cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
γ-Diketone Peripheral Neuropathy: II. Neurofilament Subunit Content

Quantitative morphometric analyses have demonstrated that axon atrophy is the primary neuropathic alteration in peripheral nerve of 2,5-hexanedione (HD)-intoxicated rats (Lehning et al., Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 165, 127-140, 2000). Research suggests that axon caliber is regulated by neurofilament (NF) content and density. Therefore, as a possible mechanism of atrophy, NF subunit (NF-L, -M, and -H) proteins were quantitated in moderately affected rats intoxicated with HD at three daily dosing rates (175, 250, and 400 mg/kg/day). Analyses of subunit protein contents in proximal sciatic nerves indicated uniformly small decreases, which corresponded to minimal changes in axon area occurring in this region. In distal tibial nerve, subunit proteins were decreased substantially (40-70%) when rats were exposed to the 175 and 250 mg/kg/day doses. These reductions in NFs corresponded to significant decreases (approximately 50%) in tibial axon area induced by lower dosing rates. In contrast, 400 mg/kg/day produced similar changes in caliber but smaller reductions (18-25%) in NF-L, -M, and -H levels. This suggests that a decrement in axonal NF content is unlikely to be solely responsible for gamma-diketone-induced axon atrophy and that the corresponding mechanism probably involves additional changes in factors regulating NF density. Analysis of NF content in peripheral nerve also identified the presence of anomolous higher molecular weight NF-H proteins. However, the neurotoxicological significance of these abnormal subunits is uncertain based on their limited occurrence and inconsistent spatiotemporal expression.
Parametric plasmon-photon interaction : Part I. Threshold for amplification of plasmons

Abstract A nonlinear mechanism for feeding external radiation energy parametrically into a pair of collective longitudinal modes in a two-component plasma is discussed. The radiation intensity threshold for amplification of the modes is calculated when one mode is near the electron plasma frequency and the other is an acoustic-like mode with frequency proportional to the ion thermal velocity. Both frequencies are above all interparticle collision frequencies, and their sum equals the radiation frequency. The threshold appears favorable for an experiment at microwave frequencies. In this, the first part of a two part paper, the process is described in terms of Maxwell equations for nonlinear fields, polarizations, and susceptibilities. The appropriate nonlinear susceptibilities are calculated from the average induced charge density, which is obtained from the 1-electron periodic Green's function. (The susceptibilities are conveniently represented by Feymnan diagrams.) An appropriate nonlinear dielectric constant is then extracted using Maxwell's equations. The method is quite general, and applies to a wide variety of classical and quantum plasmas.
A comparison of military and civilian EMC standards

Civilian and corresponding military EMC standards are compared with respect to measurement techniques, frequency coverage and limits. In most cases differences occur with respect to each of these characteristics so that direct substitution is not possible. However, by making detailed analyses of the differences while considering the particular military environment in which civilian equipment might be applied, the risk associated with its use may be reduceable to an acceptable level.
Amebic granuloma (ameboma) simulating carcinoma.

Summary 1.Two cases of amebic granuloma of the transverse colon have been presented. 2.The X-ray appearance may be indistinguishable from carcinoma. 3.In any case with a filling defect of the colon, and a past history of dysentery or residence in a highly endemic area, a careful search for E. histolytica in the stools should be made. 4.It may be necessary to resort to a therapeutic trial with emetine in certain cases. 5.The response to amebacides is dramatic. The X-ray appearance of the colon may revert to normal in a short period of time.
A cell-permeant amiloride derivative induces caspase-independent, AIF-mediated programmed necrotic death of breast cancer cells.

Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic that has been used as an anti-kaliuretic for the chronic management of hypertension and heart failure. Several studies have identified a potential anti-cancer role for amiloride, however the mechanisms underlying its anti-tumor effects remain to be fully delineated. Our group previously demonstrated that amiloride triggers caspase-independent cytotoxic cell death in human glioblastoma cell lines but not in primary astrocytes. To delineate the cellular mechanisms underlying amiloride’s anti-cancer cytotoxicity, cell permeant and cell impermeant derivatives of amiloride were synthesized that exhibit markedly different potencies in cancer cell death assays. Here we compare the cytotoxicities of 5-benzylglycinyl amiloride (UCD38B) and its free acid 5-glycinyl amiloride (UCD74A) toward human breast cancer cells. UCD74A exhibits poor cell permeability and has very little cytotoxic activity, while UCD38B is cell permeant and induces the caspase-independent death of proliferating and non-proliferating breast cancer cells. UCD38B treatment of human breast cancer cells promotes autophagy reflected in LC3 conversion, and induces the dramatic swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum, however these events do not appear to be the cause of cell death. Surprisingly, UCD38B but not UCD74A induces efficient AIF translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus, and AIF function is necessary for the efficient induction of cancer cell death. Our observations indicate that UCD38B induces programmed necrosis through AIF translocation, and suggest that its cytosolic accessibility may facilitate drug action.
Demo: recommendation system for dynamic spectrum access through spectrum mining and prediction

