cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of ex vivo transduction of mesencephalic reaggregates with bcl-2 on grafted dopamine neuron survival

Abstract Survival rates of dopamine (DA) neurons grafted to the denervated striatum are extremely poor (5–20%). Gene transfer of survival promoting factors, such as the anti-apoptotic protein bcl-2, to mesencephalic DA neurons prior to transplantation (ex vivo transduction) offers a novel approach to increase graft survival. However, specific criteria to assess the efficacy of various vectors must be adhered to in order to reasonably predict successful gene transfer with appropriate timing and levels of protein expression. Cell culture results utilizing three different herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors to deliver the reporter β-galactosidase gene (lacZ) indicate that transduction of mesencephalic cells with a helper virus-free HSV amplicon (HF HSV-TH9lac) that harbors the 9-kb tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) promoter to drive lacZ gene expression elicits the transduction of the highest percentage (≈ 50%) of TH-immunoreactive (THir) neurons without significant cytotoxic effects. This transduction efficiency and limited cytotoxicity was superior to that observed following transduction with helper virus-containing HSV (HC HSVlac) and helper virus-free HSV amplicons (HF HSVlac) expressing lacZ under the transcriptional control of the HSV immediate-early 4/5 gene promoter. Subsequently, we assessed the ability of HSV-TH9lac and the bcl-2 expressing HSV-TH9bcl-2 amplicon to transduce mesencephalic reaggregates. Although an increase in bcl-2 and β-galactosidase protein was induced by transduction, amplicon-mediated overexpression of bcl-2 did not lead to an increase in grafted THir neuron number. Even with highly efficient viral vector-mediated transduction, our results demonstrate that ex vivo gene transfer of bcl-2 to mesencephalic reaggregates is ineffective in increasing grafted DA neuron survival.
Investigating the fidelity of Mg/Ca and other elemental data from reductively cleaned planktonic foraminifera

[1] There has been considerable discussion about whether reductive cleaning can or should be used when samples are prepared for foraminiferal Mg/Ca analyses. The reductive solution causes considerable sample loss through dissolution, and the natural dissolution effect on planktonic foraminiferal Mg/Ca raises the question whether the shell chemistry might be affected during cleaning. We conducted a series of experiments to explore the effects of the reductive cleaning step on shell chemistry (Mg/Ca, Na/Ca, Sr/Ca, Fe/Ca, Mn/Ca, REE/Ca, and U/Ca) of two planktonic foraminiferal species. We then compare these results with natural dissolution in core top specimens from a range of varying natural dissolution intensity. Our results confirm previous experiments by Yu et al. (2007) that the citrate used in the reductive solution can play a larger role in decreasing some element/Ca ratios than hydrazine, the reductive agent, at least in samples that are not problematic to clean (i.e., have low Mn/Ca, Fe/Ca, and Al/Ca). Solutions containing varying concentrations of citrate yield lower Mg/Ca than those without citrate; however, Mg/Ca reaches an asymptotic value following a dilute application of citrate. Other element/Ca ratios are also lowered by citrate and tend toward an asymptotic value at increasing strengths of citrate. Mg/Ca data from experiments in which the duration of the reductive cleaning step was varied or repeated suggest that the standard reductive cleaning step should yield reproducible results for most elemental ratios. Our experiments suggest that the primary mechanism of dissolution by citrate is unlikely to be preferential removal of Mg from the lattice and also demonstrate that there are differences between natural and laboratory dissolution effects. Given that there are situations in which Mg/Ca data are improved by reductive cleaning, we conclude that it is acceptable to reductively clean samples before Mg/Ca analysis.
The prognostic utility of degenerative left shifts in dogs.

Background A degenerative left shift (DLS) in dogs is reported to be a poor prognostic indicator, but no studies have been reported to verify this claim. Hypothesis/Objectives To characterize the canine population affected by DLS and to determine if the presence and severity of the DLS are associated with increased risk of euthanasia or death. Animals Three-hundred and nineteen dogs with DLS (cases) and 918 dogs without DLS (controls) presented to the University of California, Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital between April 1, 1995 and April 1, 2010. Methods Retrospective case–control study. All cases had a CBC performed within 24 hours of presentation that showed an immature neutrophil count higher than the mature neutrophil count. Controls were matched by year of presentation and primary diagnosis. Survival analysis was used to determine the risk of death or euthanasia associated with DLS and other potential predictors. Results Half of cases versus 76% of controls were alive at discharge. Median in-hospital survival time was 7 days for cases and 13 days for controls. DLS was a significant predictor of death or euthanasia in both univariate and multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, HR, 1.9; 95% CI 1.54–2.34). Conclusions and Clinical Importance DLS in dogs is associated with an increased risk of death or euthanasia. This finding, however, varies with disease diagnosis and should be interpreted in light of the individual patient.
DTS: A data transport standard

Abstract DTS is a high-level, general-purpose data language that functionally falls within Layer 6 of the ISO model. DTS provides a standardized means for carrying data between programs written in different programming languages, on different operating systems, and on different CPUs. Software to encode and decode DTS data formats has been written in portable ANSI Standard Pascal to (1) facilitate implementation on any CPU, (2) discourage creation of incompatible dialects, and (3) provide cost-effective extensibility.
Abrogation of nuclear receptors Nr4a3 andNr4a1 leads to development of acute myeloid leukemia

