cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enterostatin suppresses food intake in rats after near-celiac and intracarotid arterial injection.

Enterostatin (Ent) selectively suppresses the intake of dietary fat after peripheral and central administration. To further investigate the site of action of Ent, we compared the feeding responses to Ent injected intra-arterially near the celiac artery, into the carotid artery, or intravenously in rats adapted to a high-fat diet. After near-celiac arterial injection there was an immediate dose-dependent (0.05–13.5 nmol) inhibition of food intake occurring within 5 min in overnight-fasted rats that lasted up to 20 min. Carotid arterial Ent had a similar, immediate dose-related response, and the inhibitory effect was long lasting. The response to intravenous Ent was only evident at the highest dose (13.5 nmol) and was delayed for at least 120 min. Pretreatment with capsaicin, which causes degeneration of vagal sensory neurons, abolished the inhibitory responses to near-celiac Ent but not to intravenous or intracarotid Ent. These results provide further evidence for both a gastrointestinal site of action for...
Advanced transmission systems using distributed Raman amplification technologies

This paper introduces practical and high-performance transmission systems that employ distributed Raman amplification (DRA) technologies. The systems incorporate DRA/EDFA hybrid amplifiers as inline amplifiers with limited DRA pump powers. These powers are determined with respect to the practical safety and reliability of the systems against intense pump light. The practical aspects and merits of our systems are described both in detail and qualitatively. It is shown that a hybrid amplifier system using DSF performs better than one using SMF with limited pump powers. The use of DRA means that the optical SNR of the former system is typically about 2-3 dB higher than that of the latter. Moreover, this paper reports successful results of long-haul transmission field trials using the hybrid amplifier scheme in the L-band over installed DSF with an aggregate capacity of 1.28 Tbit/s (32 x 43 Gbit/s).
Producer Perceptions and Pest Management Practices in Iowa Alfalfa

In June 1997, 1900 self-administered surveys were sent to Iowa alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) producers. The sample was split into early adopter and general populations. Early adopters were those producers who purchased potato leafhopper (Empoasca fabae (Harris)] resistant alfalfa seed during the first year it was available commercially. The general population was randomly selected and no producer was present in both populations. Producers were asked questions on pest perceptions, management practices, and perceptions of leafhopper-resistant alfalfa. Seven hundred forty-seven usable surveys were returned. Results showed that the early adopter population farmed larger production systems and produced more alfalfa per acre than the general population. Overall, producers from the early adopter population had greater fundamental knowledge of serious alfalfa pests than producers from the general population. The potato leafhopper was reported as the most important pest in both populations. Producers seemed confused between the injury symptoms of potato leafhopper and alfalfa weevil [Hypera postica (Gyllenhal)] injury, and it was apparent that leafhopper injury symptoms were often confused with drought stress. Positive relationships were found between the frequency of scouting, the frequency of insecticide use, and alfalfa yield. The majority of producers expected leafhoppers to avoid resistant alfalfa varieties, resulting in smaller pest infestations. Adoption of leafhopper-resistant alfalfa probably will be limited by producers' knowledge of previous yield loss from this pest. Results of this survey will be used to develop improved educational materials on insect pest management in alfalfa.
Laser melting and heat treatment of m2 tool steel: A microstructural characterization

Microstructural characterization and electron diffraction crystal structure determinations have been carried out on the tool steel M2. Detailed examination using optical microscopy and thin-film and replica transmission electron microscopy substantiate preliminary findings.2,3 Namely, that laser melted material has a two-phase σ-ferrite/austenite matrix containing a dispersion of fine M2C carbides together with a smaller amount of M23C6 carbides. Subsequent heat treatment at 560 and 1230°C increases the hardness (to a maximum value of ∼1100 VHN) by carbide precipitation. In material heat treated at 560°C there is a preponderance of M23C6 carbides together with a small amount of M2C carbides. In contrast, the effect of heat treatment at 1230°C is to produce material containing only MC1-x type carbides with diameters in the range from 20 nm to ∼1 µm.
Warm oceans raise land temperatures

During 2004, sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were the third warmest in the past 125 years, land surface temperatures were the fourth warmest, and globally averaged temperatures likewise ranked fourth highest [Levinson, 2005]. This article presents evidence that SSTs contributed significantly to the widespread terrestrial and global tropospheric warmth. Every ocean witnessed warm sea surface conditions in 2004, with only the middle latitudes of the Southern Ocean experiencing below average values (Figure 1, top). Much of this warmth was concentrated north of 30°S and included a weak El Nino event in the tropical central Pacific. Terrestrial warmth in 2004 was seen at all locations between 45°N and 45°S.The greatest departures from average temperatures occurred over interior Eurasia and western North America, which experienced increases of up to 2°C (Figure 1, middle). Consistent with the considerable warmth of ocean and land surfaces, much of the global troposphere was also warm in 2004. The thermal expansion of the tropospheric column, whose top is roughly at the 200-millibar pressure surface, is demonstrated by the increase in elevation of that surface worldwide (Figure 1, bottom).
Effect of diuretics on ketamine and sulfanilate elimination in cats.

