cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catalytic gasification of graphite by barium in steam, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen

Controlled atmosphere electron microscopy studies have demonstrated that barium, derived from BaNO/sub 2/, is an extremely active catalyst for the graphite-steam reaction at temperatures in excess of 800/sup 0/C in 2 Torr Ar/H/sub 2/O (40:1). Continuous observation of the process up to 1150/sup 0/C shows that the mode of catalytic action is dependent upon the temperature. In the initial stages, particles located at edges and steps on the surface wet and spread along these sites, which then undergo rapid recession. As a consequence, most of the material is utilized during the reaction, making BaO not only a very active additive, but also a very efficient one. As the temperature is raised, there is an increasing tendency for particles to reform at edges, and the catalytic mode changes to channeling. Treatment of the barium/graphite system in carbon dioxide shows parallel behavior to that observed in steam. The oxide is also an active catalyst for the graphite-oxygen reaction, but in this case its activity is similar to that of many other additives. In another series of experiments, barium nitrite/graphite specimens were treated in hydrogen. When barium was activated, it was found to be an effective hydrogenation catalyst for graphite. To achieve thismore » condition, it is necessary to heat the system to 900/sup 0/C, and then the catalytic channels which are produced will continue to progress even as the temperature is decreased to 700/sup 0/C. In contrast to the oxidation reactions, the additive did not exhibit any wetting and spreading effects in the hydrogen environment.« less
Synthesis and characterization of a novel calcium-selective chelator

Abstract A calcium-selective photochromic chelator to study the effects of physiological [Ca2+] oscillations on proteins in vitro or in vivo has been designed. The novel 2,2′-spirobi[2H-1-benzopyran] derivative 1 has been synthesized and the ion complexation properties of 1 with Mg2+, Ca2+, and Sr2+ in aqueous buffered solution have been investigated. The chelator 1 shows modest selectivity for calcium ion (K11=6720 M−1) over magnesium ion (K11=564 M−1) by 1H NMR titration.
Improvement of System Stability by Switched Series Capacitors

Improvement of transient stability of a 2-circuit ac transmission link by use of switched series capacitors is analyzed by equal-area diagrams for two kinds of disturbances: 1) a permanent fault on one ac circuit, cleared by opening a section of that circuit, without reclosure and 2) a permanent fault on a dc line operating in parallel with the ac line. In both cases, the aggregate megavar rating of series capacitors required for a given transient stability limit is shown to be smaller if some capacitors are switched than if all are unswitched. Moreover, the scheme with switched capacitors reduces the angular swing of the machines and the fluctuation of load voltages during the swing.
Coronary flow reserve provided by sequential internal mammary artery grafts.

Although internal mammary artery bypass grafts have a high patency rate, the adequacy of blood flow through such conduits, particularly if used sequentially, has been questioned. To evaluate this issue, coronary flow reserve was studied in 20 patients after coronary bypass surgery. Nine patients had sequential internal mammary grafts to the diagonal and left anterior descending coronary arteries; five had a single internal mammary graft to the left anterior descending artery and six had sequential saphenous vein grafts. Fifteen additional single vein grafts were also placed in these patients. Coronary flow reserve was measured after contrast-induced hyperemia by a digital subtraction angiographic technique an average of 25 days after surgery. There was no difference in coronary flow reserve between the proximal and distal anastomotic regions in either the sequential internal mammary graft group (2.14 ± 0:50 versus 2.29 ± 0.68, n = 8, p = NS) or the sequential vein group (1.77 ± 0.49 versus 2:08 ± 0.78, n = 6, p = NS). In addition, the flow reserve provided to either vascular bed of the sequential internal mammary graft was not different from that provided by a single internal mammary graft (1.64 ± 0,39, n = 5), a single vein graft (1.95 ± 0.95, n = 15) or nonstenotic native coronary arteries (2.04 ± 0.87, n = 34). No cases of intracoronary steal were observed. Although some patients had unequal flow reserves between the proximal and distal anastomotic zones, these occurred in the setting of residual coronary stenoses distal to the site of graft insertion or prior myocardial infarction in the grafted distribution. These data demonstrate that sequential internal mammary artery grafts are capable of providing sufficient coronary flow reserve for both vascular beds. Furthermore, the flow reserve in these individual regions equals that provided by either sequential or single saphenous vein grafts or single internal mammary artery grafts and is similar to that found in nonstenotic native coronary arteries.
Abstract A61: Pilot study of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) in patients with Barrett's esophagus and dysplasia

