cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low temperature and muscarinic receptor activities

Lowering temperature from 37 degrees C to 22, 18, and 14 degrees C triggered automaticity of smooth longitudinal muscle of guinea pig isolated ileum. The amplitude of the hypothermia-induced automaticity was dependent on the degree of temperature drop: the greater the temperature drop, the greater the amplitude. However, when the preparation was initially prepared and maintained at 14 degrees C and then the temperature was raised at a similar rate to 18, 22, and 37 degrees C, the automaticity was not observed. This series of observations suggests that cooling rate may be the trigger and/or part of the triggering mechanism for the observed automaticity. Mepenzolate (1.0 x 10(-6) M), a specific muscarinic receptor antagonist, blocked the automaticity suggesting the involvement of muscarinic receptors in the pathogenesis and/or the manifestation of the automaticity. Verapamil (1.0 x 10(-7) M), a calcium channel blocker which inhibits the transmembrane Ca2+ influx into smooth muscle cells during excitation, blocked the automaticity suggesting that transmembrane Ca2+ influx plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and/or manifestation of the automaticity. A specific cytoplasmic calcium channel blocker, 8-(N,N-diethylamino)-octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride (1.0 x 10(-6) M) blocked the automaticity, suggesting that cytoplasmic calcium also plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and/or manifestation of the automaticity. In order to characterize the temperature-induced changes in the muscarinic receptors, an attempt was made to use the classic method of Furchgott and Burstyn to determine the dissociation constants of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors at different temperatures. However, the alkylation of muscarinic receptors with phenoxybenzamine at lower temperatures was erratic and the recovery from the occlusion was too rapid to apply the method of Furchgott and Burstyn. We concluded that the lack of reversibility of the effects of phenoxybenzamine at 37 degrees C is due to the predominance of covalent bonding of phenoxybenzamine with the receptors, whereas at lower temperatures like 24 degrees C, the blockade of the muscarinic receptors by phenoxybenzamine is mainly due to simple occlusion.
Numerical studies of a model fermion–boson system

Abstract We study the spectral and dynamical properties of a simplified model system of interacting fermions and bosons. The spatial discretization and an effective truncation of the Hilbert space permit us to compute the distribution of the bare fermions and bosons in the energy eigenstates of the coupled system. These states represent the physical particles and are used to examine the validity of the analytical predictions by perturbation theory and by the Greenberg–Schweber approximation that assumes all fermions are at rest. As an example of our numerical framework, we examine how a bare electron can trigger the creation of a cloud of virtual bosons around. We relate this cloud to the properties of the associated energy eigenstates.
Bounds and monotonicity for the generalized Robin problem

We consider the principal eigenvalue λ 1Ω(α) corresponding to Δu = λ (α) u in \(\Omega, \frac{\partial u}{\partial v} = \alpha u \) on ∂Ω, with α a fixed real, and \(\Omega \subset {\mathcal{R}}^n\) a C0,1 bounded domain. If α > 0 and small, we derive bounds for λ1Ω(α) in terms of a Stekloff-type eigenvalue; while for α > 0 large we study the behavior of its growth in terms of maximum curvature. We analyze how domain monotonicity of the principal eigenvalue depends on the geometry of the domain, and prove that domains which exhibit domain monotonicity for every α are calibrable. We conjecture that a domain has the domain monotonicity property for some α if and only if it is calibrable.
Coupled nonlinear stationary waves in a plasma

Abstract Coupled nonlinear waves in a plasma can often be expressed in terms of two nonlinear coupled ordinary second order differential equations by making the plane wave ansatz. In general these are quite difficult to solve unless some further drastic assumptions are made, e.g. one of the waves is treated as a driven wave. However, considerable progress can be made if one constant of motion is found. In this case the coupled stationary wave problem can be reduced to the standard classical mechanics problem of a nonlinear Hamiltonian with two degrees of freedom. Such Hamiltonians are known to generate a rich variety of nonlinear solutions which may be periodic, quasiperiodic or sometimes even ‘stochastic’. We obtain this broad range of solutions for the specific problem of nonlinear propagation of relativistically coupled electromagnetic and Langmuir waves in a cold plasma. The solutions (or ‘particle orbits’) are displayed in a Poincare surface of section plots where they are classified and appropriately related to various approximate solutions discussed before.
The English Milk Market

Introduction, 275.— I. Economic and historical background, 276.— II. Relative effects on producers, consumers and distributors, 280.— III. Relative gains of different producer groups, 284.— IV. Problems of production control, 287.— V. Consumption and marketing, 292.— VI. Comparison with the A.A.A. dairy program, 294.
Effects of seed distribution and competitors on seed harvesting efficiency in heteromyid rodents

