cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing Urban Soils for Food Security and Adaptation to Climate Change

The 21st century is the era of rapid global urbanization. Urbanization can have severe ecological consequences because of the perturbation of the cycles of water (H2O), carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and other elements, and contamination/pollution of soil and the environment. Drastic reduction in the forest vegetation cover and soil compaction, truncation, mixing and perturbation aggravate disruption of soil functions and the attendant ecosystem disservices. Most soils of urban ecosystems are severely depleted of their soil organic carbon (SOC) reserves, and the total magnitude of the terrestrial C pool (soil plus vegetation) is drastically reduced. There are also shortages of fresh supply of vegetables, fruits and other food commodities in densely populated urban centers. These problems may be aggravated by climate change, increase in frequency and intensity of extreme events, and increase in risks of contamination of soil and eutrophication of water resources. Urban ecosystems are also a major source of greenhouse gases through consumption of energy-based services (e.g., transport, heating, cooling, infrastructure development and management). Despite numerous challenges in restoration and sustainable management of soil, water, vegetation and other natural resources, judicious management of urban soils and landscapes also provides opportunities of sequestering C in soil and vegetation, improving the environment, recycling nutrients in biowaste and gray/black water to grow food and biofuel feedstock, and developing industries focused on production of food and energy, purification of water, and production of amendments.
Integrating Seismic Data for Lithofacies Modeling: A Comparison of Sequential Indicator Simulation Algorithms

Clastic reservoir characterization starts typically with modeling lithofacies distribution and geometry. The architecture of the reservoir, governed by the lithofacies geometry, is a major source of heterogeneity in such clastic systems. Seismic data provide potentially valuable information about the areal distribution of different lithofacies, such as the averaged prior proportion of each lithofacies. However, seismic data are available only at coarse vertical resolution rather than the fine lithofacies sampling along wells, hence seismic is considered equivalent to 2D data while building 3D geological models. This scale difference between the seismic data and the lithofacies data available along the wells makes direct integration difficult. Different algorithms have been proposed to integrate the seismic data: (1) duplicate seismic data along the vertical line and use the prior proportions provided by the seismic data as prior local means; (2) integrate the 2D seismic data as collocated block averages; and (3) duplicate seismic data along the vertical line and integrate them using a Markov-Bayes algorithm. These three algorithms are applied on a data set originating from a real clastic reservoir. The results are compared with regard to how much kriging weight is applied to the seismic data and how well the information from seismic data is honored.
Benefits of leisure attributes to community satisfaction.

The paper attempts to identify the benefits of recreation and leisure attributes in relation to one's satisfaction with community life. Various concepts of community are discussed and a paradigm fo...
Is the National Health Service Corps the Answer? (for Placing Family Doctors in Underserved Areas).

Paying for college and medical school is expensive in the United States, often leaving recent graduates with large educational loan debt.[1][1] This can influence the specialty medical students choose and where they practice. Analyzing a survey of board-certified family physicians who were 3 years
Measuring and modeling alachlor dissipation in soil

vi GENERAL INTRODUCTION 1 Dissertation organization 1 Literature review 1 Groundwater contamination by pesticides 1 Pathways for pesticide dissipation 2 Environmental factors controlKng pesticide dissipation 3 Chemical properties controlling alachlor dissipation 6 Empirical models of pesticide dissipation 12 Mechanistic models of pesticide dissipation 13 Hybrid models of pesticide dissipation 15 Extracting and encasing large-diameter soil columns 16 Research goals 18 ALACHLOR DISSIPATION IN SHALLOW CROPLAND SOIL 19 Abstract 19 Introduction 20 Overall dissipation 20 Volatilization 20 Microbial degradation and sorption 22 Leaching and surface-water nmoff 23 Goals of study 24 Materials and methods 24 Field sampling experiment 25 Laboratory column experiment 28
Resolution of the methionine synthetase system from Escherichia coli K-12.

Abstract Methionine synthetase from Escherichia coli K-12 is resolved during purification into two protein components, both of which are required for optimal enzymatic activity. The two proteins, designated M and S, have molecular weights of about 125, 000 and 3, 000, as judged by gel filtration. The reconstructed system involving M and S shows an absolute requirement for both S-adenosyl methionine and a suitable B12 compound (B12a or methyl-B12), as well as a partial requirement for a reducing agent such as dithioerythritol. The latter can be replaced by a DPNH-dependent reductase.
Assessment of screening and preventive practices for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors.

e21580Background: Given the medical complexity of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) survivors, long-term follow up remains challenging. This study assesses the utilization and effectiveness of th...
Preparation of Phosphorylated Proteins for NMR Spectroscopy.

Abstract Phosphorylation is a ubiquitous posttranslational modification that is essential for the regulation of many cellular processes. The human genome consists of more than 200,000 phosphorylation sites, whose phosphorylation is tightly controlled by ≥ 500 kinases and ~ 200 phosphatases. Given the large number of phosphorylation sites and the key role phosphorylation plays in regulating cellular processes, it is essential to characterize the impact of phosphorylation on substrate structure, dynamics, and function. However, a major challenge is the large-scale production of phosphorylated proteins in vitro for these structural, functional, and dynamic studies. Here, we describe an efficient protocol used routinely in our laboratory for the production of phosphorylated proteins. We also describe the methods used for identifying, characterizing, and separating the resulting phosphorylated proteins for subsequent studies.
Gene Signature of the Human Pancreatic ε Cell.

