cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and quantitative expression profile of muscarinic receptors in human urothelium and detrusor.

Purpose: We compared the complete spectrum of receptor subtypes expressed by human detrusor and its primary culture with the expression profile in a human urothelium immortalized cell line, and in fresh urothelium tissue and its primary cell culture.Materials and Methods: The levels of mRNA expressed for receptor subtypes M1 through M5 were determined with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction in total RNA extracted individually from different human bladder specimens, including fresh tissue of human urothelium and detrusor, and their respective primary cultures, as well as from the UROtsa cell line.Results: All 5 muscarinic receptors were detected in fresh human bladder tissue by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction RNA. The same was true in separated urothelium and detrusor tissue except for the lack of the M5 receptor transcript. Receptor subtype mRNA expression in the UROtsa cell line paralleled expression in fresh human bladder. Quantitat...
Convergence of a discretization method for integro-differential equations

The application of spatial discretization (discrete ordinate method) to a class of integro-differential equations is discussed. It is shown that consistency in the approximation of the operators implies convergence of the approximate solution to the true solution.
Modeling Search Costs in Wireless Sensor Networks

We develop approximate closed-form expressions of expected minimum search energy costs for data-centric wireless sensor networks showing the search performance with respect to the network size N and the number of randomly placed copies of the target event r. We consider both unstructured sensor networks, which use blind sequential search for querying, and structured sensor networks, which use efficient hash-based querying. We also consider two kinds of deployments: a fixed transmit power (FTP) model and the geometric random graph (GRG) model. We find that the search cost of unstructured networks under the FTP deployment is proportional to N and inversely proportional to (r + 1) regardless of the spatial dimension d in which nodes are deployed, while that of the GRG is proportional to N(log N)eta/d/r + 1 where eta is the path-loss exponent. The search cost of structured networks under the FTP deployment is found to be proportional to dradicN/dradicr, while that of the GRG deployment is proportional to dradicN(log N)eta-1/dradicr. In all cases, we also provide bounds on the coefficient of proportionality.
Isolation and Mapping of Human Chromosome 21 cDNA: Progress in Constructing a Chromosome 21 Expression Map

We have isolated 175 cDNA clones from a fetal brain library by direct cDNA selection using genomic DNA isolated from pools of human chromosome 21 (HC21) cosmids. DNA sequences have revealed that 16 of these cDNA clones contain overlapping sequences. Of the other 159 cDNA sequences, 10 match previously identified HC21 genes, and 9 match previously determined cDNA sequences, including the Wilms tumor related transcript (QM), the human testican cDNA, the mammalian calponin cDNA, and 6 anonymous expressed sequence tags. All isolated cDNAs were hybridized to their corresponding cosmids, which suggests that they originated from HC21. We have localized 92 cDNA clones to previously reported HC21q YACs. The remaining unmapped cDNAs contain either sequences not included in the isolated HC21q YACs or sequences that hybridize to yeast DNA. The cDNAs not included in the YACs should be useful in isolating new YACs to bridge the gaps. PCR primers were derived from 4 novel cDNA sequences that had been mapped to the YACs in the suspected Down syndrome region and used in RT-PCR analysis. All 4 primer sequences amplified RNA fragments with the expected sizes, suggesting that these sequences could be used for expression analysis. The construction of a chromosome 21 cDNA map not only is important in the refinement of physical maps, but also will identify a set of genes in the disease regions for detailed characterization.
Identification of an alternatively spliced form of the Tat Interactive Protein (Tip60), Tip60(β)

Abstract Tip60 was originally isolated as a Tat interactive protein. It was subsequently shown that Tip60 had histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity. In studies to understand gene-expression regulation that might involve HAT activity, we PCR-amplified Tip60 from a human heart marathon-ready cDNA library. As a result, we identified an alternatively spliced form of Tip60, Tip60β (we refer to the previously cloned Tip60 as Tip60α). Tip60β cDNA is slightly smaller than Tip60α, and sequencing indicates that there is a deletion of 156 bp in the coding region of the gene. The predicted Tip60β protein therefore lacks 52 amino acids when compared with Tip60α. The Tip60α gene is encoded by 14 exons, and Tip60β is an alternatively spliced form resulting from the exclusion of exon 5 during the splicing process. Exon 5 encodes a proline-rich region that is known to be important for protein–protein interaction. Tip60β is expressed in a variety of human tissues and cell lines, and the protein is present in both the nucleus and cytoplasm in contrast to Tip60α, which is entirely nuclear. The results suggest that Tip60β may have functions additional to those of Tip60α in cells and tissues.
Talbot-Lau moire x-ray diagnostic for high energy density plasmas

Phase-contrast x-ray diagnostics can detect density gradients in low-Z matter with the sensitivity and spatial resolution necessary to characterize High Energy Density Plasma (HEDP) experiments. Talbot-Lau interferometry measures x-ray beam angular deviations due to refraction index gradients along its path and can simultaneously provide x-ray attenuation, refraction, and scatter images of an object. We have extended the Talbot-Lau method from the low magnification and high energy (30–100 keV) setup used in medical applications, to the high magnification and low energy (8–20 keV) setup HEDLP experiments require. We also developed single image based phase-retrieval techniques such as Talbot-Lau Moire deflectometry. The results obtained using low-Z test objects suggest a clear advantage of Talbot-Lau Moire deflectometry over conventional radiography for density diagnostic in HEDP. The Moire technique can detect with good spatial resolution both sharp and smooth density gradients, and can use incoherent, extended x-ray sources emitting either lines or continuum, thus allowing for a wide range of backlighters.
Implications of a quadratic stream definition in radiative transfer theory.

