cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
2 HPLC theory

Abstract The behavior of the analyte in HPLC columns is discussed from the point of view of analyte distribution between the adsorbent and the bulk liquid phase. Different retention mechanisms are considered and expressions describing the analyte retention volume are derived for each selected retention mechanism. Methodology of the incorporation of multi-equilibrium processes in the analyte retention expression is suggested for linear chromatography conditions. The description of eluent components' adsorption is discussed on the basis of the excess adsorption process. The applicability of the excess adsorption description without introduction of the adsorbed layer model or any other convention to the chromatographic process is shown.
Different shapes of the steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 act as agonists for two different receptors in the vitamin D endocrine system to mediate genomic and rapid responses☆

Abstract Vitamin D 3 produces biologic responses as a consequence of its metabolism into 1α,25(OH) 2 -vitamin D 3 [1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 ] and 24R,25(OH) 2 -vitamin D 3 . The metabolic production of these two seco steroids and their generation of the plethora of biologic actions that are attributable to the parent vitamin D 3 are orchestrated via the integrated operation of the vitamin D endocrine system. This system is very similar in its organization to that of classic endocrine systems and is characterized by an endocrine gland (the kidney, the source of the two steroid hormones), target cells which possess receptors for the steroid hormones, and a feed-back loop involving changes in serum Ca 2+ that alter the secretion of parathyroid hormone (a stimulator of the renal 1-hydroxylase) which modulates the output by the kidney of the steroid hormones. There are, however, at least two unique aspects to the vitamin D endocrine system. (a) The chemical structures of vitamin D and its steroid hormones dictate that these be highly conformationally flexible molecules present a wide variety of shapes to their biologic environments. (b) It is now believed that 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 produces biologic responses through two distinct receptors which recognize totally different shapes of the conformationally flexible 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Thus, the classic actions of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 to regulate gene transcription occur as a consequence of the stereospecific interaction of a modified 6-s- trans bowl-shape of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 with its nuclear receptor (VDR nuc ). The ability of 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 to generate a variety of rapid (seconds to minutes) biologic responses (opening of chloride channels, activation of PKC and MAP kinases) requires a planar 6-s- cis ligand shape which is recognized by a putative plasma membrane receptor (VDR mem ) to initiate appropriate signal transduction pathways. This report summarizes the evidence for the specificity of different ligand shapes and the operation of the two receptor families for 1α,25(OH) 2 D 3 .
Robust Brain Registration Using Adaptive Probabilistic Atlas

Elastic image registration is widely used to adapt brain images to a common template space, and, in complementary fashion, to adapt an anatomical template to a subject's anatomy. Although HAMMER is a very accurate image-registration algorithm, it requires a 3-class segmentation step prior to registration, and its performance is affected by segmentation quality. We here propose a new framework to improve this algorithm's robustness to poor initial segmentation. Our new framework is based on Adaptive Generalized Expectation Maximization(AGEM) for unified segmentation and registration, in which we use an adaptivestrategy to incorporate spatial information from a probabilistic atlas to improve segmentation and registration simultaneously. Our experiments using real MR brain images indicate that our integrated approach improves registration accuracy; we have also found that our iterative approach renders HAMMER robust to low tissue contrast, which hinders 3-class segmentation.
Supplemental betaine and peroxide-treated feather meal for finishing cattle

These studies evaluated the effects of betaine, provided either as feed-grade betaine or as concentrated separator by-product (CSB; desugared beet molasses), on performance and carcass characteristics of finishing cattle. In Exp. 1, 175 steers (410 kg initial BW) were fed a finishing diet based on steam-flaked and dry-rolled corn, and treatments included 10.5 and 21 g/d feed-grade betaine and 250 and 500 g/d CSB (supplying 15.5 and 31 g/d of betaine, respectively). Steers fed feed-grade betaine had greater (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.1) DMI than control steers, but ADG and gain efficiencies were not affected by treatment. Dressing percent and backfat thickness was greater (P < 0.1) for steers that received feed-grade betaine than for controls. Longissimus muscle area was lower (P < 0.1) for steers supplemented with either feed-grade betaine or CSB than for control steers. Yield grades were higher for cattle receiving feed-grade betaine (quadratic effect, P < 0.1) than for control steers. Marbling scores were not affected by supplemental betaine, but the percentage of carcasses grading USDA Select was lower (linear and quadratic effects, P < 0.1) for steers fed feed-grade betaine than for control steers, predominantly due to a greater percentage grading USDA Choice. In Exp. 2, 312 heifers (343 kg initial BW) were used in a finishing study to evaluate the effects of graded levels of feed-grade betaine and peroxide-treated feather meal on performance and carcass characteristics. Treatments included two finishing diets (containing peroxide-treated or untreated feather meal) and four levels (0, 4, 8, and 12 g/d) of feed-grade betaine arranged in a 2 x 4 factorial. No significant interactions occurred between treatment of feather meal and betaine. Treatment of feather meal with hydrogen peroxide (5% wt/wt) increased in situ protein degradability but did not alter DMI, ADG, gain efficiencies, or carcass characteristics of heifers when it replaced untreated feather meal in the diet. Top-dressing feed-grade betaine to the diets had no effect on DMI, ADG, and gain efficiencies. Marbling scores were greater (cubic effect, P < 0.05) for heifers fed diets top-dressed with 4 and 12 g/d of feed-grade betaine, but other carcass characteristics were not altered significantly. Overall, feed-grade betaine and CSB did not alter growth performance, but did have minor effects on carcass characteristics.
A Review of “Ancient Rome: From Romulus to Justinian”

