cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bradykinin stimulates Cl secretion and prostaglandin E2 release by canine tracheal epithelium

Bradykinin increased mean short-circuit current (Isc) when added either to the mucosal (KD = 1.1 nM; delta Imaxsc = 29.8 +/- 4.4 microA/cm2) or submucosal bath (KD = 108 nM; delta Imaxsc = 27.1 +/- 4.9 microA/cm2). Bumetanide or replacement of Cl reduced the maximal change in Isc. In paired tissues, the increase in net 36Cl flux toward the mucosa equaled the change in Isc. Net 22Na flux toward the submucosa was unchanged. Involvement of intramural nerves was ruled out because bradykinin-induced increases in Isc were not inhibited by phentolamine, propranolol, atropine, or tetrodotoxin. A direct action of bradykinin on the epithelium was also made probable by the autoradiographic demonstration of specific bradykinin binding sites. The antagonists of arachidonic acid metabolism, indomethacin and eicosa-5,8,11,14-tetraynoic acid, inhibited the increase in Isc induced by bradykinin. Finally, prostaglandin E2 release was significantly increased by submucosal addition of bradykinin, and this effect was abolished by pretreatment with indomethacin. We conclude that bradykinin stimulates Cl secretion in canine tracheal epithelium by increasing prostaglandin release.
Encouraging Energy Efficiency in Building Design Using Computer Technology

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the roles computers could serve in promoting energy efficiency in building design. Developments in computer technology provide new opportunities to use computers to integrate energy-efficiency considerations into building design. These developments have already spurred an ongoing evolution of computer-aided design (CAD) systems from tools that primarily support drafting and component specification to systems that in the future will support the entire design process. By creating new easy-to-use energy tools, integrating them with tools that support other design activities, and automating much of their use, the level of effort and cost of considering energy efficiency during design should be reduced considerably. The chapter also presents a description of the first prototype developed in the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Energy Design and Operation Technologies project, which functionally demonstrates new ways in which computers could be used to provide design assistance.
Molecular Pathways and Animal Models of Arrhythmias

Arrhythmias account for over 300,000 annual deaths in the USA, and approximately half of all deaths are associated with heart disease. Mechanisms underlying arrhythmia risk are complex; however, work in humans and animal models over the past 20 years has identified a host of molecular pathways linked with both arrhythmia substrates and triggers. This chapter will focus on select arrhythmia pathways solved by linking human clinical and genetic data with animal models.
Precocious Phenotypic Transcription-Factor Expression during Early Development.

A novel role for phenotypic transcription factors in very early differentiation was recently observed and merits further study to elucidate what role this precocious expression may have in development. The RUNX1 transcription factor exhibits selective and transient upregulation during early mesenchymal differentiation. In contrast to phenotype-associated transcriptional control of gene expression to establish and sustain hematopoietic/myeloid lineage identity, precocious expression of RUNX1 is functionally linked to control of an epithelial to mesenchymal transition that is obligatory for development. This early RUNX1 expression spike provides a paradigm for precocious expression of a phenotypic transcription factor that invites detailed mechanistic study to fully understand its biological importance. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 953-958, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Game Is Good at the Top

Collegiate football may provide advertising for universities, attracting larger pools of applicants and leading to more academically qualified student bodies. Football may also build school spirit,...
Correctional counseling supervision: How supervisors manage the duality of security and mental health needs

Clinical supervision of mental health counselors in correctional settings presents unique challenges. Seven correctional counselor supervisors were interviewed about how they addressed issues related to the correctional environment, their social interactions, and their identity. The authors used a qualitative constructivism framework and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore how supervisors rationalized their role in the correctional setting. Findings suggested that supervisors experience significant institutional constraints, often have to prioritize security needs over mental health needs, and have a complex professional identity that includes both security and mental health responsibilities.
Small-Scale Smart Electrical Grid Design, Construction, and Analysis

As society moves into the digital age, the expectation of instantaneous electricity at the flip of a switch is more prominent than ever. The traditional electric grid has become outdated and Smart Grids are being developed to deliver reliable and efficient energy to consumers. However, the costs involved with implementing their infrastructure often limits research to theoretical models.As a result, an undergraduate capstone design team constructed a small-scale 12 VDC version to be used in conjunction with classroom and research activities. In this model Smart Grid, two houses act as residential consumers, an industrial building serves as a high-load demand device, and a lead-acid battery connected to a 120 VAC wall outlet simulates fossil fuel power plants. A smaller lead-acid battery provides a microgrid source while a photovoltaic solar panel adds renewable energy into the mix and can charge either lead-acid battery. All components are connected to a National Instruments CompactRIO system while being controlled and monitored via a LabVIEW software program. The resulting Smart Grid can run independently based on constraints related to energy demand, cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. Results are shown demonstrating choices based on these constraints, including a corresponding weighting according to controller objectives.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
PSEUDOHYPOBICARBONATEMIA IN A PATIENT PRESENTING WITH SUSPECTED DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS

