cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural network models of strategy development in children

Abstract This paper presents new models of strategy development in young children. Traditional approaches to strategy development: (a) have relied on top-down mechanisms; (b) have not incorporated situational influences; (c) have not been biologically motivated. Neural networks models are described which address the limitations of these traditional approaches. The development of the models was influenced by: (a) Grossberg's modular approach to neural networks; (b) the general theoretical framework of Siegler; (c) empirical research on external representation and memory. Empirically, in situations requiring memory for the arrangement of objects, younger children frequently use simple external memory strategies (e.g. pointing at objects) whereas older children tend toward more advanced strategies (e.g. inter-object orienting) to aid remembering. Computer simulations with the novelty bias model show that strategy novelty and accuracy history can account for selection and evolution of strategies from simple to advanced and for accuracy patterns associated with strategies of different degrees of sophistication. Simulations with a second model, the components model, which overcomes some of the limitations of the first model, demonstrate comparable behavioural evolution using accuracy feedback and selective encoding mechanisms. The models suggest alternatives to the traditional approaches to strategy development, and suggest that the strategy evolution mechanisms involved may apply to a variety of situations. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Organophosphate-Sensitive Lipases Modulate Brain Lysophospholipids, Ether Lipids and Endocannabinoids

Lipases play key roles in nearly all cells and organisms. Potent and selective inhibitors help to elucidate their physiological functions and associated metabolic pathways. Organophosphorus (OP) compounds are best known for their anticholinesterase properties but selectivity for lipases and other targets can also be achieved through structural optimization. This review considers several lipid systems in brain modulated by highly OP-sensitive lipases. Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) hydrolyzes lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) as a preferred substrate. Gene deletion of NTE in mice is embryo lethal and the heterozygotes are hyperactive. NTE is very sensitive in vitro and in vivo to direct-acting OP delayed neurotoxicants and the related NTE-related esterase (NTE-R) is also inhibited in vivo. KIAA1363 hydrolyzes acetyl monoalkylglycerol ether (AcMAGE) of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) de novo biosynthetic pathway and is a marker of cancer cell invasiveness. It is also a detoxifying enzyme that hydrolyzes chlorpyrifos oxon (CPO) and some other potent insecticide metabolites. Monoacylglycerol lipase and fatty acid amide hydrolase regulate endocannabinoid levels with roles in motility, pain and memory. Inhibition of these enzymes in mice by OPs, such as isopropyl dodecylfluorophosphonate (IDFP), leads to dramatic elevation of brain endocannabinoids and distinct cannabinoid-dependent behavior. Hormone-sensitive lipase that hydrolyzes cholesteryl esters and diacylglycerols is a newly recognized in vivo CPO- and IDFP-target in brain. The OP chemotype can therefore be used in proteomic and metabolomic studies to further elucidate the biological function and toxicological significance of lipases in lipid metabolism. Only the first steps have been taken to achieve appropriate selective action for OP therapeutic agents.
Single Amino Acids Determine Specificity of Binding of Protein Kinase A Regulatory Subunits by Protein Kinase A Anchoring Proteins

Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase is tethered to protein kinase A anchoring proteins (AKAPs) through regulatory subunits (R) by RIalpha-specific, RIIalpha-specific, or RIalpha/RIIalpha dual-specific binding. Ala- and Val-scanning mutagenesis determined that hydrophobic amino acids at three homologous positions are required for binding of RIalpha to FSC1/AKAP82 domain B and RIIalpha to AKAP Ht31. A mutation at the middle position reversed the binding specificity of both AKAPs, and mutations at this same position of the dual-specific domain A of FSC1/AKAP82 converted it into either an RIalpha or RIIalpha binding domain. This suggests that hydrophobic amino acids at three conserved positions within the primary sequence and an amphipathic helix of AKAPs are required for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase binding, with the size of the aliphatic side chain at the middle position determining RIalpha or RIIalpha binding specificity.
Comparative nucleophilic reactivities in phosphodiester cleavage

o-Iodosobenzoate (2) and 2,3-iodosonaphthoate (4) cleave phosphodiester substrate 3 in cationic micelles at pH 9 with rate accelerations of 1200 or 5800, respectively.
Molecular Events Beyond apoCAM Preassociation in the CAM Regulation of Cav1.3 Channels

