cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic consequences of acid-base disorders

Introduction .Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the body.When bound to carbon, it usually will not dissociate, but it often does so when bound to oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur.Hence, acid-base groups are ubiquitous in biochemistry.Furthermore, it must be appreciated that water provides the environment in which most biochemical reactions occur and water is itself both an acid and a base by virtue of the fact that it can dissociate to a very slight degree as follows:H 2 O + H 2 O⇆H 3 O + + OH - Therefore, in aqueous solutions hydrated protons (hydro-nium ions) and hydroxyl ions are always present. Despite the abundance of hydrogen and the ubiquity of acid-base reactions, the concentration (or, more properly, the chemical activity) of free hydrogen or hydronium ions is very low in most biological fluids.This is in part because these ions are constantly being consumed in a great variety of metabolic reactions; but the main reason is that there exist in all body fluids relatively large concentrations of buffer substances with basic groups that have a high affinity for protons.It is the presence of these buffers in cells that permits a very rapid metabolic turnover of protons to take place at concentrations as low as 10 -6 or 10 -7 M. Although the concentration of protons is quite low, these ions are highly reactive and their chemical potential (as indicated by the pH) has a pervasive and often critical influence on a wide variety of biochemical systems.Most of the biological effects of pH are due primarily to changes in the ionization of molecules resulting from protonation or deprotonation.By affecting the charge on proteins (enzymes) and other critical reactive groups, pH influences the rates of metabolic reactions, the behavior of biological membranes and membrane transport systems, the binding of molecules, the actions and distribution of drugs and so forth.The mechanisms that serve normally to regulate pH, as well as the whole spectrum of functional disturbances that result from the changes in body fluid pH produced by stress or disease, will probably all find their ultimate explanations in these terms. As an example of the ways in which metabolic pathways can be critically affected by pH, I have chosen to discuss in detail the effects of acid-base changes on glycolysis.In order to put these phenomena in perspective, it will also be necessary to describe more briefly what is known about the effects of pH on certain related processes such as the citric acid cycle, oxidative reactions, gluconeogenesis and the hexose monophosphate shunt.The principles illustrated in this discussion will undoubtedly prove to be applicable to other areas of metabolism as we continue to learn more about the metabolic consequences of acid-base disorders.
Wetting Characteristics of a Phospholipid Membrane Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Phospholipid molecules form bilayers in water due to their hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails. The electroporation of lipid bilayers (cell membranes) is a phenomenon where membranes are permeabilized by the application of electric fields. At some critical voltage, a dramatic increase in conductivity across the membranes is observed. This phenomenon is widely used in DNA and RNA transfer as well as targeted drug delivery systems. However, the membrane ruptures with a continuous increase in voltage where interaction between lipid and water molecules is an important factor in electroporation behavior. This study characterizes the wettability, of both the head and tail groups of lipid molecules, by calculating the contact angle of a water droplet on a planar phospholipid monolayer using molecular dynamics simulations. The water droplet completely spreads on the hydrophilic heads of the lipid, while forming an average contact angle of 136.05° on the hydrophobic tails. An analysis using the Young’s equation suggests that a difference in free energy of 116 mJ/m2 contributes to the overall energy barrier for water penetration across the lipid monolayer. We aim to control this permeabilization phenomenon to achieve water desalination.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
A Note on Binary Choice Duration Models

Abstract We demonstrate that standard methods of asymptotic inference break down for a binary choice duration model in a time series setting. This is because the dependent variable has a degenerate limit distribution, which makes the asymptotic variance-covariance matrix singular.
Ricin toxin contains three lectin sites which contribute to its in vivo toxicity

Abstract Ricin intoxication of mammalian cells is initiated by B chain (RTB) binding to cell surface galactosides. Recombinant insect-derived RTB mutants with modifications in lectin-site subdomains 2γ, 1α/2γ, and lα/1β/2γ were reassociated with plant RTA and tested for lethality in C57B1/6 6–8 weeks old mice. The LD 50 of intraperitoneally injected castor bean ricin was 75 ng per 18 g mouse. The LD 50 of single-site 2γ mutant heterodimer was 100 ng; the LD 50 of the double-site lα/2γ mutant heterodimer was 500 ng, and the LD 50 of the triple-site 1α/1β/2γ mutant heterodimer was > 10 μ g. Plant RTA alone had an LD 50 of 300 μg. Animals died between 1 and 10 days post-injection. Histopathological examination of morbid animals receiving an LD 50 dose of each toxin revealed only apoptosis in the thymus and spleen. The present data provide clear evidence for participation of three lectin sites in ricin in vivo toxicity. These results suggest an origin for some of the normal tissue toxicities observed with clinical trials ofdoubly blocked ricin conjugates and suggest modification of at least three RTB subdomains will be necessary in genetically engineered ricin fusion proteins.
Electron correlation in artificial atoms

Electron correlation is essential to the accurate description of molecular systems. Here, parabolic quantum dots (often referred to as artificial atoms) are treated with the coupled cluster formalism of quantum chemistry to introduce correlation. Electron correlation is shown to account for between 1% and 9% of the total energy of quantum dots with from two to eight electrons and has a significant qualitative effect on the addition spectra. We employ a scaling relationship, confirmed by our calculations, which allows the treatment of quantum dots without specific reference to material properties.
Functional outcome and patient satisfaction in total knee patients over the age of 75.

