cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Method for Random Vibration of Hysteretic Systems

Based on a Markov-vector formulation and a Galerkin solution procedure, a new method of modeling and solution of a large class of hysteretic systems (softening or hardening, narrow or wide-band) under random excitation is proposed. The excitation is modeled as a filtered Gaussian shot noise allowing one to take the nonstationarity and spectral content of the excitation into consideration. The solutions include time histories of joint density, moments of all order, and threshold crossing rate; for the stationary case, autocorrelation, spectral density, and first passage time probability are also obtained. Comparison of results of numerical example with Monte-Carlo solutions indicates that the proposed method is a powerful and efficient tool.
Effect of selective tungsten contact fills on manufacturing issues

Summary form only given. The selective deposition of CVD tungsten has been extensively studied as a promising technique for filling contacts and vias in semiconductor devices. The immediate need to apply this technology to devices with submicron contacts and vias requires that consideration be given to defect density, probe yield, process yield, and manufacturability. In addition, process control reliability must also be addressed. The authors show the yield effect of selective tungsten deposition as compared to a standard process flow. The 256 K DRAM was chosen as the test vehicle for the study. The most strongly affected electrical parameters were the contact resistances. In some cases degradation was bad enough to cause continuity failure in the functional tests. Across-wafer uniformities and failure analysis results for the different processes are also reported. >
Psychophysiologic Responses to Rotary Motions.

Abstract In order to investigate the phenomenon of psychophysiologic responses to a coriolis force experienced in the fluid-filled semicircular canals, 10 male subjects ranging in age from 18 to 30 years were tested on a low friction platform. The platform was rotated at a constant angular velocity and the individual was instructed to roll his head in a given direction. All 10 of the subjects experienced a force of pitching when a given direction of rotation was established for the platform and head roll. When studying the psychophysiologic responses, a significant apparent displacement of a target point was experienced by the subjects. The displacement seemed to have a relationship with the direction of rotation and head roll.
Beyond East vs. West: social class, region, and religion as forms of culture

In this article we seek to further broaden the focus of the psychological study of cultural differences beyond the predominant focus on ethnicity and nationality. We highlight ways that other forms of culture, including social class, region, and religion, sometimes have psychological consequences that parallel those of ethnicity and nationality, and are sometimes more unique. For example, we review recent work that working class culture is more interdependent, holistic, empathic, and vigilant; that regional cultures vary in honor, individualism, conformity, and tightness-looseness; and that religions differ in attributions, cognition, working styles, and the bases of morality. We conclude with some recommendations for future work on culture, including the origins of cultures, the multiple forms of culture, the uniqueness and similarities of cultures, and how multiple forms of culture interact.
Thermal and electrical barrier performance testing of ultrathin atomic layer deposition tantalum-based materials for nanoscale copper metallization

The barrier performance of a metal-organic atomic layer deposition (ALD) tantalum nitride process has been investigated for potential application as copper diffusion barrier in future device generations. This process, which is carried out at 250/spl deg/C, thus enabling excellent integrability with thermally fragile dielectric systems, employs a commercial ALD reactor. Preliminary copper barrier performance results of ultrathin (6 nm) TaN/sub x/ films, employing both thermal and electrical biasing, are presented and discussed.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES AND THROMBOEMBOLISM: A FURTHER REPORT

Further findings based upon a case-control study of thromboembolism and oral contraceptive use are presented in this article. The study in question was performed by the Advisory Committee on Obstetrics and Gynecology for the Food and Drug Administration. Reanalysis of the data showed a borderline significance in the association between smoking and oral contraceptive use but no evidence that smoking acting either independently or in conjunction with oral contraceptives is a factor in idiopathic thromboembolism. No evidence was found that other drugs such as sedatives or tranquilizers enhance the risk of incurring thromboembolism. Methods of defining the control cases may have been too strict as may the matching process leading to subtle biases. It was demonstrated that the matching process can produce a spurious decrease in relative risk when the data are pooled.
Interoperability and optical network performance

Interoperability is a key enabler to provision emerging end-to-end bandwidth services and next generation optical network deployment. Optical network interoperability has been demonstrated recently at various industry sponsored events (OIF Global interoperability demonstrations at Supercomm 2004 and 2005) showing the maturity of the technology and industry status. Interoperable optical networks will enable service providers to enhance provisioning and new service creation and, thus, streamline OPEX and CAPEX and optimize their existing network to support additional revenue streams.
Catabolic Hormones Alone Fail to Reproduce the Stress-Induced Efflux of Amino Acids

