cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of Disrupted-in-Schizophrenia-1 (disc1): Neurodevelopment, Cognition, and Mental Conditions

Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) is a promising candidate gene for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BP), but its basic biology remains to be elucidated. Accumulating genetic evidence supports that DISC1 is associated with some aspects of cognitive functions relevant to SZ and BP. Here, we provide a summary of the current updates in biological studies of DISC1. Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1, preferentially expressed in the forebrain, has multiple isoforms with potential posttranslational modifications. Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 protein occurs in multiple subcellular compartments, which include the centrosome, microtubule fractions, postsynaptic densities, actin cytoskeletal fractions, the mitochondria, and the nucleus. Recent studies have clarified that DISC1 mediates at least centrosome-dynein cascade and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling. Furthermore, both cytogenetic and cell biological studies consistently suggest that an overall loss of DISC1 function (either haploinsufficiency or dominant-negative, or both) may be associated with SZ and BP. On the basis of these findings, production of DISC1 genetically engineered mice is proposed as a promising animal model for SZ and BP. Several groups are currently generating DISC1 mice and starting to characterize them. In this review, the advantages and disadvantages of each animal model are discussed.
Inhibition of Calcium Transport by Mercury Salts in Rat Cerebellum and Cerebral Cortex In Vitro

The present investigation was initiated to study the differential effects of mercury salts on calcium pump activity of rat cerebellum and cerebral cortex in vitro. The calcium pump activity was studied by assaying calcium-adenosine triphosphatase (Ca 2+ .ATPase) in synaptic plasma membranes (SPMs) and microsomes of cerebellum and cerebral cortex in the presence of different micromolar concentrations of mercury and methylmercury. The 45 Ca uptake in microsomes of cerebellum and cerebral cortex was also determined in the presence of both the salts of mercury. The SPMs and microsomes were prepared by differential centrifugation using a sucrose gradient (0.8/1.2M). The Ca 2+ -ATPase activity was determined by estimating the inorganic phosphate. The 45 Ca uptake was measured in microsomes by using 45 CaCl 2 . Calcium-ATPase in SPMs was significantly inhibited by these two mercury salts in a concentration-dependent manner. In cerebellum and cortex, the IC 50 values for mercuric chloride were 0.065 and 0.081μM, respectively, whereas they were 0.354 and 0.384 μM for methylmercury chloride, indicating that mercuric chloride was more potent in inhibiting the plasma membrane Ca 2+ extrusion process when compared to methylmercury chloride. As seen in SPMs, Ca 2+ .ATPase and 45 Ca uptake in microsomes were also significantly inhibited in both cerebellum and cortex by mercury salts in a concentration-dependent manner, the effect being greater with mercuric chloride. These results indicate that both mercury and methylmercury inhibited the Ca 2+ pumps located in SPMs and microsomes differentially, and to some extent the effects were also region specific.
Is thrombolysis of lower extremity acute arterial occlusion cost-effective?

Background.The TOPAS (thrombolysis or peripheral artery surgery) trial randomized 544 patients with acute lower extremity ischemia to either surgery or thrombolysis. Although statistically equivalent 1-year morbidities and mortalities were demonstrated, the comparative cost-effectiveness of these two interventions has not been explored. Materials and methods.We constructed a Markov decision-analytic model to determine the cost-effectiveness of thrombolysis relative to surgery for a hypothetical cohort of patients with acute lower extremity arterial occlusion. Our measure of outcome was the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER), defined as the incremental lifetime cost per quality-adjusted life year gained. Estimates of 1-year outcomes were based on the TOPAS trial: mortality (lysis, 20%; surgery, 17%), amputation (lysis, 15%; surgery, 13%), the number of additional interventions required following the initial procedure (lysis, 544; surgery, 439). Procedural costs were estimated from the cost accounting system at the New York Presbyterian Hospital as well as from the literature. Results.Operative intervention for acute lower extremity arterial occlusion extended life and was less costly compared to thrombolysis. The projected life expectancy for patients who underwent initial surgery was 5.04 years versus 4.75 years for initial thrombolysis. The lifetime costs were $57,429 for surgery versus $dollar;76,326 for thrombolysis. In performing sensitivity analyses, a threshold CER of $60,000 was considered what society would pay for accepted medical interventions. Thrombolysis became cost-effective if the 1-year mortality rate for lysis was lowered from 20 to 10.7%, if the amputation rate for lysis diminished from 15 to 3.9%, or if the 1-year cost of lysis could be reduced to a level below $13,000. Conclusions.Initial surgery provides the most efficient and economical utilization of resources for acute lower extremity arterial occlusion. The high cost of thrombolysis is related to the expense of the lytic agents, the need for subsequent interventions in patients treated with initial lysis, and the long-term costs of amputation in patients who fail lytic therapy.
Purification and characterization of a glucoamylase from Rhizopus oryzae

