cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reactions of actinide ions with pentamethylcyclopentadiene: atypical hydrocarbon activation

Abstract Gas-phase reactions of 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadiene (HCp∗) with three actinide ions, Np + , Pu + , and Am + , were studied by laser ablation mass spectrometry. The primary goal was to determine if an unusual, non-insertion mode of C–H activation reported for lanthanide ions, Ln + , with this substrate obtains for the homologous actinide ions; the Cp∗ ligand is central in organoactinide chemistry and the interaction of the quasivalence 5 f electrons with HCp∗ is of special interest. It was found that Np + and Pu + behave similarly to the “reactive” Ln + , and that Am + is similar to the “inert” group of Ln + . For both Ln + and An + , reactivity appears to reflect the energy necessary to excite the ground state metal ion to a configuration with two non- f valence electrons. Evidently Am + , which exhibits a large excitation energy, comparable to those of the inert Ln + , induces C–H activation and single-H 2 -elimination from HCp∗ by a non-insertion process not seen with other alkenes; this lanthanide-like behavior suggests no distinctive role of the 5 f electrons in the Am + –HCp∗ interaction. Activation by Np + and Pu + of the methyl groups of a tetramethylfulvene intermediate results in double- and triple-dehydrogenation which evidently proceeds by a conventional insertion process involving a C–An + –H complex, in accord with the relatively small Np + and Pu + excitation energies. Results for reactions of AnO + with HCp∗ revealed an enhanced dehydrogenation activity of NpO + compared with LnO + , which may be a result of the greater accessibility of high oxidation states at the Np metal center.
Nontrivial grating that possesses only specular characteristics: normal incidence

It is well known that gratings with horizontally pronounced periodicities produce nonspecular reflection (and transmission) modes depending on the frequency and the periodicity. Do gratings with vertically pronounced periodicities always do similarly well? This question is resolved by considering a grating made of an infinitely long slab of constant width in which perfectly conducting gratings are periodically inserted. Only normal incidence is considered, and an elementary modal theory has been used in which diffraction from knife edges has been neglected. From the computed results it is shown that such a grating always reflects and transmits specularly perfectly over wide frequency ranges irrespective of the periodicity of the grating, the dielectric constant of the slab (real), the width of the slab, or the polarization of the incident electromagnetic plane wave.
Growth of Histoplasma capsulatum isolates is better on potato dextrose agar with chloramphenicol than on brain heart infusion agar

Summary Histoplasma capsulatum (H. capsulatum) grows poorly on standard, non-enriched laboratory culture media. In many clinical laboratories, brain heart infusion (BHI) medium is used specifically for initial isolation of slow-growing pathogenic fungi such as H. capsulatum. We compared the growth of ten isolates of H. capsulatum on BHI medium and Potato Dextrose Agar supplemented with 500 mg/l chloramphenicol (PDA-C). After seven days of incubation, seven of ten isolates of H. capsulatum showed markedly superior growth on PDA-C compared to BHI agar. Two of ten strains showed equivalent growth on both media and one strain yielded more colonies on BHI. These preliminary results suggest that PDA-C should be considered as a replacement for BHI medium for detection of H. capsulatum from clinical samples.
A Twist on Potassium Channel Gating

The selectivity filter of potassium channels, the narrowest segment of the pore, permits only potassium ions to diffuse through the pore. Clarke et al. (2010) now present 11 structures of an inwardly rectifying potassium channel, providing evidence that the selectivity filter functions in channel gating and conformational changes in the cytoplasmic domains correlate with pore opening.
Teaching Electromagnetic Interference on Microcontrollers through Lab Experiments

New lab experiments were developed for the students to investigate the effect of electromagnetic interference on the operation of microcontrollers. The objectives of the experiments include exposing students to the effect of noisy power supply on microcontroller performance and to learn how to use modern instruments for recording the results. In the experiments, the noise is restricted to electromagnetic interference picked up by the power supply conductors from external sources at radio frequencies. As wireless communication technologies have been widely used, such lab investigation is of current interest to the students. There was no simple way to produce the radio frequency interference of sufficient magnitude in our lab. A method was used to emulate the picking up of such interference on the power supply conductors. This paper describes such method. It also describes the new experiments, their benefits for the students, the evaluations, and suggestions for improvements.
Recent Recession of Tropical Cliffy Coasts Elevated benches and other coastal forms give evidence of eustatic changes in sea level