Nur77 (NR4A1) and Nor-1 (NR4A3) are highly homologous orphan nuclear receptors that regulate the transcription of overlapping target genes. The transcriptional activity of both proteins is regulated in a ligand-independent manner by cell- and stimulus-specific gene induction and protein phosphorylation. Nor-1 and Nur77 have been implicated in a variety of cellular processes, including the transduction of hormonal, inflammatory, mitogenic, apoptotic and differentiative signals. Cellular responses to these proteins suggest that they may function as homeostatic regulators of proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation, and thus may regulate cellular susceptibility to tumorigenesis. Their physiological functions, however, remain poorly understood. Here we describe a previously unsuspected function of Nor-1 and Nur77-as critical tumor suppressors of myeloid leukemogenesis. The abrogation of these proteins in mice led to rapidly lethal acute myeloid leukemia (AML), involving abnormal expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and myeloid progenitors, decreased expression of the AP-1 transcription factors JunB and c-Jun and defective extrinsic apoptotic (Fas-L and TRAIL) signaling. We found that downregulation of NR4A3 ( NOR-1 ) and NR4A1 ( NUR77 ) was a common feature in leukemic blasts from human AML patients, irrespective of karyotype. Thus Nor-1 and Nur77 may provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention in AML.
New Age Determinations for the Eocene-Oligocene Boundary Sediments in the Fayum Depression, Northern Egypt

The Fayum Depression of northern Egypt contains the richest collection of fossil vertebrates known from the Afro-Arabian Paleogene. This fauna has been collected for over a century, and yet the sediments containing the fossil localities have remained undated. Paleomagnetic sampling was carried out through the fossil-bearing Jebel Qatrani Formation and the underlying Dir Abu Lifa Member of the Qasr el Sagha Foundation to determine a correlation between the paleomagnetic reversal stratigraphy and the Geomagnetic Reversal Time Scale (GRTS). A new date of $23.64 \pm 0.035 Ma$ was determined for the overlying Widan el Faras Basalt by the laser incremental-heating $^{40}Ar/^{39}Ar$ dating method. The results of this study indicate that the majority of the vertebrate fossil localities occur in Chrons C13-C15r, late Eocene to early Oligocene in age. These age determinations provide a minimum date for the origin of higher primates.
The domestic determinants of US food aid policy

Abstract This study presents empirical analysis of US food aid flows as evidence of the strong and stable relationship between commodity producer interests and policy-makers during a 35 yr period. Whereas most foreign aid research centers on the distribution of aid among recipient countries, this study focuses on the determinants of the supply of food aid made available by the donor country. I conduct time series regression analysis of total US food aid shipments, as well as separate analyses of two key commodities, wheat and rice. Several key findings emerge: (1) There is a consistent relationship between commodity producer interests and US food aid policy. (2) There is a strong relationship between commodity stocks and food aid shipments, especially during the years when stocks were the greatest. (3) US food aid policy-making is highly incremental. These findings, taken together with the lack of a strong relationship between grain production in poor countries and US food aid shipments, belie official rhetoric emphasizing the growing humanitarian objectives of the program over time. In the case of rice, I find a strong relationship between aid flows and US involvement in the Vietnam War.
Photobleaching and photoluminescence in neutron-irradiated YAG

Abstract Photobleaching of a 5.1-eV optical absorption band in neutron-irradiated YAG causes this band to decrease, while a band at 3.38 eV increases, suggesting an F → F+ photoconversion. On exciting this 5.1-eV band optically, luminescence bands with peaks at ∼2.5 and 2.9 eV are observed. Subsequent γ-irradiation of this neutron-irradiated sample increases the intensity of the 2.9-eV band by a factor of ∼3 and virtually eliminates the ∼2.5-eV band.
Getting the best of both worlds: discrete and continuous genetic and evolutionary algorithms in concert

This paper describes an evolutionary algorithm for optimization of continuous problems that combines advanced recombination techniques for discrete representations with advanced mutation techniques for continuous representations. Discretization is used to transform solutions between the discrete and continuous domains. The proposed algorithm combines the strengths of purely continuous and purely discrete approaches and eliminates some of their disadvantages. The paper tests the proposed algorithm with the recombination operator of the Bayesian optimization algorithm, σ-self-adaptive mutation, and three discretization methods. The empirical results on three problems suggest that the tested variant of the algorithm scales up well on all tested problems, indicating good scalability over a broad range of continuous problems.
Mechanism for the removal of droplets from a liquid surface by a parallel air flow

Abstract A study has been made of the critical conditions and the mechanism of atomization for the co-current flow of air and a liquid. High speed motion pictures reveal that atomization occurs by the removal of small wavelets which exist on the top of flow surges in the liquid film (called roll waves). The critical conditions are characterized by two limiting behaviors. For thick liquid films the air velocity necessary to initiate atomization is larger than that required to generate roll waves and is insensitive to variations of the flow rate of the liquid. As the liquid film becomes thinner larger gas velocities are needed. For very thin films the critical condition is insensitive to the gas velocity and the liquid mass flow rate needed to initiate atomization is the same as that needed to initiate roll waves. The critical condition for both thick and thin films is not strongly affected by changes in the fluid viscosity. It is suggested that atomization results from a Kelvin—Helmholtz instability whereby the destabilizing force is the pressure variation caused by the compression of the air streamlines at the crests of wavelets.
Modulation of GABAA receptor binding in human brain by neuroactive steroids: species and brain regional differences.