Glucoamylase (EC 3.2.1.3) of Rhizopus oryzae NRRL 395 was purified approximately sevenfold by sequential ammonium sulfate fractionation, Biogel P-100 gel filtration, Q-Sepharose anion exchange and S-Sepharose cation exchange. The pH and temperature optima were 4·8 and 60°C, respectively. Enzyme was stable at temperatures up to 40°C and pH values between 3 and 8. The molecular weight was 67 000 daltons as determined by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the pI was 8·7 as determined by chromatofocusing. The Km for amylopectin and soluble starch were 0·98 and 1·34 mg/ml, respectively. The Vmax for amylopectin and soluble starch were 782 and 136 μmoles of glucose produced per mg of protein per min, respectively. The enzyme activity was inhibited by Hg2+, Pb2+ and Cd2+, but not by EDTA.
An experimental study of elastic-plastic behavior of a fibrous boron-aluminum composite

Abstract Initial and subsequent yield surfaces and plastic strains were found for a fibrous boron-aluminum composite, and for the aluminum matrix, under many plane stress loading programs. The experiments were performed on axially reinforced tubular specimens, and on similar matrix specimens, which were loaded by increments of axial force, torque, and internal pressure. The results show that the composite yield surfaces of this particular system have extensive flat segments associated with a matrix-dominated deformation mode, as well as convex segments which correspond to a fiber-dominated mode. A definite connection has been established between composite and matrix hardening. The latter is dominated by translation of the yield surface in the direction of the applied stress increment. Apart from possibly large changes in size, which may be attributed in part to observed distortions of subsequent matrix yield surfaces, this aspect of matrix hardening leads to the conclusion that the composite yield surfaces must also translate in the direction of the applied stress increment. This was confirmed by the experimental results, but exceptions were anticipated and detected during loading at the flat segments and at certain vertices.
The development and use of a computer-interactive data acquisition and display system in a flight environment

The flight test data requirements at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center increased in complexity, and more advanced instrumentation became necessary to accomplish mission goals. This paper describes the way in which an airborne computer was used to perform real-time calculations on critical flight test parameters during a flight test on a winglet-equipped KC-135A aircraft. With the computer, an airborne flight test engineer can select any sensor for airborne display in several formats, including engineering units. The computer is able to not only calculate values derived from the sensor outputs but also to interact with the data acquisition system. It can change the data cycle format and data rate, and even insert the derived values into the pulse code modulation (PCM) bit stream for recording.
Preserved right ventricular ejection fraction predicts exercise capacity and survival in advanced heart failure.

Objectives. This study was undertaken to determine which exercise and radionuclide ventriculographic variables predict prognosis in advanced heart failure. Background. Although cardiopulmonary exercise testing is frequently used to predict prognosis in patients with advanced heart failure, little is known about the prognostic significance of ventriculographic variables. Methods. The results of maximal symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing and first-pass radionuclide ventriculography in patients with advanced heart failure referred for evalution for cardiac transplantation were analyzed. Results. Sixty-seven patients with advanced heart failure (mean [±SD]; age 51 ± 10 years, New York Heart Association functional classes III (58%) and IV (18%); mean left ventricular ejection fraction 0.22 ± 0.07) underwent simultaneous upright bicycle ergometric cardiopulmonary exercise testing and first-pass rest/exercise radionuclide ventriculography. Mean peak oxygen consumption (Vo2) was 11.8 ± 4.2 ml/kg per min, and mean peak age-and gender-adjusted percent predicted oxygen consumption (%Vo2) was 38 ± 11.9%. Univariate predictors of overall survival included right ventricular ejection fraction ≥0.35 at rest and ≥0.35 at exercise and %Vo2≥45% (all p 0.05 in left or right ventricular ejection fraction were not predictive of overall or event-free survival in any univariate or multivariate analysis. Conclusions. 1) Right ventricular ejection fraction ≥0.35 at rest and exercise is a more potent predictor of survival in advanced heart failure than Vo2or %Vo2; 2) %Vo2rather than Vo2predicts survival in advanced heart failure; 3) neither %Vo2nor Vo2predicts survival to the combined end point of death or admission for inotropic or mechanical support in patients with advanced heart failure.
The ecological and evolutionary drivers of female-biased sex ratios: two-sex models of perennial seagrasses.

Abstract: Among sexually reproducing species, differences between the sexes within species are ubiquitous. Despite the clear effect of sex differences on sex ratios and population growth rates, demographic models rarely consider both sexes explicitly. Here I explore the causes of extreme female‐biased sex ratios in two marine angiosperms (Phyllospadix spp.). Using demographic data, I develop two‐sex matrix projection models to assess the magnitude of demographic differences necessary to generate observed sex ratios and the consequences of sex differences for population growth rates. I demonstrate that small sex differences in survival can generate biased sex ratios, but the importance of sexual reproduction differs markedly between species. Even in the absence of a direct trade‐off between sexual and asexual reproduction, the presence of two reproductive modes affects both the importance of sex and the sex‐ratio bias. Using sensitivity analyses, I quantify the contribution of shared and sex‐specific vital...
What Do Schools Teach

