cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Counterregulation of insulin by leptin as key component of autonomic regulation of body weight

A re-examination of the mechanism controlling eating, locomotion, and metabolism prompts formulation of a new explanatory model containing five features: a coordinating joint role of the (1) autonomic nervous system (ANS); (2) the suprachiasmatic (SCN) master clock in counterbalancing parasympathetic digestive and absorptive functions and feeding with sympathetic locomotor and thermogenic energy expenditure within a circadian framework; (3) interaction of the ANS/SCN command with brain substrates of reward encompassing dopaminergic projections to ventral striatum and limbic and cortical forebrain. These drive the nonhomeostatic feeding and locomotor motivated behaviors in interaction with circulating ghrelin and lateral hypothalamic neurons signaling through melanin concentrating hormone and orexin-hypocretin peptides; (4) counterregulation of insulin by leptin of both gastric and adipose tissue origin through: potentiation by leptin of cholecystokinin-mediated satiation, inhibition of insulin secretion, suppression of insulin lipogenesis by leptin lipolysis, and modulation of peripheral tissue and brain sensitivity to insulin action. Thus weight-loss induced hypoleptimia raises insulin sensitivity and promotes its parasympathetic anabolic actions while obesity-induced hyperleptinemia supresses insulin lipogenic action; and (5) inhibition by leptin of bone mineral accrual suggesting that leptin may contribute to the maintenance of stability of skeletal, lean-body, as well as adipose tissue masses.
Innate-like recognition of microbes by invariant natural killer T cells

Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) express a restricted T cell antigen receptor (TCR) repertoire and they respond rapidly to glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d. These glycolipid antigens have hexose sugars in α-linkage to two types of lipids that can bind to CD1d. Recent work has shown that the responses of iNKT cells to antigen-bearing microbes can have a profound impact on the development of inflammatory diseases. iNKT cells overcome the limitation of their limited TCR diversity by also responding in a foreign antigen-independent fashion to some infectious agents, similar to NK cells. Recent results demonstrate several mechanisms for the indirect activation of iNKT cells by viruses or TLR ligands, dependent on self-antigen recognition and/or different cytokines produced by antigen presenting cells. The means by which iNKT cells influence other cell types and overall host defense are likewise diverse, illustrating the flexibility and functional diversity of this T lymphocyte sublineage.
Handling of Virtual Contact in Immersive Virtual Environments: Beyond Visuals

This paper addresses the issue of improving the perception of contact that users make with purely virtual objects in virtual environments. Because these objects have no physical component, the user's perceptual understanding of the material properties of the object, and of the nature of the contact, is hindered, often limited solely to visual feedback. Many techniques for providing haptic feedback to compensate for the lack of touch in virtual environments have been proposed. These systems have increased our understanding of the nature of how humans perceive contact. However, providing effective, general-purpose haptic feedback solutions has proven elusive. We propose a more-holistic approach, incorporating feedback to several modalities in concert. This paper describes a prototype system we have developed for delivering vibrotactile feedback to the user. The system provides a low-cost, distributed, portable solution for incorporating vibrotactile feedback into various types of systems. We discuss different parameters that can be manipulated to provide different sensations, propose ways in which this feedback can be combined with feedback of other modalities to create a better understanding of virtual contact, and describe possible applications.
DRIVE CYCLE EFFICIENCY AND EMISSIONS ESTIMATES FOR REACTIVITY CONTROLLED COMPRESSION IGNITION IN A MULTI-CYLINDER LIGHT-DUTY DIESEL ENGINE

In-cylinder blending of gasoline and diesel to achieve Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) has been shown to reduce NOx and PM emissions while maintaining or improving brake thermal efficiency (BTE) as compared to conventional diesel combustion (CDC). The RCCI concept has an advantage over many advanced combustion strategies in that by varying both the percent of premixed gasoline and EGR rate, stable combustion can be extended over more of the light-duty drive cycle load range. Changing the percent of premixed gasoline changes the fuel reactivity stratification in the cylinder providing further control of combustion phasing and cylinder pressure rise rate than the use of EGR alone. This paper examines the combustion and emissions performance of light-duty diesel engine using direct injected diesel fuel and port injected gasoline to enable RCCI for steady-state engine conditions which are consistent with a light-duty drive cycle. A GM 1.9L four-cylinder engine with the stock compression ratio of 17.5:1, common rail diesel injection system, high-pressure EGR system and variable geometry turbocharger was modified to allow for port fuel injection with gasoline. Engine-out emissions, engine performance and combustion behavior for RCCI operation is compared against both CDC and a premixed charge compression ignition (PCCI) strategy which relies on high levels of EGR dilution. The effect of percent of premixed gasoline, EGR rate, boost level, intake mixture temperature, combustion phasing, and cylinder pressure rise rate is investigated for RCCI combustion for the light-duty modal points. Engine-out emissions of NOx and PM were found to be considerably lower for RCCI operation as compared to CDC and PCCI, while HC and CO emissions were higher. BTE was similar or higher for many of the modal conditions for RCCI operation. The emissions results are used to estimate hot-start FTP-75 emissions levels with RCCI and are compared against CDC and PCCI modes.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The clinical application of analogue desensitization: A case study

A female patient 18 years of age who displayed phobic and compulsive response patterns was treated with a desensitization technique developed during experiments with “snake-phobic” volunteer subjects. Treatment was successful and tended to support the relevance and potential fruitfulness of analogue desensitization experiments.
Synthesis and monoamine transporter binding properties of 2beta-[3'-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]- and 2beta-[3'-methyl-4'-(substituted phenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3beta-(substituted phenyl)tropanes.

