cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Periodicity and directionality in the propagation of epileptiform discharges across neocortex.

1. The horizontal propagation of epileptiform discharges has been studied in slices of neocortex treated with high concentrations of bicuculline methiodide, an antagonist of the inhibitory transmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The cortical areas examined were: primary somatosensory (SmI) and motor (MI), and primary (area 17) and secondary (area 18) visual areas of rats, and area 17 of cats. In all of these areas an electrical stimulus evoked single, all-or-none paroxysmal field potentials (PFPs) that propagated across the entire width of the slice without decrement. 2. The velocity of PFP propagation was approximately 0.06-0.09 m/s when averaged over cortical distances of several millimeters. PFP propagation occurred equally well in both directions across a slice. 3. Measurement of PFP propagation at higher spatial resolution (100-180 micron intervals) revealed that velocity was not homogeneous within rat SmI, rat area 18 and cat area 17, but instead varied manyfold as horizontal position changed. In these areas of cortex, propagation patterns were spatially periodic; power spectra reveal that the dominant spatial frequencies were centered about 1 mm-1, with negligible contributions above 2 mm-1. Occasionally PFP propagation was discontinuous, skipping over a small region of cortex and arriving distally before propagating into the more proximal region. 4. In those cortices with periodic propagation patterns, PFP velocity was also strongly direction-dependent. Propagation patterns measured in opposite directions across the same strip of cortex displayed similar periodicities, but in many slices they were negatively correlated, i.e., the propagation pattern in one direction was antiphasic compared to that in the other direction. 5. In contrast, propagation velocity across the center of area 17 of the rat was relatively constant and not directional. Near the boundaries of areas 17 and 18, however, PFP velocity changed abruptly and became periodic within area 18. Similarly, velocity within rat MI was more constant and less directional than in the adjacent SmI. 6. The patterns of PFP propagation velocity are often spatially periodic, directionally asymmetric, and depend upon cortical area. We suggest that the periodic patterns reflect systematic variations in the length or density of horizontal excitatory connections. Alternatively, or concurrently, periodicities could arise from the patchy distributions of intrinsic connections that have been observed anatomically in many areas of neocortex.
Hail Growth by Stochastic Collection in a Cumulus Model

Abstract A one-dimensional, time-dependent numerical model of a cumulus cloud is presented that generates hail and radar reflectivities at realistic rates. The distribution of hydrometeors evolves with time as a result of condensation, sublimation, stochastic collection through collision and coalescence, sedimentation, drop freezing, and drop breakup. A total of 40 mass categories, each twice the mass of the former, corresponding to radii from 2.5 μm to 2 cm, are used to determine the ice and hail distribution. The first 31 categories up to a radius of 2.5 mm are used for the water drop distribution. Radar reflectivities are computed from Mie scattering theory for water and ice spheres in each category, then summed to give the reflectivities that can be compared to those observed by radar. Only the updraft radius at the earth's surface, the mixing coefficients, and the initial droplet distribution at cloud base are arbitrarily specified. Four initial droplet distributions are studied separately to determi...
A particular class of regular domains

Regular domains are constructed with maximal ideals M and N of prescribed height, isomorphic residue fields K(M) and K(N) and such that M ∩ N contains no nonzero prime. Applications to chains of primes are given.
Managing natural resources in the light of climate variability

Natural resource management is central to global efforts to reduce poverty and environmental degradation, and is one of the principal ways in which countries are seeking to advance sustainable development and the implementation of Agenda 21. But these efforts to advance natural resource management are strongly impacted by climate and by seasonal and inter-annual climate variability. This article aims to further advance understanding of the relationship between natural resource management and climate variability, with particular attention to ways in which natural resource managers at every level - from the household to the national and international levels - can cope more effectively with such variability. In particular, the article provides an overview of the way in which efforts to manage natural resources to reduce poverty and environmental degradation are impacted by natural climate variability. It examines what natural resource managers are doing to cope with these challenges, and discusses the kinds of new approaches and partnerships that are needed to improve their capacity to cope more effectively with climate variability. In doing so, the article touches on the implications of future climate changes for natural resource managers and the way in which their efforts to cope more effectively with climate variability will provide opportunities to gain experience in identifying and adjusting responses to longer-term climate change.
An information theoretic design and training algorithm for neural networks

An algorithmic approach to designing feedforward neural networks for pattern classification is presented. The technique computes a single hidden layer of nodes by adding one node at a time until the desired classification has been achieved. At each iteration, a node that maximizes an information theoretic measure is selected from a collection of candidates. The methodology is heuristic in nature, intending to solve the NP-hard problem of constructing a neural network with a minimum number of nodes. Two strategies for computing a collection of candidate nodes are presented and some experimental results obtained by using the strategies are reported. >
Estimation of genetic (co)variances for milk yield in first three lactations using an animal model and restricted maximum likelihood.