Hanna, R.M. Borchard, R.E. & Schmidt, S.L. Effect of diuretics on ketamine and sulfanilate elimination in cats. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 11, 121–129. Rate constants of elimination were used to evaluate potential effects of diuretic agents on the elimination of ketamine from the blood of cats. Furosemide, mannitol, and aminophylline did not significantly alter the ketamine elimination rate constants, although the diuretics had a tendency to prolong elimination. This tendency of furosemide was further substantiated by observing the effect of furosemide on glomerular filtration. The rate of sulfanilate elimination, used as an indicator of glomerular filtration, was significantly decreased in the cats that were administered furosemide. Possible mechanisms for the influence of furosemide on the renal excretion of ketamine are discussed.
Silylphosphide Reagents in Synthetic Routes to Cyclophosphines.

Lithio(silyl)phosphides, such as Me2Si(PHLi)2 and Me3Si(PHLi), react with haloalkanes or -alkenes to form new cyclophosphines (I) and Me3Si-substituted alkenylphosphines, e.g., Me3SiP(H)CH2CH2CHCH2. The latter cyclizes efficiently to the silylphospholane II.
BOTH MYOBLAST LINEAGE AND INNERVATION DETERMINE FIBER TYPE AND ARE REQUIRED FOR EXPRESSION OF THE SLOW MYOSIN HEAVY CHAIN 2 GENE

Skeletal muscle fibers express members of the myosin heavy chain (MyHC) gene family in a fiber-type-specific manner. In avian skeletal muscle it is the expression of the slow MyHC isoforms that most clearly distinguishes slow- from fast-contracting fiber types. Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain fiber-type-specific expression of distinct MyHC genes during development-an intrinsic mechanism based on the formation of different myogenic lineage(s) and an extrinsic, innervation-dependent mechanism. We developed a cell culture model system in which both mechanisms were evaluated during fetal muscle development. Myoblasts isolated from prospective fast (pectoralis major) or slow (medial adductor) fetal chick muscles formed muscle fibers in cell culture, none of which expressed slow MyHC genes. By contrast, when muscle fibers formed from myoblasts derived from the slow muscle were cocultured with neural tube, the muscle fibers expressed a slow MyHC gene, while muscle fibers formed from myoblasts of fast muscle origin continued to express only fast MyHC. Motor endplates formed on the fibers derived from myoblasts of both fast and slow muscle origin in cocultures, and slow MyHC gene expression did not occur when neuromuscular transmission or depolarization was blocked. We have cloned the slow MyHC gene that is expressed in response to innervation and identified it as the slow MyHC 2 gene, the predominant adult slow isoform. cDNAs encoding portions of the three slow myosin heavy chain genes (MyHC1, slow MyHC 2, and slow MyHC 3) were isolated. Only slow MyHC 2 mRNA was demonstrated to be abundant in the cocultures of neural tube and muscle fibers derived from myoblasts of slow muscle origin. Thus, expression of the slow MyHC 2 gene in this in vitro system indicates that formation of slow muscle fiber types is dependent on both myoblast lineage (intrinsic mechanisms) and innervation (extrinsic mechanisms), and suggests neither mechanism alone is sufficient to explain formation of muscle fibers of different types during fetal development.
The Local History of an International Type: The Structural Panel Building in Czechoslovakia

ABSTRACTFocusing on the state-run system of architectural offices as a mediator between politics and practice, this article considers how the 1948 Communist Party takeover of Czechoslovakia affected architectural practice and the establishment of housing types in the early 1950s. The legacy of a strong local construction industry before 1948 was critical to these developments. At the new Institute of Prefabricated Buildings, created in 1952, architects and engineers continued earlier research on prefabricated construction technologies. Through this work, the Czechoslovak government and its architectural administration soon concluded that its best long-term option for solving the country's housing crisis was the use of structural panel construction. Fifty years later, one in three Czechs still lives in the more than one million apartments built with this technology between 1954 and 1990. Structural panel construction was not a Soviet import; instead it developed out of local wartime experimentation at the ...
The posterior interosseous artery flap revisited

Abstract There are many ways to replace soft tissues that cover of the hand, from the simplest, eg, split-thickness skin graft to complex, eg, a microvascular free tissue transfer. The multiple, parallel sources of blood supply to the hand, and their arch-like interconnections offer a wide possibility of local reverse-flow or retrograde flaps. The most commonly used, eg, the radial arm flap, typically results in the sacrifice of a major artery. Though somewhat more technically demanding, the posterior interosseous artery flap can be used to cover a wide range of defects of the hand and wrist without potentially compromising circulation to the hand. The anatomy, potential applications and the surgical techniques important to success are discussed.
The isolation and characterization of a membrane protein component from rat liver endoplasmic reticulum

