cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen interacts with the IGF-1 system to protect nigrostriatal dopamine and maintain motoric behavior after 6-hydroxdopamine lesions

The most prominent neurochemical hallmark of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA). Animal models of PD have concentrated on depleting DA and therapies have focused on maintaining or restoring DA. Within this context estrogen protects against 6-hydroxdopamine (6-OHDA) and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) lesions of the nigrostriatal DA pathway. Present studies tested the hypothesis that neuroprotective estrogen actions involve activation of the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) system. Ovariectomized rats were treated with either a single subcutaneous injection of 17β-estradiol benzoate or centrally or peripherally IGF-1. All rats were infused unilaterally with 6-OHDA into the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) to lesion the nigrostriatal DA pathway. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunocytochemistry confirmed that rats injected with 6-OHDA had a massive loss of TH immunoreactivity in both the ipsilateral substantia nigra compacta (60% loss) and the striatum (>95% loss) compared to the contralateral side. Loss of TH immunoreactivity was correlated with loss of asymmetric forelimb movements, a behavioral assay for motor deficits. Pretreatment with estrogen or IGF-1 significantly prevented 6-OHDA-induced loss of substantia nigra compacta neurons (20% loss) and TH immunoreactivity in DA fibers in the striatum (<20% loss) and prevented the loss of asymmetric forelimb use. Blockage of IGF-1 receptors by intracerebroventricular JB-1, an IGF-1 receptor antagonist, attenuated both estrogen and IGF-1 neuroprotection of nigrostriatal DA neurons and motor behavior. These findings suggest that IGF-1 and estrogen acting through the IGF-1 system may be critical for neuroprotective effects of estrogen on nigrostriatal DA neurons in this model of PD. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Free Energy Perturbation Study of Octanol/Water Partition Coefficients: Comparison with Continuum GB/SA Calculations

Molecular dynamics (MD) free energy perturbation (FEP) simulations were carried out in order to obtain insights into the structures and dynamics of a series of small organic solutes in water and water-saturated 1-octanol. Relative free energies of solvation were computed for each solute in both solvents, and these results were used to estimate the relative octanol/water partition coefficients (log P o w). The relative octanol/water partition coefficients were in good agreement with experimental log P o w values (average unsigned error = 0.74 log units), if one omits the acetamide−acetone simulation which proved problematic. Partition coefficients were also calculated using the newly developed GB/SA octanol continuum solvation model in order to compare the MD-FEP and continuum model results. Interestingly, the computationally much more efficient GB/SA calculations proved to be more accurate (average unsigned error in log P o w = 0.50 log units) than FEP for this set of 12 solutes.
INACTIVATION OF LAMBDA PHAGE WITH 658 nm LIGHT USING A DNA BINDING PORPHYRIN SENSITIZER

Exposure of lambda phage to 658 nm light in the presence of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(1-methyl-4-pyridyl)-21H,23H-porphine, tetra-p-tosylate leads to complete (greater than 7 logs) inactivation as measured by the plaque assay. The sensitizer without light and 658 nm photolysis of lambda phage in the absence of sensitizer do not lead to a measurable decrease in viral inactivity. Viral inactivation is not dependent upon the presence of oxygen.
Sweet's syndrome–like neutrophilic lobular panniculitis associated with all-trans-retinoic acid chemotherapy in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia

Sweet's syndrome–like (Sweet's-like) neutrophilic panniculitis is usually idiopathic, but is frequently associated with hematologic, inflammatory, and immunologic disease. Drug-related cases of Sweet's syndrome have been reported. Of relevance, chemotherapy with the retinoid all- trans -retinoic acid (ATRA) infrequently induces Sweet's-like neutrophilic panniculitis that occurs concomitantly with neutrophilic differentiation. The pathologic features are limited to the adipose tissue or include both the dermis and the subcutaneous fat; the neutrophilic infiltrate can be observed in the lobules, the septae, or both. We present this case because of the unusual subcutaneous neutrophilic infiltrate consistent with Sweet's-like neutrophilic lobular panniculitis in a patient with acute promyelocytic leukemia receiving ATRA chemotherapy. This case highlights the important connection between ATRA and Sweet's syndrome.
LADAR And FLIR Based Sensor Fusion For Automatic Target Classification

The purpose of this report is to show results of automatic target classification and sensor fusion for forward looking infrared (FLIR) and Laser Radar sensors. The sensor fusion data base was acquired from the Naval Weapon Center and it consists of coregistered Laser RaDAR (range and reflectance image), FLIR (raw and preprocessed image) and TV. Using this data base we have developed techniques to extract relevant object edges from the FLIR and LADAR which are correlated to wireframe models. The resulting correlation coefficients from both the LADAR and FLIR are fused using either the Bayesian or the Dempster-Shafer combination method so as to provide a higher confidence target classifica-tion level output. Finally, to minimize the correlation process the wireframe models are modified to reflect target range (size of target) and target orientation which is extracted from the LADAR reflectance image.
Effect of Selected Dietary Additives on the Incidence of Dental Caries in the Rat

