cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Torus data flow for parallel computation of missized matrix problems

Abstract A data-flow approach is used to solve dense symmetric systems of equations on a torus-connected 2-D mesh of processors. A torus mapping of the matrix onto this processor array allows the Cholesky decomposition to be completed in 3 n − 2 time steps using only n 2 /4 processors (less than half the number needed in previously reported results). New definitions for missized problems and parallel algorithm performance are given along with various time-step, efficiency, and processor utilization plots.
A linear piezoelectric motor

The development of a linear hybrid transducer type piezoelectric motor is shown. This design has the advantages of light weight, macro- and micro-positioning, and large force/velocity output. The motor consists of a longitudinal actuator that provides output displacement and force, and two alternating clamping actuators which provide the holding force. The advantages of this design over other types of piezoelectric motor are shown. Significant design considerations for the development of a piezoelectric motor (including material choices, shear loads on piezoelectric materials, and contact surface interaction) are discussed. A simulation, including a finite element analysis of the system, is used to predict the motor response to various input sets. A prototype motor is built and its characteristics are compared to theoretical predictions.
A probabilistic model of attribution applied to an achievement situation

A model of the attribution process based upon an observer's probability estimates is presented. Four hypotheses were tested using hypothetical achievement situations. Subjects were presented with a student's present quiz grade, the class average, and the student's average on past quizzes. Five levels for each of these three independent variables created a 5x5x5 factorial design. The model assumed that the results of achievement behavior can be attributed either internally or externally and either stably or unstably. The dependent variables were subjects' ratings of the level and importance of ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck as possible causes for the student's present quiz grade. Three of the four hypotheses were strongly supported. The advantages and implications of this approach are discussed.
Is a Picture Worth a Thousand Words? Preference for Auditory Modality in Young Children

Linguistic labels play an important role in young children's conceptual organization: When 2 entities share a label, people expect these entities to share many other properties. Two classes of explanations of the importance of labels seem plausible: a language-specific and a general auditory explanation. The general auditory explanation argues that the importance of labels stems from a privileged processing status of auditory input (as compared with visual input) for young children. This hypothesis was tested and supported in 4 experiments. When auditory and visual stimuli were presented separately, 4-year-olds were likely to process both kinds of stimuli, whereas when auditory and visual stimuli were presented simultaneously, 4-year-olds were more likely to process auditory stimuli than visual stimuli.
Electron Microscopy of Normal Human Skin

To take full advantage of the increased resolving power of the electron microscope for the examination of biological materials it was necessary to develop new methods for the preparation of ultra-thin tissue sections. In our studies of the viruses which infect human skin it became apparent that knowledge of the cytology and histology of normal cells was essential for an understanding of the diseased cell. This paper reports some of our observations on the preparation and examination of sections of human skin with the electron microscope.
Determination of Deltamethrin and Its Metabolites, 3‐Phenoxybenzoic Acid and 3‐Phenoxybenzyl Alcohol, in Maternal Plasma, Amniotic Fluid, and Placental and Fetal Tissues by HPLC

Abstract Pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin [(S)‐α‐cyano‐3‐phenoxybenzyl‐(1R,3R)‐3‐(2,2‐dibromovinyl)‐2,2‐dimethylcyclo‐propane‐1‐carboxylate] is widely used throughout the world on cotton, crops, and stored products. It is also used to treat livestock and is, thus, a public health concern. The toxic effects of deltamethrin in mammals include tremors and salivation. Few studies have been performed to characterize the toxicokinetics of deltamethrin, mainly due to the lack of a sensitive and reliable analytical method. An analytical method was, thus, developed and validated for the determination of deltamethrin concentrations in pregnant rat maternal plasma, amniotic fluid, placenta, and fetus using protein precipitation and reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. The limits of quantitation for deltamethrin were 100 ng/mL for amniotic fluid and 200 ng/mL for plasma, placental and fetal tissues. Recoveries ranged from 83.0% to 98.1% for deltamethrin, 90.5% to 99.7% for 3‐phenoxybenzoic acid (...
A Novel Gene, hKCa4, Encodes the Calcium-activated Potassium Channel in Human T Lymphocytes