To condense more than one thousand years of Roman history into just over two hundred pages is a daunting undertaking. It would leave several distinguished authors in knots. Some have tried, such as...
Hematologic aberrations in metabolic diseases

This study of enzyme deficiencies and hematologic aberrations in metabolic diseases includes disorders of amino acidopathies, lipid disease, albinism, carbohydrates, and mucopolysaccharidosis.
Pillared clay mimics from dicarboxylic acids and flexible diamines

Three dicarboxylic acids – 3,5-pyrazoledicarboxylic acid, 3,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and isophthalic acid – are examined for their ability to participate in lamellar hydrogen-bonded networks upon reaction with alkyl diamines. The use of flexible diamines stems from a desire to mimic the structure and eventually the intercalative abilities of naturally occurring clays. Six structures are reported, with the carbon chain length varying from 3 to 12, and the relative ability of each of the diacids (in combination with flexible diamines) to construct clay-like materials is discussed.
An evaluation of excitation techniques for time domain based flutter data processing

Numerically simulated, wind tunnel and flight test experimental data were used to evaluate various types of system excitation sources for subcritical flutter testing. Emphasis was placed upon the determination of modal frequencies and damping from relatively short time series records. Parameter identification based upon digital time series models was used to predict modal characteristics from subcritical test data. Various types of excitation were considered. These were: 1) impulsive loading and the resulting transient free vibration response, 2) random forced response, in which the 'mechanical' forcing function could be directly measured, 3) sine sweep forced response, in which the 'mechanical' forcing function could be directly measured, and 4) forced response from unsteady aerodynamic excitation or turbulence, in which the excitation could only be indirectly inferred from other measurements.
Enabling collaborative work: Work in progress

Mobile handheld and wearable computer systems to support fieldworkers (e.g. aircraft mechanics) doing a variety of tasks have been designed and studied by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) researchers since 1991. We developed an initial research agenda and found some important results associated with the design and use of such systems. This article summarises some of the key findings from CMU's research and describes the results from one heuritic usability study about mobile handheld and wearable computer systems. Based on these research results, we put forward a new research agenda addressing important issues still to be resolved.
Myogenic Cell Proliferation and Differentiation

Abstract It is generally thought that growth factors play a major role in regulating proliferation and differentiation of myogenic cells. Cell culture studies indicate that of the known growth factors, the fibroblast growth factors, the transforming growth factor β, and the insulin-like growth factor families play the most significant roles in this process. The fibroblast growth factors stimulate proliferation and inhibit differentiation of most cultured myogenic cells. Insulin-like growth factors also stimulate proliferation of myogenic cells, but, in contrast to the fibroblast growth factors, the insulin-like growth factors also stimulate differentiation. Transforming growth factor β inhibits differentiation of cultured myogenic cells. There are conflicting reports as to its effect on proliferation. The combined effects of these growth factors in vivo may play a major role in determining the rate of proliferation and differentiation of muscle tissue.
Managerial discretion and internal alignment under regulatory constraints and change

This paper investigates the effects of regulatory constraints and their relaxation on managerial discretion and internal fit in the context of the U.S. airline industry. Our results suggest that when managers' discretion is limited in one realm of choice, they compensate by using their greater level of discretion in some other arena to achieve internal fit. We show that the pursuit of fit matters, in the sense of having measurable efficiency consequences, and that fit trumps ‘best practice,’ at least in this context. In this respect, our findings provide a validation of the contingency perspective on internal fit. The ability to achieve fit under changing conditions may express a dynamic managerial capability necessary for adaptive organizational change. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introduction to instrumented indentation testing

