cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ozone based atomic layer deposition of high-K dielectrics for graphene device applications

The initial growth mechanism of Al 2 0 3 films deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using trimethylaluminum (TMA) and ozone as a precursor and an oxidant, respectively, on Highly Ordered Pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) has been investigated. Trimethylaluminum (TMA)/water ALD process has been reported to deposit Al 2 0 3 along the step edges of HOPG while ozone process induce nucleation sites leading to a conformal deposition on the basal plane and step edges. Here we demonstrate a uniform and conformal Al 2 0 3 deposited at 25°C from 6 cycles of (TMA)/ozone as a seed layer toward the integration of high-K dielectrics for top-gated graphene devices. Through this decoration of nucleation sites on graphene due to ozone, we investigate the mechanism of the ozone based process.
The Importance of Cell Size in the Water Relations of Plants

Several structural changes in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) leaves attendant on development under conditions of water deficit were examined. Cell size was less and cell wall thickness greater in the leaves of stressed plants than in leaves of well-watered plants. A short review of the literature suggested that the lesser cell size is a fairly general observation and that it may contribute to plant resistance to moisture stress. A simple model is developed to investigate the influence of the reduction of cell size on cellular water relations. The predictions which can be drawn from simulations with this model are that smaller cells should maintain turgor to lower values of water potential than larger cells. Rather large changes in cell water relations are predicted for small changes in cell size. These effects are related principally to the changing proportion of cell water which resides in the cell wall and is external to the plasmalemma and the osmotic adjustment system. This prediction is in agreement with several observerations on the behavior of stress-hardened plants and supports the hypothesis that plants or tissues with the smaller cell size will be more tolerant of low water potential.
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) and Interstate Conflict: Parsing Out IGO Effects for Alternative Dimensions of Conflict in Postcommunist Space

While the relationship between intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) and conflict has captured the attention of international relations scholars for decades, the empirical results of this research agenda have presented contradictory conclusions regarding the pacifying effect normally attributed to IGOs. We address these contradictions by refocusing primarily on potential IGO effects on low-severity conflicts. We examine new states in the postcommunist space spanning Europe and Central Asia as a useful research site to explore these relationships in the post-Cold War era. We argue that especially in the case of newly emerging states, where there is little institutional memory and long-term experience in foreign affairs, IGOs expose differential policy preferences between members, and such information should be associated with the likelihood of increased low levels of conflict. We find a strong association between shared IGO membership and low severity conflict, a significant relationship between low and high severity conflict, and differences between IGO membership effects on low versus high severity conflict, consistent with our theoretical argument.
Solar UVB Dosimetry by Amplification of Short and Long Segments in Phage LD DNA

DNA UVB dosimeters, consisting of minidots of dried bacteriophage DNA placed on a UV-transparent polymer film, were analyzed by polymerase chain reactions (PCR). Ultraviolet-B dosimetry obtained with amplification of phage lambda DNA of segments of 1.08 kilobase pairs (kbp) and 2.24 kbp was compared with that obtained with amplification of a 0.5 kbp segment (H. Yoshida and J. D. Regan, 66, 82-88, Photochem. Photobiol. 1997). The number of lesions in each segment induced by UV radiation is proportional to the size of the amplified segments; thus, the average lesion frequency per unit dose was greatest in the 2.24 kbp and least in the 0.5 kbp segment. The average lesion frequency per unit dose was approximately 3.5 x 10(-2) and approximately 11.9 x 10(-2) m2 kJ-1 for 1.08 kbp and 2.24 kbp, respectively, compared to that for 0.5 kbp of approximately 1.7 x 10(-2) m2 kJ-1 at 50 ng DNA. Dependability of DNA dosimeters, containing 50 ng and 100 ng, was tested by placing the DNA dosimeters for a time period of either 1 or 2 days outdoors on 8-12 January at Melbourne, FL. The daily dose was obtained directly with amplification of the 2.24 kbp segment and the 2 day continuous dose was obtained with amplification of the 1.08 kbp segment. Although the average lesion frequencies were different, both 50 ng and 100 ng DNA dosimeters provided about the same UVB dose, equivalent to the dose applied with a solar UVB simulator. The total UVB dose for 4 days obtained by amplification of the 1.08 and 2.24 kbp segments was 19.4-20.8 kJ m-2, which is within experimental error with the 4 day continuous dose obtained with 0.5 kbp segments. The average daily dose obtained by 0.5 kbp and 1.08 kbp agreed with the average daily dose directly obtained with 2.24 kbp.
Direct measurement of the quantum yield for the creation of mobile excitons from localized states using optically detected electron spin coherence

Abstract Optically detected spin locking and adiabatic demagnetization in the rotating frame are used to directly measure the rate constants for trap-to-band promotion and trap-to-trap energy migration in 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene. Comparison of these rate constants at a given temperature gives the quantum yield for the decay of a promoted localized state into a mobile exciton state. Its dependence on temperature is also determined.
Effect of lithium on pancreatic islet insulin release.