The foraging strategies of four naturally co-existing heteromyid rodent species were investigated: Dipodomys deserti (≈100 g), D. merriami (≈38 g), Microdipodops pallidus (≈13 g), and Perognathus longimembris (≈7 g). In 208 over-night laboratory foraging trials animals were provided with millet seed distributed in clumped and scattered patterns. Net removal of seeds from the foraging arena and amounts of seeds in cheek pouches and in caches were determined. When alone in an areana none of these species specialized extensively on either clumped or scattered seeds, although each tended to take more clumped than scattered seeds. When placed together with other individuals, animals once again tended to cache more clumped than scattered seeds in all but one paired combination of species: P. longimembris cached more scattered than clumped seeds when opposed by D. deserti. This suggests that the smaller species obtained a less preferred distribution of seeds in the face of competition. The two smaller species showed a great reduction in general foraging success in the presence of either of the two larger species. In general, a species cached less seeds when faced by larger opponent species.
Monopoles and their symmetries

Properties of spherically symmetric monopoles are discussed. Inversion symmetry is also considered.
Couples treatment for major depression: critique of the literature and suggestions for some different directions

Current couples approaches to the treatment of depression show considerable promise for some couples, but have substantial room for improvement - in terms of efficacy as well as applicability and acceptability to a broader population. Although conjoint approaches have been shown to be efficacious in reducing couple distress and are possibly efficacious in ameliorating depression that co-occurs with couple distress, methodological problems hamper generalization from the published findings. Therefore, it is not clear that most depressed persons are likely to benefit from currently available conjoint formats. Most basically, there may often be obstacles that prevent or delay partner involvement, highlighting the need for treatments that can enhance relationship functioning without relying on a conjoint format. Existing treatment delivery systems may also fail to reach a considerable segment of the population. Developing a more flexible set of options for implementing couple-focused treatment, as well as rethinking dominant assumptions about depression, may be integral to extending the viability of couples therapy for depression.
Mirtazapine substitution in SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction

BACKGROUND: Sexual side effects are a common and bothersome reaction to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), frequently leading to cessation of treatment. Mirtazapine, an alpha2-adrenoceptor and serotonin-2/3 receptor antagonist, appears to cause few sexual problems. METHOD: Nineteen patients (12 women and 7 men), with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction who were in remission from major depressive disorder (total Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HAM-D] score < or = 10), were switched to open-label mirtazapine for up to 6 weeks. Mirtazapine was titrated from 7.5 mg to 45 mg daily, as tolerated. Sexual functioning was measured weekly with the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), and depression was measured weekly with the HAM-D. RESULTS: Eleven patients (58%) had a return of normal sexual functioning (mean +/- SD ASEX score = 12+/-3), and another 2 (11%) reported significant improvement in sexual functioning (mean ASEX score reduced from 24+/-1 to 20+/-0). All nineteen patients maintained their antidepressant response (HAM-D score after 6 weeks of mirtazapine = 6+/-3). The most commonly reported side effects (using moderate/severe rating on a symptom checklist) were initial sedation (N = 3), irritability (N = 6), and muscle soreness and stiffness (N = 3). Weight gain of 10 to 20 lb (4.5-9 kg) was seen in 3 patients (2 women and 1 man). CONCLUSION: Mirtazapine is an effective antidepressant for many patients experiencing SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
Electron delocalization in a non-cyclic all-metal III–V cluster

Abstract In this report, we apply the concept of delocalization of electrons in a chain structure to an all-metal system using experimental (photoelectron spectroscopy, velocity map imaging) and first principles theoretical investigations. We show that In 2 Bi − is a triatomic cluster anion with a bent structure, where bismuth is the bridging atom between the two indium atoms. It is found that 6p-electrons (2π and 4σ) are delocalized over the cluster. The In–Bi bond lengths in In 2 Bi − are identical to bond lengths of In 3 Bi, which is an all-metal aromatic system analogue to Al 3 Bi, and are shorter than the rest of In x Bi (−) clusters, showing the presence of a higher bond order.
Pathophysiology of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is estimated to affect 7% to 10% of all pregnancies in the United States. Despite being the leading cause of maternal death and a major contributor of maternal and perinatal morbidity, the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of PIH have not yet been fully elucidated. Studies during the past decade, however, have provided a better understanding of the potential mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of PIH. The initiating event in PIH appears to be reduced uteroplacental perfusion as a result of abnormal cytotrophoblast invasion of spiral arterioles. Placental ischemia is thought to lead to widespread activation/dysfunction of the maternal vascular endothelium that results in enhanced formation of endothelin and thromboxane, increased vascular sensitivity to angiotensin II, and decreased formation of vasodilators such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin. The quantitative importance of the various endothelial and humoral factors in mediating the reduction in renal hemodynamic and excretory function and elevation in arterial pressure during PIH is still unclear. Investigators are also attempting to elucidate the placental factors that are responsible for mediating activation/dysfunction of the maternal vascular endothelium. Microarray analysis of genes within the ischemic placenta should provide new insights into the link between placental ischemia and hypertension. More effective strategies for the prevention of preeclampsia should be forthcoming once the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms that are involved in PIH are completely understood.
1511 IDIOPATHIC HYPERCALCURIA (IHC) AND GROSS HEMATURIA(GH) IN CHILDREN

