the Arp2/3 complex, the only well characterized cellular mediator of actin nucleation. Here, an activated yeast formin was purified and found to promote the nucleation of actin filaments in vitro. Formin-dependent actin nucleation was stimulated by profilin. Thus, formin and profilin mediate actin nucleation by an Arp2/3-independent mechanism. These findings suggest that distinct actin nucleation mechanisms may underlie the assembly of different actin cytoskeletal structures.
Sex, stem cells and tumors in the Drosophila ovary

The Drosophila Sex-lethal (Sxl) gene encodes a female-specific RNA binding protein that in somatic cells globally regulates all aspects of female-specific development and behavior. Sxl also has a critical, but less well understood, role in female germ cells. Germ cells without Sxl protein can adopt a stem cell fate when housed in a normal ovary, but fail to successfully execute the self-renewal differentiation fate switch. The failure to differentiate is accompanied by the inappropriate expression of a set of male specific markers, continued proliferation, and formation of a tumor. The findings in Chau et al., (2012) identify the germline stem cell maintenance factor nanos as one of its target genes, and suggest that Sxl enables the switch from germline stem cell to committed daughter cell by posttranscriptional downregulation of nanos expression. These studies provide the basis for a new model in which Sxl directly couples sexual identity with the self-renewal differentiation decision and raises several interesting questions about the genesis of the tumor phenotype.
Systemic and regional hemodynamic effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 administration.

Objective To evaluate the cardiovascular effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-D). Design Recent studies suggest that Ca-regulating hormones may contribute to the genesis of hypertension. We determined systemic and regional hemodynamics 24 h after administration of 1,25-D or vehicle to normal conscious Sprague-Dawley rats. In addition, to dissociate the vascular effects of 1,25-D from changes in serum ionized Ca2+, 1,25-D and vehicle were administered to rats maintained for 3 days on a low-Ca diet. To evaluate the effect of the slight rise in serum ionized Ca2+ with 1,25-D administration, we infused CaCl or vehicle over 1 h into normal rats to raise the serum Ca2+ to near that of rats treated with 1,25-D. Methods The radioactive microsphere technique was used. Results Systemic hemodynamics (blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance and stroke volume) did not differ between the two groups receiving a normal-Ca diet. In these rats 1,25-D significantly decreased renal blood flow (RBF), increased renal vascular resistance (RVR) and slightly increased serum ionized Ca2+. Similarly, in rats receiving a low-Ca diet, 1,25-D administration decreased renal blood flow, increased renal vascular resistance and caused only a minimal increase in serum ionized Ca2+. A low-Ca diet also increased heart rate, cardiac blood flow and renal blood flow. Although CaCl infusion raised serum ionized Ca2+, blood pressure, renal blood flow and renal vascular resistance did not change significantly. Conclusion 1,25-D may constrict the renal vasculature directly or indirectly by enhancing the vascular sensitivity to circulating vasoconstrictors.
Metabolic state of glioma stem cells and nontumorigenic cells

Gliomas contain a small number of treatment-resistant glioma stem cells (GSCs), and it is thought that tumor regrowth originates from GSCs, thus rendering GSCs an attractive target for novel treatment approaches. Cancer cells rely more on glycolysis than on oxidative phosphorylation for glucose metabolism, a phenomenon used in 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography imaging of solid cancers, and targeting metabolic pathways in cancer cells has become a topic of considerable interest. However, if GSCs are indeed important for tumor control, knowledge of the metabolic state of GSCs is needed. We hypothesized that the metabolism of GSCs differs from that of their progeny. Using a unique imaging system for GSCs, we assessed the oxygen consumption rate, extracellular acidification rate, intracellular ATP levels, glucose uptake, lactate production, PKM1 and PKM2 expression, radiation sensitivity, and cell cycle duration of GSCs and their progeny in a panel of glioma cell lines. We found GSCs and progenitor cells to be less glycolytic than differentiated glioma cells. GSCs consumed less glucose and produced less lactate while maintaining higher ATP levels than their differentiated progeny. Compared with differentiated cells, GSCs were radioresistant, and this correlated with a higher mitochondrial reserve capacity. Glioma cells expressed both isoforms of pyruvate kinase, and inhibition of either glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation had minimal effect on energy production in GSCs and progenitor cells. We conclude that GSCs rely mainly on oxidative phosphorylation. However, if challenged, they can use additional metabolic pathways. Therefore, targeting glycolysis in glioma may spare GSCs.
Fleet survey team: Providing operational hydrography to the U.S. Navy

