cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Redistribution of Syntaxin mRNA in Neuronal Cell Bodies Regulates Protein Expression and Transport during Synapse Formation and Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity

Syntaxin has an important role in regulating vesicle docking and fusion essential for neurotransmitter release. Here, we demonstrate that the distribution of syntaxin mRNA in cell bodies of sensory neurons (SNs) of Aplysia maintained in cell culture is affected by synapse formation, synapse stabilization, and long-term facilitation (LTF) produced by 5-HT. The distribution of the mRNA in turn regulates expression and axonal transport of the protein. Syntaxin mRNA and protein accumulated at the axon hillock of SNs during the initial phase of synapse formation. Significant numbers of granules containing syntaxin were detected in the SN axon. When synaptic strength was stable, both mRNA and protein were targeted away from the axon hillock, and the number of syntaxin granules in the SN axon was reduced. Dramatic increases in mRNA and protein accumulation at the axon hillock and number of syntaxin granules in the SN axon were produced when cultures with stable connections were treated with 5-HT that evoked LTF. Anisomycin (protein synthesis inhibitor) or KT5720 (protein kinase A inhibitor) blocked LTF, accumulation of syntaxin mRNA and protein at the axon hillock, and the increase in syntaxin granules in SN axons. The results indicate that without significant effects on overall mRNA expression, both target interaction and 5-HT via activation of protein kinase A pathway regulate expression of syntaxin and its packaging for transport into axons by influencing the distribution of its mRNA in the SN cell body.
An Adaptive Blocking Strategy for Matrix Factorizations

On most high-performance architectures, data movement is slow compared to floating-point (in particular, vector) performance. On these architectures block algorithms have been successful for matrix computations. By considering a matrix as a collection of submatrices (the so-called blocks) one naturally arrives at algorithms that require little data movement. The optimal blocking strategy, however, depends on the computing environment and on the problem parameters. Current approaches use fixed-width blocking strategies that are not optimal. This paper presents an “adaptive blocking” methodology for determining in a systematic manner an optimal blocking strategy for a uniprocessor machine. We demonstrate this technique on a block QR factorization routine on a uniprocessor. After generating timing models for the high-level kernels of the algorithm we can formulate the optimal blocking strategy in a recurrence relation that we can solve inexpensively with a dynamic programming technique. Experiments on one processor of a CRAY-2 show that in fact the resulting blocking strategy is as good as any fixed-width blocking strategy. So while we do not know the optimum fixed-width blocking strategy unless we re-run the same problem several times, adaptive blocking provides optimum performance in the very first run.
SNAPPING TURTLES (CHELYDRA SERPENTINA) AS MONITORS FOR MERCURY CONTAMINATION OF AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS

We assessed the distribution of mercury in snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina) by analyzing front shoulder muscle, back leg muscle, tail muscle, blood, liver, and marginal carapacial scute (shell) of 26 adult turtles from five small lakes. Total mercury concentration in muscle ranged from 50 to 500 ng g(-1) wet weight and was highly correlated among the three tissue locations. There was no relationship between muscle mercury concentration and body size. Mercury concentration in blood was similar to muscle; the correlation with muscle mercury concentration was significant but there was some variability. Mercury concentration in shell was much higher than in muscle or blood, ranging from 500 to 3300 ng g(-1), and was highly correlated with muscle mercury concentration. Liver mercury concentration was similar to shell, but was highly variable and uncorrelated with any other tissue. We conclude that snapping turtles accumulate mercury from their environment and may be useful monitors of mercury contamination.
Introduction to Stochastic Approximation

This article is concerned with the stochastic approximation method. It provides an overview of the subject together with a brief account on the literature and recent developments. The connection to dynamic systems is illustrated through the discrete iterations and ordinary differential equations. Keywords: stochastic approximation; stochastic optimization; ordinary differential equation method
Anomalous “High Take‐Off” of the right coronary artery evaluated by coronary CT angiography

Congenital coronary anomalies are uncommon but can cause sudden cardiac death or myocardial ischemia. Conventional coronary angiography is an invasive and expensive modality, sometimes unable to delineate the exact origin and course of an anomalous artery. In this case report, we describe an "extremely rare" anomaly of the right coronary artery where a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography provided valuable information regarding its exact site of the aortocoronary take-off and its spatial relationship with the great vessels. Knowledge of CT appearances and an understanding of the clinical significance of these anomalies are essential for making the correct diagnosis and planning patient treatment.
In situ upgrading of whole biomass to biofuel precursors with low average molecular weight and acidity by the use of zeolite mixture

