cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tomaculocystis corpulenta n. gen., n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinorida) Parasitizing the Little Yellow Cockroach, Cariblatta lutea (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), in Alabama and Florida with Recognition of Tomaculocystis cylindrosa n. comb. and Tomaculocystis mukundai n. comb. Parasitizing Ectobiid Cockroaches in India

Abstract: Tomaculocystis corpulenta n. gen., n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eugregarinorida: Septatorina: Gregarinidae) is described from populations of the little yellow cockroach, Cariblatta lutea (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), established in laboratory culture from samples collected in Alabama and Florida. Tomaculocystis n. gen. are differentiated from other members of Gregarina by a markedly elliptoid gametocyst inside a persistent, lomentiform hyaline epicyst; developmental organization and growth of the spore tubes from gametocyst surface tumidi; and dehiscence by extrusion of non-chain forming oocysts through spore tubes that barely extend beyond the epicyst wall. Gregarina cylindrosa, Gregarina discocephala, and Gregarina mukundai are recognized as members of Tomaculocystis, and G. cylindrosa is recognized as the senior synonym of G. discocephala. Thus, Tomaculocystis cylindrosa n. comb. and Tomaculocystis mukundai n. comb. are formed. Species of Tomaculocystis are distinguished based on gamont deutomerite and o...
CELL CYCLE KINETICS IN AN IN VITRO TUMOR MODEL

Cell cycle kinetic parameters of multicell spheroids in vitro have been estimated using thymidine labeling techniques and autoradiography. Both the mitotic index and thymidine labeling index decreased in larger spheroids, whereas the duration of the cell cycle, as determined by two independent methods utilizing labeled mitoses or labeled cells, was essentially independent of spheroid size or age. These results suggest that the tumor-like growth exhibited by spheroids is the result of a decreasing growth fraction and a large apparent cell loss, rather than a general elongation of the cell cycle.
Thermal and dynamic rheological properties of wheat flour fractions

Abstract A commercial high gluten flour (HGF) was fractionated into prime starch (PS), tailing starch (TS), and gluten (G). Fractions were examined alone or in various combinations. Dynamic rheological properties of samples were measured in an oscillatory rheometer (strain 0.02; frequency 0.1 Hz) during heating at 1°C/min. Thermal characteristics of samples were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at a heating rate of 10°C/min. The loss (G″) and storage (G′) moduli of PS and mixed G/PS, G/TS, and G/PS/TS increased after 60°C, reaching peak values (e.g. 81, 301, 313, and 3000 Pa in G′, respectively) around 75°C after which the moduli decreased. HGF showed a steady increase in G′ from 32 to 2490 Pa as temperature increased from 65 to 90°C, indicating continuous formation of elastic networks. Cooling increased G′ for G/PS/TS, decreased G′ for HGF, and produced no rheological transitions for all samples. TS and G alone did not exhibit appreciable viscoelastic responses to the heating and cooling temperatures. DSC measurements revealed a major endothermic transition in HGF. This transition, with a peak around 60°C, was due to starch gelatinization. The presence of G or TS resulted in reduced melting enthalpies of starch in the PS fraction. Gluten or TS fractions alone or in combination did not exhibit any endothermic transitions.
The computer simulation of microstructural evolution

This paper reviews the kinetic Monte Carlo Potts model for simulating microstructural evolution. When properly implemented, that model provides a fast and flexible tool for evaluating a variety of materials systems in two and three dimensions, generating snapshots of the evolving microstructure with time. Examples of the model are provided, along with potential applications.
Inferior Equilibria in a Pure Flow Model with Adaptive Expectations

Abstract This paper presents a dynamic model in which pessimistic expectations cause an atomistic economy with flexible prices to get stuck ‘near’ a set of inferior equilibria. The economy involves labor and several flow outputs, households which are identical, competitive utility maximizers and firms which are atomistic profit maximizers. Firms formulate point sales expectations which adjust adaptively. Prices adjust in response to (possibly expectations-constrained) excess demands. In relative price terms, a unique Pareto-optimal equilibrium and non-denumerably many Pareto-inferior equilibria exist. Under various initial conditions involving prices and expectations, every limit point of the economy's trajectory is an inferior equilibrium.
Disruption without transformation: agrarian relations and livelihoods in Nampula province, Mozambique 1975–1995

Since independence, three processes have shaped the lives of rural Mozambicans: the implementation of socialist policies, a protracted and low intensity civil war, and the more recent commitment to privatise state assets. This article examines their impact on agrarian economic relations and institutions of local political power in Nampula, northern Mozambique from 1975 to 1995. It describes and compares the ways that rural people constructed their livelihoods to cope with the effects of these processes. The article finds that socialism, war, and privatisation disrupted rather than transformed agrarian relations in Nampula. They reshaped rather than replaced local political authority and certain customary patterns, and they have unsettled rather than reconfigured the ways in which rural people make a living. Three reasons explain why disruption without transformation occurred. First, the outcomes of socialist policies and the war were inconclusive, and it appears that the effect of privatisation will be in...
Near-infrared Spectroscopy of the Stardust Sample Return Capsule Entry: Detection of Carbon

