cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmission Electron Microscopy of Boundary-Lubricated Bearing Surfaces. Part I: Mineral Oil Lubricant

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on the near-surface material (depth <500 nm) of tapered roller bearing inner rings (cones) that were tested at two levels of boundary-lubricated conditions in mineral oil with no additives. Site-specific thinning of cross section cone surface sections for TEM analyses was conducted using the focused ion beam (FIB) milling technique. High-resolution structural and compositional characterization of near-surface material and surface layers was performed on an untested cone as well as cones tested at Λ∼1.1 and 0.3. This approach revealed near-surface microstructural distortion and grain size gradients that were attributed to surface finishing operations during manufacture. The characteristics of oxide surface layers and micro-cracks on the tested bearing surfaces were evaluated and found to depend on lubrication conditions.
Binding of substrates to cytochrome P450 enzymes : mathematical artifacts in the application of difference spectrophotometry

Investigation of the difference absorption spectrum has been a common method for studying many aspects of hemoproteins such as cytochrome P450. The difference spectrophotometric technique, as applied in studies on binding of substrates to cytochrome P450, has resulted in certain mathematical artifacts which have been mistaken for real changes in binding equilibria. The purpose of this paper is to point out these artifacts.
Characterization of high-temperature calcined lanthanum-modified alumina by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction

Abstract Previous studies in this laboratory have shown that for the La/γ-Al2O3 system as the atomic ratio La/Al is increased from 0.05 to 2.0 the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) La 3d5/2 binding energy progressively decreases from 835.2 to 832.9 eV. The shirts in binding energy demonstrate a change in the coordination of lanthanum coinciding with a transformation from dispersed to particulate phases. It is of particular interest to understand more completely the chemical interaction between lanthana and alumina at lower lanthanum loadings, which is known to retard the sintering of γ-alumina and promote catalysis. In this study lanthanum-modified alumina was calcined at high temperature (1500 °C). Up to a La/Al ratio of 0.10, X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified the dominant lanthanum phase as lanthanum-β-alumina (La2O3·11Al2O3). The XPS La binding energy for lanthanum-β-alumina was 835.2 eV, which corresponds to that measured previously for dispersed phase lanthanum in γ-alumina. These results suggest that at La/Al ⩽0.10 the highly dispersed La/γ-Al2O3 species is a precursor of crystalline lanthanum-β-alumina formed at higher temperatures. At higher lanthanum concentrations XRD identified highly ordered crystalline LaAlO3 and La2O3, consistent with the phase diagram of the La/Al2O3 system. According to XPS binding energy shifts the precipitation of LaAlO3 requires a higher lanthanum concentration at 925°C (γ-alumina phase) than at 1500°C (β-alumina phase).
Enhanced n-3 phospholipid content reduces inflammatory responses in bovine endothelial cells

Uncontrolled inflammation contributes to the increased incidence and severity of infectious diseases in periparturient dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to determine if increasing n-3 fatty acid (FA) content and altering the profile of vasoactive eicosanoids could attenuate endothelial cell inflammatory responses. Bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) were cultured with free FA mixtures that mimic the plasma NEFA composition during the first week of lactation of dairy cows or with a free FA mixture supplemented with a higher proportion of n-3 FA, including eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids. The effects of increasing the docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid content of BAEC on the expression of proinflammatory mediators and eicosanoid biosynthesis was assessed. Culturing BAEC with enriched concentrations of n-3 FA decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules, and reactive oxygen species with a concomitant increase in the biosynthesis of proresolving eicosanoids, including resolvins, protectins, and lipoxins. This study showed for the first time that increasing the n-3 FA content of endothelial cell phospholipids could alter the expression of eicosanoids and control the magnitude of inflammatory responses. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms by which resolvins, protectins, and lipoxins may modify endothelial inflammatory pathways necessary to reduce the severity and duration of disease in periparturient cows.
Determination of Traces of Osmium Tetroxide by the Fluorescence of the OsO4,-4, 6-Bismethylthio-5-Aminopyrimidine System

Abstract An indirect method for the determination of OsO4, in the p.p.m. region is possible by measuring the decrease in fluorescence of the 4,6-bismethylthio-5-aminopyrimidine when OsO4, is added. At liquid N2 temperatures 10 p.p.b. OsO4, can be detected. The OsO4, to ligand ratio was found to be 2:3. For 1 p.p.m. OsO4, 10 p.p.m. Ir+3, 1 p.p.m. Fe+3 and less than 1 p.p.m. Ru+3 and Pd+2 can be tolerated. The fluorescent system is not affected by pH in the 3–12 ranges. It is suggested that the decrease in fluorescence results from a complexation reaction with the first site of reaction being the NH2. group. With increasing OsO4, concentration, oxidation appears to occur which produces a black product. This oxidation was not observed at p.p.b. concentrations of Os.
Explaining zones of negative peace in interstate relations: The construction of a West African Lockean culture of anarchy:

