cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen transport studies of normal and sickle red cell suspensions in artificial capillaries

Oxygen transport from normal and sickle red cells was studied under known and carefully controlled conditions simulating the microcirculation. Oxygenated red cell suspensions became deoxygenated as they traversed silicone rubber artificial capillaries of 27 microns diameter. Oxygen saturation values of the flowing red cell suspensions were measured at several axial positions along the artificial capillary by use of a microspectrophotometric technique. Oxygen saturation decreased with increasing distance from the entrance of the artificial capillary and was influenced strongly by the flow rate. Under the same hematocrit and flow conditions, the rate of oxygen saturation decrease was significantly higher for the sickle red cells than that for the normal red cells. Similar results were obtained by use of a mathematical simulation of oxygen transport in the microcirculation for both normal and sickle red cells. Sickle red cells would be expected to have a higher diffusional resistance to oxygen transport than would normal red cells. However, the higher diffusional resistance is more than offset by the lower oxygen affinity of the sickle cells. The difference in oxygen affinity appears to account for the difference in oxygen transport rates between normal and sickle red cells.
Comments on the autocatalytic nucleation of (Na, TPA)-ZSM-5

Abstract A study was published recently that reported on the experimental results of the synthesis of ZSM-5 zeolite crystals in the (Na, TPA) system. The study reported crystallization curves, as well as the growth rates of the largest particle sizes and the computed nucleation rate over the synthesis time, determined by a technique previously developed. The authors concluded that the analysis of the results of their five experiments demonstrated that the nucleation of zeolite crystals was by both heterogenous and autocatalytic nucleation mechanisms. The analysis shown in this work demonstrates convincingly that the heterogeneous and autocatalytic nucleation mechanisms are not consistent with the experimental results and that the possibility that the autocatalytic nucleation mechanism occurs must be questioned.
A validity measure for fuzzy clustering

The authors present a fuzzy validity criterion based on a validity function which identifies compact and separate fuzzy c-partitions without assumptions as to the number of substructures inherent in the data. This function depends on the data set, geometric distance measure, distance between cluster centroids and more importantly on the fuzzy partition generated by any fuzzy algorithm used. The function is mathematically justified via its relationship to a well-defined hard clustering validity function, the separation index for which the condition of uniqueness has already been established. The performance of this validity function compares favorably to that of several others. The application of this validity function to color image segmentation in a computer color vision system for recognition of IC wafer defects which are otherwise impossible to detect using gray-scale image processing is discussed. >
The Raman spectra of several orthorhombic calcium oxide perovskites

We have obtained Raman spectra for a number of orthorhombic perovskites CaBO3, where B=Ti, Ge, Zr or Sn. The room temperature Raman spectrum of CaTiO3 was compared with cubic SrTiO3 to assign first- and second-order features. Partially polarized micro-Raman spectra were obtained for CaTiO3 perovskite. The CaBO3 perovskites showed a sequence of increasing complexity in their Raman spectra with increasing degree of orthorhombic distortion from the ideal cubic structure. The spectral changes cannot easily be correlated with changes in chemistry or structure of the perovskite. High temperature micro-Raman spectra for CaGeO3 perovskite were obtained by laser-heating a 15 μm sample. None of the low frequency Raman modes were soft, but showed only normal anharmonicity up to approximately 700 K.
Scaling large-data computations on multi-GPU accelerators

Modern supercomputers rely on accelerators to speed up highly parallel workloads. Intricate programming models, limited device memory sizes and overheads of data transfers between CPU and accelerator memories are among the open challenges that restrict the widespread use of accelerators. First, this paper proposes a mechanism and an implementation to automatically pipeline the CPU-GPU memory channel so as to overlap the GPU computation with the memory copies, alleviating the data transfer overhead. Second, in doing so, the paper presents a technique called Computation Splitting, COSP, that caters to arbitrary device memory sizes and automatically manages to run out-of-card OpenMP-like applications on GPUs. Third, a novel adaptive runtime tuning mechanism is proposed to automatically select the pipeline stage size so as to gain the best possible performance. The mechanism adapts to the underlying hardware in the starting phase of a program and chooses the pipeline stage size. The techniques are implemented in a system that is able to translate an input OpenMP program to multiple GPUs attached to the same host CPU. Experimentation on a set of nine benchmarks shows that, on average, the pipelining scheme improves the performance by 1.49x, while limiting the runtime tuning overhead to 3% of the execution time.
Measurement of the Deflection of Dentin Disks Under a Condensation Type of Load

A model was constructed to simulate a one surface cavity preparation. Dentin disks of varying thickness served as the pulpal floor of the model. The deflection of the cavity floor was monitored when forces of the type used in condensing amalgam and gold foil restorations were applied. Deflection of the dentin occurred under this type of loading. The amount depended on the magnitude of the load and thickness of the dentin. A cement base reduced the deflection of the cavity floor.
SU-E-T-48: Validation of a Second MU Calculation Program for Proton Treatment

