cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biochemical characterization of RGS14: RGS14 activity towards G-protein α subunits is independent of its binding to Rap2A

RGS (regulators of G-protein signalling) modulate signalling by acting as GAPs (GTPase-activating proteins) for α subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins. RGS14 accelerates GTP hydrolysis by Giα family members through its RGS domain and suppresses guanine nucleotide dissociation from Giα1 and Giα3 subunits through its C-terminal GoLoco domain. Additionally, RGS14 binds the activated forms of the small GTPases Rap1 and Rap2 by virtue of tandem RBDs (Raf-like Ras/Rap binding domains). RGS14 was identified in a screen for Rap2 effectors [Traver, Splingard, Gaudriault and De Gunzburg (2004) Biochem. J. 379 , 627–632]. In the present study, we tested whether Rap binding regulates RGS14's biochemical activities. We found that RGS14 activity towards heterotrimeric G-proteins, as either a GAP or a GDI (guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor), was unaffected by Rap binding. Extending our biochemical characterization of RGS14, we also examined whether RGS14 can suppress guanine nucleotide exchange on Giα1 in the context of the heterotrimer. We found that a heterotrimer composed of N-myristoylated Giα1 and prenylated Gβγ is resistant to the GDI activity of the GoLoco domain of RGS14. This is consistent with models of GoLoco domain action on free Gα and suggests that RGS14 alone cannot induce subunit dissociation to promote receptor-independent activation of Gβγ-mediated signalling pathways. Abbreviations: AGS, activator of G-protein signalling; DTT, dithiothreitol; ERK, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase; GAP, GTPase-activating protein; GDI, guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor; GEF, guanine nucleotide-exchange factor; GTP[S], guanosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate; IPTG, isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; MBP, maltose-binding protein; myr-Giα1, N-myristoylated Giα1; nOG, octyl β-D-glucopyranoside; Ni-NTA, Ni2+-nitrilotriacetate; RBD, Raf-like Ras/Rap binding domain; RGS, regulators of G-protein signalling; RGS14-GL, RGS14 GoLoco peptide; 2ME, 2-mercaptoethanol, WT, wild-type
Improved durability of hydrogen storage alloys

Abstract An effective and durable hydrogen storage module was required to fuel micro-power systems. Two primary specifications for the hydrogen fuel module in this application were a high volumic storage capacity and rapid hydrogen storage and release under atmospheric pressure or lower at room temperature. In addition, the hydrogen module should be operable for thousands of cycles with fast hydriding and dehydriding rates and be resistant to deactivation on exposure to air for many months and longer. In our prior work, mechanical grinding a small amount of palladium with the hydrogen storage alloys was shown to greatly improve the hydrogen storage performance. The palladium treatment of three intermetallic alloys, AB5 type LaNi4.7Al0.3 and CaNi5, and A2B type Mg2Ni, lowered the activation pressure to sub-atmospheric pressure at room temperature and also significantly increased the hydrogen absorption and desorption rates. This work focused on the durability of hydrogen absorption and desorption performances after exposure of the storage materials to air. The palladium treated hydrogen storage alloys retained both low activation pressures and fast absorption and desorption rates even after more than 2 years air exposure.
Applying Cognitive Theories to Evaluate Conceptual Models in Systems Analysis

Conceptual models have been evaluated along the dimensions of modeling complexity how easy is it to create schemas given requirements? and readability how easy is it to understand the requirements by reading the model schema?. In this work, we update COGEVAL, a propositional framework based on cognitive theories to evaluate conceptual models. We synthesize work from cognitive literature to develop the framework, and show how it can be used to explain earlier empirical results as well as existing theoretical frameworks. We illustrate how COGEVAL can be used as a theoretical basis to design an empirical test of readability of a conceptual model. Unlike much of the earlier empirical work on readability, our approach isolates the effect of a model-independent variable degree of fragmentation on readability. From a practical perspective, our findings will have implications for both creators of new models and practitioners who use currently available models to create schemas.
Phenomenological solar contribution to the 1900–2000 global surface warming

[1] We study the role of solar forcing on global surface temperature during four periods of the industrial era (1900–2000, 1900–1950, 1950–2000 and 1980–2000) by using a sun-climate coupling model based on four scale-dependent empirical climate sensitive parameters to solar variations. We use two alternative total solar irradiance satellite composites, ACRIM and PMOD, and a total solar irradiance proxy reconstruction. We estimate that the sun contributed as much as 45–50% of the 1900–2000 global warming, and 25–35% of the 1980–2000 global warming. These results, while confirming that anthropogenic-added climate forcing might have progressively played a dominant role in climate change during the last century, also suggest that the solar impact on climate change during the same period is significantly stronger than what some theoretical models have predicted.
Near resonance interactions in the B-O scheme. I. The 1/rij mechanism

Abstract The 1/ r ij mechanism pertinent to non-radiative decay and line broadening in the electronic spectra of large polyatomic molecules is deduced in the Born-Oppenheimer (B-O) scheme. The results are equivalent to those previously predicted by the author. Near resonance interactions in the B-O scheme are shown to be independent of the relevant electronic energy separation.
Confinement of the Crab pulsar's wind by its supernova remnant

