cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cortical Bone Ontogeny: Activity, Nutritional Stress and Archaeology

This poster introduces the idea that femoral compact bone growth and development demonstrates a very different pattern among infants and children in a contemporary sample of well-nourished active children versus archaeological samples of stressed, malnourished children.
Long-Duration Drought Variability and Impacts on Ecosystem Services: A Case Study from Glacier National Park, Montana

Instrumental climate records suggest that summer precipita- tion and winter snowpack in Glacier National Park (Glacier NP), Montana, vary significantly over decadal to multidecadal time scales. Because instru- mental records for the region are limited to the twentieth century, knowledge
Male patients above age 60 have as good outcomes as male patients 50-59 years old at 1-year follow-up after bariatric surgery.

Background It is estimated that 25% of Americans older than 60 years are obese. Male gender and advanced age are indicators of increased risk for bariatric surgery. Good results have been shown in patients older than 50, but nearly all published studies include a large majority of females, and few include patients >60 years old. In this study, we examined the results of males over 60 years old.
Dynamics of microvascular oxygen partial pressure in contracting skeletal muscle of rats with chronic heart failure

Objective: This investigation tested the hypothesis that the dynamics of muscle microvascular O2 pressure (PO2m, which reflects the ratio of O2 utilization [![Graphic][1] O2] to O2 delivery [![Graphic][2] O2]) following the onset of contractions would be altered in chronic heart failure (CHF). Methods: Female Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to a myocardial infarction (MI) or a sham operation (Sham). Six to 10 weeks post Sham ( n = 6) or MI ( n = 17), phosphorescence quenching techniques were utilized to determine PO2m dynamics at the onset of spinotrapezius muscle contractions (1 Hz). Results: MI rats were separated into groups with Moderate ( n = 10) and Severe ( n = 7) CHF based upon the degree of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction as indicated by structural abnormalities (increased right ventricle weight and lung weight normalized to body weight). LV end-diastolic pressure was elevated significantly in both CHF groups compared with Sham (Sham, 3±1; Moderate CHF, 9±2; Severe CHF, 27±4 mmHg, P O2-to-![Graphic][4] O2 across the transition from rest to contractions and that the nature of that perturbation is dependent upon the severity of cardiac dysfunction. [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [4]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif
Associations of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) mass concentrations with exercise, weight loss, and plasma lipoprotein subfraction concentrations in men

The relationships between plasma lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) mass concentrations and lipids, apolipoprotein, and lipoprotein subfraction concentrations were studied in men assigned at random to a one-year exercise program (n = 48) and to a sedentary control condition (n = 31). Exercise training did not significantly affect mean concentrations of LCAT-mass. Moreover changes in LCAT within the exercise group were unrelated to distance run and weight loss. The baseline data and the one-year change data showed consistent positive correlations between LCAT concentrations and total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B concentrations, and consistently weak correlations between LCAT concentrations and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, HDL2, and apolipoprotein A-I concentrations. The strong correlation between LCAT and total cholesterol may account for LCAT's relationships with lipoprotein subfractions, apolipoprotein B and other lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations.
Effects of 5' untranslated region diversity on the posttranscriptional regulation of the human reduced folate carrier.

Abstract The human RFC (hRFC) gene is regulated by five major 5′ non-coding exons, characterized by alternate transcription start sites and splice forms. The result is up to 14 hRFC transcripts for which different 5′ untranslated regions (UTRs) are fused to a common coding sequence. By in vitro translation assays with hRFC constructs corresponding to the major transcript forms, most of the forms were translated poorly. Upon expression of the 5′UTR-hRFC constructs in hRFC-null HeLa cells, a range of steady state hRFC proteins and transcripts were detected that reflected relative transcript stabilities and, to a lesser extent, translation efficiencies. Transcripts including 5′ UTRs derived from non-coding exon A encoded a modified hRFC protein translated from an upstream initiation site. When this modified hRFC protein was expressed in hRFC-null K562 cells, there were only minor differences in surface targeting, stability, or transport function from wild type hRFC. Our results demonstrate an important role for posttranscriptional determinants of cellular hRFC levels and activity.
Normal forms for periodic systems

The theory of normal forms for autonomous differential equations based on the Lie bracket has proved to be an important technique in determining the behaviour of solutions of nonlinear differential equations near a stationary solution. It has been widely used in the bifurcation theory for autonomous ordinary differential equations (see, e.g., [ 1, 3, 6, 9, 11 I). In its simplest form the theory applies to an equation of the form
Chaotic dynamics of a gain modulated YAG ring laser

Quasi-periodic, synchronized and unsynchronized chaotic oscillations of light intensity are observed in a gain modulated yag ring laser. Experimentally measured values of maximum Lyapunov exponent are in reasonable agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Future prospects of DRAM: emerging alternatives

