cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Immunochemistry of sperm whale myoglobin. XI. Modificationo f two glutamic acid residues and their role in the antigenic reactivity

Abstract Reaction of carboxyl groups in apomyoglobin (ApoMb) with carbodiimide followed by coupling with a nucleophile was carried out under various conditions in order to find those most suitable for the preparation of the least modified derivative. Two amino acid esters were used in the coupling reaction and these were glycine methl ester (GME) and histidine methyl ester (HME). It was possible to prepare two derivatives, each modified at glutamic residues 83 and 85, by coupling either with GME or with HME. Recombination of the modified apoproteins with unmodified ferriheme yielded the corresponding myoglobin (Mb) derivatives (i.e. GME 2 -Mb and HME 2 -Mb). The two derivatives were homogeneous by starch gel or acrylamide gel electrophoresis. With antisera to native Mb, GME 2 -Mb reacted very poorly while HME 2 -Mb possessed equal reactivity to that of native Mb. Also, HME 2 -Mb and Mb had equal antigenic reactivities with antisera to HMF 2 -Mb. On the other hand, GME 2 -Mb reacted poorly with antisera to HME 2 -Mb. Antisera were also raised against GME 2 -Mb and with these antisera Mb and HME 2 -Mb showed much lower reactions (which were quantitatively equal) than the homologous antigen. From these findings and previously reported conformational studies, which showed the presence of large conformational changes in GME 2 -Mb and none in HME 2 -Mb, it was concluded that glutamic acid residues 83 and 85 were not located in an antigenic reactive region in Mb. The results have been very useful in further narrowing down a previously-located antigenic reactive region in that location.
Wavelength dependence in photosynthesis of porous silicon dot

Abstract Porous silicon dot was fabricated by laser induced etching of single crystal silicon wafer immersed in hydrofluoric solution. The result shows that there is strong photo-chemical reaction on the laser irradiated silicon surface. Various incident wavelengths have been used to fabricate the porous silicon dots. It is found that there is a significant shift in photoluminescence peak when using infra-red light as etching wavelength. We proposed that there are two possible mechanisms responsible for the shift; one is electronic and the other is photo-chemical.
Urban air pollutants reduce synaptic function of CA1 neurons via an NMDA/NȮ pathway in vitro.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) from urban vehicular aerosols altered glutamate receptor functions and induced glial inflammatory responses in rodent models after chronic exposure. Potential neurotoxic mechanisms were analyzed in vitro. In hippocampal slices, 2 h exposure to aqueous nanosized PM (nPM) selectively altered post-synaptic proteins in cornu ammonis area 1 (CA1) neurons: increased GluA1, GluN2A, and GluN2B, but not GluA2, GluN1, or mGlur5; increased post synaptic density 95 and spinophilin, but not synaptophysin, while dentate gyrus (DG) neurons were unresponsive. In hippocampal slices and neurons, MitoSOX red fluorescence was increased by nPM, implying free radical production. Specifically, NȮ production by slices was increased within 15 min of exposure to nPM with dose dependence, 1–10 μg/mL. Correspondingly, CA1 neurons exhibited increased nitrosylation of the GluN2A receptor and dephosphorylation of GluN2B (S1303) and of GluA1 (S831 & S845). Again, DG neurons were unresponsive to nPM. The induction of NȮ and nitrosylation were inhibited by AP5, an NMDA receptor antagonist, which also protects neurite outgrowth in vitro from inhibition by nPM. Membrane injury (EthidiumD-1 uptake) showed parallel specificity. Finally, nPM decreased evoked excitatory post-synaptic currents of CA1 neurons. These findings further document the selective impact of nPM on glutamatergic functions and identify novel responses of NMDA receptor-stimulated NȮ production and nitrosylation reactions during nPM-mediated neurotoxicity. We present three new findings of rapid hippocampal slice responses to nPM (nano-sized particulate matter from urban traffic): increased NȮ production within 15 min; nitrosylation of glutamatergic NMDA receptors; and, reduced excitatory postsynaptic currents in CA1 neurons. AP5 (NMDA receptor antagonist) blocked nPM-mediated NȮ and receptor nitrosylation. Ca2+ influx is a likely mechanism.
A shrewd insight for vision.

The circuitry responsible for generating orientation-specific responses in primary visual cortex remains controversial. A new study identifies an anatomical substrate for orientation selectivity and suggests the mechanism may be conserved across species.
An electron microscopic study of Babesia microti invading erythrocytes

Intracellular sporozoan parasites invade the host cell through the invagination of the plasma membrane of the host and a vacuole is formed which accommodates the entering parasite. The vacuole may disappear and the invaginated membrane of the host then becomes closely apposed to that of the parasite's own membrane. As a result the parasite is covered by two membranes. Members of the class Piroplasmea differ from other Sporozoa in that their trophozoites are covered by a single membrane. By screening numerous sections of intraerythrocytic Babesia microti belonging to the class Piroplasmea, it was found that merozoites of Babesia enter the erythrocytes of hamsters in the same way as those of the other Sporozoa. When a merozoite touches the red blood cell with its anterior end it becomes attached to the membrane of the host, which starts to invaginate and a parasitophorous vacuole is formed. The vacuolar space disappears rapidly and the membrane of the vacuole and that of the parasite become closely adjacent. At this stage the parasite is surrounded by two plasma membranes. The outer membrane derived from the invaginated host membrane disintegrates quickly and the parasite is left with a single membrane throughout its life span.
Nutrient Elasticities in a Complete Food Demand System