A steady state, spherically symmetric, magnetohydrodynamic model of the Crab nebula is constructed. A highly relativistic positronic pulsar wind is terminated by a strong MHD shock that decelerates the flow and increases its pressure to match boundary conditions imposed by the recently discovered supernova remnant that surrounds the nebula. If the magnetic luminosity of the pulsar wind upstream of the shock is about 0.3 percent of its particle luminosity, the pressure and velocity boundary conditions imposed by the remnant place the shock where it is inferred to be: near the outer boundary of an underluminous region observed to surround the pulsar. It is necessary to include the weak magnetization of the wind to satisfy the boundary conditions and to calculate the regular synchrotron radiation self-consistently.
Organometallic amphiphiles: novel mechanisms for redox chemical control of aggregation behavior

Abstract Many natural and synthetic organic amphiphiles have been discovered, prepared, and/or characterized. Aggregation behavior has been studied for many of these monomers. Very few of these many amphiphiles are organometallic compounds and almost nothing is known about this novel group of amphiphiles. Under appropriate circumstances, aggregation of certain organometallic amphiphile monomers can be controlled by use of redox switching. Compounds which are not amphiphilic can be made so and amphiphilic compounds can be deprived of this property by appropriate alterations in the metal ion's oxidation state. Redox-switched aggregation-deaggregation behavior is described for bis(hexadecycloxy)-1,10-phenanthrolinium perchlorate (2), its nickel complex (3), [CH3(CH2)15NH2]2Ag+AcO− (4) and bis(hexadecylamine)copper dichloride (5), chloride acetate (6) and diacetate (7), all of the general formula: [CH3(CH2)15NH2]2Cu2+X22. Two completely new switching mechanisms are disclosed for the first time which involve electron transfer from dilute aqueous sugar solutions or from solid zinc metal which are effective in collapsing [CH3(CH2)15NH2]2Cu2+X22− vesicles.
Cranial teratomas in two domestic ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus).

SUMMARY. Teratomas are rare tumors in domestic fowl, and none have been reported in the cranial area of ducks. Clinical signs and gross and microscopic findings associated with a cranial teratoma in two domestic ducks are reported. One tumor arose within the cranial vault and was associated with neurologic signs. The other tumor was subcutaneous and invaded the parietal bone but did not extend into the brain. Both tumors were tridermic. RESUMEN. Reporte de Caso-Teratomas craneales en dos patos domesticos (Anas platy
Hydrogen spin flip satellite lines associated with the PO2−3 radical in a single crystal of Na2HPO3· 5H2O : Calculated and experimental intensities

Abstract Intensities of satellite lines have been calculated for PO 2− 3 in a single crystal of Na 2 HPO 3 ·5H 2 O, based on the known crystallographic structure and unpaired spin distribution in the radical. It was assumed that water protons contribute to the satellite intensity. Variation of the satellite intensity was calculated in the bc plane and data were compared with measured intensities at two orientations. At X -band (9 GHz) the experimental intensity is greater than the calculated intensity by a factor of 3 to 4, probably because of overlap with and borrowed intensity from the main line and the inadequacy of the high field approximation. At Q -band (35 GHz) there is good agreement between the calculated and experimental intensities within 10–20 %. It seems that measurements at higher microwave frequency are more reliable than those at lower microwave frequency for the derivation of the electron-proton distances.
Relation of the multilocus genetic composite reflecting high dopamine signaling capacity to future increases in BMI.

Because food intake exerts its rewarding effect by increasing dopamine (DA) signaling in reward circuitry, it theoretically follows that individuals with a greater number of genotypes putatively associated with high DA signaling capacity are at increased risk for overeating and subsequent weight gain. We tested the association between the multilocus genetic composite risk score, defined by the total number of genotypes putatively associated with greater DA signaling capacity (i.e. TaqIA A2 allele, DRD2-141C Ins/Del and Del/Del genotypes, DRD4-S allele, DAT1-S allele, and COMT Val/Val genotype), and future increases in Body Mass Index (BMI) in three prospective studies. Participants in Study 1 (N = 30; M age = 15.2; M baseline BMI = 26.9), Study 2 (N = 34; M age = 20.9; M baseline BMI = 28.2), and Study 3 (N = 162; M age = 15.3, M baseline BMI = 20.8) provided saliva samples from which epithelial cells were collected, permitting DNA extraction. The multilocus genetic composite risk score was associated with future increases in BMI in all three studies (Study 1, r = 0.37; Study 2, r = 0.22; Study 3, r = 0.14) and the overall sample (r = 0.19). DRD4-S was associated with increases in BMI in Study 1 (r = 0.42), Study 2 (r = 0.27), and in the overall sample (r = 0.17). DAT1-S was associated with increases in BMI in Study 3 (r = 0.17) and in the overall sample (r = 0.12). There were no associations between the other genotypes (TaqIA, COMT, and DRD2-141C) and change in BMI over 2-year follow-up. Data suggest that individuals with a genetic propensity for greater DA signaling capacity are at risk for future weight gain and that combining alleles that theoretically have a similar function may provide a more reliable method of modeling genetic risk associated with future weight gain than individual genotypes.
Thermal shock of orthotropic rectangular plates

