cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue and developmental specific expression of murine smooth muscle γ‐actin fusion genes in transgenic mice

Smooth muscle y-actin (SMGA) is an excellent marker of smooth muscle differen- tiation because it is essentially restricted to smooth muscle. As a first step toward unraveling the mechanisms underlying smooth muscle devel- opment and differentiation, we have examined the tissue-specific and developmental expression pat- terns of six constructs carrying portions of the murine SMGA gene linked to chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) in stable lines of trans- genic mice. Based on the transgenic studies most, if not all, of the regulatory elements necessary for proper spatial and temporal expression of SMGA are present within a 13.7 kb segment of the SMGA gene containing 4.9 kb of upstream se- quence, exon 1, intron 1, and a portion of exon 2 up to the start codon for translation. A second construct (SMGA11.6CAT) that lacks the distal 2.1 kb of upstream sequence but is otherwise identi- cal to SMGA13.7CAT shows a similar level of smooth muscle-specific CAT activity. However, SMGA9BCAT fusion gene containing only 571 bp of 5' flanking sequence, but otherwise identical to SMGA13.7CAT, and SMGA6.OCAT containing only the 4.9 kb upstream sequence, exon 1, and a miniintron 1 show a more than a 100-fold reduc- tion of CAT activity in most smooth muscle-rich tissues. Furthermore, removal of most or all of in- tron 1 from a transgene with 571 bp of upstream sequence (SMGA2.0 CAT and SMGAO.6CAT) re- sults in a near-complete or complete loss of activ- ity, respectively, in all tissues. Overall, the studies suggest that upstream elements between -2.7 kb and -571 bp and elements within intron 1 are re- quired for high levels of SMGA gene expression in an appropriate temporal-spatial fashion.
Although visually cued imitation training may increase peer imitation, the preexisting skills necessary for success should be identified

Abstracted from: Ganz, J. B., Bourgeois, B. C., Flores, M. M., & Campos, B. A. (2008). Implementing visually cued imitation training with children with autism and developmental delays. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 10, 56–66. Source of funding: Faculty research award from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a grant from the College of Education and Human Development.
Multinuclear Fe(III) complexes with polydentate ligands of the family of dicarboxyimidazoles : Nuclearity- and topology-controlled syntheses and magneto-structural correlations

Two polydentate ligands of the family of dicarboxyimidazoles, H 2 MeDCBI (= 4,5-dicarboxy-1-methyl-1H-imidazole) and H 3 DCBI (= 4,5-dicarboxyimidazole), have been used in reactions with the [Fe(3,5- t Bu 2 salpn)] + species {3,5- t Bu 2 salpn = the dianion of 1,3-bis-[(3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylidene)amino]propane} to synthesize selectively complexes of different nuclearities. Four complexes have been synthesized: the mononuclear complex [Fe(3,5- t Bu 2 salpn)-(HMeDCBI)] (1), the two binuclear but topologically different complexes [Fe(3,5- t Bu 2 salpn)(MeDCBI)Fe(3,5- t Bu 2 -salpn)] (2) and {[Fe(3,5- t Bu 2 salpn)] 2 (HDCBI)} (3), and the trinuclear complex {[Fe(3,5- t Bu 2 salpn)] 2 (DCBI)Fe(3,5- t Bu 2 salpn)} (4). The structures of these complexes have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Variable-temperature direct-current magnetic susceptibility measurements were conducted for all compounds to obtain information about their electronic structure and to investigate the extent of magnetic communication among the Fe(III) centers. The results of these measurements allowed us to correlate the different structural motifs with the possible magnetic interactions that arise in multinuclear complexes of dicarboxyimidazoles. For 1, the room-temperature Χ M T value reveals an S = 5 / 2 ground state. The data for the binuclear but topologically different complexes 2 and 3, and the trinuclear complex 4 suggest that weak intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions are present, with interaction parameters ranging from -3.6 to -5.1 cm - 1 . Differences in the extent of the magnetic communication between the metal centers through the two different interaction pathways of the ligands MeDCBI and DCBI (either through the imidazole ring or through the carboxylate groups) have been observed in complexes 2-4 that can be explained by the structural differences observed in the crystal structures of these compounds (the separation of the metal centers and the coplanarity of the metal ion orbitals with the π system of the ligands). Cyclic voltammetry measurements for the mononuclear compound 1 show an irreversible reduction wave that is attributed to Fe 3 + + e - → Fe 2 + . The electrochemical behavior of the multinuclear complexes 2-4 is more complicated; however, it indicates that there is a degree of electronic communication between the Fe(lll) centers.
Decomposing group differences of latent means of ordered categorical variables within a genetic factor model.