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to validate the monitor unit (MU) calculation procedure for using a factor‐based MU calculation program (PennMU). Methods: Double scattering beam (DS) and pencil beam scanning for single field uniform dose (SFUD) monitor units were calculated and compared to those generated by the treatment planning system using PennMU. The algorithm is based on a well‐established formula for proton output calculation. All beam data are generated based on the measurement. Pristine percentage depth doses (PDD) for several ranges and off‐axis ratio (OAR) at several depths of the pencil proton beam are used. The program can import DICOM RT plans from the Varian Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). Results: DS and SFUD plans for various clinical sites were evaluated for patients treated for prostate, pancreas, lung, esophagus, with ranges varying from 10 to 27cm and modulations varying from 5 to 15cm (WEPL). PennMU was used to calculate MU for each field and the results were compared to MU given by the TPS. For prostate cases, were the range is larger (up to 25cm), the agreement between PennMU and TPS are up to 2%. Larger errors (of up to 5%) were seen for ranges smaller than 23cm. Conclusions: Differences in the calculated and measured values of MU are within 5% (with variations of 2% for ranges up to 23cm). This algorithm is ideally suitable for calculating patient‐specific MU for double scattering and pencil‐beam based treatment planning system for protons.
Size dependence of delamination of high-carbon steel wire

In order to find out major causes to produce the wire-size dependence of delamination, comparative experiments were performed with high-carbon steel wires. A large-size wire and a small-size wire were patented, drawn, and blued under almost the same conditions and the resultant wires were compared quantitatively. Consequently, the experiments showed that even when the wire-making processes were controlled equivalently between the two different sizes, the delamination of the large-size wire tended to be less reduced than the small-size wire. An analysis with torsion tests revealed that the observed size dependence was not substantially associated with applied shear stress in torsion, while the yield shear stress had a significant effect on delamination occurrence. Close observation with SEM showed that significantly large microvoids form in the large-size delaminated wires, but not in the small-size non-delaminated wires. Microvoids were found to be nucleated preferentially at the interface between a fragmented cementite particle and relatively thick ferrite. The difference in the stress intensity factor between the different size wires seems to be one of the major causes bringing about the size dependence. Another finding that the as-patented large-size wire had a larger volume of proeutectoid ferrite than the as-patented small-size wire suggests the strong likelihood of proeutectoid ferrite being associated with void formation.
Hypothyroidism following thyroidectomy for congenital obstructive goiter.

Summary 1. The incidence and clinical features of sporadic congenital goiter are presented. 2. A case of congenital obstructive goiter with surgically induced hypothyroidism in a 5-week-old child is described. 3. Criteria for proper diagnosis and therapy are discussed.
Continuity of symmetric stable processes

The path continuity of a symmetric p-stable process is examined in terms of any stochastic integral representation for the process. When 0 < p < 1, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for path continuity in terms of any (every) representation. When 1 ≤ p < 2, we extend the known sufficiency condition in terms of metric entropy and offer a conjecture for the stable version of the Dudley-Fernique theorem. Finally, necessary and sufficient conditions for path continuity are given in terms of continuity at a point for 0 < p < 2.
A New Perspective on Ethics, Ecology, and Economics

This paper introduces the important concept of a biophysical perspective on economics into the business ethics literature. The biophysical perspective recognizes that ecological processes determine what can be done in an economy and how best to do it. A biophysical perspective places the economic system into a larger context of the ecologic system. This changes the perception of ethical issues by identifying a larger scope of management decisions. The paper examines the changing ethical landscape in such issues as biotechnology, planned obsolescence, productivity, and international trade. The paper also examines the shift in mindset associated with the shift in economic framework. It draws on the literature on cognitive structures and moral imagination to show this new perspective can actually raise the bar for ethical decision-making and behavior. The pattern is that the ethical behavior associated with a biophysical economic framework has a greater scope of responsibility with the benefit that the required ethical behavior leads to better long-term decision making.
An Advanced Educational Program Promoting Evidence-Based Practice:

Evidence-based practice has led to improved health care quality and safety; greater patient, family, and staff satisfaction; and reduced costs. Despite these promising outcomes, use of evidence-based practice is inconsistent. The purpose of this article is to describe an advanced educational program for nurses in leadership roles responsible for guiding teams and mentoring colleagues through the challenges inherent in the evidence-based practice process. The Advanced Practice Institute: Promoting Adoption of Evidence-Based Practice is an innovative program designed to develop advanced skills essential for completing evidence-based practice projects and building organizational capacity for evidence-based practice programs. Learning is facilitated through group discussion, facilitated work time, networking, and consultation. Content includes finding and synthesizing evidence, learning effective strategies for implementation and evaluation, and discussing techniques for building an EBP program in the nurses' organization. Program evaluations are extremely positive, and the long-term impact is described.
Relationships Between Traumatic Brain Injury and Illicit Drug Use and Their Association With Aggression in Inmates