Abstract A subfraction of membrane protein has been isolated from the microsomal fraction of rat liver. This material has blocked N-terminal amino groups and a distribution of C-terminal amino acids, indicating that the membrane protein preparation is composed of distinct chemical species. However, it has been demonstrated that the species present comprise a reversibly associating system. Furthermore, the characteristics of this system are such that the species involved are probably related to one another. Additional information shows that the protein is associated with nucleotide-like material in a ratio of 1 mole of nucleotide per 10 000 g of protein. The preparation has also been characterized with respect to relative contents of cysteic acid, methionine sulfone, proline and glutamic acid. The ratios obtained from the experimental values may be used to identify the protein subfraction and distinguish the preparation from membrane protein obtained from other sources.
PH Domain Mutation Alters Membrane Targeting Specificity of GRP1 and AKT

Protein kinase B (AKT1) and General Receptor for Phosphoinositides 1 (GRP1) regulate multiple cell signaling pathways essential for cell function and survival. AKT1 possesses an N-terminal PH domain (AKT1-PH) that binds important target phosphatidylinositol phospholipids (PIPs) such as PI(3,4)P3 and especially PI(3,4,5)P3. During a signaling event, PI(4,5)P2 gets converted to PI(3,4,5)P3, resulting in targeting of AKT1 to the cell plasma membrane by its PH domain. Our recent published work (Landgraf (2008) Biochemistry) revealed that the E17K charge reversal mutation adjacent to the PIP binding site in AKT1-PH alters the PIP specificity of the site, yielding high affinity binding to PI(4,5)P2 and constitutive binding to plasma membrane. The resulting hyper-activation of AKT1 inhibits apoptosis and explains the known oncogenic character of the E17K mutation, which is linked to multiple human cancers. Here we test the hypothesis that glutamate residues often found adjacent to the PIP binding sites of PI(3,4,5)P3 -specific PH domains are essential to PIP lipid specificity. Using a combination of biochemical, structural, and cell biology approaches, we compare the PIP lipid specificities and intracellular targeting of GRP1-PH and E345K-GRP1-PH. The latter mutant possesses a charge reversal mutation at a glutamate position adjacent to the PIP binding site. The preliminary findings, which will be presented at the meeting, indicate that the mutant exhibits high affinity binding to PI(4,5)P2 and constitutive binding to plasma membrane. These findings support the hypothesis that the adjacent glutamate residue plays an essential role in PI(3,4,5)P3 -specificity and PI(3,4,5)P3 -regulated plasma membrane targeting in cells. Finally, we are investigating the structural basis for the specificity change by attempting to solve the crystal structures of the E17K-GRP1-PH and E345K-GRP1-PH mutants bound to PI(4,5)P2.
Computability, complexity and economics

Herbert Simon advocates that economists should study procedureal rationality instead of substantive rationality. One approach for studying procedural rationality is to consider algorithmic representations of procedures, which can then be studied using the concepts of computability and complexity. For some time, game theorists have considered the issue of computability and have employed automata to study bounded rationality. Outside game theory very little research has been performed. Very simple examples of the traditional economic optimization models can require transfinite computations. The impact of procedural rationality on economics depends on the computational resources available to economic agents.
Psychoemotional and quality of life response to mitral operations in patients with mitral regurgitation: a prospective study.

Background Severe mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with frequent alteration of psychoemotional status (PES), with anxiety and stress symptoms related to health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). Yet, it is unknown whether surgical correction of MR leads to improvement or deterioration in PES and HR-QOL. Methods We prospectively performed comprehensive MR assessment and administered questionnaires assessing PES and HR-QOL in 131 patients (aged 60 years; 75% men) before and 6 months after operation for organic MR and compared them to 62 patients who did not undergo operation for mitral disease and 36 normal controls of similar age assessed with the same methods. Results Baseline PES was poorer preoperatively in patients undergoing mitral operation compared with patients who did not undergo mitral operation and normal controls (anxiety and posttraumatic stress [PTS]; both p p p ≤ 0.02) in the patients who underwent mitral operation, whereas no change was observed in the other 2 groups (all p > 0.1). Improvement after mitral repair resulted in postoperative normalization of emotional and physical well-being, with similar scores among all groups (all p ≥ 0.4). At 6-month follow-up, no difference in improvement in PES and HR-QOL was noted according to the surgical approach (robotic versus sternotomy, all p ≥ 0.2). Conclusions Patients with severe organic MR present with frequent psychoemotional alterations and HR-QOL deterioration, in contrast to patients who do not undergo mitral operation and normal controls. After mitral operation, notable improvement results in normalization of emotional and physical well-being. Quantification of emotional and physical well-being provides important outcome measures in patients with organic MR and uncovers important benefits provided by surgical correction of MR.
Adrenal suppression due to an interaction between ritonavir and injected triamcinolone: a case report

Two HIV-1 infected patients developed signs and symptoms consistent with adrenal suppression after being exposed to intra-articular triamcinolone acetate while also receiving ritonavir as part of their highly active antiretroviral therapy. Laboratory evaluation confirmed secondary adrenal suppression in both cases. Both patients recovered without the need for chronic replacement steroids. Adrenal suppression has been described as an adverse outcome in patients treated with fluticasone and concomitant ritonavir. In the reported cases, the adrenal suppression likely developed as a result of increased systemic concentrations of triamcinolone due to an inhibition of cytochrome p450 3A4 metabolism. Practitioners of HIV medicine should be aware of the potential negative interaction of injected triamcinolone and ritonavir.
Somatotopy of digital nerve projections to the cuneate nucleus in the monkey.