Although onset of GH prior to calculus formation has been reported, the association of GH and IHC without clinical or radiological evidence of nephrolithiasis has not been described. Six children have been identified who presented with asymptomatic and recurrent GH in whom no calculus could be demonstrated radiographically. Investigations did not reveal any renal or urinary tract pathology which could account for the hematuria. ICH was documented in five; the sixth later passed a calcium oxalate calculus. Five had a family history of renal calculi. Three continued to have recurrent gross and microscopic hematuria with the initial renal calculus developing after 6 months, 5 years and 10 years. Two of the others were started on a thiazide diuretic and the sixth on chlorthalidone soon after onset of hematuria and confirmation of IHC. There was prompt cessation of hematuria without recurrence after 9, 9 and 24 months. We suggest that measurement of urinary calcium excretion as part of the initial evaluation of a child with GH may, in some cases, obviate invasive investigations and allow for effective therapy.
Some Observations on the Creative Process.

A study of formation of visual imagery during various conditions yielded observations supporting the assumption that the creative process reflects both special inborn qualities and a postpartum lif...
The role of the cytoskeleton in capacitaftive calcium entry in myenteric glia

Capacitative calcium entry (CCE) is the process by which intracellular calcium is replenished from the external milieu upon depletion of intracellular stores. CCE is thought to participate in chemotaxis, proliferation and cell signalling. A physical interaction between intracellular stores and the plasma membrane is postulated to regulate CCE. We hypothesized that cytoskeletal disruption alters this interaction, inhibiting CCE in enteric glia. Cultured myenteric glia from neonatal guinea-pigs were treated with cytochalasin D (10 μmol L−1), a microfilament disrupting agent, nocodazole (20 μmol L−1), a microtubule disrupting agent, or vehicle (dimethyl sulphoxide). Intracellular calcium changes were measured using fura-2 microfluorimetry. To evaluate the rate of cation re-entry, barium was substituted for calcium because barium is not sequestered internally. Cytochalasin D-treated glia had diminished CCE responses (57 ± 3 nmol L−1) compared with controls (97 ± 7 nmol L−1) as did nocodazole-treated glia (30 ± 2 nmol L−1) vs controls (77 ± 6 nmol L−1). The proportion of cells demonstrating CCE abolition was greater in the cytochalasin (50 ± 8%) and nocodazole-treated (89 ± 2%) groups compared with controls (21 ± 2%, 40 ± 9%, respectively). Cytochalasin D and nocodazole treatment diminished the rate of cation re-entry based on diminished barium entry in treated vs control cells. From this study, we conclude that disruption of cytoskeletal elements diminishes calcium influx essential to calcium store repletion in myenteric glia.
Solitary dynamo waves

Abstract Long dynamo waves are a characteristic feature of interface dynamo models with spatially localized α and Ω effects. The evolution of such waves is described by the modified Korteweg–de Vries equation. Solutions to this equation take the form of solitary waves, breathers, and snoidal and cnoidal waves, and represent nonlinear waves of magnetic activity that migrate towards the equator, as observed on the Sun. Averaging techniques extend the theory to longer times and relate the amplitude of these waves to the dynamo number.
Transformer oil condition monitoring

Since transformer oils are a vital part of the insulation system, they require regular checking. Oil condition monitoring plays a vital role in assessing plant status and integrity and also in estimating remanent life of the units. It needs to be carried out on a regular basis so that oil deterioration can be detected at an early stage. Yearly intervals are the most common test period. Trends can then be monitored and corrective actions taken at the optimum time. Guidelines for the maintenance of transformer oil in service are published in IEC 422. Whilst some of the oil testing equipment seems expensive, the cost is small in comparison with that associated with insulation failure. Regardless of what test is specified, it is imperative that it be run on a representative liquid sample since accurate sampling is the prerequisite to any standard test. Oil may change appreciably in storage so samples should be tested as soon as possible after removal and dates of sampling and testing recorded. Oil tests performed on site can be the most representative and informative providing cleanliness and quality control are maintained.
Changes in Estrogen Receptor Levels During Deciduomata Development in the Pseudopregnant Rat

A specific cytoplasmic progesterone receptor has been identified and quantified in the deciduomata of the pseudopregnant rat. The receptor had a sedimentation coefficient of 6-7S on sucrose density gradients and was inactivated by proteolytic enzymes, sulfhydryl blocking agents and elevated temperature. The equilibrium association constant for the binding of progesterone by the deciduomal receptor was determined to be approximately 10(9)M-1. The concentrations of progesterone receptor sites in cytosols prepared from deciduomata on day 3 and 5 of decidualization were 3.4 +/- 0.3 X 10(-10)M and 3.6 +/- 0.4 X 10(10)M, respectively, when normalized to a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. These concentrations of progesterone receptor sites were similar to that measured in the uterine cytosol of estrous rats or in the contralateral untreated uterine horn of rats undergoing decidualization. Following day 5 of decidualization the concentrations of progesterone receptor sites decreased linearly so that by day 7 the concentration was approximately one-half that at days 3 and 5. The physiological significance of the progesterone receptor and the decrease in its concentration with time are discussed with regard to their influence on the decidualization reaction.
Mammalian Urea Transporters

