cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agonist-induced down-regulation of the angiotensin II receptor in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes.

The ability of angiotensin II to down-regulate its receptor was tested on rat hepatocytes in primary culture for 4 h. Angiotensin II treatment decreased [3H]angiotensin II specific binding in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The effect was maximum with 1 microM angiotensin II and after 2 h. There was a decrease in the maximum number of binding sites (56% of control) with no significant effect on the apparent dissociation constant. The down-regulation was blocked by the angiotensin II antagonist [Val4,Ile7]angiotensin III and was not induced by other hormones (e.g. vasopressin, norepinephrine, or glucagon) or by 4 beta-phorbol 12 beta-myristate 13 alpha-acetate or A23187 ionophore. The decrease in angiotensin II receptors resulted in correlated decreases in the potency of angiotensin II to activate phosphorylase or lower glucagon-induced cAMP accumulation. However, high concentrations of the agonist were still able to elicit maximal responses in both parameters. Down-regulation of the receptor was not dependent upon active Gi, since it was still observed after ADP-ribosylation and inactivation of Gi by pertussis toxin. The above results indicate that the down-regulation of the hepatic angiotensin II receptor induced by its agonist is homologous and does not involve Gi, Ca2+, or protein kinase C. The correlation of receptor loss with decreases in the potency of angiotensin to activate phosphorylase and inhibit glucagon-induced cAMP accumulation is consistent with the idea that a single receptor population regulates two different messengers, i.e. calcium and cAMP.
DNA Topology: Fundamentals

Topological characteristics of DNA and specifically DNA supercoiling influence all major DNA transactions in living cells. DNA supercoiling induces the formation of unusual secondary structure by specific DNA repeats which can also affect DNA functioning. Keywords: supercoiling; knots; catenanes; Z-DNA; triplexes; cruciforms
Life Stressors of Mechanical Contracting Supervisory Personnel

Retention of high quality management personnel is a priority for all companies in the construction industry, including mechanical contracting companies. Over the past several years there has been a decrease in managers in the construction industry, and firms that fail to retain these employees will be left with an understaffed workforce, which will hinder their ability to be competitive in the marketplace. In order to aid in retention efforts, mechanical contracting firms need to focus their attention on the factors that affect burnout, which leads to turnover of their management personnel. The majority of the research in the construction industry has focused on work related stress. There have been studies on life stressors in general and there are several tools available to measure these stressors, but no studies have been done on life stressors on mechanical contracting supervisors. Life stressors were identified using the LISRES-A survey for mechanical contracting supervisors. The results showed that t...
Economic Characteristics, Corporate Governance, and the Influence of Compensation Consultants on Executive Pay Levels

This study investigates the relation between the use of compensation consultants and CEO pay levels. Using new proxy statement disclosures from 2,116 companies, we examine claims that pay is higher in clients of compensation consultants, and test whether any pay differences in users and non-users of consultants are due to differences in economic or corporate governance characteristics. We find that CEO pay is generally higher in clients of most consulting firms, even after controlling for economic determinants of compensation. However, when users and non-users are matched on both economic and governance characteristics, differences in pay levels are not statistically significant. These results are consistent with claims that compensation consultants provide a mechanism for CEOs of companies with weak governance to extract and justify excess pay. Finally, we find no support for claims that CEO pay is higher in conflicted consultants that also offer additional non-compensation related services.
Determinant of investment in Nigeria: An Econometrics analysis

One of the macro-economic objectives of a country is to achieve full employment and domestic investment serves as an instrument in achieving it.
950-93 Automatic Identification of Calcified Regions on Intravascular Ultrasound Images of Human Coronary Arteries Using Texture Analysis

The potential for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to evaluate arterial pathologies and to suggest invasive techniques thus far has been limited by its qualitative and subjective evaluation. The purpose of this study is to develop tools to automatically identify and objectively quantify the calcifications present in IVUS images of human coronaries. Human coronary arteries were dissected from explanted hearts within one hour of transplantation and perfused with saline at physiological pressure. IVUS images were acquired using an HP Sonos 100 system and a 3.5 Fmonorail 30 MHZ catheter. A controlled pullback was recorded on SVHS videotape and images digitized every 250 μm. Texture analysis, consisting of the convolution with several different Laws’ matrices followed by texture “energy” extraction and nearest neighbor classification, was used to segment each image into high- and low-information regions. The regions of low-information content corresponded to shadows behind echo-dense features such as calcium. Calcifications were identified as sectors of radially thin texture regions that correlate with bright areas in the intensity image function. Angular percentage of vessel cross section with calcifications and angular localization of calcifications were compared with manual tracing in a set of 230 images from patients with different pathologies. The comparison showed a good correlation: Percentage correct: 86%, Sensitivity: 79%, Specificity: 89%. No preferential angular calcification localization were observed. Conelusion The results show that this is an objective method to clearly detect and quantify calcifications in IVUS images.
Developing and testing the health literacy universal precautions toolkit