Somatotopic arrangements of cells and fibers within the dorsal columns and the dorsal column nuclei have been mapped most precisely by electrophysiological recording methods. This study uses an anatomical approach to evaluate the precision of individual digital nerve projections to the cuneate nucleus (CN) in young macaque monkeys. Digital nerves supplying about one-half the palmar skin of a digit were surgically exposed, cut, and treated with wheatgerm agglutinin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (WGA:HRP) on 3 successive days. After 2 additional days, animals were killed and medullas were recovered for study of serial sections reacted to display axons labeled by transganglionic transport of label. Labeled afferent fibers from each digit were found within a circumscribed columnar zone extending through the caudal CN and rostrally throughout the pars rotunda of CN. At caudal levels, diffuse projections reach the dorsal edge of the CN; more rostrally, they shift into deeper parts of the nucleus and are ...
An Automated Three-Dimensional Particle Tracking Technique for the Study of Modeled Arterial Flow Fields

An automated three-dimensional particle tracking technique has been developed to study particle motion in modeled flow fields. A high speed video recording system. Kodak Ektapro 1000, with two cameras arranged relatively orthogonally is used for this technique. The particle tracking data are compared to theoretical Poiseuille flow and to laser Doppler data from an axisymmetric stenosis model. The particle tracking data are in good agreement with both theoretical and laser Doppler data, and at least 79 percent of the particle paths were determined successfully. Fluid dynamic properties derived by this technique are: 3-D particle paths, velocity, and particle residence time.
Role of exercise in preventing and treating osteoporosis.

Bone mass at any time of life reflects the totality of events that have impinged on the skeleton to that point. For adults, these events include those that have influenced the acquisition of bone during years of growth, resulting in the achievement of skeletal maturity, or "peak bone mass, " as well as those that have subsequently influenced bone losses. For each limb of this trajectory, physical activity has been implicated as a powerful and independent factor. This article reviews current evidence regarding the relation of habitual physical activity to bone acquisition and maintenance, the skeletal consequences of exercise training, and the clinical value of exercise for patients with skeletal frailty.
The role of spatial frequency in cued shifts of attention between global and local forms

It has been suggested that shifts of attention between global and local forms might be based on selection between, or differential activation of, low- and high-spatial-frequency channels. In the present study, pretrial cues indicated which level (global or local) was likely to contain the target on each trial. There was a response time (RT) advantage for validly cued trials and an RT cost for invalidly cued trials relative to a neutral cue baseline. This cuing effect was the same for broadband stimuli and for contrast-balanced stimuli in which low spatial frequencies were eliminated. Thus, cued attentional shifts between global and local forms occur even when selection cannot be based on spatial frequency.
Crisscross enzymatic reaction between the two molecules in the active dimeric P69 form of the 2'-5' oligodenylate synthetase

2′-5′ oligoadenylate (2–5 (A)) synthetases are major components of the antiviral pathways induced by interferons. In the presence of double-stranded RNA, they polymerize ATP to form 2–5 (A) oligomers that, in turn, activate the latent ribonuclease RNase L, causing mRNA degradation. These enzymes, unlike other nucleotidyl transferases, catalyze 2′-5′, not 3′-5′, phosphodiester bond formation between substrates bound to the acceptor and donor sites. Moreover, unlike other members of this extended family, the P69 isozyme of 2–5 (A) synthetase functions as a homodimer. Here, we report that the need for P69 dimerization is because of a crisscross enzyme reaction joining two substrate molecules bound to two opposite subunits. Consequently, although homodimers of mutants in the previously identified acceptor site, the donor site, or the catalytic site were inactive, selective heterodimers of the mutants were active because of subunit complementation. The catalytic site had to be present in the same subunit that contained the acceptor site, whereas the donor site had to be provided by the other subunit. These results allowed us to design a mutant protein that acted as a dominant-negative inhibitor of wt P69 but not of another isozyme of 2–5 (A) synthetase.
Molecular cloning and expression of a novel hydroxymethylcytosine-specific restriction enzyme (PvuRts1I) modulated by glucosylation of DNA.

Abstract The kanamycin resistance plasmid Rts1 restricts the growth of bacteriophage T2, T4 and T6. The DNA of these phage contains hydroxymethylcytosine (HMC) in place of regular cytosine and is modified by glucosylation. When HMC is not glucosylated, as in the DNA of glucosyl transferase-deficient T4 phage, this restriction becomes less apparent, a phenomenon not observed with any other known restriction systems. On the other hand, glucosylation of HMC in T6 phage leads to a less efficient restriction, while restriction of bacteriophage T2 remains unchanged. The modulating effect of glucose cannot be seen when cells contain a large amount of this enzyme, as in the case when multiple copies of its determinant are present in the cells. T-odd phage and bacteriophage λ are not restricted by Rts1 suggesting that the restriction is specific to DNA containing HMC. The restriction phenotype is due to a single gene coding for a polypeptide of 293 amino acids. This enzyme has been named Pvu Rts1I. A gene with the sequence motifs similar to modification enzymes was found upstream of the gene coding for PvuRts1I. This gene, however, neither modifies the restriction phenotype of PvuRts1I, nor codes for detectable modification enzyme. T4 mutants with increased resistance to PvuRts1I appear to have deficiency in their β-glucosyl transferase enzyme.
mRNA helicase activity of the ribosome

