cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Advanced Materials and Component Development for Lithium-Ion Cells for NASA Missions

Human missions to Near Earth Objects, such as asteroids, planets, moons, liberation points, and orbiting structures, will require safe, high specific energy, high energy density batteries to provide new or extended capabilities than are possible with today s state-of-the-art aerospace batteries. The Enabling Technology Development and Demonstration Program, High Efficiency Space Power Systems Project battery development effort at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is continuing advanced lithium-ion cell development efforts begun under the Exploration Technology Development Program Energy Storage Project. Advanced, high-performing materials are required to provide improved performance at the component-level that contributes to performance at the integrated cell level in order to meet the performance goals for NASA s High Energy and Ultra High Energy cells. NASA s overall approach to advanced cell development and interim progress on materials performance for the High Energy and Ultra High Energy cells after approximately 1 year of development has been summarized in a previous paper. This paper will provide an update on these materials through the completion of 2 years of development. The progress of materials development, remaining challenges, and an outlook for the future of these materials in near term cell products will be discussed.
Testing and Characterization of CMC Combustor Liners

Multiple combustor liner applications, both segmented and fully annular designs, have been configured for exposure in NASA's High Pressure Burner Rig (HPBR). The segmented liners were attached to the rig structure with SiC/SiC fasteners and exposed to simulated gas turbine conditions for nearly 200 hours. Test conditions included pressures of 6 atm., gas velocity of 42 m/s, and gas temperatures near 1450 C. The temperatures of both the cooled and combustion flow sides of the liners were measured using optical and contact measurement techniques. Minor weight loss was observed, but the liners remained structural sound, although damage was noted in some fasteners.
Primary chemotherapy for nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasms.

Abstract This report summarizes our 7 years' experience in the methotrexate chemotherapy of 58 patients with nonmetastatic gestational trophoblastic neoplasms. Of these patients, 54 (93 per cent) entered sustained complete remission. Three of the remaining 4 patients with methotrexate-resistant disease later entered remission with either hysterectomy or actinomycin D chemotherapy. One patient died of disseminated disease, resistant to all therapy, 3 years after initial admission. No deaths were caused by toxicity. The diagnostic criteria, method of therapy, toxic side effects, analysis of factors influencing response, and subsequent pregnancies in these patients are discussed.
Katheterablation bei Vorhofflimmern

In den letzten Jahren haben sich wesentliche Entwicklungen in der Diagnostik und Therapie des Vorhofflimmerns (AF) ergeben, die insbesondere den Stellenwert der interventionellen Therapie erhohen. Basierend auf der Erkenntnis, dass fokale Trigger aus den Pulmonalvenen (PV) die pradominanten Ursprungsorte des paroxysmalen Vorhofflimmerns (PAF) darstellen, hat sich die Katheterablation in Form einer elektrophysiologisch gefuhrten Diskonnektion der PV zunehmend etabliert. Das Prinzip dieser Therapie stellt die Elimination der Trigger dar, die fur die Initiierung insbesondere des PAF verantwortlich sind. Bei Patienten mit lang anhaltendem, persistierendem Vorhofflimmern (CAF) stellen die PV sehr selten das alleinige Substrat zur Initiierung und Aufrechterhaltung des Vorhofflimmerns dar, sodass die Pulmonalvenenisolation bei einem grosen Teil dieser Patienten nicht ausreichend ist. Es konnte in den letzten Jahren gezeigt werden, dass Patienten mit CAF von einer zusatzlichen Substratmodifikation profitieren. Hierbei werden die herkommlichen Ansatze in einem „stepwise ablation approach“ kombiniert angewendet mit dem Ziel der Terminierung des Vorhofflimmerns durch die Ablation. Die Katheterablation bei CAF ist derzeit noch nicht „klinisch etabliert“ und sollte nur in erfahrenen Zentren durchgefuhrt werden. Im Gegensatz dazu konnte auch im Vergleich zur medikamentosen Therapie eine Uberlegenheit der Katheterablation zur symptomatischen Behandlung von PAF gezeigt werden.
Spectrum of the cosmic microwave background

Measurements of the spectrum of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) have been actively pursued for more than twenty years in hopes of finding detailed information about the early universe. A review will be given of the technical problems associated with these background measurements in each frequency range where they have been attempted. The experimental approaches which have been used to overcome these problems will be analyzed and the most recent measurements summarized.
Prevention of naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis with a recombinant Moraxella bovis cytotoxin-ISCOM matrix adjuvanted vaccine