The ghrelin-producing e cell represents the fifth endocrine cell type in human pancreatic islets. The abundance of e cells in adult pancreas is extremely low, which has hampered the investigation on the molecular pathways regulating the development and the function of this cell type. In this study, we explored the molecular features defining the function of pancreatic e cells isolated from adult nondiabetic donors using single-cell RNA sequencing technology. We focus on transcription factors, cell surface receptors, and genes involved in metabolic pathways that contribute to regulation of cellular function. Furthermore, the genes that separate e cells from the other islet endocrine cell types are presented. This study expands prior knowledge about the genes important for e cell functioning during development and provides a resource to interrogate the transcriptome of this rare human islet cell type.
A Community of Practice for Social Justice: Examining the Case of an International Scholarship Alumni Association in Ghana:

International higher education student mobility can lead to social change in the students’ home countries. This article examines the case of the Ford Foundation’s International Fellowship Program A...
Neither weak nor strong entropic Leggett-Garg inequalities can be violated

The Leggett-Garg inequalities probe the classical-quantum boundary by putting limits on the sum of pairwise correlation functions between classical measurement devices that consecutively measured the same quantum system. The apparent violation of these inequalities by standard quantum measurements has cast doubt on quantum mechanics' ability to consistently describe classical objects. Recent work has concluded that these inequalities cannot be violated by either strong or weak projective measurements [1]. Here I consider an entropic version of the Leggett-Garg inequalities that are different from the standard inequalities yet similar in form, and can be defined without reference to any particular observable. I find that the entropic inequalities also cannot be be violated by strong quantum measurements. The entropic inequalities can be extended to describe weak quantum measurements, and I show that these weak entropic Leggett-Garg inequalities cannot be violated either even though the quantum system remains unprojected, because the inequalities describe the classical measurement devices, not the quantum system. I conclude that quantum mechanics adequately describes classical devices, and that we should be careful not to assume that the classical devices accurately describe the quantum system.
A 65nm CMOS Continuous-Time Electro-Optic PLL (CT-EOPLL) with Image and Harmonic Spur Suppression for LIDAR

An integrated continuous-time electro-optic phase-locked loop (CT-EOPLL) is presented that features image and harmonic spur suppression, and is used in a frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) LIDAR. The proposed EOPLL has its loop bandwidth equal to its reference frequency, which enables it to relax the trade-off between chirp bandwidth and Mach-Zehnder (MZ) delay and consequently reduce the area and loss associated with the silicon-photonic delay implementation by 10×. Image and harmonic spurs are rejected through single-sideband (SSB) and harmonic-reject (HR) mixing techniques. This EO-PLL is integrated in 65nm CMOS technology, suppresses the highest spur by more than 25dB, and is used in a LIDAR system that can detect an object at ranges exceeding 3.3 meters with an RMS depth precision of 558µm at 2m distance and 9.4mm depth resolution.
Investigation of Performance Degradation in Power MOSFET under OFF-State Avalanche Breakdown Test

Avalanche ruggedness is an essential feature to assure robust power converter operations. In this paper, the performance degradation of the power MOSFET under the OFF-state avalanche test is investigated in detail. For this purpose, a high resolution and cost-effective nano-second Current Pulse Generator (CPG) is designed for device avalanche capability test. Using high resolution PWM function of a digital signal processor (DSP), a high resolution current pulse can be generated in the order of 100 picoseconds. Using the same setup, the magnitude and duration of the current pulse width can be adjusted precisely. From the experimental results, a significant drop in the threshold voltage is observed after these tests, which leads to a noticeable shift of transfer and output characteristics. In addition, a large increase in drain leakage current and a gradual increase in on-state resistance were observed over the aging cycles. The electrical parameter shifts indicate a possible gate degradation after the device aging.
Hurricane Maria and Puerto Rico

Classified as a Category 5 hurricane at its peak, Hurricane Maria is regarded as the worst natural disaster on record to affect the islands located in the northeastern Caribbean, most notably Dominica and Puerto Rico. It is also considered to be one of the deadliest Atlantic hurricanes on record. While Maria is only one of a number of hurricanes since Katrina to have resulted in widespread damage and loss of life along with climigration, it offers some insight into the impacts of climate change on historical patterns of migration around the world, on the one hand, and the linkage between climigration and income disparities and economic vulnerability on the other. In many respects, climigration after Hurricane Maria bears closer resemblance to the climigration experience from New Orleans and the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina. However, unlike Katrina, the climigration experience subsequent to Hurricane Maria also revealed the importance of cultural differences between many of the climigrants and their host communities.
Social and behavioral determinants of indoor temperatures in air-conditioned homes

