cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs and Potential Targets in Osteosarcoma: Review

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer in children and young adults. Surgery and multi-agent chemotherapy are the standard treatment regimens for this disease. New therapies are being investigated to improve overall survival in patients. Molecular targets that actively modulate cell processes, such as cell-cycle control, cell proliferation, metabolism, and apoptosis, have been studied, but it remains a challenge to develop novel, effective-targeted therapies to treat this heterogeneous and complex disease. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that play critical roles in regulating cell processes including growth, development, and disease. miRNAs function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors to regulate gene and protein expression. Several studies have demonstrated the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma with the potential for development in disease diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on the role of miRNAs and their target genes and evaluate their potential use as therapeutic agents in osteosarcoma. We also summarize the efficacy of inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs or expression of tumor suppressor miRNAs in preclinical models of osteosarcoma. Recent progress on systemic delivery as well as current applications for miRNAs as therapeutic agents has seen the advancement of miR-34a in clinical trials for adult patients with non-resectable primary liver cancer or metastatic cancer with liver involvement. We suggest a global approach to the understanding of the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma may identify candidate miRNAs as promising biomarkers for this rare disease.
Determination of the Energy Distribution of Bremsstrahlung from 19.5 Mev Electrons

The conventional target of a 22-Mev betatron has been replaced by a 0.005-in. platinum target and the intensity spectrum of x-rays produced in the platinum by betatron-accelerated electrons has been measured. The kinetic energy of the monoenergetic electrons at the time of expansion was 19.5 Mev. The x-rays were collimated and observed in the forward direction by studying the electron-positron pairs produced in a cloud chamber filled with air. About 1300 pairs were measured. The intensity spectrum of x-rays is calculated from the pair energy distribution and is compared with the bremsstrahlung theory of Bethe and Heitler. The experimental intensity in the region of 10 Mev is found to be higher than the theoretical value by an amount which is larger than the statistical uncertainty of the experiment. Some details of the pair production process are given, and methods of correcting for instrumental discrimination are discussed and applied.
Program synthesis by examples for object repositioning tasks

We address the problem of synthesizing human-readable computer programs for robotic object repositioning tasks based on human demonstrations. A stack-based domain specific language (DSL) is introduced for object repositioning tasks, and a learning algorithm is proposed to synthesize a program in this DSL based on human demonstrations. Once the synthesized program has been learned, it can be rapidly verified and refined in the simulator via further demonstrations if necessary, then finally executed on an actual robot to accomplish the corresponding learned tasks in the physical world. By performing demonstrations on a novel tablet interface, the time required for teaching is greatly reduced compared with using a real robot. Experiments show a variety of object repositioning tasks such as sorting, kitting, and packaging can be programmed using this approach.
MODEL TESTS FOR UPLIFT CAPACITY OF FOUNDATIONS IN CLAY

ABSTRACT Model test results for determination of uplift capacity of square and rectangular foundations in clay have been presented. The model foundations were made out of 3.18 mm thick aluminum plates. The length-to-width ratio of the plates used in the tests varied, from one to five. The experimentally determined net uplifting loads have been presented, in terms of breakout factors (Vesic, 1971). The variation of the critical embedment ratio- and breakout factors for shallow and deep foundation conditions have been analyzed. The uplift capacity of the square plates obtained from the present test program have been compared with the model test results of other investigators conducted on circular plates.
Crime in Urban Areas: New Evidence and Result

Crime supply functions are reestimated in this paper using data corrected for victim underreporting. It is found in both a mean — variance specification and a conventional crime supply function, which includes measures of the offender’s gains and losses involved in property crimes, that certainty and severity of punishment still deter. When correction for underreporting is made, the effects on the rates of robbery, burglary, larceny, and auto theft of increases in prison admission rates and prison sentence lengths remain negative. This seeming support for the “deterrence hypothesis” must be balanced against the strong evidence that improved legitimate opportunities have a negative effect on crime. Use of improved crime data and a more intuitive economic specification of the offense supply function leads to the conclusion that higher income is a better deterrent to some crimes than increased punishment.
Effect of prolonged modified fasting in obese persons on in vitro markers of immunity: Lymphocyte function and serum effects on normal neutrophils

ABSTRACT The effects of nutritional manipulation on immune function have been extensively studied in animals, but few studies have examined dietary restriction in humans. Obese patients enrolled in a protein-sparing, calorieally restricted diet were monitored over a 3-month period with in vitro examination of mitogen-and antigen-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis. The sera from these patients were evaluated for effects on neutrophil chemo-taxis, phagocytosis and microbial killing. Significant changes in body weight, triglycerides and glucose occurred during the diet, and most patients exhibited urinary ketosis. The diet was associated with increased blastogenesis in unstimulated cultures and in varicella and Candida antigen-stimulated cultures, but blastogenesis was unchanged for phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, SK-SD and histoplasma. In assays of serum effects on neutrophil function, patients with urinary ketosis had depression of chemotaxis and microbial killing but not phagocytosis when compared to baseline or nonketotic patients. This study indicates that long-term caloric restriction is associated with significant effects on in vitro lymphocyte stimulation and with significant serum effects on normal neutrophil function.
Buckling analysis for structural sections and stiffened plates reinforced with laminated composites