We have isolated a novel gene, hKCa4, encoding an intermediate conductance, calcium-activated potassium channel from a human lymph node library. The translated protein comprises 427 amino acids, has six transmembrane segments, S1-S6, and a pore motif between S5 and S6. hKCa4 shares 41-42% similarity at the amino acid level with three small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels cloned from brain. Northern blot analysis of primary human T lymphocytes reveals a 2.2-kilobase transcript that is highly up-regulated in activated compared with resting cells, concomitant with an increase in KCa current. hKCa4 transcript is also detected by Northern blots or by polymerase chain reaction in placenta, prostate, thymus, spleen, colon, and many cell lines of hematopoietic origin. Patch-clamp recordings of hKCa4-transfected HEK 293 cells reveal a large voltage-independent, inwardly rectifying potassium current that is blocked by externally applied tetraethylammonium (Kd = 30 +/- 7 mM), charybdotoxin (Kd = 10 +/- 1 nM), and clotrimazole (Kd = 387 +/- 34 nM), but is resistant to apamin, iberiotoxin, kaliotoxin, scyllatoxin (Kd > 1 microM), and margatoxin (Kd > 100 nM). Single hKCa4 channels have a conductance of 33 +/- 2 picosiemens in symmetrical potassium solutions. The channel is activated by intracellular calcium (Kd = 270 +/- 8 nM) with a highly cooperative interaction of approximately three calcium ions per channel. These properties of the cloned channel are very similar to those reported for the native KCa channel in activated human T lymphocytes, indicating that hKCa4 encodes this channel type.
The planar distributions of surface proteins and intramembrane particles in Acholeplasma laidlawii are differentially affected by the physical state of membrane lipids

Abstract We have studied the influence of changes in lipid organization on the planar distribution of two classes of membrane proteins: integral proteins which have amino groups exposed to labelling at the membrane surface by the biotin-avidin-ferritin procedure, and those proteins which penetrate the lipid bilayer sufficiently to be seen as intramembranous particles by freeze-fracture electron-microscopy. When the membranes are examined at temperatures below the lipid phase transition, the first class is dispersed and the second patched. At temperatures in the middle of the transition range, both classes are patched. At temperatures just above the phase transition the first class is dispersed and the second patched, and at temperatures well above the transition both classes are dispersed. Freeze-etch studies of avidin-ferritin-labeled membranes confirmed that the distribution seen by the labeling and the freeze-fracture techniques coexist in single membranes. Thus, there exist two distinct classes of membrane proteins with differential organizational responses to the lipid state.
Multi-objective simulation optimization using data envelopment analysis and genetic algorithm: Specific application to determining optimal resource levels in surgical services

Abstract Simulation is a powerful tool for modeling complex systems with intricate relationships between various entities and resources. Simulation optimization refers to methods that search the design space (i.e., the set of all feasible system configurations) to find a system configuration (also called a design point) that gives the best performance. Since simulation is often time consuming, sampling as few design points from the design space as possible is desired. However, in the case of multiple objectives, traditional simulation optimization methods are ineffective to uncover the efficient frontier. We propose a framework for multi-objective simulation optimization that combines the power of genetic algorithm (GA), which can effectively search very large design spaces, with data envelopment analysis (DEA) used to evaluate the simulation results and guide the search process. In our framework, we use a design point's relative efficiency score from DEA as its fitness value in the selection operation of GA. We apply our algorithm to determine optimal resource levels in surgical services. Our numerical experiments show that our algorithm effectively furthers the frontier and identifies efficient design points.
Excessive L‐thyroxine therapy decreases femoral bone mineral densities in the male rat: Effect of hypogonadism and calcitonin

Excess thyroid hormone decreases bone mineral density (BMD), a potential problem in managing patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma and nontoxic goiter who require lifelong TSH-suppressive doses of thyroid hormone. We studied the effect of thyroid hormone excess on vertebral and femoral BMD and the role of hypogonadism in modulating this effect in a rat model. The potential role of calcitonin (CT) in preventing thyroid hormone-associated bone loss was also investigated. A total of 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 were orchidectomized (ORX); groups 3 and 4 were sham operated (SO). Groups 1 and 3 received 20 micrograms intraperitoneal L-thyroxine (L-T4) per 100 g body weight daily for 3 weeks; groups 2 and 4 received vehicle IP. Another 40 rats were divided into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 received L-T4, and groups 1 and 3 received CT, 2.5 U per 100 g body weight, subcutaneously (SC) daily for 3 weeks. BMD of the L4 and 5 and the right femur were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry at baseline and at the end of the study. Orchidectomy decreased femoral (P < 0.05) but not lumbar BMD. The administration of excess L-T4 decreased femoral (cortical) BMD in both SO (P < 0.05) and ORX rats (P < 0.05) without affecting lumbar (trabecular) BMD. CT increased lumbar BMD in both vehicle (P < 0.001) and L-T4-treated rats (P < 0.001). However, CT did not affect femoral BMD in vehicle-treated rats and did not prevent the L-T4-induced femoral bone loss.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Modification of sexual behavior of Long-Evans male rats by drugs acting on the 5-HT1A receptor.