An explicit definition of the radiation-stream concept is stated and applied to approximate the integro-differential equation of radiative transfer with a set of twelve coupled differential equations. Computational efficiency is enhanced by distributing the corresponding streams in three-dimensional space in a totally symmetric way. Polarization is then incorporated in this model. A computer program based on the model is briefly compared with a Monte Carlo program for simulation of horizon scans of the earth's atmosphere. It is found to be considerably faster.
Compound pulsus alternans: independent alternation within weak beats.

Abstract Pulsus alternans—the alternation of strong and weak beats originating from the same pacemaker1—is associated with myocardial dysfunction of various etiologies. Its pathophysiology includes alternating diastolic filling (Frank-Starling)2 and inotropic state,3 and has been analyzed both invasively and noninvasively.1,4–8 After investigating pulsus alternans by echo and Doppler cardiography, we demonstrate the new finding of additional alternation within only the weak beats. We describe this “minor” alternation combined with the “major” alternation of strong and weak beats as “compound pulsus alternans.”
In vitro exposure to 0.5% bupivacaine is cytotoxic to bovine articular chondrocytes.

Purpose: Intra-articular use of 0.5% bupivacaine is common in arthroscopic surgery. This study was conducted to test the hypotheses that (1) 0.5% bupivacaine is toxic to articular chondrocytes, and (2) the intact articular surface protects chondrocytes from the effects of short-term exposure to 0.5% bupivacaine. Methods Freshly isolated bovine articular chondrocytes were prepared into alginate bead cultures and were treated with 0.5% bupivacaine solution or 0.9% saline for 15, 30 or 60 minutes, washed, and returned to growth media. Chondrocytes were recovered from alginate 1 hour, 1 day, and 1 week after bupivacaine exposure; they were fluorescently labeled to identify apoptotic and dead cells and were analyzed by flow cytometry. Twelve osteochondral cores were harvested from bovine knees. The superficial 1 mm of cartilage was removed from 6 cores (top-off). Intact and top-off cores were submerged in 0.9% saline or 0.5% bupivacaine solution for 30 minutes and then maintained in chondrocyte growth media for 24 hours. Live-cell/dead-cell fluorescent imaging was assessed using confocal microscopy. Results: Greater than 99% chondrocyte death/apoptosis was observed in all bupivacaine-exposed alginate bead cultures compared with 20% cell death in saline-treated controls ( P P Conclusions: Results show that 0.5% bupivacaine solution is cytotoxic to bovine articular chondrocytes and articular cartilage in vitro after only 15 to 30 minutes' exposure. The intact bovine articular surface has some chondroprotective effects. Clinical Relevance: Because healthy chondrocytes are important for maintenance of the cartilage matrix, chondrocyte loss may contribute to cartilage degeneration. This study shows a cytotoxic effect of 0.5% bupivacaine solution on bovine articular chondrocytes in vitro. Although these results cannot be directly extrapolated to the clinical setting, the data suggest that caution should be exercised in the intra-articular use of 0.5% bupivacaine.
Threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence study of the ethane loss from energy selected pentane ions cooled in a supersonic expansion

The loss of C2H6 from energy selected pentane ions has been investigated by the threshold protoelectron photoion coincidence method. Breakdown diagrams are reported at room temperature and for two different conditions in a molecular beam. From the observed shift in cross-over energies the 0 K onset for the C2H6 loss is determined to be 690 ± 20 meV. This result together with information about kinetic energy release and other thermochemical data supports the earlier conclusion that the corresponding ion in the C2H6 loss is the propene ion rather than the cyclopropane ion. It is shown that rotational and vibrational energies are both active in this dissociation. The rate constants of dissociation have been measured as a function of the ion internal energy and are shown to agree with the results of Rice-Rampsperger-Kassel-Marcus calculations. Evidence is given that isomerisation of pentane to methylbutane prior to dissociation does not play an important role.
Utility of Transbronchial Biopsy in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Postmortem Study

Study objective To determine the diagnostic yield of histologic specimens obtained by postmortem transbronchial biopsy (TBB) in patients with acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. Design Standard postmortem histologic examination of lung tissue specimens. Setting An urban university-affiliated hospital. Patients or participants Thirty patients with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and acute respiratory failure, who underwent postmortem examination. Interventions Following removal of the lungs from the thorax. TBBs were obtained from the lower lobe of each deflated lung and comparison was made to a 1-cm 3 tissue block obtained from the ipsilateral lower lobe. Measurements and results Standard postmortem histologic examination provided a specific diagnosis in 85% of the 60 lungs examined, and histologic evidence of acute pneumonia was present in 30% of the lungs. The overall yield of TBB was 48% for establishing a specific histologic diagnosis and 15% for the diagnosis of acute pneumonia. Using standard postmortem histologic examination as the gold standard, the sensitivity and specificity of TBB for making a specific diagnosis were 57% and 100% respectively, with corresponding positive and negative predictive values of 100% and 29%. For the histologic diagnosis of acute pneumonia, the sensitivity of TBB was 50%, the specificity was 100%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 100% and 82%, respectively. The kappa statistic for the agreement between the two diagnostic methods was 0.28 for establishing a specific diagnosis and 0.58 for the diagnosis of acute pneumonia. Obtaining 12 TBBs rather than six TBBs did not increase the diagnostic yield for TBB. Conclusions These findings suggest poor overall agreement between standard postmortem histologic examination and TBB specimens. Although not performed in a clinical setting, this postmortem investigation suggests that TBB may be of limited value in mechanically ventilated patients with acute respiratory failure because of its low sensitivity.
Photoinduced conformational changes of human serum albumin bound to protoporphyrin IX and hemin

