cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Aspects of α-Tocotrienol Antioxidant Action and Cell Signalling

Vitamin E, the most important lipid-soluble antioxidant, was discovered at the University of California at Berkeley in 1922 in the laboratory of Herbert M. Evans (Science 1922, 55: 650). At least eight vitamin E isoforms with biological activity have been isolated from plant sources. Since its discovery, mainly antioxidant and recently also cell signaling aspects of tocopherols and tocotrienols have been studied. Tocopherols and tocotrienols are part of an interlinking set of antioxidant cycles, which has been termed the antioxidant network. Although the antioxidant activity of tocotrienols is higher than that of tocopherols, tocotrienols have a lower bioavailability after oral ingestion. Tocotrienols penetrate rapidly through skin and efficiently combat oxidative stress induced by UV or ozone. Tocotrienols have beneficial effects in cardiovascular diseases both by inhibiting LDL oxidation and by down-regulating 3-hydroxyl-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase, a key enzyme of the mevalonate pathway. Important novel antiproliferative and neuroprotective effects of tocotrienols, which may be independent of their antioxidant activity, have also been described.
Digital karyotyping: a powerful tool for cancer gene discovery

Digital karyotyping is a genome-wide approach that is designed to provide a global genomic content profiling of cells at high resolution. In cancer cells, knowledge of gene-specific genetic content alterations has the power to expedite the process of cancer gene discovery. Keywords: genomic alteration; gene dosage; digital karyotyping
Theoretical Multiplet Strengths for Mg I, Al II, and Si III

Superposition of configurations wavefunctions have been computed for the ground state and some lower excited states of the first three members of the magnesium isoelectronic sequence. The excited states are all those with configurations involving the low‐lying orbitals 3s, 3p, 3d, and 4s. Multiplet strengths were also computed for all the allowed electric dipole transitions among these states. Only excitations of the outer two valence electrons were included in the multiconfiguration expansion, with the virtual orbitals being derived from a pseudonatural orbital transformation. Comparisons are made with predictions of the Z‐expansion method.
Gender socialization and the cultural construction of elder caregivers

Abstract This paper utilizes feminist theories as a lens for viewing the differential socialization experiences of males and females across the life span. These experiences are examined in relation to their contribution toward the construction of gender role expectations and variations in caregiving capacity. Selected cultures are then explored to identify points of divergence from the dominant elder care pattern observed in the United States. Finally, implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need to develop caregiving partnerships that integrate the efforts of both men and women as well as public and private resources.
Effect of “Aerobics” on Self-Concepts of College Women

The purpose of the 10-wk. study was to assess the effect of “aerobics” on self-concepts of college women. 116 college women enrolled in aerobics classes and 177 in 7 nonphysical education classes w...
Use of Learner Data in Selecting Instructional Content for Continuing Education.

In order to use the rich data available about the knowledge and professional practice of Physician Assistants (PA’s), it was necessary to develop a methodology to organize and relate information about patients seen in practice, perceived needs, and prior knowledge both in terms of the PA role and the content to be taught. Such a process may be useful to consider in the design of instructional materials for other populations and other settings.
Dynamics, control, and simulation of the jump of a quadruped☆

Abstract Gross body motion of a six-link quadruped model is considered in the sagittal plane. The model includes eight representative muscles of fore- and hind limbs as force generators. The kinematics of the quadruped's long jump are studied, and the translational and the rotational components of the jump are decoupled. Stability of the model is achieved by state feedback. The motion of this model during starting, flight, and landing phases of motion is studied by digital computer simulation. It is shown that in the starting phase feedback is essential for the control of the takeoff velocity, while the jump itself can be carried out without feedback as a ballistic movement.
Response of Avian Communities to Historic Habitat Change in the Northern Chihuahuan Desert

Throughout much of the northern Chihuahuan Desert, the grasslands that were widespread at the time of European settlement have been replaced by desert shrublands. Little is known about the effects of this change on avian communities. We analyzed historic U.S. Government Land Office records to assess large- scale changes in vegetation cover from the 1880s to the present day. We studied vegetation and avian com- munities in one grassland habitat type and four desert shrubland habitat types to examine (1) how breeding- bird communities may have changed in response to habitat conversion from grassland to desert shrubland and (2) whether breeding-bird communities differ among the four desert shrubland habitat types that com- pose Chihuahuan Desert scrub in this region. To estimate the characteristics of 1880s black grama ( Boutel- oua eriopoda ) grassland, we focused on plots located within extensive patches of present-day black grama and compared the avian communities found there with those in desert shrubland. Species richness was higher in desert shrubland than grassland. Among the desert shrubland habitat types, species richness was consistently highest in mesquite. Avian abundance patterns differed among the four desert shrubland habitat types. At least 30% of the avian community in each habitat pair was distinct. Conversion of grassland to shrubland in south-central New Mexico has likely been accompanied by a major turnover in the avian community. Re- maining tracts of black grama provide habitat for species that may be uniquely adapted to the northern Chi- huahuan Desert and should be protected.
Analysis of DNA-Vaccinated Fish Reveals Viral Antigen in Muscle, Kidney and Thymus, and Transient Histopathologic Changes

