cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estimating the ATP cost of force production in the human gastrocnemius/soleus muscle group using 31P MRS and 1H MRI

Net ATP production rates in exercising human muscle were calculated from 31P MRS kinetic data collected with 1-8 s time resolution. During the exercise, the muscle output was measured using a force transducer. Muscle output (force/unit volume) is then divided by the calculated net ATP used to estimate the ATP cost of force production. These measurements have been performed using an exercise protocol of isometric maximum voluntary contraction of the gastrocnemius/soleus muscle group. Results show that by the end of 30 s of exercise, total ATP production and ATP cost of force production had stabilized and remained constant (within the measurement errors) until the end of the 2-min period. The results also demonstrate that either the ATP cost of force production in the human gastrocnemius/soleus is lower in the first second than at any other time in the 2-min window which was investigated, or that the ATP production is being underestimated at the later time points. These data on ATP production rates, and the data relating to ATP cost of force production in muscle will aid in understanding the causes of muscle failure as well as the progression and treatment of muscle disease.
Methods and approximations for the computation of transmission profiles in the ν4 band of methane in the atmosphere of Jupiter

This note discusses the validity of certain band models and scaling approximations for computing transmissions in the v4 band of methane along inhomogeneous paths in the atmosphere of Jupiter. It is shown that Goody's random band model approximates the results of a rigorous numerical line-by-line calculation of the transmission profile of a Jovian model atmosphere.
Higher dimensional simplical quantum gravity

Abstract The generalization of the dynamically triangulated quantum gravity (DT) model to more than two-dimensions is discussed. In three-dimensions two updates are described which appear to allow for ergodic sampling of states, and an updating algorithm which obeys detailed balance is presented. The tensor model generalization of the matrix model formulation of higher dimensional gravity is discussed.
Potential mechanisms for functional changes in taste receptor cells following sodium deficiency in mammals

Sodium is an essential nutrient for life, and its level in the body is tightly regulated. When sodium deficient, some mammals alter their behavior towards salt by avidly consuming it, even at concentrations animals typically choose to avoid. This change in acceptance is accompanied by a reduction in the response of the gustatory chorda tympani nerve to sodium solutions. More specifically, the response rate of the sodium-specialist units to NaCl stimulation is reduced following sodium deficiency or adrenalectomy. The initial transduction of the chemical signal is mediated, in part, by Na+ influx through epithelial Na+ channels in the apical membrane of taste cells that synapse with the specialist neurons. Circulating hormones like angiotensin II and adrenocorticotropin hormone, which are released in response to sodium deficiency and adrenalectomy, could regulate the activity of Na+ channels through G-protein linked second-messenger systems. These putative pathways are of interest because they have been described in mammalian taste receptor cells. The present review will summarize evidence linking some hormones of fluid homeostasis with the apparent attenuation of input from sodium-specialist neurons.
Teaching the subject: Developmental identities in teaching

Students' developmental stages affect their capacities to comprehend and absorb difficult texts and the moral problems embedded in them, and we should teach accordingly. Such attention to subjects whose identities are in flux will inevitably turn into transformations for both student and teacher.
Visualizing performance debugging

The authors examine a special software development environment called the Parallel Programming and Instrumentation Environment (PIE). PIE is designed to develop performance-efficient parallel and sequential computations. Following an explanation of PIE's general theory and features, PIE's visualization tools are used to isolate and repair the parallelism problem of an eight-process computation. Two more difficult examples using PIE are discussed. Some of the issues involved in correctly presenting visual information, such as the features users ask for and what can be done about a performance monitor's perturbation of computations, are addressed. >
Hydrogel nanocomposites: a review of applications as remote controlled biomaterials

In the past few years, there has been increased interest in the development and applications of hydrogel nanocomposites, specifically as a new class of biomaterials. In some cases, the nanoparticles (e.g., gold, magnetic, carbon nanotubes) can absorb specific stimuli (e.g., alternating magnetic fields, near-IR light) and generate heat. This unique ability to remotely heat the nanocomposites allows for their remote controlled (RC) applications, including the ability to remotely drive the polymer through a transition event (e.g., swelling transition, glass transition). This review highlights some of the recent studies in the development of the RC hydrogel nanocomposites. In particular, some of the important applications of RC nanocomposites as RC drug delivery devices, as RC actuators, and in cancer treatment are discussed.
Phenytoin Prodrugs IV: Hydrolysis of Various 3-(Hydroxymethyl)phenytoin Esters

The aqueous chemical stability of various bioreversible derivatives or prodrugs of phenytoin, a poorly water-soluble and erratically absorbed drug after both oral and intramuscular parenteral dosing, were evaluated. This study, together with assessments of other physicochemical properties including cleavage in the presence of various animal tissues and anticonvulsant activity in mice, helped identify a number of promising candidate prodrugs. Various amino groups containing acyl esters of 3-(hydroxymethyl)phenytoin [3-(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-diphenylhydantoin] were identified as potential orally and perhaps parenterally useful prodrugs, while the disodium phosphate ester of 3-(hydroxymethyl)phenytoin appears to be ideally suited as a parenteral form of phenytoin.
Specific spectrophotometric assays for cathepsin B1

