cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A model for error recovery with global checkpointing

Abstract The paper proposes a new technique for providing software fault tolerance in concurrent systems. It combines the traditional global checkpointing mechanism with the recovery block concept in order to come up with an easily implementable error recovery mechanism. This mechanism involves smaller overhead in case of moderate to high process interaction than the schemes considered in past, which are based upon the idea of local checkpointing. A model for computing the optimum checkpointing interval is also presented. A particular distribution is hypothesized for the coverage of the recovery, and the behavior of the model is studied in detail for this case.
Characterization of histamine releasing factors in diisocyanate-induced occupational asthma

Immunologic mechanisms contributing to diisocyanate-induced occupational asthma (OA) are poorly defined. There is a relatively low incidence of diisocyanate-specific IgE antibody responses. The frequent occurrence of delayed onset asthmatic responses in workers with diisocyanate asthma suggests a role for cellular immune mechanisms. We have shown in vitro production of antigen-specific mononuclear cell-derived histamine releasing factors (HRF) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of workers with OA. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and RANTES (acronym for “regulated on activation normal T expressed and secreted”) are chemokines found in PBMC supernatants that express HRF activity. Diisocyanate-exposed workers were tested for diisocyanate antigen-stimulated enhancement of HRF, MCP-1, and RANTES production in supernatants of PBMCs and for serum specific IgE and IgG antibody levels to diisocyanate antigens bound to human serum albumin (HSA). PBMCs of workers with diisocyanate OA showed significantly increased production of antigen-specific HRF activity and MCP-1 ( >300 ng/ml) compared to diisocyanate-exposed asymptomatic workers (P < 0.05). Antigen-stimulated enhancement of MCP-1 mRNA was demonstrated by reverse-transcription PCR. RANTES mRNA and chemokine secretion (< 1 ng/ml) was also demonstrated in PBMCs, but did not show antigen enhancement in OA workers. Hapten specificity for the diisocyanate chemical to which a patient had been exposed was demonstrated for HRF enhancement and for IgG antibody reactions, but not for IgE reactions. HRF production was demonstrated in PBMC subpopulations, including lymphocytes and purified T cells. OA subjects showed increased CD8+ cells by immunofluorescence (mean CD4+:CD8+ = 1.2 ± 0.2). The results suggest that diisocyanate antigen enhancement of HRF and MCP-1 production are stimulated by hapten-specific T cell reactions. Since a weak association has been found between IgE antibody synthesis and induction of diisocyanate OA, the role of T cell cytokines and chemokines in the pathogenesis of OA requires further investigation.
Environmental DDT and the genetics of natural populations.

DDT* residues have already been implicated in widespread disruption of various ecosystems1–10. We report here the possibility of their being indirectly responsible for alterations in the genetic content of populations. Our conclusions are based on correlations between chromosomal changes in the fly Drosophila pseudoobscura described over the past 24 years in the western US by Dobzhansky and various collaborators and the distribution patterns of DDT residues we are finding throughout this area. In addition to general geographic correlation, there are several episodes in which these particular genetic effects occurred immediately after DDT application in the particular areas involved.
Primary Root Elongation Rate and Abscisic Acid Levels of Maize in Response to Water Stress

Agricultural crops are exposed to greater water deficits as production regions receive less rainfall and producers move into more arid landscapes to meet demand. Maintenance of root elongation is vital for seedling establishment in these types of climates. Some maize (Zea mays L.) lines can maintain primary root elongation under severe water stress (SS) conditions. Twelve maize inbred lines were examined at the seedling stage before leaf expansion to assess the phenotypic diversity in primary root elongation rate and root elongation zone abscisic acid (ABA) content at three water potentials, -0.03 MPa, -0.3 MPa, and -1.6 MPa. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using 93 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to examine genetic and phenotypic relationships among the lines in relation to stress response. Statistical analysis revealed phenotypic diversity in both primary root elongation rate and ABA content. No correlations were detected between the amount of ABA present in the root tip and the rate of root elongation in any of the treatments. Histograms of primary root elongation response to the varying water deficits suggest multiple mechanisms may be responsible for the response to water stress observed in different maize lines. Different phenotypic responses toward water stress were observed for lines with small genetic distances, which will aid in identification of specific alleles for maintenance of primary root growth under water deficits.
A stochastic constrained optimal replacement model

In this paper a stochastically constrained replacement model is formulated. This model determines a sequence of replacement dates such that the total “current account” cost of all future costs and capital expenditures over an infinite time horizon for the n initial incumbent machines is minimized subject to the constraints that an expected number of machines are in a chosen utility class at any point in time. We then indicate one possible solution method for the model.
Prevalence of Myclobutanil Resistance and Difenoconazole Insensitivity in Populations of Venturia inaequalis

Demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) are a class of single-site fungicides with high levels of protective and curative efficacy against Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab. To determine the prevalence of resistance to the DMI fungicide myclobutanil, 3,987 single-lesion conidial V. inaequalis isolates from 141 commercial, research, and baseline orchard populations were examined throughout New England, the mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest from 2004 to 2013. Of these orchard populations, 63% had practical resistance, 13% had reduced sensitivity, and 24% were sensitive to myclobutanil. A sensitivity baseline for the recently introduced DMI fungicide difenoconazole was established to make comparisons with myclobutanil sensitivity in orchard populations. The mean effective concentration of difenoconazole at which mycelial growth was inhibited by 50% (EC50) was determined to be 0.002 μg ml−1 for 44 baseline isolates of V. inaequalis. From 2010 to 2013, 1,012 isolates of V. inaequalis from 37 of the 141 o...
Electronic structures and optical properties of low- and high-pressure phases of crystalline B2O3.

The high- and low-pressure phases of crystalline boron oxide B{sub 2}O{sub 3} are investigated by first-principle calculations using a local-density approximation (LDA). Both phases are insulators with wide LDA band gaps of 6.20 eV for B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-I (low pressure) and 8.85-eV for B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-II (high pressure). The total density of states are calculated and resolved into atomic and orbital components. The bond strength and charge transfers in these two crystals are investigated by calculating the overlap populations and Mulliken effective charges. B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-II is found to be more ionic than B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-I. It is also concluded that the {ital sp}{sup 2} planar bonding in B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-I is stronger than the {ital sp}{sup 3} tetrahedral bonding in B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-II. The optical conductivities, the dielectric functions, and the energy-loss functions are also calculated using the wave functions at a large number of {bold k} points in the Brillouin zone. The calculated static dielectric constants for B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-I and B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-II are 2.32 and 2.35, respectively. The gross features of the optical spectra for the two crystals are quite similar with one marked difference. The B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-II crystal shows substantial optical anisotropy while B{submore » 2}O{sub 3}-I is optically more isotropic. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}« less
Exploring improvements for simple image classification

In this study, we explore potential improvements to a simple image classification methodology. The methodology analyzed uses K-means clustering and a linear support vector machine (SVM) to classify images using raw pixel data from the individual images. We explore improvement of classification accuracy through feature augmentation, use of alternatives to K-means clustering, and modifications to the SVM. In particular, we analyze potential classification accuracy improvements of feature augmentation via the addition of data generated by feature detection algorithms, the use of clustering methods which automatically calculate the number of centroids, and the effect of different types of kernels on the over classification accuracy. In our experiments, classification of the CIFAR-10 dataset is used to measure performance changes.
Ideology, voting, and shirking

Since we first raised the issue in 1979, scholars have addressed two questions regarding ideology and congressional voting. Does ideology have an impact on such voting? Do representa- tives shirk by voting their own ideology rather than their constituents' interests? For the first ques- tion, it appears that there is a consensus that ideology does matter, although we present some con- firming evidence for 1980. The second question has been confused; some think that ideology and shirking are identical, although they are logically separate categories. We show that even if ideo- logical shirking exists, it is relatively unimportant. We also show that self interested (non- ideological) shirking exists. We conclude that research efforts to untangle constituents' and representatives' separate ideologies have been misguided and that further efforts to examine the determinants of constituent ideology should be pursued. Public choice scholars have addressed two major questions related to the in- fluence of ideology on political behavior. One is essentially an existence ques- tion: Is there an influence? The second is the role of the ideology of the elected representative himself versus the role of constituent ideology. This has been ad- dressed as shirking: Do elected representatives shirk by voting their own ideo- logical preferences instead of the interests of their constituents? In this paper we provide some evidence on both of these topics. We provide confirmatory evidence on the direct impact of ideology on congressional vot- ing, and some additional evidence on the role of ideological contributors to campaigns. We then present some evidence on shirking. We conclude that self interested shirking does exist. If ideological shirking exists, it is quickly punished by voters. Finally, we suggest that the issue of shirking by legislators is of relatively little theoretical or empirical interest, and that the profession
Directly Relating Gas‐Phase Cluster Measurements to Solution‐Phase Hydrolysis, the Absolute Standard Hydrogen Electrode Potential, and the Absolute Proton Solvation Energy

