cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroprotective effects of estrogens on hippocampal cells in adult female rats after status epilepticus.

Purpose: Estrogens have neuroprotective effects in ischemia, stroke, and other conditions leading to neuronal cell death (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). The present study examined whether estrogens may have neuroprotective effects after seizures. Methods: The kainic acid model was used to determine if estrogens protect hippocampal cells after status epilepticus in adult female rats. Rats were ovariectomized 1 week before hormone replacement. β-Estradiol benzoate (EB; 2 μg in 0.1 mL of oil) was injected subcutaneously 48 and 24 hours before seizure testing. We administered kainic acid (16 mg/kg intraperitoneally) and behaviorally monitored the rats for 5 hours. After this time, all rats were injected with pentobarbital (50 mg/kg intraperitoneally) irrespective of seizure severity. Some rats received two additional doses of EB, one immediately and one 24 hours after the seizures. Another group of rats received only these two doses of EB after the seizures, and yet another group of rats received pretreatment with the intracellular EB receptor antagonist tamoxifen before each of four EB injections. Control rats received oil instead of EB. Rats were killed 48 hours after seizures. Neuronal damage was evaluated in silver-impregnated and Nissl-stained sections. Results: Estrogen treatment before kainic acid administration significantly delayed the onset of kainic acid-induced clonic seizures, whereas it did not change the onset of status epilepticus compared with oil-treated controls. Furthermore, estrogen treatment significantly protected against kainic acid-induced seizure-related mortality. In control rats, examination of Nissl-stained and silver-impregnated slides revealed severe neuronal damage in the vulnerable pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal CA3 subfield and in the hilus of the dentate gyrus. Estrogen pretreatment, as well as the combination of pretreatment and posttreatment, significantly reduced the number of argyrophilic neurons in both the CA3 and the dentate gyrus. Posttreatment only had no protective effects. The data indicate that intracellular EB receptors mediate this type of neuroprotective effect, because the tamoxifen pretreatment abolished EB neuroprotection. Conclusions: Our results suggest that estrogens can be beneficial in protecting against status epilepticus-induced hippocampal damage. Hormonal conditions may have differential effects on underlying epileptic state in some patients. Therefore, more studies are necessary to determine the prospective therapeutic advantage of hormonal treatment in seizure-related damage.
Monitoring Protein Adsorption with Solid-state Nanopores

Solid-state nanopores have been used to perform measurements at the single-molecule level to examine the local structure and flexibility of nucleic acids 1-6, the unfolding of proteins 7, and binding affinity of different ligands 8. By coupling these nanopores to the resistive-pulse technique 9-12, such measurements can be done under a wide variety of conditions and without the need for labeling 3. In the resistive-pulse technique, an ionic salt solution is introduced on both sides of the nanopore. Therefore, ions are driven from one side of the chamber to the other by an applied transmembrane potential, resulting in a steady current. The partitioning of an analyte into the nanopore causes a well-defined deflection in this current, which can be analyzed to extract single-molecule information. Using this technique, the adsorption of single proteins to the nanopore walls can be monitored under a wide range of conditions 13. Protein adsorption is growing in importance, because as microfluidic devices shrink in size, the interaction of these systems with single proteins becomes a concern. This protocol describes a rapid assay for protein binding to nitride films, which can readily be extended to other thin films amenable to nanopore drilling, or to functionalized nitride surfaces. A variety of proteins may be explored under a wide range of solutions and denaturing conditions. Additionally, this protocol may be used to explore more basic problems using nanopore spectroscopy.
Application of GA Optimizing Neural Network to Coal Sales Forecasts

With the rapid development of the market, coal enterprises predict sales by subjective experience, which is far from accurate. In order to minimize decision-making errors, to avoid warehouse inventory shortages or backlog and to increase prediction accuracy of coal sales forecast, the study of forecast methods is particularly important. In the paper, improved BP algorithm is adopted based on some large coal enterprises' practical characters. Connection weights are optimized by generic algorithm. The forecast method is implemented in the paper. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that neural network is feasible and effective for coal sales prediction, with a bright future. Genetic algorithm optimizing neural network increases speed calculation and reliability.
Self Calibrated Optical Imaging of Sparse RF Arrays

We present an experimental demo of a wideband Fourier optical beamformer that compensates for beam squint using spectrally selective imaging in a spectral hole burning crystal and corrects for phase errors using optical self calibration.
Blood flow restriction pressure recommendations: The hormesis hypothesis

