cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inositol incorporation into phosphoinositides in retinal horizontal cells of Xenopus laevis: Enhancement by acetylcholine, inhibition by glycine

The absorption of light by photoreceptor cells leads to an increased incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into phosphoinositides of horizontal cells in the retina of Xenopus laevis in vitro. We have identified several retinal neurotransmitters that are involved in regulating this response. Incubation with glycine, the neurotransmitter of an interplexiform cell that has direct synaptic input onto horizontal cells, abolishes the light effect. This inhibition is reversed by preincubation with strychnine. Acetylcholine added to the culture medium enhances the incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into phosphoinositides in horizontal cells when retinas are incubated in the dark. This effect is inhibited by preincubation with atropine. However, atropine alone does not inhibit the light-enhanced incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into phosphoinositides in the retina. gamma-Aminobutyric acid, the neurotransmitter of retinal horizontal cells in X. laevis, as well as dopamine and norepinephrine, have no effect on the incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into phosphoinositides. These studies demonstrate that the light-enhanced incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into phosphoinositides of retinal horizontal cells is regulated by specific neurotransmitters, and that there are probably several synaptic inputs into horizontal cells which control this process.
Carbon Dioxide-Oxygen Separation: Facilitated Transport of Carbon Dioxide across a Liquid Film

An immobilized film of an aqueous bicarbonate-carbonate solution was developed which was 4100 times more permeable to carbon dioxide than to oxygen. The carbon dioxide transport was reaction-rate limited, and thus it could be increased by addition to the film of catalysts for the hydrolysis of carbon dioxide.
Influence of a low temperature sulphurizing process on lubricants in standard ep and fzg tests

Abstract The influence of the Sulf BT process, an anodic sulphurizing process, on the performance of a non-EP turbine oil and an EP gear oil has been tested. Both standard EP (four-ball, Timken and Falex) and gear-simulating (FZG) tests, were used on plain and sulphurized specimens. EP tests showed increased performance for the sulphurized specimens: the most remarkable result was noted in the four-ball and Timken tests, where the turbine oil attained a performance typical of commercial EP lubricants. FZG tests, however, showed no improvement, the sulphide film being progressively worn away during the tests and thereby having no influence on the results. The disagreement between EP and FZG determinations points to the fact that predictions from measurements of load-carrying capacity on the commonly used laboratory devices may not agree at all with behaviour on machines more closely simulating actual service.
Modeling Slope Stability in Honduras

Hurricane Mitch (1998) was the deadliest storm to strike the western hemisphere in over 200 yr, and landslides were a significant component of the storm impact, inflicting direct damage on steep lands and triggering mudslides that devastated valleys below. The stability index mapping (SINMAP) model was applied to a 46.1-km 2 agricultural area in Central Honduras to predict the spatial distribution of shallow debris slides based on the infinite slope stability model and a steady-state hydrology module. The region was surveyed for geology and depth of bedrock, and 63 soil samples were collected on which bulk density, saturated shear strength, angle of soil friction, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were measured. A digital elevation model (DEM) was developed from digitized elevation contours. The natural variability of soil properties was accounted for in a set of model simulations based on parameter distributions, and results were presented in a distributed probability map (DPM) for slope failure that, in turn, was used to identify the spatial scale of variability captured by the model. Ripley's K-function for distribution of a spatial point process was applied to mapped landslides and to simulated data based on the DPM. Observed landslide locations were more tightly clustered than those predicted by the physically based model, indicating that fine-scale physical phenomena not captured by the model likely play a role in slope failure. Aggregation of observed landslides on a scale of 150 m made the comparison with model predictions more consistent. Both parameter variability and inventory scale are important considerations in the evaluation of a slope stability model.
Correlates of rates of suicide and homicide committed by different methods.

The social correlates of suicide rates by each method over time in the USA from 1950 to 1985 were very different, suggesting that suicides by different methods may not be sociologically identical behaviors. Homicide rates by each method, however, showed a more consistent pattern of social correlates. Language: en
Wnt Signaling Went derailed Again: a New Track via the LIN-18 Receptor?

In this issue of Cell, Inoue et al. (2004) reports that LIN-18, an atypical receptor tyrosine kinase related to mammalian Ryk and Drosophila Derailed, mediates Wnt signaling in parallel to LIN-17/Frizzled (Fz) during worm vulval development. LIN-18/Ryk and LIN-17/Fz appear to exhibit distinct Wnt specificity, and surprisingly, the LIN-18 intracellular domain may be dispensable.
Neuropathological changes in two lines of mice carrying a transgene for mutant human Cu,Zn SOD, and in mice overexpressing wild type human SOD: a model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS)