Established in 2005, the U.S. Navy Fleet Survey Team (FST) is an organization that enables Theater combatant commanders worldwide with access in the littoral regions through operational hydrography. When forces are armed with detailed descriptions of the environmental conditions they could face, operations have a greater chance of being safely and efficiently executed. FST gathers the needed information via timely, self-contained hydrographie surveys in response to combatant commanders' requests. These requests frequently are for harbor, beach, or river areas where Navy operations will take place or where charting accuracy is uncertain. FST members (both civilian and military) quickly deploy to areas around the world outfitted with equipment to perform surveys from various boats of opportunity or from their own Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) and personal water craft. Because of these unique capabilities, civilian and military members of FST have deployed to areas in the Middle East, Africa, and South America to perform near-shore surveys to collect data that aid in the safe navigation of U.S. forces and supplies traversing the area. FST members have also played significant roles in charting areas affected by natural disasters such as the 2004 south Asia tsunami and hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike in the Gulf of Mexico. Comprised of approximately 65 military and civilian members, FST is collocated with the Naval Oceanographie Office and Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, at Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. Command personnel possess a unique blend of military and civilian knowledge and experience. Enlisted sailors routinely qualify as level-two military hydrographers, certifying their skills in addition to their Navy Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) training. In addition to their strong backgrounds in math, science, and engineering, officers and civilians frequently obtain master's degrees in hydrographie science through an ongoing program with The University of Southern Mississippi, which offers an accredited course by the International Hydrographie Organization (IHO) for Category A hydrographers.
UV resonance Raman study of cation–π interactions in an indole crown ether

UV resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy is used to probe changes in vibrational structure associated with cation–π interactions for the most prevalent amino acid π –donor, tryptophan. The model compound studied here is a diaza crown ether with two indole substituents. In the presence of sodium or potassium sequestered in the crown ether, or a protonated diaza group on the compound, the indole moieties participate in a cation–π interaction in which the pyrrolo group acts as the primary π-donor. Systematic shifts in relative intensity in the 760–780 cm−1 region are observed upon formation of this cation–π interaction; we propose that these modifications reflect shifts of the delocalized, ring-breathing W18 and hydrogen-out-of-plane (HOOP) vibrational modes in this spectral region. The observed changes are attributed to perturbations of the π-electron density as well as of normal modes that involve large displacement of the hydrogen atom on the C2 position of the pyrrole ring. Modest variations in the UVRR spectra for the three complexes studied here are correlated to differences in cation–π strength. Specifically, the UVRR spectrum of the sodium-bound complex differs from those of the potassium-bound or protonated-diaza complexes, and may reflect the observation that the C2 hydrogen atom in the sodium-bound complex exhibits the greatest perturbation relative to the other species. Normal modes sensitive to hydrogen-bonding, such as the tryptophan W10, W9, and W8 modes, also undergo shifts in the presence of the salts. These shifts reflect the strength of interaction of the indole N–H group with the iodide or hexafluorophosphate counteranion. The current observation that the W18 and HOOP normal mode regions of the indole crown ether compound are sensitive to cation–pyrrolo π interactions suggests that this region may provide reliable spectroscopic evidence of these important interactions in proteins.
Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase: an amazing biochemical odyssey from substrate to product

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase (CPS) catalyzes one of the most remarkable reactions ever described in biological chemistry, in which carbamoyl phosphate is produced from one molecule of bicarbonate, two molecules of Mg2+ATP, and one molecule of either glutamine or ammonia. The carbamoyl phosphate so produced is utilized in the synthesis of arginine and pyrimidine nucleotides. It is also employed in the urea cycle in most terrestrial vertebrates. Due to its large size, its important metabolic role, and the fact that it is highly regulated, CPS has been the focus of intensive investigation for nearly 40 years. Numerous enzymological, biochemical, and biophysical studies by a variety of investigators have led to a quite detailed understanding of CPS. Perhaps one of the most significant advances on this topic within the last 2 years has been the successful X-ray crystallographic analysis of CPS from Escherichia coli. Quite unexpectedly, this structural investigation revealed that the three active sites on the protein are widely separated from one another. Furthermore, these active sites are connected by a molecular tunnel with a total length of approximately 100 A, suggesting that CPS utilizes this channel to facilitate the translocation of reaction intermediates from one site to another. In this review, we highlight the recent biochemical and X-ray crystallographic results that have led to a more complete understanding of this finely tuned instrument of catalysis.
The Energy Impact of Aggressive Loop Fusion