Abstracts: Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research 2008 A61 Background Patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) and dysplasia are ideal candidates for chemopreventive strategies to reduce cancer risk. Difluoromethylornithine (DMFO) is a promising chemopreventive agent that inhibits polyamine synthesis involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. We conducted a pilot study to examine the effects of DFMO on esophageal histopathology, mucosal polyamine content, and gene expression. Materials and Methods Patients (n=10) with histologically confirmed BE and low grade dysplasia were enrolled in a single-arm study of DFMO (0.5 g/m2/d) given continuously for 6 months. Esophagoscopy with biopsies (4 quadrants every 1 cm) was performed at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and at 12 months (where available). Grading of dysplasia was performed by a GI pathologist blinded to clinical/biomarker data. Audiology was also performed. Mucosal polyamine content was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and analyzed using paired t-tests. Gene expression profiling was performed using a cDNA two-color chip, and was compared between baseline and 6 months. Expression data was normalized using the two-channel fastlo routine and differential expression was computed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results After 6 months of DFMO treatment, histopathological response data demonstrate regression of dysplasia (n= 1), stable disease (n= 8), and progression of dysplasia (n= 1). Within the stable category, 2 patients with extensive low grade dysplasia showed only focal dysplasia based upon 4 or more biopsies at 6 months. Histolopathological improvements seen at 6 months were maintained at 12 months. Overall, DFMO was well tolerated. One patient had subclinical, unilateral ototoxicity. Modulation of polyamines (spermine, spermidine, putrescine, histamine) was shown only for putrescine which decreased with treatment (6 mo., p=0.07) and showed recovery to baseline at 12 months (p= 0.01). Gene expression profiling revealed modulated genes of potential biological importance ( KLF5, KAL1, RFC5, TIMM8a, TC10 ) and of these, Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) was downregulated whereas the others were upregulated. Conclusion >Further study of the chemopreventive effect of DFMO upon BE with dysplasia is suggested. DFMO treatment suppressed mucosal putrescine levels and downregulated KLF5 , an important mediator of cell proliferation. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):A61.
Life in the XY corral.

Synopsis This essay outlines some of the ways in which contemporary developmental biology has been shaped by the exigencies of particular social movements and ideologies. The work is divided into three parts. Part One explores how the removal of the developing organism from its environmental context and the placement of the nucleus rather than the integrated cell at the head of a developmental control hierarchy has powerfully advanced our abilities to create chimeric organisms, to use genetic engineering for better and for worse and even to create mammalian clones. Part Two outlines a relationship between a central tenet of developmental and evolutionary theory, the continuity of the germ line, and the eugenics movement active during the first quarter of this century. Part Three discusses how assumptions about gender which are deeply embedded in our language have affected theories of male and female development.
The Fueling of Active Galaxies

Collisions of galaxies are often invoked to explain vio lent phenomena in the universe. The dynamics of in teracting galaxies is intrinsically three-dimensional and involves both gas and stellar dynamics. In general, a computational approach is needed to model galactic collisions. Galaxy encounters are studied using a hy brid N-body/hydrodynamics code, capable of integrat ing systems of stars, gas, and dark matter in a fully self-consistent manner. These experiments demon strate that gravitational coupling between gas and stars in galactic interactions can drive most of the gas throughout a galaxy into the nucleus of a merger rem nant. The high densities in these gas concentrations are likely to result in strong bursts of star formation. Hence, this process may explain the nuclear starbursts in some systems of interacting galaxies. Further col lapse of these gas concentrations can trigger even more intense activity if some gas is eventually ac creted by a supermassive black hole. Such an evolu tionary sequence may account for some quasars and active galactic nuclei.
Insulin-like growth factor I receptor binding in brains of Alzheimer's and alcoholic patients.

: Patients with chronic alcoholism and/or Alzheimer's disease show degenerative changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. To investigate possible changes in insulin-like growth factor I receptor binding sites in brain tissue of patients with these pathological conditions, the number of 125I-insulin-like growth factor I binding sites was determined in tissues obtained from control patients and those with Alzheimer's and/or with a history of alcoholism. The four experimental groups examined consisted of patients from similar age groups. Postmortem histology and a clinical history were used for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and alcoholism, respectively. Careful clinical records were kept concerning other variables such as immediate cause of death and medications administered before death. Specific binding of 125I-insulin-like growth factor I to homogenates prepared from cerebral cortex of Alzheimer's, alcoholic, alcoholic Alzheimer's, and age-matched control patients was similar, although Alzheimer's patients tended to have slightly higher binding values. No significant differences in insulin-like growth factor I binding in cerebral cortex were found with regard to age of patients, the interval between death and autopsy, and CNS-active medications. No statistical differences in 125I-insulin-like growth factor I binding were noted in hippocampal tissue from the four patient groups. Thus, human insulin-like growth factor I binding sites in cerebral cortex and hippocampus appear unaffected by several variables.
Plasma testosterone levels and male homosexuality: A failure to replicate

The plasma testosterone values for 15 male homosexuals of Kinsey rating 5 or 6 were compared to the values reported by Kolodny et al.(1971), who had found male homosexuals to have lower testosterone values than heterosexuals. The values for our 15 male homosexuals were found to be significantly higher than those reported by Kolodny et al.In fact, the mean values for the current sample did not differ from the mean value reported by Kolodny et al.for heterosexual (Kinsey rating 0 or 1) controls. The present findings thus fail to confirm the relation between degree of homosexuality and plasma testosterone level.
Law governed peer-to-peer secondary spectrum marketplaces

