cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Higher Nucleoporin-Importinβ Affinity at the Nuclear Basket Increases Nucleocytoplasmic Import

Several in vitro studies have shown the presence of an affinity gradient in nuclear pore complex proteins for the import receptor Importinβ, at least partially contributing to nucleocytoplasmic transport, while others have historically argued against the presence of such a gradient. Nonetheless, the existence of an affinity gradient has remained an uncharacterized contributing factor. To shed light on the affinity gradient theory and better characterize how the existence of such an affinity gradient between the nuclear pore and the import receptor may influence the nucleocytoplasmic traffic, we have developed a general-purpose agent based modeling (ABM) framework that features a new method for relating rate constants to molecular binding and unbinding probabilities, and used our ABM approach to quantify the effects of a wide range of forward and reverse nucleoporin-Importinβ affinity gradients. Our results indicate that transport through the nuclear pore complex is maximized with an effective macroscopic affinity gradient of 2000 µM, 200 µM and 10 µM in the cytoplasmic, central channel and nuclear basket respectively. The transport rate at this gradient is approximately 10% higher than the transport rate for a comparable pore lacking any affinity gradient, which has a peak transport rate when all nucleoporins have an affinity of 200 µM for Importinβ. Furthermore, this optimal ratio of affinity gradients is representative of the ratio of affinities reported for the yeast nuclear pore complex – suggesting that the affinity gradient seen in vitro is highly optimized.
Di-isopropyl phosphofluoridate-induced antinociception: possible role of endogenous opioids.

Abstract Di-isopropyl phosphofluoridate (DFP, 0.1–1.5 mg/kg, s.c.) produced antinociception in rats as measured by the hot plate test. Naloxone reduced DFP-induced antinociception but did not affect the attenuated locomotor activity or hypothermia produced by DFP. Animals rendered tolerant to the antinociception action of morphine failed to exhibit cross tolerance to the antinociception action of DFP. Morphine- and DFP-induced antinociceptive states were antagonized by MR 2266 and GPA 1843, the (-)-isomers of 5,9α-Diethyl-2-(3-furylmethyl)-2′-hydroxy-6,7-benzomorphan and -2-allyl-2′-hydroxy-9β-methyl-5-phenyl-6,7-benzomorphan hydrochloride, respectively; the corresponding (+)-isomers, MR 2267 and GPA 1847, did not antagonize the antinociceptive state produced by DFP or morphine. These results suggest that DFP-induced antinociception may be mediated via the release of endogenous opioids; however, this could occur at sites different from those concerned with morphine tolerance.
The parallel universe of RNA folding

How do large RNA molecules find their active conformations among a universe of possible structures? Two recent studies reveal that RNA folding is a rapid and ordered process, with surprising similarities to protein folding mechanisms.
The neuropathologic effects in rats and neurometabolic effects in humans of large-dose remifentanil.

Given in clinically relevant large doses to rats, μ-opioids produce limbic system hypermetabolism and histopathology. This investigation extends these observations, in both rats and humans, for the short-acting drug remifentanil, which allows more precise control and assessment of the effects of dur
Molecular Complementarity III. Peptide Complementarity as a Basis for Peptide Receptor Evolution: A Bioinformatic Case Study of Insulin, Glucagon and Gastrin

Dwyer has suggested that peptide receptors evolved from self-aggregating peptides so that peptide receptors should incorporate regions of high homology with the peptide ligand. If one considers self-aggregation to be a particular manifestation of molecular complementarity in general, then it is possible to extend Dwyer's hypothesis to a broader set of peptides: complementary peptides that bind to each other. In the latter case, one would expect to find homologous copies of the complementary peptide in the receptor. Thirteen peptides, 10 of which are not known to self-aggregate (amylin, ACTH, LHRH, angiotensin II, atrial natriuretic peptide, somatostatin, oxytocin, neurotensin, vasopressin, and substance P), and three that are known to self-aggregate (insulin, glucagon, and gastrin), were chosen. In addition to being self-aggregating, insulin and glucagon are also known to bind to each other, making them a mutually complementary pair. All possible combinations of the 13 peptides and the extracellular regions of their receptors were investigated using bioinformatic tools (a total of 325 combinations). Multiple, statistically significant homologies were found for insulin in the insulin receptor; insulin in the glucagon receptor; glucagon in the glucagon receptor; glucagon in the insulin receptor; and gastrin in gastrin binding protein and its receptor. Most of these homologies are in regions or sequences known to contribute to receptor binding of the respective hormone. These results suggest that the Dwyer hypothesis for receptor evolution may be generalizable beyond self-aggregating to complementary peptides. The evolution of receptors may have been driven by small molecule complementarity augmented by modular evolutionary processes that left a "molecular paleontology" that is still evident in the genome today. This "paleontology" may allow identification of peptide receptor sites.
A hierarchical approach to the correspondence problem