Most mRNAs contain secondary structure, yet their codons must be in single-stranded form to be translated. Until now, no helicase activity has been identified which could account for the ability of ribosomes to translate through downstream mRNA secondary structure. Using an oligonucleotide displacement assay, together with a stepwise in vitro translation system made up of purified components, we show that ribosomes are able to disrupt downstream helices, including a perfect 27 base pair helix of predicted T(m) = 70 degrees . Using helices of different lengths and registers, the helicase active site can be localized to the middle of the downstream tunnel, between the head and shoulder of the 30S subunit. Mutation of residues in proteins S3 and S4 that line the entry to the tunnel impairs helicase activity. We conclude that the ribosome itself is an mRNA helicase and that proteins S3 and S4 may play a role in its processivity.
A Developmental Study of Conceptual Tempo, Concept Learning, and Abstraction

Summary Conceptual tempo, concept learning, and abstraction were investigated with 80 boys, aged 8 through 11. Conceptual tempo was measured with the Matching Familiar Figures Test. The concept learning task involved classification of various distorted arrangements of visual patterns without seeing the original patterns or prototypes. Upon reaching criterion on this task the Ss were administered a transfer or abstraction task. An age or tempo relationship was not found on the learning task. However, on the transfer task there was a developmental trend with an age decrement in classifying stimuli of the same difficulty as well as greater difficulty than original training. Impulsive responders performed more poorly than groups of slow-inaccurate, fast-accurate, and reflective responders on the transfer task.
Tracing insider knowledge across time and spaces: a connective ethnography in a teen online game world

In this study our goal is to conduct a "connective ethnography" that focuses on how gaming expertise spreads across a network of youth at an after-school club that simultaneously participates in a multi-player virtual environment (MUVE). We draw on multiple sources of information: observations, interviews, video recordings, online tracking and chat data, and hundreds of hours of play in the virtual environment of Whyville ourselves. By focusing on one particular type of insider knowledge, called teleporting, we traced youth learning in a variety of online and offline social contexts, both from friends in the club and outside members of Whyville. We elaborate on the unplanned social events that served as instigators for peaks in learning activity and the methodological challenges underlying the synthesis of diverse types of data that allowed us to follow youth across multiple spaces and times.
Orthogonal confluent hypergeometric lattice polynomials

Here is a method of solving the difference-differential equations of the confluent hypergeometric differential equation using a generalized Pochhammer matrix product. This method provides a convenient analytical way to relate various solutions of the confluent hypergeometric function to each other when their parameters fall on the same point lattice. These solutions also are of interest to the general classification of orthogonal polynomials and the metrics used to generate them. This method generates Laurent polynomials over the complex domain that are an orthogonal system utilizing a 2 × 2 matrix weight function where the weight matrix has elements that are products of a Kummer solution and its derivative. The index-incremented Pochhammer matrix polynomials obey a 4 × 4 system of differential equations with a Frobenius solution involving non-commuting matrices that also extends these results to non-integer values but with infinite Laurent series. The termination condition for a polynomial series in the midst of infinite series sheds light on solving general systems of regular linear differential equations. The differential equations generalize Heun's double confluent equation with matrix coefficients. For a radiative transfer flux integral there is a distinct advantage of using these lattice polynomials compared to an asymptotic series/power series combination. We conjecture similar convergence properties for evaluations of confluent hypergeometric functions of either kind and that these matrix methods can be extended to gauss hypergeometric functions and generalized hypergeometric functions.
The relation of Na and Cl extrusion in Opsanus beta, the Gulf toadfish, acclimated to seawater.

A model has been proposed by Silva et al. ('77) to describe the manner by which Cl extrusion occurs across the gills of the eel and seawater fish in general. Aspects of the model include (1) passive distribution of Na across the gill surface, and (2) Cl extrusion dependent on Na-K-ATPase and thus dependent on the transport of Na. In order to test various aspects of this model, we examined, using the appropriate radiotracers, the relationship of Na and Cl efflux in the gulf to adfish, Opsanus beta. The model of Silva et al. does not apply to the toadfish because (1) Na cannot be passively distributed across the gills of the toadfish, because the transepithelial potential is several millivolts negative with respect to seawater, and (2) Cl efflux (unlike Na efflux) is not dependent on external K. Additionally, Cl efflux is dependent on the seawater Na concentration, and both Na and Cl efflux are dependent on seawater HCO3. Thus Na and Cl efflux appear to be linked in the toadfish, but not as proposed in the model suggested by Silva et al.
Development of Sn–Ag–Cu and Sn–Ag–Cu–X alloys for Pb-free electronic solder applications