The dynamic response of homogeneous, orthotropic plates having two parallel, simply supported edges and exposed to rapid surface heating is examined. Uncoupled, thin-plate theory is used to determine the inducedflexural vibrations. The solution is obtained as the superposition of two displacement fields, representing the quasi-static and the dynamic behaviors. An exact Levy-type solution is derived for the quasi-static problem. For the dynamic case, the governing partial differential equation is first reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations in time by means of the Galerkin method. For special situations in which the latter equations are uncoupled (e.g., plates having all edges simply supported), the solution is obtained using the Laplace transform. For cases involving more general support conditions, the equations are integrated numerically using the Runge-Kutta-Gill technique. Numerical results are presented for both isotropic and orthotropic plates having various combinations of edge cond...
A Multivariate Extension of Friedman's χ2 r -Test

Abstract This paper deals with a multivariate extension of Friedman's χ2 r -test. A rank permutation distribution and the large sample properties of the criterion are studied. The asymptotic relative efficiency (A.R.E.) for a sequence of translation alternatives is studied and bounds are given for certain special cases. It is shown that, under specified conditions, the A.R.E. of this test with respect to the likelihood ratio test is largest when the block dispersion matrices differ and can be greater than unity when the differences are large.
Evidence against a Stem Cell Origin of New Hepatocytes in a Common Mouse Model of Chronic Liver Injury

Hepatocytes provide most liver functions, but they can also proliferate and regenerate the liver after injury. However, under some liver injury conditions, particularly chronic liver injury where hepatocyte proliferation is impaired, liver stem cells (LSCs) are thought to replenish lost hepatocytes. Conflicting results have been reported about the identity of LSCs and their contribution to liver regeneration. To address this uncertainty, we followed candidate LSC populations by genetic fate tracing in adult mice with chronic liver injury due to a choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented diet. In contrast to previous studies, we failed to detect hepatocytes derived from biliary epithelial cells or mesenchymal liver cells beyond a negligible frequency. In fact, we failed to detect hepatocytes that were not derived from pre-existing hepatocytes. In conclusion, our findings argue against LSCs, or other nonhepatocyte cell types, providing a backup system for hepatocyte regeneration in this common mouse model of chronic liver injury.
Pitting and bubbling artefacts in surface replicas made with silicone elastomers

SUMMARY Pitting or bubbling on the surface of epoxy resin replicas is a frequently encountered artefact associated with the use of silicone rubber impression materials. Several variants of this type of artefact are illustrated. It is suggested that bubbles or pits form at the mould: epoxy interface during curing of the epoxy, and that they are caused by gas escaping from the mould material itself. Duration of silicone rubber polymerization, base-catalyst ratios, and surface porosity of the object may all influence the occurrence of mould degassing.
Neonatal screening with auditory brainstem responses: results of follow-up audiometry and risk factor evaluation.

To determine the incidence and outcome of neurosensory hearing loss in infants, without selection bias, volunteers screened all infants from intensive care and well-baby nurseries of a tertiary care center for risk factors over 1 year; Infants with sufficient risk factors were screened for auditory brainstem evoked response. Infants with abnormal findings received audiometric followup. Results of a 1-year follow-up study are reported. Risk factor evaluation revealed a 17% incidence of neurosensory hearing loss in a subgroup of infants with multiple risks such as birth weight 2 months. All infants with permanent hearing loss were assigned to this category. Our results suggest that this population is at greatest risk for early hearing impairment.
Embodied Political Performativity in Excitable Speech: Butler’s Psychoanalytic Revision of Historicism

The critical commentary on Judith Butler’s Excitable Speech: A Politics of the Performative focuses primarily on her use of speech-act theory for political purposes. Admitting the limitations of Au...
Flap endonuclease 1 contributes to telomere stability.

Summary Telomere stability plays an important role in the preservation of genomic stability and is maintained through the coordinated actions of telomere-specific proteins and DNA repair and replication proteins [1, 2]. Flap endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is a protein that plays a role in lagging-strand DNA replication, base excision repair, homologous recombination, and reinitiation of stalled replication forks [3, 4]. Here, we demonstrate that FEN1 depletion leads to telomere dysfunction characterized by the presence of γH2AX and sister telomere loss. Expression of catalytically active telomerase, the reverse transcriptase that adds telomeric repeats to chromosome ends, was sufficient to rescue telomere dysfunction upon FEN1 depletion. Strikingly, FEN1 depletion exclusively abrogates telomeres replicated by lagging-strand DNA replication. Genetic rescue experiments utilizing FEN1 mutant proteins that retained the ability to localize to telomeric repeats revealed that FEN1's nuclease activity and ability to interact with the Werner protein (WRN) and telomere-binding protein (TRF2) were required for FEN1 activity at the telomere. Given FEN1's role in lagging-strand DNA replication and reinitiation of stalled replication forks, we propose that FEN1 contributes to telomere stability by ensuring efficient telomere replication.
Grüneisen parameter of Y1Ba2Cu3O7