A highly efficacious DNA vaccine against a fish rhabdovirus, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), was used in a systematic study to analyze vaccine tissue distribution, persistence, expression patterns, and histopathologic effects. Vaccine plasmid pIHNw-G, containing the gene for the viral glycoprotein, was detected immediately after intramuscular injection in all tissues analyzed, including blood, but at later time points was found primarily in muscle tissue, where it persisted to 90 days. Glycoprotein expression was detected in muscle, kidney, and thymus tissues, with levels peaking at 14 days and becoming undetectable by 28 days. Histologic examination revealed no vaccine-specific pathologic changes at the standard effective dose of 0.1 mug DNA per fish, but at a high dose of 50 mug an increased inflammatory response was evident. Transient damage associated with needle injection was localized in muscle tissue, but by 90 days after vaccination no damage was detected in any tissue, indicating the vaccine to be safe and well tolerated.
A non-destructive electron beam diagnostic for a SASE FEL using coherent off-axis undulator radiation

Abstract We show that by observing coherent off-axis undulator radiation (COUR) from a short diagnostic wiggler, it may be possible to determine the length and structure of a short electron bunch. Typically the on-axis undulator radiation is incoherent, but at angles of a few degrees, the wavelength of the emitted radiation may be comparable to the length of a short electron bunch, and thus coherence effects emerge. Due to such coherence effects, the intensity of the emitted radiation may change by up to a factor of 10 9 as the angle of observation is increased. The radiation becomes coherent in a way which depends on the length and structure of the electron bunch. Observing COUR disturbs the electron bunch negligibly. Thus, COUR can be used as a non-destructive diagnostic which would allow for optimization of FEL performance while an FEL is operating. Such a diagnostic could be used for proposed SASE FELs, which use short electron bunches. We present two methods to describe the theory for COUR, and we use these methods to calculate the expected outcome of a COUR experiment. We propose an experiment to demonstrate COUR effects and their applications to SASE FELs.
New Codes from Dual BCH Codes with Applications in Low PAPR OFDM

Dual Bose-Ray-Chaudhuri (BCH) codes, despite their favorable peak to average power ratio (PAPR) properties, have not been used in coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. This is due to unavailability of a practical decoder and large performance gap to the Shannon limit. In this paper, we propose an advanced approach to solve the aforementioned problems. We construct a new code with favorable PAPR properties based on dual BCH codes and develop the associated maximum a posteriori (MAP) decoding algorithm. By exploiting this code as the frequency domain constituent code in a time-frequency turbo structure, we reduce the gap between the performance and Shannon limit while the bounded PAPR of OFDM symbols is guaranteed. By comparative performance evaluation we illustrate that the performance of this system is comparable with that of capacity approaching codes while it has 7 dB lower PAPR.
Theory of the excitonic lineshape in low-dimensional structures with rough interfaces

Abstract A quantum mechanical theory of single-particle motion under the influence of a stochastic potential is presented. By solving the Dyson equation, the one-particle Green's function can be determined approximately. Assuming a Gaussian distribution, an explicit expression is derived for the spectral function. The analytical results are in good agreement with numerically calculated data. The theory is applied to excitons on rough interfaces. The optical absorption of excitons on rough surfaces can be traced back to the one-particle Green's function for the center-of-mass motion. In contrast to the classical treatment, the asymmetry of the lines and the redshift of the maxima can be explained. The coefficients for linewidth and asymmetry can be expressed in terms of the excitonic wavefunction and the binary correlation function of the stochastic potential. PACS: 61.43.Bn; 71.35 + z; 73.20.Dx; 78.66.Fd.
Synaptosomal ATPase acttivities in temporal cortex and hippocampal formation of humans with focal epilepsy

Abstract Intact nerve endings (synaptosomes) have been isolated from spiking and non-spiking temporal cortex and hippocampus samples from 14 patients immediately after temporal lobectomy for intractable epilepsy. Synaptosomes were also prepared from frozen brain samples of humans with no known neurological diseases. Four adenosine triphosphatase (ATP)-metabolizing enzymes (ecto-ATPase, ecto-adenylate kinase, Na+,K+-ATPase and Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase) were assayed in the synaptosomal fractions from the most spiking temporal cortex area (including focus) as well as from various regions of the hippocampus, and compared with enzyme activities of the least spiking or non-spiking temporal cortex of the same patient. Enzyme activities of the epileptic brain samples were also compared with values measured in the corresponding regions of normal brains. Ecto-ATPase activities of epileptic temporal cortex were decreased (approximately 30%) in both comparisons. In contrast to these findings, a substantially increased (in some cases 300%) ecto-ATPase activity was observed in the posterior part of epileptic hippocampus. We suggest that the higher than normal ecto-ATPase activity in this particular hippocampal region is related to the presence of granule cells and their efferent (or afferent) synaptic connections. The synaptosomal ecto-adenylate kinase showed alterations opposite to the changes found for the ecto-ATPase. The intrasynaptosomal ATPases(Na+,K+- and Ca2+,Mg2+-) were decreased in the epileptic hippocampus-, but not in the temporal cortex samples, in relation to the corresponding normal enzyme activity values. These complex alterations in synaptosomal ATP-metabolizing enzyme activities may be important elements of seizure development and maintenance in human temporal lobe epilepsy.
The role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) physics