My fieldwork in various parts of the world leads me to the conclusion that the retreat of cliffy coasts through abrasion and solutional erosion during Recent times has produced a whole complex of forms, including conspicuous benches well above sea level where bedrock conditions are favorable. In addition, flats of other origin are being developed at various levels. Broad exposures of beach rock are a marine phenomenon only in that such exposure is a result of beach recession and of the uncovering of materials that had been cemented, under freshwater conditions, along water tables, in some places 6 or more feet above sea level (24, 25). Contemporary coral and algal flats are forming in some instances several feet above the level of the highest tides.
Successful Interventions for Gram‐Negative Resistance to Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactam Antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance among nosocomial pathogens in this country's hospitals adds significantly to patient morbidity and mortality, and the cost of health care. Optimism for identifying antimicrobial agents that would "solve the problem" of resistance has been replaced by a much more guarded and realistic view of the battle between humans and pathogenic microorganisms. Efforts now are more appropriately directed toward limiting, rather than completely eliminating, resistance, generally by either infection control or antibiotic control measures, and sometime combinations of the two. Methicillin-oxacillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) results from the expression of an acquired penicillin-binding protein (PBP 2a) that is not transferable in vitro. In most hospitals, even those with high percentages of MRSA, relatively few resistant clones are identified, suggesting transmission of individual strains throughout the hospital population. Because person-to-person spread is so important in transmission of MRSA, strategies aimed at preventing transmission of the resistant strains are remarkably effective when strictly enforced. Ceftazidime resistance in Enterobacteriaceae results from point mutations within genes that encode widely prevalent and often transferable plasmid-mediated enzymes. In addition, mutations of these genes that allow hydrolysis of cephalosporins usually result in decreased activity against other drugs, including the penicillins and beta-lactamase inhibitors. Effective measures to control ceftazidime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have as their cornerstone limiting administration of antibiotics that select for the emergence and spread of these mutations, especially ceftazidime. The importance of infection-control techniques in limiting the prevalence of ceftazidime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is less well established. Methods that are informed by a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms of resistance and resistance spread offer the best hope for limiting dissemination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a cost-effective manner.
The influence of the rigidity of geosorbent organic matter on non-ideal sorption behaviors of chlorinated benzenes.

Abstract This study focused on evaluating the influence of the rigidity of natural organic matter (NOM) associated with four natural geosorbents in controlling the non-ideal sorption behaviors of five chlorinated benzenes. Single solute sorption isotherms for each sorbate/sorbent combination were modeled and interpreted by the Freundlich sorption isotherm and the adsorption-partitioning model based on Polanyi–Manes theory (PM model). “Rigid” organic matter was operationally quantified as the fraction of carbon resistant to wet chemical oxidation (hard carbon) or thermal oxidation (soot carbon); atomic H/O ratios indicated a close correlation between the degree of reduction of the NOM and its rigidity. Sorbents with larger rigid carbon fractions had more non-linear sorption isotherms and higher organic carbon (OC) normalized sorption affinities. The size of the PM hole filling domain for a given sorbent was closely correlated with the extent to which the sorbent's affinity for chlorobenzenes exceeded predictions from a linear free energy relationship. Loss of some portions of the rigid character of the NOM domain due to the penetration of sorbate molecules (plasticization) was discussed as a possible contributor to the non-ideal sorption behaviors observed in this study. The existence of a permanently rigid NOM domain, not subject to plasticization under environmental conditions, was postulated as an additional factor determining the observed sorption behavior.
Subpixel target detection in hyperspectral data using higher order statistics source separation algorithms

Hyperspectral data is modeled as an unknown mixture of original features (such as the materials present in the scene). The goal is to find the unmixing matrix and to perform the inversion in order to recover them. Unlike first and second order techniques (such as PCA), higher order statistics (HOS) methods assume the data has nongaussian behavior are able to represent much subtle differences among the original features. The HOS algorithms transform the data such that the result components are uncorrelated and their nongaussianity is maximized (the resulting components are statistical independent). Subpixel targets in a natural background can be seen as anomalies of the image scene. They expose a strong nongaussian behavior and correspond to independent components leading to their detection when HOS techniques are employed. The methods start by preprocessing the hyperspectral image through centering and sphering. The resulting bands are transformed using gradient-based optimization on the HOS measure. Next, the data are reduced through a selection of the components associated with small targets using the changes of the slope in the scree graph of the non-Gaussianity values. The targets are filtered using histogram-based analysis. The end result is a map of the pixels associated with small targets.
Rotation Vector in Attitude Estimation

An alternative derivation of the spacecraft attitude determination filter is developed to avoid questions of quater-nion normalization or attitude matrix orthogonality constraints, quaternion covariance, and subterfuges used to circumvent these problems. This derivation is based on the Bortz equation for the rotation vector. Because the rotation vector is an unconstrained representation of attitude, the aforementioned questions do not arise. Singularities in the state dynamics equation are avoided by maintaining the predicted body attitude as the inertial reference for the filter. A simple discrete solution to the Bortz equation provides accurate attitude propagation for highly maneuverable spacecraft and also in the presence of jitter.
Psychotherapy by primary-care providers: results of a national sample.