A classical buckling analysis is developed for stiffened, flat plates composed of a series of linked flat plate and beam elements. Plates are idealized as multilayered orthotropic elements; structural beads and lips are idealized as beams. The loaded edges of the stiffened plate are simply supported and the conditions at the unloaded edges can be prescribed arbitrarily. The plate and beam elements are matched along their common junctions for displacement continuity and force equilibrium in an exact manner. Offsets between elements are considered in the analysis. Buckling under uniaxial compressive load for plates, sections and stiffened plates is investigated. Buckling loads are found as the lowest of all possible general and local failure modes and the mode shape is used to determine whether buckling is a local or general instability. Numerical correlations with existing analysis and test data for plates, sections and stiffened plates including boron-reinforced structures are discussed. In general, correlations are reasonably good.
Heterozygous and homozygous mutations in PITX3 in a large Lebanese family with posterior polar cataracts and neurodevelopmental abnormalities.

PURPOSE. The PITX3 gene, which codes for a homeobox bicoidlike transcription factor is responsible for dominant cataract and anterior segment mesenchymal dysgenesis in humans. In the current study, a family with autosomal dominant posterior polar cataract (PPC) and a PITX3 mutation that cosegregates with the disease was examined. Also studied were two siblings who were homozygous for the PITX3 mutation who had microphthalmia and significant neurologic impairment. METHODS. A genome-wide screen, linkage analysis in the PITX3 chromosomal region 10q25, haplotype analysis, and sequencing of the PITX3 gene were performed on 28 affected and 14 unaffected member of a three-generation Lebanese family. RESULTS. Genome-wide linkage analysis showed a lod score of 3.56 at 0.00 on chromosome 10 at area q25. Analysis of the haplotypes and phenotypes confined the disease locus to a region on 10q25 between the markers D10S1239 and D10S1268. A candidate gene, PITX3, maps to that region. Sequencing of the PITX3 gene revealed a heterozygous G deletion mutation in 25 of the 42 family members. In addition, two siblings from a consanguineous marriage were found to be homozygous for the deletion. CONCLUSIONS. This is the first report of homozygous PITX3 mutations in humans. The phenotype in these individuals highlights the role of PITX3 in ocular and central nervous system (CNS) development. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2006;47: 1274‐1280) DOI:10.1167/iovs.05-1095
Monitoring aseismic tectonic processes via hydrologic responses: An analysis of log-periodic fluid flow events at the Costa Rica outer rise

A log-periodic series of fluid inflow events from the outer rise off the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, was recorded on a flow meter deployed at the sediment surface. Similar periodic series have been seen in many failure processes in laboratory and field research, including seismic and chemical records preceding earthquakes. Each cycle has the appearance of an impulse and subsequent decay. The hypothesis that the recorded flow pattern is a result of a series of relatively small strain events resulting from aseismic extensional faulting of the outer rise basement is explored, and analytical results supporting this hypothesis are presented.
Spectral-spatial EPR imaging of irradiated silicon dioxide

Abstract Spectral-spatial two-dimensional EPR imaging of the E′ defects in irradiated silicon dioxide was used to determine the depth profile of the radiation damage for a sample with low signal-to-noise in the non-gradient spectrum. Deconvolution of the experimental response function from a spatial slice through the spectral-spatial image provided improved definition of the spatial distribution of the defects.
Determining genetic background in captive stocks of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

Background As in other model organisms, genetic background in the non-human primates Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis is an experimental variable that affects the response of other study variables. Genetic background in model organisms is manipulated by breeding schemes but is generally pre-determined by the source population used to found captive stocks. In M. fascicularis three such sources have been distinguished, however, these are not routinely taken into consideration when designing research. Methods We exemplify a mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)-based strategy to trace the maternal geographic origins of M. fascicularis animals of unspecified origins. Results Macaca fascicularis of unspecified origins kept at primate research centers carry mtDNA haplotypes representing all three major genetic subdivisions. Conclusions We suggest that the genetic background of study animals could be better specified in the future using an mtDNA-based approach, which would enable informed selection of study animals and help reduce variation within and among studies.
Prevention of natural motoneurone cell death by dibutyryl cyclic GMP.

