cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of noncontrast MRI magnetization transfer and T2‐Weighted signal intensity ratios for detection of bowel wall fibrosis in a Crohn's disease animal model

Purpose To compare the abilities of magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging (MT-MRI) and T2-weighted signal intensity (T2WSI) ratios to detect intestinal fibrosis in a Crohn's disease animal model. Materials and Methods Ten rats ("Group 1") received one trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid enema to induce acute colonic inflammation, while 10 additional animals ("Group 2") received multiple enemas to induce colonic inflammation and fibrosis. Gradient recalled-echo MT-MRI (5 and 10 kHz off-resonance) and T2-weighted spin-echo imaging were performed 2 days after the last enema. MT ratios (MTR) and T2WSI ratios were calculated in the area of greatest colonic thickening. Bowel wall MTR, bowel wall MTR normalized to paraspinous muscle MTR ("normalized MTR"), and T2WSI ratios were compared between animal groups using Student's t-test. Results At 10 kHz off-resonance, mean bowel wall MTR for Group 1 was 24.8 ± 3.1% vs. 30.3 ± 3.2% for Group 2 (P = 0.001). Mean normalized MTR was 0.45 ± 0.05 for Group 1 and 0.58 ± 0.08 for Group 2 (P = 0.0003). At 5 kHz off-resonance, mean bowel wall MTR for Group 1 was 34.7 ± 5.2% vs. 40.3 ± 3.6% for Group 2 (P = 0.015). Mean normalized MTR was 0.53 ± 0.08 for Group 1 and 0.64 ± 0.07 for Group 2 (P = 0.003). Mean T2WSI ratio was 5.32 ± 0.98 for Group 1 and 3.01 ± 0.66 for group 2 (P < 0.0001). Mean T2WSI ratio/MTR (10 kHz off-resonance) was 12.06 ± 2.70 for Group 1 and 5.22 ± 1.29 for Group 2 (P < 0.0001), with an ROC c-statistic of 0.98. Conclusion MTR and T2WSI ratios detect bowel wall fibrosis in a Crohn's disease animal model. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:801–810.
Frictional memory in servo control

Frictional memory is a delay between a change in sliding velocity or normal force and the consequent change in friction. Previously, several sensitive studies of frictional dynamics have shown the presence of frictional memory in tribology experiments and servo controlled machines. In the present work, frictional memory is shown to be necessary to account for the extinction of stick slip at high stiffness. By showing that frictional memory is required to account for the gross behavior of common mechanical systems, the range of mechanisms known to exhibit frictional memory is greatly extended. Stiff (high gain) control has long been used to eliminate stick slip in precision, position-controlled mechanisms. Consideration of frictional memory will permit the systematic design of these controllers so that stick-slip free motion is achieved.
Opportunities and Challenges in Social Marketing

Social marketing had dual origins in the late 1960s – real world family planning applications on the practical side and intellectual ferment in the “broadening” academic movement emanating from the Northwestern marketing group. The decades since have seen ever-widening applications, rethinking of fundamental propositions and a recognition that downstream targets – those exhibiting problematic behaviors – often need opportunities and abilities to act. The latter require attention to what are termed upstream targets of social marketing campaigns. The mainstreaming of social marketing in recent years has yielded a range of consumer research insights but has provoked rethinking of fundamental definitions of marketing that would be applicable across social and commercial settings. Several fundamental and practical research issues at the macro- and microlevels should occupy the field's attention in coming years. Keywords: social marketing; target audience research; intentions; social norms; upstream targets; stages of change; behavioral economics
Progress in Interstellar Molecule Formation

Selected observational, laboratory and theoretical results from the past few years which are significant for delineating interstellar molecule reactions are presented. Molecular species for which reaction mechanisms are considered include OH, NH, CH, and CH+ in diffuse interstellar clouds, and HCO+, N2H+, HCN, HNC, and H2CO in dense clouds.
Why Teach Aviation? A Snapshot of the Motivations and Influences Associated with the Careers of Professional Pilot Program Faculty

The purpose of this study was to identify the motivations and influences that affect the decision of a sample of individuals to enter careers as professional pilot educators at the collegiate level. Six faculty members at four year, University Aviation Association member institutions were selected to participate in the study. Three individuals had a civilian background while the other three followed a military career path. Civilian faculty followed more varied career paths while those of military faculty were more structured. Civilian faculty pursued higher levels of education more for personal interests while military faculty did so due to expectations in the service. Familial and mentor support were both cited as important influences in most cases. The majority of faculty did not directly pursue a career in the professoriate but instead found their way to the occupation in a variety of ways. All but one faculty member were happy with their decision to enter higher education.
Feeding value of wood sugar concentrate for feedlot cattle.