Blood flow restriction (BFR) alone or in combination with exercise has been shown to result in favorable effects on skeletal muscle form and function. The pressure applied should be high enough to occlude venous return from the muscle but low enough to maintain arterial inflow into the muscle. The optimal pressure for beneficial effects on skeletal muscle are currently unknown; however, preliminary data from our laboratory suggests that there may be a point where greater pressure may not augment the response (e.g. metabolic accumulation, cell swelling) but may actually result in decrements (e.g. muscle activation). This led us to wonder if BFR elicits somewhat of a hormesis effect. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss whether pressure may be modulated to maximize skeletal muscle adaptation with resistance training in combination with BFR. Furthermore, the potential safety issues that could arise from increasing pressure too high are also briefly reviewed. We hypothesize that with BFR there is likely a moderate (∼ 50% estimated arterial occlusion pressure) pressure that maximizes the anabolic response to skeletal muscle without producing the potential negative consequences of higher pressures. Thus, BFR may follow the hormesis theory to some degree, in that a low/moderate dose of BFR produces beneficial effects while higher pressures (at or near arterial occlusion) may decrease the benefits of exercise and increase the health risk. This hypothesis requires long term studies investigating chronic training adaptations to differential pressures. In addition, how differences in load interact with differences in pressure should also be investigated.
An Eye for Eternity: The Life of Manning Clark

An Eye for Eternity: The Life of Manning Clark, Melbourne University Press/Miegunyah Press, 2011. 816 pp. ISBN 978 052285 617 0. AU$54.95. Julian Barnes’s recent novel, The Sense of Ending, quotes ...
Enhanced thermal conductivity of uranium dioxide–silicon carbide composite fuel pellets prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)

Abstract Uranium dioxide (UO2)–10 vol% silicon carbide (SiC) composite fuel pellets were produced by oxidative sintering and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at a range of temperatures from 1400 to 1600 °C. Both SiC whiskers and SiC powder particles were utilized. Oxidative sintering was employed over 4 h and the SPS sintering was employed only for 5 min at the highest hold temperature. It was noted that composite pellets sintered by SPS process revealed smaller grain size, reduced formation of chemical products, higher density, and enhanced interfacial contact compared to the pellets made by oxidative sintering. For given volume of SiC, the pellets with powder particles yielded a smaller grain size than pellets with SiC whiskers. Finally thermal conductivity measurements at 100 °C, 500 °C, and 900 °C revealed that SPS sintered UO2–SiC composites exhibited an increase of up to 62% in thermal conductivity compared to UO2 pellets, while the oxidative sintered composite pellets revealed significantly inferior thermal conductivity values. The current study points to the improved processing capabilities of SPS compared to oxidative sintering of UO2–SiC composites.
Impact of redox conditions on metolachlor and metribuzin degradation in Mississippi flood plain soils.

Abstract The effect of soil redox conditions on the degradation of metolachlor and metribuzin in two Mississippi soils (Forrestdale silty clay loam and Loring silt loam) were examined in the laboratory. Herbicides were added to soil in microcosms and incubated either under oxidized (aerobic) or reduced (anaerobic) conditions. Metolachlor and metribuzin degradation under aerobic condition in the Forrestdale soil proceeded at rates of 8.83 ngd‐1 and 25 ngd‐1, respectively. Anaerobic degradation rates for the two herbicides in the Forestdale soil were 8.44 ngd‐1 and 32.5 ngd‐1, respectively. Degradation rates for the Loring soil under aerobic condition were 24.8 ngd‐1 and 12.0 ngd‐1 for metolachlor and metribuzin, respectively. Metolachlor and metribuzin degradation rates under anaerobic conditions in the Loring soil were 20.9 ngd‐1 and 5.35 ngd‐1. Metribuzin degraded faster (12.0 ngd‐1) in the Loring soil under aerobic conditions as compared to anaerobic conditions (5.35 ngd‐1).
QUANTIFYING SCALE IN ECOLOGY: LESSONS FROM AWAVE-SWEPT SHORE

Understanding the role of scale is critical to ecologists' ability to make appropriate measurements, to ''scale up'' from local, short-term experiments to larger areas and longer times, to formulate models of community structure, and to address important conservation problems. Although these issues have received increased attention in recent years, empirical measurements of the scales of ecologically important variables are still rare. Here, we measure the spatial and temporal scales of variability of 15 ecologically relevant physical and biological processes in the wave-swept intertidal zone at Mussel Point, near Hopkins Marine Station in California. We analyze temporal variability in wave height, ocean temperature, upwelling intensity, solar irradiance, and body temperature for periods ranging from ten minutes to fifty years. In addition, we measure spatial variation in shoreline topography, wave force, wave-induced disturbance, body temperature, species diversity, recruitment, primary productivity, and the abundances of grazers, predators, and the competitive dominant occupier of space. Each of these spatial variables is measured along three horizontal transects in the upper intertidal zone: a short transect (44 m long with sampling locations spaced at ;0.5-m intervals), a medium transect (175 m long with sampling locations spaced at ;1.7-m intervals), and a long transect (334 m long with sampling locations spaced at ;3.4-m intervals). Six different methods are used to quantify the scale of each variable. Distinct scales are evident in all but one of our temporal variables, demonstrating that our methods for quantifying scale can work effectively with relatively simple, periodic phenomena. However, our spatial results reveal basic problems that arise when attempting to measure the scale of variability for more complex phenomena. For a given variable and length of transect, different methods of calculating scale seldom agree, and in some cases estimates differ by more than an order of magnitude. For a given variable and method of calculating spatial scale, measurements are sensitive to the length of a transect; the longer the transect, the larger the estimate of scale. We propose that the ''1/ f noise'' nature of the data can explain both the variability among methods for calculating scale and the length dependence of spatial scales of variation, and that the 1/ f noise character of the data may be driven by the fractal geometry of shoreline topography. We conclude that it may not be possible to define a meaningful spatial scale of variation in this system. As an alternative to the boiled-down concept of ''scale,'' we suggest that it is more appropriate to examine explicitly the pattern in which variability changes with the extent of measurement (e.g., the spectrum). Knowledge of this pattern can provide useful ecological scaling ''rules'' even when a well-defined scale (or hierarchy of scales) cannot be discerned.
Applications for the curemeter maximum cure rate in rubber compound development process control and cure kinetic studies