Loop fusion combines corresponding iterations of different loops, ft is traditionally used to decrease program run time, by reducing loop overhead and increasing data locality. In this paper, however, we consider its effect on energy. By merging program phases, fusion tends to increase the uniformity, or balance of demand for system resources. On a conventional superscalar processor, increased balance tends to increase IPC, and thus dynamic power, so that fusion-induced improvements in program energy are slightly smaller than improvements in program run time. If IPC is held constant, however, by reducing frequency and voltage - particularly on a processor with multiple clock domains - then energy improvements may significantly exceed run time improvements. We demonstrate the benefits of increased program balance under a theoretical model of processor energy consumption. We then evaluate the benefits of fusion empirically on synthetic and real-world benchmarks, using our existing loop-fusing compiler and a heavily modified version of the SimpleScalar/Wattch simulator. For the real-world benchmarks, we demonstrate energy savings ranging from 7-40%, with run times ranging from 1% slowdown to 17% speedup. In addition to validating our theoretical model, the simulation results allow us to "tease apart" the factors that contribute to fusion-induced time and energy savings.
Isolation and characterization of genomic clones encoding a serine-rich Entamoeba histolytica protein.

We have recently isolated and expressed a cDNA clone encoding a serine-rich Entamoeba histolytica protein (SREHP) [1]. SREHP is a E. histolytica specific surface antigen. It appears to play a role in amebic adhesion to mammalian cells and possesses conserved epitopes as measured by a high prevalence of SREHP seropositivity among patients with invasive amebiasis [2]. The estimated molecular weight of native SREHP is approx. 50 kDa, which is much larger than the molecular weight of the 233-residue polypeptide derived from the sequence of SREHP cDNA (approx. 25 kDa).The size of SREHP m R N A species (approx. 0.8 kb) detected by Northern hybridization [1], however, suggests that the 233residue polypeptide represents the complete coding region of the SREHP gene. There is also evidence that this protein undergoes posttranslational modifications which may account
The 30S Moloney sarcoma virus RNA contains leukemia virus nucleotide sequences.

Abstract The 50S–70S RNA of a Moloney sarcoma-leukemia virus [Mo-MSV(MLV)] complex produced by a particular mouse cell line was shown by gel electrophoresis to contain a major (⋍97%) 30S sarcoma-specific subunit species and a minor (⋍3%) 38S leukemia virus-specific subunit. On the basis of its sedimentation coefficient and known complexity, the 30S Mo-MSV RNA was estimated to be a unique RNA molecule of about 6000 nucleotides. Hybridization experiments using viral RNA and DNA complementary to viral RNA (cDNA) made by viral DNA polymerase indicated that the 30S Mo-MSV RNA shared 70% of its sequences with Mo-MLV, 30% with another MLV derived from Mo-MLV, and 30% with Kirsten sarcoma-xenotropic leukemia virus. The 30S Mo-MSV RNA sequences shared with these viruses were not additive. The Tm of a Mo-MSV RNA·MLV cDNA hybrid was 83°C, indicating that large contiguous nucleotide sequences were shared between the two nucleic acids. Mo-MSV RNA and Mo-MLV RNA shared possibly seven of 20–30 RNAase T1-resistant oligonucleotides, while Mo-MSV RNA contained three, and Mo-MLV RNA contained at least five specific oligonucleotides. We conclude that the 30S Mo-MSV RNA molecule consists of approximately 70% (about 4200 nucleotides) Mo-MLV-specific sequences and of 30% (1800 nucleotides) Mo-MSV-specific sequences covalently linked. Our results favor the hypothesis that 30S Mo-MSV RNA was generated by recombination between Mo-MLV and other genetic elements. We discuss whether all or only the MSV-specific sequences of the 30S Mo-MSV RNA function as sarcoma genes. Mo-MLV cDNA was hybridized about 45% by unfractionated Mo-MSV (MLV) RNA at RNA/DNA ratios of up to 10, about 50% by electrophoretically purified 30S Mo-MSV RNA at RNA/DNA ratios up to 500, but close to 100% by unfractionated Mo-MSV(MLV) RNA at RNA/DNA ratios over 900. This indicated that unfractionated RNA of our Mo-MSV(MLV) contained a complete complement of Mo-MLV, albeit at a low ratio.
Defining Investment and Investor: Who is Entitled to Claim?