Allosteric modulation by neuroactive steroids of radioligand binding sites on the GABAA receptor complex was demonstrated by autoradiography in vitro in several regions of human brain and the effects compared to those in rat brain. Comparing human and rat, two steroids known to be active in enhancing GABA-mediated postsynaptic inhibition, 5 alpha-pregnane-3 alpha,21-diol-20-one (tetrahydro-deoxycorticosterone, THDOC) and alphaxalone (5 alpha-pregnane-3 alpha-hydroxy-11,20-dione), allosterically inhibited [35S]T-BPS binding to the picrotoxin/convulsant site in both species in several regions including the hippocampus. Unlike rat, human brain binding of [3H]flunitrazepam to the benzodiazepine site was not enhanced by alphaxalone (at any concentration), but was unaffected in many regions and inhibited in others. Binding of [3H]muscimol to high and low affinity GABA sites were enhanced by both steroids in all tested regions of rat brain, although to varying degrees. However, several lobes of human cortex showed no modulation of muscimol binding by either steroid, and THDOC, but not alphaxalone, inhibited in some areas. Comparing regions, THDOC at high concentrations (10 microM) enhanced in human frontal lobe and primary sensory and motor cortex, with greater effect in deep layers than superficial. This steroid had no effect in other parts of parietal lobe and inhibited muscimol binding in temporal lobe, primary visual cortex, and other parts of occipital lobe. Concentration-dependence curves for THDOC showed regional variation, e.g., in the hippocampal formation and surrounding neocortex. These regional and species differences are consistent with the existence of multiple GABAA receptor subtypes that differ in pharmacology. This heterogeneity provides both the opportunity and the difficulty of targeting clinically useful medications such as antiepileptic drugs to the appropriate human brain regions, and the species differences in regional subtype expression suggest caution in use of animal models.
Use of AlloDerm for coverage of radial forearm free flap donor site.

Objectives To evaluate and discuss the role of acellular human dermal matrix (AlloDerm, LifeCell Corp., Branchburg, NJ) graft for coverage of radial forearm free flap donor site. Study Design Prospective, nonrandomized study. Methods Fifty-two consecutive patients underwent harvest of 52 radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flaps. All 52 donor sites were covered by AlloDerm graft. Split-thickness skin graft was not used to reinforce the acellular dermal graft in the series. Clinical phases of healing, duration of healing, and donor site complications were studied. Results No donor site complications except seroma formation in five patients was noted. This was treated by conservative measures. Full range of hand motion was allowed in 3 days. Complete healing occurred within 8 to 12 weeks. Scar contracture after complete healing was minimum in all patients. Range of motion of the hand and fingers during flexion, extension, supination, and pronation was identical on the operated and nonoperated sides. Conclusion AlloDerm graft is a viable alternative to split-thickness skin graft for coverage of the radial forearm free flap donor site.
Surface-Induced Phase Behavior of Alkyltrimethylammonium Bromide Surfactants Adsorbed to Mica, Silica, and Graphite

Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) to study adsorption of alkyltrimethylammonium bromide surfactants to mica, silica, and graphite from aqueous solution, we find that the sharp Krafft transition in bulk is not accompanied by a similar change in morphology at the interface. Instead, interactions between the solid substrate and the surfactant dictate an equilibrium morphology that is usually similar above and below the Krafft temperature (TK). Mechanical properties, tested by pushing an AFM tip though the adsorbed film, do change near the TK. In general, the film is more resistant to passage of the AFM tip below TK, consistent with slower molecular motion. Depending on the temperature, the formation of the equilibrium structures on mica and silica proceeds by different paths. Above TK, where micelles are present in solution, adsorption proceeds via micelle-like structures, whereas below TK, adsorption occurs via growth of flat islands, which gradually coalesce. In some cases the adsorbed micelle intermedia...
Method to determine allocation of clinical pharmacist resources

