cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mix-Mode Elastic Finite Element Formulation for Bonded Granular Material Considering Rotation of Particles

Rotation of particles in granular material is an important mechanism, which is responsible for the distinct feature of moment transfer within granular material. A couple-stress continuum is adopted to model such effect. The paper presents a mix-mode finite element formulation for the analysis of a couple stress continuum. A modified variational formulation is proposed to render unconditional convergence. The developed finite element method is validated by comparing the computed results with closed-form solutions. In order to verify whether the couple-stress continuum is appropriate for modeling granular media, finite element results for two different boundary value problems are performed and compared with that obtained from discrete analysis. Physical meaning of internal length, a new parameter of the material, is discussed. The suitability of the couple-stress continuum for modeling granular medium is evaluated.
Skull melting as a technique in the growth of single crystals

The growth of single crystals of many oxides is very difficult because of their high melting points, and in some cases, because of their extreme corrosiveness. Skull melting makes possible the preparation of many oxides because it is a crucibleless process, there is no theoretical limit as to the temperature that can be attained, and there is no intrinsic limitation on the oxygen pressure that may be used. A detailed description of how to set up a skull melting system and a detailed operating procedure are provided.
Bi-phasic intensity-dependent opioid-mediated neural amplitude changes in the chinchilla cochlea: Partial blockade by an N -Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist

Abstract Dynorphins, glutamate, and glutamate-sensitive N-Methyl- d -Aspartate (NMDA) receptors exist in the mammalian cochlea. Dynorphins produce neural excitation and excitotoxic effects in the spinal cord through a κ-opioid facilitation of NMDA receptor-sensitivity to glutamate. The κ-opioid receptor drug agonists N-dimethylallyl-normetazocine [(−)-pentazocine (50 mmol)] and trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide [U-50488H (100 mmol)] were administered across the cochlear round window membrane in the chinchilla. Each drug produced significant post-baseline amplitude changes in the click-evoked auditory nerve compound action potential. Amplitude changes at threshold amounted to increases in sensitivity that ranged from 4–8 decibels, measured in sound pressure level (dB SPL). The large neural amplitude increases at threshold were accompanied by progressively smaller amplitude changes at 5 and 10 dB above threshold (dB SL). However, at stimulus intensities ≥ 20 dB SL, post-baseline neural amplitudes were suppressed to levels below baseline and control values. These bi-phasic intensity-dependent neural amplitude changes have never before been observed following i.v. administered (−)-pentazocine in this species. Finally, the bi-phasic neural amplitude changes in U-50488H-treated (100 mmol) animals were partially blocked (except at 20 dB SL), following a round window pre-treatment with the NMDA receptor drug antagonist, dizocilpine hydrogen maleate [(+)-MK-801 (8 mmol)]. Our data suggests that endogenous dynorphins within lateral efferent olivocochlear neurons differentially modulate auditory neural excitation, possibly through cochlear NMDA receptors and glutamate. The role played by lateral efferent opioid neuromodulation at cochlear NMDA receptors, is discussed.
Assessment of valvular heart disease by Doppler echocardiography

Doppler echocardiography provides direct hemodynamic data that are often complementary to those demonstrated by M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiographic imaging. This relatively new noninvasive technique has a number of important uses in patients with valvular heart disease. In both adults and children, Doppler measures of peak flow velocity through a stenotic valve allow accurate prediction of the pressure gradient across the valve, and the technique has particular promise for screening patients with suspected aortic or pulmonic stenosis. In patients with mitral stenosis but parasternal short-axis images of limited quality, Doppler velocity measures can provide novel data about the pressure gradient and mitral orifice area. Doppler techniques can also provide direct evidence for or against the presence of valvular regurgitation, and several approaches allow clinically useful estimation of the extent of aortic, mitral, or tricuspid regurgitation. In patients with known disease of one cardiac valve, Doppler is accurate for evaluating the integrity of a second valve. Finally, Doppler techniques have great promise for defining the nature, and perhaps the severity, of suspected prosthetic valve malfunction. Hence, we believe that Doppler echocardiography should become a routine part of the noninvasive evaluation of patients with known or suspected valvular heart disease.
Characterization of microstrip discontinuities on multilayer dielectric substrates including radiation losses