Abstract Two different lines of mice, G1 and G20, carrying a transgene for a mutant form of Cu,Zn SOD, found in a family with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FALS), develop clinical and pathological changes which are, in their late stages, strikingly similar to those in human disease. We have analyzed the distribution and characteristics of lesions in the central and peripheral nervous systems of such mice. The most affected structure was the spinal cord, followed by the medulla, pons and midbrain. The early stages of the disease were characterized by vacuolar degeneration of anterior horn neurons and their processes, while, in the late stages, the main changes consisted of neuronal loss and atrophy of the anterior horns and the deposition in these areas of multiple filamentous inclusions resembling Lewy bodies. In the late stages of the disease, the white matter of the spinal cord was also involved, particularly in the anterior and lateral columns. Posterior columns were also involved, but to a much lesser degree. The brainstem structures also showed vacuolar degeneration of several motor nuclei and of several groups neurons in the reticular formation. Anterior roots and peripheral nerves showed the classical features of Wallerian degeneration. The dorsal root ganglia, with rare exceptions, were unremarkable. The posterior roots showed mild changes in the most severely affected mice. Changes in these two affected lines were compared to changes in mice overexpressing wild type, rather than mutant human Cu,Zn SOD. These mice never developed clinical disease, although, pathologically, they developed very mild vacuolar changes in the anterior horns of the spinal cord and in motor axons. This study shows that although simple overexpression of SOD may be injurious to motor neurons, albeit very mildly, the mutant form is necessary to produce both clinical disease and severe pathological changes which, in the chronic stage of the disease, have striking similarities to human familial ALS. A dominant gain of function, therefore, is the most likely pathogenesis of tissue injury induced by mutations in Cu,Zn SOD.
Skin fluorescence, a method to predict amputation site healing.

Abstract Although skin blood flow is an important determinant of amputation site healing, most techniques to evaluate it are cumbersome and indirect. We have prospectively compared a new, simple and direct technique, skin fluorescence (SF), with a more established indirect method, segmental limb blood pressures (BP), to determine the value of each in predicting amputation healing of an ischemic extremity. Twenty-six consecutive patients with ischemic tissue loss were studied prior to amputation. Thigh, calf, and ankle BP were measured; then SF was determined by injecting 10–15 mg/kg of fluorescein intravenously and examining the limb with uv light. BP of > 50 mm Hg was considered adequate for amputation wound healing; yellow SF indicated adequate skin blood flow. In each case, the most distal site predicted to heal by either method was selected for amputation. Thirty amputations were performed (6 digital, 3 transmetatarsal, 11 below knee, and 10 above knee) with an 80% healing rate. When SF and BP disagreed on the level of amputation, fluorescein always predicted a more distal site. SF accurately predicted amputation healing in 80% of cases. In the remaining 20%, amputation failures were due to infection in two and deep tissue necrosis in four. BP was accurate and useful in 47% of cases. In 14 patients BP indicated the need for a higher level of amputation than was successfully performed. In two patients BP measurement was indeterminate due to “stiff arteries.” Furthermore, in two patients amputations failed despite BP > 50 mm Hg. We conclude that SF helps the surgeon select a more distal level of amputation than segmental limb pressures, and one that has a high likelihood of healing.
Implication of Blood Flow in Hyperthermic Treatment of Tumors

Tumor blood flow varies significantly depending on the type, age, and size of tumors. Furthermore, the distribution of blood perfusion in tumors is quite heterogeneous. Blood flow in tumors may or may not be greater than that in the surrounding normal tissues at normothermic conditions. When heated at 41-430C, tumor blood flow either remains unchanged or increases slightly, usually by a factor of less than 2. The newly formed tumor vessels appear to be so vulnerable to heat that the blood flow decreases at 42-43' C in most of the animal tumors studied so far. By contrast, the blood flow in normal tissues, e. g., skin and muscle, increases by a factor of 3-20 upon heating at 42-450C. Consequently, the heat dissipation by blood flow becomes greater in normal tissues than in tumors during heating, and thereby a greater temperature rise in tumors may occur, resulting in greater damage in tumor relative to normal tissues. The intrinsically acidic intratumor environment becomes further acidic upon heating and accentuates the thermal damage on the tumor cells. Blood perfusion appears to be implicated in such a heat-induced increase in the intratumor acidity.
Methanol Reaction on Pt–Au Clusters on TiO2(110): Methoxy-Induced Diffusion of Pt

The reaction of methanol on Pt–Au bimetallic clusters on TiO2(110) with varying bulk Au fractions has been studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The bimetallic clusters with bulk Au fractions greater than 50% have surfaces that are 100% Au, but these Pt–Au clusters exhibit activity for methanol decomposition that is characteristic of Pt rather than Au; while methanol reaction on pure Pt clusters forms CO as a major product, reaction on pure Au clusters produces formaldehyde. Furthermore, as the bulk Pt concentration is decreased from 100 to 50% in the Pt–Au clusters, the CO yield decreases by only ∼25%. This behavior is consistent with methoxy-induced diffusion of Pt to the surface of the clusters in order to form strong Pt–methoxy bonds. DFT studies indicate that it is thermodynamically favorable for Pt to diffuse to the surface and bind to the methoxy adsorbate. Specifically, DFT calculations show that the methoxy intermediate bo...
Dismantling Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for social phobia

