cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids inhibit interconversion of 7-hydroxy and 7-oxo metabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone: a role for 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases?

The cytochrome p450-dependent formation and subsequent interconversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolites 7 alpha-hydroxy-DHEA (7 alpha-OH-DHEA), 7 beta-hydroxy-DHEA (7 beta-OH-DHEA), and 7-oxo-DHEA was observed in human, pig, and rat liver microsomal fractions. Rat liver mitochondria and nuclei also converted DHEA to 7 alpha-OH-DHEA and 7-oxo-DHEA, but at a lower rate. With NADP(+), and less so with NAD(+), rat, pig, and human liver microsomes and rat liver mitochondria and nuclei converted 7 alpha-OH-DHEA to 7-oxo-DHEA. This reaction was inhibited by corticosterone and the 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 betaHSD) inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX). The conversion of 7 alpha-OH-DHEA to 7-oxo-DHEA by rat kidney occurred at higher rates with NAD(+) than with NADP(+) and was inhibited by corticosterone. With NADPH, 7-oxo-DHEA was converted to unidentified hydroxylated metabolites and low levels of 7 alpha-OH-DHEA by rat liver microsomes. In contrast, pig liver microsomal fractions reduced 7-oxo-DHEA to nearly equal amounts of 7 alpha- and 7 beta-OH-DHEA, while human fractions produced mainly 7 beta-OH-DHEA. Dehydrocorticosterone inhibited the reduction to both isomers by pig liver microsomes, but only to 7 alpha-OH-DHEA by human microsomes; CBX inhibited both reactions. Rat kidney did not reduce 7-oxo-DHEA with either NADPH or NADH. These results demonstrate that DHEA is first converted in liver to 7 alpha-OH-DHEA, which is subsequently oxidized to 7-oxo-DHEA in both liver and kidney. In liver, interconversion of 7-oxo-DHEA and 7-OH-DHEA isomers is largely catalyzed by 11 betaHSD1, while in kidney 11 betaHSD2 (NAD(+)-dependent) and 11 betaHSD3 (NADP(+)-dependent) likely catalyze the unidirectional oxidation of 7 alpha-hydroxy-DHEA to 7-oxo-DHEA. Distinct species-specific routes of metabolism of DHEA and the interconversion of its metabolites obviate extrapolation of animal studies to humans.
On information value and mean-preserving transformations

The methods of defining and evaluating evolution of information in economic systems are often based on abstract measure-theoretic mean-preserving transformations (MPTs), also known as second-order stochastic dominance. This study first points out that such abstract MPTs have distributional equivalents and then shows that the distributional MPTs often provide analytical settings that are more accessible than those provided by their measure-theoretic analogs. It is shown that a number of abstract results on information value could be readily obtained via the distributional MPTs. The focus is on the central issue of negative value for information.
Fate and Plasticity of the Epidermis in Response to Congenital Activation of BRAF

Germline and somatic mutations in RAS and its downstream effectors are found in several congenital conditions affecting the skin. Here we demonstrate that activation of BRAF in the embryonic mouse ectoderm triggers both craniofacial and skin defects, including hyperproliferation, loss of spinous and granular keratinocyte differentiation, and cleft palate. RNA sequencing of the epidermis confirmed these findings but unexpectedly revealed evidence of continued epidermal maturation, expression of >80 % of epidermal differentiation complex genes, and formation of a hydrophobic barrier. Spinous and granular differentiation were restored by pharmacologic inhibition of MAPK/ERK kinase or BRAF. However, restoration of epidermal differentiation was non-cell autonomous and required dermal tissue to be present in tissue recombination studies. These studies indicate that early activation of the RAF signaling pathway in the ectoderm has effects on specific steps of epidermal differentiation, which may be amenable to treatment with currently available pharmacologic inhibitors.
The Role of Post-translational Modifications of the CXCR4 Amino Terminus in Stromal-derived Factor 1α Association and HIV-1 Entry

The chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays critical roles in development, immune function, and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry. Here we demonstrate that, like the CC-chemokine receptors CCR5 and CCR2b, CXCR4 is posttranslationally modified by sulfation of its amino-terminal tyrosines. The sulfate group at tyrosine 21 contributes substantially to the ability of CXCR4 to bind its ligand, stromal derived factor 1α. Tyrosine sulfation plays a less significant role in CXCR4-dependent HIV-1 entry than in CCR5-dependent HIV-1 entry. In some cell lines, CXCR4 is efficiently modified by a chondroitin sulfate chain at serine 18, but neither HIV-1 entry nor stromal derived factor 1α binding was affected by loss of this glycosaminoglycan. These data demonstrate a functional role for tyrosine sulfate in the CXC-chemokine receptor family and underscore a general difference in HIV-1 utilization of CCR5 and CXCR4.
Capacity planning tools for web and grid environments

A key aspect in managing resources for customer sites is to predict and assess the load associated with a site in order to figure out how best to allocate resources for the site over time and to efficiently schedule tasks. The cost associated with the site and return on investment are also key parameters. This paper describes work we have done in developing tools for answering these critical questions. The tools use both analytical models and discrete event simulations to predict performance and analyze costs needed for handling a customer workload while satisfying the service level objectives. These tools provide capacity and load planning, performance simulation, and cost and financial analyses. Our tools have been used successfully by several major customers, and those experiences have shaped how the tools have evolved over time.
Integrated Capillary Electrophoresis/Electrochemical Detection with Metal Film Electrodes Directly Deposited onto the Capillary Tip.