This article provides a theoretical and empirical account of the zone of negative peace thought to encompass the 16 states of West Africa from independence through the early 1990s. I draw on constructivist theory to argue that the zone of negative peace is a particular kind of interstate culture resulting from the formation of rival role relationships between states in the region. This theoretical approach combined with a compatible empirical measure of rivalry allows a quantitative test of a variety of well-known explanations for the zone of peace phenomenon. The simultaneous equations statistical analysis allows us to model the effect that rival role relationships have on the Lockean culture of anarchy, and vice versa (i.e. the mutual constitution of agents and structures). The results also indicate that a Lockean culture of anarchy, or zone of negative peace, is affected by factors emphasized by realists, liberals, and constructivists in the West African context.
Developmental study of nerve growth factor receptor mRNA expression in the postnatal rat cerebellum

Abstract Nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR) mRNA expression was examined in the developing rat cerebellum with in situ hybridization histochemistry. The probe used in this study was the 57-mer oligonucleotide complementary to the rat NGFR cDNA (bases 798–855). The specificity of the hybridization was determined with a ‘sense’ probe. From the age of postnatal day 0 (PND 0), hybridization signals were detected in the external granule cell layer, Purkinje cell layer, and meningeal cells of the cerebellum. Until PND 10, the external granular cell layer consistently expressed high levels of NGFR message, with the densest hybridization signal observed in the proliferative zone. NGFR mRNA level in this layer rapidly decreased at later ages and was barely detectable after PND 16. In the Purkinje cell layer beyond PND 4, the hybridization signal became more intense, reached a peak level around PND 10, and then gradually decreased. NGFR mRNA was detected until PND 30 in this layer. Meningeal cells expressed NGFR message from PND 0 to PND 8. These results suggest that NGF may be involved in cerebellar development as a mediator of morphogenesis and/or synaptogenesis.
Improving phishing countermeasures: An analysis of expert interviews

In this paper, we present data from 31 semi-structured interviews with anti-phishing experts from academia, law enforcement, and industry. Our analysis led to eight key findings and 18 recommendations to improve phishing countermeasures. Our findings describe the evolving phishing threat, stakeholder incentives to devote resources to anti-phishing efforts, what stakeholders should do to most effectively address the problem, and the role of education and law enforcement.
α-Fe2O3 nanocolumns and nanorods fabricated by electron beam evaporation for visible light photocatalytic and antimicrobial applications.

Both Fe2O3 thin films and nanorod arrays are deposited using electron beam evaporation through normal thin film deposition and oblique angle deposition (OAD) and are characterized structurally, optically, and photocatalytically. The morphologies of the thin films are found to be arrays of very thin and closely packed columnar structures, while the OAD films are well-aligned nanorod arrays. All films were determined to be in the hematite phase (α-Fe2O3), as confirmed by both structural and optical characterization. Texture measurements indicate that films have similar growth modes where the [110] direction aligns with the direction of material growth. Under visible light illumination, the thin film samples were more efficient at photocatalytically degrading methylene blue, while the nanorod arrays were more efficient at inactivating E. coli O157:H7. The size of the targeted agent and the different film morphologies result in different reactant/surface interactions, which is the main factor that determines ...
Isolation of timeless by PER Protein Interaction: Defective Interaction Between timeless Protein and Long-Period Mutant PERL

The period (per) gene likely encodes a component of the Drosophila circadian clock. Circadian oscillations in the abundance of per messenger RNA and per protein (PER) are thought to arise from negative feedback control of per gene transcription by PER. A recently identified second clock locus, timeless (tim), apparently regulates entry of PER into the nucleus. Reported here are the cloning of complementary DNAs derived from the tim gene in a two-hybrid screen for PER-interacting proteins and the demonstration of a physical interaction between the tim protein (TIM) and PER in vitro. A restricted segment of TIM binds directly to a part of the PER dimerization domain PAS. PERL, a mutation that causes a temperature-sensitive lengthening of circadian period and a temperature-sensitive delay in PER nuclear entry, exhibits a temperature-sensitive defect in binding to TIM. These results suggest that the interaction between TIM and PER determines the timing of PER nuclear entry and therefore the duration of part of the circadian cycle.
Black Political Representation in Southern Cities Election Systems and Other Causal Variables

Cities of the deep South are distinctive because they are at once influenced by a con sistently large black population and a history of discrimination. This study seeks to identify and measure the significant causal variables that affect black representation in cities of three southern states. Blacks are greatly underrepresented, but changes are occurring and black representation is increasing. This situation requires person-to-person data gathering for accuracy. The results show that equitable representation for black citizens in southern cities depends heavily on the method by which the city governing body is elected. The at-large selection systems used by two-thirds of the cities have a negative impact on black representation. The percentage of black population is highly significant as a positive causal variable. Socioeconomic variables appear less important but are difficult to evaluate. A speculative finding that election method affects southern black political participation makes this variable espec...
An immunologic comparison of twelve strains of Cryptococcus neoformans (Torula histolytica).