Instrumented indentation testing (IIT) is a technique for measuring the mechanical properties of materials. It is a development of traditional hardness tests such as Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers, and Knoop. IIT is similar to traditional hardness testing in that a hard indenter, usually diamond, is pressed into contact with the test material. However, traditional hardness testing yields only one measure of deformation at one applied force, whereas during an IIT test, force and penetration are measured for the entire time that the indenter is in contact with the material. All of the advantages of IIT derive from this continuous measurement of force and displacement. IIT is particularly well suited for testing small volumes of material such as thin films, particles, or other small features. It is most commonly used to measure Young’s modulus (E )a nd hardness (H). 1‐2 The Young’s modulus for a material is the relationship between stress and strain when deformation is elastic. If an engineer knows the Young’s modulus for his design material, then he can predict strain for a known stress, and vice versa. In metals, hardness depends directly on the flow stress of the material at the strain caused by the indentation. In other words, hardness is an indirect but simple measure of flow stress; within a class of metals, the metal with the higher hardness will also have the higher flow stress. In addition to Young’s modulus and hardness, IIT has also been used to measure complex modulus in polymers and biomaterials, 3,4 yield stress and creep in metals, 5,6 and fracture toughness in glasses and ceramics.7 This article is the first in an ET feature series on the technique. Thus, this article covers basic testing and analysis procedures; future articles will address advanced applications.
Dynamics of vortices in Ginzburg-Landau theories with applications to superconductivity

Abstract We study the dynamics of vortices in time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau theories in the asymptotic limit when the vortex core size is much smaller than the inter-vortex distance. We derive reduced systems of ODEs governing the evolution of these vortices. We then extend these to study the dynamics of vortices in extremely type-II superconductors. Dynamics of vortex lines is also considered. For the simple Ginzburg-Landau equation without the magnetic field, we find that the vortices are stationary in the usual diffusive scaling, and obey remarkably simple dynamic laws when time is speeded up by a logarithmic factor. For columnar vortices in superconductors, we find a similar dynamic law with a potential which is screened by the current. For curved vortex lines in curerconductors, we find that the vortex lines move in the direction of the normal with a speed proportional to the curvature. Comparisons are made with the previous results of John Neu.
Control of Intramolecular Interactions between the Pleckstrin Homology and Dbl Homology Domains of Vav and Sos1 Regulates Rac Binding

Vav and Sos1 are Dbl family guanine nucleotide exchange factors, which activate Rho family GTPases in response to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase products. A pleckstrin homology domain adjacent to the catalytic Dbl homology domain via an unknown mechanism mediates the effects of phosphoinositides on guanine nucleotide exchange activity. Here we tested the possibility that phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase substrates and products control an interaction between the pleckstrin homology domain and the Dbl homology domain, thereby explaining the inhibitory effects of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase substrates and stimulatory effects of the products. Binding studies using isolated fragments of Vav and Sos indicate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase substrate promotes the binding of the pleckstrin homology domain to the Dbl homology domain and blocks Rac binding to the DH domain, whereas phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase products disrupt the Dbl homology/pleckstrin homology interactions and permit Rac binding. Additionally, Lck phosphorylation of Vav, a known activating event, reduces the affinities between the Vav Dbl homology and pleckstrin homology domains and permits Rac binding. We also show Vav activation in cells, as monitored by phosphorylation of Vav, Vav association with phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate, and Vav guanine nucleotide exchange activity, is blocked by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. These results suggest the molecular mechanisms for activation of Vav and Sos1 require disruption of inhibitory intramolecular interactions involving the pleckstrin homology and Dbl homology domains.
Enteroprosthetic Fistula Associated with Hypertrophic Osteoarthropathy

Infected vascular grafts with aortoenteric fistulae can be difficult to diagnose. We describe an interesting patient who developed hypertrophic osteoarthropathy of the lower extremities. This occurred one year prior to the diagnosis of an infected vascular prosthesis. With definitive surgical therapy, all symptoms of hypertrophic osteoarth ropathy resolved. Patients with arterial prostheses who present with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy should be carefully evaluated for occult graft infections.
Immunization with hepatitis C virus-like particles protects mice from recombinant hepatitis C virus-vaccinia infection

We have recently demonstrated that immunization with hepatitis C virus-like particles (HCV-LPs) generated in insect cells can elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice. Here, we evaluate the immunogenicity of HCV-LPs in HLA2.1 transgenic (AAD) mice in comparison to DNA immunization. HCV-LP immunization elicited a significantly stronger humoral immune response than DNA immunization. HCV-LP-immunized mice also developed stronger HCV-specific cellular immune responses than DNA-immunized mice as determined by using quantitative enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISpot) assay and intracellular cytokine staining. In BALB/c mice, immunization with HCV-LPs resulted in a >5 log10 reduction in vaccinia titer when challenged with a recombinant vaccinia expressing the HCV structural proteins (vvHCV.S), as compared to 1 log10 decrease in DNA immunization. In HLA2.1 transgenic mice, a 1-2 log10 reduction resulted from HCV-LP immunization, whereas no reduction was seen from DNA immunization. Adoptive transfer of lymphocytes from HCV-LP-immunized mice to naive mice provided protection against vvHCV.S challenge, and this transferred immunity can be abrogated by either CD4 or CD8 depletion. Our results suggest that HCV-LPs can induce humoral and cellular immune responses that are protective in a surrogate HCV challenge model and that a strong cellular immunity provided by both CD4 and CD8 effector lymphocytes may be important for protection from HCV infection.
Investigation of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement blending efficiency through GPC and FTIR