Inspired by the spectrum database in the white spaces, we propose a recommendation whose function is similar to that of the spectrum database. We aim at predicting the spectrum availabilities and recommending the part that is more likely to be available for the usage of SUs. The prediction on the spectrum availabilities is through running the spectrum mining algorithm on the collected spectrum data. Therefore, the two main components for our demo are the data collection and spectrum mining. After the mining process is finished, our system would give the predictions and recommendations on the spectrum that is more likely to be available.
High performance partially depleted SOI using spike RTA

Thinner Si body (700 /spl Aring/) SOI CMOS was successfully demonstrated with spike RTA on 0.13 /spl mu/m technology with 45 nm gate lengths and 16/spl Aring/ gate oxide. Spike RTA exhibited excellent short channel effect and lower miller capacitance (Cmiller), resulting in faster circuit speed and lower dynamic power compared to the conventional RTA. Spike RTA also showed comparable floating body effects and stress induced current degradation.
World of Warcraft and the impact of game culture and play in an undergraduate game design course

During the past two decades, digital games have become an increasingly popular source of study for academics, educational researchers and instructional designers. Much has been written about the potential of games for teaching and learning, both in the design of educational/serious games and the implementation of off-the-shelf games for learning. Yet relatively little research has been conducted about how game culture and the enmeshed practice of play may impact classroom dynamics. The purpose of this study is to present a case study about how the use of World of Warcraft (WoW) as a teaching tool and medium of play impacted class dynamics in an undergraduate university-level course for game design. Specifically, this study will address how WoW's game culture and the practice of play impacted (a) student-to-student dynamics and (b) class dynamics. The goal of this study is to explore some of the dynamics of play as a component of learning.
Using versioned tree data structure, change detection and node identity for three-way XML merging

XML has become the standard document representation for many popular tools in various domains. When multiple authors collaborate to produce a document, they must be able to work in parallel and periodically merge their efforts into a single work. While there exist a small number of three-way XML merging tools, their performance could be improved in several areas and they lack any form of user interface for resolving conflicts.In this paper, we present an implementation of a three-way XML merge algorithm that is faster, uses less memory and is more precise than existing tools. It uses a specialized versioning tree data structure that supports node identity and change detection. The algorithm applies the traditional three-way merge found in GNU diff3 to the children of changed nodes. The editing operations it supports are addition, deletion, update, and move. A graphical interface for visualizing and resolving conflicts is also provided. An evaluation experiment was conducted comparing the proposed algorithm with three other tools on randomly generated XML data.
Targeting gene expression to cones with human cone opsin promoters in recombinant AAV

Specific cone-directed therapy is of high priority in the treatment of human hereditary retinal diseases. However, not much information exists about the specific targeting of photoreceptor subclasses. Three versions of the human red cone opsin promoter (PR0.5, 3LCR-PR0.5 and PR2.1), and the human blue cone opsin promoter HB569, were evaluated for their specificity and robustness in targeting green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene expression to subclasses of cones in the canine retina when used in recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors of serotype 5. The vectors were administered by subretinal injection. The promoter PR2.1 led to most effective and specific expression of GFP in the long- and medium-wavelength-absorbing cones (L/M cones) of normal and diseased retinas. The PR0.5 promoter was not effective. Adding three copies of the 35-bp LCR in front of PR0.5 lead to weak GFP expression in L/M cones. The HB569 promoter was not specific, and GFP was expressed in a few L/M cones, some rods and the retinal pigment epithelium. These results suggest that L/M cones, the predominant class of cone photoreceptors in the retinas of dogs and most mammalian species can be successfully targeted using the human red cone opsin promoter.
Time shift of marker legend in stored intracardiac events in three patients with the vitality 2 EL DR (model T167) and Prizm 2DR (model 1861) dual-chamber defibrillators

With the increase in complexity of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), the reliability of these devices has been put in question in recent years. We report on 3 patients implanted with the Boston Scientific Vitality 2 EL DR (n = 2) and the Prizm 2 DR (n = 1) ICD who exhibited a malfunction in the stored cardiac electrograms from arrhythmic events, manifesting as a time shift in stored markers compared to the stored electrograms.
Rectangular type-II superconducting wires carrying axial current

Previous calculations for the distribution of $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}$ and $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{B}}$ in a type-II superconducting wire with a square cross section carrying an axial current are here extended to obtain corresponding results for a rectangular cross section. We do this (a) for wires and thick films, (b) for whiskers, and (c) for thin films. The superconducting self-inductance in the first case varies as $\ensuremath{\lambda}$; in the cases of thin films and whiskers the variation is as ${\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{2}$. This agrees with reported results. We know of no definitive experimental results for the $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{J}}$ and $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{B}}$ distributions for comparison with our theoretical results.
The effect of temperature dependent thermal properties on process parameter prediction in injection molding