Abstract A series of 2β-[3′-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]- and 2β-[3′-methyl-4′-(substituted phenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3β-(substituted phenyl)tropanes were prepared and evaluated for affinities at dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine transporters using competitive radioligand binding assays. The 2β-[3′-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3β-(substituted phenyl)tropanes (3a–h) showed high binding affinities for the dopamine transporter (DAT). The IC50 values ranged from 5.9 to 22 nM. On the other hand, the 2β-[3′-methyl-4′-(substituted phenyl)isoxazol-5-yl]-3β-(substituted phenyl)tropanes (4a–h), with IC50 values ranging from 65 to 173 nM, were approximately 3- to 25-fold less potent than the corresponding 2β-[3′-(substituted benzyl)isoxazol]tropanes. All tested compounds were selective for the DAT relative to the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and serotonin transporter (5-HTT). 3β-(4-Methylphenyl)-2β-[3′-(4-fluorobenzyl)isoxazol-5-yl]tropane (3b) with IC50 of 5.9 nM at the DAT and Kis of 454 and 113 nM at the NET and 5-HTT, respectively, was the most potent and DAT-selective analog. Molecular modeling studies suggested that the rigid conformation of the isoxazole side chain in 4a–h might play an important role on their low DAT binding affinities.
Incomplete duplication of the male urethra. Report of an unusual case.

SUMMARY The authors report a case of unusual incomplete duplication of the urethra in a 17-year-old boy. Characteristic features are: (1) the accessory channel is more functional than the normal, (2) it opens into the perineum, and (3) it communicates with both the bladder and the penile urethra. No surgery was performed, but a suggestion of a possible reconstructive procedure is discussed.
Low Voltage Blue-Phase LCDs With Double-Penetrating Fringe Fields

A blue-phase liquid crystal display (BP-LCD) with an in-plane switching (IPS) electrode and etched substrate for generating double-penetrating fringe fields is proposed. An etching depth of 1-2 helps to lower the operating voltage by 30%. This etched IPS BP-LCD also exhibits a wider viewing angle than the conventional one because of the created multi-domain structures in the etched areas. Physical mechanisms responsible for the observed phenomena are discussed.
First Operation of the LBL ECR Ion Source with the 88-Inch Cyclotron

The LBL ECR ion source and new injection system are now in regular operation with the 88-Inch Cyclotron supplying stable, reliable heavy ion beams for both nuclear physics and applied research. The ions accelerated to date cover the mass range from nitrogen to xenon, and the energy range of 3 to 27 MeV/nucleon. Overall transmission of up to 14% from source to external cyclotron beam has been obtained. A beam from solid material, magnesium, has been used successfully for an experimental run. The emittance has been measured, at 10 kV accelerating voltage, for a variety of ions and has been found to vary from 100? mm mrad for the low charge states to 20? mm mrad for high charge states, for about 50% of the beam.
How well does the finite Fourier transform approximate the Fourier transform

We show that the answer to the question in the title is “very well indeed.” In particular, we prove that, throughout the maximum possible range, the finite Fourier coefficients provide a good approximation to the Fourier coefficients of a piecewise continuous function. For a continuous periodic function, the size of the error is estimated in terms of the modulus of continuity of the function. The estimates improve commensurately as the functions become smoother. We also show that the partial sums of the finite Fourier transform provide essentially as good an approximation to the function and its derivatives as the partial sums of the ordinary Fourier series. Along the way we establish analogues of the Riemann-Lebesgue lemma and the localization principle. c � 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
C1q/Tumor Necrosis Factor-related Protein 11 (CTRP11), A Novel Adipose Stroma-derived Regulator of Adipogenesis

C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) are a family of secreted regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism. Here, we describe CTRP11, a novel and phylogenetically conserved member of the C1q family. Our studies revealed that white and brown adipose are major tissues that express CTRP11, and its expression is acutely regulated by changes in metabolic state. Within white adipose tissue, CTRP11 is primarily expressed by stromal vascular cells. As a secreted multimeric protein, CTRP11 forms disulfide-linked oligomers. Although the conserved N-terminal Cys-28 and Cys-32 are dispensable for the assembly of higher-order oligomeric structures, they are unexpectedly involved in modulating protein secretion. When co-expressed, CTRP11 forms heteromeric complexes with closely related CTRP10, CTRP13, and CRF (CTRP14) via the C-terminal globular domains, combinatorial associations that potentially generate functionally distinct complexes. Functional studies revealed a role for CTRP11 in regulating adipogenesis. Ectopic expression of CTRP11 or exposure to recombinant protein inhibited differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and CAAT/enhancer binding protein-α, which drive the adipogenic gene program, was markedly suppressed by CTRP11. Impaired adipogenesis was caused by a CTRP11-mediated decrease in p42/44-MAPK signaling and inhibition of mitotic clonal expansion, a process essential for adipocyte differentiation in culture. These results implicate CTRP11 as a novel secreted regulator of adipogenesis and highlight the potential paracrine cross-talk between adipocytes and cells of the stromal vascular compartment in maintaining adipose tissue homeostasis.
Weightpath, A Non-Diet Approach to Lifestyle Change

