cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity and structure in Pelvetia fastigiata (Phaeophyta: Fucales): does a small effective neighborhood size explain fine-scale genetic structure?

We investigated the genetic diversity and genetic structure of southern California populations of the common intertidal fucoid seaweed Pelvetia fastigiata, (J. Ag.) De Toni by means of allozyme electrophoresis and estimates of genetic neighborhood area and size, which are the first for seaweeds. We predicted that P. fastigiata populations would exhibit relatively low genetic diversity and high genetic structure because the seaweed is monoecious and has limited dispersal of gametes and zygotes. This prediction was supported; genetic diversity indices were all low compared to other seaweeds studied, but high genetic structure was evident particularly within individual reefs. Geospatial statistical analyses (second-order analyses) revealed clustered distribution of glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) alleles at the scale of 1 to 6 m within three reefs. The rare alleles were distributed only at the landward third of the reefs. Genetic neighborhood area (2.3 m2) and size (133 individuals) were estimated from parent-offspring dispersal distributions of gametes and zygotes from attached thalli and also detached reproductive fragments, which contributed very little to the effective neighborhood size. The neighborhood size was in the small theoretical range in which genetic drift could be responsible for the within-reef genetic structure. This result was equivocal, because the stereotyped distribution of rare alleles on the tips of each reef was highly unlikely to be due to random events (6.9×10-24). These results emphasize (1) the importance of allele mapping in addition to spatial statistics to elucidate genetic structure, and (2) that interpretation of genetic-structure statistics as evidence for gene flow can be complicated, even when supported with independent estimates of gene flow, if data are lacking on selection and sporadic migration events. The emerging pattern of low levels of polymorphisms in brown seaweeds will limit the use of Wright's F-statistics and will require alternative, more direct techniques for the analysis of mechanisms responsible for population genetic structure.
The effects of the xanthine oxidase inhibitors, allopurinol and oxypurinol on the pattern of purine release from hypoxic rat cerebral cortex.

Release of purines from the normoxic and hypoxic/ischemic rat cerebral cortex was studied with the cortical cup technique. Both allopurinol (100 mg/kg, i.v.) and its active metabolite oxypurinol (20 mg/kg, i.v.) reduced the release of uric acid to 10% of predrug levels, indicating an effective block of xanthine oxidase activity. Xanthine and hypoxanthine, substrates for xanthine oxidase, increased in the cortical perfusates following drug administration. Allopurinol treatment resulted in a decreased release of adenosine during the first postdrug hypoxic challenge, whereas oxypurinol, and allopurinol during the second postdrug challenge, increased the hypoxia-evoked level of adenosine and inosine in the perfusate. The purine sparing effects of allopurinol and oxypurinol, in addition to the prevention of xanthine oxidase-mediated free radical generation, may account for their protective action in reperfusion injury paradigms.
Comparison of an organized geriatric fracture program to United States government data.

Objective: This study describes the financial impact of an organized hip fracture program for elderly patients age 65 years and older. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 797 fractures in 776...
Evolutionary and functional significance of two CYP19 genes differentially expressed in brain and ovary of goldfish.

Abstract Remarkably high levels of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom) enzyme are expressed in the brains of teleost fish when compared to the ovaries of the same fish, or to the brain or ovaries of other vertebrates. Northern analysis using a full-length P450arom cDNA from a goldfish brain library indicates high accumulated levels of CYP19 mRNA in the brain but fails to detect P450arom mRNA in the ovary. The possibility of different brain and ovarian mRNA variants was investigated. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of ovarian RNA using degenerate primers led to the isolation of a 243 bp P450arom cDNA fragment with ≈20% of nucleotide and amino acid replacements when compared to the brain cDNA. Southern analysis with sequence-specific probes indicated two distinct CYP19 loci, and this was confirmed by PCR-restriction enzyme analysis of genomic DNA. Corresponding brain- and ovary-type genomic sequences were identified in a second, diploid fish species (zebrafish), evidence that two genes are not caused per se by tetraploidy in goldfish. RT-PCR analysis of different tissues with sequence-specific primers showed high levels of the brain mRNA variant and much lower levels of the ovarian variant in neural tissues with high enzyme activity. In contrast, the ovary expressed low levels of the ovarian mRNA variant exclusively. The data imply that the expression of two CYP19 genes in goldfish is controlled by distinct regulatory mechanisms. Further studies are required to determine whether the two genes lead to functionally distinct isozymes.
Relationship between the Bohr Collective Hamiltonian and the Interacting-Boson Model

The version of the interacting-boson model (IBM) which treats neutrons and protons symmetrically can be converted into a Bohr Hamiltonian description in three steps: (1) Mapping the IBM pairing bosons onto a quadrupole particle-hole--type boson under a generalized Holstein-Primakoff transformation; (2) introduction of pseudocanonical coordinates and momenta; (3) expansion in powers of the pseudomomenta, valid for large particle numbers. The limiting symmetries of the IBM emerge directly from a study of the potential-energy surface.
Renal Cadmium Concentrations in Mice and Shrews Collected from Forest Lands Treated with Biosolids