Abstract Genetic relationships among lactation records are of interest because most selection of bulls is on first lactations. Selection also complicates estimation of genetic parameters. Techniques unbiased by selection should be used. Estimation of genetic and environmental (co)variances was done using restricted maximum likelihood with an expectation-maximization algorithm for an animal model. The algorithm involved solving mixed model equations by direct inversion of coefficient matrix that became feasible by neglecting relationships across herds. From data consisting of first to third lactation milk records of New York Holsteins, two computationally manageable subsets were selected of 15 herds each totaling 3070 and 2900 cows. Each cow had a recorded first lactation and a recorded second lactation if she had a recorded third record. Herds were chosen according to frequency of related animals and about 200 cows per herd. After 18 rounds of iteration, changes in estimates between successive rounds were constantly decreasing and small. Estimates averaged from both subsets gave heritabilities of h 1 2 = .33, h 2 2 = .33, h 3 2 = .34, genetic correlations of r g12 = .86, r g13 = .85, r g23 = .87, and phenotypic correlations of r pl2 = .57, r p13 = .52, r p23 = .65.
Preparation and Biodistribution of Copper-67 Complexes with Tetradentate Schiff-Base Ligands

Abstract Uncharged, lipophilic, low molecular weight copper complexes labeled with generator-produced copper-62 are of interest as potential radiopharmaceutials for imaging the brain with positron emission tomography (PET). We report here the synthesis and biodistribution of a series of [ 67 Cu]copper(II) complexes with tetradentate N 2 O 22-Schiff-base ligands. The compounds studied varied in lipophilicity from log P = 1.7 to log P = 3.6, where P is the octanol/water partition coefficient. In rat biodistribution studies the tracers were generally found to penetrate the blood-brain barrier following intravenous injection, but some far better than others. For closely related compounds brain uptake at 1 min postinjection increased with increasing lipophilicity, although log P was clearly not the sole determinant of high brain uptake. Substantial variations were also observed in the rate at which these various compounds are cleared from brain, with a few exhibiting the prolonged cerebral retention of tracer that would be desired for imaging with 62 Cu and PET.
The indenobenzazepine-spirobenzylisoquinoline rearrangement; stereocontrolled syntheses of (±)-raddeanine and (±)-yenhusomine

Abstract Stereoselective rearrangement of indenobenzazepine cis ketols 2 and 5 with TPAA in pyridine produces spirobenzylisoquinolines 3 and 6 , respectively. The latter product is also obtained by rearrangement of trans ketol 7 . The transformation of ketols 5 and 7 must, therefore, proceed through the intermediacy of aziridinium cation 9 . A similar process obtains in the transformation of 2 to 3 . NaBH4 reduction of 3 gives (±)-raddeanine ( 4 ). Rearrangement of diol 10 supplies 4 directly. (±)-Yenhusomine ( 13 ) is obtained from the reamangement of either diol, 11 or 12 . In like fashion, diols 14 and 15 supply spirobenzylisoquinoline 17 .
908-110 Effect of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy on Infarct Expansion

Infarct expansion after acute anterior infarct has been described in both animals and humans. Specific factors governing its development are not well defined. No previous prospective studies have serially examined the effect of underlying hypertrophy on infarct expansion in humans. Accordingly 2-D echocardiograms from 47 patients (pts) after a first transmural anterior M.I. were prospectively studied. A previously described expansion index (E.I.) (E. I. = Endocardial length of infarct containing segment/Endocardial length of noninfarcted segment) and the ratio of infarct thickness to noninfarcted thickness (l/N) along with LV end diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), LV end systolic volume index (LVESVI), LV ejection fraction (LVEF). basal interventricular septum (IVS) and posterior wall (PW) thickness were measured within 3 days from admission at 1 week and at 3 months. Pts were divided according to their baseline LV thickness into group I and group II (IVS + PW = 24 ± 1 mm and 20 ± 2 mm (m ± SD) respectively). 20 pts formed group I and 27 group II. Medications in group I and groups II did not differ in regard to beta blockers, Ace inhibitors, nitrates and thrombolysis. Results Day 1–3 G.l/G.II Day 7 GI/G.II 3 Months GI/G.II E.I. 1 ± 0.04/1.4 ± 0.02 1.1 ± 0.05/1.3 ± 0.02 * , # 1.1 ± 0.04/1.1 ± 0.02 * , # I/N 1 ± 0.03/1.1 ± 0.04 1.1 ± 0.04/1.1 ± 0.04 1.1 ± 0.04/0.9 ± 0.03 * , # LVEDVI (cc) 49 ± 10/53 ± 12 51 ± 13/59 ± 11 * 52 ± 12/65 ± 11 * , # LVEF (%) 47 ± 4/45 ± 7 47 ± 5/44 ± 7 48 ± 6/45 ± 6 * p l 005 vs g I # P l 0.05 vs day 1–3 Conclusions Over the time course of 3 months, the expansion index and LVEDVI increased while l/N ratio decreased in group II and not group I; thus in this patient population, baseline left ventricular hypertrophy is an important factor governing infarct expansion.
Intergenerational Suicide and Family Dynamics: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Case Study