2=nm=sr. Absolute calibration errors add to these values a systematic uncertainty of about 20%. The capsule’s heat shield consistedofaphenol-impregnatedcarbonablator.Hence,theintensityofthecarbon-atomlineemissionisameasure oftheablationrateduringdescent,butitalsodependsonthedetailsofcarbon-atomablationandtheexcitationinthe shock layer.
SPC05-6: Performance of Opportunistic Beamforming with Quantized Feedback

Opportunistic beamforming has been shown to achieve true beamforming gains with unquantized signal-to-interference ratio (SNR) feedback when there are sufficient users in the system [1], [2]. In this paper we investigate the performance of opportunistic beamforming with an SNR quantization scheme that maximizes the expected system throughput. To show that the opportunistic beamforming can still be beneficially employed with quantized SNR feedback, we derive the SNR statistics and the system throughput to optimize the SNR quantization with respect to thresholds separating quantization levels. Numerical results are used to illustrate the impact of the optimum threshold levels and the number of thresholds.
Equatorial x-ray intensities and isometric force levels in frog sartorius muscle.

Abstract Isometric force levels, ranging between 0 and 100% of maximal force P0 at 2 to 3 °C, were elicited in frog sartorius muscle by means of rapidly cooling a Ringer solution containing 1·25 to 2·0 m m -caffeine. Equatorial X-ray diffraction patterns were obtained in the resting state and during contraction. The ratio of the intensities I 11 I 10 increased with force almost linearly, with a slight upward curvature. The individual intensities for the contracting state were normalized relative to both the intensity of the undiffracted beam and the intensity of each reflection in the resting state. These normalized intensities were found to vary in a reciprocal way: I10 decreased while I11 increased throughout the range of forces studied. The gradual change in I 11 I 10 with force level indicates that this ratio is a sensitive measure of the number of cross-bridges in the isometric state. A two-state model in which myosin projections are either in a resting or attached state and in which force is proportional to the fraction of projections in the attached state was applied to the experimental data of the individual reflections. I10 deviates from this model in a way that suggests that formation of the first few cross-bridges may decrease the regularity of the remaining unattached myosin projections.
A framework for high-resolution geo-specific road database creation based on image processing techniques for driving simulation

Geo-specific road modeling is an important aspect of driving simulation studies. A challenge in this operation is that it requires intensive manual work to collect data, interpret data, and create 3D models. Each of these components is time consuming. In this research, we propose a framework for fast geo-specific road modeling based on high-resolution aerial photos. This framework has been experimented on a real driving simulator.
Comparison between different models for the thin metallic substrate in multilayer microstrip structures

The dispersive characteristics of multilayer microstrip structures with one thin metallic substrate are studied using the spectral-domain approach. The numerical results of several approximate models are compared with that of the immittance approach as one exact model. The comparison shows that the widely used resistive sheet (R-card) model is not appropriate to handle such structures over a broad frequency range. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1113–1117, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21556
Non-convulsive status epilepticus induced by tiagabine in a patient with pseudoseizure

Tiagabine, a novel GABA reuptake inhibitor, has been reported to induce non-convulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in patients with epilepsy. We report a 27 year old female with history of pseudoseizure documented by video-EEG monitoring who presented confusion while on 56 mg per day of tiagabine. Electroencephalography showed generalized sharp and slow wave discharges, consistent with NCSE. The NCSE was terminated by lorazepam and did not recur after tiagabine was discontinued. This case report suggests that tiagabine may induce NCSE in patients without epilepsy.
Proteinase-inhibitor synthesis in tomato plants: Evidence for extracellular deposition in roots through the secretory pathway

The cellular and subcellular localization of proteinase Inhibitors I and II proteins, synthesized in transgenic tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) plants from chimeric genes regulated by the 35S promoter, was investigated by immunocytochemical techniques. Newly synthesized inhibitor proteins were deposited in the cell vacuoles as in wild-type plants, but were also secreted into the cell walls of outer epidermal and secretory cells of the root cap. The Na ionophore monensin increased the levels of proteinase inhibitors found in rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi cisternae and in the cell walls of transgenic plants, supporting a role for the secretory pathway in the sorting and targeting of Inhibitor I and II proteins. The two inhibitor proteins were detected by Western-blot analysis in water-washes obtained from roots of transgenic tomato seedlings, confirming their extracellular presence. Wild-type tomato plants exhibited the presence of Inhibitor I and II proteins in the external cell walls, using silver-enhanced immunogold labelling, but not by Western-blot analysis. The extracellular Inhibitor I from transgenic plant roots migrated in electrophoretic gels with a slightly different apparent mass than the Inhibitor I isolated from tomato leaf vacuoles, indicating that specific structural features of this inhibitor protein have been altered during or after extracellular deposition. The presence of extracellular inhibitors in roots may help provide protection for the growing meristems against insects or microorganisms present in the soil.
Effective Practices in Deploying Mobile Computing Devices for Field Operations in Process Industries