The efficacy of Heimberg's (1991) Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) [Unpublished manuscript] for social phobia has been demonstrated in several studies in recent years. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the treatment's success. In order to determine whether the cognitive restructuring component of CBGT is essential, this study compared CBGT to an exposure-based treatment without formal cognitive restructuring. A wait-list control was also included. In general, Ss in the active treatment conditions improved and control Ss did not improve on a variety of self-report, clinician, and behavioral measures. Limited evidence indicated that Ss in the non-cognitive treatment may have made somewhat greater gains on some measures. Although CBGT Ss reported more improvement than exposure-alone Ss in subjective anxiety during an individualized behavioral test at posttreatment, this difference disappeared at 6-month follow-up. Surprisingly, CBGT was less effective than in previous controlled trials, and possible reasons for this are discussed. Implications of the results for cognitive theory and cognitive-behavioral therapy for social phobia are addressed.
Financial distress in cancer patients

Novel diagnostic and therapeutic options offer hope to cancer patients with both localized and advanced disease. However, many of these treatments are often costly and even well-insured patients can face high out-of-pocket costs. Families may also be at risk of financial distress due to lost wages and other treatment-related expenses. Research is needed to measure and characterize financial distress in cancer patients and understand how it affects their quality of life. In addition, health care providers need to be trained to counsel patients and their families so they can make patient-centered treatment decisions that reflect their preferences and values.
Serum lipoproteins and coronary heart disease.

Abstract It is necessary to examine lipid abnormalities at a macromolecular level, with emphasis on the transport lipoproteins rather than on cholesterol and triglyceride values alone. Methods for determining serum lipoproteins, which can be adapted for a small laboratory, are now available and are recommended for general clinical use. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the process of atherosclerosis has a long natural history that begins in childhood, and that it is now possible to study children for potential risk.
Topology optimization of slightly compressible fluids

We consider the problem of optimal design of flow domains for Navier–Stokes flows in order to minimize a given performance functional. We attack the problem using topology optimization techniques, or control in coefficients, which are widely known in structural optimization of solid structures for their flexibility, generality, and yet ease of use and integration with existing FEM software. Topology optimization rapidly finds its way into other areas of optimal design, yet until recently it has not been applied to problems in fluid mechanics. The success of topology optimization methods for the minimal drag design of domains for Stokes fluids (see the study of Borrvall and Petersson [12]) has lead to attempts to use the same optimization model for designing domains for incompressible Navier–Stokes flows. We show that the optimal control problem obtained as a result of such a straightforward generalization is ill-posed, at least if attacked by the direct method of calculus of variations. We illustrate the two key difficulties with simple numerical examples and propose changes in the optimization model that allow us to overcome these difficulties. Namely, to deal with impenetrable inner walls that may appear in the flow domain we slightly relax the incompressibility constraint as typically done in penalty methods for solving the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. In addition, to prevent discontinuous changes in the flow due to very small impenetrable parts of the domain that may disappear, we consider so-called filtered designs, that has become a “classic” tool in the topology optimization toolbox. Technically, however, our use of filters differs significantly from their use in the structural optimization problems in solid mechanics, owing to the very unlike design parametrizations in the two models. We rigorously establish the well-posedness of the proposed model and then discuss related computational issues.
Spatial differences in denitrification and bacterial community structure of streams: relationships with environmental conditions

In streams, benthic bacterial communities are integral to multiple aspects of ecosystem function, including carbon and nitrogen cycles. Variation both in terms of bacterial community structure (based on taxonomic and/or functional genes) and function can reveal potential drivers of spatiotemporal patterns in stream processes. In this study, the abundance and diversity of 16S rRNA genes and abundance of nosZ genes, encoding for nitrous oxide reductase, were related to denitrification and environmental conditions. Denitrification rates varied among the three streams examined, and within a given stream there were significant longitudinal differences. Likewise, bacterial community structure based on analysis of the 16S rRNA gene also differed significantly among streams. However, variation in denitrification rate was not well correlated with environmental or biological variables measured. In addition, relatively large numbers of denitrifiers occurred when denitrification rates were low. In conclusion, although the streams differed in environmental conditions as well as bacterial community structure, these differences did not explain much of the spatial variation in denitrification rates.
An acoustical bottom-mounted fish enumeration system

The annual run of sockeye salmon into Bristol Bay, Alaska, is the largest run of this species in the world, and is of vital economic importance to the state of Alaska. To optimize catch and escapement, fishery management personnel need accurate and timely fish population data, but the test fishing techniques currently employed have had limited success. To improve management data, a system of bottom-mounted, upward-looking acoustic sensors specifically designed to assess Bristol Bay salmon is currently under joint development by the Fisheries Research Institute and the Applied Physics Laboratory, both of the University of Washington. This paper describes that system.
Improving performance and energy savings through alternative forwarding