Natural neuronal cell death is a well-described developmental phenomenon common to many nerve centres in a variety of animal species1–8. Neuronal survival has been shown to depend on the presence9–11 and size of the available target tissue12,13 and it has been suggested that neuronal survival is dependent on successful competition for either a limited number of synaptic sites1,14 or a limited amount of trophic factor(s)9,15. In the lateral motor column of the lumbar spinal cord in the chick embryo, the period of axon elongation and innervation of the periphery has been shown to precede that of natural motoneurone cell death16,17. While muscle contractile activity appears to regulate the extent of motoneurone death18, to date the intracellular molecular events that initiate and regulate the developmental process of natural neuronal cell death or, more importantly, neuronal survival are unknown. Our earlier studies suggested that either contact or association between spinal cord processes and muscle cells during neuromuscular junction formation in vivo leads to an increase in cyclic GMP in whole spinal cord19. We now show that treatment of chick embryos with the membrane-permeable cyclic GMP analogue, dibutyryl cyclic GMP during the period of natural motoneurone cell death prevents >58% of natural motoneurone cell death in the lumbar lateral motor column.
Overexpression of NGF within the heart of transgenic mice causes hyperinnervation, cardiac enlargement, and hyperplasia of ectopic cells.

Abstract Nerve growth factor (NGF) supports the survival of developing sympathetic and a subpopulation of sensory neurons. In the adult it participates in maintenance of the neurotransmitter phenotype of responsive neurons. The amount of NGF synthesized by a given target tissue determines its final innervation density; those developing neurons that fail to receive sufficient NGF undergo apoptosis. In order to examine the ramifications of this principle in the context of a specific target organ, a transgenic mouse model was developed in which NGF expression was increased in developing and adult cardiac tissue by placing a NGF mini-gene under the transcriptional control of the cardiac-specific α-myosin heavy chain promoter. Transgenic mice developed cardiac enlargement secondary to both an increase in myocardial mass and the presence of an abundant ectopic cell population. Immunohistochemical analyses with the neural marker S-100 revealed staining of a subpopulation of ectopic cells, suggesting their derivation from the neural crest. Whereas immunostaining for the neuronal-specific protein neuron-specific enolase demonstrated labeling of another subpopulation of ectopic cells within the heart. Measurements of cardiac tissue catecholamine levels revealed a marked elevation in transgenic mice, consistent with sympathetic hyperinnervation. Analysis of mediastinal sympathetic ganglia revealed increases in both the size and the number of neurons. In this model, increased expression of NGF produced hyperinnervation of the heart, pathological cardiac growth, and the recruitment and/or expansion of an ectopic, neural crest-derived cell type.
Erratum to: Unlike American Robins (Turdus migratorius), European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) do not display roost-time restlessness

The daily perch-hop activity of six captive European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) was observed under natural lighting over 12 months. Moderately high levels of early morning activity gradually declined throughout the day. Unlike robins (Turdus migratorius), however, the starlings showed no evidence of the brief burst of activity at dusk calledroost-time restlessness (Eiserer, 1979). The present data support the hypothesis that roost-time restlessness depends upon the conjunction of territorial and roosting behaviors, which is the case for robins but not for starlings.
Case Study on Boundary Dissolution: An Instrument Anyone Can Play

During the fall of 2007, after 25 years of moving from therapist to therapist with little relief, I began sessions with a counselor focused on boundary dissolution and shame. Encouraged by suggestions that I consult published research as a means of understanding my condition, I began a journal. This autoethnography is drawn from my journal. It is a personal record of child maltreatment, of boundary dissolution, of the resulting psychopathology, and of successful psychotherapy. Special attention is given to the intergenerational transmission of child abuse and to the role played by affect/script theory in the therapeutic process.
Longitudinal lattice modes in linear mixed valence compounds

Abstract Mixed valence compounds of platinum or palladium have a crystal structure that consists of long, linear chains. The frequencies of the three collective (phonon) longitudinal k ≈ 0 optical modes bear little relevance to those of longitudinal modes of the independent molecules, being different in general and not in a one to one correspondence with them. Therefore, they have to be taken into account as such when the observed intensity peaks in resonance Raman or infrared spectra of these compounds are analyzed.
Noise induced intermittency in a model of a turbulent boundary layer

Abstract The presence of attracting heteroclinic cycles in a set of truncated ordinary differential equations for the modal amplitudes in a proper orthogonal decomposition of the Navier-Stokes equations leads to “burst”-like, intermittent phenomenon in the reconstructed velocity field. The time between bursts, or the cycle time, is effectively randomized by the addition of small random perturbations, in this case taking the form of irregular pressure fluctuations from the outer flow. This suggests that interaction of the inner and outer flow is important in the generation and triggering of these burst events. A scaling law is developed for the time between burst events as well as an expression for the probability distribution of these time intervals.
Seeing—and Hearing—the Body: Reflecting on Bisexuality and Transgenderism