This study examined the long-term effects of biosolids (mixed domestic-industrial anaerobically digested sewage sludge) application to forested lands on kidney Cd concentration in omnivorous mice (Peromyscus sp.) and insectivorous shrews (Sorex sp.). Animals from eight biosolids-treated sites, located in two different areas in western Washington, were examined and compared with those captured on seven control sites. Varying amounts of biosolids had been applied either 4, 11, or 15 yr previously. Kidney Cd was significantly greater in Sorex than in Peromyscus on all treatment sites. Though Cd levels in Peromyscus from some treatment sites were significantly increased over corresponding controls, levels from the highest dose treatment sites were comparable to controls found at other sites, so it is doubtful that biosolids had a significant long-term effect on the omnivores. Cadmium levels in Sorex from all treatment sites except those receiving the lowest dose of biosolids were significantly greater than controls. Kidney Cd concentrations in shrews trapped from the 11-yr postapplication sites were approximately equivalent to those in shrews trapped 2 yr after application on those same sites. However, the elevated levels of Cd found in Sorex, while highly significant statistically, did not appear to be biologically significant.
C-glycosylflavone accumulation in Sandoz 6706-treated barley seedlings is a photocontrolled response☆

Abstract Sandoz 6706 pretreatment of white light grown barley seedlings causes a 60% increase in saponarin (6-C-glucosyl-7-O-glucosylapigenin) but a 300% increase in lutonarin (3′-hydroxysaponarin). Norflurazon has little effect on saponarin levels but is almost as effective as Sandoz 6706 in enhancing lutonarin net synthesis. Barley roots contain saponarin and lutonarin only after herbicide treatment. Mung bean seedlings respond to Sandoz 6706 by accumulating higher levels of rutin and delphinidin 3-glucoside. The results are discussed in relation to the site of action of the herbicides, the High Energy photoresponse, and control of flavonoid 3′-hydroxylation.
Inhibition of CK2 binding to BMPRIa induces C2C12 differentiation into osteoblasts and adipocytes

BMP2 is a growth factor that regulates the cell fate of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblast and adipocytes. However, the detailed signaling pathways and mechanism are unknown. We previously reported a new interaction of Casein kinase II (CK2) with the BMP receptor type-Ia (BMPRIa) and demonstrated using mimetic peptides CK2.1, CK2.2 and CK2.3 that the release of CK2 from BMPRIa activates Smad signaling and osteogenesis. Previously, we showed that mutation of these CK2 sites on BMPRIa (MCK2.1 (476S-A), MCK2.2 (324S-A) and MCK2.3 (214S-A)) induced osteogenesis. However, one mutant MCK2.1 induced osteogenesis similar to overexpression of wild type BMPRIa, suggesting that the effect of this mutant on mineralization was due to overexpression. In this paper we investigated the signaling pathways involved in the CK2-BMPRIa mediated osteogenesis and identified a new signaling pathway activating adipogenesis dependent on the BMPRIa and CK2 association. Further the mechanism for adipogenesis and osteogenesis is specific to the CK2 interaction site on BMPRIa. In detail our data show that overexpression of MCK2.2 induced osteogenesis was dependent on Caveolin-1 (Cav1) and the activation of the Smad and mTor pathways, while overexpression of MCK2.3 induced osteogenesis was independent of Caveolin-1 without activation of Smad pathway. However, MCK2.3 induced osteogenesis via the MEK pathway. The adipogenesis induced by the overexpression of MCK2.2 in C2C12 cells was dependent on the p38 and ERK pathways as well as Caveolin-1. These data suggest that signaling through BMPRIa used two different signaling pathways to induce osteogenesis dependent on CK2. Additionally the data supports a signaling pathway initiated in caveolae and one outside of caveolae to induce mineralization. Moreover, they reveal the signaling pathway of BMPRIa mediated adipogenesis.
Negative symptoms in schizophrenia and nailfold plexus visibility

Abstract Visibility of the nailfold vascular plexus has shown promise as a genetically transmitted marker for liability to schizophrenia. To assess whether this marker is specifically associated with negative or positive symptoms of schizophrenia, we reanalyzed patient data collected 20 years ago, well before interest in the negative/positive symptom distinction. Eighty-four patients, who retrospectively met DSM-III-R criteria for schizophrenia, had been rated for plexus visualization score (PVS) and independently interviewed using the Mental Status Schedule (MSS). Content scales were derived from the MSS to assess negative, positive, and affective symptoms. There was a highly significant correlation between PVS and negative symptoms (including verbal, motor cognitive and motivational deficits), but not between PVS and positive or affective symptoms. These findings indicate that the negative symptoms of schizophrenia are due to a disease process biologically distinguishable from those causing positive symptoms and that plexus visibility is a risk marker for this pathology.
Endoscopic Fiber Confocal Microscopy Using a GRIN Lens

We have built and analyzed the performance of a near-IR all-fiber confocal microscope with a flexible probe using a GRIN lens. This device operates at 1550 nm and exhibits ~2 mum lateral resolution.
Transcriptional regulatory regions of gap43 needed in developing and regenerating retinal ganglion cells