Reducing energy consumption in networks is receiving considerable research interest. Different approaches have been advocated, from traffic engineering and topology control to hardware-based approaches. These approaches can work at long-time scales of several hours to very small timescales of a few microseconds.In this paper, we focus on finer time granularity energy saving schemes. To increase the usage of active links and to increase the down time of already sleeping links, we use alternative forwarding. To our best knowledge, this is the first attempt to collaborate a routing scheme with hardware scheme to save energy consumption in the wired networks. In our evaluation, alternative forwarding achieves 10% more energy saving of the communication links compared to a hardware-based sleeping scheme.
The ionic strength of the intermembrane space of intact mitochondria is not affected by the pH or volume of the intermembrane space

Abstract Ionic strength affects the electron transport activity of cytochrome c through its electrostatic interactions with redox partners and membrane lipids. We previously reported (Cortese, J.D., Voglino, A.L. and Hackenbrock, C.R. (1991) J. Cell Biol. 113, 1331–1340) that the ionic strength (I) of the intermembrane space (IMS-1) in isolated, intact condensed mitochondria is similar to the external, bulk I, over a wide range of bulk I. We now consider the possible effects of IMS-pH and IMS-volume, both variable parameters of mitochondrial function in situ, on IMS-1 IMS-pH and IMS-1 were measured with pH- and I-sensitive fluorescent probes (highly fluorescent FITC-dextran for IMS-pH and FITC-BSA for IMS-1). These probes were delivered into the IMS of intact mitochondria via probe encapsulation into asolectin vesicles, followed by low pH-induced fusion of the vesicles with the outer membranes of intact mitochondria. IMS-pH was found to be 0.4–0.5 units lower than bulk pH over the pH range 6.0–8.5 for mitochondria with a large IMS-volume separating the two mitochondrial membranes (condensed configuration), and 0–0.2 units lower for mitochondria with a small IMS-volume and membranes closely opposed (orthodox configuration). This small pH difference between IMS-pM and bulk pH did not influence the similarity between IMS-1 and bulk I. When the IMS-volume was osmotically decreased, bringing the two mitochondrial membranes in close proximity as in the orthodox configuration. IMS-1 followed the bulk I above 10 mM but did not respond to changes in bulk I below 10 mM. The lack of response of the IMS-1 below 10 mM indicates that the close proximity of the two mitochondrial membranes excludes ions only at low, nonphysiological I. Since the similarity of IMS-1 and bulk I is unaffected by either IMS pH or IMS-volume above a bulk I of 10 mM, at cytosolic physiological I (i.e., 100–150 mM) cytochrome c can be expected to be a free, three-dimensional diffusant in the IMS irrespective of the pH or volume of the IMS.
Tellurium doping of InGaP for tunnel junction applications in triple junction solar cells

Tellurium doped InGaP is an ideal material for the n side of a tunnel junction for triple junction solar cell structures grown by MOCVD.In this paper, we discuss the growth process for abrupt turn-on and turn-off of tellurium in InGaP when InGaP must be highly doped and uniformly doped with tellurium to provide for epitaxial films suitable for tunnel junctions. Results show that tellurium pre-doping of the layer before InGaP growth provides for a sharp turn-on and that using a growth pause at elevated growth temperatures after InGaP provides for a sharp turn-off in the doping profile. Results from a series of experiments in which partial pressure of phosphine and growth temperature were varied show that doping levels of > 1 x 10 19 cm ―3 can be achieved uniformly over 4 in. diameter germanium wafers by lowering growth temperature and V/III ratio. Results also showed that high tellurium doping levels strain InGaP and adjustment of indium mole fraction in InGaP is required to produce smooth epitaxial layers. These MOCVD growth processes can be incorporated in the growth of tunnel junction layers used in the production of triple junction solar cells.
Extraneural metastatic glioblastoma after interstitial brachytherapy

Abstract Purpose: This is a report of 3 cases of extraneural metastasis of glioblastoma after interstitial radiation and assessment of pertinent literature addressing concern over an increased risk of these events with this therapy. Methods and Materials: In a series of 82 patients treated with 125 I brachytherapy for primary malignant brain tumors over a 7-year interval, 3 cases of extraneural glioblastoma were identified. The multicatheter technique for delivery of 125 I sources was utilized in all. Extraneural metastases were documented by imaging studies or biopsy. Over the same period, 310 patients with primary malignant brain tumors were treated without brachytherapy. Results: Biopsy-proven scalp and skull metastases occurred in 2 patients, at 3 and 8 months following brachytherapy. Each developed radiographic evidence of systemic metastases at 7 and 14 months postbrachytherapy, respectively. The third patient developed biopsy-proven cervical node involvement 4 months after brachytherapy. No patients with malignant gliomas undergoing craniotomy or stereotactic biopsy, but not brachytherapy, during the same time period developed extraneural metastases. Incidence in previously reported series commenting on this otherwise rare process range from 0% to 4.3%. The incidence of extraneural metastases in this series is 3.7% (3/82) and is comparable to those reports. Conclusions: Percutaneous catheter-delivered brachytherapy may be associated with an increased incidence of extraneural metastatic glioma.
The electrochemistry of carbon and chemically-modified carbon surfaces—II