The practical application of electrochemical detection in capillary electrophoresis has been hampered by irreproducibility and inconvenience related to capillary/electrode alignment. In order to eliminate these problems, a simple, flexible method by which the capillary and the working electrode were integrated into a single operational unit was devised and evaluated. The electrodes were formed by sputtering a thin conductive layer of Au or Pt onto the exit tip of the capillary. Depending on the size of the capillary used (i.e., both inner and outer diameters), Au on-capillary electrodes (OCEs) gave detection limits at the micromolar level and slightly below for the test analytes dopamine and catechol. More important, operation of the OCEs required no alignment procedures beyond immersion in the CE buffer reservoir/detector cell. OCEs used in this manner exhibited relative standard deviations of 2-4% for repeated injections even if removed from solution between runs. Finally, the Au and Pt OCEs could themselves be modified further by conventional electrochemical procedures. Here, Cu OCEs, formed by electrodeposition onto Au, were used to detect carbohydrate compounds; and an enzyme OCE, formed by adsorption of glucose oxidase onto Pt, was used to detect glucose.
Transformation in Bulk and Trace Organics during Ozonation of Wastewater

The aim of this paper is to determine the ozone dosages needed to oxidize bulk and trace organics. Treated effluent from eight full-scale wastewater treatment plants was collected and subjected to lab-scale ozonation. Because both organics and inorganics exert ozone demand, an approach was developed to calculate only the ozone demand associated with organics. This method allowed normalization of dosing parameters to correlate with removal of color, UV absorbance, plus oxidation of trace organics and nitrosamine precursors. We also showed that ozonation effectively reduces the fraction of organic matter characterized as “colloidal organic matter,” thereby reducing the potential for membrane fouling.
Zoning should promote public health.

Synopsis Legally, governments use their police powers to protect public health, safety, and welfare through zoning. This paper presents a case for revisiting zoning on the basis of increasing evidence that certain types of community design promote public health, as opposed to the dominant pattern of sprawl development, which does not. Zoning, and the land use planning linked to it, that prohibits or disfavors health-promoting community designs contradicts the inherent public policy goal on which it is based. If there is a paradigm shift underway, from traditional sprawl to health-promoting community designs, then health professionals and others should understand why zoning must be reassessed.
Trench power MOSFET lowside switch with optimized integrated Schottky diode

This work investigates the device and circuit performance of an integrated MOSFET-Schottky diode solution for lowside switching, or synchronous rectifier, applications. The integrated diode structure is a trench MOS barrier Schottky (TMBS) device, and the area of the TMBS structure, as a ratio of the total active area, was the independent variable in this study, ranging from zero to 50%. The results of both simulation and experiments show that there is an optimum contribution of TMBS area which maximizes the performance of the integrated device. Initially, the results provided a strong correlation between TMBS contribution, diode recovery characteristics, and DC-DC converter efficiency. However, a closer examination of the underlying, device level current distribution waveforms, as well as the power loss mechanisms in the converter, reveal a more complex interaction of the TMBS structure and the MOSFET. It is only in the context of this analysis, that useful device design insight can be extracted.
Chemisorption and oxidation studies of the (110) surfaces of GaAs, GaSb, and InP

The surface chemistry of cleaved GaAs(110) (and, to a lesser extent, InP and GaSb) is studied as a function of oxygen exposure (both unexcited and excited) with soft-x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. When the cleaved GaAs (110) surface is exposed to molecular oxygen in the ground state, chemisorption to only the arsenics takes place. No back bonds are broken even for large exposures. Room-temperature oxidation of the surface can be induced by exciting the oxygen, e.g., by an ionization gauge. The adsorption of excited oxygen is initially the same as for the unexcited, except 500 times faster. However, after g 20% of a monolayer has been adsorbed, further exposure to excited oxygen causes back bonds to be broken and ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{5}$ and ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ are formed. Larger doses of excited oxygen result in the formation of thicker oxides composed primarily of ${\mathrm{Ga}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ with small amounts of elemental As (or As bound to only one Ga) and ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$, most of which has subilimed from the surface. No ${\mathrm{As}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{5}$ is seen in the thicker oxide because there is a deficiency of oxygen, and any partially oxidized Ga present will reduce the arsenic oxides. The escape depth for GaAs(110) was measured for electron kinetic energies between 20 and 200 eV. This range includes the minimum in the escape depth which is about 6 \AA{} at 60 eV. No chemical shift in the core levels between the atoms on the surface and in the bulk was observed. GaSb (110) and InP (110) surfaces were also studied. InP behaves like GaAs, whereas the GaSb is oxidized immediately even when exposed to only unexcited oxygen. The oxygen uptake curves for GaSb and GaAs were compared and found to be quite different with a sticking coefficient, at zero coverage, of 2 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ for GaSb and 8 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ for GaAs.
Avoiding invasives: trade-related policies for controlling unintentional exotic species introductions☆

