cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postnatal Changes in Glia/Neuron Index with a Comparison of Methods of Cell Enumeration in the White Rat

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a study with three different methods of cell enumeration, with particular emphasis on obtaining values for neuroglial packing density and the neuroglia/neuron index at certain post-natal stages of development. The glia/neuron index in rat cerebral cortex increased throughout the periods studied as determined in both fresh and fixed-stained tissues. The index in fixed tissues increased beyond the period at which brain weight became stable (200 days). The chapter compares the results obtained from these methods. Total cell counts were in good agreement in all 3 methods employed. Relating the findings to those of Nurnberger and Gordon, the proportion of non-neural cells appeared to be about equal as determined in both fresh and fixed-stained tissues. Differential counts of neuroglia and neurons in the studies, however, revealed a higher glia/neuron index in fresh tissue than in fixed-stained preparations. As the differential counts of neuroglia and neurons made in fixed-stained tissues are based on more definite morphological criteria than in fresh tissue, the fixed tissue differential counts are considered more accurate. For total cell counts whether in whole brain or specific sites the fresh-tissue method offers the advantages of speed, accuracy, and simplicity.
Ultimobranchial gland of the trout (Salmo gairdneri). II. Fine structure.

Abstract Both transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used in a study of the ultrastructure of the ultimobranchial gland of the rainbow trout. The gland is a bilateral cystic structure in close relation to the sinus venosus, and the epithelium is composed of two cell types which are interspersed throughout the epithelium. The cells containing secretion granules are columnar and often send microvillous processes out into the lumen. The cell which most often lines the luminal surface, however, is a nongranular supporting cell with short microvilli. The microvilli of the granular cells seem to protrude at the periphery of the dome-shaped supporting cells when viewed from the luminal surface. Characterization of the cellular organelles of these two types of cells was carried out as well as a study of their physical interrelationships.
Dupuytren's Disease.

Dupuytren’s disease is a common disease of the hand and fingers. Specific fascial structures are involved in the disease process. Mild forms of the disease may be monitored, while more severe forms inhibiting function require intervention. Surgical intervention is often required.
Gangrene of the extremity following femoral venipuncture: a report of two cases.

Two cases of gangrene in the lower extremity of infants following femoral venipuncture have been reported. The potential danger of this procedure in the severely dehydrated infant is to be emphasized. The use of micro chemistry procedures rather than femoral venipuncture is urged. The late sequellae of growth disturbance has been noted.
Humanism and automation: working with people in the library automation process

In the automation process, it is very important to keep the human factor before you at all times. People who are computer-shy need to be informed, and kept informed, about each step the library takes on the road to automation. It is vital not only to communicate often with the staff as each goal is reached, but to keep the public informed as well. Patrons who know what to expect from the system chosen will be able to use the system to their advantage. There are various steps that can be taken to alleviate fear and uncertainty of the future.
Di­chloro­bis(1,2‐phenyl­enedi­amine)­nickel(II)

The title compound, [NiCl2(C6H8N2)2], contains centrosymmetric mol­ecules with two phenyl­ene­di­amine ligands coordinated in a bidentate fashion. The Ni—N distances are 2.088 (1) and 2.096 (1) A, and the Ni—Cl distance of 2.4635 (4) A. The plane of each phenyl­enedi­amine mol­ecule makes a dihedral angle of 26.53 (7)° with the NiN4 plane. Extensive hydrogen bonding leads to distinct cleavage in the bc plane.
Helium-Induced Weld Degradation of HT-9 Steel

Helium-bearing Sandvik HT-9 ferritic steel was tested for weldability to simulate the welding of structural components of a fusion reactor after irradiation. Helium was introduced into HT-9 steel to 0.3 and 1 atomic parts per million (appm) by tritium doping and decay. Autogenous single pass full penetration welds were produced using the gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding process under laterally constrained conditions. Macroscopic examination showed no sign of any weld defect in HT-9 steel containing 0.3 appm helium. However, intergranular micro cracks were observed in the HAZ of HT-9 steel containing 1 appm helium. The microcracking was attributed to helium bubble growth at grain boundaries under the influence of high stresses and temperatures that were present during welding. Mechanical test results showed that both yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) decreased with increasing temperature, while the total elongation increased with increasing temperature for all control and helium-bearing HT-9 steels.
Some Recent Developments In Plasma Switches

Recent developments in high power plasma opening and closing switches are summarized. The following specific switches are discussed: Spark gaps , psuedo-spark gaps (back-lit thy- ratrons), ignitrons, surface discharge switches, plasma (erosion) opening switches, and diffuse discharge opening switches. Spe- cific results and the physical mechanisms and reasons behind these recent results are discussed. The main research needs and lim- itations for each switch are summarized along recent research results from the U.S. and the
Statistics: Detecting Differences Among Groups