DRAM has been the dominant memory for today's computing memory systems due to its high data rate up to 1,866 Mbps. Researchers and developers of DRAM have been striving to improve the performance in terms of higher speed and higher density with lower bit cost. The conventional method of reducing the cost is to scale down. However, scaling-down is becoming a very difficult process because the scale has already reached a 20 nm node which has been recently developed by Samsung. As it becomes difficult to scale down, it becomes harder to have a higher density and yield, and of course, the cost cannot be reduced. Therefore, various memories have been studied and developed as potential candidates for the next generation DRAM. In this paper, we investigate the technical limitations that conventional DRAM needs to overcome, especially in terms of scaling-down. Then, we discuss the emerging memories that can be used as alternatives to DRAM and we point out what advantages they have.
The IT Professional Outlook: Where Do We Go from Here?

IT Pro's new editor in chief, Simon Liu, lays out his plans for the magazine's articles and departments for the year ahead, describing an editorial calendar that promises to be as diverse as it is relevant.
Rate and equilibrium constants for protein unfolding and refolding determined by hydrogen exchange-mass spectrometry.

Studies of protein unfolding and refolding may help us understand the more general problem of protein folding. Recent studies from this laboratory demonstrated that the unfolding and refolding of a large protein, rabbit muscle aldolase (Mr 157 kDa), can be studied by combining amide hydrogen exchange and mass spectrometry. Results of these studies indicated that aldolase has three unfolding domains which likely unfold sequentially. Urea was used to increase the populations of partially unfolded states which were labeled with deuterium following a brief exposure to D2O. Electrospray ionization mass spectra of both the intact protein and its peptic fragments had multiple envelopes of isotope peaks from which the populations of unfolded forms were determined. The present study extends the previous investigations to include different urea concentrations and kinetic modeling of data taken as the system approaches equilibrium. Analysis of these results gives rate and equilibrium constants describing the unfolding and refolding processes characteristic of aldolase destabilized in urea. The change in solvent-accessible surface, which has been used as a reaction coordinate for protein folding, is estimated from the dependence of the equilibrium and rate constants on the concentration of urea.
Peyronie's Disease: A Review.

Peyronie’s disease is an acquired benign condition without known systemic sequelae with presenting symptoms that include the presence of a plaque or induration of the penile shaft, penile curvature or deformity during erection, penile pain, and erectile dysfunction. This article reviews the natural history of the disease, discusses the disease’s etiology (widely thought to involve minor penile trauma with subsequent aberrant wound healing), and outlines proper clinical evaluation of Peyronie’s disease patients. Medical treatments can be systemic (colchicine, potassium aminobenzoate, vitamin E), intralesional (steroids, verapamil, collagenase, interferons), or topical. Surgical therapy for Peyronie’s disease (plication, graft-based, and prosthetic techniques) should be reserved for the man who has failed conservative therapy and whose curvature, indentation, or erectile dysfunction precludes intercourse. Regardless of the surgical procedure, the patient should be made aware of the inherent risks of surgery.
Competition between rotifers and cladocerans of different body sizes.

We conducted laboratory experiments to test the hypothesis that rotifers could coexist with small ( 1.2 mm) cladocerans. Keratella cochlearis was excluded in 7 weeks, and K. testudo coexisted with D. ambigua for >4 weeks. Coexistence of small cladocerans and rotifers was always accompanied by suppression of one or both populations, probably primarily if not exclusively by exploitative competition for limiting food resources. These results indicate that the competitive dominance of cladocerans over rotifers decreases markedly with cladoceran body size and that factors other than body size may determine the competitive outcome between rotifers and small cladocerans. Our study provides a mechanistic explanation for a commonly observed pattern in natural zooplankton communities: planktonic rotifers often are abundant when only small cladocerans occur but typically are rare when large cladocerans are present.
Canine giardiasis: a review

Giardia canis infection is described. The possible pathogenetic mechanisms by which Giardia spp. produce a malabsorption syndrome are discussed. Evidence that both humoral and cellular immunity may play a role in the pathogenesis is reviewed.
Photo-battery fabricated in silicon on sapphire CMOS

A report is presented on the design and characterisation of an energy harvesting circuit fabricated in silicon on sapphire CMOS technology. The insulating sapphire substrate permits the connection of multiple photodiodes in series to obtain a higher output voltage, and its optical transparency allows for backside illumination. The conversion efficiency of the photo-battery is measured at greater than 1% for wavelengths ranging from infrared to ultraviolet. An active silicon area of 1 cm 2 at 50001x ambient illumination yields approximately 60 muW of power.
Effect of carbachol on ouabain-sensitive uptake of 86Rb by dispersed lacrimal gland cells.