Extensive interviews of correctional inmates in South Carolina (2009-2010) were conducted under a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grant. We evaluated the extent to which early traumatic brain injury (TBI) and subsequent illicit drug abuse may conjointly influence development of aggression, controlling for alcohol use, and whether cognitive or emotional dysregulation mediated this relationship. Early TBI predicted greater severity and earlier onset of drug use, and an earlier age at first use predicted greater aggression regardless of the age of TBI. Emotional dysregulation mediated effects of TBI on aggression. The potential to design more targeted treatments for this susceptible population are discussed.
Quantitative trait loci controlling sulfur containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine, in soybean seeds.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is the single largest source of protein in animal feed. However, a major limitation of soy proteins is their deficiency in sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys). The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with Met and Cys concentration in soybean seed. To achieve this objective, 101 F6-derived recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a population developed from a cross of N87-984-16 × TN93-99 were used. Ground soybean seed samples were analyzed for Met and Cys concentration using a near infrared spectroscopy instrument. Data were analyzed using SAS software and QTL Cartographer. RIL differed (P<0.01) in Met and Cys concentrations, with a range of 5.1–7.3 (g kg−1 seed dry weight) for Cys and 4.4–8.8 (g kg−1 seed dry weight) for Met. Heritability estimates on an entry mean basis were 0.14 and 0.57 for Cys and Met, respectively. A total of 94 polymorphic simple sequence repeat molecular genetic markers were screened in the RIL. Single factor ANOVA was used to identify candidate QTL, which were confirmed by composite interval mapping using QTL Cartographer. Four QTL linked to molecular markers Satt235, Satt252, Satt427 and Satt436 distributed on three molecular linkage groups (MLG) D1a, F and G were associated with Cys and three QTL linked to molecular markers Satt252, Satt564 and Satt590 distributed on MLG F, G and M were associated with Met concentration in soybean seed. QTL associated with Met and Cys in soybean seed will provide important information to breeders targeting improvements in the nutritional quality of soybean.
Particulate Emissions Hazards Associated with Fueling Heat Engines

All hydrocarbon- (HC-) fueled heat engine exhaust (tailpipe) emissions (<10 to 140 nm) contribute as health hazards, including emissions from transportation vehicles (e.g., aircraft) and other HC-fueled power systems. CO2 emissions are tracked, and when mapped, show outlines of major transportation routes and cities. Particulate pollution affects living tissue and is found to be detrimental to cardiovascular and respiratory systems where ultrafine particulates directly translocate to promote vascular system diseases potentially detectable as organic vapors. This paper discusses aviation emissions, fueling, and certification issues, including heat engine emissions hazards, detection at low levels and tracking of emissions, and alternate energy sources for general aviation.
On the generalization ability of distributed online learners

We propose a fully-distributed stochastic-gradient strategy based on diffusion adaptation techniques. We show that, for strongly convex risk functions, the excess-risk at every node decays at the rate of O(1/Ni), where N is the number of learners and i is the iteration index. In this way, the distributed diffusion strategy, which relies only on local interactions, is able to achieve the same convergence rate as centralized strategies that have access to all data from the nodes at every iteration. We also show that every learner is able to improve its excess-risk in comparison to the non-cooperative mode of operation where each learner would operate independently of the other learners.
Analysis and Abbreviation of Bem's Sex-Role Inventory

Aims were to determine the dimensionality of the masculinity and femininity scales of the Bern Sex-role Inventory and to select a smaller subset of items to represent the two scales. Samples of 423 girls and 255 boys in Grades 9 to 13 from middle-class homes were administered the Bern inventory and the Interpersonal Style Inventory. The intercorrelations of the 40 sex-role inventory items were factored separately by sex. The first two factors clearly represented the masculinity and femininity dimensions. The abbreviated factor scores were combined configurally to categorize subjects as masculine, feminine, androgynous, and undifferentiated. A discriminant function analysis, using 15 interpersonal style scores, indicated that two dimensions were sufficient to differentiate these four sex roles.
Effects of GABA and baclofen on pyramidal cells in the developing rabbit hippocampus: an 'in vitro' study.

Using the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation, we have investigated the effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its anologue β-(p-chlorophenyl)-GABA (baclofen) on CA1 and CA3 pyramidal cells in the developing rabbit hippocampus. Somatic applications: both GABA and baclofen, when applied to CA1 pyramidal cells from immature tissue, led to cell depolarization from resting membrane potential; this baclofen depolarization may be indirectly mediated. In contrast, CA3 pyramidal cells at the same age were primarily hyperpolarized by both drugs. In mature tissue, both GABA and baclofen applied at the soma induce cell hyperpolarizations. Dendritic applications: immature CA1 cells responded to dendritic GABA and baclofen application with depolarizations associated with increased cell excitability; here, too, the baclofen depolarization may be due to indirect ‘disinhibition’. Both depolarizing and hyperpolarizing responses were recorded in immature tissue when GABA was applied to CA3 pyramidal cell dendrites; baclofen produced only hyperpolarizations. In mature CA1 cells, dendritic GABA application produced membrane depolarization, but dendritic baclofen application produced hyperpolarizations. In mature CA3 cells, dendritic GABA and baclofen application produced predominant hyperpolarizations. Mature CA1 pyramidal cells appear to retain some of the GABA-induced depolarizations characteristic of immature tissue. In contrast, mature CA3 neurons show only hyperpolarizing responses to GABA and baclofen application. In all cases, responses to GABA and baclofen are associated with a decrease in cell input resistance. We conclude that the GABAergic receptor/channel complexes mature differently in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus.
Stimulation of incorporation by triiodothyronine of thymidine-methyl-3H into hepatic DNA of the rat