ABSTRACT Objective: In the diagnosis of acid-base disturbances, an accurate assessment of bicarbonate is essential. It can be determined by measurement of a urea and electrolyte panel or calculated on a blood gas analysis. Discrepancies in these two values can be due to endogenous interferents. We report a case of pseudohypobicarbonatemia suspected due to hypertriglyceridemia, despite lipidemia being within the reported acceptable range for the analyzer. Methods: We detail the hospital course of a 33-year-old man who presented with presumed diabetic ketoacidosis based on new-onset hyperglycemia, positive ketones, and measured bicarbonate in the range 9 to 16 mmol/L. The latter caused the calculation of anion gap metabolic acidosis. We review bicarbonate metabolism and technical aspects of its measurement. Further, we review additional reports and research pertinent to our patient's diagnostic dilemma. Results: Based on our patient's initial presentation, he was placed on an insulin drip for approximately ...
Cognitive Interventions for Cognitively Healthy, Mildly Impaired, and Mixed Samples of Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized-Controlled Trials

Cognitive interventions may improve cognition, delay age-related cognitive declines, and improve quality of life for older adults. The current meta-analysis was conducted to update and expand previous work on the efficacy of cognitive interventions for older adults and to examine the impact of key demographic and methodological variables. EBSCOhost and Embase online databases and reference lists were searched to identify relevant randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) of cognitive interventions for cognitively healthy or mildly impaired (MCI) older adults (60+ years). Interventions trained a single cognitive domain (e.g., memory) or were multi-domain training, and outcomes were assessed immediately post-intervention using standard neuropsychological tests. In total, 279 effects from 97 studies were pooled based on a random-effects model and expressed as Hedges’ g (unbiased). Overall, results indicated that cognitive interventions produce a small, but significant, improvement in the cognitive functioning of older adults, relative to active and passive control groups (g = 0.298, p < .001, 95% CI = 0.248–0.347). These results were confirmed using multi-level analyses adjusting for nesting of effect sizes within studies (g = 0.362, p < .001, 95% CI = 0.275, 0.449). Age, education, and cognitive status (healthy vs. MCI) were not significant moderators. Working memory interventions proved most effective (g = 0.479), though memory, processing speed, and multi-domain interventions also significantly improved cognition. Effects were larger for directly trained outcomes but were also significant for non-trained outcomes (i.e., “transfer effects”). Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed. This project was pre-registered with PROSPERO (#42016038386).
Lumacaftor/ivacaftor, a novel agent for the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients who are homozygous for the F580del CFTR mutation.

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease affecting up to 90,000 people worldwide. Approximately 73% of patients are homozygous for the F508del cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator [CFTR] mutation. Traditionally treatment has only included supportive care. Therefore, there is a need for safe and effective novel therapies targeting the underlying molecular defects seen with CF.Areas covered: In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission approved LUM/IVA (Orkambi), a CFTR modulator that includes both a CFTR corrector and potentiator, for CF patients homozygous for the F508del CFTR mutation. This article reviews the pharmacologic features, clinical efficacy, and safety of LUM/IVA and summarize the available pre-clinical and clinical data of LUM/IVA use.Expert commentary: LUM/IVA showed modest, but significant improvements from baseline in percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) as well as a reduction in pulmonary exacerbations by 35% It was sh...
A spatio-temporal data fusion algorithm for estimating high-resolution soil moisture in agricultural regions

In this study, a data-fusion algorithm is developed for estimation of high-resolution brightness temperatures (T B ) at 1km from Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) fine-grid T B product at 9km. It uses image segmentation to spatio-temporally cluster the study region based on meteorological and land cover similarity, followed by a support vector machine based regression that computes the value of the high-resolution T B at all pixels. High resolution remote sensing products such as land surface temperature, normalized difference vegetation index, enhanced vegetation index, precipitation, soil texture, and land-cover were used for disaggregation. The algorithm was implemented in Iowa, United States, from May to September 2016, and compared with the field observations of T B from Microwave Water and Energy Balance Experiment conducted as a part of the Soil Moisture Active Passive Validation Experiment (SMAPVEX16-MicroWEX). Additionally, they were also compared with the Sentinel downscaled SMAP T B at 1km. High resolution soil moisture is subsequently derived from high resolution T B using inverse models.
Research on charge and discharge power tracking control for V2G system

V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) system, can provide two-way controllable active power and reactive power into the power grid, realize the load fluctuation and stabilize the power grid peak power regulation function. This paper focuses on the power control of the V2G system in the grid-connected mode. The main circuit structure of the V2G system was introduced. To tracking current instructions precisely, the proportion feedback integral control method was proposed. The results of simulation and experiment verified the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Imaging-related to Cochlear Implants