A phenomenological case study of a family in which the father committed suicide following incarceration and an adult daughter also committed suicide years later is described. This study used an embedded design to triangulate multiple sources of data (family documents and interviews with survivors) within the study of a single family. Four themes emerged to describe the relational dynamics between the father and adult daughter: (a) Mirroring, (b) Caretaking, (c) Death, and (d) Suicide. Four themes emerged from interviews with survivors about their coping process: (a) Ongoing Grief process, (b) Media Exploitation, (c) Separation and Transformation, and (d) Forgiveness. Results are discussed in terms of prevention and family processes in coping with suicide.
An efficient preparative isopycnic flotation method for the isolation of chitosomes

Chitin synthetase, a key enzyme in fungal cell wall biosynthesis, is located in chitosomes (microvesicles). To produce large quantities of chitosomes for immunochemical and biochemical characterization, we developed a two-step purification procedure in which isopycnic sucrose density gradients were centrifuged at ultra-high gravitational forces (fixed-angle rotor at 361,000×g Rav). Chitosomes from yeast cells ofMucor rouxii were separated from the soluble proteins and from the larger membranes by isopycnic centrifugation of the cell-free extract. The resulting crude chitosome sample was adjusted to a higher sucrose concentration, and a sucrose gradient was layered over the sample. Upon recentrifugation, the chitosomes moved up into the gradient and equilibrated at their buoyant density (1.15–1.16). This accelerated flotation separated contaminating particles of higher buoyant density (larger vesicles, ribosomes, and other miniorganelles) and yielded a large population of microvesicles with a mean diameter of 48.9±13.8 nm. This preparation contained vesicles essentially free of other particulate contaminants; more than 99% of the vesicles were smaller than 100 nm. When required, an additional velocity centrifugation step was added to remove the larger vesicles from the chitosome samples. This streamlined method for chitosome isolation was much simpler and faster than earlier isolation procedures, gave a high yield of functional chitosomes, and made the large scale isolation of these organelles possible.
Women and “body-isms” in television beer commercials

Research on women in print advertisements has shown that pictures of women's bodies and body parts (“body-isms”) appear more often than pictures of men's bodies. Men's faces (“face-isms”) are photographed more often than their bodies. This present study is the first to confirm this finding for television commercials. Results showed that men appear twice as often as women in beer commercials. The body-isms of women significantly outnumbered the body-isms of men. Women also appeared in swimwear more often than men, thus increasing the photo opportunities for body-isms. This study raises concerns about the dehumanizing influence of these images in beer commercials, and their association with alcohol use and the violence in the televised sporting events during which beer commercials are frequently aired.
Dopamine agonist-induced hyperglycemia in rats: structure-activity relationships and mechanisms of action.

The concentration of blood glucose was measured in rats after administration of a number of drugs characterized as dopamine agonists. Compounds that cause release of dopamine, or agents that block the reuptake of dopamine, did not elevate blood glucose. Some direct dopamine receptor stimulants (lergotrile, bromocriptine, apomorphine) caused hyperglycemia, but other agonists (e.g. pergolide) did not. Further experiments with lergotrile, the most active hyperglycemic dopamine agonist, revealed that the blood glucose increase was accompanied by a marked elevation in liver glycogen, indicating a gluconeogenic effect of the compound. This hypothesis was supported by using inhibitors of gluconeogenesis (L-tryptophan or 3-mercaptopicolinic acid) to block lergotrile's hyperglycemic action. Structure-activity relationships among close analogues of lergotrile suggest that the cyano moiety in the lergotrile molecule may be of importance in the hyperglycemic action of lergotrile. These results indicate that central dopamine stimulation per se does not cause hyperglycemia in rats.
Hydrogen exchange: The modern legacy of Linderstrøm-Lang

This discussion, prepared for the Protein Society's symposium honoring the 100th anniversary of Kaj Linderstrom-Lang, shows how hydrogen exchange approaches initially conceived and implemented by Lang and his colleagues some 50 years ago are contributing to current progress in structural biology. Examples are chosen from the active protein folding field. Hydrogen exchange methods now make it possible to define the structure of protein folding intermediates in various contexts: as tenuous molten globule forms at equilibrium under destabilizing conditions, in kinetic intermediates that exist for less than one second, and as infinitesimally populated excited state forms under native conditions. More generally, similar methods now find broad application in studies of protein structure, energetics, and interactions. This article considers the rise of these capabilities from their inception at the Carlsberg Labs to their contemporary role as a significant tool of modern structural biology.
Optical Techniques For Wide Bandwidth Microwave Spectrum Analysis

This paper reports on a microwave spectrum analyzer demonstration that processes the RF signals with optical techniques.Signals in the 1 to 18 GHz band are channelized to a resolution of .74 GHz. The channelization is performed by modulating theRF signals onto a laser carrier, and then using two Eschelle diffraction gratings to demultiplex the signals according to frequency.The channelized output is monitored with a linear detector array. The report discusses the demonstration design, configuration and
A fluorimetric assay for available lysine in proteins

Abstract A rapid, sensitive fluorimetric assay has been devised for available (nonconjugated) lysine residues of proteins. The ϵ-amino groups of a protein (1- to 40-μg sample) react with o-phthalaldehyde to produce a fluorescent adduct of the protein, whose fluorescence intensity, corrected for the contribution of N-terminal amino groups, is a linear function of lysine content (r = 0.98 for linear regression of 13 protein and peptide standards with lysine content ranging from 0 to 92 mol per 105 g protein). The reaction, which is specific for free amino groups, approaches completion within 1 min at 21°C ( t 1 2 = 6–12 s ) and requires no preliminary heating or hydrolysis of the sample. Triplicate analyses of samples as small as 1 μg gave an accuracy of 10% or better. The method can also be adapted to analysis of unknown protein samples if conditions are used to eliminate from analyses those samples for which the contribution of N-terminal amino groups to the total fluorescence is not insignificant. Consequently, this method by virtue of its simplicity and sensitivity can be used for routine nutritional analyses for available lysine.
Face recognition: A general or specific right hemisphere capacity?