The effect of using temperature dependent thermal conductivity and specific heat data on the simulation of injection molding process is examined. Results of the simulation based on temperature dependent thermal conductivity and specific heat data, are compared with those based on constant thermal conductivity and specific heat. These results are presented for a representative selection of crystalline and amorphous thermoplastics. The results show that the prediction of cooling time and the frozen layer fraction of the part thickness in the context of injection molding simulation, is significantly influenced by the type of temperature dependent thermal data used.
An Online Algorithm for Fingerprint-Based Location Tracking

We address the problem of fingerprint-based tracking of a moving device where training fingerprints are not available all at once but arrive sporadically in a stream manner. As such the only information that may be used to locate the device is its current fingerprint and the set of fingerprints obtained earlier impromptu. The challenge is to devise a localization algorithm that can scale with the fingerprint stream as this stream can grow limitlessly with time. We propose an online algorithm framework that requires storage of and computation based on only a constant-size sliding buffer of fingerprints, not all the fingerprints in the past. Our algorithm, therefore, is fast and efficient. In terms of localization error, it offers a good approximation when compared to the expensive batch algorithm that assumes access to the entire history of fingerprints.
Tetrahydrobiopterin, nitric oxide and regulation of cerebral arterial tone

Abstract Tetrahydrobiopterin is an essential cofactor required for activity nitric oxide synthases. Existing evidence suggests that, during activation of constitutive and inducible isoforms of nitric oxide synthase, tetrahydrobiopterin is needed for allosteric and redox activation of enzymatic activity. However, precise mechanisms underlying the role of tetrahydrobiopterin in regulation of nitric oxide formation is not fully understood. In cerebral and peripheral arteries, increased availability of tetrahydrobiopterin can augment production of nitric oxide. In contrast, in arteries depleted of tetrahydrobiopterin, production of nitric oxide is impared. Proinflammatory cytokines enhance mRNA expression of the rate-limiting enzyme of tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis, GTP cyclohydrolase I and stimulate production of tetrahydrobiopterin. The ability of vascular tissues to synthesize tetrahydrobiopterin plays an important role in regulation of nitric oxide synthase under physiological conditions as well as during inflammation and sepsis. More recent studies concerning expression and function of recombinant nitric oxide in genetically suggest that availability of tetrahydrobiopterin is important for production of nitric oxide in genetically engineered blood vessels. In this review, mechanisms regulating availability of intracellular tetrahydrobiopterin and its role in control of vascular tone under physiological and pathological conditions will be discussed.
Historical contingencies in the coevolution of environment and livelihood: contributions to the debate on Amazonian Black Earth

This article applies findings from agronomic and ethnographic research among small-scale Amazonian farmers to the ongoing debate over the origins of Black Earth (an anthrosol associated with native American settlements) and the intentionality of anthropic soil formation processes. Quantitative and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, structured questionnaires and botanical plots highlight the constraints and opportunities associated with the use of Black Earth and Latosols among contemporary farmers. By identifying the strongest incentives for Black Earth cultivation today, and how many of these derive from relatively recent technological, political-economic and ecological influences, it is possible to demonstrate how perception and use of these anthrosols are likely to have changed throughout history. Data indicate that important historical contingencies underlie the relative benefits derived from the cultivation of Black Earth through time, and are likely to have structured both pedological and cultural trajectories in site evolution. They also point to the conditions under which Black Earth is likely to have become an important economic resource. By demonstrating the historical specificity of human motives, it is possible to obtain a more complex picture of the conditions under which anthropogenic environments may have expanded or restricted the range of viable economic activities in the region, influencing site evolution.
The dynamics of effector T cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the promotion and regulation of autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

The Th1/Th2 paradigm of T helper cell subsets had to be revised when IL-17 producing T cells (Th17) were identified as a distinct T helper cell lineage. Th17 cells are very efficient inducers of tissue inflammation and crucial initiators of organ-specific autoimmunity. Whereas Th17 cells promote autoimmune tissue inflammation, Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (T-reg) are necessary and sufficient to prevent autoimmunity throughout the life span of an individual. Here, we review recent findings of how responses of effector T cells and T-reg cells with a defined antigen-specificity develop in autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, Th17 cells and Foxp3+ T-reg seem to be dichotomously related in that TGF-beta induces Foxp3 in naive T cells, but TGF-beta and IL-6 together drive the generation of Th17 cells. Thus, we give an overview of how Th17 cells, induced Foxp3+ T-reg, as well as how naturally occurring T-reg cells might cooperate to promote and regulate autoimmune inflammation of the central nervous system (CNS). The monitoring of the population dynamics of these T cell subsets in reporter mice in vivo will enable us to revisit the pathogenic concept of autoimmune inflammation in the CNS and design rational and phase-specific therapeutic interventions.
Ultrastructure and protein uptake of the embryonic trophotaeniae of four species of goodeid fishes (Teleostei: Atheriniformes).