The health literacy demands of the healthcare system often exceed the health literacy skills of Americans. This article reviews the development of the Health Literacy Universal Precautions (HLUP) Toolkit, commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and designed to help primary care practices structure the delivery of care as if every patient may have limited health literacy. The development of the toolkit spanned 2 years and consisted of 3 major tasks: (1) developing individual tools (modules explaining how to use or implement a strategy to minimize the effects of low health literacy), using existing health literacy resources when possible, (2) testing individual tools in clinical practice and assembling them into a prototype toolkit, and (3) testing the prototype toolkit in clinical practice. Testing revealed that practices will use tools that are concise and actionable and are not perceived as being resource intensive. Conducting practice self-assessments and generating enthusiasm among staff were key elements for successful implementation. Implementing practice changes required more time than anticipated and some knowledge of quality improvement techniques. In sum, the HLUP Toolkit holds promise as a means of improving primary care for people with limited health literacy, but further testing is needed.
Probing Behaviors of Adult Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) are Not Appreciably Affected by Soil Application of Field-Rate Aldicarb to Citrus

Abstract In 2005, Huanglongbing disease (HLB), also known as citrus greening, was discovered in Florida. The presumptive causal agent of this disease is the phloem-limited bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ (Las) which is spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama). Following the discovery of HLB, insecticide use for control of the vector has increased dramatically. One such insecticide is aldicarb, a soil-applied systemic carbamate insecticide that has been used in Florida citrus since the 1970's for both control of insect and mite pests and for its potential plant growth promoting benefits. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of soil-applications of aldicarb to citrus on the feeding behavior of D. citri, including whether this systemic insecticide disrupts feeding behaviors responsible for Las transmission. To achieve this goal, an electrical penetration graph monitor was used to examine D. citri feeding behavior when given a feeding access period of 12...
Residential water heaters as a grid-scale energy storage solution using model predictive control

With the rapid increase of renewable energy on the power system, an increase in reserve capabilities is required. As traditional reserve resources reach their maximum capacity for providing this service, alternative solutions must be found to supplement existing reserves. One such alternative is to utilize grid-scale energy storage to provide reserves. Though many technologies for grid-scale energy storage are cost prohibitive, one cost-effective solution is the use of existing residential water heaters as a distributed energy storage resource. This paper presents one possible control methodology, using Model Predictive Control, to demonstrate the feasibility of controlling such a resource. Simulation results show that Model Predictive Control can be effectively used to control multiple residential water heaters to provide reserve services for renewable energy resources.
Recent Experience with Techniques for Prediction of Spin Characteristics of Fighter Aircraft

Spin-tunnel tests and radio-controlled model tests have proven to be useful for prediction of spin characteristics, but these specialized techniques may not be available in early design phases. The present paper discusses other techniques that are more generally available, specifically: 1) conventional wind-tunnel tests, 2) analytical studies, and 3) fixed-base simulation. The techniques and hardware used are described, but the emphasis is placed on the application of the techniques and examples of the type of results that have been obtained. Recent research has indicated that some spin problems (in particular, dangerous flat spins) can be readily analyzed using conventional wind-tunnel equipment and techniques normally employed during routine stability and control investigations. Recent experience with analytical spin prediction methods is discussed using results obtained for a variable-sweep fighter with a long pointed nose. Correlation between theoretical calculations and actual spin characteristics exhibited by a free-flight model of the configuration was quite poor due to large nonrepeatable asymmetric yawing moments created by flow separation on the long pointed nose at high angles of attack. Development and preliminary evaluations of a fixedbase simulator with limited visual and buffet cues for stall/spin studies are also discussed.
Feature Extraction System for Contextual Classification within Security Imaging Applications

Throughout security imaging applications, there is a persistent need for accurate contextual classification of objects within the scene so proper subsequent decisions can be made. To generate a set of scene attributes necessary for this analysis, this paper presents a novel feature extraction system composed of three divisions: an edge detection system, a segmentation system, and a recognition system. System inputs are considered to be low resolution, low quality images, often collected from inexpensive security imaging cameras. This work concentrates on enhancing the accuracy of the detected boundaries and edge pixel locations within the edge detection system as a pre-processing step for the segmentation and recognition systems. The edge detection described here is based on Boolean derivatives, calculated using partial derivatives of Boolean functions in combination with fusion and binarization steps. This edge detection system allows overall subsequent improvements in the segmentation and recognition systems, producing a stronger overall feature extraction system for processing data within security imaging applications.
Use of penalties in a branch and bound procedure for the fixed charge transportation problem