Abstract The rubber industry has been using curemeters for 30 years; however, the maximum cure rate (CR MAX ) at the inflection point on the cure curve was not easily measured to a high level of precision. Now a digitized cure curve can be analyzed with computer software programs to produce a maximum cure rate determination to a high degree of precision. The use of CR MAX in compound development and quality control has some advantages when compared to other traditional ASTM curemeter parameters such as t c 50 or t c 90. For example, its calculation is not dependent on the cure test reaching the ultimate state of cure. Statistical test sensitivity studies show the CR MAX often to be the single best curemeter parameter for detecting subtle changes in a compound. CR MAX also appears to be more discriminating than other curemeter parameters in high temperature cures. In addition, changes in the values of the CR MAX with a rise in cure temperature will be discussed for different types of rubber cure systems. Also, changes in the position of the CR MAX along the cure curve (the time to CR MAX in relation to t c 50) will be discussed for different cure systems. Lastly, the paper will discuss how CR MAX can be used to more accurately calculate energy of activation from cure kinetic studies.
Geomorphic response to uplift along the Dragon's Back pressure ridge, Carrizo Plain, California

We used high-resolution topography, geomorphic mapping of active surface processes, and geologic mapping to study the topographic and erosional response of small drainage basins to rock uplift along the Dragon's Back pressure ridge along the San Andreas fault in the Carrizo Plain, California. We infer the history of deformation experienced by ~40 small drainage basins formed in poorly consolidated sedimentary rocks. A space-for-time substitution directly images the erosional and topographic responses to deformation. Progressive deformation and rock uplift are accompanied by increases in channel steepness and basin relief. As uplift ceases, channel concavity rapidly increases, causing channels to undercut hillslopes—this undercutting promotes the consumption of hillslopes by landsliding. This undercutting also causes basin relief to be greatest after uplift has stopped. This analysis indicates that channels of the Dragon's Back pressure ridge respond to changes in rock uplift rates over thousands of years, whereas hillslope processes may take more than an order of magnitude longer to adjust to changes in rock uplift rates. Our study directly measures changes in erosional processes due to the initiation and cessation of rock uplift, which can typically only be inferred using numerical models, by direct field observations.
Some new error estimates for Ritz-Galerkin methods with minimal regularity assumptions

New uniform error estimates are established for finite element approximations u h of solutions u of second-order elliptic equations Lu = f using only the regularity assumption ∥u∥ 1 ≤ c∥f∥ −1 . Using an Aubin-Nitsche type duality argument we show for example that, for arbitrary (fixed) e sufficiently small, there exists an h 0 such that for 0<h<h 0 ∥u − u h ∥0 ≤ e∥u − u h ∥ 1 . Here, ∥.∥ s denotes the norm on the Sobolev space H s . Other related results are established.
Hold on: Females modulate sperm depletion from storage sites in the fly Drosophila melanogaster

Among many species of insects, females gain fitness benefits by producing numerous offspring. Yet actions related to producing numerous offspring such as mating with multiple males, producing oocytes and placing offspring in sub-optimal environments incur costs. Females can decrease the magnitude of these costs by retaining gametes when suitable oviposition sites are absent. We used the pomace fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to explore how the availability of fresh feeding/oviposition medium influenced female fitness via changes in offspring survivorship and the modulation of gamete release. Availability of fresh medium affected the absolute number and temporal production of offspring. This outcome was attributable to both decreased larval survival under crowded conditions and to female modulation of gamete release. Direct examination of the number of sperm retained among the different female storage organs revealed that females 'hold on' to sperm, retaining more sperm in storage, disproportionately within the spermathecae, when exposed infrequently to fresh medium. Despite this retention, females with lower rates of storage depletion exhibited decreased sperm use efficiency shortly after mating. This study provides direct evidence that females influence the rate of sperm depletion from specific storage sites in a way that can affect both female and male fitness. The possible adaptive significance of selective gamete utilization by female Drosophila includes lowering costs associated with frequent remating and larval overcrowding when oviposition sites are limiting, as well as potentially influencing paternity when females store sperm from multiple males.
Dynamic Outage, Availability, and Interference Models for Mobile Cognitive Radios