Seventy-four patients, age 75 or older, who had undergone 98 primary total knee arthroplasties were evaluated in a retrospective cohort study, with validated questionnaires that assessed self-reported pain, physical function, mental health, and satisfaction. Average follow-up period was 34 months (range, 12-67 months). Overall, 90.8% reported improvement, 88.8% were satisfied with the results of surgery, and 91.8% felt they had made the right decision. Dissatisfaction with the results correlated with poorer mental health scores, decreased physical function, and increased bodily pain scores (P < .05). Satisfaction was correlated with better pain scores on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and SF-36 (P < .05) but not with Hospital for Special Surgery scores (P = .328). Poor surgical results leading to revision surgery (5%) were associated with preoperative deformity greater than 20 degrees. Based on this patient-assessed outcome analysis, total knee arthroplasty is a worthwhile and beneficial procedure in the elderly.
The association between birth order and adult stature.

First-borns are smaller than later-borns at birth. We investigated adult stature of families with three or more adult children, aged between 20 and 70 (mean 32) years. There was no significant correlation between size of the family and final adult stature of the siblings. We found a mean height reduction of first-borns compared to the mean of all sibs of -1·2cm ( P
Ownership structure, expectations, and short sales on the Nasdaq

We estimate expected short interest for Nasdaq stocks. Extending prior work, our research is among the first to investigate the impact of ownership structure on short-selling activity. We find that short interest is negatively related to institutional ownership and positively related to inside ownership; stocks with greater liquidity and smaller relative spreads are more heavily shorted. We also develop a measure of the unanticipated level of short selling; relative to the reported amount of short interest, this unexpected level of short selling seems at first to better represent the opinions of informed investors engaging in costly short-selling activities. However, the power of the unanticipated level of short-selling factor is displaced when we make allowances for traditional market, firm-size, and momentum variables.
Structure-based RNA Function Prediction Using Elastic Shape Analysis

In recent years, RNAs have been found to have diverse functions beyond being a messenger in gene transcription. The functions of non-coding RNAs are determined by their structures. Structure comparison/alignment of RNAs provides an effective means to predict their functions. Despite many previous studies on RNA structure alignment, it is still a challenging problem to predict the function of RNA molecules based on their structure information. In this study, we developed a new RNA structure alignment method based on elastic shape analysis (ESA). ESA treats RNA structures as three dimensional curves and performs flexible alignment between two RNA molecules by bending and stretching one of the molecules to match the other. The amount of bending and stretching is quantified by a formal distance, geodesic distance. Based on ESA, a rigorous mathematical framework can be built for RNA structure comparison. Means and covariances can be computed and probability distributions can be constructed for a group of RNA structures. We further applied the method to predict functions of RNA molecules. Our method achieved good performance when tested on benchmark datasets.
Rebel—Military Integration and Civil War Termination

Civil wars are far less likely to end in peace agreements than are international wars, and more than a third of civil wars restart within a few years. This may be due to the time-inconsistency of peace settlements in civil wars: once the rebels demobilize, they lose bargaining power and the government can renege on its promises. This makes rebels reluctant to stop fighting and quick to remobilize for a fight. A self-enforcing agreement could prevent this, but it is difficult to create such agreements. Recent efforts to structure self-enforcing agreements after civil wars have involved the integration of former rebels in a new national army. This solution should make unilateral defection from peace settlements more costly. This is an increasingly popular mechanism used in peace settlements, but it is not yet well understood. We do not know if it works or under what conditions it is likely to be used. This article provides the first systematic study of rebel--military integration agreements and considers if and how such agreements can help build peace. It also analyzes the conditions under which such agreements will be reached and implemented. The analysis suggests that rebel--military integration has not been an effective peacebuilding mechanism, but this is often due to poor implementation of the agreements.
Additional rich resources for computer graphics educators

Abstract Demonstration programs have a long and storied history in the field of computer science education. This is particularly true in the area of computer graphics where the displays are often worth more than the proverbial “thousand words”. A suite of such programs was presented at the SIGGRAPH conference in Los Angeles during the summer of 2001. This paper reviews that suite, and discusses its further development. It also discusses the pedagogical role of such programs within the field of computer graphics education, including contributions of some analogous suites currently available.
Low-energy total-electron-capture cross sections for fully stripped and H-like projectiles incident on H and H 2