Modulation of the sexual behavior of male rats by the anxiolytic buspirone (S-20499) and its analog gepirone were compared to the effects of 8-OH-DPAT (or DPAT, a selective 5-HT1A reference agonist), and BMY-7378 (a selective 5-HT1A partial agonist). Long-Evans rats were used; modulation of copulatory behavior and alteration of penile reflexes were examined. Modulation of copulatory behavior was assessed by three indices: frequency and length of intromission, and latency of ejaculation. DPAT, at doses of 1-8 mg/kg, reduced these three indices in a time dependent manner such that the effects peaked at 45 min and normalized at 90 min. The dose-effect relationship (assessed 45 min after DPAT injection) is bell-shaped with an ED50 approximately 1 mg/kg on the ascending limb of the curve. The effects of buspirone (2 mg/kg) and gepirone (2 mg/kg) on copulatory behavior were indistinguishable from control. BMY-7378 alone and in combination with these other 5-HT1A agonists reduced copulatory behavior, though not statistically significant. Penile reflexes, including number of erections, cups and flips, were inhibited by these agents: DPAT>buspirone>gepirone (inactive at 2 mg/kg). Furthermore, the latency period to erection was at least doubled by DPAT (2 mg/kg). Buspirone and gepirone, however, reduced the latency period to erection. BMY-7378 inhibited penile reflexes when administered alone and even more in combination with DPAT or buspirone. Two butyrophenone analogs, spiperone (a 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 antagonist) and haloperidol (a D2 antagonist), were also tested for their interaction with DPAT. Both of these drugs (at 0.25 mg/kg, 60 min after administration) reduced all indices of penile reflexes and copulation. Furthermore, in combination with DPAT (2 mg/kg, 45 min), the effects were synergistic such that sexual activity came nearly to a standstill. These opposing effects on putatively brain originated copulatory behavior and spinal mediated penile reflexes indicate that the effects of buspirone and DPAT on sexual behavior in the male rat may be possible at different parts of the central nervous system. If a tentative shared target site by DPAT and buspirone is the 5-HT1A receptor, than the same 5-HT receptor sub-type at different locations (brain, raphe nuclei, spinal cord and autonomic ganglia) may modulate rat sexual behavior in opposing ways.
Type 2 cytokines: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Type 2 immune responses are defined by the cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13, which can either be host protective or have pathogenic activity. Type 2 immunity promotes antihelminth immunity, suppresses type 1-driven autoimmune disease, neutralizes toxins, maintains metabolic homeostasis, and regulates wound repair and tissue regeneration pathways following infection or injury. Nevertheless, when type 2 responses are dysregulated, they can become important drivers of disease. Type 2 immunity induces a complex inflammatory response characterized by eosinophils, mast cells, basophils, type 2 innate lymphoid cells, IL-4-and/or IL-13-conditioned macrophages and T helper 2 (TH2) cells, which are crucial to the pathogenesis of many allergic and fibrotic disorders. As chronic type 2 immune responses promote disease, the mechanisms that regulate their maintenance are thought to function as crucial disease modifiers. This Review discusses the many endogenous negative regulatory mechanisms that antagonize type 2 immunity and highlights how therapies that target some of these pathways are being developed to treat type 2-mediated disease.
The Crystal Set.

In past issues of this journal, the late H. R. Crane wrote a long series of articles under the running title of “How Things Work.” In them, Dick dealt with many questions that physics teachers asked themselves, but did not have the time to answer. This article is my attempt to work through the physics of the crystal set, which I thought I knew, but actually did not.
Comparison of theory and experiment for two regimes of quantum interference oscillations in the transverse magnetoresistance of pure magnesium

The “on-axis” and “off-axis” regimes of quantum transport discussed theoretically in the preceding paper in this journal have been observed experimentally. The observation of the “on-axis” regime required magnetic field alignment to within an accuracy of ±0.002° of the basal plane. The data for the “off-axis” regime indicate that the electron quantum state lifetime for this crystal is about 5×10−10 sec at 4.2 K. A comparison between the predictions of first principles theory and the experimental results in these two regimes shows that the theory not only predicts the qualitative behavior correctly but also provides a quantitatively accurate description for the transverse magnetoresistance.
The effect of McConnell taping on vastus medialis and lateralis activity during squatting in adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome

This study aims to examine the effect of McConnell taping to patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome on the change of the muscle activity of vastus medialis and vastus lateralis during squatting. The total numbers of participants are 16 patients with pain in their knee. There are three different experiments: no-taping, placebo taping, and McConnell taping. As a result, both the muscle activity of vastus medialis and muscle activity ratio of vastus medialis to vastus lateralis increased in placebo taping compared to no-taping, which wasn’t statistically significant. However, the muscle activity of vastus medialis and muscle activity ratio of vastus medialis to vastus lateralis increased in McConnell taping compared to no-taping, which was statistically significant. These results suggest that McConnell taping affects the activity of quadriceps by changing the position of the patella, and thus can effectively be applied in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Synergistic interactions of etoposide and interleukin-1α are not due to DNA damage in human melanoma cells