The efficacy of a recombinant Moraxella bovis cytotoxin subunit vaccine to prevent naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) was evaluated in a randomized, blinded, controlled field trial. Ninety-three cross bred beef calves were vaccinated with either saline, ISCOM matrix (adjuvant control), or a recombinant M. bovis cytotoxin carboxy terminus peptide plus ISCOM matrix and boostered 21 days later. Ocular examinations were performed once weekly for 20 weeks. At week 12, the cumulative proportion of calves with ulcerated eyes in the recombinant vaccine group was significantly lower than in the saline control group. Throughout the 20 week trial, the cumulative proportion of ulcerated calves remained lowest in the recombinant vaccine group. By week 7, nonulcerated calves in the recombinant vaccine group had significantly higher changes in serum neutralizing titers and cytotoxin specific to total IgG ratios in serum and tears as compared to calves in the control groups. The trend for a reduced cumulative proportion of IBK in the vaccinated calves over the 20 week trial suggests that a recombinant M. bovis cytotoxin vaccine may be beneficial in helping to prevent naturally occurring IBK.
The dynamic Kingdon trap: A novel design for the storage and crystallization of laser-cooled ions

On the basis of analytical pseudo-potential calculations and extensive numerical simulations it is proved that the dynamic Kingdon trap is a working design for the permanent storage and the crystallization of laser-cooled ions.
Effects of selective dopamine D3 receptor compounds in nonhuman primate models of cocaine and methamphetamine abuse (661.8)

Within the dopaminergic system, the D3R has been shown to mediate many of the behavioral effects of psychostimulants associated with high abuse potential. The present studies examined the effects of D3-selective partial agonists and D3/D2R antagonists in three models of cocaine and MA abuse in rhesus monkeys. The highly selective D3 partial agonist PG619 and the D3/D2R antagonists buspirone and eticlopride were administered chronically to monkeys self-administering cocaine and MA (n=3/group) under a food-drug choice procedure in which complete cocaine and MA dose-response curves were determined each session. Neither PG 619 (0.1-3.0 mg/kg, i.v.), buspirone (0.01-0.3 mg/kg, i.m.) nor eticlopride (0.001-0.01 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly decreased cocaine or MA choice and intake while buspirone significantly increased the choice of low drug doses. The ability of buspirone to block reinstatement was also examined. Using the choice procedure in which saline was substituted for the self-administered drug, buspiron...
Communication issues in parallel and distributed optimization algorithms

Summary form only given, as follows. Massive speedups through parallel optimization methods will not likely be achieved without efficient communication between processors. Three related issues are discussed: optimization algorithms that can take advantage of special communication-efficient hardware such as processor arrays; optimal routing algorithms for linear algebra calculations in message-passing architectures; and convergence theory of asynchronous algorithms. >
Dietary Fibers Affect Viscosity of Solutions and Simulated Human Gastric and Small Intestinal Digesta

Two experiments were conducted to determine the viscosities of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibers. In Expt. 1, corn bran, defatted rice bran, guar gum, gum xanthan, oat bran, psyllium, soy hulls, stabilized rice bran, wheat bran, wood cellulose, and 2 methylcellulose controls (Ticacel 42, Ticacel 43) were hydrated in water overnight at 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2% concentrations. In Expt. 2, guar gum, oat bran, psyllium, rice bran, wheat bran, and wood cellulose were subjected to a 2-stage in vitro gastric and small intestinal digestion simulation model. Viscosity was measured every 2 and 3 h during gastric and small intestinal simulation, respectively. Viscosities in both experiments were measured at multiple shear rates. Viscosities of all fiber solutions were concentration- and shear rate-dependent. Rice brans, soy hulls, and wood cellulose had the lowest viscosities, whereas guar gum, psyllium, and xanthan gum had the highest viscosities, regardless of concentration. During gastric simulation, viscosity was higher (P < 0.05) at 4 h than at 0 h for guar gum, psyllium, rice bran, and wheat bran. During small intestinal simulation, viscosities were higher (P < 0.05) between 3 and 9 h compared with 18 h for guar gum, oat bran, and rice bran. Guar gum, psyllium, and oat bran exhibited viscous characteristics throughout small intestinal simulation, indicating potential for these fibers to elicit blood glucose and lipid attenuation. Wheat and rice brans and wood cellulose did not exhibit viscous characteristics throughout small intestinal digestion; thus, they may be beneficial for laxation.
Influence of complete spinal cord injury on skeletal muscle mechanics within the first 6 months of injury.

In this study we examined the influence of complete spinal cord injury (SCI) on the mechanical characteristics of skeletal muscle in vivo within 6 months of the injury. Surface electrical stimulation (ES) was applied to the left m. quadriceps femoris of patients at 6, 11 and 24 weeks after injury. Surface ES was also applied to seven able-bodied controls (AB) at two time points 18 weeks apart. ES consisted of 2 bouts of 20, 1-s isometric contractions with 2 s and 2 min of rest between contractions and bouts, respectively. The time from 20–80% of peak torque (rise time) and the half relaxation time (1/2 RT) were determined for the first and for the last few contractions. Force loss over repeat contractions was greater in SCI than AB (27% vs 95%; P = 0.0001), and did not change over the 18-week period. Rise time did not change over repeat contractions, was not different between groups, and nor did it change over the 18-week period (range: 150–172 ms). 1/2 RT showed several group differences. Overall, 1/2 RT was longer at the beginning of ES in SCI than AB [mean (SE) 133 (15) ms vs 90 (6) ms, P = 0.037]. Slowing of relaxation time with force loss over repeat contractions was found in SCI at 24 weeks after injury [167 (18) ms, P = 0.016], but not at 6 [128 (14) ms] or 11 [145 (12) ms] weeks after injury. AB, in contrast, showed prolonged relaxation times, with force loss at both time points [115 (10) ms and 113 (11) ms; P = 0.0001]. The results indicate that SCI alters the relaxation but not contractile properties of mixed skeletal muscle within the first 24 weeks of injury. Altered calcium handling and contraction-induced fiber injury are suggested to explain the slower relaxation time per se, and the prolonged relaxation with force loss observed after SCI.
Electrocardiographic Studies during Cardiac Surgery