Abstract Cathepsin B 1 from bovine spleen was partially purified by acetone fractionation and by chromatography on Sephadex G-150 and DEAE Sephadex A-50. The enzyme was shown to catalyze the hydrolysis of p -nitrophenyl benzyloxycarbonylglycinate and p -nitrophenyl α- N -benzyloxycarbonyl- l -lysinate. Under the assay conditions, cathepsin B 1 is the major enzyme present in bovine spleen homogenates hydrolyzing these substrates. The kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of p -nitrophenyl benzyloxycarbonylglycinate and p -nitrophenyl α- N -benzyloxycarbonyl- l -lysinate were measured and compared with those obtained for other cathepsin B 1 substrates. These results form the basis of an improved spectrophotometric assay for this enzyme in which the liberation of p -nitrophenol from either the N -benzyloxycarbonyl glycine or lysine p -nitrophenyl ester is monitored continuously at 326 nm.
Making shapes from modules by magnification

We present a distributed algorithm for creating a modular shape by magnification. The input to the algorithm is presented with a small scale version of the desired shape and a magnification factor m . The output of the system is the object that corresponds to the m-fold magnification of the input shape. We describe and analyze a distributed algorithm for this capability and present simulation results. Making shapes by magnification can be viewed as a programming interface for creating objects by programming matter.
From post-BRICS’ decade to post-2015: insights from global governance and comparative regionalisms

2015 is a symbolic turning point for “development” as eight UN MDGs are superseded by even more SDGs with a focus on global partnerships. This paper exploits the “post-2015” mantra to ask whether the rise of the BRICS and myriad non-state actors/coalitions, let alone the difficulties of the PIIGS in the Eurozone, suggests that “development” has become passe: Does the rise of “emerging” economies/powers in the current decade mean that we need another paradigm, such as “global governance” along with “new regionalisms”? This overview seeks to identify some of the parameters of international relations/organization/law/political economy for the embryonic Palgrave Communications network for its first 5 years, informed by our new US PhD in Global Governance & Human Security at UMass Boston.
Influence of feedstock sulfur content on cat cracking results

In the interest of expanding the resources for cat cracking feedstocks, blends of vacuum distillate and resids are being used. The feedstock components are usually subjected to hydrotreating or deasphalting in order to lower the contents of resins and sulfur. However, there has been very little study of the question of how the cracking results are influenced by resins and sulfur remaining in the feedstock after hydrotreating or deasphalting. Here, the authors are reporting on a study of the influence of feedstock sulfur content on the content of olefins in the products from cracking.
Disruption of androgen-regulated male reproductive development by di(n-butyl) phthalate during late gestation in rats is different from flutamide.

Abstract Gestational and lactational exposure to di( n -butyl) phthalate (DBP) at ≥250 mg/kg/day disrupts male rat reproductive development and function. Although this indicates an antiandrogenic mechanism, DBP and its biologically active metabolite do not interact with the androgen receptor (AR) in vitro. In the present study, we compared the effects of DBP and the antiandrogen flutamide using a shorter exposure during the prenatal period of male sexual differentiation in rats. Pregnant CD rats received DBP at 0, 100, 250, or 500 mg/kg/day po ( n = 10) or flutamide at 100 mg/kg/day po ( n = 5) from Gestation Days 12 to 21. In F 1 males, DBP (500 mg/kg/day) and flutamide caused hypospadias; cryptorchidism; agenesis of the prostate, epididymis, and vas deferens; degeneration of the seminiferous epithelium; and interstitial cell hyperplasia of the testis. Flutamide and DBP (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) also produced retained thoracic nipples and decreased anogenital distance. Interstitial cell adenoma occurred at 500 mg DBP/kg/day in two males. The only effect seen at 100 mg DBP/kg/day was delayed preputial separation. In contrast to flutamide, DBP caused a low incidence of prostate agenesis and hypospadias with no vaginal pouch. The low incidence of DBP-induced intraabdominal testes contrasted with the high incidence of inguinal testes seen with flutamide. Thus prenatal male sexual differentiation is a sensitive period for the reproductive toxicity of DBP. A no observed adverse effect level was not established and the lowest observed (adverse) effect level was 100 mg/kg/day. Flutamide and DBP disrupted the androgen signaling necessary for male sexual differentiation but with a different pattern of antiandrogenic effects. DBP is an example of an environmental antiandrogen that disrupts androgen-regulated male sexual differentiation without interacting directly with the AR, as does flutamide.
Cerebellar and cerebral inputs to physiologically identified efferent cell groups in the red nucleus of the cat.