The pyrolysis of whole biomass—pine wood and bark—with mordenite (M), beta (β) and Y zeolites has been examined at 600 °C. The GPC results indicated that the pyrolysis oils upgraded by Y and β zeolites have a very low average molecular weight range (70–170 g mol−1). Several NMR methods have been employed to characterize the whole portion of pyrolysis products. After the use of these two zeolites (Y and β), the two main products from the pyrolysis of cellulose—levoglucosan and HMF—were eliminated; this indicates a significant deoxygenation process. When a mixture of zeolites (Y and M) was used, the upgraded pyrolysis oil exhibited advantages provided by both zeolites; this pyrolysis oil represents a biofuel precursor that has a very low average molecular weight and a relatively low acidity. This study opens up a new way to upgrade pyrolysis oils by employing mixtures of different functional zeolites to produce biofuel/biochemical precursors from whole biomass.
Fibrillar Amyloid-β Peptides Activate Microglia via TLR2: Implications for Alzheimer’s Disease

Microglial activation is an important pathological component in brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and fibrillar amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides play an important role in microglial activation in AD. However, mechanisms by which Abeta peptides induce the activation of microglia are poorly understood. The present study underlines the importance of TLR2 in mediating Abeta peptide-induced activation of microglia. Fibrillar Abeta1-42 peptides induced the expression of inducible NO synthase, proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6), and integrin markers (CD11b, CD11c, and CD68) in mouse primary microglia and BV-2 microglial cells. However, either antisense knockdown of TLR2 or functional blocking Abs against TLR2 suppressed Abeta1-42-induced expression of proinflammatory molecules and integrin markers in microglia. Abeta1-42 peptides were also unable to induce the expression of proinflammatory molecules and increase the expression of CD11b in microglia isolated from TLR2(-/-) mice. Finally, the inability of Abeta1-42 peptides to induce the expression of inducible NO synthase and to stimulate the expression of CD11b in vivo in the cortex of TLR2(-/-) mice highlights the importance of TLR2 in Abeta-induced microglial activation. In addition, ligation of TLR2 alone was also sufficient to induce microglial activation. Consistent to the importance of MyD88 in mediating the function of various TLRs, antisense knockdown of MyD88 also inhibited Abeta1-42 peptide-induced expression of proinflammatory molecules. Taken together, these studies delineate a novel role of TLR2 signaling pathway in mediating fibrillar Abeta peptide-induced activation of microglia.
Structure and replication of mitochondrial DNA from Paramecium aurelia.

Mitochondrial DNA from Paramecium aurelia was purified by CsCl density equilibrium centrifugation and characterized by examination in the electron microscope and sedimentation in sucrose gradients. It was found that 96% of the molecules were linear; and 65% of these were between 13 μm and 15 μm in length, with an average of 13·8 μm. 3% of the molecules were lariats in which the lengths of the circles and tails varied with respect to each other. The proportion of these molecules was increased from 3 to 30% by growth of cells in ethidium bromide. In both cases, the sum of one-half the circle length plus the tail length was equal to 13·8 μm (0·5c + t = 13·8 μm). In mitochondrial DNA preparations from balanced growth cells, approximately 10% of the molecules were linear duplexes of dimer length (25 to 28 μm); this value dropped markedly under conditions of stationary growth. The dimer population could be enriched by growth of cells in chloramphenicol, indicating the need for mitochondrial protein synthesis for processing mitochondrial DNA. A pathway is presented illustrating the types of molecules seen and a possible sequence by which they might arise.
Fully coupled methods for multiphase morphodynamics

Abstract We present numerical methods for a system of equations consisting of the two dimensional Saint–Venant shallow water equations (SWEs) fully coupled to a completely generalized Exner formulation of hydrodynamically driven sediment discharge. This formulation is implemented by way of a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element method, using a Roe Flux for the advective components and the unified form for the dissipative components. We implement a number of Runge–Kutta time integrators, including a family of strong stability preserving (SSP) schemes, and Runge–Kutta Chebyshev (RKC) methods. A brief discussion is provided regarding implementational details for generalizable computer algebra tokenization using arbitrary algebraic fluxes. We then run numerical experiments to show standard convergence rates, and discuss important mathematical and numerical nuances that arise due to prominent features in the coupled system, such as the emergence of nondifferentiable and sharp zero crossing functions, radii of convergence in manufactured solutions, and nonconservative product (NCP) formalisms. Finally we present a challenging application model concerning hydrothermal venting across metalliferous muds in the presence of chemical reactions occurring in low pH environments.
Master equation and Fokker–Planck methods for void nucleation and growth in irradiation swelling

Abstract A complete theory of void swelling in irradiated metals requires the treatment of defect cluster nucleation events, as well as subsequent growth of stable clusters. One difficulty is that small-voids evolve rapidly and reversibly, whereas the secular evolution of the overall system is extremely slow. Thus, rate theory models for the void size distribution entail a set of stiff, coupled equations. A combined Master equation and Fokker–Planck numerical approach is introduced to address this problem and permit large time-steps at late times. Calculations are stable in practice, easily converged, and computationally efficient to large doses over a wide range in temperatures. The results are encouraging compared to experiment and earlier, related calculations.
Scale-up from analytical to preparative reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of soybean glycinin