Embryos of most species within the viviparous teleost family Goodeidae develop characteristics perianal processes that are considered to be derivatives of the embryonic hindgut. These processes, termed trophotaeniae, are covered with an epithelium that is continuous with the absorptive epithelium lining the hindgut. Gestation is intraovarian, and trophotaeniae mediate the uptake of maternally provided nutrients into the embryo from the ovarian fluid. Ultrastructural examination of the trophotaeniae of four goodeid species reveals substantial diversity in the organization of the epithelium within the family. The trophotaeniae of Alloophorus robustus, Zoogoneticus quitzeoensis, and Ilyodon furcidens have morphological features associated with the endocytosis of macromolecules and can be shown to endocytose the exogenous protein tracer horseradish peroxidase (HRP) rapidly. The trophotaenial epithelia of these species differ from one another with respect to other morphological features such as cell height, organization of the brush border, and the complexity of the intercellular spaces. The trophotaeniae of Goodea atripinnis lack an endocytotic apparatus and do not endocytose HRP. However, the overall organization of G. atripinnis trophotaenial cells suggests a function as a transporting epithelium. The cells have a dense brush border, numerous mitochondria, and many mitochondria that are enveloped by lamellar sheets of intracellular membrane. Post-fixation with osmium and potassium ferrocyanide reveals a marked difference in the complexity of the subepithelial connective tissue. Alloophorus robustus and Z. quitzeoensis exhibit an extremely electron-dense ground substance containing many acellular components. Goodea atripinnis exhibits an electron-lucid ground substance with few acellular components. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Urey Prize Lecture - Chaotic dynamics in the solar system

Attention is given to solar system cases in which chaotic solutions of Newton's equations are important, as in chaotic rotation and orbital evolution. Hyperion is noted to be tumbling chaotically; chaotic orbital evolution is suggested to be of fundamental importance to an accounting for the Kirkwood gaps in asteroid distribution and for the phase space boundary of the chaotic zone at the 3/1 mean-motion commensurability with Jupiter. In addition, chaotic trajectories in the 2/1 chaotic zone reach very high eccentricities by a route that carries them to high inclinations temporarily.
Interaction forces measured using AFM between colloids and surfaces coated with both dextran and protein

Both proteins and polysaccharides are biopolymers present on a bacterial surface that can simultaneously affect bacterial adhesion. To better understand how the combined presence of proteins and polysaccharides might influence bacterial attachment, adhesion forces were examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) between colloids (COOH− or protein-coated) and polymer-coated surfaces (BSA, lysozyme, dextran, BSA+dextran and lysozyme+dextran) as a function of residence time and ionic strength. Protein and dextran were competitively covalently bonded onto glass surfaces, forming a coating that was 22−33% protein and 68−77% dextran. Topographic and phase images of polymer-coated surfaces obtained with tapping mode AFM indicated that proteins at short residence times (<1 s) were shielded by dextran. Adhesion forces measured between colloid and polymer-coated surfaces at short residence times increased in the order protein+dextran ≤ protein < dextran. However, the adhesion forces for protein+dextran-coated surf...
Conservation of Gaussian distributions of coherent states

Abstract The time-evolution of the P-distribution of coupled quantum oscillators is formulated in terms of the initial distributions. For a certain class of solutions of the equations of motion, the distributions remain Gaussian with constant width, if in the initial state the distributions of all oscillators have the same width.
U-Th-Pb measurements of Luna 20 soil

Abstract The concentrations of uranium, thorium and lead and the lead isotopic composition of Luna 20 soil were determined. The data indicate that the Luna 20 soil is mainly a mixture of highland anorthosites and low-K basalt, but little KREEP basalt. The U-Th-Pb systematics are discussed in comparison with other lunar soils, especially with Apollo 16 soils which were collected from a ‘typical’ highland region. The data fit well in the Apollo 16 soil array on a U-Pb evolution diagram, and they exhibit excess lead relative to uranium. This relationship appears to be a characteristic of highland localities. Considering the previous observations of lunar samples, we infer that lead enrichment in the soil relative to uranium occurred between 3.2 and 3.9 b.y. ago and that the soil was disturbed by ‘third events’ about 2.0 b.y. ago. A lunar evolution model is discussed.
Histochemical observations on the oxidative enzyme activity and hemoglobin synthesis in the developing erythrocytic cells of the embryonic liver.