A two-dimensional space-domain method-of-moments treatment of open microstrip discontinuities on multi-dielectric-layer substrates is presented. The full-wave analysis accounts for electromagnetic coupling, radiation, and all substrate effects. The technique is utilized to characterize commonly used discontinuities on one and two dielectric layers, and numerical results for step, corner, and T-junction discontinuities are included. On the microstrip conductors, both current components are expanded by rooftop basis functions. Once the current distribution is evaluated, transmission line theory is used to determine the network parameters. Numerical results from this technique demonstrate excellent agreement with measurement and the spectral-domain technique in the case of single dielectric layers. >
Improved approximations for control augmented structural synthesis

A methodology for control-augmented structural synthesis is presented for structure-control systems which can be modeled as an assemblage of beam, truss, and nonstructural mass elements augmented by a noncollocated direct output feedback control system. Truss areas, beam cross sectional dimensions, nonstructural masses and rotary inertias, and controller position and velocity gains are treated simultaneously as design variables. The structural mass and a control-system performance index can be minimized simultaneously, with design constraints placed on static stresses and displacements, dynamic harmonic displacements and forces, structural frequencies, and closed-loop eigenvalues and damping ratios. Intermediate design-variable and response-quantity concepts are used to generate new approximations for displacements and actuator forces under harmonic dynamic loads and for system complex eigenvalues. This improves the overall efficiency of the procedure by reducing the number of complete analyses required for convergence. Numerical results which illustrate the effectiveness of the method are given.
Impact of ST-246® on ACAM2000™ smallpox vaccine reactogenicity, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in immunodeficient mice

Although a highly effective vaccine against smallpox, vaccinia virus (VV) is not without adverse events, some of which can be life-threatening, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. We have recently demonstrated that the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Dryvax(®) in immunocompetent mice is preserved even when co-administered with ST-246, an orally bioavailable small-molecule inhibitor of orthopoxvirus egress and dissemination. In addition, ST-246 markedly reduced the reactogenicity of the smallpox vaccine ACAM2000 and the highly neurovirulent VV strain Western Reserve (VV-WR). Here, we evaluated the impact of ST-246 co-administration on ACAM2000 reactogenicity, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in seven murine models of varying degrees of humoral and cellular immunodeficiency: BALB/c and B-cell deficient (JH-KO) mice depleted of CD4(+) or CD8(+) or both subsets of T cells. We observed that ST-246 reduced vaccine lesion severity and time to complete resolution in all of the immunodeficient models examined, except in those lacking both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. Although VV-specific humoral responses were moderately reduced by ST-246 treatment, cellular responses were generally comparable or slightly enhanced at both 1 and 6 months post-vaccination. Most importantly, in those models in which vaccination given alone conferred protection against lethal VV challenge, similar levels of protection were observed at both time points when vaccination was given with ST-246. These data suggest that, with the exception of individuals with irreversible, combined CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell deficiency, ST-246 co-administered at the time of vaccination may help reduce vaccine reactogenicity--even in those lacking humoral immunity--without impeding the induction of protective immunity.
DNA target motifs of somatic mutagenesis in antibody genes.

During humoral immunity to T-cell-dependent antigens, responding B lymphocytes selectively mutate their antibody variable region genes at a high rate. This, together with the process of clonal selection, ultimately enhances the affinity and specificity of the antibody molecule and memory B cells that express it as a receptor. Despite several decades of investigation, the mutation mechanism has remained unresolved, largely due to the convoluted nature of experimental systems used to approach it. Somatic mutations preferentially occur within specific oligonucleotide motifs, and this targeting is consistent in all immunoglobulin genes of humans and mice that we have examined, suggesting that a conserved mechanism operates in both species. Our mutation targeting analyses implicate evolution of germline variable gene sequences to direct somatic mutations to specific codon positions in a manner that regulates the frequency of amino acid replacements to the benefit of the antibody product. Finally, our recent strand bias analyses support the idea that somatic mutation occurs preferentially, perhaps exclusively, at two bases on both strands of DNA. These and related observations from other laboratories support a mutation model that invokes at least two error-prone polymerases that have distinct template biases and requirements for elements of postreplicative mismatch repair.
HLA antigens in primary immunodeficiency diseases