Purpose An objective methodology to guide decisions by hospital pharmacy departments on the best use of clinical pharmacist personnel is described. Summary To help determine the optimal deployment of state-licensed Clinical Pharmacist Specialist (CPS) staff, a task force led by the pharmacy department at University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals developed an objective approach to evaluating the relative need for and potential impact of CPS expertise within the medical center’s many service units. After analyzing several years of patient census and medication-use data and using information from proprietary databases (Thomson Reuters) to calculate a “service-specific pharmacy intensity score” for each hospital service, the task force identified five staff-allocation metrics best suited to the medical center’s service-based pharmacy coverage model. By applying the methodology, it was determined that CPS expertise was most needed in the UNC Hospitals adult medicine oncology service, the bone marrow transplant service, and the medical and neonatal intensive care units. The tool was initially used to validate the pharmacy department’s existing human resource allocation and has since been used to guide budgeting for and deployment of newly added CPS positions. Conclusion A novel tool to guide the application of pharmacy human resources incorporates the objective criteria of patient census, patient acuity, teaching involvement, drug expenditures, and use of high-risk medications. The tool can be used to determine the appropriate allocation and placement of clinical pharmacist resources in a service-based coverage model.
Evidence for an agonist independent down regulation of hippocampal muscarinic receptors in kindling

Kindling induces a decline of hippocampal muscarinic cholinergic receptors. To test the hypthesis that the decline was mediated by the agonist, acetylcholine, adult male Sprague--Dawley rats were lesioned in the medial septum prior to kindling. Despite the marked destruction of presynaptic cholinergic terminals in the hippocampus, amygdala kindling proceeded normally and the hippocampal muscarinic receptor decline was not blocked. A small but significant decline in choline acetyltransferase activity was demonstrated in non-lesioned kindled rats. It is proposed that the kindling induced decline of hippocampal muscarinic receptors is mediated by repeated neuronal depolarization.
Synthesis of Morphine-3-Glucuronide

Abstract Morphine-3-glucuronide [1, morphine-(3β-d-glucopyranosyl)-uronate is a major metabolite of morphine (2a) and heroin (2b) in man and animals.1,2,3 However, due to the lack of the availability of sufficient quantities, the pharmacological and toxicological properties as well as the chemical properties of this metabolite have not been fully evaluated. Yoshimura and co-workers4 reported that 1 could be prepared by the condensation of morphine (2a) with methyl 3,4,5-tri-0-acetyl-lα-bromo-l-deoxy-d-glucopyranuronate (3) in an aqueous sodium hydroxide-acetone mixture.
Investigation of Obstacles to Accessing Information Regarding Private Medical Insurance Coverage and Physician Reimbursement for Adolescent Vaccination

Abstract Purpose To investigate accessing insurance company vaccine reimbursement and coverage information. Method A telephone survey was conducted from June 2006 to August 2006. Participating organizations were insurance companies in the states of New York, Oregon, and Texas. The main outcome measure was the obstacles encountered while trying to obtain information on vaccine costs and reimbursement. Results Obstacles identified included the predominance of automated answering systems and the necessity of leaving voicemail messages, company nonresponse, and refusal to participate. Conclusions Obstacles result in difficulty obtaining vaccine reimbursement and coverage information by phone. Greater transparency is necessary to enable stakeholders to make informed decisions about immunizations.
Differences in the stress response of prolactin in young and aged female rats

Abstract The drawing of blood by orbital sinus puncture (OSP) under ether anesthesia is known to produce a marked increase in serum prolactin (PRL) levels in young cycling female rats. The effect of this stressful procedure on PRL release was compared in young and aged female rats. Nonstressed PRL levels were obtained from blood drawn by decapitation. Whereas OSP with a one-minute ether exposure induced a marked increase in PRL levels in young rats on all days of the estrus cycle, older cycling female rats on the day of diestrus −1 and aged rats exhibiting prolonged diestrus (PD) showed virtually no increase above nonstressed levels. However, increasing the ether exposure time to five minutes did produce a rise in PRL levels. Old cycling female rats on the day of estrus and aged rats exhibiting constant estrus (CE) did show a PRL increase comparable to that seen in young animals. Ovariectomy (OVX) completely abolished the stress response seen in aged CE rats. The response, though markedly decreased, was still present in young ovariectomized rats. These experiments show that the stress-induced rise in PRL promoted by OSP under ether anesthesia is markedly diminished in aged rats exhibiting a diestrus state. The attenuated response seen in these rats is believed due to factors characteristic of the diestrous state of aging.
Passive Frequency Doubling Antenna Sensor for Wireless Strain Sensing

This paper presents the design, simulation, and preliminary measurement of a passive (battery-free) frequency doubling antenna sensor for strain sensing. Illuminated by a wireless reader, the sensor consists of three components, i.e. a receiving antenna with resonance frequency f0, a transmitting antenna with resonance frequency 2f0, and a matching network between the receiving and transmitting antennas. A Schottky diode is integrated in the matching network. Exploiting nonlinear circuit behavior of the diode, the matching network is able to generate output signal at doubled frequency of the reader interrogation signal. The output signal is then backscattered to the reader through the sensor-side transmitting antenna. Because the backscattered signal has a doubled frequency, it is easily distinguished by the reader from environmental reflections of original interrogation signal. When one of the sensor-side antennas, say receiving antenna, is bonded to a structure that experiences strain/deformation, resonance frequency of the antenna shifts accordingly. Through wireless interrogation, this resonance frequency shift can be measured by the reader and used to derive strain in the structure. Since operation power of the diode is harvested from the reader interrogation signal, no other power source is needed by the sensor. This means the frequency doubling antenna sensor is wireless and passive. Based on simulation results, strain sensitivity of this novel frequency doubling antenna sensor is around −3.84 kHz/μe.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Simultaneous outer and inner tolerance limits for screening and descriptive purposes

A restricted version of the familiar outer tolerance limits for a normal distribution is defined and developed with particular emphasis on screening in addition to the usual descriptive applications. It is seen that the related concepts of precision and sample size determination are central issues for employing these new tolerance limits. Applications include the familiar quality control context where one may wish to protect against reporting unnecessarily wide tolerance intervals and clinical normal ranges used for screening purposes where it is desirable to protect against an overly large rate of false positives.
Effects of Gastric vs complete subdiaphragmatic vagotomy on hypothalamic hyperphagia and obesity.