Irradiation of porphyrins bound to proteins applies to photodynamic cancer therapy, photo-reduction of water, and the possibility of modifying proteins to impart new functions. Upon binding Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and hemin, respectively, to human albumin (HSA), the bound products’ response to low-dose irradiation at pH 7.4 is examined in this study. Spectroscopic data suggests that irradiation of PPIX when bound to HSA causes small secondary and tertiary protein conformational changes. Alternately, sizeable alterations are not seen when hemin bound to HSA is irradiated. This difference indicates a different photophysical mechanism for PPIX than for hemin.
Effect of relA function on the replication of plasmid pBR322 in Escherichia coli.

Replication of the plasmid pBR322, and the accumulation and life time of its primer transcript, RNAII, and replication inhibitor, RNAI, were measured in an isogenic relA+/relA pair of E. coli strains during exponential growth, or following amino acid starvation, or during treatment with chloramphenicol. (1) The synthesis rates of RNAI and RNAII decreased during inhibition of protein synthesis in either strain, i.e. their promoters are not under stringent control; (2) during amino acid starvation, RNAI and RNAII lifetimes increased in complex, rel-dependent patterns; (3) the changes in RNAI and RNAII synthesis and accumulation had no immediate effect on the rate of plasmid replication; (4) continued plasmid replication requires a protein which is synthesized during amino acid deprivation or treatment with low concentrations of chloramphenicol in relA+, but not in relA bacteria.
Asialoglycoprotein receptor mediates the toxic effects of an asialofetuin-diphtheria toxin fragment A conjugate on cultured rat hepatocytes.

Abstract We have constructed a toxic hybrid protein that is recognized by asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptors of cultured rat hepatocytes. The conjugate consists of fragment A of diphtheria toxin (DTA) linked by a disulfide bond to asialofetuin (ASF). This conjugate is highly toxic, inhibiting protein synthesis in primary rat hepatocytes at concentrations as low as 10 pM. The ASF-DTA conjugate was 600 and 1800 times as toxic as diphtheria toxin and DTA, respectively, on primary rat hepatocytes. The ASGP receptor recognizes galactose-terminated proteins. We tested a series of glycoproteins for their ability to block the action of the ASF-DTA conjugate. Fetuin and orosomucoid, two glycoproteins with terminal sialic acid on their oligosaccharide chains, did not block the action of the conjugate. Their galactose-terminated asialo derivatives, ASF and asialoorosomucoid, as expected, did block the action of the conjugate. The N-acetylglucosaminyl-terminated derivative (asialogalactoorsomucoid) had no appreciable effect on the activity of the conjugate. We tested the ASF-DTA conjugate on six cell types; except for primary rat hepatocytes, none of them were affected by a high concentration (10 nM) of ASF-DTA conjugate. A fetuin-DTA conjugate was less toxic by a factor of 300 than the ASF-DTA conjugate and exerted its effects primarily through non-receptor-mediated mechanisms. The highly toxic ASF-DTA conjugate is cell-type specific, and its action is mediated by a well-characterized receptor, whose mechanism of receptor-ligand internalization has been extensively investigated.
Bioavailability of Calcium from Sesame Seeds, Almond Powder, Whole Wheat Bread, Spinach and Nonfat Dry Milk in Rats

Calcium bioavailability (BV) from sesame seeds, almond powder, whole wheat bread, spinach, and nonfat dry milk (NFDM) was compared to calcium BV from a calcium carbonate (CaCO3)-supplemented control diet using a rat model. When comparing different calcium sources, the relative BV of the products was CaCO3 (100%), NFDM (100%) whole wheat bread (95%), almond powder (66%), sesame seeds (65%), NFDM and spinach mixture (52%), and spinach (47%). Separate almond, NFDM, and CaCO3 diets were supplemented with 0.4% ascorbic acid; vitamin C addition had no significant effect on calcium BV.
Prediction of prostate cancer volume using prostate-specific antigen levels, transrectal ultrasound, and systematic sextant biopsies

Objectives. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, transrectal ultrasound, and systematic sextant biopsies have each shown limited ability to predict prostate cancer volume. In combination, these studies may allow more accurate estimation of volume and prognosis.
Lead Shielded Dewar Development