CaV channel regulation by calmodulin (CaM) is a central prototype for ion-channel modulation. Despite long study, relatively little is known mechanistically, beyond the initial preassociation of Ca2+-free CaM (apoCaM) with an IQ domain on the carboxy-terminus of channels. Most studies have focused on the IQ domain and immediate upstream ‘preIQ’ regions, despite hints that further upstream elements in the carboxy-terminus could be important. Accordingly, we here undertake alanine scanning mutagenesis of the entire carboxy-terminus upstream of the IQ domain (the proximal CI-region, PCI). For analysis, we chose CaV1.3 channels (highly homologous to classic CaV1.2), because they exhibit robust CaM-mediated inactivation (CDI), with particularly well-resolved profiles for both N- and C-lobe forms of inactivation. Several unexpected results were obtained. First, mutations throughout the preIQ domain left CDI essentially unchanged, at odds with functional hotspots in the homologous region of CaV1.2. Second, newly identified segments, situated upstream of the preIQ region, proved selectively critical for the C-lobe form of CDI. Specifically, we argue that the PCI region is the Ca2+/CaM effector site for C-lobe CDI, as revealed by quantitative comparison of the effect of PCI mutations on CDI, to their effect on PCI binding with Ca2+/CaM (‘Ψ-analysis’). Third, we further exploit Ψ-analysis to extend and confirm that the Ca2+/CaM effector site for the N-lobe form of CDI is structurally distinct, residing in the NSCaTE element of the channel amino terminus (Nature 451:830). Finally, while the IQ-domain is a primary site for apoCaM preassociation, our scan surprisingly reveals that PCI harbors additional preassociation sites, especially important for the N-lobe of apoCaM. Overall, this alanine scan of the CaV1.3, together with that of the IQ domain (companion abstract), outlines the long-sought molecular events beyond the initial apoCaM preassociation with the channel.
Can Single-Electron Integrated Circuits and Quantum Computers be Fabricated in Silicon?

Single-electronics and quantum computers have tremendous potential, but obstacles to fabricating them are enormous. Here we consider the physical difficulties in terms of both circuit architecture and plausible future advancements in silicon technology. Our discussion will focus on a set of recent proposals which involve tunnelling between 2D arrays of Coulomb islands or ‘quantum dots’. Planar architectures of this type can potentially be realized through in situ e-beam patterning of self-ordered dopant precursor molecules on hydrogen-terminated silicon surfaces. Low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy would then be used to overgrow them into Si/SiGe heterolayers. Epitaxial structures of this kind could potentially eliminate the random polarization offsets which plague all single-electron devices today, hopefully to levels permitting large-scale (fault-tolerant) integration. Individual donor atoms might be incorporated via STM lithography to fabricate the critical elements of a quantum computer. This approach offers many potential advantages, but the degree of material perfection it requires will be very challenging. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A use of drawing surfaces in different collaborative settings

Two-person design sessions were studied in three different settings: face-to-face, geographically separated with an audio/video link, and a telephone-only connection. In all settings, the designers' uses of a drawing surface were noted. Many similar drawing surface activities occurred in all design settings even though the settings did not each allow for the same sharing and interaction with the drawing surfaces. Observations suggest that the process of creating drawings may be as important to the design process as the drawings themselves. These preliminary results raise issues for further study, particularly with respect to computer support for collaborative drawing surface use.
Effects of indoleacetic acid and kinetin on scopoletin-scopolin levels in relation to growth of tobacco tissues in vitro.

20. MYRBACK, K., and G. NEUMULLER. 1950. Amylases and the hydrolysis of starch and glycogen. In: The Enzymes, J. B. Sumner and K. Myrback eds. Volume I, 1st edition. Academic Press, New York. 21. O'BRIEN, J. A., JR. 1942. Cytoplasmic inclusions in the granular epithelium of wheat and rye. Amer. Jour. Bot. 29: 479-491. 22. OHLSSON, E. 1922. Sur l'existence de deux ferments amylolytiques dans la diastase du malt. Compt. rend. soc. biol. 87: 1183-1184. 23. OHLSSON, E. 1930. Uber die beiden Komponenten der Malzdiastase, besonders mit Riichsicht auf die Mutarotation der bei der Hydrolyse der Stirke gebildeten Produkte. Zeits. Physiol. Chem. 189: 17-63. 24. PEAT, S. 1951. The biological transformations of starch. Advances in Enzymol. 11: 339-373. 25. PIGMAN, W. 1957. The Carbohydrates, Academic Press, New York. 26. PIGMAN, WV., and R. M. GOEPP. 1948. The Chemistry of the Carbohydrates, Academic Press, New York. 27. POLLOCK, M. R. 1959. Induced formation of enzymes. In: The Enzymes. P. D. Boyer, L. Lardy, and K. Myrback., eds. Volume I, 2nd ed. Academic Press, New York. 28. REED, H. S. 1904. A study of the enzyme-secreting cells in the seedlings of Zea mays and Phoenix dactylifera. Ann. Bot. 18: 267-287. 29. SCHWIMMER, S. 1950. Kinetics of malt alpha amylase action. Jour. Biol. Chem. 186: 181-193. 30. SUMNER, J. B., and G. F. SOMERS. 1953. The Chemistry and Methods of Enzymes. Academic Press, New York. 31. TOOLE, E. 1924. The transformations and the course of development of germinating maize. Amer. Jour. Bot. 11: 325-350. 32. TORREY, J. C. 1902. Cytological changes accompanying the secretion of diastase. Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 29: 421-435.
Crystal Structure of isoNicotinic Acid Hydrazide

As part of a programme of X-ray diffraction studies of biologically important compounds, the crystal structure of isonicotinic acid hydrazide (‘Nydrazid’) is being determined.
Modern sediment dispersal and accumulation in Quinault submarine canyon — A summary