The electrocardiographic behavior of the heart was observed in 100 patients undergoing heart operations. Most of the arrhythmias were unrelated to the cardiac operative procedure, but as in other thoracic procedures, were related to hypoxia, level of anesthesia, vagal reflexes, and changes in blood pressure. TA and S-T displacements occurred in all groups and were thought to be related to altered dynamics of the right auricle and ventricle. Prevention, recognition and control of disturbances of cardiac mechanism are discussed.
Tissue Distribution Studies of [18f]haloperidol, [18f]-β-(4-fluorobenzoyl)propionic acid, and [82br]bromperidol by External Scintigraphy

Tissue distribution studies of [18F]haloperidol and [82Br]-bromperidol, two potent neuroleptic drugs, were performed in rats by serial sacrifice. The usefulness of external scintigraphy in obtaining tissue distribution data in large animals is demonstrated by the tissue distribution of [18F]haloperidol in rhesus monkeys. Both serial sacrifice and external scintigraphic studies demonstrated that uptake of the two drugs after intravenous administration into their target organ, the brain, was very fast and that the ratio of brain to blood levels was high throughout the 2-hr observation. Bromperidol appeared to reach peak brain levels faster than its chloro analog, haloperidol. Both bromperidol and haloperidol concentrated overwhelmingly in the rat lung. Haloperidol also showed a high affinity for the monkey lung. The disposition pattern in rats of [18F]-β-(4-fluorobenzoyl)propionic acid, an apparent intermediate in butyrophenone metabolism, was entirely different from that of the parent drugs. This metabolite did not concentrate in the rat brain.
High factor VIII or homocysteine levels and thrombosis in Henoch-Schönlein purpura

We read with interest the article by Topaloglu et al. [1]. They reported a 15-year-old Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) patient with elevated factor VIII and homocystein levels who developed venous thrombosis [1]. They speculated that a high factor VIII level might be due to familial factors and insuYcient intake of protein and vitamin B12 could be the cause of the hyperhomocysteinemia, causing thrombosis in this patient [1]. Although not extensively studied in HSP, factor VIII and Wbrinogen levels were signiWcantly elevated in patients with Crohn’s disease (p < 0.001), and the factor VIII activity levels were signiWcantly higher (p < 0.05) in the patients with active disease than in those with quiescent disease [2]. Also, factor XIII levels (Wbrin stabilizing factor) were signiWcantly lower (p < 0.02) in patients with active disease [2]. Similarly, because Wbrinogen levels are increased and factor XIII levels decreased at the active stage of HSP [3, 4], there is a possibility that factor VIII levels might be elevated at the acute stage of the disease due to inXammatory process associated with vasculitis rather than familial factors. Also, it has been reported that von Willebrand factor (vWF) antigen (a marker of endothelial injury) levels were positively correlated with the plasma homocysteine concentrations in Behcet’s disease patients with thrombosis [5]. Because vWF antigen levels are also elevated in the acute stage of HSP [6], higher levels of homocysteine might also be due to endothelial injury associated with vasculitis rather than vitamin B12 deWciency itself, causing hypercoagulablity in patients with HSP. Therefore, careful clinical examination for thrombosis would be necessary in HSP patients and factor VIII and homocysteine levels could be important markers for the risk stratiWcations for thrombosis along with vWF antigen levels. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the pathogenesis of hypercoagulablity or thrombotic complications in patients with HSP.
Effect of nonrigid registration algorithms on deformation-based morphometry: a comparative study with control and Williams syndrome subjects

Deformation-based morphometry (DBM) is a widely used method for characterizing anatomical differences across groups. DBM is based on the analysis of the deformation fields generated by nonrigid registration algorithms, which warp the individual volumes to a DBM atlas. Although several studies have compared nonrigid registration algorithms for segmentation tasks, few studies have compared the effect of the registration algorithms on group differences that may be uncovered through DBM. In this study, we compared group atlas creation and DBM results obtained with five well-established nonrigid registration algorithms using 13 subjects with Williams syndrome and 13 normal control subjects. The five nonrigid registration algorithms include the following: (1) the adaptive bases algorithm, (2) the image registration toolkit, (3) The FSL nonlinear image registration tool, (4) the automatic registration tool, and (5) the normalization algorithm available in Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM8). Results indicate that the choice of algorithm has little effect on the creation of group atlases. However, regions of differences between groups detected with DBM vary from algorithm to algorithm both qualitatively and quantitatively. Some regions are detected by several algorithms, but their extent varies. Others are detected only by a subset of the algorithms. Based on these results, we recommend using more than one algorithm when performing DBM studies.
Laboratory Determination of a Phosphorus Leaching Rate from‘Trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) Feces