A genetic factor model is introduced for decomposition of group differences of the means of phenotypic behavior as well as individual differences when the research variables under consideration are ordered categorical. The model employs the general Genetic Factor Model proposed by Neale and Cardon (Methodology for genetic studies of twins and families, 1992) and, more specifically, the extension proposed by Dolan et al. (Behav Genet 22: 319–335, 1992) which enables decomposition of group differences of the means associated with genetic and environmental factors. Using a latent response variable (LRV) formulation (Muthen and Asparouhov, Latent variable analysis with categorical outcomes: multiple-group and growth modeling in Mplus. Mplus web notes: No. 4, Version 5, 2002), proportional differences of response categories between groups are modeled within the genetic factor model in terms of the distributional differences of latent response variables assumed to underlie the observed ordered categorical variables. Use of the proposed model is illustrated using a measure of conservatism in the data collected from the Australian Twin Registry.
Preliminary studies on the inflammatory stimulus induced proteins in mouse resident peritoneal macrophages

Chemotaxis, release of lysosomal enzymes, synthesis of eicosanoids and phagocytosis are some of the important functions mediated by macrophages. Active protein synthesis have been implicated as an essential step in the mediation of these vital physiological functions. The proteins synthesized during the inflammation with microbial agents have not been identified. In the current investigation, we report the synthesis of five proteins of molecular weights 72000; 70000; 40000; 34000; and 32000 in mouse peritoneal macrophages after incubation with inflammatory stimuli derived from microorganisms. A possible role for these proteins in phagocytosis was suggested.
The principles of representative government

The thesis of this original and provocative book is that representative government should be understood as a combination of democratic and undemocratic, aristocratic elements. Professor Manin challenges the conventional view that representative democracy is no more than an indirect form of government by the people, in which citizens elect representatives only because they cannot assemble and govern in person. The argument is developed by examining the historical moments when the present institutional arrangements were chosen from among the then available alternatives. Professor Manin reminds us that while today representative institutions and democracy appear as virtually indistinguishable, when representative government was first established in Europe and America, it was designed in opposition to democracy proper. Drawing on the procedures used in earlier republican systems, from classical Athens to Renaissance Florence, in order to highlight the alternatives that were forsaken, Manin brings to the fore the generally overlooked results of representative mechanisms. These include the elitist aspect of elections and the non-binding character of campaign promises.
Performance characteristics of ring-cusp thrusters with xenon propellant

The performance characteristics and operating envelope of several 30-cm ring-cusp ion thrusters with xenon propellant were investigated. Results indicate a strong performance dependence on the discharge chamber boundary magnetic fields and resultant distribution of electron currents. Significant improvements in discharge performance over J-series divergent-field thrusters were achieved for large throttling ranges, which translate into reduced cathode emission currents and reduced power dissipation which should be of significant benefit for operation at thruster power levels in excess of 10 kW. Mass spectrometry of the ion beam was documented for both the ring-cusp and J-series thrusters with xenon propellant for determination of overall thruster efficiency, and lifetime. Based on the lower centerline values of doubly charged ions in the ion beam and the lower operating discharge voltage, the screen grid erosion rate of the ring-cusp thruster is expected to be lower than the divergent-field J-series thruster by a factor of 2.
The Occurrence of Inorganic Elements in Various Biofuels and Its Effect on the Formation of Melt Phases During Combustion

The Pennsylvania State University is performing a feasibility analysis on installing a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler at Penn State’s University Park campus for cofiring multiple biofuels and other wastes with coal. Twenty feedstocks are being considered. Chemical fractionation analysis was performed on eleven of the fuels. It is the objective of this paper to present the results of characterizing selected biomass fuels via chemical fractionation. The chemical analysis of the fuels is then used to determine the net ash composition of possible fuel blends and their propensity to form liquid phases during combustion based on thermodynamic modeling. The FactSage equilibrium calculations suggest that a cofire of biofuels with an appropriate non-fouling coal should not pose any problems in a CFB system given that the coal makes up a majority of the thermal input. FactSage consistently predicted K2 Si4 O9 (l) to be present at 1171K with biofuels having low aluminum levels and significant concentration of alkali earth elements. Only 10% of K2 O present in a system was enough to result in the formation of K2 Si4 O9 (l) at equilibrium that could compromise a CFB system.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Correlated effects in generalizability studies

The analytical model typically used to perform generalizability analysis assumes that design effects are uncorrelated. Often, the assessment of behavioral data involves designs that employ multiple occasions or repeated trials (as in many observational and rating studies). In these cases, design effects may be serially correlated. The implications of serially correlated effects on the results of generalizability analyses are discussed. Simulated data are provided that demonstrate the biases that serially correlated effects introduce into the results. Index terms: corretated effects, estimation of variance components, generalizabitity theory, observational studies, repeated trials, serial correlation
Intraarterial versus intravenous adriamycin in the rabbit Vx-2 tumor system.