WITH THE benefit of the perspective of both sides of the table – having served both as a government official responsible for investment claims and as a private lawyer advising in this field – I can say with confidence that the definition of ‘investor’ and ‘investment’ is the key to making the most of international investment agreements. Why is it the key? From the perspective of a capital exporting country, the definition identifies who the country's constituents are for purposes of investment policy: who are the categories of persons, industries and groups that will benefit from the investment treaty programme. From the perspective of a capital importing country, the definition identifies who the country's clients are for purposes of investment policy: who are the persons, industries and groups that the country wants to attract in order to increase foreign investment. From the perspective of investors, the definition identifies how the investment holdings may be structured in order to maximise protection of the investment under investment treaties. This sounds rather like BIT-shopping and it is – a subject I will return to. In the lines that follow, I first provide an overview of the definitions of investment and investor in contemporary treaties. I then examine the policy implications of these definitions in the current investment environment. Investment treaties are premised on two elemental propositions: foreign investment tends to spur economic development, and fundamental legal protections tend to encourage and promote foreign investment.1 It is equally elemental that capital is fungible and investment of capital takes a multitude of forms in the world today. In recognition of this reality, the definitions of ‘investment’ in contemporary treaties tend to be broad and open-ended, with a list of specific types of covered investments which is indicative rather than definitive. Recent UK treaties define …
Increased GABAA Receptor ε-Subunit Expression on Ventral Respiratory Column Neurons Protects Breathing during Pregnancy

GABAergic signaling is essential for proper respiratory function. Potentiation of this signaling with allosteric modulators such as anesthetics, barbiturates, and neurosteroids can lead to respiratory arrest. Paradoxically, pregnant animals continue to breathe normally despite nearly 100-fold increases in circulating neurosteroids. e subunit-containing GABAARs are insensitive to positive allosteric modulation, thus we hypothesized that pregnant rats increase e subunit-containing GABAAR expression on brainstem neurons of the ventral respiratory column (VRC). In vivo, pregnancy rendered respiratory motor output insensitive to otherwise lethal doses of pentobarbital, a barbiturate previously used to categorize the e subunit. Using electrode array recordings in vitro, we demonstrated that putative respiratory neurons of the preBotzinger Complex (preBotC) were also rendered insensitive to the effects of pentobarbital during pregnancy, but unit activity in the VRC was rapidly inhibited by the GABAAR agonist, muscimol. VRC unit activity from virgin and post-partum females was potently inhibited by both pentobarbital and muscimol. Brainstem e subunit mRNA and protein levels were increased in pregnant rats, and GABAAR e subunit expression co-localized with a marker of rhythm generating neurons (neurokinin 1 receptors) in the preBotC. These data support the hypothesis that pregnancy renders respiratory motor output and respiratory neuron activity insensitive to barbiturates, most likely via increased e subunit-containing GABAAR expression on respiratory rhythm-generating neurons. Increased e subunit expression may be critical to preserve respiratory function (and life) despite increased neurosteroid levels during pregnancy.
The art of pimping.

IT'S HARD work becoming a revered attending physician in a university hospital. The task daunts the newly appointed junior attending as he strides down the corridor of his first ward with his first team. Oh, he's made some changes in anticipation of his new position. He's wearing a long coat now, an all-cotton coat with razor-sharp creases and knit buttons. The stained, shrunken polyester white pants and tennis shoes have given way to gray, light wool slacks with a cuff and polished loafers. Framed certificates bear testimony to his intelligence and determination. He should be ready to take the helm of his ward team, but he's not. Something's missing, something important, something closer to art than to science. When physicians talk about the "art of medicine" they usually mean healing, or coping with uncertainty, or calculating their federal income taxes. But there's one art this new attending needs to learn
Superior Sorbent for Natural Gas Desulfurization