Solution-phase, half-cell potentials are measured relative to other half-cell potentials, resulting in a thermochemical ladder that is anchored to the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE), which is assigned an arbitrary value of 0 V. A new method for measuring the absolute SHE potential is demonstrated in which gaseous nanodrops containing divalent alkaline-earth or transition-metal ions are reduced by thermally generated electrons. Energies for the reactions 1) M(H(2)O)(24)(2+)(g) + e(-)(g)-->M(H(2)O)(24)(+)(g) and 2) M(H(2)O)(24)(2+)(g) + e(-)(g)-->MOH(H(2)O)(23)(+)(g) + H(g) and the hydrogen atom affinities of MOH(H(2)O)(23)(+)(g) are obtained from the number of water molecules lost through each pathway. From these measurements on clusters containing nine different metal ions and known thermochemical values that include solution hydrolysis energies, an average absolute SHE potential of +4.29 V vs. e(-)(g) (standard deviation of 0.02 V) and a real proton solvation free energy of -265 kcal mol(-1) are obtained. With this method, the absolute SHE potential can be obtained from a one-electron reduction of nanodrops containing divalent ions that are not observed to undergo one-electron reduction in aqueous solution.
Abstract A56: Spontaneous aggregation and novel signalosome organization of BENTA-associated gain-of-function CARD11 mutants in lymphocytes

Antigen receptor (AgR)-induced NF-κB activation is a critical determinant of lymphocyte growth and survival. However, constitutive NF-κB activity can drive excessive lymphoproliferation and oncogenesis. We recently described a novel human lymphoproliferative disorder designated as BENTA (B cell Expansion with NF-κB and T cell Anergy), caused by germline gain-of-function mutations in the lymphocyte-specific scaffolding protein CARD11. Similar, somatic CARD11 mutations are found in ~10% of activated B cell-type diffuse large B cell lymphomas (ABC-DLBCL). Normally, AgR ligation converts CARD11 into an active conformation that nucleates a large multi-protein signalosome incorporating BCL10, MALT1, and other components that ultimately facilitate activation of IκB kinase (IKK) and nuclear translocation of NF-κB. We have now identified four different heterozygous CARD11 missense mutations (E134G, G123S, G123D, C49Y) in affected patients. Similar to BENTA patient cells and DLBCL tumors, ectopic expression of each mutant triggers constitutive NF-κB activation in B and T cell lines without AgR stimulation. Using confocal microscopy, we now demonstrate that these CARD11 mutants form large, spontaneous perinuclear aggregates with a novel, shell-like substructure. While BCL10 is largely excluded, other signaling components such as MALT1 and phospho-IκB kinase (IKK) are found within or closely colocalized with CARD11 shells, suggesting these aggregates are sites of active signaling. Our results provide the first evidence that gain-of-function CARD11 mutants assemble into a compartmentalized, active signalosome with a distinct structural organization. Further imaging and biochemical analysis of these aggregates will provide new insights into aberrant CARD11 signaling in BENTA patient lymphocytes and DLBCL tumors harboring active CARD11 mutations. Citation Format: Jeffrey Richard Stinson, Andrew L. Snow. Spontaneous aggregation and novel signalosome organization of BENTA-associated gain-of-function CARD11 mutants in lymphocytes. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Third AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; Sep 18-22, 2013; National Harbor, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(19 Suppl):Abstract nr A56.
Structure functions of nuclei for all x and Q 2

We propose a modified version of the quark cluster model to describe the structure functions of nuclei over the complete kinematical region of the variables x = Q2/2mNν and Q2. The model accounts for shadowing effects at very small x and anti-shadowing in the region 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.3. The experimental observation that the ratio of structure functions F2A/F2D is less than unity in the region x ≃ 0.5 is related to the influence of multiquark clusters. The model agrees with all available data on nuclear structure fuctions for a large variety of nuclei, and can be used to make predictions for kinematical regions not yet studied experimentally.
Nonlinear structures of transition in wall-bounded flows

Abstract We review recent developments on the numerical simulation of flow structures evolving during the nonlinear stages of transition to turbulence in wall-bounded flows. Plane Poiseuille flow and the Blasius boundary layer are considered as model problems for which simulations have been performed by solving the three-dimensional time-dependent incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in a spatially periodic integration domain. Numerical techniques including finite-difference, spectral and pseudospectral methods used in these simulations are also summarized. The transition process considered here is a nonlinear phenomenon which arises from the amplification of initially small-amplitude two- and three-dimensional disturbances. During the later stages, nonlinear velocity-vorticity field interactions instigate the evolution of characteristics three-dimensional structures such as lambda vortices, horseshoe vortices and hairpin vortices. Significant advances have recently been made in both experimental and numerical studies of these structures. We give an account of the numerical work and compare with experiments.
The division of labor between generations of women in rural China

Abstract Using the 1993 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey, I examine the work arrangement of coresiding mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law in rural China. The analyses suggest that work activities of daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law are not independent of each other, but rather reflect a coordination of activities. I use the typology of “inside” vs. “outside” work to describe the intergenerational work arrangement, which was used to depict traditional gender division of labor in China. In addition to the effect of individual resources and local labor market conditions, multivariate analysis documents that the division of labor between the generations of women is a type of family strategy as well as a result of power dynamics in the household. For example, the intergenerational division of labor responds to family needs, such as childcare demands, with the mother-in-law more likely to adjust her work activities than the daughter-in-law. The results also indicate that the work arrangement tends to favor the daughter-in-law the closer her natal kin lives. Analyses on housework arrangements also suggest that the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law share housework responsibilities.
New advances in the Gaussian-process approach to pulsar-timing data analysis