In order to reduce the impact that trout farm effluent can have on receiving water, it imperative to reduce the overall phosphorus (P) loading of these effluents. In response, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is issuing new effluent regulations for aquaculture. Therefore, efficient removal of P from effluent water is becoming increasingly important. The goal of this project was to determine the leaching rate of total and reactive P from trout feces under different water temperatures and water velocities immediately after evacuation. Scatter plots of the P load in the experimental containers over time were created for each fish/fecal sample and regression analysis was used to determine P leaching rates. Results from this study suggest that reactive phosphorus leaching rates are not affected by water velocities between 0.027 and 0.134 m/sec. However, at higher temperatures, reactive P leaches 1.92-mg PO4/hr per g feces faster (F1.52= 4.6445, P= 0.0358) than at lower temperatures. Mean reactive phosphorus leaching rates were 2.88 ± 0.704 and 0.96 ± 0.581mg PO4/hr/g feces, for the high and low temperatures, respectively. On the other hand, total P does not appear to be affected by either water velocity or temperature. Mean total P leaching rate is 4.50 ± 1.053 mg PO4/hr per g feces. This study suggests that removal time of feces from the system is critical in reducing the overall P load in effluent.
Real-time motion-based H.263+ frame rate control

Most existing H.263+ rate control algorithms, e.g. the one adopted in the test model of the near-term (TMN8), focus on the macroblock layer rate control and low latency under the assumptions of with a constant frame rate and through a constant bit rate (CBR) channel. These algorithms do not accommodate the transmission bandwidth fluctuation efficiently, and the resulting video quality can be degraded. In this work, we propose a new H.263+ rate control scheme which supports the variable bit rate (VBR) channel through the adjustment of the encoding frame rate and quantization parameter. A fast algorithm for the encoding frame rate control based on the inherent motion information within a sliding window in the underlying video is developed to efficiently pursue a good tradeoff between spatial and temporal quality. The proposed rate control algorithm also takes the time-varying bandwidth characteristic of the Internet into account and is able to accommodate the change accordingly. Experimental results are provided to demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed scheme.
Comments on Olson's logistic function for technology diffusion

with C, the cumulative number of adopters at time t, N the unknown number of firms eventually adopting the technology, and pt the probability of a successful adoption in period t. Although Olson does not explicitly state that adopters act independently of one another, assume that they do. He correctly argues that the random variable y, is binomial; that is, conditional on N and the cumulative number of adopters at time t being n, so that
Ascorbic acid content and retention in lettuce

With increased availability of salad bars and types of salad greens in grocery stores, consumption of salad greens has increased. The purpose of the study was to examine the ascorbic acid content of a number of lettuce cultivars initially after harvest and after refrigerated storage. Purchased lettuces also were analyzed for ascorbic acid content. Ascorbic acid content of locally grown lettuce cultivars ranged from 9–24 mg ascorbic acid/100 g. Although USDA Handbook 8–11 lists ascorbic acid content for a limited number of greens, the ascorbic acid values found in this study were greater than those reported. Ascorbic acid retentions of 40–74% were found for the lettuce cultivars stored for one week, whereas retentions of 8–68% were found for lettuce cultivars stored for two weeks. Ascorbic acid content for purchased lettuce cultivars ranged from 3–14 mg/100 g.
Visibility Analysis and Synthesis for Assembly Fixture Certification Using Theodolite Systems

In automotive sheet metal assembly, part positioning and clamping is accomplished by fixtures consisting of fixture elements, such as pins and blocks. The locations of these elements are determined during process design and need to be certified during the construction and installation of an assembly line. Usually, theodolite systems are used to certify the locations of these elements by measuring the trihedron points on the fixture elements. However, no systematic method exists for the selection and placement of measuring systems. As a result, the current certification procedure is very time-consuming and is prone to error. This paper presents an algorithm for the optimal setup and placement of theodolite systems based on visibility analysis and synthesis. For a given tooling fixture, the visibility map is introduced to represent the set of potential measurement locations when a number of fixture elements are to be measured. From the set of potential measurement locations, an optimal setup will be selected based on minimizing the number of theodolite heads by optimally locating these theodolites. This approach will minimize measurement setups and improve measurement accuracy.
Magnetophotoselection of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides wild-type reaction centers

Chemically reduced reaction centers of the photosynthetic bacteria Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides wild type give rise to carotenoid triplet-state electron spin resonance signals upon illumination at 85 K. The relative signal intensities are found to depend on both the wavelength and the polarization of the excitation. These data are used to calculate the orientations of the primary donor 870 nm transition moment and the carotenoid 514 nm transition moment with respect to each other and with respect to the carotenoid principal magnetic axis system. The angle between the primary donor and the carotenoid transition moments is found to be 75 ± 8° and taken together with data published previously (Frank, H.A., Bolt, J., Friesner, R. and Sauer, K. (1979) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 547, 502–511 and Frank, H.A., Machnicki, J.P. and Toppo, P. (1984) Photochem. Photobiol. 39, 429–432) is used to calculate the orientation between primary donor and the carotenoid principal magnetic-axis systems.
Double-alternation learning by retardates.