An algorithm for feature-point matching using a feature-point hierarchy (edges directed by corners) is presented. Psychophysical evidence indicates that higher-level image structures, such as line segments or corners, can aid the matching of low-level structures. This observation, applied to the correspondence problem in machine vision, directly motivates the implementation of the hierarchical matcher described. In addition, edge and corner detectors developed for the matcher and based on the facet model are described. The matcher gives an accurate disparity assignment for real images and performs better than the simpler nonhierarchical relaxation matcher on which it is based. >
MTF Analysis Techniques Applied To Erts-1 And Skylab-2 Imagery

Prior to the launch of the Earth Re-sources Technology Satellite (ERTS-1) and Skylab vehicles the performance characteristics of the different sensors (Table I) were ambiguously defined in relation to proposed cartographic and earth resources applications (Ref. 1,2,3,4). As a result, opinions con-cerning anticipated image quality differed, and factors contributing to the various interpretations of potential image quality included: 1) differences in the photographic and electro-optical engineering definitions of resolving power; 2) a general lack of experience with ultra small-scale imagery; and 3) problems encountered in attempting to relate design criteria and performance estimates to image quality (Ref. 5,6,7). In the latter instance, limited communications between system design engineers and earth scientists/cartographers further confused the issues. As a consequence of these and other factors, an independent effort was made to predict and measure ERTS and Skylab system performance using MTF analysis techniques, and to translate the results of these analyses into the photographic resolution values with which the cartographic community are most familiar (Ref. 8,9,10). Since the approach used to evaluate sensor performance has involved comparisons of predicted and measured MTF values, it has also been possible to assess the reliability of the techniques employed.
Regiospecific friedel-crafts acylationof 6-alkoxy-2-pyrones: Preparation of substituted aromatics and anthraquinones.

Abstract Friedel-Crafts acylation of 6-alkoxy-2-pyrones gives high yields of the 5-acyl-2-pyrones which undergo regioselective cycloaddition with various dienophiles.
Becoming a Clinical Diagnostic Radiologist: The Answer Is Not “Clinically Correlate”

One would be hard pressed to dispute radiology’s dynamic role in health care, which has launched it to the forefront of medicine. However, in all of this, radiologists have seemed to be growingly passive. Before PACS, clinicians were more dependent on radiologists for image interpretation; there was an established radiologist-clinician relationship. In the present era, clinicians more readily interpret their own studies [1]. This has led to less ommunication between the 2 paries, decreased education of cliniians on interpretations and protools, and the failure of radiologists o act as image consultants [1]. These sobering facts emphasize the need for the emergence of a more refined radiologist.
GaAs pillar array-based light emitting diodes fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching

We demonstrate GaAs pillar array-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) with axial p-i-n junctions fabricated using a room-temperature metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) method. Variations in vertical etch rates for all three doping types of GaAs are investigated as a function of etching temperature, oxidant/acid concentration ratio, and dilution of the etching solution. Control over nanopillar morphologies is demonstrated, simply through modification of the etching conditions. Optical emission enhancement from the MacEtched p-i-n GaAs nanopillar LED is observed, relative to the non-etched planar counterpart, through room-temperature photoluminescence and electroluminescence characterization.
Influence of vascular muscle tone upon isogravimetric capillary pressure.

Abstract Isogravimetric capillary pressure ( P c i ) was determined in vitro in the perfused, skinned dog forearm preparation. Two procedures were employed. In one, arterial pressure was lowered before venous pressure was elevated (A, V sequence). In the second procedure, venous pressure was elevated before arterial pressure was lowered (V,A sequence). If the composition of the blood perfusing the preparation remains constant, the capillary pressure determined by both procedures should be equal. However, it was found that the A,V sequence resulted in a lower estimate of P c i and a higher value for venous resistance than did the V,A sequence. A deliberate filtration of 2–5 g of fluid elevated the mean P c i values but did not abolish the A,V and V,A difference. Addition of KCN to relax smooth muscle, yielded a single P c i value for both the A,V and V,A sequences. This value was higher than the values obtained prior to KCN treatment. Moreover, A,V and V,A KCN isogravimetric sequences exhibited no differences in venous resistance or venous pressure at comparable levels of flow, whereas differences were present before treatment with KCN. Therefore, it was concluded that the double set of data in the untreated state was due to the presence of active and/or myogenic postcapillary smooth muscle. Because of the influence of venous smooth muscle, most estimates of P c i underestimate plasma colloid osmotic pressure. Moreover, calculations of venous resistance employing this P c i would be underestimated, since these calculations involve P c i .
The optimal spacing of cylinders in free-stream cross-flow forced convection

Abstract This is an experimental, numerical and analytical study of the optimal spacing between cylinders in cross-flow forced convection. The cylinder array occupies a fixed volume and is exposed to a free stream of given velocity and temperature. The optimal cylinder-to-cylinder spacing is determined by maximizing the overall thermal conductance between all the cylinders and the free stream. In the first part, the optimal spacing and corresponding maximum thermal conductance are determined based on experiments with forced air for H D = 6.2 and in the ReD range 50–4000, where ReD is based on the free-stream approach velocity and cylinder diameter D, and H is the array length in the flow direction. In the second part, similar results are developed based on numerical simulations for Pr = 0.72, 10 ⩽ H D ⩽ 20 and 40 ⩽ ReD ⩽ 200. In the concluding section, the experimental and numerical results for optimal spacing and maximum thermal conductance are explained and correlated analytically by intersecting the small-spacing and large-spacing asymptotes of the thermal conductance function.
Binding Acanthamoeba to mannose-glycoproteins of corneal epithelium: effect of injury: ERRATUM