A histochemical study of the variations in oxidative enzymes, protein-bound amino acids (histidine, tyrosine, tryptophane, cysteine and cystine), ribonucleo-protein and hemoglobin was made on the erythrocytic cells during the process of erythropoiesis in the embryonic liver of the rabbit. Increases in the cytoplasmic content of protein-bound sulfhydryls and histidine were noted prior to the appearance of histochemically detectable hemoglobin and were nearly inversely related to the staining reaction for ribonucleoprotein. Changes in the oxidative enzyme activity of the developing erythrocytic elements appeared to reflect changes in the number of mitochondria present within these cells at various stages in the process of maturation. No visible changes were observed in the intensity or localization of the histochemical reactions for oxidative enzymes in the mitochondria of the erythrocytic elements except for an apparent slight increase in activity during mitosis. Two forms of hemoglobin were identified, one acid-soluble localized to the orthochromatic normoblasts and erythrocytes of the primary erythrocytic linage and the other acid-resistant present in the erythrocytes and late stages of the developing erythrocytic cells of the secondary erythroid series. Histochemical variations occurring during erythpoiesis were discussed in relation to biochemical data concerning hemoglobin synthesis.
How Psychotherapists Address Hypothetical Multiple Relationships Dilemmas with Asian American Clients: A National Survey

This study examined how psychotherapists address hypothetical nonsexual multiple relationships dilemmas with Asian American clients and identified predictors of conservative decisions and the use of culture-based rationales. This survey of 787 Asian American and non-Asian American psychotherapists revealed that clinicians rely on mostly their personal policies and seldom focus on the clients' cultural backgrounds. Psychotherapists who consider their clients' Asian culture have more cultural knowledge and awareness, have been mental health providers longer, and are Asian American and female. Clinicians who avoid multiple relationships tend to cite formal policies as justification and are less likely to consider clients' cultural worldviews, the therapeutic relationship, or their own values. The results are discussed in terms of specific revisions needed in the American Psychological Association Ethics Code, the benefits of more frequent consultation with colleagues and supervisors about ethical dilemmas, a...
Searches for a Nursing Home: Personal and Situational Factors:

Telephone and follow-up in-depth interviews were used to gather information from 25 sponsors (primary contact people or responsible parties) of nursing home residents to learn more about the nursing home search and selection process. Quantitative analyses revealed that sponsors who engaged in anticipatory action prior to the need for nursing home placement had lower personal competence scores than those sponsors who did not anticipate the need for nursing home care. As might be expected, sponsors who were involved in time-pressured searches had the highest stress scores. In-depth analyses of the qualitative data illuminated the diverse ways in which the situational factors (time-pressured versus non-time-pressured searches and antici patory versus nonanticipatory behavior) affected the personal factors (perceived competence and stress) to create idiosyncratic experiences for the sponsors. The findings show the value of offering professional assistance to individuals who are at the stage of seeking informa...
Rape Trauma Syndrome

When the topic of sexual assault is presented in high school and college health courses, it is mostly from a prevention perspective. Rarely do such courses include the mental and emotional health issues suffered by the rape survivor. Knowledge about rape trauma syndrome helps significant people in the victim's life understand the full range of reactions to the traumatic experience of rape. This lesson describes survivors’ behaviors and reactions after a rape, otherwise known as rape trauma syndrome. Included in this lesson is the federal definition of rape, a summary of rape trauma syndrome, lyrics to a song with relevant applications to the phases of rape trauma syndrome, and a rubric for grading a reaction paper related to the lesson. Three National Health Education Standards are addressed via the lesson as well.
Rapid development of Purkinje cell excitability, functional cerebellar circuit, and afferent sensory input to cerebellum in zebrafish

The zebrafish has significant advantages for studying the morphological development of the brain. However, little is known about the functional development of the zebrafish brain. We used patch clamp electrophysiology in live animals to investigate the emergence of excitability in cerebellar Purkinje cells, functional maturation of the cerebellar circuit, and establishment of sensory input to the cerebellum. Purkinje cells are born at 3 days post-fertilization (dpf). By 4 dpf, Purkinje cells spontaneously fired action potentials in an irregular pattern. By 5 dpf, the frequency and regularity of tonic firing had increased significantly and most cells fired complex spikes in response to climbing fiber activation. Our data suggest that, as in mammals, Purkinje cells are initially innervated by multiple climbing fibers that are winnowed to a single input. To probe the development of functional sensory input to the cerebellum, we investigated the response of Purkinje cells to a visual stimulus consisting of a rapid change in light intensity. At 4 dpf, sudden darkness increased the rate of tonic firing, suggesting that afferent pathways carrying visual information are already active by this stage. By 5 dpf, visual stimuli also activated climbing fibers, increasing the frequency of complex spiking. Our results indicate that the electrical properties of zebrafish and mammalian Purkinje cells are highly conserved and suggest that the same ion channels, Nav1.6 and Kv3.3, underlie spontaneous pacemaking activity. Interestingly, functional development of the cerebellum is temporally correlated with the emergence of complex, visually-guided behaviors such as prey capture. Because of the rapid formation of an electrically-active cerebellum, optical transparency, and ease of genetic manipulation, the zebrafish has great potential for functionally mapping cerebellar afferent and efferent pathways and for investigating cerebellar control of motor behavior.
Nondestructive light-shift measurements of single atoms in optical dipole traps