This study explores the linkage of the determinants of food choice with consumer nutrient availability by developing a procedure to measure changes in nutrient availability as the demand for food items change. It uses demand elasticities from traditional demand analysis to estimate elasticities of changes in the nutritional content of consumer diets. The procedure is applied to estimate nutrient elasticities for fifteen nutrients in response to changes in thirty-five food prices and per capita income.
Effect of myo-inositol on renal Na-K-ATPase in experimental diabetes.

Abstract The activity of Na-K-ATPase in the kidney is increased by experimental diabetes. Because the kidney is rich in myo-inositol and abnormal inositol metabolism has been implicated in early neural complications of diabetes, we studied the effect of myo-inositol supplementation on Na-K-ATPase activity in renal medullary and cortical homogenates of Sprague-Dawley rats made diabetic with streptozotocin. Myo-inositol (650 mg/kg) was administered by gavage daily for 1 and 2 weeks after induction of diabetes. Medullary Na-K-ATPase (μmol/mg protein/h) was increased at 1 week by approximately 60% in diabetic rats versus control (25.9 ± 0.07 v 16.3 ± 0.7; P
Comparison of Ventricular Function in Atrial Rate Adaptive Versus Dual Chamber Rate Adaptive Pacing During Exercise

The hemodynamic effects of two different pacing modes--rate adaptive atrial (AAIR) versus dual chamber (DDDR) pacing--were assessed in 12 patients with DDDR pacemakers during upright bicycle exercise first-pass radionuclide angiography using a multiwire gamma camera with tantalum-178 as a tracer. All patients had sinus node disease with intact AV conduction. Patients exercised to the same heart rate in random order in these two different pacing modes, AAIR and DDDR with AV delay (of 100 msec) selected to maintain 100% ventricular capture. Cardiac output increased significantly above baseline values during exercise in both pacing modes: 154 +/- 41% (mean +/- SEM, P = 0.002) with AAIR, versus 95 +/- 24% (P = 0.004) with DDDR (P = NS between the two modes). The peak filling rate, likewise, increased in both pacing modes (2.3 +/- 0.21 end-diastolic volumes/sec to 3.8 +/- 0.31 end-diastolic volumes/sec in AAIR [P = 0.0004] and 2.2 +/- 0.18 end-diastolic volumes/sec to 3.4 +/- 0.27 end-diastolic volumes/sec in DDDR [P = 0.0008]). LV ejection fraction was normal at rest (60 +/- 4%, SEM) and did not significantly change with submaximal exercise in either pacing mode (both 56%, P = NS). No significant changes in end-diastolic volume or stroke volume indexes occurred with exercise in either pacing mode. Our study demonstrates that in patients with normal resting LV function, AAIR and DDDR pacing are equally effective in attaining appropriate increases in cardiac output and LV filling during exercise.
Hadroids and sphalerons

Abstract Physical and mathematical properties of the hadroid/sphaleron solution to SU(2) locally invariant gauge field theory are investigated; it may fractionalize the fermion number and low energy fermions scatter from it with a large cross section. Ways of stabilizing the hadroid are discussed.
Greenpeace, Social Media, and the Possibility of Global Deliberation on the Environment

Greenpeace uses the developmental republican model of democratic governance for setting organizational policy. This model does an excellent job of forming members into effective leaders who are committed to the organization and its mission. However, Greenpeace could more effectively encourage the global community to become involved in environmental activism and set more responsive policy by employing an Internet-based deliberative democracy policy-setting process.
Volumetric visualization of anatomy for treatment planning.