Abstract WeightPath is a wellness pathway targeted to large adults. The 12-week series incorporated physical activity sessions, nutrition education, and group support to assist participants with committing to healthful lifestyle changes. Emphasis was placed on improvement of health, not weight loss. The program was coordinated by a registered dietitian, and sessions were led by health professionals. WeightPath was marketed to hospital employees and community members. Interested individuals were required to meet BMI criteria of 28.0kg/m 2 or greater and provide proof of physician clearance before enrolling in the program. Resting blood pressure and heart rate, lipid panel and fasting glucose, circumference measurements, BMI, and predicted VO 2 max were assessed before and after the program. Incentives were given for regular class attendance and for recording physical activity and dietary intake. Personal nutrition and exercise consultations and weekly education and group support sessions were provided. Exclusive low-intensity aerobic exercise sessions were offered four times per week, one as part of the educational session. Analysis of group data (n=34) using SAS indicated that mean weight and BMI decreased 3% and waist measurements 7% while predicted VO 2 max increased 38%. Subset data of high risk groups showed a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, fasting glucose and blood pressure and an increase in HDL. A 25-item questionnaire indicated that participants' response to the program was overwhelmingly positive. Although the program sought to minimize the focus placed on weight loss, some participants were still interested in following a "diet." Most participants reported being pleased with improvements in their lab values and motivated by the loss of inches. The program was successful in facilitating healthful lifestyle changes as supported by the group's improvement in health markers and physical activity level. Eighty-eight percent went on to join a 9-month maintenance program.
Effect of Post Metallization Annealing for Alternative Gate Stack Devices

The effect of the post-metallization annealing of devices having HfO 2 , La 2 O 3 , or Y 2 O 3 dielectrics and poly-Si or TaN gate electrodes was studied. Forming gas (10% H 2 /90% N 2 ) annealing at 400°C enhanced drive current and channel mobility of devices having 1.2 nm HfO 2 gate dielectrics, by eliminating interface states. Post-metal annealing in 10% D 2 for 1.2 nm HfO 2 gate dielectrics resulted in larger enhancements in drive current and device channel mobility than forming gas annealing. Similar enhancements of the device characteristics were observed in La 2 O 3 (300 mV shift in both flatband and threshold voltage) and Y 2 O 3 (200 mV shift only in threshold voltage) materials. Annealing in pure nitrogen was found to degrade the dielectric quality of HfO 2 , including a decrease in device current and 50% lower capacitance.
Recognizing Dangerous Snakes in the United States and Canada: A Novel 3-Step Identification Method

The rapid and accurate recognition of dangerously venomous snakes following bites is crucial to making appropriate decisions regarding first aid, evacuation, and treatment. Past recommendations for identification of dangerous North American pit vipers have often required subjective determinations of head shape or relied on traits shared with some nondangerous species (elliptical pupils and undivided subcaudal scales). Heat-sensitive facial pits are diagnostic but require close examination of the dangerous head, and cephalic traits are useless when working with a decapitated carcass. Exclusive of cephalic traits, pit vipers north of Mexico can be recognized by the combination of keeled middorsal scales and undivided subcaudal scales. The order of colored rings is usually suggested to identify coral snakes in the United States, yet extension of the colored rings across the ventral scales must be added as an essential identifying factor to ensure elimination of all harmless look-alikes. A novel 3-step flow chart is presented that allows dangerous snakes in the United States and Canada to be recognized quickly and dependably without relying on cephalic traits. This process cannot be used in other countries, however, due to greater variability of these characteristics in snakes from other parts of the world. Finally, close examination of potentially venomous snakes is extraordinarily dangerous and steps to safeguard those making such observations are discussed.
Average resonance spectroscopy in 93, 95, 97Tc