Results of a recent development program to increase operating time of levitated rings are presented. Fabrication, cryogenic, and mechanical testing of 20 in. and 36 in major diameter lead shielded toroidal Dewars are described. Thirty to sixty pounds of lead shielding was applied to a glass epoxy and fiberglass substructure separated by a vacuum gap from the inner chamber. A typical installation consisted of lead-copper sheet laminates applied to a tinned copper base. Cooling of the lead jacket was accomplished by a separate cooling loop or by vent gases from the inner chamber. Mechanical integrity of the lead shield assembly was evaluated by shock testing the assembly in excess of 10 g's at 77°K. Test results indicate that the addition of 32 lbs. of lead shielding increases the isochoric operating time of a typical 36 in. ring by a factor of 2.5 or more.
Microstructure Formation and Mechanical Properties in AZ31 Alloy Processed by Continuous Rheo-Extrusion

Based on continuous casting and extrusion (CAXTEX) process, a semisolid metal forming process, continuous rheo-extrusion of magnesium alloy, was proposed. Effect of casting temperature on semisolid region distribution, microstructure formation and stability of forming process, as well as microstructure and mechanical properties of the AZ31 alloy fabricated by the process were investigated. Microstructure evolution from dendrite to rosette or spherical grains was observed with the application of large shearing force provided by the roll. The results indicate that semisolid region in the roll-shoe gap moves downward gradually with the increase of casting temperature, and proper casting temperature range of 730~750°C is suggested. Under the suggested casting temperature, 10×15mm sectional bar of AZ31 alloy with smooth surface and homogeneous striped microstructure has been obtained. As the product was aged for 14h at 180°C after 16h solution at 415°C, the ultimate tensile strength and elongation could reach 305MPa and 11.5%, respectively.
Tetraethylammonium selectively stimulates secretion from noradrenergic bovine chromaffin cells

1 The effects of tetraethylammonium chloride (TEA) on catecholamine secretion from primary cultures of noradrenaline-rich (noradrenergic) and adrenaline-rich (adrenergic) bovine chromaffin cells were studied. TEA stimulated catecholamine secretion from both cell types but was a much more effective secretory stimulus for noradrenergic cells. 2 TEA-induced catecholamine secretion was dependent on extracellular Ca2+, was partially inhibited by nifedipine and by tetrodotoxin, and was potentiated by ouabain. Other K+ channel blocking agents including 4-aminopyridine, glibenclamide, and tolbutamide did not stimulate catecholamine secretion. 3 TEA had no effect on Ca2+-induced secretion from digitonin-permeabilized chromaffin cells. 4 TEA presumably evokes secretion by inhibiting K+ channels, depolarizing chromaffin cells, and activating voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in the cells. Noradrenergic cells appear to be more sensitive to K+ channel inhibition than are adrenergic cells. 5 The secretory response of the chromaffin cells to TEA increased with time in culture. 6 In addition to being a more effective secretagogue in noradrenergic cells, TEA was also more effective in stimulating catecholamine synthesis in these cells.
A Frequency Stabilization System for Microwave Gas Dielectric Measurements

A system is described for measunng the dielectric constant of a gas at uhf by observing the shift in resonant frequency of a cavity when filled with the gas to be measured. To do this, a klystron oscillator is stabilized with great precision on the cavity resonant frequency by means of a double-loop servo system. One loop is of the Pound type, which is effective against almost all frequency fluctuations. The other is a motor-type control which further reduces any small, steady, frequency error left by the electronic Pound loop. The two combine to give control that is better than one part in 108, and this is sufficient to obtain values of (no-1), where no is the index of refraction, accurate to three places.
Hybrid modelocking of external cavity with grating-coupled surface emitting laser

A hybridly modelocked grating-coupled surface-emitting laser (GCSEL) with pulse duration 2.8psec at 980nm is demonstrated. The unpumped grating section of the GCSEL is used as a saturable absorber to generate pulses with a 535MHz repetition rate. The peak power of 0.31W and a spectral bandwidth of 1.1nm are obtained.
Marine vertebrates from the Hartland Shale (Upper Cretaceous: Upper Cenomanian) in southeastern Colorado, USA

Abstract The Hartland Shale Member of the Greenhorn Limestone was deposited in the middle of the Late Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway of North America. Rock samples rich in micro-vertebrate fossils were collected from the lower part of the Hartland Shale (ca. 94.6 Ma: early Late Cenomanian) in southeastern Colorado, USA. Through acid treatment of the rock samples, 25 marine vertebrate taxa are identified including chondrichthyans, osteichthyans, and a reptile. Chondrichthyans are represented by seven species: Ptychodus anonymus , Squalicorax curvatus , Carcharias saskatchewanensis , Archaeolamna kopingensis , Cretoxyrhina mantelli , Cretomanta canadensis , and Rhinobatos incertus . Osteichthyan fishes consist of 17 taxa: Micropycnodon kansasensis , cf. Palaeobalistum sp., Caturidae indet., Protosphyraena sp., Plethodidae indet., Elopopsis sp., Pachyrhizodus minimus , cf. Pachyrhizodus sp., Albulidae indet., Cimolichthys nepaholica , Enchodus cf. E. gladiolus , E. cf. E. shumardi , Apateodus sp., and four unidentified teleosts. The only reptilian recognized is the small aquatic lizard Coniasaurus crassidens (Dolichosauridae). The taxonomic composition of the Hartland Shale fauna is similar overall to the extensively sampled, underlying mid-Cenomanian Lincoln Limestone fauna in Colorado and Kansas, although the occurrence of Apateodus and Cimolichthys from the Hartland Shale is notable as they represent geologically the oldest record for the two genera. The vertebrates identified are mostly carnivores that include piscivorous and durophagous forms, providing new insights into the trophic structure of the palaeocommunity.
Coarctation of the aorta presenting as systemic hypertension in a young adult.