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment modality that employs the photochemical interaction of three components: light, photosensitizer, and oxygen. Tremendous progress has been made in the last 2 decades in new technical development of all components as well as understanding of the biophysical mechanism of PDT. The authors will review the current state of art in PDT research, with an emphasis in PDT physics. They foresee a merge of current separate areas of research in light production and delivery, PDT dosimetry, multimodality imaging, new photosensitizer development, and PDT biology into interdisciplinary combination of two to three areas. Ultimately, they strongly believe that all these categories of research will be linked to develop an integrated model for real-time dosimetry and treatment planning based on biological response.
Laboratory Culture of Zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and Quagga (D. bugensis) Mussel Larvae Using Estuarine Algae

Zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussel (D. bugensis) larvae were reared through and beyond metamorphosis in the laboratory on diets of the estuarine algae, Isochrysis galbana T-Iso and Pavlova (= Monochrysis) lutheri. Larvae were successfully spawned and raised in the laboratory for over 1 year with routine survival to settlement. Some adult males reared from an August 1994 spawn reached sexual maturity with active sperm by April 1995. Diets of dried Chlorella sp. and Synecococchus sp. were unable to support larvae. Settlement of pediveligers at 22°C occurred at ≈ 21 days for zebra mussel and 32 days for quagga mussels. Saturated fatty acids predominated in I. galbana and P. lutheri, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) predominated in Chlorella sp. The process to culture dreissenid larvae in the laboratory is very labor-intensive and requires continuous culture of live algae maintained in log growth phase. Larvae are fed every other day at a density of 2 × 105 cells mL−1 for the first week, and then daily densities of 3–5 × 105 cells mL−1 thereafter. Water quality is critical. Larvae and juveniles should be stocked at densities of ≈ l mL−1 and the water must be changed at least 3× wk−1 in static cultures. Water must be changed at least weekly in tanks holding adult brood stock. Methods of controlling protozoan and rotifer infestation of cultures are also important for successful culture.
Bacteriochlorophyll-a as photosensitizer for photodynamic treatment of transplantable murine tumors.

Abstract Bacteriochlorophyll-a (bChla), which absorbs light of 780 nm wavelength, was tested for in vivo photodynamic activity in the SMT-F and RIF transplantable mouse tumor systems. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of tissue extracts showed that bChla was rapidly degraded in vivo to bacteriopheophytin-a (bPheoa) and other breakdown products. These were also photodynamically active, and tumor response could be achieved over a wavelength range of 660 to 780 nm, while tumor cure was restricted to wavelengths of 755 (bPheoa) to 780 nm. A photosensitizing product absorbing at 660 nm was also present in isolated tumor cells. Photodynamic cell kill of tumor cells isolated from tumors after bChla accumulation in vivo, using 755 or 780 nm light vitro, was exponential up to 20–40 J cm−2. Above this light dose little or no further damage could be achieved, which is an indication of the rapid photobleaching of these sensitizers. In vivo, vascular occlusion occurred readily if light treatment was delivered shortly after sensitizer administration, but was delayed if light treatment was carried out 24 h after injection. Although up to 70% of tumor cells were lethally damaged after completion of in vivo light treatment, concurrent severe vascular destruction seemed necessary for tumor cure. Normal tissue photosensitivity totally subsided within 5 days after sensitizer administration.
“This Is My Body”: Reflections on Abjection, Anorexia, and Medieval Women Mystics

MARY DOUGLAS, BRYAN TURNER, Julia Kristeva, and Rend Girard offer instructive insights into the centrality of religion to the social construction of the human body. Most provocative is the link they forge between conflicts and self-contradictions that beset a society, threatening its order, and the inscription-in myth and ritual-of those conflicts on women's bodies. In this essay, I appeal to these theorists in order to examine church and society in Europe in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and, in particular, the women mystics of that age. Focusing on instances of extreme asceticism among these holy women, I argue that the bodies of the mystics-fractured by self-imposed starvation-mirrored society at large as it responded to dangers that threatened it. Indeed, because threats issued against the social body of late medieval Christendom were registered in highly focused form by the mystics, power claimed over their bodies was, in turn, a power asserted in the social sphere to effect social order. In Part I of this essay, Douglas and Turner's theories provide direction for a preliminary inquiry into the formation of social order. In Part II, the women mystics' asceticism-centered around devotion to the eucharist-forms the focal point for application of Douglas and Turner's theories to an analysis of the conflicts that beset late medieval Christendom, which we see "writ small" on women's bodies. In Part III, the
Investigation of surface treatment of conductive wire in cylindrical atmospheric pressure plasmas