Abstract The causes and consequences of indoor heat exposure are receiving growing attention as global temperature rises and people seek respite from the heat in indoor spaces. In this study, we measured indoor temperatures of 46 air-conditioned residences in Phoenix, Arizona, United States. Temperatures were collected concurrently at 5-min intervals from August 21 to September 19, 2016. Indoor temperatures exhibited significant heterogeneity across all residences, ranging from 16.5 to 37.2 °C with a mean (SD) of 26.4 °C (2.2 °C). On average, the 5-min indoor temperatures were moderately correlated with outdoor temperature (r = 0.421), although individual household correlations were highly variable, ranging from r = -0.244 to r = 0.924. Households were grouped into six clusters using K-means based on 19 temperature metrics. We tested for differences in demographic, behavior, and infrastructure indicators between those six clusters based on responses to a social survey. Nearly half the variance in preferred thermostat setting was explained by cluster (R2 = 0.455, p
Selected social impacts and measures resulting from the Covid-19 epidemic in the Czech Republic on the specific example of the South Bohemian Region.

The study of selected social impacts as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic is focused on an interdisciplinary approach in the Czech Republic in dealing with this crisis situation. The virus first appeared in early December 2019 in China, and on 1 March, the first positive person in the Czech Republic was confirmed. The Ministry of Health and subsequently the Government of the Czech Republic took relatively strict epidemiological measures in connection with the development of the epidemic in China, subsequently in individual countries of the European Union and in other countries throughout the world. In order to effectively implement epidemiological measures, the Government declared a state of emergency for the Czech Republic due to health threats in connection with the proof of occurrence of coronavirus SARS CoV-2 from 14.00 on 12 March 2020 for 30 days. The state of emergency was then extended until 17 May 2020. The aim of the article is to investigate the emerging solutions and impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic on selected spheres of society in the Czech Republic in the period from March to April 2020, focusing on specific procedures in the South Bohemian Region. As part of the epidemiological measures, it was necessary to address the situation of socially disadvantaged groups, such as the homeless or those ordered out due to domestic violence. The case study examined the provision of care for homeless people and those ordered out due to domestic violence who were diagnosed with COVID-19 and were not hospitalised or quarantined. In practice, crisis management tools in conjunction with epidemiological approaches have proven to be effective and usable. The examples show that, despite the complexity of the situation, regional and local governments have found a way to implement the necessary measures to mitigate the impact on local society and the community.
Abstract MP10: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Pregnancy: National Trends of Treatment and Outcomes

Introduction: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a rare event associated with significant pregnancy-associated maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. With advances in neurosurgica...
Death in the Fas, ELANE.

In this issue of Cell, Cui et al. demonstrate a previously unknown capacity for neutrophils to selectively kill cancer cells. How this killing is effected unfolds as a story of classical biochemistry, novel cell biology, and innate and adaptive immunity.
Using the Arts to Differentiate Curriculum for the Gifted

This article describes how the arts may be used as interdisciplinary tools to enhance and deepen the learning experience for students. They may be (a) direct adaptations of the core curriculum, (b)...
U.S. Industrial and Commercial Motor System Market Assessment Report Volume 2: Advanced Motors and Drives Supply Chain Review

Author(s): Newkirk, Alex; Rao, Prakash; Sheaffer, Paul | Abstract: Electric motors in commercial and industrial applications account for almost a third of total electric grid load in the United States. With these applications representing such a significant level of energy use, increasing efficiency in these applications can help substantially increase resilience and lower total energy costs. This report examines stationary high-efficiency electric motor technologies and their supply chains.
The effect of conservation programmes on electric utility earnings: Results of two case studies

Abstract This paper develops methods to measure the impact of conservation programmes on electric utility earnings. The methods are applied to two case studies. Detroit Edison represents a case where impacts are unfavourable. This utility has ‘excess capacity’ which is only made worse by conservation. Pacific Gas and Electric represents a case where conservation helps defer the need for new capacity. Even in this case, programmes targeted at summer peak demand are more beneficial than those which save baseload energy. Conditions determining the earnings impact of conservation are complex, involving regulatory factors that are specific to individual utilities.
Control of initiation of protein synthesis in human cells. Evidence for a role of uncharged transfer ribonucleic acid.

Abstract Cultured human cells treated with two specific, competitive inhibitors of amino acid activation, histidinol and O-methylthreonine, exhibit a decrease in the rate of translational initiation. This effect on translational initiation appears to be the same as that induced by depriving such cells of single essential amino acids, including the two affected by the inhibitor, histidine and isoleucine. When the degree of charging of tRNAhis or tRNAileu is reduced with inhibitor by 20% or more, relative to untreated cells, there is a 4-fold or greater reduction in the relative rate of translational initiation, affecting translation of at least a majority of the mRNA in polysomes. This repression of initiation correlated with the appearance of uncharged tRNA does not appear to involve the destruction of mRNA or other RNA required for initiation, a decrease in available free ribosomal subunits, or a decrease in cellular ATP or GTP. A cumulative inhibition of protein synthesis is observed when both amino acid activation inhibitors are added to a culture. This control is present in cultured human cells derived from both normal and malignant tissues.
Approximation algorithms for the max-coloring problem