Due to economical and environmental considerations, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) has been frequently included into asphalt paving mixtures during pavement construction and maintenance activities. Many studies have been conducted with regard to the effect of RAP inclusion in the pavement structure and its mechanical performance, yet the blending efficiency of the RAP and virgin binder is still unknown. It is often assumed that a complete blend between the RAP binder and virgin binder does occur. However, if there is not a complete blend concerns arise that the long-term pavement life could be compromised. In this study, staged extraction is performed on an asphalt mixture blend on the premise that individual layers of asphalt binder can be removed from the mixture until all that remains is the aggregate. Each binder layer is then tested and compared quantitatively using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify the extent to which RAP and virgin binder blend. Results of this study have shown that a certain degree of blending does occur throughout all layers of the mixture.
A 16- to 45-year follow-up of 71 men with antisocial personality disorder

We examined the long-term outcome of 71 men with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) admitted to the University of Iowa Psychiatric Hospital. The subjects all met DSM-III criteria for ASPD based on admission records. Patients had been admitted between 1945 and 1970 and were evaluated between 1986 and 1990, an average of 29 years following hospital discharge. We traced 68 (96%), and 26 (36.6%) received a full or partial interview; 17 (23.9%) had died. Based on personal interviews, interviews with informants, and medical and legal records, we were able to rate globally 45: 12 (26.6%) had remitted, 14 (31.1%) had improved but not remitted, and 19 (42.2%) were unimproved. A Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) was administered to 21 subjects; tobacco dependence, alcohol dependence, generalized anxiety disorder, and major depression were frequent lifetime disorders. Remission was associated with lower symptom severity at intake and follow-up evaluation of more than 25 years and current sobriety. Based on the study results, we conclude that for many, ASPD is chronic and is associated with ongoing psychiatric, medical, and social problems.
Keynes's Idealism: A Critical Evaluation of Athol Fitzgibbons's Keynes's Vision: A New Political Economy

Keynes's Vision by Athol Fitzgibbons is part of a new surge of scholarship reinterpreting Keynes's economics based on his early work in philosophy. Fitzgibbons argues that economists have considered Keynes inconsistent and have tended to ignore parts of his theory and method because of their failure to recognize his idealism. In particular, the truncation and packaging of Keynes's economics into IS/LM analysis totally ignored his moral philosophy and led gradually to the trivialization of his contributions to economics. Fitzgibbons asserts that Keynes's economics is part of a logically coherent structure of ideas embedded in his moral and political philosophy. He characterizes Keynes as a Platonist, an idealist who saw human existence and history in terms of a duality: "Keynes's vision was partly that all worldly affairs are subject to change to a possibly large degree, or to what he called 'objective chance'; but it also pointed to an independent sphere of ideals, appreciable to the mind, by which we might steer at cross-current" (Fitzgibbons, 1988, pp. 49-50). Fitzgibbons considers Keynes's moral philosophy important because Keynes's vision pointed to a new political economy. He claims that Keynes consciously created an alternative to Marxism and laissez-faire which, in fact, is the only comprehensive alternative we have. In this regard, Fitzgibbons argues several interrelated points. First, for Keynes, economic analysis was part of the larger project of rational governance ? of promoting human progress based on universal ideals. Second, Keynes wrote in the pre-modern, pre-scientific tradition of moral philosophy which he revitalized by introducing the effect of economic growth on the possibilities for humanity. Third, Keynes created a method of analysis which was consistent with his idealism, emphasizing intuition and practical reason based on probabilities. Fourth, Keynes considered methodologies employed in the natural
Mollified hyperbolic method for coefficient identification problems

Abstract We introduce a stable numerical method for the identification of a transmissivity coefficient in a one-dimensional parabolic equation. It is a combination of the Mollification Method and a well-known space marching implementation of the Hyperbolic Regularization procedure. The new method succesfully restores a certain type of continuity with respect to the initial condition and the boundary data. The accuracy of the algorithm is demonstrated by means of several examples where exact and perturbed data are considered.
Reduced depth of field in incoherent hybrid imaging systems

A hybrid imaging system combines a modified optical imaging module and a digital postprocessing step. We define what to our knowledge is a new metric to quantify the blurring of a defocused image that is more suitable than the defocus parameter for describing defocused hybrid imaging systems. We use this metric to design a pupil phase grating to reduce the depth of field, thereby increasing the axial resolution, of an incoherent hybrid imaging system using quasi-monochromatic illumination. By introducing this grating at the exit pupil and digitally processing the output of the detector, we reduce the depth of field by more than a factor of 2. Finally, we examine the effect of using a CCD optical detector, instead of an ideal optical detector, on the reduction of the depth of field.
High relaxivity MRI imaging reagents from bimodal star polymers