Intraarterial (IA) chemotherapy can theoretically result in a high tissue level of the drug with reduced systemic toxicity compared with intravenous (IV) administration. The authors compared these two modes of therapy using Adriamycin (doxorubicin) in the rabbit Vx-2 tumor system. Vx-2 implanted in hind limb muscle, and silastic catheters were placed in the jugular vein and femoral artery. Nuclear imaging of technetium-99m-labeled autologous erythrocytes in nine animals was used to measure the kinetics of tumor blood flow. Presence of tumor increased flow through the involved limb up to threefold. One minute following injection there was no difference in concentration of /sup 99m/Tc in tumor whether labeled cells were introduced IA or IV. Twelve rabbits received IA or IV Adriamycin (3 mg/kg), while eight animals received normal saline IA or IV as controls. Tumor progressed in all control rabbits, whereas there was an objective or complete response in 83% of animals receiving adriamycin. One hundred percent of those treated IA responded compared with 67% for IV. Median time to initial response in animals treated IA was 7 days versus 21 days for those treated IV. Thus, IA Adriamycin achieves a more complete and more rapid response than the drug given IV.more » This occurs despite a large tumor blood flow and rapid equilibrium using both methods.« less
Biosynthesis of capreomycin. 2. Incorporation of L-serine, L-alanine, and L-2, 3-diaminopropionic acid.

The biosynthesis of the antitubercular antibiotic capreomycin has been studied by administration of isotopically labeled ( 13 C and 2 H) precursors to Streptomyces capreolus A250. These studies indicated that the 2,3-diaminopropionate (Dap) moiety of capreomycin is derived from serine via a dehydroalanyl intermediate. The very high incorporation of labeled serine specifically into the seine moiety of capreomycin IA, 1, and incorporation of labeled alanine into the alanine moiety of capreomycin IB, 2, revealed that neither 1 nor 2 is converted into the other
Design and Evaluation of Multi-Axis Vibration Shaker Concepts

Multi-axis shaker systems for the mechanical testing of components up to 2 kHz generally exhibit multiple resonances within their operating range of frequencies. Equipment testing requires the control of the shaker’s power density spectra in all axes of shaker motion. The paper describes the results of a 4-year ongoing project to develop a predictive model of 6-axis shaker dynamics, and presents a comparison between the computer model and a series of experiments on a small 6-DOF electrodynamic shaker, employing computed and experimentally recorded power density and coherence spectra, as well as modal analyses. Modifications of the shaker’s structural stiffness and damping are shown to be correctly predicted and validated by the experiments.© 2007 ASME
Separation and characterization of α-gliadin fractions

Abstract The α-gliadin protein fraction (from hard red winter wheat) obtained by an ultracentrifugation technique has been further fractionated into four subfractions by ion exchange on sulfoethyl cellulose in a solvent that contained 8 M urea. The subfractions differ in electrophoretic mobility upon gel electrophoresis at pH 3.3. Their amino acid composition is similar, but small differences were found.
Variational principles in finite elastostatics

A variational principle of the complementary energy type is derived for an equilibrium state of a finitely deformed elastic body. Trial functions for the actual deformation gradient are used in the formulation of the principle in order to avoid any difficulties arising in the inversion of the stressdeformation gradient relationship. For some equilibrium states the principle becomes a local extremum principle and it can then be used in conjunction with the potential energy principle to provide bounds on the total potential energy. Corresponding principles for elastic materials subject to kinematical constraints are presented. The same approach provides variational principles for infinitesimal deformations superposed on a known finite deformation of an elastic body.
Assessing inefficiency in the s&p 500 futures market

We analyse the price movement of the S&P 500 futures market for violations of the efficient market hypothesis on a short-term basis. To assess market inefficiency we construct a model and find that the returns, i.e. the difference in the logarithm of closing prices on consecutive days, exhibit the usual conditional heteroscedasticity behaviour typical of long series of financial data. To account for this non-linear behaviour we scale the returns by a volatility factor which depends on the daily high, low, and closing price. The rescaled series, which may be interpreted as the trend-countertrend component of the time series, is modelled using Box and Jenkins techniques. The resulting model is an ARMA(1,1). The scale factors are assumed to form a time series and are modelled using a semi-non-parametric method which avoids the restrictive assumptions of most ARCH or GARCH models. Using the combined model we perform 1000 simulations of market data, each simulation comprising 250 days (approximately one year). We then formulate a naive trading strategy which is based on the ratio of the one-day-ahead expected return to its one-day-ahead expected conditional standard deviation. The trading strategy has four adjustable parameters which are set to maximize profits for the simulation data. Next, we apply the trading strategy to one year of recent out-of-sample data. Our conclusion is that the S&P 500 futures market exhibits only slight inefficiencies, but that there exist, in principle, better trading strategies which take account of risk than the benchmark strategy of buy-and-hold. We have also constructed a linear model for the return series. Using the linear model, we have simulated returns and determined the optimum values for the adjustable parameters of the trading strategy. In this case, the optimum trading strategy is the same as the benchmark strategy, buy-and-hold. Finally, we have compared the profitability of the optimized trading strategy, based on the non-linear model, to three ad hoc trading strategies using the out-of-sample data. The three ad hoc strategies are more profitable than the optimized strategy.
The Skill and Economic Performance of Mexican Immigrants from 1910 to 1990

Abstract This study estimates wage differentials between Mexican immigrants and native whites in 1910, using data not previously analyzed from the Immigration Commission Report. They are compared to estimated wage differentials from 1940 to 1990, derived from U.S. Census PUMS data. Earnings of Mexican immigrants with 6 or more years in the United States declined relative to natives from 1910 to 1990. Relative earnings of immigrants with 0 to 5 years in the United States declined after 1970. The deterioration in economic performance can be linked to a decline in the schooling of Mexican immigrants relative to the U.S. population. Changes in the education gap between the United States and Mexico and in the education of immigrants have driven this development.
Frontiers in microcirculation: control processes and clinical applications.