The deployment of mobile devices in process industries promises greater efficiencies in operations and more effective uses of limited plant resources, compared with current practices. Yet, the adoption and use of these devices has been limited. This paper reports effective practices, applications, and lessons learned from deploying mobile devices for field operations in the refining and petrochemicals industries. Six petrochemical production facilities participated in the study. We interviewed various stakeholders at these facilities on their culture, business drivers, field operations, current use of mobile devices, infrastructure and platforms in place, current applications, and potential needs. Four general areas were identified as critical to the success of deployment: 1) Organizations, Policies and Processes, 2) Applications, 3) Infrastructure, Hardware and Software, and 4) Training.
Reid honored at Old Dominion University

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Oceanography Robert O. Reid of Texas A&M University (College Station, Tex.) was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., at the university's spring commencement on May 7, 1988. Reid delivered the ceremony's keynote address to 1540 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree recipients. Reid, a native of Milford, Conn., earned a master's degree in oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (La Jolla, Calif.) in 1948. His professional interests include tides, tsunamis, wave mechanics, and ocean circulation. He taught at Texas A&M from 1951 until his retirement in 1987 and served as chairman of the Oceanography Department from 1981-1987.
Evolution of a deep-water lobe system in the Neogene trench-slope setting of the East Coast Basin, New Zealand: Lobe stratigraphy and architecture in a weakly confined basin configuration

Abstract This study presents a new depositional analysis of the stratigraphic architecture of a deep-water lobe system in a trench-slope basin setting by examining the upper Miocene Hikuwai sandstone and Mapiri Formation of the East Coast Basin (ECB) in the Tolaga Bay area, New Zealand. The Hikuwai sandstone is up to 385 m thick and is enveloped by the mud-rich middle and upper Mapiri Formation. Stratigraphic sections measured at centimeter-scale and high-resolution photo-panoramas were collected from sea-cliff exposures for stratigraphic and architectural analysis and definition of six lithofacies. The Hikuwai sandstone is interpreted to represent a succession of frontal lobe deposits that contain a distributary network of meter-scale erosional channels and scours on their surface. Lobe lithofacies depend on their proximity to the sediment source, and their proximity to a distributary channel and/or scour. The late Miocene basin setting is interpreted to be a weakly to moderately confined trench-slope basin. The basin configuration controlled the development of the depositional system through elongate fault-controlled ridges that directed sediment dispersal pathways through longitudinal troughs. The basin filled from north to south in four phases: 1) lobe aggradation related to healed slope accommodation, 2) retrogradation and lateral migration of the system 3) back-stepping of the system upslope causing reduced confinement and allowing flows to become wider, longer, and thinner, and 4) shut off of sediment supply and mass wasting of the upper Mapiri Formation, representing either renewed fault movement or equilibration of the system to the regional slope profile. This paper provides a detailed description of the internal structure of lobes in a trench-slope setting, and a depositional model that relates lobe lithofacies to the filling of healed slope accommodation. Therefore, this work presents an analog applicable for elongate basins, such as in the trench slope or settings with mud diapirism, where only seismic-scale or limited data is available.
Virtual nuclear excitation corrections to elastic electron scattering at low energies

Abstract It is suggested that the energy region where virtual nuclear excitation corrections to the elastic electron scattering cross sections should be looked for experimentally is where the first diffraction minimum occurs at large angles. For Ca, Nd and Pb this energy interval is in the vicinity of 120, 60 and 50 MeV, respectively. For the nucleus of Ca the correction to the cross section should be in the range of 5 to 15%.
Molecular cloning, gene structure, and expression pattern of pig immunoreceptor DAP12.

Natural killer (NK) cells express receptors for MHC class I that contain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) sequences in their cytoplasmic domain. Whereas these receptors inhibit NK cell cytotoxicity, certain isoforms of these NK receptors (e.g., KIR2DS, CD94/NKG2C, and Ly49D) do not have ITIMs, but associate with DAP12 and activate NK cell function. We cloned pig DAP12 cDNA from a pig peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) cDNA library using human DAP12 cDNA as a probe. The length of the pig DAP12 cDNA is 526 bp and contains an open reading frame of 324 bp. It has 79% identity with the human DAP12 cDNA sequence in the coding region and 73% identity with mouse DAP12 cDNA. The predicted polypeptide sequence of pig DAP12 is 108 amino acids, being composed of a 23-amino acid leader, a 14-amino acid extracellular domain, a 24-amino acid transmembrane segment, and a 47-amino acid cytoplasmic region. The amino acid sequence of pig DAP12 has 74% and 71% sequence identity with human DAP12 and mouse DAP12, respectively. Pig DAP12 has a conserved aspartic acid in the transmembrane region, and two conserved cysteine residues in the extracellular domain. It also contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif sequence in the cytoplasmic region. Genomic organization reveals that pig DAP12 consists of five exons and four introns. Southern blot analysis of pig genomic DNA revealed that DAP12 is a single-copy gene. In Northern blot analysis, DAP12 transcripts were detected in spleen, liver, thymus, and lymph node. DAP12 transcripts are expressed not only in PBLs, but also in granulocytes, macrophages, and monocytes.
Potassium iodide and the wolff-chaikoff effect: relevance for the dermatologist.