Congenital heart defects can remain undiagnosed until adulthood. In this Case Study, Alegriaet al. describe a 20-year-old male presenting with systemic hypertension who was found to have coarctation of the aorta, a bicuspid aortic valve, an ascending aortic aneurysm and an atrial septal defect. He was successfully treated in a single surgical procedure. Background A 20-year-old male presented with a history of systemic hypertension. Examination revealed a systolic murmur with an early ejection click, and femoral pulses were markedly reduced. Investigations Physical examination, laboratory testing, electrocardiography, chest radiography, comprehensive echocardiography including pulsed-wave Doppler examination, and CT of the chest. Diagnosis Severe coarctation of the juxtaductal aorta accompanied by an ascending aortic aneurysm, a bicuspid aortic valve without evidence of hemodynamically significant stenosis or regurgitation, and an atrial septal defect. Management An ascending–descending intrapericardial aortic bypass graft, atrial septal defect closure, and ascending aorta replacement were all successfully performed. Lifelong follow-up will be required.
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.

Abstract Acetazolamide and other related carbonic anhydrase (CA) inhibitors have had a long history of effectiveness in prevention and treatment of acute mountain sickness (AMS) and remain the standard of care for this indication. Despite many decades of CA inhibitor use for AMS, the possibility has never been seriously entertained that these drugs might also afford protection against high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). In this paper, I will present our evidence and supporting data of others, that acetazolamide has inhibitory effects on the hypoxic response of the pulmonary circulation that may be useful in HAPE. Data from pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, isolated perfused lungs, and live unanethetized animals all point to a potent reduction in hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) by acetazolamide that may have clinical utility in HAPE and possibly other pulmonary hypertensive disorders. Astonishingly, the efficacy of acetazolamide as a HPV inhibitor does not appear to be related to carbonic anhydrase inhibition, since other potent CA inhibitors have no effect on HPV either in the conscious dog or on hypoxic calcium (Ca 2+ ) signalling in rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells, despite enzyme presence in these cells. Although we have not yet determined the mechanism of action for acetazolamide in HPV, we have ruled out actions on membrane L-type Ca 2+ channels, normoxic and hypoxic membrane potential and rho-kinase activation. Based upon these negative findings in isolated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and preliminary data in Ca 2+ free media we propose that acetazolamide may act at the level of Ca 2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, a process which initiates and amplifies cell membrane Ca 2+ channel opening. In further work, we have developed and will use a methylated analog of acetazolamide to yield a molecule lacking CA inhibiting activity, but which in most other respects (size, p K a , heterocyclic ring structure, electrostatic charge distribution) is equivalent to acetazolamide.
Effects of aging and environment on the pyriform cortex, the occipital cortex, and the hippocampus.

Light microscopic, histological sections of the forebrain were studied from postnatal developing and aging Long—Evans male rats and from environmentally enriched and impoverished S 1 male rats. For the aging study 12 to 16 rats were examined from each of the following groups: 26, 41, 108, and 650 days of age. For the environmental experiments brains were collected from 24 sets of triplets for each age group in their respective enriched, impoverished, or standard colony conditions for each of the following durations: 60–61, 60–64, and 60–90 days of age. The thickness of the medial occipital cortex, the pyriform cortex, and the hippocampus was measured on microslide projected images of thionin-stained, transverse sections. The results indicated that the pyriform and medial occipital cortex decreased in thickness with aging. The former decreased most markedly, 8% ( P P P P
Effects of prior juror experience on jury sentencing

The effect of prior juror service on jury sentencing was investigated in an archival study of 143 criminal trials resulting in convictions. Trials took place over two calendar years in a state circuit court requiring jurors to serve 30-day terms. Jurors sentenced defendants in each case according to a set of guidelines determined by trial judges. The severity of the sentences imposed by jurors was rated by 101 subjects on a scale of 1 (least severe) to 100 (most severe). The results indicated that the more experienced juries gave significantly more severe sentences than did the less experienced juries. This finding was unchanged when civil court experience was considered in addition to criminal court experience. Possible interpretations of these results are discussed. Language: en
Material Properties and Osteogenic Differentiation of Marrow Stromal Cells on Fiber-Reinforced Laminated Hydrogel Nanocomposites