Abstract Purpose : Delineation of volumes of interest for three-dimensional (3D) treatment planning is usually performed by contouring on two-dimensional sections. We explore the usage of segmentation-free volumetric rendering of the three-dimensional image data set for tumor and normal tissue visualization. Methods and Materials : Standard treatment planning computed tomography (CT) studies, with typically 5 to 10 mm slice thickness, and spiral CT studies with 3 mm slice thickness were used. The data were visualized using locally developed volume-rendering software. Similar to the method of Drebin et al., CT voxels are automatically assigned an opacity and other visual properties (e.g., color) based on a probabilistic classification into tissue types. Using volumetric compositing, a projection into the opacity-weighted volume is produced. Depth cueing, perspective, and gradient-based shading are incorporated to achieve realistic images. Unlike surface-rendered displays, no hand segmentation is required to produce detailed renditions of skin, muscle, or bony anatomy. By suitable manipulation of the opacity map, tissue classes can be made transparent, revealing muscle, vessels, or bone, for example. Manually supervised tissue masking allows irrelevant tissues overlying tumors or other structures of interest to be removed. Results : Very high-quality renditions are produced in from 5 s to 1 min on midrange computer workstations. In the pelvis, an anteroposterior (AP) volume rendered view from a typical planning CT scan clearly shows the skin and bony anatomy. A muscle opacity map permits clear visualization of the superficial thigh muscles, femoral veins, and arteries. Lymph nodes are seen in the femoral triangle. When overlying muscle and bone are cut away, the prostate, seminal vessels, bladder, and rectum are seen in 3D perspective. Similar results are obtained for thorax and for head and neck scans. Conclusion : Volumetric visualization of anatomy is useful in treatment planning, because 3D views can be generated without the need for segmentation. When relationships among anatomical structures, rather than geometric models of them, are important, volume rendering presents advantages. The presented algorithm is readily adaptable to distributed parallel implementation on a network of heterogeneous workstations.
Quantum dots encapsulated in phospholipid micelles for imaging and quantification of tumors in the near-infrared region

Near-infrared (NIR) whole-body imaging is a powerful noninvasive method for the visualization of complex biological phenomena such as tumor and tumor vasculature and for whole-body studies. In this study we introduced a new NIR contrast agent in poly(ethylene glycol)-phospholipid micelle-encapsulated quantum dots (QD-Ms). QD-Ms maximally accumulated in the tumor area within 1 hour as compared to 4 hours for the commercially available PEGylated quantum dots (QD-PEGs) and allowed for the visualization of both tumor and internal organs. QD-Ms showed a signal-to-noise ratio of 15 that allowed the quantification of the micelles' biodistribution using image analysis. The signal obtained with the QD-Ms was higher than with the commercial formulation at half the QD dose. Overall, the QD-Ms seem to be a powerful and rapidly acting nanosized imaging agent that allows for effective visualization of tumors using NIR imaging.
Piezoelectric Wafer Active Sensor Guided Wave Imaging

Active sensing methods use actuators/sensors permanently attached to the structure to generate guided waves and measure the arrival waves propagating through the structures. The damage diagnosis is performed through the examination of the arrival waves carrying structural features. Since direct sensory data in guided wave interrogation are implicit with damage related information, advanced signal processing is necessary to extract damage related features for damage diagnosis. Array signal processing is an approach that can map the structure being interrogated with propagating guided waves, producing a visual indication of damage presence, location, and size for crack damage. The arrays can be configured with sensors closely placed or spatially distributed and used in pitch-catch mode. In this paper, we first studied guided wave excitation on isotropic plates and the capability of using piezoelectric wafer active sensors to selectively excite a certain mode in the structure. Then several algorithms for imaging with different types of arrays were investigated. The algorithms were applied to isotropic specimens including thin aluminum plates with hole and crack damage, and thick steel plates with hole damage. The resolution (minimal detectable damage size) was also investigated and compared to the resolution of a linear phased array. Image post processing was used to yield an estimation of the damage size.
Rx: Spiritist as Needed: A Study of a Puerto Rican Community Mental Health Resource

Rx: Spiritist as Needed:. Study of. Puerto Rican Community Mental Health Resource. Alan Harwood Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1987 (1977). 288 pp. $12.95 (paper). ISBN 0-8014-9470-2
Lactogen receptors in rat Leydig cells: analysis of their structure with bifunctional cross-linking reagents.

[125I]Iodohuman GH was found to bind to receptors with specificity for lactogenic hormones in a Triton X-100 extract from Leydig cell membranes displaying an affinity constant of 3.8 × 109 m−1 and a binding capacity of 167 fmol/mg protein. Cross-linking of solubilized [125I]iodohuman GH-receptor complexes with disuccinimidyl suberate followed by analysis by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis in the presence of β-mercaptoethanol and autoradiography resulted in the appearance of bands with apparent mol wt of 113,000,103,000, 59,000, and 53,000. The appearance of these bands was prevented by incubation in the presence of lactogenic hormones. By using a two-dimensional electrophoresis technique (first dimension under nonreducing conditions; second dimension under reducing conditions), it was demonstrated that a fraction of the mol wt 59,000 species can be released from the mol wt 103,000 species upon cleavage of disulfide bonds. These results suggest the existence of lactogen receptor species with app...
Insights into Photoexcited Electron Scavenging Processes on TiO2 Obtained from Studies of the Reaction of O2 with OH Groups Adsorbed at Electronic Defects on TiO2 (110)

In this study we show that molecular oxygen reacts with bridging OH (OHbr) groups formed as a result of water dissociation at oxygen vacancy defects on the surface of rutile TiO2(110). The electron...
Containing Identity in The Plain Dealer and The Way of the World