Mammals and fish differ in their ability to express axon growth-associated genes in response to CNS injury, which contributes to the differences in their ability for CNS regeneration. Previously we demonstrated that for the axon growth-associated gene, gap43, regions of the rat promoter that are sufficient to promote reporter gene expression in the developing zebrafish nervous system are not sufficient to promote expression in regenerating retinal ganglion cells in zebrafish. Recently, we identified a 3.6-kb gap43 promoter fragment from the pufferfish, Takifugu rubripes (fugu), that can promote reporter gene expression during both development and regeneration. Using promoter deletion analysis, we have found regions of the 3.6-kb fugu gap43 promoter that are necessary for expression in regenerating, but not developing, retinal ganglion cells. Within the 3.6-kb promoter, we have identified elements that are highly conserved among fish, as well as elements conserved among fish, mammals, and birds. Developmental Dynamics 239:482–495, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of long-term biogenic amine transporter blockade on receptor/G-protein coupling in rat brain

This study examines the effect of long-term elevation of brain monoamine levels on receptor/G-protein coupling by chronic administration of a highly potent tropane analog, WF-23 (2beta-propanoyl-3beta-(2-naphthyl) tropane). WF-23 blocks dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine transporters with high affinity in vitro, and blocks transporters for at least two days following a single in vivo administration. Rats were chronically treated for 15 days with 1mg/kg WF-23, injected i.p. every two days. Receptor activation of G-proteins was determined by [35S]GTPgammaS autoradiography in brain sections for D2, 5-HT1A and alpha2-adrenergic receptors, as well as mu opioid receptors as a non-monoamine receptor control. Chronic treatment with WF-23 produced significant reductions in D2, 5-HT1A, and alpha2-adrenergic receptor-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding in caudate/putamen, hippocampus and amygdala, respectively. There were no effects of WF-23 treatment on mu opioid-stimulated [35S]GTPgammaS binding. Additionally, there was no effect of WF-23 treatment on D2 receptor binding, as determined by [3H]spiperone autoradiography. These data show that chronic blockade of monoamine transporters produces specific uncoupling of receptors and G-proteins in specific brain regions in the absence of receptor downregulation.
Physical parameters affecting the quantitative response of the constant current electron-capture detector

Abstract While the response of the constant current pulsed (CCP) electron-capture detector reflects the extent of reaction between electrons and analyte molecules, it can also be dependent upon other non-analyte electron loss processes. These might include electron losses by reaction with carrier gas impurities, by recombination with positive ions, by diffusion to walls, by ventilation with carrier gas flow, and by migration through small fields generated by contact potentials. These physical factors are examined in detail here with regard to their potential affect on the quantitative response of the CCP electron-capture detector. Experiments indicate that as long as the base frequency of pulsing is moderate to fast, non-analyte electron loss processes within the CCP electron-capture detector will be well-behaved and in harmony with the expectations of simple and idealized theory, and a constant molar response to well-behaved analytes can be expected over the entire dymamic range of the instrument. With the use of slower base frequencies of pulsing, however, non-analyte electron losses are more complicated and non-ideal behavior in the form of non.linear calibration curves is observed. An attempt is made to identify the specific causes of the non-ideal behavior which accompanies the use of the slower pulse frequencies.
Improving clinical outcomes in coronary artery bypass graft surgery

Purpose. Medical decisions are often made based on personal experience or on limited clinical trial information. Results from systematic reviews of clinical trials, however, provide a more thorough understanding of available data and can foster evidence-based decision making. Data from a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical outcomes after aprotinin treatment during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have recently been published. This analysis was performed to further address concerns that aprotinin safety often outweighs the well-established transfusion reduction benefits. Summary. Data from placebo controlled, randomized, aprotinin trials published in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PHARMLINE were analyzed. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for mortality, myocardial infarction, renal failure, stroke, atrial fibrillation, and blood transfusion. Fixed effect or random effect models were used. Homogeneity was tested across studies using χ2 statistics and i-square (I[2][1]) values. Analysis of data from 35 placebo controlled trials ( n = 3,887) confirms that aprotinin, when compared to placebo, reduces transfusion requirements (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.58–0.66). Risks of mortality (RR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.65–1.40), myocardial infarction (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.63–1.14) and renal failure (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.55–1.83) were neither increased nor decreased with aprotinin treatment. Aprotinin treatment was, however, associated with a reduced risk of stroke (RR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.31–0.90) and a trend toward a reduced incidence of atrial fibrillation (RR, 0.90, 95% CI, 0.78–1.03). Conclusion. Results from this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in CABG surgery patients have shown that aprotinin was associated with a reduction in the need for blood transfusion, but was not associated with an increase in mortality, myocardial infarction, or renal failure risk. Evidence also suggests that aprotinin was associated with a reduced stroke risk and a trend toward a reduced incidence of atrial fibrillation. [1]: #ref-2
Amplitudes and directions of individual saccades can be adjusted by corollary discharge