In this work we review the application of the theory of Gaussian processes to the modeling of noise in pulsar-timing data analysis, and we derive various useful and optimized representations for the likelihood expressions that are needed in Bayesian inference on pulsar-timing-array data sets. The resulting viewpoint and formalism lead us to two improved parameter-sampling schemes inspired by Gibbs sampling. The new schemes have vastly lower chain autocorrelation lengths than the Markov-chain Monte Carlo methods currently used in pulsar-timing data analysis, potentially speeding up Bayesian inference by orders of magnitude. The new schemes can be used for a full-noise-model analysis of the large data sets currently being assembled by pulsar-timing-array collaborations, which generally present a serious computational challenge to existing methods.
A system-level view of optimizing high-channel-count wireless biosignal telemetry

In this paper we perform a system-level analysis of a wireless biosignal telemetry system. We perform an analysis of each major system component (e.g., analog front end, analog-to-digital converter, digital signal processor, and wireless link), in which we consider physical, algorithmic, and design limitations. Since there are a wide range applications for wireless biosignal telemetry systems, each with their own unique set of requirements for key parameters (e.g., channel count, power dissipation, noise level, number of bits, etc.), our analysis is equally broad. The net result is a set of plots, in which the power dissipation for each component and as the system as a whole, are plotted as a function of the number of channels for different architectural strategies. These results are also compared to existing implementations of complete wireless biosignal telemetry systems.
Generation of amplitude-squeezed light from a pump-suppressed semiconductor laser with dispersive optical feedback

Amplitude-squeezed states are generated from a room-temperature semiconductor laser using a combination of pump suppression and dispersive optical feedback. The laser amplitude noise is found to be sensitive to extremely weak feedback levels, of the order of 10-8 of the output power. a reduction of the noise from 2% below the standard quantum limit (SQL) under free-running conditions to 19% below the SQL under optimal feedback conditions is obtained. A single mode theory is presented but is found to be inadequate in explaining the measured dependence of the noise reduction on the feedback power. A multimode theory including asymmetrical cross-mode nonlinear gain is proposed to explain this discrepancy.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Metal-oxide nanostructure and gas-sensing performance ☆

Abstract A comparison of nanostructured one-dimensional sensing elements is presented. Advantages and limitations of synthesis and incorporation of these elements fabricated via thermal evaporative condensation and electrospinning are discussed. These single-crystal or polycrystalline elements are tested in a chemiresistor configuration. Catalyst nanoparticles are surface applied to enhance response. Response magnitude, rate and operating temperature form the basis for comparative evaluation.
Research Spotlight: Deadly 2010 Russian heat wave not a consequence of climate change

[1] Although some people may try to ascribe specific extreme weather events to climate change, global warming cannot be held responsible for recent weather events such as the 2010 Russian heat wave. Using climate simulations and a comparison against historical conditions, Dole et al. assess the influence of greenhouse gases, aerosols, anomalous sea surface temperatures, and other potential climate forcings on the likelihood and magnitude of the 2010 Russian heat wave. The authors suggest that the heat wave—which lasted from late June to mid-August and was responsible for thousands of deaths, widespread wildfires, and devastating crop loss—fell well within the bounds of natural climate variability. The authors find that none of the tested climate factors showed appreciable ability to predict the extreme temperatures seen throughout the heat wave. Additionally, the researchers' historical analysis revealed that July temperatures, as well as the temperature variability, for the affected region of western Russia showed no significant trend over the past 130 years. They note that the top 10 hottest July days for the region were distributed randomly across the historical period, although global averages do show clustering in the past 2 decades. (Geophysical Research Letters, doi:10.1029/2010GL046582, 2011)
Cogenerated energy recovery from modular refuse incinerators

Abstract Burning of municipal refuse in incinerators has become an important alternative to conventional landfill owing to the dual benefits of energy recovery and solid waste disposal. This paper presents a method for thermal-economic appraisal of plants employing modular incinerators for cogeneration of process steam and electricity. A case study of a proposed facility in Chicago is used to illustrate incorporation of the refuse disposal credit and income from sales of steam and electricity as well as incentives dealing with taxes, cogeneration and financing.
Analytical methods to differentiate similar electroencephalographic spectra: neural network and discriminant analysis.