Abstract Cells of the red nucleus of the cat have been classified into 4 projection sets, consisting of cells which could be fired antidromically from (1) only the contralateral spinal cord, (2) only the ipsilateral medulla, (3) both the contralateral spinal cord and the ipsilateral medulla, and (4) both the contralateral spinal cord and brachium conjunctivum. Each of these projection sets receives excitatory synaptic input from axons leaving the cerebellum in the superior cerebellar peduncle, crossing to the red nucleus of the opposite side, and sending axon collaterals — in at least some cases — to the thalamus. Most cells in each projection set are also excited following stimulation of the ipsilateral precruciate cerebral cortex. Rubral cells with medullary, cerebellar, and spinal-projecting axons are found dispersed throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the nucleus, although caudal cells are primarily rubrospinal and rubral cells sending axons to the ipsilateral medulla are predominantly located in the rostral portions of the red nucleus.
Gender, cocaine and during-treatment HIV risk reduction among injection opioid users in methadone maintenance

HIV risk behavior was examined in relation to gender and cocaine use among a sample of 327 daily opioid users in methadone maintenance treatment. Women and cocaine users tended to be at higher risk than men and non-users prior to treatment entry. Significant reductions in both injection and sex-related risks occurred from intake to months 3 and 6 of treatment; HIV risks were also reduced among the subsample of clients who continued to inject drugs during treatment. The rate of HIV risk reduction was similar for both cocaine and non-cocaine users, but women had lower rates of risk reduction than men in terms of injecting with used equipment and number of sex partners. Measures of risk behavior at month 6 of treatment showed that women used 'dirty works' more often than men, and cocaine users injected more frequently and had more sex partners than non-cocaine users. Study outcomes highlight the need for specialized interventions targeting women and cocaine-using opioid addicts.
A cross-country tabulation of income elasticities of demand

Abstract International cross-sectional Engel curve estimates are used to compute income elasticities of demand for eight commodity groups and 15 countries.
An analysis of normeperidine's contribution to the rate-decreasing effects of meperidine

Abstract The effects of normeperidine (1–17.5 mg/kg) alone and in the presence of naloxone (1 and 10 mg/kg) were studied in pigeons responding under a multiple fixed-ratio 30 response, fixed-interval 5-min schedule of food presentation. Naloxone only potentiated the rate-decreasing effects of normeperidine. The effects of meperidine also were studied after pretreatment with SKF-525A (25 and 50 mg/kg), an inhibitor of drug metabolism. SKF-525A had no effects on responding when administered alone, but it potentiated the rate-decreasing effects of meperidine. It was concluded that meperidine's rate-decreasing effects cannot be due to normeperidine, the metabolite, but rather that both of these drugs have non-narcotic actions which produce decreases in schedule-controlled responding.
Experiences teaching synthesis of FPGAs and testable ASICS

Microelectronic system designers are increasingly capturing their designs using hardware description languages such as VHDL and Verilog. The designs are then most often synthesized into programmable logic devices such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This approach places the emphasis on a high-level design which reduces time to market by relying on synthesis software and programmable logic to produce working prototypes rapidly. These prototypes may then be altered as requirements change or convert into high-volume mask gate arrays or other application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) when the demand is known to be sufficient. These ASICs, however, must be designed to be testable to screen out those with manufacturing defects. Hence, scan logic must be inserted, test vectors generated and fault grading performed to ensure a high level of testability. Experiences encountered from teaching a two-semester graduate sequence on these topics are summarized.
Weathering the Storm: Persevering through a Difficult Time

Parse's human becoming theory of nursing and research methodology were used to uncover the structure of the lived experience of persevering through a difficult time for eight women with ovarian cancer. Three core concepts surfaced: deliberately persisting, significant engagements, and shifting life patterns. Through conceptual integration these emerged as powering valuing in the connecting-separating of originating. Deliberately persisting, an active forging onward, was supported in the perseverance literature. The concept significant engagements, a variety of encounters uniquely important to an individual, was further clarified. Shifting life patterns, the changing ways of living as the difficult time emerged, was not addressed in the perseverance literature and represents new knowledge to the discipline of nursing.
Breast Cancer Litigation

Breast cancer is the most common diagnosis in medical malpractice claims in the United States. This chapter analyzes 100 consecutive breast cancer claims from The Doctors Company, a large national medical malpractice insurer. Factors that contribute to this high claims frequency include patient discovery of the breast mass, delay in diagnosis, mammography communication errors, patient age, tumor size, and tumor stage. The potential for computer-aided detection to reduce mammography interpretation errors is discussed. Finally, pathology claims involving breast biopsy and fine needle aspiration are analyzed and strategies are presented to minimize diagnostic error.
Distinct kinetic binding propeties of N-[3H]-methylscopolamine afford differential labeling and localization of M1, M2, and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes in primate brain