We describe a decentralized peer-to-peer online secondary spectrum marketplace, where consumers can trade exclusive access rights to a specific portion of the spectrum (designated by geographic location, frequency band and time period) in return for fee payment, under the constraint of obeying the trading rules formulated by the government. The main advantage of such an innovative secondary spectrum marketplace over the current state of the art is that it reduces the complexity of spectrum management by removing governmental agencies from being directly involved in the completion of such transactions. The proposed model allows spectrum consumers to sell, lease or transfer the access rights to a chunk of spectrum by disaggregating, partitioning or time-sharing the corresponding spectrum in their possession. Further, we also outline an architecture in which such exclusive access rights to a portion of the spectrum could be used to regulate radio device transmission to enable proactive enforcement of the spectrum usage policies and to deter unauthorized transmissions. Overall our secondary spectrum marketplace model has the potential to reduce cost, increase spectrum efficiency, and to simplify the task of spectrum management.
Design Considerations for Plate and Frame Ultrafiltration Modules by Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

Pressure and flow maldistributions were studied in a full-scale industrial plate and frame ultrafiltration module, operating in a Z flow pattern, for the recovery of used motor oils. Solutions were obtained using (1) a three-dimensional solution of the Navier-Stokes equation using computational fluid dynamics and (2) Bernoulli's equation and a momentum balance in one dimension. Fluid decelerations and accelerations generated pressure increases and decreases in the distributor and collector, respectively, biasing the flow distribution to the last channel. Several modifications to the original design were evaluated; the most effective was larger distributor and collector diameters, which greatly improved the uniformity of the flow distribution and transmembrane pressure, and reduced the overall pressure drop in a bank. A variable diameter distributor and collector module was designed using the 1-D model. Flow distribution was significantly improved but also yielded an undesirable overall higher pressure drop and a pressure maldistribution in the bank. The maldistribution of the main inlet manifold to the distributors in the first bank was strongly dependent on the module design. The flow distribution across the width of a channel became uniform within a short distance, essentially eliminating the need to consider this design aspect any further. Flows at the bank outlets, and hence inlets of the following bank, showed uniform lateral distribution in all cases, suggesting that future modelling work can be limited to a fraction of the module width, based on symmetry, in order to gain computational efficiency.
Usefulness of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Superficial Femoral Artery for Screening Patients with Diabetes Mellitus for Atherosclerosis

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) allows direct and noninvasive visualization of atherosclerotic plaque burden. We examined atherosclerosis in 3 groups of patients without history or symptoms of peripheral arterial disease with varying expected burdens: those with diabetes mellitus (DM) and known coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 24), those with DM and a high prevalence of CAD risk factors (n = 20), and controls of similar age without DM or CAD and few CAD risk factors (n = 15). We also assessed the diagnostic accuracy of this technique to differentiate among these 3 groups. T1-weighted spin-echocardiographic images were used to measure mean wall thickness (WT) and total wall volume indexed to total vessel volume. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by area under receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. Patients with DM plus risk factors and DM plus CAD had higher mean WT (1.28 and 1.37 mm) and mean indexed wall volume (0.53 and 0.56) compared to controls (mean WT 1.16 mm and mean indexed wall volume 0.45; p <0.010 for all comparisons). Mean WT and indexed wall volume showed good diagnostic accuracy in discriminating controls from those with DM plus CAD (areas under curve 0.85 and 0.87, respectively, p <0.001), whereas only indexed wall volume discriminated DM plus risk factors from controls (area under curve 0.82, p <0.001). Neither could discriminate between DM plus risk factors and DM plus CAD. In conclusion, patients with DM plus risk factors and DM plus CAD had significantly greater atherosclerotic burden in the SFA on CMR imaging than controls of similar age, with good diagnostic accuracy in differentiating these groups. The high reproducibility and reliability of CMR of the SFA may facilitate improved assessment of atherosclerosis prevalence and progression/regression in studies of novel therapies.
The Benefits of Early Jejunal Hyperalimentation in the Head-Injured Patient

To determine the efficacy of early jejunal hyperalimentation as nutritional support in the head-injured patient, 32 head-injured patients with Glasgow Coma Scale scores less than 10 were studied for the first 7 days after injury. The experimental (E) group had nasojejunal feeding tubes placed fluoroscopically. Within 36 hours of injury, they received nutritional support equal to their measured resting energy expenditure. The control (C) group was fed gastrically when bowel sounds returned. There were no significant differences (P greater than 0.05) in age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, type of neurological injury, or associated injuries between the two groups. The mean resting energy expenditure, serum albumin, glucose, lymphocyte count, body weight, and total nitrogen loss were nearly identical for both groups. With the jejunal feedings, daily caloric (E = 2102 kcal versus C = 1100 kcal) and nitrogen intake (E = 11.1 g versus C = 5.6 g) and daily nitrogen balance (E = -4.3 g versus C = -11.8 g) improved. The incidence of bacterial infections (E = 3 versus C = 14) and days of intensive care unit hospitalization (E = 6 versus C = 10) were significantly reduced (P less than .05). Head-injured patients will tolerate early jejunal hyperalimentation despite the presence of a clinically silent abdomen, and the cost and complications of total parenteral nutrition are avoided. The increased caloric and nitrogen intake and improved nitrogen retention markedly reduced infections and days of stay in the intensive care unit.
Anthrax Toxin Targeting of Myeloid Cells through the CMG2 Receptor Is Essential for Establishment of Bacillus anthracis Infections in Mice