Abstract International commodity trade serves as the primary conduit for unintentional introductions of damaging exotic species. We use a simple model of contaminated goods trade to analyze the optimal mix of tariffs and inspections as means of controlling damage from this negative externality. Among other policy-relevant results, we find that (1) while it is always optimal to employ tariffs, there are non-trivial cases in which inspections should optimally be set to zero, (2) a higher infection rate requires a higher tariff, but beyond a point optimal inspections decrease in the infection rate, and finally (3) taking a dynamic view and considering future effects of current introductions leads unambiguously to more stringent inspections, but may give rise to higher or lower tariffs.
Is There a Critical Size in Nano Grained Metals for Ductile to Brittle Transition

Nanoscale metal films and electrodes are extensively used in today’s micro and nano electronics as well as nano mechanical systems. These metal structures are usually polycrystalline in nature with nano scale grains connected to each other by grain boundaries. The small size offers large grain boundary to volume ratio that is likely to affect the metal properties significantly. Here, we discuss the role of grain size and boundaries in determining the mechanical behavior of metals, such as elasticity and yielding.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Surface singularity and crack propagation

Abstract The three-dimensional singular stress field near the terminal point 0 of the crack front edge at the surface of an elastic body is investigated, using spherical coordinates r , θ , φ and assuming all three displacements to be of the form r λ p p F ( θ , λ ) where p = distance from the singularity line (crack front edge or notch edge) and p = given constant . The variational principle governing the displacement distribution on a unit sphere about point 0, which has previously been obtained from the differential equations of equilibrium, is now derived more directly from potential energy. The previously developed finite element method on the unit sphere is used to reduce the problem to the form k ( λ ) X = 0 where X = column matrix of the nodal values of displacements on the unit sphere and k ( λ ) = square matrix , all coefficients of which are quadratic polynomials in λ. It is proven that the variational principle as well as matrix k must be nonsymmetric, which means that complex eigenvalues A are possible. The dependence of A upon Poisson's ratio v for Mode I cracks whose front edge is normal to the surface is solved numerically and it closely agrees with the analytical solution of Benthem. Previously unavailable solutions for Modes II and HI and for cracks (of all modes) with inclined front edge and inclined crack plane are also obtained. By energy flux argument, it is found that the front edge of a propagating crack must terminate at the surface obliquely, at a certain angle whose dependence upon the inclination of the crack plane is also solved. The angle is the same for Modes II and III, but different for Mode I. For this mode, the surface point trails behind the interior of the propagating crack, while for Modes II and III it moves ahead. Consequently, a combination of Mode I with Modes II and III is impossible at the surface terminal point of a propagating crack whose plane is orthogonal. When the plane is inclined, the three stress intensity factors can combine only in certain fixed ratios. The angle of crack edge is a function of the angle of crack plane. Some results with complex λ for two-material interfaces are also given.
A note on testing for exponentiality

In this note some extensions are made to previous work by a number of authors on the development of tests for exponentiality. The most recent example is due to Fercho and Ringer in which they compare the small sample powers of a few well-known test statistics for the hypothesis of a constant failure rate. It is the primary intent of this current work to extend Gnedenko's F test to situations with hypercensoring and to provide guidance for its use, particularly when a log-normal distribution is the alternative.
Late graft dysfunction and autoantibodies after liver transplantation in children: Preliminary results of an italian experience

Late graft dysfunction (GD) associated with the development of autoantibodies is a common event after pediatric liver transplantation (OLTx) and can present in 2 clinicohistological subsets: de novo autoimmune hepatitis (DNAH) and early chronic rejection (ECR). Sixty out of 247 children developed autoantibodies after OLTx. GD was demonstrated in 22 (37%); based on histology, patients were divided in a DNAH and an ECR group. Portal/periportal inflammatory infiltrate with interface/lobular hepatitis was suggestive for DNAH. Pericentral hepatocytes confluent dropout with a variable degree of central vein endothelitis, but not with ductopenia (loss of >50% of interlobular bile ducts), was diagnosed as ECR. Nine patients had DNAH and 13 ECR. Five out of 9 in the DNAH group were on cyclosporin (CsA) and 4/9 were on tacrolimus (Tac). In the ECR group, 11 children were treated with CsA and 2 with Tac. All DNAH patients had normal liver function tests on steroids and azathioprine (AZA). Five patients with ECR recovered by increasing calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) dosage, but in 8/13, including 7 switched from CsA to Tac, AZA and steroids were added to obtain remission of disease. Two patients developed late chronic rejection. DNAH and ECR associated with autoantibodies are forms of late GD after OLTx. DNAH improves after standard treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. ECR has a good response to increased doses of CNIs, although ductopenic chronic rejection may occur. In conclusion, the early differential diagnosis of these conditions and an appropriate treatment seem to allow good overall results reflected by a graft survival of more than 90%.
A study of grating contrast judgement

Abstract Subjects judged the contrast of sinewave and narrow-bandwidth random gratings. The apparent contrast of gratings formed by summing two component gratings widely separated in frequency is independent of the relative phase of the component gratings and is equal to a linear sum of the subjective contrasts of the components when presented separately. A model is proposed in which the perceived contrast is formed by a linear sum of the outputs of multiple nonlinear channels.
Optimization of neuropeptide extraction from the mouse hypothalamus.

