cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The simulation of a Southern California red tide using characteristics of a simultaneously-measured internal wave field

Abstract Temperature data obtained from NUC Tower, San Diego, California during May–June 1968 provide input to a three-wave period version of MOVER, a computer model that simulates organism diurnal vertical migration through an internal wave field. The locally characteristic wave periods are 21.50 h, 12.50 h and 0.42 h. The phase of the modeled interval wave spectrum matches the field observations for a 10-day period preceding and including a red tide. MOVER's output shows a rapid aggregation of representative phytoplankton under all modeled conditions. The aggregation or red tide occurs at the geographic location of NUC Tower under certain organism behavioral regimes. Whether these conditions actually occurred at NUC Tower in May 1968 is not certain from the available data.
The Impact of GIS Technology

In this paper the empirical findings and basic frameworks used in the evaluation of GIS are reviewed. In the studies reviewed, a variety of evaluation criteria are employed, but they still contribu...
Sr1−xKxSi1−yGeyO3−0.5x: a new family of superior oxide-ion conductors

Monoclinic SrMO3 (M = Si or Ge) contains (001) planes of M3O9 units of three corner shared MO4 coplanar complexes separated by close-packed planes of Sr2+ ions each coordinated, top and bottom, by three terminal oxygen on three different M3O9 units. Substitution of K+ for Sr2+ introduces terminal-oxygen vacancies that are either not accommodated by corner sharing with a neighboring M3O9 unit, apparently because of steric hindrance by the large Sr2+ and K+ ions, or are accommodated by a distortion that creates an interstitial mobile oxide ion. Stabilization of a terminal-oxygen vacancy in a tetrahedral anion complex by steric hindrance in Sr1−xKxSi1−yGeyO3−0.5x represents a new design principle for superior oxide-ion electrolytes at intermediate temperatures.
Attenuation of Initial Oscillation in Bridge Cranes via Input-Shaping-Based Feedback Control Methods

Crane payloads are frequently subject to oscillations induced through intentional movement and external disturbances. These oscillations degrade performance and can be dangerous. Input shaping is an effective method to move cranes without creating oscillation, however it is not effective on initial swing. This paper develops a feedback control system with two operation modes based on input shaping. They allow a crane operator to remove initial oscillations, while retaining control over the crane movement direction. The system is shown to be simple to implement, and the effectiveness of the two operation modes is verified experimentally on a small-scale bridge crane.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Multiple drug metabolism: p-nitroanisole reversal of acetone enhanced aniline hydroxylation.

Abstract The unique effect of acetone on the p-hydroxylation of aniline was evaluated in microsomes prepared from control, phenobarbital- and 3-methylcholanthrene-pretreated animals. The existence of multiple forms of the hydroxylase was evaluated as an explanation of the acetone enhancement. Simultaneous metabolism of aniline in the presence of either p-nitroanisole (pNA) or ethylmorphine (EM) was evaluated to probe the participation of different mixed function oxidase systems. Aniline inhibited both N- and O-demethylation, while pNA and EM both inhibited p-hydroxylation of aniline. Acetone decreased the individual demethylation reactions, but enhanced aniline hydroxylation. In multiple drug reactions, acetone decreased N-demethylation and proportionately increased aniline p-hydroxylation. On the other hand, p-nitroanisole blocked the acetone enhancement of aniline metabolism. Kinetic evaluation of the acetone and p-nitroanisole effects on aniline metabolism indicated that each agent increased the apparent Km′ by 4- to 5-fold for aniline in the hydroxylation reaction, but only acetone increased the Vmax′. From the Eadie-Scatchard analysis of the rates of aniline hydroxylation, acetone appeared to produce a biphasic increase in the hydroxylation above 0.75 mM aniline, even in the presence of pNA. Thus, multiple forms of the aniline p-hydroxylase are indicated by their altered activities in the presence of other drugs, and acetone seemed to specifically alter a species having a higher Km′ for aniline.
International Initiatives for Water Policy Assessment: A Review

The recent international agreement to implement principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as a means to overcome the current world water crisis has brought about the need to measure countries’ progress towards a new way of managing water. Several governmental and nongovernmental international organizations have taken up this challenge using different methods. This paper analyzes the methodological approaches currently applied to comparative water policy assessment, points out advantages and drawbacks of the different types of initiatives, and looks at where this relatively young field of research is heading. The technical and topical constraints of existing numerical indicators, the lack of consolidated qualitative assessments and the difficulty to measure real water policy implementation are among the main challenges to be addressed in the near future in the context of water policy assessment.
Time sequence of in vitro maturation and chromosomal normality in metaphase I and metaphase II of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) oocyte