This edition of Microcirculation presents five current and emerging perspectives of the microcirculation in development, health and disease. The onset of blood flow and pressure are central to cardiovascular development. These hemodynamic forces are explored in light of underlying molecular signaling pathways that affect vascular and cardiac cell shape and proliferation. Shear-induced strain exerted on the plasma membrane and cytoskeleton is transmitted to cell nuclei and thereby affects gene activation through mechanotransduction. Altered stiffness or disturbed surfaces of aberrant vascular cells may affect an array of vasculopathies through altered gene expression. The endothelium is both a site and source for inflammatory responses triggered by cardiovascular risk factors often mediated through reactive oxygen species and angiotensin II. Tumor microenvironments are disturbed with abnormal growth and remodeling of blood and lymphatic vessels. More effective targeting strategies for delivering anti-angiogenic and cytotoxic agents are being developed through advances in intravital imaging. Blood flow control requires both vasodilation and vasoconstriction to be coordinated along and among arterioles and feed arteries. Evolving insights into signaling pathways between smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells illuminate how such processes can be affected in vasculopathies. These timely reviews provide a novel reference for advancing research frontiers in microcirculation.
Muscle mechanoreflex overactivity in hypertension: A role for centrally-derived nitric oxide

The cardiovascular response to exercise is abnormally large in hypertension. Over the past decade, it has become clear that the exercise pressor reflex (a peripheral feed-back mechanism originating in skeletal muscle) contributes significantly to the generation of this hyper-responsiveness. Further, it has been determined that overactivity of the mechanically (muscle mechanoreflex) and chemically (muscle metaboreflex) sensitive components of the exercise pressor reflex underpin its dysfunction. Given the recent attention in the literature, this review focuses upon the aberrant function of the muscle mechanoreflex in this disease. Evidence supporting a role for the mechanoreflex in the pathogenesis of the exaggerated cardiovascular response to physical activity is highlighted. The peripheral and central mechanisms that may be responsible for mechanoreflex overactivity in hypertension are likewise discussed. Particular attention is given to emerging evidence implicating a role for centrally-derived nitric oxide in this process.
E-005 Short-term Outcomes of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with MCA/ICA Occlusion Excluded for Intra-arterial Reperfusion Therapy

Introduction Large-vessel occlusions account for 45% of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) presenting to the emergency departments in the United States. Many of these patients may not be eligible candidates for intravenous tPA therapy; however, they may benefit from receiving intra-arterial therapy (IAT). Optimal patient selection plays a pivotal role in identification of those AIS patients who may benefit from IAT. However, no method has been introduced as the gold standard for patient selection among neurointerventionalists in the clinical practice. Therefore, many of the stroke patients with large vessel occlusion presenting in the acute setting do not receive IAT. We aimed to review the short-term outcome of AIS patients with large vessel occlusion who were not selected for IAT. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive AIS patients with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of more than 8 and CTA/MRA verified MCA/ICA occlusion who did not receive endovascular thrombectomy/thrombolysis treatment. Data were collected on demographics, initial NIHSS score, the cause for not being eligible for endovascular intervention, and mortality rate during the first 30 days. Eligibility for undergoing IA thrombectomy/thrombolysis treatment based on CT/MR perfusion imaging profiles was defined as CBV/DWI infarct core 20% infarct core. Results Thirty one AIS patients (19 F/12 M; mean age of 78.1(32–93; SD: ±13.44 years) were studied. Mean and median baseline NIHSS score were 20.06 (8–40; SD: ± 8.25) and 19, respectively. Mortality in the first 30 days was 38.7% (12/31) and 6 patients (20%) were referred to hospice. Among fourteen patients who did not undergo endovascular thrombectomy/thrombolysis reperfusion therapy due to the unfavorable perfusion profile, six patients expired and 4 patients were referred to the hospice, in the first 30 days. Seventeen patients were not intervened due to improvement in NIHSS score following receiving intravenous tPA, advanced age, severely high NIHSS score, and high risk clinical profile for intervention. Among these patients, six patients expired and two patients were referred to hospice. Conclusion In this cohort of patients, we observed relatively high mortality rate and poor short-term clinical outcomes in AIS patients with large vessel occlusion who were not selected for IAT. Patients excluded from receiving IAT using imaging-based methods, generally had worse outcomes compared with those patients who were selected based on clinical evaluation. Efforts should be made to develop a standard and accurate patient selection method for identification of the optimum number of AIS patients with large vessel occlusion who may benefit from IAT. Disclosures A. Honarmand: None. R. Beck: None. M. Soltanolkotabi: None. S. Ansari: None. A. Shaibani: None. V. Daruwalla: None. M. Hurley: None.
Micromechanical Modeling of Composite Compressive Strength