We measure the ac Stark shifts of the $5{S}_{1/2},F=2\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5{P}_{3/2},{F}^{\ensuremath{'}}=3$ transitions of individual optically trapped ${}^{87}$Rb atoms using a nondestructive detection technique that allows us to measure the fluorescent signal of one and the same atom for over 60 s. These measurements allow the efficient and rapid characterization of single-atom traps that is required for many coherent quantum information protocols. Although this method is demonstrated using a single-atom trap, the concept is readily extended to resolvable atomic arrays.
Consistent leverpress avoidance responding by rats

Three groups of rats were presented with a retractable lever, followed 10 sec later by shock of.5, 1.0, or 2.0 mA, respectively. Leverpresses occurring during the 10-sec interval resulted in immediate retraction of the lever and avoidance of shock. If the lever was not pressed within 10 sec, shock was administered until the lever was pressed or for a maximum of 20 sec, at which time the lever retracted and shock terminated. Within 200 trials, most rats avoided 80%-90% of shocks, regardless of shock intensity.
Cadherins and synaptic plasticity: activity-dependent cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulation of synaptic β-catenin-cadherin interactions

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5)/p35 kinase activity is known to decrease the affinity of β-catenin for cadherin in developing cortical neurons. Our recent work demonstrated that depolarization causes an increased affinity between β-catenin and cadherin. Here, we examine whether Cdk5/p35 regulates β-catenin-cadherin affinity in response to neural activity. In hippocampal neurons depolarization caused a significant decrease in Cdk5 kinase activity, without changing the protein levels of either Cdk5 or p35, suggesting that the proteasome pathway is not involved. Decreasing Cdk5 kinase activity with the inhibitor roscovitine increased the amount of β-catenin that was co-immunoprecipitated with cadherin. Inhibiting Cdk5 activity also resulted in a redistribution of EGFP-β-catenin from the dendritic shaft to the spines, where cadherins are highly concentrated. The redistribution of β-catenin induced by roscovitine is similar to that induced by depolarization. Interestingly, the redistribution induced by the Cdk5 inhibitor was completely blocked by either a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, orthovanadate or by point mutations of β-catenin Tyr-654 to Glu or Phe. Immunoprecipitation studies further revealed that roscovitine increases the affinity of the wild-type, but not mutated, EGFP-β-catenin for cadherin. These results suggest that Cdk5 activity regulates the affinity of β-catenin for cadherin by changing the phosphorylation level of β-catenin Tyr-654.
A regional approach to foot and ankle MRI

This chapter presents a regional anatomic approach to MRI applications in the foot and ankle. From a clinical perspective, patients often describe their symptoms in terms of the part of the foot that hurts and when and how it hurts. Clinical questioning and physical diagnosis pursue this line as well, trying to narrow down the diagnostic possibilities. There are conditions that may blur the anatomic distinctions for forefoot, midfoot, rearfoot, and ankle; involve more than one region of the foot simultaneously; or occur in any area of the foot. The chapter also includes a separate section on the presentations of inflammatory arthritides in foot and ankle joints.
Polymer Derived SiAlCN for Environmental Barrier Coatings

Silicon-based ceramics and composites are one of the most promising candidates for high temperature structural components in next generation gas turbines due to their excellent thermo-mechanical properties. However, these materials severely degraded when used in high temperature oxidizing environments, particularly, in the presence of corrosive species such as alkali elements or water vapor. Currently, the most promising approach with near-term benefits is to employ environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) that prevent direct contact between silicon-based materials and aggressive environments exist in turbine engines. Previous work on EBCs has primarily focused on using oxide coatings because oxides are in general more resistant to corrosive environments than Silicon-based ceramics. In this study, we propose to develop polymer-derived SiAlCN amorphous ceramics for EBC applications. Our research revealed that the oxidation rate of the SiAlCN ceramics is about 10 times lower than the lowest values observed on chemical vapor deposition (CVD) silicon carbide/nitride. Furthermore, the SiAlCN also exhibited good corrosion resistance to alkali salt at elevated temperatures.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Empirical tests for feature selection based on a psychological theory of character recognition

Abstract It is argued that machine algorithms based on feature detection promise the greatest chance for success in the recognition of isolated, unconstrained handprinted characters. In order to match human performance, the features used cannot be chosen in an arbitrary manner; they must have some psychological significance. A theory of characters based on functional attributes is reviewed, and three psychophysical tests are described for determining the psychological validity of any postulated attribute. The first test indicates if a particular attribute is involved in a particular letter, and the second and third tests investigate the commonality of an attribute among different letters.
On clusterization of "big data" streams