The authors used the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey to examine visit characteristics associated with psychotherapy by primary-care physicians, as compared with psychiatrists. Chisquare tests and hierarchical logistic-regression models were developed to examine visit characteristics associated with receiving psychotherapy by primary-care physicians versus psychiatrists. Over 19% of all psychotherapy visits were reported by primary-care physicians. Visits to primary-care physicians, versus visits to psychiatrists, were significantly greater among those over age 65, in Hispanic patients, and those in rural areas. Primary-care physicians are reporting that they provide psychotherapy and may be filling a void for underserved populations.
Can an unwilling horse be made drink

In his critique of the newer approach in economic development emphasizing institutional reforms, Ha-Joon Chang, in his article titled ‘Institutions and Economic Development: Theory, Policy and History’, equates New Institutional Economics with the program of liberal reforms for least developed countries (LDCs) and blames the former for the alleged failure of the latter. He argues with some justice that the dominant discourse in New Institutional Economics insufficiently appreciates the complexity of institutions; as a consequence, the difficulty of transplanting institutions is largely discounted. His case, however, is marred by his attempt to push down his ideological biases by marshalling inchoate, highly questionable and often contradictory ideas as facts. Going beyond a critical examination of the New Institutional Economics inspired discourse in development economics, he advocates his own version of beneficial development policies for LDCs – namely, economic democracy and industrial policies. His proposals are not only highly questionable, but they amount to adopting a double standard of exempting himself from the very criticisms he levies against New Institutional Economics – ignoring the difficulty of importing foreign institutions. Presuming to play God, like many development economists, he ignores the essential fact that an unwilling horse cannot be made to drink.
Little evidence of a role for the α1GABAA subunit-containing receptor in a rhesus monkey model of alcohol drinking.

Background Alcohol potentiates GABAergic neurotransmission via action at the GABAA receptor. α1 subunit-containing GABAA receptors have been implicated as mediators, in part, of the behavioral and abuse-related effects of alcohol in rodents.
Hormonal regulation of androgen receptor messenger RNA in the medial preoptic area of the male rat

Abstract In the adult male rat, androgen and estrogen synergize in the regulation of male reproductive behaviors. To explore some of the molecular mechanisms underlying this synergism we examined the distribution and hormonal regulation of androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER) mRNAs in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) of the adult male rat. Using in situ hybridization, AR and ER mRNAs were found to be distributed in overlapping but unique patterns. The highest density of AR mRNA was found in the central part of the medial preoptic n. and the principal n. of the BST. Gonadectomy (GDX) of adult male rats caused an increase in hybridization density in both brain areas after 4 days followed by a decrease after 2 months. In contrast, ER mRNA was increased following GDX and remained high regardless of length of time. Treatment of adult GDX'd males with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) reversed the effects of GDX on AR mRNA at both the short and long-term castrate but had no effect on ER mRNA in both the MPOA and BST. Estrogen treatment increased AR mRNA in the long-term castrate only and decreased ER mRNA in both long- and short-term castrates. Immunocytochemical detection of AR revealed a similar distribution to AR mRNA; however, AR immunoreactivity was reduced in the MPOA and BST after both short- and long-term GDX. In vitro [ 3 H]DHT binding in cytosols of the preoptic area showed appreciable binding but there was no effect of length of time following GDX. These data show that the pattern of regulation of AR mRNA is unique to this receptor type and does not follow the pattern of regulation of the ER mRNA. Furthermore, although the distribution of AR mRNA and AR protein coincide within the MPOA, changes in mRNA levels as a result of castration of hormone treatment do not result in corresponding changes in binding. This mismatch between mRNA and binding suggests a complex regulation of AR beyond simply changes in transcription.
Centre-states financial relations in the context of planned development

Financial structure and resources allocation in a democratic, federal form of government, using the Indian Union (the 17 states of India) as a model is discussed. The most serious problems that arise are the rights of different governments to raise loans and their rights and duties in respect of planning and economic development. The broad lines on which federal-state financial relations have evolved in India suggests a new institutional device, a National Development Bank, for the rational use of borrowed resources by federal and state governments and the states. Centralization of financial activities would ensure a sound investment program and optimal and effective use of resources. The principle is of general applicability in all countries with a democratic form of government and in which socioeconomic development has become a national objective. Financial data are included.
Stage and Cell-Specific Expression of Calmodulin-Dependent Phosphodiesterases in Mouse Testis