Star polymer architectures were developed as multimodal imaging systems as fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents. Acrylate star polymers in hydrodynamic diameters of 10 ± 2 nm comprising fluorene derivatives as core units were modified with dopamine derivatives in adjustable quantities to chelate lanthanides such as Gd3+ and Eu3+. Ionic relaxivity values of 84 mM−1s−1 in an applied magnetic field of 0.5T at 37 °C confirmed the rapid water exchange of the highly hydrated star polymer. The utility is extended by the consecutive modification with allyl groups to perform thiol-ene reactions to conjugate thiol modified targeting units such as (cRGD) and dendritic molecular transporter as cell penetrating units. Cell uptake experiments in NIH 3T3 cells showed a rapid uptake of the star polymer independently of the presence of molecular transporter unit as it was detected through both the blue fluorescence of the fluorine core and the red fluorescence of the complexed Eu3+ to the linear polymer arms. In vivo mouse models confirmed the star polymer imaging reagent altered the image contrast significantly. In this work, we have adapted macromolecules as imaging agents for fluorescence microscopy and magnetic resonance imaging in conjunction with intracellular delivery and targeting.
Relational, Indirect, Adaptive, or Just Mean: Recent Studies on Aggression in Adolescent Girls—Part II

Recent research on gender differences in aggressive behaviors is reviewed in this second of a two-part article on the aggression of girls. The objective here is to use findings from studies done by social scientists to confirm and extend vivid reports in recent popular texts (Hadley, 2003). Findings are first summarized and then detailed with methodological issues and some theoretical implications discussed by way of conclusion. This recent research supports observations of differences in the aggression of boys and of girls. It points to the need for further research and discussion on the topic of gender and aggression.
234Th and 21Pb evidence for rapid ingestion of settling particles by mobile epibenthic megafauna in the abyssal NE Pacific

Particle-scavenged 234 Th and 210 Pb can be used to trace the fate of particulate matter reaching the deep-sea floor. We used this technique to demonstrate rapid ingestion of particles arriving at the sea floor (at a depth of 4,100 m) by mobile epibenthic holothuroids (Abyssocucumis abyssorum and Oneirophanta mutabilis). Excess 234 Th and 210 Pb activities of sediment trap material, detrital aggregates from the sea floor, and animal gut contents all were similar while activities of surface sediments (top 0-5 mm) were considerably lower. A simple calculation using the excess 210 Pb concentration of two potential food sources, sediment trap material and surface sediments, shows that ∼91% of gut content material of A. abyssorum must have come from material similar to that found in the sediment trap cups. By setting the sediment trap material as age 0, apparent ages of 100 d, and 12-13 d were estimated for the aggregates, surface sediments, and A. abyssorum guts, respectively. The population of A. abyssorum at this site could potentially process 0.2-4% of the vertical mass flux (m -2 d -1 ) during the high particle flux period between June and October 1994. The percentage of vertical flux processed could be substantially greater when all of the mobile epibenthic megafauna species are considered.
Nascent Proteomes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as a Novel Source for Biomarker Discovery in Human Stroke

Background and Purpose—The proteome of newly synthesized proteins (nascent proteome) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be a novel source of stroke biomarkers. Changes in the PBMC nascent proteome after stroke reflect the dynamic response-in-action not detectable in the total proteome (all existing proteins) in blood. Here, we test the application of nascent proteomics as a novel approach for stroke biomarker discovery. Methods—The PBMC nascent proteome in human blood was determined by metabolic labeling of fresh PBMC cultures with azidohomoalanine (an azide-containing methionine surrogate), followed by mass spectrometry detection and quantification of azidohomoalanine-labeled proteins. The PBMC nascent and total proteomes were compared between patients with stroke and matched controls. Results—Both PBMC nascent and total proteomes showed differences between stroke patients and controls. Results of hierarchical clustering analysis of proteomic data revealed greater changes in the nascent th...
Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Tyrosine-to-Cysteine Mutant Human α-Synuclein A PROGRESSIVE NEURODEGENERATIVE MODEL OF DIFFUSE LEWY BODY DISEASE

Abnormal aggregation of human α-synuclein in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Studies have shown that oxidation and nitration of α-synuclein lead to the formation of stable dimers and oligomers through dityrosine cross-linking. Previously we have reported that tyrosine-to-cysteine mutations, particularly at the tyrosine 39 residue (Y39C), significantly enhanced α-synuclein fibril formation and neurotoxicity. In the current study, we have generated transgenic mice expressing the Y39C mutant human α-synuclein gene controlled by the mouse Thy1 promoter. Mutant human α-synuclein was widely expressed in transgenic mouse brain, resulting in 150% overexpression relative to endogenous mouse α-synuclein. At age 9–12 months, transgenic mice began to display motor dysfunction in rotarod testing. Older animals aged 15–18 months showed progressive accumulation of human α-synuclein oligomers, associated with worse motor function and cognitive impairment in the Morris water maze. By age 21–24 months, α-synuclein aggregates were further increased, accompanied by severe behavioral deficits. At this age, transgenic mice developed neuropathology, such as Lewy body-like α-synuclein and ubiquitin-positive inclusions, phosphorylation at Ser129 of human α-synuclein, and increased apoptotic cell death. In summary, Y39C human α-synuclein transgenic mice show age-dependent, progressive neuronal degeneration with motor and cognitive deficits similar to diffuse Lewy body disease. The time course of α-synuclein oligomer accumulation coincided with behavioral and pathological changes, indicating that these oligomers may initiate protein aggregation, disrupt cellular function, and eventually lead to neuronal death.
A Hoeffding inequality for Markov chains using a generalized inverse