Composite compressive failure is studied using a micromechanical (beam-on-elastic foundation) model, and the stiffness of the foundation is determined through an elasticity solution of the foundation model problem. An explicit expression has been derived for evaluation of composite longitudinal compressive strengths (CLCS). It is found that this expression predicts relatively lower CLCS compared to classical models, and closely matches some experimental data for carbon fiber/epoxy composites. It is found that a complete matrix slippage will reduce the CLCS by over 50%.
Cytoskeletal Tension Regulates Both Expression and Degradation of h2-Calponin in Lung Alveolar Cells†

Calponin is an actin filament-associated regulatory protein, and its h2 isoform is expressed in lung alveolar epithelial cells under postnatal upregulation during lung development corresponding to the commencement of respiratory expansion. Consistent with this correlation to mechanical tension, the expression of h2-calponin in alveolar cells is dependent on substrate stiffness and cytoskeleton tension. The function of h2-calponin in the stability of actin cytoskeleton implicates a role in balancing the strength and compliance of alveoli. An interesting finding is a rapid degradation of h2-calponin in lung after prolonged deflation, which is prevented by inflation of the lung to the in situ expanded volume. Decreasing mechanical tension in cultured alveolar cells by reducing the dimension of culture matrix reproduced the degradation of h2-calponin. Inhibition of myosin II ATPase also resulted in the degradation of h2-calponin in alveolar cells, showing a determining role of the tension in the actin cytoskeleton. Alveolar cells statically cultured on silicon rubber membrane build high tension in the cytoskeleton corresponding to a high expression of h2-calponin. Chronic cyclic stretching of cells on the membrane did not increase but decreased the expression of h2-calponin. This finding suggests that when cellular structure adapts to the stretched dimension, cyclic relaxations periodically release cytoskeleton tension and lower the total amount of tension that the cell senses over time. Therefore, the isometric tension, other than tension dynamics, determines the expression of h2-calponin. The tension regulation of h2-calponin synthesis and degradation demonstrates a novel mechanical regulation of cellular biochemistry.
A behavioral measure of homosynaptic and heterosynaptic temporal summation in the self-stimulation system of rats

Bilateral stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle with pulses of varying interpulse intervals elicited a pattern of self-stimulation behavior in the rat indicative of temporal synaptic summation: the shorter the interval the greater the response. In contrast, the effectiveness of unilateral stimulation at very short intervals was limited by neuronal refractory periods. The results support the notion that there is convergence of the medial forebrain bundle self-stimulation system from the two sides of the brain and suggest ways of studying the degree of convergence. They also suggest a technique for behaviorally comparing heterosynaptic and homosynaptic mechanisms of summation.
Reoperative Midface Trauma

Reoperative midface surgery can be challenging. Although well-established surgical principles are still the basis of surgical approaches and techniques, the advent of new materials and technologies brings about opportunities to achieve the best possible outcomes with bony reconstruction and more precise results. Soft tissue deformities continue to be some of the most challenging, especially as they relate to the orbit, but continually evolving techniques offer improved results for volume corrections to treat enophthalmos and diplopia. Conventional orthognathic and reconstructive rhinoplasty techniques can also be applied to great effect and with satisfying results to treat posttraumatic malocclusions and nasal deformities.
Impact zones for solar cosmic ray particles

Earlier calculstions of sum-earthorbits show that cosmic-ray particles coming from the sun arrive at different impact zones on the earth because of their defiection in the geomagnetic field. Orbit calculstions were extended both in their number sed rigidity range for the flare evert of Febraary 23, 1956. Together with prior calculated orbits it was possible to detemaine primary particle rigidities and the relative countirg rates at the top of the atrnosphere for different geomagnetic latitudes sed Iongiudes. Relative countimig rstes at the top of the stmosphere are given as a fraction of the geomagnetic longitude. for a fixed latitude, panticles with highest rigidity arrive in the 0900 hour zone. whereas particles of successively lower rigidity arrive in the 0300 and 2000 hour zones. From these results it must be concluded that the particles which were first to arrive on the earth during the flare onset were those of high magnetic rigidity while those of low rigidity arrived later. (A.C.)
Rationale and Surgical Techniques for Emerging Procedures in Cardiac Surgery

New techniques continue to emerge in cardiac surgery. This article reviews the history, rationale, techniques, and controversies regarding a variety of novel ap proaches to minimally invasive chest surgery. The suc cess of video-assisted thoracoscopy heralded the mod ern era of these techniques and also serves to illustrate its limitations. Minimally invasive cardiac procedures are outlined with a discussion of the benefits and risks, as well as the media and marketing pressures on surgeons. In addition, robot-assisted surgery and future trends are presented.
Materials Science Microprobe Analysis of Three High-copper Amalgams