Summary1. Rabbits were immunized with 9 strains of Cryptococcus neoformans. After 12 weekly series of injections, 3 strains produced agglutinin titers of 1:320, 4 strains gave titers ranging from 1:10 to 1:40 and 2 strains failed to produce antibodies.2. On the basis of reciprocal agglutinin absorptions, 3 serologic types of the organism are described. These have been designated as Types A, B, and C.
An Activation Function in Pit-1 Required Selectively for Synergistic Transcription

Synergistic transcription activation is a key component in the generation of the spectrum of eukaryotic promoter activities by a limited number of transcription factors. Various mechanisms could account for synergy, but a central question remains of whether synergism requires transcription factor functions that differ from those that direct independent activation. The rat growth hormone promoter is synergistically activated by the pituitary-specific transcription factor, Pit-1, and the thyroid hormone receptor (TR). Mutations that disrupted the previously described DNA binding and transcriptional activation domains of both Pit-1 and TR reduced Pit-1/TR synergy in parallel with their effects on the much weaker, independent Pit-1 and TR activations of the rat growth hormone promoter. Thus, Pit-1 and TR amplify each other's intrinsic activities. Mutations of Pit-1 that selectively inhibited synergism with the TR without affecting independent Pit-1 activity were also identified. Pit-1/TR synergy is therefore a consequence of a novel synergism-selective activity and synergism-independent Pit-1 and TR functions.
Career development of youth: a nationwide study

The primary objective of the study described here was to assess and summarize core aspects of the career development of American youth. A nationally representative sample of approximately 32,000 8th, 9th, and 11th graders in 200 schools participated in the study in the spring of 1973. This article focuses on the study's more salient findings and presents results in terms of what students say, do, and know about career development. A major finding is the sharp contrast between students' need for help with career planning and the help they have been receiving. In general, results support the current emphasis on career guidance and career education.
Statistics and archaeology in Israel

Abstract While the field of statistics is fairly young, the field of archaeology is quite old. Modern archaeology prides itself on its ability to glean maximum information about the past from minimal information collected in the present. This paper attempts to show how the application of statistical thinking and techniques can aid the archaeologist in retrieving as much information as possible from artifacts; thus allowing the archaeologists to leave the majority of a site for future generations. In the past few years, archaeologists working in Israel have joined forces with statisticians in an attempt to generate more accurate recordings of archaeological information than is currently the standard in the Middle East. Careful application of statistical methods has reduced collection time and improved the display of archaeological information. An understanding of statistical concepts such as variability and density estimation has already been shown to be of use to archaeologists. Conversely, the use of examples from the field have proven to be of use in motivating humanities students to learn about statistical thinking. Archaeology has also provided a field in which students of statistics may apply their new found knowledge. The combination of statistics and archaeology is clearly of benefit to both disciplines.
Warrants, ownership concentration, and market liquidity

Purpose – Firms issuing equity securities for capital must recognize that this issuance may alter the ownership concentration of the firm. Through this change in ownership structure, the market liquidity of the firm's stock may also change, which has implications for the cost of equity capital and firm value. This paper aims to examine a specific security, the common stock purchase warrant, within this context. It also aims to posit that the decision to issue warrants has important implications for the firm's subsequent ownership structure and market liquidity.Design/methodology/approach – The paper's unique dataset of warrant‐issuing firms tracks the warrants from their issue through to their exercise. Based on the study of SEOs by Kothare, the ownership concentration and market liquidity of the underlying stock prior to and following warrant exercises are measured. The paper examines the causal relations between warrant exercises and ownership changes, and between ownership changes and market liquidity....
Identification of tetraploid regenerants from cotyledons of diploid watermelon cultured in vitro

Adventitious shoots were obtained from the diploid watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] cultivars Dixielee, Jubilee II, Mickylee, Minilee, and Royal Sweet by culturing excised cotyledons on shoot regeneration medium for six weeks. Tetraploid and diploid regenerants were identified by counting the number of chloroplasts per guard cell pair from leaves of regenerated plants. Cross fertilization of putative tetraploids with diploid pollinators and the production of triploid seed confirmed the efficacy of this approach. The mean number of chloroplasts for tetraploid regenerants was 19.1 whereas diploids averaged 11.2. These values were similar to tetraploid and diploid plants from seed. Ovary diameter, petal, and anther diameter of male flowers, and leaf length by width ratio were also good indicators of plant ploidy. Progeny obtained from self-fertile tetraploids of ‘Mickylee’ were crossed with various diploid pollinators to produce triploid hybrid seed. All triploid plants from tissue culture-derived tetraploids produced fruit comparable in quality to fruit produced by currently-available triploid hybrids, demonstrating that in vitro tetraploid induction can be used to produce high quality tetraploid plants for use in triploid hybrid seed production.
Aprotinin improves outcome of single-ventricle palliation