The global electronic assembly community is striving to accommodate the replacement of Pb-containing solders, primarily Sn-Pb alloys, with Pb-free solders due to environmental regulations and market pressures. Of the Pb-free choices, a family of solder alloys based on the Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) ternary eutectic (T eut. = 217°C) composition have emerged with the most potential for broad use across the industry, but the preferred (typically near-eutectic) composition is still in debate. This review will attempt to clarify the characteristic microstructures and mechanical properties of the current candidates and recommend alloy choices, a maximum operating temperature limit, and directions for future work. Also included in this review will be an exploration of several SAC + X candidates, i.e., 4th element modifications of SAC solder alloys, that are intended to control solder alloy undercooling and solidification product phases and to improve the resistance of SAC solder joints to high temperature thermal aging effects. Again, preliminary alloy recommendations will be offered, along with suggestions for future work.
When did the roof collapse? Late Miocene north-south extension in the high Himalaya revealed by Th-Pb monazite dating of the Khula Kangri granite

Th-Pb ion microprobe measurements made on 12 monazite grains from the Khula Kangri granite, Tibet-Bhutan frontier, are interpreted to indicate that crystallization occurred at 12.5 ± 0.4 Ma. The leucogranite is cut by the Gonto La detachment, part of the Southern Tibet detachment system that has allowed upper-level, north-directed extension of the Himalayan orogen. Significant orogen-normal extension in southern Tibet appears to have continued 8–10 m.y. later than previously recognized. This is the first reported crystallization age for a leucogranite east of the Yadong cross structure, an apparent 70 km offset of the high Himalaya and Southern Tibet detachment. West of the Yadong cross structure, reliable ages for high Himalaya events (major Main Central thrust slip, granite generation and emplacement, attainment of critical topography, and major detachment extension) group between ca. 24 and 19 Ma. We interpret the west-to-east change across the Yadong cross structure to be due to either (1) an abrupt, ∼10 m.y. younging of principal high Himalayan events or (2) a deeper (thus younger) exposed part of the footwall of the southern Tibet detachment. Near Khula Kangri, the Southern Tibet detachment is cut by the highly oblique Yadong-Gulu rift; a manifestation of Tibet plateau east-west extension. Integrated estimates of magnitude, and rate, of detachment displacement suggest that the observed postcrystallization north-directed extension lasted for 1–3 m.y., after which time the Yadong-Gulu rift formed. This interpretation is consistent with initiation of east-west extension of Tibet at ca. 8 Ma.
Parthenolide inhibits the contractile responses of rat stomach fundus to fenfluramine and dextroamphetamine but not serotonin

Abstract The isolated rat stomach fundus preparation, a sensitive bioassay to evaluate serotonin-(5-HT) like activity, was used as a model to study the effects of parthenolide (PAR), a component of Tanacetum parthenium (feverfew), on 5-HT storage, release and stimulation of the 5-HT 2B receptor. Cumulative-concentration response curves to 5-HT and the indirect-acting serotonergics fenfluramine (F) and dextroamphetamine (DA) on fundus were obtained in the presence and absence of 1 × 10 −6 to 1 × 10 −5 PAR. 5-HT release elicited by F and DA was indirectly assessed by comparing the contraction elicited by these compounds on tissues from reserpine-treated, l - p -chlorophenylalanine (1-PCPA)-treated and untreated rats. The observed order of agonist potencies on intact fundus was: 5-HT > DA > F and the order of intrinsic activity was: 5-HT > DA > F. PAR did not show agonist effects nor antagonism toward 5-HT on rat fundus at all concentrations used. However, PAR antagonized non-competitively the effects of F and DA. Contractile responses to 5-HT were not significantly different on mucosa-denuded fundus and tissue strips from untreated, 1-PCPA- and reserpine-treated rats. PAR appears to inhibit 5-HT release mediated responses by the indirect-acting 5-HT agonists on fundal tissue.
Dispersion control system for optical coherence tomography: feasibility study

We report on work to construct a dispersion control system using a spatial light modulator (SLM) in conjunction with optical coherence tomography. To test feasibility of the dispersion control system, we simulate the group delay by water, analyze phase of coherence function, and compute the dispersion compensating function for the SLM. In addition, a unique interferometer configuration utilizing the SLM is described. We verify that dispersion information in optical coherence imaging can be measured by phase analysis of coherence function in optical frequency domain and modified for a variety of applications using the control system.
Parasitic isopods of the family Cymothoidae from south Indian fishes

In the present paper seven species of cymothoid isopods parasitic on the marine fishes of the Kerala coast are described. A preliminary diagnosis of three of them was published earlier (Pillai, 1954). Full descriptions of all the species are given below. The larval stages described were in all cases taken from the brood pouch. The present work forms part of a thesis for which the author was awarded the Ph.D. Degree by the Kerala University.
Impact of completion design on fracture complexity in horizontal wells

