cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A finite-difference approximation for the eigenvalues of the clamped plate

A finite-difference scheme is given for the eigenproblem of the clamped plate. The discrete eigenvalues and eigenvectors are shown to converge to the continuous eigenvalues and eigenvectors likeO(h 2) andO (h 2? logh? 1/2) respectively.
Lethal and sublethal effects of malathion on three life stages of the grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio

Abstract The effects of malathion exposure on three life stages of the grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio) were evaluated. After 96-h exposures, malathion was most toxic to newly hatched larvae with an LC50 of 9.06 μg l−1 followed by an LC50 of 13.24 μg l−1 for 18-day-old larvae and an LC50 of 38.19 μg l−1 for adult shrimp. In a separate bioassay, to simulate field conditions, newly hatched larvae were exposed to malathion at 6 h day−1 every 5 days at a salinity of 10‰ until metamorphosis to postlarvae. After four pulse dose exposures, mortality was highest in the two highest concentrations, of 15.0 and 30.0 μg l−1. The number of instars to postlarvae was significantly lower in the highest concentration compared to control. The findings indicate that malathion may not directly affect growth in a measurable way but may alter natural metamorphic rhythms at the highest concentrations. Whole body acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured on Day 0 and Day 15 from the pulse exposure test. AChE activities were not significantly different from controls. Other factors than just AChE inhibition may have contributed to malathion toxicity.
The influence of molecular structure on strong field energy coupling and partitioning

Abstract Investigating the coupling of polyatomic molecules with intense laser pulses is necessary for understanding strong field photochemistry. Furthermore, the amount of energy deposited in laser/molecule interactions, the degree and pattern of fragmentation, and the energy partitioning between electronic and nuclear motion are of great interest for coherent control experiments in the strong field regime. As a step toward this goal we examine time-of-flight mass and photoelectron spectra for a series of aromatic hydrocarbons – benzene, naphthalene, anthracene and tetracene – collected using 780 nm, 80 fs laser pulses of intensity up to 2×10 14 W cm −2 . For this series, the amount of energy coupled increases with molecular size. The degree of fragmentation increases for the larger molecules, and the kinetic energy distributions of H + and C + ions and of photoelectrons shift to higher energies. Appearance intensities for ionization and activation of similar fragmentation channels decrease with increasing molecular size. The total amount of energy coupled appears to scale supra linearly with size of these molecules. The measurements suggest that energy deposition into polyatomic molecules occurs by interaction of the laser field with the molecular structure as a whole and not as a result of an interaction of the laser field with a collection of individual atoms.
Hemodynamic Profile After the Norwood Procedure With Right Ventricle to Pulmonary Artery Conduit

Background— The balance of systemic, pulmonary, and coronary blood flow after the Norwood operation for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is critical to early survival. We hypothesized that a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (instead of a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt) would result in hemodynamic changes consistent with a more stable balance of systemic, pulmonary, and coronary perfusion. Methods and Results— Hemodynamic data were obtained during cardiac catheterization before the hemi-Fontan procedure from 24 patients with HLHS; the first 10 had a Norwood operation with a systemic to pulmonary artery shunt, and the latter 14 had the Norwood operation with a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit. Significant differences were present, with the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit group having a higher aortic diastolic pressure (55 versus 42 mm Hg), a narrowed systemic pulse pressure (43 versus 64 mm Hg), a lower Qp:Qs (0.92 versus 1.42), a higher coronary perfusion pressur...
Some hazards and catastrophes: Recognition and mitigation

Because some hazards to the human race embrace the technical competence of the American Geophysical Union, a Union session entitled “Some Hazards and Catastrophes: Recognition and Mitigation” will be held at the 1986 AGU Spring Meeting in Baltimore, Md, Tuesday morning, May 20. Scientific study of natural hazards has already been shown to be valuable to society and indeed has already been the subject of many AGU sessions. However, most programs of hazard reduction have been underfunded and restricted to only a few parts of the world. It is time to examine all natural hazards in the widest possible context of public affairs and to determine how a bold international effort would benefit the human race.
Enhanced developmental potential of heat-shocked porcine parthenogenetic embryos is related to accelerated mitogen-activated protein kinase dephosphorylation

Recently, we demonstrated that a 9-h heat shock of 42°C can have marked stimulatory effects on porcine parthenogenetic embryo development if applied immediately after oocyte activation. Developmental discrepancies between heat-shocked (HS) and non-HS embryos were manifest as early as 3 h after activation, suggesting involvement of maturation promoting factor (MPF) and/or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Analysis of cdc2 kinase activity showed that MPF inactivation occurred at similar rates in HS and control embryos upon oocyte activation. However, MAPK dephosphorylation was accelerated in HS embryos compared with controls. Okadaic acid, a protein phosphatase inhibitor, maintained MAPK activity at high levels in both non-HS and HS embryos and sensitised HS embryos to the effects of elevated temperatures. No increase in heat shock proteins was observed in pronuclear-stage HS embryos. These data suggest that the acceleration of development observed in HS porcine parthenogenetic embryos is associated with a precocious inactivation of the MAPK signalling cascade. The faster cleavage divisions observed in HS embryos may be linked physiologically to their enhanced developmental potential in vitro.
The type II superstring to order θ 4