The fibrils in the bone matrix are glued together by extracellular matrix proteins to form laminated structures (osteons) to provide elasticity and a supportive substrate for osteogenesis. The objective of this work was to investigate material properties and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal (BMS) cells seeded on osteon-mimetic fiber-reinforced hydrogel/apatite composites. Layers of electrospun poly(l-lactide) fiber mesh coated with a poly(lactide-co-ethylene oxide fumarate) (PLEOF) hydrogel precursor solution were stacked and pressed together, and crosslinked to produce a laminated fiber-reinforced composite. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanocrystals were added to the precursor solution to produce an osteoconductive matrix for BMS cells. Acrylamide-terminated Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide (Ac-GRGD) was conjugated to the PLEOF/HA hydrogel phase to promote focal point adhesion of BMS cells. Laminates were characterized with respect to the Young's modulus, degradation kinetics and osteogenic differentiation of BMS cells. The moduli of the laminates under dry and wet conditions were significantly higher than those of the fiber mesh and PLEOF/HA hydrogel, and within the range of values reported for wet human cancellous bone. At days 14 and 21, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity of the laminates was significantly higher than those of the fiber mesh and hydrogel. Lamination significantly increased the extent of mineralization of BMS cells and laminates with HA and conjugated with RGD (Lam-RGD-HA) had 2.7-, 3.5- and 2.8-fold higher calcium content (compared to laminates without HA or RGD) after 7, 14 and 21days, respectively. The Lam-RGD-HA group had significantly higher expression of osteopontin and osteocalcin compared to the hydrogel or laminates without HA or RGD, consistent with the higher ALPase activity and calcium content of Lam-RGD-HA. Laminated osteon-mimetic structures have the potential to provide mechanical strength to the regenerating region as well as supporting the differentiation of progenitor cells to the osteogenic lineage.
Influence of structural relaxation on the low-temperature thermal conductivity of ancient natural glasses

The thermal conductivities κ of two natural glasses, amber and obsidian, were measured over the temperature range 0.06–10 K both in the as-received condition and following heat-treatments near and above the glass-transition temperature. The κ of amber decreased 6% with heat treatment revealing that this glass had undergone configurational relaxation during the 107 years prior to measurement, but with a relaxation time greater than seven years. The κ of the obsidian did not change with heat treatment, a null result possibly produced by the ratio of oxides comprising the glass.
Optical properties of subwavelength hole arrays in vanadium dioxide thin films

We demonstrate that the transmission of far- and near-field incident light through a periodic array of subwavelength holes in a vanadium-dioxide $(\mathrm{V}{\mathrm{O}}_{2})$ thin film is enhanced in the infrared range with respect to transmission through the unperforated film when $\mathrm{V}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ undergoes its semiconductor-to-metal transition. We explain this enhancement by analyzing the loss of transmitted intensity due to leaky evanescent waves inside the holes and scattering at the entrance and exit apertures. Numerical simulations based on the transfer-matrix formalism provide qualitative support for the model and reproduce the principal features of the experimental measurements.
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Is Associated with Altered Subcellular Distribution of Glucocorticoid and Mineralocorticoid Receptors in the Adolescent Mouse Hippocampal Formation

Background Accumulating evidence indicates that several of the long-term consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are the result of changes in the development and function of cortico-limbic structures, including the hippocampal formation. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) are key regulators of hippocampal formation development, structure, and functioning and, thus, are potential mediators of PAE's effects on this brain region. In the present studies, we assessed the impact of PAE on components of corticosteroid signaling pathways in the mouse hippocampal formation. Methods Throughout pregnancy, mouse dams were offered either 10% (w/v) ethanol sweetened with 0.066% (w/v) saccharin (SAC) or 0.066% (w/v) SAC alone using a limited (4-hour) access, drinking-in-the-dark paradigm. The hippocampal formation was isolated from naive postnatal day 40 to 50 offspring, and subcellular fractions were prepared. Using immunoblotting techniques, we measured the levels of GR, MR, 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1), and the FK506-binding proteins 51 (FKBP51, FKBP5) and 52 (FKBP52, FKBP4). Finally, we determined the effect of PAE on context discrimination, a hippocampal-dependent learning/memory task. Results PAE was associated with reduced MR and elevated GR nuclear localization in the hippocampal formation, whereas cytosolic levels of both receptors were not significantly altered. FKBP51 levels were reduced, while FKBP52 levels were unaltered, and 11β-HSD1 levels were increased in postnuclear fractions isolated from PAE mouse hippocampal formation. These neurochemical alterations were associated with reduced context discrimination. Conclusions The data support a model in which PAE leads to increased nuclear localization of GRs secondary to reductions in FKBP51 and increases in 11β-HSD1 levels in the adolescent mouse hippocampal formation. Persistent dysregulation of GR subcellular distribution is predicted to damage the hippocampal formation and may underlie many of the effects of PAE on hippocampal-dependent functioning.
Giant modal gain, amplified surface plasmon-polariton propagation, and slowing down of energy velocity in a metal-semiconductor-metal structure

We investigate surface plasmon-polariton (SPP) propagation in a metal-semiconductor-metal structure where semiconductor is highly excited to have an optical gain. We show that near the SPP resonance, the imaginary part of the propagation wave vector changes from positive to hugely negative, corresponding to an amplified SPP propagation. The SPP mode experiences an unexpected giant modal gain that is 1000 times of material gain in the excited semiconductor, a phenomenon not known to exist in any other system. We show that the physical origin of such giant gain is the slowing down of average energy propagation in the structure.
Urea hydrolysis in soils: Factors influencing the effectiveness of phenylphosphorodiamidate as a retardant