Abstract Quinault Canyon, off the coast of Washington, intersects the dispersal path of modern Columbia River sediments on the continental shelf. Study of the dynamics, dispersal, and accumulation of these deposits in the canyon indicates that no systematic down-canyon transport occurs. Rather, sediment dispersal is controlled primarily by the regional flow pattern. Suspended particulate matter is resuspended on the shelf, primarily during winter storm events, and advected northward as a bottom nepheloid layer (BNL) over the shelf. Cross-canyon advection produces an intermediate nepheloid layer (INL) over the upper slope and canyon from which the suspended particulate matter settles rapidly, probably in amorphous aggregates. Rapid short-term deposition ( ∼ 10 −1 g cm −2 yr −1 ) and enhanced modern accumulation (generally 10 × 10 −2 g cm −2 yr −1 ) are confined to the upper canyon (1600 m), where fluctuations in deposition rates and grain size are related to specific shelf sediment resuspension events. In the lower canyon (1600 m), accumulation is slow and temporally uniform.
Impaired renal production of prostaglandin E2: a newly identified lesion in human essential hypertension.

Abstract To test the hypothesis that impaired renal prostaglandin production may accompany the hypertensive state, we have measured urinary PGE 2 by radio-immunoassay in 52 normotensive and 50 hypertensive subjects. PGE 2 levels were lower in females, and were not affected by Na + intake or age. Patients with essential hypertension had significantly lower PGE 2 , particularly those with low-renin hypertension. Forty percent of the hypertensives excreted less than 70 ng/24 hr, values never observed in normotensives except after receiving indomethacin, a well-known prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor. It appears that impaired renal prostaglandin production is commonly encountered in patients with essential hypertension, perhaps contributing to their increased renal resistance. The data further suggest a role for renal prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of low-renin hypertension.
Effects of periadolescent versus adult cocaine exposure on cocaine conditioned place preference and motor sensitization in mice

Rationale Age of initial exposure to addictive substances is inversely proportional to risk of developing drug dependence. There is debate, however, as to whether intake at a young age causes dependency or whether young people who experiment with addictive substances are predisposed to dependency by other factors.
Latino Employment and Black Violence: The Unintended Consequence of U.S. Immigration Policy

U.S. immigration policies after 1965 fueled a rise in the Latino population and, thus, increased the competition for low-skill jobs. We examine whether Latino immigration and Latino dominance of low-skill industries increases black urban violence. Using city-level data for the year 2000, we find that (1. Latino immigration is positively linked to urban black violence, (2. the link is most prevalent where blacks lost ground to Latinos in low-skill markets, (3. not all low-skill sectors operate in unison; black violence rises only when jobs in agriculture, manufacturing and construction are in short supply and, (4. Latino immigration raises black violence by first increasing black unemployment. We discuss the implications of these findings.
Long Time Dynamics of Met-Enkephalin: Comparison of Explicit and Implicit Solvent Models

Met-enkephalin is one of the smallest opiate peptides. Yet, its dynamical structure and receptor docking mechanism are still not well understood. The conformational dynamics of this neuron peptide in liquid water are studied here by using all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) and implicit water Langevin dynamics (LD) simulations with AMBER potential functions and the three-site transferable intermolecular potential (TIP3P) model for water. To achieve the same simulation length in physical time, the full MD simulations require 200 times as much CPU time as the implicit water LD simulations. The solvent hydrophobicity and dielectric behavior are treated in the implicit solvent LD simulations by using a macroscopic solvation potential, a single dielectric constant, and atomic friction coefficients computed using the accessible surface area method with the TIP3P model water viscosity as determined here from MD simulations for pure TIP3P water. Both the local and the global dynamics obtained from the implicit solvent LD simulations agree very well with those from the explicit solvent MD simulations. The simulations provide insights into the conformational restrictions that are associated with the bioactivity of the opiate peptide dermorphin for the delta-receptor.
Preparation of thin films of Y/sub 1/Ba/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ by magnetron sputtering techniques

Three variations of sputtering for growing thin films of Y/sub 1/Ba/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 7-x/ are examined: a three-metal cosputtering technique requiring a postanneal at high temperatures, an in situ process using a inverted cylindrical magnetron sputter gun, and another in situ process using an planar target in an off-axis geometry. The films are grown primarily on a magnesium oxide substrate because it is readily available, inexpensive, and its low dielectric constant permits convenient microwave circuit design. It is found that the cosputter process with postanneal produces films with depressed T/sub c/'s and J/sub c/'s. The inverted cylindrical magnetron sputtering has yielded the best films, showing complete transitions as high as 87 K and J/sub c/=4*10/sup 6/ A/cm/sup 2/ at 4 K. The off-axis results are not quite as good, with 79 K complete transitions. By lowering the substrates further out of the plasma in the off-axis system, films can be improved by avoiding damage from negative ions.
MAC protocol for resource allocation in hotspot microcell

An easy solution is proposed that can be implemented at the access point in the MAC layer without modification of the standard for stations. The solution aims at providing a controllable resource allocation method between uplink and downlink traffic flows and adapting the parameters according to the dynamic traffic load changes.
Abuse of children in day care centres: Characteristics and consequences