Lithium exerts an inhibitory effect on glucose and amino acid-induced insulin release. The inhibitory effect of Li+ persists even in subsequent Li+- free conditions, indicating an only slowly reversible effect. Lithium fails to inhibit glucagon-induced insulin release. The exact mechanism of the lithium effect is as yet undetermined, but interference with calcium flux and/or microtubular function is an attractive hypothesis. The inhibitory effect of lithium on insulin release cannot be reversed by alteration in ionic (Ca++, Mg++, K+) concentrations in the incubation media. Studies involving the effect of low sodium on insulin release in which lithium had been used as an osmotic replacement for sodium must be carefully reassessed because of these findings. (Endocrinology 102: 291, 1978)
Full-length DQβ cDNA sequences of HLA-DR2/DQw1 subtypes: Genetic interactions between two DQβ loci generate human class II HLA diversity

Abstract Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of DQ molecules from three different Dw subtypes (Dw2, Dw12, and Dw21/FJO) of the HLA-DR2/DQw1 haplotype reveals that one αβ heterodimer of DQ molecule is expressed by each subtype and the DQB chain is electrophoretically variable among the three DR2/DQw1 subtypes. We have constructed cDNA libraries from the same homozygous typing cells used in the two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analyses (HTC VYT for Dw2, HTC DHO for Dw12, and HTC FJO for Dw21/FJO) and isolated DQβ cDNA clones with full-length coding sequences for each subtype. The deduced amino acid sequences show that the DQβ chains of these three DR2/DQw1 subtypes are highly polymorphic and confirm their electrophoretic heterogeneity: for a mature protein of 229 amino acids, they differ with each other by 10–17 amino acids in the first domain and by 3–7 residues in the C-terminal sequence. Comparison among the available DQβ sequences representing the four major DQ specificities (DQw1, DQw2, DQw3, and DQw4) in the DQ subregion as defined by serologic method suggests that (1) DR2, Dw2, DQw1 and DR3, DQw2 haplotypes probably interact with each other to generate the DQw3 and DQw4 β alleles and (2) an evolutionary scheme may be proposed to relate the various β alleles of the four major DQ specificities.
Crystallization Optimum Solubility Screening: using crystallization results to identify the optimal buffer for protein crystal formation.

An optimal solubility screen is described that uses the results of crystallization trials to identify buffers that improve protein solubility and, in turn, crystallization success. This screen is useful not only for standard crystallization experiments, but also can easily be implemented into any high-throughput structure-determination pipeline. As a proof of principle, the predicted novel-fold protein AF2059 from Archaeoglobus fulgidus, which was known to precipitate in most buffers and particularly during concentration experiments, was selected. Using the crystallization results of 192 independent crystallization trials, it was possible to identify a buffer containing 100 mM CHES pH 9.25 that significantly improves its solubility. After transferring AF2059 into this `optimum-solubility' buffer, the protein was rescreened for crystal formation against these same 192 conditions. Instead of extensive precipitation, as observed initially, it was found that 24 separate conditions produced crystals and the exchange of AF2059 into CHES buffer significantly improved crystallization success. Fine-screen optimization of these conditions led to the production of a crystal suitable for high-resolution (2.2 A) structure determination.
Identities in motion: Social exchange networks and rural- urban migration in Bangladesh:

Expanding on work that demonstrates the importance of rural resources (land, manpower) on rural-urban migrant success in Bangladesh, the article incorporates the role of an expanding network of village-based social connections in perpetuating the flow of migration and ensuring migrant success. As kin groups, lineages, and entire villages shift from their home settings to major cities, identities that had little meaning in the local context are mobilised to create trust between past and future migrants. Identity- based migration opportunities function as a new source of capital in a society with severe constraints on formal credit and insurance markets, allowing small landholders to pre serve their livelihood in exchange for allegiance to an increasingly influential group of urban gatekeepers. This fluid notion of identity often bends to more traditional social and economic concerns, however, generating a network whose membership is determined as much by pre-existing social relationships, spatial proximity...
Exhaled breath condensate collection in the mechanically ventilated patient

Summary Collection of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a non-invasive means of sampling the airway-lining fluid of the lungs. EBC contains numerous measurable mediators, whose analysis could change the management of patients with certain pulmonary diseases. While initially popularized in investigations involving spontaneously breathing patients, an increasing number of studies have been performed using EBC in association with mechanical ventilation. Collection of EBC in mechanically ventilated patients follows basic principles of condensation, but is influenced by multiple factors. Effective collection requires selection of a collection device, adequate minute ventilation, low cooling temperatures, and sampling times of greater than 10 min. Condensate can be contaminated by saliva, which needs to be filtered. Dilution of samples occurs secondary to distilled water in vapors and humidification in the ventilator circuit. Dilution factors may need to be employed when investigating non-volatile biomarkers. Storage and analysis should occur promptly at −70 °C to −80 °C to prevent rapid degradation of samples. The purpose of this review is to examine and describe methodologies and problems of EBC collection in mechanically ventilated patients. A straightforward and safe framework has been established to investigate disease processes in this population, yet technical aspects of EBC collection still exist that prevent clinical practicality of this technology. These include a lack of standardization of procedure and analysis of biomarkers, and of normal reference ranges for mediators in healthy individuals. Once these procedural aspects have been addressed, EBC could serve as a non-invasive alternative to invasive evaluation of lungs in mechanically ventilated patients.
GPR15-mediated homing controls immune homeostasis in the large intestine mucosa