Abstract Uptake of 86 Rb was measured in dispersed rat exorbital lacrimal gland cells. The uptake was inhibited by ouabain (0.9 mM) and stimulated by carbachol (10 −5M) . In the presence of quabain, in the absence of Ca, or in the presence of decreased extracellular Na, carbachol failed to stimulate 86 Rb uptake. Cellular concentrations of Na and K were also determined. Cells treated with carbachol had elevated Na content and decreased K content. Omission of external Ca prevented both the K loss and Na gain. Decreasing extracellular Na prevented the Na gain but only partially inhibited the loss of cellular K. The conclusions to be reached from these data are: (1) in the resting lacrimal cell, a quabain sensitive pump actively maintains the intracellular concentration of K high and that of Na low, (2) carbachol acts, through Ca, to increase the passive membrane permeability to Na and K as well as the activity of the pump, and (3) the stimulus for the activation of the pump may be a rise in the intracellular concentration of Na.
Cistron mapping of tobacco vein mottling virus

The location and order of cistrons in the RNA of the potyvirus tobacco vein mottling virus (TVMV) were investigated. Hybrid-arrested translation, using cloned single-stranded DNA probes complementary to various regions of the viral RNA, was performed and the resulting translation products were analyzed by electrophoresis. The pattern of polypeptides produced with each probe was different from that of control reactions containing RNA alone. Immunoprecipitation of reaction products with antisera to five potyviral proteins revealed that, in some cases, portions of cistrons were masked by the DNA probe resulting in the precipitation of altered polypeptides. In other cases, the entire cistron was affected, resulting in the total loss of immunoreactive material. By correlating the location of each DNA probe with the resulting pattern of translation products, it was possible to construct a map of known cistrons and potential coding regions for additional cistrons in the genomic RNA. DNA probes representing several regions of the viral RNA were expressed in E. coli. Immunoprecipitation of cell proteins revealed the presence of TVMV-related polypeptides; the results were consistent with the cistron order determined by hybrid-arrested translation experiments. Our proposed cistron order and the sizes in kilodaltons of the corresponding polypeptides are: 5'-25 kDa unidentified protein-53 kDa helper component protein-50 kDa unidentified protein-70 kDa cylindrical inclusion protein-52 kDa nuclear inclusion protein-56 kDa nuclear inclusion protein-32 kDa coat protein-3'.
The Significance of Hürthle Cells in Thyroid Disease

Hurthle cells (HCs) and HC change, along with the frequently employed synonyms "oncocytes/oncocytic change" or "oxyphils/oxyphilic change," are not infrequently described on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) reports of thyroid lesions. The description of HCs on FNAB reports may cause significant concern to the clinician; however, placing the finding in the appropriate clinical context may alleviate some anxiety. Not all oxyphilic cells are true HCs and not every aspirate containing HCs is or should be considered equivalent to an HC neoplasm (HCN). There are many benign thyroid lesions associated with HCs or HC change. For clinicians, it may be difficult to discern the significance of these findings and to determine an appropriate course of action. A skilled and experienced cytopathologist is invaluable in discriminating the subtle features that distinguish these lesions from those warranting a more aggressive approach. The diagnosis of HC carcinoma relies on histopathologic scrutiny and evidence of capsular and/or vascular invasion or metastasis to lymph nodes or distant organs. Many investigators have sought clinical, radiographic, cytological, genetic, and other factors to attempt to discriminate preoperatively between benign and malignant HCNs. To date, none have been definitively proven to be reliable. For now, because of the inability to determine the benign or malignant nature of such neoplasms based on cytology alone, a surgical approach is warranted.
Copper ion binding and heparin interactions of human fibrinogen.

The binding of copper ions to fibrinogen was studied by the equilibrium dialysis technique in neutral Tris buffer. The presence of copper causes precipitation of fibrinogen-copper complexes, the amount of which varies with the copper ion concentration. Solutions of 96% clottable fibrinogen (whole fibrinogen) displayed a maximum binding capacity about four times greater than that of fibrinogen solutions from which the cold-insoluble precipitate had been removed (cold-soluble fibrinogen). Binding in both systems apparently involves two classes of sites in fibrinogen, and the class of lower affinity is associated with cooperative interactions with copper. The copper concentration at which this cooperative uptake occurs is identical to the concentration at which the amount of precipitated material increases sharply and also to the concentration at which a sharp decrease is observed in the sedimentation coefficient of soluble fibrinogen, suggesting some relationship between copper binding, solubility, and solution properties. The presence of heparin markedly affects the sedimentation coefficient of fibrinogen in the presence of copper ions, although showing a lesser effect in the absence of the metal. The sedimentation coefficient of fibrinogen is increased in the presence of heparin and copper ion, compared to the value of fibrinogen-copper systems without heparin, and this effect is enhanced by changing the fibrinogen:heparin molar ratio to larger values. The precipitation of fibrinogen from solution, apparently without a coincident removal of heparin, also increases with increasing copper ion concentration and fibrinogen:heparin molar ratio. The possible significance of these effects in terms of heparin anti-coagulant activity is discussed.
Unit Regional Value as Basis for Decision-Making in Selecting an Exploration Strategy: ABSTRACT