Face-recognition ability has been claimed to be qualitatively different from other pattern-recognition abilities. One argument for this claim is the finding of a significant right hemisphere advantage for the recognition of upright but not inverted faces. However, this argument is justified only if this orientation-sensitive pattern is unique to faces. In the present study, comparable patterns of orientation-sensitive involvement of the right hemisphere are found for the recognition of faces and houses. This finding is interpreted as evidence for a right hemisphere schema formation capacity that is applied not only to upright faces but also to other familiar classes of stimuli in their canonical upright orientation. It is suggested that any greater right hemisphere involvement in the recognition of upright faces is due to our greater expertise at recognizing faces than other stimulus types. We also find evidence that only a subset of right-handed adults show orientation-sensitive right hemisphere involvement in the recognition of faces and houses: in particular, those dextrals with a characteristic hemispheric arousal asymmetry in favor of the right hemisphere. In contrast, dextrals with a characteristic arousal asymmetry in favor of the left hemisphere do not show significant visual field asymmetries for faces or houses in either upright or inverted orientations.
Simple and compact direct topologies

Abstract We characterize the compact and locally compact Hausdorff topological groups and rings that are completions of groups with a topology induced by a direct system, and we characterize the topological groups and rings whose topologies are induced by simple direct topologies. The fact that the p-adic topology on the additive group of the rational field is not a direct topology (for which Zobel gave a long intricate proof) is a special case of an immediate corollary of our characterization of locally compact completions of direct topologies. We show that a direct topology has a neighborhood base at zero consisting of open subgroups if and only if it is induced by a direct system consisting of subgroups.
A nation on ice: Germany and the Arctic, 1865–1875

This article considers the connection between German Arctic exploration and German nation-building during the period of unification. It uses transnational and environmental history to study the German interest and experience in the Far North alongside distinct social, cultural, political, and scientific developments at home. It proposes that polar explorers and enthusiasts leveraged Arctic nature in the struggle to forge a unified German nation. They did this not only by rendering the Arctic in a way that allowed Germans to identify with it, but also by drawing the place as a proving ground for German cultural values and scientific ambition.
Crustal construction of a volcanic arc, wide‐angle seismic results from the western Alaska Peninsula

[1] Results from the 1994 Aleutian Seismic experiment delineate basic oceanic arc crustal architecture, constrain magmatic flux rates and bulk arc composition, and address questions of continental crustal genesis. Here we present results from a transect across protocontinental crust of the westernmost Alaska Peninsula (line A3) and compare this structure to a purely oceanic arc transect farther west. Arc crustal structure is similar along these two transects. Magmatic accretion occurs at the top and bottom of preexisting oceanic crust as a 5- to 10-km-thick upper crustal carapace of low velocity (2-5.8 km s -1 ) volcaniclastics, flows and small plutons, and a mafic lower crustal underplate (∼7.0 km s -1 ) of variable thickness, for a maximum arc crust thickness of,25-30 km. Lateral lower crustal velocity gradients and high velocities (>7.5 km s -1 ) beneath the forearc suggest dominantly vertical lower crustal accretion above a focused melt source and a forearc underlain by little magmatic crust but rather partially intruded and/or serpentinized mantle. The ratio of upper to lower crustal volume is ∼1, and the total arc crust volume implies a magmatic flux of ∼67 km 3 km -1 m.y. -1 , more than twice previous estimates for this arc and global productivity. The crust is thinner and more mafic than continental crust, and it lacks a massive tonalitic upper crust characteristic of the continents. An interpreted accumulation of upper crustal carapace material at midcrustal depths on line A3 has a velocity of ∼6.4 km s -1 , suggesting an intermediate composition. Accretionary complex terranes consisting of accumulations of this type material would thus have bulk compositions similar to continental crust.
On Location of Blow-Up of Ground States of Semilinear Elliptic Equations in RnInvolving Critical Sobolev Exponents

as = 0, where n 3, p is the critical Sobolev exponent, i.e., p=(n+2) (n&2). In [PW], Pan and Wang obtained the precise blow-up rate of the L norm of the ground states of (1.1). They also proved that any sequence u=j of ground states contains a subsequence which blows up and concentrates at a single point as =j 0, under certain conditions on k(x) and the ground states. The main purpose of this paper is to show that this point of blow-up and concentration is a global minimum point of k(x). Before giving the precise statements of the results described above, we first need to state a technical condition on k(x).
The reliability of the intermittent critical velocity test and assessment of critical rest interval in men and women