Six crossbred steers (344 kg) with "T" cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum (6 cm from the pyloric sphincter) were used in a crossover experiment to evaluate the feeding value of wood sugar concentrate (WSC) in a finishing diet for feedlot steers. Composition of WSC was as follows: DM, 49.5%; ash, 19.2%; N, .1%; hydrolyzable sugars, 38.9% and lignosulfonate, 28.8%. Dietary treatments consisted of a finishing diet based on steam-flaked corn supplemented or not supplemented with 10.5% WSC (DM basis). Adding WSC to the diet increased (P less than .10) passage of OM to the small intestine. However, passage of N constituents (non-ammonia N, microbial N and feed N) was not affected (P greater than .10). Postruminal digestion of OM and N was depressed (P less than .05) 11.5% and 6.7%, respectively, with WSC supplementation. Total tract digestibilities of OM and GE were depressed (P less than .01) 4.1 and 4.2%, respectively. Adjusting for constituent passage of the basal diet, estimated digestible OM and DE values for WSC used in this trial were 42.7% and 2.02 Mcal/kg. WSC (DM basis) had 76% and 64%, respectively, of the energy value of hemicellulose extract (masonex) and cane sugar molasses. Because a high level (10% of diet DM) of WSC depressed postruminal N digestion, WSC levels of feedlot diets that are marginal in protein should not exceed 5% of diet DM.
The origin of yolk-DNA in Xenopus laevis.

Xenopus laevis serum and plasma was found to contain an average of 25 ..mu..g DNA/ml. Isolated X. laevis oocytes incubated in medium containing 25 ..mu..g DNA/ml labeled with either /sup 125/I, /sup 32/P, or /sup 14/C and from three different sources (bovine, E. coli and X. laevis), incorporated the label at an average rate of 0.11 ng mm/sup -2/ h/sup -1/. Sucrose gradient fractionation of oocytes revealed that 40 to 75% of the acid-precipitable label incorporated was associated with the yolk platelets. Additional incubations of oocytes in unlabeled medium demonstrated that the DNA incorporated into the yolk platelets was undergoing turnover; only 20% of the yolk-associated DNA was still present after a one-week incubation. Our data suggest that yolk-DNA arises by the adventitious uptake of DNA present in the maternal serum by vitellogenic oocytes.
The effects of discrete gap junction coupling on propagation in myocardium

A modified cable theory for a bi-domain model of myocardium that incorporates the effect of gap junctions as discrete objects coupling cardiac cells is derived. The theory is shown to be in agreement with a number of experiments that cannot be explained using standard continuous cable theory, and resolves some apparent contradictions on failure of propagation in two-dimensional anisotropic tissue. In addition, some as yet untested predictions of the theory are mentioned.
The expropriation of the Habana Hilton: a timely reminder

Abstract The authors chronicle the rise and fall of the Habana Hilton and the reaction of top Hilton executives, including Mr Hilton himself, to the events surrounding the takeover.
Current Status of Research on the Control of Fertility

The last decade has witnessed the introduction of methods of contraception, based for the first time on means other than mechanical blockade of spermatozoa in order to prevent their ascent to the fallopian tube. Oral contraceptives, estrogen and progestin, either in combination tablets or sequentially administered, are inhibitors of ovulation. The effect on ovulation is subsequent to suppression of pituitary gonadotropin release which, in turn, is the result of an action by the administered steroids at the hypothalamus or higher brain center. There is now considerable evidence to support the concept that the steroid feedback system, controlling the release of gonadotropins, operates at the level of the central nervous system. Harris and Michael (1964), Lisk (1962) and others have demonstrated that the implantation of crystals of estrogens or progestins in specific regions of the hypothalamus results in the cessation of gonadotropin release, and, secondarily, prevents ovulation. The specific compound used in one of the contraceptive pills, chlormadinone, has been found by Gellert and Exley (1966) to prevent post-copulatory ovulation in rabbits, under experimental conditions which suggest an action at a brain level higher than the hypothalamus. It is interesting to note that electroencephalographic changes have been reported for women on contraceptive pills (Matsumoto, 1966). Studies of this type have made it abundantly clear, that the entire axis of ovary-pituitary-central nervous system must function in concert and in balance in order to produce an ovum. These anatomical units and their humoral products then provide potential targets for controlled interference with reproduction through the ultimate effect of suppressing ovulation. Important progress has been made in the last few years in our comprehension of the manner in which the neuroendocrine link at the hypothalamus operates. Hypothalamic releasing factors, which regulate the release of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone have been identiXed (Schally, 1964). They appear to be dialyzable substances of relatively low molecular weight. The precise
Assessing Regulatory Responses to Securities Market Globalization

The globalization of securities markets has resulted in a rapid increase in securities transactions that cut across the national borders of more than one country. Individual country regulators cannot avoid the question of how regulatory authority should be allocated for such transactions. Rather, they continue with the present territorial regime, which allocates regulatory authority based on the location of a particular transaction and the effects associated with the transaction. This article assesses a range of alternate responses to globalization. Some have argued that a company’s home country should regulate all transactions in the company’s securities regardless of location. Others have argued for increased harmonization across different country securities regulatory regimes. The article instead contends that giving issuers a greater degree of freedom to select among the securities regulatory regimes of different countries will result in both more desirable levels of investor protections as well as increased social welfare. Arguments have been raised against a move toward greater issuer choice in securities regulation. The article responds to such criticism, pointing out that the present territorial regime suffers from even greater flaws.
E pluribus unum: A phylogenetic and phylogeographic reassessment of Laevapex (Pulmonata: Ancylidae), a North American genus of freshwater limpets.