▪ Abstract Urea plays a key role in the urine-concentrating mechanism. Physiologic and molecular data demonstrate that urea transport in kidney and red blood cells occurs by specific urea transporter proteins. Two gene families for facilitated urea transporters, UT-A and UT-B, and several urea transporter cDNA isoforms have been cloned from human, rat, mouse, and several non-mammalian species. Polyclonal antibodies have been generated to many of the urea transporter proteins, and several novel findings have resulted from their use in integrative animal studies. For example, (a) vasopressin increases the phosphorylation of UT-A1 in rat inner medullary collecting duct; (b) UT-A1 protein abundance is increased in the rat inner medulla during conditions in which urine-concentrating ability is reduced; and (c) urea transporters are expressed in non-renal tissues, and UT-A protein abundance is up-regulated in uremia in both liver and heart. In addition to the facilitated urea transporters, functional evidence e...
Reinitiation after Translation of Two Upstream Open Reading Frames (ORF) Governs Expression of the ORF35-37 Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Polycistronic mRNA

The Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF36 protein kinase is translated as a downstream gene from the ORF35-37 polycistronic mRNA via a unique mechanism involving short upstream open reading frames (uORFs) located in the 5' untranslated region. Here, we confirm that ORF35-37 is functionally dicistronic during infection and demonstrate that mutation of the dominant uORF restricts KSHV replication. Leaky scanning past the uORFs facilitates ORF35 expression, while a reinitiation mechanism after translation of the uORFs enables ORF36 expression.
MYCORRHIZAL DEPENDENCY OF SEVERAL CITRUS CULTIVARS UNDER THREE NUTRIENT REGIMES

SUMMARY Six citrus cultivars were grown with and without the mycorrhizal fungus Glomus fasciculatus under three fertilizer regimes all without phosphorus. The average mycorrhizal dependency (Gerdemann 1975) of Rough lemon and Brazilian sour orange were greater than the mycorrhizal dependecies of Alemow, Troyer citrange, Bessie sweet orange and Trifoliate orange. The mycorrhizal dependency of each cultivar, except Bessie sweet and Trifoliate orange, was substantially altered by at least one of the fertilizer regimes, and therefore the order of mycorrhizal dependency was different at all three fertilizer regimes. On the average, citrus rootstocks exhibited the greatest mycorrhizal dependency with the least fertilization. The average percentage phosphorus in non-mycorrhizal leaf tissues was inversely correlated with the mycorrhizal dependency of citrus cultivars at the medium fertilizer regime. An inverse correlation was observed between the dry weights of non-mycorrhizal roots of the citrus cultivars and the mycorrhizal dependency of the citrus cultivars.
Minimal forbidden set based heuristics for resource-constrained project scheduling

This paper presents a minimal forbidden set based heuristics for solving resource-constrained project scheduling problems (RCPSP) to minimize project makespan and maximize schedule robustness. The heuristics solves the RCPSP by adding disjunctive arcs into project networks to destroy minimal forbidden set, viz. resolve resource conflicts, so that the resulting networks are precedence and resource feasible. Four priority rules are applied in the heuristics, and they are evaluated by computational experiment citing two sets of instances from problem library PSPLIB. Computational results show that the presented heuristics can generate project schedules of short project makespan and high schedule robustness.
Network coding for large scale content distribution

We propose a new scheme for content distribution of large files that is based on network coding. With network coding, each node of the distribution network is able to generate and transmit encoded blocks of information. The randomization introduced by the coding process eases the scheduling of block propagation, and, thus, makes the distribution more efficient. This is particularly important in large unstructured overlay networks, where the nodes need to make block forwarding decisions based on local information only. We compare network coding to other schemes that transmit unencoded information (i.e. blocks of the original file) and, also, to schemes in which only the source is allowed to generate and transmit encoded packets. We study the performance of network coding in heterogeneous networks with dynamic node arrival and departure patterns, clustered topologies, and when incentive mechanisms to discourage free-riding are in place. We demonstrate through simulations of scenarios of practical interest that the expected file download time improves by more than 20-30% with network coding compared to coding at the server only and, by more than 2-3 times compared to sending unencoded information. Moreover, we show that network coding improves the robustness of the system and is able to smoothly handle extreme situations where the server and nodes leave the system.
A Simplified Fluorometric Method for Determination of Plasma Methotrexate

A method is described for the determination of plasma methotrexate at low concentrations. The method consists of a single fluorescence measurement on plasma proteinfree filtrates after oxidation of the drug with KMnO4 at controlled pH. The complete release of the drug into plasma filtrates is accomplished by heating the reaction mixture in a boiling water bath with occasional stirring.
Downregulation of survivin expression and concomitant induction of apoptosis by celecoxib and its non-cyclooxygenase-2-inhibitory analog, dimethyl-celecoxib (DMC), in tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.