New sorbents were investigated for desulfurization of natural gas by adsorption at ambient temperature. The new sorbents included Cu(I)Y zeolite, CuCl/MCM-41, and CuCl/SBA-15 and were compared with the best commercial sorbents, AgY and activated carbon. H2S and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) were used as the model sulfur compounds. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations on adsorption energies showed that Cu(I)Y > AgY > Cu(II)Y for both H2S and DMS and H2S adsorbs more strongly than DMS, both in full agreement with experimental results. Moreover, Cu(I)Y, CuCl/MCM-41, and CuCl/SBA-15 were fully regenerable, while AgY was not. Fixed-bed adsorber breakthrough results indicated severe diffusion limitation in sulfur capture; thus, the mesoporous sorbents are advantageous for very high throughput applications.
The Diffusion of Electronic Portfolios in Teacher Education: Next Steps and Recommendations from Accomplished Users.

AbstractThis is the second part of a two-part article on the diffusion of electronic portfolios in preservice teacher education. The first part addressed issues of adoption and implementation; this part documents “next steps” and key recommendations by informants from the six programs studied. Next steps included streamlining requirements, addressing reliability of technology and access, and planning for data aggregation and program evaluation. Key recommendations were to involve a broad base of participants in the planning process, clarify the purposes for electronic portfolios, move forward incrementally, and provide sufficient technology access, training, and support. The study concludes that a range of research is needed to inform future decisions pertaining to the large-scale implementation of electronic portfolios in teacher education.
Bidirectional reflectance distribution function /BRDF/ measurements of sunshield and baffle materials for the Infrared Astronomy Satellite /IRAS/ telescope

AbstractMeasurements of the far -infrared bidirectional reflectance distribution functions (BRDF)of four samples of Martin Black coating and one sample of gold- coated aluminum from thetelescope to be flown on the Infrared Astronomy Satellite (IRAS) are presented. At incidenceangles near 35 °, Martin Black is a diffuse reflector at wavelengths as long as 36 tim. How-ever, by 112 pm it has become quite specular. The gold coated aluminum sample from the IRASsunshield has a visible grain which causes a strong diffraction enhancement of the BRDF atlarge nonspecular angles. This enhancement from the sunshield will increase the stray lightlevel inside the telescope.IntroductionA nonspecular reflectometer (NSR), recently constructed at Ames Research Center in supportof the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF), was used to measure the bidirectionalreflectance distribution function (BRDF) of four light baffles coated with Martin Black andone sample of sunshade material from the telescope of the Infrared Astronomy Satellite
The activation of amino acids in extracts of pea seedlings.

Abstract The enzymic activation of amino acid in various plant extracts was studied by means of the exchange of ATP with inorganic pyrophosphate. In extracts of pea seedlings, leucine, tyrosine, valine, tryptophan, isoleucine, cysteine, and methionine were the only amino acids that stimulated the PP-ATP exchange reaction. The exchange reaction is about 50% inhibited by KF. The properties of the exchange reaction in plants are discussed in relation to the similar reaction previously described in bacteria.
A note on various holding probabilities for random lazy random walks on finite groups

Abstract The author previously considered certain lazy random walks on arbitrary finite groups. Given a k-tuple (g1,…,gk) of elements of a finite group, one multiplies the previous position of the walk by gie where i is uniform on {1,…,k} and e has a given distribution on {1,0,−1}. The previous work gave good bounds if P(e=1)=P(e=−1)=1/4 and P(e=0)=1/2 or if P(e=1)=P(e=0)=1/2. The current paper develops some elementary comparison techniques which work for other distributions for e such as P(e=1)=P(e=0)=P(e=−1)=1/3.
TH‐F‐105‐03: Experimental Design and Preliminary Results for High‐Resolution and High‐Throughput In‐Vitro Measurements of Proton RBE