Abstract The North American freshwater limpet genus Laevapex ( Walker, 1903 ) is a ubiquitous inhabitant of lentic and slow-moving lotic habitats east of the Rocky Mountains, but uncertainty clouds its systematic affinities, the phylogenetic validity of its constituent nominal species, and its degree of genetic connectivity among drainages. We addressed these issues by sampling the genus throughout much of its collective range and constructing representative nuclear and mitochondrial (mt) gene trees, in addition to performing morphometric analyses of shell shape variation. Our results identify neotropical Gundlachia and South American Uncancylus as sister lineages for Laevapex and reveal a pronounced sub-familial dichotomy within the Ancylidae, separating these three New World genera from a Holarctic (Ferrissia (Ancylus, Rhodacmea)) sister clade. Five nominal taxa (L. fuscus, L. diaphanus, L. peninsulae, L. sp., and “F.” arkansasensis), indistinguishable in our morphometric analyses, were polyphyletic in the mt gene trees, exhibited modest levels (
Exfoliation syndrome in the southeastern United States. I. Prevalence in open-angle glaucoma and non-glaucoma populations.

. A prospective study of 2,121 patients, 30 years of age or older, examined in two clinics in the southeastern United States with dilated slit-lamp biomicroscopy, revealed the exfoliation syndrome in 1.6 % of the total population and in 6.0 % of an open-angle glaucoma subpopulation. All but one of the 33 patients with exfoliation syndrome were over age 60 years, and the prevalence of exfoliation syndrome in the subgroup over age 60 was 3.2 %. Among the patients over age 60 who did not have open-angle glaucoma, 1.6 % had exfoliation syndrome. By chi square analysis, the prevalence of the exfoliation syndrome in the over age 60 population without glaucoma was found to be significantly less (P = 0.00009) than reported in studies from other geographic areas.
Differential expression and processing of two cell associated forms of the kit-ligand: KL-1 and KL-2.

The c-kit ligand, KL, and its receptor, the proto-oncogene c-kit are encoded, respectively, at the steel (Sl) and white spotting (W) loci of the mouse. Both Sl and W mutations affect cellular targe...
Conversion of Recycled Polymers/Fibers Into Melt-Blown Nonwovens

Abstract Being a simple one-step process for converting polymer directly into a nonwoven fabric, melt blowing is ideally suited for processing of several recycled plastics. The process uses hot air to draw the fibers and does not require precise, individual control of each filament as in the conventional fiber-spinning processes. Recycled polypropylenes (PPs) from several sources were investigated as candidates for melt blowing. Waste from spun-bond line and spun-bond-melt-blown-spun-bond (SMS) fabrics were pelletized and then melt blown at our facility. The feasibility of using a melt-blowing line with an extruder gear pump unit to remelt the waste fibers/web and feed it with the molten virgin polymer stream coming from the main extruder was explored. A 1000 MFR virgin PP resin and fabrics produced from that polymer were used for this investigation. Fabrics were characterized in all the cases for their performance properties. Some of the relevant data are reported here. It was observed that in most of th...
Kinship Caregivers: Health and Burden

Grandparents and other relatives are raising more than seven million children in kinship care households in the United States. Kinship caregivers are increasingly sought out to provide care for children as a mechanism for preventing children from entering the formal foster care system. Kinship caregivers who were participants in the KinNET program were surveyed to assess their level of perceived burden, health, and experience in support groups. Satisfaction was high for the support groups and facilitators. The independent variables in the model account for 43% of the variability in the caregivers burden score. The effect of the number of hours of care provided is negligible in magnitude and statistically insignificant.
Theoretical study of the thermal isomerization of isoxazole and 5‐methylisoxazole

High-level ab initio and semi-empirical computations were carried out to investigate the mechanisms of thermal isomerization of isoxazole (1a) and 5-methylisoxazole (2a). The calculations were made over the whole isomerization potential energy surface at the MP2/cc-pVDZ and QCISD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ//MP2/cc-pVDZ levels. The predicted rate-limiting transition states were refined further at the QCISD(T)/aug-cc-pVDZ//QCISD/cc-pVDZ level. Ab initio results are in excellent agreement with available experimental results. Furthermore, they allow us to propose a detailed reaction mechanism and to exclude reaction paths proposed earlier. We also report the results from semi-empirical computations. The MNDO method predicts reasonable values for the heat of formation of the reactants but it fails for other isomers and overestimates the activation energies for most reaction steps. The AM1 method yields improved values for the activation energies, at the expense of less reliable heats of formation for the minima in the potential energy surface. In general, both methods produce results that are good when the simplicity of the model is considered; however, there is no simple way to determine in advance when the results are meaningful. Thermochemical and kinetic parameters obtained by the different theoretical methods are discussed and compared with experimental values. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cerebrovascular casting of the adult mouse for 3D imaging and morphological analysis.