While day care sexual abuse cases share features in common with sexual abuse in other settings, many characteristics of abuse in day care settings merit special attention. These factors include the young age of the child victims, the involvement of multiple victims and multiple perpetrators, females as perpetrators, use of extreme threats, severity of the abuse, and in some instances ritualistic activities. Research findings support clinical impressions that children are negatively impacted by sexual abuse in day care. Consequences of abuse in day care include anxiety, excessive fearfulness, behavioural disturbances, sexual acting out and sleep disorders. Parents whose children are abused in day care centres also experience psychological distress with symptom profiles consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder. Abuse of children in day care settings warrants a specialized treatment approach. A major goal of treatment is to decrease symptomatology among all family members.
Quality assurance of intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) requires the use of inverse treatment planning and nonuniform fluence beams delivered by a series of complex radiation portals. The quality assurance procedures for conventional three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) have been developed and are in worldwide clinical use, but the more complex nature of IMRT limits the application of much of the quality assurance (QA) procedures developed for IMRT. Although consensus has not yet been reached regarding which procedures will eventually become recommended by official organizations, the field is rapidly coming to agreement on a basic set of procedures. This manuscript describes some of the novel techniques recently developed for IMRT QA, both for the validation of the calculated dose distribution and for assuring that the dose distribution reaches its intended targets.
Event Priority Instrumentation System for Nuclear Experiments on Scientific Satellites

The number of information bits per unit time, or data rate, which can be telemetered back to earth from a scientific satellite is limited by restrictions on weight, volume and power. Thus, each experimenter (generally one of many) is allotted a very limited data rate capability. In nuclear experiments, where a wide variety of events may occur per unit time, use of this rate capability may be optimized by selection of events on a priority basis. Described here is an event priority instrumentation system developed for use in scientific satellites. The system allows for the selection of the highest priority event occurring during a telemetry sequence. Also, provision is made for periodically changing the order of priority. All circuitry was designed and developed to minimize weight, volume and power drain and to maintain stable characteristics while unattended for periods as long as one year. The operating temperature range is -20°C to 60°C.
Reverse and forward engineering of frequency control in power networks

We reverse-engineer the frequency dynamics with general primary frequency control and show that it is a distributed algorithm to solve a well-defined optimization problem. We further investigate the role of deadband in control, and show that if the aggregated uncontrolled load deviation is nonzero the frequencies will be synchronized, and if however it is zero the frequencies may oscillate but within the deadband. The optimization model does not only provide a way to characterize the equilibrium and establish the convergence of the frequency dynamics, but also suggests a principled way to engineer frequency control. By leveraging the optimization problem and insights from reverse engineering, we propose a distributed realtime frequency control scheme that does not only maintain the frequency to the nominal value but also achieves economic efficiency. This is drastically different from the current hierarchical control approach that addresses frequency regulation and economic efficiency at different timescales and with centralized control, and is what is needed for future power system to cope with rapid and large fluctuations in supply/demand and manage a huge number of control points. This work presents a step towards developing a new foundation - network dynamics as optimization algorithms - for distributed realtime control and optimization of future power networks.
Evaluation and management of patients with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infections

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are emerging pathogens increasingly associated with chronic pulmonary disease. NTM are environmental saprophytes found in soil, dust and water and, unlike Mycobacterium tuberculosis, NTM are not transmitted from person to person. Pulmonary disease caused by NTM is a particular problem in older people without underlying immune compromise. The diagnosis of NTM pulmonary disease usually requires either multiple respiratory cultures that grow NTM or heavy growth of NTM from a single bronchoscopy or lung-biopsy specimen. High resolution computed tomography is the most useful radiographic study for diagnosis and to determine the extent of disease. Treatment includes multiple medications with activity against the particular NTM species, as single-drug therapy is likely to select for resistant organisms. Data demonstrating the effectiveness of specific drug regimens for NTM pulmonary disease are limited. Clarithromycin and azithromycin form the backbone of most treatment regimens...
Tale of Two Databases: The History of Federally Funded Information Systems for Education and Medicine.

Abstract Access to scholarly information in the disciplines of education and medicine occurred primarily through the simultaneous development of two bibliographic databases. The Education Resource Information Center (ERIC) originated as a resource designed to be comprehensive in its inclusion of peer-reviewed and unpublished literature for the entire education community. MEDLINE began as a resource of selective materials for physicians and researchers. Today, ERIC includes selected peer-reviewed literature directed primarily to researchers and practitioners, although others use the database, while MEDLINE is a vast information system serving all health professionals and consumers. This literature analysis of their policy history shows important differences in their evolution. Application of the Multiple Streams Framework can help in formulating possible explanations for the different developmental paths. These paths include: the degree of centralization or decentralization of the information system's organizational structure; the stability of the organizational mission; and the success of assessment strategies, federal budgetary support, and bias toward science in federal policy-making. These two government-supported databases served as models for a plethora of other databases. However, one was successful in acquiring funding from the outset, while the other continually suffered deficiencies in support. The importance of each to public welfare should have been obvious, but was not.
Recent Advances in Retreats: Adapting the Great Teachers Seminar Model To Serve an Entire College.