Abstract Prior concentration-cell experiments with carbon electrodes are reviewed, and the ion responsiveness of several carbon electrodes is evaluated in terms of a newly defined selectivity coefficient. The ion selectivity of the carbon electrode and previously observed potential drifts are interrelated. New experimental studies of potential drifts are reported, and the results are satisfactorily interpreted by means of equivalent circuits.
La communauté virtuelle comme espace de publication savante

Le modele de la communaute virtuelle permet de favoriser les echanges et la circulation des resultats de la recherche. Affranchie des contraintes economiques qui affectent de maniere de plus en plus importante les maisons d’edition, notamment les presses universitaires, les communautes virtuelles, surtout celles qui permettent la consultation des textes et des interventions en open access, sont concues comme des espaces dynamiques, capables d’illustrer les modulations subies par un objet d’etude au fur et a mesure que le discours critique sur celui-ci evolue. Elles permettent aussi une diffusion plus large des textes, favorisant du meme coup l’etablissement de liens jusqu’ici pratiquement inexistants entre les chercheurs universitaires et le grand public.
Changes in landscape patterns associated with the persistence of aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado

Abstract Using repeat photography, we conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses of changes in forest cover on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado, during the 20th century (80–100 years). For the quantitative analysis, paired images were classified using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies. Comparisons were made using three landscape metrics: total relative cover; mean relative patch size; and number of patches per major vegetation type. We noted several important changes in the pattern of the landscape and the structure of the forests. The relative area covered by interspersed, non-forested rangelands has decreased significantly, and the total forest cover (both aspen, Populus tremuloides Michx., and coniferous types, primarily Abies lasiocarpa (Hook.) Nutt., and Picea engelmanii Parry) across these landscapes have increased significantly. Other landscape characteristics, such as patch number and patch size distribution also exhibit significant changes. These data reveal that in many cases, there has been important, observable change in the configuration of the landscape at many of these locations resulting in a decrease in the coverage of early seral communities and an increase in closed canopy forest communities. Currently, aspen has not been reduced in the extent of coverage in this region.
Recovery frequency of phages λ and M13 from human and animal faeces

Derivatives of bacteriophages λ and M13 are in common use as vectors in recombinant DNA research1–5. These laboratory-derived phages have been designed to allow cloning of DNA fragments, but to be unable to survive outside a defined laboratory and/or host-cell environment. To assess the availability of wild-type λ or M13 phages in the environment which might potentially rescue debilitated derivative phages, we have now examined the frequency of these and other bacteriophages in human and animal faeces. We detected coliphage in over two-thirds of the faecal samples. Of these, 1.2% of the samples contained λ-like phage and 3.5% had phage indistinguishable from M13.
Small-molecule aggregates inhibit amyloid polymerization

Many amyloid inhibitors resemble molecules that form chemical aggregates, which are known to inhibit many proteins. Eight known chemical aggregators inhibited amyloid formation of the yeast and mouse prion proteins Sup35 and recMoPrP in a manner characteristic of colloidal inhibition. Similarly, three known anti-amyloid molecules inhibited β-lactamase in a detergent-dependent manner, which suggests that they too form colloidal aggregates. The colloids localized to preformed fibers and prevented new fiber formation in electron micrographs. They also blocked infection of yeast cells with Sup35 prions, which suggests that colloidal inhibition may be relevant in more biological milieus.
Microengineering neocartilage scaffolds

Advances in micropatterning methodologies have made it possible to create structures with precise architecture on the surface of cell culture substrata. We applied these techniques to fabricate microfeatures (15–65 μm wide; 40 μm deep) on the surface of a flexible, biocompatible polysaccharide gel. The micropatterned polymer gels were subsequently applied as scaffolds for chondrocyte culture and proved effective in maintaining key aspects of the chondrogenic phenotype. These were rounded cell morphology and a positive and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) immunofluorescence assay for the production of type II collagen throughout the maximum culture time of 10 days after cell seeding. Further, cells housed within individual surface features were observed to proliferate, while serial application of chondrocytes resulted in the formation of cellular aggregates. These methods represent a novel approach to the problem of engineering reparative cartilage in vitro. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 78: 802–805, 2002.
Linking the global to the national: An application of the international pathways model to examine the influence of International environmental agreements on Cameroon’s forest policy.