Current technology provides wonderful facilities for operating with extremely vast amounts of data. These facilities are expanding due to capabilities of "Cloud Computing." The developing situation gives rise to the "Big Data" concept posing specific engineering and organizational challenges. Big data refers to the rising flood of digital data from many sources, including the sensors, digitizers, scanners, software-based modeling, mobile phones, internet, videos, e-mails, and social network communications. The data type could be texts, geometries, images, videos, sounds, or their combination. Many of such data are directly or indirectly related to geospatial information. In this paper, we suggest to enhance the available information processing resources with a novel software/hardware technique for on-the-fly clusterization of amorphous data from diverse sources. The presented approach is based on the previously developed construction of FuzzyFind Dictionary utilizing the error-correction Golay Code. Realization of this technique requires processing of intensive continuous data streams, which can be effectively implemented using multi-core pipelining with forced interrupts. The objective of this paper is to bring forward a new simple and efficacious tool for one of the most demanding operations of this "Big Data" methodology --clustering of diverse information items in a data stream mode. Improving our ability to extract knowledge and insights from large and complex collections of digital data promises to solve some the Nation's most pressing challenges. Furthermore, the paper reveals a parallel between the computational model integrating "Big Data" streams and the organization of information processing in the brain. The uncertainties in relation to the considered method of clusterization are moderated due to the idea of the bounded rationality, an approach that does not require a complete exact knowledge for sensible decision-making.
Digging for answers, smelling a hint of success and tasting triumph

The C12 'earthy' odorant geosmin is derived from the C15 metabolite farnesyl diphosphate. Metabolic transformation now seems to be catalyzed by a bifunctional protein having two operatively independent sesquiterpene synthase domains. The domains are catalytically linked through the passive diffusion of a C15 alcohol product of the N-terminal catalytic domain to the C-terminal catalytic domain for the final steps of geosmin formation.
Impact of Literary Works upon College Students

The present study attempted to provide empirical evidence for what type of impact, if any, is reported by college students concerning their reading of literary works they consider important. The ef...
Particle Shape and Laser Diffraction: A Discussion of the Particle Shape Problem

Abstract Particle size is considered as one of the most important characteristics of particulate materials. This is because every behavior of particles depends on particle size significantly—and vice versa: particle size can be determined from any kinds of physical responses depending on the size. Kinetic or optical response maybe representative because of their easiness to determine the single particle response. Note that the response is usually modeled on an assumption of spherical particle. Of course some extensions to shapes might be available, but shape is various. How to handle the infinite sorts of shapes is an issue in powder handling with a long history, and which might still requires further studies. Laser method based on Fraunhofer diffraction is now the most widely used for particle size analysis, because of its easiness to use, speed, and reproducibility. In the method, an intensity pattern of diffraction from particles is measured with, usually, a concentric photo detector: a pattern of a di...
Effect of electric current on the creep deformation of lead

Abstract Using the impression test, the effect of electric current on the creep deformation of Pb was studied in the temperature range of 343–403 K and under the punching stress of 11.1–30.5 MPa. During the impression test of constant load, a direct electric current in a range of 0–5 A passed through the punch into the Pb-sample. A steady state creep with sudden jumps in the impression curves was observed. A power–law relation was used to describe the dependence of the steady state impression velocity on the punching stress. The average stress exponent increased from 3.2 to 4.0 with increasing electric current and the apparent activation energy was 36.0 kJ/mol for small punching stresses. For large punching stresses, the average stress exponent decreased with increasing electric current and the apparent activation energy decreased from 63.5 kJ/mol to 49.7 kJ/mol with increasing electric current from 0 to 5 A.
Ureteral Replacement with Reconfigured Colon Substitute

AbstractPurpose: Upper ureteral defects are often too extensive to repair by direct anastomosis or with use of a bladder flap. Ureteral substitution may be the only remaining alternative to restoring urinary drainage from the kidney to the bladder. This effect is usually achieved by interposing a segment of small bowel between the proximal collecting system and bladder. If ileum is not available other substitution alternatives must be sought.Materials and Methods: We report a new technique in which a tube constructed from a small piece of ascending colon was used to replace a large ureteral defect.Results: Excellent short-term results were achieved by replacing the strictured ureteral segment with a reconfigured colon segment as shown by symptomatic and radiographic improvement.Conclusions: A reconfigured colon segment can be used for ureteral reconstruction in the patient with limited alternatives. This tube has several advantages for ureteral reconstruction over ileal segments.
Nucleophilic vinylic “addition-elimination” substitution reaction of 3β-acetoxy-17-chloro-16-formylandrosta-5,16-diene: A novel and general route to 17-substituted steroids. Part 1 - synthesis of novel 17-azolyl-Δ16 steroids; inhibitors of 17α-hydroxylase/17, 20-lyase (17α-lyase)

Abstract We have discovered that chlorine in 3β-acetoxy-17-chloro-16-formylandrosta-5,16-diene (1) can be smoothly displaced by nitrogen heterocyclic nucleophiles (het − ) to give heretofore unknown 17-substituted-Δ 16 steroids in high yields (73–92%). This enabled us to synthesize novel 3β-hydroxy-17-(1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene ( 4 ) and 3β-hydroxy-17-(1 H -imidazol-1-yl)androsta-5,16-diene ( 7 ), both of which are potent inhibitors of rat testicular 17α-lyase. Spectroscopic studies with a modified form of human 17α-lyase indicates that the inhibition process involves coordination of steroidal azole nitrogen to the heme-iron of the enzyme.
Effect of cortisone on liver nucleoproteins.