Some of the statistical tests most commonly used (and misused) in biological research are presented here. The tests discussed are those used for comparisons among groups (e.g., t test and ANOVA). The purpose of this appendix is to enable the investigator to determine rapidly the most appropriate way to analyze data, and to point out some of the most common errors to avoid.
Stress Analysis on Triangular-Aperture Geogrid-Reinforced Bases over Weak Subgrade under Cyclic Loading: An Experimental Study

Geogrids have been successfully used to improve soft subgrade and reinforce weak base courses for low-volume roads by providing lateral confinement. However, uniaxial and biaxial geogrids with rectangular or square apertures cannot provide uniform resistance in all directions. A new geogrid product with triangular apertures was developed and introduced into the market to overcome this problem. The triangular-aperture geogrid has a more stable grid structure and can provide uniform resistance in all directions compared with uniaxial and biaxial geogrids. However, the performance of triangular-aperture geogrid-reinforced bases has not been well evaluated. In this study, unreinforced and triangular-aperture geogrid-reinforced bases over a weak subgrade were constructed in a large geotechnical testing box (2 × 2.2 × 2 m) at the University of Kansas and tested under cyclic loading. During the tests, surface deformations and vertical stresses at the interface between the base and the subgrade were monitored. Th...
Interactions of amelogenin with phospholipids

Amelogenin protein has the potential to interact with other enamel matrix proteins, mineral and cell surfaces. We investigated the interactions of recombinant amelogenin rP172 with small unilamellar vesicles as model membranes, towards the goal of understanding the mechanisms of amelogenin-cell interactions during amelogenesis. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used. In the presence of phospholipid vesicles, a blue shift in the Trp fluorescence emission maxima of rP172 was observed (~334 nm) and the Trp residues of rP172 were inaccessible to the aqueous quencher acrylamide. Though in DLS studies we cannot exclude the possibility of fusion of liposomes as the result of amelogenin addition, NMR and CD studies revealed a disorder-order transition of rP172 in a model membrane environment. Strong FRET from Trp in rP172 to DNS–bound-phospholipid was observed, and fluorescence polarization studies indicated that rP172 interacted with the hydrophobic core region of model membranes. Our data suggest that amelogenin has ability to interact with phospholipids and that such interactions may play key roles in enamel biomineralization as well as reported amelogenin signaling activities.
Spontaneous chemical charging and discharging of polyacetylene

A spontaneous discharge process for doped polyacetylene in electrolytic solutions has been identified which will limit the reversibility of this and similar conductive polymers when used as electrode materials.
Lipoprotein status in Sprague-Dawley and LA/N-corpulent rats as affected by dietary carbohydrates.

1. 1. To compare the impact of type of carbohydrate, genotype and phenotype on the synthesis and levels of plasma lipoprotein protein, Sprague-Dawley rats and carbohydrate-sensitive LA/N-corpulent (cp) rats were fasted (2 days) and then fed diets containing 54% carbohydrate as either sucrose, fructose or cooked cornstarch for 2 days. 2. 2. The amount of 3H-protein present in the VLDL + chylomicron fraction of Sprague-Dawley rats 2 hr after injection of 3H-leucine was affected by type of dietary carbohydrate: sucrose > fructose > starch. 3. 3. Obese and lean LA/N-cp rats fed diets containing sucrose or fructose had lower concentrations of HDL protein and higher levels of 3H-protein in VLDL + chylomicron fraction than those fed starch. 4. 4. Obese LA/N-cp rats had more HDL protein and higher levels of 3H-protein in VLDL + chylomicron fraction than their lean littermates.
The field of IC 2602: Strömgren-Hβ photometry approach

A homogeneous data-base collating all uvbyβ photometry available at present for O-B9 stars in the field of IC 2602 is presented. The characteristics of the field are studied. Four spatially coherent groups can be distinguished. A low reddened compact group located at 156 ± 6 pc is identi.ed with IC 2602, followed by background layers at 546 ± 33 pc, 1117 ± 61 pc, and possibly at 2626 ± 163 pc. The apparent depth of the first three layers is about 1 kpc, which is consistent with the thickness of a spiral arm. There is an indication for the existence of a region free of massive luminous stars between 1.2 and 2.6 kpc, which could be associated with interarm space between the Local Association and the distant spiral structures toward Carina. A comparison between the photometric and Hipparcos parallaxes is presented. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Familial dysautonomia: Frequent, prolonged and severe hypoxemia during wakefulness and sleep

Sudden unexplained deaths have been reported in 13% [corrected] of Familial Dysautonomia (FD) subjects. To characterize cardiorespiratory dysregulation in children with FD that might contribute to potential sudden death, respiratory inductance plethysmography (chest/abdomen), ECG, hemoglobin saturation, and pulse waveform (VivoMetrics, Inc.) were recorded in the home during daytime wakefulness and overnight sleep in 25 children with IKBKAP mutation-confirmed FD and 25 age-, and gender-matched controls. Breath-to-breath and beat-to-beat characterization of breathing, hemoglobin saturation, and heart rate was conducted. Children with FD had more frequent, prolonged, and severe episodes of hypoxemia than matched controls, awake and asleep. Though a small percent of the study time revealed bradycardia and apnea, the hypoxemia was the most prevalent pattern in FD and rarely occurred with related bradycardia. Though infrequent with desaturation or bradycardia, apnea was more prevalent in FD subjects than controls, and more apparent during sleep than wakefulness. Children with FD have cardiorespiratory dysregulation during wakefulness and sleep, likely representing alveolar hypoventilation. We hypothesize that the related repeated hypoxemia (and presumed related hypercarbia) may render individuals with FD more vulnerable to sudden death.
Rural-to-urban migration, kinship networks, and fertility among the Igbo in Nigeria.