This reflection piece on the special issue of the Journal of Bisexuality, “Bisexuality and Transgenderism: InterSEXions of the Others,” reports on one of the editor's current thoughts on bisexuality and transgenderism. In particular, the author focuses on the impact of having put together the special issue on his general approach to the study of sexuality. Although no longer focusing on bisexuality per se, the author's approach to sexuality has been deepened by paying attention to the many stories that people tell about their attractions, their shifting desires and the many different trajectories that a love and intimacy take over time.
Numerical Study of Heat Transfer Characteristics of Liquid Flow in a Microtube With Blend of Micro Phase Change Materials

This numerical investigation explores the heat transfer characteristics of liquid flow with two-component (blend) micro phase change materials (MPCM) and compares them with those of a single component MPCM slurry. The numerical domain is comprised of an axisymmetric micro-tube in contact with a finite-thickness solid zone and a constant heat flux applied on the solid outer wall. The ultimate objective is to demonstrate the tunability of PCM fluid’s thermal energy properties when the phase transition temperatures of the PCMs are chosen within a range required for a specific application. This is because different pure PCM materials store latent heat at a specific range of temperatures. The MPCM slurry flow does not reach a fully developed condition as long as the MPCM particles experience phase change in the developing region. The local heat transfer coefficient strongly depends on the corresponding location of the melting zone interface.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
M-MRAC with normalization

This paper presents a normalization based modified reference model adaptive control method for multi-input multi-output (MIMO) uncertain systems in the presence of bounded external disturbances. It has been shown that desired tracking performance can be achieved for the system's output and input signals with the proper choice of design parameters. The resulting adaptive control signal satisfies a second order linear time invariant (LTI) system, which is the effect of the normalization term in the adaptive laws. This LTI system provides the guideline for the design parameter selection. The theoretical findings are confirmed via a simulation example.
Algae Biomass Based Media for Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) Production by Escherichia coli

In addition to biodiesel production from algae, the production of other valuable bioproducts facilitates the development of an algae-based biorefinery platform. The goal of this study was to utilize the aqueous fraction from a novel algal wet lipid extraction procedure as the medium for the production of a bio product, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), via the growth of recombinant Escherichia coli. PHB yield was measured at 34 % of the E. coli dry cell mass, and was increased to 51 % when the algae aqueous medium was supplemented with glucose. While the addition of inorganic nutrients to the aqueous phase did not increase PHB production or growth of E. coli, growth of E. coli was observed to increase with the supplementation of carbon substrate (glucose). The addition of carbon rich waste to the aqueous fraction of wastewater-derived algae may in the future provide a sustainable alternative. Future research will be directed at evaluating this concept to develop a sustainable process for the production of bioplastics through an algae-based biorefinery platform.
Mechanisms for transcellular diapedesis: probing and pathfinding by `invadosome-like protrusions'

Immune-system functions require that blood leukocytes continuously traffic throughout the body and repeatedly cross endothelial barriers (i.e. diapedese) as they enter (intravasate) and exit (extravasate) the circulation. The very earliest studies to characterize diapedesis directly in vivo suggested the coexistence of two distinct migratory pathways of leukocytes: between (paracellular pathway) and directly through (transcellular pathway) individual endothelial cells. In vivo studies over the past 50 years have demonstrated significant use of the transcellular diapedesis pathway in bone marrow, thymus, secondary lymphoid organs, various lymphatic structures and peripheral tissues during inflammation and across the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier during inflammatory pathology. Recently, the first in vitro reports of transcellular diapedesis have emerged. Together, these in vitro and in vivo observations suggest a model of migratory pathfinding in which dynamic `invadosome-like protrusions9 formed by leukocytes have a central role in both identifying and exploiting endothelial locations that are permissive for transcellular diapedesis. Such `probing9 activity might have additional roles in this and other settings.
A system trade model for the monitoring of coastal vessels using HF surface wave radar and ship automatic identification systems (AIS)

Coastal nations have an interest in maritime domain awareness for applications in national security, coastal conservancy, fishery and stewardship of the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) along their coastlines. Using our previously developed HF radar and AIS ship detection models we find signal to noise ratio (SNR) as a function of range, including ducted propagation for the AIS radio signals. We use these SNR estimates to find probability of detection P d and then explore multiple systems and stations at variable spacings along the coast. Our example HF radar has significant power and aperture, similar to the Pisces radar. The AIS model is for high power (12.5 W) AIS and a significantly elevated receiver (≈ 250 ft asl). A combined system of HF radar and AIS shows good capability (P d > 0.9) to ranges of ≈ 125 km for small ships and to 200 km for large ships. Considering a system of sites separated by 100 km we find that a P d of > 0.9 can be maintained to a distance off shore of 130 km even for small, 120 ton, ships.
Adjusting for Time-Varying Confounding in Survival Analysis

In this paper we illustrate how directly including endogenous time-varying confounders in the model of the effect of an exposure on a response can lead to bias in discrete time survival analysis. An alternative to this method is Hernan, Brumback, and Robins' (1999) use of sample weights to adjust for endogenous time-varying confounding. We discuss when this method can be used to provide unbiased estimators, and we illustrate the method by addressing a substantive research question using existing survey data. We also critically examine the robustness of the weighting method to violations of the underlying assumptions via a simulation analysis.
Effects of hypertonic dextrose injections in the rabbit carpal tunnel.