The in vitro maturation sequence of squirrel monkey oocytes and their chromosomal normality was studied. Follicular growth was induced by a hormonal regimen of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oocytes were collected laparoscopically 15-16 h after hCG administration from 55 squirrel monkeys. A total of 666 oocytes were prepared and analyzed for maturational stage and the presence of chromosomal aberrations. At recovery, 84.7% of the aspirated oocytes were in the genninal vesicle or prophase I stage and the numbers of atretic and mature ova were low (15.3% and 8.3%, respectively). The highest rate of in vitro matured oocytes (75.2%) was found after 31 h of incubation. In the chromosomal analysis studies of 366 oocytes, 31(8.5%) metaphase 1, 14 (3.8%) anaphase I and 181 (49.5%) metaphase II oocytes were examined. Of 28 countable metaphase I plates, 21 (75.0%) consisted of 22 bivalents, however meiotic univalents were also observed in 7 (25.0%) cases. Of these, 2 showed a secondary association. Of 181 oocytes, 145 (80.1%) were analyzable numerically. Of these, 88 (60.7%) had the normal haploid 22 chromosome number, whereas 7 (4.8%) showed aneuploidy (4 hyperploidy and 3 hypoploidy). An additional 50 (34.5%) oocytes were found to be at the metaphase II stage with first polar body chromosomes. Of these, 43 had a normal haploid number of chromosomes (22/22). In 7 (4.8%), aneuploidy was observed (6, 21/23 and 1, 20/24). The unequal chromosome number was assumed to be due to a random segregation of univalents at the anaphase I stage. Additionally there was no significant difference in maturation rate among 3 sizes of follicles (1-2 mm, 2-3 mm, >3 mm). A significant correlation was found for the maturation rate between oocytes with and without cumulus cells after 21 h of culture.
Comparison of Seismic Body Wave and Coda Wave Measures of Q

Measurements of seismic attenuation (Q −1) can vary considerably when made from different parts of seismograms or using different techniques, particularly at high frequencies. These discrepancies may be methodological, or may reflect earth processes. To investigate this problem, we compare body wave with coda Q −1 results utilizing three common techniques: i) parametric fit to spectral decay, ii) coda normalization of S waves, and iii) coda amplitude decay with lapse time. Q −1 is measured from both body and coda waves beneath two mountain ranges and one platform, from recordings made at seismic arrays in the Caucasus and Kopet Dagh over paths ≤4° long. If Q is assumed frequency independent, spectral decay fits show Q s and Q coda near 700–800 for both mountain paths and near 2100–2200 for platform paths. Similar values are determined with the coda normalization technique. However, frequency-dependent parameterizations fit the data significantly better, with Q s (1 Hz) and Q coda(l Hz) near 200–300 for mountain paths and near 500–600 for platform paths. Lapse decay measurements are close to the frequency-dependent values, showing that both spectral and lapse decay methods can give similar results when Q has comparable parameterizations. Above 6 Hz, coda measurements suggest some enrichment relative to body waves, perhaps due to scattering, but intrinsic absorption appears to dominate at lower frequencies. All approaches show sharp path differences between the Eurasian platform and adjacent mountains, and all are capable of resolving spatial variations in Q.
ERK activation and cell growth require CaM kinases in MCF-7 breast cancer cells

Previous studies on MCF-7 breast cancer cells have shown that the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) agonist carbachol increases intracellular calcium levels and the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Calcium and calmodulin regulate the calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaM kinase) family of proteins that have been proposed to regulate ERK and gene transcription. Our results suggest that both estrogen (E2) and carbachol treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells trigger phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and the transcription factor Elk-1. Carbachol and estrogen triggered nearly a four- to sixfold increase in MCF-7 cell proliferation by 96 h, respectively. Carbachol-stimulated ERK activation and cell growth was completely blocked by the Muscarinic M(3)-subtype GPCR inhibitor, 4-DAMP, and siRNA against the M(3)-subtype GPCR. Interestingly, blockade of CaM KK with the selective inhibitor STO-609 prevented carbachol activation CaM KI, ERK, Elk-1, and cell growth. Consistent with these observations, knockdown of CaM KKalpha and CaM KIgamma with shRNA-containing plasmids blocked ERK activation by carbachol. In addition, Elk-1 phosphorylation and luciferase activity in response to carbachol treatment was also dependent upon CaM kinases and was inhibited by U0126, STO-609, and siRNA knockdown of CaM kinases and ERK2. Finally, blockade of either CaM KK (with STO-609) or ERK (with U0126) activities resulted in the inhibition of carbachol- and estrogen-mediated cyclin D1 expression and MCF-7 cell growth. Taken together, our results suggest that carbachol treatment of MCF-7 cells activates CaM KI, ERK, the transcription factor Elk-1, cyclin D1, and cell growth through CaM KK.
Robust Photogeneration of H2 in Water Using Semiconductor Nanocrystals and a Nickel Catalyst