Objective: To determine the impact of catabolic hormones on the pattern of amino acid efflux from human skeletal muscle during stress. Design: Cohort analytical study. Setting: Burn intensive care unit and clinical research facility at a university hospital. Patients: Five patients with severe burns and five healthy volunteers of similar size and age. Interventions and Measurements: The net balance of amino acids across the leg was determined in five healthy volunteers prior to and following a 2-hour infusion of the catabolic hormones epinephrine, cortisol, and glucagon into the femoral artery. These results were compared with amino acid net balance measurements in five severely burned patients. Results: Hormonal simulation of stress in the normal volunteers increased glutamine efflux from the leg to an extent similar to that of the burn patients. Alanine efflux, however, was not affected by the hormonal infusion. Because alanine efflux constituted a major proportion of the total peripheral amino acid catabolism in the burn patients, there was significantly less total amino acid nitrogen loss from the healthy volunteers receiving the stress hormones. Conclusions: Catabolic hormones alone fail to reproduce the stress-induced pattern and quantity of amino acid efflux from human skeletal muscle. This discrepancy is largely due to an unresponsiveness of alanine to hormonally induced muscle protein catabolism. (Arch Surg. 1994;129:819-824)
Vascular optical coherence elastography: Assessment of conventional velocimetry applied to OCT

We assess the performance of conventional correlation-based OCT velocimetry and the impact of noise suppression and correlation block size variation.
Injection tuning of a pulsed TEA CO(2) laser.

An intense tunable CO/sub 2/ laser based on a new nondispersive tuning mechanism which allows full power output at a selected wavelength is described. An additional advantage of this tuning mechanism is its modification of the intensity vs time profile.
Could demonstratives be descriptions

Defendant la conception descriptiviste des propositions demonstratives developpee par Russell et Reichenbach, l'A. refute la position de D. Kaplan fondee sur les notions de reference directe et d'indexicalite. Soulignant la confusion entre le contexte de l'enonce et la circonstance de l'evaluation sur laquelle reposent les intuitions de D. Kaplan, l'A. montre que l'argument modal de Kaplan ne refute en rien le descriptivisme, mais indique seulement un defaut dans la definition du je etablie par Reichenbach
The relative permittivity of supercooled water

Approximate relative permittivity data for water down to −35°C have been derived from measurements of the Maxwell–Wagner interfacial polarization which occurs at the surface of emulsified water droplets. Although the emulsifying agent strongly influences this polarization in a complex way, a novel method of data analysis enables the permittivity and conductivity to be obtained in a simple and direct manner. The derived data are in essential agreement with literature data near 0°C. To within an estimated experimental uncertainty of ±2% the present data conform to a critical exponent expression with the same critical temperature (228 K) found for many other properties of supercooled water, though the divergence is very weak.
Vibrational Spectra and Calculated Thermodynamic Properties of 1,1,1,2-Tetrachloroethane and Pentachloroethane*

The infrared absorption spectra of CCl3CH2Cl in the gaseous and liquid states and of liquid CCl3CHCl2 have been obtained in the region from 2 to 38μ with the aid of LiF, NaCl, KBr and KRS-5 prisms. The Raman spectra of these compounds in the liquid state have been photographed with a three-prism glass spectrograph of linear dispersion 15 A/mm at 4358A. Relative intensities and depolarization ratios have been measured for most of the Raman bands. Complete assignments of fundamental vibrational frequencies have been made, the spectra have been interpreted in detail, and thermodynamic functions have been calculated for the compounds in the gaseous state.
Experience with univentricular support in mortally ill cardiac transplant candidates

Abstract Between July 1987 and March 1989, 11 patients underwent left ventricular support with the Novacor left ventricular assist system irrespective of apparent degree of right ventricular failure. The first 2 patients died of multisystem organ failure while on support. All the remaining patients survived the support period, and actuarial survival after transplantation was 100% at 6 months and 89% at 1 year. In no patient did bacterial infection develop during support or after transplantation. Right ventricular ejection fraction before implantation of the left ventricular assist system was lower than 15% in 6 of 6 patients, yet it increased twofold during left ventricular support. The need for excessive inotropic support (2 patients) or temporary (four days) mechanical right ventricular support (2 patients) while on the left ventricular support system appeared to be related to elevated pulmonary vascular resistance during support in association with large preimplantation ventricular volumes. It appears that even patients with compromised right ventricular performance can be supported long term with a left ventricular assist device. Patients with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance may require temporary right ventricular support.
Does white matter matter? spatio-temporal dynamics of task switching in aging

Older adults often encounter difficulties in switching between tasks, perhaps because of age-related decreases in executive function. Executive function may largely depend on connections between brain areas-connections that may become structurally and functionally weaker in aging. Here we investigated functional and structural age-related changes in switching between a spatial and a verbal task. These tasks were chosen because they are expected to differentially use the two hemispheres. Brain measures included anatomical information about anterior corpus callosum size (CC; the major commissure linking the left and right hemisphere), and the event-related optical signal (EROS). Behavioral results indicated that older adults had greater task-switching difficulties, which, however, were largely restricted to switching to the spatial task and to individuals with smaller anterior CCs. The EROS data showed both general switching-related activity in the left middle frontal gyrus (with approximately 300-msec latency) and task-specific activity in the inferior frontal gyrus, lateralized to the left for the switch-to-verbal condition and to the right for the switch-to-spatial condition. This lateralization was most evident in younger adults. In older adults, activity in the switch-to-spatial condition was lateralized to the right hemisphere in individuals with large CC, and to the left in individuals with small CC. These data suggest that (a) task switching may involve both task-general and task-specific processes; and (b) white matter changes may underlie some of the age-related problems in switching. These effects are discussed in terms of the hypothesis that aging involves some degree of cortical disconnection, both functional and anatomical.
Effect of pH on the rate of curing and bioadhesive properties of dopamine functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels.