Abstract Polyethylene insulated electric wire was treated in He and Ar dielectric barrier discharge atmospheric pressure plasmas generated in a quartz tube wound with tubular electrodes. The wire was put penetrating through the high voltage and the grounded electrodes, improving the discharge and facilitating uniform surface treatment. In this work, the influences of conductivity of the wire on the effects of surface treatment and discharge behavior were investigated. Surface properties of the wire samples were analyzed by means of surface energy measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In order to reveal the mechanism for treating the conductive wire, I–V discharge waveforms were measured and time-resolved plasma images were taken. It was demonstrated that the conductive wire was involved in the discharge process, reducing the breakdown voltage significantly and enhancing the discharge. It shows that the discharge mode was strongly dependent on the conductivity of a wire. Intensive surface discharges developed along the conductive wire were found to be mainly responsible for noticeable improvement in the treatment effect.
We Are Out Here, Still Rearing Our Families: Some Thoughts on Education and Certification

Establishing credentials in nursing is the subject of intense controversy and research. Decisions regarding advanced education pose more complex problems for some nurses than for others. Social changes tempt many to take for granted today's freedom of choice in life style, but persons still in very responsible and productive periods of their lives grew up in a different time. Life styles were formed under the pressures of narrower opportunities for self‐esteem and social approval. Many chose to devote themselves to a combination of direct patient care and the long‐term commitment of traditional family rearing. The must speak out lest their viewpoint be ignored by others whose pursuits may have gained them more verbal, organizational, and political skills.
Citizen police academies: Observing goals, objectives, and recent trends

The American police establishment is concentrating on a number of citizen-based tactics in an attempt to embrace the principles of community policing. One approach receiving widespread attention is the Citizen Police Academy. The idea of a Citizen Police Academy is being adopted at a phenomenal rate by a variety of law enforcement agencies. Administrators assume that the Citizen Police Academy is an effective technique for interacting with community members. The present research verifies the growth in this area and provides the first major descriptive analysis of this phenomenon.
Inclusive cross sections, p ( 0.8 GeV ) + A → p + X , up to the Li 6 elastic limit

Results of experimental measurements on protons produced at 100/sup 0/ and 158/sup 0/ from /sup 6/Li, /sup 9/Be, and /sup 181/Ta targets are presented and compared with the mass number (A), angular (theta), and momentum dependence of ''quasi-two-body scaling.''
Real-time imaging of the pancreas during development of diabetes

Summary: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is the most common autoimmune disease affecting almost 20 million people worldwide. T1D is thought to be caused by autoaggressive T cells infiltrating pancreatic islets and destroying insulin-producing β cells. Because insulin therapy, the current treatment for T1D, does not protect against all late complications and because life expectancy is affected, researchers are searching for preventive or curative approaches that block or prevent immune-mediated islet destruction. However, the precise in vivo events that take place in islets during T1D development remain unknown. During the past decade, 2-photon microscopy (2PM) has emerged as a new technique to assess cell–cell interactions in real-time and at high resolution in vivo. This technique has been demonstrated recently to be a promising tool to study the progressive development of T1D pathogenesis at the cellular level. In this review, we propose a new surgical and immunological approach so that 2PM can be utilized to monitor the duration that effector cells reside within an islet, determine the number of effector cells needed for elimination of β cells, and follow the fate of β cells when regulatory cells are present. Understanding the cellular dynamics during T1D development is critical for the rational design of immunotherapies.
Influence coefficients for radiation in a circular cylinder

Abstract A table of influence coefficients is calculated from which the distribution of absorbed radiation in a long circular cylinder having any distribution of emitted radiation can readily be determined. Lambert's law of diffuse emission and reflection is assumed, and the coefficient of absorbivity is supposed constant. A table of functions for the distribution of reflected radiation after each reflection up to the tenth is also given so that the results can be compared with non-Lambertian systems.
Seven essentials of software process

A hybrid view of software development has risen from the collision and convergence of grassroots and craft-based process trends with research and engineering-based ones. In this talk, I will first explain the seven essential characteristics of this contemporary view: human-centricity, pragmatism, discipline, technical orientation, empiricism, experimentation, and value orientation. These characteristics are not simply complementary: they are mutually reinforcing and mutually balancing. I will then focus on the seventh characteristic, value orientation, in terms of how it interacts with the remaining characteristics. The resulting thinking sheds light to weaknesses and strengths of current packaged approaches, and how successful software development is expected to unfold and effective strategies will be uncovered in the era to come.
A review of progress in understanding the fluid geochemistry of the Cerro Prieto geothermal system

Fluid geochemistry has played a major role in our present understanding of the Cerro Prieto geothermal system. Fluid chemical and isotopic compositions have been used to indicate the origin of water, salts and gases, original subsurface temperature and fluid flow, fluid-production mechanisms, and production-induced aquifer boiling and cold-water entry. The extensive geochemical data and interpretations for Cerro Prieto published from 1964 to 1981 are reviewed and discussed. Fluid geochemistry must continue to play an important role in the further development of the Cerro Prieto field.
Dynamic contrast‐enhanced breath‐hold MR imaging of thoracic malignancy using cardiac compensation