Abstract Administration of single dose of triiodothyronine (T3) results in hepatic cell proliferation as judged by the mitotic index and the enhanced thymidine-methyl-3H or orthophosphate-32P incorporation into DNA. Increased mitoses could be observed 24 hours after T3 administration; 72 hours after the hormone injection, binuclear cells were abundant. The enhanced hepatic DNA synthesis reached its peak 24–48 hours after T3 injection. Radioautographic techniques revealed that T3 increases DNA synthesis primarily in the hepatic cells. T3 had no effect on testicular DNA synthesis. T3-induced liver DNA synthesis was sensitive to the inhibitory effects of actinomycin D and cycloheximide. The present observations indicate that the early effects of thyroid hormone on liver protein and RNA synthesis initiates DNA synthesis, which in turn leads to the increased proliferation of hepatic tissue.
ROBUST GLOBAL MOTION ESTIMATION FROM COARSELY SAMPLED MOTION VECTOR FIELDS

Global motion estimation is a powerful tool used in computer vision and video processing. In this paper, we propose an efficient approach of estimating general global motion parameters from coarsely sampled motion vector fields. The approach is based on gradient descent with outlier rejection. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the method in terms of robustness and accuracy.
Citation characteristics of English-language monographs in philosophy

This study examines 539 references from 183 single-authored philosophy monographs, excluding collections of essays, published in 1994 and indexed by Philosophers' Index, with each reference counted as frequently as it was cited in the randomly selected citations. The citations were classified as to source type (book, article in book, journal article, manuscript, thesis), language, the gender of both citing and cited authors, the citing authors' attitudes toward the cited material, the subject correlation between citing and cited sources, and the chronology of the citations. The type of presses publishing philosophy monographs and which journals are cited are also discussed. While many contemporary philosophers consider their discipline more related to the sciences than to the humanities, their citation patterns are typically humanistic, with the bulk of citations to books rather than journal articles and the citation of much material older than 20 years. The topics studied were found to be predominantly 20th-century with an emphasis on analytic philosophy and little concern for recent trends in continental philosophy, except for feminist philosophy. A quarter of citations were to disciplines outside philosophy.
Prevention of thromboembolic events in surgical patients through the creation and implementation of a computerized risk assessment program

Objectives Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a major source of postoperative morbidity and mortality and is currently a major quality improvement initiative. Mechanical and pharmacological prophylaxis is effective in preventing postoperative thromboembolic events, yet it remains underutilized in the clinical setting. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and implement a computerized DVT risk assessment program in the electronic medical record and determine its effect on compliance with DVT prophylaxis guidelines. Methods A standardized DVT risk assessment program was developed and incorporated into the Computerized Patient Record System for all surgical patients at the Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Four hundred consecutive surgical patients before and after implementation were evaluated for DVT risk, the prescription of pharmacological and mechanical DVT prophylaxis, and the development of thromboembolic events. Results With implementation of the DVT risk assessment program, the number of patients receiving the recommended pharmacological prophylaxis preoperatively more than doubled (14% to 36%) (P Conclusions The creation and implementation of a standardized DVT risk assessment program in the electronic medical record significantly increased use of pharmacological and mechanical DVT prophylaxis before surgery in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center setting.
Glass transition and fragility of Na2O–TeO2 glasses

Abstract The heat capacity (Cp) change in the glass transition region for the xNa2O · (100−x) TeO2, mol%, glass forming melts with x=7.5, 11.1, 15.0, 20.0 and 25.0 was measured as a function of heating rate (2, 4, 6, 10 and 15 °C/min) using differential scanning calorimetry. The glass transition properties that have been measured and reported in this paper include the glass transition temperature (Tg), glass transition width (ΔTg), heat capacities in the glassy and liquid state (Cpg and Cpl) and the activation enthalpy for glass transition ( Δ H ∗ ). Tg for these sodium tellurite melts decreased and Δ H ∗ increased with increasing Na2O. Values of the ratio Cpl/Cpg ranged between 1.28 and 2.47, and the fragility parameter m (= Δ H ∗ /RT g ) ranged between 100 and 130, suggesting that these glass forming melts may be classified as intermediate between typical strong and fragile liquids. The viscosity, η, calculated at a few selected temperatures near the glass transition region decreased with increasing Na2O at any given temperature, which is also expected.
Within-session practice effects in patients referred for suspected dementia.