Like many African rural-to-urban migrants, Igbo-speaking migrants to cities in Nigeria maintain close ties to their places of origin. ‘Home people’ constitute a vital core of most migrants’ social networks. The institution of kinship enables migrants to negotiate Nigeria’s clientelistic political economy. In this context, dichotomous distinctions between rural and urban can be inappropriate analytical concepts because kinship obligations and community ties that extend across rural and urban space create a continuous social field. This paper presents ethnographic data to suggest that fertility behavior in contemporary Igbo-speaking Nigeria cannot be understood without taking into account the ways in which rural and urban social and demographic regimes are mutually implicated and dialectically constituted (anthropological demography; migration; kinship; reproductive behavior; Nigeria).
Performance modeling for automatic target recognition systems

This paper explores using linear regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) to model the performance of an ATR algorithm based on a given set of data. Here, a probability of detection response surfaces as a function of relevant parameters is simulated. It is then shown that this surface can be approximated using either linear regression or an ANN with good results. These regression surfaces can provide valuable information to the ATR developer/customer in terms of trying to predict ATR performance in untested areas. The application of this ATR performance modeling methodology becomes clear when we consider applying it to a common problem, such as air-to-ground target detection, where the changing parameters of the target can give a good set of data points from which to build the response curve.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Soil quality: a review of the science and experiences in the USA

An increasing human population is placing greater demand on soil resources, and as a result degradation is taking place in many regions of the world. This is critical because soils perform a number of essential processes including supporting food and fiber production, influencing air quality through interaction with the atmosphere, and serving as a medium for storage and purification of water. The soil quality concept was introduced to complement soil science research by making our understanding of soils more complete and helping guide the use and allocation of labor, energy, fiscal, and other inputs as agriculture intensifies and expands to meet increasing world demands. Soil quality thus provides a unifying concept for educating professionals, producers, and the public about the important processes that soils perform. It also provides an assessment tool for evaluating current management practices and comparing alternative management practices. Soil attributes comprising a minimum data set have been identified, and both laboratory and field methods have been developed for measuring them. A soil quality index is being developed to normalize measured soil quality indicator data and generate a numeric value that can be used to compare various management practices or to assess management-induced changes over time. Using previously published data, we evaluated the soil quality index as a tool to assess a wide range of management practices in the Northern Great Plains. The index ranked the treatments: grazed fertilized tame pasture > moderately grazed > ungrazed> heavily grazed > annual cropping with no-tillage > conventionally tilled crop-fallow which agrees with the way they were subjectively ranked in the publications. The soil quality index shows potential for use as a management assessment tool.
Synthesis and structure of inverse cyclooctatetraenyl sandwich complexes of Europium(II): [(C5Me5)(THF)2Eu]2(μ-C8H8 and [(THF)3K(μ-C8H8)]2Eu

Abstract The reaction of K2C8H8 with EuCl3, followed by reaction with KC5Me5 forms the EuII inverse sandwich complex [(C5Me5)(THF)2Eu]2[μ-(η8:η8-C8H8)] (1). A second type of EuII cyclooctatetraenyl species {(THF)3K[μ-(η8:η8-C8H8)]}2Eu (2), is generat when K2C8H8 reacts with Eu3(OCMe3)7Cl2(THF)2. Both 1 and 2 are symmetrically bridged complexes of the cyclooctatetraenyl dianion which contain formally 10-coordinate europium(II) metal centres.
Compromised ATP binding as a mechanism of phosphoinositide modulation of ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Inhibition of ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels by ATP, a process presumably initiated by binding of ATP to the pore-forming subunit, Kir6.2, is reduced in the presence of phosphoinositides (PPIs). Previous studies led to the hypothesis that PPIs compromise ATP binding. Here, this hypothesis was tested using purified Kir6.2. We show that PPIs bind purified Kir6.2 in an isomer-specific manner, that biotinylated ATP analogs photoaffinity label purified Kir6.2, and that this labeling is weakened in the presence of PPIs. Patch-clamp measurements confirmed that these ATP analogs inhibited Kir6.2 channels, and that PPIs decreased the level of inhibition. These results indicate that interaction of PPIs with Kir6.2 impedes ATP-binding activity. The PPI regulation of ATP binding revealed in this study provides a putative molecular mechanism that is potentially pivotal to the nucleotide sensitivity of KATP channels.
Penicillin tolerance in multiply drug-resistant natural isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Five of six multiply drug-resistant clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from South Africa demonstrated penicillin tolerance. In contrast to the common wild-type strains of pneumococci, treatment of the tolerant strains with penicillin above the minimum inhibitory concentration did not induce cell wall degradation, lysis, or leakage of intracellular components, and the rate of loss of viability was reduced compared with that of nontolerant strains. While these South African strains contained lower specific activity of autolytic enzyme than did nontolerant strains, the residual autolytic activity (15%-26% of the nontolerant wild type) was much more than that found in lysis-defective laboratory mutants of pneumococci (less than or equal to 1%); the rate of penicillin-induced lysis did not correlate with the specific activity of residual autolysin. Also, in contrast to the complete lysis resistance of lysis-defective mutants to all lytic agents, the tolerant South African strains were resistant primarily to lysis by beta-lactam antibiotics but could still be lysed by other cell wall inhibitors (e.g., cycloserine) and detergents. The penicillin resistance and penicillin tolerance traits could be separated by genetic transformation. We suggest that the drug-specific tolerance of the South African pneumococcal strains is related to some alteration in the control of autolysin activity.
Influence of processing history on water and salt transport properties of disulfonated polysulfone random copolymers

Disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone)s are high glass transition temperature polymers, and their water and salt transport properties depend sensitively on thermal processing history. In this study, films of a 32 mol% disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymer (BPS-32), polymerized in the potassium counter-ion form, were acidified using solid state and solution routes. The resulting acid counter-ion form materials were then converted to sodium, potassium, and calcium counter-ion forms via ion exchange. Additionally, several films were subjected to various thermal treatments in the solid state. Water uptake as well as water and NaCl permeability of these BPS-32 films were measured. Acidification via immersion of BPS-32 films in boiling sulfuric acid solution increased water uptake, and water and salt permeability increased. Exposure of samples to elevated temperature also influenced transport properties. For example, immersing BPS-32 films in boiling water for 4 h increased water sorption by 50%, water permeability by 2.3 times, and NaCl permeability by 8 times. The counter-ion form of the sulfonated polymer influenced the polymer’s transport properties, but these effects were weaker than the effect of thermal treatment. Generally, the BPS-32 samples prepared with different processing histories followed a trade-off between water/salt permeability selectivity and water permeability. These results suggest that, like many other glassy polymers, thermal processing history influences small molecule transport in these materials.
Identity: Its Emergence within Sociological Psychology*

Identity is an oft used technical term in sociological social psychology. Yet, its rather recent emergence remains uncharted. Discussion of its origin in the post World War II period from the writings of Erikson leads to recognition of its rapid development in the 1960's and 1970's. Five theoretical sources are currently informing the development and use of the concept. Its continued strength is apparently in response to the need to interpret contemporary American society. By the 1980's, identity serves as a powerful bridging concept stretched across micro and macro levels of theory and reaching from laboratory analyses to cultural criticism.
The impacts of tuition rate changes on college undergraduate headcounts and credit hours over time — a case study☆

Abstract This paper presents empirical evidence on the impact of tuition rate changes on college undergraduate headcounts and credit hours over time in a case study framework. The econometric results provide additional confirmation with respect to previously derived conclusions in this area. Student behavior follows the law of demand, varies according to class standing, and supports implications derived from human capital investment models. Specific policy implications and recommendations are given which pertain to tuition rate analysis for the case study college and other higher education institutions in a similar position.
Molecular characterization of calmodulin trapping by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II.

Autophosphorylation of α-Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) at Thr286 results in calmodulin (CaM) trapping, a >10,000-fold decrease in the dissociation rate of CaM from the enzyme. Here we present the first site-directed mutagenesis study on the dissociation of the high affinity complex between CaM and full-length CaM kinase II. We measured dissociation kinetics of CaM and CaM kinase II proteins by using a fluorescently modified CaM that is sensitive to binding to target proteins. In low [Ca2+], the phosphorylated mutant kinase F293A and the CaM mutant E120A/M124A exhibited deficient trapping compared with wild-type. In high [Ca2+], the CaM mutations E120A, M124A, and E120A/M124A and the CaM kinase II mutations F293A, F293E, N294A, N294P, and R297E increased dissociation rate constants by factors ranging from 2.3 to 116. We have also identified residues in CaM and CaM kinase II that interact in the trapped state by mutant cycle-based analysis, which suggests that interactions between Phe293 in the kinase and Glu120 and Met124 in CaM specifically stabilize the trapped CaM-CaM kinase II complex. Our studies further show that Phe293 and Asn294 in CaM kinase II play dual roles, because they likely destabilize the low affinity state of CaM complexed to unphosphorylated kinase but stabilize the trapped state of CaM bound to phosphorylated kinase.
Silylene-bridged fluorenyl-containing ligands and zirconium complexes with C1 and Cs symmetry: general synthesis and olefin polymerization catalysis