Sample preparation for neuropeptidomic studies is a critical issue since protein degradation can produce high levels of peptides that obscure the endogenous neuropeptides. We compared different extraction conditions for the recovery of neuropeptides and the formation of protein breakdown fragments from mouse hypothalami. Sonication and heating in water (70 °C for 20 min) followed by cold acid and centrifugation enabled the efficient extraction of many neuropeptides without the formation of protein degradation fragments seen with hot acid extractions. The hot water/cold acid extraction procedure resulted in the reproducible recovery of many hypothalamic peptides, including several novel peptides.
Transformation of the discriminative and eliciting functions of generalized relational stimuli.

In three experiments, match-to-sample procedures were used with undergraduates to establish arbitrary relational functions for three abstract visual stimuli. In the presence of samples A, B, and C, participants were trained to select the smallest, middle, and largest member, respectively, of a series of three-comparison arrays. In Experiment 1, the B (choose middle) stimulus was then used to train a steady rate of keyboard pressing before the A (choose smallest) and the C (choose largest) stimuli were presented. Participants pressed slower to A and faster to C than to B. Then B was paired with mild shock in a Pavlovian procedure with skin conductance change as the dependent variable. When presented with A and C, 6 of 8 experimental participants showed smaller skin conductance changes to A and larger skin conductance changes to C than to B. In Experiment 2, A was then used as a sample in a match-to-sample procedure to establish an arbitrary size ranking among four same-sized colored circle comparisons. One of the middle circles was then used to establish a steady rate of pressing before the other circles were presented. Five of 6 participants responded slower to the “smaller” circle and faster to the “larger” circle than they did to the “middle” circle. In Experiment 3, A, B, and C were then presented on a series of test trials requiring participants to pick the comparison that was less than, greater than, or equal to the sample. Novel stimuli were included on some trials. Results indicated that the relational training procedures produced derived relations among the stimuli used in training and that these allowed correct inferences of relative size ranking among novel stimuli.
Unique Role For The -5′ Position In The Carboxyl Terminus Of GIRK3 Channel In Determining Binding Specificity To The PDZ Domain Of Sorting Nexin 27

We recently established that sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) regulates trafficking of neuronal GIRK2/3 but not the closely related IRK1 channels. This regulation is achieved by the interaction of the C-terminal PDZ binding motif (-SKV) of GIRK3 with the PDZ domain of SNX27. We also found that IRK1(-SEI) binds to PSD95-PDZ2 but not to SNX27-PDZ. Due to the similarity in the PDZ binding motif between IRK1 and GIRK3, we hypothesized that amino acids in the -4′ and -5′ position are important for determining PDZ binding specificity. Using in vitro binding assays, we discovered that exchanging the these amino acids, IRK1(-ESESKV) and GIRK3(-RRESKV), reversed the binding specificity, suggesting a critical role for -5′ glutamate for binding SNX27 and -5′ arginine for binding PSD95. Further mutagenesis in IRK1 revealed that aspartate or glutamine substitution at -5′ position, IRK1(-DRESKV) and IRK1(-QRESKV), promotes binding to SNX27-PDZ. Surprisingly, substitution with the large, hydrophobic tryptophan enhanced SNX27 binding more than the wild-type glutamate; IRK1(-WRESKV) was 5±1.3 fold greater than IRK1(-ESESKV). We next investigated the consequence of altering the PDZ binding specificity using a clustering assay. CFP-tagged IRK1 or GIRK3 were co-expressed with YFP-tagged PSD95 or SNX27 in COS7 cells. Using TIRF microscopy to visualize proteins at or near the cell membrane, we observed that mutant IRK1(-ESESKV) and wild-type GIRK3(-ESESKV) partially co-localized with SNX27 but did not form clusters. By contrast, mutant GIRK3(-RRESKV) and IRK1(-RRESKV) co-clustered with PSD95. We then used X-ray crystallography to solve the crystal structure of SNX27-PDZ complexed with ESESKV and are now using the structural data to correlate with binding data. These studies provide new details into the specificity of PDZ binding among class I PDZ binding motifs
Mixed Infections, Cryptic Diversity, and Vector-Borne Pathogens: Evidence from Polygenis Fleas and Bartonella Species