Differences in electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectra obtained under similar, but not identical, conditions may be difficult to discern using standard techniques. Statistical analysis may not be useful because of the large number of comparisons necessary. Visual recognition of differences also may be difficult. A new technique, neural network analysis, has been used successfully in other problems of pattern recognition and classification. We examined a number of methods of classifying similar EEG data: standard statistical analysis (analysis of variance), visual recognition, discriminant analysis, and neural network analysis. Twenty-nine volunteers received either thiopental (n = 9), midazolam (n = 10), or propofol (n = 10) in sedative doses in 3 different studies. These drugs produced very similar changes in the EEG power spectra. Except for beta2 power during thiopental infusion, differences between drugs could not be detected using analysis of variance. Visual categorization was correct in 72% of the baseline EEGs, 70% of thiopental EEGs, 27% of propofol EEGs, and 46% of midazolam EEGs. A classification neural network (Learning Vector Quantization network) containing a Kohonen hidden layer was able to successfully classify 57 of 58 EEG samples (of 4 minutes’ duration). Discriminant analysis had a similar rate of success. This level of performance was achieved by dividing the EEG power spectrum from 1 to 30 Hz into 15 2-Hz bandwidths. When the EEG power spectrum was divided into the “classical” frequency bandwidths (alpha, beta1, beta2, theta, delta), both neural network and discriminant analysis performance deteriorated. By training the network using only certain inputs we were able to identify drugspecific bandwidths that seemed to be important in correct classification. We conclude that propofol, thiopental, and midazolam produce different effects on the EEG and that both neural network and discriminant analysis are useful in identifying these differences. We also conclude that EEG spectra should be analyzed without using classical EEG bands (alpha, beta, etc.). Additionally, neural networks can be used to identify frequency bands that are “important” in specific drug effects on the EEG. Once a classification algorithm is obtained using either a neural network or discriminant analysis, it could be used as an on-line monitor to recognize drug-specific EEG patterns.
Sampling from the gamma distribution on a computer

This paper describes a method of generating gamma variates that appears to be less costly than Wallace's recently suggested method. For large shape parameter a; the cost of computation is proportional to √a, whereas Wallace's method is proportional to a. Experimentation by Robinson and Lewis indicates that for small a the method suggested here also dominates methods recently suggested by Dieter and Ahrens, albeit those methods dominate for large a. The method suggested here uses the rejection technique.
An approximate solution of a static cylindrical mixed boundary value problem

Abstract An approximate solution to a mixed boundary value problem in potential theory is given. The boundary value problem consists of an insulating cylindrical column with a band electrode in a conducting space, which represents a well logging problem. Alternatively, the same form also approximately solves the problem of a conducting column with a band electrode in an insulating space representing, for example, a conducting connector plug (with injected electrostatic discharge current).
LiCoO2 Thin Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition on Low Cost Substrates

We report on the use of pulsed laser depositon (PLD) to grow thin films of LiCoO2 on a number of low cost substrates including SnO2 coated Upilex, stainless steel and SnO2 coated glass. Highly textured (001) films grown on CVD deposited SnO2 films on 7059 glass, were obtained at 200 to 500 mTorr O2 and a temperature of 500 C. Similar texture was not obtained on the stainless or Upilex however dense films from crystalline to amorphous were obtained. The films were characterized by x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.
Thorough exploration of complex environments with a space-based potential field

Robotic exploration, for the purposes of search and rescue or explosive device detection, can be improved by using a team of multiple robots. Potential field navigation methods offer natural and efficient distributed exploration algorithms in which team members are mutually repelled to spread out and cover the area efficiently. However, they also suffer from field minima issues. Liu and Lyons proposed a Space-Based Potential Field (SBPF) algorithm that disperses robots efficiently and also ensures they are driven in a distributed fashion to cover complex geometry. In this paper, the approach is modified to handle two problems with the original SBPF method: fast exploration of enclosed spaces, and fast navigation of convex obstacles. Firstly, a “gate-sensing” function was implemented. The function draws the robot to narrow openings, such as doors or corridors that it might otherwise pass by, to ensure every room can be explored. Secondly, an improved obstacle field conveyor belt function was developed which allows the robot to avoid walls and barriers while using their surface as a motion guide to avoid being trapped. Simulation results, where the modified SPBF program controls the MobileSim Pioneer 3-AT simulator program, are presented for a selection of maps that capture difficult to explore geometries. Physical robot results are also presented, where a team of Pioneer 3-AT robots is controlled by the modified SBPF program. Data collected prior to the improvements, new simulation results, and robot experiments are presented as evidence of performance improvements.
COORDINATION OF WATER AND SEWER EXTENSION POLICY WITH LAND USE PLANNING: Key Factors Influencing the State of Practice

City planners have argued for over 20 years that water and sewer extension decisions should be coordinated with comprehensive land use and growth management plans. It is shown that a modicum of coordination, in fact, is occurring among utilities in nine southeastern states. Key factors promoting coordination include rapid population growth, a highly educated utility director, and adoption of sophisticated internal capital programming techniques. Those findings suggest that state capacity-building programs designed to improve the effectiveness of utility leadership and operations will help foster increased coordination of utility investments with community land use and growth management planning. It is found, however, that the use of special districts to provide utility services tends to stifle coordination. That finding suggests that states should take steps to discourage the use of special districts to provide services, such as water and sewerage, that strongly affect population distribution and whose provision therefore should be closely coordinated with community growth management policies.
GABRB3 mutation, G32R, associated with childhood absence epilepsy alters α1β3γ2L γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor expression and channel gating.