Abstract The inhibition of organic binding of iodide in the thyroid gland by excess iodide, resulting in the cessation of thyroid hormone synthesis, is known as the Wolff-Chaikoff effect. This review explores the nature of the Wolff-Chaikoff effect, both in terms of its potential mechanisms and its relevance to dermatologists who use potassium iodide as a therapeutic agent. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2000;42:490-2.)
On balanced presentations of the trivial group

To solve problems of Magnus and Stallings stated in the 1960s, we construct a balanced presentation of the trivial group such that no defining relator of this presentation could be replaced by a free generator and the group, given by the altered presentation, would still be trivial. Some other related problems on balanced presentations of the trivial group are discussed.
Linear Squeeze Film with Constant Rotational Speed

Squeeze-film action in lubrication is present in many mechanical components, such as bearings, squeeze-film dampers, piston pins, and piston rings, as well as in natural and artificial joints. These mechanical components experience both rotation and squeeze action. In this paper, an experimental and theoretical model is developed that takes into account the combination of rotational speed as well as squeeze-film action in journal bearings. The vertical bearings, such as those in vertical pumps, are considered as well as the horizontal bearings. The governing equation and boundary conditions are derived for this purpose. Both the classical hydrodynamic lubrication theory and the mass conservation cavitation algorithm are considered. A comparison of the results of a series of experimental measurements and theoretical prediction show that they are in reasonable agreement. Examples are provided to illustrate how the results can be used in practice.
A three paradigm first course for CS majors

This paper presents a curriculum designed for a two semester foundation course for Computer Science majors. Our course distributes the widely accepted basic toolbox of algorithms and data structures over functional, logic and imperative programming. In this way the programming paradigm becomes a problem solving tool instead of a monolingual impediment to a wider view of problem solving patterns. A strong laboratory component is essential for the success of this approach.
Spontaneous amyloid-related imaging abnormalities in a cognitively normal adult

An 81-year-old cognitively normal man ( APOE e3/e3) without risk factors had amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with sulcal effusions and edema (ARIA-E), siderosis, and microhemorrhages (ARIA-H) on MRI (figure 1).1 He was identified from 1,006 participants followed with 3,385 MRIs in 2010–2013 in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) 2/ADNI Grand Opportunities. Amyloid standard uptake value ratio on PET was 1.85 (positive) (figure 2). ARIA-E and associated ARIA-H can be observed in cognitively normal elderly without the APOE e4 risk allele, who have no prior microhemorrhages, and who are not receiving amyloid-modifying treatments. Focal amyloid deposits around the region of ARIA-H suggest that cerebral amyloid angiopathy may be responsible for the occurrence of ARIA in this case.2
A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial of cisapride after colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The predominant factor prolonging hospitalization and delaying oral intake after colorectal surgery continues to be return of large bowel function. We investigated the effect of the cisapride on postoperative bowel motility. METHODS: Patients were started on cisapride versus a placebo on postoperative day 1 after colorectal surgery. Endpoints included the time to patients’ first bowel movement, time of advancement to regular diet, time of hospitalization, and cost analysis. Results were analyzed using a Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were entered in the study, consisting of 17 in the cisapride group and 18 in the placebo group. The median time to first bowel movement, advancement of diet, and hospital discharge was 1 day less in the cisapride group compared with the placebo group (P <0.05). There was a substantial cost savings in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Cisapride use results in statistically significant improvement in postoperative bowel motility. Cisapride should be added as adjunct treatment in postoperative care after colorectal surgery.
Characterization of a gated fiber-optic-coupled detector for application in clinical electron beam dosimetry.

Purpose: Assessment of the fundamental dosimetric characteristics of a novel gated fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system for clinical electron beam irradiation. Methods: The response of fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system to clinical electron beam, with nominal energy range of 6-20 MeV, was evaluated for reproducibility, linearity, and output dependence on dose rate, dose per pulse, energy, and field size. The validity of the detector system's response was assessed in correspondence with a reference ionization chamber. Results: The fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system showed little dependence to dose rate variations (coefficient of variation {+-}0.37%) and dose per pulse changes (with 0.54% of reference chamber measurements). The reproducibility of the system was {+-}0.55% for dose fractions of {approx}100 cGy. Energy dependence was within {+-}1.67% relative to the reference ionization chamber for the 6-20 MeV nominal electron beam energy range. The system exhibited excellent linear response (R{sup 2}=1.000) compared to reference ionization chamber in the dose range of 1-1000 cGy. The output factors were within {+-}0.54% of the corresponding reference ionization chamber measurements. Conclusions: The dosimetric properties of the gated fiber-optic-coupled dosimetry system compare favorably to the corresponding reference ionization chamber measurements and show considerable potential for applications in clinical electron beam radiotherapy.
Simulation of an integrated hybrid desiccant vapor-compression cooling system