Weanling rats fed a cariogenic diet supplemented with carbamyl phosphate, in combination with egg shell meal and trace elements, showed a striking reduction in the incidence of caries. The cariostatic efficacy of carbamyl phosphate is significant because it stimulates fluid movement within odontoblasts via the hypothalamic-parotid gland endocrine axis.
Cell-based therapy for epithelial wounds

AbstractBackground aims. Bone marrow-derived cells (BMDC) form a significant portion of regenerating epithelial tissue. The purpose of this study was to determine whether exogenous BMDC (containing stroma, stem and progenitor cells), introduced systemically or within the injury site, could enhance the injury repair response. Methods. Excisional wounds (10-mm diameter) were treated by systemic (intravenous; i.v.) and local (subcutaneous; s.c.) administration of BMDC (10–20 × 106/100 μL phosphate-buffered saline). Young and aged BMDC and recipients were studied. Results. Young BMDC (2 months old) increased the healing rate compared with older BMDC (1 year old), as measured by the rate of healing and the percentage of healed tissue. Young recipients had statistically better healing efficiency than older recipients. When old BMDC were used, young recipients had a better healing ability than older recipients. In addition, when the size of the healed tissue, the area of repigmentation and hair growth at the inj...
Between Islam and anti-globalization: cultural, political and religious debates in the German Muslim newspaper Islamische Zeitung

This paper examines the Islamische Zeitung (IZ), a newspaper made by German Muslims for German Muslims that informs about political, cultural, and theological topics. I argue that beyond providing information, the paper aims to create a platform of debate for a growing group of, in particular, younger pious educated Muslims who examine current politics by way of an Islamic and also an anti-globalization perspective. Of relevance for this audience are Islamic knowledge, local and global politics, everyday religious concerns and practices, and cultural affairs. I illustrate how by discussing certain topics on its pages, the makers of the IZ support specific issues of debates among some pious individuals, such as for example the participation of pious Muslims (men and women) in the democratic process by way of running in elections. Finally I argue that the IZ seeks to link the German Muslim community to the context of the global ummah and here in particular the globalized ummah as a new community marked by a shared popular culture universe. I illustrate that contrary to the claims of some of its opponents, the IZ is a platform for German Muslim affairs that participates in the broader public sphere as much as it helps to mediate a variety of possibilities for the participation of individuals and communities.
Retrograde codes and bounded synchronization delay

Abstract We study how the concept of bounded synchronization delay is related to retrograde comma-free codes. Retrograde codes are a subclass of comma-free codes in which the dictionary of code words excludes not only overlaps of code words but also reversals of overlaps. We give a general upper bound on the maximum size of a retrograde comma-free distionary, provide a construction for a bounded synchronization delay retrograde code which attains this maximum size, and discuss traditional dictionaries in the context of retrograde codes.
The effect of intermittent chlorination on freshwater phytoplankton

Lake Michigan phytoplankton showed a significant loss of chlorophyll a and permanent reduction of carbon uptake rates after exposure for 30 min to concentrations of total residual chlorine at or above 1 mg l−1. At this level the photosynthetic system of the algae was irreversibly destroyed. Below 0.1 mgl−1 total residual chlorine only slight changes in chlorophyll a were noted, and, following an initial decrease, carbon uptake rates exhibited nearly complete recovery after 24 h.
Detection and analysis of epoxides with 4-(p-Nitrobenzyl)-pyridine.

4-(p-Nitrobenzyl)-pyridine reagent provides a sensitive method for detection on paper and thin-layer chromatograms and for quantitative colorimetric analysis of many epoxides of biological and chemical interest and environmental significance.
Through-the-wall differential radar

We have designed and built an ultra-wideband differential radar that images targets moving behind walls, fences, trees, and other obstacles. We have demonstrated the differential-radar concept in anechoic, indoor, and outdoor environments. The outdoor demonstration proved the radar's ability to detect people moving behind walls and illustrated its capability for suppressing high-level clutter from the radar imagery.
Inverse Determination of Interfacial Wear Temperatures with a Receding Boundary and the Implications for Tribotesting

Frictionally generated interfacial temperatures are of great interest during tribotesting and candidate materials evaluations, as well as from actual components in service. Unfortunately, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to directly interrogate the interacting surfaces for these temperatures, especially when the wear surface is receding. Though remote measurements of temperature or strain are usually obtainable, they can only hint at the frictional temperatures unless they are just below the surface and, thus, quickly vulnerable to wear damage. In order to overcome these inherent difficulties, a least-squares enforcement of remote temperature data was used with a direct analytical solution for a cylindrical specimen with a receding surface to determine the interfacial temperatures as a function of time. Comparisons between the direct and inverse analytical solutions, as well as resulting interfacial predictions, based on existing data showed excellent agreement and verified the ability of the meth...
Editing the message from A to I

Numerous adenosine-to-inosine editing sites found in mRNA sequences raise new questions about the biological significance of RNA editing.
Three-Dimensional Kinematic and Microphysical Evolution of Florida Cumulonimbus. Part III: Vertical Mass Transport, Mass Divergence, and Synthesis