Damage or malformation of the cochlea or the delicate structures within the cochlea causes sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Sensory hearing impairment cannot be rectified surgically, but many sensory losses can be helped with conventional acoustic hearing aids. In the profoundly deaf child where there is little residual hearing, acoustic amplification will not give significant benefit. Cochlear implant systems electrically stimulate remaining auditory nerve tissue in the cochlea to induce a sensation of hearing.
Developing a Cloud Service Relationship Theory

This chapter develops a cloud service relationship theory that explains and predicts how uncertainties arise and how they can be mitigated in cloud service relationships. In the first part, the relevance and boundary assumption of the theory are explained. Next, based on well-established theoretical lenses, an abstract understanding of user behavior in cloud service relationships is developed. Building on these more abstract constructs and their relationships, empirically testable hypotheses are derived. By the end of this chapter, a summary of the essential elements of the theory is provided.
Importance of bacterial decomposition and carrion substrate to foraging brown treesnakes.

Brown treesnakes are an invasive species to the island of Guam that have caused extensive ecological and economic damage. Efforts to control the snake population have included trapping using live mouse lures, but for logistical and economic reasons a synthetic lure is needed. When searching for live food, brown treesnakes use both visual and odor cues. However, when searching for carrion, odor cues are sufficient. Attempts to develop synthetic lures based on chemical reconstruction of the complex carrion odor have not succeeded. We provide evidence that a microbial–substrate interaction is important for bait take by brown treesnakes. Microbial cultures taken from mouse carrion indicate that Enterobacter agglomerans is the predominant bacterium, and field tests suggest that this organism may be important to odor production that attracts brown treesnakes. This information may prove useful in the development of microbial-based biological reactors that could be formulated to produce a continuous stream of odor of sufficient complexity so as to be attractive to foraging snakes.
United States and International Approaches to Establishing Air Standards and Guidelines

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the U.S. Clean Air Act, which contains key legislative requirements mandated by the U.S. Congress dealing with several major classes of air pollutants. Of particular interest are those Clean Air Act sections that provide legislative requirements or guidance with regard to developing air quality standards for criteria air pollutants, developing strategies for hazardous air pollutants, and dealing with selected mobile source pollutant issues of much current interest with regard to certain fuels and fuel additives. Section 108 of the 1970 Clean Air Act directs the administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify and issue air quality criteria for ubiquitous air pollutants that may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare. The air quality criteria are to reflect the latest available scientific information on the nature and extent of all identifiable effects on public health or welfare that may be expected from the presence of the pollutant in ambient air. Clean Air Act mobile sources provisions focus mainly on emissions limitations aimed both at minimizing risks associated directly with exposures to fuels or fuel additives or their combustion products in vehicle emissions and at minimizing exacerbation of criteria air pollutant problems.
DOSE RATE SATURATION IN PLASTIC SCINTILLATORS

Abstract The light output intensity as a function of dose rate from pulsed electron beam excitation was investigated for commercial Pilot B and similar plastic scintillators. Nonlinear responses were observed above about 5 × 10 12 rads/sec. The various possible quenching mechanisms which may be responsible for these saturation effects are discussed, and it is suggested that the dominant quenching mechanism in Pilot B is the absorption of the light emission by mono-negative p-terphenyl ions. This assumption is substantiated by the observation of decreased light transmission during electron excitation at high dose rates.
LABA: Logical Layout Analysis of Book Page Images in Arabic Using Multiple Support Vector Machines

Logical layout analysis, which determines the function of a document region, for example, whether it is a title, paragraph, or caption, is an indispensable part in a document understanding system. Rule-based algorithms have long been used for such systems. The datasets available have been small, and so the generalization of the performance of these systems is difficult to assess. In this paper, we present LABA, a supervised machine learning system based on multiple support vector machines for conducting a logical Layout Analysis of scanned pages of Books in Arabic. Our system labels the function (class) of a document(scanned book pages) region, based on its position on the page and other features. We evaluated LABA with the benchmark "BCE-Arabic-v1" dataset, which contains scanned pages of illustrated Arabic books. We obtained high recall and precision values, and found that the F-measure of LABA is higher for all classes except the "noise" class compared to a neural network method that was based on prior work.
Examination of hemodynamics in patients in hemorrhagic shock undergoing Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA).

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to investigate the hemodynamic effects of aortic occlusion (AO) during Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) using a sophisticated continuous vital sign (CVS) monitoring tool. Methods Patients admitted between February 2013 and May 2017 at a tertiary center that received REBOA were included. Patients in cardiac arrest before or at the time of REBOA were excluded. Time of AO was documented by time-stamped videography and correlated with CVS data. Results 28 patients were included, mean (standard deviation) ISS was 38 (11). 18 received Zone 1 (distal thoracic aorta) and 10 received Zone 3 (distal abdominal aorta) AO. Among Zone 1 patients the pre-AO systolic blood pressure (SBP) nadir was 64 (19) mmHg, which increased to a mean of 124 (29) mmHg within 5 min after AO (p Conclusions Significant hemodynamic alterations occur before, during, and after AO. The effects of Zone 1 AO on blood pressure and heart rate appear different than Zone 3 AO. This may have important implications for cardiac or cerebral function and perfusion goals, particularly with concomitant injuries such as cardiac contusion or traumatic brain injury.
Simplified Benchtop Model of a Distributed Energy Resource Management System