Background. Elevation of pulmonary vascular resistance as a consequence of cardiopulmonary bypass may lead to failure of single-ventricle palliation. We reviewed our experience with aprotinin, a nonspecific serine protease inhibitor, to determine whether it could ameliorate the inflammatory effects of cardiopulmonary bypass and improve outcome of single-ventricle palliation. Methods. Forty-six consecutive patients undergoing single-ventricle palliation using cardiopulmonary bypass were reviewed retrospectively. Aprotinin was used in 8 of 30 bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt and 10 of 16 Fontan procedures. Results. Aprotinin use was associated with a decrease in the early postoperative transpulmonary gradient among patients undergoing Fontan and bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt procedures. The bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt aprotinin group had a higher oxygen saturation and a decrease in quantity and duration of thoracic drainage. Among patients receiving aprotinin there were no episodes of mediastinitis, thrombus formation, or renal failure. Conclusions. Aprotinin use in single-ventricle palliation was associated with decreased transpulmonary gradient and increased oxygen saturation consistent with decreased pulmonary vascular resistance. This retrospective study suggests that aprotinin has a favorable impact on the early postoperative course of single-ventricle palliation.
Locomotory function of the squid mantle

A detailed kinematic analysis of the mantle movements of swimming Lolliguncula brevis was made. Some data were also obtained on Loligo pealei. The qualitative and quantitative data provided are of use in discussing mechanisms of squid mantle function. Several possible mechanisms of squid mantle re-expansion were proposed and investigated. The inhalant phase of jet propulsion is probably effected by contraction of the radial muscles, since thinning of the mantle wall accompanies re-expansion. The radial muscles may cause mantle re-expansion by contracting alternately with the circular muscles in response to nerve impulses, or by contracting alternately with the circular muscles in response to stretch cycles effected by mantle wall thickening in the power stroke, or by contracting continuously through both power and recovery strokes. Elasticity of the mantle tissue may contribute to mantle re-expansion. Neither pressure pumps nor a Bernoulli effect mechanism are effectors of mantle re-expansion.
Mechanisms and management of nephrotic edema

A 61-year-old Chinese man was admitted to Moffitt Hospital, University of California San Francisco, 3 years ago with a chief complaint of swelling, a 17 lb weight gain, and progressive dyspnea on exertion for the 2 weeks prior to admission. The patient had noted pedal edema 7 months before admission. Evaluation at that time disclosed a serum creatinine of 4 mg/dl; diuretics were prescribed and he was seen by several nephrologists, the last of whom treated him with oral prednisone, 60 mg daily; this medication was quickly tapered after 3 weeks. When the swelling and dyspnea persisted, the patient was referred to UCSF for evaluation. A diagnosis of Graves' disease had been made in the past, and he was treated with 1311 ablation; subsequently he developed hypothyroidism and was given thyroid replacement medication daily. He also had a history of anemia but no complaints of gastrointestinal dysfunction or bleeding. He had no history of hepatitis, tuberculosis, hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. The patient smokes one-third of a pack of cigarettes per day, drinks alcohol only occasionally, and has never used intravenous drugs. He is a retired laundry worker who lives with his wife. Medications at the time of admission included bumetanide, 1.5mg daily; hydrochlorothiazide, 50 mg daily; prednisone, 10 mg daily; levothyroxine, 0.075 mg daily; and iron sulfate tablets, intermittently. Physical examination revealed a well-developed Asian man in no obvious distress. His blood pressure was 110/78 mm Hg, heart rate, 104 beats/mm; respiratory rate, 20 beats/mm; and temperature, 37.5°C. The jugular venous pressure was estimated at 8 cm. His tongue was swollen, and the thyroid was not palpable. Both lungs were dull to percussion at the bases and breath sounds were decreased. Cardiac examination
Microstructure Effects on the Water Oxidation Activity of Co3O4/Porous Silica Nanocomposites

We investigate the effect of microstructuring on the water oxidation (oxygen evolution) activity of two types of Co3O4/porous silica composites: Co3O4/porous SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles with varying shell thicknesses and surface areas, and Co3O4/mesoporous silica nanocomposites with various surface functionalities. Catalytic tests in the presence of Ru(bpy)32+ as a photosensitizer and S2O82– as a sacrificial electron acceptor show that porous silica shells of up to ~20 nm in thickness lead to increased water oxidation activity. We attribute this effect to either (1) a combination of an effective increase in catalyst active area or consequent higher local concentration of Ru(bpy)32+; (2) a decrease in the permittivity of the medium surrounding the catalyst surface and a consequent increase in the rate of charge transfer; or both. Functionalized Co3O4/mesoporous silica nanocomposites show lower water oxidation activity compared with the parent nonfunctionalized catalyst, likely because of partial pore blo...
Solvent Vapor Transfer across an Enthalpy Energy System