Abstract A statistical technique is employed to examine the evolving properties of the ensemble small-scale variability of high-resolution radar data collected in a multicellular Florida thunderstorm. This paper examines vertical mass transport and mass divergence and synthesizes these observations with results from the first two parts of the study into a self-consistent conceptual model that describes the convective-to-stratiform transition of the storm. Vertical mass transport distributions indicate that the more numerous weak and moderate-strength upward and downward velocities, not the few strongest, accomplished most of the vertical mass transport in the storm. Hence, most of the mass of precipitation is condensed outside the areas of intense upward motion. These data thus suggest a change in the way we think about convection. Although the few regions of strongest vertical motion play a part in the overall storm evolution by dispersing particles throughout the depth of the storm, it is the more preva...
Chylomicrons Promote Intestinal Absorption and Systemic Dissemination of Dietary Antigen (Ovalbumin) in Mice

Background: A small fraction of dietary protein survives enzymatic degradation and is absorbed in potentially antigenic form. This can trigger inflammatory responses in patients with celiac disease or food allergies, but typically induces systemic immunological tolerance (oral tolerance). At present it is not clear how dietary antigens are absorbed. Most food staples, including those with common antigens such as peanuts, eggs, and milk, contain long-chain triglycerides (LCT), which stimulate mesenteric lymph flux and postprandial transport of chylomicrons through mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and blood. Most dietary antigens, like ovalbumin (OVA), are emulsifiers, predicting affinity for chylomicrons. We hypothesized that chylomicron formation promotes intestinal absorption and systemic dissemination of dietary antigens. Methodology/Principal Findings: Absorption of OVA into MLN and blood was significantly enhanced when OVA was gavaged into fasted mice together with LCT compared with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which do not stimulate chylomicron formation. The effect of LCT was blocked by the addition of an inhibitor of chylomicron secretion, Pluronic L81. Adoptively transferred OVA-specific DO11.10 T-cells proliferated more extensively in peripheral lymph nodes when OVA was gavaged with LCT than with MCT or LCT plus Pluronic L-81, suggesting that dietary OVA is systemically disseminated. Most dietary OVA in plasma was associated with chylomicrons, suggesting that these particles mediate systemic antigen dissemination. Intestinal-epithelial CaCo-2 cells secreted more cell-associated, exogenous OVA when stimulated with oleicacid than with butyric acid, and the secreted OVA appeared to be associated with chylomicrons. Conclusions/Significance: Postprandial chylomicron formation profoundly affects absorption and systemic dissemination of dietary antigens. The fat content of a meal may affect immune responses to dietary antigens by modulating antigen absorption and transport.
Bank storage in karst aquifers: The impact of temporary intrusion of river water on carbonate dissolution and trace metal mobility

Abstract Storms can trigger changes in river stage that alter the hydraulic gradients between rivers and adjacent aquifers. In eogenetic carbonate karst aquifer systems, storms enable river water to intrude > 1 km into the adjacent aquifer systems for days to weeks. This process is similar to bank storage of streams in siliciclastic sediments but can have longer temporal and larger spatial scales. River intrusion triggers changes in mineral saturation states and redox conditions in the aquifer due to the input of low pH, low specific conductivity (SpC), and high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) flood water. To assess the effects of river intrusion into karst aquifers, we measured SpC, temperature, pH, redox state, and concentrations of dissolved major and trace elements through an intrusion event at Madison Blue Spring in northern Florida, USA. River water displaced groundwater in the conduit at least 1 km into the aquifer and flowed into the pores of the unconfined aquifer matrix. Distinct Cl− concentrations between river water and groundwater provide estimates for mixing fractions. The location and magnitude of oxidation of organic matter in the subsurface controlled trace metal concentration, redox state and saturation state of the water with respect to calcite (SIcal). Organic matter oxidation in the phreatic conduits was limited by the terminal electron acceptors (TEAs) present in the conduit water. Calcite dissolution and trace metal sorption were limited by the lower surface area to porosity ratios in the conduits than the matrix. Organic matter oxidation was enhanced in the matrix by mixing with matrix waters with available DO and NO3−, resulting in greater CO2 production and calcite dissolution than in the conduit. After the intruded river water discharged, conditions remained more reducing in the aquifer than baseflow conditions due to the reduction of DO and NO3− in the matrix water. The organic matter transported into the aquifer during river intrusion drives carbonate dissolution, alters redox state, and impacts trace metal mobility, impacting groundwater and surface water quality.
Engineering Tissue-Specific Expression of a Recombinant Adenovirus: Selective Transgene Transcription in the Pancreas Using the Amylase Promoter