The Green-Schwarz superstring action in a general type IIA or IIB supergravity background is derived up to fourth order in the Grassmann-odd coordinates θ. This is done by solving the superspace Bianchi identities order by order in θ, to quadratic order for all superfields and to quartic order for the supervielbeins. For a large class of backgrounds it is possible to fix the kappa symmetry in such a way that the action actually terminates at the quartic order in θ.
Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin resuscitation of hemorrhage: Comparison of a blood substitute with hypertonic saline and isotonic saline

Resuscitation with tiny volumes of hypertonic solutions rapidly restores tissue perfusion while minimizing edema after hemorrhage and tissue trauma. Methods : We compared an O 2 -carrying fluid, Diaspirin Cross-Linked Hemoglobin (DCLHb), to 7.5% NS/Dextran-70 (HTS) or 0.9% saline (NS) in a trauma (celiotomy) hemorrhage model. Anesthetized rats (n = 10/group) underwent a tracheotomy, placement of jugular vein and carotid artery catheters, and placement of an abdominal aortic flow probe. Rats were hemorrhaged (20 mL/kg) from t = 0-15 minutes, and were given NS (group I), 60 mL/kg, HTS (group II), 4 mL/kg, or DCLHb (group III), 4 mL/kg, from t = 15-30 minutes. Sampling mandated removal of an additional 10 mL/kg of blood during the 2-hour experiment. Results : Mean arterial pressure was restored after hemorrhage in all groups. Oxygen delivery, which diminished dramatically after hemorrhage, was less than baseline in all groups after resuscitation. Oxygen consumption was restored in all groups after a sharp decrease during hemorrhage. Base deficit increased in the all groups but was greatest after normal saline or hypertonic saline resuscitation (t = 120 minutes ; I = 12 ± 0.4*, II = 13 ± 0.5* c, III = 10 ± 0.1* ; * = p < 0.05 versus baseline value within group for groups I, II, and III ; c = p < 0.05 group versus DCLHb (group II), by ANOVA). Conclusion : DCLHb restored mean arterial pressure and ameliorated the development of flow-dependent oxygen consumption. Base deficit, a reflection of systemic oxygen debt, was minimized with this blood substitute. DCLHb may represent a superior small volume resuscitative fluid after trauma and hemorrhage.
Importance of small wetlands for the persistence of local populations of wetland-associated animals

I simulated loss of small, legally unprotected freshwater wetlands in a 600 km2 area of Maine, USA to examine how loss of small wetlands altered the geometry of the wetland mosaic and thereby might affect the dynamics of metapopulations of wetland-associated organisms. Loss of small wetlands resulted in total wetland area declining by 19% (from 2032 to 1655 ha), total wetland number declining by 62% (from 354 to 136 wetlands), and average inter-wetland distance increasing by 67% (from 0.6 to 1.0 km). Also, average upland-wetland proximity decreased by 50% (0.5 to 1.0 km), such that just 54% of the landscape was within the maximum migration distance (1000m) of terrestrial-dwelling and aquatic-breeding amphibians after loss of small wetlands, versus 90% before loss. A spatially-structured demographic model revealed that local populations of turtles, small birds, and small mammals, stable under conditions of no wetland loss, faced a significant risk of extinction (P > 5%) after loss of small wetlands. No change in metapopulation extinction risk was evident for salamanders or frogs, largely because high rates of population increase buffered these taxa against local extinction. These results suggest that small wetlands play a greater role in the metapopulation dynamics of certain taxa of wetland animals than the modest area comprised by small wetlands might imply.
A dynamic general linear model for inference from accelerated life tests

Abstract : We present a new approach for inference from accelerated life tests. Our approach is based on a dynamic general linear model setup which arises naturally from the accelerated life testing problem and uses linear Bayesian methods for inference. The advantage of the procedure is that it does not require large number of items to be tested and that it can deal with both censored and uncensored data. Furthermore, the approach produces closed form inference results. We illustrate the use of our approach with some actual accelerated life test data. (AN)
Gene Rearrangements in the Molecular Pathogenesis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is a distinct subtype of myeloid leukemia that in the USA alone affects more than 3,000 individuals every year. APL is characterized by three distinct and unique features: i) the accumulation in the bone marrow of tumor cells with promyelocytic features; ii) the invariable association with specific translocations which always involve chromosome 17 and the Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha (RAR alpha) locus; iii) the exquisite sensitivity of APL blasts to the differentiating action of Retinoic Acid (RA). These features have led APL to become the paradigm for therapeutic approaches utilizing differentiating agents. The last 5 years have provided crucial insights into the molecular basis of APL. RAR alpha translocates in 99% of cases to a gene located on chromosome 15 that we initially named myl and subsequently has been called PML. In a few cases, RAR alpha variably translocates to chromosome 11 where it fuses to the PLZF gene or to a newly described partner, NuMA. In addition, RAR alpha is also found translocated to chromosome 5 where it fuses to the NPM gene. The cloning of variant translocations in APL and the comparative analysis of their associated products is crucial for the understanding of the molecular etiopathogenesis of the disease. The generation of animal models, i.e., transgenic mice expressing the fusion genes, will be instrumental in determining the precise contribution of these fusion genes to leukemogenesis. In fact, mice harboring a PML/RAR alpha transgene whose expression is specifically targeted to the myeloid-promyelocytic lineage develop acute myeloid leukemia with promyelocytic features. Moreover, the functional analysis of the various fusion proteins, as well as RAR alpha partners, is revealing striking common features beneath a misleading structural heterogeneity which unravels a possible unifying molecular mechanism towards APL leukemogenesis.
Escritura, espacios sociales y cosmologías indígenas en Nueva España: una aproximación a los calendarios zapotecos