Background 2,5-Dimethyl-celecoxib (DMC) is a close structural analog of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor celecoxib (Celebrex®) that lacks COX-2-inhibitory function. However, despite its inability to block COX-2 activity, DMC is able to potently mimic the anti-tumor effects of celecoxib in vitro and in vivo, indicating that both of these drugs are able to involve targets other than COX-2 to exert their recognized cytotoxic effects. However, the molecular components that are involved in mediating these drugs' apoptosis-stimulatory consequences are incompletely understood.
The Review of the Meetings of the Government of the Russian Federation in February 2015

In February 2015, at the meetings of the Government of the Russian Federation the following issues among other things were discussed: establishment of administrative responsibility for violation of the procedure for carrying out transactions by state (municipal) unitary enterprises or state (municipal) entities and supplying of the data on accounting and management of federal property; upgrading of the system of the secondary vocational training and development of the national system of accreditation.
Retention of the Bub3 checkpoint protein on lagging chromosomes

Accurate chromosome segregation at mitosis is ensured both by the intrinsic fidelity of the mitotic machinery and by the operation of checkpoints that monitor chromosome-microtubule attachment. When unattached kinetochores are present, anaphase is delayed and the time available for chromosome-microtubule capture increases. Genes required for this delay first were identified in budding yeast (the MAD and BUB genes), but it is not yet known how the checkpoint senses unattached chromosomes or how it signals cell-cycle arrest. We report the isolation and analysis of a murine homologue of BUB3, a gene whose deletion abolishes mitotic checkpoint function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. mBub3 belongs to a small gene family that has been highly conserved through evolution. By expressing recombinant proteins in insect cells, we show that mBub3, like yeast Bub3p, binds to Bub1 to form a complex with protein kinase activity. During prophase and prometaphase, preceding kinetochore-microtubule attachment, Bub3 localizes to kinetochores. High levels of mBub3 remain associated with lagging chromosomes but not with correctly aligned chromosomes during metaphase, consistent with a role for Bub3 in sensing microtubule attachment. Intriguingly, the number of lagging chromosomes with high Bub3 staining increases dramatically in cells treated with low (and pharmacologically relevant) concentrations of the chemotherapeutic taxol and the microtubule poison nocodazole.
mRNA localization in polarized intestinal epithelial cells.

An important feature of enterocyte maturation is the asymmetrical distribution of cellular functions including protein localization. mRNA sorting is one mechanism for establishment and maintenance ...
Demonstrating sustainable success: Using ethnographic interviews to document the impact of the Affinity Research Group model

The Affinity Research Group (ARG) is a model of undergraduate research that extends the undergraduate research experience to a broad range of students by providing opportunities to learn and integrate the knowledge and skills that are required for research with those required for cooperative work. ARG creates an integrated research environment in which a collective of diverse students and faculty contribute to the research effort. The framework and pedagogy enable faculty to create and sustain a cooperative environment that explicitly develops skills needed for success in research, academe, and the workforce. This paper describes a qualitative design used to investigate ARG. The objectives of the effort were to gather alumni descriptions and to gauge the long-term effects of their experiences in the research group. The study shows that former ARG members readily describe specific aspects of the ARG model, such as paper and presentation critiques, through which they developed technical and social skills that they continue to use in the workplace and that they believe have contributed significantly to their professional mobility and success. To ground the findings, the paper relates components of the ARG model to sociocultural learning theory.
The feasibility of the north-eastern USA supporting the return of the cougar Puma concolor

The cougar Puma concolor was part of the pre- European fauna of the north-eastern USA. It was extirpated in the late 1800s and since the late 1900s there have been discussions concerning its reintroduction to the region. One site considered is Adirondack State Park in northern New York. In 1981 an assessment of the feasibility of returning cougars concluded that the Park had adequate prey and forest cover to support a small population of cougars but that conflicts with humans would cause the demise of this population within 10 years. Thus reintroduc- tion at that time was not advised. Since then knowledge of cougar ecology and how cougars interact with humans has increased substantially. Based on information compiled since the 1980s I conducted a landscape-scale analysis to assess whether cougars could live in the Park. The results indicate that cougars could occupy 15,300-17,000 km 2 (61- 69%) of the Park, with minimal contact with human habitation. Based on reported cougar densities the Park could support a population of 150-350 cougars. These cougars would consume ,10% of the adult deer population annually and fawn production would be sufficient to replace these losses. Human and road densities in the Park are similar to those of the Black Hills, South Dakota and southern Florida, both of which have viable populations of cougars. I concluded that Adirondack State Park could supportapopulationofcougars. Whatisnowrequiredisthe will to bring them back.
High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing of Mango Puree Containing Antibrowning Agents