Despite the advanced technology on today's community college campuses, the need for sit-around-the-campfire human interaction endures. One way to bring this interesting dichotomy together is through a retreat based on the Great Teachers Seminar model.
Low leaf hydraulic conductance associated with drought tolerance in soybean

Lack of water is the most serious environmental constraint on agricultural production. More efficient use of water resources is a key solution for increased plant productivity in water-deficit environments. We examined the hydraulic characteristics of a 'slow wilting' phenotype in soybean (Glycine max Merr.), PI 416937, which has been shown to have relatively constant transpiration rates above a threshold atmospheric vapor pressure deficit (VPD). The VPD response of PI 416937 was confirmed. Three experiments are reported to examine the hypothesis that the VPD response was a result of low hydraulic conductance in leaves as compared to two other soybean genotypes. Results are reported from experiments to measure transpiration response to VPD when xylem water potential was maintained at zero, leaf rehydration response and leaf carbon assimilation response to petiole cutting. Major interspecific differences in leaf hydraulic properties were observed. The observed low leaf hydraulic conductance in PI 416937 is consistent with an increased water use efficiency, and an increased water conservation by limiting transpiration rates under high evaporative conditions but allowing normal gas exchange rates under more moderate evaporative conditions.
The regional socioeconomic balance sheet: Design of the database

THE BASIC idea and use of a regional balance sheet is similar to a balance sheet for a private enterprise; it is an attempt to measure the capital stock and to give a statement of the financial condition of the region. The asset side of the balance sheet provides a picture of the region’s assets, while the other side shows the claims or liabilities against these assets. From a managerial or decision-making viewpoint, the asset side of the balance sheet summarizes net fund uses, while the liability (and net worth) side shows net fund sources [l]. The decision-maker or public policy analyst uses the regional balance sheet to compare accounts at the beginning and ending of relevant periods. Differences in accounts in successive balance sheets are indicative of the public policy decisions over the period in question, for example, the use of vital resources. Pro forma balance sheets can be developed to forecast future activity and to reflect possible future alternative policies. Although the concept and use of balance sheets has been widely accepted for many years in private enterprise, it is only recently that the concept has been applied to accounting in the public sector [2]. The socioeconomic balance sheet includes a labor inventory to account for human assets and some items of intangible capital such as education and water resources which contribute directly to the total assets of the region. The term “socioeconomic” is used to distinguish between the expanded concept of a public sector balance sheet and a typical balance sheet in a firm which would measure only material wealth. A system of offsetting entries is used in balancing accounts of the socioeconomic balance sheet so that more precise measures of material wealth are separated from human assets and intangible wealth [3]. As stated above, the socioeconomic balance sheet is an attempt to measure the capital stock or total cumulative wealth of a region. In Table 1 the summary accounts are intended to reflect the “real” wealth rather than “financial” wealth. If one takes a “systems” view of the region, the socioeconomic balance sheet provides a useful descriptive model of a complex structural whole, including many sub-elements in the region [4]. Productive elements in the region (i.e. government, business, labor, edu-
Molecular and morphological divergence in the inland silverside (Menidia beryllina) along a freshwater-estuarine interface

Populations that vary across ecological gradients or that have invaded novel habitats are important to elucidate the association between adaptive divergence and gene flow, factors that may play an important role in speciation of silverside fishes. The inland silverside, Menidia beryllina, is an ideal organism for this kind of research, displaying a great diversity in morphology among freshwater and coastal brackish habitats. Using a combination of geometric morphometrics and mitochondrial (mt) DNA, we investigated patterns of variation within and among the nominal freshwater Menidia audens and coastal M. beryllina, spanning the transition from freshwater to tidally influenced semi-brackish waters of the lower Mississippi River to brackish waters of the Lake Pontchartrain estuary. Although we found no evidence for a phylogenetic split between M. audens and M. beryllina, our results indicate that significant genetic divergence corresponds with body shape differences among the two, with a clear distinction at the interface of freshwater and brackish water. Patterns in mtDNA suggest that freshwater populations referred to as M. audens are of recent origin with evidence for habitat-based divergence compared to coastal populations referred to as M. beryllina. Our findings add to a growing body of evidence that ecological shifts, following colonization of novel habitats, may promote rapid adaptive divergence and reduced gene flow among silverside populations in adjacent environmental regimes.
Transport and thermodynamic properties under anharmonic motion in type-I Ba 8 Ga 16 Sn 30 clathrate

Anharmonic guest atom oscillation has direct connection to the thermal transport and thermoelectric behavior of type-I Ba 8 Ga 16 Sn 30 clathrates. This behavior can be observed through several physical properties, with for example the heat capacity providing a measure of the overall excitation level structure. Localized anharmonic excitations also influence the low-temperature resistivity, as we show in this paper. By combining heat capacity, transport measurements, and our previous NMR relaxation results, we address the distribution of local oscillators in this material, as well as the shape of the confining potential and the excitation energies for Ba(2) ions in the cages. We also compare to the soft-potential model and other models used for similar systems. The results show good agreement between the previously deduced anharmonic rattler potential and experimental data.
Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Modeling of the Fumigation Process Using Large-Eddy Simulation