Objective This study investigated the effects of different doses of hypertonic dextrose injection on the carpal tunnel subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) and median nerve in a rabbit model. Methods Thirty-eight New Zealand white rabbits weighing 4.0–4.5 kg were used. One forepaw carpal tunnel was randomly injected with one of five different treatments: saline-single injection; saline-two injections 1 week apart; 10% dextrose-single injection; 20% dextrose-single injection; or 10% dextrose-two injections 1 week apart. Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks after the initial injection and were evaluated by electrophysiology (EP), SSCT mechanical testing and histology. Results There were significant increases in the energy absorption of the SSCT in the 10% dextrose-double injection group compared to the saline injection groups. SSCT stiffness was also significantly increased in the 10% dextrose-double injection group compared to the other groups. There was a significant increase in the thickness of the SSCT in the 10% dextrose-double injection group compared to the saline-single injection group and a significant decrease in the nerve short-long diameter ratio in the 10% dextrose-double injection group compared to the saline-single injection group. There were no changes in EP among the groups. Conclusions SSCT fibrosis is present for up to 12 weeks after dextrose injection; multiple injections have bigger effects, including what appears to be a secondary change in nerve flattening. This model may be useful to study the effects of external fibrosis on nerve morphology and physiology, such as occurs clinically in carpal tunnel syndrome. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1022–1027, 2011
Localization of Mel1b melatonin receptor-like immunoreactivity in ocular tissues of Xenopus laevis

The circadian signaling molecule, melatonin, is produced by pinealocytes and retinal photoreceptors. In the retina, melatonin is thought to diffuse into the inner retina to act as a paracrine signal of darkness by binding to specific receptors in retinal neurons. The retinal cell locations of the Mel1a and Mel1c melatonin receptor types have been reported, but the localization of the Mel1b receptor, which is the most highly expressed melatonin receptor type in the retina, is unknown. To determine the cellular distribution of Mel1b melatonin receptor protein in the Xenopus laevis retina and other ocular tissues, polyclonal antibodies were raised against a peptide fragment of the X. laevis Mel1b receptor. Western blot analysis of several ocular tissues revealed the presence of one or more immunoreactive bands in the sclera, cornea, lens, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choroid, and neural retina. In the neural retina, the major immunoreactive bands displayed electrophoretic mobilities corresponding to approximately 35, 42, 45, and 80 Kd. Sections of X. laevis eyes were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy, in combination with antibodies against the Mel1a melatonin receptor, a rod photoreceptor-specific protein, opsin, and two amacrine cell-specific markers, tyrosine hydroxylase (TOH; dopaminergic cells) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD; GABA-ergic cells). Mel1b immunoreactivity was localized to the apical membranes of RPE cells, and punctate Mel1b immunoreactivity was observed in both rod and cone photoreceptor inner segments. Presumptive horizontal cells that ramify in the outer plexiform layer (OPL) were immunoreactive for Mel1b, and were exclusive of the Mel1a immunoreactivity present in the OPL. Neither TOH nor GAD co-localized with the Mel1b immunoreactivity that was present in the inner plexiform layer (IPL), suggesting that Mel1b is not expressed in dopaminergic or GABA-ergic amacrine cells. Mel1b immunoreactivity was observed in ganglion cells of the retina, a population of cells covering the outer surface of the outer fibrous layer of the sclera, and in lens fibers located in the outer regions of the lens. These results suggest that melatonin may influence retinal function by binding to receptors on RPE and photoreceptor cells, and by acting on neurons of the inner retina that do not use dopamine or GABA as a neurotransmitter. Furthermore, melatonin may bind to receptors on cells located in the sclera and lens, perhaps to modify the growth or function of these ocular tissues.
Inhibition of nitric oxide facilitates LH release from rat pituitaries.