This paper uses a generalized inverse to derive a Hoeffding inequality for partial sums which proceed from uniformly ergodic Markov chains.
Three-mirror stable resonator for high power and single-mode lasers

A stable, high, three-mirror resonator is proposed for the optimum output coupling and mode control of high power moderate-gain lasers. Theoretical calculations on the beam intensity distributions, spot sizes, and stability conditions are given. Alignment tolerance for a limiting case is discussed. Experimental results with a high power argon-ion plasma tube and a three-mirror stable resonator agree with the theory.
Large-angle optical switching in waveguides in LiNbO3

Abstract Optical waveguiding layers displaying great photorefractive sensitivity have been formed by diffusion of iron into LiNbO3. Thick phase gratings of greater than 50% diffraction efficiency have been formed within such waveguiding layers by intersecting guided beams of red light from a He-Ne laser. By writing the gratings in a sample heated to 160°C, fixed gratings of about 1% diffraction efficiency have been produced. Modulation of the diffracted beam by electro-optic deflection of the input beam has been demonstrated.
Pleiotropy as a factor maintaining genetic variation in quantitative characters under stabilizing selection

A model of pleiotropy with N diallelic loci contributing additively to N quantitative traits and stabilizing selection acting on each of the traits is considered. Every locus has a major contribution to one trait and a minor contribution to the rest of them, while every trait is controlled by one major locus and N−1 minor loci. It is demonstrated that a stable equilibrium with the allelic frequency equal to 0·5 in all N loci can be maintained in such a model for a wide range of parameters. Such a ‘totally polymorphic’ equilibrium is maintained for practically any strength of selection and any recombination, if the relative contribution by a minor locus to a trait is less than 20 % of the contribution by a major locus. The dynamic behaviour of the model is shown to be quite complex with a possibility under sufficiently strong selection of multiple stable equilibria and positive linkage disequilibria between loci. It is also suggested that pleiotropy among loci controlling traits experiencing direct selection can be responsible for apparent selection on neutral traits also controlled by these loci.
Localization of function: The mind-body problem revisited

Abstract The primary aim of neuropsychology is the understanding of brain-behavior relationships. This necessitates confronting the mind-body problem, and the neuropsychologist must frequently cross between physical and psychological conceptual systems. The localizationist-antilocalizationist controversy can be understood, in part, as a result of different attitudes toward this conceptual difficulty. The tendency to reify the name of complex psychological constructs demonstrated by some of the localizationists continues to muddle both the thinking and research of neuropsychologists. Our increased ability to localize brain lesions through neuroradiographic tests must be paralleled by increased sophistication in analyzing psychological functions. The methods from cognitive psychology offer great promise in the study of ability and disability in neuropsychology.
Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) and vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) endocytosis in kidney epithelial cells: AQP2 is located in 'endocytosis-resistant' membrane domains after vasopressin treatment.

Background information. Aquaporin 2 (AQP2) plays an important, VP (vasopressin)-regulated role in water reabsorption by the kidney. The amount of AQP2 expressed at the surface of principal cells results from an equilibrium between the AQP2 in intracellular vesicles and the AQP2 on the plasma membrane. VP shifts the equilibrium in favour of the plasma membrane and this allows osmotic equilibration to occur between the collecting duct lumen and the interstitial space. Membrane accumulation of AQP2 could result from a VP-induced increase in exocytosis, a decrease in endocytosis, or both. In the present study, we further investigated AQP2 accumulation at the cell surface, and compared it with V2R (VP type 2 receptor) trafficking using cells that express epitope-tagged AQP2 and V2R. Results. Endocytosis of V2R and of AQP2 are independent events that can be separated temporally and spatially. The burst of endocytosis seen after VP addition to target cells, when AQP2 accumulates at the cell surface, is primarily due to internalization of the V2R. Increased endocytosis is not induced by forskolin, which also induces membrane accumulation of AQP2 by direct stimulation of adenylate cyclase. This indicates that cAMP elevation is not the primary cause of the initial, VP-induced endocytic process. After VP exposure, AQP2 is not located in endosomes with internalized V2R. Instead, it remains at the cell surface in ‘endocytosis-resistant’ membrane domains, visualized by confocal imaging. After VP washout, AQP2 is progressively internalized with the fluid-phase marker FITC—dextran, indicating that VP washout releases an endocytotic block that maintains AQP2 at the cell surface. Finally, polarized application of VP to filter-grown cells shows that apical VP can induce basolateral endocytosis and V2R down-regulation, and vice versa. Conclusions. After VP stimulation of renal epithelial cells, AQP2 accumulates at the cell surface, while the V2R is actively internalized. This endocytotic block may involve a reduced capacity of phosphorylated AQP2 to interact with components of the endocytotic machinery. In addition, a complex cross-talk exists between the apical and basolateral plasma-membrane domains with respect to endocytosis and V2R down-regulation. This may be of physiological significance in down-regulating the VP response in the kidney in vivo.
Electron Spin Resonance Spectra of Unsaturated Radicals in Irradiated Tetra-alkyl Ammonium Halides