Purpose: To design, develop and test a novel system for rapidly acquiring large amounts of in‐vitro RBE data for protons as a function of LET, dose per fraction, dose rate, end point, and oxygenation for a wide range of cell lines. Methods: Using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit, we designed a specialized range compensator to simultaneously expose cells plated in 96 wells (12 columns by 8 rows) to different doses and variable LETs from selected portions of pristine proton beams from the entrance to points just beyond the Bragg peak. The use of 96‐well plates can facilitate future high‐throughput and high‐resolution measurements. To minimize the spread of LET, we utilized monoenergetic uniformly scanned proton beams. Using a sequence of entrance doses and variable LETs, an RBE matrix related to different pairs of doses and LETs can be acquired in a relatively small number of exposures. In this study, we utilized the standard clonogenic assay for lung‐cancer cell lines grown in 96‐well plates. The compensator is mounted in the scanning beam snout with the beam directed toward the ceiling. In each exposure, one 96‐well plate was positioned downstream for irradiation. Results: Experimental data for lung cancer cells exposed to 79.7 MeV protons showed a significant increase in cell kill as a function of LET at locations close to the distal edge of the Bragg peak. For LET values of 8.34, 11.6, 13.5 and 14.6 keV/μm, the surviving fractions were found to be 0.24, 0.18, 0.088 and 0.031 at 4 Gy and 0.11, 0.074, 0.024 and 0.0035 at 6 Gy. Conclusion: The experimental design developed is a viable approach to rapidly acquire large amounts of accurate in‐vitro RBE data. We plan to further improve the design to achieve higher accuracy and throughput, thereby facilitating the irradiation of multiple cell types. NCI grant P01CA021239
Simulation of NC Machining with Cutter Deflection by Modelling Deformed Swept Volumes

Abstract Most research on the representation of swept volumes has been limited to motion of rigid objects. In this study, a Sweep Differential Equation (SDE) approach is presented for the representation of deformed swept volumes associated with flexible objects. The deformed swept volume analysis is integrated with machining mechanics to account for cutter deflection in NC simulation. End milling is modeled and analyzed and the cutter deflections are computed and integrated with an SDE based software program which is developed in C++ for the generation of deformed swept volumes. It is shown that this approach constitutes an effective NC simulation technique with capabilities for geometric verification and machining tolerance checking.
Trophic Structure of Macrobenthic Communities in the Calcasieu Estuary, Louisiana

Trophic groups were used to investigate broad patterns and predict species interactions of macrobenthic assemblages in Calcasieu Estuary, Louisiana. Macrobenthic assemblages of the estuary were numerically dominated by deposit-feeding species. Surface-deposit feeders were the most abundant macrobenthos of the upper estuary, subsurface-deposit feeders dominated the lower estuary, and a trophically well-mixed assemblage inhabited the middle estuary. There were periodic shifts in species dominance within each region, but the shifts were without temporal pattern and seldom led to changes in trophic structure of the region. The macrobenthic assemblages of the upper estuary were dominated by several early-colonizing species which switched feeding modes with changes in water flow, suggesting that disturbances in the upper estuary had a direct effect on macrobenthic communities. Disturbances also may have eliminated macrobenthic species before they could establish a well-mixed community. The presence of trophically mixed communities in the middle estuary probably was indicative of fewer disturbances there. The dominance by subsurface-deposit feeders in the lower estuary probably indicates that sedimentary food in Calcasieu Lake was seldom utilized at the sediment-water interface. Rather, most food became buried and was available only to subsurface-deposit feeders.
Methamphetamine Exposure Combined with HIV-1 Disease or gp120 Expression: Comparison of Learning and Executive Functions in Humans and Mice.

Methamphetamine dependence is a common comorbid condition among people living with HIV, and may exacerbate HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Animal models of neuroAIDS suggest that the gp120 protein may also cause cognitive impairment. The present work evaluated the separate and combined effects of HIV/gp120 and methamphetamine on learning and executive functions in both humans and transgenic mice. Human participants were grouped by HIV serostatus (HIV+ or HIV−) and lifetime methamphetamine dependence (METH+ or METH−). A neurocognitive test battery included domain-specific assessments of learning and executive functions. Mice (gp120+ and gp120−) were exposed to either a methamphetamine binge (METH+) or saline (METH−), then tested in the attentional-set-shifting task to assess learning and executive functions. In humans, HIV status was associated with significant impairments in learning, but less so for executive functions. The frequency of learning impairments varied between groups, with the greatest impairment observed in the HIV+/METH+ group. In mice, gp120 expression was associated with impairments in learning but not reversal learning (executive component). The greatest proportion of mice that failed to complete the task was observed in the gp120+/METH+ group, suggesting greater learning impairments. Our cross-species study demonstrated that HIV in humans and gp120 in mice impaired learning, and that a history of methamphetamine exposure increased the susceptibility to HIV-associated neurocognitive deficits in both species. Finally, the similar pattern of results in both species suggest that the gp120 protein may contribute to HIV-associated learning deficits in humans.
Estimating changes in real size of the public sector