This paper analyzes a scenario where a cognitive radio (CR) moves through a field of primary users (PU). As the CR moves, it goes through periods when a given channel is available and when the channel is unavailable (i.e. an outage) due to the CR avoiding a primary user. In addition, there are periods when the channel is deemed available but, in fact, CR communication could interfere with the primary user. The paper derives the distribution of these different periods under different detection and interference scenarios. The results provide insights into how useful a channel is to a CR and the impact of the CR on the PU. The model applies to a scenario of unmanned aircraft access to TV whitespace.
Polymorphism of DNA double helices

Abstract Native DNA duplexes in fibers exist usually in one of three well-known ( A , B and C ) forms depending on relative humidity, type of cations and the amount of retained salt. To determine the precise influence of these factors and the effect of base composition, as well as base sequence, on DNA secondary structure, X-ray diffraction methods have been used to study all four synthetic DNA duplexes with repeated dinucleotide sequences, eight of the 12 with repeated trinucleotide sequences and seven analogues in which guanine was replaced with hypoxanthine. The results indicate that there are at least six additional allomorphs denoted by B ′, C ′, C ″, D , E and S . The B ′ form ( h = 0.329 nm) observed for poly(dA) · poly(dT), poly(dI) · poly(dC) and poly[d(A-I)] · poly[d(C-T)] is a minor variant of the traditional B form ( h = 0.338 nm) of native DNA. The two C -like forms C ′ for poly[d(A-G-C)] · poly-[d(G-C-T)] and poly[d(G-G-T)] · poly[d(A-C-C)] and C ″ for poly[d(A-G)] · poly-[d(C-T)] have, respectively, 9 1 and 9 2 symmetries which reflect repetition of trinucleotide and dinucleotide sequences, respectively. Although isocompositional with poly(dA) · poly(dT), the existence of the rather different D form (8 1 ) for poly[d(A-T)] · poly[d(A-T)] or for poly[d(A-A-T)] · poly[d(A-T-T)] is a clear demonstration of the sequence effect. The I · C pair generally mimics an A · T pair, but poly[d(I-I-T)] · poly[d(A-C-C)] provides a new ( E ) form with approximately 15 2 screw symmetry and with 〈 h 〉 = 0.325 nm and 〈 t 〉 = 48 dg per nucleotide. The S form (6 5 ) observed for poly[d(G-C)] · poly[d(G-C)] and poly[d(A-C)] · poly[d(G-T)] is an unusual left-handed polydinucleotide helix and is accessible to any alternating purine-pyrimidine sequence. In it the two nucleotides have quite different conformations and involve syn purine and anti pyrimidine nucleosides.
Inexact computing using probabilistic circuits: Ultra low-power digital processing

Numerous computing applications can tolerate low error rates. In such applications, inexact approaches provide the ability to achieve significantly lower power. This work demonstrates the power-error trade-offs that can be achieved. Using probabilistic modeling in sub-50-nm silicon transistor technology, the relationship between statistical uncertainties and errors are elucidated for different configurations and topologies and the trade-offs quantified. Gate-level implementation of the probabilistic CMOS logic is validated by circuit simulations of a commercial 45-nm SOI CMOS process technology. Using a practical ALU architecture where voltages can be scaled from most significant to least significant bit blocks as an example, the potential benefits of this technique are shown. A calculation error of 10−6, an error rate quite tolerable for many computational tasks, is shown to be possible with a total power reduction of more than 40p.
Rockabilly Riot! All Original; Rockabilly Riot! Live from the Planet; Rockabilly Riot! Volume One: A Tribute to Sun Records

Rockabilly music emerged during the mid-1950s. It was a significant segment of rock and roll. Spearheaded commercially by Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, and Gene Vince...
Identification and Testing of Porphyromonas gingivalis Virulence Genes with a pPGIVET System

An in vivo expression technology (IVET) system was designed to identify previously unknown virulence genes of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Fourteen ivi (for in vivo induced) genes that are induced during infection in a mouse abscess model were identified in our study. Of these, seven had homology to genes in the NCBI database, and the rest had no homology to reported DNA sequences. In order to determine virulence-related properties of these genes, three mutant strains, deleted of ivi8 (no homology to genes in the database), ivi10 (homologous to a putative TonB-dependent outer membrane receptor protein), and ivi11 (an immunoreactive 33-kDa antigen PG125 in P. gingivalis), were created. The mutants were tested in a mouse abscess model for alterations in virulence relative to the wild type by a competition assay in BALB/c mice. After 5 days we observed the enrichment of the wild-type strain over mutant strains Δivi10 and Δivi11, which indicated that mutant strains Δivi10 and Δivi11 are less able to survive in this model than the wild-type strain, while Δivi8 survives as well as the wild-type strain. We propose that knockout of these ivi genes reduced the ability of the mutated P. gingivalis to survive and cause infection compared to the wild-type strain at the site of injection. Also, in separate experiments, groups of mice were challenged with subcutaneous injections of each individual mutant strain (Δivi8, Δivi10, and Δivi11) or with the wild-type strain alone and were then examined to assess their general health status. The results showed that knockout of these ivi genes conferred a reduction in virulence. The ability of the mutants to invade KB cells compared to the wild type was also determined. Interestingly, the CFU counts of the mutant strain Δivi10 recovered from KB cells were eight times lower than those of the wild type, indicating that this mutant has a lower capacity for invasion. These results demonstrate that IVET is a powerful tool in discovering virulence genes and the significant role that ivi genes play in the pathogenesis of this species.
Microbiological Considerations in Selection and Preparation of Lactobacillus Strains for Use as Dietary Adjuncts