Residential photovoltaic (PV) installations in the distribution grid have increased in recent years due to technological improvements and supportive government policies. The high penetration of distributed energy resources (DER) raises concerns about feeder voltage and reverse power flow in the grid. The methods to mitigate these issues are on-going research topics. A group of senior undergraduate students at The University of Texas at Austin simulated these operational challenges with a simplified benchtop distribution grid model equipped with a monitoring and control system. This paper discusses the design and integration of the benchtop grid subsystems such as PV, energy storage, and programmable load. In addition, a simplified model of a distributed energy resource management system is developed and tested. Using the benchtop grid experimental setup, voltage regulation and peak demand shaving functions are demonstrated satisfactorily.
Ultrafast Zero-Bias Surface Photocurrent in Germanium Selenide: Promise for Terahertz Devices and Photovoltaics.

Theory predicts that a large spontaneous electric polarization and concomitant inversion symmetry breaking in GeSe monolayers result in a strong shift current in response to their excitation in the...
NASA Langley Scientific and Technical Information Output-2002

This document is a compilation of the scientific and technical information that the Langley Research Center has produced during the calendar year 2002. Included are citations for Technical Publications, Conference Publications, Technical Memorandums, Contractor Reports, Journal Articles and Book Publications, Meeting Presentations, Technical Talks, and Patents.
Health, fitness, and affects in an urban after-school program

This paper draws on data generated within and resulting from a pedagogical encounter between four Black and Latinx youth, two fitness professionals, and myself – the researcher – in an urban after-...
Dimensional lower bounds for Falconer type incidence theorems

Let 1 ≤ k ≤ d and consider a subset E ⊂ ℝd. In this paper, we study the problem of how large the Hausdorff dimension of E must be in order for the set of distinct noncongruent k-simplices in E (that is, noncongruent point configurations of k + 1 points from E) to have positive Lebesgue measure. This generalizes the k = 1 case, the well-known Falconer distance problem and a major open problem in geometric measure theory. Many results on Falconer type theorems have been established through incidence theorems, which generally establish sufficient but not necessary conditions for the point configuration theorems. We establish a dimensional lower threshold of $$\frac{d+1}{2}$$ on incidence theorems for k-simplices where k ≤ d ≤ 2k + 1 by generalizing an example of Mattila. We also prove a dimensional lower threshold of $$\frac{d+1}{2}$$ on incidence theorems for triangles in a convex setting in every dimension greater than 3. This last result generalizes work by Iosevich and Senger on distances that was built on a construction by Valtr. The final result utilizes number-theoretic machinery to estimate the number of solutions to a Diophantine equation.
Highly Efficient Spin-Current Generation by the Spin Hall Effect in Au 1 − x Pt x

Current-induced spin-orbit torques (SOTs) in heavy-metal/ferromagnet systems are promising for efficiently manipulating magnetization in nanoscale spintronics, but the energy efficiency of SOT operations remains limited by a combination of material parameters. The authors report very efficient generation of spin current via the spin Hall effect in Au-Pt alloy, which combines a giant internal spin Hall ratio with a relatively low resistivity. This work establishes Au${}_{0.25}$Pt${}_{0.75}$ as a milestone spin-current generator, more energy-efficient than other heavy metals or topological insulators, to benefit the development of fast, efficient SOT-driven magnetic memory and other devices.
The Marrakesh Treaty’s Impact on the Accessibility and Reproduction of Published Works

Many countries have restrictive copyright laws that prevent the reproduction of published works in accessible formats. In addition, these countries limit any fair use provisions to people with blindness, which excludes a variety of other print disabilities. In 2013, delegates from the World Intellectual Property Organization agreed to the Marrakesh Treaty, which has now been ratified by 79 countries. The Marrakesh Treaty focuses on expanding fair use exceptions in copyright law for reproducing works in accessible formats. Countries that ratify the Marrakesh Treaty agree to expand qualified individuals to include people with different kinds of reading disabilities. Countries that have ratified the treaty can also import or export accessible books. However, the treaty does not pressure countries to create inclusive policies for people with disabilities. Publishers are not affected by the Marrakesh Treaty and are allowed to continue producing their books in inaccessible formats. This paper explores the benefits and pitfalls of the Marrakesh Treaty and how the problem of inaccessible published works might be solved in the future.
Plastic set of smooth large radii of curvature thermal conductance specimens at light loads

Thermal contact conductance test data at high vacuum were obtained from two Armco iron specimens having smooth, large radii of curvature, convex, one-half wave length surfaces. The data are compared with calculations based on two macroscopic elastic deformation theories and an empirical expression. Major disagreement with the theories and fair agreement with the empirical expression resulted. Plastic deformation of all the contacting surfaces was verified from surface analyzer statistics. These results indicate that the theoretical assumption of macroscopic elastic deformation is inadequate for accurate prediction of heat transfer with light loads for Armco iron specimens similar to those used in this investigation.
Cognitive heterogeneity is a key predictor of differential functional outcome in patients with bipolar disorder

