cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bestimmung der Glutaminsäure-Dehydrogenase-Aktivität im Serum bei verschiedenen inneren Krankheiten

Die Glutaminsaure-Dehydrogenase-Bestimmung im Serum ist eine wertvolle Erganzung der enzymatischen Untersuchungsmethoden. Sie ermoglicht zusatzlich zur Transaminasebestimmung eine Abschatzung der Nekroserate bei schweren Leberzellschaden. Durch eine vonSchmidt angegebene zahlenmasige Beziehung der GlDH-Aktivitat zur gleichzeitig bestimmten Transaminaseaktivitat wird die Differentialdiagnose akuter und chronischer Leberparenchymschaden erleichtert. Die Ergebnisse der Bestimmung bei akutem Herzinfarkt zeigen, das es hier haufiger zur Mitbeteiligung der Leber kommt, als bisher anzunehmen war. Bei Lebercarcinomen oder Lebermetastasen fanden sich besonders hohe GlDH-Werte im Serum.
Dynamic viscoelastic properties of processed soft denture liners: Part II—Effect of aging*

The proper functioning of soft denture liners depends to a great extent on their mechanical properties. As with many polymers these materials are affected by aging. Twelve soft denture liners were processed by a laboratory according to the manufacturers' directions. Five specimens of each material were tested without aging. Five additional specimens of each material were subjected to 900 hours of accelerated aging in a Weather-Ometer instrument. These were tested with a dynamic viscoelastometer at three frequencies and two temperatures, and data for 37° C and 1 Hz was obtained. Two of the ethyl methacrylate resins demonstrated the largest increases in storage (E′) and loss moduli (E″) after aging. These materials also showed the greatest overall E′ and E″. One denture liner material exhibited 673% and 488% increases in E′ and E″, and other materials showed smaller increases. The effects of aging on the damping factor (tan δ) were varied and five materials showed increased tan δ. Only two ethyl methacrylate resins developed lower tan δ. All the silicone and polyphosphazine rubbers showed small changes after aging and had the lowest tan δ values. Significance of differences between materials and treatments was tested with ANOVA, Scheffe intervals, and t -tests at a=0.05. The ethyl methacrylate soft denture liners were affected the most by accelerated aging, and the silicones and polyphosphazine were least affected. The ethyl methacrylate resins also had the greatest values of E′, E″, and tan δ after aging.
Nitrogen-Fixing Phylotypes of Chesapeake Bay and Neuse River Estuary Sediments

Sediments often exhibit low rates of nitrogen fixation, despite the presence of elevated concentrations of inorganic nitrogen. The organisms that potentially fix nitrogen in sediments have not previously been identified. Amplification of nifH genes with degenerate primers was used to assess the diversity of diazotrophs in two distinct sediment systems, anoxic muds of Chesapeake Bay and shallow surficial sediments of the Neuse River. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that sequences obtained from mid-Chesapeake Bay, which receive high organic loading and are highly reducing, clustered closely with each other and with known anaerobic microorganisms, suggesting a low abundance of aerobic or facultative diazotrophs in these sediments. Sulfate reduction dominates in the surface, but methanogenesis becomes more important with depth. A thin (<1 cm) oxidized layer is present only in the spring. No archaeal nifH sequences were obtained from Chesapeake Bay. Sequences of nifH amplified from surficial sediments of the Neuse River were distant from Chesapeake Bay sequences and included nif phylotypes related to sequences previously reported from marine mats and the Spartina rhizosphere. Differences in environmental site characteristics appear to select for different types of sediment diazotrophs, which is reflected in the phylogenetic composition of amplified nifH sequences.
Cuticular pigments of tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) larvae: Effects of diet and genetic differences

Abstract Blue and yellow components of insectoverdin pigments from larvae of Manduca sexta were investigated. Variations in extraction techniques are discussed. Relative concentrations of the blue component, identified as mesobiliverdin, in plant-reared larvae (green), diet-reared larvae (blue), and a genetic variant (white) were examined. The green colour form contains 1·4 to 1·8 times more mesobiliverdin than the blue form, and the blue form contains 1·6 to 2·0 times more mesobiliverdin than the white form. Carotenoid protein pigments are absent from diet-reared larvae.
Time-dependent, non-Newtonian behavior of viscoelastic materials /

The present paper is a further development in our effort to describe non-Newtonian flow behavior. As in the past, the thixotropic shear stress or shear rate is characterized by the kinetic theory and currently a modified form ofOldroyds model provides the elastic contribution. Presented here are further modifications of the model in order to predict the first normal stress difference and logical changes to make the model more internally consistent.
The gallium-deferoxamine complex: stability with different deferoxamine concentrations and incubation conditions.