The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability of the intermittent critical velocity (ICV) test and assess critical rest interval (CRI) during repeated-sprint exercise. The ICV test is used to examine the linear relationship between total distance and time-to-exhaustion during interval exercise, yielding a repeatable, moderate-intensity parameter (ICV), a high-intensity exhaustive parameter (W′), and CRI. CRI is the theoretical rest period needed to complete a series of repeated bouts of exercise without fatigue. Twenty-four healthy college-aged men (mean ± SD; age 22.7 ± 2.9 years; weight 85.8 ± 15.3 kg; VO2max 50.7 ± 8.8 ml/kg/min) and women (mean ± SD; age 21.4 ± 2.3 years; weight 58.9 ± 5.2 kg; VO2max 46.4 ± 4.4 ml/kg/min) participants completed two ICV tests (T1 and T2), using 10 s repeated sprints to exhaustion during separate sessions of treadmill running. Linear regression was used to determine ICV and W′, while CRI was calculated using the relationship between the number of intervals completed and a variant of ICV. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for ICV, W′, and CRI were 0.89 (T1 4.42 ± 0.55 m/s; T2 4.34 ± 0.67 m/s), 0.80 (T1 125.6 ± 62.7 m; T2 144.6 ± 65.4 m), and 0.59 (T1 23.9 ± 2.0 s; T2 24.5 ± 2.6 s), respectively. These moderate to high ICC values indicate reliable measurements between ICV trials. Additionally, the evaluation of CRI demonstrated the attainment of a steady-state heart rate (94% of maximum) during a separate session of repeated supramaximal treadmill sprints. The ICV test during treadmill running provides reliable ICV and W′ measures, as well as an estimated recovery time via CRI for men and women.
Componential Analysis of Interpersonal Perception Data

We examine the advantages and disadvantages of 2 types of analyses used in interpersonal perception studies: componential and noncomponential. Componential analysis of interpersonal perception data (Kenny, 1994) partitions a judgment into components and then estimates the variances of and the correlations between these components. A noncomponential analysis uses raw scores to analyze interpersonal perception data. Three different research areas are investigated: consensus of perceptions across social contexts, reciprocity of attraction, and individual differences in self-enhancement. Finally, we consider criticisms of componential analysis. We conclude that interpersonal perception data necessarily have components (e.g., perceiver, target, measure, and their interactions), and that the researcher needs to develop a model that best captures the researcher's questions.
Selective variant growth of coherent Ti11Ni14 precipitate in a TiNi alloy under applied stresses

Abstract A coherent precipitate phase usually has a number of variants that are oriented in different but equivalent crystallographic directions. The distribution of the variants can be changed by applying stress during ageing. Under the stress constraint, the growth of differently oriented variants becomes selective, and this, in turn, varies the material's microstructure. The number of precipitate variants may be determined by decomposing the space group of the parent phase into the coset of the space group of the coherent precipitate phase; and which variants grow selectively is, however, dependent upon the coupling between the applied stress and the local strain of the variants. Selective variant growth of Ti 11 Ni 14 precipitates in Ti-51.5 at% Ni alloy was investigated. A pole projection method was proposed and used to predict the selective variant growth of Ti 11 Ni 14 precipitates under the stress constraint. TEM observation was conducted to corroborate the prediction. A positive correlation between the theoretical analysis and the experiment was established.
Pituitary lactotroph sedimentation profiles and in vitro secretory activity after ablation of the medial basal hypothalamus.

Pituitary cells from adult male rats subjected to chronic (6 and 10 weeks) medial hypothalamic ablation (MHA) were analyzed by unit gravity sedimentation to assess distribution of size and density of lactotrophs, and for subsequent in vitro prolactin (PRL) release in primary culture. Tinctorial staining (Herlant's tetrachrome) showed that initial preparations of cells from MHA rats were small and relatively undifferentiated. MHA cells did not sediment as far into the gradient as did cells from intact control pituitaries. Intracellular PRL content was lower in all gradient fractions of MHA cells. At 6 weeks after surgery, peak recovery of PRL was also in the upper portions of the gradient. In the 10-weeks group, however, peak PRL recovery from MHA cells was in a population that sedimented further, but more restrictedly, in comparison with control cells. At both postsurgical intervals, the majority of tinctorially or immunocytochemically identified lactotrophs from lesioned rats were lower in the gradient, indicating enlarged and denser cells. Relative numbers of lactotrophs (per pituitary) were increased 10 weeks after MHA. In vitro PRL release, over a maximum of 21 days culture, was comparable for cells from MHA rats and intact controls, according to daily per cell secretion rates and “production index” (hormone released/initial hormone content). By comparison, luteinizing hormone (LH) release was suppressed in culture compared to intact controls, and LH was recovered from gradient fractions of smaller cells. The results indicate that chronic removal of hypothalamic influence results in gradual prolactin cell hypertrophy and decreased hormone retention and in relative increase in numbers. Since PRL release in vitro proceeded at a normal rate, the primary effect of such a lesion appears to be increased hormone turnover. The data also emphasize the autonomous capacity of lactotrophs, relative to other pituitary cell types, to adjust cellular mechanisms in order to continue secretory function in the absence of hypothalamic influence.
The Efficient Synthesis of Disodium Disuccinate Astaxanthin (Cardax)