A study was done on an enthalpy heat transfer wheel (heat wheel) because there was suspected excessive contamination from the exhaust side of the wheel into the building supply side. A quantitative test was done with a fluorocarbon vapor during which the concentration was measured almost simultaneously in the supply and exhaust plenums. The results showed a significant carry-over of the vapor into the supply.
p-competition graphs

Abstract If D = ( V , A ) is a digraph, its p -competition graph has vertex set V and an edge between x and y if and only if there are distinct vertices a 1 , …, a p and arcs ( x , a i ) and ( y , a i ) in D for each i ≤ p . This definition generalizes the widely studied p = 1 case of ordinary competition graphs. We obtain results about p -competition graphs analogous to the well-known results about ordinary competition graphs and apply these results to specific cases.
Injury Prevention and Control

Injuries remain the leading cause of death of Americans ages 1 to 44 years, and prevention is an essential companion to injury treatment. Effective injury prevention begins with an understanding of epidemiologic issues, such as injury classification, demographic patterns, data sources for research, and general prevention strategies. Emergency physicians can help to reach national goals for injury prevention, as outlined in Healthy People 2010, through patient education, surveillance system enhancement, and ongoing research in treatment and outcomes. Interventions for certain injury problems, including violence, falls, traffic injuries, and alcohol abuse, can be implemented in emergency departments. Although great progress has occurred in injury prevention in the United States, physicians have an integral role in ongoing efforts, through patient education, use of social resources, design of intervention programs, research, and policy development.
Does resveratrol improve insulin signaling in chronically ischemic myocardium

Background Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol believed to be cardioprotective. We previously demonstrated that resveratrol improves insulin signaling and glucose metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle of swine with metabolic syndrome. Although resveratrol has metabolic benefits in peripheral tissues, its effect on insulin signaling in ischemic myocardium (IM) is unclear. Therefore, we developed a clinically relevant swine model of metabolic syndrome and chronic myocardial ischemia to investigate the effects of resveratrol on insulin signaling in cardiac tissue.
Studies on a protein isolated from livers of diabetic and fasted rats.

Abstract A protein that is synthesized by livers of diabetic and fasting rats has been isolated and purified. This protein is either not synthesized or it is synthesized in trace amounts by livers of normal or fasted and refed animals. This component, designated as “7S” protein, accompanies the fatty acid synthetase through all steps of purification. However, it can be separated from the fatty acid synthetase by two successive sucrose density gradient centrifugations. When separated in this way it is nearly homogenous in size and charge (disk gel electrophoresis). The 7S proteins obtained from diabetic and fasted livers are identical with respect to size, charge, and immunochemical properties. This protein does not catalyze any of the partial reactions of fatty acid synthesis, does not bind acetyl or malonyl groups, and it does not exhibit acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity. Immunological studies show it to be unrelated to the fatty acid synthetase. Finally, it has no effect on the rate of fatty acid synthesis or on acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity. Thus, on the basis of these properties, the 7S protein is not related to the fatty acid synthetase and probably not to acetyl-CoA carboxylase. The function of this protein remains to be determined.
An attributional analysis of compliance‐gaining interactions

We investigated the applicability of Weiner's (1986) attribution theory to compliance‐gaining interactions. Participants telephoned trained confederates and attempted to persuade those confederates to honor a previous commitment to participate in a research project. Participants’ persistence and strategy use were expected to vary depending on the locus, stability, and controllability of the excuses for not complying offered by the targets (confederates). Transcripts of telephone interactions and participant ratings were analyzed. Attributional dimensions did affect participants’ persistence at seeking compliance, use of particular strategies, and perceptions of target sincerity. Implications for compliance gaining and for attribution theory are discussed.
Hopituy: Hopi Art from the Permanent Collections

This work is a exhibition and catalogue review considering Hopituy: Hopi Art from the Permanent Collections, a project of the Fred Jones, Jr. Museum of Art.
POLITICAL INSTITUTIONS AND CONSERVATION BY LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

In this article, the authors develop a political market framework to explain the circumstances under which Florida counties will supply environmental public goods in the form of conservation amendments to county general plans. The framework emphasizes the role of local legislative and executive institutions as mediators of local policy change. Using count models and interaction terms, the analysis shows how the strength of real estate interests constrains the ability of professional county managers to pursue conservation policies. The findings reinforce the importance of developing theories of urban politics in which local political institutions are not transparent.
γ-aminobutyric acid receptors at the ventral surface of the medulla inhibit respiratory motor outflow to the laryngeal musculature☆