This essay examines the correlation between property and identity in William Wycherley’s The Plain Dealer and William Congreve’s The Way of the World . Both playwrights emphasize this connection between property and identity by using containers as stage properties. Often brought on stage during revelatory moments, the containers and their contents not only help resolve the action, but they also manifest the connection between what one owns and who one is. They reinforce the correlation between property and power. That women often owned property in these plays reveals the limited and contingent nature of female ownership. By following the movement of these containers, readers can trace the shifting power dynamics that property creates between people and, thereby, the influence that property has on constructing, expressing, and containing identities.
Trichloroethylene, Tetrachloroethylene, Nitrates, and Other Chemicals in Well Water in the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area

In this study, the author examined the spatial and temporal distribution of tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, nitrate, and several other organic and inorganic chemicals in large community wells in the Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area and estimated the lifetime cancer risk associated with exposure to tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene. By 1992-1993, investigators found the industrial solvent tetrachloroethylene in 34 wells and found trichloroethylene in 16 wells. All wells had detectable levels of nitrate. In addition, investigators found radon, arsenic, cadmium, iron, manganese, trihalomethanes, and several other volatile organic chemicals in the wells, but only radon and arsenic posed a significant health risk. In 1995, 16 wells were closed because chemicals were found in them. Twenty-six of 248 (10.5%) active wells and 24 of 43 (55.8%) closed wells contained multiple contaminants, excluding nitrate. Between 1988 and 1993, concentrations of trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, and nitrates increased in selected wells. Daily, monthly, and bimonthly variations in the concentrations of tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and nitrate were often considerable. Granulated activated carbon filtration reduced trichloroethylene levels in well water by 91%-95%, and the author examined its usefulness as a remedial measure. Estimated lifetime cancer risks for tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene were 1 excess cancer death per 9.5 million people and 1 excess death per 250 million, respectively. The author also included recommendations for the conduct of further epidemiological and environmental studies.
Limits to Mercury's magnesium exosphere from MESSENGER second flyby observations

The discovery measurements of Mercury's exospheric magnesium, obtained by the MErcury Surface. Space ENvironment, GEochemistry. and Ranging (MESSENGER) probe during its second Mercury flyby, are modeled to constrain the source and loss processes for this neutral species. Fits to a Chamberlain exosphere reveal that at least two source temperatures are required to reconcile the distribution of magnesium measured far from and near the planet: a hot ejection process at the equivalent temperature of several tens of thousands of degrees K, and a competing, cooler source at temperatures as low as 400 K. For the energetic component, our models indicate that the column abundance that can be attributed to sputtering under constant southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions is at least a factor of five less than the rate dictated by the measurements, Although highly uncertain, this result suggests that another energetic process, such as the rapid dissociation of exospheric MgO, may be the main source of the distant neutral component. If meteoroid and micrometeoroid impacts eject mainly molecules, the total amount of magnesium at altitudes exceeding approximately 100 km is found to be consistent with predictions by impact vaporization models for molecule lifetimes of no more than two minutes. Though a sharp increase in emission observed near the dawn terminator region can be reproduced if a single meteoroid enhanced the impact vapor at equatorial dawn, it is much more likely that observations in this region, which probe heights increasingly near the surface, indicate a reservoir of volatile Mg being acted upon by lower-energy source processes.
Mean-Variance Model for the Build-Operate-Transfer Scheme Under Demand Uncertainty

A mean-variance model was developed for determining the optimal toll and capacity in a build-operate-transfer (BOT) roadway project subject to traffic demand uncertainty. This mean-variance model involves two objectives: maximizing mean profit and minimizing the variance (or standard deviation) of profit. The variance associated with profit is considered as a risk. Because maximizing expected profit and minimizing risk are often conflicting, there may not be a single best solution that can simultaneously optimize both objectives. Hence, it is necessary to explicitly consider this as a multiobjective problem so that a set of nondominated solutions can be generated. In this study, the optimal toll and capacity selection for the BOT problem under demand uncertainty is formulated as a special case of the stochastic network design problem. A simulation-based multiobjective genetic algorithm was developed to solve this stochastic bilevel mathematical programming formulation. Numerical results are also presented as a case study.
RBX1/ROC1-SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase is required for mouse embryogenesis and cancer cell survival

RBX1 (also known as ROC1) is a RING subunit of SCF (S kp1, C ullins, F-box proteins) E3 ubiquitin ligases, required for SCF to direct a timely degradation of diverse substrates, thereby regulating numerous cellular processes under both physiological and pathological conditions. Previous studies have shown that RBX1 is essential for growth in yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila. The role of RBX1 in mouse development and in regulation of cancer cell survival was unknown. Our recent work demonstrated that RBX1 is an essential gene for mouse embryogenesis, and targeted disruption of RBX1 causes embryonic lethality at E7.5 due to hypoproliferation as a result of p27 accumulation. We also showed that RBX1 is overexpressed in a number of human cancers, and siRNA silencing of RBX1 caused cancer cell death as a result of sequential induction of G2-M arrest, senescence and apoptosis. These findings reveal a physiological role of RBX1 during mouse development and a pathological role for the survival of human cancer cells. Differential outcomes between normal (growth arrest) and cancer cells (cell death) upon RBX1 disruption/silencing suggest RBX1 as a valid anticancer target. Comments on: Tan M, Davis SW, Saunders TL, Zhu Y, Sun Y. RBX1/ROC1 disruption results in early embryonic lethality due to proliferation failure, partially rescued by simultaneous loss of p27. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009; 106:6203–6208 Jia L, Soengas MS, Sun Y. ROC1/RBX1 E3 ubiquitin ligase silencing suppresses tumor cell growth via sequential induction of G2-M arrest, apoptosis, and senescence. Cancer Res. 2009; 69:4974–82
Freeze-fracture studies on the synapses in the organ of corti