Given a graph G = (V, E) and positive integral vertex weights w : V → N, the max-coloring problem seeks to find a proper vertex coloring of G whose color classes C1, C2, ..., Ck, minimize ${\sum_{i=1}^{k}}{\it max}_{v\epsilon C{_{i}} {\it w}(v)}$. The problem arises in scheduling conflicting jobs in batches and in minimizing buffer size in dedicated memory managers. In this paper we present three approximation algorithms and one inapproximability result for the max-coloring problem. We show that if for a class of graphs ${\mathcal G}$, the classical problem of finding a proper vertex coloring with fewest colors has a c-approximation, then for that class ${\mathcal G}$ of graphs, max-coloring has a 4c-approximation algorithm. As a consequence, we obtain a 4-approximation algorithm to solve max-coloring on perfect graphs, and well-known subclasses such as chordal graphs, and permutation graphs. We also obtain constant-factor algorithms for max-coloring on classes of graphs such as circle graphs, circular arc graphs, and unit disk graphs, which are not perfect, but do have a constant-factor approximation for the usual coloring problem. As far as we know, these are the first constant-factor algorithms for all of these classes of graphs. For bipartite graphs we present an approximation algorithm and a matching inapproximability result. Our approximation algorithm returns a coloring whose weight is within $\frac{8}{7}$ times the optimal. We then show that for any e > 0, it is impossible to approximate max-coloring on bipartite graphs to within a factor of $(\frac{8}{7} - \epsilon)$ unless P = NP. Thus our approximation algorithm yields an optimum approximation factor. Finally, we also present an exact sub-exponential algorithm and a PTAS for max-coloring on trees.
Long‐time diffusive behavior of solutions to a hyperbolic relaxation system

We study the large time behavior of the solutions to the Cauchy problem for the system with relaxation source ut + vx = 0, vt + a ux = f (u) − v, with (x, t) ∈ R × R, for the initial data (u, v) = (u0, v0) at t = 0, with u0, v0 ∈ L(R) ∩ L∞(R), f (u) = αu/2 and |v0| 6 au0. Under the sub-characteristic condition we show that, as t → ∞, the component u tends towards a fundamental solution of the convection-diffusion equation ut + f (u)x = a uxx in the L norm, at a rate faster than t−(p−1)/2p.
Derepression of Anthranilate Synthase in Purified Minicells of Escherichia coli Containing the Col-trp Plasmid

Purified minicells of Escherichia coli K-12 containing the plasmid Col-trp+ or Col-trpA2 could be derepressed for the synthesis of anthranilate synthase, the first enzyme encoded in the trp operon. Non-plasmid-containing, deoxyribonucleic acid-deficient minicells could not be derepressed. Derepressed enzyme synthesis was initiated by l-tryptophan starvation. The kinetics of derepression were studied with minicells containing the Col-trpA2 plasmid. The derepression curves were biphasic with a rapid initial rate of enzyme synthesis followed by a slower rate of synthesis. The presence of l-tryptophan (20 to 50 μg/ml) or chloramphenicol (200 μg/ml) abolished enzyme synthesis. The presence of rifamycin SV (280 μg/ml) partially inhibited enzyme synthesis after at least 3.5 min of exposure. The ratio of minicell-to-cell synthetic capacity was 1:2.4 when compared on the basis of derepressed enzyme activity per unit cell volume. This work demonstrates that plasmid-containing minicells are capable of considerable functional protein and messenger ribonucleic acid synthesis and that the regulation of at least the trp operon is similar in minicells to that observed in cells.
Alefacept, an immunomodulatory recombinant LFA-3/IgG1 fusion protein, induces CD16 signaling and CD2/CD16-dependent apoptosis of CD2(+) cells.

Alefacept, an immunomodulatory recombinant fusion protein composed of the first extracellular domain of LFA-3 fused to the human IgG1 hinge, C(H)2, and C(H)3 domains, has recently been shown in phase II and III clinical trials to safely reduce disease expression in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Alefacept modulates the function of and selectively induces apoptosis of CD2(+) human memory-effector T cells in vivo. We have sought to gain further understanding of the mechanisms of action that influence the biological activity of alefacept and may contribute to its efficacy and patient responsiveness. Specifically evaluated is the ability of alefacept to activate intracellular signals mediated via CD2 and/or Fc gamma RIII (CD16). Experimentation using isoforms of alefacept engineered to have amino acid substitutions in the IgG1 C(H)2 domain that impact Fc gamma R binding indicate that alefacept mediates cognate interactions between cells expressing human CD2 and CD16 to activate cells, e.g., increase extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, up-regulate cell surface expression of the activation marker CD25, and induce release of granzyme B. In the systems used, this signaling is shown to require binding to CD2 and CD16 and be mediated through CD16, but not CD2. Experimentation using human CD2-transgenic mice and isoforms of alefacept confirmed the requirement for Fc gamma R binding for detection of the pharmacological effects of alefacept in vivo. Thus alefacept acts as an effector molecule, mediating cognate interactions to activate Fc gamma R(+) cells (e.g., NK cells) to induce apoptosis of sensitive CD2(+) target cells.
The HQH model for two- and three-nucleon systems a progress report