Abstract Several possible mechanisms of the synergistic interactions of IL-1α and VP-16 against A375-C6 human melanoma cells were investigated. Studies indicate that IL-1α did not increase topoisomers II-dependent VP-16-mediated DNA damage, nor did IL-1α inhibit the repair of VP-16-induced DNA damage in these cells. Furthermore, IL-1α by itself or in combination with VP-16 did not cause significant fragmentation of cellular DNA into oligomers, indicating programmed cell death (apoptosis)_was not involved in the mechanism of synergy. In contrast, an IL-1-specific receptor antagonist significantly decreased IL-1α toxicity toward the melanoma cells and nearly eliminated the synergistic interactions of IL-1α with VP-16. These results strongly indicate that synergism of IL-1α with VP-16 was dependent upon an IL-1-receptor-mediated processes. DNA-strand breakage was unlikely to be a primary intracellular target for IL-1α cytotoxicity and synergism with VP-16.
Etiology and Diagnostic Evaluation of Macrocytosis

ABSTRACT Background: Elevation of mean cell volume (MCV) is a common clinical problem, but the etiologic spectrum and optimal diagnostic evaluation of macrocytosis are not well defined. Methods: We studied 300 consecutive hospitalized adult patients with MCV values ≥ 100 fL. Assessment included complete blood counts, morphologic review, liver function tests, and levels of serum cobalamin (Cbl), methyl malonic acid, and total homocysteine. Results: The most common cause of macrocytosis was drug therapy, followed by alcohol, liver disease, and reticulocytosis. Megaloblastic hematopoiesis accounted for less than 10% of cases. MCV values > 120 fL were usually caused by Cbl deficiency. Anisocytosis, macro-ovalocytosis, and teardrop erythrocytes were most prominent in megaloblastic hematopoiesis. Elevated levels of serum methyl malonic acid and total homocysteine were useful in the diagnosis of Cbl deficiency. Conclusions: Drugs and alcohol are the most common causes of macrocytosis in hospitalized patients in a New York City teaching hospital. We have formulated tentative guidelines for the evaluation of high MCV values in this setting.
The role of the FH1 domain and profilin in formin-mediated actin-filament elongation and nucleation.

Summary Background Formin proteins nucleate actin filaments de novo and stay associated with the growing barbed end. Whereas the formin-homology (FH) 2 domains mediate processive association, the FH1 domains—in concert with the actin-monomer-binding protein profilin—increase the rate of barbed-end elongation. The mechanism by which this effect is achieved is not well understood. Results We used total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to measure the effect of profilin on the elongation of single actin filaments associated with FH1FH2 constructs (derived from the formin Bni1p from S. cerevisiae ) with FH1 domains containing one to eight profilin-binding polyproline tracks. Over a large range of profilin concentrations (0.5–25 μM), the rate of barbed-end elongation increases with the number of polyproline tracks in the FH1 domain. The binding of profilin-actin to the FH1 domain is the rate-limiting step (up to rates of at least 88 s −1 ) in FH1-mediated transfer of actin subunits to the barbed end. Dissociation of formins from barbed ends growing in the presence of profilin is proportional to the elongation rate. Profilin profoundly inhibits nucleation by FH2 and FH1FH2 constructs, but profilin-actin bound to FH1 might contribute weakly to nucleation. Conclusions To achieve fast elongation, formin FH1 domains bind profilin-actin complexes and deliver them rapidly to the barbed end associated with the FH2 domain. Because subunit addition promotes dissociation of FH2 domains from growing barbed ends, FH2 domains must pass through a state that is prone to dissociation during each cycle of actin subunit addition coupled to formin translocation.
Damping as a result of piezoelectric energy harvesting

Abstract Systems that harvest or scavenge energy from their environments are of considerable interest for use in remote power supplies. A class of such systems exploits the motion or deformation associated with vibration, converting the mechanical energy to electrical, and storing it for later use; some of these systems use piezoelectric materials for the direct conversion of strain energy to electrical energy. The removal of mechanical energy from a vibrating structure necessarily results in damping. This research addresses the damping associated with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system that consists of a full-bridge rectifier, a filter capacitor, a switching DC–DC step-down converter, and a battery. Under conditions of harmonic forcing, the effective modal loss factor depends on: (1) the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the piezoelectric system; and (2) the ratio of the rectifier output voltage during operation to its maximum open-circuit value. When the DC–DC converter is maximizing power flow to the battery, this voltage ratio is very nearly 1/2, and the loss factor depends only on the coupling coefficient. Experiments on a base-driven piezoelectric cantilever, having a system coupling coefficient of 26%, yielded an effective loss factor for the fundamental vibration mode of 2.2%, in excellent agreement with theory.
A comparison of apparent mRNA half-life using kinetic labeling techniques vs decay following administration of transcriptional inhibitors.