Abstract A variety of new silylene-bridged fluorenyl-containing ligands has been synthesized with good yields via a convenient synthetic route. Two dimethylsilylene-bridged (η 5 - indenyl )(η 5 - fluorenyl )( 1 ) and (η 5 - cyclopentadienyl )(η 5 - fluorenyl ) (2) zirconocene dichlorides with C1 and Cs molecular symmetry have also been prepared. Upon activation with methyl aluminoxane, the former produced a polypropylene of high molecular weight, but with low activity and isotacticity. The latter catalyzed non-stereospecific propylene polymerization without any syndiotactic tendency, but with 40 and 20 times greater ethylene and propylene activity respectively than the former catalytic system.
Microstructure optimization in design of forging processes

A new approach based on sensitivity analysis for optimizing the microstructure development during the forging processes is proposed in this work. The analytical sensitivities of the recrystallization volume fraction and dynamically recrystalized grain size with respect to the design variables are derived. The mean grain size in each finite element is introduced so that the complex recrystallization mechanics, such as no recrystallization, partial recrystallization and complete recrystallization are all considered. The objective is to minimize a function describing the variance of mean grain size and the average value of mean grain size in the whole final product. Two constraints are imposed on die underfill and excessive material waste. Two different kinds of design variables are considered, including state parameter (initial shape of billet) and process parameter (die velocity). The optimization scheme is demonstrated with the design of a turbine disk made of Waspaloy in non-isothermal forging process. The optimal initial shape of billet and the die velocity are obtained.
Synthesis and breakdown of ribonucleic acid in Escherichia coli starving for nitrogen

Abstract 1. 1. Degradation of RNA, measured as acid-soluble [ 14 C]uracil (or as the loss from cells of orcinol-positive or ultraviolet-absorbing material) begins promptly with starvation at 37° and proceeds at a rate of at least 1 %/h for at least 20 h. In spite of the massive breakdown of RNA, a pulse of [ 14 C]uracil at any time is conserved, and a continually declining rate of RNA synthesis (less than 0.2 %/h) is measurable. Analysis by zonal centrifugation in sucrose gradients indicates that ribosomal and sRNA are formed, relative to rapidly labeled mRNA 10-fold more slowly than they are in exponential growth. Since soluble protein is also formed selectively in relation to ribosomal protein, the net result of turnover is therefore the preferential synthesis of mRNA and soluble proteins at the expense of ribosomes. 2. 2. The apparent rate of RNA hydrolysis is the same whether protein synthesis is inhibited or not, suggesting that it is attributable to preexisting nucleases. (Neither the ribonuclease found in ribosomes (EC 2.7.7.16) nor polynucleotide phosphorylase (EC 2.7.7.8) is involved, however, since mutants lacking these enzymes degrade RNA as well as the wild-type.) The nucleases involved appear to be more active when RNA synthesis is shut off, for the rate of degradation increases 3- to 5-fold in presence of proflavine sulfate or 2,4-dinitrophenol. It is suggested that the activation of nucleases may be a direct consequence of the breakdown of polyribosomes when starvation begins.
Work in progress: A comprehensive approach for mapping student's progress: Assessing student progress in freshman engineering

A new method of assessment is developed that comprehensively maps students' progress in a course. The technique involves the use of two grading rubrics measuring performance in technical and conceptual proficiency, respectively. With these rubrics, one can identify students' progress and learning more effectively and future activities can be adapted accordingly. This paper discusses the development of these rubrics, how to use them, how to interpret their results, and describes an experiment showing their effectiveness in a freshman engineering classroom.
On the operator equation A1XA2 − B1XB2 = Q when A1, A2, B1, B2, Q may be all unbounded

Let A1,B1ϵL(V1K) with A2θ, B2θϵV2 and Qϵ L(V2, H), where V1, V2, H, K are appropriate normed spaces. It is shown that there exists a unique solution Xϵ L(V2, H) of the equation, A1XA2φ − B1XB2φ = Qφ (for all θ V2), provided (i) V2 is spanned by an orthonormal basis {bi}∞i = 1 where bi, is an eigenvector of both A2 and B2 belonging to eigenvalues λi and [;μi] respectively, (ii) for all i, λi − μiBi: H→H has a continuous inverse defined on its range, with ∑i∥(λiA1 − μiB1)−1∥2 < ∞, and (iii) some other natural conditions are satisfied. A Galerkin method of approach is utilized and examples are given. A necessary and sufficient condition is arrived at for the finite dimensional case.
The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the synthesis of gangliosides.