Calcium and cyclic nucleotides are second messengers that regulate the development and functional activity of spermatozoa. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent phosphodiesterases (CaM-PDEs) are abundant in testicular cells and in mature spermatozoa and provide one means by which calcium regulates cellular cyclic nucleotide content. We examined the spatial and temporal expression profiles of three knownCaM-PDE genes, PDE1A, PDE1B, and PDE1C, in the testis. In situ hybridization and immunofluorescent staining showed that both PDE1A and PDE1C are highly expressed but at different stages in developing germ cells. However, a very low hybridization signal of PDE1B exists uniformly throughout the seminiferous epithelium and the interstitium. More specifically, PDE1A mRNA is found in round to elongated spermatids, with protein expression in the tails of elongated and maturing spermatids. In contrast, PDE1C mRNA accumulates during early meiotic prophase and throughout meiotic and postmeiotic stages. Immunocytochemistry showed a diffuse, presumably cytosolic distribution of the expressed protein. The distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns of CaM-PDEs suggest important but different physiological roles for these CaM-PDEs in developing and mature spermatozoa.
Neutron radii in nuclei and the neutron equation of state

The root-mean-square radius for neutrons in nuclei is investigated in the Skyrme Hartree-Fock model. The main source of theoretical variation comes from the exchange part of the density-dependent interaction which can be related to a basic property of the neutron equation of state. A precise measurement of the neutron radius in ${}^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$ would place an important new constraint on the equation of state for neutron matter. The Friedman-Pandharipande neutron equation of state would lead to a very precise value of $0.16\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02\mathrm{fm}$ for the difference between the neutron and the proton root-mean-square radius in ${}^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$.
Special Section on Advanced Modeling and Numerical Simulations in Geomechanics

This special section of the International Journal of Geomechanics contains selected papers that are based on the presentations at the GeoHunan International Conference: Challenges and Recent Advances in Pavement Technologies and Transportation Geotechnics, held in Changsha, Hunan, China, on August 3–6, 2009. The subject of geomechanics has come a long way in developing constitutive models for geomaterials, including nontraditional materials. Yet, there are complex geomechanics problems that do not have well-defined constitutive models and solutions. Recently, advanced modeling and numerical simulation techniques such as neural network, bound theorem, and centrifuge modeling have been employed to solve some of those geomechanics problems. Owing to the rapid expansion in the use of computer software, nonlinear numerical analysis or neural network modeling has become very popular among researchers and practicing engineers in recent years. Although theoretical models have been around for a long time, it has always been challenging to develop such models. Recently, small-scale centrifuge-based simulations have shown a promising capability of modeling prototype geostructures without a gravityinduced in situ stress field. This special section contains six full-length papers covering such advanced modeling and numerical simulations, different from traditional constitutive modeling, in geomechanics. The paper contributed by Xiang et al. discusses settlement prediction on a chimney foundation by a neural network. In their work, seven models with different input series were developed. The optimal model was determined by comparing the forecasting performance. Xiao et al. carried out numerical simulations of a single pile in expansive soil and extensively studied the load transfer mechanism and soil-pile interaction. Chen and Yu present a study on centrifuge modeling, in which staged construction on a reinforced lime-stabilized embankment was simulated by spinning the model at various g-levels. Centrifuge test results were used to verify and validate their numerical analysis. A comprehensive literature review on constitutive modeling of unsaturated soil is presented by Zhang and Li. Some limitations in the framework of the Barcelona Basic Model are discussed, and a new approach is proposed to overcome the limitations. Fu et al. investigated the compressive behavior of anchored rock masses through a series of physical model tests. The test results were compared with specimens without anchor bolts. It was concluded that the improvement attributable to vertical bolts is more effective. Zhao et al. employed an upper bound limit analysis to evaluate the ultimate pullout capacity of horizontal shallow plate anchors. Dilation and nonlinear behavior of soil was found to have profound effects on the ultimate pullout capacity.
The Thoc1 Encoded Ribonucleoprotein Is a Substrate for the NEDD4-1 E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes form around nascent RNA during transcription to facilitate proper transcriptional elongation, RNA processing, and nuclear export. RNPs are highly heterogeneous, and different types of RNPs tend to package functionally related transcripts. These observations have inspired the hypothesis that RNP mediated mechanisms help specify coordinated gene expression. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that mutations in RNP components can cause defects in specific developmental pathways. How RNP biogenesis itself is regulated, however, is not well understood. The evolutionarily conserved THO RNP complex functions early during transcription to package nascent transcripts and facilitate subsequent RNP biogenesis. THO deficiency compromises transcriptional elongation as well as RNP mediated events like 3' end formation and nuclear export for some transcripts. Using molecularly manipulated cells and in vitro reconstituted biochemical reactions, we demonstrate that the essential THO protein component encoded by the Thoc1 gene is poly-ubiquitinated by the NEDD4-1 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Poly-ubiquitinated pThoc1 is degraded by the proteasome. These results indicate THO activity is regulated by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, and that this regulation is evolutionarily conserved between yeast and mammals. Manipulation of NEDD4-1 levels has modest effects on Thoc1 protein levels under steady state conditions, but destabilization of Thoc1 protein upon treatment with a transcriptional elongation inhibitor is dependent on NEDD4-1. This suggests NEDD4-1 functions in conjunction with other post-translational mechanisms to regulate Thoc1 protein and THO activity.
Inhibition of retinal guanylyl cyclase by the RGS9-1 N-terminus.