Several different techniques were used to determine the apparent half-lives of immunoglobulin gamma 2b heavy chain and kappa light chain mRNA's in mouse myeloma 4T001 and a mutant derived from 4T001, i.e., mutant I17. The mutant I17 Ig heavy chain mRNA lacks CH1 and has fused CH2 and CH3 domains resulting in a truncated protein. By all four techniques the Ig heavy chain mRNA from mutant I17 displays a half-life that is approximately 70% the half-life of Ig mRNA in 4T001 cells. However, the absolute values of apparent half-life varied by greater than twofold for both lines among several of the techniques employed. The half-life of Ig gamma 2b mRNA in 4T001 cells was found to be 6.4 h by measuring decay following administration of the adenosine analog DRB to block new mRNA synthesis and 5.7 hr by measuring accumulation in an approach to steady-state labeling protocol. In contrast, the observed Ig mRNA half-lives determined by measuring decay following administration of actinomycin D to block new mRNA synthesis, or in a pulse-chase analysis were 2.9 and 3.8 h, respectively. The apparent half-life for Ig kappa light chain mRNA was the same in the 4T001 and I17 lines using any one technique but the value varied depending on the technique from a high value of 5.9 h following DRB to a low value of 2.4 h with actinomycin decay. Approach to steady-state is theoretically the most accurate method to measure mRNA half-life when that value is less than the doubling time of the cells. Pulse-chase analyses are accurate for measuring mRNA half-life when that value is longer than the effective chase period. Measuring preformed message decay following administration of drugs to block new mRNA synthesis is adaptable over a range of half-lives, but the cells must be shown to retain correct RNA metabolism over the time frame of the experiment. Determining a correct half-life for a particular mRNA may not be feasible using only one method and may, in fact, require several different approaches until a consensus value emerges.
Crystal chemistry of uranium (V) and plutonium (IV) in a titanate ceramic for disposition of surplus fissile material

Abstract We report X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectra for the plutonium LIII and uranium LIII edges in titanate pyrochlore ceramic. The titanate ceramics studied are of the type proposed to serve as a matrix for the immobilization of surplus fissile materials. The samples studied contain approximately 10 wt% fissile plutonium and 20 wt% natural uranium, and are representative of material within the planned production envelope. Based upon natural analogue models, it had been previously assumed that both uranium and plutonium would occupy the calcium site in the pyrochlore crystal structure. While the XANES and EXAFS signals from the plutonium LIII are consistent with this substitution into the calcium site within pyrochlore, the uranium XANES is characteristic of pentavalent uranium. Furthermore, the EXAFS signal from the uranium has a distinct oxygen coordination shell at 2.07 A and a total oxygen coordination of about 6, which is inconsistent with the calcium site. These combined EXAFS and XANES results provide the first evidence of substantial pentavalent uranium in an octahedral site in pyrochlore. This may also explain the copious nucleation of rutile (TiO2) precipitates commonly observed in these materials as uranium displaces titanium from the octahedral sites.
Provoked flux motion of cochlear blood flow measured with laser doppler flowmetry in Guinea pig

Although progress has been made in the study of cochlear blood flow (CBF) regulation since laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) was introduced, cochlear vasomotion has not been investigated. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine if oscillatory fluctuations of CBF could be provoked. Guinea pigs were anesthetized with diazepam (5 mg/kg) and fentanyl (0.32 mg/kg). Blood pressure (BP) was recorded from a carotid artery cannula. The cochlea and pons carebellum were ventrally exposed; the bilateral CBF and brain blood flow (BBF) or skin blood flow (SBF) were monitored by LDF. After administration of phentolamine (0.25-0.75 mg/kg, i.v.), ipsilateral CBF in 7 of 16 animals showed a 2-5 min episode of oscillation. During artificial hyperventilation, continuous oscillation of CBF was recorded (the flux motion frequency was 3.5 ± 0.5 cycles per min and its amplitude 25.8 ± 5.6% from baseline). The time-dependent flux change (the waveform) was the same throughout a single cochlea but different betw...
Testing cardinality estimation models in SQL server

Reliable query optimization greatly depends on accurate Cardinality Estimation (CE), which is inherently inexact as it relies on statistical information. In commercial database systems, cardinality estimation models are sophisticated components that over years of development can become very complex. The code that implements cardinality estimation models, like most complex software systems that handle a large space of possible inputs and conditions, can deviate from its original architecture and design points over time. Hence, it is often necessary to refactor and redesign the entire system to accommodate new inputs and conditions, and also to reflect existing ones in a more intentional way. In this paper, we describe such an exercise: the replacement and validation of a new cardinality estimation model in Microsoft SQL Server. We describe the motivation behind this change, and provide a high level sketch of the empirical methods used to ensure that the new cardinality estimation model satisfies its goals while minimizing the potential risk of plan regressions for existing customers.
Striatal dopamine innervation and receptor density: regional effects of the weaver mutation.