The remarkable underwater adhesion strategy employed by mussels has inspired bioadhesives that have demonstrated promise in connective tissue repair, wound closure, and local delivery of therapeutic cells and drugs. While the pH of oxygenated blood and internal tissues is typically around 7.4, skin and tumor tissues are significantly more acidic. Additionally, blood loss during surgery and ischemia can lead to dysoxia, which lowers pH levels of internal tissues and organs. Using 4-armed PEG end-capped with dopamine (PEG-D) as a model adhesive polymer, the effect of pH on the rate of intermolecular cross-linking and adhesion to biological substrates of catechol-containing adhesives was determined. Adhesive formulated at an acidic pH (pH 5.7–6.7) demonstrated reduced curing rate, mechanical properties, and adhesive performance to pericardium tissues. Although a faster curing rate was observed at pH 8, these adhesives also demonstrated reduced mechanical and bioadhesive properties when compared to adhesives ...
Copules gaussiennes dans les chaînes triplet partiellement de Markov

Resume Les chaines de Markov cachees, largement utilisees dans la problematique de la restauration des donnees, ont ete recemment generalisees aux chaines couple partiellement de Markov, dans lesquels le processus cache n'est plus necessairement de Markov et la loi du processus observe conditionnellement au processus cache est quelconque. D'abord, nous montrons l'applicabilite pratique de ces modeles dans le cas gaussien, avec mention particuliere pour les bruits a memoire longue. Ensuite, nous montrons que l'utilisation des copules permet de prendre en compte des marginales quelconques du processus observe conditionnellement au processus cache. Nous terminons en etendant ce dernier modele aux chaines triplet partiellement de Markov. Pour citer cet article : W. Pieczynski, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 341 (2005).
Structured development techniques for user-developed systems

Abstract The demand for individual control over information and processing is increasing with the availability of inexpensive hardware, user-friendly software, and greater numbers of sophisticated users. Since it is well-known that structured methods can improve productivity and system quality, they should be adapted to aid in end user computing. In this paper, a set of guidelines for applying a structured methodology to end user developed applications, based on established structured tools and techniques, is presented with an implementation strategy. Two cases in which the methodologies and tools were successfully applied by end users with information systems staff support are discussed.
Relative bioavailability of copper in a copperlysine complex for chicks and lambs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to study the relative bioavailability of Cu in a Cu-lysine complex with that of reagent grade CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O for chicks and lambs. Chicks were fed a basal diet (11 mg kg −1 Cu, dry matter (DM) basis) or the basal diet supplemented with 150, 300 or 450 mg kg −1 Cu from either of the two Cu sources for 18 days. Birds were killed and liver Cu concentrations determined. Liver biopsy samples were collected from wether lambs who were then fed the basal diet (9.5 mg kg −1 Cu DM) or the basal diet supplemented with 60, 120 or 180 mg kg −1 Cu from either source for 10 days. Copper in the initial biopsy was used as a covariate in the multiple linear regression of log 10 final liver Cu concentration on added dietary Cu concentration. Slope ratio comparisons gave relative Cu bioavailability values of 99 and 68 for Cu-lysine in chicks and lambs, respectively, compared with 100 for CuSO 4 ·5H 2 O for both species.
The Good, the Bad, the Unaddressed

ABSTRACT The International Federation on Information Processing Working Group on Digital Forensics (IFIP WG 11.9) is an international body comprised of primarily researchers and educators in the field of digital forensics. It is my privilege to be the chair of this group and we recently held our fifth annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, that was attended by a broad representation from at least eight countries. The program committee did a great job at recruiting good papers and presentations, one of which I would like to share with our readers. In a field that evolves as quickly as this one, it is important from time to time to stop and look at how we are doing. To that end, Dr. Nicole Beebe from the University of Texas at San Antonio was asked to put together a presentation that would examine what we are doing well in the field, what needs work, and what is lacking in attention. Though Dr. Beebe is an expert in her own right—a college professor, an investigator and forensic examiner in both the public and...
Corrections to traditional methods of verifying tangential-breast 3D monitor-unit calculations: Use of an equivalent triangle to estimate effective fields

This paper describes an innovative method for correctly estimating the effective field size of tangential-breast fields. The method uses an equivalent triangle to verify intact breast tangential field monitor-unit settings calculated by a 3D planning system to within 2. The effects on verification calculations of loss of full scatter due to beam oblique incidence, proximity to field boundaries, and reduced scattering volumes are handled properly. The methodology is validated by comparing calculations performed by the 3D planning system with the respective verification estimates. The accuracy of this technique is established for dose calculations both with and without heterogeneity corrections. 2003 American College of Medical Physics.
Broadband underwater source localization via multitask learning

Passive sonar is an attractive technology for stealthy underwater source localization. Notwithstanding its appeal, passive-sonar-based localization is challenging due to the complexities of underwater acoustic propagation. This work casts broadband underwater source localization as a multitask learning (MTL) problem, where each task refers to a robust sparse signal approximation problem over a single frequency. MTL provides a framework for exchanging information across the individual regression problems and constructing an aggregate (across frequencies) source localization map. Efficient algorithms based on block coordinate descent are developed for solving the localization problem. Numerical tests on the SWellEX-3 dataset illustrate and compare the localization performance of the proposed algorithm to the one of competitive alternatives.
Histochemistry of granular (poison) secretion in the skin of the frog, Rana pipiens.