Abstract Previous studies report that deferoxamine (DFO) binds metallic ions such as Fe 3+ , In 3+ and Ga 3+ with very high affinity. This property of DFO has been utilized to label DFO-coupled compounds with radiometals such as 67 Ga and 111 In. We have studied the effect of low DFO concentrations and of different incubation conditions on the stability of the 67 Ga–DFO complex. In our experience high (>5 μ M) DFO concentration appears to be critical in obtaining high radiochemical purity of such complexes.
Epigenetics in social insects: a new direction for understanding the evolution of castes.

Epigenetic modifications to DNA, such as DNA methylation, can expand a genome's regulatory flexibility, and thus may contribute to the evolution of phenotypic plasticity. Recent work has demonstrated the importance of DNA methylation in alternative queen and worker “castes” in social insects, particularly honeybees. Social insects are an excellent system for addressing questions about epigenetics and evolution because: (1) they have dramatic caste polyphenisms that appear to be tied to differential methylation, (2) DNA methylation is widespread in various groups of social insects, and (3) there are intriguing connections between the social environment and DNA methylation in many species, from insects to mammals. In this article, we review research on honeybees, and, when available, other social insects, on DNA methylation and queen and worker caste differences. We outline a conceptual framework for the effects of methylation on caste determination in honeybees that may help guide studies of epigenetic regulation in other polyphenic taxa. Finally, we suggest future paths of study for social insect epigenetic research, including the importance of comparative studies of DNA methylation on a broader range of species, and highlight some key unanswered mechanistic questions about how DNA methylation affects gene regulation.
An experimental study on air carryunder due to a plunging liquid jet

Abstract This paper presents experimental data on the air entrainment process for a plunging liquid jet. Local data, including the size distribution of the bubble diameter, void fraction, bubble velocities and turbulent liquid velocities were obtained using a fiber optics phase Doppler anemometer system. A dual element conductivity probe was also used to measure the spatial distribution of the local void fraction. For the larger bubbles, the turbulence of the plunging jet was parametrically controlled using a specially designed nozzle and the turbulence intensity was measured using a laser Doppler anemometer system.
Free oil and rheology of Cheddar cheese containing fat globules stabilized with different proteins.

Abstract Cheddar cheese was manufactured from recombined milk containing fat globules coated with α s1 -CN (casein), α s2 -CN, β -CN, κ -CN, α -lactalbumin, or β -lactoglobulin. The effect of the coating on fat globule structure, free oil formation, and cheese rheology was investigated to determine if globule coating affected the physical structure of cheese. Fat globule size and shape were determined in cheese using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the rheological properties measured by uniaxial compression after maturation for 35 and 70 d. Fat globules were elongated and clustered in the control cheese coated with native membrane material and in cheese where the globules were coated with α s2 -CN, but were more circular and distinct than all others. Cheese containing globules coated with α s2 -CN fractured at a lower strain and with a lower stress than other experimental cheeses. Free oil decreased in cheese as the stress at fracture of the cheese protein matrix increased. Strain at fracture increased as pH increased from 4.7 to 5.3. There was no correlation between free oil and fat globule circularity. Cheddar cheese aroma was not evident in experimental cheeses.
Effect of nedocromil sodium on airway sensory nerves

There is increasing evidence that the sensory nerves of the airway play a role in the asthmatic response. Nerve endings are exposed by the epithelial shedding that occurs with asthma. They may become sensitized and activated by inflammatory mediators and may release neuropeptides that then spread and amplify the inflammatory process in the airways. Nedocromil sodium may prevent the sensory nerves from becoming sensitized and inhibit their activation. This possibility is suggested because nedocromil is highly effective against several indirect challenges that involve sensory nerve stimulation. Nedocromil sodium was able to inhibit the bronchoconstriction induced in patients with asthma by exposure to bradykinin, sulfur dioxide, metabisulfite, and ultrasonically nebulized water. Cough, which is a prominent symptom of asthma, is believed to be a result of sensory nerve activation. In several long-term clinical studies, nedocromil sodium reduces the severity of cough among patients with asthma. Studies are needed to define how nedocromil sodium acts on the sensory nerves.
Respiration is required for amoebae to isolate injected heterologous organelles.

Abstract Cytoplasm was transferred from one amoeba to another by microinjection. Previous work had shown that heterologous organelles are segregated within a membrane and digested. Exposure of recipients to KCN significantly reduced the frequency with which isolated organelles were observed, but the protein synthesis inhibitor, emetine, had no effect. Thus, energy from oxidative phosphorylation, but not protein synthesis, appears to be required for amoebae to respond to heterologous organelles by surrounding them with a membrane.
Synthetic studies on arene-olefin cycloadditions. 11. Total synthesis of (−)-retigeranic acid

Abstract A convergent synthesis of (−)-retigeranic acid is described which is based on a Diels-Alder and arene-alkene cycloaddition strategy.
Dynamic Buckling of a Thin Cylindrical Shell Under Axial Impact