Vascular imaging is crucial in the clinical diagnosis and management of cerebrovascular diseases, such as brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs). Animal models are necessary for studying the etiopathology and potential therapies of cerebrovascular diseases. Imaging the vasculature in large animals is relatively easy. However, developing vessel imaging methods of murine brain disease models is desirable due to the cost and availability of genetically-modified mouse lines. Imaging the murine cerebral vascular tree is a challenge. In humans and larger animals, the gold standard for assessing the angioarchitecture at the macrovascular (conductance) level is x-ray catheter contrast-based angiography, a method not suited for small rodents. In this article, we present a method of cerebrovascular casting that produces a durable skeleton of the entire vascular bed, including arteries, veins, and capillaries that may be analyzed using many different modalities. Complete casting of the microvessels of the mouse cerebrovasculature can be difficult; however, these challenges are addressed in this step-by-step protocol. Through intracardial perfusion of the vascular casting material, all vessels of the body are casted. The brain can then be removed and clarified using the organic solvent methyl salicylate. Three dimensional imaging of the brain blood vessels can be visualized simply and inexpensively with any conventional brightfield microscope or dissecting microscope. The casted cerebrovasculature can also be imaged and quantified using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)1. In addition, after being imaged, the casted brain can be embedded in paraffin for histological analysis. The benefit of this vascular casting method as compared to other techniques is its broad adaptation to various analytic tools, including brightfield microscopic analysis, CT scanning due to the radiopaque characteristic of the material, as well as histological and immunohistochemical analysis. This efficient use of tissue can save animal usage and reduce costs. We have recently demonstrated application of this method to visualize the irregular blood vessels in a mouse model of adult BAVM at a microscopic level2, and provide additional images of the malformed vessels imaged by micro-CT scan. Although this method has drawbacks and may not be ideal for all types of analyses, it is a simple, practical technique that can be easily learned and widely applied to vascular casting of blood vessels throughout the body.
Reactive uptake of NO3 radicals by unsaturated fatty acid particles

The reactive uptake of NO3 by particles containing four unsaturated fatty acid species was studied for the first time in a flow tube reactor coupled to a chemical ionization mass spectrometer (CIMS). Using a mixed-phase relative rates technique, the reactive uptake coefficients, γpart, were determined to be (0.27 ± 0.06) for oleic acid (OA), (0.53 ± 0.12) for linoleic acid (LA), (0.72 ± 0.17) for linolenic acid (LNA), and (1.01 ± 0.18) for conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in N2 bath gas. In the presence of 20% O2, their uptake coefficients are (0.31 ± 0.09) for OA, (0.55 ± 0.12) for LA, (0.78 ± 0.17) for LNA, and (1.08 ± 0.17) for CLA. All the uncertainties are 2σ and represent precision only. The products of the NO3 reactions with these organic particles were studied in the presence and absence of O2 using CIMS. It was found that the detected yields and compositions of the products were substantially different with or without O2. Based on the observed products and general gas-phase chemistry of NO3 radicals, a reaction mechanism is proposed for NO3 reactions with unsaturated organic particles. The atmospheric implications of the heterogeneous chemical processes involving NO3 are also discussed.
Cognitive robotics using vision and mapping systems with Soar

The Cognitive Robotic System (CRS) has been developed to use the Soar cognitive architecture for the control of unmanned vehicles and has been tested on two heterogeneous ground robots: a six-legged robot (hexapod) and a wheeled robot. The CRS has been used to demonstrate the applicability of Soar for unmanned vehicles by using a Soar agent to control a robot to navigate to a target location in the presence of a cul-de-sac obstacle. Current work on the CRS has focused on the development of computer vision, additional sensors, and map generating systems that are capable of generating high level information from the environment that will be useful for reasoning in Soar. The scalability of Soar allows us to add more sensors and behaviors quite easily.
The paleoecology and significance of the Gunflint-type microbial assemblages from the Frere Formation (Early Proterozoic), Nabberu Basin, Western Australia

Abstract Eight distinct microbial assemblages are preserved in the Frere Formation, which was deposited in the Nabberu Basin, Western Australia. These assemblages contain taxa (Animikiea, Eoastrion, Gunflintia, and Huroniospora) typical of Gunflint-type microbial assemblages, which have been described from Australia, Canada, and South Africa. Four assemblages are interpreted as primary (composed of benthic microorganisms) and four as secondary (containing components that were transported before deposition). These microbial assemblages have similar paleoecologies to other Gunflint-type microbial communities. All Gunflint-type microbial assemblages, including the Frere assemblages, were deposited in a marine subtidal environment. The apparent worldwide distribution of these similar microbial assemblages supports the hypothesis that Gunflint-type microbiotas were characteristic of the biota living in subtidal settings during the Early Proterozoic. However, this hypothesis does not account for the lack of these assemblages in post-Early Proterozoic rocks. This may be explained by the absence of primary inorganic silica precipitation in open-marine settings during the Middle and Late Proterozoic. Primary silica precipitation may be necessary for the preservation of well-preserved microbial assemblages in marine settings of normal salinity. Silica precipitation in Early Proterozoic open-marine settings is commonly associated with banded iron-formation deposition, which is confined mainly to 2500-2000 Ma ago.
Heinz Body Production and Hematological Changes in the Hen After Administration of a Single Oral Dose of n-Butyl Mercaptan and n-Butyl Disulfide