Abstract Studies to determine the factors influencing the effectiveness of phenylphosphorodiamidate (PPD) to retard urea hydrolysis in soils showed that the inhibitory effect of PPD on hydrolysis of urea by soil urease increased markedly with the amount of PPD added and decreased markedly with time and with increase in temperature from 10 to 40°C. They also showed that the ability of PPD to retard urea hydrolysis in 15 surface soils selected to obtain a wide range in properties was significantly correlated with organic C content (r = −0.68∗∗), total N content (r = −0.74∗∗), cation-exchange capacity (r = −0.65∗∗), sand content (r=0.66∗∗), clay content (r = −0.64∗∗) and surface area (r = −0.60∗), but was not significantly correlated with pH, silt content, urease activity or CaCO3 equivalent. Multiple-regression analyses indicated that the effectiveness of PPD to retard urea hydrolysis in soils tends to increase with decrease in soil organic-matter content.
Glutathione activation of chloropicrin in the Salmonella mutagenicity test

Abstract Chloropicrin (CCl3NO2) is a major soil fumigant for control of fungi, insects and nematodes and may by formed by chlorination of drinking water. It is also a strong lacrimator and induces sister chromatid exchanges in cultured human lymphocytes. Mutagenicity assays of CCl3NO2 in Salmonella typhimurium TA100 establish that it is toxic but not mutagenic at 500 nmol/plate but becomes mutagenic but not toxic on addition of S9 (previous work) or 1–2 molar equivalents of glutathione (GSH) (this study). The preincubation assay is superior to the plate incorporation test giving 2–4-fold higher revertants/nmol. Using the preincubation assay with GSH at 5 mM (a biomimetic level) in the top agar gives linear dose–response relationships for CCl3NO2 and its dechlorination products CHCl2NO2 and CH2ClNO2 with 0.56, 0.56 and 1.8 revertants/nmol, respectively. The mutagenicity values for CHCl2NO2 and CH2ClNO2 are the same in the presence and the absence of GSH, which only improves the linearity at high levels by reducing toxicity to the bacteria. GSH activation of CCl3NO2 mutagenicity may be due to reductive dechlorination of the trichloro compound to the more active CHCl2NO2 and CH2ClNO2. Alternatively, the mutagenicity may result from an intermediate GSH conjugate such as GSCCl2NO2 or GSCHClNO2. In comparison, the mutagenicity of CH2Br2 and CH2I2 is affected little if any by addition of GSH and these dihalomethanes are much less active than the halonitromethane series. It therefore appears that CCl3NO2 is not mutagenic in the absence of activation and that the dechlorinated metabolites CHCl2NO2 and CH2ClNO2 are moderately potent bacterial mutagens, consistent with the possible genotoxicity of CCl3NO2 in mammals.
Measurement and characterization of fluid flow profile using electrical capacitance tomography

The concept of electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) was used to characterize the flow of water in a pipe. The technique is based on measuring capacitances from multiple electrodes alongside the surface of the fluid-containing pipe and correlating the measured capacitances to identify changes which could pinpoint the exact location of air bubbles positioned in the pipe. This enables the characterization of the flow of air bubbles along the horizontally flowing water. The innovativeness of the approach comes from the fact that the results could be used to measure and characterize the flow of water in pipes or ducts. Using the proposed technique, flow velocity of water in a pipe was measured to be 0.2936 m/s and the volumetric flow rate was 5.96*10−4 m3/s. Comparing this result with conventional water flow rate measurement of bucket-and-timer method which resulted in flow velocity of 0.30699 m/s and volumetric flow rate of 6.22*10−4 m3/s, the proposed technique had measured flow velocity and flow rate differences of below 5 %. Moreover, by applying tomographic techniques to the capacitive plates, the optimum number of electrodes required in an ECT setup was identified to properly characterize the flow of a given size of air bubble in a pipe. The results indicate that for air bubbles of size larger than 0.0127 m or 0.5 inches in diameter, four electrodes used in the tomographic setup give the required accuracy in identification and localization of air bubbles in water flow in the water pipe.
Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: Research Findings and Implications for Intervention

Prevalence of children's exposure to intimate partner violence has been estimated at 10% to 20% each year. Many children exposed to domestic violence appear to manifest negative effects. Limited re...
Microstructure-sensitive HCF and VHCF simulations

Abstract This paper provides some background and historical review of how microstructure-sensitive finite element simulations can play a role in understanding the effects of stress amplitude, R -ratio, and microstructure on fatigue crack formation and early growth at notches, including pores and non-metallic inclusions for Ti alloys and Ni-base superalloys. The simulations employ fatigue indicator parameters (FIPs) computed over finite volumes that relate to processes of fatigue crack formation and early growth at the scale of individual grains. It is argued that both coarse scale (uncracked, mesoscale) and fine scale FIPs (computed in the vicinity of cracks in single grains or crystals) serve as a driving force for crystallographic fatigue crack growth, and correlate directly with the cyclic crack tip displacement (CTD). Furthermore, variability in high cycle fatigue (HCF) and very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) responses is computationally assessed using multiple statistical volume elements and the distribution of FIPs of extreme value character. The concepts of marked correlation functions and weighted probability density functions are reviewed as a means to quantify the role of multiple microstructure attributes that couple to enhance the extreme value FIPs in the HCF regime. An algorithm for estimation of the cumulative probability distribution of cycles for crack formation and growth from notches in HCF and VHCF is also described.
Bisphosphonates and Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Review of Clinical Features and the Drug Effect on Oral Soft Tissues