Abstract : Buckling of thin cylindrical shells from axial impact is studied under the assumption that initial imperfections can be approximated by 'white noise'. Linear small deflection theory is used to calculate the resulting growth of the normal modes and a statistical analysis gives the expected values for the 'preferred' axial and circumferential wavelengths. Very high-speed photographs (240,000 frames/sec) of shells buckling under axial impact show excellent agreement with the theory and demonstrate that large deflection buckling follows the pattern established by the early linear motion. (Author)
Performances Cost Effectiveness, and Water-Side Fouling Considerations of Enhanced Tube Heat Exchangers for Boiling Service with Tube-Side Water Flow

A case study method is employed to calculate the performance benefits and cost effectiveness of enhanced tubes for an application involving seawater on the tube side and ammonia boiling on the shell side. A porous boiling surface is used on the ammonia side, and eight basic geometries are evaluated for the water side. The analysis method selects the “optimum” enhancement dimensions for each geometry type. The optimum is de fined as the minimum material requirement for fixed heat duty and water-side pumping power. Heat exchanger size reductions of 55–67% are possible, depending on the tube-side enhancement type. The cost effectiveness of the enhanced tube designs are calculated relative to a plain tube exchanger for aluminum, copper, and titanium materials. Heat exchanger tubing cost reductions in the range of 10% are predicted for the titanium and copper tubes. Doubly enhanced aluminum tubes do not appear to provide heat exchanger cost reduction. A better application for enhanced tubes may involve increas...
How product usage influences consumer satisfaction

This paper reports on an empirical investigation of the effect of product usage on consumer satisfaction in the context of consumer durables. It conceptualizes three dimensions of usage-usage frequency, usage function and usage situation-and examines the impact of these usage dimensions on satisfaction. Results of a field survey using five consumer durables suggest that the usage dimensions influence satisfaction through corresponding dimensions of usage disconfirmation, independent of the effect of performance disconfirmation on satisfaction. The specific dimensions of usage disconfirmation which influence satisfaction vary by product.
Household Water Treatments in Developing Countries

Household water treatments (HWT) can help provide clean water to millions of people worldwide who do not have access to safe water. This article describes four common HWT used in developing countries and the pertinent chemistry involved. The intent of this article is to inform both high school and college chemical educators and chemistry students of this important application of chemistry and to inspire current and future chemists to participate in the global effort to develop effective, sustainable methods to purify water at the household level.
Orthopaedic healthcare worldwide: standardized clinical assessment and management plans: an adjunct to clinical practice guidelines.

Practice pattern variations in orthopaedic surgery have resulted in higher costs without measureable improvements in patient safety, experience, or outcomes [4]. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has made substantial efforts to improve patient outcomes through the development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), which are systematically-developed statements designed to support provider and patient decision-making for specific clinical scenarios. Since 2007, the AAOS has developed 17 CPGs, ranging from diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome to treatment of knee osteoarthritis [9]. Other professional societies have also developed CPGs relevant to orthopaedic surgery, including the American College of Chest Physicians, which endorses strategies for prevention of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus following major procedures [9].
Dendritic cell-based vaccines: barriers and opportunities

Dendritic cells (DCs) have several characteristics that make them an ideal vehicle for tumor vaccines, and with the first US FDA-approved DC-based vaccine in use for the treatment of prostate cancer, this technology has become a promising new therapeutic option. However, DC-based vaccines face several barriers that have limited their effectiveness in clinical trials. A major barrier includes the activation state of the DC. Both DC lineage and maturation signals must be selected to optimize the antitumor response and overcome immunosuppressive effects of the tumor microenvironment. Another barrier to successful vaccination is the selection of target antigens that will activate both CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells in a potent, immune-specific manner. Finally, tumor progression and immune dysfunction limit vaccine efficacy in advanced stages, which may make DC-based vaccines more efficacious in treating early-stage disease. This review underscores the scientific basis and advances in the development of DC-based vaccines, focuses on current barriers to success and highlights new research opportunities to address these obstacles.
Toward Better Classroom Teaching.

quite an array of observations which have highlighted little lacunae that have a habit of cropping up in too many classes, details of which many may not be aware, but which lessen classroom efficiency and prevent firstrate pedagogy. A handy check list of some of these findings may prove useful to the profession, as a guide to fledgling teachers, as a check on those still comparatively inexperienced in the classroom, and as an aid to busy department heads and supervisors in appraising those who work under them. There is nothing new or original here, and the experienced teachers will discover nothing startling. What follows is almost entirely limited to high school classrooms in French, although I have evaluated some foreign language elementary school classes and occasionally one in Spanish. What applies to the secondary school is equally applicable to the primary school and to college beginning language courses. I trust that my colleagues in the other modern languages will be able to adapt what I cite to their respective fields. I might also add that all but a very few of the classes visited have been conducted almost
The basal lamina of the postnatal mammary epithelium contains glycosaminoglycans in a precise ultrastructural organization