A major challenge in the design of artificial photosynthesis catalysts has been their instability under the reaction conditions—a problem that plants and other autotrophs address by perpetually reproducing their biochemical machinery. Han et al. (p. [1321][1], published online 8 November) now demonstrate a system for photoreductive hydrogen generation in water that manifests undiminished activity for weeks at a time. Semiconductor nanoparticles for light absorption were combined with a soluble nickel complex for the catalytic chemistry. The system currently requires a sacrificial electron donor, but its robustness shows promise for future pairing with an integrated oxidation catalyst. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.1227775
Application of TW-level pulsed power to the problem of finding fissile material

Development of techniques for finding contraband fissile material is an area of great importance for national and international security.1 Because passive radiation from fissile material is relatively weak and can be readily shielded, “active” techniques have been investigated. Photons and/or neutrons are externally generated and used to induce fissions, the products of which are then measured. The usual approach utilizes relatively low-peak-power linacs. Discussed here is a relatively new technique, called intense pulsed active detection (IPAD).2 With IPAD, high-power generators that deliver TW-level electrical pulses produce intense, short (< 100-ns) pulses of probing radiation. The short pulse allows access to a variety of fission signatures over relatively short counting times (∼ 10 µs to ∼ 1 min). The resulting short fission-product measurement time minimizes the signal from natural background.2
Interval Reliability Analysis

Traditional reliability analysis uses probability distributions to calculate reliability. In many engineering applications, some nondeterministic variables are known within intervals. When both random variables and interval variables are present, a single probability measure, namely, the probability of failure or reliability, is not available in general; but its lower and upper bounds exist. The mixture of distributions and intervals makes reliability analysis more difficult. Our goal is to investigate computational tools to quantify the effects of random and interval inputs on reliability associated with performance characteristics. The proposed reliability analysis framework consists of two components — direct reliability analysis and inverse reliability analysis. The algorithms are based on the First Order Reliability Method and many existing reliability analysis methods. The efficient and robust improved HL-RF method is further developed to accommodate interval variables. To deal with interval variables for black-box functions, nonlinear optimization is used to identify the extreme values of a performance characteristic. The direct reliability analysis provides bounds of a probability of failure; the inverse reliability analysis computes the bounds of the percentile value of a performance characteristic given reliability. One engineering example is provided.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Therapeutic potential of curcumin in gastrointestinal diseases.

Curcumin, also known as diferuloylmethane, is derived from the plant Curcuma longa and is the active ingredient of the spice turmeric. The therapeutic activities of curcumin for a wide variety of diseases such as diabetes, allergies, arthritis and other chronic and inflammatory diseases have been known for a long time. More recently, curcumin’s therapeutic potential for preventing and treating various cancers is being recognized. As curcumin’s therapeutic promise is being explored more systematically in various diseases, it has become clear that, due to its increased bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract, curcumin may be particularly suited to be developed to treat gastrointestinal diseases. This review summarizes some of the current literature of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer potential in inflammatory bowel diseases, hepatic fibrosis and gastrointestinal cancers.
Immediate reconstruction for penile agenesis

The goal of treatment for penile agenesis is early female gender assignment and feminizing reconstruction of the perineum. Historically, this required multiple operations including both vesicostomy and colostomy. The present case demonstrates the feasibility of early total reconstruction through a posterior sagittal approach that avoids diversion of stool and urine.
Future uncertain: Arts Council England's vision for the future of the contemporary visual arts.

Abstract This paper considers the construction and presentation of the Arts Council of England's (ACE) vision, Turning Point for contemporary visual arts. It constitutes a case study of the processes entailed in planning the future of the visual arts. By examining the commissioning of the visual arts review, and the various contexts within which it was set — namely, those of the visual arts, ACE, and Department of Culture, Media and Sport, (DCMS) it asks in what sense this strategy specifically caters for the future. The article closes with some observations about the case made for the visual arts and the business of formulating strategy within DCMS's non-departmental public bodies.
Using HIV Networks to Inform Real Time Prevention Interventions

Objective: To reconstruct the local HIV-1 transmission network from 1996 to 2011 and use network data to evaluate and guide efforts to interrupt transmission. Design: HIV-1 pol sequence data were analyzed to infer the local transmission network. Methods: We analyzed HIV-1 pol sequence data to infer a partial local transmission network among 478 recently HIV-1 infected persons and 170 of their sexual and social contacts in San Diego, California. A transmission network score (TNS) was developed to estimate the risk of HIV transmission from a newly diagnosed individual to a new partner and target prevention interventions. Results: HIV-1 pol sequences from 339 individuals (52.3%) were highly similar to sequences from at least one other participant (i.e., clustered). A high TNS (top 25%) was significantly correlated with baseline risk behaviors (number of unique sexual partners and insertive unprotected anal intercourse (p=0.014 and p=0.0455, respectively) and predicted risk of transmission (p,0.0001). Retrospective analysis of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, and simulations of ART targeted to individuals with the highest TNS, showed significantly reduced network level HIV transmission (p,0.05). Conclusions: Sequence data from an HIV-1 screening program focused on recently infected persons and their social and sexual contacts enabled the characterization of a highly connected transmission network. The network-based risk score (TNS) was highly correlated with transmission risk behaviors and outcomes, and can be used identify and target effective prevention interventions, like ART, to those at a greater risk for HIV-1 transmission.
Degenerate four-wave mixing spectroscopy of the (glyoxal)2 van der Waals complex