SEVERAL workers have reported on the electron spin resonance spectra of allyl radicals in various glassy matrices1–3. The observed spectra are poorly resolved because of large anisotropic interactions3. Recently I have observed well-resolved electron spin resonance spectra of ‘allyl-type’ radicals in irradiated polycrystalline tetra-alkyl ammonium halides at room temperature. The spectra were recorded on a Varian electron spin resonance spectrometer with 100 kc/s field modulation. The experimental details are similar to those published previously4.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of the audio/video distribution transport protocol (AVDTP) for high quality audio support over Bluetooth

In recent years, we have seen wide adoption of wireless local area networks frequently used as extensions to the Internet to enable ubiquitous information access anywhere, anytime. Networks such as IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth are extensively being deployed in the local area and personal area networking environments, respectively. For seamless connectivity to the Internet, these networks are expected to transport different types of traffic often involving various media (audio, video, images). Our goal is to enable the effective transfer of high quality audio in Bluetooth Personal Area Networks (PANs). Most of the functionalities required for audio/video streaming over Bluetooth are specified by the Bluetooth Audio/Video Distribution Transport Protocol (AVDTP) specification standard. We have designed and implemented AVDTP for high-quality audio support over Bluetooth networks. We also present and discuss a performance evaluation of our AVDTP implementation.
A Useful Roentgen Sign In Dissecting Aneurysm of the Thoracic Aorta

A case of dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is presented. Leakage from the aorta formed an extrapleural hematoma. This hematoma appeared as a round mass with a well-delineated border on chest x-ray examination. The value of this x-ray finding in the diagnosis of dissecting thoracic aorta is emphasized.
Oral and Rectal Absorption of Chloral Hydrate and Its Betaine Complex

Chloral hydrate and its betaine complex were administered orally and rectally to nine healthy male subjects. The urinary excretion, which was a reflection of absorption, of a metabolite, trichloroacetic acid, was determined. No statistically significant difference was found between the oral absorption of chloral hydrate and its betaine complex and between the rectal absorption of chloral hydrate and its betaine complex. A statistical difference was found between the oral and rectal absorption of chloral hydrate and between the oral and rectal absorption of chloral betaine.
A Sensitivity Study on Static and Dynamic Detection Modes of Adsorption-Induced Surface Stress in Microcantilever Biosensors

Microcantilever biosensors may be utilized as a platform for the adsorption induced surface stress measurements. This can be done by measuring either the static deflection of the microcantilever after the adsorption or the adsorption induced shift in its resonance frequency. This paper presents a new method of formulating the adsorption induced surface stress as a function of the static deflection of the microcantilever. Most of the previous works in this area are based on the Stoney’s simple equation. In the proposed method, the molecular interactions of the adsorbed biological species are modeled based on the Lennard-Jones attraction/repulsion potential. As a result, the sensitivity of the static detection mode (based on the proposed method) is compared to that of the dynamic mode. It is shown that the dynamic mode of biosensing is much more sensitive to the change in the properties of the adsorbed biological species, when compared to conventional static mode detection mechanism.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Investigation of Strut Thickness in Coronary Stents via Finite Element Analysis

Strut thickness in coronary stents has been shown to affect their clinical performance. The purpose of this investigation was to understand how stent strut thickness influenced stress in the vessel wall. Finite element modeling was used to compare stress distribution between a thick and thin strut stent in a curved coronary artery model. Specifically, we modeled two 8 mm long Guidant MULTI-LINK VISION stents, one with strut thickness of 81 μm and the other with strut thickness of 112 μm. Results showed larger values of stress, both in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction, for the thicker stent model. As expected, these higher stress values occurred beneath the stent struts and at the edges of the stent. Stented vessel compliance measurements of both models revealed that the thick strut VISION stent is less compliant than the thin strut VISION stent. These results support the hypothesis that compliance mismatch between the stent and the host vessel contributes to excessive stress in the walls of stented vessels.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Regression spline models and model calibration in the identification of protein storage conditions