Abstract The performance of a desiccant, integrated, hybrid, vapor-compression cooling system is modeled numerically. The concept of hybrid cooling investigated in this paper utilizes the waste heat rejected from a vapor-compression cycle to activate a desiccant dehumidification cycle. The hybrid system consists of 4 major components: a compressor, an evaporator and 2 desiccant, integrated condensers/dehumidifiers. The equations governing the transport of heat and mass in the desiccant, integrated condenser/dehumidifiers are formulated considering air as the working fluid in the process stream and a refrigerant stream, which is cooled from superheated vapor to subcooled liquid, as the heat source during desorption; a water stream is used to remove the heat generated during adsorption. The governing equations are nondimensionalized and solved for both sorption processes using an explicit finite-difference scheme. The performance of a first generation prototype desiccant, integrated, hybrid, vapor-compression cooling system is then evaluated at ARI conditions.
Influence of Time of Mating an the Segregation Ratio of Alleles at the T Locus in the House Mouse

THE series of recessive alleles (t series) that have been shown to occur at the T locus in the house-mouse have aroused considerable interest because of their widespread distribution1, their effects on embryonic differentiation2, and their effect on the segregation ratio in males3,4. Males that are heterozygous for one t allele (that is, +/t or T\t) have been found to sire litters in which the proportion of offspring carrying the t allele differs markedly from that expected on the basis of normal Mendelian ratios. In most instances the number of offspring inheriting the t allele is greatly in excess of expectation, but with certain t alleles the number may be lower than normal. The segregation ratio in females of these genotypes is normal.
Synergism of imidacloprid and an entomopathogenic nematode: a novel approach to white grub (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) control in turfgrass

Combinations of the insecticide imidacloprid and entomopathogenic nematodes were tested for control of white grubs. In greenhouse tests, field-collected 3rd-instar white grubs were placed in pots with grass treated with imidacloprid, the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar), or both. Combinations of imidacloprid and nematodes had a strong synergistic effect on mortality at imidacloprid concentrations ranging between 50 to 200 g (AI) / ha. This effect was observed when imidacloprid and the nematodes were applied at the same time or when imidacloprid was applied first followed by the nematodes 14 d later. The synergistic interaction occurred against a nematode-susceptible scarab species, Cyclocephala hirta LeConte, and against a more nematode-resistant scarab species, C. pasadenae Casey. When infective juveniles of H. bacteriophora were agitated in solutions of imidacloprid for 24 h, no negative effect on their survival and infectivity was observed.
The novel small molecule α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist ZZ-204G is analgesic.

Chronic pain is inadequately managed with currently available classes of analgesic drugs. Recently, peptide antagonists of the α9α10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor were shown to be analgesic. The present study was conducted to characterize a novel small molecule, non-peptide antagonist at nicotinic receptors. The tetrakis-quaternary ammonium compound ZZ-204G was evaluated for functional activity on cloned nicotinic receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In-vivo efficacy was assessed in rat models of tonic inflammatory pain (formalin test), neuropathic pain (chronic constriction nerve injury), and thermal nociception (tail flick test). ZZ-204G was an antagonist at nicotinic receptors inhibiting the α9α10 subtype with an IC₅₀ of 0.51 (0.35-0.72) nM. Antagonist activity at other nicotinic subtypes (α1β1δe, α2β2, α2β4, α3β2, α3β4, α4β2, α4β4, α6/α3β2β3, α6/α3β4 and α7) was 10-1000-fold lower than at the α9α10 subtype. In competition binding assays, the k(i) of ZZ-204G at γ-aminobutyric acid(A), serotonin(3), γ-aminobutyric acid(B), κ- and μ-opioid receptors was 1000- to >10,000-fold lower than at α9α10 nicotinic receptors. Parenteral administration of ZZ-204G dose-dependently decreased nociceptive behaviors (paw flinches) in the formalin test and mechanical hyperalgesia in the chronic constriction nerve injury model of neuropathic pain. ZZ-204G was not antinociceptive in the tail flick assay. Results from the rotarod assay indicated that lower doses of ZZ-204G that were analgesic did not alter motor function. In summary, ZZ-204G represents a prototype small molecule antagonist for α9α10 nicotinic receptors and provides a novel molecular scaffold for analgesic agents with the potential to treat chronic inflammatory or neuropathic pain.
Central and peripheral receptor areas in the reflex response to acute experimental hyperosmolality