Contrary to reports that the Gruneisen parameter of Y1Ba2Cu3O7 is approximately 3.0, I argue that this parameter is approximately 1.5, a value consistent with metal oxides. I offer three arguments. One depends on a lower bulk modulus (B), near 101 GPa, than found in high-pressure X-ray diffraction studies, which yield bulk-modulus values up to 200 GPa. The second depends on an ionic-crystal-model calculation of the Gruneisen parameter. The third depends on the Anderson-Gruneisen parameter determined by measuring dB/dT.
ISOZYME NUMBER IN SUBTRIBE ONCIDIINAE (ORCHIDACEAE): AN EVALUATION OF POLYPLOIDY

The Oncidiinae has attracted attention because of the variation it-exhibits in chromosome number, n = 5-30, which is greater than the range in the rest of the Orchidaceae. The genus Psygmorchis, with n = 5 and 7, has been a particular focus of controversy, and many authors have suggested that 5 and 7 are the base numbers for the subtribe. The other taxa in the subtribe presumably evolved through hybridization and polyploidy. Other workers have found that the lowest counts correlate with derived morphological conditions and have hypothesized that these low numbers result from aneuploid reductions, while higher numbers are associated with ancestral morphologies and are not the result of polyploidy. These two hypotheses were evaluated by determining isozyme numbers for 13 enzymes in species that span the chromosomal range known for the Oncidiinae (n = 5-30). Isozyme number has been shown to be a reliable indicator ofpolyploidy in angiosperms because polyploids display isozyme multiplicity relative to diploids. This analysis revealed no differences among species in isozyme number for the enzymes examined. Therefore, our data reject the hypothesis that species with higher chromosome numbers are polyploid.
On-chip acidification rate measurements from single cardiac cells confined in sub-nanoliter volumes

The metabolic activity of cells can be monitored by measuring the pH in the extracellular environment. Microfabrication and microfluidic technologies allow the sensor size and the extracellular volumes to be comparable to single cells. A glass substrate with thin film pH sensitive IrO x electrodes was sealed to a replica-molded polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic network with integrated valves. The device, termed NanoPhysiometer, allows the trapping of single cardiac myocytes and the measurement of the pH in a detection volume of 0.36 nL. For wild-type (WT) single cardiac myocytes an acidification rate of 6.45 ± 0.38 mpH/min was measured in comparison to 19.5 ± 0.38 mpH/min for very long chain Acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCAD) deficient mice in 0.8 mM of Ca2+. VLCAD deficiency is a fatty acid oxidation disease leading to cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. The acidification rate increased to 11.96 ± 1.33 mpH/min for WT and to 32.0 ± 4.64 mpH/min for VLCAD −/− in 1.8 mM of Ca2+. The NanoPhysiometer concept can be extended to study ischemia/reperfusion injury or disorders of other biological systems to identify strategies for treatment and possible pharmacological targets.
Consistent folding model description of nucleon elastic, inelastic, and charge-exchange scattering from 6,7Li at 25–50 MeV

Abstract The results of a consistent theoretical microscopic single scattering model study of nucleon elastic, inelastic, and charge-exchange scattering from 6,7 Li at E p(n) = 25–50 MeV are reported. A realistic effective nucleon-nucleon interaction, adopted from the work of Mahaux and collaborators and Bertsch and coworkers, has been employed in the model calculations. The density distributions needed to describe the structure of the mass 6 and 7 systems in the calculations are the same as those used in recent proton-nucleus scattering studies of these targets at E p = 200 MeV. The present, parameter-free model calculations provide an excellent description of the available low-energy nucleon-nucleus scattering data on 6,7 Li.
IM waiting: timing and responsiveness in semi-synchronous communication

Responsiveness, or the time until a person responds to communication, can affect the dynamics of a conversation as well as participants' perceptions of one another. In this paper, we present a careful examination of responsiveness to instant messaging communication, showing, for example, that work-fragmentation significantly correlates with faster responsiveness. We show also that the presentation of the incoming communication significantly affects responsiveness (even more so than indicators that the communication was ongoing), suggesting the potential for dynamically influencing responsiveness. This work contributes to a better understanding of computer-mediated communication and to the design of new tools for computer-mediated communication.
Still Waiting for an Introduction to Gender Nonconformity: A Review of Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue

This article reviews Nicholas M. Teich's Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue, a concise introductory work on the topic. The text is an excellent resource on transsexuality but marginalizes and at times misunderstands genderqueer and other nonbinary identities, which are how many trans youth identify today.
Non-innocent electrolyte effects on bimolecular pseudo-self-exchange reactions of ruthenium ammine complexes : Evidence for electron-transfer catalysis in H-bonded ternary assemblies