A study of HLA A- and B-locus antigen phenotypic frequencies in 66 patients with various types of well-defined primary immunodeficiency revealed no significant differences between the patients and 210 unrelated geographic normal controls at the p = < 0.05 level. In five of the 53 families there were affected HLA-identical siblings, and in four families two or more affected members shared one haplotype. In contrast, affected members in three of the families differed by two haplotypes, and 10 of the 53 families had normal siblings that were HLA identical to the affected member. The observations reported here provide evidence against any association between genes controlling the inheritance of the HLA A- and B-locus antigens and those responsible for the inheritance of currently recognized primary immunodeficiency diseases.
Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 induces pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Introduction Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is a progressively devastating disease characterized by excessive proliferation of the Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells (PASMCs). Studies suggest that PAH and cancers share an apoptosis-resistant state featuring excessive cell proliferation. The proliferation of cancer cells is mediated by increased expression of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a mammalian histone methyltransferase that contributes to the epigenetic silencing of target genes. However, the role of EZH2 in PAH has not been studied. In this study, it is hypothesized that EZH2 could play a role in the proliferation of PASMCs. Methods In the present study, the expression patterns of EZH2 were investigated in normal and hypertensive mouse PASMCs. The effects of EZH2 overexpression on the proliferation of human PASMCs were tested. PASMCs were transfected with EZH2 or GFP using nucleofector system. After transfection, the cells were incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. Proliferation and cell cycle analysis were performed using flow cytometry. Apoptosis of PASMCs was determined using annexin V staining and cell migration was tested by wound healing assay. Results EZH2 protein expression in mouse PASMCs were correlated with an increase in right ventricular systolic pressure and Right Ventricular Hypertrophy (RVH). The overexpression of EZH2 in human PASMCs enhances proliferation, migration, and decrease in the rate of apoptosis when compared to GFP-transfected cells. In the G2/M phase of the EZH2 transfected cells, there was a 3.5 fold increase in proliferation, while there was a significant decrease in the rate of apoptosis of PASMCs, when compared to control. Conclusion These findings suggest that EZH2 plays a role in the migration and proliferation of PASMCs, which is a major hallmark in PAH. It also suggests that EZH2 could play a role in the development of PAH and can serve as a potential target for new therapies for PAH.
Salmonella enterica in Commercial Swine Feed and Subsequent Isolation of Phenotypically and Genotypically Related Strains from Fecal Samples

The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence and genotypic relatedness of Salmonella enterica isolates recovered from feed and fecal samples in commercial swine production units. Of 275 feed samples, Salmonella was detected in 10 feed samples that originated from 8 of 36 (22.2%) barns, with a prevalence of 3.6% (10/275 samples). In fecal samples, a prevalence of 17.2% was found at the early finishing stage (1,180/6,880 samples), with a significant reduction in prevalence (7.4%) when pigs reached market age (392/5,321 samples). Of the 280 Salmonella isolates systematically selected for further characterization, 50% of the feed isolates and 55.3% of the isolates of fecal origin showed similar phenotypes based on antimicrobial resistance patterns and serogrouping. About 44% of the isolates were multidrug resistant. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) genotyping grouped the 46 representative isolates into five genotypic clusters, of which four of the clusters consisted of genotypically related isolates recovered from feed and fecal samples. The occurrence of genotypically related and, in some cases, clonal strains, including multidrug-resistant isolates in commercially processed feed and fecal samples, suggests the high significance of commercial feed as a potential vehicle of Salmonella transmission.
Colloquy : Challenges in contemporary culture and communication research

L'A. decrit les positions paradigmatiques de quatre etudes contemporaines sur la culture et la communication. Il examine ensuite les trois principaux defis releves dans la recherche critique postmoderne : elargir la conceptualisation de la culture, considerer le comportement culturel comme contextuel, integrer le role du pouvoir dans les analyses de recherche
Some “common sense” about Campbell, Hume, and Reid: The extrinsic evidence

This essay examines extrinsic evidence, mainly historical, biographical, and epistolary, to demonstrate that George Campbell's friends and colleagues considered him a member of their Common Sense School of Philosophy, and, hence, an opponent of Hume. It also argues that Campbell was motivated to write on philosophical topics in response to the attacks on religion and the foundations of human knowledge in the works of Hume. Finally, it maintains that Campbell's Philosophy of Rhetoric was popular in nineteenth century America because it was in harmony with Thomas Reid's psychology and philosophy.
Residue Specific Radiation Damage of Protein Structures using High-Resolution Cryo-Electron Microscopy