Recombinant adenovirus accomplishes highly efficient gene transferin vivo.Adenoviral vectors would be more attractive vehicles for gene therapy if transgene expression was inducible and restricted to the target tissue. In these studies, we hypothesized that selective transgene expression of a recombinant adenovirus could be accomplished by using a tissue-specific promoter of transcription. A replication-defective adenoviral vector was engineered to express thelacZmarker gene under control of the murine pancreatic amylase promoter. Expression of this vector occurred exclusively in the pancreas in neonatal and adult mice, while a similar vector with a constitutive promoter accomplished transgene expression in several organs. Within the adenoviral construct, the amylase promoter retained its ability to be induced by dexamethasone and insulin. This model will serve as a paradigm for selective and inducible adenoviral transgene expression.
Threat assessment without situation assessment

This paper describes the design of an intelligent assistant to provide automatic situation and threat advice in the air defence ground environment (ADGE). The application is considered in terms of the required outputs, data inputs and domain knowledge. A combinatorial explosion in the number of possible relationships is seen as a problem for bottom up data fusion approaches. The approach, dubbed the axiomatic method, is proposed. In this approach a top down evaluation is used similar to classical AI theorem proving approaches. It is shown that top down evaluation avoids combinatorial explosion in the number of possible relations between entities. Plausible reasoning is proposed for representing uncertainty both for its expressive power and to manage computational complexity. The proposed approach has been tailored specifically to the characteristics of the ADGE. Assumptions which fall down in other environments such as threat assessment in a strategic environment are identified and discussed.
Quantum Conductivity of Spatially Inhomogeneous Systems

A fundamental quantum theory of conductivity of spatially inhomogeneous systems in weak electro-magnetic fields has been derived using a two-time Green function (TTGF)-based technique that generalizes the original method due to Zubarev and Tserkovnikov (ZT). Quantum current and charge density evolution equations are derived in a linear approximation with regard to the field potentials. Explicit expressions for the longitudinal and transverse conductivity, and dielectric and magnetic susceptibilities have been derived in terms of charge density - charge density and microcurrent - microcurrent TTGFs. The obtained theoretical description and formulae are applicable to any inhomogeneous system, such as artificial molecules, atomic and molecular clusters, thin films, interfacial systems, etc. In particular, the theory is designed to predict charge transport properties of small semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and wells (QWs), and is a significant step toward realization of a concept of virtual (i.e., theory-based, computational) synthesis of electronic nanomaterials of prescribed electronic properties.
Observations of tropospheric phase scintillations at 5 GHz on vertical paths

The article presents observations of turbulence-induced tropospheric phase fluctuations measured at 5 GHz on the near-vertical paths relevant to many astronomical and geophysical measurements. The data are summarized as phase power spectra, structure functions, and Allan variances. Comparisons to other microwave observations indicate relatively good agreement in both the level and shape of the power spectrum of these tropospheric phase fluctuations. Implications for precision Doppler tracking of spacecraft and geodesy/radio interferometry are discussed.
Some asymptotic results for the systematic and stratified sampling of a finite population

SUMMARY A sample mean has an asymptotically insignificant model bias under a broad set of functional relationships between the parameter of interest and an auxiliary size variable given a systematic sample from a size ordered list. When based on randomly drawn samples within size strata, this estimator of the population mean not only has an asymptotically insignificant model bias but is design consistent as well. In addition, there are more efficient- estimation strategies that have insignificant model biases and may be design consistent.
Deciding the decider: Mef2c in hematopoiesis.

Factors influencing progenitor cell 'choice' between lymphoid and myeloid lineage fates are incompletely understood. New work implicates the transcription factor Mef2c as one component needed to promote lymphoid and suppress myeloid lineage differentiation.
Evolutionary drift models for moving target defense

One of the biggest challenges faced by cyber defenders is that attacks evolve more rapidly than our ability to recognize them. We propose a moving target defense concept in which the means of detection is set in motion. This is done by moving away from static signature-based detection and instead adopting biological modeling techniques that describe families of related sequences. We present here one example for how to apply evolutionary models to cyber sequences, and demonstrate the feasibility of this technique on analysis of a complex, evolving software project. Specifically, we applied sequence-based and profile-based evolutionary models and report the ability of these models to recognize highly volatile code regions. We found that different drift models reliably identify different types of evolutionarily related code regions. The impact is that these (and possibly other) evolutionary models could be used in a moving target defense in which the "signature" being used to detect sequence-based behaviors is not a fixed signature but one that can recognize new variants of a known family based on multiple evolutionary models.
New voices or old voices in political talk

Employing the national survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, this study seeks to answer three research questions: 1) How does online casual communication affect the inclusiveness of the category of those who talk politics?; 2) How is the divide between those who talk politics and don't shaped for offline and online modes?; and 3) How does online casual communication influence those who do talk politics and do not offline? People who talk politics with others offline are highly likely to do so online. Those who talk politics online are not categorically different from those who do so face-to-face and/or voice-to-voice. While education and income distinguish online mode from offline mode, the same pattern between both modes is found that young generations are more likely to talk politics casually. The data overall validates neither reinforcement nor mobilization effect by frequent Internet use.
Activation of neurosecretory cells enhances their synthesis of secretory protein