Abstract n-Butyl mercaptan (nBM) is a breakdown product of S,S,S-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioate (DEF) and S,S,S-tri-n-butyl phosphorotrithioite (merphos) in hens and in the environment. n-Butyl disulfide (nBD) is an oxidation product of nBM. A single 500 mg/kg dose of nBM and nBD was administered in gelatin capsules to groups of five 12-month old laying hens. A third group (five hens) was given gelatin capsules. One day after administration, the hens exhibited weakness which progressed to unsteadiness and inability to stand by the third day. These signs were accompanied by a pale comb 18–24 hr after dosing, which changed to dark color at 48 hr. Treated hens improved with time. Heinz bodies and extensive erythrocyte deformation and lysis were observed in blood smears taken from hens 24 and 48 hr after treatment. Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, erythrocytes, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity were significantly lower than controls, while methemoglobin was significantly higher. As the clinical condition of these hens improved, these hematologic changes disappeared. nBM caused an initial increase in plasma butyrylcholinesterase activity which was dose-dependent and returned to normal by the end of the 28-day experiment. Also, brain acetylcholinesterase activity was not different from that of the control at termination.
The effect of clay slimes on coal flotation, part II: The role of water quality

Abstract Suspended clay solids, ions, pH and humic acid are shown to have a significant influence on coal flotation. Coal flotation is greater in tap than in distilled water. This is believed due to instability and thinning of the hydrated layer at the surface of the coal particle when ions are present. The loss of recovery in the presence of clay slimes is more pronounced in distilled water than when ions are present. In both cases coal depression is much greater with bentonite than with kaolinite or illite clays. The greater surface area, surface-charged sites and ion-exchange-capacity enables bentonite coatings to be established by electrostatic attraction of the clay to the coal. The presence of humic acids is shown to depress coal readily in either distilled or ion-contaminated water.
Parallel increases in the synaptic and surface areas of mossy fiber terminals following seizure induction.

Seizure induction tends to be followed by the development of a predisposition to future seizure activity and the concurrent sprouting of the mossy fiber pathway into the inner molecular layer of the dentate gyrus, where recurrent excitatory synapses are formed. To determine whether synaptic remodeling of mossy fiber terminals within the hilus also occurs, rats were administered pentylenetetrazol and, 2 days later, control and experimental tissue was processed for the ultrastructural immunohistochemical identification of mossy fiber terminals. Examination of the structure of these terminals within random hilar fields indicated that selective changes had occurred, which were only observed in the ventral hilus, and which were specific to terminals forming synapses with mossy cell spines (vs. interneurons). This terminal population displayed significant parallel increases in both the total active zone area and the surface area of an average terminal (measured from random two-dimensional samples of terminal structure). Increases in total active zone area must reflect increases in the number and/or size of individual active zones. These findings suggest that changes in terminal size can subserve adjustments in the overall strength of a set of synaptic connections. In the context of the ventral hilus, a selective increase in the apparent strength of mossy fiber connections with mossy cells could support increases in excitability following seizure induction. Mossy cells form connections with granule cell proximal dendrites, providing another pathway for recurrent excitation. Synapse 39:249–256, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
PP-based nanocomposites with various intercalant types and intercalant coverages

In this article, nanocomposites based on polypropylene containing montmorillonite, modified with two different intercalants (primary and quaternary amine), at three different coverage levels have been investigated. The specimens were prepared in a mini-extruder machine with a counter-rotating configuration. The effectiveness of intercalant type and clay coverage level on the dispersion was analyzed by different means, including X-ray diffraction analysis, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. The flexural performance of the specimens was also examined.
An Eps Homology (EH) Domain Protein That Binds to the Ral-GTPase Target, RalBP1

Ral proteins constitute a family of small GTPases that can be activated by Ras in cells. In the GTP-bound state, Ral proteins bind to RalBP1, a GTPase-activating protein for CDC42 and Rac GTPases. We have used the two-hybrid system in yeast to clone a cDNA for a novel approximately 85-kDa protein that can bind to an additional site on RalBP1. This newly identified protein contains an Eps homology (EH) domain, which was first detected in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor substrate Eps15. Recently, the EH domain of Eps15 has been shown to bind to proteins containing an asparagine-proline-phenylalanine motif. Moreover, EH domains have been found in proteins involved in endocytosis and/or actin cytoskeleton regulation. The RalBP1 associated Eps-homology domain protein, Reps1, is tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to EGF stimulation of cells. In addition, Reps1 has the capacity to form a complex with the SH3 domains of the adapter proteins Crk and Grb2, which may link Reps1 to an EGF-responsive tyrosine kinase. Thus, Reps1 may coordinate the cellular actions of activated EGF receptors and Ral-GTPases.
Religious Networks And Royal Influence In Eleventh Century South India