Abstract Complete subdiaphragmatic vagotomy totally reversed pre-existing VMH lesion induced hyperphagia and obesity independent of the magnitude of the brain lesion effects, suggesting vagal participation in the VMH syndrome. However, complete vagotomy also reduced food and water intake and body weight in brain unlesioned controls. The specificity to VMH lesion obesity of the vagotomy effect is therefore questioned. Complete subdiaphragmatic vagotomy also reversed the obesity produced by prior hypothalamic knife cuts, and prevented the development of knife cut effects in rats which received knife cuts and vagotomies concurrently, or were permitted to recover from the acute effects of vagotomy before receiving knife cuts. Section of the gastric vagus, sparing the hepatic and coeliac branches, had no effect on knife cut-induced obesity, but did reduce water/food ratios and block increases in fasting gastric acid secretion. Thus, upper gastrointestinal effects cannot alone account for the blockade of obesity seen after complete vagotomy. This implicates the coeliac and/or hepatic vagal branches as important to the expression of hypothalamic obesity.
Improved wave V resolution by dual-channel brain stem auditory evoked potential recording.

Abstract Brain stem auditory evoked potentials were recorded simultaneously from the vertex and ear contralateral to stimulation (A c -C z ) and from the vertex and ear ipsilateral to stimulation (A i -C z ). There was clearer definition of wave V and less latency variability between trials in A c -C z channel recordings, resulting in enhanced wave form stability and greater reproducibility of wave I-V interpeak latencies. The clinical interpretation of dual-channel recordings is currently limited by the complexity of the auditory pathways, but the technique itself shows promise as a routine clinical procedure.
Microbiological aspects of Ozone applications in food: A review

Ozone is a powerful antimicrobial agent that is suitable for application In food in the gaseous and aqueous states. Molecular ozone or its decomposition products (for example, hydroxyl radical) inactivate microorganisms rapidly by reacting with intracellular enzymes, nucleic material and components of their cell envelope, spore coats, or viral capsids. Combination of ozone with appropriate initiators (for example, UV or H 2 O 2 ) results in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that are potentially effective against the most resistant microorganisms; however, applications of AOPs in food are yet to be developed. When applied to food, ezone is generated on-site and it decomposes quickly, leaving no residues. Ozone is suitable for decontaminating produce, equipment, food-contact surfaces, and processing environment. L'ozone est un puissant antimicrobien, adapte a l'etat gazeux et aqueux, a l'application sur les aliments. L'ozone moleculaire ou ses produits de decomposition inactivent rapidement les microorganismes en reagissant avec les enzymes intracellulaires, les materiaux nucleiques et les composants de la membrane cellulaire. La combinaison de l'ozone avec des initiateurs appropries (UV ou H 2 O 2 ) engendre des procedes d'oxydation avances, potentiellement efficaces contre les microorganismes les plus resistants.
Meetings With Elaine, an African and Native American Woman

The author, a Caucasian doctoral student of clinical psychology, examined her ongoing interaction with Elaine, an adult woman of African and Native American descent. Incidents of learning during the interaction process are reviewed and qualitative and quantitative assessments are provided to examine the effectiveness of such interactions in a psychology student's professional development. La autora, estudiante doctoral Caucasico de psicologia clinica, examino su interaccion en curso con Elaine, una mujer de pendiente Americana Africana y India Americana. Incidentes de aprender durante el proceso de la interaccion se revisan y las evaluaciones cualitativos y cuantitativos se proporcionan para examinar la eficacia de tales interacciones en un asesoramienton del desarrollo profesional de estudiante de psicologia.
Mice deficient in the interferon type I receptor have reduced REM sleep and altered hypothalamic hypocretin, prolactin and 2', 5'-oligoadenylate synthetase expression

We report that mice with a targeted null mutation in the interferon type I receptor (IFN-RI), which cannot respond to such IFNs as IFNalpha and IFNbeta, have a 30% reduction in time spent in spontaneous rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) as a consequence of a reduced number of REMS episodes. Time spent in nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) was essentially unaltered in IFN-RI knockouts (KOs) compared to 129 SvEv controls. Body temperature and locomotor activity were similar in both strains of mice. Hypothalamic expression of mRNAs for molecules previously linked to sleep-wake regulation and an IFN-inducible antiviral gene, 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1a (OAS), were determined by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT2-PCR). The level of hypocretin A mRNA was elevated in IFN-RI KO mice compared to 129 SvEv mice, while prolactin mRNA and OAS mRNA levels were suppressed. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA levels were unchanged relative to controls. Serum prolactin levels were similar in both strains. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that increased hypocretin and reduced prolactin in the hypothalamus of IFN-RI KO mice are responsible for their reduced REMS. In addition, the reduced OAS expression may result in modulation of prolactin receptor signaling and thus contribute to suppression of REMS.
On Frequency Offset Estimation Using the iNET Preamble in Frequency Selective Fading