Lymphocyte homing, which contributes to inflammation, has been studied extensively in the small intestine, but there is little known about homing to the large intestine, the site most commonly affected in inflammatory bowel disease. GPR15, an orphan heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding protein (G protein)-coupled receptor, controlled the specific homing of T cells, particularly FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs), to the large intestine lamina propria (LILP). GPR15 expression was modulated by gut microbiota and transforming growth factor-β1, but not by retinoic acid. GPR15-deficient mice were prone to develop more severe large intestine inflammation, which was rescued by the transfer of GPR15-sufficient Tregs. Our findings thus describe a T cell-homing receptor for LILP and indicate that GPR15 plays a role in mucosal immune tolerance largely by regulating the influx of Tregs.
SME filter approach to multiple target tracking with radar measurements

The symmetric measurement equation (SME) filter approach to track maintenance in multiple target tracking (MTT) is extended to the case when the position measurements are obtained from a radar. A key property of the SME filter is that there is no need to consider target/measurement associations to carry out target state estimation, which results in a substantial reduction in the computational complexity of the MTT problem. In the paper the SME filter is developed for the case of N targets moving in three-dimensional space whose motions consist of random perturbations about constant-velocity trajectories. It is assumed that noisy measurements of the spherical co-ordinate positions (ranges, elevation and azimuth angles) of the N targets are available. The work is focused on the case when the symmetric measurement equations are formed by taking sums of products of the Cartesian coordinate position measurements that are generated from the spherical co-ordinate position measurements. The performance of the SME filter is investigated by generating a computer simulation in the six-target case.
The effect of 2-(4-chlorophenylthio)-triethylamine hydrochloride on the formation of carotenoids in citrus

Abstract 2-(4-Chlorophenylthio)triethylamine hydrochloride (CPTA) has a profound effect on the formation of carotenoids in the fruit of the trigeneric citrus hybrid Sinton citrangequat . When CPTA is applied to the immature green fruit and the fruit is allowed to ripen to full maturity and color, lycopene accumulates as the main pigment and is responsible for the rich color in the flavedo. Synthesis of methylketone carotenoids which normally produce the red color in the flavedo is inhibited. Treatment with CPTA after the fruits had attained near full maturity and color results in the accumulation of lycopene as a major pigment; no response is apparent in the previously formed methylketone carotenoids. Treatment with CPTA at immature green, mature green or nearly mature stages of fruit development, stimulates the synthesis of lycopene as the principal pigment or as a major pigment depending on stage of development.
Effects of coil design on delivery of focal magnetic stimulation. Technical considerations

The localization of effects from magnetic coil stimulation is not immediately obvious. We measured the magnetic fields produced by several different coils and compared the results with theoretical calculations. Magnetic stimuli were delivered from a Cadwell MES-10 magnetic stimulator using 3 circular coils (one 9 cm in diameter; two with an angulated extension, 5 and 9 cm in diameter) and twin oval coils arranged in a butterfly shape (each coil approximately 4 cm in diameter) and from a Novametrix Magstim 200 using two circular flat-spiral coils (6.7 and 14 cm in diameter). Peak-induced strength of the magnetic field was recorded with a measuring loop (1 cm in diameter) at different distances from the center of the coil. When the measuring loop was moved in the same plane laterally from the center of the coil, for all coils except the butterfly-shaped coil, the field was highest in the center and fell off near the circumference of the coil. The field dropped progressively when measurements were made more distant from the plane of the coils. The electric field induced from the magnetic coil could be calculated from the coil geometry. For all coils except the butterfly-shaped coil, the largest electric field was at the circumference of the coils. The 6.7 cm flat-spiral coil induced currents similar to those induced by the larger coils but more focally. The butterfly-shaped coil induced the largest currents under its center, where the circumferences of the two component coils come together. The component of the electric field parallel to the wire in the center of this coil was the largest and most localized.
Closing the Pylorus Decreases the Size of Large Meals in the Rat