Abstract Bipolar disorder (BD) is a complex illness with variability at the level of symptom presentation, clinical course, cognitive capacity, and everyday function. Cognition is a key predictor of functional disability in BD, however, much remains unknown about the development and presentation of cognitive dysfunction in BD. Studies have shown that 30-50% of affectively stable people with BD are indistinguishable from healthy individuals in terms of cognitive presentation. In contrast, many people with BD have moderate to severe cognitive deficits, in some cases on par with what is typically observed in schizophrenia (SZ). Recent research efforts have aimed to parse this cognitive heterogeneity using unsupervised statistical techniques, resulting in more homogeneous subgroups. This method has provided new insights into the clinical and biological predictors of a potentially – neuroprogressive – declinin – gcognitive course in BD. Future studies that include detailed longitudinal follow-up in large BD cohorts hold promise for guiding the development of novel treatments that reach beyond the primary affective symptoms and target functionally relevant outcomes to promote full recovery.
Sequential Ranging Integration Times in the Presence of CW Interference in the Ranging Channel

The Deep Space Network (DSN), managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for NASA, is used primarily for communication with interplanetary spacecraft. The high sensitivity required to achieve planetary communications makes the DSN very susceptible to radio-frequency interference (RFI). In this paper, an analytical model is presented of the performance degradation of the DSN sequential ranging subsystem in the presence of downlink CW interference in the ranging channel. A trade-off between the ranging component integration times and the ranging signal-to-noise ratio to achieve a desired level of range measurement accuracy and the probability of error in the code components is also presented. Numerical results presented illustrate the required trade-offs under various interference conditions.
The Equilibria of Reactions Catalyzed by Carboxytransphosphorylase, Carboxykinase, and Pyruvate Carboxylase and the Synthesis of Phosphoenolpyruvate

Abstract The possible role of inorganic pyrophosphate as an energy source for synthesis of phosphoenolpyruvate was evaluated by determining the equilibrium constants of three reactions in which CO2 is fixed into oxalacetate. The experimental constants (Kexp) were determined on the basis of total concentrations of reactants. Then K'ionic for 25°, 0.1 ionic strength, and selected ionic species was estimated from Kexp. For the reaction catalyzed by P-enolpyruvate carboxytransphosphorylase (pyrophosphorylase:oxalacetate carboxylase, EC 4.1.1.38), K'ionic expressed as (oxalacetate2-) (HPP3-) / (P-enolpyruvate3-) (HPi2-)(HCO3-) (H+) was found to be (9 ± 2) x 107. For the reaction catalyzed by P-enolpyruvate carboxykinase (guanosine triphosphate:oxalacetate carboxylase, EC 4.1.1.32), K'ionic expressed as (oxalacetate2-) (ITP4-)/(P-enolpyruvate3-)(IDP3-)(HCO3-) (H+) is (2.2 ± 0.5) x 107. With pyruvate carboxylase (pyruvate:CO2 ligase (adenosine diphosphate), EC 6.4.1.1), K'ionic expressed as (oxalacetate2-) (ADP3-)(HPi2-)(H+)/(pyruvate1-)(HCO3-)(ATP4-) is (1.4 ± 0.4) x 10-6. Equilibrium constants for other conditions have been calculated from Kionic. These constants are expressed in terms of total concentrations of each reactant and are designated K'anal· K'anal corresponds to the Kexp which would be observed under the selected conditions. It is shown that variations of the Mg2+ concentration and pH affect each equilibrium differently. Pyruvate carboxylase and P-enolpyruvate carboxykinase, when linked, catalyze the formation of P-enolpyruvate from pyruvate with utilization of ATP and ITP. Likewise, it has been observed that pyruvate carboxylase and carboxytransphosphorylase may be linked and that P-enolpyruvate is synthesized from pyruvate with utilization of ATP and inorganic pyrophosphate. The ΔF'anal (ΔF'anal = -RT In K'anal) of the linked reaction with ATP and PPi is not as favorable for synthesis of P-enolpyruvate as it is with ATP and ITP. At 0.5 mm Mg2+, 0.1 ionic strength, and pH 8.0, it is 0.2 ± 0.3 kcal compared to -2.3 ± 0.3 kcal for the linked reaction with ATP and ITP. A low concentration of Mg2+ and an alkaline pH is most favorable for the synthesis with PPi. The linked reactions with carboxytransphosphorylase may provide a mechanism for the utilization of the energy of inorganic pyrophosphate. The free energy of hydrolysis of inorganic pyrophosphate has been estimated as a function of Mg2+ concentration and pH. At 0.1 ionic strength, 25°, and pH 7.0, and in the absence of Mg2+, the ΔF'anal is -8.0 ± 0.3 kcal and with Mg2+ at 5 mm, the ΔF'anal is -4.5 ± 0.3 kcal.
North’s Underdeveloped Ideological Entrepreneur