Abstract Analytical (50 μg) reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of fractions from soy protein purifications has been scaled up to injections in the preparative (1–200 mg) range to obtain sufficient quantities of glycinin subunits for sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis characterization. We describe here the glycinin separations obtained by using analytical, semi-preparative, and preparative columns with an analytical gradient HPLC system. Parameters such as injection volume, flow-rate, and detector sensitivity are noted. Our results suggest that analytical RP-HPLC separationis of proteins can be conveniently scaled up in most HPLC systems.
Regenerating Afferents Establish Synapses with a Target Neuron That Lacks Its Cell Body

When the axons of crayfish tail-fan mechanoreceptor neurons are severed, the axons regenerate into the central nervous system and after 2 to 6 weeks reestablish functional contacts with their standard interneuronal target cells. Removal of the cell body and hence the genes of the largest of these interneurons does not interfere with the successful reestablishment of synapses between it and its afferents.
Crafting technology leaders for the 21st century

A number of engineering students have made lifestyle and career path choices that have taken them down a road less traveled, applying their engineering skills and knowledge to the crafting of new businesses. In some cases, these entrepreneurial engineers have become wildly successful by the most popular measures-fame and fortune. In nearly all cases, they have had the satisfaction of pursuing a dream and taking charge of their own destiny. This paper shares some of the lessons learned in an educational course over the past seven years, which hopefully has some relevance for the twenty-first century engineer.
The appearance of β-1,3-glucanase in hatching embryos of the sea urchin, Echinometra vanbrunti☆

Abstract Two characteristics of fertilizing sea urchin eggs are the elevation of a fertilization membrane and the excretion of a β-glucanase. Of 13 species tested, one species, Echinometra vanbrunti , lacks both characteristics. No β-glucanase exists in the eggs and cleavage stages. However, β-glucanase appears at hatching and is secreted to the sea water during and after the hatching period. The enzyme may function in the hatching process. The hypothesis is presented that the β-glucanase excreted by eggs of other sea urchin species may function in the elevation of the fertilization membrane.
Increased expression of osteopontin is associated with long-term bee venom immunotherapy.

Background Venom allergen immunotherapy (VIT) is proven to be highly effective for insect allergy, but the mechanisms and the biomarkers associated with clinical efficacy remain elusive. Objective The aim of this study was to identify candidate biomarkers associated with successful VIT. Methods Gene chip array and clustering analyses of PBMCs from subjects with or without VIT were performed. Results From gene chip array and clustering analyses, an increased expression of osteopontin was found in patients who completed 5 to 6 years of VIT and discontinued therapy for 3 to 6 years (completed treatment group) compared with the untreated group. A significantly higher level of serum osteopontin was found in the completed treatment group compared with the untreated group (n=16 in each group; P Conclusion The upregulation of osteopontin after VIT suggests a role of osteopontin as a candidate biomarker for VIT.
Succinate dehydrogenase activity in the developing molar of the Mongolian gerbil Meriones unguiculatus.

The distribution of succinate dehydrogenase in the odontogenic tissues in the Mongolian gerbil, ranging in age from 18 days prenatal to 8 days postnatal, was studied. Activity levels were designated negative, trace, slight, moderate, strong and very strong, dependent upon visual observations. The results indicated increased levels of activity as the tissue layers differentiated from the lamina stage through early apposition. The cell layer displaying the most succinate dehydrogenase activity was the ameloblastic layer while the stratum intermedium layer was the, next most active cell layer. Succinate dehydrogenase activity appeared to be related to the degree of differentiation and functional competency of the odontogenic tissues in the Mongolian gerbil.
CELLULAR INTERACTIONS IN THE LYSIS OF VZV INFECTED FIBROBLASTS

Human blood mononuclear cells (MNC) lysed varicella zoster virus (VZV) infected targets in an 18 hour 51Cr release assay at effector:target (E:T) ratios of 50:1 to 10:1. Mean specific lysis at 50:1 E:T was 45% when effectors were autologous with targets; 35% when 2 or 3 HLA A or B antigens were shared and 18% when no HLA antiens were shared between E and T. Addition of antibody to HLA inhibited lysis by 65%. Inhibition of lysis following panning to deplete subsets selectively was: 52% for OKT 8; 44% for OKT 4; 30% for HNK 1 and OKM 1. Inhibition by OKT 4 was entirely, and by OKT 8 partly, reversed by addition of a PHA induced T cell supernatant (SUP). Density gradient seperated NK cells lysed targets in the presence of SUP. In combined depletion experiments the inhibition of lysis by anti-HLA summated with inhibition by HNK 1. The inhibition studies suggest the existence of at least two pathways for VZV-fibroblast lysis: one HLA restricted and presumably mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and another dependent on lymphokine and mediated by NK cells. Studies in patients receiving leukemia remission maintenance treatment indicate that both pathways may be severely inhibited by chemotherapy.
Cognitive processing, text linguistics and documentation writing