High-resolution structures of proteins and protein complexes are currently determined using either X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, or now also cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The highest resolutions achieved by cryo-EM have been typically restricted to large, well-ordered entities such as helical or icosahedral assemblies or 2D crystals. However, we show that emerging methods in single-particle cryo-EM now allow structure determination at near-atomic resolution, even for much smaller protein complexes with low symmetry. We solved the structure of the ∼465-kDa Escherichia coli β-galactosidase at ∼3.2-A resolution using single-particle cryo-EM. At this resolution, the majority of the side-chains, the N-termini, and the geometry of the active sites, including a catalytic Mg2+-ion, can be clearly discerned in the density map. Inspection of the map reveals that while densities for residues with positively charged and neutral side-chains are well resolved, systematically weaker densities are observed for residues with negatively charged side-chains. The negatively charged glutamate and aspartate show on average 30% less density than the similarly sized neutral glutamine and asparagine. This observation is independent of the exposure of these residues to solvent. Analysis of other high-resolution cryo-EM structures reveals similar weaker densities for these types of residues. Radiation damage in X-ray crystallography has been linked to decarboxylation of glutamate and aspartate residues, breakage of disulfide bonds, loss of hydroxyl-groups from tyrosine and methylthio-group of methionine. We now show that negatively charged residues exhibit more pronounced effects of radiation damage in structures solved by cryo-EM. We determined that the degree of damage is dose dependent by comparison of density maps obtained using electron doses ranging from 10-30 electrons/A2. In summary, we establish the feasibility of determining structures at near-atomic resolution and provide a measure of the effects of radiation damage in high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy.
New-Patient Self-History Questionnaires in Primary Care

Background: In the current environment of increasing health care efficiency, the benefits of patient self-history questionnaires need to be fully explored. The utility and reliability of new-patient self-history questionnaires have been documented in the medical literature. This study investigates the prevalence of these patient self-history forms in primary care offices. Methods: A sample of primary care offices listed in the yellow pages by specialty were surveyed by telephone. Survey questions included the use of new-patient self-history questionnaires as well as other characteristics about the offices. Findings from offices using questionnaires were compared with findings from offices not using questionnaires. Results: Of 129 offices contacted by telephone, 116 (90 percent) responded. Of the 116 offices surveyed, 53 percent were using new-patient self-history questionnaires. Offices using questionnaires had more patients in managed care (P = 0.028) and fewer patients insured by Medicare or Medicaid (P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in other office characteristics. Conclusions: This study shows that primary care offices underutilize new-patient self-history questionnaires.
Real Time HPC Architecture for Engineering Applications

The need to increase the performance of real time systems is growing along with system complexity. High performance computers (HPCs) with real-time scheduling support can be used to control and improve the performance of real time engineering applications. The latency that develops when parallel programs finish at dissimilar times is referred to as jitter. Jitter and latency can develop due to interference by other processes, interrupt handlers, or the Linux operating system. Experiments that used the Real Time Application Interface (RTAI) in conjunction with the Message Passing Interface (MPI) to implement parallel applications, reduced or eliminated jitter for experimental codes that have characteristics typical of engineering applications. The experimental HPC test bed is a Linux cluster with nine Intel Pentium IV, 3.4 GHz computers, connected by 100 Mb Ethernet using a switch. Each Linux system has 1 GB main memory, and is running Linux release 2.6.23 patched with RTAI 3.6.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Military influence tactics: Lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan

When deployed U.S. soldiers attempt to influence the attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors of civilians, success can save lives and failure can be deadly. Survey data from 228 military personnel with de...
Bulk superconductivity up to 122 K in the Tl-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

New high-temperature superconductors based on oxides of thallium and copper, but not containing barium, have been prepared. A transition temperature (T(c)) of about 85 K is found for (Tl(0.5)Pb(0.5)) Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(7) whereas (Tl(0.5)Pb(0.5))Sr(2)Ca(2)Cu(3)O(9) has a T(c) of about 120 K. Both materials possess tetragonal symmetry with a = 3.80 A, c = 12.05 A for (Tl(0.5)Pb(0.5))Sr(2)CaCu(2)O(7), and a = 3.81 A, c = 15.23 A for (Tl(0.5)Pb(0.5))Sr(2)Ca(2)Cu(3)O(9). A structure refinement of the latter phase has been carried out with single-crystal x-ray diffraction data.
Hydrogen bonding Part 36. NMR study of 14N to CH coupling as a measure of hydration of tetramethylammonium and tetrapropylammonium halides