Abstract The effect of activating γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors at the ventral surface of the medulla on the activity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and phrenic nerve was assessed in the cat. Characteristics of the effects of GABA on the activity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve were compared with those on that of the phrenic nerve which has previously been shown to be inhibited by the application of GABA to the ventral surface of the medulla. Application of GABA (0.017–4.05 mg) to the intermediate area produced a dose-related inhibition of respiratory activity in the recurrent laryngeal nerve, as well as the phrenic nerve, that culminated in apnea. The inhibition in each nerve was seen as a decrease in amplitude of nerve activity with no change in respiratory rate. The onset time, peak time and recovery time from GABA-induced inhibition of activity in the recurrent laryngeal and phrenic nerves were not significantly different. The ED 50 value for GABA and its 95% confidence interval for inhibition of the activities of the recurrent laryngeal and phrenic nerves were 0.26 mg (0.19–0.36 mg) and 0.27 mg (0.20–0.37 mg), respectively. Therefore, the potency of GABA for the inhibition of the activity of these nerves was not significantly different. The GABA receptor antagonist, bicuculline (10 μg), reversed the inhibition of the activities of both the recurrent laryngeal and the phrenic nerves. The time for return of phasic activity in each nerve after bicuculline was not significantly different. No significant changes in the activity of either the recurrent laryngeal or the phrenic nerves occurred following application of GABA to the rostral or caudal areas on the ventral surface of the medulla. These findings indicate that GABA receptors, at the intermediate area on the ventral surface of the medulla, are involved in the regulation of respiratory motor outflow to the larynx as well as to the diaphragm.
SML: A structured musical language

Most of the problems with existing computer musicological systems have to do with the lack of capability for capturing the important notion of musical structure. In the new language SML (AStructuredMusicalLanguage), this aspect is given foremost attention as a technique for encoding a musical score in a clear and vivid form. Musical structures are patterned after the control structures of Pascal, together with instrument representations modeled on the idea of a Pascal record type. A complete example of the SML encoding of a Schumann song is included.
The 1.70 Å X-ray crystal structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis phosphoglycerate mutase

The single-crystal X-ray structure of phosphoglycerate mutase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been determined at a resolution of 1.70 A. The C-terminal tail of each of the subunits is flexible and disordered; however, for one of the four chains (chain A) all but five residues of the chain could be modeled. Noteworthy features of the structure include the active site and a proline-rich segment in each monomer forming a short left-handed polyprolyl helix. These segments lie on the enzyme surface and could conceivably participate in protein–protein interactions.
Intra-renal delivery of mesenchymal stem cells attenuates myocardial injury after reversal of hypertension in porcine renovascular disease

Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) fails to fully improve cardiac injury and dysfunction in patients with renovascular hypertension (RVH). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) restore renal function, but their potential for attenuating cardiac injury after reversal of RVH has not been explored. We hypothesized that replenishment of MSCs during PTRA would improve cardiac function and oxygenation, and decrease myocardial injury in porcine RVH. Pigs were studied after 16 weeks of RVH, RVH treated 4 weeks earlier with PTRA with or without adjunct intra-renal delivery of MSC (10^6 cells), and controls. Cardiac structure, function (fast-computed tomography (CT)), and myocardial oxygenation (Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent- magnetic resonance imaging) were assessed in-vivo. Myocardial microvascular density (micro-CT) and myocardial injury were evaluated ex-vivo. Kidney venous and systemic blood levels of inflammatory markers were measured and their renal release calculated. PTRA normalized blood pressure, yet stenotic-kidney glomerular filtration rate, similarly blunted in RVH and RVH + PTRA, normalized only in PTRA + MSC-treated pigs. PTRA attenuated left ventricular remodeling, whereas myocardial oxygenation, subendocardial microvascular density, and diastolic function remained decreased in RVH + PTRA, but normalized in RVH + PTRA-MSC. Circulating isoprostane levels and renal release of inflammatory cytokines increased in RVH and RVH + PTRA, but normalized in RVH + PTRA-MSC, as did myocardial oxidative stress, inflammation, collagen deposition, and fibrosis. Intra-renal MSC delivery during PTRA preserved stenotic-kidney function, reduced systemic oxidative stress and inflammation, and thereby improved cardiac function, oxygenation, and myocardial injury four weeks after revascularization, suggesting a therapeutic potential for adjunctive MSC delivery to preserve cardiac function and structure after reversal of experimental RVH.
Dynamic trajectory planning for autonomous underwater vehicle-manipulator systems

An approach to dynamics-based trajectory planning for systems composed of subsystems with different dynamic responses is presented. This approach requires that the task-space trajectory be represented in terms of Fourier series. Various frequency components from this series are then used to generate the reference joint-space trajectories based on the natural frequencies of the respective subsystems. This approach is further extended for trajectory planning of an autonomous underwater vehicle manipulator system, where the underwater vehicle has much slower response than the on-board manipulator. The advantage of this proposed dynamics-based planning methodology is its ability to generate both kinematically admissible and dynamically feasible trajectories. Results from computer simulations are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed scheme.
Dermal dendritic melanocytic proliferations: an update

Dermal dendritic melanocytic proliferations are a broad group of congenital and acquired melanocytic lesions characterized by the presence of dermal spindled and dendritic cells resembling melanocytes migrating from the neural crest to the epidermis. Historically, they were subdivided into dermal melanocytoses (naevus of Ota, Ito, Mongolian spot and related conditions), blue naevi and malignant blue naevi. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on recent developments in the field with emphasis on new entities and their differential diagnosis.
Contested Mythologies: The Architectural Deconstruction of a Totalitarian Culture