Three classes of muscarinic receptors in mammalian brain have been postulated on the basis of equilibrium and kinetic binding data. However, equilibrium binding assays alone have not permitted a clear demonstration of the localization of putative M1, M2, and M3 receptor subtypes in the brain because of the overlapping affinities of virtually all muscarinic antagonists. In the present study, the conditions for selective occupancy of the M1, M2, and M3 receptor subtypes in the brain of the rhesus monkey were based on the distinct kinetic and equilibrium binding properties of N-[3H]-methylscopolamine (NMS) at cloned m1-m4 muscarinic receptor subtypes expressed in A9L transfected cells. Quantitative autoradiography of the M1, M2, and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes in the primate brain was performed according to the following strategy. The M1 (m1) receptor subtype was labeled directly with a non-saturating concentration of [3H]-pirenzepine. The M2 (m2) subtype was labeled by incubations consisting of short, two minute pulses of [3H]-NMS after a preincubation with 0.3 microM pirenzepine to occlude m1, m3, and m4 sites. Selective occupancy of the M3 (m3) receptor (subtype) was achieved by pre-incubation with 0.5 nM unlabeled NMS to partially occlude the m1, m2, and m4 sites, equilibrium with 0.5 nM [3H]-NMS, followed by a 60 minute tracer dissociation in the presence of 1 microM atropine. In vitro autoradiography demonstrated that the M1 receptor subtype was confined to forebrain structures. M1 receptors were prevalent throughout the cerebral cortical mantle, amygdala, hippocampus, and the striatum. Low to background levels of the M1 receptor subtype were measured over the thalamus, hypothalamus, and brainstem. The M2 subtype was widely distributed with elevated densities of binding sites seen over all primary sensory cortical areas, and within discrete thalamic, hypothalamic, and brainstem nuclei. The distribution of the M3 receptor subtype was largely coincident with the pattern of the M1 sites labeled by non-saturating concentrations of [3H]-pirenzepine with some notable exceptions. Within the cerebral cortical mantle, the M3 receptor exhibited an elevated gradient over the orbitofrontal gyrus and the temporal lobe. Within the striatum, the M3 subtype was elevated over the anterior and dorsal part of the caudate nucleus, while the M1 receptors were most prevalent over the ventromedial sector. Selective labeling of M3 receptors was seen over the medial division of the globus pallidus and within the substantia nigra pars reticulata. In contrast to the pattern of the M1 receptor subtype, M3 receptors were prevalent also over midline nuclei of the hypothalamus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Quality factors, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of jet-tube dried rabbiteye blueberries.

BACKGROUND Rabbiteye blueberries are an excellent source of nutrients and phytochemicals. They are often dried, which can degrade health-promoting compounds. Means of shortening exposure to high-temperature drying air are desirable. Five cultivars of rabbiteye blueberries (‘Premier’, ‘Tifblue’, ‘Brightwell’, ‘Alapaha’, and ‘Powderblue’) were dried in a jet-tube fluidized bed air dryer with varying pretreatments including mechanical abrasion and osmotic dehydration. RESULTS Drying time ranged from 66 to 95 min at 107 °C, achieving a final water activity of 0.347–0.605. Prior osmotic dehydration significantly reduced the drying time. Vacuum osmotic dehydration for 70 min achieved similar moisture contents to soaking blueberries for 24 h. Jet-tube dried blueberries exhibited greater color saturation than commercially available blueberries. While drying reduced the total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) content, this occurred to a lesser extent than by other processing methods. The total phenolics content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity (H-ORACFL values) increased after drying. ‘Premier’ was the most preferred vacuum-infused dried blueberry, with a water activity (aw) of 0.53 and 157 g H2O kg−1. ‘Tifblue’ was most preferred amongst the overnight-infused and also unsweetened dried blueberries. CONCLUSION Jet-tube drying can substantially reduce drying times while yielding blueberries with good color, sensory properties, TMA, TPC, and H-ORACFL values. Furthermore, some cultivars produce better-quality dried blueberries than others.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of a Cutback Squealer and Cavity Depth on Film-Cooling Effectiveness on a Gas Turbine Blade Tip

Film-cooling effectiveness from shaped holes on the near tip pressure side and cylindrical holes on the squealer cavity floor is investigated. The pressure side squealer rim wall is cut near the trailing edge to allow the accumulated coolant in the cavity to escape and cool the tip trailing edge. Effects of varying blowing ratios and squealer cavity depth are also examined on film-cooling effectiveness. The film-cooling effectiveness distributions are measured on the blade tip, near tip pressure side and the inner pressure side and suction side rim walls using pressure sensitive paint technique. The internal coolant-supply passages of the squealer tipped blade are modeled similar to those in the GE-E 3 rotor blade with two separate serpentine loops supplying coolant to the film-cooling holes. Two rows of cylindrical film-cooling holes are arranged offset to the suction side profile and along the camber line on the tip. Another row of shaped film-cooling holes is arranged along the pressure side just below the tip. The average blowing ratio of the cooling gas is controlled to be 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0. A five-bladed linear cascade in a blow down facility with a tip gap clearance of 1.5% is used to perform the experiments. The free-stream Reynolds number, based on the axial chord length and the exit velocity, was 1,480,000 and the inlet and exit Mach numbers were 0.23 and 0.65, respectively. A blowing ratio of 1.0 is found to give best results on the pressure side, whereas the tip surfaces forming the squealer cavity give best results for M=2. Results show high film-cooling effectiveness magnitudes near the trailing edge of the blade tip due to coolant accumulation from upstream holes in the tip cavity. A squealer depth with a recess of 2.1 mm causes the average effectiveness magnitudes to decrease slightly as compared to a squealer depth of 4.2 mm.
Prepartum dietary energy source fed to beef cows: I. Effects on pre- and postpartum cow performance.