Abstract Administration of cortisone 100 μg/g of mouse/day to male Swiss Albino mice produces only temporary modifications of the cellular components of the liver which indicate rapid adaptation of this tissue to cortisone. There is an increased deposition of glycogen during the first 24 hours of cortisone administration followed by a rapid return to normal values. Fat concentration in the liver cell reaches a peak at 5 days. Concentrations of RNA and nitrogen are lowered temporarily with this large dose of cortisone and return to control levels within 7 days. It seems reasonable to conclude that modifications in ploidy distribution of hepatic parenchymal nuclei induced by cortisone can explain the alterations in average DNA content per nucleus.
Commentary: Should Reporters Use Risk as a Determinant of Environmental Coverage?

Although many of the news sources that provide environmental information to the media discuss environmental issues in terms of degree of risk, journalists continue to rely on their own traditional determinants of news. They cover the politics, the economics, the social aspects, and even the racial aspects of environmental stories, in addition to the scientific questions involved. By hanging on to their own ways of looking at things, the media have steered clear of the influence of those involved in environmental affairs. They have set their own environmental agendas instead of relying on the value judgments of their sources.
Fitting a curve to data when both variables are subject to error

A parameterized curve is optimized to best fit the multi-modal distribution formed by the sum of theoretical bivariant probability density functions representing individual data groups where each data group results from the repeated observations of the same measures of x and y.
Estimation of the greenhouse gas externality with uncertainty

The shadow price of carbon dioxide is the value of the external damage caused by an emission. A shadow price model for calculating the present value of the external damage of a carbon dioxide emission is derived explicitly. Sixteen experts provided subjective high, low and most likely parameter estimates because correct values for the eight model parameters are uncertain. The estimation procedure retains parameter uncertainty while generating the main result, which is a distribution of shadow price estimates. Major assumptions made in the estimation identify the basis for the results. Of the eight model parameters, the discount rate dominates the determination of the shadow price. For comparison, expert estimates of the shadow price itself provide a second distribution of shadow price estimates.
The Determination of Low Concentrations of Sodium in Cement by Flame Emission Spectrometry without Sample Preparation

The determination of low concentrations of sodium using atomic spectrometric methods is often limited by environmental contamination in the sample preparation step. Wet digestion techniques must be carried out in a clean environment and require that samples be dissolved in plastic containers with the use of high-purity acids. Fusion methods require the use of high-purity flux materials to avoid contamination. Such materials are often difficult to obtain and are expensive. The analytical blank usually defines the lower limit of detection for sodium determinations when either wet digestion or fusion methods are used to prepare the sample. Direct sample introduction methods which require no sample preparation would significantly minimize contamination problems related to dissolution.
Effect of filters on soliton interactions in wavelength-division-multiplexing systems.

The effect of control filters on the interaction between solitons at different frequencies in wavelength-division-multiplexing systems is investigated. The insertion of control filters leads to an improvement in the system performance.
Mediating cyber and physical threat propagation in secure smart grid architectures

The power grid is a federated system. Regions of the system are controlled by different organizations and security of the grid is imposed from above through regulation of the security techniques used by the federants. This approach will be less effective as we move to a smart grid, where control of some elements of the grid rests in the customer's home through technologies that enable remote access to appliances. These regions of the smart grid are less trusted, yet they interact in various ways with other parts of the grid. This paper demonstrates threat propagation in the smart grid from such regions, and discusses architectural approaches to mediating the impact of such flows.
Click Synthesis of Monolithic Silicon Carbide Aerogels from Polyacrylonitrile-Coated 3D Silica Networks

SiC retains high mechanical strength and oxidation stability at temperatures above 1500 °C, representing a viable alternative to silica, alumina, and carbon, which have been in use as catalyst supports for more than 60 years. Preparation of monolithic porous SiC is usually elaborate and porosities around 30% v/v are typically considered high. This report describes the synthesis of monolithic highly porous (70% v/v) SiC by carbothermal reduction (1200−1600 °C) of 3D sol−gel silica nanostructures (aerogels) conformally coated and cross-linked with polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Synthesis of PAN-cross-linked silica aerogels is carried out in one pot by simple mixing of the monomers, whereas conversion to SiC is carried out in a tube reactor by programmed heating. Intermediates after aromatization (225 °C in air) and carbonization (800 °C under Ar) were isolated and characterized for their chemical composition and materials properties. Data are interpreted mechanistically and were used iteratively for process optim...
Efficacy of albuterol inhalation in treatment of hyperkalemia in premature neonates.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of inhaled albuterol for treatment of hyperkalemia in premature neonates by conducting a prospective, randomized placebo-controlled and double-blinded clinical trial. Study design: Neonates