The implication of an anthropologist, David Kaplan's argument for the study of the history of India is that it forces a reconsideration of the connection between royal power and the emergence of the great pilgrimage centers and their associated temple complexes under the stimulus of the medieval Hindu devotionalist movements. Of course, all Hindus who visited the temple were potential vehicles for its dissemination. But where did they come from? This chapter provides part of the answer by searching the inscriptions of the Tanjore temple for the evidence which they contain regarding persistent patterns of economic and other relationships between the temple and the various settlements which were spread across the countryside. Among the useful anthropological concepts which assist historians in discerning certain significant patterns in medieval Indian society is the theme of networks-and-centers. This concept provides an important key to one dimension of India's social integration. Keywords: India's social integration; medieval Hindu devotionalist movements; medieval Indian society; royal power; Tanjore temple; temple complexes
Rapid detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biomarkers in biological fluids using surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an opportunistic pathogen that causes major infection not only in Cystic Fibrosis patients but also in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in critically ill patients in intensive care units . Su ccessful antibiotic treatment of the infection relies on accurate and rapid identification of the infectious agents . C onventional microbiological detection methods usually take more than 3 days to obtain accurate results . We have developed a rapid diagnost ic technique based on surface -enhanced Raman scattering to directly identify PA from biological fluids . P. aeruginosa strains , PAO1 and PA14 , are cultured in lysogeny broth , and the SERS spectra of the broth show the signature Raman peaks from pyocyanin an d pyoverdine, two major biomarkers that P. aeruginosa secretes during its growth, as well as l ipopolysaccharide s. This provides the evidence that the presence of these biomarkers can be used to indicate P. aeruginosa infection. A total of 22 clinical exhal ed breath condensates (EBC) samples were obtained from subjects with CF disease and from non -CF healthy donors . SERS spectra of these EBC samples were obtained and further analyzed by both principle component analysis and partial least square -discriminant analysis (PLS -DA). PLS -DA can discriminate the samples with P. aeruginosa infection and the ones without P. aeruginosa infection at 99.3% sensitivity and 99.6 % specificity . In addition, this technique can also discriminate samples from subject with CF dise ase and healthy donor with 97.5 % sensitivity and 100% specificity . These results demonstrate the potential of using SERS of EBC samples as a rapid diagnostic tool to detect PA infection.
Mediational effects as a function of Stage 3 mediator presentation

Mediator presentation in Stage 3 was studied by presenting the mediator, A, with the stimulus B, in Stage 3 of an A-B, A-C, B-C paradigm. Additional Stage 3 conditions involved standard B-C acquisition, presentation of a repaired mediator with B, and presentation of a control word, X, with B. In general, the condition involving mediator presentation and the standard condition did not differ significantly from each other, but both were superior to the repaired mediator and control conditions. The relation of the present findings to the role of the mediator in Stage 3 is discussed, with the suggestion that although the mediator produced superior acquisition compared to the repaired and control conditions, the lack of difference of mediator presentation and the standard condition suggests that occurrence of the mediator in Stage 3 may be of limited importance in obtaining mediation effects.
Neuronal death in developmental models: Possible implications in neuropathology

Extensive neuronal death occurs in the developing nervous system. Death of neurons during this process is apoptotic and appears to utilize a pathway that is conserved in various mammalian cells and organisms. Recent evidence suggests that neuronal death during trauma, stroke, or neurode-generative diseases may also occur by a similar mechanism. This review discusses the molecular mechanism of developmental neuronal death by examining the biochemical and molecular events associated with neuronal death after trophic factor withdrawal. The ability to inhibit neuronal death by manipulating the Bcl-2 or the ICE-family proteins demonstrates the importance of these proteins in the neuronal apoptotic pathway. The utility of inhibiting neuronal death by blocking the apoptotic pathway as therapy in neuropathological situations is discussed.
ON THE RATE OF OXYGEN CONSUMPTION BY FERTILIZED AND UNFERTILIZED EGGS : I. FUCUS VESICULOSUS.

1. The unfertilized eggs of Fucus vesiculosus, in the dark, consume about 5.2 mm.3 O2 per hour per 10 mm.3 eggs. 2. With an illumination of 100,000 foot candles in photosynthesis they liberate more than twice as much oxygen as they consume. 3. The actively swimming antherozoids or sperm of Fucus consume oxygen at a very high rate: 25.5 mm.3 O2 per hour per 10 mm.3 antherozoids. 4. Immediately following fertilization, in the dark, the Fucus eggs increase the rate of oxygen consumption to about 190 per cent of the prefertilization rate. 5. This rate for fertilized eggs, about 190 per cent, is maintained uniformly for 13 or 14 hours, after which there is a barely perceptible rise until 24 hours (when measurements ceased). At 18°C. 50 per cent of the spores in a population have completed the first cell division about 15 hours after fertilization.
Minimally invasive thoracoscopic thoraco-femoral bypass: a case report