In 1704 and 1705, some 103 copies of the 260-day Zapotec ritual calendar and four collections of ritual songs were handed over to Bishop Fray Angel Maldonado by elected Zapotec town officials of the province of Villa Alta, Oaxaca. This article analyzes the multiple religious and social meanings of these calendars by focusing on two main issues: connections between social spaces, historicity, and cosmological beliefs within these indigenous communities, and the emergence of a novel clandestine ritual genre characterized by a hybrid discourse regarding religious practices, which allowed specialists to share their cosmological knowledge with a literate indigenous public.
Evaluation of Standardized Ge(Li) Gamma Ray Detectors for Low Level Environmental Measurements

Counting sensitivity for stardardized Ge(Li) detectors has been determined for a large number of detector-sample geometries and counting conditions. It has been found that relatively simple systems can satisfy a majority of applications, thereby resulting in a favorable cost-effective approach to enviromental measurements. Recommendations are made for the improvement of significant counting parameters for speific applications, resulting in the maximum counting capability for a given detector system.
Phenolic inputs by invasive species could impart seasonal variations in nitrogen pools in the introduced soils: A case study with Polygonum cuspidatum

Abstract One cascading feature of the spread of introduced species of plants is their capacity to alter levels of resource availabilities for other species. However, the effects of introduced species on temporal patterns of soil nutrient availability remain unexplored, which could be critical for invasion where the growing seasons are short. To test the hypothesis that the invasive species could alter seasonal patterns of resource availability via suppression of soil processes through secondary compounds in autumnal litter-fall, we measured nutrient dynamics in soils inside and outside stands of invasive Polygonum cuspidatum at four sites in northeastern US over the growing season. In the uppermost soil (0–5 cm depth), both concentrations of inorganic N and rates of N mineralization were 60% lower inside than outside stands of knotweed in spring but became as high or higher inside than outside by fall. Carbon and nitrogen mineralizing soil microbial enzymes also followed a similar seasonal trend with lower activity inside the knotweed stands than outside during spring and these differences disappearing by summer. Concentrations of dissolved organic N (DON) and phenolic compounds showed the opposite seasonal pattern and a strong correlational trend; they were nearly 3 times higher inside than outside stands in spring and similar inside and outside in fall. The estimated flux of tannins from knotweed litter to soil was calculated as 189.5 ± 39.2 g m−2 year−1. Further, exogenous application of knotweed tannin reduced the soil N-mineralization and paralleled the field observed inhibition of mineralization. At 5–15 cm depth, concentrations of phenolics were uniformly low and differences between soils inside and outside stands were mostly non-significant. Our results suggests that invasion by polyphenol rich, yet fast growing exotic species would make the soil N pools more dynamic, which could facilitate invasion by creating stints of apparent deficiency and sufficiency of resources, and due to the localization of the invader effect the amelioration practices could be focused on the surface 0–5 cm layer of the mineral soil.
Detection of internal electric fields in BaTiO3 thin films by optical second harmonic generation

Abstract We have studied optical second harmonic generation (SHG) in some BaTiO3 thin films where, in each film, the SHG is unrelated to the crystallographic texturing of the film. We compared the mean value of the SHG coefficient averaged through the depth of the film to the values in ∼ 15 nm thick regions at the film-air and film-substrate interfaces, and we studied the temperature dependence of the SHG. The SHG coefficients were strong functions of depth in the film. We suggest that the observed SHG is due to internal electric fields from asymmetric distributions of oxygen vacancies in the films, such as those observed in numerous recent studies of imprinting in ferroelectric oxide thin film capacitors. As such, SHG provides a new means of studying imprinting. The technique provides depth resolution and does not require electrodes.
In Vitro Biomechanical Properties of 2 Compression Fixation Methods for Midbody Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fractures in Horses