Receptoneural junctions and synapses in the organ of Corti of the chinchilla have been examined with the freeze-fracture technique. The presynaptic membranes at the receptoneural junctions of inner and outer hair cells have many structural features in common with membranes found at chemical synapses outside the organ of Corti. However, the membranes of the postsynaptic afferent terminals are quite different depending on whether they are part of an inner or outer hair cell synapse. These differences in the distribution of intramembrane particles suggest that the transmitters, or transmitter actions, may be different at these two synapses. The distribution of particles in the postsynaptic membrane at efferent synapses with outer hair cell differs from that in the postsynaptic membrane at efferent synapses with afferent terminals or fibers, suggesting that transmitter actions at these locations could also differ.
Strategies for VLSI implementations of finite field inversion algorithms

Inversion of a finite field element is the most time consuming of all field arithmetic operations which is why it is avoided as much as possible in elliptical curve cryptosystem implementations. Unfortunately, there exists only two methods for performing inversion: the Euclidean algorithm and inversion through multiplication based on Fermat's theorem. VLSI implementations of these methods are examined in detail using TSMC SCN6M 0.18/spl mu/m technology in GF(2/sup 163/) using polynomial basis representation. Observations are made comparing the variants of each method and strategies are presented to improve VLSI implementations.
Localization of glutamic acid decarboxylase within laminae of the rat olfactory tubercle.

—There are three histological layers within the rat olfactory tubercle: plexiform, pyramidal and polymorphic. We have assayed glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA in homogenates of frozen sections cut parallel to these layers. Consecutive sections (16 μm) were homogenized in groups and assayed for GAD or GABA. Every seventh section was stained with Toluidine Blue to monitor the depth and orientation of the plane of section. Steep variations in GAD activity (up to 6-fold) were observed as a function of depth in the tubercle. These were paralleled by corresponding but less marked variations in GABA levels. The lowest values were found in the plexiform layer. This suggests that GAD may play a very limited role there. The highest activities were found in sections from the deepest lamina of the polymorphic layer. This is the only lamina of the tubercle that does not receive a dopaminergic input.
Projection Operator-Based Factorization Procedure for FIR Paraunitary Matrices

A constructive procedure for factoring a polynomial paraunitary matrix as a product of atomic paraunitary matrices is considered. The generic form of the paraunitary factors results from the use of projection matrices. In the univariate case, the factorization carried out in the -transform domain collapses to other univariate paraunitary matrix factorization methods. In the multivariate case, the generic factor is constructed based on the assumption of its existence. Nontrivial examples for multiband univariate, bivariate, and trivariate cases are given to illustrate the simple and straightforward algorithmic implementation.
Managing Coordination in Emergency Response Systems with Information Technologies

An emergency response system is a multi-disciplinary concept that includes not only information technology (IT), but also social communication networks of response agents, and organizational designs. The complexity of the system, the dynamic environment in which the system is embedded, and its technical constraints imply serious coordination problem. Based on coordination theory and theory of task-technology fit, we develop a model to guide our research to establish a better understanding of the impact of IT on coordination in emergency response systems. Particularly, in this research, we identify dependencies in the system, propose corresponding coordination mechanisms, and generate a set of propositions explicating the fit between technology attributes and coordination tasks.
The spiral constrictor of the gastroesophageal junction

The gastroesophageal region was reconstructed from the histological analyses of five human newborn infants. In addition, the nusculature of eight (3 newborn and 5 adult) human stomachs obtained from autopsies, with the lower one-third of the esophagus attached, was dissected with the aid of a binocular dissecting microscope. The muscularis mucosae, in the region of the gastroesophageal junction, exhibited no increase in thickness, nor was there any indication of special mucosal folds. In addition, the gastroesophageal junction contained no morphologic evidence that would support the existence of an anatomic sphincter (a localized thickening of circular muscle fibers). However, the obliquely arranged inner circular muscle fibers of the esophagus separated into fascicular bundles below the esophageal opening. Some of the fasciculi, as they descended, again became circular in shape and continued into the stomach, forming the middle circular muscle layer, while other fasciculi maintained their oblique course toward the left surface of the esophagus. These fasciculi, coursing on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the esophagus, crossed and interdigitated along the left surface of the esophagus in the region of the incisura cardiaca. After crossing, the oblique fasciculi descended into the stomach forming the inner oblique muscle layer. Based upon this description of crossing and interdigitating fasciculi, it is suggested that closure of the gastroesophageal junction may be due to contraction of spirally arranged muscle. Since the term "sphincter" generally implies a circular structure, it is proposed that the term "spiral constrictor" be considered in naming this anatomical arrangement.
Mechanistic interpretation of the transcapacitance element