There are two types of granular glands in the skin of leopard frogs (Rana pipiens). Cellular glands produce fine intracellular granules rich in carbohydrate, carboxylic acids, tyrosine and sulfur-containing amino acids. Luminal glands consist of peripherally located nuclei with scant cytoplasm. Fine granular material in these glands resembles cellular gland secretion, except that the carbohydrate is less susceptible to periodate oxidation and that a diphenol (DOPA?) is present instead of tyrosine. The prominent lumen contains large granules composed of phospholipoprotein, and are also rich in primary catecholamine and a sulfur-containing amino acid. There was no evidence of 5-hydroxy-tryptamine or steroids.
Nitrogen uptake kinetics in the Ross Sea, Antarctica

Abstract The first estimates of uptake kinetic parameters for NH4+, NO3−, and urea in the Ross Sea, Antarctica were measured on three cruises during austral late winter–early spring 1996 (pre-bloom), late spring 1997 (bloom development), and summer 1997 (bloom decline). Nitrogen (N) uptake experiments were conducted with water collected at the 50% light penetration depth using trace-metal clean protocols and 15N tracer techniques. At all sites, ambient NO3− concentrations ranged from 5.8 to 30.5 μg-at N l−1 and silicic acid concentrations were greater than 62.0 μg-at Si l−1. The following trends were observed. First, based on maximum uptake rates (Vmax), apparent N utilization followed the order NO3−>NH4+>urea during the pre-bloom and bloom development cruises. During the summer cruise, as the bloom was declining, the apparent order of utilization was NH4+>NO3−>urea. Second, evidence for possible repression of NO3− uptake by elevated NH4+ concentrations was only observed at one site. Third, the kinetic parameters of NH4+ uptake rates corrected for isotope dilution were compared with the kinetic parameters determined from uncorrected rates. In this comparison, the measure of substrate affinity, α (α=Vmax/Ks) increased by an average of 4.6-fold when rates were corrected for isotope dilution, but values of Vmax remained unchanged. Fourth, using bacterial production data, the magnitude of bacterial N uptake was estimated. Assuming that all bacterial N demands were met with NH4+, the estimated bacterial portion of NH4+ uptake ranged from
New Species of Phyllophaga Harris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from the North Carolina Cape Fear River Basin

Abstract A new species of May beetle from the United States, Phyllophaga nebulosa, new species, is described from the North Carolina Cape Fear River Basin. This species is part of the P. fraterna species complex and is recognized by the distinctive male and female genitalia.
NUCLEAR RADII FROM NEUTRON SCATTERING

Abstract It is shown how determinations of nuclear radii by neutron and electron scattering can be reconciled, with the exception of a possible anomaly for lithium.
Communication of adenomyosis with the endometrial cavity: visualization with saline contrast sonohysterography

We report four cases of a finding of communication between the endometrial cavity and adenomyotic lesions observed during saline contrast sonohysterography. In each case there was a saline-filled defect extending from the endometrial cavity into the myometrium in the region of previously suspected adenomyosis. We believe this finding represents the sonohysterographic correlate of endometrium invading the myometrium, as has been described histologically.
Quality assessment and restoration of typewritten document images

We present a useful method for assessing the quality of a typewritten document image and automatically selecting an optimal restoration method based on that assessment. We use five quality measures that assess the severity of background speckle, touching characters, and broken characters. A linear classifier uses these measures to select a restoration method. On a 139-document corpus, our methodology reduced the corpus OCR character error rate from 20.27% to 12.60%.
Oxygen reduction on platinum electrodes in base: Theoretical study

Abstract Electrode-potential-dependent activation energies for electron transfer have been calculated using a local reaction center model and constrained variation theory for the oxygen reduction reaction on platinum in base. Results for four one-electron transfer steps are presented. For the first, O2(ads) is predicted to be reduced to adsorbed superoxide, O2−(ads), which dissociates with a low activation barrier to O(ads) + O−(ads). Then a proton transfer form H2O(ads) to O−(ads) takes place, forming OH(ads) + OH−(aq). The second electron transfer reacts O(ads) with H2O(aq) to form a second OH(ads) + OH−(aq). The third and fourth electron transfers react the two OH(ads) with two H2O(aq) to form two H2O(ads) + two OH−(aq). All three different surface reduction reactions are predicted to have reversible potentials in the −0.24 V(SHE) to −0.29 V(SHE) range for 0.1 M base and activation energies for the superoxide formation step are close to the experimentally observed range in 0.1 M base for the overall four-electron to water over the three low index (1 1 0) (1 0 0) and (1 1 1) surfaces: 0.38–0.49 eV at 0.35 eV respectively at 0.88 V(RHE). Predicted reversible potentials for forming O2−(ads) are compared with estimates from the experimental literature. The difference between the acid mechanism, where the peroxyl radical, OOH(ads) is the first reduction intermediate, and the base mechanism, where superoxide, O2−(ads) is the first reduction intermediate, is discussed.
Sealing of Cardiac T-Tubules Leads to Influx of Trapped Extracellular Ca2+