Three single-composition, high-copper amalgams were analyzed for the composition of their before- and after-reaction phases. The method used was electron probe microanalysis. The results may be summarized as follows:(1) All alloys consist essentially of Ag3Sn (γ), Cu3Sn (∈), and, in some cases, Ag4Sn (β).(2) When the original alloy contains higher amounts of Cu, more Cu is found in solution in the Ag3Sn (γ) and Ag4Sn (β) phases.(3) The reaction phases in amalgams made from these alloys consist essentially of Ag22Sn Hg27(γ1) and Cu6Sn5 (η'), with no detectable Sn 8Hg (γ2).alloys.(4) When In is present, it is found principally in the Ag3Sn (γ) and Ag22Sn Hg 27(γ1) phases, and both the γ and γ1 phases are of different composition than that for the other(5) When Pd is present, it is found principally in the Cu3Sn (e), Cu6Sn 5 (η'), and Ag22Sn Hg27(γ1) phases.
Plasma epinephrine modulates the cerebrovasodilation evoked by electrical stimulation of dorsal medulla

We examined whether plasma epinephrine contributes to the increase in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) evoked by electrical stimulation of the dorsal medullary reticular formation (DMRF). Rats were anesthetized (alpha-chloralose, 30 mg/kg, s.c.), paralyzed and artificially ventilated. The DMRF was electrically stimulated through microelectrodes stereotaxically implanted. During stimulation, blood gases and arterial pressure were monitored and maintained within normal range. rCBF was determined in 11 dissected brain regions using the [14C]iodoantipyrine technique. Plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured radioenzymatically in rats with intact adrenals or adrenalectomy, and with or without infusion of epinephrine. DMRF stimulation induced widespread increases in rCBF associated with a 50-fold increase in plasma epinephrine and a 20-fold increase in norepinephrine without changes in the electroencephalogram. In contrast, stimulation of the adjacent medial longitudinal fasciculus had no effect upon rCBF or plasma catecholamines. Acute bilateral adrenalectomy produced regionally selective reductions in the stimulation-coupled increases in rCBF throughout brain (P less than 0.05). Infusion of epinephrine in adrenalectomized rats to levels comparable to those observed in intact animals during DMRF stimulation did not by itself modify rCBF. However, when infused in conjunction with stimulation of the DMRF, but not medial longitudinal fasciculus, epinephrine fully restored the stimulus-related increases in rCBF in all brain regions to levels comparable to those observed in intact rats. We conclude that stimulation of the DMRF elevates rCBF through two mechanisms; by a neurally-mediated increase in local metabolism and thereby flow (adrenal independent secondary vasodilation) and by releasing epinephrine from adrenal medulla which secondarily acts to increase rCBF by an action on brain.
Wavelet-based acoustic recognition of aircraft

We describe a wavelet-based technique for identifying aircraft from acoustic emissions during takeoff and landing. Tests show that the sensor can be a single, inexpensive hearing-aid microphone placed close to the ground. The paper describes data collection, analysis by various techniques, methods of event classification, and extraction of certain physical parameters from wavelet subspace projections. The primary goal of this paper is to show that wavelet analysis can be used as a divide-and- conquer first step in signal processing, providing simplification and noise filtering. The idea is to project the original signal onto the orthogonal wavelet subspaces, both details and approximations. Subsequent analysis, such as system identification, nonlinear systems analysis, and feature extraction, is then carried out on the various signal subspaces.
Evidence for the need of a cheap simple solar radiation recorder

Abstract The recording of solar radiation data in eight tropical countries is surveyed. The author urges the development of an inexpensive solar radiation recorder with an accuracy of plus or minus five percent which would provide reliable data for engineers and agriculturalists.
A Study of Self-excited Oscillations of the Tropical Ocean–Atmosphere System. Part II: Nonlinear Cases

Abstract We analyze the linearized version of an analytical model, which combines linear ocean dynamics with a simple version of the Bjerknes hypothesis for El Nino. The ocean is represented by linear shallow water equations on an equatorial beta-plane. It is driven by zonal wind stress, which is assumed to have a fixed spatial form. Stress amplitude is set to be proportional to the thermocline displacement at the eastern boundary. It is shown that, for physically plausible parameter values, the model system can sustain growing Oscillations. Both growth rate and period scale directly with the time that an oceanic Kelvin wave needs to crow the basin. They are quite sensitive to the coupling parameter between thermocline displacement and wind stress, and the zonal location and meridional width of the wind. The most important parameter determining this behavior of the system is the coupling constant. For strong coupling the system exhibits exponential growth without oscillation. As the coupling is decreased ...
Electronic structure and bonding of the Cu/W(001) surface alloy

Abstract Results of ab initio electronic structure calculations for the recently reported Cu/W(001) surface alloy are reported. The results demonstrate that there are no strong bonding effects between Cu and W atoms in this alloy but rather that it is formed because the W(001) surface has a near-instability against the formation of surface vacancies.
Another Look at The Relationship Between Performance and Voluntary Turnover

This study reexamined the critical relationship between performance and voluntary turnover. A meta-analysis based on 55 studies and a total sample size of 15,138 supported these conclusions: the ne...
AT-52PROSPECTIVE EARLY RESULTS OF LOW GRADE GLIOMA PATIENTS TREATED WITH PROTON THERAPY