Software documentation is a growing field in technical writing, yet no synthesis of current research exists to bring together findings on content, form, and the invoked relationship between reader ...
Partially Ordered Sets Associated with Permutations

Given a set of permutations ∑ , S n ⊇ ∑ , a poset P = P(∑) is chain-permutational with respect to ∑ if it is of minimum cardinality, with the property that its covering relations can be labeled with 1, 2, . . . , n, so that along the maximal chains the labels produce precisely the permutations in ∑, each one exactly once. General properties of chain-permutational posets are discussed, including construction, uniqueness up to isomorphism (in view of which we may use the notation P(∑)), and the fact that P(∑) is a distributive lattice iff ∑ is the collection of linear extensions of a poset. Order-theoretic properties, amongst others, regarding rank cardinalities and shellability are discussed for the special choices of ∑ being the set of involutions in Sn, and ∑ being the pattern restricted permutations in Sn.
The use of membranes in studies of reaction kinetics: arsenite catalysis of co2 hydration

Abstract The second-order catalytic rate constant for the industrially important CO2 hydration catalyst, arsenite, has been determined using a novel membrane technique. The kinetic method involves the measurement of the steady-state flux of tagged CO2 through an iramobilized liquid layer held within a thin, porous membrane; the liquid contains the catalyst and a basic buffer, sodium bicarbonate. The tracer flux is described by a set of linear equations, the solution of which yields the flux in terms of two dimensionless groups containing the kinetic and transport properties of the membrane phase. Experimental results agree with literature values on arsenite catalysis. The method is simple, accurate, and requires a minimum quantity of catalyst; it may have considerable applicability in studies of solution kinetics.
Cohesin without cohesion: a novel role for Pds5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

High fidelity chromosome segregation during mitosis requires that cells identify the products of DNA replication during S-phase and then maintain that identity until anaphase onset. Sister chromatid identity is achieved through cohesin complexes (Smc1, Smc3, and Mcd1 and Irr1/Scc3), but the structure through which cohesins perform this task remains enigmatic. In the absence of unambiguous data, a popular model is that a subset of cohesin subunits form a huge ring-like structure that embraces both sister chromatids. This ‘one-ring two-sister chromatid embrace’ model makes clear predictions – including that premature cohesion loss in mitotic cells must occur through a substantial reduction in cohesin-DNA associations. We used chromatin immunoprecipitation to directly test for cohesin dissociation from well-established cohesin binding sites in mitotic cells inactivated for Pds5 – a key cohesin regulatory protein. The results reveal little if any chromatin dissociation from cohesins, despite a regimen that produces both massive loss of sister chromatid tethering and cell inviability. We further excluded models that cohesion loss in mitotic cells inactivated for Pds5 arises through either cohesin subunit degradation, premature Hos1-dependent Smc3 de-acetylation or Rad61/WAPL-dependent regulation of cohesin dynamics. In combination, our findings support a model that cohesin complexes associate with each sister and that sister chromatid cohesion likely results from cohesin-cohesin interactions. We further assessed the role that Pds5 plays in cohesion establishment during S-phase. The results show that Pds5 inactivation can result in establishment defects despite normal cohesion loading and Smc3 acetylation, revealing a novel establishment role for Pds5 that is independent of these processes. The combination of findings provides important new insights that significantly impact current models of both cohesion establishment reactions and maintenance.
Manipulation of the distance of light-induced electron transfer within a semi-rigid donor(amine)/acceptor(terpyridine) assembly via complexation of di-positive and tri-positive metal ions

Electric field-effect spectroscopy techniques (electronic absorption and emission) have been applied to the problem of light-induced electron transfer (ET) within a covalently linked organic donor/acceptor pair. The spectroscopy measurements report on the change in the assembly's dipole moment upon ET. This quantity (the dipole-moment change) represents a direct measure of the distance over which the electron is transferred. The experiments show that the true charge transfer distance is much less than the geometric separation distance between the nominal electron donor and acceptor centers. The experiments additionally show that the transfer distance can be changed: binding of both open-shell and closed-shell metal cations with the acceptor portion of the assembly causes the ET distance to increase, with a tri-positive ion inducing a greater increase than di-positive ions. Electronic structure calculations qualitatively reproduce the experimental observations. From the calculations, the lengthening of the transfer distance is an electrostatic effect that appears to be associated primarily with a change in the shape of the orbital occupied by the transferred electron in the redox product state.
Persistent photoconductance in a-Si: H/a-SiOx:H multilayers