We examined the effects of nitric oxide (NO) modulators on rat pituitary LH content in vivo and studied their response to LHRH-stimulated LH secretion in vitro in ovariectomized adult female Sprague Dawley rats. Alzet mini pumps (flow rate 10 μl/h) delivering either normal saline (Group I), 1.2 mg nitroglycerin, a donor of NO (Group II) or 50 mg of nitro-L-Arginine methyl ester, a NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (Group III), were subcutaneously implanted into experimental animals. Following 36 h infusion, pituitaries were removed and either frozen for LH quantitation, or fragmented and challenged in the superfusion system with 10 min pulses of LHRH (1 ng/ml) at 90 min intervals for 10 hours. LH was assayed by radio-immunoassay (RIA) in the homogenates of pituitaries and in aliquots of the superfusate collected every 10 mins. Significantly lower pituitary LH levels were noted in Group III (150.3 ± 18.6 ng) in comparison to Groups I (215.6 ± 5.5 ng; p < 0.04) or II (221.2 ± 14.9 ng; p < 0.01), suggesting that low levels of NO stimulate LH secretion in vivo. The pituitary LH contents were not significantly different in Groups I and II. In vitro studies reveal that exogenous LHRH stimulated response, measured as average pulse response (90 minute period after LHRH), and total LH released during the 10 hour perfusion, was 290 ± 23.6 ng and 1646.7 ± 270.8 ng, respectively, in Group III; 57.9 ± 3.1, and 344.7 ± 24.3 ng in Group I, and 105.3 ± 6.3, and 633.7 ± 77.1 mg in Group II. Thus, our in vitro studies demonstrate significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) LHRH- stimulated LH secretion in Group III in comparison to Groups I and II, while Group II shows higher responsiveness than Group I (p < 0.05). The results of the current studies provide evidence that NOS inhibition facilitates pituitary LH secretion. The differential responses to LHRH-stimulated LH secretion in vitro in the 3 groups suggest a possible role of NO in modulating pituitary LHRH receptor concentrations. However, this will have to be tested by further studies.
Renewable Cellulose Derived Carbon Nanospheres as Nucleating Agents for Polylactide and Polypropylene

Nucleation of polylactide and polypropylene using novel renewable resource biobased carbon nanospheres (CNS) is investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. Isothermal studies near the optimal crystallization temperature demonstrate at least a five-fold increase in crystallization rate in PP but only a 1.4 times faster crystallization in PLA. Non-isothermal studies reveal an asymptotic relationship of the maximum crystallization temperature with increasing CNS weight loading in PP and no relationship in PLA. Microscopy indicates some aggregation in the solution blended samples and that average spherulite size is reduced 10-fold due to faster nucleation in the composites as compared to the neat polymer. The fractional crystallinity achieved during non-isothermal crystallization increases by about 7% with addition of a small amount of CNS and decreases with weight loading higher than 1%. The crystallization rates obtained in polypropylene are competitive with widely used mineral talc nucleating agents.
Chromosomes of three Asian mammals: Meriones meridianus (Rodentia:Gerbillinae), Spermophilopsis leptodactylus (Rodentia:Sciuridae), Ochotona rufescens (Lagomorpha:Ochotonidae).

Chromosomenanalyse von 3 asiatischen Saugetieren:Meriones meridianus (2n=50),Ochotona rufescens (2n=60) undSpermiophilopsis lepto-dactylus (2n=38), Deren 2n's und Karyotypen wurden mit verwandten Formen ninsichtlich der Geschlechter und Gattungen verglichen und zur Klassifizierung diskutiert.
Examination and Manipulation of Protein Surface Charge in Solution with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is a powerful tool for examining the charge of proteins in solution. The charge can be manipulated through choice of solvent and pH. Furthermore, solution-accessible, protonated lysine side chains can be specifically tagged with 18-crown-6 ether to form noncovalent adducts. Chemical derivatization of a protein in this fashion followed by “soft” ionization can provide a wealth of specific information regarding side chain identity, location, and surface chemistry. A variety of proteins are examined with ESI-MS under a range of conditions in this self-guided experiment, and the results are compared with those predicted from structural information available in the protein data bank.
LIMITATIONS OF MARATHON RUNNING IN THE REHABILITATION OF CORONARY PATIENTS: ANATOMIC AND PHYSIOLOGIC DETERMINANTS*

Prescribed, supervised exercise training has proved valuable in the rehabilitation of selected coronary patients. However, long distance (marathon) running has limited cardiovascular value in the rehabilitation of patients for a majority of occupations, which involve predominantly upper extremity effort. The age of patients with coronary heart disease and the severity of the lesions preclude the wide application of marathon running to the general coronary heart disease population. Less than 6/1000 subjects with coronary heart disease have been estimated as potentially being able to achieve by high-level training a maximum Vo2 sufficient to complete a marathon race in 5 hours. The hazards of high-level-activity-induced cardiac arrest that is reversible mandates the availability of CPR equipment and personnel in the immediate vicinity of all coronary patients and most coronary-prone patients who are undertaking such heroic activity. Over-publicized marathon running by a few subjects has aroused unrealistic expectations for the majority of coronary heart disease subjects and probably similarly for a considerable number of coronary-prone subjects, many of whom have "silent" coronary disease.
CD18 and ICAM-1-Dependent Corneal Neovascularization and Inflammation after Limbal Injury