Abstract One question facing post-totalitarian countries such as Romania would appear to be the extent to which the creation of a political theocracy is rooted in place or in person, and the extent to which revision of the built environment can deconstruct this. This “political spirituality” may, perhaps, be better described as a network of mythologies, some of which are contemporary myths and memories created to explain or assimilate contemporary events and some of which are more archaic or folkloric but reattached to new contexts of meaning. The 1996 architectural competition, the Bucuresti 2000, in its attempt to reframe the urban and architectural interventions imposed by Ceausescu before his deposition, illuminates the complexity of this goal and the ways in which the entire competition process was informed by the histories and mythologies of Bucharest—in particular, the reality and mythology of trauma.
A frequency content condition for split algorithm-composite error adaptive system stability

Local stability for adaptive parameter estimation systems involving split algorithms and composite errors is considered from a frequency content viewpoint. Previous work has shown that definitive local stability conditions for these systems, phrased independently of regressor structure, are more restrictive than corresponding conditions for less general adaptive system models. In this paper, it is shown that by incorporating the regressor structure into the stability considerations, a frequency range for 'good' excitation can be described in the following sense. If the frequency content of the system excitation lies wholly within this 'good' range, then with satisfaction of certain persistent spanning conditions, the parameter estimator system will be locally stable. The task of analytically specifying the limits of this good frequency range is quite difficult; however it is possible to describe some qualitative properties of the frequency range which are helpful in the stable design of a split algorithm-composite error adaptive system. >
Adoption of open source software (OSS) for Uganda: A social construction perspective

Drawing from the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) perspective (Pinch & Bijker, 1986), this exploratory study will examine the multiple perspectives of the various stakeholders in the proposed formulation of a new legal framework for Uganda to adopt Open Source Software (OSS) as alternative to proprietary software AND as a means of propelling the country into the information society.
Conformational transitions in single protein and polysaccharide molecules studied with AFM techniques

We use single molecule AFM techniques to trigger mechanical unfolding and mechanical unfolding intermediates in the immunoglobulin modules of an engineered polyprotein. Site directed mutagenesis of the immunoglobulin modules results in well defined mechanical phenotypes that are readily detectable with single molecule AFM techniques. In addition to examining the conformational changes of proteins, we can also use similar techniques to trigger chair to boat, and chair inversion transitions in the pyranose rings of single polysaccharide molecules. Our results demonstrate the use of an AFM to detect conformational changes in single molecules with a resolution similar to that of NMR or X-ray diffraction techniques.
Delay time estimate for "FAST" CMOS drivers with noisy ground reference

A closed form equation to predict the signal delay of high speed CMOS drivers as a function of the Simultaneous Switching Noise (SSN) has been derived. This delay estimate agrees with the results obtained from SPICE simulations with typical driver strengths and load capacitances.
Role of hydroxycinnamic acids in food flavor: a brief overview

The influence of hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) on food flavor is reviewed. In coffee, whole-grain foods and related model systems, the HCAs have been reported to contribute to the flavor profile by multiple mechanisms, such as to impart taste attributes, to generate aroma and taste-active compounds by phenolic degradation, as well as to alter the mechanisms of the Maillard reaction and related flavor development. Consequently the role of HCAs on the flavor properties of food products is complex, multifaceted and can be related to the chemistry and fate of HCAs during thermal processing.
A generalized MATLAB-based distributed-computing optimization tool

A distributed computing optimization architecture was developed by SwRI for use with numerical solvers. This optimization toolbox is very generalized and can be easily adapted to use with any numerical solver having a well-described input and output file system. In combination with the use of MATLAB, this makes it a very flexible and powerful analysis and development tool. The tool employs an optimization routine, input file modification routines to generate numerous solver input files, and output extraction routines to extract the pertinent solver output data. Specifically, advanced development has been done using the numerical electromagnetic code (NEC) ante wire/plate with dielectrics (WIPL-D), genetic algorithm optimization toolbox (GAOT) and CONDOR/sup /spl reg// to demonstrate proof-of-concept.
Increased osteoblast adhesion on nano structured selenium- a promising material for orthopedic applications

Metallic bone implants possess numerous problems limiting their efficacy, such as poor osseointegration, stress shielding, and corrosion under in vivo environments. In addition, these materials were not originally developed to simultaneously serve as an orthopedic implant and treat bone cancer (for which some patients require an orthopedic implant). The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of selenium as a bone implant material to prevent bone cancer from re-occurring and support new healthy bone growth. For this, selenium (spherical or semispherical shots) was pressed into compacts and then etched using NaOH to obtain various surface structures ranging from the micron, sub micron to nano scales. Elemental selenium was also coated on titanium substrates at different coverage levels using selenium salt reduction by glutathione. Through these etching and coating techniques, biologically-inspired nano surface roughness values were created on selenium compacts and selenium coated on titanium to match those of natural bone. Increased osteoblast (bone-forming cells) adhesion was observed on the more rough selenium compacts and on titanium substrates with higher levels of selenium coverage. In this manner, this study suggests a promising future for nanostructured selenium in orthopedic applications involving bone cancer treatment
Through the Looking Glass: Phenomenological Reports of Advanced Meditators at Visual Threshold