Abstract The fixed charge transportation problem (FCTP) is an extension of the classic transportation problem in which a fixed cost is incurred for every supply point that is used in the solution. A branch and bound procedure which requires the use of two subproblems (a classic transportation problem and a knapsack problem) can be used to solve the FCTP. Unlike fixed change problems, with the FCTP, there is a many-to-one correspondence between the continuous variables of the transportation problem and the fixed charge variables of the knapsack problem. This paper incorporates penalties into the branch and bound procedure in order to improve the solution times. Also, an adjacent extreme point heuristic is presented that finds a near optimal solution quickly.
Stress-Optical Study of Strontium Titanate*

This work represents the first stress-optical study of strontium titanate (SrTiO3). The report includes a brief review of previous stress-optical work on crystals, a brief review of synthetic SrTiO3, and a brief review of stress-optical theory. The remainder of the paper is divided into two parts: Part I describes the piezobirefringence experimental apparatus and experimental procedure, sources of error and corrections, the measured values of the piezobirefringence constants (q2211–q1111) and 2q1212 for the spectral range 4200–7700 A in steps of 100 A, an investigation of the linearity of the stress-optical relationship up to “moderate” pressures, and an investigation of stress-optical hysteresis up to “moderate” pressures. Part II covers the following: the problem of measuring the absolute values of stress-optical constants q1111 and q2211, apparatus and procedure, sources of error, the measured values of the stress-optical constants at 5400 A, the theoretical change in index of refraction under an hydrostatic stress, and confirmation of the linearity of the stress-optical relationship up to “moderate” pressures.Strontium titanate has been found to become an optically negative uniaxial crystal when stressed along a crystallographic axis and an optically negative biaxial crystal when under a crystallographic diagonal stress.
Implementing meaningful CME as an essential component in a community hospital quality assurance plan.

The pursuit of high-quality patient care within a community hospital highlights the tenuous relationship between the hospital board and administration on one side and the voluntary medical staff on the other. Craddick1 describes the need to monitor and improve patient management, the commitment of physicians and administrators to high quality care, and the unfortunate failure of most hospital programs to go beyond paper exercises designed to satisfy the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH). The American College of Surgeons2 summarizes current methods of monitoring the quality of patient care, and gives four examples of successful programs. The JCAH Manual3 sets standards for hospitals and medical staffs to achieve. However, thus far no one has described how a hospital's medical staff, board, and administration join forces to implement a comprehensive quality assurance program. This paper presents the experience of one community hospital in dealing with this problem over a two-year period.
Earthquake Hazard Estimation in Areas of Low Historical Seismicity: A Focus on the Northern Rio Grande Rift, Colorado and New Mexico

Abstract Estimates of the probability of future earthquake activity are difficult to make in areas where historical seismicity may be low or absent, but where young fault scarps attest to recent or ongoing tectonism. Three non‐Poisson models, a Weibull model, a Gaussian model and a lognormal model, are used to estimate the earthquake hazard for one such area, the northern Rio Grande Rift. This portion of the Rio Grande Rift displays numerous Holocene faults attesting to ongoing tectonism, but displays essentially no historical seismicity. The earthquake hazard for the Sangre de Cristo fault zone from Taos, New Mexico to Salida, Colorado calculated using these models is remarkably consistent (probability of at least one Mo = 7 earthquake in the next 50 years ~ 2.5 × 10−3), with increased hazard for the Sangre de Cristo fault in north San Luis Valley (~5.0×10−3) and near Taos (~1.0×10−2) due to the long holding times along these segments.
Positron emission tomographic studies of brain dopamine and serotonin transporters in abstinent (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“ecstasy”) users: relationship to cognitive performance

(±)3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) is a recreational drug and brain serotonin (5-HT) neurotoxin. Under certain conditions, MDMA can also damage brain dopamine (DA) neurons, at least in rodents. Human MDMA users have been found to have reduced brain 5-HT transporter (SERT) density and cognitive deficits, although it is not known whether these are related. This study sought to determine whether MDMA users who take closely spaced sequential doses, which engender high plasma MDMA concentrations, develop DA transporter (DAT) deficits, in addition to SERT deficits, and whether there is a relationship between transporter binding and cognitive performance. Sixteen abstinent MDMA users with a history of using sequential MDMA doses (two or more doses over a 3- to 12-h period) and 16 age-, gender-, and education-matched controls participated. Subjects underwent positron emission tomography with the DAT and SERT radioligands, [11C]WIN 35,428 and [11C]DASB, respectively. Subjects also underwent formal neuropsychiatric testing. MDMA users had reductions in SERT binding in multiple brain regions but no reductions in striatal DAT binding. Memory performance in the aggregate subject population was correlated with SERT binding in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex, and parietal cortex, brain regions implicated in memory function. Prior exposure to MDMA significantly diminished the strength of this relationship. Use of sequential MDMA doses is associated with lasting decreases in brain SERT, but not DAT. Memory performance is associated with SERT binding in brain regions involved in memory function. Prior MDMA exposure appears to disrupt this relationship. These data are the first to directly relate memory performance to brain SERT density.
Selective regulation of dopamine transporter binding in the shell of the nucleus accumbens by adrenalectomy and corticosterone-replacement.