A practical procedure is described for the multigram preparation of disodium disuccinate derivatives of synthetic astaxanthin (Cardax) [from all-trans-(all-E)-3S,3‘S-, meso-(3R,3‘S)-, and 3R,3‘R-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4‘-dione) in a 1:2:1 statistical mixture of stereoisomers, as well as from the individual component stereoisomers]. Process development eliminated chromatographic separations, controlled geometric isomerization, and improved the overall yield of the two-step process, with significant improvements in both the yield and purity of Cardax. Bulk chromatographic separation of the diastereomeric dicamphanic acid ester of synthetic astaxanthin was performed by modifications of the published procedure to subsequently generate multigram quantities of each stereoisomer of disodium disuccinate of astaxanthin.
Effects of water on the interface in a model polymer composite system: a nuclear magnetic resonance study

Abstract The molecular motion of the interfacial material in a model polymer composite was probed and described quantitatively based on deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. The system consisted of a silica surface (CabOSil), an aminobutylsilane coupling agent (aminobutysilane- d 2 , DABS) which was labeled with deuterium in the δ position, and a polymer matrix (bismaleimide, BMI). The addition of water to the system increased the molecular mobility of the surface-bound coupling agent. The motions of the coupling agent adsorbed on amorphous silica were simulated using a two-site jump model with tetrahedral jumps. For the coupling agent at the air interface, jump rates increased from 1.0 × 10 6 s −1 for the dry sample, to 4.0 × 10 6 s −1 for the sample incontact with water. For the sample with BMI reacted over it, the jump rate increased from 1.7 × 10 5 s −1 for the dry system to 5.0 × 10 5 s −1 for the wet system. The motional rate increase for both systems was a factor on the order of 3–4 with the addition of water. Deuterium exchange experiments were conducted between adsorbed aminobutylilane and D 2 O. This resulted in the deuteration of the amino group. The motions of the amino group were only slightly faster than those of the labeled methylene segment. Silicon-29 NMR was also used to probe the effects of water. The results were consistent with the breaking of SiOSi bonds and increased mobility at the silicon end of the coupling agent. All systems appeared to return to their original state when the sample was dried.
A microfluidic rectifier: Anisotropic flow resistance at low Reynolds numbers

It is one of the basic concepts of Newtonian fluid dynamics that at low Reynolds number (Re) the Navier-Stokes equation is linear and flows are reversible. In microfluidic devices, where Re is essentially always low, this implies that flow resistance in microchannels is isotropic. Here we present a microfluidic rectifier: a microscopic channel of a special shape whose flow resistance is strongly anisotropic, differing by up to a factor of 2 for opposite flow directions. Its nonlinear operation at arbitrary small Re is due to non-Newtonian elastic properties of the working fluid, which is a 0.01% aqueous solution of a high molecular weight polymer. The rectifier works as a dynamic valve and may find applications in microfluidic pumps and other integrated devices.
Synthesis of power-optimized and area-optimized circuits from hierarchical behavioral descriptions

We present a technique for synthesizing power- as well as area-optimized circuits from hierarchical data flow graphs under throughput constraints. We allow for the use of complex RTL modules, such as FFTs and filters, as building blocks for the RTL circuit, in addition to simple RTL modules such as adders and multipliers. Unlike past techniques in the area, we also customize the complex RTL modules to match the environment in which they find themselves. We present a fast and efficient algorithm for mapping multiple behaviors onto the same RTL module during the course of synthesis, thus allowing our synthesis system to explore previously unexplored regions of the design space. These techniques are at the core of an iterative improvement based approach which can accept temporary degradation in solution quality in its quest for a globally optimal solution. The moves in our iterative improvement procedure explore optimizations along different dimensions such as functional unit selection, resource allocation, resource sharing, resource splitting, and selection and resynthesis of complex RTL modules. These inter-related optimizations are dynamically traded off with each other during the course of synthesis, thus exploiting the benefits that arise from their interaction. The synthesis framework also tackles other related high-level synthesis tasks such as scheduling, clock selection, and V/sub dd/ selection. Experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm produces circuits whose area and power consumption are comparable to or better than those produced using flattened synthesis, within much shorter CPU times. The efficacy of our algorithm in the power-optimization mode is illustrated by the fact that it produces circuits that consume up to 6.7 times less power than area-optimized circuits working at 5 Volts at area overheads not exceeding 50%.
Stolt Prestack Residual Migration For Converted Waves

PS velocity analysis is an important aspect of converted wave seismic imaging. To obtain one consistent image, it is necessary to correctly derive both the P-wave and the S-wave velocity models. Stolt prestack residual migration is a useful technique for velocity analysis and image update. This paper extends Stolt prestack residual migration to handle two different velocity fields. The new operator that we introduce is promising for PS velocity analysis. We present a theoretical discussion of our new operator and discuss its ability to focus PS images. Finally, we present prestack residual migration results on a synthetic and a real dataset.
The normal duration of the Q-T interval