Abstract A Lagrangian particle dispersion model (LPDM) is used to study fumigation of pollutants in and above the entrainment zone into a growing convective boundary layer. Probability density functions of particle location with height and time are calculated from particle trajectories driven by the sum of the resolved-scale velocity from a large-eddy simulation (LES) model and the stochastic subgrid-scale (SGS) velocity. The crosswind-integrated concentration (CWIC) fields show good agreement with water tank experimental data. A comparison of the LPDM output with an Eulerian diffusion model output based on the same LES flow shows qualitative agreement with each other except that a greater overshoot maximum of the ground-level concentration occurs in the Eulerian model. The dimensionless CWICs near the surface for sources located above the entrainment zone collapse to a nearly universal curve provided that the profiles are time shifted, where the shift depends on the source heights. The dimensionless CWIC...
Noncompliant firms in transferable discharge permit markets: Some extensions

Abstract This paper extends the results of previous research on transferable discharge permit (TDP) markets with noncompliant firms to make a specific comparison between standards and TDP systems when regulatory authorities are unable to achieve full compliance. Particular attention is given to the importance of the shape of the penalty function facing noncompliant firms. The analysis indicates that under plausible penalty functions TDP markets may allow more pollution or a higher fraction of regulated firms out of compliance. These results highlight the importance of implementation in the success of pollution control strategies relying on TDP markets.
Regulation of a Calcium-dependent Tyrosine Kinase in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells by Angiotensin II and Platelet-derived Growth Factor DEPENDENCE ON CALCIUM AND THE ACTIN CYTOSKELETON

A novel, p125FAK homologue, CADTK, has been detected in neural, epithelial, or hematopoietic cells but not in fibroblasts. We now demonstrate CADTK expression in a mesenchymal cell, rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RSMC). Angiotensin II (Ang II) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB and PDGF-AA) markedly stimulated CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation in RSMC but did not affect p125FAK phosphorylation. The PDGF-dependent CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation was slower and more prolonged than that of Ang II, correlating well with the differential effects of these agonists on cytosolic calcium ([Ca2+] i ) signaling. An intracellular calcium chelator inhibited both the rapid and sustained activation of CADTK by Ang II and PDGF. Extracellular calcium chelation inhibited the PDGF-stimulated increase in CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation as well as the sustained (but not the early) activation by Ang II. In contrast, p125FAK tyrosine phosphorylation was maximal in quiescent, adherent RSMC and was not affected by incubation with EGTA. Depletion of protein kinase C activity partially inhibited both the Ang II- and PDGF-induced CADTK tyrosine phosphorylation. Additional results confirm a relation between CADTK and the cytoskeleton. First, the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin correlated with activation of CADTK; this increase was inhibited by EGTA. Second, cytochalasin D blocked the PDGF- or Ang II-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of CADTK, suggesting a role for the cytoskeleton in agonist-dependent CADTK activation. Third, immunofluorescence analysis of CADTK localization demonstrated actin-like cytoskeleton staining extending into focal contacts. These results suggest that in mesenchymal cells, CADTK is localized to and activated by an actin cytoskeleton-dependent mechanism; a mechanism that is regulated in a calcium and protein kinase C-dependent manner independently of p125FAK.
Fibrin glue mitigates the learning curve of microneurosurgical repair

Microneurosurgical technique has a steep learning curve. An alternative to microepineurial suture repair of peripheral nerves that circumvents this learning curve would be ideal. We investigated the effect of surgeon experience on suture versus fibrin glue coaptations in a mouse sciatic nerve graft model. Sixty-four mice received sciatic nerve grafts with either suture or fibrin glue repair by either a naive surgeon (medical student) or a surgeon with extensive microsurgical experience. Grafts underwent quantitative histomorphometry at 3 weeks postoperatively. Suture repairs performed by the naive surgeon demonstrated significantly poorer distal regeneration than all other repairs. Histomorphometric parameters of suture and glue repairs performed by the experienced surgeon were not significantly different from the glue coaptation by the naive surgeon. Fibrin glue may be considered as an alternative to microepineurial suture repair, particularly in the setting of relative surgeon inexperience with microsurgical technique.
The 9Be(α, d)11B reaction at Eα = 27 MeV

Abstract Angular distributions have been measured at Eα = 27 MeV for the 9Be(α, d) reaction to the first seven states in 11B for the angular range 7.5°–120° c.m. Excitation curves have been measured in the energy range from 26.5 to 27.5 MeV in 100 keV steps at the lab angles 40°, 60° and 90°. No evidence for non-direct processes was observed. DWBA calculations with Cohen-Kurath spectroscopic amplitudes were moderately successful in describing the transitions to the 0, 2.12 and 5.02 MeV states. The transition to the 4.44 MeV state did not exhibit a stripping pattern and is characteristic of multi-step transitions.
Microstructure Modeling of Particulate Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