Recent calculations within the Hybrid Quark-Hadron model of threshold deuteron electrodisintegration, deuteron electromagnetic form factors, and 3He and 3H electromagnetic form factors for 0 < q2 < (2 GeV/c)2 are discussed. Striking six-quark cluster effects are found. Needed theoretical improvements and light-cone boosts to go to the region of QCD perturbation theory are discussed.
Theory of Defects in Si: Past, Present, and Challenges

Defects greatly affect the mechanical, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of materials, especially semiconductors [1, 2]. There are many different types of defects, ranging from extended structures (e.g., grain boundaries, interfaces, dislocations, and precipitates), to complexes, to isolated native defects or impurities. The focus in this chapter is on localized defects such as vacancies, self-interstitials, isolated impurities, pairs and small complexes. These nanometer-size defects play many important roles and are the building blocks of larger defect structures. Understanding the properties of defects begins at this scale.
Self-perceived verses electronic monitoring of adherence to nebulised treatment in children with cystic fibrosis - does the use of telehealth system improve nebulisation adherence?

Background: Adherence to nebulised treatment among Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients is variable. Electronic adherence monitoring in outpatient/home setting is available. Aims: (1) To compare self-perceived adherence to data downloaded from adaptive aerosol delivery systems (I-neb) (2) To determine if the feedback from telehealth system (Insight Online) optimises adherence to nebulised treatment in children with CF. Methods: CF patients (on I-neb) were questioned about their adherence to nebulised treatment. Actual adherence (% of doses taken/expected) data was downloaded at clinic visits and compared with self-perceived adherence. Telehealth system was then set up at the homes of consenting patients for self-monitoring. Results: Data was obtained from 15 CF patients (median [range] age: 13.3 [5.5-16] years; 7 males). Six patients were within 10% accuracy between perceived and actual adherence (median [range] of perceived – actual adherence: 2 [0-10] %). Remaining 9 patients perceived their adherence better than the actual adherence (median [range] of perceived – actual adherence: 39 [13-49] %). Following installation of telehealth system, 3 out of 4 children with > 90% actual adherence maintained their adherence level. Six children with adherence <90% improved by median [range] of 22.3% [13.2-178.8%] over 4-week period following self-monitoring at home. Conclusion: Self-perceived treatment adherence can be inaccurate. Telehealth system may benefit by encouraging self-monitoring, informing aspects of treatment that can be improved, and enabling CF team to work with patients/families to promote adherence.
Relation between systemic hypertension and pain perception

To test the hypothesis that hypertension diminishes pain perception, a study was made that evaluated the relation between arterial blood pressure and thermal pain perception in human subjects. The average mean arterial pressure in all 20 men studied (10 hypertensive, 10 normotensive) proved to be significantly related to both thermal pain threshold (p = 0.05) and tolerance (p = 0.003). The difference between normotensive and hypertensive groups in baseline and posttest plasma levels of beta endorphin was also significant (p = 0.02) and indicated an interaction between endogenous opioids and blood pressure. Other recent studies of hypertension in relation to hypalgesia were also reviewed. An increased pain threshold was found in hypertensive versus normotensive rats. In cats, electrical stimulation of vagal afferent nerves (cardiopulmonary baroreceptors) suppresses nociceptive responses, and both pharmacologic elevation of blood pressure and vascular volume expansion produce antinociception. Together with preliminary findings in human studies, these results indicate an interaction between pain-controlling and cardiovascular regulatory functions that is probably mediated by the baroreceptor system.
The kinetics of myoblast fusion.

The kinetics of myoblast fusion were estimated using two complementary assays. Both utilized suspensions of fusion-competent cells, i.e. 48-52-h cultures of chick pectoral muscle grown in a low-calcium medium, thus minimizing contributions arising from cellular migration. One assay, designed to measure the onset of membrane contiguity, relies on the transfer of a lipid dye, diI-C18-[3], from labelled to unlabelled cells. The other assay, designed to estimate the kinetics of appearance of morphologically distinct multinucleate cells in suspension (myoballs), relies on enzymic dissociation of cellular aggregates followed by nuclear staining. The assays demonstrate significant membrane contiguity within 20-30 min after initiating the fusion process; however, the multinucleate myoball morphology does not appear for at least one additional hour.
Training Leadership Personnel for Learning Disability College Programs

The paucity of skilled and knowledgeable leadership personnel for postsecondary learning disability programs is a critical limitation to the development of this area of special education. This manuscript delineates the competencies needed for leadership personnel in this field and describes a preservice and inservice training program. The preservice program is the University of Connecticut's learning disability college doctoral training program. The inservice program is Connecticut's Learning Disability College Consortium, which provides comprehensive technical assistance to postsecondary institutions throughout the state.
Purine metabolism in thioguanine-resistant glioma cells.