Abstract The mammary epithelium was investigated to determine whether glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are components of the basal lamina of epithelia undergoing postnatal morphogenesis. Isolated epithelial tissues from midpregnant mice produce substantial amounts of GAG, consisting predominantly of hyaluronic acid and heparan sulfate. The basal surfaces of mammary epithelia at various postnatal developmental stages show GAG, as demonstrated by histochemistry and by autoradiography coupled with enzyme susceptibility. Electron microscopy using ruthenium red staining reveals polyanionic components, presumably GAG, within the epithelial basal lamina. Detailed ultrastructural analyses of tannic acid-treated and ruthenium red-stained material demonstrate that the lamina contains a two-dimensional symmetrical array of tetragonally ordered components colsely associated with the basal plasma membrane. This array is similar to that found in the hyaluronate-containing lamina of embryonic epithelia. A structurally ordered complex of GAG-containing macromolecules may characterize the basal lamina of all epithelia which undergo morphogenetic changes in cell shape.
Comparative aspects of propionate metabolism.

Abstract 1. 1. The catabolism of propionate has been studied extensively in vertebrates and the major pathway has been shown to be its derivatization to propionyl-CoA, carboxylation to d -methylmalonyl-CoA, isomerization to L -methylmalonyl-CoA and then conversion to succinyl-CoA via a vitamin B12 dependent methylmalonyl-CoA mutase. 2. 2. By contrast, in all insect species studied to date, many of which do not contain detectable levels of vitamin B12, the major metabolic pathway of propionate is its conversion to 3-hydroxypropionate and then to acetate. Carbon-3 of propionate becomes the carboxyl carbon of acetate and carbon-2 of propionate becomes the methyl carbon of acetate. 3. 3. A number of species of non-insect arthropods and other invertebrates contain relatively high levels of vitamin B12 and catabolize propionate by the same pathway as that of vertebrates. Under anoxic conditions, some invertebrates, including bivalves, convert succinate to propionate. 4. 4. In plants, evidence has been presented for the metabolism of propionate to both acetate and succinate. Micro-organisms posses a myriad of pathways by which they produce and catabolize propionate.
Analysis of disturbance-generated bifurcation in an adaptive system with e/sub 1/-modification law

A modified adaptation law, the so-called e/sub 1/-modification law, has been proposed by K.S. Narendra and A.M. Annaswamy (1987) for robust model-reference adaptive control in the presence of bounded disturbances. Using this law, the authors show analytically that in the case of regulation, a prototype adaptive control system, with a single unknown pole and an unknown constant disturbance at its input, possesses multiple equilibria and undergoes various bifurcations. The analysis begins by transforming the augmented system equations so that there are only two independent parameters. Then explicit expressions for the equilibria and their bifurcations are given, followed by the proof of the existence of the Hopf bifurcation. As the constant disturbance is varied, saddle-node bifurcation, (subcritical) Hopf bifurcation, and saddle-connection bifurcation occur in that order. Consequently, in this case, the e/sub 1/-modification law is qualitatively equivalent to the sigma -modification law. >
Communication effects on memory and judgment

The present research explored the mechanisms of judgmental and memory correction for communication influence. Participants described a target person to an addressee who either liked or disliked the target. Participants' descriptions were more positive when the addressee liked the target than when the addressee disliked the target. Mediation analyses showed that the effect of the addressee's attitude on judgment and memory was mediated by its effect on participants' descriptions. Participants' evaluative judgments of the target were influenced by the addressee's attitude only when the attitude was presented subtly. When the presentation of the attitude was blatant, participants used the attitude as a situational inducement of their communication behavior and corrected their judgments. Both participants' recall and false recognition of personality traits were evaluatively consistent with the addressee's attitude regardless of its presentation. However, mediational analyses suggested that participants in the blatant presentation condition engaged in an insufficient memory correction by discounting the evaluative implications of their descriptions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidepressant for substance-abusing schizophrenic patients: a minireview.

Abstract Siris, Samuel G., Paul C. Bermanzohn, Susan E. Mason and Mitchell A. Shuwall: Antidepressants for Substance-Abusing Schizophrenic Patients. A Minireview. Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. & Biol. Psychiat. 1991, 15 (1): 1–13. 1. 1. Substance abuse and post-psychotic depression are both frequently encountered concomitants of schizophrenia. 2. 2. Substance abuse may be associated with depression-like symptomatology in the course of schizophrenia, and patients may attempt to self-medicate these symptoms with substances of abuse. 3. 3. Antidepressant medication has been found to be a useful adjunct to treatment in at least some cases of substance abuse and some cases of post-psychotic depression. 4. 4. Preliminary evidence exists suggesting that adjunctive antidepressant medication, added to a neuroleptic, may be useful for at least some stable dysphoric substance-abusing schizophrenic patients. 5. 5. It is important to attempt to rule out even subtle neuroleptic-induced akinesia in such patients with a vigorous trial of antiparkinsonian medication.
EFFECTS OF LEAD SHOT INGESTION ON δ-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID DEHYDRATASE ACTIVITY, HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION, AND SERUM CHEMISTRY IN BALD EAGLES