Abstract Davis, J. D., G. P. Smith, and J. L. Sayler. Closing the pylorus decreases the size of large meals in rats. PHYSIOL BEHAV 63(2) 191–196, 1998.—We previously reported (Davis, J. D.; Smith G. P.; Sayler, J. L. Reduction of intake in the rat due to gastric filling. Am. J. Physiol. 272:R1599–R1605, 1997.) that confining ingested fluid to the stomach by closing the pylorus decreased the intake of solutions that stimulated particularly large intakes. Those solutions differed in the type of orosensory and postoral stimulation so the nature of the control over ingestion was unclear. We report here a study of the role of orosensory stimulation alone in controlling intake in rats with a closed pylorus. Rats were given 30-min intake tests with the pylorus open and closed with 0.2 M glucose, and with 0.2 M glucose + 1.25 mM sodium saccharin, 2.5 mM sodium saccharin and 5.0 mM sodium saccharin. Intake was reduced on the cuff-closed test relative to the cuff-open test with the two highest concentrations of saccharin, but not with the two lowest. When ingesting the glucose solutions with the two highest concentrations of saccharin the initial rate of ingestion was greater and the decline in the rate of ingestion was slower than when the rats ingested the glucose solutions with 1.25 mM saccharin or no saccharin. We showed by means of a meta-analysis of previously published and unpublished data that a high rate of licking at the beginning of a test combined with a relatively slow rate of decline in the rate of licking during it are the characteristics of ingestive behavior on cuff-open tests that will lead to a reduction of intake when ingested fluid is confined to the stomach.
Regulation of neuronal KCa channels by β-neuregulin-1 does not require activation of Ras-MEK-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling cascades

Endogenous beta-neuregulin-1 is required for the plasma membrane expression of large-conductance (BK-type) Ca2+-activated K+ channels in developing chick ciliary neurons of the chick ciliary ganglion. During normal development, beta-neuregulin-1 acts in concert with transforming growth factor-beta1 to stimulate movement of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels from intracellular stores into the plasma membrane, although these two growth factors preferentially act on different intracellular pools. We have previously shown that actions of transforming growth factor-beta1 on ciliary neurons require activation of phosphoinositol 3-kinase and Akt, as well as a parallel cascade composed of the small GTPase Ras and a mitogen-activated protein kinase (extracellular signal-regulated kinase). In addition, we have shown that the actions of beta-neuregulin-1 require activation of phosphoinositol 3-kinase and the protein kinase Akt. Here we examine whether beta-neuregulin-1-evoked mobilization of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels also requires activation of a Ras-extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling cascade. We observed that application of beta-neuregulin-1 caused a robust and MEK1/2-dependent increase in extracellular signal-regulated kinase diphosphorylation that indicates activation of this signaling cascade in ciliary ganglion neurons, similar to what we have previously observed for transforming growth factor-beta1. However, activation of this cascade is not necessary for beta-neuregulin-1-evoked mobilization because stimulation of macroscopic large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels persisted in cells treated with the MEK1/2 inhibitors PD98059 or U0126, in cells over-expressing dominant-negative forms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and in cells treated with the Ras inhibitor FTI-277. These results indicate that the mechanisms that underlie beta-neuregulin-1 and transforming growth factor-beta1 mobilization of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels are only partly overlapping, possibly because they cause recruitment of spatially distinct signaling complexes.
Study of the kinetics for a catalyzed reaction using gas chromatography

Abstract A technique was used which allowed us to study the kinetics of vapor phase catalysis reactions occurring in a gas chromatographic column. The chemical ”reactor“ is actually the front section of the chromatographic column in the injection port of the chromatograph. The first order decomposition of isopropanol over MnO was the model reaction with which the system is demonstrated. A series of experiments at various flow-rates and temperatures was conducted in order to obtain the kinetic data. Analysis of these data indicated excellent agreement with literature values for the activation energy of the reaction.
The interaction of Cu and S2 with aluminum and alumina surfaces: a comparative study

Abstract The bonding interactions between Cu and Al are much stronger than those between Cu and Al2O3. Cu atoms supported on alumina show a narrow 3d band with a centroid shifted ∼0.35 eV with respect to that of the 3d band in bulk metallic Cu. In contrast, Cu atoms deposited on aluminum exhibit shifts of 1.3–1.6 eV in the centroid of the 3d band. Similar differences are observed when comparing the behavior of Ag and Pt overlayers on alumina and aluminum. The d band shifts on the oxide substrate are in the order of 0.3–0.4 eV, whereas on the metal substrate they vary from 0.8 to 2.0 eV. These trends are explained in terms of a simple model that takes into account changes in the energy of the Al(3s, 3p) bands when going from metallic aluminum to alumina. The sticking coefficient of S2 on alumina surfaces is at least one order of magnitude smaller than on aluminum, a difference that also reflects variations in the position of the Al(3s,3p) bands. Submonolayer coverages of Cu do not produce significant changes in the electronic properties of Al2O3. In contrast, the deposition of small amounts of sulfur (∼0.1 ML) induces a substantial reduction (0.4–0.5 eV) in the binding energies of the O KVV, O 1s and Al 2p features of alumina. This is consistent with a transfer of electrons from alumina into the S atoms that produces a transformation similar to a change from n-type to p-type semiconductors. The reactivity of Cu Al 2 O 3 surfaces toward sulfur is much larger than that of pure Al2O3 surfaces. Cu clusters supported on alumina react with S2 to form CuSx compounds that decompose at temperatures between 850 and 1100 K.
Toll-like receptor-4 signaling mediates hepatic injury and systemic inflammation in hemorrhagic shock.