Abstract The curve which expresses the relation between heart cycle length and the duration of the Q-T interval is logarithmic. It may be represented by the general formula Q-T = K log [10(C + k)], in which C is the cycle length (R-R) in seconds. K and k are constants. The formula for women between the ages of 15 and 32 years, inclusive, is obtained by using K = 0.385 and k = 0.07. The formula for younger men, and for children after early infancy, is derived by using K = 0.375 and k = 0.07. In these cases a slight change in both constants may possibly yield somewhat better agreement, but it is convenient and introduces a hardly appreciable error to use k as for women. To patients 45 years of age, or older, the same formula applies, but with a K of 0.380 for men and 0.390 for women. The upper limits of the normal Q-T interval may be expressed by the formulas previously published, 8 with allowance for personal variations in the technique of making the Q-T measurements.
Gender in the IR Textbook and Beyond

Writing and revising an international relations textbook brings up a number of gender-related challenges parallel to those faced by classroom instructors. These range from the straight-forward, such as ensuring adequate gender balance in photos and examples to more complex challenges such as how to explain debates within feminism and whether to collect gender-related materials in one place or to spread them throughout the book or syllabus.
Analysis of Variance in Fibromyalgia Symptom Severity Related to Demographic Variables

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to attempt to identify demographic risk factors for increased symptom severity among patients with fibromyalgia syndrome [FMS].Methods: This study involved a cross-sectional Internet-based survey of adults diagnosed with FMS.Results: Analyses of variance revealed that symptom severity was associated with age, employment status, household income level, and level of educational attainment.Conclusions: This study has identified four variables that are predictive of FMS clinical severity. It is proposed that demographic variables be assessed as a component of future management strategies.
A wideband harmonic radar for tracking small wood frogs

A wideband harmonic radar for tracking very small wood frogs in a high clutter environment is described. The one watt peak power radar transmitted in the 5.8 GHz ISM band and received in the 12 GHz satellite TV band. By transmitting a 150 MHz bandwidth linear frequency modulated waveform and exploiting the frequency doubling property of the harmonic tag to increase the bandwidth to 300 MHz, a range resolution of 1.6 feet was demonstrated. Furthermore, by resolving transmitter leakage and multipath, and by coherently integrating the tag return, the wideband harmonic radar sensitivity was improved by 20 dB over a comparable CW harmonic radar.
Some biochemical threshold mechanisms

Certain arrangements of enzymatic (bimolecular) subsystems lead to characteristic threshold-type response. Two simple cases of such systems are studied here in terms of steady state behavior and explicit relationships between system and curve parameters. It is found that the curvature of the threshold curve is directly related to the equivalent Michaelis constant and, in the case of saturated threshold curve, the slope of the curve at the idealized threshold is limited by the ratio of saturation to threshold. This slope may be appreciably increased up to a stepwise response at the threshold if a multisubstrate complex of the enzyme is the only species which affects the enzyme mediated transport.
Maximum likelihood decay curve fits by the simplex method

Abstract A multicomponent decay curve analysis technique has been developed and incorporated into the decay curve fitting computer code, MLDS (maximum likelihood decay by the simplex method). The fitting criteria are based on the maximum likelihood technique for decay curves made up of time binned events. The probabilities used in the likelihood functions are based on the Poisson distribution, so decay curves constructed from a small number of events are treated correctly. A simple utility is included which allows the use of discrete event times, rather than time-binned data, to make maximum use of the decay information. The search for the maximum in the multidimensional likelihood surface for multi-component fits is performed by the simplex method, which makes the success of the iterative fits extremely insensitive to the initial values of the fit parameters and eliminates the problems of divergence. The simplex method also avoids the problem of programming the partial derivatives of the decay curves with respect to all the variable parameters, which makes the implementation of new types of decay curves straightforward. Any of the decay curve parameters can be fixed or allowed to vary. Asymmetric error limits for each of the free parameters, which do not consider the covariance of the other free parameters, are determined. A procedure is presented for determining the error limits which contain the associated covariances. The curve fitting procedure in MLDS can easily be adapted for fits to other curves with any functional form.
The contingent a priori : An example free of existential worry

L'A. remet en question la pertinence de l'objection d'ordre existentiel opposee aux exemples de verites contingentes et a priori que donne S.A. Kirpke
Simultaneous reflection and refraction of light without change of polarization by a single-layer-coated dielectric surface.