[Extract] Chronic stress or high glucocorticoid levels have been shown to affect fundamental brain functions, including emotions, cognition, and reward/reinforcement, and may be associated with psychiatric disorders (McEwen, 1998; Piazza and LeMoal, 1997). Stress and glucocorticoids (GCs) have also been suggested as major factors influencing drug addiction (Kreek, 1996; Piazza and LeMoal, 1997). For example, chronic stress increases the vulnerability to develop psychostimulant selfadministration in a glucocorticoid-responsive manner (for a review, see Piazza and LeMoal, 1997). Moreover, rats have been shown to intravenously self-administer corticosterone (CORT) (see Piazza and LeMoal, 1997), which suggests an important role of CORT in reward related brain processes.
Voltage- and Ca2+-activated ionic currents in acutely dissociated cells of the chick pineal gland

Abstract Previous research on cultured chick pineal cells suggests that melatonin production is modulated by Ca 2+ influx through voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels. The possible existence of other ionic currents was investigated by means of whole-cell recordings from acutely isolated cells. Several different inward and outward currents were identified. Inward currents included L-type Ca 2+ currents and voltage-activated tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na + currents. Sodium currents have not been reported previously in pineal cells of any species. These two inward currents were present in the majority of cells. Chick pineal cells also expressed several types of voltage-dependent and Ca 2+ -dependent K + currents that differed in voltage dependence, kinetics, and pharmacology. These included two Ca 2+ -dependent outward currents which differed in sensitivity to tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA), and at least two distinct voltage-activated K + currents. Considerable cell-to-cell variation in the amplitude and nature of the evoked outward currents was observed. These ionic currents may be important for the regulation of melatonin synthesis and the modulation of circadian rhythmicity.
UL-1950: an IEC-950-based US standard for information technology equipment including electrical business equipment

Because the market for computers, their peripherals, and other electrical business machines has become worldwide, manufacturers have expressed a need that International Safety Standard IEC-950 be adopted as the US national safety standard for their products. Outright adoption of IEC-950 was not feasible for the United States because of conflicts with the National Electrical Code. Therefore, a committee of industry and safety engineers developed a safety standard that was as close to IEC-950 as possible but compatible with the NEC. The result of the committee's work, UL-1950, represents a change in requirements for safety of computer and electrical business machines. Many machines will need to be reevaluated to obtain listing to the upgrading requirements of the standard. Most of the requirements of UL-1950 that differ from predecessor standards are associated with the risk of electric shock. The author deals with the technicalities of those new requirements. >
Technical aspects of the deep inspiration breath-hold technique in the treatment of thoracic cancer

Abstract Purpose: The goal of this paper is to describe our initial experience with the deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) technique in conformal treatment of non–small-cell lung cancer with particular emphasis on the technical aspects required for implementation. Methods and Materials: In the DIBH technique, the patient is verbally coached through a modified slow vital capacity maneuver and brought to a reproducible deep inspiration breath-hold level. The goal is to immobilize the tumor and to expand normal lung out of the high-dose region. A physicist or therapist monitors and records patient breathing during simulation, verification, and treatment using a spirometer with a custom computer interface. Examination of internal anatomy during fluoroscopy over multiple breath holds establishes the reproducibility of the DIBH maneuver for each patient. A reference free-breathing CT scan and DIBH planning scan are obtained. To provide an estimate of tumor motion during normal tidal breathing, additional scan sets are obtained at end inspiration and end expiration. These are also used to set the spirometer action levels for treatment. Patient lung inflation is independently verified over the course of treatment by comparing the distance from the isocenter to the diaphragm measured from the DIBH digitally reconstructed radiographs to the distance measured on the portal films. Patient breathing traces obtained during treatment were examined retrospectively to assess the reproducibility of the technique. Results: Data from the first 7 patients, encompassing over 250 treatments, were analyzed. The inferred displacement of the centroid of gross tumor volume from its position in the planning scan, as calculated from the spirometer records in over 350 breath holds was 0.02 ± 0.14 cm (mean and standard deviation). These data are consistent with the displacements of the diaphragm (−0.1 ± 0.4 cm; range, from −1.2 to 1.1 cm) relative to the isocenter, as measured on the (92) portal films. The latter measurements include the patient setup error. The patient averaged displacement of the tumor during free breathing, determined from the tumor displacement between end inspiration and end expiration, was 0.8 ± 0.5 cm in both the superior-inferior and anterior-posterior directions and 0.1 cm (± 0.1 cm) medial-laterally. Conclusion: Treatment of patients with the DIBH technique is feasible in a clinical setting. With this technique, consistent lung inflation levels are achieved in patients, as judged by both spirometry and verification films. Breathing-induced tumor motion is significantly reduced using DIBH compared to free breathing, enabling better target coverage.
Poly(tert-butyl acrylate-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) terpolymer from a carbocationic initiator containing a latent radical initiating site