This paper develops five data-aided frequency offset estimators for SOQPSK-TG equipped with the iNET preamble and operating in ISI channels. Four of the five estimators examined here are generalizations of frequency estimators developed for the AWGN channel. Simulations, performed over channel impulse responses measured in multipath scenarios encountered in aeronautical telemetry, show the modified L&R estimator is the best in terms of tracking range and achievable mean squared error. The D&M estimator is a close second and offers a computational complexity advantage in that it only requires the computation of one correlation value as opposed to the five correlation values required by the L&R estimator.
De novo CDP‐choline‐dependent glycerophosphorylcholine synthesis and its involvement as an intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis

The activity of CDP-choline-dependent glycerophosphorylcholine synthetase (CDP-choline:sn-3-glycerophosphate cholinetransferase), a newly discovered enzyme involved in the recently proposed pathways of acyl-specific phosphatidylcholine synthesis, is reported in rat liver. Endogenous CDP-choline, synthesized via the CMP-driven back reaction of phosphorylcholine transferase, is also shown to be a choline donor for this glycerophosphorylcholine synthetase. The function of glycerophosphorylcholine as an intermediate in phosphatidylcholine synthesis is demonstrated by specific isotope trapping whereby unlabelled glycerophosphorylcholine inhibited label incorporation from sn-[14C]glycerol-3-phosphate into phosphatidylcholine in mouse gastrocnemius, a tissue that is essentially devoid of the cytidine pathway for phosphatidylcholine synthesis and uses a non-allelic glycerophosphorylcholine synthetase (exogenous PC:sn-3-glycerophosphate cholinetransferase) in the synthesis of glycerophosphorylcholine.
Polarographic Analysis for Antimony in Glass

Antimony, usually added as a fining agent in a concentration range of about 0.2 to 2.0% Sb2O3, can be determined readily in many types of glass with a polarograph. Interfering elements are seldom encountered in common glass compositions, so chemical separations are not necessary. The mean difference between chemical and polarographic analyses for twenty-one glasses covering soda-lime, borosilicate, lead, and barium compositions is about 0.02% Sb2O3.
Effect of auditory stimulation on the pulsatile echo, blood pressure, and electroencephalogram

Abstract Results of studies made during auditory stimulation of human subjects by pencil-tapping are presented. Details of the equipment used in making the ultrasonic intercranial measurements are featured, together with a discussion of the latest results.
Dual-color two-photon fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is rapidly growing in popularity as a research tool in biological and biophysical research. Under favorable conditions, FCS measurements can produce an accurate characterization of the chemical, physical, and kinetic properties of a biological system. However, interpretation of FCS data quickly becomes complicated as the heterogeneity of a molecular system increases, as well as when there is significant non-stationery fluorescence background (e.g. intracellular autofluorescence). Use of multi-parameter correlation measurements is one promising approach that can improve the fidelity of FCS measurements in complex systems. In particular, the use of dual-color fluorescence assays, in which different interacting molecular species are labeled with unique fluorescent indicators, can "tune" the sensitivity of FCS measurements in favor of particular molecular species of interest, while simultaneously minimizing the contribution of other molecular species to the overall fluorescence correlation signal. Here we introduce the combined application of two-photon fluorescence excitation and dual-color cross-correlation analysis for detecting molecular interactions in solution. The use of two-photon excitation is particularly advantageous for dual-color FCS applications due to the uncomplicated optical alignment and the superior capabilities for intracellular applications. The theory of two-photon dual-color FCS is introduced, and initial results quantifying hybridization reactions between three independent single stranded DNA molecules are presented.
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE AND RELAXATION OF $sup 31$P IN THE PARAMAGNETIC STATE OF UP--US SOLID SOLUTIONS.