The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the use of dynamic gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced, breath-hold spoiled gradient-recalled (SPGR) MR imaging with cardiac compensation (CMON) compared to spin-echo MR imaging in patients with thoracic malignancy. We retrospectively reviewed MR images from 29 patients with thoracic tumors. MR imaging included axial electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated T1-weighted, fast spin echo (FSE) T2-weighted, and contrast-enhanced breath-hold fast multiplanar SPGR imaging with CMON, which selects the phase-encoding gradient based on the phase within the cardiac cycle. Images were reviewed for lung masses, mediastinal or hilar tumor, disease of the pleura, chest wall, and bones and vascular compression or occlusion. Contrast-enhanced fast multiplanar SPGR imaging with CMON produces images of the chest that are free of respiratory artifact and have diminished vascular pulsation artifact. ECG-gated T1-weighted images were preferred for depicting mediastinal and hilar tumor. The gadopentetate dimeglumine-enhanced fast multiplanar SPGR images were useful for depicting chest wall tumor, vascular compression or thrombosis, osseous metastases, and in distinguishing a central tumor mass from peripheral lung consolidation. Pleural tumor was depicted best on the FSE T2-weighted images and the contrast-enhanced SPGR images. As an adjunct to spin echo T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging, contrast-enhanced fast multiplanar SPGR imaging with CMON is useful in the evaluation of thoracic malignancy.
Evidence for a strong hydrogen bond in the catalytic dyad of transition-state analogue inhibitor complexes of chymotrypsin from proton-triton NMR isotope shifts.

We present here the first accurate measurements of 1H (H) versus 3H (T) isotope shift (ΔδT-H = δT − δH) in a protein. This approach was used to investigate the strength of the hydrogen bond between His57 and Asp102 in the catalytic dyad of chymotrypsin in three transition-state analogue inhibited complexes: N-acetyl-l-phenylalanyl trifluoromethyl ketone (N-AcF-CF3), N-acetyl-l-valyl-l-phenylalanyl trifluoromethyl ketone (N-AcVF-CF3), and N-acetyl-l-leucyl-l--phenylalanyl trifluoromethyl ketone (N-AcLF-CF3). The measured ΔδT-H values for His57 Hδ1 in these complexes were between −0.63 and −0.68 ppm. These values are consistent with a strong hydrogen bond in each of these complexes, but not with a very strong hydrogen bond, which would be expected to have a ΔδT-H. value near or greater than zero.
A moored temperature and pressure recorder

Abstract An instrument designed for long-duration measurement of temperature time series in the deep ocean has been designed, tested, and constructed in large numbers. The instrument is digital, placing observations on magnetic tape. Temperature is sensed with a thermistor. In order to monitor the position of the instrument on a moving mooring line, pressure is also measured using a strain gauge. A number of records, extending over periods as long as 4·5 months have been obtained. On moorings with subsurface flotation, the instruments hardly move at all. However, on taut moorings with surface flotation, instrument excursions are so large, even 4000 m from the surface, that the temperature measurement is probably not meaningful. The instruments have also operated successfully as deep-sea and shallow water tide gauges.
Atmospheric dispersion of a heavier-than-air gas near a two-dimensional obstacle

Flow over a two-dimensional obstacle and dispersion of a heavier-than-air gas near the obstacle were studied. Two species, one representing air and the other representing the heavier-than-air gas were treated. Equations for mass and momentum were cast in mass-averaged form, with turbulent Reynolds stresses and mass fluxes modeled using eddy-viscosity and diffusivity hypotheses. A two-equation k-e turbulence model was used to determine the effective turbulent viscosity. Streamline curvature and buoyancy corrections were added to the basic turbulence formulation. The model equations were solved using finite difference techniques. An alternating-direction-implicit (ADI) technique was used to solve the parabolic transport equations and a direct matrix solver was used to solve the elliptic pressure equation.
Fractal analysis of the electromyographic interference pattern

Abstract Evaluation of motor unit recruitment is an important component of the clinical EMG exam. Typically this is assessed qualitatively using auditory features and estimates of the visual complexity of the EMG waveform. Recent advances in nonlinear dynamics have led to the development of the concept of fractals which can be used to quantify complexity and space filling features of various structures. This study was undertaken to determine if the normal EMG interference pattern (IP) has fractal characteristics that might be helpful in quantitative analysis. EMG activity was recorded from the 9 normal biceps muscles as force was varied from 10 to 90% of maximal. Using a box count algorithm, the fractal dimension was calculated. The EMG IP displays fractal characteristics with a dimension that is highly correlated with force and ranges from 1.1 to 1.4 as force increases from 10 to 90% MVC. The fractal dimension (FD)-force relationship is similar to that observed with other methods of IP analysis and suggests that the fractal dimension can be used to quantify and capture the essence of the ‘complexity’ of motor unit recruitment patterns.
Flow and heat transfer in rotating two-pass rectangular channels (AR=2) by Reynolds stress turbulence model