Natural mango puree and purees containing cysteine (Cys, 200 ppm) or ascorbic acid (AA, 500ppm) were treated at high hydrostatic pressure, HHP (379 to 586 MPa) for selected times (0, 0.033, 5, 10, 15 and 20min) to assess changes in polyphenoloxidase (PPO) activity. Mango purees were stored at 31°C. Colour parameters (L*, a* and b*) were analysed to evaluate colour stability. PPO activity was inhibited from 93.8 to 89.7 or 85.5 enzyme activity units (EAU) after adding AAor Cys, respectively. Such inhibition was improved after applying HHP, by an average of 69.5± 10.6, 4.2 ± 2.2 and 47.0 ± 35.2 EAU for natural purees, purees containing ascorbic acid or cysteine, respectively. No significant differences (p≥ 0.05) were observed in PPO activity at 448, 517 and 586 MPa after 10 or 20 min of treatment for natural mango puree and puree containing cysteine. The total colour difference (Δ E*) increased as storage time increased. However, this colour difference was barely noticeable (p≥ 0.05) after 27 days of storag...
5.8 GHz broadened beam-width rectifying antennas using non-uniform antenna arrays

In this paper, 5.8 GHz uniform and non-uniform rectennas are developed and their performance is explored. The circular polarized gain of both rectennas is larger than 14 dBi and their axial ratio is smaller than 1.81 dB. A CPS band-pass filter is used to suppress the reradiated harmonic signals of the fundamental frequency, i.e., 11.6 GHz, by over 32 dB. The conversion efficiencies of the uniform and the non-uniform rectennas are 75.4% and 72.1%, respectively.
Separation of cochannel GSM signals using an adaptive array

The Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) is a digital cellular radio network that employs time division multiple access (TDMA). In such a cellular system, frequencies are reused in different regions for spectral efficiency, and thus, the transmissions in a given cell can interfere with those in distant cells. This cochannel interference can be a major impairment to the signal of interest. In this paper, we describe a beamformer and equalizer system that is capable of separating and demodulating several cochannel GSM signals. The signal model includes intersymbol interference (ISI) induced by the Gaussian transmit filter, and the channel model incorporates multipath propagation and additive white Gaussian noise. The GSM synchronization sequences are used to compute the beamformer weights and achieve frame synchronization simultaneously. Decision-feedback equalization is employed to compensate for the transmit filter ISI and to demodulate the data.
The craft of reference: the Welsh language and the division of labor in nineteenth century slate quarries

If non-quarriers in Wales came to see the Welsh language and slate-quarrying to be intrinsically, indeed ethnically, linked (Merfyn Jones, 1986, 1992), this was so only because the quarriers themselves had earlier on articulated a linguistic ideology that seemed to make their linguistic Welshness an integral ‘factor of production’ that confirmed them in their role as workers. However, the linguistic ideology was not one which presented linguistically different groups being differentially recruited to an autonomously existing division of labor by virtue of ethno-linguistic distinction, a colonial regime of ‘linguistic division of labor’ (adapted from Hechter’s ‘cultural division of labor’; Hechter, 1975, 1976). Rather, importantly, the quarriers themselves preferred to view their linguistic differences from the owners as being partially constitutive of the division of labor itself, a factor of production, so that Welshness was part of the ‘craft of reference’ that enabled aWelsh worker to properly assess slate rock referentially (which had crucial importance in wage negotations, as I will show below), part of a Putnamian ‘division of linguistic labor’. This paper seeks, by focussing in ethnographic detail on the speech genres that constituted the wage Language & Communication 21 (2001) 209–223 www.elsevier.com/locate/langcom
Prenatal exposure to 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE) in relation to child growth

OBJECTIVE To examine the relation between prenatal 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p'-DDE) exposure (a metabolite of the insecticide DDT) and child growth during the first 7 years of life. Design Prospective cohort study. Participants 1,712 children born between 1959 and 1966 with measured p,p'-DDE concentrations in their mother's serum samples from pregnancy. Setting Multicenter US Collaborative Perinatal Project (CPP). RESULTS The highest prenatal concentrations of p,p'-DDE (>or=60 microg/l), as compared with the lowest (<15 microg/l), were associated with decreased height at age 1 year [adjusted coefficient (SE) = -0.72 cm (0.37), n = 1,540], 4 years [-1.14 cm (0.56), n = 1,289], and 7 years [-2.19 (0.46), n = 1,371]. Among subjects in lower categories of exposure no association was observed. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that high prenatal exposure to p,p'-DDE decreases height in children. Impaired growth may be a general indicator of toxicity and suggests that specific organ systems (e.g. endocrine) could be affected.
Mechanism of Action of the Fungicide Thiabendazole, 2-(4′-Thiazolyl) Benzimidazole

Thiabendazole, 2-(4'-thiazolyl) benzimidazole (TBZ) inhibited the growth of Penicillium atrovenetum at 8 to 10 mug/ml. Oxygen consumption with exogenous glucose was inhibited at 20 mug/ml, but endogenous respiration required more than 100 mug/ml. TBZ inhibited completely the following systems of isolated heart or fungus mitochondria: reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase, succinic oxidase, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-cytochrome c reductase, and succinic-cytochrome c reductase at concentrations of 10, 167, 10, and 0.5 mug/ml, respectively. Cytochrome c oxidase was not inhibited. Antimycin A and sodium azide caused the usual inhibition patterns for both fungus and heart terminal electron transport systems. In the presence of antimycin, the fungicide inhibited completely succinate-dichloro-phenolindophenol reductase and succinate-2, 2-di-p-nitrophenyl-(3, 3-dimethoxy-4, 4-biphenylene-5, 5-diphenylditetrazolium)-reductase at 2 and 4 mug of TBZ per ml, respectively. Coenzyme Q reductase required 15 mug/ml. TBZ reduced the uptake by P. atrovenetum of glucose and amino acids and decreased the synthesis of various cell components. At 120 mug/ml, the incorporation of labeled carbon from amino acids-U-(14)C was decreased: lipid, 73%; nucleic acids, 80%; protein, 80%; and a residual fraction, 89%. TBZ did not inhibit peptide synthesis in a cell-free protein-synthesizing system from Rhizoctonia solani. Probably the primary site of inhibition is the terminal electron transport system and other effects are secondary.
Race and the Issue of National Indentity in Israel