A tachistoscopic paradigm was used to explore the perceptual experiences of advanced meditators. Phenomenological reports from the meditators differed from those of non-meditating simulators, and i...
DyAD - smart routing for networks-on-chip

In this paper, we present and evaluate a novel routing scheme called DyAD which combines the advantages of both deterministic and adaptive routing schemes. More precisely, we envision a new routing technique which judiciously switches between deterministic and adaptive routing based on the network's congestion conditions. The simulation results show the effectiveness of DyAD by comparing it with purely deterministic and adaptive routing schemes under different traffic patterns. Moreover, a prototype router based on the DyAD idea has been designed and evaluated. Compared to purely adaptive routers, the overhead of implementing DyAD is negligible (less than 7%), while the performance is consistently better.
Cytoplasmic Staining of TTF-1 in the Differential Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma vs Cholangiocarcinoma and Metastatic Carcinoma of the Liver

The cytoplasmic staining of thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1 was analyzed in 86 liver resection specimens, including 40 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 4 metastatic HCC, 20 cholangiocarcinoma, 2 combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC), and 20 metastatic carcinoma (MC), with immunohistochemical stains to TTF-1, cytokeratin (CK)19, hepatocyte paraffin 1, α-fetoprotein, polyclonal carcinoembryonic antigen, CK7, and CK20. TTF-1 cytoplasmic staining was identified in 93% of HCCs (37/40), 100% of metastatic HCCs (4/4), 10% of cholangiocarcinomas (2/20), and 5% of MCs (1/20). CK19 was positive in all cholangiocarcinomas and MCs but only in 5% of HCCs (2/40) and none of the metastatic HCCs (0/4). TTF-1 cytoplasmic staining positively correlates with differentiation and the trabecular growth pattern of HCC. The results suggest TTF-1 cytoplasmic staining, together with CK19, might serve as a useful marker for the diagnosis of primary and metastatic HCC and for the differential diagnosis of HCC from cholangiocarcinoma and MC. The mechanism of TTF-1 cytoplasmic staining is explored.
What is a cladogram and what is not

The origins and meanings of "cladogram" are reviewed. Traditionally, "cladogram" has been defined as a graphical representation of an empirical hypothesis of relationships among taxa, based on evidence from synapomorphies alone. Disturbingly, numerous recent authors treat "cladogram" as synonymous with "dendrogram" and do not appreciate the particular methodological connotations of the former term. This is lamented.
Motion-computerized tomographic colography is a better method for screening for polyps: Arguments for the motion

Colorectal cancer is an important public health problem that is amenable to prevention and early treatment. Traditional screening techniques - fecal occult blood testing, flexible sigmoidoscopy, barium enema and colonoscopy - each have limitations in terms of diagnostic accuracy, cost and/or patient acceptability. Compliance with recommendations for screening has been poor, in part, because of negative perceptions about the available modalities. Virtual colonoscopy, or computerized tomographic colography, is a minimally invasive technique that safely evaluates the entire colon and does not require sedation. Thorough cleansing as well as immobilization and air insufflation of the colon is crucial to a successful examination. Sensitivity and specificity rates are reasonable, compared with conventional colonoscopy, and it has been shown that the latter technique can be averted in over two-thirds of cases, with few false-negative examinations. Most patients find virtual colonoscopy more acceptable than the conventional technique, and would prefer it if a repeat procedure were warranted. An economic analysis that found that computerized tomographic colography was less cost effective than conventional colonoscopy did not consider the indirect costs of the latter, which is an important limitation. Virtual colonoscopy is a novel radiological technique that may revolutionize screening for colorectal cancer.
VPER - A Visual HelPER Device for the Visually Impaired Users

Formulating movements in an indoor environment requires not only object but also people information, including people position and moving direction, and it is especially challenging for the visually impaired particularly in an unfamiliar indoor environment. A number of prior researches have offered various solutions. However, the bulk of prior researches applied instrumented sensors which require high network density in order to deploy the system. In this paper, we describe VPER (Visual Helper) designed for a visually impaired person to sense his/her surrounding information in an indoor environment. With the help of motion sensor Kinect for Windows Version 2.0, VPER allows the active user to obtain his/her surrounding information such as the number of people around him/her, their actions, orientation and positions, these pieces of information will then be conveyed through haptic cues (vibration) and audio cues.
Esophageal atresia with or without tracheoesophageal fistula: success and failure in 94 cases.

BACKGROUND: The management of newborns with esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) has evolved considerably over the years. Currently an overall survival of 85% to ...