Abstract Correlation of development of 14N to CH NMR coupling with cation mobility has been used to study hydration behaviour of tetramethylammonium and tetrapropylammonium halides in the range between saturated solutions and the point where full ion mobility is attained. The tetramethylammonium ion in solutions of the chloride forms an initial tightly bound clathrate with 4 moles H2O per mole of cation (H2O/salt=4), and a larger, looser hydration shell with an additional 3 moles H2O. The tetramethylammonium ion presumably also forms an initial clathrate with H2O/salt=4 in solutions of the fluoride; however, the salt binds water so tightly that ion mobility does not commence until H2O/salt = 7.5, and full mobility is not reached until H2O/salt≈10. Tetramethylammonium bromide shows full ion mobility in the saturated solution with H2O/salt= 8.75. The larger tetrapropylammonium ion forms an initial clathrate with H2O/salt=9; both the chloride and bromide show development of a larger hydration shell. Comparison with previously studied tetraalkylammonium halides demonstrates that the formation or lack of formation of a larger hydration shell is not a function of hydration type (normal type A or hypobarogenic type B) of the tetraalkylammonium halide; rather, it is a combined function of cation size and anion electronegativity.
A further study of learning facilitation with strychnine sulphate

Les auteurs ont examine chez le rat l'effet sur l'apprentissage dans un labyrinthe du type Lashley III de la strychnine administree en faisant systematiquement varier le moment de l'injection par rapport a l'epreuve quotidienne.
Farnesyl transferase inhibitor treatment of breast cancer cells leads to altered RhoA and RhoC GTPase activity and induces a dormant phenotype

Farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs) were shown to be effective in modulating tumor growth in Ras-transformed tumor cells. Recent studies have focused on Rho GTPases as putative targets of FTI action. Previously, we demonstrated that FTIs were effective in inhibiting the growth and invasiveness of RhoC GTPase-overexpressing inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) cells however, RhoC activity was increased. In this study, we examine the mechanisms of FTI action on breast cancer cells in culture through modulation of RhoC and RhoA GTPases. We found that FTI inhibition of breast cancer cell growth was reversible and resembled what has been described for an in vitro model of tumor cell dormancy. On FTI treatment, levels of active RhoA decreased significantly, whereas levels of active RhoC increased 3.8-fold. We studied the role of these two GTPases in a fibronectin and basic FGF-induced model of breast cancer cell dormancy. Hypoactivation of RhoA and hyperactivation of RhoC were seen to induce morphology and growth changes consistent with tumor cell dormancy in culture. In addition, the JNK/SAPK pathway was induced on FTI treatment. A pharmacologic inhibitor of the JNK/SAPK pathway significantly reduced the number of dormant cells. This study has implications for the use of FTIs as therapeutic agents as well as potential mechanisms for breast cancer cell dormancy.
Rectification by a Single Molecule of Hexadecylquinolinium Tricyanoquinodimethanide

: Asymmetries in the macroscopic and the nanoscopic direct-current electrical conductivity through Langmuir-Blodgett multilayers and monolayers of γ-(n-hexadecyl)quinolinum tricyanoquinodimethanide, HDQ-3CNQ (1) can be ascribed to a transition from the ground-state zwitterionic state (shown) to a presumably neutral excited-state conformer, thus confirming indubitably rectification of electrical current by a single molecule.
Automatic target tracking using global motion compensation and fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation

The performance of a target tracking algorithm is directly related to global motion compensation performance, if the imaging sensor systems are not stable. Especially, forward looking infra-red (FLIR) video sequences are detrimentally affected by camera motion since the infrared camera mounted on an airborne platform suffer from abrupt discontinuities in motion. Since this global motion could cause the movement of the target outside the operational limits of the tracking algorithm, each frame in FLIR sequences has to be recovered by motion estimation technique. In this paper, a normalized cross correlation based template matching algorithm has been developed to accurately estimate and compensate the global motion before the application of the tracking algorithm. Then, the automatic target tracking algorithm has been applied using fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator (FJTC) based target detection and tracking technique.
Measurements-based power control - A cross-layered framework

Despite the emergence of dynamic optical devices, operational networks are still mostly static. To enable future dynamic operation, we present a cross-layered optimization framework that adapts the wavelengths' power levels based on real-time OPM measurements.
A Survey of Computer Simulations of Hyperthermia Treatments

This paper is a review of the state-of-the-art of-a new-area in hyperthermia: computerized simulations of hyperthermia treatments. One of the more difficult problems in hyperthermia is the determination of the complete temperature field throughout both tumor and normal tissue. Theoretical methods, of estimating temperature distributions are needed to help address this problem. In this paper we divide this field into four areas: comparative, prospective, concurrent, and retrospective. We then summarize the mathematical formulations of both the electromagnetic and ultrasonic power deposition problems and the heat transfer problem. This is followed by a review of the numerical techniques available for calculating the power deposition in the tissue and then finding the resulting temperature distribution. The paper concludes with a description of a series of applications drawn from the current literature.
Properties of the stable aerobic and anaerobic half-reduced states of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase.