Abstract We have asked whether neurosecretory cells respond to activation by selectively augmenting their synthesis of secretory protein, using the bag cells of Aplysia , which produce and secrete a peptide egg-laying hormone, ELH. Exposure of bag cell organs to 100 mM K + for 4 h increased their incorporation of tritiated leucine into ELH precursors by about 25%, an effect which persisted for at least 8 h after the stimulus. Since the high potassium treatment had no effect on the rate of loss of label from previously-synthesized ELH proteins, we conclude that the enhanced labeling represents enhanced synthesis. Elevated external potassium did not enhance ELH synthesis in clusters of bag cell somata which had been surgically isolated from their neurites, suggesting that the augmentation of synthesis is not mediated by direct effects of the high potassium solution. Mediation by a secretion-linked process is indicated by the fact that low Ca 2+ /high Mg 2+ media blocked the effect of high K + . Whether the regulatory signal involves receipt of presynaptic transmitter or hormone secretion remains to be determined.
Retrograde proximal rigid ureteroscopy and pyeloscopy in prepubertal children: safe and effective.

Purpose: Traditionally, rigid ureteroscopy in adults has been reserved for distal ureteral procedures, due to the risk of injury associated with proximal ureteroscopy. However, the safety of proximal rigid ureteroscopy in prepubertal children is not well established.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated all prepubertal children (12 years old and younger) who underwent attempted rigid proximal ureteroscopy and pyeloscopy. The indications for ureteroscopy were treatment of ureteral and/or renal pelvic calculi, and evaluation of hematuria. All patients were evaluated postoperatively with renal and bladder ultrasonography and abdominal radiography (if stone was visible before treatment).Results: A total of 24 consecutive children 3.4 to 12 years old underwent 24 ureteropyeloscopic procedures. Of these children 20 (83%) successfully underwent 20 rigid ureteroscopic and pyeloscopic procedures. However, 4 procedures (17%) were converted from rigid to flexible endoscopy to perform 4 successful urete...
Todos Santos: The Survivors

Todos Santos: The Survivors. 1989. Produced and directed by Oliva Carrescia. 58 minutes, color. Purchase $450.00 (video), $895.00 (16 mm); rental $125.00 (16 mm), from First Run/Icarus Films. 153 Waverly Place, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10014. (800-876-1710 or 212-727-1711).
Mimicry of the Pathogenic Mycobacterium Vacuole In Vitro Elicits the Bacterial Intracellular Phenotype, Including Early-Onset Macrophage Death

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) within macrophages undergoes a phenotype change that allows for more efficient entry into surrounding host cells. We hypothesized that, by developing an in vitro system resembling the intravacuolar environment, one could generate insights into the mycobacterial intracellular phenotype. MAC was incubated in "elemental mixtures" that reproduce metal concentrations and pH in the vacuoles at different time points and then used to infect fresh macrophages. Incubation of MAC with the mixture corresponding to the vacuole environment 24 h postinfection infected macrophages at a significantly higher rate than bacteria that were incubated in Middlebrook 7H9 broth. Uptake occurred by macropinocytosis, similar to the uptake of bacteria passed through macrophages. Genes reported to be upregulated in intracellular bacteria, such as Mav1365, Mav2409, Mav4487, and Mav0996, were upregulated in MAC incubated in the 24-h elemental mixture. Like MAC obtained from macrophages, the vacuoles of bacteria from the 24-h elemental mixture were more likely to contain lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1). A stepwise reduction scheme of the 24-h elemental mixture indicated that incubation in physiologically relevant concentrations of potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and manganese chloride was sufficient to induce characteristics of the intracellular phenotype. It was demonstrated that bacteria harboring the intracellular phenotype induced early-onset macrophage death more efficiently than bacteria grown in broth. This new trace elemental mixture mimicking the condition of the vacuole at different time points has the potential to become an effective laboratory tool for the study of the MAC and Mycobacterium tuberculosis disease process, increasing the understanding of the interaction with macrophages.
Reimagining the “Lost Men” of the Gilded Age: Perspectives on the Late Nineteenth Century Presidents

For much of the twentieth century, scholars treated the Gilded Age and the Progressive Era as starkly contrasting phases in the unfolding of the American story: the post-Civil War dark ages followed by the bright light of the early twentieth century. More recently, historians have recognized the oversimplification if not downright wrongheadedness of that dichotomy. The past few decades have witnessed an explosion of studies on a variety of topics with coverage dates roughly from the 1870s to the 1920s. Most of these newer works underscore the continuities between the two periods and the relatively seamless evolution of forces and institutions.
A persistent sodium current contributes to oscillatory activity in heart interneurons of the medicinal leech