Objective— To evaluate 2 methods of midbody proximal sesamoid bone repair—fixation by a screw placed in lag fashion and circumferential wire fixation—by comparing yield load and the adjacent soft-tissue strain during monotonic loading. Study Design— Experimental study. Sample Population 10 paired equine cadaver forelimbs from race-trained horses. Methods— A transverse midbody osteotomy of the medial proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) was created. The osteotomy was repaired with a 4.5-mm cortex bone screw placed in lag fashion or a 1.25-mm circumferential wire. The limbs were instrumented with differential variable reluctance transducers placed in the suspensory apparatus and distal sesamoidean ligaments. The limbs were tested in axial compression in a single cycle until failure. Results— The cortex bone screw repairs had a mean yield load of 2,908.2 N; 1 limb did not fail when tested to 5,000 N. All circumferential wire repairs failed with a mean yield load of 3,406.3 N. There was no statistical difference in mean yield load between the 2 repair methods. The maximum strain generated in the soft tissues attached to the proximal sesamoid bones was not significantly different between repair groups. Conclusions— All repaired limbs were able to withstand loads equal to those reportedly applied to the suspensory apparatus in vivo during walking. Clinical Relevance— Each repair technique should have adequate yield strength for repair of midbody fractures of the PSB immediately after surgery.
The bovine vomeronasal organ.

Vomeronasal tissues from four male gnotobiotic calves were prepared for transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Features described include: non-myelinated nerves in the non-neurosensory lamina propria, capillaries in the base of the neurosensory epithelium, sustentacular cells with microvilli 22-26μm long, neurosensory cells with numerous apical vesicles, cells with cytoplasmic projections containing dense bundles of filaments, and brush cells. The structurally well developed bovine vomeronasal organ is similar in other respects to that reported for a number of other mammals
Pharmacogenetics of alkylator-associated acute myeloid leukemia.

Therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is a lethal late complication of alkylator chemotherapy. The genetic basis of susceptibility to t-AML is poorly understood. Both t-AML and de novo AML are complex genetic diseases, requiring cooperating mutations in interacting pathways for disease initiation and progression. Germline variants of these ‘leukemia pathway’ genes may cooperate with somatic mutations to induce both de novo and therapy-related AML. Several cancer susceptibility syndromes have been identified that cause an inherited predisposition to de novo and t-AML. The genes responsible for these syndromes are also somatically mutated in sporadic AML. We reason that germline polymorphism in any gene somatically mutated in AML could contribute to t-AML risk in the general population. Identification of these susceptibility alleles should help clinicians develop tailored therapies that reduce the relative risk of t-AML.
CeO2 ↔ CuOx Interactions and the Controlled Assembly of CeO2(111) and CeO2(100) Nanoparticles on an Oxidized Cu(111) Substrate

The catalytic performance of ceria-based heterogeneous catalysts in many chemical transformations (water–gas shift reaction, CO oxidation, alcohol synthesis from CO/CO2 hydrogenation, etc.) is affected by the surface structure of the ceria. To control the performance of ceria-containing inverse catalysts, we devised a method to grow ceria nanoparticles (NPs) exposing exclusively either (111) or (100) surfaces and characterized their surface structures by scanning tunneling microscopy. When cerium is vapor-deposited on Cu(111) in a background of molecular O2, only CeO2(111) NPs grow. However, if the surface of Cu(111) is preoxidized with O2 or NO2 to form a rectangular copper oxide phase, probably Cu4O3(001), CeO2(100) NPs grow on the oxide template instead. These experimental findings are interpreted using results of density functional calculations. The (100) surface of bulk ceria reconstructs to preserve charge neutrality. This is not necessary for CeO2(100) NPs grown on Cu4O3(001), where the topmost oxy...
Evaluation of depression in a general hospital: Utility and limitations of the dexamethasone suppression test

Abstract Use of the DST was studied in medically hospitalized, depressed patients. Although complicating medical factors necessarily excluded nearly 60% of referrals, post-dexamethasone plasma cortisol values were significantly higher in 14 major depressives appropriate for the DST as compared to 12 patients with milder, subsyndromal depressive conditions. Using a plasma cortisol criterion of >7 μg/dl, the DST identified major depression with 57% sensitivity and 92% specificity in this subsample ( p
Variable feed allowance with constant protein input for the pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei reared under semi-intensive conditions in tanks and ponds