One of the least attractive arguments in recent years has been that schools are relatively unexciting, boring, or what have you, because of mindlessness (Silberman 1970). The argument has it that schools covertly teach all those things that humanistic critics of schools so like to write and talk about-behavioral consensus, institutional rather than personal goals and norms, alienation from one's products, etc.-and that they do so because teachers, administrators, and other educators do not really know what they are doing. However, such a perspective is misleading at best. In the first place, it is thoroughly ahistorical. It ignores the fact that schools were in part designed to teach exactly these things. The hidden curriculum, the tacit teaching of social and economic norms and expectations to students in schools, is not as hidden or "mindless" as many educators believe. Secondly, it ignores the critical task schools perform as the fundamental set of institutions in advanced industrial societies that certifies adult competence. It pulls schools out of their setting within a larger and much more powerful nexus of economic and political institutions that give schools their meaning. That is, schools seem, by and large, to do what they are supposed to do, at least in terms of roughly providing dispositions and propensities "functional" in later life in a complex and stratified social and economic order. While there is no doubt that mindlessness does exist other than in Charles Silberman's mind, it is not an adequate descriptive device-any more than venality or indifference-in explaining why schools are so resistant to change or why schools teach what they do (Gintis and
Death effector domain-containing proteins DEDD and FLAME-3 form nuclear complexes with the TFIIIC102 subunit of human transcription factor IIIC

Death effector domain-containing proteins are involved in important cellular processes such as death-receptor induced apoptosis, NF-κB activation and ERK activation. Here we report the identification of a novel nuclear DED-containing protein, FLAME-3. FLAME-3 shares significant sequence (46.6% identical) and structural homology to another DED-containing protein, DEDD. FLAME-3 interacts with DEDD and c-FLIP (FLAME-1) but not with the other DED-containing proteins FADD, caspase-8 or caspase-10. FLAME-3 translocates to, and sequesters c-FLIP in the nucleus upon overexpression in human cell lines. Using the yeast two-hybrid system to identify DEDD-interacting proteins, the TFIIIC102 subunit of human transcription factor TFIIIC was identified as a DEDD- and FLAME-3-specific interacting protein. Co-expression of either DEDD or FLAME-3 with hTFIIIC102 in MCF-7 cells induces the translocation from the cytoplasm and sequestration of hTFIIIC102 in the nucleus, indicating that DEDD and FLAME-3 form strong heterocomplexes with hTFIIIC102 and might be important regulators of the activity of the hTFIIIC transcriptional complex. Consistent with this, overexpression of DEDD or FLAME-3 in 293 cells inhibited the expression of a luciferase-reporter gene under the control of the NF-κB promoter. Our data provide the first direct evidence for the involvement of DED-containing proteins in the regulation of components of the general transcription machinery in the nucleus.
A comparison of the approach to equilibrium of the viscosity and diffusivity of PdSi-based amorphous metals

The diffusivity of Au in amorphous Pd80Si20 thin films was measured near the glass transition temperature by Rutherford backscattering. Comparison of the results with viscosity data on Pd77.5Cu6Si16.5 led to the following findings. The Stokes-Einstein relation between the equilibrium valued does not hold, with the diffusivity being several orders of magnitude higher than predicted from the viscosity; van den Beukel's alternative relation (ηD2 = C), however, holds. The time constant for equilibrium of the viscosity is similar to that of the diffusivity near the glass transition temperature, but becomes several orders of magnitude greater at lower temperatures.
Stability constants for europium(III) complexes with substituted methane diphosphonic acids in acid solutions

Abstract The stability constants of europium complexes with methane diphosphonic (MDPA), ethane-1,1- diphosphonic (EDPA), 1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic (HEDPA), vinylidene-1,1-diphosphonic (VDPA) and 1,2-dihydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic (DHEDPA) acids were determined by solvent extraction distribution experiments in 2.0 M Na/HNO 3 media at 25 °C. The protonation constants for these tetrabasic acids were also determined by potentiometric titration. The latter two diphosphonic acids have not been previously reported in the open literature. Stability constants for a variety of protonated complexes with M:L stoichiometries varying from 1:1 to 1:3 are indicated in the least-squares analysis of the distribution data. Calculations based on the thermodynamic data indicate that diphosphonic acids are superior complexing agents for europium compared to carboxylic acids and aminopolycarboxylic acids in solutions of acidity greater than 0.01 M. The implication of these complexes for possible applications in separation processes is discussed.
Further observations concerning the action of pituitary thyrotropin on the intermediate metabolism of sheep thyroid tissue in vitro.

Pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) significantly augments the assimilation of glucose by surviving sheep thyroid slices and promotes lipogenesis from, and oxidative decarboxylation of, glucose-U-C14 in vitro. TSH also enhances the incorporation of inositol-C14 into thyroid lipids even in glucose-free media. The observations support the general thesis that TSH acts by directly affecting the intermediate metabolism of thyroid tissue. Although the metabolic effects of TSH do not require exogenous substrate for initiation, the alterations in assimilative capacities may facilitate sustained TSH action upon thyroid function and growth.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Interleukin-6 downregulate sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) in cardiac myocytes

Alterations in gene expression are a hallmark of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Among these, the decreased expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA2) has been described. Elevated levels of cytokines in particular, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been shown to have the capacity to elicit hypertrophic responses in cultured cardiac myocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of these cytokines (LIF & IL-6) on the regulation of SERCA2 levels in cardiac myocytes. Cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were transfected with a 3.2 kb promoter plasmid construct containing the SERCA2 promoter linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene, and subsequently treated with 10 ng/ml LIF or 10 ng/ml IL-6. LIF and IL-6 independently caused a significant (p ≤ 0.05) 23–36% inhibition in SERCA2 promoter activity. LIF and IL-6 induced inhibition was also evident in SERCA2 mRNA levels as assessed by Northern analysis. Time course of inhibition of SERCA 2 mRNA levels showed the most prominent decrease occurring after 48 hours of treatment, with both cytokines having a dose dependent effect on the inhibitory response. Western analysis using a polyclonal antibody to SERCA2 protein indicate a significant, 60% decrease in the amount of total SERCA2 protein in cultured myocytes treated with 10 ng/ml LIF or IL-6. In conclusion, the cytokines LIF and IL-6 downregulate SERCA2 gene expression and protein levels. The molecular mechanism responsible for cytokine induced downregulation of SERCA2 is at least partly transcriptional.
Studies of axon-glial cell interactions and periaxonal K+ homeostasis--III. The effect of anisosmotic media and potassium on the relationship between the resistance in series with the axon membrane and glial cell volume.

Abstract The effect of anisosmotic physiological solutions and [K+]0 on the resistance in series with the axon membrane were studied in medial giant axons of the crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, to determine if changes in series resistance are correlated with changes in glial cell volume and volume regulatory responses. Series resistance was estimated from computer analysed voltage waveforms generated by constant current and space clamp techniques using piggy-back axial wire current passing and glass pipette recording electrodes. Axons subjected to anisosmotic physiological solution in the range of 23 to 175% of isosmolar solution demonstrated that the series resistance of axons changes in a manner similar to that expected for a volume change in isolated cells. In hyperosmotic solution the series resistance changes biphasically, initially decreasing followed by a recovery of the series resistance, similar to the regulatory volume increase described for glial cells in culture. The increase in series resistance following the initial decrease is inhibited by bumetanide (0.1 mM). Ouabain (1 mM), an inhibitor of the volume decreasing Na-K pump, causes the series resistance to increase significantly above that seen for the no-drug control. Bumetanide, an inhibitor of the volume increasing Na-K-Cl cotransporter, inhibits the volume regulatory response to anisosmotic media. Treating the axon with three times normal external [K+] causes the series resistance to decrease approximately 15% while five times normal [K+] leads to a 15% increase in series resistance. Both ouabain and d-tubocurare (10−8M) prevent the three-fold [K+]-induced decrease in series resistance while carbachol (10−8M) and bumetanide have little effect. On the other hand, ouabain enhances the five-fold [K+]-induced increase in series resistance while carbachol and bumetanide cause the five-fold [K+] response to be in a decreasing direction. d-Tubocurare has little effect on the five-fold [K+]-induced increase in series resistance. The study demonstrates that under the conditions of these experiments changes in series resistance are a reflection of changes in cell volume modulated by ouabain- and bumetanide-sensitive K+ uptake mechanisms. The effects of carbachol and d-tubocurare on the series resistance suggest that their effects are modulated through their actions on the glial cell membrane potential and the electrochemical gradient for K+, which in turn controls the amount of K+ that appears in the periaxonal space. A comprehensive model for K+ homeostasis of the periaxonal space is presented and integrates the influences of glial transport processes and cholinergically controlled membrane potential of the glial cell at rest and during action potential generation.
Hume on the Very Idea of a Relation

Soulevant la question de la definition de la notion de relation chez Hume, l'A. s'interroge sur la nature de l'etat cognitif qui consiste a avoir l'idee de relation. Examinant les differentes categories de relation que sont l'espace, le temps, l'identite, la causation, la ressemblance, la contrariete, les degres de qualite, la quantite ou le nombre, definis en termes d'idees complexes dans le «Traite de la nature humaine», l'A. propose une interpretation de la position de Hume qui s'approche de celle de D. Garrett, mais insiste sur la ressemblance entre l'idee abstraite de relation et la relation elle-meme comme critere empirique de la signfication chez Hume
On the reliability of consensus-based fault-tolerant distributed computing systems

The designer of a fault-tolerant distributed system faces numerous alternatives. Using a stochastic model of processor failure times, we investigate design choices such as replication level, protocol running time, randomized versus deterministic protocols, fault detection, and authentication. We use the probability with which a system produces the correct output as our evaluation criterion. This contrasts with previous fault-tolerance results that guarantee correctness only if the percentage of faulty processors in the system can be bounded. Our results reveal some subtle and counterintuitive interactions between the design parameters and system reliability.
Radiometric assay of S-adenosylmethionine:calmodulin(lysine)N-methyltransferase by Calcium-dependent hydrophobic interaction chromatography☆