Abstract A number of food, feed, and dairy products have been formulated to contain viable cells of Lactobacillus acidophilus (61, 62). The benefit offered during consumption of these dietary adjuncts is a continued supply of L. acidophilus to the gastrointestinal tract. This bacterium is a resident of the small intestine and is believed to help stabilize the gut microflora of both man and animals. Suggested roles of lactobacilli in the intestinal tract and potential benefits of supplying this organism through dietary adjuncts have been discussed (19, 48, 49, 53, 62) and, therefore, will not be dealt with extensively in this review. Since Metchni-koff's (39) original proposal on suppression of putrefying intestinal bacterial by acid-producing lactobacilli, evidence defining intestinal benefits of L. acidophilus has remained sporadic and often inconclusive. A major factor contributing to the difficulty in obtaining this information is the complexity of the gut ecosystem. Furthermore, early development of dietary adjuncts containing L. acidophilus preceded knowledge necessary to prepare the culture in a reliable form (61, 62).
Stellar rotation and the thermomagnetic torque

It is noted that any reasonable assumption for the rotation rates of the interstellar clouds which must collapse to produce stars will result in stars which rotate much faster than suggested by observations if angular momentum is conserved throughout the collapse. The contribution of thermomagnetic torque, which can exist when a rarefied gas of polyatomic molecules is subjected to a magnetic field and a nonuniform temperature gradient, to the angular momentum of a collapsing protostellar object is examined in order to determine whether the magnitude of this torque is sufficient to slow down contracting protostellar clouds. Calculations are performed for two times during protostellar collapse when conditions may be favorable for thermomagnetic torque to play a role in angular-momentum considerations. The results indicate that this torque is apparently of no importance in determining or modifying stellar rotation during the early stages of stellar evolution.
Remote sensing opportunities for coastal management

In earlier work, NOAA’s Coastal Service Center in Charleston, S.C. reviewed current remote sensing and took a broader look at that technology applied to coastal resource management. They found 25 application areas and grouped them into 5 broader categories. In this paper we will explain some background and complexity of remote sensing when imaging in shallow water. This region is more complex than the deep ocean but there is synergy or opportunity to combine remote sensing measurements. Then we will summarize the 25 coastal areas of application with regard to spatial, spectral and temporal remote sensing needs including use of potential hyper-spectral sensors. Finally, we use the example of coral reef observations to explain the difficulty in trying to set remote sensing operational rules.
TEXTURAL QUALITY PREDICTION OF REHEATED FROZEN FRENCH FRIED POTATOES BY OBJECTIVE TESTING OF RAW STOCK

Research is described which evaluates and relates a simple Durometer test of raw potato lots with instrumental texture measurements and sensory panel evaluation of oven-reheated frozen French fried potatoes. Statistical evaluation of the mean data shows no difference between the Idaho and Maine Russet Burbank samples for any of the measurements. Durometer means were significantly correlated with shear press measurements and all shear press values were significantly intercorrelated. The large correlation coefficients between Durometer readings and other measurements indicate that Durometer evaluations can be used to predict from the raw tubers the shear press measurements and overall moistness, crust crispness and internal mealiness of oven-reheated frozen French fried potatoes. Further work is necessary with other source and variety combinations before a general prediction statement can be made.
Export Variety and Country Productivity : Estimating the Monopolistic Competition Model with Endogenous Productivity

This paper provides evidence on the monopolistic competition model with heterogeneous firms and endogenous productivity. We show that this model has a well-defined GDP function where relative export variety enters positively, and estimate this function over 48 countries from 1980 to 2000. Average export variety to the United States increases by 3.3% per year, so it nearly doubles over these two decades. The total increase in export variety is associated with a 3.3% average productivity improvement for exporters over the two decades. Overall, the model can explain 31% of the within-country variation in productivity (or 52% for the OECD countries), but only a very small fraction of the between-country variation in productivity.
EPR of the lithium ion-dangling bond complex in germanium containing dislocations

Abstract We have observed a new EPR spectrum in a lithium-diffused germanium crystal ND-NA ≈ 1013 cm-3) containing dislocations. The principal g values are 1.917 ± 0.002, 1.896 ± 0.002, and 0.855 ± 0.010 along the axes 1 0>, 2 >, and , plus equivalent sets. As this new spectrum is seen in lieu of the dislocation dangling bond spectrum, we attribute it to a lithium ion- dislocation dangling bond complex.
Review of forging, stamping, and other solid-phase forming processes