Abstract The kinetics of bimolecular pseudo-self-exchange reactions such as that between pentaammine(pyridine)ruthenium(II) and pentaammine(3-fluoropyridine)ruthenium(III) shown below, ( NH 3 ) 5 Ru II ( py ) 2 + + ( NH 3 ) 5 Ru III ( 3 - Fpy ) 3 + ⇄ k ex ( NH 3 ) 5 Ru III ( py ) 3 + + ( NH 3 ) 5 Ru II ( 3 - Fpy ) 2 + reveal a novel form of non-covalently mediated electron transfer over distance when salts of non-innocent electrolytes such as the conjugated dicarboxylic acid anions trans,trans-muconate2− or terephthalate2− are added to the solution. The kinetic accelerations are distinct from those seen with simple electrolytes such as KCl or CaCl2, and are thus outside the realm of classical electrolyte effects described by the Debye–Huckel theory of ion atmospheres. Kinetic simulations are presented, and the rate acceleration is interpreted in the context of possible superexchange-type interactions taking place in hydrogen-bonded ternary (or higher) association complexes which create new kinetic pathways for electron transfer over distance in aqueous solution.
Clustering in solid solutions

For sometime it has been recognized that the usual approximation of a random distribution of two or more kinds of atoms among the equivalent lattice sites of a simple solid solution at equilibrium is often not correct though for many theoretical purposes sufficient." With improvement of experimental techniques 1) and improved interpretation of data it became apparent that a deviation from randomness is a rule rather than an exception. Even in systems where long range order is not observed short range order has been frequently established 2). As long as all the atoms in a solid solution can be considered as having the same effective size and, if the binding can be represented as an interaction between nearest neighbors, then the usual theory of long and short range order as developed by B r a g g and W i 1l i a m s 3), B e t h e * ) and P e i e r l s ~ ) is in most instances quite sufficient. In that approximation the temperature and the interaction between neighbors determines the probability of the occurrence of a given concentration fluctuation or of a certain degree of order. These can be easily computed. The present paper, which is a part of a general s tudy of fluctuations in solid solutions, is concerned with the case of binary solid solutions which can be described in terms of interactions between nearest neighbors but in which the two kinds of atoms have different effective ionic radii. It is clear that the strains surrounding asolute atom or strains within and near a group of solute atoms will affect appreciably the energy of the configuration and thus the probability of its occurrence. M o t t and N a b a r r o 6) have shown that a flat disc-like shape of a precipitate produces less strain energy in the surrounding matrix, assumed to be continuous, than a spherical or needle-like precipitate. In this paper we shall deal with small clus-
Autocrine and paracrine functions of cytokines in malignant lymphomas.

Abstract Cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of lymphomas via an autocrine or a paracrine mechanism, or both. The characteristic clinical and histopathological features of malignant lymphomas may be due in part to elevated serum or tissue levels of cytokines. Determination of the effects of cytokines on the growth or differentiation of lymphoma cells is often complicated by the fact that more than one cytokine is responsible, and by the failure of anti-cytokine antibodies or antisense oligonucleotides to block the proliferation in vitro of lymphoma cells. However, it appears that IL-6 and/or IL-9 may play a prominent role in the tumor cell proliferation of Hodgkin's disease (HD), anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, or immunoblastic lymphoma. IL-6 may also be responsible for the plasmacytoid differentiation of lymphoma cells in polymorphic immunocytoma. The histopathological changes as a result of paracrine effects are most noticeable in HD. The malignant (H-RS) cells of HD have been shown to express IL-l, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, TNF-α, M-CSF, TGF-β, and CD80, and, less frequently, IL-4 and G-CSF. These cytokines may be responsible for the increased cellular reaction and fibrosis observed in tissues involved by HD and for the immunosuppression found in patients with HD. In contrast to H-RS cells, most non-HD lymphoma cells do not produce cytokines in excess amounts and reveal only a minimal cellular reaction. Exceptions include T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma, angiocentric T-cell lymphoma, and angio-immunoblastic lymphadenopathy (AILD)-like T-cell lymphoma. IL-4 is responsible for the T-cell reaction in T-cell-rich B-cell lymphoma, whereas IL-6 accounts for the plasma cell reaction in AILD-type T-cell lymphoma. The authors extensively review the role of cytokines in lymphomas because this may lead to major advances in the understanding of the molecular processes involved in the histopathogenesis of lymphomas.
Solubilization of serotonin1a and serotonin1b binding sites from bovine brain.