Lead shot ingestion by bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is considered to be widespread and has been implicated in the death of eagles in nature. It was recently demonstrated under experimental conditions that ingestion of as few as 10 lead shot resulted in death within 12 to 20 days. In the present study hematological responses to lead toxicity including red blood cell ALAD activity, hemoglobin concentration and 23 different blood serum chemistries were examined in five captive bald eagles that were unsuitable for rehabilitation and release. Eagles were dosed by force-feeding with 10 lead shot; they were redosed if regurgitation occurred. Red blood cell ALAD activity was inhibited by nearly 80% within 24 hours when mean blood lead concentration had increased to 0.8 parts per million (ppm). By the end of 1 week there was a significant decrease (20-25%) in hematocrit and hemoglobin, and the mean blood lead concentration was over 3 ppm. Within as little as 1-2 weeks after dosing, significant elevations...
The colorimetric determination of phosphates in water at low P.P.M. levels by automatic discrete-sample analysis.

Abstract Two colorimetric methods based on the formation of molybdenum blue (the tin(II)and ascorbic acid methods) have been adapted for the routine automatic determination of phosphate in water samples. Repeatability and linearity of both methods in discrete-sample automatic analysis are satisfactory. Some water samples were analyzed by both methods to compare final analytical results. An analytical rate of 60 readings per hour can be obtained.
Asymptotic Behavior of Nucleon-Nucleon Scattering

In this paper, a detailed analysis of $\mathrm{NN}$ and $N\overline{N}$ scattering on the basis of the Regge hypothesis is carried out. The Regge expansions of a set of ten invariant amplitudes describing $\mathrm{NN}$ scattering are presented, with residues expressed in factorized form. Expressions involving both the full Legendre functions and their asymptotic forms are given. Spin sums are carried out to obtain simple and convenient expressions for the contributions of the $P$, $\ensuremath{\rho}$, $\ensuremath{\omega}$, and ${P}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ trajectories to the differential cross sections. The optical theorem has been applied to find the contribution of the $P$, ${P}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, $\ensuremath{\rho}$, and $\ensuremath{\omega}$ trajectories to the spin-averaged total cross sections. Finally, we have analyzed the available data on the total and differential cross sections for $\mathrm{NN}$ scattering to extract information about the Regge-pole parameters. The possible effect of the spin structure of the amplitudes, and the variation with energy of the Legendre functions has been taken into account. We show, by a natural definition of helicity flip and no-flip couplings, that the amplitudes, and especially the cross sections, for $\mathrm{NN}$ scattering are very simple in the asymptotic limit. In an Appendix, the decay properties of a spin-2 meson associated with the Pomeranchuk Regge pole are discussed.
Coercion and Procedural Justice in Psychiatric Care: State of the Science and Implications for Nursing

Coercive treatment regimens have increased in variety and intensity over the past decade and include such options as outpatient commitment (OPC) and mental health courts. The intimate involvement of nurses in coerced treatment situations in both inpatient and outpatient settings necessitates a closer examination of its effects. OPC presumably offers greater flexibility and freedom for consumers than lengthy inpatient stays but also extends the state's control over their lives beyond the institution. Although OPC has been shown to decrease rates of rehospitalization and violence, it also is associated with increased levels of perceived coercion. The relationship of the perception of coercion to treatment outcomes is complex and not clearly understood. The goal of OPC is treatment adherence and ultimately increased quality of life, but research has produced conflicting results in those areas. Numerous episodes of OPC may have a cumulative effect on the perception of coercion and contribute to treatment avoidance. However, there is evidence that the perception of coercion can be mitigated by procedural justice that is demonstrated by fairness, patient inclusion in the process, and benevolence on the part of authority figures. Implications for nursing practice and research concerning coercion, procedural justice, and OPC are discussed.
Axial and paraxial influences on limb morphogenesis.

Previous studies by Stephens and McNulty and Strecker and Stephens have demonstrated that foil barriers placed between the mesonephros and lateral plate at stages 12 to 15 inhibited limb development, but foil barriers placed between the neural tube and somites at stages 11 to 12 resulted in limbs with normal skeletal patterns. It was concluded that some influence present in the paraxial region of the embryo at stages 11 to 15 is necessary for normal limb development. The present study was undertaken to localize that influence more precisely. Foil barriers were placed in the lateral edge of the somites or segmental plate of stage 10 to 15 chick embryos. Barriers placed into stage 13 to 15 embryos resulted in chicks with normal limbs, but barriers placed into stage 10 to 11 embryos resulted in chicks with defective limbs. Barriers inserted just lateral to Hensen's node at stages 6 to 8 resulted in embryos with defective or absent wings. We also grafted stage 4 to 9 presumptive limb territories with and without Hensen's node. Explants without Hensen's node formed limb-like structures in 1% of the cases. Explants with Hensen's node formed limb-like structures in 27% of the cases. When barriers were implanted and a node was placed on the lateral side of the barrier, limbs formed in 40% of the cases. These data suggest a medial to lateral progression of some as yet unknown morphogenetic influence necessary for normal limb development and we hypothesized that the influence may initially emanate from Hensen's node.
Dense Matrix Factorization of Linear Complexity for Impedance Extraction of Large-Scale 3-D Integrated Circuits