In this essay, Storr examines what he identifies as an underdeveloped concept within Professor Douglass North's work; that of the 'ideological entrepreneur.' Ideological entrepreneurs are those who change institutional structure by cultivating a shift in shared ideology and through that process, alter the social development path. Storr argues that as a driving force behind social change, the figure of the ideological entrepreneur requires further development, which he offers by bridging North's concept to the theories of entrepreneurship advanced by Israel Kirzner and Joseph Schumpeter.
Bosons Live in Symplectic Coset Spaces

A theory for the transitive action of a group on the configuration space of a system of fermions is shown to lead to the conclusion that bosons can be represented by the action of cosets of the group. By application of the principle to fundamental, indivisible fermions, the symplectic group $Sp(n)$ is shown to be the largest group of isometries of the space. Interactions between particles are represented by the coset space $Sp(n)/ \bigotimes_1^n Sp(1)$.
Factors associated with the acceptance of an AIDS vaccine: an exploratory study.

Abstract Background . Behavioral issues relative to acceptance of an HIV vaccine have been understudied. This exploratory study identified factors that may preclude people from accepting an AIDS vaccine when one is developed and approved for use. Methods . A cross-sectional survey of 278 adults, from different at-risk populations, was conducted. Sixteen items assessed participants' concerns about receiving an AIDS vaccine if one was approved for use. Data reduction was achieved by principal components analysis, using an oblique rotation. Reliability and construct validity of subscales were determined. Finally, logistic regression models were used to identify demographic correlates of each precluding factor. Results . A four-factor solution accounted for 59.5% of the variance. Three factors achieved satisfactory inter-item reliability: labeled as (1) personal issues, (2) product concerns, and (3) stigma-associated worry. Findings suggest that the three factors had construct validity. Each factor was associated with a unique demographic profile and two factors were associated with self-reported hepatitis B vaccination. Conclusion . Subsequent studies should use these exploratory findings (and possibly the measurement instrument) to tailor intervention programs aimed at promoting an AIDS vaccine. Because these studies will be time consuming, prudence dictates the initiation of further behavioral research before an AIDS vaccine is developed and approved.
The Radiative Collisions of Positrons and Electrons

The general matrix elements for the collision of two electrons ($e\ensuremath{-}e$ case) or a positron and an electron ($p\ensuremath{-}e$ case) accompanied by the emission of a quantum of radiation are formulated. It is expected that the two cross sections will differ considerably both because of the existence of a dipole for the $p\ensuremath{-}e$ case, and because of the essentially different nature of the exchange phenomenon in the $p\ensuremath{-}e$ case arising there from the possibility of virtual pair creation or annihilation rather than the indistinguishability of the particles. Two cases are calculated in detail; the non-relativistic limit and the extreme relativistic limit in which the quantum energy is restricted to $\ensuremath{\leqq}{E}^{\frac{1}{2}}$ in the laboratory system. In the former case the cross section for the $e\ensuremath{-}e$ case is found to vanish if the momentum of the quantum is neglected, while the $p\ensuremath{-}e$ cross section is comparable to that for the "bremsstrahlung" process. In the latter case the cross sections of the two cases are of the same order of magnitude the $e\ensuremath{-}e$ cross section being greater because of the exchange terms, the exchange terms of the $p\ensuremath{-}e$ case being negligible in all of the cases considered.
Defensive effects of extrafloral nectaries in quaking aspen differ with scale

The effects of plant defenses on herbivory can differ among spatial scales. This may be particularly common with indirect defenses, such as extrafloral nectaries (EFNs), that attract predatory arthropods and are dependent on predator distribution, abundance, and behavior. We tested the defensive effects of EFNs in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) against damage by a specialist herbivore, the aspen leaf miner (Phyllocnistis populiella Cham.), at the scale of individual leaves and entire ramets (i.e., stems). Experiments excluding crawling arthropods revealed that the effects of aspen EFNs differed at the leaf and ramet scales. Crawling predators caused similar reductions in the percent leaf area mined on individual leaves with and without EFNs. However, the extent to which crawling predators increased leaf miner mortality and, consequently, reduced mining damage increased with EFN expression at the ramet scale. Thus, aspen EFNs provided a diffuse defense, reducing damage to leaves across a ramet regardless of leaf-scale EFN expression. We detected lower leaf miner damage and survival unassociated with crawling predators on EFN-bearing leaves, suggesting that direct defenses (e.g., chemical defenses) were stronger on leaves with than without EFNs. Greater direct defenses on EFN-bearing leaves may reduce the probability of losing these leaves and thus weakening ramet-scale EFN defense. Aspen growth was not related to EFN expression or the presence of crawling predators over the course of a single season. Different effects of aspen EFNs at the leaf and ramet scales suggest that future studies may benefit from examining indirect defenses simultaneously at multiple scales.
Role of the nanoscale in catalytic CO oxidation by supported Au and Pt nanostructures