Abstract A poly(isobutylene- b -styrene) (PIB-PS) copolymer was synthesized via quasi-living carbocationic polymerization from an initiator containing a latent site for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiation. The initiator, 3,3,5-trimethyl-5-chlorohexyl acetate (TMCHA), was synthesized in four steps from methyl 3,3-dimethyl-4-pentenoate. The PIB block was created at −70 °C in a methylcyclohexane/methyl chloride (60:40) cosolvent system, using TiCl 4 as the catalyst, followed by sequential addition of styrene. The acetate head group of the resulting block copolymer was converted to a hydroxyl group using a strong base and subsequently esterified with 2-bromopropionyl bromide to create an initiating site for ATRP of tert -butyl acrylate, which was carried out using a Cu(I)Br/1,1,4,7,7,-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine (PMDETA) catalyst system. The final terpolymers had compositions that were very close to theoretical.
Evaluation of the Service Review Model With Performance Scorecards

The current study combined a management technique termed “Service Review” with performance scorecards to enhance staff and consumer behavior in a human service setting consisting of 11 supervisors and 56 front-line staff working with 9 adult consumers with challenging behaviors. Results of our intervention showed that service review and scorecards produced significant staff behavior changes that were maintained over time. Positive consumer outcomes were also correlated with staff performance changes. The behavioral package of training, clinical consultation, service review, biweekly manager meetings, scorecards, and public posting has the potential to reduce the need for monetary staff incentives.
Growth inhibition as indicator of stress because of atrazine following multiple toxicant exposure of the freshwater macrophyte, Juncus effusus L

Atrazine is a herbicide used most frequently in North America, but it usually is encountered in mixtures of agrochemicals. Few atrazine exposure studies have been conducted using mixed pesticides; therefore, little data are available to suggest reliable means of discerning effects attributable to atrazine. The common freshwater macrophyte, Juncus effusus L., was exposed in 66 mesocosms to atrazine at two nominal concentrations (96 and 192 μg/L) with varying concentrations of chlorpyrifos, monosodium methanearsonate, and monomethylmercury. Exposure levels represented typical levels that might follow runoff or direct-spray application in enclosed waterbodies. Using shoot density and number of shoots shorter than 25 cm per unit area as response measurements, the growth effects of atrazine, even in varying pesticide mixes, could be detected as early as 16 d after initial exposure. Further growth effects specifically caused by atrazine also could be detected following a second exposure to the same toxicant mixture. Mesocosm tests offer greater control of natural variability than would be found in the natural environment and offer more realistic conditions than traditional laboratory/greenhouse studies. Therefore, in field testing, growth measurements should be accompanied by other confirmatory tests, such as pesticide concentrations in tissue and, possibly, chlorophyll concentrations, for measuring specific toxic effects of atrazine and other pesticides.
Characterization of monkey pox virus DNA genome.

Abstract The buoyant densities of DNA isolated from intact monkey pox virus (MPV) and of DNA isolated from the cytoplasmic fraction of MPV-infected CV-1 cells 4 h post infection were determined by CsCl density gradient centrifugation to have an identical value of 1.69 g/cm 3 . Uninfected cell DNA analyzed in a methylated albumin kieselguhr column eluted in a single peak from the column with 0.67 M saline buffer whereas MPV-infected cell DNA eluted in two peaks; one with 0.67 M and one with 0.71 M saline buffer. The 0.71 M peak was approximately 60 % of the quantity of the cellular DNA. MPV heated at 100 °C for 10 min exhibited a 32.5 % increase in absorbance and a 34.6 % increase when heated in presence of 1 % formaldehyde; treatment with 1 % formaldehyde alone caused no increase in absorbance; 50 μg/ml deoxyribonuclease caused a 37.5 % increase in absorbance. MPV DNA was shown to possess a T m of 84.8 °C, corresponding to a G+C content of 37.8 %. A molecular weight of 159 · 10 6 was estimated by co-sedimentation with T 2 DNA.
Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Review

Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of inherited disorders characterized by blistering of the skin as a result of minor trauma. The disease can be divided into three anatomical categories: Epidermolytic, where blister cleavage occurs within the epidermis; Junctional, which has blister cleavage within the lamina lucida; and Dermolytic, where blister cleavage occurs below the basal lamina in the upper papillary dermis. Each of these three categories can be divided into several distinct entities based on clinical and histologic criteria. Basic biochemical studies have increased our understanding of several of these diseases, most notably recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Although therapy for patients with EB is largely supportive, increased knowledge of the biochemistry of these disorders is making direct therapeutic interventions possible.
A putative precursor protein in the evolution of the bean α-amylase inhibitor