Bacillus anthracis kills through a combination of bacterial infection and toxemia. Anthrax toxin working via the CMG2 receptor mediates lethality late in infection, but its roles early in infection remain unclear. We generated myeloid-lineage specific CMG2-deficient mice to examine the roles of macrophages, neutrophils, and other myeloid cells in anthrax pathogenesis. Macrophages and neutrophils isolated from these mice were resistant to anthrax toxin. However, the myeloid-specific CMG2-deficient mice remained fully sensitive to both anthrax lethal and edema toxins, demonstrating that targeting of myeloid cells is not responsible for anthrax toxin-induced lethality. Surprisingly, the myeloid-specific CMG2-deficient mice were completely resistant to B. anthracis infection. Neutrophil depletion experiments suggest that B. anthracis relies on anthrax toxin secretion to evade the scavenging functions of neutrophils to successfully establish infection. This work demonstrates that anthrax toxin uptake through CMG2 and the resulting impairment of myeloid cells are essential to anthrax infection.
Nuisances and community in mid-Victorian England: the attractions of inspection

This article examines the inspection of ‘nuisances’ in England, chiefly in the four decades following 1846–7, when towns were authorized to appoint an inspector of nuisances and provided with a sam...
Polysiloxanes having aromatic heterocyclic units. I. Polydimethylsiloxane benzimidazole polymer

A polymer containing dimethylsiloxane units (35) and benzimidazole units (1) has been prepared by the condensation of 3,3′-diaminobenzidine and an α,ω-bis-(γ-carboxy-n-propyl) polydimethylsiloxane. The new polymer has some rubbery properties, but it decomposes catastrophically at 400°C.
Enzymes of the boll weevil—II. Inorganic pyrophosphatase

Abstract The properties of the enzyme inorganic pyrophosphatase in the boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis Boheman) have been determined as follows: The enzyme is confined to the soluble cell fraction. Kinetics are zero order for up to 1 hr under optimal conditions of 2·5 × 10−3 M pyrophosphate, 1·0 × 10−3 M MgCl2, and pH 8·0. Michaelis constant is approximately 1·0 × 10−3, and optimum pH range 7·8–8·2. Experimental activation energy is 15,600 cal/mol, and temperature for optimal activity is 50°C. Magnesium is the only divalent metal ion that will activate the enzyme, and the activity with magnesium is almost completely blocked by equimolar amounts of Mn, Sn, Ca, Co, and Ba. The enzyme is inhibited by reagents that oxidize or interfere with thiol groups. A discussion comparing these results with other published work on inorganic pyrophosphatase is presented.
On the phase between pressure and heat release fluctuations for propane/hydrogen flames and its role in mode transitions

Abstract This paper presents an experimental investigation into mode-transitions observed in a 50-kW, atmospheric pressure, backward-facing step combustor burning lean premixed C 3 H 8 /H 2 fuel mixtures over a range of equivalence ratios, fuel compositions and preheat temperatures. The combustor exhibits distinct acoustic response and dynamic flame shape (collectively referred to as “dynamic modes”) depending on the operating conditions. We simultaneously measure the dynamic pressure and flame chemiluminescence to examine the phase between pressure ( p ′) and heat release fluctuations ( q ′) in the observed dynamic modes. Results show that the heat release is in phase with the pressure oscillations ( θ qp ≈ 0) at the onset of a dynamic mode, while as the operating conditions change within the mode, the phase grows until it reaches a critical value θ qp = θ c , at which the combustor switches to another dynamic mode. According to the classical Rayleigh criterion, this critical phase ( θ c ) should be π /2, whereas our data show that the transition occurs well below this value. A linear acoustic energy balance shows that this critical phase marks the point where acoustic losses across the system boundaries equal the energy addition from the combustion process to the acoustic field. Based on the extended Rayleigh criterion in which the acoustic energy fluxes through the system boundaries as well as the typical Rayleigh source term ( p ′ q ′) are included, we derive an extended Rayleigh index defined as R e = θ qp / θ c , which varies between 0 and 1. This index, plotted against a density-weighted strained consumption speed, indicates that the impact of the operating parameters on the dynamic mode selection of the combustor collapses onto a family of curves, which quantify the state of the combustor within a dynamic mode. At R e = 0, the combustor enters a mode, and switches to another as R e approaches 1. The results provide a metric for quantifying the instability margins of fuel-flexible combustors operating at a wide range of conditions.
Finite-state analysis of SSL 3.0

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol is analyzed using a finite-state enumeration tool called Murϕ. The analysis is presented using a sequence of incremental approximations to the SSL 3.0 handshake protocol. Each simplified protocol is "model-checked" using Murϕ, with the next protocol in the sequence obtained by correcting errors that Murϕ finds automatically. This process identifies the main shortcomings in SSL 2.0 that led to the design of SSL 3.0, as well as a few anomalies in the protocol that is used to resume a session in SSL 3.0. In addition to some insight into SSL, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using formal methods to analyze commercial protocols.
A content analysis of Camel Snus advertisements in print media.