PURPOSE. The buffering action of human tears is thought to be important to keep its pH constant. We measured the change in pH in the precorneal tear film in vivo when the acidic solution is challenged, using a fluorophotometric technique. METHODS. Twelve eyes from 6 healthy subjects were entered in this study. Each subject was pretreated with either one drop of 0.4% oxybuprocaine for once (light anesthesia), three times (deep anesthesia), or none (controls). The measurement was initiated by instilling 20 µl of 0.067 M phosphate buffer at pH 5.5 containing 2 mM bis-carboxyethyl-carboxyfluorescein free acid, a pH sensitive dye, into the subject's eye. The pH was determined by the ratio of fluorescent intensities at two excitation wavelengths (490 and 430 nm). pH recovery time (PHRT) as defined by the time required for pH to reach 95% of pH at equilibrium was used for the marker of tear buffering action. Tear turnover rate was also determined using the fluorescent decay curve at 430 nm, which was independent...
A stable free radical as donor: A layer-structure organic pressure sensor

Abstract A novel charge transfer salt was prepared by the addition of TCNQ to the stable free radical, 1,3-diphenyl-1,2,4-benzotriazin-4-yl ( R •), resulting in (TCNQ) 5 ( R •) 2 . Analysis by x-ray revealed the crystal structure to be triclinic, P 1 , with a = 7.696(4) A, b=16.428(3) A, c=16.706(2) A, α=91.96(1)°, β=103.16(2)°, and γ=97.36(3)°, V=2035(1) A 3 , Z=2, D x =1.297 gcm −3 . Both variable temperature ESR and magnetic susceptibility measurements indicated the material behaved as a Curie paramagnet down to 20 K, where a transition to an antiferromagnetically ordered state occurred. The pressed pellet room temperature conductivity was 10 −4 S/cm. Single crystal conductivity measurements of the current parallel to the TCNQ layer indicated a strong pressure dependence of the conductivity; where ‘sigma’ increased two orders of magnitude at 2 kbar.
Provably correct peephole optimizations with alive

Compilers should not miscompile. Our work addresses problems in developing peephole optimizations that perform local rewriting to improve the efficiency of LLVM code. These optimizations are individually difficult to get right, particularly in the presence of undefined behavior; taken together they represent a persistent source of bugs. This paper presents Alive, a domain-specific language for writing optimizations and for automatically either proving them correct or else generating counterexamples. Furthermore, Alive can be automatically translated into C++ code that is suitable for inclusion in an LLVM optimization pass. Alive is based on an attempt to balance usability and formal methods; for example, it captures---but largely hides---the detailed semantics of three different kinds of undefined behavior in LLVM. We have translated more than 300 LLVM optimizations into Alive and, in the process, found that eight of them were wrong.
Strategic diversity in labor PAC contribution patterns

Abstract This article explores variations in labor PAC contribution patterns. The conclusions drawn are based on interviews with union political operatives, and on a principal component and cluster analysis of labor PAC expenditures in 1984 House elections. The principal component analysis confirms that unions typically pursue an electoral strategy. The analysis also reveals important ideological cross currents, including conflicting practices of support for conservatives versus support for ideological allies. The principal component analysis is extended with the aid of clustering techniques, which are used to lend precision to the diversity in labor PAC contribution patterns. Five clusters of unions are identified, each displaying a distinct allocation strategy.
Tubular and cellular localization of the cardiac L-type calcium channel in rat kidney.

Tubular and cellular localization of the cardiac L-type calcium channel in rat kidney. Background The mRNAs of several types of calcium channels have been identified in intact rat kidney, and L-type calcium channels cause changes in intracellular calcium in primary cultures of distal tubule cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tubular and cellular distribution of the α 1C subunit of the L-type calcium channel in intact kidney. Methods RT-PCR and Northern blot analysis were used to assess the regional abundance of the mRNA of this channel. Immunocytochemistry combined with confocal microscopy and surface biotinylation were applied to determine the tubular and cellular localization of the protein. Results Northern blot and RT-PCR analysis indicated that the mRNA of the α 1C subunit of the cardiac L-type calcium channel was present in whole rat kidney, kidney tubules and kidney cell lines. Western blot of lysates from whole kidney, kidney tubules or cell lines revealed bands of ∼190 kD for the α 1C subunit and ∼60 kD for the β 3 subunit. Confocal immunohistochemistry indicated that the α 1C subunit of this channel was co-expressed in cells of the distal tubule that express calbindin-D 28K , but not in intercalated cells. The α 1C subunit was also highly expressed in both outer and inner medullary collecting ducts. Serial confocal microscopic images or surface biotinylation experiments determined that the channel was predominantly on the basolateral membrane but had some distribution on the apical membrane. Conclusions The distribution and cellular localization of the α 1C subunit of cardiac L-type calcium channel suggest it is probably involved in intracellular and membrane calcium signaling.
Two targets in pCF10 DNA for PrgX binding: their role in production of Qa and prgX mRNA and in regulation of pheromone-inducible conjugation.