Abstract Glyoxal dimer generated in a supersonic expansion can be detected through the relatively weak glyoxal A → X transition by using degenerate four-wave mixing spectroscopy. A detection limit on the order of 1011 molecules/cm3 is obtained. The spectrum can be simulated with a simple N20σn (n=2−4) intensity dependence, where N0 is the ground-state population and σ is the absorption cross section. Inclusion of nondegenerate grating scattering effects due to congestion of transitions within the laser bandwidth improves the spectral simulation. The rotational constants obtained from a rotational band contour analysis are reported for the dimer.
The effect of depression on the association between military service and life satisfaction.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of depression on the association between a history of military service and life satisfaction among a nationally representative sample of US men.
Effect of phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene administration on the in vitro enhancement of microsomal aromatic hydroxylation.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that acetone and 2,2′-bipyridine enhance the hydroxylation of aromatic compounds when added directly to incubation mixtures. It has also been observed that benzphetamine will enhance aromatic hydroxylation. Acetone has been shown to enhance acetanilide hydroxylation using microsomal fractions derived from rats treated with phenobarbital or 3-methylcholanthrene. In contrast, 2,2′-bipyridine produced inhibition and enhancement in microsomes derived from 3-methylcholanthrene- and phenobarbital-treated rats, respectively. Phenobarbital treatment abolished the enhancing effect of benzphetamine but enhancement was still observed following 3-methylcholanthrene treatment. 2,2′-Bipyridine was found to produce a type I binding spectrum with aerobic microsomal fractions from phenobarbital-treated rats and a type II binding spectrum with microsomes from 3-methylcholanthrene-treated animals. Modifications of the enhancing effects of 2,2′-bipyridine and benzphetamine by phenobarbital and 3-methylcholanthrene treatment may be related to metabolism of the enhancing agent.
Influence of coronary collaterals on left ventricular function in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty

The purpose of this study was to determine the role of coronary collaterals on global left ventricular function during transient coronary occlusion. Left ventricular systolic function was evaluated noninvasively in 37 patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) by means of peak aortic blood acceleration measured with a continuous-wave Doppler velocity meter placed suprasternally. Doppler measurements were made before, during, and immediately after balloon inflation. Nineteen patients underwent PTCA of the left anterior descending coronary artery, 15 of the right coronary artery, and three of the circumflex coronary artery. All patients had a subtotal coronary occlusion. Among the 37 patients 23 had no angiographic evidence of collaterals supplying the vessel undergoing PTCA and 14 had collaterals. In patients without collaterals peak acceleration was 16.0 ± 3.0 m/sec/sec before balloon occlusion and decreased to 11.8 ± 3.6 m/sec/sec within 30 to 40 seconds of coronary occlusion (p < 0.001). After 30 to 40 seconds of reperfusion (balloon deflated), peak acceleration returned to near-preocclusion levels (17.3 ± 7.5 m/sec/sec). Among patients with collaterals peak acceleration remained unchanged during balloon occlusion and reperfusion relative to preocclusion levels (NS). These data indicate that collaterals can preserve left ventricular function during transient coronary occlusion in humans.
Silicone breast implant rupture: comparison between three-point Dixon and fast spin-echo MR imaging.

This study was designed to compare the three-point Dixon technique with our present MR protocol incorporating T2-weighted fast spin echo and fast spin echo with water suppression to detect ruptured silicone breast implants.Eighty-two symptomatic women with silicone breast implants were examined with both the three-point Dixon technique and fast spin-echo MR sequences. Of these patients, 41 had surgery to remove their implants. Four radiologists reviewed the images from only those patients who had surgery and graded each for rupture by using a scale of 1-5. Receiver-operating-characteristic analysis was performed.Of 81 implants removed, 18 were ruptured. Silicone implant ruptures were identified more frequently on the fast spin-echo sequence than on the three-point Dixon sequence, with areas under the ROC curves of .95 and .84, respectively. Although the difference was not statistically significant, the sensitivity for detecting silicone implant rupture was 89% for the fast spin-echo sequence and 61% for t...
Advances in synapse formation: forging connections in the worm