Mice homozygous for the autosomal recesive gene weaver (wv) exhibit a regionally specific depletion of forebrain dopamine (DA). DA is reduced approximately 70% in the dorsal striatum of homozygotes (wv/wv) relative to heterozygous (+/wv) controls while DA content in ventral striatum is relatively unchanged. The goal of the present study was to determine the regional effects of the weaver mutation on striatal DA receptors and DA uptake sites using quantitative autoradiography. Catecholamine histofluorescence was used to examine midbrain DA-containing cell bodies. Compared to behaviorally normal (+/-) littermates, the binding of [3H]spiroperidol to D2 sites was significantly increased in the dorsal but not ventral striatum of wv/wv mice. Binding of the D1 ligand, [3H]SCH23390, was significantly decreased throughout the striatum of wv/wv mice. The binding of [3H]mazindol to DA uptake sites was dramatically reduced in all wv/wv striatal regions except the ventrolateral portion. Compared to +/-littermates, wv/wv mice had far fewer fluorescent cell bodies in the substantia nigra and a less pronounced reduction of ventral tegmental area fluorescent somata. These findings support the hypothesis that heterogeneities exist in the genetic control of the mesotelencephalic DA system. The results underscore the usefulness of the weaver mouse in the study of mesostriatal sub-systems, receptor regulation, and potentially as a model of human neuropathologies that affect distinct populations of cells in the mesotelecephalic system.
Nanogram quantification of nonpolar lipid classes in environmental samples by high performance thin layer chromatography

A sensitive, simple, and rapid high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method that quantifies nanogram amounts of complex nonpolar lipid classes in environmental samples with a minimum of sample preparation is presented. The derivatization method is lipid-specific and insensitive to carbon number or the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids composing the lipid class compounds. Nonpolar lipid classes ranging from 10 to over 500 ng easily may be quantified in the same sample run. The coefficient of variation for sample replicates on different plates ranged from 2.3% to 5.9%. Accuracy of the method is better than 15%. The nonpolar lipid class composition of <53 μm oceanic particles in a vertical depth profile of the upper 600 meters of the Slope Water was determined to illustrate the HPTLC method. The observed changes in particulate lipid class composition indicate that secondary production by deep-living organisms significantly alters suspended particle composition with depth in the water column.
Lipoprotein Lipase of the Bovine Mammary Gland

Abstract Homogenates of lactating and nonlactating bovine mammary tissue were examined for lipoprotein lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) activity to provide information on the mode of uptake of serum triglyceride fatty acid by the bovine mammary gland. The activity of lipoprotein lipase in lactating bovine mammary gland homogenates was dependent upon the concentrations of bovine serum albumin, serum, and pH of the incubation mixture. The cation Ca ++ did not stimulate bovine mammary tissue lipolytic activity. Heparin caused minor but variable degrees of stimulation (3 to 25%) of lipolytic activity. The majority (80%) of cellular lipolytic activity was associated with the particulate fraction. Lipoprotein lipase activity was similar in all quarters of the udder, unaffected by freezing, and greatly reduced in nonlactating tissue. Milk contained a lipase with properties similar to tissue lipoprotein lipase.
Seasonal and year-to-year variations in the growth of Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) in the lower Chesapeake Bay☆

Abstract Seasonal and year-to-year variations in the growth of Zostera marina L. were measured at three sites in two locations in the lower Chesapeake Bay between 1978 and 1980. The maximum values for the 1979 above- and belowground standing crop ranged from 161–336 g dry wt m−2 and 61–155 g dry wt m−2, respectively, leaf length was 19.6–59.7 cm and shoot density 1418–2576 shoot m−2. Values for 1980 tended to be greater and may be related to climatical differences between the two years. Maximum values were usually recorded in the months of June and July when water temperatures were between 20 and 25°C. Significant loss of leaves occurred in July and August, when water temperatures ranged between 25 and 30°C, while new shoots began to appear more rapidly in late September as water temperatures dropped below 20°C. The greatest increase in all growth parameters occurred from April to June during which time reproductive shoots were present, and accounted for up to 25% of the total number of shoots.
Morphological changes during maturation of starfish oocytes: Surface ultrastructure and cortical actin☆

The cell surface and extracellular investments of oocytes of the starfish Pisaster ochraceus are analyzed by Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy. The investing coats include a thin sheet of follicle cells, a jelly coat, and a vitelline layer; their morphologies are described. Methods are outlined for systematically removing them without altering the behavior of the oocyte so that the cell surface can be examined directly. The topography of denuded oocytes changes dramatically when they are treated with the maturation-inducing hormone, 1-methyladenine. The major topographical change is the early and transient formation of prominent surface spikes. These structures arise due to the rapid, reversible polymerization of actin into stout bundles. Polymerization and subsequent depolymerization of cortical actin is monitored by epifluorescence microscopy of oocytes stained with NBD-phallacidin, a stain which is specific for polymerized actin. Based on scanning electron microscopy, spikes apparently utilize preexisting plasma membrane of microvilli, and plasma membrane is apparently lost when spikes collapse. Long after microvilli are eliminated due to spike formation, the number of microvilli is somewhat restored, especially around the animal pole where the polar body forms. A chronology of events observed during oocyte maturation is discussed with reference to the possible mechanisms and implications of polymerization and depolymerization of cortical actin.
Initial Operation of a Scanning Stokes Polarimeter