Abstract We report on the existence of a large persistent photoconductance (PPC) effect in multilayers made of alternating layers of glow-discharge deposited hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si: H) and silicon-oxide (a-SiOx: H). The effect consists of a metastable inerease in dark conductivity caused by a brief light exposure. We find that the PPC effect inereases with inereasing oxide sublayer thickness d0, reaching saturation at d0≈ 10nm. The efficiency for the creation of the PPC depends on the oxygen concentration of the oxide used in the multilayers. The magnitude of PPC, measured at room temperature, is independent of the exposure temperature Te between 4 and 100 K, and then inereases with Te up to about Te≈350K. The annealing temperature of the PPC is found to be TEs≈480-485 K independent of Te and the doping of the silicon layers. Using photothermal deflection spectroscopy, we observe that, for a given light exposure, the density of light induced defects (Staebler-Wronski effect) is much larger i...
An Intermediate Approach to Communcation and Sensor Interfacing Standardization for Marine Gas Turbine Engines

This paper details the on-going effort of NAVSEA Philadelphia to provide a command and control technology upgrade to the Model 139 Gas Turbine Generator Set, while deploying a novel approach to this process using Open System Architecture Condition Based Maintenance (OSA-CBM) archetype. The long-term goal of the process being implemented is to serve as the foundation for a communication and interfacing standardization for the marine gas turbine (GT) community. The topics to be discussed in this essay span from investigation to a proposed design, which includes physical measurement of parameters, sensor-Full Authority Digital Controller (FADC) interfacing, and overall system architecture.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Broadband image subtraction by spectral dependent sampling

Abstract A white-light optical processor which can perform broad spectral band image subtraction is presented. This system spatially samples a wavelength smeared image of a broad-band source to establish the necessary coherence requirements for image subtraction. An analysis and experimental results of the color subtraction system are presented.
Electrodeposition of platinum nanoparticles onto carbon nanofibers for electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol

Abstract Pt/carbon composite nanofibers were prepared by electrodepositing Pt nanoparticles onto electrospun carbon nanofibers and were used as catalysts towards the oxidation of methanol. The morphology and size of Pt nanoparticles were controlled by selectively adjusting the electrodeposition potential and time. SEM and TEM results show that the composite nanofibers were successfully obtained and Pt particle diameters were between 10 and 55 nm. The electrocatalytic activity of the composite nanofibers expressed by current density per Pt particle mass was found to depend on the particle size, showing an increasing activity when the catalyst diameter decreased.
The reassertion of the left in post‐communist Poland

(1994). The reassertion of the left in post‐communist Poland. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 46, No. 5, pp. 801-837.
Funding for teratology information services: Up, down, and all around

Funding for Teratology Information Services has been an ongoing struggle over the 25 years of its existence. Traditional and novel funding mechanisms have been explored with varying success. The importance of providing teratology risk assessment and counseling to all women of reproductive age is now an established health care objective. Sufficient and stable funding for these services is essential. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 94:660–663, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive crayfish cardiac activity monitoring system

Crayfish cardiac activity monitoring and analysis are widely used during water pollution and ethological studies. A noninvasive crayfish cardiac activity monitoring (NICCAM) system discussed in the current study permits long-term, continuous monitoring of several crayfish simultaneously. The advantages of the system are low price, low number of required components and the possibility of cardiac signal shape monitoring. Calculation and analysis of parameters characterizing the shape of the double peak cardiac activity allows not only reducing the number of incorrect peak detections improving the system accuracy but also can provide additional information on crayfish state. The discussed preliminary experiments on the effect of food odor and chloramine-T on crayfish showed promising potential of signal shape analysis for studying of crayfish cardiac reaction to changes in the aquatic environment.
High-resolution synaptic weights and hardware-in-the-loop learning

Artificial neural network paradigms are derived from biological nervous system and are characterized by massive parallelism. These networks have shown the capabilities of processing input-output mapping operations even where the transformation rules are not known, partially known, or ill-defined. For high-speed processing, we have fabricated neural network architectures as building-block chips with either a 32 X 32 matrix of synapses or a 32 X 31 array of synapses along with 32 neurons along a diagonal for a 32 X 32 matrix. Reconfigurability allows a variety of architectures from fully recurrent to fully feedforward, including constructive architectures such as cascade correlation. Further, a variety of gradient-descent learning algorithms have been implemented. Additionally, the chips being cascadable, larger size networks are easily assembled. An innovative scheme of combining two identical synapses on two respective chips in parallel nominally doubles the bit resolution from 7 bits (6-bit + sign) to 13 bits (12-bit + sign). We describe the feedforward net obtained by assembly of 8 chips on a board with nominally 13 bits of resolution for a hardware-in-the-loop learning of a feature classification problem involving map-data. This neural net hardware with 27 analog inputs and 7 outputs is able to learn to classify the features and provide the required output map at high speed with 89% accuracy. This result, with hardware's lower precision, etc., compares favorably with an accuracy of 92% obtained both by a neural network software simulation (floating point accuracy of synaptic weights) and a statistical technique of k-nearest neighbors.
Comparative Study of Li and Na Electrochemical Reactions with Iron Oxide Nanowires