Summary.--12 retardates were trained on 4-trial double-alternation problems. Ss who reached a criterion of 80% correct during 200 consecutive trials were given a series of problems of increasing length, the longest being a 40-trial problem. 7 of the 12 Ss met criterion and none of these 7 experienced any difficulty in responding on the longer problems. Only 3 of the 7 Ss who learned could verbalize the solution to the problem. Since the double-alternation problem was first studied by Hunter (1918; 1920), performance on it has generally been regarded as an indicator of phylogenetic standing (e.g., Munn, 1965). Early work done with rats (Hunter, 1918; 1920), dogs (Karn & Malamud, 1939), cats (Karn, 1938), raccoons (Hunter, 1928), monkeys (Gellermann, 1931b), and humans (Gellermann, 1931a; Hunter & Bartlett, 1948) seemed to bear this out. On the other hand, more recent studies with cats (Stewart & Warren, 1957), raccoons (Johnson, 1961), and monkeys (Leary, Harlow, Settlage, & Greenwood, 1952; Warren & Sinha, 1959), all of which were carried out in apparatuses patterned after the Wisconsin General Test Apparatus (WGTA) under relatively similar conditions, suggest (Warren, 1965 ) that double alternation is of little value for comparative analysis. Nevertheless, the performance of humans in relation to that of these lower animals remains a question. Human performance appears to be superior to that of lower animals, although the relevant studies using humans (e.g., Gellermann, 1931a; Hunter & Bartlett, 1948; Pufall & Furth, 1966) cannot easily be compared with those using animals because of differences in procedure and the manner in which the data were collected. In the present experiment, human retardates were tested on the doublealternation problem in a WGTA using procedures that were generally comparable to those in the more recent animal studies. In addition, the ability of the retardates to transfer to problems involving more than four trials was smdied.
Predicting the thickness and aeolian fraction of soils in upland watersheds of the Mojave Desert

Abstract Soil thickness and soil texture, and their spatial variability at hillslope scales, are important inputs for hydrologic models. Recent studies have demonstrated that mechanistic models can accurately predict the spatial distribution of soil thickness in areas where soil thickness varies gradually along hillslope profiles. To date, however, these models have not been tested in arid regions, where soils are often thin and highly variable at small scales (i.e., 1–10 m) and where the influence of aeolian accretion on soil thickness and soil texture may be significant. In addition, most of the data available for the fraction of the soil derived from aeolian deposition (which can serve as a proxy for soil texture) originate from soils developed on stable depositional landforms; data for aeolian fractions from upland soils are scarce. In this study, we developed and tested a numerical model for the prediction of thickness and aeolian fraction of soils in arid upland areas. The model assumes a long-term balance between the rates of soil production from bedrock, aeolian accretion, and soil erosion. Rates of soil production are quantified in the model using the exponential and humped soil production functions, and soil erosion rates are quantified using the nonlinear depth- and slope-dependent transport functions, assuming that only the upper soil horizons (A + B) are capable of transport. The rate of aeolian deposition is assumed to be spatially uniform. We calibrated the three free parameters of the model at a site in the Mojave Desert with a granite lithology using a combination of 1) field-measured data for soil thickness and 2) estimation of the aeolian fraction in the soil using laboratory analysis of immobile element concentrations. We validated the model results in three nearby sites using a combination of measured soil thickness in soil pits and the presence/absence of soil, and laboratory analysis of the aeolian fraction of soil. The study area is characterized by generally thin soils (
Distribution of nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the nervous system and peripheral tissues of Schistosoma mansoni

The distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) immunoreactivity and putative NOS activity in adult Schistosoma mansoni was analysed using 3 different types of NOS antibodies and NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry. Although potential involvement of the gaseous radical nitric oxide (NO) in host response to infection by schistosomes has been suggested, there is little or no information available regarding the role, or even the presence, of the NO pathway in schistosomes themselves. Here, we demonstrate that antibodies against neuronal NOS (nNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) isoforms stain adult worms with distinctive patterns; anti-endothelial NOS (eNOS) shows no selective labelling. nNOS-like immunoreactivity is found in the main nerve cords and the peripheral nervous system. Putative sensory neurons with apical neuronal processes leading to the tegument of male worms are also immunoreactive for nNOS. Anti-iNOS labels a variety of predominantly non-neuronal tissues, showing intense labelling at or near the surface of the worm and in components of the gastrointestinal tract. The distribution of NADPH-diaphorase reactivity (a histochemical marker of NOS), is generally similar to the pattern of NOS immunoreactivity, including labelling of neuronal-like cells as well as developing eggs. These results suggest that an NOS-like enzyme is present in S. mansoni, and indicate potential roles for the different NOS isoforms in neuronal signalling, reproduction and development.
The observation of glassy polarization behavior in crystalline ferroelectric materials