INTRODUCTION Researchers have questioned whether the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company is marketing Camel Snus as a product for nontobacco users, smokeless-tobacco users, or cigarette smokers. The objective of this study was to examine advertisements of Camel Snus in print media to determine the most likely audience of intent. METHODS A content analysis was conducted among Camel Snus advertisements printed in newspaper and consumer magazines between July 2007 and August 2010. The advertisements (n = 83 distinct; N = 458 total) were identified from a comprehensive search of a proprietary database maintained by TNS Media Intelligence. RESULTS Results indicated that all advertisements, published between July 2007 and September 2009, were intended to promote a tobacco product for cigarette smokers. A shift in marketing strategy occurred from October 2009 to the present time with publication of the "Break Free" magazine advertisements, characterized by an ambiguous message that could conceivably appeal to any group, including nontobacco users (e.g., adolescents), smokeless-tobacco users, and/or cigarette smokers. However, an examination of the consumer magazines advertising Camel Snus indicated a demographically diverse readership in terms of gender, age, and education, suggesting that the advertisements are less likely to be intended for smokeless-tobacco users. CONCLUSIONS These findings validate other reports and editorials, suggesting that Camel Snus was being marketed as a product for smokers at the time of the product's national debut. The recent shift to the "Break Free" marketing campaign may reflect an attempt to enhance the image of the Camel brand in order to attract a broader spectrum of consumers.
Athletes' Perception of Coach Power Use and the Association between Playing Status and Sport Satisfaction

This study explored the influence of athletes' playing status on perceptions of coach power use, and how such behaviors served as predictors of athletes' satisfaction for their sport. Participants included male and female high school football and basketball players who completed measures of their coaches' power use (coercive, referent, legitimate, expert, and reward) and sport satisfaction. Multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect for athlete playing status, whereby starters perceived higher levels of reward power use when compared to non-starters. Likewise, the results indicated that coaches' reward and expert power use were the only significant predictors of athlete satisfaction levels.
Seedling emergence of yellow-flowered alfalfa as influenced by seed weight and planting depth

Yellow-flowered alfalfa [Medicago sativa L. subsp. falcata (L.) Arcangeli] is well-adapted to rangeland sites in the central and northern Great Plains, but its early seedlings vigor is poor compared to that of purple-flowered alfalfa (M. sativa L. subsp. sativa). The objectives of this study were to (i) develop germplasms with a high percentage of falcata trait and (ii) determine the effect of seed weight and depth of planting on seedling emergence (...)
Ethanol and avoidance-avoidance conflict in the rat

The effects of ethanol on avoidance-avoidance conflict behavior in a straight runway were studied in rats with a 2 by 2 design in which shock-escape training and subsequent shock-free conflict tests were administered after the animals had orally ingested either ethanol or sugar water. Rats trained under ethanol escaped shock more slowly and, during the conflict tests, approached the shock regions less closely, started and ran more slowly, and oscillated less than sugar-water-trained controls. However, rats tested under ethanol approached the shock regions more closely, started and ran more rapidly, oscillated more, and reversed direction more than rats tested when sober. No state-dependent interactions were obtained. Some of the results were consistent with a fear-reduction hypothesis, but others supported the assumption that ethanol affected the two avoidance gradients differentially.
Decrease of optical attenuation in the cerebral cortex during cerebral edema detected using optical coherence tomography

In this study we examined the use of optical coherence tomography to detect optical changes in the cerebral cortex associated with cerebral edema progression in a mouse model.
Radiologic aspects of operable heart disease. VI. Changes following surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus.

The preoperative and postoperative radiologic findings in 71 patients with patent ductus arteriosus treated surgically were investigated. The purpose of the study was to determine the magnitude, character, and rapidity of the changes observed, as well as the relationship of the postoperative change to complicating cardiovascular lesions. Serial examinations were compared with the preoperative studies and with each other, including an analysis of over-all heart size, individual chamber size, the pulmonary vessels, and the aortic silhouette. The results were tabulated and their significance was evaluated.
Ca2+ Binding Protein Frequenin Mediates GDNF-Induced Potentiation of Ca2+ Channels and Transmitter Release