Abstract 6-Thioguanine resistant strains of rat glioma cells were selected spontaneously and after mutagen treatment. Both mutant lines exhibited a severe deficiency of the enzyme hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase, increased intracellular concentrations of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate and rate of the early steps of purine biosynthesis, and an inability to incorporate guanine, but not adenine, into soluble purine nucleotides.
Choice of Levels in Polynomial Regression with One or Two Variables

Suggested levels for the independent variables are tabled for polynomial regression in one variable and for two particular polynomial regressions in two independent variables when the minimum number of distinct levels is used. The criterion used for finding these levels was restricted minimization of the generalized variance. An explanation of the usefulness of this criterion is given, and a computational method is outlined to find levels for other regression equations using this criterion.
Graduate social work students’ attitudes about client religion

Abstract Scholars recognize the importance of religion and spirituality for individual as well as family functioning and development throughout the life stages. However, few studies empirically examine the attitudes of social workers on these issues. This paper describes a study which explored the attitudes of graduate students about client religion and social work practice. Findings suggest that students recognize the importance of religion yet are less sure how to operationalize this concern. Analysis across variables indicated that student religious affiliation and activity levels exerted more influence on these “professional attitudes” than social work education.
A tunable terahertz photodetector based on electrical confinement

The terahertz region in the electromagnetic spectrum has attracted much research interest recently, because of its potential applications in many areas, such as biological and medical imaging, free-space communications, and homeland security. Here, a tunable quantum dot photodetector for terahertz detection based on intersublevel transitions is proposed and simulated. The intersublevels are formed by a lateral electric field confinement on quantum wells. The intersublevel spacing can be tuned and in hence different wavelengths in the terahertz region can be detected. Our simulation results show a tunability of peak detection wavelength from ~3.3 to ~12 THz by only changing the electrical confinement voltages and the peak absorption coefficients of the detection are in the range of 10 3 cm -1 . The peak calculated detectivity of the tunable photodetector is as big as 1.7x10 9 Jones. Compared with quantum dot terahertz photodetectors produced by self-assembled growth method, the detector presented here is easier to be tuned and the effective sizes have a much higher uniformity, because of the uniform electrical confinement.
A kinetic model for 99mTc-DMSA in the rat.

A pharmacokinetic model was developed for the renal imaging agent9mTc-DMSA in anesthetized rats, which incorporated data from serial measurements of blood and urine simultaneously with dynamic images obtained over an 8-h period. Animals which received a 10 mg/kg dose of unlabeled DMSA immediately before99mTc-DMSA injection had a significantly reduced kidney accumulation and greater urinary elimination of99mTc than animals which received the radiopharmaceutical alone. The kidney clearance was also significantly lower in rats receiving unlabeled DMSA, but no significant difference was determined between the urine clearance estimates of the two animal groups. Because the increase in the amount eliminated in the urine was not coupled with a significant change in urine clearance, it would appear that unlabeled DMSA saturated the kidney uptake mechanism(s) of99mTc-DMSA without modifying the urinary clearance process. This interpretation is consistent with the hypothesis that renal handling of99m'Tc-DMSA is governed by both glomerular filtration and peritubular capillary uptake. The simultaneous acquisition of blood, urine and non invasive image data allows for a comprehensive and informative model of the physiological disposition of99mTc-DMSA.
Enzyme kinetic modelling as a tool to analyse the behaviour of cytochrome P450 catalysed reactions: application to amitriptyline N-demethylation

1. To determine kinetic parameters (Vmax, K(m)) for cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated metabolic pathways, nonlinear least squares regression is commonly used to fit a model equation (e.g., Michaelis Menten [MM]) to sets of data points (reaction velocity vs substrate concentration). This method can also be utilized to determine the parameters for more complex mechanisms involving allosteric or multi-enzyme systems. Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC), or an estimation of improvement of fit as successive parameters are introduced in the model (F-test), can be used to determine whether application of more complex models is helpful. To evaluate these approaches, we have examined the complex enzyme kinetics of amitriptyline (AMI) N-demethylation in vitro by human liver microsomes. 2. For a 15-point nortriptyline (NT) formation rate vs substrate (AMI) concentration curve, a two enzyme model, consisting of one enzyme with MM kinetics (Vmax = 1.2 nmol min-1 mg-1, K(m) = 24 microM) together with a sigmoidal component (described by an equation equivalent to the Hill equation for cooperative substrate binding; Vmax = 2.1 nmol min-1 mg-1, K' = 70 microM; Hill exponent n = 2.34), was favoured according to AIC and the F-test. 3. Data generated by incubating AMI under the same conditions but in the presence of 10 microM ketoconazole (KET), a CYP3A3/4 inhibitor, were consistent with a single enzyme model with substrate inhibition (Vmax = 0.74 nmol min-1 mg-1, K(m) = 186 microM, K1 = 0.0028 microM-1). 4. Sulphaphenazole (SPA), a CYP2C9 inhibitor, decreased the rate of NT formation in a concentration dependent manner, whereas a polyclonal rat liver CYP2C11 antibody, inhibitory for S-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylation in humans, had no important effect on this reaction. 5. Incubation of AMI with 50 microM SPA resulted in a curve consistent with a two enzyme model, one with MM kinetics (Vmax = 0.72 nmol min-1 mg-1, K(m) = 54 microM) the other with 'Hill-kinetics' (Vmax = 2.1 nmol min-1 mg-1, K' = 195 microM; n = 2.38). 6. A fourth data-set was generated by incubating AMI with 10 microM KET and 50 microM SPA. The proposed model of best fit describes two activities, one obeying MM-kinetics (Vmax = 0.048 nmol min-1 mg-1, K(m) = 7 microM) and the other obeying MM kinetics but with substrate inhibition (Vmax = 0.8 nmol min-1 mg-1, K(m) = 443 microM, K1 = 0.0041 microM-1). 7. The combination of kinetic modelling tools and biological data has permitted the discrimination of at least three CYP enzymes involved in AMI N-demethylation. Two are identified as CYP3A3/4 and CYP2C9, although further work in several more livers is required to confirm the participation of the latter.
A survey and characterization of extrasolar planetary systems host stars using the CHARA Array