A GABAA receptor β3 subunit mutation, G32R, has been associated with childhood absence epilepsy. We evaluated the possibility that this mutation, which is located adjacent to the most N-terminal of three β3 subunit N-glycosylation sites, might reduce GABAergic inhibition by increasing glycosylation of β3 subunits. The mutation had three major effects on GABAA receptors. First, coexpression of β3(G32R) subunits with α1 or α3 and γ2L subunits in HEK293T cells reduced surface expression of γ2L subunits and increased surface expression of β3 subunits, suggesting a partial shift from ternary αβ3γ2L receptors to binary αβ3 and homomeric β3 receptors. Second, β3(G32R) subunits were more likely than β3 subunits to be N-glycosylated at Asn-33, but increases in glycosylation were not responsible for changes in subunit surface expression. Rather, both phenomena could be attributed to the presence of a basic residue at position 32. Finally, α1β3(G32R)γ2L receptors had significantly reduced macroscopic current density. This reduction could not be explained fully by changes in subunit expression levels (because γ2L levels decreased only slightly) or glycosylation (because reduction persisted in the absence of glycosylation at Asn-33). Single channel recording revealed that α1β3(G32R)γ2L receptors had impaired gating with shorter mean open time. Homology modeling indicated that the mutation altered salt bridges at subunit interfaces, including regions important for subunit oligomerization. Our results suggest both a mechanism for mutation-induced hyperexcitability and a novel role for the β3 subunit N-terminal α-helix in receptor assembly and gating.
Impact of phase transitions on P wave velocities

In regions where a high pressure phase is in equilibrium with a low pressure phase, the bulk modulus defined by the P-V relationship is greatly reduced. Here we evaluate the effect of such transitions on the P wave velocity. A model, where cation diffusion is the rate limiting factor, is used to project laboratory data to the conditions of a seismic wave propagating in the two-phase region. We demonstrate that for the minimum expected effect there is a significant reduction of the seismic velocity, as large as 10% over a narrow depth range.
2003 EH 1 Is the Quadrantid Shower Parent Comet

The Quadrantid meteor shower in early January is our most intense annual shower. Until now, the parent was thought to have evolved away from the observable part of an old, widely dispersed meteoroid stream. A few years ago, it was found from a small dispersion in a new set of precisely reduced Quadrantid orbits that the stream was only about 500 years old. It was predicted that the parent was still to be found among the meteoroids. I now find that the shower originated from 2003 EH1, a minor planet discovered by LONEOS on March 6, currently passing 0.213 AU outside of Earth orbit in a high-inclination, comet-like orbit with a Tisserand invariant with respect to Jupiter of only 2.064. The orbit agrees with that of the Quadrantids. Small discrepancies in node (~03) and perihelion distance (~0.23 AU) are consistent with the differential evolution of comet and debris that was released from 2003 EH1 about 500 years ago into slightly longer orbits. I conclude that object 2003 EH1 is an intermittently active comet. The large total mass in the shower (~1013 kg) is only consistent with a young age if the meteoroids were shed during a breakup. Comet C/1490 Y1 was observed in about the right time frame for such a breakup and might be a prior sighting when the Quadrantid meteoroid stream was created, but efforts to construct a common orbit that links 2003 EH1 and comet C/1490 Y1 show that nongravitational perturbations or close encounters with Earth may need to be considered.
Effects of chronic treatment with selective agonists on the subtypes of dopamine receptors

Abstract The effects of chronic administration of selective dopaminergic agonists on D1 and D2 receptor density, affinity and function were measured in Sprague-Dawley rats. Animals received daily injections (i.p.) of the D1-selective agonist SKF-38393 (10 mg/kg), the D2-selective agonist quinpirole (1 mg/kg), SKF-38393 plus quinpirole, or saline for 14 days. Quantitative autoradiographic analysis revealed that the density of D2 receptors was decreased following chronic treatment with quinpirole alone or in combination with SKF-38393 whereas SKF-38393 by itself has no effect on this receptor. In contrast, the density of D1 receptors was increased following treatment with SKF-38393. Although quinpirole by itself had no effect on D1 receptors, co-administration with SKF-38393 attenuated the up-regulation of D1 receptors produced by SKF-38393 in the caudate-putamen and nucleus accumbens but not in the substantia nigra. The up-regulation of D1 receptors in response to chronic SKF-38393 may be attributed to the partial agonist properties of SKF-38393 which may not provide sufficient D1 receptor stimulation to down-regulate the receptor. Quinpirole-induced hypothermia and SKF-38393-induced hyperthermia were measured before and after chronic agonist treatments to examine the effects of these treatments on thermoregulatory functions mediated by each receptor subtype. Treatment with quinpirole or quinpirole plus SKF-38393 resulted in desensitization of quinpirole-induced hypothermia, whereas treatment with SKF-38393 alone had no effect. All of the chronic treatments produced sensitization of SKF-38393-induced hyperthermia. Since not all treatments result in an increase in the density of D1 receptors, up-regulation of D1 receptors is not the sole mechanism for this sensitization.
Development of a wide-field-of-view, unobscured, three-mirror anastigmat