The microsomal flavoprotein, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, has been reexamined to determine: (1) the nature of the flavine bound to the enzyme and (2) the oxidation-reduction state of the "half-reduced" form of the flavoprotein. Iyanagi and Mason (Iyanagi, T., and Mason, H.S. (1973), Biochemistry 12, 2297) have recently proposed that NADPH-cytochrome c reductase contains both FAD and FMN as prosthetic groups in lieu of FAD as the sole constituent, as suggested by all previous studies of this enzyme. The data presented herein, utilizing the recently published fluorometric procedure of Faeder and Siegel (Faeder, E. J., and Siegle, L. M. (1973), Anal. Biochem. 53, 332) for the determination of FAD and FMN in mixtures, confirm the conclusions of Iyanagi and Mason for both rat and pig liver reductase preparations. Data for other flavoproteins are also presented. Iyanagi and Mason have also concluded that the air-stable "semiquinone" is a form of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase reduced by one electron per two falvines (F-FH). The present studies, however, do not agree with this conclusion, but instead support our previous results which indicate that both the aerobic and anaerobic half-reduced states of this flavoprotein exist in the two-electron reduced form (FH-FH). Removal of NADP+ does not affect the spectrum of the air-stable half-reduced form of the flavoprotein, nor does it affect the back titration of this intermediate by potassium ferricyanide. The possible implications of these observations on the catalytic cycle of the flavines of NADPH-cytochrome c reductase are discussed.
Neurobiology of the Caenorhabditis elegans Genome

Neurotransmitter receptors, neurotransmitter synthesis and release pathways, and heterotrimeric GTP-binding protein (G protein)-coupled second messenger pathways are highly conserved between Caenorhabditis elegans and mammals, but gap junctions and chemosensory receptors have independent origins in vertebrates and nematodes. Most ion channels are similar to vertebrate channels but there are no predicted voltage-activated sodium channels. The C. elegans genome encodes at least 80 potassium channels, 90 neurotransmitter-gated ion channels, 50 peptide receptors, and up to 1000 orphan receptors that may be chemoreceptors. For many gene families, C. elegans has both conventional members and divergent outliers with weak homology to known genes; these outliers may provide insights into previously unknown functions of conserved protein families.
Chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells and developing therapies

Chronic myeloid leukemia therapy has remarkably improved with the use of frontline BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors such that newly diagnosed patients have minimal disease manifestations or progression. Effective control of disease may also set the stage for eventual 'cure' of this leukemia. However, the existence of Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemic cells that are unaffected by BCR-ABL inhibition represents a major barrier that may delay or prevent curative therapy with the current approaches. The most commonly reported mechanism of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitor-based therapies involves BCR-ABL gene mutations and amplification, but these changes may not be solely responsible for disease relapse when inhibitor-based therapies are curtailed. Therefore new targets may need to be defined before significant advancement in curative therapies is possible. Emerging evidence suggests that persistence of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells or acquisition of stem cell-like characteristics prevents complete elimination of chronic myeloid leukemia by tyrosine kinase inhibition alone. This review focuses on several recently emerging concepts regarding the existence and characteristics of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells. Definitions based on human primary cells and animal model studies are highlighted as are the potential signaling pathways associated with disease repopulating cells. Finally, several recently defined therapeutic targets and active compounds that have emerged from stem cell studies are described. Our goal is to provide an unbiased report on the current state of discovery within the chronic myeloid leukemia stem cell field and to orient the reader to emerging therapeutic targets and strategies that may lead to elimination of this leukemia.
Transport of water in frozen soil: I: Experimental determination of soil-water diffusivity under isothermal conditions

Abstract A new experimental method for measuring the soil-water diffusivity of frozen soil under isothermal conditions is introduced. The theoretical justification of the method is presented and the feasibility of the method is demonstrated by experiments conducted using marine deposited clay. The measured values of the soil-water diffusivity are found comparable to reported experimental data.
Sufficient conditions for bounded point evaluations

A geometric condition for the existence of bounded evaluations is given. Using this criterion for sets of finite perimeter, it is shown that P2(wdm2) has analytic bounded point evaluations, when w is of bounded variation with compact support. This theorem is then related to previous work on bounded point evaluations.
Acute bilateral renal artery occlusion. Revascularization with the splenic artery.