Abstract The (p, γ) reactions on the 92 Mo, 94 Mo and 96 Mo isotopes were studied in the energy range E p = 2.4–3.0 MeV using a Ge(Li) detector incorporated into a three-crystal pair spectrometer and a Ge(Li) detector in coincidence with a NaI(Tl) detector. A three-crystal pair spectrometer was utilized to determine the average yield of γ-rays leading directly to the low-lying states in each of the three residual nuclei. These average yields were examined for a possible correlation between the intensity of high-energy γ-ray transitions and the J π of the final state. The data indicate that such a correlation exists. A two-dimensional coincidence experiment determined the decay scheme of the low-lying excited states in 93 Tc 95 Tc and 97 Tc. The J π assignments inferred from these experiments are consistent with those for the states in 93 Tc, 95 Tc and 97 Tc which have previously been obtained. For those states which were previously unassigned, the results of this experiment are as follows (all energies are in keV): 93 Tc -680 ( 7 2 + ), 1193 ( 5 2 + ), 1406 ( 1 2 − , 3 2 − ), 1555 ( 1 2 − , 3 2 − ), 2429 (≦ 5 2 ); 95 Tc-1278 ( 3 2 + ), 1619 ( 3 2 + , 5 2 − ), 2556 (≧ 5 2 ); 97 Tc-948 ( 1 2 − , 3 2 − ), 1060 ( 5 2 ± , 7 2 + ), 1138 ( 5 2 ± ), 1366 ( 3 2 + ), 1387 ( 3 2 + , 5 2 ∼), 1517 ( 1 2 − , 3 2 − ), 1573( 3 2 + , 5 2 ± ), 1676 ( 3 2 + , 5 2 ± ) . The state at 2429 keV in 93 Tc has not been reported previously.
IDENTIFICATION OF TARGET PROMOTERS FOR THE BACILLUS SUBTILIS SIGMA X FACTOR USING A CONSENSUS-DIRECTED SEARCH

The promoter selectivity of RNA polymerase (RNAP) can be altered by the association with alternative sigma subunits. Bacillus subtilis hosts a multitude of sigma factors, several of which coordinate the complex developmental program culminating in endospore formation. Genome sequencing has revealed an unanticipated seven new sigma factors of the highly divergent extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sub-family. Virtually nothing is known regarding either the promoter selectivity or the target genes for these newly identified sigma factors. We have used saturation mutagenesis to define a promoter consensus for recognition by one such ECF sigma factor, sigma X. The resulting consensus sequence was used to identify candidate sigma X target sites. Three newly identified sigma X-dependent promoters precede genes encoding regulatory proteins: an AbrB homolog (Abh), a putative response regulator aspartate phosphatase (RapD), and a regulator of autolysin expression (LytR). sigma X also contributes to the expression of CsbB, a putative membrane-bound glucosyl transferase that is partially controlled by the sigma B stress response sigma factor. Since LytR modulates the expression of the major autolytic amidase and CsbB may function in peptidoglycan synthesis or modification, we suggest that sigma X participates in the regulation of peptidoglycan synthesis and turnover.
Observed Lightning Morphology Relative to Modeled Space Charge and Electric Field Distributions in a Tornadic Storm

Abstract This study uses a kinematic numerical cloud model that includes electrification and lightning discharge processes to investigate hypotheses concerning intracloud lightning flash rates in the Binger, Oklahoma, tornadic storm of 22 May 1981. MacGorman et al. have observed that intracloud (IC) flash rates in this storm's mesocyclone region peak when overall storm intensity is greatest and cloud-to-ground flash rates are low. They hypothesize that precipitation interactions involved in reflectivity growth at the 7–9-km level of the updraft are involved in precipitation charging and electrification. They also hypothesize that the intense convection in the mesocyclone region elevates the lower negative charge of the storm closer to upper positive charge, thereby enhancing IC flash rates. These hypotheses are tested by examining the charge and electric field distributions and charging rates produced by the kinematic model for the Binger storm. The model produces maximum electric field and net space char...
Design of a Hybrid Memory Cell Using Memristance and Ambipolarity

This paper presents a novel circuit of a memory cell consisting of a memristor and ambipolar transistors. Macroscopic models are utilized to characterize the nonvolatile feature of the memory cell (for example, an ambipolar transistor is modeled by a circuit consisting of two transmission gates and two CMOS transistors). A detailed treatment of the two basic operations (WRITE and READ) of the memory circuit with respect to the memristor is provided. Simulation results are given to assess its performance in terms of WRITE/READ times, transistor scaling, and power dissipation. Particular emphasis is devoted to the threshold characterization of the memristance with respect to its ON/OFF states. It is shown that due to the low voltage across the memristor during a READ operation, a refresh operation is required when multiple consecutive READ operations occur. The simulation results show that the proposed memory cell has superior performance compared with current NAND/NOR flash memories and other memristor-based cells found in the technical literature.
Atomic Absorption Coefficients and Transition Probabilities

THREE recent letters raise the question as to whether there is any experimental basis for applying Kramers' equation for continuous absorption to astrophysical problems1. Ditchburn cites the anomalous phenomena shown by alkalis at the absorption series limits as the only direct experimental evidence. A series of papers2 by me on the emission spectra of caesium vapour gives direct evidence as to the transition probabilities for the continuous spectra and line spectra of the levels 6 P and 5 D. The first paper indicated that the probability of recombination depended on the pressure but subsequent work showed this to be erroneous, and the last paper (published after the appearance of Ditch-burn's letter) shows that the continuous transition probabilities remain nearly constant with electron concentrations ranging from 1012 to 1016 per cm.3 and with pressures from 0.001 mm. to 17 mm. of mercury.
AB INITIO AND DFT CALCULATIONS ON THE COPE REARRANGEMENT OF 1,2,6-HEPTATRIENE

(8/8)CASSCF, CASPT2, and B3LYP calculations have been performed on the potential surface for the Cope rearrangement of 1,2,6-heptatriene (1) to 3-methylene-1,5-hexadiene (3). Although an allylic di...
In Vivo Analysis of a Gain-of-Function Mutation in the Drosophila eag-Encoded K+ Channel