: Serotonin, (5-hydroxytryptamine1, 5-HT1) binding sites have been solubilized from bovine brain cortex using a mixture of 0.1 % Nonidet P-40 and 0.3% digitonin in a low-salt buffer containing 0.1 % ascorbic acid. The affinity of [3H]5-HT for the soluble cortical binding sites (2.1 nM) is identical to its affinity at membrane-bound binding sites (2.1 nM). [3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetraIin ([3H]DPAT), a selective 5-HT1a, radioligand, also binds to soluble cortical binding sites with high affinity (1.8 nM) comparable with its affinity in the crude membranes (1.7 nM). A significant correlation exists in the rank order potency of serotonergic agents for [3H]5-HT binding and for [3H]DPAT binding to crude and soluble membranes. The density of [3H]DPAT binding sites relative to the [3H]5-HT sites in the solubilized cortical membranes (35%) corresponds well with the proportion of 5-HT1a sites in the crude membranes determined by spiperone displacement (33%), suggesting that both the 5-HT1a and 5-HT1b binding sites have been cosolubilized. [3H]5-HT binding in the soluble preparations was inhibited by GTP, suggesting that a receptor complex may have been solubilized. [3H]Spiperone-specific binding was not detectable in this preparation, suggesting that 5-HT2 sites were not cosolubilized.
Effects of dopamine and its agonists and antagonists on the receptive field properties of ganglion cells in the rabbit retina

We investigated the effects of dopamine and its agonists and antagonists on the receptive field properties of ganglion cells in the isolated eyecup preparation of the rabbit. In general, dopamine (20-250 microM) reduced the overall sensitivity of ganglion cells to light stimuli while increasing the spontaneous activity of off-center cells and decreasing the spontaneous activity of on-center cells and on-off directionally selective cells. Neither(-)-apomorphine (8-82 microM) nor the selective D-2 agonist LY 141865 (7-85 microM) mimicked the effects of exogenous dopamine. Instead, both drugs altered the responses of ganglion cells in a manner similar to that of the selective D-1 antagonist SCH 23390. The latter at 4-41 microM: (1) selectively reduced the antagonistic surround responses of off-center cells; (2) changed the sustained excitatory responses of on-center sustained cells to spots of light into sustained inhibitory responses; (3) selectively reduced the leading edge responses of on-off directionally selective cells to moving light stimuli, and (4) decreased the spontaneous activity of off-center cells while increasing the spontaneous activity of on-center cells. The effects of the selective D-2 antagonist S-sulpiride (37-116 microM) on the responses of on-center cells resembled those of exogenous dopamine, while for off-center cells the effects of S-sulpiride were similar to those of (-)-apomorphine and LY 141865. Results were compared with those obtained previously with dopamine antagonists haloperidol, fluphenazine and cis-flupenthixol on ganglion cell responses in the intact rabbit eye. These three drugs were clearly acting at D-1 receptors. The present findings support a physiological role for D-2 receptors in visual processing in the rabbit retina, in particular the hypothesis that endogenous dopamine release is modulated by inhibitory D-2 autoreceptors. They also suggest that one function of dopaminergic neurons may be to modulate the sensitivity of ganglion cells to light stimuli.
A contingency perspective on the strategic management of construction projects: producers, production, planning and project environments

The variety in built environment projects requires the adoption of a strategic perspective that recognizes the unique characteristics of and the multiple managerial facets of a construction project. This paper proposes a conceptual model that identifies and organizes three strategic decision areas: Producers, Production and Planning and a contingency construct Project Environment. The result is a set of theoretical propositions and a strategic framework that argues that performance will be enhanced by the fit between the project environment and the strategic decisions that are made. This model is suggested to serve as a catalyst to articulate theory and conduct research.
Spin‐polarized atomic nitrogen and the 7Σ+u state of N2

The first self-consistent field (SCF) calculation of the repulsive 7Sigma + u state of molecular nitrogen is presented. This calculation is used with attractive dispersion to provide a model potential for electron spin-polarized atomic nitrogen N appropriate in the range of 2.5-20A(O). Potential parameters obtained from the calculation are used to provide estimates of equilibrium thermodynamic properties of spin-polarized N in the quantum theorem of corresponding states framework. Consideration is given to increased stability of spin-polarized N with respect to single electron spin-flip processes, as compared to spin-polarized H.
Dimensions of tools for detecting software conflicts

Previous work has found that the number of defects in a source file is proportional to the number of developers who concurrently access the file. Several "conflict-recommender" tools have been proposed that can aid programmers in detecting conflicts that lead to such defects. These can be classified according to several design dimensions including how early in the programming process the (potential) conflict is identified; which, if any, of existing software systems must be extended to create the tool; the granularity of the program constructs that are identified as conflicting; the criteria used for identifying conflicts; how the conflict information is obtained; and whether the tool supports individual or collaborative inspection of the conflict. The various points defined by this design space can be analyzed according to several evaluation dimensions including the number of false positives and negatives given by the tool; how much effort is required to find/fix the conflict; the computation and communication costs of the tool; how much change it requires to the current software development process; how much screen realestate is used by the tool during coding; and to what extent is the privacy of programmers invaded. The identification and analysis of these design and evaluation dimensions can lead to better evaluation of the various aspects of existing tools and an integrated tool that combines orthogonal features of different tools.
Application of the sinc basis moment method to the reconstruction of infinite circular cylinders