In the last ten years, a considerable amount of work has been conducted on many different processes distinct from common plastics processing methods such as injection molding, extrusion, and compression molding. Perhaps the most common feature of these new techniques is that they resemble more the methods used for fabricating metallic materials in solid phase. However, there is a lack of uniform terminology. More importantly, the commercial acceptance and applicability of these processes have been slow. This review attempts to summarize the important findings of various publications and, whenever possible, to give information about potential or actual industrial applications. The purpose is to provide a brief overview of the state-of-the-art of the whole technology. Advantages, disadvantages, and the need for more work are pointed out as they relate to different processes and to crystalline and amorphous materials. A few instances where material was heated beyond the melting temperature by a small amount are included in the review when the processing method was similar to solid-phase forming.
Measurement of a 10 metre composite radio dish surface shape between 2008 and 2010

A composite radio reflector (the MkII) was molded at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory (DRAO) in 2008. The MkII was built as a demonstrator for the International Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Since 2008, the MkII has been used to test a prototype Phased Array Feed (PHAD). This PHAD demonstrator puts a substantial load on the structure. The MkII telescope has also been used to investigate composite thermal and weathering issues. The surface shape of the main reflector were recorded in 2008 and again in 2010 using a laser scanner. These data are compared. Some interesting results are presented.
Electrostatic micromachine scanning mirror for optical coherence tomography

Compact electrostatic micromirror structures for use in the scanning arm of an optical coherence tomography (OCT) system are described. These devices consist of millimeter-scale mirrors resting upon micrometer-scale polyimide hinges that are tilted by a linear micromachine actuator, the integrated force array (IFA). The IFA is a network of deformable capacitor cells that electrostatically contract with an applied voltage. The support structures, hinges, and actuators are fabricated by photolithography from polyimide-upon-silicon wafers. These devices were inserted into the scanning arm of an experimental OCT imaging system to produce in vitro and in vivo images at frame rates of 4 to 8 Hz.
A Multi-Omic View of Host-Pathogen-Commensal Interplay in Salmonella-Mediated Intestinal Infection.

The potential for commensal microorganisms indigenous to a host (the ‘microbiome’ or ‘microbiota’) to alter infection outcome by influencing host-pathogen interplay is largely unknown. We used a multi-omics “systems” approach, incorporating proteomics, metabolomics, glycomics, and metagenomics, to explore the molecular interplay between the murine host, the pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), and commensal gut microorganisms during intestinal infection with S. Typhimurium. We find proteomic evidence that S. Typhimurium thrives within the infected 129/SvJ mouse gut without antibiotic pre-treatment, inducing inflammation and disrupting the intestinal microbiome (e.g., suppressing Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes while promoting growth of Salmonella and Enterococcus). Alteration of the host microbiome population structure was highly correlated with gut environmental changes, including the accumulation of metabolites normally consumed by commensal microbiota. Finally, the less characterized phase of S. Typhimurium’s lifecycle was investigated, and both proteomic and glycomic evidence suggests S. Typhimurium may take advantage of increased fucose moieties to metabolize fucose while growing in the gut. The application of multiple omics measurements to Salmonella-induced intestinal inflammation provides insights into complex molecular strategies employed during pathogenesis between host, pathogen, and the microbiome.
Feed manufacturing technology: current issues and challenges

Abstract Feed cost represents the major item in the cost of animal production. Without doubt, efforts will continue to refine feed processing techniques to reduce the cost of feed and to increase the value of feed for a target animal. The possibilities for improvements in feed processing are endless; however, the cost of each innovation must be carefully weighed against demonstrated improvements in animal performance. In some cases, changes in feed processing technology will be dictated, not by animal response, but by other motivations such as regulatory guidelines or human health concerns. A case in point is the use of hydro-thermal processes, such as pelleting, extrusion, or roasting to reduce the microbiological load in the feed. These processes have been demonstrated to reduce microbial population to near zero, but may have little or no impact on human health risk.
Electronic shell structure in potassium clusters

Abstract Mass spectra of potassium cluster beams show electronic shell structure like that recently reported for sodium clusters, with peaks or steps for those clusters which contain N = 2, 8, 20, and 40 atoms. The potassium contained sodium impurities, which produced satellite peaks corresponding to the substitution of one Na atom for a K atom in each cluster. The satellite peak structure for these mixed clusters of total valence electron number N also corresponds to the above sequence of numbers.
Arguments for a “US Kamioka”: SNOLab and its implications for North American underground science planning