Experiments have found that the catalytic activity of Au increases sharply for supported nanoparticles smaller than 5 nm, while Pt exhibits opposite behavior. Several authors, seeking to explain the nanoscale Au activity, reached conflicting conclusions, attributing it to different nanoscale features or to a particular bilayer structure that is independent of size. Here we report an extensive theoretical study of a large ensemble of TiO2-supported Au and Pt nanoparticles and show that several nanoscale features collectively result in the observed contrasting behavior. Low coordination is accompanied by bond weakening in Au and strengthening in Pt, while perimeter sites are active only for Au. Though there are orbital-occupancy differences for catalytically active and inactive configurations, there is insignificant variation in physical charge transfer.
Absorption and metabolism of 1-14C-methyl linoleate hydroperoxide

The absorption and metabolism of 1-14C-methyl linoleate hydroperoxide by rats was investigated. After intubation with 2 mg of peroxide, peak14CO2 production occurred at 90 min and 25% of the dose was expired in 24 hr. Fortyfive per cent stil remained in the gastrointestinal tract after 24 hr, most of it bound to the stomach epithelium in the form of intact peroxide. Lymph was collected from the thoracic duct 2 hr after intubation and examined for labeled metabolites. Seven per cent of the radioactivity in the lymph was present in a free 1-14C-hydroxy fatty acid and 31% in its methyl ester. Fifty-seven per cent occurred in lymph triglycerides where it was equally distributed between a 1-14C-trienoic fatty acid and an unidentified 1-14C-oxy acid. The radioactivity in liver lipids was associated mainly with randomly labeled normal fatty acids. No14C-hydroxy acids were detected in liver lipids and no evidence was obtained for the absorption of unchanged peroxide. The hydroxy and trienoic acids appear to be formed during absorption by a reduction-dehydration reaction sequence.
Screening tuber-bearingSolanum (potato) germplasm for efficient accumulation of tuber calcium

Resistance to several pathological and physiological tuber defects has been correlated with calcium level in the peel. In this study, a representative sample of potato species (including cultivated), was grown in the greenhouse. Plants were watered with low and high calcium solutions, and the resulting tubers analyzed. Thus, potato germplasm was screened for ability to accumulate tuber calcium when a control level of calcium is available, and ability to respond when higher levels are supplied. Some wild species significantly exceeded cultivated materials in one or both of these measures. Such species may provide a resource for breeding varieties which are more efficient calcium accumulators.
Coupled vegetation-precipitation variability observed from satellite and climate records

[1] Variability in precipitation regimes at seasonal and longer time scales strongly influences ecosystem dynamics in arid and semi-arid regions. In this paper, we use time series of global precipitation and satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data to analyze joint spatial and temporal variability between terrestrial ecosystems and precipitation regimes. Accumulated monthly rainfall anomalies are quantified using a standardized precipitation index (SPI), which provides a better measure of ecologically significant precipitation excess or deficit at growing season time scales relative to monthly precipitation data. Results from canonical correlation analysis reveal geographically extensive patterns of joint NDVI-SPI variability suggestive of strong climate-biosphere coupling. Further, leading modes of covariability are shown to be related to large-scale ocean-atmosphere circulation anomalies. These results illustrate the global extent and sensitivity of ecosystems susceptible to climate change-induced perturbations in precipitation regimes.
Relationship of Volumetric BMD and Structural Parameters at Different Skeletal Sites to Sex Steroid Levels in Men

In a population-based, cross-sectional study, we related age-associated changes in vBMD and in bone structural parameters to circulating bioavailable estradiol and testosterone levels in men. Associations between these bone mass/structural parameters and sex steroid levels were progressively stronger with age. Our previously postulated “threshold” for skeletal estrogen deficiency was most evident at cortical sites. Introduction: Serum sex steroids, particularly estrogen levels, are associated with bone mass in men, and previous work has suggested that there may be a “threshold” bioavailable estradiol (bio E2) level below which the male skeleton becomes estrogen deficient. However, previous studies addressing this issue have exclusively used DXA, which cannot separate trabecular from cortical bone or provide information on bone geometry or structure. Materials and Methods: In an age-stratified population sample of 314 men (age, 22-91 years), we assessed volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone geometry by QCT at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, distal radius, and distal tibia and related these to circulating bio E2 and bio testosterone (T) levels. Results: Compared with young men (age, 20-39 years), middle-aged men (age, 40-59 years) had significantly lower bio T (−26%, p < 0.001) and bio E2 (−9%, p = 0.038) levels, and these decreases were even greater in the elderly men (age ≥ 60 years, −60% and −38% for bio T and bio E2, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). Reflecting their intact gonadal status, vBMD/structural parameters were not related to sex steroid levels in young men, whereas bio E2 levels were associated consistently with vBMD and variably with bone geometric parameters in the elderly men; middle-aged men showed associations with bio E2 and bio T at some sites. At all cortical sites, vBMD was associated with bio E2 at low (<30 pM, R = 0.27-0.41, p < 0.05-0.001) but not high (≥30 pM, R = −0.003 to 0.12, p = not significant) levels; no such differences were evident at trabecular sites. Conclusions: In men, bio E2 is the most consistent predictor of vBMD and some bone geometric variables as assessed by QCT. We also extend our previous findings on a possible “threshold” for skeletal estrogen deficiency by showing that this is most evident for cortical sites.
The effect of cyproheptadine and human growth hormone on adrenocortical function in children with hypopituitarism