Mature Angus-cross beef cows (n = 144) were used to determine effects of late gestation di- etary energy source on pre- and postpartum cow perfor- mance in a complete randomized block design experi- ment. Cows were adapted to diets starting at 167 ± 9 d of gestation and fed until 1 wk before expected calving date. Cows were fed 1 of 3 dietary energy sources: grass hay (HY), corn (CN), or dried distillers grains (DDGS). Cows allotted to HY were allowed ad libitum access to round-bale grass hay, and average hay disappearance was 12.4 kg/d. Limit-fed corn and DDGS diets con- tained 5.3 kg of whole-shelled corn or 4.1 kg of DDGS, respectively, plus 2.1 kg of hay, and 1.0 kg of supplement to meet cow nutritional needs during late gestation and to allow for an energy intake similar to HY. Every 21 d, BW, BCS, and ultrasound measurement of backfat between the 12th and 13th ribs were collected. At 210 d in gestation, jugular blood samples were collected from cows at 0, 3, 6, and 9 h postfeeding and were analyzed for glucose, insulin, NEFA, and blood urea N (BUN) concentrations. After parturition, cows were fed a com- mon diet and managed similarly. Milk production was determined by weigh-suckle-weigh procedure on d 31, 100, and 176 postpartum. Cows fed DDGS during late gestation gained more (P = 0.04) BW than cows fed HY or CN; however, no difference in BCS change was detected (P = 0.28) among treatments. Plasma glucose concentrations were similar among treatments (P = 0.64), whereas insulin concentrations at 3 h postfeed- ing were greater (P = 0.002) for cows fed DDGS than those fed HY or CN. Plasma BUN concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.02) for cows fed DDGS vs. CN or HY up to 6 h postfeeding. Birth weight was greater (P < 0.001) for calves from cows fed CN and DDGS than for those fed HY, but this did not result in any differences in frequency of dystocia (P = 0.21). Prepartum energy source did not affect conception rates (P = 0.79), milk production (P ≥ 0.51), or milk composition (P ≥ 0.39). Maternal dietary energy source in late gestation did not affect pre- or postpartum cow performance, but did change plasma hormones and metabolites during gesta- tion. Heavier birth weights in calves from cows fed CN or DDGS indicate the changes in maternal metabolism affected energy partitioning of nutrients to the fetus and subsequent fetal growth.
Oxygen reduction reactions in the SOFC cathode of Ag/CeO2

Abstract The interactions between oxygen molecules and a silver surface or a CeO 2 (111) supported atomic layer of silver are predicted using first-principles calculations based on spin polarized DFT with PAW method. The juncture between the CeO 2 (111), the atomic layer of silver, and O 2 represents a triple-phase boundary (TPB) whereas the interface between silver surfaces and O 2 corresponds to a 2-phase boundary (2PB) in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Results suggest that the O 2 dissociation process on a monolayer of silver supported by CeO 2 (111) surfaces (or TPB) with oxygen vacancies has lower reaction barrier than on silver surfaces (or 2PB), and the dissociated oxygen ions can quickly bond with subsurface Ce atom via a barrierless and highly exothermic reaction. The oxygen vacancies at TPB are found to be responsible for the lower energy barrier and high exothermicity because of the strong interaction between subsurface Ce and adspecies, implying that oxygen molecules prefer being reduced at TPB than on silver surfaces (2PB). The results suggest that, for a silver-based cathode in a SOFC, the adsorption and dissociation of oxygen occur rapidly and the most stable surface oxygen species would be the dissociated oxygen ion with − 0.78|e| Bader charges; the rate of oxygen reduction is most likely limited by subsequent processes such as diffusion or incorporation of the oxygen ions into the electrolyte.
Evolution of strategies in modified sequential assessment games

The sequential assessment game is one of the most important game-theoretic models of animal contests. It intends to model contests in which animals gain a progressively more accurate estimate of relative fighting ability by means of repeated bouts of fighting. The model predicts an evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) that would correspond to an increasing sequence of thresholds for quitting the game. We report on simulated evolution of strategies in modified versions of the game and compare our results with theoretical predictions for the original model. Outcomes of these simulations corroborate some, but not all theoretical predictions for the sequential assessment game. In particular, our results suggest that theoretical analyses of the sequential assessment game with information asymmetry need to take into account factors that have hitherto been ignored in the literature.
Temperature-dependent model for predicting field populations of green peach aphid, myzus persicae (homoptera: Aphididae)

A temperature-dependent model for predicting green peach aphid population development in potato fields was devised and tested. A laboratory estimate of generation time was utilized to derive expected generation number from field accumulated degree days (1975–77). Different aphid populations were produced in replicated field plots (1975–77) with various application rates of the systemic insecticide, aldicarb. Density data from these plots were regressed on the expected number of generations to derive prediction equations. These equations were coupled in a Fortran computer program with a degree day algorithm. Weather forecasts, therefore, provide input for future aphid population predictions. The model is being used to evaluate various control strategies and to decide on spray dates from weather forecasts.
pex5 Mutants That Differentially Disrupt PTS1 and PTS2 Peroxisomal Matrix Protein Import in Arabidopsis