A solution of the ultrasonic scattering and inverse scattering problem has been obtained by solving the inhomogeneous Helmholtz wave equation by the sinc basis moment method. In this numerical study, the algorithm of S.A. Johnson and M.L. Tracy (1983) has been applied to the reconstruction of an infinite circular cylinder that is subject to an incident cylindrical wave of ultrasound and is surrounded by a homogeneous coupling medium. For weak scattering cylinders, successful reconstructions have been obtained using the known exact solution for the scattered field as the input data for the algorithm. A detailed discussion of sampling requirements for this algorithm is presented, and the threshold derived correlates well with results of a numerical study of variation of the sampling density. Effects of varying object contrast, object size, grid size, sampling density, and method of iteration are investigated. Because the algorithm is slow, optimization of computation is described. >
Refusal of Medical and Surgical Interventions by Older Persons with Advanced Chronic Disease

BACKGROUND Patients with advanced chronic disease are frequently offered medical and surgical interventions with potentially large trade-offs between benefits and burdens. Little is known about the frequency or outcomes of treatment refusal among these patients.
Waist Circumference to Height Ratio in Children and Adolescents

Background. Waist circumference (WC) to height ratio (WC/HT) is used as a measure of central obesity. However, the optimum ratio that will separate populations with high from low cardiovascular risk remains controversial. This investigation evaluates an optimum WC/HT value to define central obesity in children. Methods. The sensitivity and specificity of WC/HT in 649 children (age 2-18 years) without evidence of heart disease were analyzed for WC and for body mass index (BMI). Results. A WC/HT ≥0.5 resulted in sensitivity:specificity of 99%:72% for detecting central obesity and 83%:77% for detecting overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile) subjects. A value of WC/HT ≥0.55 yielded sensitivity:specificity of 80%:96% for detecting central obesity and 75%:94% for detecting subjects with obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile). Conclusions. The use of WC/HT between ≥0.5 and <0.55 identified subjects at-risk for central obesity and WC/HT ≥0.55 identified central obesity with a high probability.
An efficient dynamically adaptive mesh for potentially singular solutions

Abstract We develop an efficient dynamically adaptive mesh generator for time-dependent problems in two or more dimensions. The mesh generator is motivated by the variational approach and is based on solving a new set of nonlinear elliptic PDEs for the mesh map. When coupled to a physical problem, the mesh map evolves with the underlying solution and maintains high adaptivity as the solution develops complicated structures and even singular behavior. The overall mesh strategy is simple to implement, avoids interpolation, and can be easily incorporated into a broad range of applications. The efficacy of the mesh is first demonstrated by two examples of blowing-up solutions to the 2-D semilinear heat equation. These examples show that the mesh can follow with high adaptivity a finite-time singularity process. The focus of applications presented here is however the baroclinic generation of vorticity in a strongly layered 2-D Boussinesq fluid, a challenging problem. The moving mesh follows effectively the flow resolving both its global features and the almost singular shear layers developed dynamically. The numerical results show the fast collapse to small scales and an exponential vorticity growth.
Quantification of adaptation to virtual-eye location in see-thru head-mounted displays

An experiment was conducted on the effect of a prototype see-thru head-mounted display (HMD) on visuo-motor adaptation. When wearing video see-thru HMDs in augmented reality systems, subjects see the world around them through a pair of head-mounted video cameras. The study looked at the effects of sensory rearrangement caused by a HMD design that displaces the user's "virtual" eye position forward (165 mm) and up (62 mm) toward the spatial position of the cameras. Measures of hand-eye coordination and speed on a manual task revealed substantial perceptual costs of the eye displacement, but also evidence of adaptation. Upon first wearing the video see-thru HMD, subjects' pointing errors increased significantly along the spatial dimensions displaced (the y and z dimensions). Speed of performance on a manual task decreased by 43% compared to baseline performance. Pointing accuracy improved by about a 1/3 as subjects adapted to the sensory rearrangement but did not reach baseline performance. When subjects removed the see-thru HMD there was evidence that their hand-eye coordination had been altered by the see-thru HMD. Negative aftereffects were observed in the form of greater errors in pointing accuracy compared to baseline. Although these effects are temporary, the results may have serious practical implications for the use of see-thru HMDs by user populations who depend on accurate hand-eye coordination such as surgeons.
Toward an Ecological Theory of the Norms of Practical Deliberation

: Practical deliberation is deliberation concerning what to do governed by norms on intention (e.g. means-end coherence and consistency), which are taken to be a mark of rational deliberation. According to the theory of practical deliberation I develop in this paper we should think of the norms of rational practical deliberation ecologically: that is, the norms that constitute rational practical deliberation depend on the complex interaction between the psychological capacities of the agent in question and the agent's environment. I argue that this view does a better job of justifying particular norms for practical deliberation than intrinsic or constitutivist theories. Finally, I argue against the Myth Theory of deliberation, which takes there to be no such norms on deliberation.
Molecular Genetics of Human Developmental Brain Disorders of the Arabian Gulf Region

Recent work has led to the genetic understanding of an increasingly large number of neurological disorders that affect the nervous system of children, resulting in symptoms such as mental retardation, autistic symptoms, cerebral palsy, or seizures. These conditions are extremely heterogeneous genetically, meaning that large numbers of genes appear to be essential for normal nervous system function, and that mutations in different genes can sometimes cause very similar symptoms. The larger family size, recent population growth, and unique ancestry of populations in the Gulf region provide special opportunities for understanding the causes of childhood neurological isease both here and throughout the world. Here I review some recent developments, and discuss their impact on therapy.
Carbon−Hydrogen Bond Activation and Cyclodehydrogenation Reactions of Cyclic C8 Hydrocarbons on Pt(111)