PrgX is the primary cytoplasmic protein involved in negative control of pheromone-inducible conjugation functions of the Enterococcus faecalis plasmid pCF10. PrgX is believed to act in concert with an antisense RNA called Qa to inhibit readthrough of transcription from the prgQ promoter into the pCF10 genes mediating conjugation functions; PrgX also positively regulates its own expression, as well as that of Qa. We found two DNA target sites for PrgX binding in the intergenic region between the prgX and prgQ genes of pCF10. The primary binding site near prgX includes an 11 bp palindromic sequence and showed relatively high affinity for His-tagged PrgX (His-PrgX). The secondary binding site is between the -35 and -10 regions of the prgQ promoter, and contains only a half of the palindromic sequence; this binding site showed weaker affinity. A region of pCF10 including the prgQ promoter and the secondary binding site reduced Qa RNA levels greatly and this reduction was overcome by the presence of the primary binding site and PrgX. In constructs where the binding sites were mutated individually or in combination, the intracellular levels of PrgX protein and Qa RNA were reduced significantly. On the basis of these results, we propose that both DNA binding sites are required for the autoregulation of PrgX expression and for positive regulation of Qa RNA.
Inhouse authorization center to improve reimbursement for outpatient chemotherapy infusions.

Purpose The use of an inhouse authorization center to improve reimbursement for outpatient chemotherapy infusions is described. Summary Investigation of current processes revealed deficiencies in the coordination of an insurance authorization process at Norris Cancer Hospital, as chemotherapy orders were not always reviewed for third-party payer authorization. Same-day chemotherapy treatment was often provided incident to a secondary oncology consultation, resulting in higher payer denials due to the absence of advanced authorization for treatment. The authorizations conducted by nonclinical hospital personnel were often incomplete and inconsistent with the policies and procedures established by third-party payers. Treatments for off-label indications were deemed experimental by the payers and required extensive documentation and review time by the payer in order to authorize treatment. These requirements were not consistently followed by the hospital facility, causing disruptions in the payment revenue cycle due to a high volume of claim disputes and, consequently, unpaid claims. A clinically staffed authorization department was created to obtain third-party payer authorizations and serve as a centralized clinical department within the hospital to interface with payers and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs. Within the first year of the center’s inception, over $500,000 in drug replacement was recovered through patient assistance programs and a total of $1.4 million was recovered within 2.5 years. The number of disputed claims was also reduced. Conclusion Implementation of a clinical authorization process and use of manufacturer-driven patient assistance programs led to a reduction of disputed claims from third-party commercial payers and substantial savings in chemotherapy charges from January 2008 through July 2010.
Incidence and survival of desmoplastic melanoma in the United States, 1992-2007.

Background: Desmoplastic melanoma (DM) represents a relatively rare malignancy. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and survival of DM in the United States. Methods: Incidence and survival data were obtained from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, 1992–2007. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression methods were used to calculate the survival rates and hazard ratios for DM-specific death. Results: We identified 1129 DM patients from SEER 13 registries, with 64% in men, 37% in women and most (96.8%) occurring in White populations. The incidence rates per 1,000,000 were 1.3 (female), 3.0 (male) and 2.0 (both). The annual percentage change for incidence was 4.6 (95% confidence interval: 2.9–6.5) from 1992 to 2007. The 5-year and 10-year DM-specific survival rates from SEER 17 registries were 84.8 and 79.2%. The 5-year DM-specific survival rates by stage ranged from 90.9% (local) to 51.5% (distant). Independent predictors of mortality from DM included age, anatomic site, thickness, ulceration, lymph node and surgery. Conclusions: The incidence of DM has been increasing steadily over the past 15 years. Older age, anatomic site of the head and neck, tumor thickness >2 mm, ulceration, lymph node involvement and non-receipt of surgery are associated with lower survival. Feng Z, Wu X, Chen V, Velie E, Zhang Z. Incidence and survival of desmoplastic melanoma in the United States, 1992–2007.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of C2-Symmetric Bis(phospholyl)zirconium and Bis(phospholyl)hafnium Complexes

Several C2-symmetric bis(phospholyl) adducts of group 4 metals, including the first example of an η5-phospholyl complex of hafnium, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. These complexes undergo rac/meso isomerization in a process that is accelerated by Lewis bases. A C2-symmetric bis(phospholyl)zirconium dichloride binds as a bidentate ligand to Mo(CO)4. In the presence of methylalumoxane, bis(phospholyl)zirconium complexes serve as active catalysts for ethylene−hexene copolymerization reactions.
Induction of c-fos gene expression by spinal cord transection in Sus scrofa

Functional responses of primary sensory afferents and spinal cord were monitored in swine subjected to a high cervical (C1) spinal transection. Two and a half hours after transection, dorsal root ganglia and cervical and thoracolumbar spinal segments were processed immunocytochemically for the c-fos gene product, Fos and related antigens. In spinal-transected animals, Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) was induced in spinal laminae I, V, VII and X and the intermediolateral cell column but not in sensory ganglia as compared to controls: spinal-intact age-matched littermates. Spinal laminae expressing FLI harbor sympathetic and somatic interneurons and may aid in maintaining sympathetic outflow.
Levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in mouse brain regions following microwave inactivation--rapid post-mortem degradation of striatal dopamine in decapitated animals.