There is strong evidence that the brain can use an internally generated copy of motor commands, a corollary discharge, to guide rapid sequential saccades. Much of this evidence comes from the double-step paradigm: after two briefly flashed visual targets have disappeared, the subject makes two sequential saccades to the targets. Recent studies on the monkey revealed that amplitude variations of the first saccade led to compensation by the second saccade, mediated by a corollary discharge. Here, we investigated whether such saccade-by-saccade compensation occurs in humans, and we made three new observations. First, we replicated previous findings from the monkey: following first saccade amplitude variations, the direction of the second saccade compensated for the error. Second, the change in direction of the second saccade followed variations in vertical as well as horizontal first saccades although the compensation following horizontal saccades was significantly more accurate. Third, by examining oblique saccades, we are able to show that first saccade variations are compensated by adjustment in saccade amplitude in addition to direction. Together, our results demonstrate that it is likely that a corollary discharge in humans can be used to adjust both saccade direction and amplitude following variations in individual saccades.
Sign solvable graphs

Abstract A class of signed digraphs which arises naturally, in the theory of sign solvable linear systems is introduced. Several results are obtained concerning the structure of such graphs. Also an application is made revealing much of the structure of matrices of sign-solvable systems.
A complex case of cochlear implant electrode placement

Cochlear implantation is becoming an increasingly accepted rehabilitative procedure for post lingually deafened adults. The testing, evaluation, and surgery have become standardized procedures. In this case results of two different promontory tests were contradictory. A constant voltage stimulation test was negative, while a later constant current stimulation test indicated good residual function. The CT scan accurately predicted the location of the round window remanent. In order to gain access to the cochlea, a partial labyrinthectomy was performed. Successful implantation was ultimately achieved. This implies that a previous labyrinthectomy may not be an absolute contraindication to cochlear implantation.
Melanization affects susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans to heat and cold.

Cryptococcus neoformans can synthesize melanin from a variety of substrates, including L-dopa (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine). Growth in minimal medium with L-dopa resulted in progressive accumulation of melanin in stationary phase cells. Melanized and non-melanized yeast cells were exposed to heat (42–47°C) and cold (−20°C), and the percentage of survival determined. Melanized cells were less susceptible to heat than non-melanized cells of the same age. Melanized cells from early stationary phase cultures were less susceptible to cold than non-melanized cells of the same age. However, melanized cells from late stationary phase cultures were more susceptible to cold than non-melanized cells of the same age. There was no statistical difference in susceptibility to heat and cold between melanin-deficient cells grown with and without L-dopa. These results suggest a role for melanin in protection against heat and cold.
Authors, review yourselves!

We all know that the process of reviewing scientific papers, research proposals, or books is a royal pain for everybody. The reviewers have better things to do, the editors are in a perennial state of nervous collapse trying to get reviews back in time, and the reviewees risk heart attacks each time they scan the obviously unfair reviews of their work. The reviewing of research proposals is particularly daunting because money, often in large amounts, is involved. In fact, it is so daunting that it has attracted the Congressional eye (Science, 1992, vol. 156, p. 959). To placate Congress and alleviate internal tensions within the granting agencies, I have proposed the adoption of the “Absolute Review System” (ARS). In this system, the principal investigator (P.I.) does the reviewing. As I discussed in a recent article in the Journal of Irreproducible Results (1992, vol. 37, p. 12), the advantages are colossal.
Effect of Experimentally Induced Fever on Alimentary Lipemia

SummaryAdministration of typhoid and paratyphoid vaccine as well as Piromen caused rapid clearing of alimentary lipemia in dogs which developed fever of 103°F or more. This phenomenon appears to be unspecific and seemingly due to marked temperature rise induced by these agents, since no change of turbidity occurred in animals with fever below 103°F. Administration of protamine sulfate to vaccine-treated dogs prevented clearing of the lipemic sera despite a marked elevation of temperature. No clearing of turbidity occurred when the lactescent sera were kept in water bath at 105°F for 24 hours. It is suggested that high body temperature in the dog may cause release of heparin or a heparin-like substance to produce a lipemia clearing factor.
Solving Planning and Design Problems in the Process Industry Using Mixed Integer and Global Optimization

This contribution gives an overview on the state-of-the-art and recent advances in mixed integer optimization to solve planning and design problems in the process industry. In some case studies specific aspects are stressed and the typical difficulties of real world problems are addressed.
Risk of ovarian carcinoma and consumption of vitamins A, C, and E and specific carotenoids: a prospective analysis.