The study of microscopic and macroscopic response of a particulate reinforced MMC using finite element analysis is the aim of the current study. In this regard, two types of microstructure models are subjected to FE analysis. In the first part of the work, a technique is presented for the generation of artificial microstructure containing spherical and ellipsoid shaped inclusions. The problem of detection of ellipsoidal intersection is tackled using newly available algorithms. The FE analysis of the artificial microstructure and a summary of the results form the second part of the study. It is seen that the results from the newly developed models agree very well with the published results and that the microstructure generation technique can be reused in many computational micromechanics problems with minimum modifications.
Role of Immunoglobulin Classes in Experimental Histoplasmosis in Bats

Pooled normal bat serum was separated by gel filtration to give fractions rich in IgG-, Iga- and IgM-like proteins. These fractions were analogous to the corresponding human immunoglobulin classes by immunoelectrophoresis and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Rabbits were immunized with the fractions and the antisera absorbed. Neotropical bats (Artibeus lituratus) were infected with Histoplasma capsulatum and serum samples were collected weekly and tested for specific serologic response to the fungus. A radial immunodiffusion test was devised to monitor changes in concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM in the same sera. Bats infected with a low dose of fungus had significantly increased levels of IgM and IgA between 2-6 weeks post-infection. Bats receiving a high dose maintained elevated levels of IgM and IgA through the end of the study. Significantly elevated levels of IgG were not detected until late in the disease (8-9 weeks). In bats with histoplasmosis, IgM and IgA appeared to contribute primarily to the early positive serologies, while precipitating antibodies of the IgG class were detectable later in the disease. These results are similar to the serologic profile seen in human histoplasmosis, and extend our understanding of comparative immune responses in an important wildlife reservoir of human mycotic pathogens.
Ionic channels: II. Voltage‐ and agonist‐gated and agonist‐modified channel properties and structure

This article reviews the different forms of ionic channels: voltage-gated, agonist-gated, and agonist- and second messenger-modified channels. The recent advances in our knowledge of the amino acid sequence of the sodium channel and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and the relationship of the primary structure to the channels' quarternary structure and function are discussed.
TRP Channels and Cell Mechanosensitivity

All cells respond to osmotic and mechanical forces. The rapid responses are attributed to certain ion channels. The prokaryotic MscL and MscS open by bilayer stretch force to release solutes, relieving osmotic stress in rain. In eukaryotes, some members of the transient-receptor-potential channel superfamily such as the TRPV4 of animals and TRPY1 of the budding yeast are mechanosensitive. Rat TRPV4s in patches, excised from expressing Xenopus oocytes, open instantly upon membrane stretch. This observation makes it unnecessary to invoke a mechanosensitive enzyme that produces a ligand to open TRPV4. Bone constantly gauges its weight load. Unloading osteoporosis develops in bed-ridden patients or astronauts in microgravity. Mice deleted of TRPV4 do not show unloading osteoporosis. Constitutive TRPV4 activities due to “gain-of-function” mutations cause severe bone-development and other problems in human. Recent findings on TRPV4 mutations will be reviewed.Whether the lipid bilayer or the cytoskeleton opens animal channels is an interesting question. I will also review evidence, the bulk of which points to a protective role of the cytoskeleton that prevents instead of causes channel opening.
INTEGRATION OVER A POLYHEDRON : AN APPLICATION OF THE FOURIER-MOTZKIN ELIMINATION METHOD

(1998). Integration Over a Polyhedron: An Application of the Fourier-Motzkin Elimination Method. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 105, No. 3, pp. 246-251.
The preparation of a partially protected heptasaccharide-asparagine intermediate for glycopeptide synthesis.

Abstract The heptasaccharide O-α- d -mannopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-[α- d -mannopyranosyl-(1→3)]-O-α- d -mannopyranosyl-(1→6)-O-[α- d -mannopyranosyl-(1→3)]-O-β- d -mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β- d -glucopyranosyl)-(1→4)-2-acetamido-2- deoxy- d -glucopyranose, isolated from the urine of swainsonine-intoxicated sheep, was peracetylated and was converted into the glycosyl azide by three alternative procedures, the most successful of which was formation of peracetyl oxazoline by treatment with trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, followed by treatment with trimethylsilyl azide. Reduction of the glycosyl azide in the presence of Lindlar catalyst gave the glycosylamine derivative, which was coupled with 1-benzyl N-fluoren-9-ylmethoxycarbonyl- l -aspartate to yield a protected glycosylasparagine. The benzyl ester group was easily removed by hydrogenolysis to form an intermediate suitable for glycopeptide synthesis.
Structure and bonding in molecular oxo-molybdenum compounds☆

Abstract Oxo-species of molybdenum(IV), (V), and (VI) are discussed with particular reference to (a) their structures (stereochemistry, bond lengths and bond angles), (b) vibrational spectra, and (c) molybdenum—oxygen bonding. The possible significance for molybdenum-containing enzymes of the trans -effect of molybdenum-oxygen multiple bonds is considered.
Contribution of chloride to the inhibition of plasma renin by sodium chloride in the rat