Synapse formation is the quintessential process by which neurons form specific connections with their targets to enable the development of functional circuits. Over the past few decades, intense research efforts have identified thousands of proteins that localize to the pre- and postsynaptic compartments. Genetic dissection has provided important insights into the nexus of the molecular and cellular network, and has greatly advanced our knowledge about how synapses form and function physiologically. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the complex regulation of synapse formation with the identification of novel mechanisms involving cell interactions from non-neuronal sources. In this review, we cover the conserved pathways required for synaptogenesis and place specific focus on new themes of synapse modulation arising from studies in Caenorhabditis elegans. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:85–97. doi: 10.1002/wdev.165 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
Very Short Bunches in MIT-Bates South Hall Ring

The ultra-short bunch is the key for producing strong terahertz coherent synchrotron radiation (CSR) and some other applications. A study is being conducted at MIT-Bates South Hall Ring to get 1 mm or shorter electron bunch length. A set of low momentum compaction lattice configurations have been designed. In first beam experiment in 2004, two of these configurations were successfully commissioned in which the momentum compaction was reduced by two orders of magnitude. About 1 mm rms bunch length was measured with a streak camera. It has been demonstrated that this storage ring machine has a great degree of flexibility and potential as an ideal test bed for various advanced beam physics studies.
The genetic mating system of a sea spider with male-biased sexual size dimorphism: evidence for paternity skew despite random mating success.

Male-biased size dimorphism is usually expected to evolve in taxa with intense male–male competition for mates, and it is hence associated with high variances in male mating success. Most species of pycnogonid sea spiders exhibit female-biased size dimorphism, and are notable among arthropods for having exclusive male parental care of embryos. Relatively little, however, is known about their natural history, breeding ecology, and mating systems. Here we first show that Ammothella biunguiculata, a small intertidal sea spider, exhibits male-biased size dimorphism. Moreover, we combine genetic parentage analysis with quantitative measures of sexual selection to show that male body size does not appear to be under directional selection. Simulations of random mating revealed that mate acquisition in this species is largely driven by chance factors, although actual paternity success is likely non-randomly distributed. Finally, the opportunity for sexual selection (Is), an indirect metric for the potential strength of sexual selection, in A. biunguiculata males was less than half of that estimated in a sea spider with female-biased size dimorphism, suggesting the direction of size dimorphism may not be a reliable predictor of the intensity of sexual selection in this group. We highlight the suitability of pycnogonids as model systems for addressing questions relating parental investment and sexual selection, as well as the current lack of basic information on their natural history and breeding ecology.
Mistuning-Based Control Design to Improve Closed-Loop Stability Margin of Vehicular Platoons

We consider a decentralized bidirectional control of a platoon of N identical vehicles moving in a straight line. The control objective is for each vehicle to maintain a constant velocity and inter-vehicular separation using only the local information from itself and its two nearest neighbors. Each vehicle is modeled as a double integrator. To aid the analysis, we use continuous approximation to derive a partial differential equation (PDE) approximation of the discrete platoon dynamics. The PDE model is used to explain the progressive loss of closed-loop stability with increasing number of vehicles, and to devise ways to combat this loss of stability. If every vehicle uses the same controller, we show that the least stable closed-loop eigenvalue approaches zero as O(1/N2) in the limit of a large number (N) of vehicles. We then show how to ameliorate this loss of stability by small amounts of "mistuning", i.e., changing the controller gains from their nominal values. We prove that with arbitrary small amounts of mistuning, the asymptotic behavior of the least stable closed loop eigenvalue can be improved to O(1/N). All the conclusions drawn from analysis of the PDE model are corroborated via numerical calculations of the state-space platoon model.
Determination of l-galactose in polysaccharide material

Abstract A method is described for the identification and quantitative determination Of l -galactose in hydrolyzates of polysaccharide material. In this technique, all the d -galactose is oxidized to d -galactonic acid using the enzyme d -galactose dehydrogenase. Remaining sugars, including any l -galactose, are converted to their trimethylsilyl derivatives and estimated by GLC. l -Galactose was detected in polysaccharides of flax seed, corn cob and corn root, and in the cell wall of Acer pseudoplatanus suspension cultures. It is suggested that the sugar may be relatively widespread in plants.
Collision physics in the atomic and molecular universe

The wavelength range and high resolution of the space instruments Chandra, Newton, SOHO, Suzaku, Herschel, Spitzer, and the upcoming ASTRO-H and James Webb Space Telescope have increased the need for laboratory collision-physics measurements to interpret astrophysical phenomena. A review will be given of charge exchange of highly-charged ions with neutral comet and planet atmospheres; and the formation of complex molecules in stellar regions. These space observations are linked to laboratory measurements of absolute charge-exchange cross sections; and molecular formation of species such as CO2, CH3OH, and CH3CH2OH involving fast H- and O-atom collisions with abundant interstellar molecules adsorbed on dust-grain analogues.
P75 nerve growth factor receptors modulate development of GnRH neurons and olfactory ensheating cells