BACKGROUND. Antioxidant vitamins may decrease risk of cancer by limiting oxidative DNA damage leading to cancer initiation. Few prospective studies have assessed relations between antioxidant vitamins and ovarian carcinoma.METHODS. The authors prospectively assessed consumption Of Vitamins A, C, and E and specific carotenoids, as well as fruit and vegetable intake, in relation to ovarian carcinoma risk among 80,326 participants in the Nurses' Health Study who had no history of cancer other than nonmelanoma skin carcinoma. Women reported on known and Suspected ovarian carcinoma risk factors including reproductive factors, smoking, and use of vitamin supplements on biennial mailed questionnaires from 1976 to 1996. Food frequency questionnaires were included in 1980, 1984, 1986, and 1990. The authors confirmed 301 incident cases of invasive epithelial ovarian carcinoma during 16 years of dietary follow-up (1980-1996). Pooled logistic regression was used to control for age, oral contraceptive use, body mass index, smoking history, parity, and tubal ligation.RESULTS. The authors observed no association between ovarian carcinoma risk and antioxidant vitamin consumption from foods, or foods and Supplements together. The multivariate relative risks (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for ovarian carcinoma among women in the highest versus lowest quintile of intake were 1.04 (95% Cl, 0.72-1.51) for vitamin A from foods and supplements: 1.01 (95% Cl, 0.69-1.47) for vitamin Q 0.88 (95% Cl, 0.61-1.27) for vitamin E; and 1.10 (95% Cl, 0.76-1.59) for beta -carotene. Among users of vitamin supplements, the authors found no evidence of an association between dose or duration of any specific vitamin and ovarian carcinoma risk, although the authors had limited power to assess these relations. No specific fruits or vegetables were associated significantly with ovarian carcinoma risk. The authors found no association between ovarian carcinoma and consumption of total fruits or vegetables, or specific Subgroups including cruciferous vegetables, green leafy vegetables, legumes, Or Citrus fruits. Women Who consumed at least 2.5 total servings of fruits and vegetables as adolescents had a 46% reduction in ovarian carcinoma risk (relative risk, 0.54, 95% Cl, 0.29-1.03; P value for trend 0.04).CONCLUSIONS. These data do not support in important relation between consumption of antioxidant vitamins from foods or supplements, Or intake of fruits and vegetables, and incidence of ovarian carcinoma in this cohort. However, modest associations cannot be excluded, and the authors' finding of an inverse association for total fruit and vegetable intake during adolescence raises the possibility that the pertinent exposure period may be much earlier than formerly anticipated. (C) 2001 American Cancer Society.
Dignity and the right to be lesbian or gay

Richard Mohr emphasizes the importance of dispelling false beliefs about lesbians and gay men, and establishing legislation that protects the rights of sexual minorities. He argues that homophobic policies originate in the belief that gay men and lesbians are categorically less morally valuable than others, rather than deserving of unequal treatment because of their behaviors or actions. In response, I show that homophobic panic over lesbian or gay sex acts is actually quite influential, and argue that Mohr fails to take account of the political and philosophical significance of sexual freedom, and the inextricability of sexual being and sexual doing.
Dopaminergic neuronal function, anterior pituitary dopamine content, and serum concentrations of prolactin, luteinizing hormone and progesterone in the aged female rat

Abstract The serum concentrations of prolactin (PRL), progesterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), and the content and rate of synthesis of dopamine (DA) in selected brain regions were determined in young (3–6 months), intermediate (13–15 months) and aged (24–25 months) female Long-Evans rats. Young rats were examined on the days of diestrus 2 and estrus. Intermediate rats were divided into 2 groups, a group which was cycling regularly (examined on the day of estrus) and a group which exhibited constant estrus. Aged rats were divided into 3 groups one which cycled regularly (examined on day of estrus), one which exhibited constant estrus, and one which exhibited repetitive pseudopregnancies. Serum PRL was increased in all intermediate and aged rats when compared to values in young animals. Serum LH was increased and progesterone decreased in those intermediate and aged rats which exhibited constant estrous reproductive patterns. The DA content was generally decreased in the median eminence, posterior pituitary, striatum, nucleus accumbens and olfactory tubercle of all aged rats, while the rate of DA synthesis was decreased only in the median eminence of aged, non-cycling rats. This suggests that all DA neuronal systems except those in the tuberoinfundibular system are able to compensate for the age-related loss. Despite the apparent reduction of tuberinfundibular DA neuronal function the concentration of DA in the anterior pituitary, which is believed to represent amine released from the neurons, is dramatically increased in intermediate age rats in constant estrus, and in all groups of aged rats. The maintenance of high PRL secretion despite the elevated content of DA in the anterior pituitary suggests in age-related defect in the dynamics of DA in this gland; this defect may contribute to the loss of reproductive function in the aging rat.
Integrated QoS-aware resource management and scheduling with multi-resource constraints

In dynamic real-time systems such as sensor networks, mobile ad hoc networking and autonomous systems, the mapping between level of service and resource requirements is often not fixed. Instead, the mapping depends on a combination of level of service and outside environmental factors over which the application has no direct control. An example of an application where environmental factors play a significant role is radar tracking. In radar systems, resources must be shared by a set of radar tasks including tracking, searching and target confirmation tasks. Environmental factors such as noise, heating constraints of the radar and the speed, distance and maneuverability of tracked targets dynamically affect the mapping between the level of service and resource requirements. The QoS manager in a radar system must be adaptive, responding to dynamic changes in the environment by efficiently reallocating resource to maintain an acceptable level of service. In this paper, we present an integrated QoS optimization and dwell scheduling scheme for a radar tracking application. QoS optimization is performed using the Q-RAM (Baugh, 1973, ghosh-et al.,2004a approach. Heuristics are used to achieve a two order magnitude of reduction in optimization time over the basic Q-RAM approach allowing QoS optimization and scheduling of a 100 task radar problem to be performed in as little as 700 ms with only a 0.1% QoS penality over Q-RAM alone.
Meal pattern changes associated with temporomandibular joint inflammation/pain in rats; analgesic effects.