For more than century, race was a major interest in anthropology. Buildingon Johan Blumenbach's 1795 color classificaiton dividing humanity into white, black, brown, yellow and red, anthropologists further subdivided the people of the world into finer taxonomic categories. Hair form, shape of the nose, pigmentation of the eyes and the hair, stature, and the shaps of the head were among the many characteristics race classifiers added to skin color to enable them to fit populations into the typologies they designed. By the end of the 19th century, numerous races and subraces had been described, laying the groundwork for the direction the discipline would follow until the mid-20th century. It was expected that the development and refinement of a racial typology would lead to a framework for tracing lines of human evolution and routes of human migration.
Minimizing Observation Points for Fault Location

We investigate the benefit of inserting observation points in a circuit in order to improve its diagnostic resolution. The insertion of the points is done so that each fault has a unique signature on these points under at least one of the applied test patterns. The observation points are scan-like elements that serve as test-phase outputs and can be organized in and observed through one or multiple chains. Experimental results show good tradeoffs between number of observation points that need to be inserted and diagnostic resolution achieved.
Throughput of Slotted ALOHA with Encoding Rate Optimization and Multipacket Reception

This paper considers a slotted ALOHA random access system where users send packets to a common receiver with multipacket reception capability. A collection of m users access the shared medium independently of each other with probability p and, upon access, they choose an encoding rate. A collision occurs when the sum of the rates of all the users exceeds the capacity of the channel. We analytically characterize as a function of m and p the encoding rate which maximizes the expected global thoughput of the system. It is shown that for any value of p the throughput converges to one when m tends to infinity, hence there is no loss due to packet collisions. This is in striking contrast with the well known behavior of slotted ALOHA systems in which users cannot adjust the encoding rate. In that case the throughput decreases to zero as the number of users increases. Finally, assuming that users are selfish, we characterize the encoding rate which maximizes the expected individual throughput of each user, and show that the corresponding Nash equilibrium is not globally optimum.
The Effect of Low Ionic Strength Extracellular Solutions on the Resting Potential in Skeletal Muscle Fibers

Intracellular measurements of the resting potential were made in fibers of the frog sartorius muscle in solutions of varying salt composition and concentration to determine the effects of low ionic strength extracellular solutions on the resting potential. Changes in the glass microelectrode tip potential in low ionic strength solutions were minimized by adding ThCl4 to the extracellular solution. These experimental conditions allowed measurement of the relationship of the resting potential to the concentration of the salt in the extracellular solution by replacing it with the nonionic substance, sucrose. Substitution of sucrose for the extracellular NaCl produced a stable depolarization which was logarithmically related to the NaCl concentration. Substitution of sucrose for choline Cl, instead of NaCl, produced the same degree of depolarization. When Na salts of anions less permeable than chloride (Br, I, NO3) were used, the resting potentials in 116 mM solutions were close to those with chloride (±3mv). The depolarizations produced in low ionic strength solutions of these salts were significantly less than those with chloride.
Efficient propagation for face annotation in family albums

In this paper, we propose and investigate a new user scenario for face annotation, in which users are allowed to multi-select a group of otogras and assign names to these otogras. The system will then attempt to propagate names from otogra level to face level, i.e. to infer the correspondence between name and face. Given the face similarity measure which combines methodologies from face recognition and content-based image retrieval, we formulate name propagation as an optimization problem. We define the objective function as the sum of similarities between each pair of faces of the same individual in different otogras, and propose an iterative optimization algorithm to infer the optimal correspondence. To make the propagation result reliable, a reject scheme is adopted to reject those with low confidence scores. Furthermore, we investigate the combination and alternation of browsing mode for propagation and viewer mode for annotation, so that each mode can benefit from additional inputs from the other mode. The experimental evaluation has been conducted within a typical family album of over one thousand otogras and the results show that the proposed approach is effective and efficient in automated face annotation in family albums.
Studies directed towards the total synthesis of morphine alkaloids

Abstract Application of metallated enamines to the synthesis of morphine related congeners is reported. A formal total synthesis of (±)-morphine has been completed.
Lens thickness with age and accommodation by optical coherence tomography.