Extensive limbal injury is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The destruction of corneal limbal stem cells often results in corneal neovascularization and an optically inferior epithelium. Previous work has shown that the neovascularization after limbal injury is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-dependent, with much of the VEGF emanating from the inflammatory cells that invade the cornea. Using a relevant mouse model of limbal injury, we examined the role of CD18 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in limbal injury-induced neovascularization. The results show that CD18- and ICAM-1-deficient mice developed 35% ( n = 5, P = 0.003) and 36% ( n = 5, P = 0.002) less neovascularization than strain-specific normal controls, respectively. The corneal neutrophil counts were similarly reduced by 51% ( n = 5, P n = 5, P n = 3, P = 0.004) and 48% ( n = 3, P = 0.024), respectively. Taken together, these data identify CD-18 and ICAM-1 as mediators of the inflammatory and VEGF-dependent corneal neovascularization that follows limbal injury. The targeting of CD18 and ICAM-1 may prove useful in the treatment of inflammation-associated neovascularization in the cornea and elsewhere.
Failure mechanisms in laminated carbon/carbon composites under biaxial compression

The failure mechanisms of 2D carbon/carbon (C/C) woven laminates have been determined under inplane biaxial compression loads, and the associated failure envelopes that account for the effect of matrix-type and loading directions were also obtained. The failure was in the form of micro-kinking of fiber bundles, interspersed with localized interply delaminations to form an overall shear fault. The shear fault was aligned with the major axis of loading except at above 75% of balanced biaxial compressive stress, where failure occurred along both axes. Although the biaxial strength varied significantly with the ratio of in-plane principal stresses, R, there was no variation in the local failure mechanisms. Accordingly, it was found that the samples fail upon achieving a critical strain along the primary axis of loading.
Ethical Antecedents of Cheating Intentions: Evidence of Mediation

Although the pedagogy literature indicates significant relationships between cheating intentions and both personal and situational factors, no published research has examined the joint effect of personal moral philosophy and perceived moral intensity components on students’ cheating intentions. Hence, a structural equation model that relates magnitude of consequences, relativism, and idealism to willingness to cheat, is developed and tested. Using data from undergraduate business students, the empirical results provide insight into these relationships and evidence of mediation for magnitude of consequences on idealism and students’ cheating intentions. Implications for educators are offered.
Plasmon-phonon coupling in GaAs-AlAs superlattices

Abstract The interaction between electrons and phonons of a GaAs-AlAs superlattice (SL) is calculated from the SL effective medium theory (EMT), which includes both confined and interface phonons. Numerical results show very strong coupling between electrons and the interface phonons, and the bulk longitudinal (LO) phonon confined in the GaAs layer. Four coupled plasmon-phonon modes (referred as the coupled mode) form. Two are longitudinal in nature, while the other two are transverse. Three coupled modes depend very strongly on the doping electron concentration. Under heavy doping ( n > 10 17 cm -3 ), the interface phonons and the bulk LO phonon confined in the GaAs layer shift drastically to higher frequencies. The implications of these results for Raman and infrared spectroscopy and a new technique to characterize the carrier concentration in SLs are discussed.
High CW wallplug efficiency 1.5 micron-emitting diode lasers

High-power, long-wavelength InP-based diode lasers emitting around 1.5 µm are needed for pumping solid-state lasers, direct-diode imaging applications, and eye-safe free-space optical communications. Optical systems significantly benefit from diode lasers with high wallplug efficiency (WPE), high brightness and reduced temperature sensitivity. Early work on 1.5 µm-emitting low-power (≤ 20 mW) lasers for fiber-optical optical communications has demonstrated WPE values as high as 35% [1]. Currently, commercially available, broad-area diode lasers emitting around 1.5 µm have maximum WPE values around 20% at high (∼ 1–2 W) CW power levels. Thus, 80% of the applied electrical power is lost as heat. With a WPE value around 20%, a bar stack designed to produce 100 W of optical power requires approximately a 500 W power supply; thus, generates 400 W of waste heat. Increasing the maximum WPE from 20% to 50% results in a 2.5 times reduction in required electrical power. This benefit, in addition to the power savings associated with laser cooling, would translate into a significant reduction in weight and cost for diode-pumped fiber lasers and hand-held military target-surveillance and distance-acquisition systems. We have taken a systematic approach for analyzing the power-loss mechanisms in diode lasers emitting in the 1.50–1.55 µm range, and then optimized the devices for high CW WPE values. As a result, we have achieved 50% wallplug efficiency at room temperature, under CW operating conditions, for lasers emitting at 1.53 µm [2].
Development of binocularly driven single units in frogs raised with asymmetrical visual stimulation.