Abstract Feed input may be reduced in shrimp aquaculture by increasing the protein density of the diet modifying the feeding rate so as to deliver the desired amount of nutrients. To evaluate this strategy, two parallel growth trials were conducted with juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. In an outdoor tank trial, juvenile (0.57 ± 0.01 g, n = 30) shrimp were reared for 56 days and fed two practical diets formulated to contain 30% or 40% crude protein (CP). Each diet was offered at three different feeding rates (50%, 75%, and 100% ration). At the end of the trial, final weight of shrimp offered the 30% CP diet ranged from 8.1 to 10.3 g, and 8.7–11.3 g for shrimp fed the 40% CP diet. Final weight, weight gain, FCR, and PCE was reduced significantly at every reduced feed ration (50 and 75%). There were no significant differences in final weight (10.3 g, mean weight) of shrimp offered the two treatments with similar protein inputs (30–100% and 40–75%). However, FCR was significantly lower for the 40–75% treatment (1.1 versus 1.4). To demonstrate the effect of variable feed allowance under practical pond conditions 12 ponds were stocked at 35 shrimp/m2 (0.04 ± 0.04 g, n = 56) and assigned three treatments (30–100%, 30–75%, and 40–75%). A fourth treatment (40–100%) was initiated two weeks later utilizing two additional ponds to allow observational data collection. At the end of the trial (114–121 days) the final weight (19.7–21.7 g), FCR (1.0) and survival (75–88%) between the treatments 30–100% and 30–75% were not significantly different. However, production was significantly higher for the treatment 30–100% than for the treatment 30–75% (6482 versus 5054 kg/ha). Based on observational data, yield was numerically higher for the 40–75 treatment than for the 30–75 treatment and it tended to be lower than that of the 30% CP diet offered at standard rate (30–100%). This study demonstrates that increasing the nutrient density (protein content) of the shrimp feed allows for a reduction of feed input without affecting the growth performance of shrimp in tanks. Results of the tank trial could not be verified through the pond trial due to the loss of some experimental units. As interactions of natural productivity and feed distribution may alter the results under pond production conditions further research in ponds is warranted.
Cyclic AMP sensor EPAC proteins and energy homeostasis

The pleiotropic second-messenger cAMP plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of various hormones on metabolism. The major intracellular functions of cAMP are transduced by protein kinase A (PKA) and by exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPACs). The latter act as guanine-nucleotide exchange factors for the RAS-like small G proteins Rap1 and Rap2. Although the role of PKA in regulating energy balance has been extensively studied, the impact of EPACs remains relatively enigmatic. This review summarizes recent genetic and pharmacological studies concerning EPAC involvement in glucose homeostasis and energy balance via the regulation of leptin and insulin signaling pathways. In addition, the development of small-molecule EPAC-specific modulators and their therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes and obesity are discussed.
Optimal synthesis of saturating sampled-data systems using integral performance index†

This paper introduces a technique for the synthesis of optimal sample-data systems with constrained control variables. The performance index is chosen to be of integral form so that the system errors between sampling instants are accounted for as well as the errors at the sampling instants. Both time-varying and stationary systems are considered. The development of the synthesis technique is based upon an extended maximum principle and the variation method. The result of the synthesis may be implemented by a closed-loop non-linear discrete-time system or a closed-loop nonlinear sampling system without on-line computation. A numerical example is given. The technique presented in this paper can be extended to synthesize the optimal control of multi-rate, variable-rate or staggered sampled-data systems.
Eight novel polymorphic microsatellites in the hispid pocket mouse (Chaetodipus hispidus) and cross-amplification in other Perognathinae species (Rodentia: Heteromyidae)

Twenty-eight nuclear microsatellites were isolated for the hispid pocket mouse, Chaetodipus hispidus, and characterized in 33 individuals from four genetically distinct groups throughout the geographic range of the species. Dinucleotide and trinucleotide microsatellite repeat motifs were screened, and of the 28 primer pairs created, eight amplified and were polymorphic. After correction for multiple tests, no loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg expectations. Working primers also were tested in other closely related species found within the subfamily Perognathinae. The microsatellite markers characterized in this study will be beneficial towards future population genetic research within the hispid pocket mouse and other Perognathinae rodents.
Development and cross-validation of the UPSA short form for the performance-based functional assessment of patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease.

Background Functional capacity includes basic and complex behaviors necessary to independently live in the community. It has been found that patients with cognitive impairment have daily living functional skills altered at very early stages of illness. Objectives 1) To develop and validate a brief scale derived from the University of California, San Diego, performance-based skills assessment (UPSA); 2) to cross-validate this new UPSA short form with an independent healthy elderly sample. Method Fifty-one healthy elderly subjects, 26 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subjects defined per Petersen's criteria, and 22 probable Alzheimer Disease (AD) subjects according to National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke–AD and Related Disorders Association criteria were included. For cross-validation purpose, a comparison group of 108 older healthy subjects with Mini-Mental scores of 25 or greater was also recruited. A modified four-functional domain version of the UPSA was administered. Results Communication and comprehension/planning domains accounted for almost 90% of the variance ( R 2 = 0.89) and in all models entered first and second, respectively. An UPSA short form using these two domains was significantly correlated with the full UPSA scale in all the groups examined: 0.86 for healthy controls; 0.87 for MCI; and 0.88 for AD. Acceptable sensitivity and specificity values for the UPSA short form were found in receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A correlation of 0.80 was found between the short and the full UPSA scales in the cross-validation sample. Conclusions The UPSA short form is a rapid, reliable, and efficient measure of functional capacity that is able to detect performance impairment in an ecologically valid setting in much less time compared with the extended form of the scale. Furthermore, it demonstrated adequate discriminative properties among healthy subjects, MCI patients, and AD patients.
Microinjection of carbachol in the lateral hypothalamus produces opposing actions on nociception mediated by α1- and α2-adrenoceptors

Electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) produces antinociception partially blocked by intrathecal alpha-adrenergic antagonists, but the mechanism underlying this effect is not clear. Evidence from immunological studies demonstrates that substance P-immunoreactive neurons in the LH project near the A7 catecholamine cell group, a group of noradrenergic neurons in the pons known to effect antinociception in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Such evidence suggests that LH neurons may activate A7 neurons to produce antinociception. To test this hypothesis, the cholinergic agonist carbachol was microinjected into the LH at doses of 63, 125 and 250 nmol and the resulting effects on tail-flick and nociceptive foot-withdrawal latencies were measured. All three doses significantly increased response latencies on both tests, with the 125-nmol dose providing the optimal effect. Intrathecal injection of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (97 nmol) partially reversed antinociception, but neither the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine nor the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist WB4101 altered latencies. However, two sequential doses of yohimbine blocked LH-induced antinociception on both tests. In contrast, two sequential doses of WB4101 increased nociceptive responses on both the tail-flick and foot-withdrawal tests. These findings, and those of published reports, suggest that neurons in the LH activate spinally projecting methionine enkephalin neurons, as well as two populations of A7 noradrenergic neurons that exert a bidirectional effect on nociception. One of these populations increases nociception through the action of alpha(1)-adrenoceptors and the other inhibits nociception through the action of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the spinal cord dorsal horn.
Tangential H∞-images of boundary curves

1. Introduction . Suppose that Ω is a region (i.e. a connected open set) in ࠶ n , for some fixed n ≥ 1. We define (Γ, μ) to be a Fatou pair in Ω if (a) Γ is a continuous family of boundary curves γ w in Ω, one ending at each w ∈ ∂Ω, (b) μ is a positive finite Borel measure on ∂Ω, and (c) the conclusion of Fatou's theorem holds with respect to Γ and μ. Let us state (a) and (c) in more detail: (a) The map (w, t) → γ w (t) is continuous, from ∂Ω × [0, 1) into Ω, and for every w in the boundary ∂Ω of Ω. (c) For every f ∈ H ∞ (Ω) (the class of all bounded holomorphic functions in Ω), the limit exists a.e. [μ].
SU-E-T-680: Comparison between XVMC Monte Carlo and Eclipse AAA Dose Calculations for Rapidarc Plans

Purpose: To investigate the dose calculation accuracy of the Eclipse AAA dose calculation algorithm for Rapidarc treatment plans by means of recalculating Rapidarc plans with the fast Monte Carlo code XVMV.Methods: The fast Monte Carlo code XVMC was commissioned for a Trilogy linear accelerator (Varian, Palo Alto) with a 6x photon beam. Dose calculation tests with XVMC in solid water demonstrated the high accuracy of the beam model for different field sizes compared to measurements and calculations with the clinically commissioned AAA algorithm in Eclipse (Varian, Palo Alto). Dose calculations for conventional treatment plans in the absence of large areas of high or low density inhomogeneities for 3D conformal treatment plans, like 4‐field pelvis plans, also demonstrated a high level of agreement. Clinical Rapidarc treatment plans of prostate and H&N cases were recalculated with XVMC.Results: Comparison between AAA and XVMC dose calculations of Rapidarc plans show differences in the presence of inhomogeneities as they have already been discussed in a variety of publications comparing AAA or Collapsed Cone calculations with Monte Carlo results. In addition we found that the overall dose is overestimated in Eclipse by several Gray (see Fig. 2). A typical prostate or H&N plan will show a dose of 3–4 Gy less in the XVMC dose calculation compared to AAA calculations Conclusions: This work indicates that in addition to the well known limitations of AAA or Collapsed Cone algorithms with respect to how they handle and correct for lateral electron scatter and electron disequilibrium the accuracy of absolute dose calculations with AAA may also be limited in Rapidarc treatment planning. This can be explained with the extremely small islands of dose and the high percentage of area blocked by the MLCs as it can often be observed for control point of Rapidarc treatment plans. The author of this abstract holds a Varian research grant, is a guest speaker for Brainlab and has a part‐time commitment with Computerized Medical Systems.
Child soldiers as super-privileged combatants

Much of the children's rights literature, especially as pertains to child soldiers, constitutes hopeful child rights advocacy, based purely on intuition. This article anchors its recommendations in humanitarian law itself, advancing three major claims: first, international humanitarian law should explicitly identify a category of combatant that it implicitly recognises – namely, the super-privileged, or victimised combatant (for individuals who are victims in virtue of being combatants rather than victims only after other harm befalls them); second, children are fitting candidates for populating that category; and third, the rationale behind identifying super-privileged combatants offers sharp and feasible guidelines for the treatment they warrant, including enhanced opportunities to withdraw from combat and modified treatment in detention. Both the first and second claims are defensible not solely based on intuition, but also by reference to the Geneva Conventions and their attendant commentaries. Thus, ...
Solvent-Dependent Photophysics of 1-Cyclohexyluracil: Ultrafast Branching in the Initial Bright State Leads Nonradiatively to the Electronic Ground State and a Long-Lived 1nπ* State