PEX5 and PEX7 are receptors required for the import of peroxisome-bound proteins containing one of two peroxisomal targeting signals (PTS1 or PTS2). To better understand the role of PEX5 in plant peroxisomal import, we characterized the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) pex5-10 mutant, which has a T-DNA insertion in exon 5 of the PEX5 gene. Sequencing results revealed that exon 5, along with the T-DNA, is removed in this mutant, resulting in a truncated pex5 protein. The pex5-10 mutant has germination defects and is completely dependent on exogenous Suc for early seedling establishment, based on poor utilization of seed-storage fatty acids. This mutant also has delayed development and reduced fertility, although adult pex5-10 plants appear normal. Peroxisomal metabolism of indole-3-butyric acid, propionate, and isobutyrate also is disrupted. The pex5-10 mutant has reduced import of both PTS1 and PTS2 proteins, and enzymatic processes that occur in peroxisomes are disrupted. To specifically study the import and importance of PTS1 proteins, we made a truncated PEX5 construct lacking the PTS1-binding region (PEX5454). Transformation of this construct into pex5-10 resulted in the rescue of PTS2 import, thereby creating a line with PTS1-specific import defects. The pex5-10 (PEX5454) plants still had developmental defects, although restoring PTS2 import resulted in a less severe mutant phenotype. Comparison of pex5-10 and pex5-10 (PEX5454) phenotypes can separate the import mechanisms for enzymes acting in different peroxisomal processes, including indole-3-butyric acid/2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid oxidation, isobutyrate and propionate metabolism, and photorespiration.
Specific knockdown of uPA/uPAR attenuates invasion in glioblastoma cells and xenografts by inhibition of cleavage and trafficking of Notch -1 receptor

uPA/uPAR is a multifunctional system that is over expressed in many cancers and plays a critical role in glioblastoma (GBM) invasion. Previous studies from our lab have also shown that uPA/uPAR down regulation inhibits cancer cell invasion in SNB 19 GBM cells. As Notch 1 is known to be over expressed and promotes invasion in glioblastoma, we therefore tested our hypothesis of whether down regulation of uPA/uPAR, singly or in tandem, attenuates GBM invasion via Notch 1 receptor. Targeted down regulation of uPA/uPAR, either singly or simultaneously, inhibited the anchorage independent growth of U251MG and GBM xenograft cell lines 4910 and 5310 as assessed by soft agar colony formation assay. Expression of all four Notch receptors was confirmed in GBM tissue array analysis by immunohistochemistry. Down regulation of uPA/uPAR, either singly or simultaneously, in U251 MG and tumor xenografts inhibited the cleavage of the Notch receptor between the Gly 1743 and Val 1744 positions, thereby suggesting inhibition of activated cytosolic fragment-related Notch gene transcription. Morphological analysis confirmed inhibition of NICD when U251 MG cells were treated with puPA, puPAR or pU2. uPA/uPAR down regulation inhibited Notch 1 mRNA in all three examined cell lines. uPA/uPAR shRNA down regulated nuclear activation of NF-κB subunits and phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR pathway in U251 MG and GBM xenografts. puPA down regulated NICD and HES induced phosphorylation of AKT/ERK and NF-κB. Down regulation of Notch 1 using siRNA inhibited uPA activity as shown by fibrinogen zymography. It also decreased uPA expression levels as shown by western blotting. Exogenous addition of uPA activated Notch 1 in uPAR antisense U251 MG cells and also in uPAR antisense cells transfected with siRNA against Delta and Jagged. The Notch 1 receptor co-localized with LAMP-1, a marker for lysosomes in uPA, uPAR and U2, down regulated U251 MG cells which probably indicates inhibition of Notch 1 receptor trafficking in GBM cells. Notch 1 expression was significantly inhibited in puPA- and pU2-treated pre-established intracranial tumors in mice. Overall our results show that down regulation of uPA/uPAR, either singly or simultaneously, could be an effective approach to attenuate Notch 1 receptor cleavage, signaling and endosomal trafficking in U251MG cells and xenografts, and ultimately inhibiting GBM invasion.
Effects of Domain-Specific Noise on Visual Motion Processing in Schizophrenia

Background: Visual perception impairments in schizophrenia stem from abnormal information processing. Information processing requires neural response to a stimulus (signal) against a backdrop of 1) random variation in baseline neural activity (internal noise) and sometimes irrelevant environmental stimulation (external noise). Filtering out noise is a critical aspect of information processing, and needs to be critically examined in schizophrenia. Methods: To understand how noise in the visual system constrains perceptual processing, we devised a novel paradigm to build in both signal and external noise on same visual stimulus. Here, instead of uniformed noise, domain-specific noise— variations in stimulus speed—was introduced to evaluate the performance of schizophrenia patients in speed discrimination. Each motion stimulus—a random dot pattern (RDP) comprising 200 moving dots—included a range of speeds, drawn individually from a Gaussian distribution for each dot. The task for patients (n=26) and controls (n=28) was to identify which of two stimuli moved faster based on their mean speeds. Findings: Patients exhibited deficient speed discrimination at baseline, in the absence of speed noise. Their speed discrimination was further degraded in the presence of low and medium levels of external noise. In the presence of a high levels of noise, degradation of patients’ speed discrimination leveled-off, resulting in similar performance to controls. Conclusion: These domain-specific noise effects on speed discrimination provide direct evidence for the existence of heightened internal noise within a specific visual motion processing domain in schizophrenia.
The relation of building height to street traffic