Thoracoscopic techniques have improved a variety of thoracic surgical procedures. Thoraco-femoral bypass is an exceptional alternative to standard thoracoscopic thoraco-femoral bypass. Herein we report our initial human experience with a thoracoscopic thoraco-femoral bypass.
Maximum Length and Age of Round Gobies (Apollonia melanostomus) in Lake Huron

ABSTRACT The round goby (Apollonia [Neogobius] melanostomus,) an invasive species, is generally smaller and shorter-lived in the Great Lakes than it native range. We examined 30 large male round gobies from trawl samples taken in Lake Huron and used otoliths to determine their age and back-calculated growth. Standard lengths ranged fiom 76 to 97 mm, and the oldest fish were age-5. Low water temperatures in nearshore regions of Lake Huron might cause slow growth and late maturation.
Down-Up Algebras From Trees

It is shown that the global dimension of any n-ary down-up algebra A n = A(n,α, β,γ) is less than or equal to n + 2, and when γ i = 0 for all i (A n is graded by total degree in the generators), then the global dimension of A n is n + 2. Furthermore, a sufficient condition for A n to be prime is given; when γ i = 0 for all i this condition is also necessary. An example is given to show that the condition is not always necessary.
STL - A High Level Language for Simulation and Test

A high-level language for the description of functional tests is described. This language integrates simulation and test by providing a common source language and programming environment. Through the use of individual code generation modules, this high-level language can be compiled into input for various simulators and testers. "Expert knowledge" contained within each code generation module alllows optimal test programs to be generated. In particular, the hardware architecture of the target tester is directly supported. The Simulation and Test Language (STL) programming environment also supports behavioral modeling of the device being designed. The outputs predicted by this behavioral model can then be automatically compared with the results produced by simulation.
Improved Backus-Gilbert method for signal reconstruction with a wavelet model

The Backus-Gilbert (BG) method provides an algorithm for solving the moment problem. Its performance can be greatly improved by incorporating an appropriate signal model, e.g., the bandlimited signals. In this research, we introduce a practical signal model called the scale-time limited signal spaces and generalize the Backus-Gilbert (BG) method for this class of signals. Since the model proposed in this work includes general wavelet bases such as the modulated Gaussians and the Mexican hat which have simple analytic forms, the required computation can be reduced.
When is the work non-negative in open processes?

It is shown that the work done in every process starting from a given equilibrium state is non-negative if and only if the equilibrium free-energy has a minimum at that state.
Stereo sequence coding

A stereo sequence coding algorithm is presented and evaluated in this paper. The left image stream is coded independently by an MPEG-type coding scheme. In the right image stream, only reference frames are coded by the subspace projection technique. The rest of frames in the right image stream are not coded and transmitted at the encoder; they are reconstructed from reference frames at the decoder. A frame estimation and interpolation technique is developed to exploit the great redundancy within stereo sequences to reconstruct some frames of the right image stream at the decoder. In the reconstructed frames, uncovered occlusions regions are filled by a disparity-based techniques. The intra coding and residual coding are based on subband coding techniques. The motion and disparity fields are estimated by block-based matching with a multiresolution structure, and coded by an entropy coding technique. Two stereo sequences are used to test our coding algorithm. Experimental results show that the frame estimation and interpolation technique works well perceptively and our stereo sequence coding scheme is effective to achieve high compression ratio.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Vibrational autoionization in H 3 and measurements of the symmetric-stretch frequency of the metastable 2p A '' 2 state

Transition-frequency measurements in triatomic hydrogen allow a unique identification of Rydberg series reported in previous work. From spectroscopic combination differences we derive an experimental value for the symmetric-stretch frequency of the metastable ${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$ 2${p}^{2}$ ${A}_{2}^{\mathcal{'}\mathcal{'}}$ state as well as for ${\mathrm{P}}_{3}^{+}$. .AE
Linking 13C‐based estimates of land and ocean sinks with predictions of carbon storage from CO2 fertilization of plant growth

The residence times of carbon in plants, litter, and soils are required for partitioning land and ocean sinks using measurements of atmospheric δ 13 C and also for estimating terrestrial carbon storage in response to net primary production (NPP) stimulation by elevated levels of atmospheric CO 2 . While 13 C-based calculations of the land sink decline with increasing estimates of terrestrial carbon residence times (through the fossil fuel-induced isotopic disequilibrium term in equations describing the global atmospheric budgets of 13 CO 2 and CO 2 ), estimates of land sinks based on CO 2 fertilization of plant growth are directly proportional to carbon residence times. Here we used a single model of terrestrial carbon turnover, the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford Approach (CASA) biogeochemical model, to simultaneously estimate 1984–1990 terrestrial carbon storage using both approaches. Our goal was to identify the fraction of the 13 CO 2 -based land sink attributable to CO 2 fertilization. Uptake from CO 2 fertilization was calculated using a β factor of 0.46 to describe the response of NPP to increasing concentrations of atmospheric CO 2 from 1765 to 1990. Given commonly used parameters in the 13 C-based sink calculation and assuming a deforestation flux of 0.8 Pg C/y, CO 2 fertilization accounts for 54% of the missing terrestrial carbon sink from 1984 to 1990. CO 2 fertilization can account for all of the missing terrestrial sink only when the terrestrial mean residence time (MRT) and the land isodisequilibrium forcing are greater than many recent estimates. DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0889.1999.t01-2-00007.x
A Study of Pfund’s Pressure Gage