Abstract Acute experimental hyperosmolality has been shown to initiate reflex vascular adjustments in peripheral tissue. This study attempted to further investigate the general receptor areas which might initiate these reflexes in anesthetized dogs. Injections of 50 ml. of 50% glucose were made over 30 seconds in random sequence into the right atrium, pulmonary artery, left ventricle, and distal thoracic aorta. Systemic arterial pressure fell in all animals with no significant differences observed between injection sites. The vascular resistance of the isolated, innervated, constant flow perfused gracilis muscle preparation exhibited a biphasic reflex response characterized by initial reflex vasodilatation and followed by reflex vasoconstriction. The reflex responses to right atrial, pulmonary artery, and left ventricular injections were quantitatively and qualitatively similar. The reflex muscle vasodilation response was, however, significantly diminished following the injection in the descending aorta. Local α-adrenergic blockade of the muscle abolished the reflex response in the muscle. Systemic β-adrenergic blockage resulted in accentuated hypotension and enhanced reflex muscle vasoconstricition. Isotonic Ringer's solution produced no response from any injection site. The reflex response to acute experimental hyperosmolality appears to be complex with multiple receptor areas, central and peripheral, participating. These experimental observations are clinically relevant during central administration of plasma expanders as well as various angiographic procedures.
"Entre deux feux": Jean Sénac's Struggle for Self-determination

During the years between 1954 and 1965, which witnessed the construction of a new Algerian national identity, Jean Senac, the most important French- language poet associated with Algerian nationalism, was struggling to establish a sense of self, both at the collective level of the Nation and on the individual level of the Man. By the end this decade of self-determination Senac would fashion the complex nature of his national and sexual identi- ties into an authentic poetics of social protest. In Senac's works, produced after Algerian independence, he openly proclaims himself to be a gaouri— the Algerian pejorative for a foreigner or infidel—as well as a homosexual. However, Senac's stance on the margins came after more than a decade in which he struggled with the fear that his non-normative identity was an obstacle to be overcome if he wanted to be a poet in service to his people.
Optimal Product Mix for Integrated Livestock-Fish Culture Systems on Limited Resource Farms

A mixed integer linear programming model was developed to select constrained optimum combinations of aquacultural production alternatives for limited-resource farmers. The model maximized production of fish and livestock for home consumption and cash income. Poor farmers without access to credit sources make best use of pond resources by stocking fish and utilizing inorganic fertilizer. Integrated systems require greater levels of capital to cover livestock feed costs. Ponds that cannot be drained are best utilized by stocking a polyculture system of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and fathead minnows (Pimephales pro-melas) while drainable ponds are more efficiently utilized in tilapia production.
Radiation-induced orientation of atmospheric aerosols

A theoretical model is presented for computing the radiation-induced orientation of nonspherical particles in the atmosphere. This process is examined as a possible remote-sensing technique for determining size and shape characteristics of atmospheric aerosols. The theoretical model is applied to cirrus particles modeled as prolate dielectric spheroids. The radiation-induced perturbations in the average tip angle of the spheroids and in the backscattered depolarization ratio are computed for an assumed radiation flux of 5 mJ/cm2 for three different wavelengths. The computed perturbations are found to be approximately 30–40 dB down from the corresponding unperturbed values and appear marginally detectable by ground-based lidars.
Down-regulation of blood-brain glucose transport in the hyperglycemic nonobese diabetic mouse

The intracarotid injection method has been utilized to examine blood-brain barrier (BBB) glucose transport in hyperglycemic (4–6 days) mice. In anesthetized mice, Brain Uptake Indices were measured over a range of glucose concentrations from 0.010–50 mmol/l; glucose uptake was found to be saturable and kinetically characterized. The maximal velocity (Vmax) for glucose transport was 989±214 nmol·min−1·g−1· and the half-saturation constant estimated to be 5.80±1.38 mmol/l. The unsaturated Permeability Surface are product (PS) is=171+8 μl·min.−1·g−1. A rabbit polyclonal antiserum to a synthetic peptide encoding the 13 C-terminal amino acids of the human erythrocyte glucose transporter immunocytochemically confirmed the presence of the GLUT1 isoform in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse brain capillary endothelia. These studies indicate that a down-regulation of BBB glucose transport occurs in these spontaneously hyperglycemic mice; both BBB glucose permeability (as indicated by PS product) and transporter maximal velocity are reduced (in comparison to normoglycemic CD-1 mice), but the half-saturation constant remains unchanged.
Antitumor activity in skin of Skh and Sencar mice by two dietary β‐carotene formulations

Abstract There is currently a great interest in the protective potential of β‐carotene and other micronutrients against carcinogenesis. We investigated the role of β‐carotene in modifying 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)‐initiated, 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐promoted, two‐stage skin carcinogenesis. We were interested in comparing the protective effects of two types of dietary β‐carotene, a beadlet formulation and crystalline β‐carotene, in two strains of mice (Skh:HR‐1 and CR:ORL Sencar). Mice were maintained throughout the study on one of these 3% β‐carotene‐fortified diets or on control diets. In Week 11 after the start of the diets, the DMBA/TPA treatment regimen was begun. The resulting skin tumors were counted weekly. In addition, serum and skin levels were monitored for β‐carotene at the time of chemical initiation and at the termination of the study. A decrease in the number of cumulative tumors in the β‐carotene‐fed animals compared with the appropriate control groups was obse...
Do Gabor functions provide appropriate descriptions of visual cortical receptive fields