Cardiac t-tubules are central players in excitation-contraction coupling. It has been shown that in ventricular myocytes t-tubules can be sealed during various experimental conditions including metabolic inhibition and osmotic stress. Sealing of t-tubules is associated with trapping of extracellular solution inside the myocytes but the fate of various trapped ions and the consequences of potential trans-tubular ion fluxes remain unknown. In this study we aimed to determine the movements of Ca2+ during t-tubular sealing induced by resolution of hyposmotic stress. T-tubular and cytosolic concentrations of Ca2+ in mouse ventricular myocytes were assessed using Rhod-5N and Fluo-3 Ca2+ indicators, respectively. We show that under normal conditions the concentration of Ca2+ in sealed t-tubules is below 100 μM. The latter strongly suggests the flux of trapped t-tubular Ca2+ into the myocytes during sealing process. Blockade of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels with 10 μM nicardipine led to several fold increase in concentration of Ca2+ in sealed t-tubules. Alternatively, release of Ca2+ from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in response to 10 mM caffeine also led to restoration of t-tubular Ca2+ towards extracellular levels within few seconds. T-tubular sealing under normal ionic conditions led to occasional and sporadic intracellular Ca2+ transients, consistent with influx of trapped Ca2+. Accordingly, sealing of t-tubules in the presence of 10 mM caffeine (to prevent Ca2+ uptake by SR) was characterized by significant long lasting increase in intracellular Ca2+. The effect was completely abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and significantly reduced in pre-detubulated myocytes. This study shows that sealed t-tubules are capable of highly regulated transport of Ca2+ and present a major route for Ca2+ influx into myocytes during sealing process.
Solution structure of the N-(deoxyguanosin-8-yl)-1-aminopyrene ([AP]dG) adduct opposite dA in a DNA duplex

Solution structural studies have been undertaken on the aminopyrene-C8-dG ([AP]dG) adduct in the d(C5−[AP]G6−C7)·d(G16−A17−G18) sequence context in an 11-mer duplex with dA opposite [AP]dG, using p...
The Current Status Of Two-Dimensional Spatial Light Modulator Technology

An introduction and comparative overview to the state of the art of two-dimensional spatial light modulator technology is provided, touching on the basic operation and performance of most of the more promising electronically- and optically- addressed device technologies. The fundamental functional capabilities and potential applications of these light control devices are also discussed, and some projections are offered on the future directions of spatial light modulator technology.
Effect of ozone on disinfection by-product formation of algae

The presence of algae in a drinking water source can have a significant impact on the treatment of that water. Algae and their extracellular organic matter can be precursors for disinfection by-product (DBP) formation which is of concern for treatment plants that employ pre-chlorination. This research examined the DBP formation of suspensions of Scenedesmus quadricauda , a green alga, and the effect of ozonation on that formation. Trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) was found to increase by 10% to 30% when preozonation was applied versus non-ozonated samples. A slight increase in haloacetic acid (HAA) formation was also observed in the ozonated samples. Ozonation caused an increase in the dissolved organic carbon content of the algal suspension, thereby increasing the concentration of precursors. The alkalinity of the water did not significantly affect the formation potential of either THMs or HAAs.
Enhanced Binding of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Leukocytes to γ-Interferon-Treated Cultured Keratinocytes

Dermatopathologists observe mononuclear leukocytes in close apposition to keratinocytes (KCs) in graft versus host disease and in other lymphocyte-mediated skin diseases, such as lichen planus, erythema multiforme, and lupus erythematosus. Since the KCs are Class II histocompatibility antigen (HLA-DR) positive in these diseases (indicating local production of gamma interferon, IFN-gamma, by activated T-cells), we sought to determine whether IFN-gamma treatment of KCs would influence the ability of allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes (PBMLs) to adhere to cultured KCs in vitro. The adherence of PBMLs to KC monolayers was determined by the three following methods: (a) methanol fixation of the washed KCs (after PBML incubation), followed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and direct counting of adherent PBMLs; (b) fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeling of PBML, followed by measuring the amount of FITC-PBML bound to KCs after washing either by direct visualization with a fluorescence microscope; or by (c) quantitative fluorescence spectroscopy following lysis of the adherent cells. While untreated KCs bound allogeneic PBMLs minimally 15-120 min at 37 degrees C, pretreatment of the KCs with IFN-gamma (300 U/ml, 3 days) produced significantly increased binding of the PBMLs by approximately fivefold. By contrast, IFN-alpha and IFN-beta (10(3) U/ml) had no effect. Also, despite the induction of HLA-DR on cultured human fibroblasts, no increased binding of PBMLs after IFN-gamma treatment was observed. The selective ability of IFN-gamma to produce a marked increase in adherence between KCs and PBMLs suggests a new role for IFN-gamma in the immunobiology of the skin.
Factors affecting the solution of inorganic salts in organic solvents