A proppant-filled fracture induces mechanical stresses in the surrounding rock that cause a reduction in the horizontal-stress contrast and stress reorientation around the open fracture. A 3D geomechanical model is used to simulate the stress reorientation caused by open fractures and to generate horizontal-stress-contrast contour maps. The reduction in horizontal-stress contrast can lead to increased fracture complexity. This paper describes ways to increase fracture complexity by varying the completion design. In this paper, we identify the impact of operator-controllable variables in a completion design on fracture complexity. This can lead to more-effective completion designs that improve well productivity, reservoir drainage, and, ultimately, the estimated ultimate recovery (EUR). The possibility of greater fracture complexity and reduced/ effective fracture spacing and, thus, a higher drainage area is demonstrated for the alternate fracturing sequence in comparison to the conventional fracturing sequence. The Young’s-modulus value of the shale and the in-situ horizontal-stress contrast are shown to be significant factors controlling the extent of fracture complexity generated in a given reservoir. In addition, the effect of proppant mass injected per stage is also shown to significantly impact fracture complexity. We provide optimal ranges of fracture spacing and proppant volume for the various shale formations analyzed. The use of these guidelines should result in more fracture complexity than would otherwise be observed. The results presented in the paper provide the operator with the knowledge to design completions and fracture treatments (proppant volume, fracture spacing, and sequencing) to maximize reservoir drainage and to increase EURs. This should lead to more-effective completion designs.
Terminal care in head and neck cancer patients: A framework for medical decision making

GK was a 79-year-old man who presented with a large squamous cell carcinoma of the base of his tongue with palpable bilateral cervical lymph nodes. Combined chemotherapy and radiation were carried out over a 4-month period. During that time he became unable to swallow adequately, and supplemental feedings were initiated through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. The tumor responded well to treatment, and complications of therapy were minimal. Pain was well controlled during and after his treatments with low doses of opioids. He could tolerate a regular diet after recovery from his radiation, and his percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was removed. The patient did well for 9 months, but on a followup visit, he complained of weight loss and increasing throat and oral cavity pain. Biopsy of a suspicious mass seen in the lateral wall of the right pyriform sinus confirmed recurrence of the cancer. A plain chest film revealed several lesions consistent with lung metastases. The extent of disease was discussed with GK and his family, and treatment possibilities for the recurrence were presented. They declined further direct cancer treatment. Implications of their decision, including prognosis, were discussed, and new treatment goals of comfort were set. An advance directive was obtained, clearly stating that GK wanted no life-prolonging interventions. The concept of hospice was discussed, and the patient and family agreed to meet with the hospice care team. He was seen by his surgeon on regularly scheduled outpatient visits as long as he was ambulatory. Painful swallowing began to prevent him from taking oral medicines and adequate oral nutrition, and his increasing pain was controlled with transdermal fentanyl with supplemental doses of oral morphine as a liquid concentrate as needed. As his disease advanced, doses of both opioids were regularly increased to keep his pain under control. He also began to complain of a deep burning sensation in his neck that suggested neuropathic pain for which gabapentin (an analeptic) was prescribed. GK developed increasing dysphagia and steady weight loss over the ensuing weeks. An attempt was made to improve appetite and comfort of intake by using megesterol (a progestational agent) and oral viscous lidocaine, respectively, before eating. Unfortunately, these measures had little effect in this particular instance. In addition to these problems, he complained of constant nausea without vomiting, for which metoclopropamide in scheduled doses was started. The family was ambivalent about the initiation of forced nutrition to supplement his marginal oral intake, and the pros and cons of forced nutrition in the setting of advanced cancer were discussed. They were reassured that GK could be kept from suffering if he were not artificially fed and no forced nutrition was initiated. Two months after recurrence of his cancer, the
UAV-Guided Navigation for Ground Robot Operations

We simulated a military reconnaissance environment and examined the performance of ground robotics operators who needed to utilize sensor images from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to navigate his/her ground robot to the locations of the targets. We also evaluated participants' spatial ability and examined if it affected their performance or perceived workload. Results showed that participants' overall performance (speed and accuracy) was better when s/he had access to images from larger UAVs with fixed orientations, compared to other UAV conditions (baseline- no UAV, micro air vehicle, and UAV with orbiting views). Participants experienced the highest workload when the UAV was orbiting.
Angiotensin II: breathtaking in the renal medulla.

Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a major contributor to the progression of renal fibrosis. Wang and colleagues provide evidence that signaling through the prolyl-4-hydroxylase domain (PHD)–hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) pathway mediates profibrotic effects of Ang II in rat renal medullary interstitial cells under normoxic conditions, thus placing the HIF oxygen-sensing pathway into the center of an Ang II-induced profibrotic signaling cascade.
Non-Viral Gene Delivery Nanoparticles Based on Poly(β-amino esters) for Treatment of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GB) is currently characterized by low survival rates and therapies with insufficient efficacy. Here, we describe biodegradable polymers that can deliver genes to primary GB cells as well as GB tumor stem cells in vitro with low non-specific toxicity and transfection efficiencies of up to 60.6 ± 5% in normal (10%) serum conditions. We developed polymer-DNA nanoparticles that remained more stable in normal serum and could also be stored for at least 3 months in ready-to-use form with no measurable decrease in efficacy, expanding their potential in a practical or clinical setting. A subset of polymers was identified that shows a high degree of specificity to tumor cells compared with healthy astrocytes and human neural stem cells when cultured (separately or in co-culture), yielding higher transfection in GB cells while having little to no apparent effect on healthy cells.
TA205, an anti-talin monoclonal antibody, inhibits integrin-talin interaction.