—The effects of 2 methods of killing on norepinephrine and dopamine in mouse brain regions were examined. One method utilized decapitation, while the other method utilized heating with microwave irradiation concentrated on the head. The norepinephrine and dopamine contents of the cerebellum, medulla-pons, midbrain, diencephalon, hippocampus, corpus striatum, and cerebral cortex were determined by methods using liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Dopamine content in striatum was also quantitated by the method of gas chromatography with mass fragmentography. A significantly lower value for decapitated animals, as compared to the microwave heated group, was found only for dopamine exclusively in the striatum. Activities of the enzymes tyrosine hydroxylase, DO PA decarboxylase, monoamine oxidase, and catechol-o-methyltransferase in the striatum were also examined. These enzymes were totally inactivated by the microwave heating, except catechol-o-methyltransferase which was decreased approx 80%. These results support either (1) the existence of a substantial pool of dopamine in the striatum with a very rapid turnover rate or (2) a decapitation-related release and destruction of striatal dopamine. Measurements of 3-methoxytyramine in the striatum exhibit post-mortem increases corresponding to the decreases of dopamine. Use of the rapid tissue enzyme inactivation technique suggests that in vivo levels of this O-methylated dopamine metabolite are an order of magnitude lower than the results normally obtained after killing by decapitation.
Biochemical and structural studies of yeast vps4 oligomerization.

The ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport) pathway functions in vesicle formation at the multivesicular body, the budding of enveloped RNA viruses such as HIV-1, and the final abscission stage of cytokinesis. As the only known enzyme in the ESCRT pathway, the AAA ATPase (ATPase associated with diverse cellular activities) Vps4 provides the energy required for multiple rounds of vesicle formation. Like other Vps4 proteins, yeast Vps4 cycles through two states: a catalytically inactive disassembled state that we show here is a dimer and a catalytically active higher-order assembly that we have modeled as a dodecamer composed of two stacked hexameric rings. We also report crystal structures of yeast Vps4 proteins in the apo- and ATPgammaS [adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate)]-bound states. In both cases, Vps4 subunits assembled into continuous helices with 6-fold screw axes that are analogous to helices seen previously in other Vps4 crystal forms. The helices are stabilized by extensive interactions between the large and small AAA ATPase domains of adjacent Vps4 subunits, suggesting that these contact surfaces may be used to build both the catalytically active dodecamer and catalytically inactive dimer. Consistent with this model, we have identified interface mutants that specifically inhibit Vps4 dimerization, dodecamerization, or both. Thus, the Vps4 dimer and dodecamer likely form distinct but overlapping interfaces. Finally, our structural studies have allowed us to model the conformation of a conserved loop (pore loop 2) that is predicted to form an arginine-rich pore at the center of one of the Vps4 hexameric rings. Our mutational analyses demonstrate that pore loop 2 residues Arg241 and Arg251 are required for efficient HIV-1 budding, thereby supporting a role for this "arginine collar" in Vps4 function.
Control rule performance for intermixing lake whitefish populations in the 1836 Treaty waters of the Great Lakes: A simulation-based evaluation

Abstract We conducted a simulation-based evaluation exploring the effects of population intermixing on the current 65% total annual mortality control rule used to manage lake whitefish ( Coregonus clupeaformis ) fisheries in the 1836 Treaty waters of the Laurentian Great Lakes. The simulations incorporated intermixing among four populations with characteristics similar to those of lake whitefish in northern lakes Huron and Michigan. Dynamics of each population were simulated for 100 years with each stock exploited by a single fishery. An age-structured assessment of each stock was conducted every third year, with the abundance, mortality, and recruitment estimates used with the current control rule to set future harvest limits. Overall aggregate yield of the modeled system was generally not affected by intermixing, but did depend on assumed productivity levels. Mean annual yields for individual fisheries were sensitive to mixing levels, with yields from fisheries coinciding with low productivity spawning populations often similar to those coinciding with high productivity populations when intermixing occurred. Variability in yield tended to decrease slightly as mixing rates increased. Intermixing did not have a large influence on measures of spawning population sustainability, but detection of declining population sizes in low productivity populations may be difficult when intermixing occurs because of fishery yields remaining high due to immigration of fish from other spawning areas. This raises concern about the current control rule given that low productivity populations had spawning population sizes less than 20% of the unfished level in most years.
eOCSA: An algorithm for burst mapping with strict QoS requirements in IEEE 802.16e Mobile WiMAX networks