Abstract Binocular vision requires that neurons in the visual centers of the brain receive input from both eyes. In the frog, Rana pipiens, the convergence of these inputs to binocularly driven neurons in the potic tectum develops during metamorphosis. Experiments were designed to test whether the formation of functional connections onto these binocularly driven cells may be regulated by the pattern or the quantity of activity conveyed by the nerve fibers converging onto them. Frogs were raised from various premetamorphic stages either with one eye rotated 180° or with one eye covered with a graft of pigmented back skin. Animals with these asymmetries in the visual stimulation of the two eyes were raised for up to 3 months after metamorphosis before being used for electrophysiological recording. Rigorous criteria were adopted for identification of binocularly driven neurons, whose activity in response to visual stimulation was recorded by extracellular microelectrodes in the tectum. Binocularly driven units were recorded in animals raised with visual asymmetries as well as in normal frogs. In normal animals and those raised with skin grafts until the time of recording, such units could be activated through either eye from a single position in visual space. However, after eye rotation, binocularly driven neurons were activated by a stimulus in one position viewed by the normal eye and a different position viewed by the rotated eye. The results demonstrate that the formation of functional connections onto binocularly driven neurons in the tectum does not depend qualitatively or quantitatively on symmetrical patterns of impulse activity in the afferent fibers converging onto the individual neurons from the two eyes.
Kinetic theory of collisionless tearing at the magnetopause

[1] This paper is the first in a series of three with the aim of addressing one of the controversial issues at the magnetopause, namely the location where reconnection first occurs during periods of a large interplanetary magnetic field By. In this first paper, the linear properties of the collisionless tearing mode are reexamined as a function of the guide field By using a formally exact approach for computing the nonlocal Vlasov stability of a current layer. Three distinct parameter regimes are identified depending on the degree to which electron orbits are modified by the guide field in the central region of the current layer. In the limit of both weak and strong guide field, the fastest-growing tearing mode has a wave vector kx perpendicular to the direction of the current, in agreement with previous theoretical treatments. However, for intermediate values of the guide field where the electrons begin to transition to magnetized orbits, the fastest-growing modes have a finite wave vector ky in the direction of the current. In this newly discovered regime, the so-called drift tearing modes have finite real frequency and propagate in the direction of the electron diamagnetic drift with growth rates 10–50% larger than the conventional tearing instability. Maximum growth occurs for a propagation angle in the range θ = tan−1(ky/kx) ≈ 6–10°. These new predictions are confirmed using fully kinetic particle-in-cell simulations. The structure of the out-of-plane magnetic field perturbation predicted by nonlocal Vlasov theory is examined as a function of guide field. In the limit of a neutral sheet, the quadrupole structure has a characteristic scale near the electron meandering width and shows significant differences with the predictions of linear Hall MHD. The addition of a guide field strongly distorts the quadrupole structure and compresses the spatial extent. In the strong guide field limit, the width of the out-of-plane magnetic field perturbation is reduced to the electron gyroscale in the guide field. During the onset phase, these structures represent a distinct signature of the collisionless tearing mode that is significantly different than the typical ion-scale quadrupole pattern from fast reconnection. Finally, we note that the tearing mode maintains a significant growth rate over a large range of guide field so that component merging cannot be ruled out based on linear theory.
Phase separation behavior of three common alcohols with methoxy-nonafluorobutane or ethoxy-nonafluorobutane in waterA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.

Laboratory experiments are conducted to determine the liquid–liquid phase separation behavior of six three-component systems with each system comprised of a common alcohol (namely ethanol, isopropa...
Stochastic photodesorption of surface atoms

Abstract A classical analysis of the nonlinear dynamics of an atom or molecule adsorbed on a surface and perturbed by an intense laser field shows that photodesorption results from the onset of chaotic motion above a critical laser intensity. Using the resonance overlap criterion we find an expression for the threshold intensity for classical photodesorption as a function of the potential well depth, effective charge, and laser frequency.
Dual-use development of high density DC/DC converters

Rockwell Collins and Rockwell Science Center have teamed with the Office of Naval Research (ONR) to develop high density, high efficiency, programmable DC/DC power converters for both military and commercial applications. This three-year program aims at the development of two 100 W DC/DC converter modules that run off a 50 V DC bus and provide 3.3 V and 1.5 V outputs, respectively, at 90-95% efficiency, and with a power density at or higher than 100 W/in/sup 3/. This paper provides an overview and a detailed analysis of the program goals and then discusses the technical challenges to achieve these goals. Key technology development efforts are also discussed. Up-to-date achievements in the areas of the evaluation and selection of power devices, circuit design and magnetics analysis are outlined.
Neurosteroid interactions with synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA A receptors: regulation of subunit plasticity, phasic and tonic inhibition, and neuronal network excitability

Rationale Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized within the brain with rapid effects on neuronal excitability. Allopregnanolone, allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone, and androstanediol are three widely explored prototype endogenous neurosteroids. They have very different targets and functions compared to conventional steroid hormones. Neuronal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A (GABAA) receptors are one of the prime molecular targets of neurosteroids.
Robust stereo vision and calibration methodology for accurate three-dimensional digital image correlation measurements on submerged objects

The effect of optical refraction at an interface between optically dissimilar media is modelled in order to apply the principles of three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) to measure defo...