A methematical study that anyone can understand. It is a new viewpoint and wil arouse discussion. The editor invites comment.
Design Alternatives for a High-Performance Self-Securing Ethernet Network Interface

This paper presents and evaluates a strategy for integrating the Snort network intrusion detection system into a high-performance programmable Ethernet network interface card (NIC), considering the impact of several possible hardware and software design choices. While currently proposed ASIC, FPGA, and TCAM systems can match incoming string content in real-time, the system proposed also supports the stream reassembly and HTTP content transformation capabilities of Snort. This system, called LineSnort, parallelizes Snort using concurrency across TCP sessions and executes those parallel tasks on multiple low-frequency pipelined RISC processors embedded in the NIC. LineSnort additionally exploits opportunities for intra-session concurrency. The system also includes dedicated hardware for high-bandwidth data transfers and for high-performance string matching.
Sentinel lymph node mapping for breast cancer: analysis in a diverse patient group.

PURPOSE: To evaluate sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients with breast cancer scheduled to undergo axillary nodal dissection underwent scintigraphic localization of sentinel lymph nodes with filtered technetium 99m sulfur colloid. At surgery, isosulfan blue was injected. Sentinel nodes were identifiable by blue color and by radioactivity with hand-held gamma probe. Results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: A sentinel lymph node was identified in 49 patients (79%). Lymph nodes were positive for metastatic disease in 26 patients (42%). The mapping success rate was 78% (n = 21) in the 27 patients with no prior surgery, 78% (n = 18) in the 23 patients with prior surgery, and 86% (n = 12) in the 14 patients with prior chemotherapy. Axillary nodes were positive in 11 (41%) of the 27 patients with no prior intervention, six (26%) of the 23 patients with prior surgery, and 10 (71%) of the 14 patients with prior chemotherapy. There were no false-n...
Diffusion of Water into Silica Glass at Low Temperature

Diffusion of water into silica glass was measured in the temperature range of 200{degrees} to 750{degrees}C by treating the glass in air containing a constant water vapor pressure and analyzing the concentration profile using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. In the short-time diffusion heat treatments, the surface concentration was lower and the apparent diffusion coefficient was higher than the corresponding steady-state values. The temperature dependence of the steady-state diffusion coefficient showed two different activation energies. Above {approximately}550{degrees}C the diffusion coefficients were similar to the published results with an activation energy of {approximately}80 kJ/mol, while below {approximately}550{degrees}C, the diffusion coefficient was higher than the value obtained by extrapolation from higher temperatures, and the activation energy was {approximately}40kJ/mol. Correspondingly, the water solubility- temperature relation showed a sudden change at around the same temperature: at temperatures above this temperature the solubility increased with decreasing temperature, while at lower temperatures the trend was reversed. It is suggested that this observed peculiarity was caused by the initial nonequilibrium reaction between water and SiO{sub 2} glass and a change in enthalpy of the glass-water reaction.
Evaluation of interphase properties in a cellulose fiber-reinforced polypropylene composite by nanoindentation and finite element analysis

Abstract The hardness and elastic modulus of the cellulose fiber and polypropylene (PP) matrix in a cellulose fiber-reinforced PP composite were investigated by nanoindentation with a continuous stiffness technique. Nanoindentation with different indentation depths and spacings was conducted to measure hardness and elastic modulus in the interphase region, which was modified by maleic anhydride-grafted PP and γ-amino propyltrimethoxy silane (γ-APS) sizing. A line of indents was produced from the fiber to the matrix. There was a gradient of hardness and modulus across the interphase region. The distinct properties of the transition zone were revealed by 1–4 indents, depending on nanoindentation depth and spacing. Based on the results of nanoindentation, it was assumed that the width of the property transition zone is less than 1 μm. However, three dimensional finite element analysis shows that even a perfect interface without property transition has almost same interphase width as that measured by nanoindentation. Using existing nanoindentation techniques, it will be difficult to calculate exact mechanical properties without the effect of neighboring material property in at least 8 times smaller region than indent size.
Aseptic meningitis complicating metrizamide myelography.

3Metrizamide is a newer contrast medium used predomi­ nately in myelographic studies. Side effects, in general, have been minor after its use. Recently, a patient developed a purulent aseptic meningitis after metrizamide cervical mye­ lography. The subsequent cli ni cal picture and cerebrospinal fluid findings were indistinguishable from acute bacterial meningitis and form the basis of this report. Case Report A 62-year-old man was admitted for right arm radicular pain and diplopi a. Eight months earli er he had documented metastatic ad­ enocarcinoma, primary site unknown, with pleural and skeletal involvement. On physical exam ination, he was alert, well oriented, and afebril e. Pertin ent findings included a supple neck, a left sixth cranial nerve palsy with questionable left retinal mass, and mild weakness of the right upper extremity. Laboratory data were normal except for a mi ld elevation of th e alkalin e phosphatase. Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an enhancing lesion eroding the right frontal bo ne with destruction of th e orbital roof. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies confirmed a C7 - Tl radiculopathy. The spinal fluid before instillation of metrizamide (10 ml, 200 mg I/ ml) was normal with a glucose con centration of 77 mg / dl. After th e procedure, the pati ent complained of a headache. Within 24 hr he developed a temperature of 40°C, nuchal rigidity , and d isorientation. A lumbar puncture showed grossly cloudy fluid with a whit e blood c ell count of 14,000/ mm 3
Police Ethics: Organizational Implications