Total-electron-capture cross sections are reported for fully stripped and H-like ions of C, N, O, F, and Ne colliding with atomic and molecular hydrogen targets in the energy range 0.18--8.5 keV/amu. At energies above 3 keV/amu the cross sections are approximately energy independent with magnitudes in the range (4--7)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}15}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$, and scale smoothly with projectile charge. Below 3 keV/amu the H-target cross sections for projectiles with even charge are smaller than those for projectiles of odd charge. For the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$-target data, the opposite trend prevails. For those systems where calculations exist, molecular orbital and atomic orbital close-coupling calculations are within 20% of the experimental results except at the lowest energies investigated.
Direct, indirect, and sham laser photocoagulation in the management of central serous chorioretinopathy.

The role of argon laser photocoagulation in the management of central serous chorioretinopathy was evaluated in a prospective randomized study of eyes with leaks smaller than 250 μm in diameter in the early frames of the angiogram. Eyes were assigned to Group A when the leak was located in the papillomacular bundle or within 500 μm of the capillary-free zone and to Group B when the leakage site was located outside the papillomacular bundle and more than 500 μm from the capillary-free zone. Thirty eyes in Group A underwent either a sham argon laser treatment or a real argon laser treatment directed to the pigment epithelium under the elevated retina at a site remote from the site of fluorescein dye leakage (indirect laser photocoagulation). Twelve eyes in Group B underwent either a laser treatment directed to the site of fluorescein dye leakage (direct laser photocoagulation) or indirect laser photocoagulation. Compared with indirect photocoagulation, direct laser photocoagulation shortened the duration of central serous chorioretinopathy by approximately two months, a statistically significant difference. When compared to sham treatment, indirect photocoagulation did not significantly alter the duration of central serous chorioretinopathy. During an 18-month interval, the recurrence rate in the eyes treated with sham and indirect laser photocoagulation was 34%, whereas no recurrences were observed in the eyes treated with direct photocoagulation. There were no complications from photocoagulation in any of the eyes.
A method of orthogonal directions III. Estimation algorithms of Chandrasekhar and Cholesky types for discrete-time, nonconstant models

Abstract A basic result is developed for relating general Riccati difference equations to backwards equations. This result is then used to develop general Chandrasekhar- and Cholesky-type algorithms for systems with time-varying parameters, results obtained hitherto only for constant parameter models.
The piloted ignition of wood by thermal radiation

Previous experimental studies on the ignition of dry wood by thermal radiation show poor agreement because all of the primary variables have not been monitored, and consequently they are not included in the resulting correlations. Although the density of the wood, the thickness of the specimen, and the magnitude of the incident irradiance have generally been recognized as principal parameters, there is little evidence in the literature that the spectral absorptance of the wood relative to the spectral quality of the incident radiation has been appreciated as a dominant variable. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to examine the significance of all of these variables. Piloted ignition data were obtained for thirteen dry wood species having thicknesses from less than 0.2 cm to more than 2.5 cm and densities from less than 0.1 g/cm 3 to more than 1.0 g/cm 3 . Diffusion flames and high-temperature tungsten lamps were used as sources of thermal radiation at incident irradiances from about 0.6 cal/cm 2 -sec to about 3.5 cal/cm 2 -sec. The spectral absorptances of the wood samples were measured in order to calculate an average absorptance over the range of spectral quality of the incident radiation. The ignition data were correlated on the basis of relationships suggested by considering the wood specimens as infinite slabs of inert, opaque material. It was found that, when the density, thickness, and absorbed irradiance were included in the correlation of the experimental data, a unique ignition correlation could be defined.
Pulse Height Analyzer with Internal Storage for Space Use

A pulse height analyzer has been designed for space use which is able to handle input count rates in excess of 5 X 104 counts per second with low power consumption and very small size. It can operate in the temperature range of -15 to + 70°C and survive storage temperature from -55 to + 125°C. A parallel-serial, coincident current, wide-temperature-range, ferrite core memory of 256 channels, 16 bits per channel is provided. A digitizing rate of 0. 5 microsecond per channel plus an average 25.5 microsecond storage time is used. An internal, nonoverloading linear amplifier is provided to handle up to 100 millivolt negative pulses for full scale storage. Control logic is provided for external commands for power, accumulate, nondestructive readout, and destructive readout functions. All input-output logic levels are compatible with conventional integrated circuits. All components are run at a fraction of their ratings in order to obtain maximum reliability.
Magnetization transfer contrast in fat-suppressed steady-state three-dimensional MR images.