Cameroon’s tropical forest cover is one of the largest in the world. It is home to some of the world’s rarest plant and animal species. However, the country has suffered extensive forest loss for many decades as a result of socioeconomic and political factors. The growing global concern for the health of the world’s forests and related global issues has placed pressure on Cameroon to sustainably manage its forests. The intricacies of domestic and international pressures on Cameroon’s forest sector means that policy makers have to take into consideration the dynamics of the domestic-international nexus in developing the country’s forest policies. The increasingly integrated global governance of the world’s forests—international agreements, protocols and treaties, international program, international institutions, international actors, and international norms—together constitute international policy regimes that have influenced the direction of Cameroon’s forest policy. Employing the international pathways framework model, an analytic model which describes how transnational actors and international institutions affect domestic policies and policy making, this paper examines the extent to which international environmental agreements have influenced the direction of Cameroon’s forest policy and policy making. The application of the international pathways model facilitated analytic review and allowed for a better understanding of how Cameroon has utilized the complex global forest governance arrangements to enhance its domestic forest policy.
Measurement of geothermal flux through poorly consolidated sediments

Abstract In many regions, crystalline rocks are covered by hundreds of meters of unconsolidated and poorly consolidated sediments. Estimates of heat flux within these sediments using standard continental techniques (temperature and conductivity measurements at intervals of 10 to 30 meters) are unreliable, mainly because of the difficulty in obtaining and preserving representative lengths of core. However, it is sometimes feasible to use what amounts to an oceanographic technique by making closely spaced temperature and conductivity measurements within short cored intervals. This is demonstrated in a borehole at Menlo Park, California (37°27′N, 122°10′W, elevation 16 meters), where heat flows determined over 12 separate 1-meter intervls al lie within 10% of their mean value; 2.2 μcal/cm 2 sec.
Immunity to melanoma: unraveling the relation of tumor immunity and autoimmunity.

Cancer cells express self-antigens that are weakly recognized by the immune system. Even though responses against autologous cells are difficult to induce, the immune system is still able to mount a response against cancer. The discovery of the molecular identity of antigens that are recognized by the immune system of melanoma patients has led to the elucidation of tumor immunity at a cellular and molecular level. Multiple pathways in both the priming and effector phases of melanoma rejection have been described. Animal models' active immunotherapies for melanoma show a requirement for the cellular compartment of the immune system in the priming phase, primarily CD4+T cells. More diverse elements are required for the effector phase, including components from the innate immune system (macrophages, complement and/or natural killer cells) and from the adaptive immune system (CD8+T cells and B cells). Minor differences in amino-acid sequences of antigens must determine the particular mechanisms involved in tumor rejection. Since the immune system contains T and B cells that recognize and reject autologous cells, a consequence of tumor immunity is potential autoimmunity. There are distinct pathways for tumor immunity and autoimmunity. The requirements for autoimmunity at the priming phase seem to be CD4+/IFN-γ dependent while the effector mechanisms are alternative and redundant. Vitiligo (autoimmune hypopigmentation) can be mediated by T cells, FcγR+macrophages and/or complement.
Engaging academia to advance the science and practice of environmental public health tracking

Public health agencies at the federal, state, and local level are responsible for implementing actions and policies that address health problems related to environmental hazards. These actions and policies can be informed by integrating or linking data on health, exposure, hazards, and population. The mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention׳s National Environmental Public Health Tracking Program (Tracking Program) is to provide information from a nationwide network of integrated health, environmental hazard, and exposure data that drives actions to improve the health of communities. The Tracking Program and federal, state, and local partners collect, integrate, analyze, and disseminate data and information to inform environmental public health actions. However, many challenges exist regarding the availability and quality of data, the application of appropriate methods and tools to link data, and the state of the science needed to link and analyze health and environmental data. The Tracking Program has collaborated with academia to address key challenges in these areas. The collaboration has improved our understanding of the uses and limitations of available data and methods, expanded the use of existing data and methods, and increased our knowledge about the connections between health and environment. Valuable working relationships have been forged in this process, and together we have identified opportunities and improvements for future collaborations to further advance the science and practice of environmental public health tracking.
On the Ability of Galactose to Influence Hexose and Amino Acid Uptake by Isolated Rat Brain Capillaries

The uptake of glucose, 2-deoxyglucose, proline, methionine, and alpha-methylamino isobutyric acid was studied in brain capillaries preincubated with 50 mM galactose either in vitro or isolated from galactose-fed rats. The uptake was not decreased in both cases. The linear rate of glucose oxidation by capillaries was also not altered by preincubation with galactose.
Chronic and acute tolerance to the heart rate effects of nicotine