Background Hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HS/R) activates inflammatory pathways leading to organ injury after trauma. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), such as TLR4, are required for activation of proinflammatory cellular signaling pathways in response to microbial products, but can also recognize endogenous molecules released from damaged tissues. Using mouse strains deficient in TLR4 protein or signaling, we hypothesized that TLR4 would be important for development of systemic inflammation and hepatic injury after HS/R. We sought to determine the role of lipolysaccharide through use of CD14−/− mice. Study design TLR4-mutant (C[3H]/HeJ), TLR4-deficient (TLR4−/−), CD14−/−, TLR2−/− mice and wild-type (WT) controls were subjected to HS/R or sham procedure (Sham). At 6.5 hours, mice were euthanized for determination of serum interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and alanine aminotransferase concentrations. Hepatic nuclear factor-κB DNA-binding (electrophoretic mobility shift assay) and tumor necrosis factor, IL-10, and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression (semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction) were determined. Results Relative to sham, TLR4-competent (C[3H]/HeOuJ) mice exhibited a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase, IL-6, and IL-10 after HS/R (p Conclusions These results suggest that TLR4, but not TLR2, signaling is required for initiation of the systemic inflammatory response and development of hepatocellular injury after HS/R. Lack of involvement of CD14 argues for a lipolysaccharide-independent role for TLR4 in this process.
Type of contact as a factor in attitudes of college counselors toward the physically disabled.

It has been assumed that contact with the physically disabled does not per se produce favorable attitudes toward them. What does matter, however, it seems, is the type of contact. Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 130 college counselors employed in colleges with student populations of 15,000 or more who were listed in APA and APGA directories as college counselors. One hundred and eight questionnaires were received by Ss (22 were returned marked "unknown" and follow-up phone calls to all non-respondents revealed that only 24 Ss chose not to respond) and 8 1 usable questionnaires designed to test the following hypothesis about type of contact were returned: High frequency of contact wirh disabled persons (Homans, 1950) when combined with ( a ) enjoyment of contact, ( b ) easy avoidance of contact, and ( c ) available alternative regarding experiences is positively related to favorable attitudes toward disabled persons (Zetterberg, 1963) . The attitudes toward disabled persons were measured by a modified version of an instrument developed by Yuker, et al. (1966) . Fifty-five of the counselors studied were male and 26 female. Fifty-nine of the counselors had doctoral degrees and 22 had master's degrees or better. The findings are presented in Tables 1 and 2. Examination of Table 1 shows that high enjoyment of contact correlated significantly with favorable attitudes ,388 ( p < .01) . Also, avoidance of contact correlated significantly -.378 ( p < .01) , with frequency of contact opposite to the predicted direction. Thus, counselors who find it easy to avoid contact tend to have unfavorable attitudes and those who do not, have favorable attitudes toward the disabled. Previous studies, however, showed that the hypothesized association was significantly correlated (Friessen, 1966; Sinha, 1966). The explanation for the discrepancy in findings might be found in the fact that Friessen and Sinha used populations which
Vibrational spectroscopic characterization of rigid rod polymers: 3. Microstructural changes in stressed polymers

Abstract Highly oriented poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) films were stressed in a miniature hydraulic tensile tester interfaced to a fast scanning Fourier transform infra-red spectrometer. The changes in relative intensity, polarization, frequency and shape of infrared bands have been useful in the elucidation of microstructures. With the short time resolution achievable, vibrational bandshape and frequency have been shown to change at different rates when an external stress was applied.
Electroencephalographic studies on olfactory discrimination ni adult spawning salmon

Abstract 1. 1. When the nasal sac of spawning salmon is irrigated with water from the spawning site a high amplitude electroencephalographic response of characteristic pattern may be recorded from the olfactory bulb. 2. 2. This electrical response is specific in the sense that it cannot be evoked by water from spawning sites of other groups of breeding salmon. 3. 3. Weaker, but clear responses could be evoked by waters (a) traversed by the fish migrating toward the spawning site, (b) from the by-passed branch of a stream near the spawning site and (c) from a point upstream of the spawning site.
A General Rehabilitation Inpatient With Exercise-Induced Vasculitis

While on our general inpatient rehabilitation floor, a 58-year-old man with no hematologic or dermatologic history developed an erythematous patch on his medial ankle that turned more purpuric, with a slight orange tint, and was associated with mild pruritus. The diagnosis of exercise-induced vasculitis was made after initially being mistaken for cellulitis. This common exanthem is often misdiagnosed. Due to its association with exercise, the physiatrist should be aware of its presence in both the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Desensitization of GABA-induced currents in cultured rat hippocampal neurons.