In a private-enterprise economy it is necessary that the search for, and development of, the non-renewable natural resources lead to a profit. The United States has produced such resources in the amount of $458.101 billion in the period 1911-1964, or has returned $151,569 per square mile. The value per square mile by states (1911-1964) ranges from $1 × 106 for Pennsylvania to $1.09 × 104 for Maine. The returns for Oregon ($9,508)-Maine ($10,906) and Minnesota ($136,264)-Indiana ($166,251) are similar despite very different geological environments between the similar pairs. The objective of decision-making in selecting alternate exploration strategies is to select an optimal one; the potential value of a region is one attractive criterion. For example, a return for Alaska of $3,483 per square mile is so far below the average expected value for the United States, and the geological environment of Alaska is sufficiently varied that a very large return from a systematic search procedure is almost guaranteed. On this basis an examination of the value per unit area (or volume) of the earth's surface would pinpoint those areas which are over- and under-developed; coupled with broad geological comparisons among over- and under-developed areas this would indicate the areas of greatest future potential. Systematic search procedure of a large region would supply an inventory of its natural resources and this may then be used for an orderly development of these resources; from the figures on past production per unit area of the United States, this search program also will almost certainly be a commercial success. Such a program would supply a wealth of geological information and rejuvenate local exploration for specific resources. End_of_Article - Last_Page 467------------
Mechanical Buckling of Artery Under Pulsatile Flow

Tortuous or twisted arteries, often seen in carotid and many other arteries, can lead to transient ischemic attacks to distal organs including stroke [1]. The mechanisms for the development of tortuous arteries remain unclear. Our recent studies [1, 2] suggested that artery bent buckling could be a possible mechanism for vessel tortuosity. However, these studies were performed under static pressure but arteries in vivo are usually under pulsatile flow where both the mean pressure and pulse pressure may change at physiological or pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical buckling of arteries under pulsatile flow to determine the effect of pulsatile flow on the critical buckling pressure.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Interference between strains in live virus vaccines. II: Combined vaccination with varicella and measles-mumps-rubella vaccine.

Abstract A combined vaccine against varicella and measles-mumps-rubella made by mixing two commercially available products (Varilrix and Pluserix SK-RIT) has proved to be only partially successful in early trials. Although the seroconversion rates with the MMR components were comparable with those usually achieved, the varicella take was depressed to 77%. A new low dose measles-mumps-rubella vaccine was prepared in which the measles virus content was reduced to 1 5 and the mumps virus content to 1 8 . Commercial varicella vaccine was added to the low dose MMR vaccine. The seroconversion rates for measles was 98·2%, for mumps 100%, for rubella 99·4% and for varicella 98%. This product seemed to be well balanced in respect of a possible interference between the four different virus vaccine strains.
Risk factors for nodal recurrence after lymphadenectomy for melanoma.

Background:The risk and outcome of regional failure after elective and therapeutic lymph node dissection (ELND/TLND) for microscopically and macroscopically involved lymph nodes without adjuvant radiotherapy were evaluated. Methods:Retrospective melanoma database review of 338 patients (ELND 85, TLND 253) from 1970 to 1996 with pathologically involved lymph nodes. Results:Regional recurrence occurred in 14% of patients treated with ELND (n = 12) and 28% of patients treated with TLND (n = 72; P = .009). Risk factors associated with nodal recurrence were advanced age, primary lesion in the head and neck region, depth of the primary lesion, number of involved lymph nodes, and extracapsular extension (ECE). For each nodal basin, the ELND group had a lower incidence of recurrence than the TLND group. The TLND group had larger lymph nodes, greater number of involved lymph nodes, and a higher incidence of ECE. The 10-year disease-specific survival was 51% vs. 30% for ELND and TLND, respectively (P = .0005). Nodal basin failure was predictive of distant metastasis, with 87% developing distant disease compared with 54% of patients without nodal recurrence (P < .0001). Of six patients who underwent a second dissection after isolated nodal recurrence, five patients have had a median disease-free interval of 79 months. Conclusions:After ELND or TLND, patients who have a large tumor burden (thick primary melanoma, multiply involved lymph nodes, ECE), advanced age, and a primary lesion located in the head and neck have a significantly increased likelihood of relapse and a decreased survival. Few patients present with an isolated nodal recurrence, but the majority can be salvaged by a second dissection.
Measuring fatigue in people living with HIV/AIDS: Psychometric characteristics of the HIV-Related Fatigue Scale