Coinfections within hosts present opportunities for horizontal gene transfer between strains and competitive interactions between genotypes and thus can be a critical element of the lifestyles of pathogens. Bartonella spp. are Alphaproteobacteria that parasitize mammalian erythrocytes and endothelial cells. Their vectors are thought to be various biting arthropods, such as fleas, ticks, mites, and lice, and they are commonly cited as agents of various emerging diseases. Coinfections by different Bartonella strains and species can be common in mammals, but little is known about specificity and coinfections in arthropod vectors. We surveyed the rate of mixed infections of Bartonella in flea vectors (Polygenis gwyni) parasitizing cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) in which previous surveys indicated high rates of infection. We found that nearly all fleas (20 of 21) harbored one or more strains of Bartonella, with rates of coinfection approaching 90%. A strain previously identified as common in cotton rats was also common in their fleas. However, another common strain in cotton rats was absent from P. gwyni, while a rare cotton rat strain was quite common in P. gwyni. Surprisingly, some samples were also coinfected with a strain phylogenetically related to Bartonella clarridgeiae, which is typically associated with felids and ruminants. Finally, a locus (pap31) that is characteristically borne on phage in Bartonella was successfully sequenced from most samples. However, sequence diversity in pap31 was novel in the P. gwyni samples, relative to other Bartonella previously typed with pap31, emphasizing the likelihood of large reservoirs of cryptic diversity in natural populations of the pathogen.
Science and math education budget

Increased attention to science, math and engineering education is a major focus of President Bush's Fiscal Year 1991 budget. The president proposes a 26% increase, bringing the total to $1 billion in direct spending. Programs targeted to receive more money include teacher training and curriculum development, as well as fellowships and other forms of support provided indirectly through research grants. The key agencies involved in these programs are the National Science Foundation, Department of Education, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Department of Energy.
Plastic deformation and “work-hardening” of diamond

Abstract Extensive plastic deformation of diamond crystals can be accomplished by squeezing diamond embedded in diamond powder at high pressures and temperatures. By inhibiting brittle fracture, deformation takes place at temperatures as low as 900°C at 60kb. The {111} deformation lamellae have a higher abrasion resistance than even the {111} plane of diamond.
One-Year Serum Albumin is an Independent Predictor of Outcomes in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Objective This research study was conducted to investigate whether serum albumin levels predict allograft/patient outcomes in the new era of transplant medicine and immunology. Methods The association of 1-year post-transplant serum albumin, and patient and graft outcomes was retrospectively analyzed in 500 kidney transplant recipients between 1998 and 2005. Albumin was used as a categorical and a continuous variable in univariate and multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses. Results The average (±SE) age at transplant was 47 ± 12 years. Patients were followed up for 63.4 ± 28 months after transplant. There were 56 graft losses and 38 patient deaths. In univariate analysis, the following variables were associated with the composite endpoint of patient death or allograft loss: 1-year serum albumin (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.52, P = .0009), 1-year serum albumin P = .02), 1-year serum creatinine (HR = 3.55, P P = .03), a history of previous transplant (HR = 1.54, P = .04), months of dialysis before transplant (HR = 1.01, P = .00003), type of transplant (deceased donor HR=1.64, P = .02), and acute rejection (HR = 1.52, P = .0000003). Of these, multivariable Cox regression analyses retained 1-year serum albumin (HR = 1.4, P P P = .02) as significant predictors of patient/graft loss. Conclusion One-year serum albumin is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in the contemporary era of transplant medicine and immunosuppression. Further studies are needed to separate the role of this biomarker in inflammation and nutrition in kidney transplant recipients.
Evaluation of IRI’s Seasonal Climate Forecasts for the Extreme 15% Tails

AbstractThis paper evaluates the quality of real-time seasonal probabilistic forecasts of the extreme 15% tails of the climatological distribution of temperature and precipitation issued by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) from 1998 through 2009. IRI’s forecasts have been based largely on a two-tiered multimodel dynamical prediction system. Forecasts of the 15% extremes have been consistent with the corresponding probabilistic forecasts for the standard tercile-based categories; however, nonclimatological forecasts for the extremes have been issued sparingly. Results indicate positive skill in terms of resolution and discrimination for the extremes forecasts, particularly in the tropics. Additionally, with the exception of some overconfidence for extreme above-normal precipitation and a strong cool bias for temperature, reliability analyses suggest generally good calibration. Skills for temperature are generally higher than those for precipitation, due both to correct for...
The forms of non-pyramidal neurons in the visual cortex of the rat

Rapid Golgi preparations from area 17 of young adult rats have been studied to determine the morphology and distribution of non-pyramidal neurons. Such cells were observed in all of the cellular laminae of the cortex, but were particularly prevalent in layers IV and V. Non-pyramidal neurons were categorized according to two features: (1) dendritic projection pattern, and (2) abundance of dendritic spines. Dendritic patterns were classified as multipolar, bitufted, and bipolar, and spine patterns as spinous, sparsely spinous, and spine-free. Spinous dendrites were associated only with multipolar neurons, while sparsely spinous and spine-free dendrites were each associated with cells of all three non-pyramidal dendritic patterns. The most frequently observed non-pyramidal cell types were multipolar cells of the spine-free and sparsely spinous varieties. All of the general cell types encountered have been described in the literature on non-pyramidal neurons, indicating the lack of any unique forms in rat area 17. An analysis of the dendritic projections of individual non-pyramidal neurons through particular cortical laminae made possible an evaluation of common sources of dendrites present in the neuropil of each layer. Non-pyramidal cell axons were impregnated only in small numbers. Spinous multipolar axons invariably exhibited a descending main branch, while the axons of bipolar neurons were distributed in a narrow vertical field. Axonal patterns of remaining cell types, including Golgi type II arborizations, did not appear to correlate consistently with dendritic morphology. Axons of the basket cell type and "horsetail" axons associated with double bouquet cells of Cajal's original type were not impregnated.
Automated measurement of arterial pressure in patients by use of a digital computer