Abstract We argue for a cost-effective, long-term North American underground science strategy based on partnership with Canada, initial construction of a modest US Stage I laboratory designed to complement SNOLab, and follow-up stages to create clean horizontal access to greater depths. We show, by reviewing the requirements of detectors now in the R&D phase, that SNOLab and a properly designed US Stage I facility would be capable of meeting most needs of North America's next wave of underground experiments. One opportunity for creating such a laboratory is the Pioneer tunnel in Washington State, a site that could be developed to provide dedicated, clean, horizontal access. This unused tunnel, part of the deepest (1040 m) tunnel system in the US, would allow the US to establish, at low risk and modest cost, a laboratory at a depth ( 2.12 km .w.e., or kilometers of water equivalent) quite similar to that of the Japanese laboratory Kamioka ( 2.04 km .w.e.). The site's infrastructure includes highway and rail access to the portal, a gravity drainage system, redundant power, proximity to a major metropolitan area, and a system of crosscuts connecting to the parallel Great Cascade tunnel and its ventilation system. We describe studies of cosmic ray attenuation important to properly locating such a laboratory, and the tunnel improvements that would be required to produce an optimal Stage I facility. We describe the unique role this location could play in formulating an international plan for high-energy accelerator physics that includes, as one component, a neutrino factory. The site has a “doubly magic” baseline—a 7500 km separation from both KEK and CERN—as well as an appropriate baseline for CP violation studies, should FermiLab host the neutrino factory. We also describe how new space at greater depth could be added in response to the needs of future experiments, building on the experience gained in Stage I. We discuss possible designs for Stage II ( 3.62 km .w.e.) and Stage III ( 5.00 km .w.e.) developments at the Pioneer tunnel, should future North American needs for deep space exceed those available at SNOLab. This staging could be planned to avoid duplication of SNOLab's capabilities while minimizing construction and operations costs. We describe the existing geotechnical record important to future stages, including past tunneling histories, borehole studies and analyses, and recent examinations of the Pioneer tunnel. We also describe the significant broader impacts of this project in improving the efficiency, safety, and security of one of the nation's key transportation corridors.
AUV docking system for sustainable science missions

In this paper, we present a technological development of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) docking system motivated by science requirements. Twenty-seven case studies were drafted after having elaborate discussions with twelve senior marine scientists from a wide range of oceanographic fields including physical oceanography, ocean chemistry, midwater ecology, biological oceanography, molecular biology, marine microbiology, geology, evolutionary biology, and benthic ecology. These science cases spread over coastal ocean, deep-ocean, mid-ocean ridge, and polar regions. All of these science missions can be significantly benefited from new and improved sets of data and samples that will be collected by using a docked AUV. The case studies are organized to address the science issue, significance of the problem, required data and measurements to address the scientific importance, a non-docked method for acquiring data, and the benefit of using a docked AUV. More than twenty science instruments (in addition to navigational sensors) are identified and evaluated for these science missions. Science pay loads for the AUV and the docking system are discussed in detail. Functional requirements for a general purpose docking system are identified and pros and cons of various docking subsystems are explained. A fuzzy logic based solution approach for an autonomous docking system design and development is also proposed in this paper.
Improved separation of high-molecular-weight proteins by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate--gel electrophoresis: application to apolipoprotein B.

Abstract We have described modifications of apparatus and technique of preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis which improve the resolution of very large proteins. These modifications permit the resolution of several components of apolipoprotein B from human blood plasma.
Male Primary Retroperitoneal Mucinous Cystadenoma

Primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma of borderline malignancy is a rare disease, especially in male patients. Often these tumors are not incidentally found due to abdominal symptoms. We present the radiologic abdominal computed tomography scan, surgical, and pathologic images of this unique, rare condition in a male patient. Surgical treatment is recommended to establish diagnosis and treatment.
Going up in flames: necrotic cell injury and inflammatory diseases

Recent evidence indicates that cell death can be induced through multiple mechanisms. Strikingly, the same death signal can often induce apoptotic as well as non-apoptotic cell death. For instance, inhibition of caspases often converts an apoptotic stimulus to one that causes necrosis. Because a dedicated molecular circuitry distinct from that controlling apoptosis is required for necrotic cell injury, terms such as "programmed necrosis" or "necroptosis" have been used to distinguish stimulus-dependent necrosis from those induced by non-specific traumas (e.g., heat shock) or secondary necrosis induced as a consequence of apoptosis. In several experimental models, programmed necrosis/necroptosis has been shown to be a crucial control point for pathogen- or injury-induced inflammation. In this review, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms that regulate programmed necrosis/necroptosis and its biological significance in pathogen infections, drug-induced cell injury, and trauma-induced tissue damage.
Temperature Dependence of Air-Broadening and Shift Coefficients of O3Lines in the ν1Band

High-resolution Fourier transform absorption spectra of ozone broadened by dry air have been recorded at a number of temperatures from -63°C to 29°C. Using a multispectrum nonlinear least-squares procedure, we fit 29 of these spectra simultaneously to determine the air-broadening and shift coefficients and their temperature dependences for 450 lines in the 9-mm region; most of these belong to the nu1 band. Partial air-broadening results were obtained for 104 additional lines, and room-temperature self-broadening coefficients were also determined for most of the 554 lines measured. These results cover a wide range of rotational quantum numbers, particularly in the R branch, with J" </= 55 and Ka" </= 12. The variation of the retrieved broadening and shift parameters with the rotational quantum numbers has been examined; particularly interesting behavior of the broadening coefficients is noted as the value of Ka" approaches that of J". The broadening and shift coefficients compare well with previous room-temperature measurements in the nu1 and other bands. The temperature-dependence results are also consistent (within the stated uncertainties) with the few previous measurements of the temperature dependence of air- and N2-broadening coefficients in other O3 bands, but disagree with the mean value given in the HITRAN compilation. Copyright 1997Academic Press
Neural-optimal control algorithm for real-time regulation of in-line storage in combined sewer systems