In the era of life-prolonging antiretroviral therapy, chronic fatigue is one of the most prevalent and disabling symptoms of people living with HIV/AIDS, yet its measurement remains challenging. No instruments have been developed specifically to describe HIV-related fatigue. We assessed the reliability and construct validity of the HIV-Related Fatigue Scale (HRFS), a 56-item self-report instrument developed through formative qualitative research and designed to measure the intensity and consequences of fatigue as well as the circumstances surrounding fatigue in people living with HIV. The HRFS has three main scales, which measure fatigue intensity, the responsiveness of fatigue to circumstances and fatigue-related impairment of functioning. The functioning scale can be further divided into subscales measuring impairment of activities of daily living, impairment of mental functioning and impairment of social functioning. Each scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.93, 0.91 and 0.97 for the intensity, responsiveness and functioning scales, respectively). The HRFS scales also demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity when compared to other fatigue measures. HIV-Related Fatigue Scales were moderately correlated with quality of nighttime sleep (rho=0.46, 0.47 and 0.35) but showed only weak correlations with daytime sleepiness (rho=0.20, 0.33 and 0.18). The scales were also moderately correlated with general mental and physical health as measured by the SF-36 Health Survey (rho ranged from 0.30 to 0.68 across the 8 SF-36 subscales with most >0.40). The HRFS is a promising tool to help facilitate research on the prevalence, etiology and consequences of fatigue in people living with HIV.
Preresponse and Error-Correction Prompting Procedures for Learning Complex Assembly Tasks.

Abstract The effects of training using visual modeling prompts as preresponse and as error-correction prompting and a combination of both procedures were examined by teaching vocational rehabilitation clients the construction of three assembly tasks. Clients learned to assemble a carburetor, a bicycle brake, and a lawn mower engine on 3 consecutive days. On the first 2 days, all clients learned either two tasks by preresponse prompting, or two tasks by error-correction prompting, or one task by each prompting method. All clients learned a transfer task on the third day by error-correction prompting. Preresponse prompting resulted in fewer total errors and more trials on tasks 1 and 2. There were no statistical differences in training time between the two methods, although there was a trend toward less time for preresponse prompting. The combination group demonstrated superior performance on total errors and number of trials on the transfer task. Data for retention and relearning indicated no significant differences.
Toward a definition of childhood dystonia.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to summarize recent progress toward providing a consistent, sensitive, specific, and useful definition of dystonia as it presents in childhood.Recent findingsAn NIH-funded consensus group published a definition of childhood dystonia in January of 2003.
In vivo diffusion tensor imaging of thoracic and cervical rat spinal cord at 7 T.

In vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of rat cervical and thoracic spinal cord was performed using a three-element phased array coil at 7 T. The magnetic field was shimmed over the spinal cord in real time using an in-house developed automatic algorithm. Echo planar imaging (EPI)-based diffusion-weighted images (DWIs) were acquired with 21 gradient encoding directions. The DWIs were tensor encoded, and diffusion tensor metrics, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), longitudinal diffusivity (λ0) and transverse diffusivity (λ⊥) were determined for both white matter (WM) and gray matter (GM). The results on six normal rats indicated no significant differences in the diffusion tensor metrics between thoracic and cervical regions. However, the DTI-derived metrics in cervical spinal cord from our study are somewhat different from the published results in rats. The possible reasons for these differences are suggested.
Evolution and social behavior in krill

We simulate the formation of social aggregations in a turbulent fluid environment. The theoretical framework is employed to investigate the ecological consequences of spatial patchiness in the density distribution of krill, which often assemble in swarms or schools. We first describe the formation of aggregations resulting from the interplay of social forces and population dynamics, and then consider an idealized ecosystem model of zooplankton with social behavior who feed on phytoplankton; this is solved analytically for the initial growth of patches and numerically for the steady-state distributions of predator and prey biomass. Environmental variability changes the linear instability criterion for spontaneous aggregation. The second part of the paper addresses the evolution of social behavior in a population with density-dependent mating success. The model simulates the transmission of a gene controlling social behavior; natural selection determines whether the grouping or non-grouping type becomes dominant. It is found that the behavior can evolve when mixing occurs rapidly enough for resources to remain available to the clustered organisms. Turbulent advection prevents the grouping type from becoming dominant if the shear of the flow is strong enough to disrupt the patches; otherwise the aggregated zooplankton benefit from enhanced diffusion of resources by the turbulent flow.
Discharge Rates of Medicare Stroke Patients to Skilled Nursing Facilities: Bayesian Logistic Regression with Unobserved Heterogeneity

Abstract We determine factors, both hospital-specific and market area-specific, associated with hospitals' propensities for discharging Medicare stroke patients to skilled nursing facilities (SNF's) in California and Florida. Logistic regression is generalized to the case of a betabinomial, hierarchical model, in which covariate information is included in the hyperparameters of the second-stage beta distribution. It is found that the posterior mean of the proportion discharged to SNF is approximately a weighted average (i.e., shrinkage estimator) of the logistic regression estimator and the observed rate. We develop fully Bayesian inference that takes into account uncertainty about the hyperparameters, and we find that this also allows us to test for overdispersion in a natural way. The number of observed zeros (i.e., hospitals that sent no stroke patients to a SNF) is excessive compared to the number expected from a standard logistic regression model and is fit better by the hierarchical betabinomial mod...
Effects of monovalent cations on the catalytic activity of pig liver phosphofructokinase.