A digital computer system has been developed for clinical use to repetivively measure intra-arterial pressure. Measurements are taken and reported at intervals of 5 min or more frequently. Summary reports are generated on request and a complete set of data is recorded on punched cards. The system has been used to monitor arterial pressure in over 160 patients in the Shock Research Unit of the University of Southern California at the Los Angeles County Hospital.
The specificity of rabies virus RNA encapsidation by nucleoprotein.

Abstract Rabies virus nucleoprotein (N) encapsidates negative-strand genomic RNA in vivo, and this RNA–N complex, together with the nominal viral phosphoprotein (P) and RNA polymerase (L), forms the active cytoplasmic ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex in virus-infected cells and the RNP core in virus particles. The RNP complex is capable of initiating viral RNA transcription and replication in vivo and in vitro. To obtain insight into the events leading to the formation of the RNA–N complex, we have investigated the interaction between rabies virus N and the positive-strand leader RNA transcript. Binding studies revealed that recombinant N binds preferentially to rabies virus leader RNA and that N binding to leader RNA was 5 to 10 times stronger than to nonleader RNA. Encapsidation of leader RNA by N could be competetively inhibited by unlabeled leader RNA but not by nonleader RNA. Furthermore, N protein encapsidation of nonleader RNA but not the leader RNA was inhibited when P was simultaneously added into the encapsidation reaction, indicating that P helps confer the specificity of leader RNA encapsidation by N. The initiation signal for leader RNA encapsidation by N has been mapped to nucleotides 20–30 of the RNA sequence which is A rich. Studies with N-deletion mutants indicate that the intact N is required to encapsidate RNA, since deletion of amino acid residues from either the N- or the C-terminus of N abolishes the ability of N to encapsidate leader RNA.
Comparison of the Cornell and Bio-mittent reduced lighting programmes for laying hens.

Abstract The Cornell (8L:10D:2L:4D) and (Ralston Purina) Bio‐mittent lighting programmes were applied to a commercial strain of White Leghorn laying hens from 20 to 64 weeks of age. 2. The egg production of hens exposed to the Cornell lighting was reduced compared to the Bio‐mittent programme. 3. Food consumption was less and efficiency of utilisation significantly improved for the Cornell programme during phase I (20 to 36 weeks) of the study. Significant differences were not observed during phase II (37 to 64 weeks) or for the whole cycle (20 to 64 weeks). 4. Body weights were significantly greater for hens exposed to the Bio‐mittent programme during both phases I and II. 5. Egg weights, egg mass and egg weight distributions were not different for hens exposed to the 2 programmes. 6. Food costs and the margin of income over food costs were significantly in favour of the Cornell programme during phase I. However, differences for phase II and the complete cycle were not significant. 7. The Bio‐mittent pro...
Solvent dependence of the Cu(II)-S redox decay rate in mercaptoacetatotris (2-pyridylmethyl)aminecopper(II)

Abstract The rate of internal electron transfer from ligated mercaptoacetate (ma 2− ) sulfur to Cu(II) within mercaptoacetatotris(2-pyridylmethyl)aminecopper(II) has been studied as a function of solvent static dielectric constant (D s ) to determine the extent of Cu(II)-SR bond-stretching prior to the electron transfer step. Redox decay of Cu(tmpa)(ma) to Cu(I) and disulfide products is first order in 19 solvents with dielectric constants ranging from 8.9 (dichloromethane) to 182 (N-methylformamide). The electron transfer rate constant k et is moderately sensitive to the reaction medium, spanning a 90-fold range from CH 3 CN (3.3 × 10 −3 s −1 ) to CH 3 NO 2 (3.04 × 10 −1 s −1 ) at 25.0°C. Rate constants measured in 11 solvents with comparatively small dielectric constants ( s , confirming dependency of the reductive elimination activation barrier on Cu(II) ⋯ − SR charge separation. On the other hand, ligated ma 2− oxidation rate constants do not adhere to any consistent pattern in solvents with dielectric constants larger than 35 but rather are widely scattered about the mean k et value for all 19 solvents (9.5 × 10 −2 s −1 ). It is concluded that electron transfer could reasonably replace Cu(II)-SR bond-stretching as the rate-determining step in high dielectric constant media.
Sensitive algorithm for multiple-excitation-wavelength resonance Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy is a widely used spectroscopic technique with a number of applications. During the past few years, we explored the use of simultaneous multiple-excitation-wavelengths (MEW) in resonance Raman spectroscopy. This approach takes advantage of Raman band intensity variations across the Resonance Raman spectra obtained from two or more excitation wavelengths. Amplitude variations occur between corresponding Raman bands in Resonance Raman spectra due to complex interplay of resonant enhancement, self-absorption and laser penetration depth. We have developed a very sensitive algorithm to estimate concentration of an analyte from spectra obtained using the MEW technique. The algorithm uses correlations and least-square minimization approach to calculate an estimate for the concentration. For two or more excitation wavelengths, measured spectra were stacked in a two dimensional matrix. In a simple realization of the algorithm, we approximated peaks in the ideal library spectra as triangles. In this work, we present the performance of the algorithm with measurements obtained from a dual-excitation-wavelength Resonance Raman sensor. The novel sensor, developed at WVHTCF, detects explosives from a standoff distance. The algorithm was able to detect explosives with very high sensitivity even at signal-to-noise ratios as low as ~1.6. Receiver operating characteristics calculated using the algorithm showed a clear benefit in using the dual-excitation-wavelength technique over single-excitation-wavelength techniques. Variants of the algorithm that add more weight to amplitude variation information showed improved specificity to closely resembling spectra.
Efforts afoot to stem the flow of invasive species from ballast water