Establishing a valid animal model to study temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain has proven extremely difficult. Using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to induce TMJ inflammation, we recently showed that meal pattern analysis could be used as a noninvasive biological marker to study TMJ pain in an animal model. The purpose of this study was to further validate our animal model by determining whether aspects of CFA-induced TMJ inflammation/pain are reversed with ibuprofen (IBU) treatment. In the first trial, 48 male rats were used and in the second trial, 32 female ovariectomized rats, given 17beta-estradiol replacement, were used. The rats were assigned to one of four groups: control (CON-CON); control+IBU (CON+IBU); CFA-CON; and CFA+IBU. In the male trial, CFA injection (P<.01) caused TMJ swelling and chromodacryorrhea (CFA-CON); IBU eliminated these changes in the CFA+IBU group. Meal pattern analysis showed the pertinent CFA-induced change and the IBU effect was that meal duration was increased in the CFA-CON group (P<.01), but normal in the CFA+IBU-treated group on the first, but not second, day postinjection. In the female trial, CFA increased TMJ swelling, but did not cause significant chromodacryorrhea (CFA-CON); IBU eliminated swelling in the CFA+IBU group. Meal duration was increased (P<.01) in the CFA-CON group, but was normal in the CFA+IBU-treated group on both the first and second days postinjection. In both trials, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels were increased similarly in CFA-CON and CFA+IBU groups (P<.01). This study shows that CFA-induced TMJ inflammation/pain can cause changes in meal patterns (i.e., meal duration), which may be used as a behavioral marker for TMJ inflammation/pain.
Modeling Interdiffusion in Superlattice Structures

Compositional interdiffusion in Al0.3 Ga0.7 As/GaAs superlattices induced by Si focused ion beam implantation and subsequent rapid thermal annealing is modeled using a set of diffusion equations which take into account the dynamics of the vacancy spatial profile. The inclusion of a new phenomenological term, which depends on the time derivative of the vacancy concentration spatial profile, provides good agreeement with experiment.
New Molecular Devices: In Search of a Molecular Ratchet

The triptycene-substituted [3]- and [4]helicenes 1 and 2 were examined as possible molecular versions of mechanical ratchets, where the triptycene serves as the ratchet wheel and the helicenes as pawl and spring. The syntheses of 1 and 2b are described. 1H NMR was employed to examine rotation around the triptycene/helicene single bond; at 20 °C rotation is frozen for both 1 and 2b, but the NMR of 1 revealed a plane of symmetry, indicating that 1 cannot function as a unidirectional ratchet. In contrast, NMR revealed that, like a ratchet, triptycyl[4]helicene 2b lacks the symmetry of 1 and has a barrier to rotation of 24.5 kcal/mol, but spin polarization transfer NMR experiments indicated the triptycene in 2b nonetheless rotates equally in both directions. That outcome is rationalized from the standpoint of thermodynamics.
An enzymatic method for distinguishing deoxyuridine and deoxythymidine nucleotide pools and its application for determining ribonucleotide reductase activity.

Abstract A method is described for distinguishing deoxyuridine and deoxythymidine di- and triphosphate pools. The method utilizes a DNA polymerase assay for triphosphate determination and a coupled assay in which the disphosphate is converted to its corresponding triphosphate by nucleoside-disphosphate kinase and the triphosphate is measured by the DNA polymerase assay. By including deoxyuridine-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase in the reaction mixture, dUTP is removed as a substrate for the polymerase. By determining differences in labelled acid-insoluble product formed in the reaction it is possible to determine dUTP, dUDP, dTDP and dTTP pools. Ribonucleotide reductase activity was determined by converting either CDP or ADP to its corresponding deoxyribonucleoside disphosphate and then using the diphosphate assay described for deoxyribonucleoside pools.
Mechanistic Studies on Room Temperature Photoexcitation Effects on Passivity Breakdown of Ultrathin Surface Oxide Films Formed on Ternary Al-5%Cu-5%Ni Alloys

How the composition of nanoscale surface oxides formed on complex metal alloys affects their passive state is a problem of great interest in physical chemistry as well as in technological applications. In this work, we report on experimental studies regarding the problem concerning the role of room-temperature photoexcitation on altering composition of ultrathin oxides formed on ternary Al−Cu−Ni thin film alloy surface and its influence in passivity breakdown in aqueous media. Extensive studies have been carried out on pure copper, Al−5%Cu, and Al−5%Cu−5%Ni alloy thin films to investigate the mechanistic role of alloying elements as well as their oxide formation characteristics on the passive state. The differences in nanoscale oxide composition formed have a remarkable influence on the passivity breakdown of the oxide films as verified from electrochemical measurements, and possible mechanisms leading to the observations are discussed in detail.
Current status of radiotherapy with proton and light ion beams