Attempts at implementing real-time control systems as a cost-effective means of minimizing the pollution impacts of untreated combined sewer overflows have largely been unsustained due to the complexity of the real-time control problem. Optimal real-time regulation of flows and in-line storage in combined sewer systems is challenging due to the need for complex optimization models integrated with urban stormwater runoff prediction and fully dynamic routing of sewer flows within 5-15min computational time increments. A neural-optimal control algorithm is presented that fully incorporates the complexities of dynamic, unsteady hydraulic modeling of combined sewer system flows and optimal coordinated, system-wide regulation of in-line storage. The neural-optimal control module is based on a recurrent Jordan neural network architecture that is trained using optimal policies produced by a dynamic optimal control module. The neural-optimal control algorithm is demonstrated in a simulated real-time control experiment for the King County combined sewer system, Seattle, Washington, USA. The algorithm exhibits an effective adaptive learning capability that results in near-optimal performance of the control system while satisfying the time constraints of real-time implementation.
On Eshelby's inclusion problem in a three-phase spherically concentric solid, and a modification of Mori-Tanaka's method

Abstract The elastic field in the three-phase, spherically concentric solid due to a stress-free transformation strain in the inclusion is obtained. This analysis considers both homogeneous and a polynomial-type, nonlinear transformations. In the former case, the strain field in the inclusion is found to be also homogeneous under a hydrostatic transformation, but becomes heterogeneous under a deviatoric one. The mean fields are uncoupled between a hydrostatic and a deviatoric case, and even between one shear and the other. The elastic energies of the solid under these transformations are also derived. In light of this new development, a modification is suggested for the Mori-Tanaka method. The resulting effective shear modulus of a two-phase composite lies between the Hashin-Shtrikman bounds, and the predicted Young's modulus also compares well with the experimental data.
Quantitative, morphological, and somatotopic nuclear changes after facial nerve regeneration in adult rats: A possible challenge to the “no new neurons” dogma

The anatomic reorganization of the subnucleus that controls the stylohyoid muscle (the stylohyoid subnucleus) within the brain stem facial nucleus was studied after regeneration of the facial nerve in adult rats. Horseradish peroxidase was injected into the right stylohyoid muscle 3 to 21 months after transection and repair of the right facial nerve at the level of the stylomastoid foramen. Position, number, and soma diameter of retrogradely horseradish peroxidase-labeled motoneurons were established, as well as the rostro-caudal extension of the stylohyoid subnucleus. In experimental rats, the stylohyoid subnucleus showed either an ipsilateral (50% of the rats) or a bilateral representation. In all of the experimental rats, the motoneurons composing the stylohyoid subnucleus had a more dispersed horizontal distribution pattern when compared with controls. More than 80% of the motoneurons were located outside the borders of the normal stylohyoid subnucleus, either ventrally or, especially in the rostral sections, dorsally closer to the floor of the fourth ventricle. The mean rostro-caudal length of the stylohyoid subnucleus was 2028.6 +/- 152.7 microns. The mean motoneuron number was 481.4 +/- 109.5 (2.20-fold greater than control values), and the motoneuron diameter distribution ranged from 7 to 43 microns. This study demonstrates that after regeneration of the facial nerve in adult rats, major changes occur in both the location and number of motoneurons that make up the stylohyoid subnucleus.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Acute zinc chloride ingestion in a young child

This brief report describes the clinical course and management of a child who ingested a zinc chloride solution used in a lead soldering process. Injury was limited to bleeding from esophageal erosions and hematemesis. No adverse systemic effects were observed, although serum zinc levels were markedly elevated. A single small dosage of calcium disodium edetate (150 mg dissolved in 75 ml 1:5 normal saline) was effective in normalizing the serum zinc level.
DNA synthesis by isolated embryonic nuclei of Xenopus

Abstract Nuclei, isolated in sucrose solutions, from adult and embryonic tissues of Xenopus laevis , incorporate TdR- 3 H when incubated with DNA precursors and tritiated thymidine. This incorporation is DNase-sensitive and requires all 4 deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates. The proportion of nuclei which synthesize DNA in a given time in vitro is very similar to the proportion which do so in vivo in the tissue or developmental stage from which the nuclei have been isolated. This suggests that nuclei which are in the S phase of the cell cycle at the time of isolation continue to synthesize DNA when incubated in vitro but that DNA synthesis is not initiated or prevented in nuclei by the process of isolating them.