We demonstrate that magnetization transfer contrast can be used to improve the diagnostic utility of fat-suppressed steady-state three-dimensional gradient-recalled images. Fat suppression is achieved using a “jump-return” pair of contiguous shaped pulses. No time interval exists between the pulses, and no RF echo is generated. The sequence normally produces images with “density” weighting. Preparation of the spin magnetization with off-resonance frequency-selective excitation creates magnetization transfer contrast which attenuates signal intensity in proportion to the exchange rate of magnetization from free water with magnetization from water bound to macromolecules or protons that have restricted mobility. The resulting images have excellent fat suppression with low sensitivity to motion since no subtraction is used. In addition, the mechanism of signal attenuation is independent of paramagnetic effects, and addition of Gd-DTPA produces signal enhancement from vascularized regions of tissue. Examples are presented for the knee and breast, where the observation of pathology with signal enhancement from Gd-DTPA is improved over conventional 3D fat-suppressed images.
Competitive Binding Studies of H2T4 with DNA Hairpins (H2T4 = meso-Tetrakis(4-(N-methylpyridiniumyl))porphyrin)

Cationic porphyrins such as meso-tetrakis(4-(N-methylpyridiumyl))porphyrin, or H2T4, are remarkably versatile DNA binding agents of interest for potential therapeutic applications. This study focuses on the influence the DNA bases have in determining the mode of uptake and the relative binding affinity. For convenience the host is usually a DNA hairpin formed spontaneously by a 16-mer with the sequence 5‘-GAXYACTTTTGTY‘X‘TC-3‘, where X and Y designate varying nucleotides with complements X‘ and Y‘. Results from absorbance, emission, and CD spectroscopies lead to several conclusions. Among these is the recognition that the base composition, far more than the base sequence, dictates the mode of binding. Thus, any run of DNA containing at least 50% G⋮C base pairs supports intercalative binding simply because a robust hydrogen-bonding framework (1) stabilizes the intercalated adduct, and (2) inhibits distortions that favor external binding. Another striking finding is that there is hardly any difference in bi...
Present and future developments of high-power relativistic klystron amplifiers

Research and development of a high power Relativistic Klystron Amplifier performed in 1991 at the Naval Research Laboratory is described in this paper.
In‐situ measurements of changes in stratospheric aerosol and the N2O‐aerosol relationship inside and outside of the polar vortex

Two optical particle counters on the ER-2, together covering a particle size diameter range from 0.1 microns to 23 microns, were used to measure the aerosol bulk quantities integral number, aerosol surface and volume, as well as detailed size distributions inside and outside of the polar vortex in the lower stratosphere. While AAES I (Arctic Airborne Stratospheric Expedition, (Dec. 88 - Feb. 89) was conducted in a period of relative volcanic quiescence, enhancements in aerosol number, surface and volume of factors around 10, 25 and 100 were observed during AASE 2 (Aug. 91 - Mar. 92) due to the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The changes in these bulk quantities as well as in the size distributions measured both outside and inside the polar vortex are presented and compared with those obtained in polar stratospheric cloud events (AASE I). Except for a shift towards larger aerosol mixing ratios the general shape of correlograms between the measured N2O and particle mixing ratios remain similar before and after the eruption. Similar correlograms are used to interpret data from vertical profiles inside and outside of the polar vortex.
Analysis of the structure of the genome of pseudorabies virus.

Abstract Examination by electron microscopy of self-annealed single strands of pseudorabies virus DNA revealed the following structure: a sequence, (molecular weight, 9.9 × 106) which is repeated in a complementary, inverted form on the other side of a short unique sequence (molecular weight, 6.0 × 106), is present at one end of the molecule. The extreme end of the inverted repeat, the terminal region, is not repeated internally. A long unique sequence (molecular weight, 65 × 106) comprises the remainder of the molecule. A sequence homologous to the end of the long unique sequence is also found approximately 350 bases from the end. In addition, examination of self-annealed exonuclease-treated DNA revealed the presence of double-stranded lariats, as well as smaller-than-unit-size circles, indicating that other sequences homologous to the end of the molecule are present at various distances from the ends. After exonuclease digestion of the ends and self-annealing, circular unit-size molecules were not observed. The number of nicks and gaps on individual pseudorabies viral DNA molecules varied between 1 and 10 per molecule; on the average, each molecule contained approximately 3.5 nicks or gaps. The nicks or gaps were found to be located at random sites along the molecule. No alkali-sensitive bonds were detected in the DNA.
Overview Of University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill PACS Program

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill PACS research effort has been primarily concerned with the conceptualization of the problems and solutions necessary to achieve a viable clinical system. Our approach has emphasized a clear understanding of the operation of the existing department, and our implementation to date has attempted to remain as generic as possible. Our major areas of research have been systems analysis of the radiology operation (modeling), the ACR-NEMA standard, and display/analysis consoles. The program is now moving into a new phase, in which the emphasis is shifting toward the establishment of a clinical "service" in the neuro radiology area.
Phosphorylation of a purified (Na + +K + ) adenosine triphosphatase.