Molecular mechanisms underlying long-term neurotrophic regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity are unknown. We report here that long-term treatment of neuromuscular synapses with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) potentiates spontaneous and evoked transmitter release, in ways very similar to presynaptic expression of the Ca(2+) binding protein frequenin. GDNF enhances the expression of frequenin in motoneurons, and inhibition of frequenin expression or activity prevents the synaptic action of GDNF. GDNF also facilitates Ca(2+) influx into the nerve terminals during evoked transmission by enhancing Ca(2+) currents. The effect of GDNF on Ca(2+) currents is blocked by inhibition of frequenin expression, occluded by overexpression of frequenin, and is selective to N-type Ca(2+) channels. These results identify an important molecular target that mediates the long-term, synaptic action of a neurotrophic factor.
Nuclear power plant status diagnostics using an artificial neural network

In this work, the nuclear power plant operating status recognition issue is investigated using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The objective is to train an ANN to classify nuclear power plant accident conditions and to assess the potential of future work in the area of plant diagnostics with ANNS. To this end, an ANN was trained to recognize normal operating conditions as well as potentially unsafe conditions based on nuclear power plant training simulator generated accident scenarios. These scenarios include; hot and cold leg loss of coolant, control rod ejection, loss of offsite power, main steam line break, main feedwater line break and steam generator tube leak accidents. Findings show that ANNs can be used to diagnose and classify nuclear power plant conditions with good results.
Mechanics of compressive stress evolution during thin film growth

Abstract Based on recent in situ measurements, Chason et al. (2002) proposed that the evolution of compressive stress during thin film growth by vapor deposition is due to an increase in surface chemical potential in the presence of growth flux and the consequent exchange of adatoms between the free surface and the grain boundaries. Based on this hypothesis, we present a model for grain boundary stress evolution during thin film growth. To illustrate the mechanics of the problem, first it is assumed that the local normal stress on the grain boundary is proportional to the local grain boundary opening only. The resulting “linear spring” model captures all essential features of the experimental observations. A more accurate description of the grain boundary stress evolution is presented by modeling the stress field due to the material inserted into the grain boundary as that resulting from a continuous distribution of dislocations along the grain boundary. The adatom flux between the grain boundary and the free surface is assumed to be proportional to the difference in chemical potential between the two. This model successfully explains a wide range of experimental observations, including the development of compressive stress during room temperature growth, effect of growth rate on the kinetics of compressive stress evolution and the continued tensile stress generation during low-temperature growth.
ROLE OF CONSERVED PEPTIDE IN TAURINE TRANSPORTER INACTIVATION MODULATED BY PROTEIN KINASE C. † 2153

ROLE OF CONSERVED PEPTIDE IN TAURINE TRANSPORTER INACTIVATION MODULATED BY PROTEIN KINASE C. † 2153
Group rotation from the bottom up

‘0 successhilly to group rotation? Stocks with lower W E ratios have generally outperformed (on average) stocks with higher P/E ratios, for example. Can the same be said for industries and sectors? Do the sectors or industries with lower cap-weighted P/E ratios outperform (on average) the sectors or industries with higher cap-weighted P/E ratios? What about other stock-specific anomalies? Can bottomup portfolio construction techniques be applied at the group level? Group rotation strategies usually treat groups as wholes. Their primary goal is to find the most attractive groups, not the most attractive stocks in a group. Thus, groups are assumed to be attractive in their capweighted proportions. The intent of this study, then, is to determine whether some widely used stock selection techniques are effective for isolating attractive groups, as groups, without attempting ito skim off the top-ranked names. B
Surface chemical and electronic properties of plasma-treated n-type Al0.5Ga0.5N

The effects of plasma treatment on the surface properties of Si-doped Al0.5Ga0.5N were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and metal contact measurements. Plasma treatment resulted in a N-deficient nonstoichiometric AlGaN surface with an increased O concentration and large red shifts of photoelectron peaks. The red shifts remained after removal of the surface oxide, indicating a downward shift of the surface Fermi level as a result of ion-induced compensating defects. Pre-metal plasma treatment led to more rectifying electrical characteristics of Ti/Al/Ti/Au contacts. Current–voltage characterization at elevated temperatures revealed strong compensating effects of the plasma damage in Al0.5Ga0.5N even at 300 °C. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Envisioning a Gerontology-Enriched theory of Care:

Care in old age is not a citizenship right in the United States, and unmet needs remain a hidden struggle. When measured against an ethics of care, long-term care (LTC) falls short. A critical step toward more just systems of LTC is to bring feminist theories of care into cooperation with gerontology and disability thought. Doing so will entail keeping all participants in the care relationship in focus and reworking the relationship of ethics of care to justice. This article draws on the capabilities approach to justice, as developed by feminist philosopher Martha Nussbaum, which has care, dependence, and dignity at its core.
The Returns of the King: The Case of Mphephu and Western Venda, 1899–1904

In histories of the South African Highveld, the persistence of extra-colonial authority after the South African War (1899–1902) often appears as a vestigial remnant, and even more so when the kings and chiefs in question were deposed by the Boers or the British. However, many of those polities reinvented themselves around the very centres of power that were ejected years before. By looking at the example of the Ramabulana khosi Mphephu, who fled the Boers in 1898 but returned in 1901 and again in 1904, the multivariate relationship between African political systems, colonial rule and the exercise of authority is clearly visible. Although the restoration of autonomy was never a realistic goal, it was possible for Mphephu and his allies to negotiate the conditions of colonial rule in the short term and rebuild their power base within the local community. The example of western Venda attests to the robustness and adaptability of these political orders as well as the tenuous nature of colonial rule across muc...
Preparation of Strontium Ferrite Particles by Spray Pyrolysis