Several recent theoretical models for human spatial vision posit that cortical receptive fields act to minimize simultaneously the product of the standard deviation of the sensitivities to position (Δx) and to spatial frequency (Δω) in accord with the uncertainty principle from Fourier analysis. The receptive-field functions resulting from this approach—one-dimensional or two-dimensional Gabor elementary functions—have been shown by others to fit measured receptive fields adequately in some species. However, only complex-valued Gabor functions minimize this product, and these cannot be fitted to single-cell receptive fields. We point out that the derivations of others have an implied metric or measure of positional and spatial-frequency uncertainties and that there is an infinitely large class of such metrics, many of which yield other receptive-field functions that are quite plausible biologically. We review neurophysiological measurements of others and analyze psychophysical masking data and find that in many cases receptive-field functions other than Gabor functions fit better. We conclude that there are insufficient theoretical demonstrations and experimental data to favor Gabor functions over any of a number of other plausible receptive-field functions.
Synthesis and evaluation of cyclodextrin-based polymers for patulin extraction from aqueous solutions

Patulin is a mycotoxin produced by fungi that contaminate fruits, juices, and other agricultural commodities. Sorption properties of polyurethane-beta-cyclodextrin polymers were evaluated for the ability to remove patulin from solutions, including apple juice. Freundlich isotherm analysis determined the polymers possess a degree of heterogeneity. Evaluation of the polymers by solid phase extraction analysis indicated patulin sorption is enhanced in aqueous environments. Polymers crosslinked with tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate were suitable for extraction of patulin from apple juice. Quantum chemical studies of the interactions of patulin and beta-cylcodextrin using the PM3 semi-empirical method infer patulin is capable of binding to the polymer in multiple modes. Certain of these bound complexes possess intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions between the primary hydroxyls of beta-cyclodextrin and patulin. These nanoporous cyclodextrin polymers exhibit favorable properties to assist the detection of patulin in aqueous solutions.
Coastal state capacity for marine resources management

Abstract Policies of the Reagan administration appear to have stimulated increased coastal state activities in marine resource management. This paper uses the notion of government capacity to explore changes within these states. Capacity refers to the institutional structure, expertise, and commitment of political elites to deal with complex policy issues. Following a brief review of institution‐building within the states, North Carolina and Texas are used to illustrate contrasting approaches to the development of institutional capacity. Although most academic attention has been devoted to national ocean policy and intergovernmental relations, the states themselves are worthy subjects for systematic analysis and comparison. Among the variables which might be addressed are state maritime history; institutional frameworks for marine policy; attitudes and commitments of elites toward ocean resources; the role of scientific rationality in state decisionmaking; and the nature of state political leadership.
BCL-2 transduction, using a herpes simplex virus amplicon, protects hippocampal neurons from transient global ischemia.

Abstract Transient global ischemia results in selective neuronal damage of hippocampal CA1 neurons. Five minutes of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, in the Mongolian gerbil, effectively restricts forebrain blood flow, resulting in a delayed neuronal death of CA1 pyramidal cells. While there is a delay of approximately 72 h in the appearance of cell death, markers related to the mechanism of ischemic death become apparent well before neurons die. Ischemia-induced increases in the cell-death-promoting protein, bax, may disrupt the bcl-2/bax ratio necessary for normal neuronal functioning and thus promote transient ischemic death. In order to locally maintain this critical bcl-2/bax ratio and thus protect CA1 neurons from delayed neuronal death, a herpes simplex viral (HSV) vector was used to selectively introduce human bcl-2, under the control of the herpes IE 4/5 promoter, into the CA1 region of the gerbil hippocampus. Twenty-four hours prior to ischemia surgery, 1 μl of HSVbcl-2 was infused unilaterally into the CA1 region at a rate of 2 nl/min. Seventy-two hours after ischemia the animals were sacrificed and processed using Nissl, silver degeneration, and immunohistochemical (anti-human bcl-2) staining. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated both glial and neuronal bcl-2 expression around the HSVbcl-2 infusion site. The evaluation following silver degeneration staining indicated a further degeneration of CA1 neurons in the immediate area of the viral vector infusion. This damage seems to be the result of cellular debris associated with the processing of the viral amplicons. Silver degeneration staining is not present in the areas that demonstrate bcl-2 staining. These neurons appear to have been rescued from ischemic damage. This result was confirmed using the Nissl staining. Therefore, by altering the local ratio of bcl-2/bax using the HSVbcl-2 vector one may protect CA1 pyramidal cell from the delayed neuronal death of transient global ischemia.
Competition between C-C and C-H insertion in prototype transition metal-hydrocarbon reactions.