Temporal and spatial localization of nerve growth factor receptor (p75NGFR) in the developing olfactory system and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH) system was characterized and its role analyzed using p75NGFR null mice and nasal explants. Prenatally, p75NGFR was expressed by GnRH neurons and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). In p75NGFR null mice, no change in the number of GnRH cells was detected as compared to wild-type. However, in null mice, a shift in the distribution of GnRH neurons was found, with a small population of GnRH cells migrating further caudally toward the median eminence. Additionally, a reduction of both GAD67 positive olfactory axons and GFAP positive OEC fibers occurred. Acute administration of a p75NGFR blocker to GnRH cells maintained in vitro increased migration rate, consistent with the change in distribution detected in p75NGFR null mice. Chronic inhibition of p75NGFR caused an attenuation of olfactory axon fasciculation and a decrease in OEC density, again mimicking the changes detected in null mice. However, a reduction in GnRH cell number was found after chronic treatment that not observed in KO animals suggesting indirect changes occur during chronic treatment in vitro and/or a compensatory mechanism occurs in vivo that prevents loss of GnRH neurons in the absence of p75NGFR.
Speciation of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) via Reversed Phase HPLC with Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopic Detection (HPLC-ICP)24

Abstract Chromium ions, viz., chromic (Cr±3=III) and chromate (Cr±6 = VI), can be reliably, conveniently, reproducibly, and quickly separated and detected by the use of conventional paired-ion, reversed phase (RP) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) together with refractive index (RI) and/or inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopic (ICP) detection. A number of novel paired-ion approaches have now been developed, using PIC A (tetrabutylammonium hydroxide) or PIC B (sodium n-alkyl sulfonate) separately in the mobile phase. This allows for the retention of each Cr species depending on the particular ion pairing reagent being used, while the remaining Cr ion elutes in the solvent front. Changing the ion pairing reagent reverses the overall situation. The total time for each HPLC analysis is about 10 mins. ICP detection provides for a complete, overall method of speciation for both Cr (III) and Cr (VI) via two separate injections, together with quantitation for both species. This method of u...
In vivo anti-papillomavirus activity of nucleoside analogues including cidofovir on CRPV-induced rabbit papillomas.

A series of nucleoside analogues were tested for in vivo anti-papillomavirus activity using the cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) domestic rabbit model. Compounds were delivered either topically, injected into growing papillomas, or delivered subcutaneously at a site remote from the papillomas. Compounds tested included cidofovir [(S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)cytosine] (HPMPC); cyclic HPMPC (cHPMPC); cyclopentenylcytosine (CPE-C); lobucavir [1R(1α,2β,3α)]-9-[2,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)cyclobutyl]guanine; 9-((2-phosphonylmethoxy)propyl)adenine (PMPA); adefovir 9-((2-phosphonylmethoxy)ethyl)adenine(PMEA) and cyclopropyl 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)-2,6-diaminopurine (cyclopropylPMEDAP). Dose response curves and time-course treatments were included for most compounds tested. Strong anti-viral activity was detected using cidofovir and cHPMPC when delivered either topically or by the intralesional route. Complete cures were obtained using 1% (w/v) topical cidofovir at dosing schedules of twice daily for 8 weeks beginning at 4 weeks after CRPV infection, which represents a time when papillomas were clearly visible. Complete cures of large established papillomas were obtained by intralesional injection of 1% cidofovir three times per week for 8 weeks. Topical treatments with adefovir had strong anti-viral activity, cyclopropyl PMEDAP had moderate anti-viral activity, and CPE-C, PMPA and lobucavir showed no effects. These data indicate that certain nucleoside analogues have strong in vivo anti-papillomavirus activity and that the CRPV/rabbit model is a good model for assessing clinical responses of anti-viral treatments for patients with HPV disease.
Entry of human immunodeficiency virus-1 into glial cells proceeds via an alternate, efficient pathway

Although the CD4 molecule is the cellular receptor for human immunodeficiency virus-i (HIV-1) in cells of the lymphocyte/monocyte lineage, a number of investigators have also been able to Infect cells, including several of central nervous system (CNS) origin, that do not express CD4 protein or mRNA. These infections are generally nonpermissive. To ascertain whether the nonpermissive nature of infection In glial cells is due to an inefficient entry pathway, we prepared a permanently transfected U373-MG cell line expressing the CD4 molecule and demonstrated that HIV-1 still replicates at a low level. Furthermore, a virus uptake assay indicated that HIV-1 enters gllaI cells effectively, even in the absence of CD4. These results demonstrate that HIV-i entry is efficient and that the restrictive nature of the infection in glial cells is due to postentry mechanisms. In addition, these findings support the existence of an alternate, efficient, entry pathway in some glial cells.
Maternal obesity alters immune cell frequencies and responses in umbilical cord blood samples