Pfund’s combination of the McLeod and Pirani pressure gages was studied with a number of gases. The calibration curves of pressure against galvanometer reading were found to be straight lines and, except for hydrogen, nearly interchangeable for all the gases used. By using a galvanometer of high sensitivity and introducing a compensating filament, the sensitivity of the gage was increased until a change in pressure of 1.5×10−9 mm of mercury would cause a change in deflection of 1 cm on the galvanometer scale.Brief comments are made on the release of carbon monoxide and air from coconut charcoal and on the adsorption of air at low pressure by silica gel.
Relay Beam Selection with Directional Antennas

Relay Stations (RSs) can be deployed in a wireless network to extend its coverage and improve its capacity. Smart (directional) antennas can enhance the functionalities of RSs by forming one or multiple beams only towards intended receivers. In this paper, we focus on the topology control approach for efficient communications in wireless relay networks with smart antennas. This approach precomputes an antenna pattern for each node such that an efficient network topology can be formed for future communications. The corresponding optimization problem is formally defined as the Beam Selection Problem (BSP). First, we present an Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation to provide optimal solutions. Then we present a Linear Programming (LP) rounding-based algorithm for the BSP and show it has a constant factor approximation ratio. We also present a simple and fast greedy algorithm to solve the problem. Extensive simulation results show that the proposed algorithms provide close-to-optimal performance.
Sex allocation, pollinator attraction and fruit dispersal in cosexual plants*

Sex allocation theory for outcrossed cosexual plants is extended to explicitly consider attraction of pollen vectors and seed dispersal agents. The ESS allocation is shown to satisfy a new product theorem. This latter result is then extended to the case of partial self fertility.
A technique for estimating fine root production in the forest ecosystems

The soil-block technique was developed to estimate fine root production in forest ecosystems. This technique produced estimates similar to conventional soil coring but required less labor and reduced disturbance to the soil-root environment.
Steatocholecystitis: The Influence of Obesity and Dietary Carbohydrates

Introduction We have recently demonstrated that obese and lean mice fed a high fat diet have increased gallbladder wall fat and decreased gallbladder contractility, cholecystosteatosis. Animal and human data also suggest that diets high in refined carbohydrates lead to gallstone formation. However, no data are available on the role of dietary carbohydrates on gallbladder wall fat and inflammation. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that both obesity and dietary carbohydrates would increase gallbladder fat and cytokines, steatocholecystitis. Methods At 8 wk of age, 47 lean and 22 obese female mice were fed a 45% carbohydrate (CHO) diet while an equal number of lean and obese mice were fed a 75% CHO diet for 4 wk. All mice underwent cholecystectomy, and the gallbladders were snap-frozen. Individual and total lipids were measured by gas chromatography. Interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey test. Results Gallbladder total fat, triglycerides, and cholesterol were maximum (P Conclusions These data suggest that (1) both obesity and dietary carbohydrates increase gallbladder total fat, triglycerides, cholesterol, TNF-α, and IL-1β and (2) obesity also increases gallbladder free fatty acids and IL-6. Therefore, we conclude that obesity is associated with steatocholecystitis and that a high carbohydrate diet exacerbates this phenomenon.
Supporting manufacturing-marketing interface management with a partially automated knowledge base: a precursor to computer-integrated business enterprise

Providing continuity and transparency of decisions across interfaces of domains such as manufacturing and marketing is becoming imperative for competitiveness. Since the issues involved in interface management are not very well understood its practice has not been very successful. In this paper, we explore this problem in a scientific way and establish a set of ‘mappings’ across and within domains that form the building-blocks of our research. We develop mathematical models to help understand the characteristics of such mappings in a knowledge base environment. One of the models helps support the decision-making process of a manager within a domain while the other helps in detecting patterns of decisions made between domains. The knowledge base mechanism and the models together form a computer-oriented system which encourages synergy between manufacturing and marketing. Our approach therefore can be considered to be a precursor to a fully, i.e. across all different domains in a firm, computer-integrated business enterprise.
Mr Walzer's Neighborhood: The Need for Geographic Particularity in Distributive Ethics

In Spheres of Justice, Michael Walzer articulates an approach to distributive ethics based on complex equality that is closely attentive to the specific ways particular communities value goods. A renewed interest in place and geography among practitioners and theoreticians is giving rise to questions that are beyond the scope of Walzer's system and reveal abstractions at the geographic level that undercut his overall approach. This internal inconsistency weakens, but does not ultimately discount, Walzer's overall system of distributive ethics. When calibrated to allow for geographic particularity, Walzer's approach becomes even more useful to critique a range of contemporary development movements.