Crystalline, submicrometer strontium ferrite powders, including SrFeO2.97, SrFe2O4, Sr2FeO4, Sr3Fe2O6.16, and SrFe12O19, were prepared by spray pyrolysis of an aqueous solution of mixed metal nitrates. The Sr:Fe mole ratio in the precursor solution was retained in the final products. Phase-pure materials were typically obtained only at the highest temperatures investigated (>1100°C) and powders prepared at lower temperatures frequently contained crystalline Fe2O3. The as-prepared particles were unagglomerated, polycrystalline, and hollow at lower temperatures, but densified in the gas phase at higher temperatures to give solid particles. The strontium ferrite (SrFe12O19) system was studied in detail as a representative example of the Sr-Fe-O system. At temperatures of 1200°C, dense, phase-pure magnetoplumbite-structure material, SrFe12O19, was obtained, while at lower temperatures, small amounts of Fe2O3 were observed. The particles prepared at 800° and 1100°C were 0.1-1.0 μm in diameter, and consisted of crystallites <100 nm, and were nearly solid. The difficulty in forming phase-pure SrFe12O19 was the different thermal decomposition temperatures of Sr(NO3)2 (725°C) and Fe(NO3)39H2O (125°C) as demonstrated by thermogravimetric analysis in the SrFe12O19 system.
BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE-IMMUNOREACTIVE NERVES IN THE PORCINE EYE

Using immunohistochemistry, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-like immunoreactive (-LI) nerves localize to the anterior segment of the porcine eye. BNP-LI nerve fibers are visualized mainly in the aqueous outflow pathway, ciliary processes and anterior ciliary muscle. A small number of immunoreactive nerve fibers occur in the anterior iris stroma and in relation to the iris muscles and in the cornea. Given the known ocular effects of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and that BNP and ANP seem to share common receptors, these results suggest an ocular role for peptides of this class independent of delivery by the systemic circulation.
Elasticity of Demand for Tuition Fees at an Institution of Higher Education.

Using a conjoint survey of 161 students at South Dakota State University (SDSU), we mapped a probability-of-enrolment curve for SDSU students, consistent with demand theory. A quasi-demand curve was created from the conditional-logit model. This study shows that along with the price of tuition fees, distance from home, availability of majors, and family and friend connections to the school have significant effects on a student’s decision to attend SDSU. From these results, we found that for enrolments at SDSU, the price elasticity of demand for tuition fees turns elastic around the $9000 price point.
Carbon isotopic composition of Ambrosia and Artemisia pollen: assessment of a C3‐plant paleophysiological indicator

There is limited evidence on how shifts in plant physiological performance influence vegetation variations in the paleorecord. To evaluate δ¹³C of pollen from C₃ plants as an indicator of community-level physiology, small quantities (10-30 grains) of untreated pollen and sporopollenin from herbarium specimens of Ambrosia (A. tomentosa and A. psilostachya) and Artemisia (A. frigida, A. ludoviciana and A. dracunculus), genera abundant in grassland pollen profiles, were isolated by micromanipulation. Their δ¹³C values were measured using a spooling-wire microcombustion device interfaced with an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer. Leaf δ¹³C was also measured. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) for untreated pollen, sporopollenin and leaves was compared with historic records of seasonal precipitation amount, vapor pressure deficit and the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI). Each species showed positive correlations between Δ of untreated pollen and sporopollenin. Sporopollenin Δ was most strongly correlated with PDSI. Correlations among leaf Δ and moisture indicators were stronger for Ambrosia than Artemisia. These results suggest that sporopollenin Δ indicates the level of moisture stress in C₃ plants. Therefore, δ¹³C analysis of pollen promises to help address important paleoecological questions, such as how community-level physiology contributes to shifts in vegetation composition.
Dendritic cells: the immune information management experts

Dendritic cells sense and respond to multiple signals that are then conveyed to lymphocytes to direct appropriate immune responses. This flow of information is bidirectional, as antigen-experienced T cells also influence dendritic cell function.
Bone loss is a physiological cost of reproduction in white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus )

Investment in offspring production often requires the mobilization of endogenous resources, a strategy that may negatively impact maternal condition. In mammals, skeletal ossification in growing offspring requires a large investment of calcium by mothers, and bone loss has been described in several species as a means of supporting this demand. Although bone loss can have adverse effects on the mother, its potential role in a reproductive trade-off has not been addressed. Using white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), we tested the effect of dietary calcium availability on maternal skeletal condition during reproduction to assess if calcium availability drives a trade-off between maternal skeletal condition and offspring production. We provided mice with a low-calcium or standard diet and monitored reproductive output along with changes in bone mineral density and bone resorption (via serum concentrations of pyridinoline cross-links) throughout reproduction. Reproductive performance was not impaired by low calcium intake. Reproductive females on the low-calcium diet showed a significant reduction in bone mineral density relative to reproductive females consuming the standard diet and non-reproductive mice consuming the low-calcium diet, but no difference in bone resorptive activity. Our results suggest that when dietary calcium is limited white-footed mice reproduce at the expense of their skeletal condition, and may do so by limiting bone mineral accretion relative to resorption.
INJECTIVE OPERATIONS OF THE TORAL GROUPS