The spin-lattice relaxation time ${T}_{1}$ and free-induction decay time constant ${{T}_{2}}^{*}$ for $^{31}\mathrm{P}$ as functions of temperature and applied magnetic field have been studied in diamagnetic thorium monophosphide (ThP) and the paramagnetic state of uranium monophosphide (UP) (antiferromagnetic below ${T}_{N}\ensuremath{\simeq}125$\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K). Both compounds have the same NaCl-type structure and similar low electrical resistivities, so that the effect of the magnetic character of UP is manifested in the different behavior of the relaxation times in UP as compared with ThP. ${{T}_{2}}^{*}$ has been determined from the shape of the Bloch decay following a 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} pulse; ${T}_{1}$, from the amplitude of the Bloch decay following a 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}-90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} pulse sequence. Pulse measurements have been carried out at 4, 8, and 12 MHz and 77-303\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K; the values obtained are consistent with the previously reported continuous-wave (cw) data. In ThP, ${{T}_{2}}^{*}$ is 140\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5 \ensuremath{\mu}sec and is independent of temperature and magnetic field, while ${T}_{1}T=16.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8$ sec \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is constant. This supports the metallic behavior and the Korringa mechanism for the relaxation. The ratio of the experimental ${T}_{1}T{{K}_{e}}^{2}$ to the theoretical Korringa value is 1.95\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25, which is comparable to that of other metals. In UP, ${{T}_{2}}^{*}$ values are 15-70 \ensuremath{\mu}sec, with the same temperature and field dependence as the cw linewidth. The ${T}_{1}$ values are three orders of magnitude shorter than in ThP, but increase with temperature, and ${T}_{1}T$ increases strongly with temperature. However, when the ${T}_{1}T$ values are combined with the Knight shift $K$ in UP, a Korringa-type relation ${T}_{1}T{K}^{2}=(38\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}6)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ sec \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K is obtained, with a value of 24\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4 for the ratio of the experimental ${T}_{1}T{K}^{2}$ to the theoretical Korringa value. This ratio is higher than in most metallic materials. The Korringa-type relationship between ${T}_{1}$ and $K$ in UP suggests that the relaxation is founded in the same mechanism as the Knight shift, namely, an indirect coupling between the $^{31}\mathrm{P}$ nuclei and the uranium localized moments via the conduction electrons. The results in UP are compared with those in $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{UH}}_{3}$, which shows a different behavior in the paramagnetic state, and with other recent results.
Genistein induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via ATM/p53-dependent pathway in human colon cancer cells

Soybean isoflavones have been used as a potential preventive agent in anticancer research for many years. Genistein is one of the most active flavonoids in soybeans. Accumulating evidence suggests that genistein alters a variety of biological processes in estrogen-related malignancies, such as breast and prostate cancers. However, the molecular mechanism of genistein in the prevention of human colon cancer remains unclear. Here we attempted to elucidate the anticarcinogenic mechanism of genistein in human colon cancer cells. First we evaluated the growth inhibitory effect of genistein and two other isoflavones, daidzein and biochanin A, on HCT-116 and SW-480 human colon cancer cells. In addition, flow cytometry was performed to observe the morphological changes in HCT-116/SW-480 cells undergoing apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, which had been visualized using Annexin V-FITC and/or propidium iodide staining. Real-time PCR and western blot analyses were also employed to study the changes in expression of several important genes associated with cell cycle regulation. Our data showed that genistein, daidzein and biochanin A exhibited growth inhibitory effects on HCT-116/SW-480 colon cancer cells and promoted apoptosis. Genistein showed a significantly greater effect than the other two compounds, in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, genistein caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, which was accompanied by activation of ATM/p53, p21waf1/cip1 and GADD45α as well as downregulation of cdc2 and cdc25A demonstrated by q-PCR and immunoblotting assay. Interestingly, genistein induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in a p53-dependent manner. These findings exemplify that isoflavones, especially genistein, could promote colon cancer cell growth inhibition and facilitate apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. The ATM/p53-p21 cross-regulatory network may play a crucial role in mediating the anticarcinogenic activities of genistein in colon cancer.
Asymptotics of a Theil-type estimate in multiple linear regression

We present here, a proof based on the convexity lemma for the asymptotic distribution of a Theil-type estimate, based on Oja median for multiple linear regression model in the deterministic covariates case; in the iid random covariates case, a simple and short proof for the asymptotic distribution of the estimate is also included in this note. With an example of deterministic covariates case checked at the end of this note, we show this Theil-type estimate being more asymptotically efficient than the least absolute deviation estimate, in addition to its affine-invariance and robustness in small sample.
The geography of regime survival: Abacha’s Nigeria

This article examines the state-creation process in Nigeria in the context of military regime survival in the 1990s. Nigeria entered a period of protracted political crisis following the annulment of the 12 June 1993 presidential election and the entrenchment of the Abacha military government. The southwest, or Yorubaland, was the hotbed of opposition to continued military rule. This research shows how the Abacha government utilized the neo-colonial strategy of 'divide and survive' to fragment opposition in Yorubaland, and how the government divided regional opposition both socially and spatially. A local coalition of Ekiti elites chose statehood over solidarity with their fellow Yorubas opposing Abacha, particularly those aligned with Afenifere and the Oduduwa People's Congress. New state movements like that for Ekiti State promoted more local identities at the expense of pan-Yoruba solidarity and unified opposition to the regime. The article is based on six months of fieldwork in Nigeria in 2002, including a case study of the movement for the creation of Ekiti State. Overall, it seeks to contribute to our understanding of the geography of regime survival. JEFFREY HERBST ASKED IN 1996, 'Is NIGERIA A VIABLE STATE?" In this critical assessment, he highlights the quandaries of this giant of Africa. For him, an intensely fractured elite class that feeds from the oil trough is at the heart of Nigeria's problems.2 Herbst asserts that Nigerians have a strong propensity to form new political factions, particularly those with a regional or territorial basis. He also argues that concern over regime type (civilian or military) misses the underlying political-economic quandaries of the country. The present study takes issue with this assessment. While Herbst is right to highlight the force of oil in Nigerian development and the legacies of British colonialism, the divisive and dysfunctional role of Brennan Kraxberger earned his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Iowa, USA. He spent the first half of 2002 in Nigeria. E-mail address: brennan-kraxberger@uiowa.edu. He is grateful to Rex Honey for comments on this study. Special thanks go to the following funding sources: the University of Iowa Graduate College, the University of Iowa Student Government, the Association of American Geographers, and the Political Geography Specialty Group of the Association of American Geographers. 1. Jeffrey Herbst, 'Is Nigeria aViable State?' The Washington Quarterly 19 (1996), pp. 151-72. 2. Also see Richard Joseph, Democracy and Prebendalism in Nigeria: The rise and fall of the Second Republic (Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1987).
Effects of HgCdTe on the Optical Emission of Inductively Coupled Plasmas