Abstract The monovalent cations NH 4 + , K + , and Rb + activate pig liver phosphofructokinase by increasing the maximal velocity. In the presence of these cations the enzyme retains sigmoid kinetics with respect to fructose-6-phosphate. However, these cations bring about a decrease in the [S] 0.5 for fructose-6-phosphate to an extent directly proportional to their ionic volumes. The apparent dissociation constants of NH 4 + , K + , and Rb + for the enzyme at 0.5 mM ATP and 4 mM Fru6P are 0.2 mM, 8 mM, and 15 mM, respectively. The maximal velocity of the enzyme in the presence of saturating concentrations of Rb + is about 70% of that seen with NH 4 + or K + . The monovalent cations Li + , Na + , and Cs + inhibit the enzyme at high concentrations (> 50 mM) by decreasing the maximal velocity. Although the efficiency of inhibition by these cations qualitatively increases with decreasing size, there is no obvious quantitative relationship between efficiency of inhibition and any parameter of ionic size.
Asymptotic approximation to the encircled energy function for arbitrary aperture shapes

Encircled energy can be easily estimated for imaging systems with oddly shaped apertures using a simple asymptotic approximation formula. A useful tool for the optical system designer, it linearly relates the encircled energy to the perimeter-to-area ratio of the aperture. Comparisons made with numerical calculations show that it is usefully accurate for circles in the focal plane as small in radius as λf #.
Vibrational and rotational transitions in low-energy electron-diatomic-molecule collisions. I. Close-coupling theory in the moving body-fixed frame

We present a vibrational-rotational close-coupling formulation of electron-diatomic-molecule scattering in a body-fixed frame, with the target molecular axis chosen to be the $z$ axis. The resulting coupled differential equation is solved in the moving body-fixed frame throughout the entire region of space. The coupled differential equation and asymptotic boundary conditions are given in terms of definite parity, which are necessary for reducing the number of coupled channels. Procedures for evaluating cross sections employing this body-fixed formulation are outlined, thus rendering the present formulation directly applicable to numerical calculations. We discuss the advantages of the body-fixed formulation over a space-fixed formulation for introducing approximation schemes, for studying resonance scattering of vibrational transition, and for electron-heavy-molecule collisions. Aside from the formal e$\stackrel{\mathrm{\ifmmode\acute\else\textasciiacute\fi{}}}{\mathrm{q}}$uivalence between the two formulations, conditions are also discussed for obtaining identical results from them when a (finite) truncated basic set is used.
Hypervariable Domains of nsP3 Proteins of New World and Old World Alphaviruses Mediate Formation of Distinct, Virus-Specific Protein Complexes

Alphaviruses are a group of single-stranded RNA viruses with genomes of positive polarity. They are divided into two geographically isolated groups: the Old World and the New World alphaviruses. Despite their similar genome organizations and virion structures, they differ in many aspects of pathogenesis and interaction with the host cell. Here we present new data highlighting previously unknown differences between these two groups. We found that nsP3 proteins of Sindbis virus (SINV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) form cytoplasmic complexes with different morphologies and protein compositions. Unlike the amorphous aggregates formed by SINV nsP3 and other Old World alphavirus-specific nsP3s, VEEV nsP3 forms unique, large spherical structures with striking symmetry. Moreover, VEEV nsP3 does not interact with proteins previously identified as major components of SINV nsP3 complexes, such as G3BP1 and G3BP2. Importantly, the morphology of the complexes and the specificity of the interaction with cellular proteins are largely determined by the hypervariable domain (HVD) of nsP3. Replacement of the VEEV nsP3 HVD with the corresponding domain of SINV nsP3 rendered this protein capable of interaction with G3BPs. Conversely, replacement of the SINV nsP3 HVD with that of VEEV abolished SINV nsP3's interaction with G3BPs. The replacement of natural HVDs with those from heterologous viruses did not abrogate virus replication, despite these fragments demonstrating very low levels of sequence identity. Our data suggest that in spite of the differences in morphology and composition of the SINV- and VEEV-specific nsP3 complexes, it is likely that they have similar functions in virus replication and modification of the cellular environment.
Efficient export of carbon to the deep ocean through dissolved organic matter