A radiometric assay for S-adenosylmethionine:calmodulin(lysine)N-methyltransferase in tissue extracts has been developed. This assay utilizes the non-N-methylated calmodulin from Dictyostelium discoideum as a substrate and calcium-dependent hydrophobic interaction chromatography to isolate the reaction product, N-methylated calmodulin. The assay measures the transfer of 3H-labeled methyl groups from [methyl-3H]S-adenosylmethionine to calmodulin. Methylated calmodulin is eluted from phenyl-Sepharose columns with EDTA and protein carboxylmethyl esters are removed by heat treatment prior to liquid scintillation counting of [methyl-3H]calmodulin. This assay is more specific, more sensitive, and more precise than the acid-precipitation assay previously employed and lends itself more readily to the assay of large numbers of samples.
Titan's atmospheric chemistry: Photolysis of gas mixtures containing hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide at 185 and 254 nm

Abstract The formation of organic compounds in the atmosphere of Titan is an ongoing process of the generation of complex organics from the simplest hydrocarbon, methane. Solar radiation and magnetosphere electrons are the main energy sources that drive the reactions in Titan's atmosphere. Since energy from solar radiation is 200 times greater than that from magnetosphere electrons, we have investigated the products formed by the action of UV radiation (185 and 254 nm) on a mixture of gases containing nitrogen, methane, hydrogen, acetylene, ethylene, and cyanoacetylene, the basic gas mixture (BGM) that simulates aspects of Titan's atmosphere using a flow reactor [Tran, B.N., Ferris, J.P., Chera, J.J., 2003a. Icarus 162, 114–124; Tran, B.N., Joseph, J.C., Force, M., Briggs, R.G., Vuitton, V., Ferris, J.P., 2005. Icarus 177, 106–115]. The present research extends these studies by the addition of carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide to the BGM. Quantum yields for the loss of reactants and the formation of volatile products were determined and compared with those measured in the absence of the hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide. The GCMS analyses of the volatile photolysis products from the BGM, with added hydrogen cyanide, had a composition similar to that of the BGM while the photolysis products of the BGM with added carbon monoxide contained many oxygenated compounds. The infrared spectrum of the corresponding solid product revealed the absorption band of a ketone group, which was probably formed from the reaction of carbon monoxide with the free radicals generated by photolysis of acetylene and ethylene. Of particular interest was the observation that the addition of HCN to the gas mixture only resulted in a very small change in the C/N ratio and in the intensity of the C N frequency at 2210 cm−1 in the infrared spectrum suggesting that little HCN is incorporated into the haze analog. The C/N ratio of the haze analogs was found to be in the 10–12 range. The UV spectra of the solid products formed when HCN or CO added to the BGM is similar to the UV absorption formed from the BGM alone. This result is consistent with absence of additional UV chromophores to the solid product when these mixtures are photolyzed. The following photoproducts, which were not starting materials in our photochemical studies, have been observed on Titan: acetonitrile, benzene, diacetylene, ethane, propene, propane, and propyne.
Conformational analysis of arachidonic and related fatty acids using molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Arachidonic acid has recently gained attention as a result of current evidence indicating that it may play the role of a ‘second messenger’ in signal transduction processes. In order to gain insight into the mechanism behind its action, quenched molecular dynamics simulations were performed on arachidonic (20:4) and related fatty acids: linoleic (18:2), oleic (18:1), arachidic (20:0), and stearic (18:0). The angle-iron structure, representative of arachidonic acid in the crystal or very-low-temperature state, readily gave way at higher temperature to a dominant hairpin structure whereby the COOH end of arachidonic acid comes into close proximity with the C14–15 π-bond resulting in a packed π-bond-rich loop. The lowest energy conformer for arachidonic acid was found to be 10.65 kcal/mol below that of the energy-minimized crystal structure. In the case of saturated fatty acids, the crystal all- trans conformation remained the lowest energy form. Analysis of conformational energy contours for carbon-carbon torsion angles representative of fatty acids suggest that the flexibility of arachidonic acid is, in part, a result of the relative torsional freedom of C-C (single) bonds located between or adjacent to C=C (double) bonds. It is hypothesized that the ability of arachidonic acid to form packed structures with curved regions containing π-bonds may allow for hydrophobic interactions with proteins, and/or hydrogen bonding between the π-bonds of arachidonic acid and polar groups of the protein structures.
The electrical resistivity of solid and molten uranium-chromium eutectic

Abstract The electrical resistivity of solid uranium−4.97 wt. % chromium eutectic was determined from room temperature to its melting point of 870° ± 3°C and as a liquid from its melting point to 1000°C. The measurements were obtained in a vacuum by the use of the standard four probe method with current reversal. The electric resistivity values obtained from the solid eutectic by the use of two methods were in good agreement. The temperatures for the α to β and β to γ phase transitions were 652° ± 2°C and 756° ± 2°C respectively. The drop in resistivity at these transitions was 1.8 for the former and 1.0 for the latter. A comparison of the eutectic with pure uranium showed a reduction in the temperature of the phase transitions of the alloys and in the magnitude of the drop in resistance. Tantalum was used successfully to contain the molten alloy at these temperatures. The electrical resistivity values of the molten alloy were 73.0 and 74.6 microhm-centimeters for 900° and 1000°C respectively. The increase in resistivity of the eutectic from the solid to the molten state was 12.7 microhm-centimeters.
Calcium and Dairy Intake and Measures of Obesity in Hyper‐ and Normocholesterolemic Children