Abstract Cyclic GMP plays a key role in retinal phototransduction and its photoreceptor concentration is precisely controlled by the cooperative action of cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) and retinal guanylyl cyclase (retGC). However, studies of the relationship between these two systems have focused only on a Ca 2+ -mediated, indirect connection. Using a retinal “regulator of G-protein signaling” (RGS9-1) and its fragments, we show that the N-terminus of RGS9-1 inhibits retGC activity. We also indicate that the GGL domain and/or the RGS domain function as an internal suppressor against the N-terminus, suggesting that proteins bound to these domains regulate the inhibitory activity of the N-terminus. Direct interaction of retGC with RGS9-1 and its N-terminus is also proved by immunoprecipitation and an overlay technique. Since RGS9-1 also controls the lifetime of transducin-activated PDE through regulating GTPase activity of transducin, this study strongly suggests that RGS9-1 mediates the direct interaction between PDE and retGC systems, and that this ingenious mechanism plays an important role in tuning of cGMP concentration in photoreceptors.
A note on the influence of the elasticity on wave propagation in an acoustic/elastic coupled medium

Abstract Comparisons of the laboratory physical modeling experiment and the finite element numerical simulation of the physical modeling experiment of wave propagation in an acoustic/elastic coupled medium, reveal that the finite element numerical simulation of the physical modeling experiment, when an elastic medium is modeled as an acoustic medium, is definitely inferior than that, when an elastic medium is modeled actually as an elastic medium. The elasticity of an acoustic/elastic coupled medium, as expected, has a pronounced influence on the shear wave conversion and propagation; in turn, the characteristics of wave forms and arrival events involve both the compressional and shear waves. These findings may bear significant implications of whether the elastic property of the ocean bottom plays an important role in the long range sound transmission in oceans.
Spectral element-Fourier method for unsteady conjugate heat transfer in complex geometry flows

A spectral-element Fourier method (SEFM) is presented for the direct numerical simulation of forced convective heat transfer and conjugate conduction/convection in transitional internal flows in complex geometries. The SEFM is employed for the spatial discretization of the unsteady, incompressible, three-dimensional Navier— Stokes and energy equations. The resulting discrete equations are solved by a semi-implicit method in time treating explicitly the convection operator and implicitly the remaining pressure and viscous contributions. This methodology is illustrated by performing direct numerical simulations to investigate forced convective heat transfer in supercritical self-sustained oscillatory flows and conjugate effects in multimaterial domains. Highly unsteady flows in complex geometries are considered, including modified channels with periodic inhomogeneities such as spanwise rectangular and triangular grooves encountered in electronic equipment and compact heat exchangers.
Dynamic Grid Adaptation Using the MPDATA Scheme

A dynamic grid adaptation (DGA) scheme is developed using various combinations of the multidimensional positive definite advection transport algorithm (MPDATA) to show the applicability of DGA with the MPDATA scheme to solve advection problems. A one-dimensional model is used to show the effects of varying the number of grid points and the parameters that control the grid redistribution scheme, to determine a stability criteria for the scheme and to investigate the effect of several MPDATA options. A two-dimensional model is used to show the applicability of the scheme in multiple dimensions and to illustrate the effects of DGA in combination with MPDATA options. Diffusion errors are reduced by more than 90% using DGA when compared to static, uniformly spaced grid computations. Phase errors are reduced using certain MPDATA options by more than 25%.
Procedural influences on auditory comprehension: A second look at the Revised Token Test

Abstract The purpose of this report is to demonstrate how methodologic procedures used in the standardization of certain subtests of the Revised Token Test (RTT) (McNeil and Prescott, 1978) may have affected the nature of the data collected and, subsequently the interpretation of auditory comprehension abilities shown by clinical populations tested with the RTT.
Essential role of mitochondrial Ca2+-activated and ATP-sensitive K+ channels in sildenafil-induced late cardioprotection.

Sildenafil (Viagra), a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor used in treatment of male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension can induce cardioprotection through opening of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channels (mitoKATP). Recent studies suggest that activation of mitochondrial Ca2+-activated K+ channels (mitoKCa) also has anti-ischemic effects. However, the relative role of mitoKCa and mitoKATP in sildenafil-induced cardioprotection remains unknown. In the present study, adult male ICR mice were pretreated with sildenafil (0.71 mg/kg, i.p.) 24 h prior to 20 min of global ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion in Langendorff mode. Paxilline (blocker of KCa) or 5-hydroxydecanoic acid (5-HD; blocker of mitoKATP) was administered either 30 min before sildenafil or 10 min prior to ischemia. Treatment with sildenafil reduced infarct size, which was abolished by either paxilline or 5-HD. Furthermore, in vivo gene knockdown of β1 subunit of KCa (KCa-β1) using small interfering RNA (siRNA) administered 48 h before sildenafil injection blocked the infarct limiting effect of sildenafil. The protective effect of sildenafil was preserved in mice treated with non-target siRNA. Western blots demonstrated selective protein expression of KCa-β1 in cardiac mitochondria and the gene knockdown effect of siRNA on KCa-β1. The level of KCa-β1 protein was not upregulated following treatment with sildenafil. We conclude that both mitoKCa and mitoKATP play a critical role in triggering and mediating sildenafil-induced delayed cardioprotection. The results suggest that activation of mitoKCa and mitoKATP are crucial for maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and reducing cell death in sildenafil-induced preconditioning against ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Levels of filamentous and globular actin in Chinese hamster ovary cells throughout the cell cycle