The need for a light weight, compact optical system with a large field of view (FOV), high resolution over a large spectral bandwidth, and flat image plane has prompted the design of a three mirror anastigmat (TMA) with the following properties: it is off axis in aperture and field, is unobscured, and is entirely reflective. Precursor designs based on the Schmidt and Schwarzschild principles of correction are discussed and several variations of the TMA design are introduced.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pyrene acts as a cocarcinogen with the carcinogens benzo[a]pyrene, beta-propiolactone and radiation in the induction of malignant transformation in cultured mouse fibroblasts; soybean extract containing the Bowman-Birk inhibitor acts as an anticarcinogen.

Pyrene was found to act as a cocarcinogen in the induction of transformation of cultured Balb/c3T3 cells by three different types of carcinogens: a direct acting chemical carcinogen, β-propiolactone, a chemical carcinogen requiring metabolic activation, benzo[a]pyrene, and a physical carcinogen (60Co) gamma radiation. Since pyrene enhanced transformation in vitro by approximately the same amount for all the carcinogens tested, these results suggest that the carcinogenic action of pyrene is not related to carcinogen metabolism or uptake in vitro. An extract of soybeans containing the Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor was shown to reduce transformation induced by β-propiolactone, benzo[a]pyrene and γ-rays, both with and without the cocarcinogenic effect of pyrene, to background levels; the magnitude of the reduction in transformation by the protease inhibitor preparation was unrelated to the concentration of carcinogen. Neither the mechanism for the cocarcinogenic action of pyrene nor the anticarcinogenic effect of the soybean extract is known, but several hypotheses are discussed.
LEVEL AND FLEXIBILITY OF SELF-DISCLOSURE

Two contrasting methods of examining self-disclosure have focused on different aspects of this variable. Jourard and Lasakow (3) studied level, i.e., how much is disclosed, whereas Chelune (2) assessed flexibility of disclosure across different situations and targets. The Jourard Self-disclosure Questionnaire (3) and the Self-disclosure Situation Survey (2) have been the primary measures of these two variables, respectively. It was the primary purpose of this study to examine the interrelationship becween indices of level and flexibility of disclosure derived from these rwo instruments. Subjects were 98 male and 30 female undergraduates (mean age = 19.8 yr., range 18 to 23 yr.) who completed Chelune's 20-item survey (M = 3.67, SD = 1.28) and a modified version of Jourard's 60-item questionna~re for the targets of strangers, acquaintances, and close friends. No differences in gender were observed so data for males and females were combined. Each instrument was scored for both level and flexibility of disclosure. For Chelune's survey, the typical flexibility score was used, i.e., the standard deviation across items, as well as the over-all level of disclosure. For Jourard's questionnaire, the over-all level of disclosure across targets was used as well as two measures of flexibility. Content flexibility was a difference score becween scores on items in the content areas of high and low intimacy. The target flexibility score was computed as a standard deviation across the disclosure targets. Pearson correlations were computed for the two measures of disclosure level and the three of disclosure flexibility. Significant relationships were observed between: Jourard's level and target flexibility, r = .47, p < ,001; Jourard's level and content flexibility, r = .25, p < .01; Chelune's level and flexibility, s = -.20, P < :0,5; Chelune's level and Jourard's target flexibility, r = -.17, p < .05; Chelune's flex~b~l~ty and Jourard's target flexibility, r = .28, p < .01. No significant relationships between measures of the following pairs of conceptually similar variables were also observed: Jourard's and Chelune's levels; Jourard's content flexibility and target flexibility; Jou;atdSs content flexibility and Chelune's flexibility. The small magnitude of variance accounted for even when significant correlations were observed raises concerns about Jourard's and Chelune's measures as the same variables. The effectiveness of using self-report pencil-and-paper measures to assess aspects of self-disclosure is uncertain. Closer attention to studying specific aspects of target, content, and situational contexts of self-disclosure appears warranted.
25-Hydroxyvitamin D Testing and Supplementation in CKD: An NKF-KDOQI Controversies Report