Objective: Calcium intake has been inversely associated with body weight and body fatness in adults and, to a lesser extent, in children. Dairy intake has been inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in overweight but not normal-weight adults. We assessed whether intakes of calcium and dairy foods were associated with measures of obesity in hypercholesterolemic (HC) and normocholesterolemic (non-HC) children at baseline and over 1 year. Research Methods and Procedures: Non-obese 4- to 10-year-old HC and non-HC children (342) completed three 24-hour dietary recalls and provided measures of relative weight (BMI and BMI z scores) and adiposity (sum of skinfolds, trunk skinfolds) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Cross-sectional and longitudinal regression analyses, stratified by cholesterol risk status (HC vs. non-HC) and age (4 to 6 years and 7 to 10 years) and adjusted for potential confounders, were conducted. Results: After adjusting for age, sex, energy intake, and percentage energy from fat, calcium intake was inversely associated with BMI, sum of skinfolds, and trunk skinfolds at baseline and over 1 year in the 7- to 10-year-old non-HC children. Results from the regression models also indicated an inverse relation between intake of dairy foods and measures of obesity at baseline in these children. Calcium or dairy intake was not associated with measures of obesity in HC children or in the 4- to 6-year-old non-HC children. Discussion: These results suggest a complex relation among intake of calcium and dairy foods, measures of obesity, age, and serum cholesterol in children. Older children without risk of metabolic syndrome may benefit most from increased calcium intake.
Theories of legislative politics and committee action in the postwar U.S. House of Representatives

Scholars of American legislative politics have settled into debating the merits and faults of majoritarian and party theories to explain legislative actions, brushing aside theories that see commit...
Broader Implications and a Bit of Craft Lore

In this final chapter, we turn to some general themes that run across the procedures examined earlier and offer bit of craft lore about how to proceed in practice.
An adaptive algorithm for the compression of computer data

A scheme for compressing computer data by treating them as sequences of bytes is described. For each individual sequence to be compressed, a source model of predetermined complexity is built adaptively starting from a memoryless model. An alphabet reduction technique which permits handling of each bit within a byte separately is introduced. Variable-order Markov contexts are generated for each bit within a byte by a process of selective context splitting. The selection of a context for splitting is based on the context's probability as well as the bit entropy under the context. Estimation of bit statistics under the different contexts is made adaptively and encoding is accomplished by an arithmetic code. The scheme allows the complexity of the source model, and thereby the compression performance, to be altered easily. Experiments on typical computer files show that the present scheme, at a moderate complexity level, often outperforms some of the existing schemes. >
Characterization of Murine SIRT3 Transcript Variants and Corresponding Protein Products

SIRT3 is one of the seven mammalian sirtuin homologs of the yeast SIR2 gene. SIRT3 possesses NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylase activity. Recent studies indicate that the murine SIRT3 gene expresses different transcript variants, resulting in three possible SIRT3 protein isoforms with various lengths at the N-terminus: M1 (aa 1-334), M2 (aa 15-334), and M3 (aa 78-334). The transcript variants 1 and 3 can only produce M3 protein, while M1 and M2 proteins are translationally initiated from different in-frame ATG sites in transcript 2. Here we report that three transcript variants of the mouse SIRT3 gene are broadly expressed in various mouse tissues. By expressing these SIRT3 isoforms in HEK293 cells through transient transfection, we confirmed recent reports that two longer murine SIRT3 proteins (M1 and M2) are targeted to mitochondria with higher efficiency than the shorter M3 isoform. Additionally, the M1 and M2 proteins are processed into a mature form. Using Edman degradation we identify Ile38 (majority) or Val42 as the N-terminal amino acid of the mature M1 isoform, and Met78 or Val79 as the N-terminal amino acid of the M3 isoform. Interestingly, we found that even upon mutation of the M2 ATG site in the M1 cDNA, a processed mature protein could still be produced. In terms of deacetylase activity, we found that although only the mature protein derived from M1 or M2 proteins were active against acetylated peptide substrates, all three forms had equal deacetylase activity towards a full-length native protein substrate, acetyl CoA synthetase 2.
Tolerance analysis for assembly planning

The specification of tolerances is an integral part of product design since tolerance directly affects the functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness of the product. However, it is not clear whether the given tolerance specification will allow assembling the product successfully. Therefore, the tolerance analysis can play an importance role in assembly planning. Assembly planners in the past have assumed nominal dimensions for product components for generating the feasible assembly sequences, but some sequences may not be assemble in practice due to the possible propagation of tolerances producing a large misalignment, making it impossible for subassemblies to assemble. In this paper, the authors present a preliminary research work on a new approach to a tolerance analysis concerning mainly the propagation of tolerances and clearances, and the assemblability analysis of subassemblies. The approach is based on the worst case analysis using the maximum tolerance and minimum clearance. >
Use of honeynets in computer security education