This study emphasizes optimization of Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 nanowire conversion electrodes by directly-growing them on current collectors, preparing them as single crystals, and coating their surfaces with conductive carbon coatings. The systems with the least polarization during Li-ion cycling are then tested as electrodes for Na-ion chemistry. Precipitation of nanograined material during the first cycle reduces the polarization associated with Li insertion upon subsequent cycles. After the first cycle, delithiation primarily contributes to polarization associated with the conversion reaction with lithiation occurring close to the equilibrium potential. The initial reduction reaction does not proceed to completion for Na chemistries. Electron microscopy reveals significant Na insertion that occurs along with the formation of defect networks. However, the results indicate that an insufficient amount is present to form critical nuclei necessary to induce the conversion reaction.
Multi-Criteria Identification of a Controllable Descending System

This paper introduces an effective computational environment for multi-objective decision-making, optimization and identification. The paper adopts multi-objective vector identification methodology and performance assessment provided by the parameter space investigation method (PSI). The main feature of this methodology is in the fact that various design objectives are taken into consideration in their natural form without reducing dimensionality of the problem and therefore without distorting its nature. Therefore, there is no need for artificial convolution and weighting of multiple criteria. Moreover, the design alternatives are assessed explicitly versus multiple given requirements. The main practical purpose of this work is of twofold. First, we introduce an optimization framework and technique that allows to determine feasible and Pareto sets of the numerous uncertainties inherent for real-world engineering systems. This framework tightly couples principal advantages of MatLab/Simulink simulation engine with the unique properties of the multi-objective PSI method. Second, we show key benefits of the MatLab/PSI bundle on the example of identification of the principal aerodynamic characteristics and apparent masses of the controllable circular parachute
EFFECTS OF ZERO-POINT ENERGY IN ELEMENTARY-SYSTEM INTERACTIONS

The effects of zero-point energy, in comparison with those of excitation energy, are investigated by studying the behavior of two coupled harmonic oscillators for four types of coupling: rotating-wave coupling, counterrotating wave coupling, dipole-dipole (or dipole-field) coupling, and elastic-attraction coupling. It is found that in all but the rotating-wave coupling case, which has only slowly varying terms in the interaction Hamiltonian, the initiation of coupling between ground-state oscillators is followed by an oscillating energy increase in both oscillators at the expense of the coupling energy. In the same three cases, the ground state of the coupled system has a lower zero-point energy than the energy of the state in which the individual oscillators are in their ground states, thus leading to the presence of a van der Waals attraction. This result motivates the conclusion that only the rapidly varying terms in the interaction Hamiltonian are responsible for the attraction. The energies of the individual oscillators while the coupled system is in its ground state are calculated. In the van der Waals cases, these energies turn out to be greater than the zero-point energies of the individual oscillators. A physical explanation for the increase is offered. The feasibility of the utilization or absorption of zero-point energy is discussed.
Disruption of optic fibre growth following eye rotation in Xenopus laevis embryos.

Eye rotation is an experimental paradigm used to study axial specification of the amphibian retina and its connections to the tectum1–4. Jacobson reported4 that the naso-temporal and dorso-ventral axes are determined sequentially and independently between Nieuwkoop–Faber (NF)5 stages 28 and 32 in Xenopus. Others claim, however, that both retinal axes are determined much earlier and not independently in Xenopus and Rana6–8. We now find that in Xenopus this operation can disturb the exit of optic fibres from the retina with the severity of disruption depending on the time of surgery. Eyes rotated 180° at NF stage 26–27, before any fibres develop, form aberrant retinal fascicle patterns in which the first optic fibres to differentiate (pioneer fibres), failing to exit from the eye, are deflected into circling instead of radial trajectories. Optic fibres appearing later follow these early misguided axons, creating circular bundles. Eyes rotated later (NF 32–34), after optic fibres differentiate, develop normal but inverted patterns because radial fascicles in the retina at the time of operation accurately guide all newly arising fibres to the optic nerve head. This stage-dependent sensitivity of retinal fascicle development must be considered when interpreting the results of rotation experiments.
Optimized mesh expansion of composite skin grafts in rats treated with direct current.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum autoepidermal and allodermal expansion ratio of each component of a meshed composite skin graft (MCSG) that would lead to successful healing. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used as hosts of the MCSG and donors of autologous tissue. Male ACI rats were used as donors of allodermis. MCSGs with open meshed area (autoepidermal/allodermal) of 9:1/1.5:1, 9:1/3:1, 9:1/6:1, or 6:1/ 6:1 were applied to full-thickness skin defects and treated with a silver nylon dressing (SN) or SN with direct current (DC). Wound size, hair regrowth, and thickness of dermal layer were evaluated at 3 months. Results: MCSGs of 9:1/1.5:1, 9:1/3:1, and 6:1/6:1 mesh ratios healed completely within 3 months with no difference in wound size between SN dressing groups or DC-treated groups. Application of DC reduced MCSG contraction and stimulated regrowth of hair. Conclusion: Fresh autoepidermis can be expanded 6:1 on a 6:1 allodermis or 9:1 on a 3:1 allodermis and achieve successful wound healing.
Sonnet, Sculpture, Death: the Mediums of Michaelangelo's Self–Imaging