The study of protein-construct activity provides valuable insight in the early stages of drug discovery. Identification of optimal storage conditions that maintain activity of the constructs is an important issue. In the study reported herein, a space-filling design was used to assess the effects of eight design variables—buffer, pH, NaCl, protein concentration reducing agent detergent, MgCl2, and temperature—on protein activity. A regression spline analysis is presented and settings of the explanatory factors resulting in the best predicted protein activity over the explored space are identified. The models are selected initially based on the Akaike information criterion and later assessed via root mean square error and cross-validation root mean square error. Detergent, buffer, temperature, and smooth functions of pH and protein concentration were found to have large effects on protein activity. The models were calibrated via calculation of the empirical distribution of the cross-validation root mean sq...
Chip-scale filters, switches and mixers in silicon photonics

We present examples of silicon photonic devices using electro-optic or thermo-optic effects in waveguides, interferometers and compact micro-resonators for high dynamic range tunable filters, wide-bandwidth switches, and wavelength converters using carrier-swept fourwave mixing.
Individualizing Care for Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer: The Role of Molecular Assays

Traditionally, a variety of factors were used to make adjuvant treatment decisions in breast cancer, but none of those factors, except grade, has a consistent association with sensitivity to chemotherapy or endocrine therapy. However, oncologists now are able to use molecular assays as a component of decision making for adjuvant therapy. This article focuses on the use of two of those molecular assays and their implications for nurses.
Performance Comparison of a Set of Periodic and Non-Periodic Tridiagonal Solvers on SP2 and Paragon Parallel Computers

Various tridiagonal solvers have been proposed in recent years for different parallel platforms. In this paper, the performance of three tridiagonal solvers, namely, the parallel partition LU algorithm, the parallel diagonal dominant algorithm, and the reduced diagonal dominant algorithm, is studied. These algorithms are designed for distributed-memory machines and are tested on an Intel Paragon and an IBM SP2 machines. Measured results are reported in terms of execution time and speedup. Analytical study are conducted for different communication topologies and for different tridiagonal systems. The measured results match the analytical results closely. In addition to address implementation issues, performance considerations such as problem sizes and models of speedup are also discussed.
A Giant Crocodile from the Plio-Pleistocene of Kenya, the Phylogenetic Relationships of Neogene African Crocodylines, and the Antiquity of Crocodylus in Africa

ABSTRACT We describe a new crocodile, Crocodylus thorbjarnarsoni, sp. nov., on the basis of skulls and jaws from Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits in the Lake Turkana Basin of Kenya. The new species has a comparatively broad, deep snout and resembles an extinct horned crocodile from the Quaternary of Olduvai Gorge (C. anthropophagus), but the squamosal ‘horns’ are not as well developed. The skull table has a strongly trapezoidal outline different from those of the living Nile crocodile (C. niloticus) and crocodiles from late Miocene deposits in the Turkana Basin. The largest specimens are from animals up to 7.5 m in total length. It would have been the largest predator in its environment, and the early humans found in the same deposits were presumably part of its prey base. A phylogenetic analysis, including the new species and an improved sample of extinct crocodyline diversity, suggests a more complex phylogenetic and biogeographic history for the clade in Africa and the eastern Indian Ocean region than...
The Acute Effects of Monoamine Reuptake Inhibitors on the Stimulus Effects of Hallucinogens

In a previous study it was observed that fluoxetine potentiates the stimulus effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). In the present investigation, stimulus control was established in groups of rats using as training drugs the hallucinogens lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD); 0.1 mg/kg), (-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine [(-)-DOM; 0.56 mg/kg], ibogaine (10 mg/kg), and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT; 3 mg/kg). A two-lever, fixed-ratio 10, positively reinforced task with saline controls was employed. The hypotheses tested were that (a) monoamine uptake inhibitors other than fluoxetine potentiate the discriminative effects of LSD, and (b) hallucinogens other than LSD are potentiated by acute pretreatment with monoamine uptake inhibitors. The effects of a range of doses of each of the training drugs were determined both alone and following pretreatment with the monoamine reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and venlafaxine. In LSD-trained subjects, all three reuptake inhibitors caused a significant increase in LSD-appropriate responding. Similar results were observed in rats trained with (-)-DOM and with ibogaine. In 5-MeO-DMT-trained subjects, only fluoxetine resulted in an enhancement of drug-appropriate responding. The reuptake inhibitors given alone elicited varying degrees of responses appropriate for the respective training drugs. For fluoxetine in rats trained with LSD and ibogaine, for venlafaxine in LSD trained, and for fluvoxamine in (-)-DOM trained, the degree of responding met our criterion for intermediate responding, i.e., significantly different from both training conditions. Subsequent experiments in (-)-DOM-trained subjects examined a range of doses of each of the reuptake inhibitors in combination with a fixed dose of (-)-DOM (0.1 mg/kg), which alone yielded about 50% (-)-DOM-appropriate responding. With the exception of the point obtained with the highest dose of venlafaxine, all data were compatible with additivity of effects rather than true potentiation. In summary, the present data extend our previous observation of the augmentation of the stimulus effects of LSD by fluoxetine to include other hallucinogens. The mechanisms by which these interactions arise and possible differential effects of acute and chronic treatment remain to be established.