Honeynets have been proven to be valuable research and teaching tool in the area of computer security and information assurance. At Towson University, since Fall 2002, an undergraduate track in computer security has been made available to the computer science majors. The main objective of the track is to build upon the core courses in the computer science program and to provide students with hands-on experience with security tools commonly used in industry. This paper explores educational use of honeynets in several courses required by this track.
Redshifting rings of power

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) has provided a precise template for features in the linear power spectrum: the matter-radiation turnover, sound horizon drop, and acoustic oscillations. In a two-dimensional power spectrum in redshift and angular space, the features appear as distorted rings, and yield simultaneous, purely geometric, measures of the Hubble parameter $H(z)$ and angular diameter distance ${D}_{A}(z)$ via an absolute version of the Alcock-Paczynski test. Employing a simple Fisher matrix tool, we explore how future surveys can exploit these rings of power for dark energy studies. High-z CMB determinations of H and ${D}_{A}$ are best complemented at moderate to low redshift $(z\ensuremath{\lesssim}0.5)$ with a population of objects that are at least as abundant as clusters of galaxies. We find that a sample similar to that of the ongoing SDSS luminous red galaxy survey can achieve statistical errors at the $\ensuremath{\sim}5%$ level for ${D}_{A}(z)$ and $H(z)$ in several redshift bins. This, in turn, implies errors of $\ensuremath{\sigma}(w)=0.03--0.05$ for a constant dark energy equation of state in a flat universe. Deep galaxy cluster surveys such as the planned South Pole Telescope survey can extend this test out to $z\ensuremath{\sim}1$ or as far as redshift follow-up is available. We find that the expected constraints are at the $\ensuremath{\sigma}(w)=0.04--0.08$ level, comparable to those of galaxies and complementary in redshift coverage.
Inverse Thermal Analysis of 21-6-9 Stainless Steel Laser Welds

Case study results of inverse thermal analyses of 21-6-9 stainless steel laser welds are presented in this article. These analyses employ a methodology that is depicted in terms of analytic basis functions for inverse thermal analysis of steady-state energy deposition in plate structures. The results of the case studies presented provide parametric representations of weld temperature histories that can be adopted as input data to various types of computational procedures, such as those for prediction of solid-state phase transformations. In addition, these temperature histories can be used to construct parametric-function representations for inverse thermal analysis of welds corresponding to other process parameters or welding process conditions of which are within similar regimes. The case studies presented also examine specific aspects the inverse-analysis methodology relevant to further development of algorithms for its application in practice.
AXR1-ECR1–Dependent Conjugation of RUB1 to the Arabidopsis Cullin AtCUL1 Is Required for Auxin Response

Mutations in the AXR1 gene result in a reduction in auxin response and diverse defects in auxin-regulated growth and development. In a previous study, we showed that AXR1 forms a heterodimer with the ECR1 protein. This enzyme activates the ubiquitin-related protein RUB1 in vitro. Furthermore, we showed that the Skp1-Cul1/Cdc53-F-box (SCF) subunit AtCUL1 is modified by RUB1 in vivo. In this report, we demonstrate that the formation of RUB-AtCUL1 is dependent on AXR1 and ECR1 in vivo. The expression of AXR1 and ECR1 is restricted to zones of active cell division and cell elongation, consistent with their role in growth regulation. These results provide strong support for a model in which RUB conjugation of AtCUL1 affects the function of SCF E3s that are required for auxin response.
GC/FT-IR Experimental Considerations in the Separation of Complex Hydrocarbon Mixtures Using Fused Silica Columns

The successful interfacing and utilization of fused silica capillary GC columns with Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) can introduce difficulties not usually encountered with lower efficiency (higher capacity) GC columns. Recognition of these difficulties, however, can lead to refinement of a GC/FT-IR detection system which can analyze complex samples with low nanogram detection limits. Chromatographic and spectrometric considerations include lightpipe temperature, choice of sample introduction, column concentration dynamic range capability, infrared data acquisition rate, and spectral S/N ratio. These parameters as they relate to capillary GC/FT-IR method development are discussed. The GC/FT-IR analysis of a complex sample is presented in an effort to explain these problems. In order to reflect the FT-IR sensitivity under complex sample chromatographic conditions, quantification data using known compounds are also included.
Application of rapid-cycle real-time polymerase chain reaction for diagnostic testing in the clinical microbiology laboratory.