Oceanic dissolved organic carbon (DOC) constitutes one of the largest pools of reduced carbon in the biosphere. Estimated DOC export from the surface ocean represents 20% of total organic carbon flux to the deep ocean1,2,3, which constitutes a primary control on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels4. DOC is the carbon component of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and an accurate quantification of DOM pools, fluxes and their controls is therefore critical to understanding oceanic carbon cycling. DOC export is directly coupled with dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus export. However, the C:N:P stoichiometry (by atoms) of DOM dynamics is poorly understood. Here we study the stoichiometry of the DOM pool and of DOM decomposition in continental shelf, continental slope and central ocean gyre environments. We find that DOM is remineralized and produced with a C:N:P stoichiometry of 199:20:1 that is substantially lower than for bulk pools (typically >775:54:1), but greater than for particulate organic matter (106:16:1—the Redfield ratio). Thus for a given mass of new N and P introduced into surface water, more DOC can be exported than would occur at the Redfield ratio. This may contribute to the excess respiration estimated to occur in the interior ocean5. Our results place an explicit constraint on global carbon export and elemental balance via advective pathways.
A VLSI neuroprocessor for real-time image flow computing

A locally connected multi-layer stochastic neural network and its associated VLSI array neuroprocessors have been developed for high-performance image flow computing systems. An extendable VLSI neural chip has been designed with a silicon area of 4.6*6.8 mm/sup 2/ in a MOSIS 2 mu m scalable CMOS process. The mixed analog-digital design techniques are utilized to achieve compact and programmable synapses with gain-adjustable neurons and winner-take-all cells for massively parallel neural computation. Hardware annealing through the control of the neurons' gain helps to efficiently search the optimal solutions. Computing of image flow using one 2 mu m 72-neuron neural chip can be accelerated by a factor of 187 more than a Sun-4/260 workstation. Real-time image flow processing on industrial images is practical using an extended array of VLSI neural chips. Actual examples on moving trucks are presented. >
Eccentricity in the clypeasteroid echinoid Dendraster: environmental significance and application in Pliocene paleoecology

Stanton, Robert J., Jr., Dodd, J. Robert & Alexander, Richard R. 1979 01 15: Eccentricity in the clypeasteroid echinoid Dendraster: environmental significance and application in Pliocene paleoecology. Lethaia. Vol. 12, pp. 75–87. Oslo. ISSN 0024–1164. The echinoid Dendraster lives in the northwest Pacific in environments ranging from open exposed coast to protected embayment. Water energy and the abundance and quality of food along this environmental gradient are correlated with test size and eccentricity of the apical area, so that larger and more eccentric specimens occur on the open coast than in bays. Study of Dendraster in Pliocene strata of the Coalinga California region indicates that these morphologic characteristics provide valuable information for paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Lateral and temporal environmental gradients within a broad Pliocene embayment and the location and size of the bay entrance can be determined on the basis of Dendraster eccentricity and size. Several species and subspecies of Dendraster in the Pliocene of the Coalinga region, described largely by differences in eccentricity, are probably not valid taxa but are merely ecophenotypic expressions of the laterally and temporally variable environment.
The ghost of nestedness in ecological networks

Ecologists are fascinated by the prevalence of nestedness in biogeographic and community data, where it is thought to promote biodiversity in mutualistic systems. Traditionally, nestedness has been treated in a binary sense: species and their interactions are either present or absent, neglecting information on abundances and interaction frequencies. Extending nestedness to quantitative data facilitates the study of species preferences, and we propose a new detection method that follows from a basic property of bipartite networks: large dominant eigenvalues are associated with highly nested configurations. We show that complex ecological networks are binary nested, but quantitative preferences are non-nested, indicating limited consumer overlap of favoured resources. The spectral graph approach provides a formal link to local dynamical stability analysis, where we demonstrate that nested mutualistic structures are minimally stable. We conclude that, within the binary constraint of interaction plausibility, species preferences are partitioned to avoid competition, thereby benefiting system-wide resource allocation.
Use of water by native vegetation versus grasses and forbs on watersheds

Soil-moisture records from plots on potential range lands in California on which native vegetation, mostly woody brush species, was left intact, and from adjacent plots which were denuded by burning, were obtained for several years. Samplings, by which the amounts of soil moisture could be measured quantitatively, were taken with soil tubes generally under extremely difficult conditions at intervals frequently enough to give a satisfactory picture of the water regimen of the area. Over 23 paired plots were used in the experiments. They were selected to give a wide variety of vegetative types, rainfall patterns, topography, and soils. At all of the sites the rain generally fell from October through March; most of it was in December, January, and February. The growth of the plants, therefore, was dependent to a large extent upon the amount of water that could be stored in the soil mantle. Following the fire, grasses and forbs usually succeeded the brush, but, with some species, several annual burnings were necessary before it was eliminated. The removal of the brush resulted in saving of moisture. The soil was at a higher moisture content in the burned plots than in the unburned at the end of the growing season; consequently, less water was required to restore the soil in the burned plots to its field capacity. In most cases the results led to the conclusion that appreciable savings of water could be effected by burning to substitute grasses or forbs which have forage value. The soil-moisture records show that the soil in the burned areas was wet to its field capacity as early and, in many cases, earlier than in the unburned ones, thus indicating that the permeability of the soil for water was not adversely affected by burning.
Low Stress, High Resolution Photosensitive Polyimide Based on a BPDA/PDA/6FDAm Copolymer