Abstract Synchronous Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were obtained by mitotic selection and the levels of globular (G) actin, filamentous (F) actin, and cytoskeletal-associated F-actin were determined as cells progressed through the cell cycle. Total actin levels remained quite constant when expressed as a percent of the total protein. An increase in F-actin occurred upon plating the mitotic cells, but this increase was shown to be a result of attachment to the substratum, since cells which remained attached during the second mitosis failed to show these changes. No large variation in the levels of either Factin or cytoskeletal-associated F-actin occurred throughout the cell cycle. Therefore, changes in the morphology of the CHO cells which are accompanied by a reorganization of actin-containing microfilaments during the cell cycle are not accompanied by significant changes in the size of the monomeric actin pool.
Computation of spatially periodic flows based on the vorticity-stream function formulation

Abstract Finite element solution strategies are presented for the two-dimensional, spatially periodic, viscous and inviscid, incompressible flows governed by the verticity-stream function formulation. These strategies are successfully tested on various uniperiodic and biperiodic viscous flow problems involving arrays of cylinders with Reynolds number 0 and 100. It is shown that in all cases for Reynolds number 100 the solution becomes unsteady and ceases to satisfy the symmetry conditions along the horizontal centerlines of the cylinders.
The Need for Improved Programming Language

I adopt the point of view that an ideal language contains features well-matched to the abstract concepts which the problem-solving programmer uses in his own thinking. I also assume that the modifiability of programs is of paramount importance. The features below are not necessarily listed in order of importance; an ideal general-purpose programming language should probably have all of them because each one encourages a more systematic structured writing of programs. Most of these features are contained in some form in at least one implemented language, but unfortunately the best known and most used languages contain few of them.
Effectiveness of adding relapse prevention materials to telephone counseling

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of adding the Forever Free relapse prevention materials to telephone counseling provided by the Arkansas quitline. Results suggest that the addition of Forever Free materials to telephone counseling does not improve quit rates for those participants who receive at least one session of counseling and nicotine patches; however, for those participants unwilling or unable to receive nicotine patches, the addition of the Forever Free relapse prevention materials doubled the abstinence rate and increased the odds of abstinence by nearly 70% 6 months after treatment (20.9% versus 10.6%; OR = 1.69; CI = 1.02-2.78; p = .04). Given the recent proliferation of quitline services and the variety of services provided, these results can address concerns about enhancing treatment outcomes for certain groups.
Different Requirements for Intrinsic Factor‐Xa Forming Activity and Platelet Factor 3 Activity and their Relationship to Platelet Aggregation and Secretion

Summary. Platelets provide coagulant activity in part by promoting two essential reactions of intrinsic coagulation: (I) factor-X activation by a complex of factor IXa, factor VIII, calcium and platelets (intrinsic factor-Xa forming activity or XaFA); and (2) prothrombin activation by a complex of factor Xa, factor V, calcium and platelets (platelet factor 3 activity or PF3A). We found that a chloroform extract of acetone-dried brain had about half the XaFA of a petroleum ether extract of brain and over twice the PF3A of the petroleum ether extract; and that when purified phospholipids other than phosphatidylserine (PS) were added to PS, the resultant activity, compared with PS alone, was reduced in the assay for XaFA and enhanced in the assay for PF3A. In experiments with washed platelets stirred with collagen XaFA developed rapidly (100% activity at 30 s), well before maximum [14C]5HT release (2-4 min) and decayed to 15% at 10 min. In contrast, PF3A developed slowly (100% activity after 20 min) well after maximal aggregation and release. Maximal XaFA developed in unstirred platelet suspensions incubated with collagen, whereas PF3A did not become available unless platelet suspensions were stirred and underwent secretion. Platelets stirred with ADP released [14C]5HT and developed PF3A but not XaFA. Both [14C]5HT release and PF3A by collagen were inhibited by p-chloromercuriphenylsulphonate, indomethacin and a combination of prostaglandin E1 and RA 233, but XaFA was only minimally affected by these inhibitors. In contrast concanavalin A inhibited collagen-induced PF3A and XaFA in dose-dependent fashion but had no effect on [14C]5HT release. Both platelet coagulant activities and [14C]5HT release were inhibited by aspirin, EDTA and a combination of antimycin A and 2-deoxy-D-glucose. These results indicate that the biochemical determinants of XaFA and PF3A are different. PF3A developed only when aggregation and release occurred whereas XaFA was independent of aggregation and release.
Engineering an endothelialized vascular graft: a rational approach to study design in a non-human primate model.