Purpose To utilize time-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure changes in the crystalline lens with age and accommodation.
RETURN RATE, FIDELITY, AND DISPERSAL IN A BREEDING POPULATION OF FLAMMULATED OWLS (OTUS FLAMMEOLUS)

Abstract We estimated annual return rate, fidelity, and breeding dispersal in a migratory population of Flammulated Owls (Otus flammeolus) in central Colorado. Return rates, based on capture-recapture histories of 39 males and 52 females from 1981 to 2003, were higher for males (84%) than for females (45%). Annual recapture probability was higher for females, because breeders are easier to capture than nonbreeders and females always attempted to nest, whereas some males were unpaired (did not nest) for up to four years. Territory fidelity was male biased (92%, vs. 56% for females, adjusted for undetected emigration), and mean tenure on territories was more than twice as long for males as for females. Females, but not males, had lower return rates to territories in the year following nesting failure compared with females whose nests were successful. Most males appeared to occupy one territory their entire reproductive lives, countering predictions of habitat-selection models that individuals should move to...
Calcium recruitment in renal vasculature: NE effects on blood flow and cytosolic calcium concentration.

This study provides new information about the relative importance of Ca2+ mobilization and entry in the renal vascular response to adrenoceptor activation. We measured renal blood flow (RBF) in Spr...
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF PAVEMENT MARKINGS: ON PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE BRIDGE DECKS

The performance of sixteen different pavement marking materials including waterborne traffic paint, thermoplastic, preformed thermoplastic, epoxy, polyurea, modified urethane, methyl methacrylate, and durable tapes, was evaluated on selected Portland cement concrete bridge decks, connected to mainline asphalt pavement, located in Ashland and Richland counties in ODOT District 3 along interstate I-71. Each material was installed in four locations along the three lanes of the interstate. Yellow was installed on the left edge line and white was installed on the two lane lines and the right edge line. All materials were installed in 150-mil grooves to ensure that all traces of the old thermoplastic have been completely removed eliminating its effect on the newly installed products. The groove depth selected was the same as the transverse tines depth on the bridge decks. The performance evaluation lasted for slightly over two years. The average daily traffic (ADT) was 42,000 for both directions. Two handheld LTL-X retroreflectometers were used for measuring retroreflectivity and one MiniScan XE Plus colorimeter was used for taking color readings. The evaluation included subjectively rating daytime color, nighttime visibility, and durability in accordance to Supplemental 1047 (dated April 18, 2008). The performance evaluation results obtained during the periodic evaluations were compared to preselected milestone performance criteria. The service life of each marking material was predicted using different mathematical models that estimated the time required for retroreflectivity to drop to a threshold value of 150 mcd/m2/lux for white markings and 100 mcd/m2/lux for yellow markings. The service life predictions were then used to calculate the life cycle costs of the marking materials in order to determine their cost effectiveness.
Longitudinal association between toenail zinc levels and the incidence of diabetes among American young adults: The CARDIA Trace Element Study

Data on primary prevention of zinc status and diabetes risk are sparse and inconsistent. Of note, the previous studies measured either dietary zinc intake with questionnaire or zinc status in serum or hair. Toenail zinc levels are reliable biomarkers of a relatively long-term exposure. A total of 3,960 American young adults, aged 20–32 years, free of diabetes at baseline in 1987 when toenail clippings were collected, were examined for incident diabetes through 2010. Toenail zinc levels were measured with an inductively-coupled-plasma mass spectroscopy method. Incident diabetes cases were identified by fasting or non-fasting plasma glucose levels, oral glucose tolerance tests, hemoglobin A1C levels, and/or antidiabetic medications. During the 23-year follow-up, 418 incident diabetes occurred. After adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, study center, body mass index, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, family history of diabetes, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and other dietary and non-dietary potential confounders, the hazard ratio of incident diabetes comparing the highest to the lowest quartile of toenail zinc levels was 1.21 (95% CI: 0.90–1.63; Ptrend = 0.20). Findings from this study do not support the hypothesis that zinc status is inversely and longitudinally associated with the incidence of diabetes in American young adults.
The Effects of Low Dietary Salt on Egg Productioni

Abstract Diets calculated to be deficient in dietary salt were fed in a controlled experiment to individually caged chickens in egg production to evaluate the susceptibility of laying hens to less than the National Research Council’s (N.R.C.) recommended level, 0.370% salt. The response of 600 laying hens was evaluated on either the control diet, which had 0.500% dietary salt added, or for one of these assumed to be deficient. These diets had either 0.250%, 0.125% or 0.000% dietary salt added to practical diets. Significant declines in egg production resulted for the 0.000% groups. These birds were then returned to the control diet and immediately recovered as measured by egg production rate. Complete recovery was achieved in four weeks. The regression analysis shows that the 0.250% and 0.125% groups also decline in egg production rates as compared to the controls. However, the decline trend in these groups became evident after a delayed period of four to five weeks following treatments. Low dietary salt significantly reduced body weight and feed consumption among layers 56 weeks of age or older. Over 60% of the hens subject to the zero (0.000%) added salt (NaCl) level were in heavy molt during the third week of treatment. The low salt treatments did not have any significant effects on egg weight, egg shell thickness, shell strength or albumen height.