Inductively coupled plasmas (ICP) are the high-density plasmas of choice for processing HgCdTe and related compounds. Real-time examination of the ICP plasmas used to process HgCdTe would be desirable. In this preliminary study, the feasibility of using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) of ICP plasma used for processing HgCdTe has been examined. We have examined the utility of OES as a real-time diagnostic tool for HgCdTe device fabrication. In this preliminary study it has been found that mercury and cadmium can be detected but are dependent on several factors: sample area, material composition, etch rate, sample temperature, photoresist area, and plasma power. Furthermore, we found strong correlation between the amount of hydrogen detected by OES for samples with photoresist versus samples without photoresist while processing with hydrogen-based plasma. Hydrogen emission intensity decreased dramatically in samples with photoresist, contrary to the theory that photoresist adds hydrogen to the plasma effluent. It appears that hydrogen complexes with photoresist, reducing the global amount of hydrogen during the process. Furthermore, this phenomena may help to explain macroloading issues whereby additional photoresist area slowed HgCdTe, CdTe, and photoresist etch rates.
Superlattice magnetoroton bands.

We present a theory for the effect of interlayer coupling in a superlattice on the magnetoroton modes of a two-dimensional electron gas in a strong magnetic field. We find that for typical fields and layer spacings the modes broaden into bands. For sufficiently small layer spacings, the gap necessary for the occurrence of the fractional quantum Hall effect vanishes. We argue that the vanishing of the gap should be associated with an instability toward the state with a two-dimensional Wigner crystal in each layer and that this state is favored by interlayer coupling.
The contemporary Latin America and the Caribbean zinc cycle: One year stocks and flows

Abstract Contemporary 1994 zinc cycles for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) were characterized by material flow analysis and were completed on regional and country levels. The countries important for the analysis were Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. Zinc was analyzed within the framework of four life stages in which an anthropogenically utilized material participates – Production, Fabrication and Manufacturing, Use, and Waste Management. Flows among, trade associated with, and changes in stock (where appropriate) corresponding to each life stage were evaluated. Zinc is mined in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru, with Peru conducting the majority of the mining activity. The LAC region is a net exporter of mined zinc concentrate (465 Gg Zn) and refined zinc slab (57 Gg Zn), with Peru as the sole exporter of zinc concentrate and the largest exporter of zinc slab. Most countries import zinc in semi-finished and finished products, with the exceptions being Peru exporting zinc in semi-finished products and Brazil exporting zinc in finished products. In all cases, there is a net addition of zinc to stock in Use, with 190 Gg Zn added to stock in the LAC region. On a regional level, the largest flow of zinc entering Waste Management is from Use (95 Gg Zn), with the key contributors being municipal solid waste (including construction & demolition debris) (45 Gg Zn) and end-of-life vehicles (49 Gg Zn). Zinc entering landfills was estimated at 62 Gg Zn for the LAC region, with the largest contributors being Brazil (35 Gg Zn), Peru (9 Gg Zn) and Argentina (8 Gg Zn).
Monte Carlo simulations of electron thermalization in alkali iodide and alkaline-earth fluoride scintillators

A Monte Carlo model of electron thermalization in inorganic scintillators, which was developed and applied to CsI in a previous publication [Wang et al., J. Appl. Phys. 110, 064903 (2011)], is extended to another material of the alkali halide class, NaI, and to two materials from the alkaline-earth halide class, CaF2 and BaF2. This model includes electron scattering with both longitudinal optical (LO) and acoustic phonons as well as the effects of internal electric fields. For the four pure materials, a significant fraction of the electrons recombine with self-trapped holes and the thermalization distance distributions of the electrons that do not recombine peak between approximately 25 and 50 nm and extend up to a few hundreds of nanometers. The thermalization time distributions of CaF2, BaF2, NaI, and CsI extend to approximately 0.5, 1, 2, and 7 ps, respectively. The simulations show that the LO phonon energy is a key factor that affects the electron thermalization process. Indeed, the higher the LO pho...
Sibling Connections and Reasonable Efforts in Public Child Welfare

On October 7, 2008, President George W. Bush signed Pub. L.110-351 into law. This major legislation changed child welfare practice. Of particular interest are the provisions concerning sibling plac...