Abstract Numerical predictions of three-dimensional turbulent flow and heat transfer are presented for a rotating two-pass smooth rectangular channel with channel aspect ratio of 2:1. The focus of this study is to investigate the effect of rotation, channel orientation and the sharp 180° turn on the flow and heat transfer distributions. Two channel orientations are studied: β=90° and β=135°. A multi-block Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) method was employed in conjunction with a near-wall second-moment turbulence closure. The Reynolds number (Re) is fixed at 10,000 while the rotation number (Ro) is varied from 0 to 0.22. Two inlet coolant-to-wall density ratios Δρ/ρ are studied (0.115 and 0.22). The numerical results are compared with the experimental data for both stationary and rotating two-pass rectangular channels.
High–speed imaging of a bulk metallic glass during uniaxial compression

High–speed imaging directly correlates the propagation of a particular shear band with mechanical measurements during uniaxial compression of a bulk metallic glass. Imaging shows shear occurs simultaneously over the entire shear plane, and load data, synchronized and time–stamped to the same clock as the camera, reveal that shear sliding is coincident with the load drop of each serration. Digital image correlation agrees with these results. These data demonstrate that shear band sliding occurs with velocities on the order of millimeters per second. Fracture occurs much more rapidly than the shear banding events, thereby readily leading to melting on fracture surfaces.
The NASA NSCAT and Topex/Poseidon programs

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in support of global oceanographic studies and the large-scale oceanographic experiments of the World Climate Research Program, has begun a program to measure oceanic winds, currents, and tides from space. The two major elements of the program are: (a) A Nasa Scatterometer NSCAT to measure winds from space to be flown on the Navy's Remote Ocean Sensing System NROSS satellite; and (b) the Topex/Poseidon altimetric satellite to measure currents and tides. The NSCAT will measure surface wind speed and direction on a 50 km grid with an accuracy of \pm 2 m/s and \pm 20\deg along 600 km wide swaths on either side of the spacecraft to provide near global coverage every two clays for three years. NSCAT is funded and launch is planned for September 1990. The combination of Nasa's Topex program with the Poseidon program of the French Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, Topex/Poseidon, has led to plans to launch a joint altimetric satellite in February 1991 to measure sea-surface topography with an accuracy of \pm 14 cm and a precision of \pm 2.4 cm along a fixed global grid every 10 days for three years. These measurements will be used to calculate the time-varying and permanent surface geostrophic currents at the sea surface, oceanic tides, and ocean wave height.
Study of the Martensitic Phase Transition in Sodium

The martensitic transformation in sodium is studied by means of a local pseudopotential theory. The total Helmholtz free energy is calculated as a function of temperature and crystal configuration for both the bcc and hcp phases of sodium. At $T=0$, the hcp phase is found to be stable, while the bcc phase is found to be stable at high temperatures. The inclusion of the zero-point energy at $T=0$ gives improved agreement with the experimentally determined energy differences between the bcc and hcp phases. It is found that the thermal expansion of the crystal does not play a significant role in the phase transition and the transition from hcp to bcc as the temperature increases can be explained by thermodynamic arguments.
The effectiveness of man-machine tutorial dialogues for teaching attribute blocks problem-solving skills with an Artificial Intelligence CAI System

Two prominent design features of an Artificial Intelligence CAI (AI CAI) System for teaching problem-solving skills were experimentally evaluated. Seventy-six subjects were randomly assigned to four treatment groups formed by factorially combining two values each of two system design variables. The variables were the ability/lack of ability of the system to answer specific student generated questions regarding the current problem state, and the inclusion/exclusion of computer generated tutorial dialogues aimed at correcting student misprocessing of information during the solution of the problem. Analysis of the data indicated that students receiving computer generated instructional dialogues performed significantly more poorly on a transfer task than students not receiving such tutorial dialogues. The variable of student initiated questioning and the interaction of the two variables yielded non-significant results. Goal-directed production systems are reported to formally model task performance and instructional decision-making activities. The usefulness of these formal modeling techniques to instructional system design and evaluation is illustrated in a detailed analysis of the system's performance. Implications for future instructional system design techniques using the AI CAI approach are discussed.
Cancer and thrombosis in women - molecular mechanisms.

Abstract Both women and men with cancer are at increased risk for developing venous thromboembolism (VTE), a propensity that has been known for many years. Until recently it was assumed, however, that the association between cancer and thrombosis is an epiphenomenon — not causally related to the transforming malignant events. The pathophysiology of thrombosis in patients with cancer is complex involving multiple tumor-related and host-related factors. Several recent studies have provided strong evidence that activation of blood coagulation, perhaps most often mediated by tissue factor (TF)-rich microparticles (MPs), is linked directly to oncogene-induced malignant transformation. In addition, the development of VTE, either before or concurrent with the diagnosis of cancer, appears to predict an aggressive behavior of a tumor, and correlates with increased tumor angiogenesis and early onset of distant metastasis. The regulation of expression of TF in tumor cells is controlled at the molecular level by several oncogenes, as appears to be true for cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an important regulator of platelet function and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis. In addition, engagement of protease-activated receptors (PARs) by the TF-factor VIIa complex, factor Xa and/or thrombin, have now been shown to be important for tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Targeting blood clotting reactions in cancer, therefore, may provide a unique approach to cancer treatment.
Algorithms And Architectures For Global Shape Analysis In Time-Varying Imagery