The basic characteristics of desensitization of the GABAA receptor were investigated in cultured rat hippocampal neurons (three days to four weeks in vitro) using whole cell patch clamp techniques. GABA at 10–500 μM was perfused on to neurons for 30 or 60 s, with 60 s intervals of wash with control bath solution between perfusions. Desensitization, evaluated by peak-to-plateau ratio and time constants of current decay (τ), was dose-dependent and culture age-dependent. Desensitization was observed as early as three days in culture, the earliest time tested. At all ages, higher concentrations of GABA induced both larger and faster desensitization. Desensitization was markedly voltage-dependent and decreased with depolarization; peak-to-plateau ratio went from 6.3 to 1.4 and τ went from 4.6 to 26.8 s when holding potentials were changed from −80 mV to +30 mV. Low concentrations of GABA (1–2 μM) perfused for 2–60 s, which did not induce any current, had no effect on the maximal response nor desensitization produced by a subsequent application of 100 μM GABA. This finding suggests that GABA receptors were not desensitized without first being activated.
EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE POWER REQUIREMENTS FOR ULTRAFINE GRINDING AND DRYING OF LOW-RANK COALS IN A FLUID-ENERGY MILL

ABSTRACT An experimental evaluation of the power requirements for simultaneous ultrafine grinding and drying of low-rank coals in a fluid-energy mill was undertaken. Two different lignites and a subbituminous coal were used in the study. Ultrafine grinding tests were conducted with air nominally at ambient conditions and with steam at temperatures ranging from 240°F to 488°F. It was found that grinding with ambient air used about 10 KWH/Ton. Steam grinding at about 500°F mill temperature required about 260 KWH/Ton.
Legislation and Litigation Involving the Employment of Disabled Women: An Overview

A literature review of the current legislation, interpretive litigation, and court cases relevant to the employment of disabled women is presented in this article in order that human service personnel may advocate for disabled women.
Prognosis and recurrence patterns of anal adenocarcinoma.

Background Anal adenocarcinomas are rare cancers, constituting fewer than 10% of all anal cancers. This is a retrospective review of 10 patients with anal adenocarcinoma. Patients and methods Seven men and 3 women with a median age of 59 years (range 38 to 82) participated in the study. Using the 1976 World Health Organization classification, 4 patients had the rectal type of cancer, 2 had the anal duct type, and 1 had the anorectal fistula type. The 3 remaining patients had unclassifiable tumors with solely extramucosal disease. Seven patients underwent abdominoperineal resection, 1 had a radical vulvectomy and proctectomy, and 2 had local excision. Results The median survival was 29 months (range 5 to 249). Seven patients developed a recurrence at the following sites: 2 perineal, 5 inguinal, and 5 distant metastases. Five patients died from their disease a median of 28 months after surgery, and 2 patients died of unrelated causes. Three patients are alive at a median of 54 months; 2 of these patients are free of disease and 1 has a perineal recurrence. Conclusion Anal adenocarcinomas were found to be a rare, heterogeneous group of tumors with a poor prognosis despite radical surgery.
Population Density and Housing in Port-au-Prince: Historical Construction of Vulnerability

The Haiti earthquake of January 2010 exposed vulnerabilities in Port-au-Prince that made the disaster especially catastrophic. Urbanization in Haiti followed patterns similar to that elsewhere, but...
Stabilization of myoglobin by multiple alanine substitutions in helical positions

We have carried out a series of multiple Xaa-->Ala changes at nonadjacent surface positions in the sequence of sperm whale myoglobin. Although the corresponding single substitutions do not increase the thermal stability of the protein, multiple substitutions enhance the stability of the resulting myoglobins. The effect observed is an increase in the observed Tm (midpoint unfolding temperature) relative to that predicted from assuming additivity of the free energy changes corresponding to single mutations. The stabilization occurs in the presence of urea, as measured by the dependence of the unfolding temperature on urea concentration. The sites that have been altered occur in different helices and are not close in sequence or in the native structure of myoglobin. The observed effect is consistent with a role of multiple alanines in residual interactions in the unfolded state of the mutant proteins.
A Computational Model for Improving Weld Residual Stresses in Small Diameter Pipes by Induction Heating

Girth welding can produce tensile residual stresses on the pipe inner surface. Because tensile stresses enhance the possibility of stress corrosion cracking, methods for altering the weld-induced stress state are being investigated. One method, Induction Heating for Stress Improvement (IHSI), involves induction heating the pipe while cooling the inner surface. The method is being evaluated using both experimental and computational studies. This paper presents computational results of a 101.66-mm (4-in.) Schedule 80 stainless steel pipe. Results include comparisons of computed values for residual stresses with laboratory data. Computed values of residual stresses and laboratory data are in agreement and, for this case, clearly show that the IHSI process can change weld-induced tensile residual stresses to compressive values. A comparison of computational results for applying the IHSI process to a stress-free pipe and a welded pipe indicate that for geometry and process parameters considered here, the IHSI-induced compressive residual stresses on the pipe inner surface for these two cases are similar. The experimental results presented here show the feasibility of controlling weld-induced residual stresses. The computational results demonstrate a capability for predicting the observed stress behavior. The computational capability then provides an efficient tool to aid in developing ways for controlling residual stresses for other pipe sizes and weldment geometries.
Radio frequency identification tag design for automated data acquisition