Mobile WiMAX systems based on the IEEE 802.16e standard require all downlink allocations to be mapped to a rectangular region in the two dimensional subcarrier-time map. Many published resource allocation schemes ignore this requirement. It is possible that the allocations when mapped to rectangular regions may exceed the capacity of the downlink frame, and the QoS of some flows may be violated. The rectangle mapping problem is a variation of the bin or strip packing problem, which is known to be NP-complete. In a previous paper, an algorithm called OCSA (One Column Striping with non-increasing Area first mapping) for rectangular mapping was introduced. In this paper, we propose an enhanced version of the algorithm. Similar to OCSA, the enhanced algorithm is also simple and fast to implement; however, eOCSA considers the allocation of an additional resource to ensure the QoS. eOCSA also avoids an enumeration process and so lowers the complexity to O(n2).
Homeostatic regulation of sleep in the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii)

Background Sleep is regulated by both a circadian and a homeostatic process. The homeostatic process reflects the duration of prior wakefulness: the longer one stays awake, the longer and/or more intense is subsequent sleep. In mammals, the best marker of the homeostatic sleep drive is slow wave activity (SWA), the electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectrum in the 0.5–4 Hz frequency range during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. In mammals, NREM sleep SWA is high at sleep onset, when sleep pressure is high, and decreases progressively to reach low levels in late sleep. Moreover, SWA increases further with sleep deprivation, when sleep also becomes less fragmented (the duration of sleep episodes increases, and the number of brief awakenings decreases). Although avian and mammalian sleep share several features, the evidence of a clear homeostatic response to sleep loss has been conflicting in the few avian species studied so far. The aim of the current study was therefore to ascertain whether established markers of sleep homeostasis in mammals are also present in the white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii), a migratory songbird of the order Passeriformes. To accomplish this goal, we investigated amount of sleep, sleep time course, and measures of sleep intensity in 6 birds during baseline sleep and during recovery sleep following 6 hours of sleep deprivation.
Reports of My Death Anxiety Have Been Greatly Exaggerated: A Critique of Terror Management Theory from an Evolutionary Perspective

Although terror management theory's proponents claim that it is an evolutionary theory of human behavior, its major tenets are implausible when examined carefully from a modern evolutionary perspective. We explain why it is unlikely that natural selection would have designed a “survival instinct” or innate “fear of death,” nor an anxiety-reduction system in general, or worldview-defense system in particular, to ameliorate such fears. We argue that results of mortality-salience experiments are better explained as by-products of a psychological system of coalitional computation that evolved for a variety of functions, including defense against other humans, that is activated by certain kinds of death-related thoughts.
Left main bronchus compression after arterial switch for transposition

A case of left main bronchus obstruction after an arterial switch is described. The clinical features and successful management are described, and a mechanism for this complication is proposed.
On a conjecture for an overdetermined problem for the biharmonic operator

Abstract It has been proven that if the solution exists to an inhomogeneous biharmonic equation in the plane where the values of the solution, the normal derivative of the solution, and the Laplacian of the solution are prescribed on the boundary, then the domain is a disk. This result has been extended to N -dimensions by the Serrin reflection method. Here we present a new proof and give a characterization of open balls in R n .
Ecology and Drug Use: Universal Predictors Across Time and Place

The interrelation of ecological and psychosocial risk factors and adolescent marijuana use is examined in this three-sample longitudinal data analysis. Participants included (a) white children from the northeast of the USA, (b) African-American and Puerto Rican adolescents from New York City, and (c) adolescents living in Colombia, South America. Adolescents were interviewed in their homes. Independent measures were from the ecological, personality, peer, and family domains. Logistic regression analysis showed that the majority of ecological variables was related to adolescent marijuana use. Hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that the ecological domain was directly and indirectly related to adolescent marijuana use (via the family, peer, and personality domains). Intervention programs should focus on adolescents' unique ecological settings while targeting universal risk factors (e.g., low ego integration, low parental identification) which predict adolescents' marijuana use. Similarities among the ecological predictors of adolescents' marijuana use in three samples, across time and place, allow a more universal approach to the prevention of substance use.
Genotype Specificity of Somatic Embryogenesis and Regeneration in Maize

Genetic engineering of corn, and other cereals, is currently limited because of the difficulty of regenerating plants via cell culture. Here we report that commercially important inbred lines and hybrids from several different maize groups are capable of being regenerated via somatic embryos. The inbred line A188 has a high frequency of plant regeneration and when crossed into recalcitrant inbreds the resulting F1 hybrids were regenerable. These results demonstrate that nuclear genes exhibiting dominance are important in the formation of somatic embryos and in regeneration of corn plants.
Foraging by Passerine birds and Anolis lizards on St. Eustatius (Neth. Antilles): implications for interclass competition, and predation

Observations of foraging and diet for eight Passerine bird, two Anolis lizard, and one Ameiva lizard species in dry sclerophyll scrub on St. Eustatius (Neth. Antilles) show that none of the bird species competes as much with either anole as does the other anole, or the Ameiva. Anoles feed on insects, primarily on the ground and in low vegetation; on St. Eustatius no mainly insectivorous bird species feeds primarily in these places. Instead, the main presentday interaction between birds and anoles is predation. The abundant pearly-eyed thrasher (Margarops fuscatus) and the sparrow hawk (Falco sparverius) are the major predators on anoles. This predation has little effect on the niche relations of the anoles, according to a model for the coevolution of competing species.
Dissolution and water-mass patterns in the Southeast Indian Ocean, Part I: Evidence from Recent to late Holocene foraminiferal assemblages