Abstract Inorganic salts are appreciably soluble in organic media, principally of the oxygenated forms (alcohols, ketones, ethers, esters), when they are capable of forming neutral molecules in solution. This property is largely confined to the transition elements. Those of the first long series, and in the trans-radium region, accomplish this without forming undebatably covalent compounds; other subgroup elements which are solvent-soluble show a stronger tendency toward covalent bond formation, and may show solubility in chlorinated hydrocarbons and benzenoid solvents in which the first group mentioned are not usually soluble. The salts of the first three groups of the periodic table generally are not organic-soluble, because their co-ordinative power is relatively low, and their solid lattice energies are high. They tend strongly to approach the point-charge characterization on which the electrostatic approach to aqueous solution chemistry is based.
Notch Signaling and ERK Activation Are Important for the Osteomimetic Properties of Prostate Cancer Bone Metastatic Cell Lines

Prostate cancer bone metastases are characterized by their ability to induce osteoblastic lesions and local bone formation. It has been suggested that bone metastatic prostate cancer cells are osteomimetic and capable of expressing genes and proteins typically expressed by osteoblasts. The ability of preosteoblasts to differentiate and express osteoblastic genes depends on several pathways, including Notch and MAPK. Here we show that notch1 expression is increased 4-5 times in C4-2B and MDA PCa 2b cells (osteoblastic skeletal prostate metastatic cancer cell lines) when compared with nonskeletal metastatic cell lines (LNCaP and DU145). Notch1 ligand, dll1, is expressed only in C4-2B cells. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrate that Notch1 is present in both human clinical samples from prostate cancer bone metastases and the C4-2B cell line. To determine whether prostate cancer bone metastases respond to osteogenic induction similar to osteoblasts, C4-2B cells were cultured in osteogenic medium that promotes mineralization. C4-2B cells mineralize and express HES-1 (a downstream target of Notch), an effect that is completely inhibited by L-685,458, a Notch activity inhibitor. Furthermore, osteogenic induction increases ERK activation, runx2 expression, and nuclear localization, independent of Notch signaling. Finally, we show that Notch and ERK activation are essential for Runx2 DNA binding activity and osteocalcin gene expression in C4-2B cells in response to osteogenic induction. These studies demonstrate that prostate cancer bone metastatic cell lines acquire osteoblastic properties through independent activation of ERK and Notch signaling; presumably, both pathways are activated in the bone microenvironment.
Dynamics and stability of non-linear free vibration of thin rotating rings

Abstract Global dynamics of free non-linear vibration of thin rotating rings are investigated. The rings are circular and exhibit in-plane motions, involving two bending modes with the same circumferential wave number. First, a set of weakly non-linear equations of motion is derived by employing an energy principle. Then the emphasis is placed on obtaining averaged equations for the amplitudes and phases of the modes examined. For a rapidly rotating ring the resulting equations do not involve internal resonance. However, as the spin speed is decreased to small values, the case of the slowly rotating ring is approached, involving 1:1 internal resonance. Finally, the vibration of the stationary ring is obtained as a limiting case of the slowly rotating ring. Based on these sets of averaged equations, the possible types of solutions are first determined and their geometrical and physical interpretation is provided. Then the focus is shifted towards investigating the interrelation and transition between the motions of the stationary, the slowly rotating and the rapidly rotating ring. A complete picture of the dynamics is provided, including stability considerations and effects from internal and external damping.
Effect of Combining Precompression Grooves, PCFV And DCFV on Pump Noise Generation

Noise emission from axial piston machines has been studied for several decades by many researchers and pump manufacturers. As a result, different design methods for reducing the sources of pump noise have been proposed and are in use. The authors have studied and compared the effectiveness of several passive design methods. One of the outcomes of the study is the finding that among the passive design methods, precompression grooves and precompression filter volume (PCFV) are most effective in reducing the noise sources in the axial piston machines in a wide range of operating conditions. The limitations of precompression grooves and PCFV are explained and a new design method which combines the precompression grooves, PCFV and decompression filter volume (DCFV) has been proposed. The proposed combination of design methods is parameterized and uses a multi-objective optimization procedure. The effectiveness of the proposed optimization procedure (a combination of precompression grooves, PCFV and DCFV) is demonstrated using simulation results in comparison to precompression grooves and PCFV. The results show that a combination of precompression grooves, PCFV with groove and DCFV with groove, is effective in reducing both the fluid borne noise source (FBNS) and the structure borne noise source (SBNS) simultaneously in an axial piston machine at a wide range of operating conditions. It has also been shown that the proposed method allows noise source reduction without affecting volumetric efficiency.
Acquisition of dietary copper: a role for anion transporters in intestinal apical copper uptake