The mechanisms of the thermolytic decomposition of a series of unsaturated cyclic C8 hydrocarbons adsorbed on a platinum(111) single crystal surface are described. This study both confirms and extends the results reported by Frei and Campbell which corrected errors in an earlier report from our laboratory on the mechanisms of thermal decomposition seen in this adsorbate system. We find that the dehydrocyclization of cyclooctene, cyclooctadiene (1,3 and 1,5 isomers), and cyclooctatetraene on Pt(111) proceeds through a related set of intermediates and ultimately yields a novel surface-bound bicyclic ring system. As noted by Frei et al., our earlier finding that benzene is produced in high yield is incorrect. The spectroscopic evidence reported here demonstrates that all four of the cyclic C 8 hydrocarbons form a bicyclo[3.3.0]octenyl (or, as more commonly named, a pentalenyl) intermediate of stoichiometry C8H6. This bicyclic ring system forms via a dehydrocyclization of cyclooctatetraene, which itself is formed in varying yields from each of the less-unsaturated c-C8 adsorbates. The formation of the pentalenyl species proceeds at low temperatures (<375 K). Data from reflection-absorption infrared (RAIRS) and temperature-programmed reaction spectroscopies show that the pentalenyl intermediate is remarkably stable, persisting on the surface up to at least 450 K. At temperatures above 450 K, this intermediate fragments, liberating hydrogen, and leaving a carbonaceous overlayer. The formation of cyclooctatetraene, and thus the pentalenyl intermediate, proceeds with the highest efficiency for the two dienes and lowest for cyclooctane and cis-cyclooctene. RAIRS data further serve to identify several intermediates formed along the reaction pathway leading to the platinum-bound C8H6 species.
Newborn Screening for Treatable Genetic Conditions: Past, Present and Future

Newborn screening is a complex public health program that has been very successful at significantly reducing infant morbidity and mortality from specific genetic conditions. As this program continues to expand, the role of the obstetrician as patient educator has become increasingly important. The need and desire for prenatal education about newborn screening has been demonstrated, and obstetricians are in the prime position to satisfy this vital role.
Imagery encoding effects on memory in the DRM paradigm: A test of competing predictions

In three experiments the effects of imagery encoding and test format on false memory rates in the Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM) paradigm were examined. After generating images of individual items (Experiment 1) or integrated subsets (Experiment 2), all of which were embedded in thematically related lists, participants were surprised by a recognition memory test or one of three kinds of source tests. As predicted by a distinctive encoding hypothesis, generating individual images led to better accuracy on presented items, and better monitoring of critical lures, than generating integrated images (Experiments 1 and 2). However, both kinds of imagery encoding led to fewer endorsements of critical lures compared to a non-imagery encoding condition (Experiment 3). Imagery encoding effects were also independent of test format. The implications of these findings for the use of DRM-false memory rates in debates about the use of guided imagery techniques are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adolescent Pregnancy in the Netherlands

As it is in the Netherlands, teenage pregnancies are a public concern in most of the Western world. Adolescent mothers tend to be from disadvantaged backgrounds and raising children often interferes with their education and economic prospects. It is also related to depression, insecure attachment styles, external locus of control, and low self-efficacy. Furthermore, adolescent pregnancies are not without medical risk, for instance of early birth and perinatal mortality. Next to these negative consequences for teenage mothers, there may be a number of negative consequences for their children. There is evidence that these are likely to suffer numerous health and psychosocial disadvantages. In the Netherlands, birthrates among adolescents are available from 1950 onward. The highest birthrates were recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At that time, the birthrate among girls under 20 years old was 23 per 1,000. Most of these births occur among 18 and 19-year-olds. In 2007, this was reduced to less than a quarter of that number. This decrease has drawn the attention of researchers and policy makers around the world. The Netherlands are often seen as a forerunner among Western countries with regard to reproductive health. Particularly an open sexual climate, easy accessibility of contraceptives, comprehensive sexuality education, and a nonjudgmental attitude toward young people’s sexuality are believed to contribute to low rates of unintended pregnancies.
Broadband All-Digital Variable Fiber-Optic Attenuator Using Digital Micromirror Device

To the best of our knowledge, we propose the first broadband variable fiber-optic attenuator (VFOA) using a digital micromirror device (DMD). The VFOA design is based on a unique double reflection geometry structure that counters the strong spectral attenuation inherent when implementing single-mode-fiber light coupling via a pixelated blazed grating device such as a DMD. The demonstrated VFOA features ~C-band 1530- to 1560-nm broadband attenuation operation with a plusmn0.17-dB in-band variation and a 25-dB attenuation dynamic range. This high repeatability all-digital VFOA can be useful in broadband optical source controls, test instrumentation, telecommunications, signal processing, and sensor systems.