A fast LU factorization of linear complexity is developed to directly solve a dense system of linear equations for the interconnect extraction of any arbitrary shaped 3-D structure embedded in inhomogeneous materials. The proposed solver successfully factorizes dense matrices that involve more than one million unknowns in fast CPU run time and modest memory consumption. Comparisons with state-of-the-art integral-equation-based interconnect extraction tools have demonstrated its clear advantages.
Selective localization of high concentrations of F-actin in subpopulations of dendritic spines in rat central nervous system: a three-dimensional electron microscopic study.

Dendritic spines differ considerably in their size, shape, and internal organization between brain regions. We examined the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines in hippocampus (areas CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus), neostriatum, and cerebellum at both light and electron microscopic levels by using a novel high-resolution photoconversion method based in the high affinity of phalloidin for filamentous (F)-actin. In all brain regions, labeling was strongest in the heads of dendritic spines, diminishing in the spine neck. The number of labeled spines varied by region. Compared with the cerebellar molecular layer and area CA3, where nearly every dendritic spine was labeled, less than half the spines were labeled in CA1, dentate gyrus, and neostriatum. Serial section reconstructions of spines in these areas indicated that phalloidin labeling was restricted to the largest and most morphologically diverse dendritic spines. The resolution of the photoconversion technique allowed us to examine the localization and organization of actin filaments in the spine. The most intense staining for actin was found in the postsynaptic density and associated with the spines internal membrane system. In mushroom-shaped spines, F-actin staining was particularly strong between the lamellae of the spine apparatus. Three-dimensional reconstruction of labeled spines by using electron tomography showed that the labeled dense material was in continuity with the postsynaptic density. These results highlight differences in the actin cytoskeleton between different spine populations and provide novel information on the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in vivo. J. Comp. Neurol. 435:156–170, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A balancing method and genetic algorithm for disassembly line balancing

Disassembly activities take place in various recovery operations including remanufacturing, recycling and disposal. The disassembly line is the best choice for automated disassembly of returned products. It is therefore important that the disassembly line be designed and balanced so that it works as efficiently as possible. The disassembly line balancing problem seeks a sequence which: is feasible, minimizes workstations, and ensures similar idle times, as well as other end-of-life specific concerns. However finding the optimal balance is computationally intensive with exhaustive search quickly becoming prohibitively large even for relatively small products. In this paper the problem is mathematically defined and proven NP-complete. Additionally, a new formula for quantifying the level of balancing is proposed. A first-ever set of a priori instances to be used in the evaluation of any disassembly line balancing solution technique is then developed. Finally, a genetic algorithm is presented for obtaining optimal or near-optimal solutions for disassembly line balancing problems and examples are presented to illustrate implementation of the methodology.
Commentary: Seventeenth-Century Venetian Opera as Fondamente nuove

Seventeenth-century Venice was the ideal center for the development of opera because of certain special conditions: regular demand from a broad and depend able audience of citizens and travelers alike, dependable financial backing from the many competing patrician families who constructed and operated theaters, a flourishing publishing industry that provided publicity, and a tradition in which the arts were designed specifically to enhance the self-image of the republic. These conditions combined to sustain a genre that appealed to its audience on multiple levels. The increasing demand for new works precipitated the development of new modes of production and communication, and the various musical and dramatic conventions that originated during this era have persisted to the present day.
Vascular Stroma Formation in Carcinoma in Situ, Invasive Carcinoma, and Metastatic Carcinoma of the Breast

The generation of vascular stroma is essential for solid tumor growth and involves stimulatory and inhibiting factors as well as stromal components that regulate functions such as cellular adhesion, migration, and gene expression. In an effort to obtain a more integrated understanding of vascular stroma formation in breast carcinoma, we examined expression of the angiogenic factor vascular permeability factor (VPF)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); the VPF/VEGF receptors flt-1 and KDR; thrombospondin-1, which has been reported to inhibit angiogenesis; and the stromal components collagen type I, total fibronectin, ED-A+ fibronectin, versican, and decorin by mRNA in situ hybridization on frozen sections of 113 blocks of breast tissue from 68 patients including 28 sections of breast tissue without malignancy, 18 with in situ carcinomas, 56 with invasive carcinomas, and 8 with metastatic carcinomas. A characteristic expression profile emerged that was remarkably similar in invasive carcinoma, carcinoma in situ, and metastatic carcinoma, with the following characteristics: strong tumor cell expression of VPF/VEGF; strong endothelial cell expression of VPF/VEGF receptors; strong expression of thrombospondin-1 by stromal cells and occasionally by tumor cells; and strong stromal cell expression of collagen type I, total fibronectin, ED-A+ fibronectin, versican, and decorin. The formation of vascular stroma preceded invasion, raising the possibility that tumor cells invade not into normal breast stroma but rather into a richly vascular stroma that they have induced. Similarly, tumor cells at sites of metastasis appear to induce the vascular stroma in which they grow. We conclude that a distinct pattern of mRNA expression characterizes the generation of vascular stroma in breast cancer and that the formation of vascular stroma may play a role not only in growth of the primary tumor but also in invasion and metastasis.
Exploring the dynamics of globalization: supply chain vulnerability to natural disasters