• Although acute renal artery occlusion usually leads to kidney necrosis, preexisting collateral vessels may occasionally preserve the organ long enough to permit revascularization. This principle was demonstrated in a patient in whom bilateral acute renal artery occlusion developed following repair of an aortoduodenal fistula. Approach to the aorta for primary revascularization was interdicted by extensive scarring. Accordingly, bilateral renal artery revascularization was successfully effected with the use of the splenic artery and reversed saphenous vein grafts through extra-anatomic planes. This experience demonstrates the importance of an aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach to acute renal artery occlusion, as well as the usefulness of the large-caliber, lengthy, disease-free, dispensable splenic artery as a revascularization source. (Arch Surg1981;116:1232-1235)
The All Particle Monte Carlo Method: 1990 Status Report

Abstract Development of the All Particle Method, a project to simulate the transport of particles via the Monte Carlo method, has proceeded on two fronts: data collection and algorithm development. In this paper we report on the status of both these aspects. The data collection is nearly complete with the addition of electron and atomic data libraries and a newly revised photon library to the existing neutron and charged particle libraries. We describe the basic organization of the Monte Carlo computer code that will actually perform the simulation. Algorithm development has proceeded less quickly than the data portion of the project. The new Response Matrix Monte Carlo method is summarized and some numerical results presented.
Transfer plate radioassay using cell monolayers to detect anti-cell surface antibodies synthesized by lymphocyte hybridomas.

Abstract A solid-phase [125I]Protein A radioassay for anti-cell surface antibodies is described, which employs target cell monolayers cultured on fenestrated polyvinyl chloride 96-well plates (‘transfer plates’). The calibrated aperture in the bottom of each well is small enough to retain fluid contents by surface tension during monolayer growth, but also permits fluid to enter the wells when transfer plates are lowered into receptacles containing washing buffer or test sera. To assay for antibodies directed against target cell surface antigens, transfer plates bearing monolayers are inserted into microculture plates with corresponding 96-well geometry, thereby simultaneously sampling 96 wells. This assay allows rapid screening of hundreds of hybrid cell colonies for production of antibodies with desired tissue specificity.
Metal Oxide Semiconductor Technology Scaling Issues And Their Relation To Submicron Lithography

This paper examines the impact of submicron metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) integrated circuit technology on submicron lithography, and contrasts the lithography picture today with that for submicron features. A considerably larger number of factors must be dealt with rigorously because they either do not scale with decreasing dimensions or they do not lend themselves easily to more rigid control so that it has become disproportionately difficult to reduce their effect. In addition to the lithography issues, other serious device technology limitations arise at submicron dimensions. These have to do with device isolation, gate insulation, parasitic resistance and capacitance, interconnectivity, particle-induced upset, and hot electron effects. These issues must also be successfully resolved if submicron dimensions are to be successfully exploited in submicron integrated circuits.
Pharmacokinetics of ketoprofen in healthy horses and horses with acute synovitis

The pharmacokinetic properties of a single intravenous dose of ketoprofen (2.2 mg/kg) in plasma and synovial fluid were compared in four healthy animals and four horses with experimentally induced acute synovitis. Synovitis was induced by the injection of a 1% solution of sterile carrageenan into the left intercarpal joint. Ketoprofen was administered at the same time as carrageenan infection. The plasma disposition followed a biexponential equation or a two-compartment model in most horses. The plasma harmonic mean half-life in healthy horses (0.88 h) was longer than in horses with synovitis (0.55 h). Synovial fluid concentrations of ketoprofen in healthy horses approximated those in plasma by 3 h post-dose. In horses with synovitis, synovial fluid concentrations approximated plasma concentrations by 1 h. Synovial fluid concentrations of ketoprofen in horses with synovitis were 6.5 times higher than those in healthy horses at 1 h. The area under the synovial fluid concentration curve for horses with synovitis was greater than in healthy horses. These data suggest that the inflamed joint serves as a site of sequestration for ketoprofen. Furthermore, these results indicate that plasma pharmacokinetics may be altered by inflammation in a peripheral compartments such as the joint.
The effects of SNAP and WIC programs on nutrient intakes of children