Neuronal Na+ and K+ channels elicit currents in opposing directions and thus have opposing effects on neuronal excitability. Mutations in genes encoding Na+ or K+ channels often interact genetically, leading to either phenotypic suppression or enhancement for genes with opposing or similar effects on excitability, respectively. For example, the effects of mutations in Shaker (Sh), which encodes a K+ channel subunit, are suppressed by loss-of-function mutations in the Na+ channel structural gene para, but enhanced by loss-of-function mutations in a second K+ channel encoded by eag. Here we identify two novel mutations that suppress the effects of a Sh mutation on behavior and neuronal excitability. We used recombination mapping to localize both mutations to the eag locus, and we used sequence analysis to determine that both mutations are caused by a single amino acid substitution (G297E) in the S2-S3 linker of Eag. Because these novel eag mutations confer opposite phenotypes to eag loss-of-function mutations, we suggest that eag(G297E) causes an eag gain-of-function phenotype. We hypothesize that the G297E substitution may cause premature, prolonged, or constitutive opening of the Eag channels by favoring the "unlocked" state of the channel.
Large-scale structure from wiggly cosmic strings.

Recent simulations of the evolution of cosmic strings indicate the presence of small-scale structure on the strings. We show that wakes produced by such wiggly cosmic strings can result in the efficient formation of large-scale structure and large streaming velocities in the Universe without significantly affecting the microwave-background isotropy. We also argue that the motion of strings will lead to the generation of a primordial magnetic field. The most promising version of this scenario appears to be the one in which the Universe is dominated by light neutrinos
A stress and coping framework for understanding resident responses to tourism development

Abstract Stress is one of many impacts on host community residents that can result from tourism development. Unmitigated stress can lead to a variety of negative health and behavioral outcomes. Factors like personality, social support, stress appraisal, and coping play a role in how stress affects individuals. This research conceptualizes the psychologically based stress and coping process in a tourism development context. Measurements of each element in the process are tested for construct validity in the context of cruise tourism development in Jamaica. Construct validity was supported for measures of social support and secondary stress appraisal. A measurement of coping was found to have a different factor structure in a tourism context than theoretically predicted. Valid measurement is critical to future research examining relationships within this psychological process and ultimately understanding how individuals' emotional and psychological quality of life is affected by tourism development.
Differential regulation of glucose transport activity in yeast by specific cAMP signatures

Successful colonization and survival in variable environments require a competitive advantage during the initial growth phase after experiencing nutrient changes. Starved yeast cells anticipate exposure to glucose by activating the Hxt5p (hexose transporter 5) glucose transporter, which provides an advantage during early phases after glucose resupply. cAMP and glucose FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) sensors were used to identify three signalling pathways that co-operate in the anticipatory Hxt5p activity in glucose-starved cells: as expected the Snf1 (sucrose nonfermenting 1) AMP kinase pathway, but, surprisingly, the sugar-dependent G-protein-coupled Gpr1 (G-protein-coupled receptor 1)/cAMP/PKA (protein kinase A) pathway and the Pho85 (phosphate metabolism 85)/Plc (phospholipase C) 6/7 pathway. Gpr1/cAMP/PKA are key elements of a G-protein-coupled sugar response pathway that produces a transient cAMP peak to induce growth-related genes. A novel function of the Gpr1/cAMP/PKA pathway was identified in glucose-starved cells: during starvation the Gpr1/cAMP/PKA pathway is required to maintain Hxt5p activity in the absence of glucose-induced cAMP spiking. During starvation, cAMP levels remain low triggering expression of HXT5, whereas cAMP spiking leads to a shift to the high capacity Hxt isoforms.
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor autoradiography in rat brain after angular bundle kindling.

Abstract The specific binding of l -[3H]glutamate toN-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors in brain regions of kindled rats was vi visualized a autoradiographically and quantitated. When assayed 28 days after the last evoked seizure, NMDA receptor binding had declined by 7–11% in stratum radiatum of the dorsal hippocampal area CA1, in both deep and superficial layers of the motor cortex and in layers I–IV of the somatosensory cortex. No significant changes were detected in any other region nor in any region examined 1 day after the last evoked zeizure. These findings suggest that teh enhanced activation of NMDA receptors in kindled rats cannot be explained by an increased expression of these receptors. Ratther, kindling leads to a regionally-selected down regulation of NMDA receptor binding.
A note on detecting simple redundancies in linear systems

Two efficient algorithms are presented that, for a given linear system Ax = b, eliminate equations that are non-zero multiples of other equations. The second algorithm runs in linear time when the entries of A are +1, -1 or 0.
IMMUNOLOGICAL ABNORMALITY IN C3H/HEJ MICE WITH HERITABLE INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE

Abstract To explore the immunological abnormality of a heritable inflammatory bowel disease developed in a new substrain of C3H/HeJ mice, we examined the expression of integrins β7 and other cell adhesion molecules on normal and disease mice lymphocytes by flow cytometry. We also examined the cytotoxicity of small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes to epithelial cells and the proliferation and aggregation of intestinal lymphocytes. There are several significant changes in the expression levels of α4 and αM290β7 integrins, CD11a, ICAM-1, CD45RB, CD4, CD44, and CD45 in different lymphocyte populations. The cytotoxicity of small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes from disease mice was higher than that from normal mice and could be stimulated by PHA and inhibited by mAb to αM290β7. The proliferation of both normal and disease small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes was enhanced by costimulation by mAb to CD2 or CD3 and ProNectin. In comparison to disease mice, normal small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes proliferated at a significantly higher rate in response to sheep RBC and mAb to CD2 or CD3 and ProNectin costimulation. Homotypic aggregation of small intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes isolated from disease mice was greater than in those from normal mice. The abnormality of expression of integrin β7 and other cell adhesion molecules and cytotoxic, proliferative, and aggregative responses of lymphocytes from disease mice may play important roles in the pathogenesis of this heritable inflammatory bowel disease.
Projectively full ideals in Noetherian rings (II)

Abstract Let R be a Noetherian commutative ring with unit 1 ≠ 0 , and let I be a regular proper ideal of R. The set P ( I ) of integrally closed ideals projectively equivalent to I is linearly ordered by inclusion and discrete. There is naturally associated to P ( I ) a numerical semigroup S ( I ) ; we have S ( I ) = N if and only if every element of P ( I ) is the integral closure of a power of the largest element J of P ( I ) . If this holds, the ideal J and the set P ( I ) are said to be projectively full. If I is invertible and R is integrally closed, we prove that P ( I ) is projectively full. We investigate the behavior of projectively full ideals in various types of ring extensions. We prove that a normal ideal I of a local ring ( R , M ) is projectively full if I ⊈ M 2 and both the associated graded ring G ( M ) and the fiber cone ring F ( I ) are reduced. We present examples of normal local domains ( R , M ) of altitude two for which the maximal ideal M is not projectively full.
Effect of Delivery Method on Impact of Learn-at-home Lessons at Worksites

Abstract A pretest, immediate, and 4-month post-test design was used to compare the impact of two methods of delivery of four learn-at-home lessons about osteoporosis prevention to volunteer participants at worksites.Volunteer worksites were assigned by blocking group to one of three groups: group delivery (G), impersonal delivery (I), and controls (C). Once every 2 weeks, the osteoporosis lesson was distributed in conjunction with a 30-minute motivational meeting (G) or as a handout (I and C).The control group received a different lesson series impersonally in the same 8-week intervention. Group delivery participants were 1 year younger than those in other groups; participants were similar in all other demographic characteristics. Group delivery led to significantly greater mean knowledge and behavior-habits scores while impersonal delivery led only to greater mean knowledge scores when compared to those of controls. Gains in calcium intake ratio (calcium in mg per 1000 calories) were not significantly different among groups. In this study, a group motivational meeting significantly increased self-reported behavior change but had no significant impact on calcium intake.
The effects of wheat germ agglutinin on the adipocyte insulin receptor

Treatment of rat adipocytes with wheat germ agglutinin markedly enhances insulin binding by increasing the affinity of the insulin receptor. The structure of adipocyte receptor following wheat germ agglutinin treatment was studied by column chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine if aggregates of the insulin receptor are present. Solubilization of the receptor by Triton X-100 and passage of this material over Sepharose 6B revealed two insulin binding activities: a major peak which had a Strokes radius of 87 A and a minor peak with a Strokes radius of 47 A. Wheat germ agglutinin treatment produced an increase in the binding activity of both peaks, but their molecular weights did not change. In addition, 125I-labeled insulin was covalently attached to the adipocyte insulin binding sites by a cross-linking reagent. Column chromatography of the insulin-receptor complex again indicated the presence of two species with Strokes radii of 87 A and 47 A. Heterogeneity in these complexes was also demonstrated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of Triton X-100. Ferguson plots indicated that the peak of radioactivity had a molecular radius of 60 A, a size found both in the presence and absence of wheat germ treatment of adipocytes. These findings suggest that the increase in receptor affinity produced by wheat germ agglutinin treatment is not caused by the formation of receptor clusters. Instead, it appears that a simple interaction between the plant lectin and the receptor is sufficient to induce the changes in the insulin binding properties of adipocytes.
Threshold Photoelectron−Photoion Coincidence Spectroscopy: Dissociation of the 1-Chloroadamantane Ion and the Heat of Formation of the 1-Adamantyl Cation

Threshold photoelectron−photoion coincidence spectroscopy was used to investigate the dissociation of the 1-chloroadamantane ion (C10H15Cl+). The product of Cl loss reaction, 1-C10H15+, was the only fragment ion at experimental photon energies below 13.0 eV. Through the simulation of the metastable time-of-flight distributions of the 1-C10H15+ ion and the breakdown diagram, the 0 K appearance energy of 1-C10H15+ was determined to be 10.10 ± 0.02 eV. Using this result and the IE value of 1-C10H15Cl, 9.30 ± 0.10 eV, the dissociation energy of the Cl loss reaction was determined to be 0.80 ± 0.10 eV. Using the known heats of formation of C10H15Cl and Cl, the 298 and 0 K heats of formation of the 1-C10H15+ ion were obtained to be 679.2 ± 3.2 and 731.9 ± 3.2 kJ/mol, respectively.
Accessory valvular tissue causing subpulmonary stenosis in corrected transposition of great vessels.