The competition between C−C and C−H insertion in model transition-metal reactions with cyclopropane and propene (C3H6) was studied as a function of total energy. Insertion of neutral transition metal atoms M (= Y, Zr, Nb, and Mo*) into the C−C bonds of cyclopropane led to formation of MCH2 + C2H4, whereas C−H insertion produced MC3H4 + H2. The measured product branching ratios verify the relative potential energy barrier heights for C−C and C−H insertion predicted by ab initio calculations.
Inhaled nitric oxide for adult respiratory distress syndrome after pulmonary resection

Abstract Background . The adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) developing after pulmonary resection is usually a lethal complication. The etiology of this serious complication remains unknown despite many theories. Intubation, aspiration bronchoscopy, antibiotics, and diuresis have been the mainstays of treatment. Mortality rates from ARDS after pneumonectomy have been reported as high as 90% to 100%. Methods . In 1991, nitric oxide became clinically available. We instituted an aggressive program to treat patients with ARDS after pulmonary resection. Patients were intubated and treated with standard supportive measures plus inhaled nitric oxide at 10 to 20 parts/million. While being ventilated, all patients had postural changes to improve ventilation/perfusion matching and management of secretions. Systemic steroids were given to half of the patients. Results . Ten consecutive patients after pulmonary resection with severe ARDS (ARDS score=3.1 ± 0.04) were treated. The mean ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to the fraction of inspired oxygen at initiation of treatment was 95 ± 13 mm Hg (mean ± SEM) and improved immediately to 128 ± 24 mm Hg, a 31% ± 8% improvement ( p Conclusions . We recommend the following treatment regimen for this lethal complication: intubation at the first radiographic sign of ARDS; immediate institution of inhaled nitric oxide (10 to 20 parts per million); aspiration bronchoscopy and postural changes to improve management of secretions and ventilation/perfusion matching; diuresis and antibiotics; and consideration of the addition of intravenous steroid therapy.
Ion-beam-induced metastable phases in the Au–Co system

Supersaturated Au–Co solid solutions have been obtained by ion-beam mixing of thin deposited Au and Co layers of compositions Au75Co25, Au50Co50, Au25Co75 and Au5Co95. X-ray diffraction measurement...
Role of minor constituents in the photooxidation of virgin olive oil

Virgin olive oil was photooxidized at 2 and 40°C and at fluorescent light intensities of 0, 620, 2710, and 5340 lux. As expected, higher fluorescent light intensities induced higher peroxide formation in the oil. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were found to be good indicators of photooxidation during the early stage of the reaction. Pheophytin A and β-carotene were light- and temperature-sensitive, whereas α-tocopherol and total polyphenols were mostly affected by light. Pheophytin A functioned as a photosensitizer, resulting in rapid oxidation of the oil. β-Carotene was a strong natural inhibitor of photooxidation for all light intensities at 2°C, suggesting quenching properties for singlet oxygen. However, β-carotene antioxidant activity was reduced at 40°C because of its rapid destruction.
Unlike ageing, longevity is sexually transmitted

Summary In the invitation to write this article, I am asked to describe my “…contributions… to cell aging and the telomere story”. My research on the phenomenon of cell senescence began more than 50 years ago. From that time until today, the work done on this subject in my laboratory, and that of hundreds of other researchers, can only be described in the allotted space by a few generalizations and even fewer details. From the birth of cell culture technology in 1907, it was believed that all cultured cells, if provided with the proper conditions, would replicate indefinitely. Fifty-three years later, we overthrew this dogma by finding that, in the best conditions, normal cells have a finite capacity to replicate and that only abnormal or cancer cell populations can replicate indefinitely. We interpreted these findings to impact on our understanding of the aging process. If, as had been thought prior to our work, that normal cultured cells released from in vivo controls can replicate indefinitely, then age changes could not have an intracellular origin. Our findings demonstrated that, on the contrary, age changes do have an intracellular origin. The hundreds of changes that were subsequently found to precede the loss of replicative capacity have been interpreted to be age changes and the finitude of replication to be an expression of longevity determination. Age changes are the result of the inexorable dissipation of energy that occurs in complex biomolecules and that, unless repaired, causes their dysfunction. The positive balance of repair and synthetic processes over accumulating dysfunctional substrate molecules shifts after reproductive success to favor the increase in more dysfunctional molecules over repair capability as the repair processes succumb to the same Second Law of thermodynamics. The processes that control longevity, or how long repair and synthesis processes remain functional and retain their balance over dysfunctional molecules, are governed by the genome. Hence, the information that governs longevity determination is sexually transmitted whereas the aging process is a stochastic or random process governed by the laws of probability that are embodied in the Second Law of thermodynamics. Our search for the location of the molecular mechanism that controls the number of cell, or DNA replications, that occur in normal cells ended with our finding that the mechanism was located in the nucleus. Years later, and as the result of the confluence of studies done by others in several unrelated fields, the molecular mechanism was discovered. It was found that telomere attrition governs the limit on DNA replications in normal cells and that the expression of telomerase can circumvent this limit, thus explaining our discoveries of the phenomena of normal cell mortality and cancer cell immortality.