This essay proposes a new reading of Michelangelo's sonnet 151, ‘Non ha l’ottimo artista’, emphasizing the text's insistence on death as the recalled condition of the self. Sonnet 151 begins with a conceit about the art of sculpture as a process of confronting a marble block and turns to recollections about the state of the self phrased in abstract, moral terms. Comparison with the artist's last sculptures, the Florence Deposition and the Rondanini Pieta reveals a coherent though unresolved project of the self representationally seeking a medium. These media are the marble block, death, and, arguably, the body of Christ. Exploring close intertextual relationships to Petrarch’s sonnet 170 and St Paul’s Letter to the Romans clarifies Michelangelo's distinctive conception of death as a medium of self–recognition. The implications of this recognition configure a stark division between exterior surface and interior reality and cast Michelangelo's professional identity as a sculptor functioning in a Christian framework of belief as fraught and threatened.
Solution of the Einstein-Maxwell equations for a static distribution of massive charged particles

Exact solutions of the general relativistic field equations of Einstein and Maxwell have been found for a general static distribution of massive charged particles. As in the Newtonian case, the particles must have unit charge to mass ratioe2/m2=1. The active gravitational mass of the system of particles is precisely the sum of individual masses of the constituent particles.
Viscous flow computations using a second-order upwind differencing scheme

In the present computations of a wide range of fluid flow problems by means of the primitive variables-incorporating Navier-Stokes equations, a mixed second-order upwinding scheme approximates the convective terms of the transport equations and the scheme's accuracy is verified for convection-dominated high Re number flow problems. An adaptive dissipation scheme is used as a monotonic supersonic shock flow capture mechanism. Many benchmark fluid flow problems, including the compressible and incompressible, laminar and turbulent, over a wide range of M and Re numbers, are presently studied to verify the accuracy and robustness of this numerical method.
Survival of B lineage leukemic cells: signals from the bone marrow microenvironment

Stromal cells are an essential component of the bone marrow microenvironment that regulate development of immature hematopoietic progenitor cells. Through production of soluble cytokines, and signaling through adhesion molecule interactions, stromal cells impact survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Similarities between normal pro-B and pre-B cells and B lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemic (ALL) progenitors have been well characterized which provide a model for investigation of the mechanisms by which ALL cells respond to bone marrow microenvironment signals. In addition to providing survival signals to B lineage ALL during initiation of disease, the bone marrow has long been recognized as a "sanctuary site" for leukemic cells during traditional chemotherapy. In the current review, mechanisms by which stromal cells contribute to leukemic cell survival, and the potential impact on treatment efficacy, are discussed. A growing appreciation of the significance of the bone marrow microenvironment in the progression of ALL, and further investigation of the signaling between leukemic progenitors and stromal cells, may contribute to novel treatment strategies aimed at enhancing sensitivity of ALL cells to currently available chemotherapeutic agents.
The Origins of Fordism: The Introduction of Mass Production and the Five-Dollar Wage:

The introduction of moving assembly and the five-dollar wage at the Ford Motor Company are examined to demonstrate that these were not, as is generally claimed, separate responses to two problems —...
Alternative therapy in pruritus

: Because of its multitude of origins, the symptom complex of pruritus has a plethora of purported remedies and few therapeutic indications. Very few topical and systemic FDA approved medications have the indication of pruritus. Specific therapy still awaits a better definition of the exact physiologic events in chronic pruritus. Hence most medications actually focus on the central nervous system—the peripheral receptors—and the lack of specific physiologic targets has inhibited pharmacologic development. The resulting gap has opened the door to a variety of alternative therapies.
Early effects of x-irradiation of the cerebellum in infant rats: decimation and reconstitution of the external granular layer.

Abstract The cerebellum of rats was irradiated daily with 200 r x-ray from the day of birth, with the number of exposures ranging from one to ten. The animals were killed 2 and 24 hours, and 4 days after the last exposure, and at the constant ages of 8 and 10 days. The cell population of the external granular layer was drastically reduced 24 hours after irradiation with a single dose of 200 r, and it was subtotally and maximally destroyed 24 hours after the second exposure. In animals exposed up to 5 × 200 r, recovery of the external granular layer was evident 4 days after the last irradiation; the extent of recovery was inversely related to the number of doses received. The width of the external granular layer was normal or supernormal by 10 days of age in all these groups, though planimetric measurements showed that the total area occupied by this proliferative matrix was subnormal (due to the decreased surface area of the cerebellum) and it was inversely related to the number of doses received. Some evidence was obtained that after some delay the recovered cells differentiated, and led to the development of the molecular and internal granular layers. Several abnormalities were noted in the morphology of the developing cerebellar cortex after exposure to a higher number of x-ray doses, such as abnormal folding of the cerebellar cortex and the massing and disoriented growth of Purkinje cells, and explanations were offered for these effects.
Comparisons of the peabody picture vocabulary test and the McCarthy Sclaes of Children's Abilities with a sample of autistic children