Background Maternal obesity is one of the several key factors thought to modulate neonatal immune system development. Data from murine studies demonstrate worse outcomes in models of infection, autoimmunity, and allergic sensitization in offspring of obese dams. In humans, children born to obese mothers are at increased risk for asthma. These findings suggest a dysregulation of immune function in the children of obese mothers; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal body weight and the human neonatal immune system. Methods Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from infants born to lean, overweight, and obese mothers. Frequency and function of major innate and adaptive immune cell populations were quantified using flow cytometry and multiplex analysis of circulating factors. Results Compared to babies born to lean mothers, babies of obese mothers had fewer eosinophils and CD4 T helper cells, reduced monocyte and dendritic cell responses to Toll-like receptor ligands, and increased plasma levels of IFN-α2 and IL-6 in cord blood. Conclusion These results support the hypothesis that maternal obesity influences programming of the neonatal immune system, providing a potential link to increased incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and cardiovascular disease in the offspring.
A comparison of preferences and perceptions of alternate equity operationalizations.

Seven operationalizations of equity that offer alternate criteria for allocating resources for leisure services were assessed using residents in a Texas city. The operationalizations were compensatory, equality, taxes paid, direct price, efficiency, advocacy and professional judgment. Two samples of data were selected using mail surveys of 903 households and by personal delivery and pickup at 200 additional minority households. A preference/perception grid showed professional judgment as being the only operationalization which received an above average score on both scales. Differences in residents' preferences and perceptions were related to gender, ethnicity and home value and not related to years of residence in the community or frequency with which residents used park and recreation services.
Transmission line analysis of beam deflection in a BPM stripline kicker

In the usual treatment of impedances of beamline structures the electromagnetic response is computed under the assumption that the source charge trajectory is parallel to the propagation axis and is unaffected by the wake of the structure. For high energy beams of relatively low current this is generally a valid assumption. Under certain conditions the assumption of a parallel source charge trajectory is no longer valid and the effects of the changing trajectory must be included in the analysis. Here the usual transmission line analysis that has been applied to BPM type transverse kickers is extended to include the self-consistent motion of the beam in the structure.
High critical currents in powder in tube MgB/sub 2/ wires: influence of microstructure and heat treatments

MgB/sub 2/ wires were produced by the powder-in-tube method, using commercial MgB/sub 2/ powder with 5%at Mg powder added as an additional source of magnesium, and stainless steel as sheath material. Depending on the parameters of the heat treatments, the dc transport critical current can be increased or decreased by more than one order of magnitude as compared with the as-drawn wire. Analysis of the zero-field-cooling dc magnetization demonstrates that these large variations are due to changes in the connectivity of the wires. We discuss the optimization of the annealing conditions in terms of the changes in the microstructure, as determined from TEM and SEM analysis. We show that annealing can strongly improve the connectivity by eliminating most of the micro-cracks present in the un-annealed wires. In contrast, inappropriate annealing conditions result in a deterioration of the connectivity due to the loss of Mg.
The dispensability and requirement of SecA N-terminal aminoacyl residues for complementation, membrane binding, lipid-specific domains and channel activities.

SecA is an essential multifunctional protein for the translocation of proteins across bacterial membranes. Though SecA is known to function in the membrane, the detailed mechanism for this process remains unclear. In this study we constructed a series of SecA N-terminal deletions and identified two specific domains crucial for initial SecA/membrane interactions. The first small helix, the linker and part of the second helix (Δ2-22) were found to be dispensable for SecA activity in complementing the growth of a SecA ts mutant. However, deletions of N-terminal aminoacyl residues 23–25 resulted in severe progressive retardation of growth. Moreover, a decrease of SecA activity caused by N-terminal deletions correlated to the loss of SecA membrane binding, formation of lipid-specific domains and channel activity. All together, the results indicate that the N-terminal aminoacyl residues 23–25 play a critical role for SecA binding to membranes and that the N-terminal limit of SecA for activity is at the 25th amino acid.
The relationship between supervisory ratings and results-oriented measures of performance: A meta-analysis.

A meta-analysis was conducted with 23 studies to assess the relationship between supervisory ratings and results-oriented measures of performance. As hypothesized, the corrected mean correlation was higher when a relative (versus absolute) rating format was used and when a composite (versus overall) rating method was used. These differences did not, however, account for all of the remaining variance around the relationship between ratings and results. Suggestions are offered for the direction of future research and practice.
Energy balance and size and number of ovarian follicles detected by ultrasonography in early postpartum dairy cows.