Copper is an essential micronutrient in humans and is required for a wide range of physiological processes, including neurotransmitter biosynthesis, oxidative metabolism, protection against reactiv...
Thermal Performance Comparison for Five Liquid Heat Sink Designs

Five high-flow liquid-cooled heat sink designs are compared for the cooling of a single chip CPU. Five distinctive design configurations are considered with regard to the introduction, passage, and extraction of cooling fluid. The typical water flow rate is about 3.8 liters per minute (lpm) with flow passages in the primary heat transfer area ranging from 2 to 0.1mm. The design configurations are summarized and compared, considering: the primary convective heat transfer area, flow passage streamlining, acceleration mechanisms, and nominal fluid velocity in the primary heat transfer area. Overall pressure drop and thermal resistance are compared for varying flow rates of water. At the nominal flow, the pressure drops ranged from 1 kPa to 20 kPa. In the restrictive designs, such as nozzles, flow acceleration accounts for the largest source of pressure drop. In some designs, a large fraction of the overall pressure drop is due to circuitous flow associated with the introduction and/or extraction of flow which contributes little to heat removal. At the nominal flow, the overall thermal resistance varied from 0.14 to 0.18 C/W. As flow rate increases the overall thermal resistance decreases. Results indicated that 80 to 85% of the total thermal resistance is due to conduction and about 15 to 20% attributed to convection at the nominal flow rate. There is minimal thermal benefit for flow rates beyond twice the nominal while this substantially increases fluid pumping requirements. This study highlights design features which yield above average heat transfer performance with minimal pressure drop for high-flow liquid-cooled heat sinks.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
VARIED APPROACHES TO AVERSION: A REVIEW OF AVERSIVE CONDITIONING AND LEARNING,1 EDITED BY F. ROBERT BRUSH

Thebookisacollection ofnineindependently written chapters, organized within the general topics of"Aversive Conditioning", "Avoidance Learning", and"Problems ofPunishment". Mostchapters integrate datafrom bothfree-operant procedures inwithin-subjectdesigns anddiscrete-trial procedures in between-group designs, often withhealthy deemphasis ofthechapter authors' ownexperiments.Thechapters represent a variety of theoretical viewpoints, someofwhicharedirectly relevant totheexperimental analysis of behavior-notably A.H.Black's discussion of theoperant-respondent distinction inlight of dataon autonomic aversive conditioning; RobertC.Bolles' accountofconditioning problems andphenomena intermsofspeciesspecific defense reactions; andJamesS.Myer's integrative treatment ofnoncontingent aversivestimulation. Otherexpressed viewpoints, while somewhat inimical toexplanation solely within therealmofbehavior anditscontrolling variables, donotstand inthewayofthis approach, forthetheorizing isclearly separated fromthedescription andorganization ofdata. Amongthese arethechapter on"UnpredictableandUncontrollable Aversive Events", by Martin E.P.Seligman, Steven F.Maier, and Richard L.Solomon; "Retention ofAversively Motivated Behavior", byBrush; and"SuppressionandFacilitation byResponse Contingent Shock", byHarryFowler. Intheremaining chapters, dataandtheory aremuchmoreinterwined. Theywillbeofinterest primarily to those concerned withthedetails andramifications oftheparticular theories orexperimental 'NewYork:Academic Press, 1971. Pp.xii+626$25.00. 2Preparation ofthismanuscript wassupported by PHSresearch grant1RO-1-MH-18432-01 toPhilip N. Hineline. Reprints maybeobtained fromtheauthor, Department ofPsychology, TempleUniversity, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122. procedures underconsideration: WarrenR. McAllister andDorothy E.McAllister on"Behavioral Measurement ofConditioned Fear" (with conflicting datafromfourmethods for assessing effects ofpairing stimuli withshocks); JohnTheioson "Mathematical Modelsfor Aversive Conditioning" (dealing onlywithdiscrete-trial shuttle procedures); andM. Ray Dennyon "Relaxation TheoryandExperiments" (using conditioning andextinction ofa jump-out response, totest atheory inpostulatoryform).
Norepinephrine- and Epinephrine-induced Distinct β2-Adrenoceptor Signaling Is Dictated by GRK2 Phosphorylation in Cardiomyocytes