A simple gedanken experiment involving a two-parameter nonlinear capacitance is described. Careful tabulation of the chronology of states clearly demonstrates the apparent violation of both charge and energy conservation in a cycle of simulation. A mechanistic model of a capacitor controlled by two voltages is then devised; the local voltage drives the capacitor current as usual, while the remote voltage affects the capacitance by controlling the insertion of a dielectric between the plates. Now the tabulation of the states during the cycle exposes the energy loss mechanism, as well as accounting for all the charges transferred. Finally it is shown how the introduction of transcapacitance resolves the charge conservation issue, but leaves the energy imbalance unexplained. It is demonstrated that different choices of transcapacitance, each consistent with charge conservation, can result in different dissipative rates. >
Marketing "Frankenfood": Appealing to Hearts or Minds?

By investigating consumer perceptions of genetically modified food, the presented study aims to explore what would make concerned consumers accept the idea. This research question is ad- dressed by examining consumer mindsets through in-depth interviews. The study is different from existing ones for two reasons. First, the phe- nomenon of genetically modified food is examined as a domain of in- complete knowledge, meaning that consumers are assumed to be partially informed and have vague perceptions of the concept of geneti- cally engineered food. Second, the discussed issues go beyond widely researched environmental and health concerns. Implications of the mar- keting of genetically modified food are discussed. (Article copies avail- able for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800- HAWORTH. E-mail address: Website: © 2005 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights re- served.)
Seismic behaviour of self-centring braced frame buildings with reusable hysteretic damping brace

This paper presents the seismic behaviour of a concentrically braced frame system with self-centring capability, in which a special type of bracing element termed reusable hysteretic damping brace (RHDB) is used. The RHDB is a passive energy dissipation device with its core energy-dissipating component made of superelastic Nitinol wires. Compared with conventional bracing in steel structures, RHDB has a few prominent performance characteristics: damage free under frequent and design basis earthquakes in earthquake prone areas; minimal residual drifts due to the self-centring capability of RHDB frame; and ability to survive several strong earthquakes without the need for repair or replacement. This paper also includes a brief discussion of the RHDB's mechanical configuration and analytical model for RHDB. The seismic performance study of RHDB frame was carried out through a non-linear time history analysis of 3-storey and 6-storey RHDB frame buildings subjected to two suites of 20 earthquake ground motions. The analysis results were compared with buckling-restrained brace (BRB) frames. This study shows that RHDB frame has a potential to outperform BRB frames by eliminating the residual drift problem. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
25-OHD3-26,23-lactone: a metabolite of vitamin D3 that is 5 times more potent than 25-OHD3 in the rat plasma competitive protein binding radioassay.

Abstract A new metabolite of Vitamin D 3 (25-OHD 3 -26,23-lactone) has been found in the plasma of Vitamin D 3 -toxic pigs and cows. This metabolite is at least 5 times more potent than 25-OHD 3 in the displacement of [ 3 H]-25-OHD 3 from rat plasma protein binding sites under short-term incubation. This metabolite co-migrates with 24,25-(OH) 2 D 3 on Sephadex LH-20 columns developed in chloroform:hexane 65:35 and with 25,26-(OH) 2 D 3 on Sephadex LH-20 columns developed in hexane:chloroform:methanol 9:1:1. The presence of 25-OHD 3 -26,23-lactone represents a possible contaiminant in the assay of 24,25-(OH) 2 D 3 or 25,26-(OH) 2 D 3 if only Sephadex LH-20 is used for pre-assay purification. 25-OHD 3 -26,23-lactone is, however, resolved from 24,25-(OH) 2 D 3 by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using Zorbax Sil silicic acid columns developed in either isopropanol:hexane 8:92 or isopropanol:methylene chloride 2.5:96.5. We assayed for the presence of this new metabolite of Vitamin D 3 and found it to be present in normal pig plasma and undetectable in normal cow plasma. Concentrations were elevated to 10–20 ng/ml following massive injection of Vitamin D 3 to both species.
A multiple burst, variable frequency, high power driver for antenna characterization