Seeds of the common bean Phaseolus vulgaris and the tepary bean (P. acutifolius) contain a family of plant defence proteins that includes phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), arcelin and alpha-amylase inhibitor (alpha AI). These homologous proteins differ by the absence of short loops at the surface of the protein and by the presence of a proteolytic processing site (Asn77) that allows alpha AI to be post-translationally cleaved and activated. We now report the derived amino acid sequence of two amylase inhibitor-like (AIL) proteins that are not proteolytically processed, although they have the typical processing site. One protein is from the common bean, and the other from the tepary bean. On a dendrogram, these proteins are grouped with alpha AIs rather than with the arcelins or lectins. alpha AI differs from AIL primarily by the deletion of a 15-amino-acid segment from the middle of the AIL sequence. When alpha AI is expressed in tobacco, it is proteolytically processed to form an active molecule. However, AIL sequences are not processed. We suggest that the AIL proteins may be an intermediate in the evolution of an active alpha AI.
Non-equilibrium entropy of glasses formed by continuous cooling

Abstract We propose a generalized definition of entropy accounting for the continuous breakdown of ergodicity at the laboratory glass transition. Our approach is applicable through all regimes of glass forming, from the equilibrium liquid state through the glass transition range and into the glassy state at low temperatures. The continuous loss of ergodicity during the laboratory glass transition is accompanied by a loss of entropy as the system gradually becomes trapped in a subset of the configurational phase space. Using a hierarchical master equation approach, we compute the configurational entropy of selenium, a simple but realistic glass-former, for cooling rates covering 25 orders of magnitude, viz., 10 −12 to 10 12 K/s. In all cases, the entropy of glass is zero in the limit of absolute zero temperature, since here the system is necessarily confined to a single microstate.
The African Diaspora

As Africans and descendants of slaves have sought to expand an understanding of their history, focus on the African diaspora - the global dispersal of a people and their culture - has increased. African studies have assumed a prominent place in historical scholarship, and a growing number of non-African scholars has helped revise a discipline established over several decades. The six contributions in this volume were compiled as a result of the thirtieth Walter Prescott Webb Memorial Lectures held at the University of Texas at Arlington. The contributors, nationally recognized in the field, represent a collaborative analysis of the African diaspora from African and non-African perspectives.
Denervation accelerates the degradation of junctional acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) at innervated neuromuscular junctions are turned over at a far slower rate than the extrajunctional AChRs that appear along the muscle fiber after a period of denervation. We examined the effect of denervation on the degradation rate of junctional AChRs. Junctional AChRs were labeled in the mouse diaphram in vivo by injecting [ 125 I]α-bungarotoxin into the thoracic cavity. Two days later one hemidiaphragm was denervated. The radioactivity remaining bound to the denervated and innervated hemidiaphragms was measured in groups of mice at intervals of 1 to 21 days after denervation. Between 4 and 8 days after denervation the rate of loss of radioactivity from the denervated hemidiaphragms increased from the control rate of 7% per day (half-life = 9.6 days) to 11% per day (half-life = 5.6 days). Radioactivity was lost from labeled extrajunctional receptors at a much faster rate, more than 50% per day (half-life = 22 h). Thus the degradation rate of preexisting junctional AChRs increased by about 40% after denervation, but remained far slower than the degradation rate of extrajunctional AChRs. Because some junctional AChRs labeled after denervation may have much faster turnover rates, this suggests that there are at least two different populations of AChRs at denervated neuromuscular junctions.
Body mass index and mortality in CKD.

Background Greater body mass index (BMI) is associated with worse survival in the general population, but appears to confer a survival advantage in patients with kidney failure treated by hemodialysis. Data are limited on the relationship of BMI with mortality in patients in the earlier stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Study Design Cohort study. Setting & Participants The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study examined the effects of dietary protein restriction and blood pressure control on progression of kidney disease. This analysis includes 1,759 subjects. Predictor BMI. Outcomes & Measurements Cox models were used to evaluate the relationship of quartiles of BMI with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Results Mean GFR and BMI were 39 ± 21 (SD) mL/min/1.73 m 2 and 27.1 ± 4.7 kg/m 2 , respectively. During a mean follow-up of 10 years, there were 453 deaths (26%), including 272 deaths (16%) from CVD. In unadjusted Cox models, quartiles 3 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 1.90) and 4 (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.06) were associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality compared with quartile 1. Adjustment for demographic, CVD, and kidney disease risk factors and randomization status attenuated this relationship for quartiles 3 (HR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.60 to 1.09) and 4 (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.61 to 1.20). In unadjusted Cox models, quartiles 3 (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17 to 2.36) and 4 (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.33) were associated with increased risk of CVD mortality. Multivariable adjustment attenuated this relationship for quartiles 3 (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.63 to 1.36) and 4 (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.27). Limitations Primary analyses were based on single measurement of BMI. Because the MDRD Study cohort included relatively young white subjects with predominantly nondiabetic CKD, results may not be generalizable to all patients with CKD. Conclusions In this cohort of subjects with predominantly nondiabetic CKD, BMI does not appear to be an independent predictor of all-cause or CVD mortality.
Magnetoencephalography/Magnetic Source Imaging in the Assessment of Patients with Epilepsy

Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) dipole source localization is a particularly promising new tool for noninvasive presurgical evaluation of epileptogenic foci. It is potentially more accurate than EEG localization techniques because magnetic fields are not attenuated or distorted by the skull and scalp, which allows cerebral sources to be modeled more simply. MEC spike and seizure sources are routinely co-registered with the patient's brain MRI for clinical interpretation. This has been called magnetic source imaging. Numerous studies have shown that MEG localization of foci agreed with lesion position, depth electrode and ECoG data, PET and MRI findings, and surgical success. The recent development of whole head sensor arrays has greatly enhanced the case with which epileptiform magnetic fields can be recorded and analyzed.
Optimal damper location for randomly forced cantilever beams

The work reported here considers the attachment of a viscous damper to a cantilever beam that is driven by temporally white noise with several different spatial distributions. The variables in the problem to be optimized are the location and the value of the damper. For each of the spatial distributions, there is a location and damper value that will minimize the mean square motion averaged over the beam length. These minima are shown to be not a strong function of the spatial distribution of the forcing function with the best location being at 70% of the length from the fixed end. The optimal value of the damper is shown to be 50 times the product of the beam mass and the first radian natural frequency for the beam.
Argumatics: a text analysis procedure for supporting problem formulation

Problem formulation is the most critical phase of the decision making process. This, particularly in the case of high level multi-stakeholder problems, is not trivial, as the problems do not come “neatly packaged”. The procedure presented in this paper aims to support (i) the exploration of the stakeholders' mental constructs, and (ii) the generation, comparison and synthesis of alternative problem formulations. The suggested procedure — while using the decision analytic approach of the traditional text analysis procedures, follows an inverse, bottom-up direction of analysis: first the individual arguments inherent in the text are explored, then taking them as a starting point, the structures behind the arguments are identified. The procedure is demonstrated by the analysis of an interview related to an environmental conflict in Hungary.
24-Hour molting pattern of the red swamp crawfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Abstract Crawfish trapped from nine ponds and placed in culture trays within a greenhouse showed a molting pattern that was predominantly diurnal. Over 90% of the molts occurred between 07.00 and 18.00 h. These results agree with previous observations at two commercial facilities and under laboratory conditions with artificial lighting.
APPLICATIONS OF OXIDOREDUCTASES

Oxidoreductases comprise the large class of enzymes that catalyze biological oxidation/reduction reactions. Because many chemical and biochemical transformations involve oxidation/reduction processes, developing practical biocatalytic applications of oxidoreductases has long been an important goal in biotechnology. During the past year, significant progress has been made in the development of oxidoreductase-based diagnostic tests and improved biosensors, in the design of innovative systems for regeneration of essential coenzymes, in the construction bioreactors for biodegradation of pollutants and for biomass processing, and in the development of oxidoreductase-based approaches for synthesis of polymers and oxyfunctionalized organic substrates.
Measles vaccine efficacy determined from secondary attack rates during a severe epidemic

In February, March, and April 1974, a severe epidemic of measles, with 71 cases and three deaths, occurred on the Cheyenne and Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservations in South and North Dakota. The attack rate was 9.0 cases per 1,000 persons, and associated with the illness were 24 cases of pneumonia and ten cases of otitis media. Age-specific attack rates were highest in those under one year of age. Using secondary attack rates in persons under nine years of age who were vaccinated and unvaccinated family contacts of cases, vaccine efficacy was measured as 97.3% (95% confidence interval 80.1 to 99.9%).
Bone marrow transfusions in previously irradiated, hematologically normal syngeneic mice.

Transfusion of syngeneic marrow into normal, nonirradiated recipients results only in minimal proliferation of donor cells. However, irradiated recipients, restored to hematologic normalcy by an initial marrow transfusion, subsequently sustain proliferation which replaces approximately 10% of endogenous marrow after a single transfusion of 4 x 10/sup 7/ marrow cells of the same strain as the host. Cells from histoincompatible donors proliferate only rarely or minimally in the marrows of these irradiated, but hematologically normal recipients without reirradiation. Syngeneic male donor cells proliferate in irradiated and restored female mice, while female donor cells fail to proliferate in the marrow of syngeneic male recipients. A possible explanation is that transfused female cells respond immunologically to the abundant H-Y antigen in the male environment and are eliminated as a result.
Pharmacotherapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: an analysis of the 100% 2008 medicare fee-for-service part B claims file.