Tolerance to the effects of nicotine reflects physiological adaptation and may be related to the development and persistence of smoking behavior. However, little is known about tolerance to nicotine in humans, in part due to methodological difficulties. This study examined chronic and acute tolerance to nicotine's effect on heart rate (HR) using a measured-dose nasal spray nicotine procedure. Eight "Light" smokers (less than 20 cigarettes per day) and ten "Heavy" smokers (greater than or equal to 20 per day) participated in two sessions on separate days in which they received four administrations (1 every 20 min) of a high nicotine dose (15 micrograms per kg body weight, equivalent to a typical cigarette) or a low nicotine dose (7.5 micrograms/kg) while HR was monitored during the 5 min following each administration. Compared with Light smokers, Heavy smokers had significantly smaller HR responses to the high dose, indicating greater chronic tolerance, but there was no difference between groups in response to the low dose. Acute tolerance to HR response across the four 5-min periods was not observed with either dose. However, subsequent examination of HR response in the first 2 min following each dose administration did suggest acute tolerance, particularly for the low dose, as this more acute HR response declined from the first to the last administration. These results demonstrate chronic and, to a lesser extent, acute tolerance to HR effects of nicotine and suggest that both may be dose dependent.
Three vertebrate hyaluronan synthases are expressed during mouse development in distinct spatial and temporal patterns

We have used in situ hybridization to study the expression of the vertebrate hyaluronan synthase (Has) gene family members, designated Has1, Has2, and Has3, during mouse development. At embryonic day (E) 7.5, Has1 and Has2 are expressed throughout the gastrulating embryo. After E8.5, Has1 expression disappears, but Has2 continues to be strongly, albeit transiently, expressed in numerous tissues, including the branchial arches and craniofacial structures such as the palatal shelves and lens pit. Has2 is also expressed during cardiac, skeletal, and tail development. Has3 transcripts are first detected at E10.5 in the maxillary and mandibular components of the first branchial arch. Notably, Has3 expression in the developing teeth, vibrissae hair follicles, nasal cavity, and inner ear complements the expression pattern of Has2. Our results indicate that, whereas Has2 is exclusively expressed in some tissues, its expression pattern overlaps and/or complements that of Has1 and Has3 in others. Developmental Dynamics 233:130–141, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Accentuating the positive: atomicity inference and enforcement using correct executions

Concurrency bugs are often due to inadequate synchronization that fail to prevent specific (undesirable) thread interleavings. Such errors, often referred to as Heisenbugs, are difficult to detect, prevent, and repair. In this paper, we present a new technique to increase program robustness against Heisenbugs. We profile correct executions from provided test suites to infer fine-grained atomicity properties. Additional deadlock-free locking is injected into the program to guarantee these properties hold on production runs. Notably, our technique does not rely on witnessing or analyzing erroneous executions. The end result is a scheme that only permits executions which are guaranteed to preserve the atomicity properties derived from the profile. Evaluation results on large, real-world, open-source programs show that our technique can effectively suppress subtle concurrency bugs, with small runtime overheads (typically less than 15%).
Transformation of Wall Deficient Cultured Tobacco Protoplasts by Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Attachment of virulent Agrobacterium tumefaciens to plant cells is required for transformation. To further study the components of the plant cell wall that may be involved in the attachment process, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) protoplasts were cultured in the presence of 2,6 dichlorobenzonitrile (DB), an inhibitor of cellulose biosynthesis, and then assayed for their ability to be transformed by Agrobacterium. The DB treated protoplasts were deficient in wall production. Nevertheless, they were transformable at high frequency by wild type Agrobacterium strains but not by mutant strains that lack the ability to bind to normal, walled cells. Small quantities of calcofluor white positive material present on DB treated cells were correlated with their competence to be transformed. Further, the plant:bacterial association that leads to transformation is shown to become stable within 5 hours after bacterial co-cultivation with either control or DB treated cells.
Finite-time observer for nonlinear dynamic systems

This paper introduces finite-time observers for a class of non-linear dynamic systems. The concept of observability is first shown to be a necessary condition for the existence of a finite-time observer for the system. Then a finite-time observer for an important class of systems is constructed with a novel structure which avoids the use of differentiators.
Flow cytometric assay for monitoring the activity of natural killer cells