Abstract A new deflator for total government expenditure can now be derived from major components of the total. Applied to government spending in the US over the past quarter-century , results show near-stability in real size of the public sector.
Research Spotlight: Observing nonlinear internal waves over New Jersey's continental shelf

[1] Nonlinear internal waves, which occur below the ocean's surface, can influence coastal environments, for instance, through increased turbulent mixing that affects fluxes of nutrients and heat.The details of how these waves are generated are not well understood. Shroyer et al. used ship and mooring data collected off the coast of New Jersey during August 2006 to describe the nonlinear internal wavefield and background oceanographic conditions. They found that during most of that month, nonlinear internal wave packets occurred irregularly and had displacements of about 8 meters, but during 17–21 August the nonlinear internal waves were more closely phased with the surface tide and were almost twice as large, with displacements around 15 meters, despite being coincident with the neap tide. The study provides significant new details on the evolution and variability of nonlinear internal waves. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans, doi:10.1029/2010JC006332, 2011)
PHYSICS FOR MODELS OF GALLIUM ARSENIDE DEVICES

Numerically simulating the behavior of GaAs devices requires a model for the distorted densities of states, band edge shifts, ΔEc and ΔEv, and effective intrinsic carrier concentrations, nie. The subscripts c and v denote the conduction and valence bands, respectively. Klauder's self‐energy methods (third‐level and fifth‐level) are applied to calculate the effects of carrier‐dopant ion interactions on the densities of states for GaAs. The effects of carrier‐carrier interactions have been calculated according to the theory of Abram et al. modified for 300 K. These calculations span most of the range of densities encountered in GaAs devices. This range is 5 × 1016 cm−3 to 1019 cm−3 for n‐type GaAs and from 1018 cm−3 to 1020 cm−3 for p‐type GaAs. We present in this paper theoretical data on how ΔEc, ΔEv, and nie vary with dopant densities. The variations with dopant and/or carrier densities of the distorted densities of states, Fermi energies screening radii, and first Born shifts will be given in a future publication.
Consistency of clearance of radioactive sodium from human muscle.

Abstract 1. 1. Clearance of radioactive sodium from the gastrocnemius and biceps muscles in normal men is reproducible over periods of time up to three months. 2. 2. Moderate exercise will significantly increase the rate of clearance of radioactive sodium from muscle within thirty seconds from the start. 3. 3. Fatiguing exercise will markedly increase the rate of clearance of radioactive sodium from muscle, and this increase will be maintained for several (eight to ten) minutes following the cessation of fatiguing exercise. 4. 4. Postural changes have no effect on the clearance rate of radioactive sodium from the gastrocnemius muscle.
Morphological And Ecological Study Of Physoderma Dulichii

A B S T R A C T A new species of aquatic Phycomycete, Physoderma dulichii Johns, parasitic on the aquatic sedge Dutlichium arundinaceum (L.) Britt., is described from northern Michigan. This parasite infects and kills the upper epidermal cells of the host leaves. Macroscopically, infection by P. dulichii is indicated by striking brown bands with irregular margins, at intervals on the upper surfaces of the leaves. Like other species of Physoderma, this organism's development includes two distinct phases, an epibiotic monocentric phase producing asexual zoospores and an endobiotic polycentric phase bearing thick-walled resting spores that germinate after an extensive period of maturation at low temperature ta form zoospores. The morphology and development of the two phases and of resting spore germination are reported in detail. Only the immature leaves of the host are susceptible to infection, which may be initiated by the introduction of mature resting spores, zoospores from germinated resting spores, or zoospores from epibiotic sporangia. Resting-spore zoospores may also produce the endobiotic stage directly. Initiation of infection in nature requires that the terminal cluster of immature leaves on the host plant be submerged, but infection of subsequently formed leaves of emergent culms can be accomplished through the agency of zoospores from epibiotic sporangia on older leaves. The relation of infected stands of hosts to their environment is discussed and the importance of standing water to infection noted. The geographical distribution of the parasite shows correlation with the drainage basins of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, and the northern Atlantic Coastal Plain