This study reveals three cases of corrected transposition (one with total situs inversus) where an accessory flap or umbrella-like formation of the venous atrioventricular valve presented into the outflow tract of the venous ventricle causing severe subpulmonary stenosis. In one case the ventricular septum was intact, while in each of the other two, a ventricular septal defect lay below the obstruction. The latter combination effected a right-to-left shunt at ventricular level. These cases are important because they portray anatomic details of a condition which, although uncommon, is potentially curable. Clinical identification of the subpulmonary stenosis appears best to be accomplished by selective angiocardiography at the level of the venous ventricle.
The effect of adjustment period on maximum acceptable frequency for a roofing task

Abstract An experimental study was conducted to determine an appropriate adjustment period using the psychophysical approach for evaluating acceptable work limits for a task involving sloped walking/working surface. A workstation was designed and constructed to simulate a sloped residential roof. Twelve healthy males from a university population served as subjects. The subjects were provided training until the experimenter was confident in their ability to perform the simulated roof-shingling task, while comparing to the experienced roofers’ performance. Results indicated that 198 shingles/h is an acceptable roof shingling frequency for a workday. Time period had significant effect on psychophysical, postural sway, and selected physiological responses. Appropriate adjustment period using the psychophysical approach for evaluating acceptable work limits for tasks involving sloped surface was determined to be 2 h. Postural sway and physiological variables support these findings. The results from this study could aid in setting safe work limits in roofing construction for males. This study may prove to be useful for practical applications for the reduction of the risk of occupational injuries and fatalities, while improving productivity and safety in the roofing industry. Relevance to industry Results from this study could aid in setting acceptable work limits for roof shingling operations. Ergonomic intervention may decrease the risks of falls from roof thus reducing workers compensation costs and lost productivity of the worker.
High-energy Nd-yag laser ignition of coals: Modeling analysis

A modeling analysis of laser-induced ignition of coals is presented. The model is one dimensional, transient, and incorporates the following: the surface ignition reaction, the in-depth pyrolysis, the gas-phase absorption of the laser radiation and by the pyrolysis products, and the gas-phase chemical reaction. The solution is obtained numerically using the method of lines. The results confirm that the pyrolysis products absorb a significant amount of the laser radiation. This important mechanism dictates complicated interactions among different processes including heat and mass transfer and chemical reactions. It was found that, for laser energy fluxes ranging from 2,500 to 7,000 W/cm[sup 2], the ignition of lignite and subbituminous coals occurred first at the surface which was then followed by the ignition of the pyrolysis products in the gas-phase region. However, for bituminous coal, only single gas-phase ignition mode was predicted by the model. The model also predicts the rapid decrease of both the surface ignition time and the gas-phase ignition time with increasing laser energy fluxes. In general, a good agreement between predictions and experiments is obtained. A sensitivity analysis, where the kinetic parameters and initial laser energy fluxes were varied over a wide range, was also carried out. This analysismore » establishes an upper limit for I[sub 0], E[sub c], E[sub p], and a lower limit for E[sub g]. Within these limits, the laser-induced ignition of coals appears as an integration of two consecutive ignition modes: a surface ignition mode followed by the gas-phase ignition mode. Beyond these limits, a single gas-phase ignition mode is the only ignition mode that prevails.« less
Healing burns with fire : The facilitations of experience in Tibetan Buddhism

L'A. etudie comment trois traditions meditatives du bouddhisme tibetain ont compris la nature et la valeur de l'experience. La relation entre les notions d'illumination et d'experience demeure complexe. L'A. presente les notions tibetaines de l'experience dont les principaux traits sont partages par le bouddhisme tibetain et indien. Les trois traditions tibetaines sont les suivantes : mahamudra, dzogchen et anuttara. Les traditions tantrique, mahamudra et de la vision directe dependent de la manipulation du corps mais aussi de la meditation qui reste attentive au principe de vacuite. L'experience du bouddhisme tibetain se concretise dans le corps en le rendant attentif a sa vacuite ontologique. Mais les manifestations concretes de l'experience se realisent a la fois dans le monde, le rendant present.
Investigating the effects of computer mediated interruptions: An analysis of task characteristics and interruption frequency on financial performance

Abstract Financial and accounting tasks require high levels of concentration as well as cognitive capacity. Today, advanced technology can help facilitate the effective and efficient completion of such tasks. At the same time, however, these same technologies can interrupt work flow and create work-related stress, thus having a deleterious effect on task performance. These interruptions can be characterized across a number of different dimensions, including frequency, complexity, duration, and relevance to the primary task, to name a few. This study examines the effects of interruption frequency, task complexity, and individual characteristics on cognitive load and subsequent decision-making performance on financial tasks. As hypothesized, the results indicate the significant influence of interruption frequency and order of task complexity on cognitive load which influences performance. This research has implications on the design and use of information systems by accounting professionals in order to reduce potential negative effects.
The superficial buffer barrier in venous smooth muscle : sarcoplasmic reticulum refilling and unloading