A quantitative study of the planktonic foraminiferal fauna and various related parameters in more than 100 surface sediment samples from the Southeast Indian Ocean has identified the major relationships which can be utilized to reconstruct past changes in water-mass boundaries and degree of CaCO 3 dissolution. The samples represent Recent to late Holocene sedimentation in water depths from Ntogloboquadrina pachyderma with increasing latitude. First-order dissolution effects related to increased water depth produce (a) increases in test fragmentation and benthic foraminiferal abundance and (b) decreases in coarse fraction >63µm and planktonic foraminiferal abundance. A schematic model of dissolution and productivity changes in high latitudes of the Southeast Indian Ocean shows (1) that the percentage of N. pachyderma is the least susceptible to dissolution effects, (2) faunal dissolution effects are most evident in regions of high diversity gradients such as the Polar Front and Subtropical Convergence, and (3) that the numbers of benthic foraminifera and of foraminiferal fragments provide the best indicators of spatial and temporal variations in dissolution intensity in the Southern Ocean.
First-principles determination of the bulk phase diagram for body-centered-tetragonal copper: Application to epitaxial growth of Cu on Fe/100/

From the results of our ab initio pseudopotential total-energy calculation on Cu in the body-centered-tetragonal (bct) crystal system, a first-principles phase diagram for bulk bct Cu is derived as a function of externally applied stresses. An interesting fcc-to-bcc structural transition is predicted, induced by the application of a biaxial tension and a hydrostatic pressure. The biaxial tension needed to initiate the transformation is found, however, to be too large to attain macroscopically without inducing plastic flow (i.e., dislocation motion) in single crystal copper. An explanation for the existence of a metastable (albeit rather disordered) phase of bcc Cu on an iron substrate, recently observed by Wang et al., is put forth by considering the energy of tetragonal distortions on the cubic phases of Cu. The results of our bulk bct calculations suggest that the disorder observed on Cu/Fe/100/ is due to a nonoptimal match of lattice constants. The growth of a stable bct phase of Cu on a suitable cubic substrate with lattice constant 2.76 A may be possible.
Rapid changes in deoxynucleoside triphosphate pools in mammalian cells treated with mutagens

In this communication we describe the rapid increase in cellular deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) concentrations in Chinese Hamster cell line V79 after exposure to known mutagens. With this cell line an expansion of dATP and dTTP pools was detected; changes in dCTP were not large; changes in dGTP were either not significant or too low to quantitate. This situation may reflect the existence of imbalances in dNTP pools at the DNA replication fork. The expansion of dATP and dTTP pools occurred within 2 to 4 hours after exposure of cultured cells to N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). Ultraviolet light (UV), mitomycin C, and cytosine arabinoside also caused similar dNTP pool changes.
Considering Fe(II/IV) redox processes as mechanistically relevant to the catalytic hydrogenation of olefins by [PhBP iPr 3]Fe-H x species.

Several coordinatively unsaturated pseudotetrahedral iron(II) precursors, [PhBP^(iPr)_3]Fe−R ([PhBP^(iPr)_3] = [PhB(CH2P^(iPr)_2)_3]^-; R = Me (2), R = CH_2Ph (3), R = CH_2CMe_3 (4)) have been prepared from [PhBP^(iPr)_3]FeCl (1) that serve as precatalysts for the room-temperature hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons (e.g., ethylene, styrene, 2-pentyne) under atmospheric H_2 pressure. The solid-state crystal structures of 2 and 3 are presented. To gain mechanistic insight into the nature of these hydrogenation reactions, a number of [PhBP^(iPr)_3]-supported iron hydrides were prepared and studied. Room-temperature hydrogenation of alkyls 2−4 in the presence of a trapping phosphine ligand affords the iron(IV) trihydride species [PhBP^(iPr)_3]Fe(H)_3(PR_3) (PR_3 = PMe_3 (5); PR_3 = PEt_3 (6); PR3 = PMePh_2 (7)). These spectroscopically well-defined trihydrides undergo hydrogen loss to varying degrees in solution, and for the case of 7, this process leads to the structurally identified Fe(II) hydride product [PhBP^(iPr)_3]Fe(H)(PMePh_2) (9). Attempts to prepare 9 by addition of LiEt_3BH to 1 instead lead to the Fe(I) reduction product [PhBP^(iPr)_3]Fe(PMePh_2) (10). The independent preparations of the Fe(II) monohydride complex [PhBP^(iPr)_3]FeII(H)(PMe_3) (11) and the Fe(I) phosphine adduct [PhBP^(iPr)_3]Fe(PMe_3) (8) are described. The solid-state crystal structures of trihydride 5, monohydride 11, and 8 are compared and demonstrate relatively little structural reorganization with respect to the P_3Fe−P‘ core motif as a function of the iron center's formal oxidation state. Although paramagnetic 11 (S = 1) is quantitatively converted to the diamagnetic trihydride 5 under H_2, the Fe(I) complex 8 (S = 3/2) is inert toward atmospheric H_2. Complex 10 is likewise inert toward H_2. Trihydrides 5 and 6 also serve as hydrogenation precatalysts, albeit at slower rates than that for the benzyl complex 3 because of a rate-contributing phosphine dependence. That these hydrogenations appear to proceed via well-defined olefin insertion steps into an Fe−H linkage is indicated by the reaction between trihydride 5 and ethylene, which cleanly produces the ethyl complex [PhBP^(iPr)_3]Fe(CH_2CH_3) (13) and an equivalent of ethane. Mechanistic issues concerning the overall reaction are described.
Superconductivity of VN under pressure