Extrasolar planetary systems are assumed as a sample to exhibit random orbital inclinations. The chance exists that a few of the 152 extrasolar planetary systems known to date may have face-on orbits for which the sin i factor will make a stellar-mass companion mimic a planetary-mass object. Such systems may thus harbor a late spectral type stellar companion instead of planets. Using Georgia State University's CHARA Array, we are undertaking an observing program on accessible extrasolar planetary systems that is expected to be completed in 2007. This effort will assist in culling the exoplanet list of some very low-inclination stellar interlopers that may be present. We will also determine the diameters of the central stars in an effort to refine our knowledge of the evolutionary status of the host stars.
Globalizing Instructional Materials: Guidelines for Higher Education.

As global markets expand and distance education becomes more prevalent, higher education institutions will be competing for students from all over the world. Those institutions that implement globalization, internationalization, and localization into curriculum and the design of instructional materials will be successful in this changing market.
Energy production by microbial photosynthesis

The large amounts of microalgae produced in waste treatment ponds during sewage purification are a potential source of methane and fertiliser. If techniques can be developed for the selective cultivation of filamentous or colonial microalgae, harvesting of microalgal biomass could be accomplished by low-cost straining or sedimentation methods.
Angiotensin II Regulation of Intracellular Calcium in Astroglia Cultured from Rat Hypothalamus and Brainstem

This study examines the angiotensin II (Ang II) regulation of intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in astroglia cultured from the hypothalamus and brainstem of the adult rat. Bath perfusion or rapid puffer application of angiotensin II (Ang II) (1-100 nM) increased [Ca 2+ ] i in both polygonal and stellate astroglia when measured using fura-2 imaging fluorescence microscopy. Ang II increased [Ca 2+ ] i in 96.1 and 95.6% of the polygonal and stellate glial cells, respectively. In normal Tyrode's solution (containing 2 mM CaCl 2 ), the Ang II-stimulated increase in [Ca 2+ ] i characteristically showed a biphasic response, i.e., an initial rapid transient peak followed by a sustained, steady-state plateau of free Ca 2+ . In both cell types, the selective Ang II type 1 receptor subtype (AT 1 ) antagonist losartan (1 μM) inhibited the Ang II-stimulated increase in [Ca 2+ ] i . The selective AT 2 antagonist PD 123319 (1 μM) did not inhibit the Ang II-stimulated increase in [Ca 2+ ] i in either cell type. To define the sources of Ca 2+ that participate in the Ang 11-stimulated increase in [Ca 2+ ] i in astroglia, experiments were performed in a nominally Ca 2+ -free Tyrode's solution. In either cell type, this resulted in only an initial transient increase of Ca 2+ and no sustained plateau of Ca 2+ when challenged with Ang II. Thapsigargin (5 μM), cyclopiazonic acid (10 μM), and ryanodine (10 μM), but not caffeine (1-10 mM), inhibited the initial rise in [Ca 2+ ] i . The plateau increase of [Ca 2+ ] i caused by Ang II (100 nM) was reversibly inhibited by both cadmium (100 μM) and nifedipine (10 μM) ; in contrast, gadolinium (100 μM) had no effect on the plateau increase of [Ca 2+ ] i . These results indicate that Ang II, in physiological concentrations, can activate AT 1 receptors to stimulate both Ca 2+ release from intracellular stores and Ca 2+ influx from the extracellular space to increase [Ca 2+ ] i of polygonal and stellate astroglia.
The impact of micro troponin leak on long-term outcomes following elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of microleaks of troponin, which are below the reference standard defining troponin elevation, on cardiovascular outcomes in stable coronary patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Background: Troponin elevation, either pre- or post-PCI, has been shown to predict poor cardiovascular outcomes. However, troponin measurements that are above the limit of detection but below the 99th percentile limit defining elevation (‘‘microleak’’) have uncertain clinical significance. Methods: We assessed subsequent myocardial infarction (MI) and death over a mean follow-up of 4.2 years in 2,272 patients undergoing elective PCI, where baseline troponins were normal and follow-up troponins were obtained 12–24 hr post-PCI. Patients were divided into three groups based on post-PCI troponin levels: Group 1 (n 5 1,313) nondetectable; group 2 (n 5 587) microleak, and group 3 (n 5 372) elevated suggesting myocardial necrosis. Results: The combined endpoint of MI and death was similar in groups 2 and 3 (50.3 vs. 51.9%, respectively, P 5 NS), which was significantly more than group 1 patients (35.6%, P < 0.01) over the follow-up period. Multivariate analysis of patients in groups 1 and 2 demonstrated that troponin microleak was an independent predictor of MI and death (P 5 0.01). Conclusions: Microleak of troponin following elective PCI suggests myocardial injury and predicts an increased risk of subsequent MI and death. Troponins should be routinely assessed following PCI, and preventive therapies are needed to reduce micro and macro troponin elevation in the PCI setting. V C 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis associated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis: Surgical management