Global supply chains play an increasingly important role in the economy and should therefore be addressed within geography coursework, especially given concerns that geographers have not fully explored various angles of globalization. This article explores the use of an online case study on supply chains and their vulnerability to natural disasters in two entry-level, undergraduate courses. Results from a post-study survey suggest that students increasingly prefer online sources of information and that online case studies can foster a greater understanding of global economic processes such as supply chains and how these can be influenced by natural phenomena at different scales.
A Coupled Fluid / Thermal / Flight Dynamics Approach for Predicting Hypersonic Vehicle Performance

A new coupled approach for the prediction of hypersonic vehicle performance is presented. The solution technique is achieved by an implicit coupling of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code with a material thermal response (MTR) code and a flight dynamics trajectory code. The material thermal response code and the trajectory code are integrated in time between steady-state solutions of a CFD code. The coupling allows for shape change effects due to ablation to modify the computed flight trajectory. The results presented in this paper are for an axisymmetric reentry vehicle flying a ballistic point-mass trajectory where the vehicle drag is a function of the shape change. Details of the computational technique and comparisons to a more traditional uncoupled solution technique are presented.
Interspecific scaling patterns of talar articular surfaces within primates and their closest living relatives.

The articular facets of interosseous joints must transmit forces while maintaining relatively low stresses. To prevent overloading, joints that transmit higher forces should therefore have larger facet areas. The relative contributions of body mass and muscle-induced forces to joint stress are unclear, but generate opposing hypotheses. If mass-induced forces dominate, facet area should scale with positive allometry to body mass. Alternatively, muscle-induced forces should cause facets to scale isometrically with body mass. Within primates, both scaling patterns have been reported for articular surfaces of the femoral and humeral heads, but more distal elements are less well studied. Additionally, examination of complex articular surfaces has largely been limited to linear measurements, so that ‘true area’ remains poorly assessed. To re-assess these scaling relationships, we examine the relationship between body size and articular surface areas of the talus. Area measurements were taken from microCT scan-generated surfaces of all talar facets from a comprehensive sample of extant euarchontan taxa (primates, treeshrews, and colugos). Log-transformed data were regressed on literature-derived log-body mass using reduced major axis and phylogenetic least squares regressions. We examine the scaling patterns of muscle mass and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) to body mass, as these relationships may complicate each model. Finally, we examine the scaling pattern of hindlimb muscle PCSA to talar articular surface area, a direct test of the effect of mass-induced forces on joint surfaces. Among most groups, there is an overall trend toward positive allometry for articular surfaces. The ectal (= posterior calcaneal) facet scales with positive allometry among all groups except ‘sundatherians’, strepsirrhines, galagids, and lorisids. The medial tibial facet scales isometrically among all groups except lemuroids. Scaling coefficients are not correlated with sample size, clade inclusivity or behavioral diversity of the sample. Muscle mass scales with slight positive allometry to body mass, and PCSA scales at isometry to body mass. PCSA generally scales with negative allometry to articular surface area, which indicates joint surfaces increase faster than muscles’ ability to generate force. We suggest a synthetic model to explain the complex patterns observed for talar articular surface area scaling: whether ‘muscles or mass’ drive articular facet scaling is probably dependent on the body size range of the sample and the biological role of the facet. The relationship between ‘muscle vs. mass’ dominance is likely bone- and facet-specific, meaning that some facets should respond primarily to stresses induced by larger body mass, whereas others primarily reflect muscle forces.
Interfacial Polymerization of Molecular Squares: Thin Microporous Membranes Featuring Size Selective Transport

Flat porphyrin molecules have been linked at right angles, using metal atoms, to create square or open-ended box structures having minimum cavity widths of about 2.4 nm and nominal volumes of ca. 14 nm3. Chemically modified versions of the squares feature reactive hydroxyl groups at the top and bottom of each of the four walls of the box structure. These groups combine readily with acid chloride functionalized molecules to yield robust ester linkages. If the reactions are carried out at a liquid-liquid interface with squares in one layer and difunctional acid chloride linkers in the other, polymer formation occurs at the interface. As with other liquid-liquid interfacial polymerizations, the reaction is self-limiting because transport of reactants is inhibited by membrane formation. Polymer films prepared by this method have controllable thicknesses ranging from about 200 nm to 2 microns. The membranes display size-selective porosity with respect to molecules smaller than the intra-square cavity and blocking behavior with respect to larger molecules. Electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence methods are used to measure qualitative and quantitative sieving behavior by employing a conductive metal or ceramic electrode as an underlying platform. In these and related membranes, selective molecular transport is being engineered for applications such as chemical sensing, energy conversion, and chemical catalysis.
Fra-1, a Fos Gene Family Member That Activates Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Gene Transcription