Compact high power antennas are actively being developed at the University of Missouri. While the antennas are preliminarily characterized through network analysis techniques at low power, high power evaluation is also necessary to ensure operation is consistent when driven at high voltage. Thus a high power driver was required to evaluate antennas in two ways that cannot be accomplished at low power. First, high power evaluation enables diagnosis of potential points of insulation failure due to solid dielectric breakdown, flash over, or corona formation on the antenna structure. Second, the peak radiated fields can be directly measured when the antenna is driven at high power. The high power antenna driver was designed for flexibility in the peak output voltage, the driving frequency, and operation as a single or multiple burst source. An inductive energy storage system with an exploding wire fuse is utilized to achieve the high peak power levels required for testing. The current profile of the capacitive discharge feeding the inductive energy storage system can be modified from that of a simple capacitive discharge to that typical of an explosive generator. Upon vaporization of the exploding wire fuse, the inductive energy storage system charges a high voltage transmission line, which is discharged at peak voltage to form an oscillator in the VHF to UHF bands. The antenna under test is driven in parallel with the high voltage transmission line. The peak charging voltage and output power can be modified through adjustments to the inductive energy store, the exploding wire fuse, and the energy delivered to those components. The frequencies at which the antenna is driven can be tuned by modifying the parameters of the high voltage transmission line and exploding wire fuse. Lastly, the driver can operate in single or multiple bursts by modifying the impedance of the exploding wire fuse in time. A detailed description of the high power antenna driver is provided, and descriptions of the critical component designs are given. Simulated results of the driver's performance are presented to demonstrate the peak power and multiple burst capabilities designed into the system.
Role of Neutrophils and Macrophages in Experimental Nephrosis of the Rat

The single dose administration of the aminonucleoside of puromycin (PAN) induces a nephrotic syndrome in rats characterized by massive proteinuria and progressive histologic changes. This model of acute parenchymal nephritis is thought to be mediated by the renal recruitment of monocytes and macrophages. To investigate the role of leukocytes in the experimental nephrotic syndrome model, the effects of two methylxanthines, pentoxlline (45 mg/kg i.p. twice daily) and torbafylline (5 mg/kg i.p. twice daily) were compared with controls over a 2-week period. Pentoxifylline treatment was associated with 3- and 6-fold reductions in urinary protein excretion at 7 and 14 days, respectively, compared with PAN-treated control animals (p <. 01). Similarly, 14-day dosing of torbafylline resulted in a 3-fold decrease in urinary protein excretion. Glomerular filtration and electrolyte excretion rates were similar between all treatment groups. There were significant reductions in glomerular neutrophil and macro-phage cou...
Experimental Validation for a Multifunctional Wing Spar With Sensing, Harvesting, and Gust Alleviation Capabilities

This paper experimentally examines a multifunctional gust alleviation system and holds promise for improving small unmanned aerial vehicles performance in wind gusts. The designed multifunctional wing spar is able to harvest energy itself from the normal vibrations during flight. If the wing experiences any strong wind gust, it will provide vibration control to maintain its stability. The proposed wing spar carries on the functions of energy harvesting, strain sensing, and gust alleviation via piezoelectric materials. A closed form electromechanical cantilever multifunctional beam model is developed, which captures the basics of piezoelectric constitute equations using Euler-Lagrange equations. An enhanced two mode reduced energy control (REC) law is developed to saturate a positive strain feedback (PSF) control law, and therefore decrease energy consumption but maintains the same gust alleviation performance. An equivalent circuit model is also developed based on the distributed parameter method to represent a multifunctional gust alleviation system using harvested energy. Experimental results show that compared to conventional PSF control law, the REC decreases voltage supply from ±20 to ±4 V, uses 76% less energy whereas maintaining the same performance. Experimental results also show that it is feasible to alleviate wind gust disturbance using harvested power from ambient vibrations, but requires the harvesting time to be 0.42 times longer than the wind gust duration.
Cardiogenic Shock Complicating Acute Myocardial Infarction: Expanding the Paradigm

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is the leading cause of death for patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) who reach the hospital alive. Its incidence has remained constant for 20 years.1,2 Rapidly re-establishing infarct-related artery (IRA) blood flow is essential in the management of patients with shock due to right ventricular or left ventricular (LV) failure. A strategy of early revascularization is superior to initial aggressive medical therapy.3–5 Despite the advantages of early percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), once shock is diagnosed, the mortality rate remains high (≈50%) despite intervention, and half of the deaths occur within the first 48 hours.6–8 This may be caused by irreversible extensive myocardial or vital-organ damage. New evidence suggests, however, that a systemic inflammatory response, complement activation, release of inflammatory cytokines, expression of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS), and inappropriate vasodilation may play an important role not only in the genesis of shock but also in outcome after shock. New insights and therapies are needed. The underlying pathophysiology of CS is profound depression of myocardial contractility, resulting in a vicious spiral of reduced cardiac output (CO), low blood pressure, further coronary insufficiency, and further reduction in contractility and CO. The classic paradigm predicts that compensatory systemic vasoconstriction with high systemic vascular resistance (SVR) should occur in response to the depression of CO (Figure 1).9 Figure 1. Classic shock paradigm, as illustrated by S. Hollenberg, is shown in black. The influence of the inflammatory response syndrome initiated by a large MI is illustrated in red. LVEDP indicates left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Reprinted with permission from Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine .9 Autopsy studies have shown that the pathological basis of CS is extensive MI. Varying pathological stages of infarction confirm the stuttering and progressive …
Deformation mechanism transitions in nanoscale fcc metals