A novel series of BPDA/PDA/6FDAm polyimide copolymers have been developed. These materials are more flexible, soluble, and more optically transparent than the homopolymer BPDA/PDA. A negative acting PSPI has been developed based on one of these copolymers. This PSPI exhibits high resolution. 6 μm lines can be delineated in a 19 μm thick film. In addition, the PSPI exhibits high performance mechanical/physical properties such as a low CTE, low stress, and high elongation at break.
The role of anticipated deprivation in overeating

With recent research supporting a cognitive explanation of overeating, two experiments were designed to test the theory that the anticipated deprivation associated with dieting may lead to overeating once restraint is broken. In each of 2 experiments, 50 female undergraduates were preloaded and randomly assigned to no deprivation and deprivation conditions. The latter group anticipated a 4-hour food deprivation between two experimental sessions, while the former did not. The amount of food consumed during a 15-minute free eating period served as the dependent measure. Restraint scale scores were used to divide subjects into low-restraint and high-restraint groups. In Experiment 1, deprivation subjects ate significantly more than no deprivation subjects, F(1, 56) = 5.02, p less than .05; in Experiment 2, high-restraint subjects ate significantly more than low-restraint subjects, F(1, 56 = 5.07, p less than .05. The possible role of contextual cues is explored, and implications for weight-reduction programs are outlined.
Bargaining Strategy in a Production and Distribution Problem

An attempt is made to select a bargaining strategy for a multiplant, multi-product, manufacturing company, engaged in negotiations with two of its distributors. The basis for negotiations is the company's net profit equivalent, and the distributors' net profit. Net profit is excess of income over expenditure. Net profit equivalent is net sales minus variable cost, statistically determined from 52-month data, treating output of the two component groups of products as the independent variable, and their cost, the dependent variable. The company's decision to manufacture in three, instead of four, plants affects the three types of revenue earned by the distributors. How should the company act vis-a-vis its distributors? The company may enter into coalitions with the customers of the distributors, and bid to supplant the distributors. It may negotiate with other manufacturing companies to supply the distributor customers, thus saving warehousing costs. So can the customers collude among themselves, with other manufacturing companies, etc. These coalitions, simultaneously entered into by the same players, who band together for and against the same party at the same time, in order to achieve joint-profit maximization in a nonzero-sum game, are defined for the first time in this paper as concomitant coalitions. The influence of the power to “bind” of the weaker players, who improve their gains by “some voluntary, but irreversible freedom of choice” is examined in the imputations. The dominant strategies are identified by inspection, and the corresponding outcome for the different players worked out has intutive appeal. Accepted by the company management as pertinent to long-term implementation, this analysis demonstrated how an otherwise loss situation could be successfully turned into one of significant profit.
Throwing in the Towel: Burnout among Practicing Interior Designers

Job turnover is often preceded by burnout, a psychological syndrome involving prolonged response to stressors on the job (Maslach & Leiter, 2008). This phenomenon is measured along a continuum ranging from job engaged to full burnout. Higher levels of burnout can result in turnover, excessive absenteeism, and numerous physical and emotional symptoms among employees. The purpose of this study was to assess levels of burnout among practicing interior designers, and identify both individual and situational factors relative to burnout. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-GS) was used to measure burnout and a Job Satisfaction survey gathered basic demographic and situational (job-related) information from practicing interior designers (N = 130). The voluntary and anonymous surveys were distributed via US Mail and the response rate was 52%. Results revealed that study participants were experiencing a moderate level of burnout. However, when compared with other professions, interior designers rated highest in cynicism and second only to nurses in exhaustion, as measured by the MBI-GS. Statistically significant correlations and regressions were found between burnout and the individual factors of age and years of professional practice as well as the situational factors of workload, control, reward, and fairness. The results and implications of the study are relevant to both interior design practitioners and academics and the discussion calls upon these communities to reconsider discipline-based traditions and expectations that may exacerbate burnout to keep practitioners healthy and positively engaged in the profession.
4.8.2 Incorporating Uncertainty into Conceptual Design of Space System Architectures

Abstract The environment in which space systems are developed and operated can be classified as nothing less than dynamic. However, it is clear that the methods and tools relied on in conceptual design are based on static assumptions and leave little room for anything more than snapshots of the product and its environment. This paper introduces an approach to challenge that model and instead quantify and compare space system architectures around the central theme of uncertainty, with emphasis on policy uncertainty, as well as, technical and market uncertainty. Two cases of implementation are presented and three generalized principles are proposed that flow from the analysis: 1) engineering systems must be designed with uncertainty as one of the central organizing principles, 2) since engineering systems have management and social dimensions and thus involve human interactions, there is an irreducible uncertainty associated with these dimensions that will affect the design of the system, and 3) uncertainty in use may allow the engineering system to satisfy quite different missions from the original one intended.