Summary The concentration of the sodium dependent phosphorylated intermediate in several preparations of the (Na + +K + ) adenosine triphosphatase from renal medulla at various stages of purification was measured. During purification the apparent turnover number of the enzyme decreases from 9,300 min −1 to 3,000 min −1 . The phosphorylated intermediate is the larger of the two polypeptides present in the final preparation of the enzyme.
Culturally responsive teaching awareness through online fiction

Purpose – This paper aims to examine preservice teachers' understanding of culturally responsive teaching and the use of technology to deliver pedagogical information and facilitate inquiry.Design/methodology/approach – The study in this paper blended qualitative methods, specifically grounded theory within a framework of narrative inquiry. The study is situated within a theoretical framework related to the use of storytelling for teaching and research and of the use of web‐based technologies to deliver instruction and conduct research. An online fictional story was used to initiate dialogue about culturally responsive teaching, provide a framework for organizing ideas and reflecting, and encourage participants to tell their own stories.Findings – Findings indicate that the use of online fiction effectively facilitated participants' reflection and communication of their thoughts and levels of awareness and understanding, thereby facilitating data collection.Research limitations/implications – Limitations ...
Location and sequence of the erf gene of phage P22

The erf (essential recombination function) gene of Salmonella phage P22 was mapped by complementation between plasmids carrying parts of the P22 chromosome and superinfecting erf− phage. A segment of DNA shown by this method to contain the erf gene was sequenced. The sequence contains an open reading frame of 205 codons, starting with ATG, and followed by two tandem termination codons. Two erf− amber mutations result in changes in two different CAG codons in this sequence to TAG. The DNA sequence predicts an Erf protein monomer molecular weight of approximately 23,000. Two other conclusions emerge from the phage-plasmid complementation assay: Gene 17 of P22 is located between genes erf and c2; and phage λ encodes a function, possibly redβ, that can complement P22 erf−.
Low temperature resistivity of thin film and bulk samples of CuAl2 and Cu9Al4

Abstract The resistivities of thin film and bulk samples of CuAl2 (θ phase) and Cu9Al4(γ2 phase) were measured at temperatures between 4.2 and 300 K in order to characterize more fully their electrical behavior. The structures of both thin films and bulk samples were identified and the corresponding lattice parameters were determined by precision X-ray diffraction. The measurements indicate that CuAl2 behaves as an ordered electron compound whereas Cu9Al4 behaves as a disordered alloy phase and that the thin films in general are characterized by a greater amount of defect structure than the corresponding bulk samples are. The results are compared with previous measurements on low temperature transport properties in thin film couples of copper and aluminum.
Beam testing of the electrical field in semiconductor devices

Abstract Every semiconductor device has a unique distribution of a potential and a charge. This unique signature of a potential characterizes completely the successful operation or failure of the device. In the area of device design and testing it is essential to have a quantitative measurement of a field profile with high resolution on a submicron scale. Recently, the quantitative Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Differential Voltage Contrast (DVC) method was developed to measure potential and field distribution across two and three terminal devices. The DVC method consists of taking two images of a tested device, one from an unbiased device and the second image taken under the same operational conditions of SEM from the same area of biased device. The subtracted image is calibrated and processed by special software to generate one and two dimensional field profiles. Current study reviews various voltage contrast techniques and presents recent DVC measurements of diodes, solar cells, MOSFETs, MESFETs and quantum well lasers.
Wavesolder assistant: an expert system to aid troubleshooting of the wave soldering process

Abstract This paper discusses WAVESOLDER ASSISTANT — a computer-based expert system whose goal is to provide interactive advice about the cause and possible resolution of problems encountered in wave soldering electronic circuit boards. The system contains knowledge that has largely been derived from manufacturing personnel directly involved with the wave soldering process. The system queries the user for information relevant to the problem selected, and applies its information to determine causes of the problem. On request, it explains how the query is related to the goal.
Growth of InSb on GaAs Using InAlSb Buffer Layers

We report the growth of InSb on GaAs using InAlSb buffers of high interest for magnetic field sensors. We have grown samples by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition consisting of {approximately} 0.55 {micro}m thick InSb layers with resistive InAlSb buffers on GaAs substrates with measured electron nobilities of {approximately}40,000 cm{sup 2}/V.s. We have investigated the In{sub 1{minus}x}Al{sub x}Sb buffers for compositions x{le}0.22 and have found that the best results are obtained near x=0.12 due to the tradeoff of buffer layer bandgap and lattice mismatch.
RNA catalysis : ribozymes, ribosomes, and riboswitches