Sclerosis of the peritoneum with encapsulation of the small intestine is one of the most serious complications of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and is associated with a high mortality rate. Its presence should be suspected in patients treated by CAPD who develop small bowel dysfunction with associated abdominal pain and progressive loss of ultrafiltration. In its severest form, it leads to complete high small intestinal obstruction and requirement for total parenteral nutrition. We report the successful surgical management of two young, severely emaciated patients who had this complication of CAPD. Each had entrapment of their bowel by a thick, fibrosed, and calcified membrane. Both were treated by surgically peeling the membrane away from the intestines.
American Association of Anatomists meeting on regenerative medicine.

Several years ago, the American Association of Anatomists (AAA) launched an innovative mini-meeting format as part of their annual meeting. The AAA continued this tradition by sponsoring a 2-day mini-symposium as a part of its meeting at FASEB Experimental Biology, 2006 in San Francisco, CA, USA. This year, the mini-symposium was focused on the promising and rapidly developing field of ‘regenerative medicine’. The mini-symposium on ‘regenerative medicine’ included four separate but thematically integrated sessions: stem cells for regenerative medicine; biomimetic matrices for regenerative medicine; endothelial–mesenchymal transformation in cardiovascular regenerative medicine; and tissue engineering technologies for regenerative medicine. The goal of these sessions was to identify progress and highlight new trends and directions in the evolving field of regenerative medicine. It was an exciting 2-day mini-symposium that reviewed the differential potential of embryonic and adult stem cells, their role in t...
Ambiguity in range-Doppler determination using waveforms of a solvable chaotic oscillator

The ambiguity function is derived analytically for waveforms from a chaotic oscillator that has an analytic solution. The chaotic solutions of this oscillator can be expressed as a superposition of basis functions, similar to conventional communication or phase coded radar waveforms. Example waveforms are considered to illustrate the variety of ambiguity functions obtainable from a free running oscillator. The mean and the variance of the ambiguity function for waveforms generated by a free running oscillator are derived to determine typical performance. The mean ambiguity function is shown to have a single, localized peak with low variance indicating that solvable chaos has significant potential as the basis of novel remote sensing technologies.
Trefoil factor family 3 (TFF3) expression and its interaction with estrogen receptor (ER) in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Objectives TFF3 has been found to be up-regulated at the gene and protein levels in endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC) when compared to uterine serous carcinoma (USC) and normal endometrium. In addition, TFF3 has been proven to be an estrogen-responsive gene and its expression level positively correlated to estrogen-receptor (ER) status in breast cancer cell culture. The aims of this study are to determine the expression and the prognostic value of TFF3 in a large series of human endometrial cancer and its relation with ER. Methods We evaluated 328 endometrial carcinomas using TFF3 and ER antibody on paraffin-embedded tissue. 74% were type I (EAC), and 26% were type II (USC, CCC and carcinosarcoma). Results In type I carcinomas, TFF3 + expression was associated with no lympho-vascular invasion (p=0.0131), disease status (p=0.0132), recurrence-free survival (p=0.0424) and overall survival (p=0.0018). There was a positive association between TFF3 and ER (p + /ER + was associated with low FIGO grade (p=.0122), early FIGO stage (p=.0062), absence of recurrence (p=.0037), absence of LVI (p=.0011), no lymph node involvement (p=.0116) and disease status (p=.0107). TFF3 appeared to be an independent prognostic marker in predicting recurrences (p=.046). In type II carcinomas, TFF3 failed to have a prognostic value. Conclusion 1-TFF3 seems to be a novel pathway in the pathogenesis of type I endometrial carcinomas. 2-The strong association of TFF3 and ER in the estrogen-dependent endometrioid carcinoma could explain the reason for its frequent expression by this tumor type. 3-TFF3 + seems to forecast a good prognosis in type I endometrial carcinomas. Based on our data, TFF3 expression in endometrial cancer deserves further investigation.
The Innate Organization of Visual Activity: I. Perception of Figures by Rats Reared in Total Darkness

* Accepted for publication by Karl S. Lashley of the Editorial Board, and received in the Editorial Office on January 11, 1937. 1 The writer is greatly indebted to Professor K. S. Lashley for aid in planning and carrying out these experiments and in the writing of this report.