After many years of research, small diameter, synthetic vascular grafts still lack the necessary biologic integration to perform ideally in clinical settings. Endothelialization of vascular grafts has the potential to improve synthetic graft function, and endothelial outgrowth cells (EOCs) are a promising autologous cell source. Yet no work has established the link between endothelial cell functions and outcomes of implanted endothelialized grafts. This work utilized steady flow, oscillatory flow, and tumor necrosis factor stimulation to alter EOC phenotype and enable the formulation of a model to predict endothelialized graft performance. To accomplish this, EOC in vitro expression of coagulation and inflammatory markers was quantified. In parallel, in non-human primate (baboon) models, the platelet and fibrinogen accumulation on endothelialized grafts were quantified in an ex vivo shunt, or the tissue ingrowth on implanted grafts were characterized after 1mth. Oscillatory flow stimulation of EOCs increased in vitro coagulation markers and ex vivo platelet accumulation. Steady flow preconditioning did not affect platelet accumulation or intimal hyperplasia relative to static samples. To determine whether in vitro markers predict implant performance, a linear regression model of the in vitro data was fit to platelet accumulation data—correlating the markers with the thromboprotective performance of the EOCs. The model was tested against implant intimal hyperplasia data and found to correlate strongly with the parallel in vitro analyses. This research defines the effects of flow preconditioning on EOC regulation of coagulation in clinical vascular grafts through parallel in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo analyses, and contributes to the translatability of in vitro tests to in vivo clinical graft performance.
Biomarkers to detect central dopamine deficiency and distinguish Parkinson disease from multiple system atrophy

Objective Biomarkers are increasingly important to diagnose and test treatments of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson disease (PD). This study compared neuroimaging, neurochemical, and olfactory potential biomarkers to detect central dopamine (DA) deficiency and distinguish PD from multiple system atrophy (MSA).
Alone on Elm Street

The 2010 remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street, directed by Samuel Bayer, is indebted to Wes Craven9s 1984 original as well as other predecessors for its horror effects——but it avoids the exploration of community and politics that made the earlier films compelling.
Angiotensin II stimulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 gene expression in astroglial cells from the brain.

In this study, we investigated the mechanism of angiotensin II (Ang II) induced secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) from astroglial cells prepared from 21-day-old rat brain. Competition-inhibition experiments with the use of selective antagonists for Ang II receptor subtypes indicated that astroglial cells contain chiefly Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors. The interaction of Ang II with AT1 receptors resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent stimulation of PAI-1 gene expression. A maximal, 20-fold induction of PAI-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) steady-state levels was observed with 10 nM Ang II. This effect of Ang II was blocked by DuP753, an AT1 receptor antagonist, but not by PD123177, an AT2 receptor antagonist. Raise in PAI-1 mRNA levels was followed by an elevation in PAI-1 concentration in culture media reaching its maximum after 24 h. Interaction of Ang II with AT1 receptors also resulted in a time- and concentration-dependent stimulation of inositol phospholipid (IP) hydrolysis. A max...
Hematologic and serologic studies in cystic fibrosis

The hematologic and serologic data of 87 cystic fibrosis patients, between the ages of 5 and 16 years, showed the following characteristics as compared with a group of age-matched normal control children: The cystic fibrosis patients were shorter, weighed less, and had lower pO 2 values than the control group. Although moderately polycythemic, they had lower MCHC's lowe serum-bound iron values, and higher iron-binding capacities. However, both BI and TIBC values were low in the group with the klowest pO 2 values. The blood vlumes, based upon height, were normal. Iron absorption, particularly in thosse with low iron values, was increased. Whereas the level of serum-bound iron was the major factor in regulation iron absorptioin, the red cell mass was, directly related to the degree of hypoxia. Pancreatic extract impeded absorption of iron, but to a lesser extent than it did in the control group.
A stylized three dimensional PWR whole-core benchmark problem with Gadolinium