—Dorsal root ganglia from 8-day- and 14-day-old chick embryos contained gangliosides with a pattern qualitatively similar to that of embryonic chick brain. The pattern of gangliosides from dorsal root ganglia changed with age, there being a decrease in polysialogangliosides with increasing age. When isolated, dorsal root ganglia were incubated in the presence of a concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) sufficient to promote the outgrowth of nerve fibres, there was increased incorporation of d-[1-14C]glucosamine into gangliosides. There was, however, no difference in the pattern of incorporation into gangliosides by control ganglia and those exposed to NGF.
Nonfragile control for a class of uncertain switching fuzzy time-delay systems

A sufficient condition for the existence of nonfragile state-feedback controllers and a switching law for a class of uncertain switching fuzzy time-delay systems are proposed based on the multiple Lyapunov functions technique, under the assumption that the controller gain to be designed has variations. The corresponding results are all formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Simulation results show the effectiveness of the design method.
Metabolic stabilization of MAP kinase phosphatase-2 in senescence of human fibroblasts

Cellular senescence is characterized by impaired cell proliferation. We have previously shown that, relative to the young counterpart, senescent WI-38 human fibroblasts display a decreased abundance of active phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK) in the nucleus. We have tested the hypothesis that this is due to elevated levels of nuclear MAP kinase phosphatase (MKP) activity in senescent cells. Our results indicate that the activity and abundance of MKP-2 is increased in senescent fibroblasts, compared to their young counterparts. Further analysis indicates that it is MKP-2 protein, but not MKP-2 mRNA level, that is increased in senescent cells. This increase is the result of the increased stability of MKP-2 protein against proteolytic degradation. The degradation of MKPs was impaired by proteasome inhibitors both in young and old WI-38 cells, indicating that proteasome activity is involved in the degradation of MKPs. Finally, our results indicate that proteasome activity, in general, is diminished in senescent fibroblasts. Taken together, these data indicate that the increased level and activity of MKP-2 in senescent WI-38 cells are the consequence of impaired proteosomal degradation, and this increase is likely to play a significant role in the decreased levels of p-ERK in the nucleus of senescent cells.
Magnetopause transects from two spacecraft: A comparison

We recover two-dimensional, magnetohydrostatic structures from measured data for a pair of partial magnetopause crossings by the spacecraft AMPTE/IRM and UKS, when they were separated by only about 40 km. After inter-calibration of the two data sets, magnetopause transects are produced for UKS and IRM separately. They are similar in terms of overall features, indicating robustness of the reconstruction technique. The event was caused by inward-outward magnetopause motion, as well as by tangential motion of magnetopause structures, first in one, and then in the opposite direction. Implications of observed island structures and intervening magnetic X points for transport across the magnetopause are discussed.
A new criterion for confounder selection.

We propose a new criterion for confounder selection when the underlying causal structure is unknown and only limited knowledge is available. We assume all covariates being considered are pretreatment variables and that for each covariate it is known (i) whether the covariate is a cause of treatment, and (ii) whether the covariate is a cause of the outcome. The causal relationships the covariates have with one another is assumed unknown. We propose that control be made for any covariate that is either a cause of treatment or of the outcome or both. We show that irrespective of the actual underlying causal structure, if any subset of the observed covariates suffices to control for confounding then the set of covariates chosen by our criterion will also suffice. We show that other, commonly used, criteria for confounding control do not have this property. We use formal theory concerning causal diagrams to prove our result but the application of the result does not rely on familiarity with causal diagrams. An investigator simply need ask, “Is the covariate a cause of the treatment?” and “Is the covariate a cause of the outcome?” If the answer to either question is “yes” then the covariate is included for confounder control. We discuss some additional covariate selection results that preserve unconfoundedness and that may be of interest when used with our criterion.
Channel identification machines for multidimensional receptive fields.

We present algorithms for identifying multidimensional receptive fields directly from spike trains produced by biophysically-grounded neuron models. We demonstrate that only the projection of a receptive field onto the input stimulus space may be perfectly identified and derive conditions under which this identification is possible.We also provide detailed examples of identification of neural circuits incorporating spatiotemporal and spectrotemporal receptive fields.
Efficient numerical optimization based on rigorous diffraction models

An efficient algorithm is presented which allows one to optimize diffractive optical elements with rigorous diffraction models. The algorithm is based on the concept of the distorted wave Born approximation known from inverse scattering theory.
Socially Optimal Queuing Control in Cognitive Radio Systems: Pricing and Learning

A cognitive radio system is modeled as a queue with a server subject to interruptions from primary users. Each customer (packet) arriving at the queue has choices of balking or joining the queue. The individual decision of each customer is optimized based on the reward for the completion of service and the penalty for the waiting time (delay). A socially optimal strategy is also found to maximize the average reward of all customers. Numerical results show that these two strategies, individual and social, generally do not coincide, i.e. an individually optimal strategy does not imply social optimality. To oblige the coincidence of the two optimal strategies, an admission fee to the queue is proposed and the optimal price is found by numerical approaches. To tackle the problem of unknown environments, a learning procedure is proposed to learn the pricing strategy without explicitly modeling the primary users' behavior.
Overview no. 85 The mechanical behavior of ceramic matrix composites