The catalytic mechanisms employed by RNA are chemically more diverse than initially suspected. Divalent metal ions, nucleobases, ribosyl hydroxyl groups, and even functional groups on metabolic cofactors all contribute to the various strategies employed by RNA enzymes. This catalytic breadth raises intriguing evolutionary questions about how RNA lost its biological role in some cases, but not in others, and what catalytic roles RNA might still be playing in biology.
Solid-State Aspect Sensor

Programs in development for the near future will require pointing sensors with accuracies in the region of 1 arc-sec and sub-arc-sec stability. The Advanced X-Ray Astronomical Facility, Annular Suspension Pointing System, Shuttle Infra-Red Telescope Facility and Stereosat are representatives of these programs. This paper describes a Solid State Aspect Sensor which could support this pointing capability and the testing technology necessary to verify its performance. The sensor uses a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) array integrated with a high-performance optical assembly. Perkin-Elmer has developed in-house a solid state sensor which could be used for precision pointing and attitude estimation applications. A test facility has been established which can be used to evaluate CCD arrays and optical assemblies for their suitability and use in a star sensor. The detail design of a stellar sensor to meet 1 arc-sec pointing requirements is presented. Optical performance characteristics are discussed, as is the verification testing of a prototype optical assembly. Test data are provided. The optical assembly is a 253-mm focal length, F/1.5 catadioptric lens system. Discussion of the solid state focal plane includes focal plane requirements and centroiding algorithms, focal plane and CCD test facilities, representative test data from linear CCD arrays, and a candidate CCD array for this application. An integrated sensor test station is described. Important considerations in the development of this precision pointing sensor are also presented, along with the predicted sensor performance based upon computer simulations.
River otters as biomonitors for organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and PBDEs in Illinois

Abstract The North American river otter ( Lontra canadensis ) is a biomonitor for organohalogenated compounds (OHCs) associated with a wide range of deleterious health effects in wildlife and humans. We determined concentrations of twenty OHCs in livers of 23 river otters salvaged by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources from 2009 to 2011, determined sex-dependent distribution of OHCs, and compared our results to the reported concentrations of four OHCs in Illinois river otters from 1984 to 1989. Since these contaminants have been banned for over 30 years, we predicted smaller mean concentrations than those previously reported in Illinois otters. We detected eleven of twenty OHCs; PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), dieldrin, and 4,4′-DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) were present in the greatest mean concentrations. We report the largest mean concentration of dieldrin to date in the liver of North American river otters (mean: 174, range: 14.4–534 parts per billion wet wt [ppb]). Mean PCB concentrations were significantly higher in males (mean: 851; range: 30–3450 ppb) than females (mean: 282; range: 40–850 ppb; p =0.04). Mean concentrations of dieldrin were greater than those detected in otters from 1984 to 1989 (mean: 90; range: 30–130 ppb; p
Sensitivity of simulated mesoscale atmospheric circulations resulting from landscape heterogeneity to aspects of model configuration

[1] Recent work has demonstrated the importance of anthropogenic landscape heterogeneity in Amazonia and the central U.S. in forcing mesoscale atmospheric circulations and generating clouds and precipitation. It has been shown that failing to account for this surface heterogeneity may have important implications for the simulation of land–atmosphere interactions in large-scale atmospheric models. The work presented here shows that, in addition to correctly specifying the surface forcing, accurate simulation of landscape-induced mesoscale effects with a regional model (e.g., Regional Atmospheric Modeling System, RAMS) depends critically on informed choices of aspects of model configuration. These include horizontal resolution, strength of nudging, and atmospheric initialization. Sensitivity experiments designed to illustrate the impact of varying these factors on RAMS-simulated, landscape-induced mesoscale circulations are presented here. These results, supported by dynamical and scaling arguments, suggest that model configuration can have at least as great an impact on the simulated mesoscale circulations, fluxes, and PBL structure as correctly accounting for mesoscale landscape heterogeneity. Such experiments therefore provide crucial guidance for optimally constructing simulations of mesoscale land–atmosphere interaction important for a variety of applications from field campaigns to parameterization development.
Of obese mice and monkeys: Protective effects of PI3K inhibition