BACKGROUND: This is a prospective study to evaluate potential treatment toxicity and progression free survival (PFS) of low grade glioma patients treated with proton radiation therapy. METHODS: Twenty WHO grade II glioma patients indicated for radiation therapy (8 new high risk diagnoses; 12 recurrent/progressive disease) were enrolled on a prospective single arm trial of proton therapy receiving 54 Gy(RBE) in 30 fractions. Comprehensive baseline and regular post treatment evaluations of neurocognitive function, neuroendocrine function, and quality of life (QOL) were performed. RESULTS: All 20 patients (median age 37.5 years) tolerated treatment without difficulty. Median follow up after proton therapy was 5.1 years. Baseline level of intellectual functioning on a standardized IQ measure was within the normal range for the group and remained stable over time. Performances in the cognitive domains of visuospatial ability, language function, attention/working memory, and processing speed were also in the normal range at baseline and did not decline over time. New endocrine dysfunction was detected in six patients and all but one had direct irradiation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. QOL assessment showed no change over time with the extended follow up. PFS at 3 years was 85% and at 5 years was 40%. CONCLUSIONS: Low grade glioma patients tolerate proton therapy well and a subset develops neuroendocrine deficiencies. There was no evidence for decline in cognitive function or QOL which may be partially attributable to reduced radiation dose to the normal brain by use of proton therapy. PFS was similar to that of photon based therapy.
Capillary liquid chromatography of multiple peptides with on-line capillary electrophoresis immunoassay detection.

A competitive immunoassay for neuropeptide Y (NPY) based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence detection was developed utilizing polyclonal antisera as the immunoreagent and fluorescein-labeled NPY as the tracer. The assay was performed with on-line mixing of reagents, automated injections, and a 3 s separation time. The assay had a detection limit of 850 pM. To detect NPY at lower concentrations, the assay was coupled on-line to reversed-phase capillary liquid chromatography (LC). In this arrangement, 5 νL samples were preconcentrated by capillary LC and eluted by a gradient of isopropanol-containing mobile phase. The resulting chromatographic peaks were monitored by the CE immunoassay. With preconcentration, the concentration detection limit was improved to 40 pM and NPY could be measured in push-pull perfusion samples collected from the paraventricular nucleus of freely moving rats. The technique was extended to simultaneous detection of NPY and glucagon secretion from islets of Langerhans.
Deterministic Equivalents for Stochastic Assembly Line Balancing

Abstract Two methods for considering variations in task completion times in the assembly line balancing problem are (1) assign tasks to stations such that the sum of the completion times is less than a fixed proportion of the cycle time and (2) assign tasks to stations such that the probability for completing all tasks within the cycle time is greater than a fixed value. In this paper, we show that for certain classes of distributions of task completion times, the first method, which is basically a deterministic approach to the problem, is equivalent to the second, which requires a stochastic formulation. The nature of the relationship is also demonstrated.
Expression of noradrenergic α1, serotoninergic 5HT2a and dopaminergic D2 receptors on neurons activated by typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs

Abstract Antipsychotic agents produce activation of a subset of largely dynorphinergic/GABAergic neurons in the shell of nucleus accumbens (AcbShB), central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA) and midline thalamic central medial nucleus (CM) in rats. It is not known why these particular neurons respond to antipsychotic drugs. The present study tested the hypothesis that activated neurons bear subtypes of monoamine receptors to which antipsychotic drug are known to bind, including dopaminergic D2, serotoninergic 5HT2a and noradrenergic α1 receptors. Rats were treated with the typical antipsychotic haloperidol or the atypical antipsychotic clozapine. Double immunofluorescence labeling was performed with antibodies directed against (1) the expression of Fos proteins, indicating drug-induced cell activation, and (2) each of the monoamine receptor proteins noted. All three receptors examined were expressed in haloperidol- and clozapine-activated neurons in AcbSh. Furthermore, noradrenergic α1 receptors were extensively expressed in activated neurons in CeA and CM, as well. The results suggest that bearing monoamine receptors with high binding affinity for typical and/or atypical antipsychotic drugs might be a key feature of neurons which respond to these drugs. In AcbSh, activated neurons appeared to bear each receptor and, therefore, it is possible that not only the individual but also the combined effect of antipsychotic drugs at multiple receptors may explain why they directly activate certain cells and not others. Also, bearing noradrenergic α1 receptor neurons was a shared feature of all activated cells in each location tested, suggesting inhibition of noradrenergic α1 receptors may contribute to antipsychotic drug action at these sites.
A split Hopkinson pressure bar technique to determine compressive stress-strain data for rock materials

This paper presents a split Hopkinson pressure bar technique to obtain compressive stress-strain data for rock materials. This technique modifies the conventional split Hopkinson bar apparatus by placing a thin copper disk on the impact surface of the incident bar. When the striker bar impacts the copper disk, a nondispersive ramp pulse propagates in the incident bar and produces a nearly constant strain rate in a rock sample. Data from experiments with limestone show that the samples are in dynamic stress equilibrium and have constant strain rates over most of the test durations. In addition, the ramp pulse durations can be controlled such that samples are unloaded just prior to failure. Thus, intact samples that experience strains beyond the elastic region and postpeak stresses can be retrieved for microstructural evaluations. The paper also presents analytical models that predict the time durations for sample equilibrium and constant strain rate. Model predictions are in good agreement with measurements.
Power dissipation in microwave-enhanced in situ transesterification of algal biomass to biodiesel