The cortisol response to insulin hypoglycemia was determined in ten hypopituitary children treated for four months with both growth hormone and cyproheptadine, and in six other children with hypopituitarism treated for four months with hGH alone. All patients had previously normal responses to orally administered metyrapone. There was no demonstrable difference in the F responses to insulin hypoglycemia before and four months following its discontinuation in the patients receiving hGH alone. In the ten patients on combined therapy the F response to insulin hypoglycemia was normal in five and subnormal in five patients. These ten patients were retested at least two months after cessation of CPH therapy. The F response reverted to normal in four of the five patients in whom it had been subnormal. There was no significant change in the five patients with initial normal response. No patients had signs or symptoms of glucocorticoid insufficiency. In some cases, long-term administration of CPH to children with hypopituitarism is associated with decreased F response to insulin hypoglycemia; this may represent decreased adrenocortical reserve in these patients. The previously reported enhancement of growth of hypopituitary children treated with hGH and CPH may in part be a result of decreased F production.
Xylem development and hydraulic conductance in sun and shade shoots of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) : evidence that low light uncouples water transport capacity from leaf area

Morphology, water relations, and xylem anatomy of high-light (sun)- and low-light (shade)-grown Vitis vinifera L. shoots were studied to determine the effects of shading on the hydraulic conductance of the pathway for water flow from the roots to the leaves. Shade shoots developed leaf area ratios (leaf area: plant dry weight) that were nearly threefold greater than sun shoots. Water-potential gradients (ΔΨ·m−1) in the shoot xylem accounted for most of the ΔΨ·m−1 between soil and shoot apex at low and high transpiration rates in both sun and shade shoots, but the gradients were two- to fourfold greater in shade-grown plants. Low light reduced xylem conduit number in petioles, but had an additional slight effect on conduit diameter in internodes. The hydraulic conductance per unit length (Kh) and the specific hydraulic conductivity (ks, i.e. Kh per xylem cross-sectional area) of internodes, leaf petioles, and leaf laminae at different developmental stages leaf plastochron index was calculated from measurements of water potential and water flow in intact plants, from flow through excised organs, and from vessel and tracheid lumen diameters according to Hagen-Poiseuille's equation. For all methods and conductance parameters, the propensity to transport water to sink leaves was severalfold greater in internodes than in petioles. The Kh and ks increased logarithmically until growth ceased, independent of treatment and measurement method, and increased further in pressurized-flow experiments and Hagen-Poiseuille predictions. However, the increase was less in shade internodes than in sun internodes. Mature internodes of shade-grown plants had a two- to fourfold reduced Kh and significantly lower ks than sun internodes. Except very early in development, leaf lamina conductance and ks from shade-grown plants was also reduced. The strong reduction in Kh with only a slight reduction in leaf area (17% of sun shoots) in the shade shoots indicated a decoupling of water-transport capacity from the transpirational surface supplied by that capacity. This decoupling resulted in strongly reduced leaf specific conductivities and Huber values for both internodes and petioles, which may increase the likelihood of cavitation under conditions of high evaporative demand or soil drought.
Infrared Stimulation and Quenching of Photoconductivity in Luminescent Powders

Ac measurements of impedance changes in (ZnCd)S fluorescent powders upon addition of infrared radiation (a) simultaneously with the exciting ultraviolet and (b) various periods after excitation by ultraviolet or gamma radiation are described. A decrease (quenching) of conductivity is always observed in the steady state (a), but in case (b) a strong increase (stimulation) is often observed. The simultaneous quenching shows two maxima, one in the 7500 A region, the other about 12 500 A, but the stimulation decreases monotonically with increasing wavelengths. These two effects (quenching and stimulation) are superimposed; quenching can most easily be observed at relatively high conduction electron density, while stimulation is most easily observed long after excitation has ceased. The conductivity stimulation can be observed with most (ZnCd)S phosphors many days after cessation of excitation; thus these materials act as storage phosphors in which, however, the storage properties are observed by conductivity stimulation. Their light stimulability is often small. A specially activated Fonda-type storage phosphor with a very high light stimulability, however, shows only small conductivity stimulation. An explanation of this behavior and the wavelength dependence of the stimulation and quenching in terms of the action of infrared irradiation on trapped and valence-band electrons is given.