Previous studies suggested that individual components of the activator protein 1 (AP-1) complex behave in a highly idiosyncratic fashion at the level of the human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene promoter. ANP gene transcription is activated by c-jun and is generally suppressed by c-fos. In the present study, fra-1, a close relative of the c-fos gene product in terms of its structure and functional activity, behaved like fos in cardiac atriocytes, effecting an approximately 50% reduction in c-jun-activatable expression of a human ANP chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter. In cardiac ventriculocytes, however, fra-1 effected a synergistic amplification of the c-jun response (a 2.5-fold increase over c-jun alone). In atrial cells, fos-like proteins were not uniformly inhibitory in that a carboxy terminal deletion mutant of c-fos activated a human ANP-CAT reporter in the atriocyte cultures. Finally, using a series of domain-swap mutations in the fos/fra structural sequences, we showed that sequences at both the amino and the carboxy termini are required to realize the full fra-1-dependent stimulatory effect as well as the c-fos-dependent inhibition of ANP gene transcription. These findings suggest considerable heterogeneity in the response of the ANP promoter to different components of the AP-1 complex. Such heterogeneity may serve to broaden the range of biological responses available to this promoter as the cardiac cell attempts to adapt to perturbations in the extracellular environment.
Comparison of simultaneously measured perfusion and bold signal increases during brain activation with T1-based tissue identification

Perfusion and blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals were simultaneously measured during a finger-tapping task at 3T using QUIPSS II with thin-slice TI(1) periodic saturation, a modified pulsed arterial spin labeling technique that provides quantitative measurement of perfusion. Perfusion and BOLD signal changes due to motor activation were obtained and correlated with the T(1) values estimated from echo-planar imaging (EPI)-based T(1) maps on a voxel-by-voxel basis. The peak perfusion signal occurs in voxels with a T(1) of brain parenchyma while the peak BOLD signal occurs in voxels with a T(1) characteristic of blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The locations of the peak signals of functional BOLD and perfusion only partially overlap on the order of 40%. Perfusion activation maps will likely represent the sites of neuronal activity better than do BOLD activation maps. Magn Reson Med 44:137-143, 2000.
Genes influencing HDL metabolism: new perspectives and implications for atherosclerosis prevention

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in Western societies. Current therapies, such as reduction of plasma cholesterol, significantly reduce, but do not come close to eliminating, the complications of ASCVD. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches to the prevention of acute coronary events and progression of atherosclerosis are still needed. The complex metabolism of high density lipoproteins represents an attractive potential target for therapeutic intervention. Here, we will discuss those components of the high density lipoprotein metabolism and lipid transport pathways that are potential preventative or therapeutic targets for ASCVD.
Moving models of motion forward: Explication and a new concept

We affirm the dynamical systems approach taken by Feldman and Levin, but argue that a more mathematically rigorous and standard exposition of the model according to dynamical systems theory would greatly increase readability and testability. Such an explication would also have heuristic value, suggesting new variations of the model. We present one such variant, a new solution to the redundancy problem.
A dynamic multimedia environmental and bioaccumulation model for brominated flame retardants in Lake Huron and Lake Erie, USA

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may pose a worldwide pollution problem because of their persistence, long-range transport capability, and predisposition to bioaccumulate. The ubiquitous presence of PBBs and PBDEs has heightened interest in determination of their fate. We report results for a fugacity-based dynamic environmental and bioaccumulation model of the fate of hexabromobiphenyl (hexaBB) discharged into the Saginaw Bay region of Lake Huron, USA. We calculated transient fugacity profiles of hexaBB in Lake Huron and Lake Erie water and sediment during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The hexaBB concentrations in the environmental compartments were used as inputs for a dynamic bioaccumulation model of Lake Huron and Lake Erie aquatic biota. The model results indicate that the sediment compartments of Lakes Huron and Erie serve as reservoirs for the accumulation and slow transfer of hexaBB to the food web constituents of these lakes. We present bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and compare the predicted hexaBB concentrations in lake trout from the bioaccumulation model with measurements during the period 1980 to 2000. An uncertainty analysis for this model suggests that errors associated with input parameter uncertainty can be reduced by refining estimates of the sediment degradation half-life of hexaBB. The corroborated PBB model has carryover application for modeling the fate of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) contaminants in the Great Lakes. By fitting model outputs to field measurement data using the transformed least square fit method, we report estimations of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) emission rates into the Lake Huron and Lake Erie watershed areas. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011; 30:1018–1025. © 2011 SETAC