The reflection and refraction of light of wavelength λ at an angle of incidence ϕ by the interface between two dielectric media of refractive indices N0 and N2 can be made completely independent of polarization by introducing a thin layer of refractive index N1 = (N0N2)1/2 and thickness d = (λ/4)(N12 − N02 sin2ϕ)−1/2. This is the basis of an ideal beam splitter, whose general characteristics are presented here. A particularly simple result is that the device reflectance has an upper limit of tan4(ϕ/2), so that a 50–50% beam splitter must operate at ϕ > 80.121°. Lower reflectances, attainable at lower angles, are suited for applications such as optical feedback and monitoring the output power and state of polarization of high-power lasers.
Environmental contaminants in eggs of California least terns (Sterna antillarum browni)

A severe decline in the coastal breeding population of California least terns (Sterna antillarum browni) in California and Baja California prompted both State and Federal governments to designate it an endangered species in 1970. Significant losses of nesting and feeding habitat have contributed greatly to the decline of this subspecies. However, environmental contaminants, such as organochlorine compounds and metals, may also have contributed to the decline. California least terns are primarily piscivorous during the nesting period, feeding predominantly on jack-smelt, topsmelt, and northern anchovy. Topsmelt had the highest levels of DDE (p,p`-DDE) (up to 3 {mu}g/g wet wt) of fish collected from San Diego Bay. Eggs of Caspian terns (S.caspia) from that study contained up to 56 {mu}g/g DDE, and DDE was associated with a reduction in eggshell thickness as determined by the thickness index. In addition to shell deficiencies, organochlorines can also cause reduced egg production, aberrant incubation behavior, delayed ovulation, embryotoxicosis, and mortality of chicks and adults. Mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) have caused decreased hatchability, altered nesting behavior, and embryotoxicosis in birds in field and laboratory studies. Our objective was to evaluate the role of contaminants in the decline of California least terns. 22 refs., 1 fig.,more » 2 tabs.« less
Diffuse attenuation coefficient profiles

Diffuse attenuation coefficient (k/sub d/, k/sub u/) eigenanalysis, using field data, is performed. Data are partitioned into wavelength, province, season, and up/downwelling k. Resulting eigenvectors and scalar multiples allow a reconstruction of the original k profiles. Parameterizing the scalar multiples, using satellite derived surface k's, k depth profiles are computed. >
THE ACTION OF CALCIUM AND ANTICHOLINERGIC PSYCHOTOMIMETIC AGENTS ON SURFACE FILMS.

Abstract The action of a psychotomimetic agent, N -methyl-3-piperidyl glycolate (NPB), was investigated on the surface pressure and surface viscosity of interfacial monolayers of stearic acid. A comparison was made between the action of calcium and NPB on the physicochemical properties of surface films. Both calcium and NPB interact with the film to promote condensation and increase surface viscosity. There is a close similarity in the pressure-area curves and the viscosity changes obtained with both calcium and NPB that suggests a similarity in their mode of interaction with the film. It is proposed that NPB can interact with two adjacent stearic acid molecules by virtue of electrostatic, hydrogen bond, and van der Waals forces. NPB can also interact with surface films in a manner which is different from calcium, and so impart additional effects to the film. The findings are discussed in terms of their possible significance to an understanding of the role of calcium in the bioelectric membrane.
Delayed formation of the equatorial ridge on Iapetus from a subsatellite created in a giant impact

[1] The great equatorial ridge on Saturn's moon Iapetus is arguably the most perplexing landform in the solar system. The ridge is a mountain range up to 20 km tall and sitting on the equator of Iapetus, and explaining its creation is an unresolved challenge. Models of its formation must satisfy three critical observations: why the ridge (1) sits exactly on the equator, (2) is found only on the equator, and (3) is thus far found only on Iapetus. We argue that all previously proposed models fail to satisfy these observations, and we expand upon our previous proposal that the ridge ultimately formed from an ancient giant impact that produced a subsatellite around Iapetus. The orbit of this subsatellite would then decay, once Iapetus itself had despun due to tides raised by Saturn, until tidal forces from Iapetus tore the subsatellite apart. The resultant debris formed a transient ring around Iapetus, the material of which rained down on the surface to build the ridge. By sequestering the material in a subsatellite with a tidally evolving orbit, formation of the ridge is delayed, which increases the likelihood of preservation against the high-impact flux early in the solar system's history and allows the ridge to form on thick, stiff lithosphere (heat flow likely <1 mW m−2) required to support this massive load without apparent flexure. This mechanism thus explains the three critical observations.
The granulation of partially prewetted alumina powders — a new concept in coalescence mechanism

Abstract A new granulation concept of partially prewetted powder (the granulation feed being a heterogeneous mixture of powder and binding liquid, including the In this paper, the structure heterogeneity of the partially prewetted fine alumina powders at various water—powder ratios was investigated by moistur
Osteoarthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint: Hook-like osteophytes†

Hook-like osteophytic projections of the radial side of the distal head of the metacarpals are recorded in 7 per cent of 100 cases of Osteoarthritis. The development of such hooks is probably a response to articular cartilage degeneration and joint stress in the older age group. These hooks should not be confused with those of Jaccoud's disease.
Technical caveats in identifying the source of endothelial cells in cultures derived from brain microvessels.

Technical caveats in identifying the source of endothelial cells in cultures derived from brain microvessels
Diffraction Maxima in X-Ray Photographs

IN a recent communication1 C. V. Raman and P. Nilakantan report the presence in Laue photographs of weak intensity maxima which cannot be interpreted as Laue spots. They suggest that the new maxima are due to lattice vibrations which cause stratifications of density with the same spacing as the lattice planes, but with an orientation variable between wide limits.