Several model studies have shown potential clinical advantages with charged particles (protons and light ions) compared with 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) in many disease sites. The newly developed intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) often yields superior dose distributions to photon IMRT, with the added advantage of a significant reduction in the volume of healthy normal tissues exposed to low-to-medium doses. Initially, the major emphasis in clinical research for proton and light ion therapy was dose escalation for inherently radioresistant tumors, or for lesions adjacent to critical normal structures that constrained the dose that could be safely delivered with conventional x-ray therapy. Since the advent of IMRT the interest in particle therapy has gradually shifted toward protocols aimed at morbidity reduction. Lately the emphasis has mostly been placed on the potential for reduced risk of radiation-induced carcinogenesis with protons. Compared with 3D-CRT, a 2-fold increase has been theoretically estimated with the use of IMRT due to the larger integral volumes. In the pediatric setting, due to a higher inherent susceptibility of tissues, the risk could be significant, and the benefits of protons have been strongly emphasized in the literature. There is a significant expansion of particle therapy facilities around the world. Increasing public awareness of the potential benefits of particle therapy and wider accessibility for patients require that treating physicians stay abreast of the clinical indications of this radiotherapy modality. The article reviews the available literature for various disease sites in which particle therapy has traditionally been considered to offer clinical advantages and to highlight current lines of clinical research. The issue of radiation-induced second malignancies is examined in the light of the controversial epidemiological evidence available. The cost-effectiveness of particle therapy is also discussed.
Circular Polarizer for Lyman-alpha Flux*

Polarization and phase shifts of Lyman-alpha flux reflected from Al, Al2O3, ZnS, MgF2, and SiO films were measured. A circular polarizer having a 5° angle of acceptance and 12% transmittance was constructed using Al2O3 and Al mirrors. The amount of flux in the desired state of circular polarization was between 83% and 90%.
Mapping vocal communication pathways in birds with inducible gene expression.

Expression mapping of activity-dependent genes has been very useful to reveal brain activation patterns associated with specific stimuli or behavioral contexts. In addition, activity-induced neuronal gene expression is likely associated with neuronal plasticity and may be part of the mechanism(s) involved in long-term memory formation. Analysis of the immediate-early gene zenk has been used to generate high-resolution maps of brain activation associated with perceptual and motor aspects of vocal communication in songbirds and other avian groups. This molecular approach has generated novel insights into the organization of perceptual and motor control pathways for vocal communication in birds. Its impact on the neurobiology of birdsong will be reviewed here. Emphasis will be given to the caudomedial neostriatum, the area that shows the most robust zenk induction upon presentation of song to songbirds. Another focal point will be the comparative analysis of vocally induced zenk expression patterns across the avian orders that evolved vocal learning (i.e., songbirds, parrots, and hummingbirds). New research directions indicated by this molecular analysis will be discussed throughout.
A new linearization method of unbalanced electrical distribution networks

Abstract--- With increasing penetration of distributed generation in the distribution networks (DN), the secure and optimal operation of DN has become an important concern. As DN control and operation strategies are mostly based on the linearized sensitivity coefficients between controlled variables (e.g., node voltages, line currents, power loss) and control variables (e.g., power injections, transformer tap positions), efficient and precise calculation of these sensitivity coefficients, i.e. linearization of DN, is of fundamental importance. In this paper, the derivation of the node voltages and power loss as functions of the nodal power injections and transformers' tap-changers positions is presented, and then solved by a Gauss-Seidel method. Compared to other approaches presented in the literature, the proposed method takes into account different load characteristics (e.g., constant PQ, constant impedance, constant current and any combination of above) of a generic multi-phase unbalanced DN and improves the accuracy of linearization. Numerical simulations on both IEEE 13 and 34 nodes test feeders show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Quantum physics: Information on heat.

There is a fundamental quantum limit to heat flow, just as there is to electric current. This limit is independent of what carries the heat, and could also have a role in an unexpected quarter: information theory.
A new model for cometary nuclei

A new model for the nucleus of comets is presented, hypothesizing formation at large heliocentric distances from many independent solid bodies. It is shown that such a configuration would collapse to a single assemblage if it is to survive into the inner solar system. Prior to collapse, the bodies would be subject to coating by interstellar gas and particles, which would form the material lost into the coma at subsequent inner solar system perihelia. Quantitative estimates place an upper limit to the body sizes of 2.3 m and a lower limit of the number as 3 x 10 to the 10th power with sizes of a few tenths of a micron and numbers of about 10 to the 33rd power most probable. The major structural and evolutionary features of such comet nuclei are consistent with the Whipple icy-conglomerate model.
Is There a Logic Of Scientific Discovery

(1960). Is there a logic of scientific discovery? Australasian Journal of Philosophy: Vol. 38, No. 2, pp. 91-106.
The finding and significance of spermidine and spermine in Fraction 5.