The superconducting transition temperature (T/sub c/) for VN has been determined as a function of hydrostatic pressure up to 17 kbar. Similar to V metal, T/sub c/ increases monotonically in this pressure range, except the rate of increase partialT/sub c//partialP for VN is even stronger. The upper critical field of VN has also been measured. The results are discussed in conjunction with the effects due to spin fluctuation.
On expectations‐driven business cycles in economies with production externalities

Expectations-driven business cycles are defined as positive co-movement between consumption, investment and hours that result from a change in expectations, holding constant technology, preferences and government intervention. This note explores the possibility of expectations-driven business cycles in business cycle models with external effects. It is found that in one-sector models conditions for expectations-driven business cycles and conditions for multiple equilibria are tightly connected. In two-sector models those conditions appear to be mutually exclusive.
Discovery and Development of Sawtelle Oil Field: ABSTRACT

The Sawtelle oil field, discovered by Occidental Petroleum Corporation in 1965, is the westernmost of nine producing fields along a 15-mi trend of anticlinal oil accumulations distributed en echelon along the northerly margin of the Los Angeles basin. Wells at Sawtelle confirm that the normal stratigraphic section has been disordered by approximately 7,000 ft of apparent vertical displacement along the northerly trending Santa Monica thrust fault zone. The mountainous hanging wall block is comprised of a thin veneer of recent sediments; nonproductive lower Pliocene and upper Miocene sandstone and shale; middle Miocene sandstone, shale, and volcanic rocks; and Mesozoic Santa Monica Slate. Beneath the fault zone, within the basinal footwall block, are lower Pliocene sandstones and shales, oil-bearing upper Miocene sandstone and shales, and middle Miocene sandstones and shales. Production has been established in two pools: on the south in the upper Miocene "Rancho" sands within an asymmetric southeast-trending anticline where net pay exceeds 500 ft, and on the north where these same sands appear even thicker within the south limb remnant of a parallel anticline which has been End_Page 432------------------------------ dragged upward and overturned along the hanging wall block of the Santa Monica fault zone. Thirteen wells have been completed beneath the Federal lands of the Sawtelle Veterans Hospital and an adjacent town-lot area on the north. Production through 1971 totals 6,470,000 bbl of oil and 5,790 MMcf of gas. Current production is 2,000 bbl of oil per day and 2,600 Mcf of gas per day. Average vertical depth to the top of the zone is 9,500 ft; initial pressures were hydrostatic. Porosity averages 18% and permeability averages 20 md. Connate water averages 27%; and oil gravity ranges from 18 to 26° API. Minor exploration potential remains, but drilling costs are considered too high to justify additional work, and development is therefore considered complete. End_of_Article - Last_Page 433------------
The best companies are generous companies

Abstract Corporate generosity is a critical input to business success. Effective generosity is a strategic business decision: it is purposeful, channeled, integrated, and results-oriented. In effectively generous firms, the relationship between social and financial performance is mutually reinforcing, creating a “virtuous circle” that benefits not only the firm but also employees, customers, and the community. Five guidelines will help managers establish and execute effective corporate generosity.
Student Activism at Ithaca College: Reflections on Management and Leadership.

When a seemingly routine management decision sparks heated controversy on a college campus, the president must decide how to respond to students occupying a building and issuing an ultimatum to the administration.
Interactive Effects Between Polymorphisms in the β-Adrenergic Receptors and Longitudinal Changes in Obesity

We assessed interactions between polymorphisms in the β-adrenergic receptor genes and longitudinal changes in obesity from childhood to adulthood using longitudinal data collected over a 24-year period from 1973 to 1996. Sex- and age-stratified analyses using random coefficients models were used to examine gene—gene interaction effects on obesity measures in 1179 African-American and white men and women (71% white, 57% women). Suggestive evidence for an interaction (p = 0.022) between the β1- and β2-adrenergic receptors was observed in men for longitudinal change in BMI. Men with Gly/Gly genotypes for both the β1 and β2 receptors showed significant increases (∼0.6%/yr) in BMI from childhood to adulthood. Women showed suggestive evidence for an interaction (p = 0.035) between the β1- and β3-adrenergic receptors for change over time in BMI. Women with Gly/Gly genotypes at the β1-receptor and carrying at least one β3-Arg allele showed notable increases in BMI. The regulation of lipolysis and development of obesity differ markedly between men and women and may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms, which contribute to the efficiency of the β-adrenergic receptors, and hormonal effects on adrenergic receptor activity.