Agonist-dependent activation of G protein-coupled receptors induces diversified receptor cellular and signaling properties. Norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (Epi) are two endogenous ligands that activate adrenoceptor (AR) signals in a variety of physiological stress responses in animals. Here we use cardiomyocyte contraction rate response to analyze the endogenous β2AR signaling induced by Epi or NE in cardiac tissue. The Epi-activated β2AR induced a rapid contraction rate increase that peaked at 4 min after stimulation. In contrast, the NE-activated β2AR induced a much slower contraction rate increase that peaked at 10 min after stimulation. Whereas both drugs activated β2AR coupling to Gs proteins, only Epi-activated receptors were capable of coupling to Gi proteins. Subsequent studies showed that the Epi-activated β2AR underwent a rapid phosphorylation by G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and subsequent dephosphorylation on serine residues 355 and 356, which was critical for sufficient receptor recycling and Gi coupling. In contrast, the NE-activated β2ARs underwent slow GRK2 phosphorylation, receptor internalization and recycling, and failed to couple to Gi. Moreover, inhibiting β2AR phosphorylation by βARK C terminus or dephosphorylation by okadaic acid prevented sufficient recycling and Gi coupling. Together, our data revealed that distinct temporal phosphorylation of β2AR on serine 355 and 356 by GRK2 plays a critical role for dictating receptor cellular events and signaling properties induced by Epi or NE in cardiomyocytes. This study not only helps us understand the endogenous agonist-dependent β2AR signaling in animal heart but also offers an example of how G protein-coupled receptor signaling may be finely regulated by GRK in physiological settings.
Comparative Incorporation of Proenkephalin‐Derived Peptides, Chromogranin A, and Dopamine β‐Hydroxylase into Chromaffin Vesicles

The incorporation of enkephalin-containing peptides (ECPs) derived from proenkephalin into chromaffin vesicles was examined in primary cultures of adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. Cells were pulse-labeled with [35S]methionine and chased for periods up to 24 h. Chromaffin vesicles in cell homogenates were then fractionated by density gradient centrifugation and the presence of [35S]Met-enkephalin sequences in gradient fractions determined. 35S-ECPs were incorporated into particles suggestive of immature vesicles within 1-2 h after radiolabeling. Vesicle maturation, measured by co-equilibration of 35S-ECPs and total ECPs in the gradients, was complete within 9-12 h and was unaffected by treatments that increase proenkephalin synthesis. Incorporation of [35S]chromogranin A into chromaffin vesicles followed a similar time course, but 35S-labeled dopamine beta-hydroxylase was much more slowly incorporated, possibly reflecting differences in incorporation of membrane and soluble components. In summary, the data demonstrate that ECPs are rapidly sequestered in immature chromaffin vesicles, a process unaltered by changing rates of proenkephalin synthesis.
Predictors of body mass index in female parents whose children participate in a competitive, creative, problem-solving program.

Background : Recent findings from our research indicate that children participating in a creative afterschool program exhibit overall healthier lifestyle practices compared to the average US pediatric population. This observation led us to investigate the prevalence of overweight/obesity and lifestyle practices of their parents. Objective : To determine the strongest predictors of weight status for female parents whose children were participating in such creative afterschool program. Design : Surveyed subjects were parents of children who competed in the 2008 and 2009 Destination ImagiNation Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee. A total of 4,608 children participated in data collection, with parental consent. For the combined 2 years, 1,118 parents, 87% of whom were females ( n =1,032) completed online questionnaires, which were based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and included self-reported height, weight, dietary intake, physical activity, and socioeconomic status. The majority of this population was white, and less than 5% were African American or Hispanic. Results : We report here results obtained for the female parents. Only 45.2% of these female parents were overweight/obese, compared to a national average of 64.1% reported by the National Health Nutrition Examination Surveys for 2007-2008. Furthermore, this population was significantly more physically active compared to national average. Most parents (76%) had completed a college degree and reported high incomes. Parents with the lowest income were the most obese in this population. Finally, we found a significant association between parent and child weight status. Conclusions : These studies demonstrate that female parents of children who have healthy lifestyles were physically active, which likely accounts for the parents’ lower overweight/obesity rates. In addition to physical activity, income and percentage of calories from fat were all predictors of weight status. Keywords : physical activity; diet; health behaviors; parents; obesity; overweight; BRFSS (Published: 16 August 2012) Citation: Food & Nutrition Research 2012. 56 : 17787 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/fnr.v56i0.17787
Molecular cloning of the guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) genome as an infectious bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) in Escherichia coli.

Since cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is highly species-specific, it is necessary to study animal cytomegaloviruses to assess viral factors which contribute to pathogenesis. The generation of recombinant viruses carrying reporter genes would provide useful tools for studying the genetics of CMV pathogenicity in vivo. We evaluated whether the guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) was amenable to such manipulation. Metabolic selection using the guanosylphosphoribosityl transferase (gpt) gene facilitated recovery of a recombinant virus, vAM403, containing a gpt/green fluorescent protein (eGFP) cassette introduced into the HindIII "N" region of the viral genome. This virus had replication kinetics identical to wild-type virus. We next attempted to clone the GPCMV genome as a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC). A BAC plasmid containing a gpt/eGFP cassette and the chloramphenicol resistance marker was introduced into HindIII "N" to generate another GPCMV recombinant, vAMBGPCMV. Circular viral DNA isolated from vAMBGPCMV-infected cells was used to transform Escherichia coli. Restriction profiles revealed that the GPCMV genome had been cloned as a BAC plasmid, and transfection of BAC plasmid DNA confirmed that the BAC clone was infectious. A novel strategy based on a unique PmeI site was devised to quickly modify the BAC GPCMV plasmid. Recombinants retained the capability to replicate and express reporter genes in guinea pigs, suggesting that these viruses will be useful for in vivo pathogenesis studies.