The modified nucleic acid base, 1-cyclohexyluracil, was studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy in protic and aprotic solvents of varying polarity. UV excitation at 267 nm populates the lowest-energy bright state, a 1ππ* state, which has a lifetime of 120−270 fs, depending on the solvent. In all solvents, this initial bright state population bifurcates with ∼60% undergoing subpicosecond nonradiative decay to the electronic ground state and the remaining population branching to a singlet dark state. The latter absorbs between 340 and 450 nm. The latter state is assigned to the lowest-energy 1nπ* state. It decays to the electronic ground state with a lifetime that varies from 26 ps in water to at least several nanoseconds in aprotic solvents. The results suggest that the two nonradiative decay pathways identified for photoexcited uracil in recent quantum chemical calculations (Matsika, S. J. Phys. Chem. A. 2004, 108, 7584) are simultaneously operative in a wide variety of solvent environmen...
Assessing cancer incidence in a small community

Many small communities are concerned about health effects from environmental pollutants. One such community, Orwell, in Oswego County, New York, was investigated to determine if the level of cancer was significantly high in comparison to the county and the state. A pilot health study was administered among residents living in a defined area. Results of the survey demonstrated that cancer incidence was higher than both Oswego County and New York State, while cancer mortality was higher for men and lower for woman. A closer examination of the data showed that the way in which health surveys are usually analyzed may not be appropriate for small communities. In particular, some parametric statistics, such as chi-square analysis, might show significant differences between populations when standardized incidence and mortality rates are derived from small samples, yet standard deviations calculated from these data are so large as to cast doubt on the analysis. Researchers have discussed this problem theoretically, but empirical studies illustrating the difficulties have not heretofore appeared in the published literature. For health studies in small communities, greater consideration should be given to risk ratios and the implications of standard deviations.
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases from Sarcina lutea.

Extracts from Sarcina lutea were assayed for aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase activity by determining amino acid-stimulated ATP-32PPi exchange or hydroxamate formation. Extracts from logarithmically growing cells exhibited a higher specific activity than those from stationary cultures. When amino acid activation was measured both by hydroxamate formation and ATP-32PPi exchange, the ratio of activities determined by these methods varied with each amino acid tested. This is explained by the finding that hydroxylamine at higher concentrations is an inhibitor of the exchange reaction.
Differential diagnosis of low-attenuation splenic lesions on computed tomography

A retrospective computed tomography evaluation of proved low-attenuation splenic lesions in nontraumatic cases was done. Computed tomography was able to distinguish cystic from solid lesions. Although computed tomography examination is sensitive in the detection of low-attenuation lesions, the computed tomography findings alone are not helpful in differentiation of different low-attenuation lesions. Associated computed tomography findings in other organs and clinical findings are more helpful than the size, shape, and computed tomography attenuation of the lesions. Splenic lesions may be the only metastatic manifestation in some cancer patients. A thin needle aspiration may be done to document the nature of the pathologic lesion in problematic cases.
The stability and physical properties of egg white and whey protein foams explained based on microstructure and interfacial properties

Abstract The goal of this investigation was to determine if physical models, based on micro-scale (bubbles) and nano-scale (interface) properties, can be used to explain the macroscopic foaming properties of egg white protein (EWP) and whey protein isolate (WPI). Foam properties were altered by adding different amounts of sucrose (4.27–63.6 g/100 mL) and microstructures were observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy and bubbles were quantitatively measured using image analysis. Addition of sucrose decreased the initial bubble size, corresponding to higher foam stability and lower air phase fraction. EWP foams were composed of smaller bubbles and lower air phase fractions than WPI foams. Increased sucrose concentration caused a decreased liquid drainage rate due to a higher continuous phase viscosity and smaller bubble sizes. WPI foams had faster rates for liquid drainage and bubble coarsening than EWP foams. The differences were attributed to faster bubble disproportionation in WPI foams, caused by lower interfacial elasticity and lower liquid phase fractions. The experimentally fitted parameters for foam yield stress did not follow universal trends and were protein type dependent. EWP foams had higher yield stress than WPI foams due to smaller bubble sizes and higher interfacial elasticity. The yield stress of WPI foams increased slightly with addition of sucrose and cannot be accounted for based solely on model parameters. It appears that changes in stability of EWP and WPI foams can be explained based on physical models while unaccounted for protein-specific effects remain regarding foam yield stress.
A Nonlinear Model for Dielectric Elastomer Membranes