Automated data acquisition has become a major part of the military's prognostics and diagnostics program as they move towards a condition based maintenance approach for logistics and mission readiness. The desire to apply this approach to a majority of new and legacy platforms has led to the development of a prototype radio frequency identification (RFID) tag with both serial and wireless communications capabilities that can be easily configured to different mechanical and electrical systems. This paper addresses the command architecture used for inter-node communication within the data acquisition network, and verifies the RFID's data collection capabilities by obtaining vibration signatures from bearings running on a machinery fault simulator. The vibration signatures from the RFID are compared to those obtained from a proven data acquisition method.
The Relationship between Skin Compliance, Age, Gender, and Tactile Discriminative Thresholds in Humans

Earlier research has suggested that tactile sensitivity, like visual and auditory acuity, may decrease with increasing age. But are decrements in tactile sensitivity attributable to changes in the nervous system, or simply to alterations in the mechanical properties of the skin? In the present study, skin compliance and discriminative thresholds for two-point and gap stimuli were measured on the pad of the left index finger of 102 persons ranging in age from 18 to 84 years. For both types of stimuli, age was found to be a significant predictor of tactile sensitivity, even when skin compliance and gender were controlled. The relationship between increasing age and decrements in tactile discrimination is apparently not attributable to changes in the mechanical properties of the skin, but to other factors, which may include changes in the nervous system affecting the speed, quantity, or quality of information processing.
Highly branched acrylamide graft copolymer

Acrylamide graft copolymerization onto poly(3-O-methacryloyl D-glucose) (PMG) as a backbone was performed by the ceric ion method. The number of polyacrylamide (PAM) chains grafted was dependent upon the concentration ratio of the redox catalyst system at constant acid concentration and increased in proportion to the ceric ion concentration. A maximum number of grafts obtained, for example, was 29 onto PMG (DP = 244) under the conditions [Ce4+]/[PMG] = 1/5, [H+] = 1.0 × 10−2 mole/l. In other words, the graft frequency was 12 per 100 monomer units of PMG. Such a high frequency of the grafts was, however, greatly decreased when the acid concentration was increased. Characteristics of the highly branched structure were revealed by the relationship between intrinsic viscosity and graft frequency, which showed a downward curvature with the increasing graft frequency. Influences of acid and ceric ion concentrations on the copolymerization were kinetically evaluated. The rate of polymerization was found to be first-order with respect to ceric ion and proportional to the square of the reciprocal acid concentration. The result suggests that the graft frequency is dependent upon the rate of polymerization.
The fungal vacuole: composition, function, and biogenesis.

The fungal vacuole is an extremely complex organelle that is involved in a wide variety of functions. The vacuole not only carries out degradative processes, the role most often ascribed to it, but also is the primary storage site for certain small molecules and biosynthetic precursors such as basic amino acids and polyphosphate, plays a role in osmoregulation, and is involved in the precise homeostatic regulation of cytosolic ion and basic amino acid concentration and intracellular pH. These many functions necessitate an intricate interaction between the vacuole and the rest of the cell; the vacuole is part of both the secretory and endocytic pathways and is also directly accessible from the cytosol. Because of the various roles and properties of the vacuole, it has been possible to isolate mutants which are defective in various vacuolar functions including the storage and uptake of metabolites, regulation of pH, sorting and processing of vacuolar proteins, and vacuole biogenesis. These mutants show a remarkable degree of genetic overlap, suggesting that these functions are not individual, discrete properties of the vacuole but, rather, are closely interrelated. Images
Artificial Neural Networks versus Multiple Regression in Tourism Demand Analysis

This study explores and demonstrates the usefulness of artificial neural networks (ANNs) as an alternative approach to the use of multiple regression (MR) in tourism demand studies. The study uses Canadian tourism expenditures in the United States as a measure of demand to demonstrate its application. The results revealed that the use of ANNs in tourism demand studies may result in better estimates in terms of prediction bias and accuracy. Further applications of ANNs in the context of tourism demand analysis are needed to establish and confirm the results.
Analgesic Efficacy and Acceptability of Fenoprofen Combined with Paracetamol and Compared with Dihydrocodeine Tartrate in General Practice

A single-blind between-patient study in general practice was made to examine the acceptability and analgesic efficacy of a combination of fenoprofen (200 mg) and paracetamol (500 mg) given 3 to 4 times daily for a period of 4 to 14 days in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. The combination was compared with dihydrocodeine tartrate (30 mg) in two groups of 75 patients suffering from a wide variety of presenting conditions, including osteo-arthritis, spondylitis, lumbago, sciatica, non-articular rheumatism and trauma. Clinical and patient assessment indicated that the combination was an effective analgesic combination, significantly better in success rate than dihydrocodeine tartrate and with a much lower incidence of side-effects (13% of patients receiving fenoprofen and paracetamol reported side-effects compared to 37% for the dihydrocodeine group). The combination demonstrated particular success in the treatment of non-articular rheumatism.
Effect of the Phase Transformation on the Fracture Behavior of BaTiO3