THIS paper is a continuation of our earlier “Actions of Compact Lie Groups on Aspherical Manifolds” [3]. Our emphasis here is shifted away from aspherical manifolds. We find that a satisfactory hypothesis about the action (T’, X) is the requirement that at each x E X the map f” : T' -+ X given byf”(t) = tx induce a monomorphism f*" : q(Tk, 1) -+ OCR (X, x). We call such an action injectioe. If X happens to be a closed aspherical manifold then any effective action of a toral group will satisfy the hypothesis. Let us explain one of our principal results in terms of circle group actions. Suppose (S’, X) is a circle group acting on a space for which H,(X; Z) is finitely generated. If f .' : S' -+ X induces a monomorphism f,‘ : H,(S’ ; Z) + H,(X; Z) then for a suitable value of II > 0 X can be fibred over S’ with structure group Z, . We go on to show that the condition is equivalent to the existence of a weighted map on (S’, X); that is, a map g : X-, S’ which for some integer II > 0 satisfies the identity g(fx) = t”g(x). This is meant to be the generalization of weighted homogeneous polynomials. It turns out that all weighted maps of least positive weight are fibrations of X over S’ with structure group Z,, . All injective actions can be lifted to the covering space associated with im(f,“). Here we show the action “splits”. Corresponding to this splitting there is a properly discontinuous action (Y, N) of N = n,(M)/im(f*“) on a simply connected space Y with Y/N = X/Tk. The injective actions which yield the same (Y, N) action can be described by certain elements of H*(N; Zk). We show that (Tk, X) fibers (equivariantly) over Tk if and only if this cohomology class has finite order. We apply some of these results to flat manifolds and discuss some of the elementary bordism properties of manifolds admitting toral actions without fixed points in the last section. The present paper provides a new viewpoint for the classification of S’-actions on 3 manifolds [lo]. In addition our fibering theorems apply directly to the study ofthe Brieskorn examples [7]. We expect to discuss these topics later.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL47 Tegument Protein Functions after Entry and before Immediate-Early Gene Expression

The human cytomegalovirus UL47 open reading frame encodes a 110-kDa protein that is a component of the virion tegument. We have constructed a cytomegalovirus mutant, ADsubUL47, in which the central portion of the UL47 open reading frame has been replaced by two marker genes. The mutant replicated to titers 100-fold lower than those for wild-type virus after infection at either a high or a low input multiplicity in primary human fibroblasts but was substantially complemented on cells expressing UL47 protein. A revertant virus in which the mutation was repaired, ADrevUL47, replicated with wild-type kinetics. Mutant virions lacked UL47 protein and contained reduced amounts of UL48 protein. The mutant was found to be less infectious than wild-type virus, and a defect very early in the replication cycle was observed. Transcription of the viral immediate-early 1 gene was delayed by 8 to 10 h. However, this delay was not the result of a defect in virus entry or of the inability of virion proteins to transactivate the major immediate-early promoter. We also show that the UL47 protein coprecipitated with the UL48 and UL69 tegument proteins and the UL86-encoded major capsid protein. We propose that a UL47-containing complex is involved in the release of viral DNA from the disassembling virus particle and that the loss of UL47 protein causes this process to be delayed.
Aggregating web offers to determine product prices

Historical prices are important information that can help consumers decide whether the time is right to buy a product. They provide both a context to the users, and facilitate the use of prediction algorithms for forecasting future prices. To produce a representative price history, one needs to consider all offers for the product. However, matching offers to a product is a challenging problem, and mismatches could lead to glaring errors in price history. We propose a principled approach to filter out erroneous matches based on a probabilistic model of prices. We give an efficient algorithm for performing inference that takes advantage of the structure of the problem. We evaluate our results empirically using merchant offers collected from a search engine, and measure the proximity of the price history generated by our approach to the true price history. Our method outperforms alternatives based on robust statistics both in tracking the true price levels and the true price trends.
Single-Molecule Approach to Enzymology

Recent advances in single-molecule enzymology are reviewed. The theoretical underpinning of sincle-molecule enzymatic behaviors is discussed and exemplified by experiements and statistical analyses. In particular, the manifestations of the Michaelis-Menten mechanism, the kinetic scheme with sequential intermediates, and dynamic disorder in single molecule data are presented. A survey of current methods for single molecule enzymatic assays, especially those based on fluorescence detection, is presented as well.
Creative processes in painting.

(1962). Creative Processes in Painting. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 67, No. 2, pp. 251-263.