Background: Practice effects are improvements in cognitive test performance associated with repeated administrations of same or similar measures and are traditionally seen as error variance. However, there is growing evidence that practice effects provide clinically useful information. Methods: Within-session practice effects (WISPE) across 2 h were collected from 61 non-consecutive patients referred for suspected dementia and compared to the Mini Mental Status Examination (MMSE), a screening measure of dementia severity. Results: In all patients, WISPE on two cognitive measures were significantly correlated with MMSE, even after controlling for baseline cognitive scores (partial r = 0.47, p Conclusion: If future research validates these findings with longitudinal studies, then WISPE may have important clinical applications in dementia evaluations.
Tan spot susceptibility governed by the Tsn1 locus and race-nonspecific resistance quantitative trait loci in a population derived from the wheat lines Salamouni and Katepwa

Wheat–tan spot interactions are known to have an inverse gene-for-gene relationship where pathogen-produced necrotrophic effectors are recognized by host sensitivity genes to cause susceptibility. However, broad-spectrum race-nonspecific resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) that do not conform to the inverse gene-for-gene model have also been identified in this system. Here, we evaluated a population of wheat recombinant inbred lines derived from Salamouni (resistant) and Katepwa (susceptible) for reaction to two isolates of race 1 (Pti2 and Asc1) and one isolate of race 2 (86–124), which all produce the necrotrophic effector Ptr ToxA, and the isolate AR LonB2, which does not produce Ptr ToxA and does not conform to the current race classification system. As expected, the Tsn1 locus was significantly associated with disease caused by all three ToxA-producing isolates and was not associated with tan spot caused by AR LonB2. However, the amount of variation explained by Tsn1 varied considerably, with values of 5, 22, and 30 % for Asc1, Pti2, and 86–124, respectively, suggesting possible variability in ToxA gene regulation among these isolates. A locus on chromosome arm 7DS was specifically associated with isolate AR LonB2 but explained only 8 % of the variation. Additional QTL on 5DL and 7BS were race-nonspecific and associated with tan spot caused by multiple isolates. These results provide further evidence that race-nonspecific resistance QTL play important roles in governing reaction to tan spot, and they suggest that the wheat–tan spot pathosystem is more complicated than previously thought. The elimination of necrotrophic effector sensitivity genes and the addition of race-nonspecific resistance loci are needed to develop wheat cultivars with high levels of tan spot resistance.
Maintaining the Environmental–Racial Order in Northern New Mexico

The environmental - racial order in northern New Mexico is maintained through a process of racial triangulation in which Anglos, Native Americans, and Hispanos are valued relative to one another along axes of environmental stewardship and victimization (Kim C J, 1999, The racial triangulation of Asian Americans Politics and Society 27 105 - 138). Both axes involve the juxtaposing of three long-standing images: (1) Spanish injustices to the Indians; (2) the inability of Mexicans to manage their land properly; and (3) Indians being preeminent environmental stewards. In contrast to Kim's formulation of racial triangulation, however, the axes also involve imagery that contradicts these images: the debauched, poverty-stricken Indian; and European culture as a despoiler of the environment. Also in contrast to Kim's formulation, racial triangulation can involve the creation of new identities. In the 1960s Hispano activists began claiming to be heirs to a hybrid culture that included elements of both Native American and Spanish cultures. While this claim to hybridity enabled the creation of new oppositional discourses, the reconciling of contradictory imagery by historicizing the discourses and by other means undermines the new Hispano oppositional discourses as well as Hispano identity itself Racial triangulation is thus a fluid and contested process in which identity formation and the interchange between predominant and oppositional discourses are constitutive of power relations. Contradictory imagery in the discourse facilitates the maintenance of the environmental - racial order, even as it enables subordinates to challenge their racialized positions and to effect change in the distribution of material wealth, rights, and privileges.
An update on the start-up of the double-beta-decay experiment Nemo 3

The NEMO collaboration is in the final stages of completing a detector to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay. The experiment is called NEMO 3 and came on line at the beginning of 2002. Located in the Frejus Underground Laboratory, the detector holds 10 kg of double-beta-decay isotopes, allowing one to study the effective neutrino mass down to approximately 0.1 eV. Thus, the detector has the potential to confirm physics beyond the Standard Model. Three of the detector’s sectors have been operating since June 2000 to perform diagnostic tests on the track recognition, the calorimeter, and the software. The results of these diagnostic tests are presented with a discussion of the detector and source backgrounds.
Transport of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide Across the Blood-Brain Barrier and the Prevention of Ischemia-Induced Death of Hippocampal Neurons