The benefits of and thresholds for 25-hydroxyvitamin D administration in individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain uncertain. In this report, NKF-KDOQI (National Kidney Foundation–Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) endeavors to provide health care providers with the latest information on a controversial area in the management of CKD, the role for nutritional vitamin D. Although knowledge of the biological mechanisms of vitamin D for bone maintenance in individuals with all stages of CKD has expanded, no consensus currently exists within the medical community regarding methods for 25-hydroxyvitamin D supplementation or optimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in individuals with CKD. Within this report, existing CKD guidelines are summarized and scrutinized and ongoing clinical trials are cited as sources for future guidance on the optimal management of vitamin D in CKD.
Regioselective binding of 2,5-hexanedione to high-molecular-weight rat neurofilament proteins in vitro

Abstract Previous studies have shown selective binding of the neurotoxicant 2,5-hexanedione (2,5-HD) to carboxyl-terminal domains of rat neurofilament (NF) M and H proteinsin vitro.The present study was designed to further localize this binding in native rat NF preparations exposed to [14C]2,5-HD. Purified M and H proteins from 2,5-HD-treated NFs were subjected to cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleavage, and the resultant peptides were separated by Tris-tricine SDS–PAGE and electroblotted to PVDF membranes. Peptides were identified by direct sequencing of stained bands and the relative radiolabeling of each peptide was determined by comparing band intensities in fluorographed blots. For NF-M, the highest label was found in CNBr 10, a peptide corresponding to residues 678–846 at the extreme carboxyl terminus. This region of the protein includes three highly conserved lysine-containing sequences believed to be critical to its function. For NF-H, the greatest binding was localized in CNBr 7 + 8, representing an incomplete cleavage product of residues 390–810. This peptide contains essentially all of the phosphorylation sites in the carboxyl terminus of NF-H, a domain believed to control NF interactions in the axon. Only minor radiolabeling was observed in other M or H peptides. Extensive dephosphorylation of NFs prior to 2,5-HD exposure had no effect on relative adduct levels in each protein. These results provide additional support for limited and specific binding of 2,5-HD to neurofilaments and indicate that the phosphorylation state of the protein may not substantially influence this binding.
Methanotrophic attached-film reactor development and biofilm characteristics.

The feasibility of using methanotrophs in an attached-film, fluidized-bed (MAFFB) reactor system has been under investigation since 1987. Mixed culture, methane-utilizing attached biofilms were developed on diatomaceous earth particles and on granular activated carbon. The required feed gases, methane and oxygen, were supplied to the attached biofilm in disolved form using separate gas–liquid aeration columns. Biofilm growth was steady despite low influent dissolved methane concentrations (1 to 3 mg/L). A breeder MAFFB operated consistently for 4.1 years with attached biofilm concentrations as high as 51.7 g VS/L static-bed with minimal biomass wasting and with minimal buffer and nutrient inputs. The maximum biomass concentration observed was 75.6 g VS/L static-bed in a MAFFB reactor treating trichloroethene. Biofilm thickness reached 160 μm with typical values of 70 μm under methane and oxygen growht-rate–limited conditions. Biofilm densities of 120 to 190 g VS/L film were observed. Growth rates varied from <0.01/d to 0.17/d. Greater than 90% of the biomass concentration in the bed was attached, and effluent total suspended solids ranged from 5 to 74 mg/L, with an average of 24 mg/L over 27 runs in four MAFFB systems at upflow velocities of 11.4 to 25 m/h. Heterotrophic attached-film methanotrophs appear to be stable and useful for applications in toxics treatment, and other product manipulations. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
AD vaccines: conclusions and future directions.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia worldwide, affecting approximately 37 million people currently. By 2050, according to some estimates, 1:85 persons worldwide will be affected by AD [1]. Currently available treatments for AD provide largely symptomatic relief with only minor effects on the course of the disease. There is an urgent need for better therapeutic interventions. Besides immunomodulation, numerous other approaches are being studied, which include anti-amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation agents, secretase inhibitors/modulators blocking Aβ production, tau aggregation blockers, and various neuroprotective strategies [2]. Perhaps the greatest hope for an intervention that shall significantly impact disease progression in the near future comes from the vaccination approaches. Certainly in AD transgenic (Tg) mouse models Aβ directed immunization has been spectacularly successful using a wide variety of methods. However, as outlined in the prior chapters, significant unanswered questions remain for the current and future human trials as to what is the best design of a vaccine, what is the best target and when should therapy start?
Threshold of Protograph-Based LDPC Coded BICM for Rayleigh Fading

Protograph-based bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) provides an elegant way of designing coded modulation over Rayleigh faded channels, however, to date the available designs have been limited to specific modulations and the corresponding decoding thresholds have not been known for Rayleigh faded channels. In this work, we present a simple method for designing protograph-based BICM that is general and applies to any modulation, and furthermore we calculate the iterative decoding thresholds of the protograph codes while mapped to higher order modulations. This general coding framework can support not only multiple rates but also adaptive modulation. We report that certain families of protograph codes achieve a threshold within a gap of approximately 0.2 − 0.4 dB of BICM capacity limit across a wide range of rates and modulations.