Abstract Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 52) were fed one of six diets consisting of a totally mixed ration (corn silage, corn grain, soybean meal, dried distillers grains, and whole cottonseed) plus either alfalfa hay, alfalfa cubes, or bermuda-grass hay fed chopped as a component in the mixed ration or separate as long hay. Predicted energy balance was calculated from DM intake, milk yield and composition, and BW. On d 25 postpartum, ovarian status was programmed by injecting 25mg of prostaglandin F 2α and treating cows for 15 d with an intravaginal device containing 1.9g progesterone. Before d 25, number of class 1 follicles (3 to 5mm; detected by ultrasonography) decreased with increasing days postpartum, and number of class 3 (10 to 15mm) and class 4 (>15mm) follicles increased The number of class 1 and 2 follicles (6 to 9mm) decreased with increasing energy balance, and number of class 3 follicles increased with energy balance. Before d 25, predicted energy balance explained treatment differences in the number of follicles within each size class. After d 25, energy balance did not affect the average number of follicles per cow, but diet affected the number of follicles within each class. Predicted energy balance and dietary treatments influenced number of follicles at different times after calving. These results identify the importance of diet and energy balance to follicular and ovarian function in postpartum lactating dairy cows.
Creation of Malaysia’s Royal Belum State Park: A Case Study of Conservation in a Developing Country

The incentives for resource extraction and development make the conservation of biodiversity challenging within tropical forestlands. The 2007 establishment of the Royal Belum State Park in the Malaysian state of Perak offers lessons for creating protected areas in tropical countries where subnational governments are major forestland owners. This article elucidates the social and political forces that influenced Royal Belum’s creation. Those forces included Malaysian conservation groups’ efforts to establish the ecological uniqueness of the site and rally public support to protect it; the Perak state government, which is the landowner under Malaysia’s constitution, seeking a protection option that would minimize the economic costs to it (and perhaps generate net economic benefits); and the federal government providing a legal framework and support for park protection and ecotourism development. Successful long-run protection of Royal Belum will require action beyond simply designating the area as protected.
Pressure attenuation during high-frequency airway clearance therapy across different size endotracheal tubes: An in vitro study.

Abstract Purpose High-frequency airway clearance therapy is a positive pressure secretion clearance modality used in pediatric and adult applications. However, pressure attenuation across different size endotracheal tubes (ETT) has not been adequately described. This study quantifies attenuation in an in vitro model. Materials and methods The MetaNeb® System was used to deliver high-frequency pressure pulses to 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 mm ID ETTs connected to a test lung during mechanical ventilation. The experimental setup included a 3D-printed trachea model and imbedded pressure sensors. The pressure attenuation (P att %) was calculated: P att % = [(P proximal –P distal )/P proximal ]x100. The effect of pulse frequency on P distal and P proximal was quantified. Results P att % was inversely and linearly related to ETT ID and (y = − 7.924x + 74.36; R 2 = 0.9917, P = .0042 for 4.0 Hz pulse frequency and y = − 7.382 + 9.445, R 2 = 0.9964, P = .0018 for 3.0 Hz pulse frequency). P att % across the 3.0, 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 mm I.D. ETTs was 48.88 ± 10.25%, 40.87 ± 5.22%, 27.97 ± 5.29%, and 9.90 ± 1.9% respectively. Selecting the 4.0 Hz frequency mode demonstrated higher P proximal and P distal compared to the 3.0 Hz frequency mode (P = .0049 and P = .0065). Observed P distal was 2 O for all experiments. Conclusions In an in vitro model, pressure attenuation was linearly related to the inner diameter of the endotracheal tube; with decreasing attenuation as the ETT size increased.
Wood anatomy of the dicotyledons indigenous to New Zealand: 2. Escalloniaceae*

Anatomy of the secondary xylem of Quintinia acutifotla Kirk, Q. serrata A. Cunn., Ixerba brexioides A. Cunn., and Carpodetus serratus J.R. et G. Forst. is described. These woods are diffuse-porous with distinct to indistinct growth rings. The vessels are mostly solitary, angular, and have exclusively scalariform perforation plates with approximately 20 to 140 bars. Intervascular pits when present are opposite and scalariform. Fine spiral thickening is present in vessels and fibrc-tracheids of C. serratus. In all the indigenous species the vessel pits to rays are bordered, round and radially elongated. Axial parenchyma which is moderately frequent is diffuse, diffuse-in-aggrcgates, scanty paratrachcal, and rarely vasicentne. Rays are mostly heterogeneous type II. Uniscriate rays arc more numerous than the multiseriatcs. In C. serratus rhomboidal crystals arc present in the ray parenchyma. The fibrous tissue in all the species is composed of non-septate fibre-tracheids. Anatomical differences betwe...
The competitive advantage of adaptive networks: an extension of the dynamic capability view

Scholars have generally discussed dynamic capability view at a firm’s level. Drawing on complexity theories, this paper extends the dynamic capability view for multiple levels of analysis such as individuals, groups, and networks. The framework explains the dynamic capability building process within complex adaptive networks, and addresses how dynamic capabilities of the multiple units contribute to their competitive advantage. This paper also discusses potential future applications of the framework at individual and value network level. When a firm’s boundaries are getting blurred, this holistic understanding of competitive advantage at multiple units of analysis is very important for adapting and shaping today’s hyper dynamic business ecosystem.