PACAP is a member of the secretin/glucagon/VIP family of peptides and demonstrates neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects at very low concentrations. We have previously shown that PACAP crosses the BBB to a modest degree by way of a saturable transport system. PACAP is transported across the BBB as an intact peptide to enter the parenchymal space of the brain. We tested the possibility that this modest rate of transport would be sufficient to produce the low levels of PACAP needed in the brain to exert a neuroprotective effect against ischemia. We found that PACAP given intravenously could indeed prevent the death of CA1 hippocampal neurons, even if the administration of PACAP was delayed for 24 h after the ischemic event. We suggest that iv PACAP could be neuroprotective after stroke, cardiac arrest, and hypotensive episodes.
Ambilineal Descent Groups in the Northern Gilbert Islands1

Most discussions of the extension of the concept of “descent” to nonunilineal groups have assumed that the latter permitted a far greater latitude in choosing affiliations than unilineal groups did. In the society of Butaritari and Makin, the northernmost of the Gilbert Islands, the membership of a corporate descent group (ramage) consists of all persons who can trace descent, through either men or women, to the founder of the group and persons who can trace descent, through either men or women, to the founder of group and who have inherited rights to a portion of his estate. An individual is thus simultaneously a member of several ramages, but in the traditional society his most important rights and obligations were in the groups on whose house sites he could settle. The ramages thus tended to segment into (1) a localized core that actually controlled the estate and carried on most activities on behalf of the larger group, and (2) a periphery that would eventually disaffiliate. It is suggested that this differentiation of segments by location made social processes orderly in the absence of a unilineal principle.
Role of prostaglandins in the antimyoclonic action of clonazepam

Abstract Possible involvement of prostaglandins (PG) in the antimyoclonic action of clonazepam was examined in the p,p′-DDT-animal model of myoclonus. PG synthesis inhibitors and the PG antagonist polyphloretin phosphate (PPP) counteracted the antimyoclonic action of clonazepam in mice. PGE2 reduced DDT-induced myoclonus; this effect was blocked by PPP. Another antimyoclonic drug combination, L-5-hydroxytryptophan plus chlorimipramine, was not blocked by PPP or indomethacin. The antimyoclonic action of clonazepam may be mediated by enhancement of PG synthesis.
Scanning electron microscopy of the central nervous system. I. The cerebellum.

Abstract The fine structure of the cerebellar cortex has been studied by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The neuropil is revealed by careful tearing of aldehydefixed tissue specimens which are prepared by means of dehydration, critical point freeze-drying, and sputter-coating with gold-palladium. Specimens are subsequently viewed at magnifications of up to × 16,000 with capabilities for extension up to about × 40,000. The technique provides remarkable three-dimensional views of neuropil including cell bodies and dendrites, details of presynaptic and postsynaptic morphology, axonal structure, neuroglia, and the microvasculature. It seems particularly powerful in demonstrating relationships between neuropil elements such as the terminal synaptic array on neuron somata and the arrangements of structures on membrane surfaces.
A robust and informative method for solving large-scale power flow problems

Solving power flow problems is essential for the reliable and efficient operation of an electric power network. However, current software for solving these problems have questionable robustness due to the limitations of the solution methods used. These methods are typically based on the Newton---Raphson method combined with switching heuristics for handling generator reactive power limits and voltage regulation. Among the limitations are the requirement of a good initial solution estimate, the inability to handle near rank-deficient Jacobian matrices, and the convergence issues that may arise due to conflicts between the switching heuristics and the Newton---Raphson process. These limitations are addressed by reformulating the power flow problem and using robust optimization techniques. In particular, the problem is formulated as a constrained optimization problem in which the objective function incorporates prior knowledge about power flow solutions, and solved using an augmented Lagrangian algorithm. The prior information included in the objective adds convexity to the problem, guiding iterates towards physically meaningful solutions, and helps the algorithm handle near rank-deficient Jacobian matrices as well as poor initial solution estimates. To eliminate the negative effects of using switching heuristics, generator reactive power limits and voltage regulation are modeled with complementarity constraints, and these are handled using smooth approximations of the Fischer---Burmeister function. Furthermore, when no solution exists, the new method is able to provide sensitivity information that aids an operator on how best to alter the system. The proposed method has been extensively tested on real power flow networks of up to 58k buses.
Functional characterization of neuronal pre and postsynaptic α2-adrenoceptor subtypes in guinea-pig submucosal plexus