Abstract Objective: To develop a simple, flow cytometric assessment of Natural Killer (NK) cell activation. Introduction: The current method used to analyze NK-cell function is the chromium release assay. This method has disadvantages, including the use of radioactive materials and maintaining a target cell line. This study investigates a novel flow cytometry assay that measures NK-activity using heat shock protein-60 (HSP60) induced CD69 expression, while eliminating the need for radioactive materials, and target cell culture. Methods: Heparinized blood was obtained from 25 healthy volunteers. To activate the NK-cells, 500 μl of whole blood was incubated with 50 μl of 12.5 μg/ml HSP60 overnight. 100 μl of each sample was then labeled with anti-CD56, anti-CD45 and anti-CD69 fluorescent conjugated mAb and analyzed on a Becton Dickinson FACs calibur cytometer. 10,000 events were collected from each tube. The percent of CD56, CD69+ lymphocytes was determined. We also determined NK-cytotoxicity against K562 target cells for each specimen using a standard 4-hour chromium release assay. To validate the flow cytometry assay, we performed a linear regression analysis to determine if HSP60 induced CD69 expression correlated with the chromium release assay. Results: HSP60 induced CD69 expression on a mean of 36.5% (Range = 9.4%–67.0%) of NK-cells. Regression analysis of %CD69+ NK-cells and % lysis from the chromium release assay showed no linear relationship between the 2 sets of data (r squared = 0.042). NK% varied considerably among our volunteers (Range = 4.3%–23.7%). Thus, we determined a unit of activation ((%NK-cells × %CD69+ NK-cells)/100) to control for differences in NK numbers and repeated the regression analysis. The r-squared value was 0.2739 using the unit of activation. Semi-quantitative analysis of this graph, however, indicated that there are four clusters within the data corresponding to high, medium, medium-low, and low ranges of CD69 expression corresponding to four similar ranges of NK lytic activity. Conclusion: This study shows that HSP60 induced CD69 expression measured by flow cytometry can be used as a semi-quantitative surrogate marker for NK-cell activity. This assay eliminates risks involved with using radioactive materials, and also cuts down on preparation and analysis time for lab personnel. Further studies will show if this assay has clinical applicability. We thank the Summa Health System Foundation for supporting this study and Dr. Steven Douglas for providing the K562 target cell line.
The renal vasodilating effect of dopamine is mediated by calcium flux and prostacyclin release in man.

A low dose of dopamine (DA; 1 μg/kg-min for 3 h) was infused into 10 normal subjects to determine whether vasodilator prostaglandins might be involved in the vascular action of this vasoactive hormone. Although this DA dose did not alter blood pressure, pulse, or cardiac index, it significantly increased renal blood flow (RBF), as estimated by para-aminohippurate clearance [1.40 ± 0.10 (±SE) to 1.93 ± 0.18 L/min- 1.73 m2; P < 0.02]. This increase was due to DA receptor action since it was blocked by metoclopramide, a DA antagonist, and was not altered by prazosin, an α-adrenergic antagonist. DA simultaneously increased the urinary excretion rate of 6-keto- PGF1α, a stable metabolite of prostacyclin [PGI2; 79 ± 16 to 154 ± 32 ng/g creatinine (2 ± 0.40 to 3.88 ± 0.78 pmol/Vmol creatinine);P < 0.02], but there was no change in PGE2 excretion. This dose of DA increased urinary Na+ and K+ excretionand slightly increased creatinine clearance from 0.12 ± 0.01 to 0.16 ± 0.02 L/min 1.73 m2 (P < 0.05). Metocloprami...
Study of the Convergence Behavior of the Complex Kernel Least Mean Square Algorithm

The complex kernel least mean square (CKLMS) algorithm is recently derived and allows for online kernel adaptive learning for complex data. Kernel adaptive methods can be used in finding solutions for neural network and machine learning applications. The derivation of CKLMS involved the development of a modified Wirtinger calculus for Hilbert spaces to obtain the cost function gradient. We analyze the convergence of the CKLMS with different kernel forms for complex data. The expressions obtained enable us to generate theory-predicted mean-square error curves considering the circularity of the complex input signals and their effect on nonlinear learning. Simulations are used for verifying the analysis results.
Ultrastructural properties of collagen fibrils in rat intestine.

Collagen fibers (bundles of fibrils) of rat small intestine as observed by Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy were densely packed in parallel undulating arrays. At the electron microscopical level the diameters of intestinal collagen fibrils increased gradually from 50 nm at three weeks of age to 80 nm at 12 months of age. At each age the fibril diameters were fairly uniform in size. At three weeks or six months of age collagen fibrils from stretched, salted samples were somewhat larger in diameter (12–16%) than those from unstretched, unsalted samples. A biaxial orientation existed between bundles of collagen fibrils at angles that varied from 32° to 81° with a mean of 60°. Thus, intestinal collagen at the fibril level is aligned at varying angles to the longitudinal and circular directions of the intestine.
Terminal Doppler Weather Radar enhancements

The design of an open radar data acquisition system for the Terminal Doppler Weather Radar is presented. Adaptive signal transmission and processing techniques that take advantage of the enhanced capabilities of this new system are also discussed. Results displaying data quality improvements with respect to problems such as range-velocity ambiguity and moving clutter are shown.
Reflectivity of Semiconductors with Wurtzite Structure

The room-temperature reflection spectrum of hexagonal ZnS, CdS, and CdSe has been measured. A number of reflection peaks have been seen and identified with the peaks predicted for these materials when crystallized in the cubic (zincblende) modification. It is concluded that the band structures corresponding to these two crystal modifications are very similar.