The material and geometrical nonlinearities of novel dielectric elastomer actuators make them more difficult to model than linear materials used in traditional actuators. To accurately model dielectric elastomers, a comprehensive mathematical formulation that incorporates large deformations, material nonlinearity, and electrical effects is derived using Maxwell-Faraday electrostatics and nonlinear elasticity. The analytical model is used to numerically solve for the resultant behavior of an inflatable dielectric elastomer membrane, subject to changes in various system parameters such as prestrain, external pressure, applied voltage, and the percentage electroded membrane area. The model can be used to predict acceptable ranges of motion for prescribed system specifications. The predicted trends are qualitatively supported by experimental work on fluid pumps [A. Tews, K. Pope, and A. Snyder, Proceedings SPIE, 2003)]. For a potential cardiac pump application, it is envisioned that the active dielectric elastomer membrane will function as the motive element of the device.
Pre-pyloric pseudomelanosis.

icion for melanosis or a melanoma. A gastric biopsy specimen howed granular pigmented material in the lamina propria, which as negative for iron on Perls’ staining (Fig. 2). A diagnosis of seudomelanosis was confirmed. There was no evidence of intestial metaplasia and Helicobacter pylori with immunohistochemical tain. Pseudomelanosis is defined as dark pigmentation seen in the ntestinal mucosa, and known to occur usually in the colon and uodenum [1]. Our report is unique in its location as previous nonuodenal cases have been reported in the gastric body and antrum.
Toxicity of alcide

Alcide is now used as a liquid sterilizer in an ultrasonic cleaner. It is excellent for herpes, fungus of the fingernail, warts and treatment of burn infection. The active ingredients (AI's) in this compound are sodium chlorite (ClO2−) and lactic acid. Studies were conducted to determine the toxicity of Alcide in its liquid and gel forms. The oral lethal doses after 14 days (LD50) in female and male rats were 340 and 292 mg kg−1 (AI), respectively. No mortality occurred during the acute dermal toxicity study. The ocular irritation study in rabbits indicated redness in the conjunctivae within 1 h which became normal after 24 h. The cornea and iris remained without changes during the observation period. The guinea pig sensitization study revealed the occurrence of reversible necrosis after 3 days. On day 11, healing began and was completed by day 15 after the intradermal injection. No significant changes were observed in red blood cell compartments, glutathione levels, hemolysis, methemoglobin and blood chemistry in rabbits treated daily with 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 (gm kg−1) Alcide for 1 month using intact and abraded skin.
Regulation of the development of tectal neurons and their projections by transcription factors Brn3a and Pax7.

The rostral part of the dorsal midbrain, known as the superior colliculus in mammals or the optic tectum in birds, receives a substantial retinal input and plays a diverse and important role in sensorimotor integration. However, little is known about the development of specific subtypes of neurons in the tectum, particularly those which contribute tectofugal projections to the thalamus, isthmic region, and hindbrain. Here we show that two homeodomain transcription factors, Brn3a and Pax7, are expressed in mutually exclusive patterns in the developing and mature avian midbrain. Neurons expressing these factors are generated at characteristic developmental times, and have specific laminar fates within the tectum. In mice expressing βgalactosidase targeted to the Pou4f1 (Brn3a) locus, Brn3a-expressing neurons contribute to the ipsilateral but not the contralateral tectofugal projections to the hindbrain. Using misexpression of Brn3a and Pax7 by electroporation in the chick tectum, combined with GFP reporters, we show that Brn3a determines the laminar fate of subsets of tectal neurons. Furthermore, Brn3a regulates the development of neurons contributing to specific ascending and descending tectofugal pathways, while Pax7 globally represses the development of tectofugal projections to nearly all brain structures.
Non-histone chromatin proteins that recognize specific sequences of DNA

Numerous chromatographic procedures have recently been developed to purify to near homogeneity various eukaryotic non-histone chromatin proteins that recognize and bind to specific sequences of DNA. In this brief review we have discussed a number of these different methods that we feel are important and probably represent the starting points for much of the future research work in this area. We view this coverage as being only an introduction, however, and strongly recommend that the reader consult the original papers for details of methods and protocols. We, nevertheless, hope that the information presented here will be of some assistance to those researchers and students who wish to become acquainted with the latest developments in this rapidly advancing field of chromatography. Although it is evident from what has been presented that the purification of each DNA sequence-specific non-histone chromatin protein initially starts with common or classical isolation and fractionation procedures, the final (and often crucial) steps of enrichment and purification often involve distinctive or unique procedures for each individual protein of interest. In many cases these final steps involve new techniques such as DNA sequence-specific bioaffinity and photoaffinity chromatography which not only ensure the isolation of specific protein species from complex mixtures but also result in a tremendous enrichment for nuclear proteins that are often present in the nucleus in extremely low concentrations. Furthermore, the entire process of protein purification has been remarkedly facilitated with the advent of high-performance liquid chromatographic and fast protein liquid chromatographic techniques which now allow for the very rapid separation and purification of proteins in a matter of minutes from mixtures that in the recent past would have required hours or days to purify. Thus, separation and purification techniques are now available that set the stage for the rapid isolation of rare, DNA sequence-specific, NHC nuclear proteins from almost any cellular source. It is therefore reasonable to anticipate that in the near future there will be major advances made in our understanding of the specific nuclear proteins that regulate gene expression in eukaryotic cells.