Contribution of chloride to the inhibition of plasma renin by sodium chloride in the rat. To evaluate the role of chloride in the inhibition of renin by sodium chloride, plasma renin activity (PRA) was measured in sodium chloride-deprived rats after dietary-loading with several sodium salts and choline chloride. In each experiment, three groups of eight Sprague Dawley rats were pair-fed a low sodium chloride diet for one week. During the second week, one group remained on this diet, a second group was given a sodium or choline salt (0.15 M or 0.075 M) other than sodium chloride in place of drinking water, and a third group received an equivalent amount of sodium chloride. Plasma volume (determined by measurement of 125 I-albumin), plasma creatinine, and cumulative sodium and potassium balances of animals loaded with sodium chloride and an additional sodium salt did not differ (P > 0.05). PRA of animals loaded with sodium acetate, sodium nitrate, and sodium thiocyanate did not differ from that of sodium chloride-deprived controls (P > 0.05), whereas PRA was inhibited by sodium chloride and sodium bromide (P 0.05), choline chloride-loading inhibited PRA to an even greater extent (P 0.05). These results suggest a role for chloride in regulating the renin responses to sodium-loading in the rat. Contribution du chlore a l'inhibition de la renine plasmatique par chlorure de sodium chez le rat. Pour evaluer le role du chlore dans l'inhibition de la renine par le chlorure de sodium, l'activite renine plasmatique (PRA) a ete mesuree chez des rats prives de chlorure de sodium apres une charge alimentaire en divers sels de sodium et chlorure de choline. Dans chaque experience trois groupes de huit rats Sprague-Dawley ont recu en parallele une alimentation pauvre en chlorure de sodium pendant une semaine. Pendant la deuxieme semaine un groupe a continue a recevoir la meme alimentation, un deuxieme groupe a recu un sel de sodium ou de choline (0,15 M ou 0,075 M), autre que chlorure de sodium a la place d'eau de boisson et le troisieme a recu une quantite equivalente de chlorure de sodium. Le volume plasmatique (albumine 125 I), la creatinine plasmatique, et les bilans cumulatifs de sodium et de potassium des animaux charges en chlorure de sodium ou un autre sel de sodium ne sont pas differents (P > 0,05). La PRA des animaux charges en acetate de sodium, nitrate de sodium, thiocyanate de sodium, ne differe pas de celle des animaux controles prives de chlorure de sodium (P 0,05), la charge de chlorure de choline inhibe la PRA avec une amplitude plus grande (P
"Resuscitation" of marginal liver allografts for transplantation with machine perfusion technology.

Summary As the rate of medically suitable donors remains relatively static worldwide, clinicians have looked to novel methods to meet the ever-growing demand of the liver transplant waiting lists worldwide. Accordingly, the transplant community has explored many strategies to offset this deficit. Advances in technology that target the ex vivo "preservation" period may help increase the donor pool by augmenting the utilization and improving the outcomes of marginal livers. Novel ex vivo techniques such as hypothermic, normothermic, and subnormothermic machine perfusion may be useful to "resuscitate" marginal organs by reducing ischemia/reperfusion injury. Moreover, other preservation techniques such as oxygen persufflation are explored as they may also have a role in improving function of "marginal" liver allografts. Currently, marginal livers are frequently discarded or can relegate the patient to early allograft dysfunction and primary non-function. Bench to bedside advances are rapidly emerging and hold promise for expanding liver transplantation access and improving outcomes.
Distribution of fast-cycling cells within the quiescent centre of excised roots of Zea mays

Abstract The distribution of both DNA-synthesizing cells and cells undergoing mitosis within the quiescent centre of excised roots of Zea mays was investigated and shown to be nonrandom. Those cells within the quiescent centre which can be detected undergoing mitosis and DNA synthesis more frequently than others are located predominantly in arcs topographically continuous with the cells of the inner cortex/outer stele region of the meristem proper. Estimates of the doubling times of these cells show that they do indeed divide more frequently than other quiescent centre cells.
Direct detection of aptamer-thrombin binding via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

In this study, we exploit the sensitivity offered by surface- enhanced Raman scattering SERS for the direct detection of throm- bin using the thrombin-binding aptamer TBA as molecular receptor. The technique utilizes immobilized silver nanoparticles that are func- tionalized with thiolated thrombin-specific binding aptamer, a 15-mer 5-GGTTGGTGTGGTTGG-3 quadruplex forming oligonucleotide. In addition to the Raman vibrational bands corresponding to the aptamer and blocking agent, new peaks mainly at 1140, 1540, and 1635 cm 1 that are characteristic of the protein are observed upon binding of thrombin. These spectral changes are not observed when the aptamer-nanoparticle assembly is exposed to a nonbinding protein such as bovine serum albumin BSA. This methodology could be further used for the development of label-free biosensors for direct detection of proteins and other molecules of interest for which aptam- ers are available. © 2010 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. DOI: 10.1117/1.3465594
The numerical evaluation of radiation integrals

In the numerical evaluation of radiation integrals, the number of terms required depends on the accuracy desired, the method of integration, the current distribution on the antenna, the length of the antenna, and the observation angle. Simpson's rule and the trapezoidal rule appear to be used almost exclusively at present. A "piecewise linear rule" introduced here is shown to yield greater accuracy for a given calculation time.