The use Fourier descriptors and two-dimensional moments for rapid recognition of shapes is discussed. Both algorithms and architectures for these methods are considered. Some example recognition experiments are shown including aircraft identification and industrial parts inspection.
Toward an Experiential Theory of Bereavement

The Experiential Theory of Bereavement was derived from open-ended, telephone interview data provided by thirty-four adults who had experienced the death of a loved one. Strengths of this grounded ...
Iron Chelators and Hypoxia Mimetics Inhibit IFNγ-Mediated Jak-STAT Signaling

Treatment of cultured cells with iron chelators causes profound changes in gene expression and inhibition of cytokine signaling pathways, suggesting an important role for iron in inflammation. We have previously shown the treatment of cells with chelators which preferentially bind iron inhibits IFNγ-mediated induction of IFN regulatory factor 1 in endothelial cells. To define the mechanisms mediating inhibition of IFNγ-induced genes, we examined IFNγ-induced signaling pathways in EC after treatment with chelators. Treatment resulted in inhibition of IFNγ-induced STAT1 nuclear translocation. This was associated with inhibition of IFNγ-induced STAT1 phosphorylation and loss of expression of the R1 subunit of the IFNγ receptor (IFNγR) complex, without changes in expression of IFNγR complex subunits. Downregulation of IFNγR1 was not mediated through alterations in IFNγR1 gene transcription, but was induced by inhibition of IFNγR1 mRNA translation superimposed on a constitutively high receptor turnover through endosomal degradation. Furthermore, inhibition of IFNγ signaling and downregulation of IFNγR1 was also mediated by nonmetal-binding hypoxia mimetics and reduced oxygen tensions. These data suggest that the target for chelator effects may be through iron requirements for oxygen-requiring dioxygenase enzymes.
Regulatory T cells are redirected to kill glioblastoma by an EGFRvIII-targeted bispecific antibody

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in in tumor escape from immunosurveillance. We report that a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) targeting a mutated form of the epidermal growth factor receptor, i.e., EGFRvIII, potently redirects Tregs to kill glioblastoma through the granzyme-perforin pathway.
Inducing lexico-structural transfer rules from parsed Bi-texts

This paper describes a novel approach to inducing lexico-structural transfer rules from parsed bi-texts using syntactic pattern matching, statistical co-occurrence and error-driven filtering. We present initial evaluation results and discuss future directions.
Enhancement of synaptic vesicle attachment to the plasma membrane fraction by copper.

Synaptic vesicles from rat brain were labeled with125I, and the association of the vesicles with other subcellular components of brain was examined using a centrifugation assay. Copper at micromolar concentrations enhances the binding of the vesicles to the synaptic membrane as well as other fractions. Magnesium, Ca2+, and calmodulin with Ca2+ are ineffective. There is virtually no binding of synaptic vesicles to the microtuble fraction and only a slight enhancement with Cu2+. These findings support the hypothesis that Cu may serve as a bridge between synaptic vesicles and the plasma membrane.
Drug discovery: Pulled from a protein's embrace.

It is hard to predict how strongly a small molecule will bind to a protein, but this is a crucial goal of computer-aided drug discovery. A new approach models the forcible removal of molecules from a protein's active site.
Optimizing the cryopreservation of murine splenocytes for improved antigen-specific T cell function in ELISPOT

ELISPOT assays are routinely used to measure immune responses of T cells in fresh and frozen splenocytes preparations; however, standardized methods for murine ELISPOT are not widely available. Freezing cells can significantly impact the function of T cells. The aim of this study was to optimize cryopreservation protocols to retain antigen-specific T cell function at similar levels as freshly isolated T cells using murine splenocytes. We examined four factors that might have an impact on cell viability and function: freezing medium, resting cells prior to freezing, temperature of the medium for initial dilution of cells after thawing and resting of cells prior to ELISPOT. FVB/N mice were vaccinated with adjuvant only (CFA/IFA) or IGF-IR peptides, previously shown to be immunogenic by ELISPOT analysis. Mouse splenocytes were cryopreserved using five different media: Medium 1 (50% X-Vivo media, 40% FBS, 10% DMSO), Medium 2 (25% RMPI, 65% FBS, 10% DMSO), Medium 3 (90% FBS, 10% DMSO), Medium 4 (Amresco Media) and Medium 5 (EZ-CP2 Media). Prior to freezing, the cells were either rested on ice for 5 hours or immediately frozen and moved to liquid nitrogen. After four weeks, we used media at 37°C or 4°C for initial dilution of cells after thawing. The thawed cells were either rested overnight at 37°C or not rested. The recovery efficiency and T cell function were evaluated by determining cell viability, background levels, peptide responses, and mitogen responses in ELISPOT assays, respectively. We observed significantly lower cell viability when using freezing Medium 4 and 5, compared to the other media tested (Medium 5 vs Media 1-4: P<0.001; Medium 4 vs 1: P<0.001, Medium 4 vs 2 P<0.05). Resting cells for 5 hours prior to freezing resulted in higher viability, however this difference was not significant (P=0.072). Using media warmed to 37°C to dilute thawed samples resulted in significantly higher cell viability as compared to using media at 4°C (P<0.0001). Media 2 and 3 gave significantly lower background than Fresh cells (P<0.05). Medium 3 was the only freezing medium to result in similar levels of IGF1R peptide responses compared to Fresh. Overnight resting of cryopreserved cells before ELISPOT gave significantly lower T cells responses in both PHA and PMA/ionomycin controls compared to unrested cryopreserved cells (P<0.001).However, overnight resting of cells gave mitogen responses most similar to that of fresh cells when PHA or PMA/ionomycin controls were used. The method of cryopreservation can have a tremendous impact upon splenocytes viability and function. By using an optimized cryopreservation protocol, it is possible to obtain antigen-specific T cell function at levels similar to freshly isolated cells.
Date estimated for maximum of Solar Cycle 23