With the U.S. National Invasive Species Act of 1996, or NISA, due for reauthorization next year by Congress, interest groups already are staking out their positions about how to protect the nation's waters from aquatic nuisance species that arrive in ballast water, and that can cause significant ecological and economic harm. At a Capitol Hill briefing on July 9, representatives of the U.S. shipping industry called for mandatory ballast management and a ballast water management standard. They also called for certification of ballast water management technologies and practices, which they noted still require much research; and for federal preemption of state regulations that they said present shippers with a confusing patchwork of rules.
Total dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations at US-JGOFS station ALOHA: Redfield reconciliation

Abstract Twenty-two water column profiles (0–4500 m) of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) and phosphorus (TDP) concentrations have been collected over a 2-year period at the US-JGOFS time-series Station ALOHA. These data indicate that the N:P molar ratio (mean, 16.74: standard deviation, 2.95; n = 417 ) in the central Pacific Ocean is not significantly different from that predicted a priori based upon current models of the bioelemental composition of plankton. An examination of the literature and new data from our laboratory using direct high-temperature combustion methods for both TDP and TDN support the validity of historical oceanic analyses. Despite the substantially higher DOC values in oligotrophic Pacific Ocean surface waters, TDN (and consequently dissolved organic nitrogen [DON]) and TDP (and consequently dissolved organic phosphorus [DOP]) do not appear to have been underestimated.
The Detection of Positron-Conjoint Nuclear Gamma-Radiation

An absorption technique is described for the rapid detection and measurement of nuclear gamma-radiation from positron emitters. Applicability of the method was shown in the verification of the energy and intensity of the gamma-ray from ${\mathrm{Cu}}^{64}$. The method was further used to find a new gamma-ray of 0.81\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 Mev from ${\mathrm{Ti}}^{45}$; the number of positrons per gamma is (19\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2):1. The positron maximum energy of 1.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 Mev was also observed, and $K$-electron capture demonstrated.
Imaging cell surface glycans with bioorthogonal chemical reporters.

The visualization of biomolecules as they function in living systems is important for understanding complex biological processes. Here, we applied the bioorthogonal chemical reporter technique to image cell surface glycans using multiple metabolic labels. We introduced two different chemical reporters into sialic acid and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residues and then simultaneously imaged their associated cell surface glycans with fluorescent probes.
Mangrove conservation in relation to overall environmental considerations

The role of mangroves, as nursery and feeding areas, in the enrichment of coastal waters, in the stabilization of the shoreline, and in trapping silt and wastes from upland runoff, is repeatedly being threatened by suggestions for reclamation, whether for aquaculture, agriculture, or development projects. Proposals for such alternatives should only be judged after taking into account the environmental subsidies involved, and possible losses in energy transformation steps. Assurance is needed that renewable resources and other environmental capital will not be sacrificed.
Experimental Detection of Left-to-Right Circulatory Shunts with Injections of Krypton85

SummaryLeft-to-right shunts were constructed in 8 mongrel dogs by anastomosis of left subclavian artery to left pulmonary artery. When solutions of krypton85 were injected into the root of the aorta proximal to a functioning shunt, the krypton gas could be detected in the airway by a Geiger-Muller tube in less than 5 seconds. When similar injections were made in the absence of a shunt, the appearance time was usually 10 seconds or more. Thus, by monitoring expired gas it is possible to detect the presence of a shunt resulting in early appearance of Kr85 in pulmonary arterial blood following injection into the left side of heart or the aorta.
Cyclopropyl conjugation and ketyl anions: when do things begin to fall apart?