1. The alpha 2-adrenoceptors on cell bodies of submucosal neurones, on presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals innervating submucosal neurones, and on presynaptic sympathetic fibres innervating submucosal arterioles were characterized in functional studies by use of subtype selective ligands. 2. Both membrane hyperpolarization and presynaptic inhibition of nicotinic excitatory synaptic potentials (e.p.s.ps) produced by UK 14304 were similarly antagonized by idazoxan, yohimbine. SKF 104078, WB 4101 and ARC-239. Antagonism was competitive and dissociation equilibrium constants were the same for both effects. 3. Vasoconstriction of submucosal arterioles in response to stimulation of the sympathetic nerves (20 Hz for 2 s) was inhibited by UK 14304 and clonidine: concentrations producing half-maximum responses were 6 nm and 10 nM respectively. Idazoxan, yohimbine, WB 4101 and SKF 104078 antagonized this action, with dissociation constants similar to those for antagonism of the postsynaptic membrane hyperpolarization and presynaptic inhibition of nicotinic e.p.s.ps. 4. Oxymetazoline was a partial agonist when membrane hyperpolarization or presynaptic inhibition of nicotinic e.p.s.ps were measured but a full agonist when presynaptic inhibition of sympathetically-mediated arteriolar vasoconstriction was measured. As an agonist, oxymetazoline produced half maximum responses at 80-120 nM; the dissociation constant for oxymetazoline as an antagonist was 130 nM. 5. Neither prazosin nor chlorpromazine (up to 30 microM) altered any of the three responses to alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonists. 6. It is concluded that alpha 2-adrenoceptors present on submucosal neuronal cell bodies, on presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals and on presynaptic sympathetic nerve terminals are the alpha 2A subtype. However, functional characterization of this subtype differs from that provided by ligand binding studies.
An interface-tracking numerical method for rapid planar solidification of binary alloys with application to microsegregation

Abstract Many rapid solidification processes, such as splat cooling, melt-spinning, thermal spray deposition and laser surface melting, can result in a planar solid/liquid interface with a large melt undercooling at the interface. On the other hand, when cellular or dendritic solidification takes place, the solute redistribution between cells or dendrite arms can also be assumed in first approximation to be a planar solidification process. Because of the existence of a large melt undercooling, complex non-equilibrium kinetics relationships must be introduced at this interface. These kinetics relationships relate the interface growth velocity to the temperature and solute concentrations at the interface. The accurate calculation of these interface parameters is therefore essential for any numerical model of such rapid solidification processes. In this work, an iteration scheme based on an interface-tracking technique with a linear coordinate transformation is introduced to solve the problem of rapid planar solidification of binary alloys. This numerical technique is very stable and efficient. As an example, the method is applied to analyze the microsegregation of solute during rapid solidification of an Al-4.5wt.% Cu alloy into an undercooled melt. In particular, a solute-rich center region is predicted, in significant contrast to the simpler Scheil model predictions but in good agreement with experimental observations.
Ultrasonography and needle aspiration in diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis

Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis may present as a renal mass which can be difficult to differentiate from a hypovascular renal tumor by intravenous pyelography or selective renal angiography. Four patients are described in whom ultrasonography with or without fine-needle aspiration suggested or confirmed the diagnosis of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.
Targeting the Kinase Activity of the BCR-ABL Fusion Protein in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

Imatinib mesylate is a major advance in the therapy of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Imatinib mesylate binds to the inactive conformation of BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase suppressing the Philadelphia chromosome positive clone in CML. Clinical studies have yielded impressive results in all phases of CML. With higher rates of complete cytogenetic response with imatinib, molecular monitoring of disease is now advisable in assessing response and determining prognosis. Emergence of resistance to imatinib may be manifest at the hematologic, cytogenetic, or molecular levels in patients who remain in chronic phase, or may be evidenced by the development of more advanced CML phases. Resistance and eventual clinical failure of imatinib occurs in most patients with blastic phase disease. Resistance may occur at the level of Bcr-Abl, with reduction or loss of imatinib effectiveness as a kinase inhibitor, or, despite retention of its inhibitory ability, with changes in the ability to deliver an effective dose at the cellular level, and/or, the leukemia becoming less dependent on Bcr-Abl. The various mechanisms underlying these differing, non-mutually exclusive, mechanisms of resistance must be understood to develop corresponding therapeutic remedies. We review the current data on imatinib in CML, the criteria for diagnosis of imatinib resistance, and the mechanisms that underlie such resistance in CML.
Mediators of CD18/P-selectin-dependent constriction of venule-paired arterioles in hypercholesterolemia

This study addresses the role of venule-derived mediators in the arteriolar constriction that accompanies hypercholesterolemia. Constriction was assessed by measuring the tone of small arterioles closely paired with venules in the mesentery of normal cholesterol rats (NC), high cholesterol rats (HC), HC rats injected with antibodies against CD18 and P-selectin (HC/mAbs), HC rats treated with the thromboxane synthase inhibitor, ozagrel (HC/ozagrel), and HC rats pretreated with anti-platelet serum (HC/APS). Venule-paired arterioles in the untreated HC group demonstrated enhanced tone compared with arterioles in the NC group, while no difference was found between unpaired arterioles of the two groups. Perivascular nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were found to be significantly decreased in venule-paired arterioles of HC rats (238±14 nM) compared with those of NC rats (426±42 nM). The injection of anti-adhesion antibodies successfully attenuated the enhanced arteriolar tone and venular leukocyte adherence in the HC group, and tended to increase levels of NO in venule-paired arterioles by 33% (to 326±19 nM; still lower than that of the NC group). Ozagrel and platelet depletion attenuated the enhanced arteriolar tone by 53% and 33%, respectively, without affecting NO concentrations. These findings indicate that the mechanism of blood cell-dependent arteriolar constriction during hypercholesterolemia may be dependent on thromboxane, a decrease in NO, and the proximity of the arterioles to postcapillary venules.
Determination of the solubility of silicon in gold and the gold-silicon eutectic composition using a new quantitative metallographic technique

Description de la methode basee sur la mesure du pourcentage volumique de l'eutectique solidifie dans des echantillons d'alliage Au−Si trempes. Determination de la solubilite de Si dans Au et de la composition des alliages eutectiques
Mouse models of hematopoietic engraftment: limitations of transgenic green fluorescent protein strains and a high-performance liquid chromatography approach to analysis of erythroid chimerism.