1. Normal activity in bilateral pairs of heart interneurons, from ganglia 3 or 4, in the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is antiphasic due to their reciprocally inhibitory connections. However, Ca+-free Co+-containing salines lead to synchronous oscillations in these neurons. 2. Internal TEA+ allows expression of full plateaus during Co++ induced oscillations in heart interneurons; these plateaus are not blocked by Cs+. Similar plateaus are also observed with internal TEA+ alone, but under these conditions activity in heart interneurons from ganglia 3 or 4 is antiphasic. 3. Plateaus in heart interneurons induced by Co++ and internal TEA+ involve a conductance increase. 4. A voltage-dependent inward current, IP, showing little inactivation, was isolated using single-electrode voltageclamp in heart interneurons. This current is carried at least in part by Na+; the current is reduced when external Na+ is reduced and is carried by Li+ when substituted for Na+. 5. Calcium channel blockers such as La3+ and Co++ block neither the TEA+ induced plateaus nor IP, suggesting that Na+ is not using Ca++ channels. Moreover, IP is enhanced by Ca++-free Co++-containing salines. Thus, IP is correlated with the TEA+- and Co++-induced plateau behavior.
Comparison of sulfur hexafluoride and synthetic air in a simulated flux compression generator environment

Expendable, explosively driven shock tubes are used to propel aluminum flyer plates toward dense stainless steel plugs to simulate gas compression in explosive magnetic flux compression generators (FCGs). Armature velocity in a typical FCG is calculated using the Gurney method and shock tubes are designed to drive the flyer plates at similar velocities. Experiments with sulfur hexafluoride and synthetic air are presented.
A Department of Surgery Looks at Outcomes

Quality screens for care of surgical patients were se lected and implemented in 1993 by a department in a moderate-sized community hospital. The screens were selected so that assessment might be made of all surgi cal care and that each surgeon annually might know results compared to peers. There were 127 quality screen failures (2.3%) in 5,615 surgical patients. The incidence of wound infection was 0.1%. Twenty-seven of the screen failures (21.3%) were confirmed by peer review. Issues of quality of care in the confirmed screen failures were resolved by letter or morbidity/mortality conference. The approach merits replication.
Estimating apparent survival of sub-adult and adult white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in central California using mark-recapture methods

Quantifying life history parameters of marine top predators such as sharks is challenging, as observations are difficult. However, these parameters are critical for accurate population assessments and understanding of population dynamics. Using mark recapture observations at white shark foraging aggregation sites, we tested for differences in survival between sexes and estimated apparent survival for sub-adult and adult white sharks in neritic waters off central California. We used six years of mark-recapture data and a model that accounted for imperfect detection and imperfect sex assignment. Empirical information based on direct observations suggests that there are no sex-specific or temporal differences in survival during the study period and that survival was estimated to be 0.90; SE = 0.04. Additionally, after animals whose sex was unknown throughout the study period were probabilistically assigned to sex, the ratio in this sample is estimated to be 2.1 males for every female observed. This estimated ratio is lower than the observed ratio of 3:1. We demonstrate that the estimated capture probability for males was roughly twice as high as that for females (0.41, SE = 0.06 and 0.19, SE = 0.07 respectively). Together these results suggest (1) that the sex ratio is uneven but not as skewed as uncorrected observation data would suggest and (2) that unequal mortality in older age classes are not the cause of the observed sex bias but more likely results from disparate mortality earlier in life or differences in behavior. Future research is needed to explore the potential causes of the observed sex bias.
Predator-Prey Interactions of Fishes Under the Influence of Ammonia'

Abstract Food consumption and growth rates of a predator, the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and the behavior of both the predator and its prey, the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), were sensitive indices of sublethal effects of ammonia on predator-prey interactions. Prey consumption and growth rates of bass in control tests increased with increasing prey densities. Ammonia concentrations of 0.63 and 0.86 mg/liter NH3 substantially decreased prey consumption and growth of bass in test tanks stocked with densities of 30, 60, and 120 mosquitofish. At a given ammonia concentration, there were greater decreases in prey consumption and growth of bass at higher prey densities. This can be attributed in part to the bass being more sensitive than mosquitofish to ammonia and to the harassment of the predator by the prey which occurred at high ammonia concentrations and high prey densities.
A keyword match processor architecture using content addressable memory

This paper demonstrates a keyword match processor capable of performing fast dictionary search with approximate match capability. Using a content addressable memory with processor element cells, the processor can process arbitrary sized keywords and match input text streams in a single clock cycle. The processor is capable of determining approximate match and providing distance information as well. A 64-word design has been developed using 19000 transistors and it could be expanded to larger sizes easily. Using a modest 0.5 micron process, we are achieving cycle times of 8 ns and the design will scale to smaller feature sizes.
Specific binding of Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942 proteins to the enhancer element of psbAII required for high-light-induced expression.