We summarize some of our recent measurements of the temperature dependence of the optic index of refraction, n(T), in several different classes of ferroelectrics. The common thread between these different materials is that in all of them the translational symmetry is strongly broken. Far above the usual ferroelectric transition temperature Tc up to a temperature Td, we show that the crystals possess a local, randomly oriented, nonreversible polarization. Using a simple model for this behavior, we can account for it qualitatively and in some systems quantitively understand Td. We believe this model contains the basic physical understanding of ferroelectrics that have a diffusive phase transition.
Antidiabetic phospholipid–nuclear receptor complex reveals the mechanism for phospholipid-driven gene regulation

The human nuclear receptor liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) has an important role in controlling lipid and cholesterol homeostasis and is a potential target for the treatment of diabetes and hepatic diseases. LRH-1 is known to bind phospholipids, but the role of phospholipids in controlling LRH-1 activation remains highly debated. Here we describe the structure of both apo LRH-1 and LRH-1 in complex with the antidiabetic phospholipid dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC). Together with hydrogen-deuterium exchange MS and functional data, our studies show that DLPC binding is a dynamic process that alters co-regulator selectivity. We show that the lipid-free receptor undergoes previously unrecognized structural fluctuations, allowing it to interact with widely expressed co-repressors. These observations enhance our understanding of LRH-1 regulation and highlight its importance as a new therapeutic target for controlling diabetes.
A Computational Study of Unsteady Resistance to Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow in Type I Chiari Malformation

Type I Chiari malformation (CM) is a complex disorder of the craniospinal system characterized by underdevelopment of the posterior cranial fossa and overcrowding of the normally developed hindbrain [1], and may be a precursor to more severe secondary disorders such as syringomyelia and hydrocephalus. Diagnosis of CM has proven to be difficult and may often take years to properly identify, as associated neurological symptoms may vary widely and overlap with symptoms of other disorders. Current methods of quantifying the severity of CM, such as radiographical measurement of the depth of hindbrain herniation into the spinal canal or measurement of posterior cranial fossa volume do not necessarily correlate to the symptom severity. Hence, there exists a need for a quantitative diagnostic method which may better characterize the severity of CM and, potentially, help neurosurgeons determine candidates for surgical treatment.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Effects of Threonine on Growth and Antibody Production in Chicks Infected with Newcastle Disease Virus

Abstract MANY available protein sources are generally deficient in methionine, lysine, tryptophan and sometimes threonine. Cannon (1942) suggested that antibody production is dependent upon the intake of amino acids and it might be impaired by an inadequate intake of dietary protein. Since then there have been a few studies of the effects of deficiencies of individual amino acids on the immune response. Koyanagi and Ishiguro (1966) studied the effects of dietary tryptophan on gamma globulin production in rats. They reported that gamma globulin production was low in rats fed 0.08 or 0.10% tryptophan, but it increased with an increase in the level of tryptophan in the diet. In 1968, Ishiguro and Koyanagi reported that a diet containing 0.28% methionine showed 8.3% gamma globulin while it was 7.3% for rats fed 0.58% of methionine. Gill and Gershoff (1967) also reported that amounts of antibodies produced were increased by methionine deficiency and decreased…
Post-transcriptional regulation of MTA family by microRNAs in the context of cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of 20–24 nt small non-coding RNAs that regulate a wide range of biological processes through changing the stability and translation of their target messenger RNA (mRNA) genes. Shortly after their identification, many miRNA genes have been found dysregulated in a variety of human cancers, indicating a pathological function of this gene class in mediating cancer progression. Over the past decade, accumulated literature has shown that miRNAs participate in numerous cancer-relevant processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, metabolism, and importantly, metastasis, which accounts for the mortality of approximately 90 % of cancer patients. Several recent publications have linked miRNAs with metastasis-associated protein (MTA) family members. Given the fact that the MTA family members are widely overexpressed in human cancers and their nature of serving as both corepressor and coactivator in gene regulation, it is intriguing to study whether certain miRNAs regulate cancer progression through modulating the expression of MTA family members. In this review, we will focus on recent advances in understanding the regulatory relationship between certain miRNAs and MTA family members.
Differences in work hours and hours preferences by race in the U.S.