Police corruption is an age-old problem in the United States. Reform techniques focused on the malfeasance and misbehavior of individual officers have not succeeded. Better personnel screening, training, internal processes, and functional internal and external integrity units also have not fully addressed the problem. In a very real sense police "management" has failed. The organizational culture of police agencies is the biggest obstacle to change. It acts as a protective web around departments to discourage deviation from the standard mode of operation; this makes any proposal for change difficult to implement. Law enforcement organizations must embrace ethics as a critical tool for effective decision-making. To truly address the problem, it is necessary to work not only with the officers and the community, but also with professional policing organizations. The culture of being above the law ends only when leaders enforce rules against corrupt behavior and then recognize right behavior.
Transient secretion of phosphate in the mammalian kidney.

SummaryTransient renal responses to close arterial instantaneous injections of NaH2PO4 and creatinine were studied in phosphate-loaded dogs. The increment of phosphate excretion per unit injected per one circulation of injected substance was greater than that of creatinine. Such a finding, interpreted as net minimal secretion of phosphate into the renal tubule, was found in 8 consecutive experiments.
Assembly, Structure, and Reactivity of Cu4S and Cu3S Models for the Nitrous Oxide Reductase Active Site, CuZ*

Bridging diphosphine ligands were used to facilitate the assembly of copper clusters with single sulfur atom bridges that model the structure of the CuZ* active site of nitrous oxide reductase. Using bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (dppa), a [CuI4(μ4-S)] cluster with N–H hydrogen bond donors in the secondary coordination sphere was assembled. Solvent and anion guests were found docking to the N–H sites in the solid state and in the solution phase, highlighting a kinetically viable pathway for substrate introduction to the inorganic core. Using bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane (dcpm), a [CuI3(μ3-S)] cluster was assembled preferentially. Both complexes exhibited reversible oxidation events in their cyclic voltammograms, making them functionally relevant to the CuZ* active site that is capable of catalyzing a multielectron redox transformation, unlike the previously known [CuI4(μ4-S)] complex from Yam and co-workers supported by bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm). The dppa-supported [CuI4(μ4-S)] cluster react...
Advances in Balloon Flight Train Shock Mitigation

During the post -termination sequence , the flight train is s ubjected to violent shock events . It is these shock events that are the primary motivation for excessively bulky payload s and flight hardware designs. Investigations also have linked these sh ock events to several instances of damage to flight critical hardware , resulting in a substantial amount of damage to scientific instrumentation . This paper presents the ongoing efforts to develop an optimized design that ultimately will mitigate these shock events. Other desig n criter ia addressed in this document are minimizing additional risks for safety ha zards while preserving or improving the integrity of the payload recovery system . The design criteria to minimize any effects to the pre -existing operational procedures are considered as well .
Quantum Carrier Reinvestment-induced ultrahigh and broadband photocurrent responses in graphene-silicon junctions.

In an earlier work, we had reported a method that enables graphene–silicon junctions to display exceptionally high photovoltaic responses, exceeding 107 V/W. Using a completely different method that has recently been reported to result in ultrahigh gain, we now show that these junctions can also demonstrate giant photocurrent responsivities that can approach ∼107 A/W. Together, these mechanisms enable graphene–silicon junctions to be a dual-mode, broad-band, scalable, CMOS-compatible, and tunable photodetector that can operate either in photovoltage or photocurrent modes with ultrahigh responsivity values. We present detailed validation of the underlying mechanism (which we call Quantum Carrier Reinvestment, or QCR) in graphene–silicon junctions. In addition to ultrasensitive photodetection, we present QCR photocurrent spectroscopy as a tool for investigating spectral recombination dynamics at extremely low incident powers, a topic of significant importance for optoelectronic applications. We show that su...
The Incorporation of 14C-Glycerol into Adipose Tissue Lipids of Weanling Rats with Hypothalamic Obesity

SummaryAdipose tissue of weanling rats with hypothalamic obesity (VMN) incorporated labeled glycerol into lipids, mainly triglycerides, at a faster rate than control. It is postulated that hyperinsulinemia, an important feature of this obesity syndrome, contributes to the increased utilization of glycerol for lipid synthesis.The authors are indebted to Dr. Douglas S. Riggs for his suggestions. The technical assistance of Miss Diana Hojnicki, Mrs. Bona Marotta, Mrs. Betty Stone and Miss Patricia Zuber are gratefully acknowledged. This work was supported in part by a Diabetes Training Program, Grant AM 05507, by General Research Support Grant RR 05400 from the General Research Support Branch, Division of Research Resources, NIH, as well as research grants from the National Institute of Health, HD 03331 and AM14118.
Professionalism in Management and The History of Administrative Thought: Comment

The article reports the author's opinions regarding the social status of the managers of business enterprises. He focuses on the occupational tasks associated with the position of manager and wheth...