The psbAII gene of the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. strain PCC 7942 is a member of a three-gene family that encodes the D1 protein of the photosystem II reaction center. Transcription of psbAII is rapidly induced when the light intensity reaching the culture increases from 125 microE.m-2.s-1 (low light) to 750 microE.m-2.s-1 (high light). The DNA segment upstream of psbAII that corresponds to the untranslated leader of its major transcript has enhancer activity and confers high-light induction. We show that one or more soluble proteins from PCC 7942 specifically bind to this region of psbAII (designated the enhancer element). In vivo footprinting showed protein binding to the enhancer element in high-light-exposed cell samples but not in those maintained at low light, even though in vitro mobility shifts were detectable with extracts from low- or high-light-grown cells. When 12 bp were deleted from the psbAII enhancer element, protein binding was impaired and high-light induction of both transcriptional and translational psbAII-lacZ reporters was significantly reduced. This finding indicates that protein binding to this region is required for high-light induction of psbAII. The mutant element also showed impaired enhancer activity when combined with a heterologous promoter.
Intersectionality and Quare Theory: Fantasizing African American Male Same‐Sex Relationships in Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom

In this critique, we articulate Black queer images relating to same-sex relationships and marriages portrayed in the film Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom. Grounded in a quare framework, we focus in particular on the intersectionality of race, gender, sexuality, and class in the text. The themes of heteronormativity and White queer normativity are engaged through the Black gay male characters and through the motifs of consumerism, monogamy, and marriage. We argue that the characters perform a Black gay male fantasy in line with mainstream American cultural ideals.
Noble gas viscosities at 25 °C

Near 25 °C, ab initio calculations of the zero-density viscosity of helium gas η He have an uncertainty of approximately 0.001%, which is 1/40th of the uncertainty of the best measurements. The uncertainties of the published calculations for neon and argon are probably much larger. This paper presents new measurements of the viscosities of neon, argon, and krypton at 25 °C made with a capillary viscometer that was calibrated with helium. The resulting viscosity ratios are η Ne/η He = 1.59836 ± 0.00037, η Ar/η He = 1.13763 ± 0.00030, and η Kr/η He = 1.27520 ± 0.00040. The argon ratio agrees with a recent, unpublished calculation to within the combined uncertainty (measurement plus calculation) of 0.032%. The neon ratio is smaller than the calculated value by 0.13%.
Multi-limb acquisition of motor evoked potentials and its application in spinal cord injury.

The motor evoked potential (MEP) is an electrical response of peripheral neuro-muscular pathways to stimulation of the motor cortex. MEPs provide objective assessment of electrical conduction through the associated neural pathways, and therefore detect disruption due to a nervous system injury such as spinal cord injury (SCI). In our studies of SCI, we developed a novel, multi-channel set-up for MEP acquisition in rat models. Unlike existing electrophysiological systems for SCI assessment, the set-up allows for multi-channel MEP acquisition from all limbs of rats and enables longitudinal monitoring of injury and treatment for in vivo models of experimental SCI. The article describes the development of the set-up and discusses its capabilities to acquire MEPs in rat models of SCI. We demonstrate its use for MEP acquisition under two types of anesthesia as well as a range of cortical stimulation parameters, identifying parameters yielding consistent and reliable MEPs. To validate our set-up, MEPs were recorded from a group of 10 rats before and after contusive SCI. Upon contusion with moderate severity (12.5 mm impact height), MEP amplitude decreased by 91.36 ± 6.03%. A corresponding decline of 93.8 ± 11.4% was seen in the motor behavioral score (BBB), a gold standard in rodent models of SCI.
Entangled Sidewalks: Queer Street Vendors in Los Angeles

This article is based on my own experiences in the field and the stories of queer Latina immigrant vendors collected from 2004 to 2014. I argue that through an onto-epistemological relational framework, we can further elucidate how entangled social worlds provide new ways of understanding the world we live in. I propose reading the materiality and embodied street vending practices as not separate from, but constitutive with, ideologies about sexuality, gender, and nationality that shape, restrict, and reproduce informal street vending practices in Latino barrios. Particularly, I analyze the embodied entanglements of culturally conservative ideologies about sexuality within immigrant Latino communities across borders, individual experiences with transmigration journeys, and context of reception in Los Angeles.
Efficiency oriented design guidelines for a magnetohydrodynamic generator system

Magnetohydrodynamic power generation (MHDG) was a thriving field of research in the 1960s but low efficiency and difficulty to reach desired operating points (high temperature) discouraged the investment of further efforts in the matter. Nowadays technological advances such as superconducting electromagnets (with very low power consumption for higher overall efficiency), power electronics (to enable harvesting and processing of current intensive DC power for any application), and powerful multiphysics simulation software, call for a reassessment of this power generation method. The aim of this paper is to deliver a realistic analysis of the competitiveness of MHDG as well as the possibilities offered by design variables to improve its attributes. Finite element analysis offers an improved understanding of field and flow distribution as well as the power density generated within the fluid channel. Analytical energy efficiency determination is completed for two different fluids as well as a sensitivity study of influential design factors. Furthermore a power output/cost comparison between MHD-systems operating with combustion gasses and liquid copper is carried out to offer a complete assessment of MHDG.
Wet chemical functionalization of III-V semiconductor surfaces: Alkylation of gallium arsenide and gallium nitride by a Grignard reaction sequence