Abstract Context.—Rapid-cycle real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology combines rapid thermocycling with real-time fluorescent probe detection of amplified target nucleic acids. Objecti...
Ultrastructural Studies of Spleens, Brains, and Brain Cell Cultures of Mice with Scrapie

Mouse brains, cell cultures of mouse brains, and spleens from mice with scrapie were examined by electron microscopy. Brains and spleens of 10 scrapie-inoculated and control mice were studied. Seven brain-cell cultures, four of which were from mice inoculated intracerebrally or subcutaneously with scrapie, were examined. Status spongiosus and vacuolated neurons were found in the brains. Structures 35 nm in diameter were seen in the brains of mice inoculated intracerebrally. They were not evident in cell cultures, although a vacuolated structure was found in one such culture. No significant changes were found in the spleens. Through electron microscopy, investigators have sought to show scrapie virus and its associated changes. The established histological diagnostic cri­ teria - neuronal vacuolation, astrocytic hypertrophy and status spongiosus ­ have been studied also by this means. Natural cases of scrapie have neuronal vacuolation and intravacuolar budding of vesicles and cytoplasmic processes, with some vacuolated neurons containing membrane-bound accumulations of 35-nm particles (2). There are other reports of similar findings without the intravacuolar budding (4), and particles 15-26 X 75 nm were found both in astrocytic processes and nerve cell terminals (20). Electron microscopic examination of experimentally infected animals has included studies of the mouse and rat. Reports on mice indicated areas of sta­ tus spongiosus, ruptured plasma membranes and curled fragments of mem­ branes in areas of presynaptic and postsynaptic neuronal terminals, and 35­ nm vesicular and tubular structures suggestive of viral particles (10, 17). One report suggested that the small vesicles found within a nerve cell were formed by dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum (13). In rats, neurons were found that contained small inclusion bodies composed of a folded membrane and accu-
LogStore: toward energy-proportional storage servers

Storage servers consume significant amounts of energy and are highly non-energy-proportional. Fortunately, researchers have proposed disks that adjust their rotation speeds based on utilization. However, these disks either pose significant engineering challenges (by having too many speeds) or adjust behavior only at a coarse grain (by having just two speeds). In this paper, we propose LogStore, a storage system that enables two-speed disks to achieve substantially increased energy proportionality and, consequently, lower energy consumption. Our evaluation with real I/O workloads shows that LogStore can decrease energy consumption significantly, even for very tightly provisioned servers, with a negligible impact on aggregate throughput.
Degenerative retinopathy in captive Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (L.)

. Blindness developed in Atlantic menhaden, Brevoortia tyrannus (L.), within 4 weeks of captivity in an indoor open culture system. Ophthalmoscopic changes indicative of retinal degeneration were substantiated by the absence of retinal electrical activity as measured by conventional electroretinography. Results of histological evaluation suggest that photo-receptor degeneration, occurring initially in the rods of the central retina, was the primary abnormality. With chronicity, all retinal layers degenerated, and marked pigment proliferation developed. Other pathological changes included uveal vascular engorgement, vitreal and anterior chamber haemorrhage, and cataracts. With the exception of dermal hyperpigmentation, no systemic abnormalities were consistently observed. Phototoxicity is the suspected cause of this degenerative retinopathy.
Activation of PPARγ by curcumin inhibits Moser cell growth and mediates suppression of gene expression of cyclin D1 and EGFR

Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in the United States. Curcumin, the yellow pigment in turmeric, possesses inhibitory effects on growth of a variety of tumor cells by reducing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Effects of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) on stimulating cell differentiation and on inducing cell cycle arrest have attracted attention from the perspective of treatment and prevention of cancer. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits colon cancer cell growth. In the present report, we observed that curcumin, in a dose-dependent manner, inhibited the growth of Moser cells, a human colon cancer-derived cell line, and stimulated the trans-activating activity of PPARgamma. Further studies demonstrated that activation of PPARgamma was required for curcumin to inhibit Moser cell growth. Activation of PPARgamma mediated curcumin suppression of the expression of cyclin D1, a critical protein in the cell cycle, in Moser cells. In addition, curcumin blocked EGF signaling by inhibiting EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine phosphorylation and suppressing the gene expression of EGFR mediated by activation of PPARgamma. In addition to curcumin reduction of the level of phosphorylated PPARgamma, inhibition of cyclin D1 expression played a major and significant role in curcumin stimulation of PPARgamma activity in Moser cells. Taken together, our results demonstrated for the first time that curcumin activation of PPARgamma inhibited Moser cell growth and mediated the suppression of the gene expression of cyclin D1 and EGFR. These results provided a novel insight into the roles and mechanisms of curcumin in inhibition of colon cancer cell growth and potential therapeutic strategies for treatment of colon cancer.
On discovery of “missing” physical design rules via diagnosis of soft-faults

Stringent design rules and RET (resolution enhancement technique) measures prevent occurrence of interconnect opens and shorts. However, success of this strategy depends on completeness of physical design rules. In deep sub-wavelength lithography, all physical design rules or their context sensitivity to reticle position may not be fully understood a priori. As a result defects may arise in silicon due to line edge placement errors (EPE). Such EPE often result in soft-faults, characterized by high coupling capacitance induced by interconnect near-bridges or high resistance interconnect induced by pinches. In this paper, our goal is to identify missing design rules by response analysis of defective chips to test stimulus. To this end, we provide a general solution to the problem. Experimental results report the number of manufacturing suspect tiles to be included in the missing design rules set for a reference case. Thus we provide a mechanism to automate missing physical design rule discovery through test response analysis of defective silicon.