Results pertaining to the electrochemical reduction of 1,2-diacetylcyclopropane (5), 1-acetyl-2-phenylcyclopropane (6), 1-acetyl-2-benzoylcyclopropane (7), and 1,2-dibenzoylcyclopropane (8) are reported. While 6*- exists as a discrete species, the barrier to ring opening is very small ( 10(7) s(-1). For 7 and 8, the additional resonance stabilization afforded by the benzoyl moieties results in significantly lower rate constants for ring opening, on the order of 10(5)-10(6) s(-1). Electron transfer to 8 serves to initiate an unexpected vinylcyclopropane --> cyclopentene type rearrangement, which occurs via a radical ion chain mechanism. The results for reduction of 5 are less clear-cut: The experimental results suggest that the reduction is unexceptional, with a symmetry coefficient alpha </= 0.5, and reorganization energy consistent with a simple electron-transfer process (one electron reduction, followed by ring opening). In contrast, molecular orbital calculations suggest that 5*- has no apparent lifetime and that reduction of 5 may occur by a concerted dissociative electron transfer (DET) mechanism (i.e., electron transfer and ring opening occur simultaneously). These seemingly contradictory results can be reconciled if the increase in the internal reorganization energy associated with the onset of concerted DET is offset by a lowering of the solvent reorganization energy associated with electron transfer to a more highly delocalized LUMO.
Kinetics of thermal decomposition of aluminium hydride: I-non-isothermal decomposition under vacuum and in inert atmosphere (argon)☆

Abstract Recently, interest in aluminium hydride (alane) as a rocket propulsion ingredient has been renewed due to improvements in its manufacturing process and an increase in thermal stability. When alane is added to solid propellant formulations, rocket performance is enhanced and the specific impulse increases. Preliminary work was performed at AFRL on the characterization and evaluation of two alane samples. Decomposition kinetics were determined from gravimetric TGA data and volumetric vacuum thermal stability (VTS) results. Chemical analysis showed the samples had 88.30% (by weight) aluminium and 9.96% hydrogen. The average density, as measured by helium pycnometery, was 1.486 g/cc. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the particles were mostly composed of sharp edged crystallographic polyhedral such as simple cubes, cubic octahedrons and hexagonal prisms. Thermogravimetric analysis was utilized to investigate the decomposition kinetics of alane in argon atmosphere and to shed light on the mechanism of alane decomposition. Two kinetic models were successfully developed and used to propose a mechanism for the complete decomposition of alane and to predict its shelf-life during storage. Alane decomposes in two steps. The slowest (rate-determining) step is solely controlled by solid state nucleation of aluminium crystals; the fastest step is due to growth of the crystals. Thus, during decomposition, hydrogen gas is liberated and the initial polyhedral AlH 3 crystals yield a final mix of amorphous aluminium and aluminium crystals. After establishing the kinetic model, prediction calculations indicated that alane can be stored in inert atmosphere at temperatures below 10 °C for long periods of time (e.g., 15 years) without significant decomposition. After 15 years of storage, the kinetic model predicts ∼0.1% decomposition, but storage at higher temperatures (e.g. 30 °C) is not recommended.
Browsing rates and ratios provide reliable indices of ungulate impacts on forest plant communities

Abstract Ungulate browsing affects many plant species, shifting patterns of relative abundance, plant community diversity, and ecosystem processes. Despite the strength and diversity of ungulate impacts, we lack comprehensive methods and a unified network for tracking and comparing ungulate impacts across the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes Network Office (GLN) of the National Park Service has identified white-tailed deer as a keystone herbivore that could threaten the health of Great Lakes forests. To supplement their permanent vegetation monitoring program, GLN monitors deer and moose browsing pressure on woody and herbaceous plants at nine national parks in the region. We used data from these surveys to investigate relationships among patterns of browsing across species and sites with the goal of inferring efficient and reliable indicators of ungulate impacts. We also investigated the relationships between patterns of browsing on woody vegetation and among-site variation in the presence and abundance of understory species. Our results showed that ungulates clearly prefer certain woody species, but these vary across the region in response to local community composition. Ungulate impacts on understory species are correlated with woody browsing impacts but also vary with local ecological conditions. To build a more efficient and accurate composite indicator of overall ungulate impacts, we combined data on woody plant browsing with data on the abundance of specific understory species to infer overall levels of threat from ungulate browsing. Such combined indicators improve our ability to monitor the impacts of ungulate browsing, particularly if such methods can be expanded and standardized across the region.
The impact of correlated readings on the estimation of the average area under readers' ROC curves

Abstract Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has been used in a variety of settings since it was first declassified by the United States government over 60 years ago. One venue in which it has received particular attention is in the field of radiology. In radiology, as in other areas of application, ROC analysis is used to assess the ability of a diagnostic test to distinguish between two opposing states. One useful descriptor in ROC analysis is the area under the ROC curve. At times, it is useful and insightful to average ROC curves in order to create a single curve that summarizes all of the data from multiple readers. In this paper, we investigate the impact of correlated readings on the average area under two readers' ROC curves using several common averaging strategies, and then apply the results to a radiologic study.
Low Energy Magnetic Domain Wall Logic in Short, Narrow, Ferromagnetic Wires

We present circuit simulation results of an implementation of universal logic that operates at low switching energy. Information is stored in the position of a single domain wall in a thin, short ferromagnetic wire. The gate is switched by current-driven domain wall motion, and information is read out using a magnetic tunnel junction. The inputs and outputs of the device are currents controlled by voltage clocks, making it compatible with CMOS. Using devices that operate at 100-1 mV, we simulate a shift register circuit and a full-adder circuit. The simulations show that the magnetic logic gates can operate at lower switching energy than CMOS electronics.