The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities were administered to eight autistic children. A correlated t-test and Pearson product correlations were calculated between the scores of the two tests in a within-subjects desgin. The Peabody correlated significantly with the McCarthy General Cognitive Index, Verbal Scale, perceptual Scale, and Memory Scale. A significant difference between the means of the two tests was found, with the Peabody yielding lower scores. The importance of multiskilled testing for the cognitive assessment of autistic children was discussed.
Generalized Nondimensional Depth-Discharge Rating Curves Tested on Florida Streamflow

A discharge rating is a relationship between stage and discharge at a specific point in a river stream or lake outlet structure. Rating curves are useful for interpolating and perhaps extrapolating flow measurements and for use directly in storage routing models. However, rating data and stations are limited. A generalized nondimensional mathematical expression that describes the rating relation of depth and discharge has been developed and tested against observations from 46 stations in West-Central Florida. Three approaches were tested in sequence to select the best fit. The proposed model is a log-linear equation with zero intercept and a slope that fits more than 50% of the stations were analyzed. The model is normalized by the depth and discharge values at 10% exceedance from data published by the U.S. Geological Survey. For ungauged applications, Q 10 and d 10 were derived from a relationship shown to be reasonably well correlated to the watershed drainage area. The average relative error for this parameter set shows that for the flow range up to the Q 10 discharge, better than 30% agreement with the USGS rating data can be expected for about 50% of the stations. Further analysis is required to determine why so many stations exhibit such similar behavior and to identify the criteria or parameters governing the differences.
Dialytic nutrition: Provision of amino acids in dialysate during hemodialysis

Dialytic nutrition: Provision of amino acids in dialysate during hemodialysis. Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients are frequently malnourished, a condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Amino acid (AA) losses in dialysate may enhance protein malnutrition in patients with low food intake. We studied the possibility of providing AA in dialysate during MHD to either prevent AA losses or as a nutritional supplement. Six clinically stable men were studied during three hemodialysis treatments. The first treatment was performed using the usual dialysate (0XAA). The two other treatments were performed using a dialysate containing an amount of AA equal to normal plasma AA concentrations (1XAA) or to three times the normal plasma AA concentrations (3XAA). During the OXAA treatment, the total AA losses were 10.0 ± 0.9 (SEM) grams (g) and the total AA concentrations in plasma decreased by 49 ± 4%. During the 1XAA treatment, the total AA balance was +0.8 ± 1.8g and there was no significant change in the postdialysis plasma total AA. With the 3XAA treatment, the patients gained 36.9 ± 4.1g of AA during the hemodialysis treatment and the plasma total AA levels increased by 45 ± 9%. No side effects were observed. These findings indicate that it may be feasible to provide AA supplements to MHD patients by adding AA to hemodialysate.
EGFR/Met association regulates EGFR TKI resistance in breast cancer

Breast cancers show a lack of response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), despite 30% of tumors expressing EGFR. The mechanism of this resistance is unknown; however, we have recently shown that Met kinase activity compensates for loss of EGFR kinase activity in cell culture models. Met has been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast tumors and therefore may cooperate with EGFR for tumor growth. Here we have found that EGFR phosphorylation and cell proliferation is in part regulated by Met expression. In addition, we found that Met constitutive phosphorylation occurred independent of the Met ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Ligand-independent Met phosphorylation is mediated by Met amplification, mutation, or overexpression and by Met interaction with other cell surface molecules. In SUM229 breast cancer cells, we found that Met was not amplified or mutated, however it was overexpressed. Met overexpression did not directly correlate with ligand-independent Met phosphorylation as the SUM229 cell line was the only Met expressing breast cancer line with constitutive Met phosphorylation. Interestingly, Met expression did correlate with EGFR expression and we identified an EGFR/Met complex via co-immunoprecipitation. However, we only observed Met constitutive phosphorylation when c-Src also was part of this complex. Ligand-independent phosphorylation of Met was decreased by down regulating EGFR expression or by inhibiting c-Src kinase activity. Lastly, inhibiting EGFR and Met kinase activities resulted in a synergistic decrease in cell proliferation, supporting the idea that EGFR and Met functionally, as well as physically interact in breast cancer cells to regulate response to EGFR inhibitors.
Neurilemmoma of the diaphragm

Diaphragmatic neurilemmomas are rare tumors. We report here such a case and also review five cases from the English-language medical literature. Neurilemmomas of the diaphragm are benign tumors that display slow, progressive growth. They remain encapsulated and do not invade adjacent structures. Surgical resection is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Thoracotomy is the operative approach of choice.