Abstract This article summarizes the current understanding of relationships between microstructure and mechanical properties in ceramics reinforced with aligned fibers. Emphasis is placed on definition of the micromechanical properties of the interface that govern the composite toughness. Issues such as the debond and sliding resistance of the interface are discussed based on micromechanics calculations and experiments conducted on both model composites and actual composites.
Applying motion capture system for collaborative tasks with a human

In this paper, a collaborative work between a human worker and an adult-sized humanoid robot (HUBO) is presented. Through the task, HUBO decided its movement just based on captured data from motion capture system (MoCap), which was equipped in provided working environment. Human co-workers did not provide any cues for determining a desired moving velocity or orientation. Whenever human workers changed their walking patterns, corresponding step distance and heading direction of HUBO was calculated from relative position and orientation difference between the robot and the worker. To generate a stable walking movement, we optimized the initial step of HUBO using reinforcement learning whenever walking pattern is changed. For this, we used a Q learning algorithm with inputs from the Mo-Cap system and Zero moment point (ZMP) of HUBO served as a balance criterion. Experimental evaluation of the presented approach demonstrates that HUBO can follow the movement of a human worker and carry an object without helps from humans such as oral speech commands.
COMPARISON OF TWO TESTS OF PLANAR RANDOMNESS

Summary.-Two statistical methods were derived recently for testing a randomness hypothesis in ecological spatial srudies. The relative performance of each merhod is investigated in this methodological study with synthetically constructed random disrributions. The author's population density index (PDI) model is a method for describing human population density or crowding (O'Brien, 1992). The PDI method is designed to measure spatial density within a naturalistic environment. Methods have been developed for assessing whether objects are spatidy distributed in a random manner. Presently methods for two-dimensional analyses have been developed; related methods for three-dimensional space are being constructed. Two methods for testing a spatial randomness hypothesis in two-dimensional Euclidean space were derived recently (O'Brien, 1994a, 199413). The first method (O'Brien, 1994b) was derived from an elementary stochastic (Poisson) process. The distribution of the distances among nearest neighbors was the basis for the continuous distribution function employed. This method is referred to as the "distance method." In the second method (O'Brien, 1994a), a partial sum of a Poisson series was employed to derive an estimator for the grid occupancy rate in a random distribution. This discrete distribution method is referred to as the "box-counting method." Each method employs standard hypothesis-testing procedures to test and evaluate the randomness hypothesis. Further research on the methods has been conducted. In this paper a comparison of the methods is made with a derived estimator descriptive of the presence or absence of randomness. The objective is to examine which method provides a better estimator of randomness with respect to the statistical estimation properties of consistency and unbiasedness. The models were compared on a ratio measure designed to estimate the relative presence of randomness in two-dimensional distributions. In general, the ratio estimator sample mean is of the form: population mean .
Cuticle proteins from the Anthonomus grandis abdomen: Stage specificity and immunological relatedness

Abstract Despite the prominent occurrence of proteins in the insect cuticle, this major component has received relatively little study, especially in the coleopterous insects. We report here the first characterization of abdominal cuticle proteins from final instar larvae, pupae and adult cotton boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis Boheman. Approximate molecular weights for the major cuticle proteins found in each developmental stage were determined by SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions. A number of stage specific cuticle proteins were identified from larvae, pupae and young adults. A variety of mouse polyclonal antibodies were raised against mixtures of cuticle proteins and SDS-PAGE purified individual cuticle proteins. Immunostaining of Western blots with these antibodies allowed several generalizations about the antigenic relatedness of the cuticle proteins to be drawn. An anti-larval cuticle protein antibody was found to be capable of detecting putative larval cuticle proteins in developing boll weevil embryos.
Volatile elements in chondrites: metamorphism or nebular fractionation?

Three of the most highly metamorphosed meteorites of their respective classes, Shaw (LL7), Karoonda (C5), and Coolidge (C4), were analyzed by radiochemical neutron activation analysis for Ag, Au, Bi, Br, Cd, Cs, Ge, In, Ir, Ni, Os, Pd, Rb, Re, Sb, Se, Te, Tl, U, and Zn. Comparison with data by Lipschutz and coworkers (1977) on artificially heated primitive meteorites shows that the natural metamorphism of meteorites cannot have taken place in a system open to volatiles. Shaw, metamorphosed at 1300 C for more than 1 million yr, is less depleted in In, Bi, Ag, Te, Zn, and Tl than Krymka heated at 1000 C for 1 week. Karoonda, metamorphosed at 600 C for many millennia, is less depleted in Bi and Tl than Allende heated at 600 C for 1 week. Data on primordial noble gases also show that the volatile-element patterns of ordinary and carbonaceous chondrites were established by nebular condensation and changed little, if at all, during metamorphism. For enstatite chondrites, the evidence is still incomplete but seems to favor a nebular origin of the volatile pattern.
Adjusted 200-day scrotal size as a predictor of 365-day scrotal circumference.