In some countries, more than 30% of people are obese, which increases their risk to develop comorbidities such as metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Molecular pathways involved in regulating body weight are thus a natural target for metabolic research. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling cascade, which is down-regulated with caloric restriction, is one such key pathway that may be amenable to pharmacological intervention. Ortega-Molina et al. have previously reported that a genetic reduction in PI3K signaling in mice protects against obesity and metabolic syndrome. Now, the investigators evaluate the metabolic effects of pharmacological inhibition of PI3K signaling in mice and extend their research to obese rhesus monkeys. They found that short-term, high doses of pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K (CNIO-PI3Ki and GDC-0941) decreased body weight as well as fat accumulation around the heart and lung and within the liver of obese mice. Although body weight remained higher than standard diet–fed controls, long-term (>2.5 months) low daily doses of CNIO-PI3Ki in high-fat diet–induced obese mice reduced body weight and increased energy expenditure, despite no changes in food intake. This low-dose treatment strategy reversed hepatic steatosis—of note because there are no currently approved pharmaceutical therapies for NAFLD. Moreover, fasting glucose levels normalized after 5 months of treatment. In a separate experiment, the PI3K inhibitor slowed weight gain and glucose intolerance in lean mice given a high-fat diet. Last, although results were not as robust as in the mouse studies, a 12-week trial of daily oral CNIO-PI3Ki intake by obese rhesus monkeys moderately decreased trunk fat gain and trended towards lowering fasting glucose levels, with no evidence of drug toxicity. There is no substitute for good, old-fashioned nutrition and exercise; however, these studies provide strong preclinical data for the development of pharmacological inhibitors of the PI3K pathway for the treatment of human obesity. A. Ortega-Molina et al ., Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K reduces adiposity and metabolic syndrome in obese mice and rhesus monkeys. Cell Metab . 21 , 558–570 (2015). [[Abstract]][1] [1]: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.017
Is the Selected Multinomial Cell the Best

Abstract Suppose observations are taken sequentially from a multinomial distribution with k cells until the count in one of the cells reaches a predetermined number M. With a view to select the cell with the largest probability, we select the cell that has the largest count M. The problem of testing if the selected multinomial cell is the best is being considered in this paper. We propose the test procedure and show that the supremum of the probability of error for our procedure can be written as a single integral involving the gamma distribution. Exact values of the supremum of the probability of error are tabulated and its approximation formula for large values of M is provided.
Flow-shop scheduling by heuristic decomposition

SUMMARY This paper investigates the classical n-job, M-machine flow-shop scheduling problem under the assumption that jobs are processed on all machines in the same order. Baaed on the heuristic job-pairing technique and the decomposition strategy, a heuristic decomposition algorithm is developed which will generate at least a near-optimal schedule for the flow-shop scheduling problem. The proposed algorithm is compared to the existing decomposition approach and is found to be superior to Ashour's decomposition algorithm, both in increased solution quality and decreased computational time required to solve the problem.
Interaction of electron-hole droplets in Ge with dislocations

Abstract We report the discovery of a strong interaction between electron-hole droplets and dislocation lines in ultrapure Ge. The normal, phonon wind produced, flow pattern of droplets is strongly perturbed by the presence of even a single dislocation line. Intense droplet luminescence is observed within about 50 μm of the defect and the droplet flux passing through this region is greatly attenuated. Several possible mechanisms for this surprisingly large interaction range are examined.
Odorant-binding proteins of the malaria mosquito Anopheles funestus sensu stricto.

Background The mosquito Anopheles funestus is one of the major malaria vector species in sub-Saharan Africa. Olfaction is essential in guiding mosquito behaviors. Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are highly expressed in insect olfactory tissues and involved in the first step of odorant reception. An improved understanding of the function of malaria mosquito OBPs may contribute to identifying new attractants/repellents and assist in the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly mosquito controlling strategies. Methodology In this study, a large screening of over 50 ecologically significant odorant compounds led to the identification of 12 ligands that elicit significant electroantennographic (EAG) responses from An. funestus female antennae. To compare the absolute efficiency/potency of these chemicals, corrections were made for differences in volatility by determining the exact amount in a stimulus puff. Fourteen AfunOBP genes were cloned and their expression patterns were analyzed. AfunOBP1, 3, 7, 20 and 66 showed olfactory tissue specificity by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that among olfactory-specific OBPs, AfunOBP1 and 3 are the most enriched OBPs in female antennae. Binding assay experiments showed that at pH 7, AfunOBP1 significantly binds to 2-undecanone, nonyl acetate, octyl acetate and 1-octen-3-ol but AfunOBP3, which shares 68% identify with AfunOBP1 at amino acid level, showed nearly no binding activity to the selected 12 EAG-active odorant compounds. Conclusion This work presents for the first time a study on the odorants and OBPs of the malaria vector mosquito An. funestus, which may provide insight into the An. funestus olfactory research, assist in a comparative study between major malaria mosquitoes An. gambiae and An. funestus olfactory system, and help developing new mosquito control strategies to reduce malaria transmission.
Morphology of the Epididymal Region of Turkeys Producing Abnormal Yellow Semen