We investigated the effect of power dissipation on microwave-accelerated simultaneous extraction and transesterification of dry algal biomass (Nannochloropsis salina) to biodiesel. The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to design the experiments and optimize the process parameters, including dry algae to methanol ratio, reaction time and catalyst concentrations, by evaluating their influences on the fatty acid methyl ester yield (FAME) under controlled microwave power conditions. The microwave energy utilization efficiency was estimated at various power levels to optimize the power dissipation, maximize FAME yields and minimize energy losses. The algal biomass characterization and algal biodiesel analysis were performed using various analytical instruments such as FTIR, SEM-EDS, TGA and GC-MS. The Nile Red method was applied for lipid localization in microalgae cells using confocal microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The direct conversion technique has the potential to provide energy-efficient and economical routes for biodiesel production from algal biomass.
Role of ROS-mediated TGF beta activation in laser photobiomodulation

The ability of laser light to modulate specific biological processes has been well documented but the precise mechanism mediating these photobiological interactions remains an area of intense investigation. We recently published the results of our clinical trial with 30 patients in an oral tooth-extraction wound healing model using a 904nm GaAs laser (Oralaser 1010, Oralia, Konstnaz, Germany), assessing healing parameters using routine histopathology and immunostaining (Arany et al Wound Rep Regen 2007, 15, 866). We observed a better organized healing response in laser irradiated oral tissues that correlated with an increased expression of TGF-beta1 immediately post laser irradiation. Our data suggested the source of latent TGF-beta1 might be from the degranulating platelets in the serum, an abundant source of in vivo latent TGF-beta, in the freshly wounded tissues. Further, we also demonstrated the ability of the low power near-infrared laser irradiation to activate the latent TGF-beta complexes in vitro at varying fluences from 10sec (0.1 J/cm 2 ) to 600secs (6 J/cm 2 ). Using serum we observed two isoforms, namely TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta3, were capable of being activated by laser irradiation using an isoform-specific ELISA and a reporter based (p3TP) assay system. We are presently pursuing the precise photomolecular mechanisms focusing on potential chromophores, wavelength and fluence parameters affecting the Latent TGF-beta activation process in serum. As ROS mediated TGF-beta activation has been previously demonstrated and we are also exploring the role of Laser generated-ROS in this activation process. In summary, we present evidence of a potential molecular mechanism for laser photobiomodulation in its ability to activate latent TGF-beta complexes.
Corticotropin releasing factor, stress and behavior

Abstract Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the central nervous system appears to have activating properties on behavior and to enhance behavioral responses to stressors. CRF injected into the brain produces increases in arousal as measured by locomotor activation and increased responsiveness to stressful stimuli. These effects of CRF appear to be independent of the pituitary adrenal axis and can be reversed by specific and selective CRF antagonists, α-helical CRF 9-41 and D-Phe CRF 12-41 . Perhaps more importantly, CRF antagonists can reverse behavioral responses to many stressors. These results suggest that endogenous CRF systems in the brain may have a role in mediating behavioral responses to stressors. This system may be particularly important in situations where an organism must mobilize not only the pituitary adrenal system, but also the central nervous system in response to environmental challenge. Clearly, dysfunction in such a fundamental brain-activating system may be the key to a variety of pathophysiological conditions involving abnormal responses to stressors such as anorexia nervosa, anxiety and affective disorders.
Genetic mapping by single sperm typing

Summary. The polymerase chain reaction makes it possible to analyse DNA sequences in a single cell and has led to a new approach for constructing genetic maps. We describe a procedure called ‘sperm typing’ which can accurately classify individual meiotic products as recombinant or non-recombinant. This permits the linkage relationships among DNA polymorphisms to be determined without pedigree analysis.
Spindle checkpoint function requires Mad2-dependent Cdc20 binding to the Mad3 homology domain of BubR1

The mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint delays anaphase until all chromosomes achieve bipolar attachment to the spindle microtubules. The spindle assembly checkpoint protein BubR1 is thought to act by forming an inhibitory complex with Cdc20. We here identify two Cdc20 binding sites on BubR1. A strong Cdc20 binding site is located between residues 490 and 560, but mutations that disrupt Cdc20 binding to this region have no effect upon checkpoint function. A second Cdc20 binding site present between residues 1 and 477 is highly specific for Cdc20 already bound to Mad2. Mutation of a conserved lysine in this region weakened Cdc20 binding and correspondingly reduced checkpoint function. Our results indicate that there may be more than one checkpoint complex containing BubR1, Mad2, and Cdc20. They also lead us to propose that in vivo checkpoint inhibition of Cdc20 is a two-step process in which prior binding of Mad2 to Cdc20 is required to make Cdc20 sensitive to inhibition by BubR1. Thus, Mad2 and BubR1 must cooperate to inhibit Cdc20 activity.