We consider possible mechanisms that lead to transitions in the mechanisms of deformation in fcc metals and alloys. In particular, we propose that, when grain sizes are below a critical size (i.e. below 100 nm), deformation can occur via the emission of stacking faults from grain boundaries into the intragranular space. A model is developed that accounts for observed experimental data and which, in turn, shows how stacking-fault energy together with shear modulus determines achievable strength. A mechanism is proposed based on this model for transitions at both high and quasistatic strain rates, including grain-boundary sliding.
Hierarchically Nested Channels for Fast Squeezing Interfaces With Reduced Thermal Resistance

We report on a simple method to improve bondline formation kinetics by means of a hierarchical set of channels patterned into one of the surfaces. The channel arrays are used to improve the gap squeezing and cooling of single and multiple flip-chip electronic modules with highly viscous fluids and thermal pastes or greases. They allow a fast formation of thin gaps or bond lines by reducing the pressure gradient in the thermal interface material as it moves in and out of the gap. Models describing the dynamics of Newtonian fluids in these "hierarchically nested channel" interfaces combine squeeze flow and Hagen-Poiseuille theories. Rapid bond-line formation is demonstrated for Newtonian fluids and selected particle-filled pastes. Modeling of particle-laden polymeric pastes includes Bingham and Hershel-Bulkley fluid properties. Bond-line formation and thermal resistance are improved particularly for high-viscosity high-thermal-conductivity interface materials created from higher-volumetric particle loadings or for thermal interface materials with smaller filler-particle diameters
Sensor Modeling in Parallel Force Feedback Haptic Interfaces

Force feedback can be used to improve force tracking of haptic interfaces. Single degree-of-freedom (DOF) force sensors work well for force tracking in 1 DOF motion, but multiple single-DOF force sensors combine in unintuitive ways. We present force analysis of a parallel 5 DOF haptic interface and discuss the rami fi cations of using 1 DOF sensors versus multi-DOF sensors.
Incorporating uncertainty in chemical process design for environmental risk assessment

The effects of uncertainty in thermophysical properties on the evaluation of the environmental performance is demonstrated with a chemical process to recover toluene and ethyl acetate by absorption from a gaseous waste stream of a cellophane production plant. In this case study, the environmental performance is defined as the estimation of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total emissions of the plant and of several environmental risk indexes. We found that estimations of VOCs are very sensitive to uncertainty in thermophysical properties such as infinite-dilution activity coefficients, and vapor pressures (through uncertain temperature variations). Additionally, we concluded that calculation of the total emissions can be very sensitive to fuel content factors such as those used to estimate greenhouse gases. This can have such an impact on the emission calculations that a detailed model of the given chemical process might not be required for the estimation of the total emissions. In other words, a simpler process flowsheet model can perform the same task just as well, with the results within the variations caused by uncertainty in the thermophysical properties. We demonstrate a Monte Carlo approach that allows the detection of such uncertainty characteristics in a design, providing a rational basis for prediction of the associated environmental risks. This procedure also enables the deconvolution of various sources of uncertainty, and the estimation of physical property uncertainty through a similarity approach. We concluded that our framework can be used to enhance decision making by uncovering uncertainties and sensitivities in chemical process simulation. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2004
Establishing a Community of Inquiry through Hybrid Courses in Clinical Social Work Education

Utilizing the conceptual framework of Garrison, Anderson, and Archer for critical inquiry, this paper outlines the importance of the community of inquiry (COI) model and how it may inform online social work education. Integrating the COI model, we discuss how online learning in the classroom with a hybrid approach has been used to facilitate critical reflection and discourse. To illustrate this approach, we provide two case examples from clinical courses taught in an MSW program.
Build-in reliability analysis for circuit design in the nanometer technology era

In this paper, the methodology of the reliability modeling and simulation for the state-of-the-art technology is presented. The extraction for HCI (Hot Carrier Injection) and NBTI (Negative Bias Temperature Instability) for both lifetime and aged model parameter method is discussed. The integration of these models into the transistor level and gate level simulation flow can be used by the designers to satisfy the reliability requirements.
Vascular Responses to Hypoxia and Ischemia

Blood vessels function as conduits for the delivery of O(2) and nutrients. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) mediates adaptive transcriptional responses to hypoxia/ischemia that include expression of angiogenic cytokines/growth factors by hypoxic cells and expression of cognate receptors for these ligands by vascular cells and their progenitors. Impairment of HIF-1-dependent responses to hypoxia is a major factor contributing to the impaired vascular responses to ischemia that are associated with aging and diabetes.
Müllerian Anomalies: A Proposed Classification (An Analysis of 144 Cases)

Hospital and clinic charts for 100 patients with diagnosed Mullerian anomalies were reviewed. Reproductive history, type of therapy, and treatment results for those patients and for another 44 with a history of exposure to diethylstilbestrol and abnormal hysterosalpingographic findings were recorded and evaluated. The anomaly most frequently associated with reproductive failure was the septate uterus. A new classification, based on degree of failure of normal development, was used in separating the anomalies into groups with similar clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis for fetal salvage.