Data collected from 264 bulls of 13 beef breeds at the Michigan Bull Test Station was evaluated to determine if scrotal circumference (SC) adjusted to 200 d of age could be used to predict scrotal circumference at 1 yr of age. Scrotal circumference of each bull was recorded on arrival at the test station and at the time of breeding soundness examination (BSE) and was adjusted to 200 and 365 d of age, respectively. Bulls with adjusted SC>34.0 cm by 365 d of age averaged a larger SC at 200 d (P 34.0 cm by one year of age. Calves measuring 34.0 cm scrotal size by one year. This information can contribute to the selection of breeding bulls that will achieve desirable scrotal size by one year of age.
Sustained Nitric Oxide Production in Macrophages Requires the Arginine Transporter CAT2

The aberrant production of nitric oxide (NO) contributes to the pathogenesis of diseases as diverse as cancer and arthritis. Sustained NO production via the inducible enzyme, nitric-oxide synthase 2 (NOS2), requires extracellular arginine uptake. Three closely related cationic amino acid transporter genes (Cat1-3) encode the transporters that mediate most arginine uptake in mammalian cells. Because CAT2 is induced coordinately with NOS2 in numerous cell types, we investigated a possible role for CAT2-mediated arginine transport in regulating NO production. The complexity of arginine transport systems and their biochemically similar transport properties called for a genetic approach to determine the role of CAT2. CAT2-deficient mice were generated and found to be healthy and fertile in contrast to Cat1(-/-) animals. Analysis of cytokine-activated macrophages from Cat2(-/-) mice revealed a 92% reduction in NO production and a 95% reduction in l-Arg uptake. The reduction in NO production was not due to differences in NOS2 protein expression, NOS2 activity, or intracellular l-arginine content. In conclusion, our results show that sustained abundant NO synthesis by macrophages requires arginine transport via the CAT2 transporter.
Micromechanism of slip propagation through a high angle boundary in alpha brass

Analyse de l'interaction entre un empilement de dislocations et un joint de grand angle a partir d'experiences dans un microscope electronique en transmission
Helicobacter pylori CagA: Analysis of Sequence Diversity in Relation to Phosphorylation Motifs and Implications for the Role of CagA as a Virulence Factor

CagA is transported into host target cells and subsequently phosphorylated. Clearly this is a mechanism by which Helicobacter pylori could take control of one or more host cell signal transduction pathways. Presumably the end result of this interaction favors survival of H. pylori, irrespective of eventual damage to the host cell. CagA is noted for its amino acid (AA) sequence diversity, both within and outside the variable region of the molecule. The primary purpose of this review is to examine how variation in the type and number of CagA phosphorylation sites might determine the outcome of infection by different strains of H. pylori. The answer to this question could help to explain the widely disparate results obtained when H. pylori CagA status has been compared to type and severity of disease outcome in different populations, that is in different countries. Analysis of all available CagA sequences revealed that CagA contains both tyrosine phosphorylation motifs (TPMs) and cyclic-AMP-dependent phosphorylation motifs (CPMs). There are two potential CPMs near the N-terminus of CagA and at least two in the repeat region; these are not all equally well conserved. We also defined a 48-residue AA sequence, which includes the N-terminal TPM at tyrosine (Y)-122, which distinguishes between Eastern (Hong Kong-Taiwan-Japan-Thailand) H. pylori isolates and those from the West (Europe-Africa-the Americas-Australia). All 28 of the Eastern type CagA proteins have a functional N-terminal TPM whereas 11 of 47 (23.4%) of the Western type contain an inactive motif, with threonine (T) replacing the critical aspartic acid (D) residue. Only 13 of 24 (54%) known CagA sequences have an active TPM in the repeat region and only one has two TPMs in this region. The potential TPM near the C-terminus of CagA is not likely to be important since only 3 of 24 (12.5%) sequences were found to be intact. Protein database searches revealed that the AA sequence immediately following the TPM at Y-122 in CagA is homologous with a pair of PDZ domains which are common in signal transducing proteins, particularly tyrosine phosphatases. This provides a theoretical link between CagA and many of the observed responses of host cells to H. pylori. In summary, not all CagA proteins are equal in their potential for initiating host cell responses via signal transduction pathways. The degree of functional diversity of this protein depends upon which phosphorylation motifs are critical to the biological activity of CagA.
Limbal-based vs Fornix-based Conjunctival Flaps in Combined Extracapsular Cataract Surgery and Glaucoma Filtering Procedure

Extracapsular cataract extractions and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantations combined with glaucoma filtering procedures were done in 47 eyes of 43 consecutive patients who had coexisting cataract and glaucoma. A limbal-based conjunctival flap was used in 22 patients and a fornix-based flap was used in 25 patients; the surgical technique was otherwise identical in all patients. Patients were followed up for a minimum of six months (mean, 18 months). Long-term intraocular pressure control and visual acuity were similar in the two groups, although the limbal-based group had significantly better early postoperative intraocular pressure control. Because control of intraocular pressure during the early postoperative period is a principal benefit of combined cataract and glaucoma surgery, we prefer the limbal-based conjunctival flap.