The beneficial effects of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate drugs have been clearly defined, especially for the treatment for osteoporosis, metastatic or primary bone malignancies, and some rare bone diseases. The adverse effects of these drugs on oral hard and soft tissues are significant and recognized with increasing frequency. The clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) are well characterized; the effects of bisphosphonates on oral soft tissues are an emerging area of study. This review will provide an overview of ONJ from a clinical perspective and also discuss recent findings related to bisphosphonate-induced soft tissue pathology.
Recent developments in monetary theory

Abstract This paper surveys recent work in monetary theory, with primary emphasis on material that has appeared since the writing of Harry Johnson's 1962 survey. The discussion deals with the following topics: (1) the theory of money demand, with special attention to inventory approaches; (2) money, inflation and growth; (3) the welfare cost of inflation, the optimum quantity of money, and inflationary finance; (4) disequilibrium theory; (5) the general equilibrium approach to monetary theory; (6) the new microfoundations of money; and (7) rational expectations and the Phillips Curve.
Toward the Use of Human Resource Development for Societal Development: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities

The Problem.Although current human resource development (HRD) theory does not adequately address the issues and challenges faced by larger contexts, the methods originating from traditional HRD hav...
High yield routes to molybdenum(III) compounds by diphenylsilane and tin(II) chloride reduction of molybdenum(V) and molybdenum(IV) chlorides

Abstract MoCl 4 (thf) 2 has been stoichiometrically reduced with SnCl 2 to form MoCl 3 (thf) 3 with the concomitant formation of SnCl 4 (thf) 2 . In an alternative procedure, MoCl 5 reacted directly with diphenylsilane according to the equation below to give high yields of either MoCl 4 (thf) 2 or MoCl 3 (thf) 3 , depending on the reaction stoichiometry, in a single step, high yield (>85%) synthesis. MoCl 5 + x Ph 2 SiH 2 →MoCl 5-x (thf) 1+x + x Ph 2 SiHCI+ x /2H 2 ( x = 1 or 2) These methods avoid the possibility of over reduction that is common when metals (such as tin or zinc) are used in heterogeneous reactions.
An asymptotically reduced model of turbulent Langmuir circulation

An asymptotically exact reduced model describing Langmuir circulation (LC), an upper ocean convective flow, in the strong surface wave forcing limit is constructed. Linear and secondary stability analyses suggest that the model captures correctly the dominant instability modes arising in strongly anisotropic, turbulent LC. The model is conceptually simpler, and may be more amenable to numerical simulation, than the three-dimensional Craik–Leibovich equations from which the reduced equation set is derived.
Economics of The Low-Income Mortgagor Counseling Program

The Section 237 Homeownership Counseling Program for lower and Moderate income household, whose applications for mortgage insurance have been rejected by the Federal Housing Administration, is a concession to the fact that members of this group may have acquired poor credit histories and still become responsible homeowners and credit users. Those being accepted for counseling are, for the most part, large younger families in the moderate income category. The program benefits mortgage-lenders by reducing their collection, delinquency and foreclosure costs and enabling them to increase the number of loans granted and profits. It also benefits all others in the real estate industry deriving compensation or profit from the sale of houses to Section 237 counselees. Those who purchase homes under the program receive benefits but prices of qualified lower priced homes are increased because of the program. Agency efforts are having some effect. About half the interviewed counselees reported they had changed how they spent their money and planned because of the agency efforts. The program costs are, in the last analysis, being borne by taxpayers. However the program does redistribute some benefits (home ownership) not equally available to all in our economy.
Adaptive finite element analysis of hypersonic laminar flows for aerothermal load predictions

The use of an adaptive mesh refinement procedure for analyzing hypersonic laminar flows with application to aerothermal load predictions is described. The adaptation procedure, which uses both quadrilateral and triangular elements, is implemented with the multistep Galerkin-Runge-Kutta scheme. Elements that lie in regions of strong gradients are refined based on indicators to obtain better definition of flow features. The effectiveness of the adaptive procedure is demonstrated by modeling Mach 11.7 flow over a 15-deg ramp. Numerical results are compared with predictions of strong interaction theories and experimental data. Surface quantities such as heating rates and pressure loads, critical for the effective design of high-speed vehicles, are found to be in good agreement with experimental values.
An effect of mate fertility on the attractiveness and oviposition rates of mated Drosophila melanogaster females

Abstract Mate fertility has a strong influence on the sexual receptivity of mated Drosophila melanogaster females, but an effect of mate fertility on the attractiveness of mated females has not previously been demonstrated. We compared the declines in attractiveness over the first 10 h after mating for females mated to fertile (XY) males and those mated to sterile (XO) males, and found a significant effect of mate fertility. A large and significant decrease in attractiveness, that is the same for both XY- and XO-mated females, is evident during the first 4 h after mating. However, a further decline in attractiveness occurs between 4 and 6 h after mating for XY-mated females, but not until between 6 and 10 h after mating for females with sterile mates. Thus, XY-mated females are significantly less attractive than XO-mated females at 6–8 h post-mating, but not at any other time. A sharp increase in oviposition rates for both types of mated females is associated with the decline in attractiveness that occurs between 4 and 10 h after mating.