Fraction 5, designed by A. Goldstein is an important thymus extract which has been studied in vitro, in vivo, and clinically with goals relevant to immunocompetence. Fraction 5 inhibited the incorporation of [ 3 H]-thymidine into DNA of spleen cells from neonatally thymectomized mice, indicating the presence of spermidine and spermine. Dansylation yielded tri-dansyl and tetradansyl derivatives showing the presence of spermidine (0.013%) and spermine (0.11%), and after acid hydrolysis, levels of 0.023% and 0.11%, respectively. About 50% of the spermidine was a “covalently linked conjugate”. Polyamines have diverse activities including inhibition. Their presence in Fraction 5 may diminish overriding stimulatory effects on T-cells and immunocompetence in patients.
Technical and Democratic Values in Risk Analysis1

Summary So, we can argue that the lay public are not fools in their attitudes about risk. That nonexperts should show more concern over hazardous waste facilities in their neighborhoods than radon levels in their homes is not a sign of irrationality (because aggregate and individual risks are greater from the radon), but simply a sign that nonexperts are working from a different set of criteria. These criteria are incorporated in what I call the democratic model. The democratic model evaluates risk based on its social and political consequences, such as possible disruption in the social fabric or a loss of communality. Lay criteria for assessing the impact of risk decisions are not explicit, like the those of the risk analyst, but are embedded in cultural values. Similarly, lay evaluations of risk incorporate substantive and procedural democratic values, such as the acceptability of processes for making decisions, the ethics of the distribution of risk, and the capacity to control a source of risk in the community's interests. Finally, the democratic model relates judgments about risks to the competence (Can we trust them?) and the legitimacy (Should we trust them?) of the social institutions that impose and control those risks. The public's judgments about risk are not inferior, but different, and arguably richer than those of the experts.
Access to a Running Wheel Inhibits the Acquisition of Cocaine Self-Administration

Physical activity decreases cocaine self-administration in laboratory animals and is associated with positive outcomes in substance abuse treatment programs; however, less is known about its efficacy in preventing the establishment of regular patterns of substance use in drug-naive individuals. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of access to a running wheel on the acquisition of cocaine self-administration in experimentally naive rats. Male, Long-Evans rats were obtained at weaning and assigned to sedentary (no wheel) or exercising (access to wheel) conditions immediately upon arrival. After six weeks, rats were surgically implanted with intravenous catheters and placed in operant conditioning chambers for 2 h/day for 15 consecutive days. Each session began with a noncontingent priming infusion of cocaine, followed by a free-operant period in which each response on the active lever produced an infusion of cocaine on a fixed ratio (FR1) schedule of reinforcement. For days 1-5, responding was reinforced with 0.25 mg/kg/infusion cocaine; for days 6-15, responding was reinforced with 0.75 mg/kg/infusion cocaine. In addition, all rats were calorically restricted during days 11-15 to 85% to 95% of their free-feeding body weight. Compared to sedentary rats, exercising rats acquired cocaine self-administration at a significantly slower rate and emitted significantly fewer active lever presses during the 15 days of behavioral testing. These data indicate that access to a running wheel inhibits the acquisition of cocaine self-administration, and that physical activity may be an effective intervention in substance abuse prevention programs.
Staghorn calculus due to migration of foreign body: Unusual complication of ileal conduit

Abstract An unusual late complication of ilcal conduit diversion is described. To our knowledge this is the first case reported in which a foreign body apparently migrated from an ileal conduit to the renal pelvis and served as a nidus for stone formation.
Cyclometalated Complexes of Ru(II) with 2-Aryl Derivatives of Quinoline and 1,10-Phenanthroline

Difficulty in cyclometalating 1-(2‘-quinolinyl)pyrene and 1,3-di-(2‘-quinolinyl)pyrene with Ru(II) led to a more detailed study of the cyclometalation process. A series of 2-aryl-1,10-phenanthrolines, where aryl = phenyl, 2-naphthyl, 1-anthracenyl, and 1-pyrenyl, were treated with [Ru(tpy)Cl3] to provide either the N5Cl complex [Ru(tpy)(L)Cl]+ or this same material as a mixture with the N5C cyclometalated species [Ru(tpy)L]+. Steric effects appear to govern the ability of the ligand to attain the near planar conformation required for cyclometalation. The bridged ligand 3,1‘-dimethylene-2-(2‘-pyrenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline was prepared along with a quinoline analogue. The former species was found to cyclometalate at the C1 of pyrene and afford the N5Cl complex. Both the N5C (P21/n (monoclinic), a = 28.1102(11), b = 8.4638(3), c = 31.2908(12) A, Z = 8) and N5Cl (P-1 (triclinic), a = 11.7235 (10), b = 14.5306(12), c = 14.5725(12) A, Z = 2) complexes were analyzed by X-ray crystallography, and the N5Cl species ...
Meaning, "nerves" and the urban-Appalachian family.

In this article, the Franklian treatment methods of Network Intervention, Existential Reflection, and Social Skills Training are described as they can be used in family treatment with urban-Appalachian families suffering with a disruption in meaning awareness and the reactive problem of “nerves.” The author also provides information about treatment results with 28 urban-Appalachian families suffering with “nerves,” seen in Franklian treatment from 1982 through 1988.