Purpose To describe the usage patterns of pharmacological treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. Design Retrospective review of all Medicare fee-for-service Part B claims for neovascular AMD during 2008. Methods Medicare beneficiaries having undergone treatment were identified. The data collected for each visit for a given beneficiary included age, race, gender, Medicare region, state/zip code of residence, date of visit, whether or not the beneficiary had a treatment, the type and amount of drug, and dollars paid by Medicare. The main outcome measures were the number and rate of treatments, the types of drugs used for treatment, and the payments for these drugs. Results Of the 222 886 unique beneficiaries, 146 276 (64.4%) received bevacizumab and 80 929 (35.6%) received ranibizumab. A total of 824 525 injections were performed with 480 025 injections of bevacizumab (58%) and 336 898 injections of ranibizumab (41%). National rates of injections per 100 000 fee-for-service Part B Medicare beneficiaries for bevacizumab and ranibizumab were 1506 and 1057, respectively. Total payments by Medicare were $20 290 952 for bevacizumab and $536 642 693 for ranibizumab. In 39 out of 50 states, the rate of injection was higher for bevacizumab compared with ranibizumab. Conclusions In 2008, bevacizumab was used at a higher rate than ranibizumab for the treatment of neovascular AMD. Even though bevacizumab accounted for 58% of all injections, Medicare paid $516 million more for ranibizumab than bevacizumab. These data suggest that despite its off-label designation, intravitreal bevacizumab is currently the standard-of-care treatment for neovascular AMD in the United States.
A quality assessment of eigenvector spatial filtering based parameter estimates for the normal probability model

Abstract Eigenvector spatial filtering, which introduces a subset of eigenvectors extracted from a spatial weights matrix as synthetic control variables in a regression model specification, furnishes a solution to extraordinarily intricate statistical modeling problems involving spatial dependences. It accounts for spatial autocorrelation in standard specifications of regression models. But the quality of the resulting regression parameter estimates has yet to be ascertained. The estimator properties to establish include unbiasedness, efficiency, and consistency. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate these estimator properties for linear regression parameters based on eigenvector spatial filtering, including a comparison with the simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) model. Eigenvector spatial filtering methodology requires the judicious selection of eigenvectors, whose number tends to increase with both level of linear regression residual spatial autocorrelation and the number of areal units. A logistic regression description of the number of eigenvectors selected in a simulation pilot study suggests estimator consistency.
Complementarity theorems in stochastic programming

Minimax and other game-theoretic solutions are analysed under linear programming problems where the objective functions are stochastic owing to output and price variations. By applying the complementarity principles of quadratic programming, it is shown that this class of models leads to generalized eigenvalue problems. A set of theorems is developed to characterize the optimal eigenvalues. Lines of potential applications are also indicated in brief.
Fetal and neonatal renal tumors

This is a review of renal tumors diagnosed between 1960 and 2007 in 47 fetuses and 163 infants less than 2 months old. There were 139 congenital mesoblastic nephromas, 41 Wilms' tumors, 23 rhabdoid tumors of the kidney, and 7 clear cell sarcomas of the kidney. The initial clinical manifestations, staging, management, and outcome of these patents are summarized in the tables and text.
Organisations as virtual communities: a sense-making approach for uniting knowledge consumers and knowledge workers

We propose virtual communities created around specific problems or ranges of problems on which organisations and consumers collaborate to solve. We propose two independent but compatible conceptualisations of sense-making behaviour as theoretic and methodological approaches for the basic interaction in virtual communities where dealing with problems is the primary activity.
Acid-base balance and the control of respiration during anaxic and anoxic-hypercapnic gas breathing in turtles

We studied the ventilatory and blood acid-base response of turtles to 6 of breathing eithe 100% N2(anoxic) or 95% N2-5% CO2 (anoxic-hypercapnic). In both groups, minute ventilation (VE) increased promptly with anoxia, with peak ventilation occurring between 1 and 3 h. VE then decreased but was still significantly above control at 6h. The increase in VE resulted from increases in both respiratory frequency (f) and tidal volume (VT) but after ventilation peaked, f declined to control while VT remained elevated. We observed no significant differences in VE between the two groups in spite of significantly lower arterial pH and higher arterial PCO2 in the anoxic-hypercapnic turtles. During normoxic recovery, VE quickly increased to the peak anoxic values due primarily to a greatly increased f. In both groups, plasma [lactate−] increased during anoxia. Plasma cation concentrations also increased, partially compensating for the elevated blood lactate. We conclude that the anoxic hyperventilation did not depend on arterial pH and central chemoreceptor control but rather on peripheral hypoxic chemoreceptor control. We believe that the decline in VE during prolonged anoxic breathing results from a metabolic arrest response and/or a depression in central nervous function.