A polarimeter capable of obtaining line profiles in the four Stokes parameters is described in its initial operation. A brief description of the instrument and the first sunspot observation is given.
Ground Water Monitoring at Wellhead Protection Areas

Wellhead protection programs implemented to this date have not, in general, included a comprehensive ground water monitoring strategy. This is due both to the relatively recent introduction of the wellhead protection concept into the ground water field and also to the complexity of the monitoring problem. A well-planned monitoring program, however, can contribute significantly to the success of a wellhead protection program. The elements of wellhead protection, important from a monitoring perspective, are the management objectives, the types of potential contaminant sources, and the locations of those sources with respect to the wellhead protection area boundary. General monitoring strategies applicable to wellhead protection are derived from the relationships between these elements.
New connective tissue attachment in beagles with advanced natural periodontitis.

A pilot study using advanced, natural periodontitis in beagle dogs was performed to determine the possibility of achieving periodontal regeneration to an extent that would bring the attachment back to the original level at the cemento-enamel junction. Nine mandibular premolars in two beagles were treated with a mucoperiostal flap procedure including citric acid conditioning of the root surfaces and coronal placement and suturing of the flaps. Histologic examination of buccal and lingual root surfaces demonstrated new connective tissue attachment including the formation of new cementum back to or near the cemento-enamel junction in most specimens. The mean epithelial migration apical to the cemento-enamel junction amounted to only 0.3 mm. The formation of new crestal alveolar bone, however, was limited. The histological analyses of the furcation areas showed new connective tissue attachment in six of the nine specimens. The result indicates that it is biologically possible to obtain new connective tissue attachment up to the original level of attachment at the cemento-enamel junction following treatment of advanced natural periodontitis in beagle dogs. It seems to be possible to accomplish this connective tissue attachment not just in isolated areas, but at several circumferential locations on the teeth as well.
Localization and identification of sumoylated proteins in human sperm: excessive sumoylation is a marker of defective spermatozoa

BACKGROUND Sumoylation is a type of post-translational modification that is implicated in the regulation of numerous cellular events. However, its role in the function of human sperm has not yet been characterized.
Classical Statistical Inference Extended to Truncated Populations for Continuous Process Improvement: Test Statistics, P-values, and Confidence Intervals

Statistical hypothesis testing is useful for controlling and improving processes, products, and services. This most fundamental, yet powerful, continuous improvement tool has a wide range of applications in quality and reliability engineering. Some application areas include statistical process control, process capability analysis, design of experiments, life testing, and reliability analysis. It is well-known that most parametric hypothesis tests on a population mean, such as z-test and t-test, require a random sample from the population under study. However, there are special situations in engineering, where the specification limits, such as the lower and upper specification limits, on the process are implemented externally, and the product is typically reworked or scrapped if the performance of a product does not fall in the range. As such, a random sample needs to be taken from a truncated distribution; however, there has been little work on the theoretical foundation of statistical hypothesis procedures under this special situation. The objective of this paper is twofold. First, we provide the mathematical justifications that the central limit theorem works quite well for a large sample size, given samples taken from a truncated distribution. We also verify this finding using simulation. Second, we then develop the new one-sided and two-sided z-test and t-test procedures, including their test statistics, confidence intervals, and P-values, using appropriate truncated statistics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of estradiol on estrogen receptor expression in rat uterine cell types

In rodent uterus, both up- and down-regulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels by estradiol has been demonstrated; however, it is not known which of the uterine compartments (endometrial epithelium, stroma, myometrium) respond to estradiol with autoregulation of ERalpha. The purpose of the present study was to investigate and compare the kinetics and cell type-specific effects of estradiol on uterine ERalpha expression in immature and adult rats. Ovariectomized female rats were injected s.c. with sesame oil or estradiol-17beta. Uteri were collected and analyzed for changes in ERalpha mRNA using RNase protection assays (RPA) and in situ hybridization using radiolabeled probes specific for ERalpha. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with a polyclonal antibody specific to ERalpha. Expression of ERalpha in the uterine epithelial cells decreased at 3 and 6 h after estradiol administration to immature and adult rats, respectively. At 24 h, ERalpha mRNA levels in the immature and mature rat uterus were higher than pretreatment levels but returned to baseline by 72 h. Pretreatment with cycloheximide did not block the 3-h repressive effect of estradiol, suggesting that the estradiol-induced decrease in ERalpha mRNA occurs independent of new protein synthesis. A decrease in ERalpha mRNA and protein was also observed in uterine epithelia at 3 and 6 h after an estradiol injection to immature and adult rats, and intensity of both the in situ hybridization signal and the immunostaining in the epithelium increased at 24 and 72 h. However, the periluminal stromal cells in the adult uterus and the majority of stromal cells of the immature uterus appeared to have increased ERalpha expression. The results indicate that down-regulation of ERalpha in the epithelia and up-regulation of stromal ERalpha play a role in early events associated with estradiol-induced cell proliferation of the uterine epithelia.
Gastroparesis: current diagnostic challenges and management considerations