Significant differences exist in actual and preferred work hours by race. Specifically, black males work 20 percent fewer annual hours than white males. The differences between black and white women are small. Black workers are significantly more likely than white workers to prefer additional work and fewer are satisfied with their current hours of work. I use the hours-inequality hypothesis of Bell and Freeman (1995,1997) to evaluate the extent to which race differences in work hours and hours preferences are related to race differences in incentives. I demonstrate that whereas white workers work longer hours in response to overall wage variation in their relevant labor market cell, black workers react to the wage variation among black workers but not to the variation overall. The fact that labor market incentives are different for otherwise similar black and white workers is difficult to reconcile with standard competitive theory.
Does rumen–reticulum capacity correlate with body size or age in black-tailed deer?

To accommodate an increased food intake with greater body size, rumen–reticulum capacity must become larger to allow heavier digesta loads. Recently, digesta load was found to correlate with age more strongly than body size. It was suggested that older animals had compromised mastication efficiency due to tooth wear and compensated for larger particles by increasing rumen–reticulum capacity to extend retention time. Herein, we constructed models and used Akaike Information Criteria corrected for small sample size to determine if digesta load was related with age or body weight in 80 female and 105 male black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus). We also assessed if the presence of fetuses influenced relationships in females. Females were collected in spring, 1985–1988, and males were collected in autumn, 1980, 1982–1984, and 1988, from Hopland Research and Extension Center, Mendocino County, California. Digesta loads, fetuses, and carcasses were weighed, and animal ages were estimated. Digesta load was related to age in females and body weight in males. Our study shows that body size and age-related factors may both influence rumen–reticulum capacity.
Interspecific hybridization as a potential-method for improvement of Agrostis species

Some Agrostis spp., such as A. stolonifera L. (creeping bentgrass), A. capillaris L. (colonial bentgrass), and A. canina L. (velvet bentgrass), are commercially important turfgrass species which are used extensively on golf courses. Development of improved cultivars of these species is the focus of many commercial and academic breeding programs. Interspecific hybridization between Agrostis spp. has not yet been utilized in cultivar development. Here we have investigated the frequency of interspecific hybridization between transgenic creeping bentgrass and four related Agrostis spp. using transmission of a herbicide resistance gene as a marker to identify the hybrids. Interspecific hybrids were recovered with all four Agrostis spp. used, although the frequency was lower than the frequency of selfing. The hybrids were found to be fertile. Our results suggest that interspecific hybridization may be a useful approach in future Agrostis breeding, but will benefit from a screening method to distinguish the hybrids from the selfs.
The identification of spirochetes from human cases of relapsing fever by Xenodiagnosis with comments on local specificity of tick vectors.

The publication of the following data was prompted by a recent report by Baltazard et al., 1954, inwhichit was shown that the three species of relapsing fever spirochetes present in Iran, Borrelia persica, B. microti and B. latyschevi, transmitted respectively by Ornithodoros tholozani, 0. erraticus (small form), and 0. tartakovskyi, when recovered from rodents or from patients, can be identified only by the use of the guinea pig. The guinea pig is highly susceptible to B. persica, weakly susceptible to B. microti, and is not susceptible to B. latyschevi. The tick-spirochete specificity technique for the identification of spirochetes, as used in the present report,, cannot be employed in Iran because of local or regional specificities: e.g., 0. tholozani from one part of Iran fails to transmit B. persica from another part of the country. This local specificity, in an extreme degree, has also been reported for the small form of 0. erraticus from Egypt (Davis and Hoogstraal, 1954). On the other hand, the guinea pig cannot, be used for the identification of spirochetes in the United States as it is in Iran. Although it has been shown to be susceptible to Borrelia turicatae, B. .parkeri, and B. hermsii (Davis, 1939), we have recently encount.ered a strain of B. hermsii to which it is not susceptible (unpublished data). Tick-borne relapsing fever is present in at least thirteen of the western United States where there are four known tick vectors: Ornithodoros hermsi, 0. turicata, 0. parkeri, and 0. talaje, although the last species has not here thus far been implicated in transmission to man. Additional
Differential, direct effects of H+ on Ca2+ -activated force of skinned fibers from the soleus, cardiac and adductor magnus muscles of rabbits.

The effect of acidosis on Ca2+-activated force generation was studied in rabbit soleus, left ventricular, and adductor magnus muscles. Fibers were skinned (sarcolemma peeled off or mechanico-chemically disrupted) to facilitate direct manipulation and standardization of their intracellular ionic milieus according to bathing solution composition. Skinned single skeletal and small bundles of cardiac fibers were mounted in a photodiode force transducer and activated by immersion in buffered-Ca2+ bathing solutions. The magnitude of steady state isometric force at each [Ca2+] was determined at pH 7.0 and 6.5 (paired data) at both 1 mM and 10 mM Mg2+ in order to detect artifacts of errors in calculated [Ca2+]. All bathing solutions contained: 7 mM total EGTA [ethyleneglycol-bis-(β-amino-ethylether)-N,N′ tetra-acetic acid], 70 mM (Na++K+), 2 mM MgATP2− (Mg adenosine triphosphate), 15 mM CP2− (creatine phosphate), 15 units/ml CPK (creatine phosphokinase), imidazole (adjusted ionic strength to 0.15 M), and propionate anion at 23±1° C. Maximum tensions were similar at both [Mg2+]s but less at pH 6.5 than at pH 7.0, with the following order of mean magnitude of acidotic depression adductor>cardiac>soleus. The proportionately greater acidotic depression of submaximum (relative to maximum) forces that occurred only at 1 mM Mg2+ (cardiac>adductor>soleus) implicates acidotic depression of Ca2+-activated force as a major cause of decreased cardiac contractility.
Interactions of cardiolipin and lyso-cardiolipins with cytochrome c and tBid: conflict or assistance in apoptosis