Abstract Male turkeys producing abnormal yellow-colored semen (YS) had hypertrophied epithelial cells in the ductuli efferentes. The cells were engorged with cytoplasmic, lipid-like (lipoid) droplets, a morphological abnormality found exclusively in this area of the epididymal region. The testes, epididymal region, ductus deferens, and abdominal fat were relatively yellow compared to turkeys producing normal white semen (WS). Adipose tissue within the abdominal cavity and lining the ductus deferens was more abundant in the YS producers. In addition to increased lipoid droplets, nonciliated cells of the ductuli epithelia contained larger and more numerous electron-dense lysosomal bodies than similar nonciliated cells in WS males. Resorption of morphologically normal and abnormal spermatozoa by the epithelia of the ductuli efferentes was prevalent in the YS males but was not observed in the WS turkeys. The seminal fluids in the epididymal region of the YS males contained abnormal spermatids, cellular debris, and increased amounts of electron-dense proteinaceous material.
Abstract P5-13-04: What’s your excuse?: Reasons women with a first degree family history of breast cancer don’t get mammograms

Background: Despite national guidelines for routine screening mammography at least every two years beginning at age 40 for all women, and common knowledge of the increased risk associated with a family history, many women with a family history of breast cancer do not follow these recommendations. We sought to determine (a) the reasons why these women fail to adhere to screening guidelines, and (b) how these reasons compared with the general population in a nationally representative sample. Methods: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), conducted annually by the Centers for Disease Control, is designed to be representative of the US population. The 2010 NHIS Cancer Supplement was used to evaluate the most common reasons women with a first degree family history of breast cancer cited for not having a mammogram in the past two years. Results: In 2010, there were 9631 women over the age of 40 (representing 73,448,042 people in the population) surveyed. Of these, 12.5% had a first degree family history of breast cancer. Overall, 21.5% of women over 40 claimed they did not have a mammogram within the past 2 years, and this rate was not significantly different between those with a first degree family history of breast cancer and those without (20.5% vs. 21.6%, respectively, p = 0.452). The reasons why women with and without a family history failed to adhere to screening guidelines, however, significantly differed, primarily driven by the fact that women with a first degree family history of breast cancer who were older than age 40 knew that they were not too young to have a mammogram (see table below, p Conclusions: While women with a first degree family history of breast cancer are known to be at increased risk, they are not more likely to adhere to screening mammography guidelines than the general population and over 20% will not have had a mammogram within the past two years. Over a third of these women at increased risk report that they didn9t think about it or didn9t think they needed one, and 13.8% state their doctor didn9t recommend a mammogram. These data highlight a significant need to better educate women with a family history of a first degree relative with breast cancer and their physicians regarding the need for appropriate screening. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P5-13-04.
The War of Institutions, Episode I: the Rise, and the Rise of Private Higher Education in Eastern Europe

This essay analyzes private higher education which emerged on a massive scale in Eastern Europe after 1989, within the framework of institutional theory. It is argued that while in the early period many of the new universities saw their purpose as challenging and replacing the existing institutional order, more recently this mission has disappeared from their agenda. Instead, their primary interests lie, under the market regime, in facilitating access to traditional institutions. Related to this main line of argumentation is a discussion of social institutions as myths and ceremonies. Here, the author argues, contrary to some of the proponents of technical rationality, that institutions have a significant role to play in organizing stable societies and most probably cannot be replaced with lists of skills and competencies.
State rescaling and local governments' austerity policies across the USA, 2001–2008

This study examines the geography of local austerity policies across the USA. We contrast two perspectives, the political economy framework that sees a general shift towards the use of limited government austerity policies across regions and over time and newer state-rescaling literature that challenges this view. Analyses are based on data collected in 2008 with cross-time policy comparisons with 2001 from over 1700 counties. The findings indicate unique features of local bureaucracies, particularly administrative staff and unionized workers, and governance pressures are important in setting austerity policy responses. The findings support the state-rescaling view of new spatial dimensions to the adoption of austerity policies. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.
Quantitative autoradiography of the development of mu opiate binding sites in rat brain

1. The regional developmental appearance of mu binding sites in rat brain was examined by quantitative autoradiography of3H-dihydromorphine binding in rats 2, 14, 21, and 28 days old. 2. Labeling with3H-dihydromorphine was heterogeneous in adult rat brains, as previously reported by other laboratories. Levels of3H-dihydromorphine binding ranged from approximately 250 nCi/g tissue in the interpeduncular nucleus and 100 nCi/g tissue in the habenula to 40 nCi/g tissue in the hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray. Some areas, particularly white matter regions, had no detectable specific binding. 3. The density of3H-dihydromorphine binding increased in all regions between 2 and 28 days of age. 4. The increases in3H-dihydromorphine binding in various regions of rat brain developed at different rates. Maximal densities were seen by 14 days of age in most regions examined, including the caudate, hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Binding in the medial thalamus and quadrigeminal plate, however, did not reach maximal levels until 21 days. 5. Although quantitative autoradiography offers major advantages in the examination of the regional distribution of opiate binding sites, variability both between sections from the same brain and between sections from different brains demonstrate some of the difficulties associated with this type of experimental approach.