Transgenic mouse strains ubiquitously expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) have enabled investigators to develop in vivo transplant models that can detect donor contributions to many different tissues. However, most GFP transgenics lack expression of the reporter in the erythroid lineage. We evaluated expression of GFP in the bone marrow of the OsbY01 transgenic mouse (B6-GFP) in the context of CD71 and TER-119 expression and found that GFP fluorescence is lost prior to the basophilic erythroblast stage of development. However, platelets in B6-GFP mice were found to be uniformly positive for GFP. We therefore used the GFP transgenic model in combination with allelic variants of CD45 and the hemoglobin (Hbb) chain to develop a model system that allows all blood lineages to be followed in a mouse model of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). To detect Hbb variant molecules, we developed a new protocol based on high-performance liquid chromatography that is sensitive and precise, allowing rapid and quantitative analysis of erythroid chimerism. Platelet and leukocyte engraftment were detected by flow cytometry. BMT into sublethally irradiated (4 Gy) recipients demonstrated the failure of B6-GFP-derived cells to engraft relative to B6-CD45 a derived cells, suggesting that an immune barrier may prevent efficient engraftment of the transgenic cells in a setting of minimal ablation. These results establish limitations in the use of transgenic GFP expression as a donor marker in transplantation models. STEM CELLS 2006;24: 2045–2051
Photogrammetric calibration of a stereo light microscope.

Quantitative stereo light microscopy has been used in very rare cases to obtain geometric representations of microscopic objects. Although the instrument itself has limitations, most of them efficiently overcome by other 3D microscopes, it bears considerable advantages in observing and measuring dynamic scenes with multiple objects. The biggest asset of the stereo method is that the full 3D work space is imaged in one shot — a property which distinguishes stereo from all the scanning techniques in 3D microscopy. With the work presented in this paper, we contribute to making the stereo technique applicable to the numerous mensuration tasks in the microscopic domain, where its potential would be invaluable. We report the photogrammetric calibration of a common main objective lens type stereo light microscope. Such a calibration is the initial step in ensuring accurate measurements with this instrument. First, we derive a mathematical formulation of the imaging function and discuss the estimation of the parameters involved. Then, three main problems of the practical implementation of the framework are addressed: the finding of a calibration standard, the automatic measuring of the many image coordinates required, and the stabilization of the parameter estimation. Finally, results of various calibration runs are presented and analysed under different aspects. Among these, the most important is the accuracy of the calibrated instrument in measuring 3D positions and positional relationships. With a Zeiss Stemi 11, Achromat 1.6 × we achieve accuracies of 1‰ laterally and 1–2% axially relative to the volume of the work space. On the highest magnification level this corresponds to 700 nm and 1.8 μm, respectively.
Temperature-induced exposure of hydrophobic surfaces and its effect on the chaperone activity of α-crystallin

alpha-Crystallin, the major protein of the ocular lens, is known to have extensive similarities to small heat shock proteins and to act as a molecular chaperone. The exposure of hydrophobic surfaces on alpha-crystallin was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy using the hydrophobic probe bis-ANS. Upon heating the protein undergoes a conformational transition which is associated with a marked increase in surface hydrophobicity. This transition, which occurs between approximately 38 and 50 degrees C, lacks reversibility. The increase in surface hydrophobicity correlates with the increased chaperone activity of the protein. These results indicate that hydrophobic interactions play a major role in the chaperone action of alpha-crystallin.
Dissociating linguistic and non-linguistic gesture processing: Electrophysiological evidence from American Sign Language

A fundamental advance in our understanding of human language would come from a detailed account of how non-linguistic and linguistic manual actions are differentiated in real time by language users. To explore this issue, we targeted the N400, an ERP component known to be sensitive to semantic context. Deaf signers saw 120 American Sign Language sentences, each consisting of a "frame" (a sentence without the last word; e.g. BOY SLEEP IN HIS) followed by a "last item" belonging to one of four categories: a high-close-probability sign (a "semantically reasonable" completion to the sentence; e.g. BED), a low-close-probability sign (a real sign that is nonetheless a "semantically odd" completion to the sentence; e.g. LEMON), a pseudo-sign (phonologically legal but non-lexical form), or a non-linguistic grooming gesture (e.g. the performer scratching her face). We found significant N400-like responses in the incongruent and pseudo-sign contexts, while the gestures elicited a large positivity.