Interactions of cardiolipin and lyso-cardiolipins with cytochrome c and tBid: conflict or assistance in apoptosis
MMPI AND EPPS PROFILES OF HIGH AND LOW VERBAL INTERACTORS IN THERAPY GROUPS

The frequency of verbal interactions between patients in four open therapy groups was found to be to a statistically significant degree negatively correlated with scores on the L and K scales of the MMPI and the scale of Order on the EPPS, and positively correlated with the Ma scale on the MMPI and the scale of Aggtession on the EPPS. This was interpreted to mean that patients who on these psychometric tests are shown to be defensive are unlikely to interact with other group members as often as patients who score low on the trait of defensiveness. On the other hand, patients whose test results show them to be forceful, vigorous, aggressive, and candid are likely to interact with other group members more often than ere patients who score low on these personality traits. The findings were discussed in the light of previously reported similar investigations and with reference to their possible practical usefulness to group therapists.
Medullary bone of laying hens during calcium depletion and repletion

Bone cell activity and the composition of the femur of laying hens were studied during 7 days of calcium depletion on a 0.13% calcium diet and 7 days of calcium repletion on a 3.2% calcium diet. Histologically, only cortical bone showed clear signs of bone resorption and osteoclastic activity during the depletion period. The number of osteoclasts in medullary bone varied little from control values throughout both calcium depletion and repletion, except for a significant increase on the first day of depletion. The major histologicalchange in medullary bone was a marked increase in the number of osteoblasts on the third, fifth and, to a lesser extent, seventh, day of depletion. The number of osteoblasts in medullary bone was positively correlated with its osteoid content and negatively correlated with its degree of calcification. Alkaline phosphatase activity of medullary bone increased with the time the hens had been on the calcium-deficient diet. Returning the hens to the 3.2% calcium ration caused, within one day, a significant increase in medullary bone calcification, a decrease of osteoblast numbers to, or below, control levels, and a drastic reduction in alkaline phosphatase activity of medullary bone. The significance of these findings in relation to the control of bone cell populations and the functions of medullary bone is discussed.
Functional programming, the IEEE floating point standard and APL

The IEEE standard for floating point numbers is by now reasonably well known, but less well known is the fact that this standard provides for a certain exceptional class of bit patterns, the use of which are left to the user. In this paper we explore uses for this class among which are provisions for a variety of infinities and a flag for undefined entities. It is proposed that the functional programming aspect of APL be strengthened by the provision of void returns as provided in a few other languages such as LISP. At the programming level we explore methods for providing within APL near functional programming capabilities.
Some Problems In Computer Generated Spatial Filters And Kinoforms

The availability and use of phase-only optical processing materials has stimulated the study of phase-only holography and spatial filtering. (Refs. 1,2,3) This study leads naturally to the question of how much information about an image can be stored in the phase of the Fourier transform of the image. The kinoform is an optical de-vice that uses only the phase of the Fourier transform in image reconstruction; any information contained in the magnitude of the Fourier transform is lost, and this contributes to image degradation.
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the nucleus accumbens core and shell contribute to cocaine priming-induced reinstatement of drug seeking

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the nucleus accumbens play an important role in mediating the reinforcing effects of cocaine. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the role of accumbal muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior. The goal of these experiments was to assess the role of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the nucleus accumbens core and shell in cocaine and sucrose priming-induced reinstatement. Rats were initially trained to self-administer cocaine or sucrose on a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement. Lever-pressing behavior was then extinguished and followed by a subsequent reinstatement phase during which operant responding was induced by either a systemic injection of cocaine in cocaine-experienced rats or non-contingent delivery of sucrose pellets in subjects with a history of sucrose self-administration. Results indicated that systemic administration of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist scopolamine (5.0 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently attenuated cocaine, but not sucrose, reinstatement. Furthermore, administration of scopolamine (36.0 μg) directly into the nucleus accumbens shell or core attenuated cocaine priming-induced reinstatement. In contrast, infusion of scopolamine (36.0 μg) directly into the accumbens core, but not shell, attenuated sucrose reinstatement, which suggests that muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in these two subregions of the nucleus accumbens have differential roles in sucrose seeking. Taken together, these results indicate that cocaine priming-induced reinstatement is mediated, in part, by increased signaling through muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the shell subregion of the nucleus accumbens. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the core of the accumbens, in contrast, appear to play a more general (i.e. not cocaine specific) role in motivated behaviors.