Crystalline gallium arsenide (GaAs) (111)A and gallium nitride (GaN) (0001) surfaces have been functionalized with alkyl groups via a sequential wet chemical chlorine activation, Grignard reaction process. For GaAs(111)A, etching in HCl in diethyl ether effected both oxide removal and surface-bound Cl. X-ray photoelectron (XP) spectra demonstrated selective surface chlorination after exposure to 2 M HCl in diethyl ether for freshly etched GaAs(111)A but not GaAs(111)B surfaces. GaN(0001) surfaces exposed to PCl5 in chlorobenzene showed reproducible XP spectroscopic evidence for Cl-termination. The Cl-activated GaAs(111)A and GaN(0001) surfaces were both reactive toward alkyl Grignard reagents, with pronounced decreases in detectable Cl signal as measured by XP spectroscopy. Sessile contact angle measurements between water and GaAs(111)A interfaces after various levels of treatment showed that GaAs(111)A surfaces became significantly more hydrophobic following reaction with CnH2n–1MgCl (n = 1, 2, 4, 8, 14,...
Morphological evaluation of platelet aggregates by B-mode ultrasound method

A new method to detect and measure platelet aggregates in vitro was devised using high resolution real-time B-mode ultrasound. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) was circulated in 9mm diameter vertical and horizontal tubes at mean shear rates from 60 to 0sec-1. Platelet aggregates were induced by ADP, imaged by ultrasound, and measured by computer analysis of images. Untreated PRP was sonolucent, while platelet aggregates were noted by ultrasound as clusters of echoes. Individual aggregates increased in size (cross-sectional area) from less than one mm2 at the highest shear rate to approximately 24mm2 at stasis. These aggregates tended to sediment toward the dependent wall of horizontal tubes at shear rate lower than 10sec-1.Ultrasonic aggregometry of platelets provides a valuable means to morphologically evaluate platelet dynamics in large caliber tubes under controlled flow conditions in vitro. In addition, it may present a technique for extending the study of platelet aggregation to in vivo and clinical situations.
Barriers and Detours

This chapter discusses three central considerations regarding the response to detour problems in primates: (1) whether detour problems are learned or perceived and whether this dichotomy is meaningful or artificial, (2) whether generalizations of the findings using bent-wire detours extend to other kinds of detours, and (3) the development of new ways to measure detour performance. Detour problems were among the first formal tests of the behavior of nonhuman primates. One class of detour problems was solved remotely by means of an operant response. A second class of detour problems allowed surveying visually all relevant aspects of the situation. Of the second class of problems, only the bent-wire detour made the manipulandum, discriminandum, and reinforcement the same object. This object was either a candy Life Saver or a punched paper poker chip threaded onto a piece of welding rod. Thus, learning of detours is an interaction of facilitated drive and the selection of appropriate movements, which, in turn, provide an ever-changing and refining pattern of responding. This, in turn, is limited by species-specific capacities for mediating barriers.
Meander migration: the observation method

River meanders migrate over time and the consequences of this migration can create a problem for bridges and embankments near the river. This is why it is important to predict the lateral extent of...
The Relationship Between Leisure Traveler's hotel Attribute Satisfaction and Overall Satisfaction

Manystudies have been conducted about hotel attributesrelated tothehotel choice decision as a part ofacustomer’s prepurchase behavior(Dolnicar&Otter, 2003). Althoughit iscritical for hotel managerstounderstand post-trip behavior because such behaviorsmaydirectlyinfluence their futurebehavior, therearefew researchstudieswhich examine hotel attributesrelated to acustomer’spost-trip behavior.This studyteststhe relationship between leisure traveler’shotel attribute satisfaction and overall satisfaction in the post-trip behaviorperspectiveina hotel setting andexaminestherelative impactofhotel attributesatisfaction in influencing overall satisfaction. Multiple regressionwas used totestthe relationship and hotel attribute satisfaction isan important antecedent tooverall satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications ofthe studyare discussed.
The effects of inhomogeneous proton-α drifts on the heating of the solar wind

Previous modeling studies have demonstrated that waves and super-Alfvenic drift can lead to perpendicular preferential heating of the alpha particles with respect to protons. Using a 2.5-D hybrid model of the solar wind alpha-proton plasma, we study the effects of inhomogeneous (across the magnetic field) background streaming focusing on the fast solar wind. We explore the effects of an initial relative, inhomogeneous ion drift on the perpendicular ion heating and cooling and consider the effects of solar wind expansion. We study the spectrum of the magnetic fluctuations in the inhomogeneous background solar wind and demonstrate the generation of oblique waves and their effects on enhanced resonant anisotropic ion heating. The model reproduces the typical ion temperature anisotropy values seen in observations. Using our model, we find that inhomogeneous super-Alfvenic ion drift in the plasma generates significant power of oblique waves in the solar wind plasma, in addition to enhanced heating compared to the non-drifting populations. We demonstrate the effects of various inhomogeneity profiles and regions of the drift on the ion anisotropic heating in super-Alfvenic and near-Alfvenic drifts. We find that the cooling effect due to the solar wind expansion is not significant when super-Alfvenic drifts are considered.
Time-series classification of Sentinel-1 agricultural data over North Dakota

Accurate measurements of agricultural land cover are important for monitoring global food security, economic stability, and environmental conditions. Since significant portions of global agricultur...