1 The interaction of Ca2+ transport in the plasmalemma and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) was investigated in smooth muscle of the rabbit inferior vena cava. We tested the possibility of direct refilling of the SR with extracellular Ca2+ and of the existence of a vectorial Ca2+ extrusion pathway from the SR lumen to the extracellular space suggested by earlier results. 2 After depletion with caffeine the SR was loaded with Ca2+ to increasing levels by incubation in a high potassium 1.5 mm Ca2+ solution and a 10 mm Ca2+ zero Na+ solution, respectively. Thapsigargin, 2 μm, (a specific SR Ca2+-ATPase blocker) completely blocked refilling of the SR in either of the above solutions, indicating that the SR Ca2+-ATPase is essential for this process. 3 Three different agents, caffeine, ryanodine and thapsigargin, which inhibit Ca2+ accumulation by the SR, increased the steady state intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the rabbit inferior vena cava. 4 Measurements of Mn2+ induced quenching of the intracellular fura-2 signal during pharmacological manipulation of the SR content showed that these three agents did not stimulate divalent cation entry. 5 On the other hand, stimulation with noradrenaline caused a marked increase in Mn2+ influx, which was blocked by 2 mm Ni2+. Mn2+ entry stimulated by high K+ solution was blocked by 1 μm diltiazem. 6 We conclude that the SR refilling has to be mediated by the SR Ca2+-ATPase. Inhibition of Ca2+ accumulation by the SR causes an increase in the steady state intracellular Ca2+ concentration. This observation cannot be explained by an increase in Ca2+ influx into the smooth muscle cells of the rabbit inferior vena cava. Alternatively these results suggest the existence of a continuous vectorial release of Ca2+ from the SR lumen to the extracellular space.
Dexterity and Workspace Analysis of Two Soft Robotic Manipulators

Soft robotic manipulators are continuum robots made of soft materials that undergo continuous elastic deformation and produce motion with a smooth backbone curve. These manipulators offer significant advantages over traditional manipulators due to their ability to conform to their surroundings, move with dexterity and manipulate objects of widely varying size using whole arm manipulation. Soft robotic manipulators are complex and difficult to design, model and fabricate. In this paper, we present a cost effective design for a pneumatic air muscle based soft robotic manipulator in which the actuators for the distal section extend from the base to the tip of the arm, thereby simplifying the pneumatic design and eliminating the need for endplates. We compare the workspace and dexterity of continuous tube (CT) design with a previously developed OctArm type manipulator and conclude that although the two designs have comparable workspace area, the OctArm workspace has better dexterity characteristics.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Complete but curtailed T-cell response to very low-affinity antigen

After an infection, T cells that carry the CD8 marker are activated and undergo a characteristic kinetic sequence of rapid expansion, subsequent contraction and formation of memory cells. The pool of naive T-cell clones is diverse and contains cells bearing T-cell antigen receptors (TCRs) that differ in their affinity for the same antigen. How these differences in affinity affect the function and the response kinetics of individual T-cell clones was previously unknown. Here we show that during the in vivo response to microbial infection, even very weak TCR-ligand interactions are sufficient to activate naive T cells, induce rapid initial proliferation and generate effector and memory cells. The strength of the TCR-ligand interaction critically affects when expansion stops, when the cells exit lymphoid organs and when contraction begins; that is, strongly stimulated T cells contract and exit lymphoid organs later than weakly stimulated cells. Our data challenge the prevailing view that strong TCR ligation is a prerequisite for CD8(+) T-cell activation. Instead, very weak interactions are sufficient for activation, but strong TCR ligation is required to sustain T-cell expansion. We propose that in response to microbial challenge, T-cell clones with a broad range of avidities for foreign ligands are initially recruited, and that the pool of T cells subsequently matures in affinity owing to the more prolonged expansion of high-affinity T-cell clones.
Women and work: tipplers and teetotalers

SUMMARY We seek to understand better the puzzling finding that, for women, alcoholism appears to be positively associated with the probability of being employed. Using the 1988 Alcohol Survey of the National Health Interview Survey, we find that this association holds for white women only. For white women, alcoholism and early drinking are associated with higher educational attainment, a smaller family size and a lower probability of being married. In turn, these human capital indicators are associated with greater labour supply, thus helping to explain the curious positive relationship between alcoholism and employment for women. An advance in this paper over our previous work is to examine life-time abstention from alcohol and its association with employment and human capital variables. We find that lifetime abstention is associated with lower: employment, unemployment and education and greater propensity to be married for both white and non-white women. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strength Distributions of SiC Ceramics After Oxidation and Oxidation Under Load

The room-temperature strength distributions of a sintered and a hot-pressed SiC were examined as-machined, after oxidation at 1370 C, and after oxidation under load at 1370 C. The strengths were observed to be dependent on both the duration of oxidation and the magnitude of the applied load. Processes resulting in both strengthening and weakening behavior were observed to occur, at times simultaneously within the same strength distribution. This dynamic situation indicates that the strength-controlling flaw populations are highly transient in nature.