The fracture energy of BaTiO3 increased with increasing grain size at 25°C in the ferroelectric 4 mm symmetry state and remained constant at 150°C in the paraelectric m 3m state. In general, observed flaw sizes agreed with those predicted from fracture mechanics equations. The fracture energy measurements combined with previously reported strength measurements were analyzed in terms of fracture mechanics principles to determine the effect of internal stresses on fracture. The analysis showed that the effect of internal stress on fracture for a given flaw size can be determined from a combination of fracture energy and strength measurements at two temperatures. The increase in fracture energy with grain size in the ferroelectric state is attributed to ferroelastic twin formation and wall motion.
Suburban Land Development in Antebellum Boston

Historians generally agree that American suburbanization began in the first quarter of the nineteenth century, brought on by a combination of technological innovation (particularly in transportation), economic restructuring, and changing tastes of the urban middle classes. Essential to this process was the rise of a suburban real estate industry, which converted agricultural land into a consumer commodity. Using a microhistorical study of a single farm in the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts, the origins of the process of suburban land development are examined from 1770 to 1850. Land records, local history, and genealogical information were used to reconstruct the process by which farm land became the site of suburban neighborhoods. Before 1840, when nearly all land transactions were between individuals who knew each other personally, there was no infrastructure of real estate professionals and developers to facilitate suburban growth. During the 1840s, sales between strangers, facilitated by age...
Small hairpin RNA as a small molecule sensor.

Mol Syst Biol. 4: 227 Life has perfected the art of connecting the myriad molecular components in a live cell through regulatory links, transforming a cell from a mere protein shake into the most complex physical system known to man. Research in synthetic biology has strived, among other things, to recreate this complexity to a modest degree. This requires building new regulatory links and networks according to pre‐designed blueprints to generate new biological functions, augment cells with new capabilities and perhaps fix malfunctions in the cell's own programs. As of today, we are still far from being able to take an abstract specification of a network or function and build its working implementation. In a series of reports, including the recent article published in Molecular Systems Biology by Beisel et al (2008), researchers have made a significant step towards this goal. They describe rationally designed molecular switches that can, in principle, use an arbitrary small molecule to affect the amount of an arbitrary messenger RNA (mRNA) via the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway. These switches significantly expand the repertoire of tools available to synthetic biologists, and they will undoubtedly benefit basic biological studies and biomedicine. For about a decade now, researchers in synthetic biology have been co‐opting a variety of regulatory modalities into the ‘biological parts’ toolbox (Baker et al , 2006). Ideally, we want these parts to be amenable to rational design, and be scalable and programmable. The former will let us establish regulatory links at will, such as ‘high concentration of protein A should activate protein B’. The latter will enable multiplying these links and defining their mutual relation. For example, we may require that protein A, microRNA B and small molecule …
The basal cell layer of the developing oral mucosa in the human fetus

During successive growth stages in the human embryo, the basal cells of the developing epidermis and specific areas of the oral mucous membranes are observed to be one of two types. One type is represented by a cuboidal cell which contains a large, round nucleus which occupies the majority of space in the cell. The cytoplasm of this cell is granular and slightly eosinophilic. This basal cell is located in the oral epithelium of the lips, cheeks, and soft palate. The other cell type is represented by a tall columnar cell which is polarized by the presence of an oval nucleus in the pole of the cell furthest away from the cell border in contact with the mesenchyme. The polarization produces a clear zone in the cell which is due to the fact that most of the cytoplasm appears to be missing. Small amounts of cytoplasm are present in the cell in the form of fine granules and filaments. It is possible that the granules are filaments seen in cross section. It was impossible to determine this conclusively with the resolution of the light microscope. The polarized, columnar, basal cells were observed in the epithelium of the gum ridge, hard palate, and epidermis. The speculation was offered that the morphologic difference in the basal cells in areas destined to become masticatory and lining mucosa in the adult, may be a reflection of a genetic bias of these tissues to develop along predetermined pathways to become a cornified or a non-cornified stratified squamous epithelium. The differentiation may initially take place at the same time oral mucosa is differentiated to become dental lamina.
Symbiotic Harpellales (Trichomycetes) in Tasmanian aquatic insects

Surveys for symbiotic fungi in the guts of aquatic insect larvae (Trichomycetes: Harpellales) in Tasmania, Australia, resulted in the discovery of four new species: two in Gripopterygidae (Plecoptera) nymphs, Plecopteromyces leptoperlarum and P. trinoto- perlarum, and two associated with Diptera larvae, Smittium magnosporum in Thaumaleidae and Stachy- lina dolichospora in Chironomidae. Previously de- scribed species of Harpellales from other localities are reported and new host records summarized. A key to all Tasmanian species of Harpellales is provid- ed.