The Sun's activity follows an approximately 11-year cycle. For the current cycle, number 23, the minimum, or low point in the Sun's activity occurred in May 1996. Maximum—the peak of the Sun's activity—is expected to occur in May 2000, according to NASA's Marshall Solar Activity Future Estimate (MSAFE) Model. Our ability to identify the start and approximate profile of a new solar cycle, and to produce viable, consistent, and timely estimates of its behavior, is considerably important since the space environment and associated geophysical effects are all, to one degree or another, affected by aspects of the Sun's activity. Early identification of the magnitude and projected time of minimum (and maximum) amplitude of a new cycle occupies many researchers, especially as the peaks and valleys of the Sun's activity near. Identification of the date and minimum amplitude is particularly important because it is used in models that predict future levels of solar activity as related to spacecraft orbital lifetime predictions, flare frequency, number and severity of geomagnetic storms, and radiation and ionospheric models.
Fitting girls' schooling into existing economic paradigms: Confronting the complexities

Abstract While much evidence has accumulated in recent years concerning the differential access and rewards to the education of women in developing countries, economic modeling has remained relatively fixed in its treatment of the issue. This paper begins with a discussion of the problems inherent in attempting to fit the complexities of gender differential access and costs of education in existing economic models and implied paradigms. The article then uses the case of Zimbabwe to demonstrate that what appears to be a rather straight-forward costing of the education of girls is complex. Existing treatment of such costs undervalue both the contributions of female labor and the obstacles they face in gaining equal access to schooling.
Use of a computer-controlled firearms training simulator in perception response time experiments

This paper describes the use of a custom-configured computer-controlled firearms training simulator to measure perception response (reaction) time (RT) to a stimulus in which the degree of threat presented is a manipulable variable across trials. The computer records the number of frames of videotape traversed between the point of presentation of the threat in the video stimulus and the point at which the subject responds by drawing the firearm. For the purposes of data analysis, these frame-count measures are converted to RT measurements. Example data are presented that capture perception RT at both thedraw-stimulus and thefire-stimulus points in situations for which either only one threat or more than one threat exists. Other elements, such as degree of threat and accuracy of response, provide additional data.
IONIZED GASES AT LOW DENSITY IN AXIALLY SYMMETRIC MAGNETIC FIELDS

The Boltzmann equation is used to derive the expression for the current in ionized gases at low density in an axially symmetric nonuniform field. The gas is assumed to be in a steady state and collisionless. Using this method, the usual expression for the total drift current is obtained without the necessity of using first‐order orbit theory. When the integration is made over the whole region of charged particles, the diamagnetic terms clearly will not contribute to the total current.
Wal-Mart and the US Economy

The Wal-Mart company, the world's largest retailer and second-largest corporation, is a dominant US business. This study investigates whether there are significant long-run relationships between the business of Wal-Mart and the overall US economy as measured by an array of traditional macro-level variables. Cointegration analysis reveals that Wal-Mart sales generally move counter to overall economic conditions, dampened in more prosperous economic periods and buoyed in more sluggish economic environments. Consequently, trends in Wal-Mart sales may serve as a rather non-traditional contrarian economic bellwether.
Dianhydrogalactitol and Radiation Therapy: Treatment of Supratentorial Glioma

Dianhydrogalactitol was the most active of 177 agents tested against a mouse ependymoblastoma tumor. We conducted a prospectively randonized trial comparing whole-brain irradiation alone vs identical irradiation plus dianhydrogalactitol in 42 patients with grade 3 and 4 supratentorial astrocytomas. Patients receiving dianhydrogalactitol in addition to irradiation had a significantly longer median survival time (67 vs 35 weeks) than did patients receiving only irradiation. The major toxic effect of dianhydrogalactitol is hematologic suppression of a cumulative nature. Dianhydrogalactitol may play an important role (in conjunction with radiation therapy) in the initial treatment of patients with supratentorial glioma. Our data may indicate that the mouse ependymoblastoma system is a useful screen for agents to be used in the treatment of human glioma. ( JAMA 241:2046-2050, 1979)