Talin mediates integrin signaling by binding to integrin cytoplasmic tails through its FERM domain which consists of F1, F2 and F3 subdomains. TA205, an anti-talin monoclonal antibody, disrupts actin stress fibers and focal adhesion when microinjected into fibroblasts. Here, we showed that TA205 caused an allosteric inhibition of integrin αIIbβ3 binding to the talin FERM domain and mapped the TA205 epitope to residues 131–150 in talin F1. Furthermore, binding of a talin rod fragment to talin head was partially inhibited by TA205. These findings suggest that talin F1 may be important in regulation of integrin binding and talin head–rod interaction.
Hubble Space Telescope Detection of a Quiescent Low-Mass X-Ray Binary Companion in 47 Tucanae*

We present the results of a search for optical counterparts to the two quiescent low-mass X-ray binaries (X5 and X7) in the globular cluster 47 Tucanae, using high-quality Chandra and Hubble Space Telescope images. A faint blue (V = 21.7; U-V = 0.9) star within 003 of the eclipsing system X5 shows variability on both short and long timescales and is the counterpart of the X-ray source. The colors and variability of this object are consistent with the combination of light from an accretion disk and a red main-sequence star (possibly somewhat larger than a normal main-sequence star with similar luminosity). No evidence is found for a star showing either variability or unusual colors near the position of X7, but a probable chance superposition of a star with V = 20.25 limits the depth of our search.
Selective asymmetric intervention and sterilization

Monetary authorities commonly use interventions in foreign exchange markets to influence exchange rates. This paper uses Taiwan's data to show that how interventions respond to external shocks representing depreciation or appreciation pressures depends on other objectives of the monetary authority. If maintaining low inflation is important, then when authorities consider inflation to be too high, asymmetrical interventions are likely to result with more vigorous unsterilized interventions to offset depreciation pressures than to offset appreciation pressures. Empirical evidence from Taiwan supports these patterns when external shocks occur in the yen/US$ exchange rate.
Computation of the Semiclassical Limit of the Schrödinger Equation with Phase Shift by a Level Set Method

In this paper, we show how the level set method, developed in [Cheng, Liu and Osher, (2003). Comm. Math. Sci. 1(3), 593---621; Jin, Liu, Osher and Tsai, (2005). J. comp. Phys. 205, 222---241; Jin and Osher, (2003). Comm. Math. Sci. 1(3), 575---591] for the numerical computation of the semiclassical limit of the Schrodinger equation, can be amended to include the phase shift using the Keller-Maslov index. This gives a more accurate approximation of the physical observables for multivalued solutions in the semiclassical limit. Numerical examples in one and two spaces dimensions demonstrate the improved accuracy of our approach away from caustics.
Corruption, growth, and growth volatility

Abstract While the existing studies focus on the corruption–growth relationship, this paper introduces a new focus involving corruption and growth volatility. The Ehrlich–Lui (1999) framework provides the theoretical background of the paper, which produces testable hypotheses regarding the corruption–growth and the corruption–growth volatility relationship. The cross-section dataset that is used in the empirical analysis contains 121 developed and developing countries. In terms of the relationship between the governance-related variables and growth rates, only corruption control and government effectiveness significantly and adversely affect the average growth rate. Regarding the relationship between growth volatility and governance-related variables, the results suggest that higher corruption control, expropriation risk control, government effectiveness, and government consumption decrease growth volatility.
Conduction mechanisms and stability of single molecule nanoparticle/molecule/nanoparticle junctions

Nanoparticle/molecule/nanoparticle dimer assemblies have been successfully trapped by dielectrophoresis across nanogap electrodes, enabling temperature dependent charge transport measurements through an oligomeric phenylene ethynylene molecule, and transition from direct tunnelling to Fowler–Nordheim tunnelling is observed at ~1.5 V. Samples formed by dielectrophoresis show better contact stability than those formed by receding meniscus. The junction shows stable operation over several weeks in a vacuum, but current increases with time upon exposure to air, possibly due to the adsorbed water molecules near the molecule/gold nanoparticle contacts.
Nucleation and growth of diamond on carbon-implanted single crystal copper surfaces

The nucleation and growth of diamond crystals on single crystal copper surfaces has been studied. Microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) was used for diamond nucleation and growth. Prior to diamond nucleation, the single crystal copper surface is modified by carbon ion implantation at an elevated temperature (∊820 °C). This procedure leads to the formation of a graphite film on the copper surface, resulting in an enhancement of diamond crystallite nucleation. A simple lattice model has been constructed to describe the mechanism of diamond nucleation on graphite as 〈111〉diamond parallel to 〈0001〉graphite and 〈110〉diamond parallel to 〈110〉graphite. This leads to a good understanding of diamond growth on carbon-implanted copper surfaces.