Gastroparesis refers to abnormal gastric motility characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. The most common etiologies include diabetes, post-surgical and idiopathic. The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting and epigastric pain. Gastroparesis is estimated to affect 4% of the population and symptomatology may range from little effect on daily activity to severe disability and frequent hospitalizations. The gold standard of diagnosis is solid meal gastric scintigraphy. Treatment is multimodal and includes dietary modification, prokinetic and anti-emetic medications, and surgical interventions. New advances in drug therapy, and gastric electrical stimulation techniques have been introduced and might provide new hope to patients with refractory gastroparesis. In this comprehensive review, we discuss gastroparesis with emphasis on the latest developments; from the perspective of the practicing clinician.
Great Circle Plots on Arbitrary Maps

Mathematical methods are presented for obtaining the locus of points representing the intersection of the figure of the earth and the plane defined by the central ray of a signal scattered between two sites. Algebraic expressions of the latitude-longitude pairs which represent the locus are presented for the case where the figure of the earth is a sphere. An outline of the method for determining latitude-longitude pairs is included for the case where the figure of the earth is an oblate spheroid.
T1 networking-past, present, future

The author examines the T1 transmission standard evolution to its current form, and shows the limitations which its voice heritage place on T1 networks. Changes currently being implemented or planned are also discussed, since they will eliminate some of the limitations. Also examined is the evolution of the node equipment used in T1 networks. Finally, other changes in process, such as ISDN (integrated services digital network), T3, and SONET (synchronous optical network), are explored. >
Polymer electronic materials for sustainable energies

As electronic devices reduce in size, scale and weight, polymers are becoming more attractive as electronic materials that are lighter weight, easier and lower cost to synthesize, and place less demand on purity. However, device performance is significantly influenced by the ability to properly synthesize polymers and integrate them effectively into devices. Particularly with nanostructured device architectures, conventional liquid phase synthesis and processing face significant limitations due to the presence of the liquid medium. Here, initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is demonstrated as a viable means for overcoming these barriers, providing a liquid-free approach for the direct synthesis and growth of electronic polymers that yield significantly enhanced performance in energy harvesting and storage devices.
Do all portable cases constructed by caddisfly larvae function in defense

The portable cases constructed by caddisfly larvae have been assumed to act as a mechanical defense against predatory attacks. However, previous studies have compared the survival of caddisflies with different cases, thereby precluding an analysis of the survival benefits of “weaker” case materials. The level of protection offered by caddisfly cases constructed with rock, stick, or leaf material, as well as a no-case control, was investigated against predatory dragonfly nymphs (Anax junius Drury (Anisoptera: Aeshnidae)). A valid supposition is that the cases made of stronger material are more effective at deterring predators. Yet, observations revealed that there was no difference in survival between the case types. All caddisflies with a case experienced high survival in comparison to caddisflies removed from their case. In addition, larvae with stick-cases experienced fewer attacks and captures by dragonflies. These results showed that the presence of a case, regardless of the material used in its construction, offers survival benefits when faced with predatory dragonfly nymphs.
The Impact of Prestige Orientation on Shadow Education in South Korea

Widespread use of “shadow education,” is a major policy issue in East Asia, especially South Korea, where officials view it as harmful to educational and fiscal equity. Although previous research emphasizes functional explanations, this study takes an institutional approach, exploring how students’ desire for prestigious matriculation influences their parents’ spending on shadow education. It is around that that “prestige orientation” (1) significantly predicts parent spending, especially among students of lower socioeconomic status, and (2) yields strong impact among students with the least likelihood of prestigious matriculation. Such findings indicate that Korean shadow education serves purposes that are as much symbolic as instrumental.
Shock/Boundary Layer Interaction in Rarefied Flow

NOMENCLATURE A = Airy Function Cx ,Cy ,Cu ,Cv ,Cπ ,Cd = Triple Deck Scaling Factors C = Constant in upstream solution (Eq. 24) G = Functional involving Airy function properties (Eq. 27) J = 0,1 for x 23 26 June 2008, Seattle, Washington AIAA 2008-4168
Social work and fathers: child support and fathering programs.

In recent years social welfare policies and practices have increasingly addressed men's roles as fathers. The landmark welfare reform legislation, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) (P.L. 104-193), contains significant revisions in child support legislation. Rapid growth has occurred in the number of social services programs working with fathers. This article introduces social workers to these policy and practice initiatives. Through a critical review of research and descriptive programmatic material, this article considers the mixed implications of these policy and practice interventions for family well-being and recommends future directions for policy and practice.