Abstract Recent advancements in computer technology have led to an increased ability to solve complicated reactor problems, and as a result, there has been an interest in codes and methods that utilize whole-core transport in three-dimensional, large-scale, highly-heterogeneous configurations. Most current reactor benchmark problems are either small-scale or involve spatial homogenization (pin cell or full-assembly) for diffusion codes; therefore, new whole-core benchmark problems must be designed in order to validate whole-core transport methods. This study focuses on an PWR case, with a low leakage loading pattern and Gadolinium as a burnable absorber. In this paper, a detailed description of a new 3D whole-core numerical benchmark problem based on a 4-loop layout is presented with geometric, material and cross section specifications. A set of 2-group and 4-group region-wise neutron cross section libraries is generated using the lattice depletion code HELIOS, and an MCNP model is described for three configurations (all rods in, all rods out, power-shaping rods inserted). Eigenvalues are presented for the 2-group calculations of all three configurations, and detailed pin fission density results are presented for the power-shaping configuration.
Implications of Public Health for Policy on Sexual Violence

In the last ten years, researchers and practitioners have written about why sexual violence in particular should be viewed as a public health issue, and the importance of prevention of sexual violence. However, little has been written about how to accomplish this. In this paper I describe steps that could be taken using the public health approach to better achieve prevention of sexual violence. Most research and prevention related to sexual violence have focused on the individual and relationship levels. I discuss the importance of addressing all levels using an ecological approach (macrosystem, exosystem, microsystem, and personal history) and focusing more on prevention that addresses the societal and social roots of sexual violence. The paper concludes with some examples of potential preventive measures and policies consistent with a public health model.
Measuring thermal conductivities of anisotropic synthetic graphite-liquid crystal polymer composites

In this study, synthetic graphite particles were added to a liquid crystal polymer and the resulting composites were tested for both the through-plane thermal conductivity kthru and the in-plane thermal conductivity kin using the transient plane source method. The end use application for these composites is in fuel cell bipolar plate fabrication. The goal of this work was to expand upon a previously developed simple empirical model for the in-plane thermal conductivity, which is easily measured with the transient plane source method. The results show that the square root of the product of the through-plane and in-plane thermal conductivities is an exponential function of the volume percent of filler, ϕ. As the through-plane thermal conductivity of these composites is accurately predicted with a modified Nielsen model, this empirical relationship can be used to estimate in-plane thermal conductivities for a range of applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:388–394, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Viscosity Dependence of Optical Limiting in Carbon Black Suspensions

We measure the optical limiting behavior of carbon black suspensions in various viscosity solvents by using a 10-Hz repetition rate, 532-nm, 5-ns pulsed laser. We found that, for common solvents used in the past such as water and ethanol, the limiting behavior ceases after a few laser firings and a turnover in the limiting curve appears. This can be explained by depletion of the carbon black within the focal volume. This turnover shifts to lower energies as the viscosity of the solvent becomes greater. However, for low viscosity liquids, such as carbon disulfide or pentane, the limiting is unaffected by the repetition rate, at least for frequencies up to 10 Hz, because of diffusion of the carbon black particles. This diffusion allows fresh material to replace the irradiated volume within the time between pulses.
An Arts Advocacy Group Performs Community Arts Education: Community Development with Implications for K-12 Arts Education Policymaking.

In this article, the author revisits a case study presented in Arts Education Policy Review 105(1) in September/October 2003. The author discusses Arts Collaborator's Incorporated's (ACI) efforts to educate the community about art and about arts opportunities in River City. Themes visited in the discussion are community development through the arts, and connecting economic development to education. Implications for the arts education community that the author draws from this discussion are (a) ACI has assets and connections that the arts education community may not have, (b) ACI uses its influence to teach and promote certain kinds of art, and (c) the arts education community needs to be aware of advocacy groups to maintain education standards and to fully use available opportunities.
Soil application of imidacloprid and related SAR-inducing compounds produces effective and persistent control of citrus canker

Soil application of the systemic insecticide imidacloprid (Admire®, Bayer Crop Science) produced season-long control of citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri sbsp. citri. Imidacloprid is a neo-nicotinoid that breaks down in planta into 6-chloronicotinic acid, a compound closely related to the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) inducer isonicotinic acid. Potted Swingle citrumelo seedlings (Citrus paradisi × Poncirus trifoliata) were treated with imidacloprid and the SAR inducers, isonicotinic acid, and acibenzolar-s-methyl as soil drenches or with acibenzolar-s-methyl as a foliar spray 1week prior to inoculation of immature leaves with X. citri sbsp. citri. Seedlings were re-inoculated four times over a 24-week period. SAR induction was confirmed by expression of the PR-2 gene (β-1,3 glucanase). Soil drenches of imidacloprid, isonicotinic acid, and acibenzolar-s-methyl induced a high and persistent up-regulation of PR-2 gene expression and reduced the number of canker lesions for up to 24 weeks compared to 4 weeks for foliar acibenzolar-s-methyl. Soil applied inducers of SAR reduced canker lesions up to 70% compared with the untreated inoculated plants. Lesions on leaves were small, necrotic, and flat compared to pustular lesions on inoculated untreated plants. Populations of X. citri sbsp. citri per leaf were reduced 1–3 log units in soil-treated plants compared to inoculated untreated plants.