Abstract Nutritional effects of participation by young children in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) in the United States are investigated. A system of nutrient equations with dual endogenous programs is estimated by the maximum-likelihood procedure. WIC is found to increase the intakes of three of the four important nutrients for WIC children, including iron, potassium, and fiber. SNAP only has a small and negative effect on fiber intake. The additional benefit of SNAP participation is non-existent given participation in WIC.
On real-time scheduling policies for flexible manufacturing systems

The authors consider a model proposed by J.R. Perkins and P.R. Kumar (ibid., vol.34, no.2, pp. 139-148, Feb. 1989) for real-time control of flexible manufacturing systems. In this model, a machine can process a finite number of part types at specified rates, but only one part type can be processed at any given time. To process multiple part types, the machine uses a feedback rule to switch, from time to time, from one part type to another. Such switches incur a setup time of delta time units during which no parts are processed. By introducing the notion of idling, the authors derive a lower bound on the performance, as measured by average buffer size, of any stable feedback scheduling policy for a single machine. >
Uranium(VI) reduction by Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans strain 2CP-C

Previous studies demonstrated growth of Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans strain 2CP-C with acetate or hydrogen as the electron donor and Fe(III), nitrate, nitrite, fumarate, oxygen, or ortho-substituted halophenols as electron acceptors. In this study, we explored and characterized U(VI) reduction by strain 2CP-C. Cell suspensions of fumarate-grown 2CP-C cells reduced U(VI) to U(IV). More-detailed growth studies demonstrated that hydrogen was the required electron donor for U(VI) reduction and could not be replaced by acetate. The addition of nitrate to U(VI)-reducing cultures resulted in a transitory increase in U(VI) concentration, apparently caused by the reoxidation of reduced U(IV), but U(VI) reduction resumed following the consumption of N-oxyanions. Inhibition of U(VI) reduction occurred in cultures amended with Fe(III) citrate, or citrate. In the presence of amorphous Fe(III) oxide, U(VI) reduction proceeded to completion but the U(VI) reduction rates decreased threefold compared to control cultures. Fumarate and 2-chlorophenol had no inhibitory effects on U(VI) reduction, and both electron acceptors were consumed concomitantly with U(VI). Since cocontaminants (e.g., nitrate, halogenated compounds) and bioavailable ferric iron are often encountered at uranium-impacted sites, the metabolic versatility makes Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans a promising model organism for studying the complex interaction of multiple electron acceptors in U(VI) reduction and immobilization.
A tyrosine-phosphorylated 12-amino-acid sequence of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Tir binds the host adaptor protein Nck and is required for Nck localization to actin pedestals.

Summary Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) each promote the reorganization of actin into filamentous pedestal structures beneath attached bacteria during colonization of the intestinal epithelium. Central to this process is the translocation of the protein Tir (translocated intimin receptor) into the plasma membrane of host cells, where it interacts with the bacterial outer membrane protein intimin and triggers cellular signalling events that lead to actin rearrangement. Actin signalling by EPEC Tir requires a tyrosine residue, Y474, which is phosphorylated in the host cell. In contrast, EHEC Tir lacks this residue and generates pedestals independently of tyrosine phosphorylation. Consistent with this difference, recent work indicates that EHEC Tir cannot functionally replace EPEC Tir. To identify the role that tyrosine phosphorylation of EPEC Tir plays in actin signalling, we generated chimeric EHEC/EPEC Tir proteins and identified a 12residue sequence of EPEC Tir containing Y474 that confers actin-signalling capabilities to EHEC Tir when the chimera is expressed in EPEC. Nck, a mammalian adaptor protein that has been implicated in the initiation of actin signalling, binds to this sequence in a Y474 phosphorylation-dependent manner and is recruited to the pedestals of EPEC, but not of EHEC.
Analysis of stunter1, a Maize Mutant with Reduced Gametophyte Size and Maternal Effects on Seed Development

Many higher eukaryotes have evolved strategies for the maternal control of growth and development of their offspring. In higher plants this is achieved in part by postmeiotic gene activity controlling the development of the haploid female gametophyte. stunter1 (stt1) is a novel, recessive, maternal effect mutant in maize that displays viable, miniature kernels. Maternal inheritance of stt1 results in seeds with reduced but otherwise normal endosperms and embryos. The stt1 mutation displays reduced transmission through the male and female parents and causes significant changes in the sizes of both male and female gametophytes. stt1 pollen grains are smaller than wild type, have reduced germination efficiency, and reduced pollen tube growth. stt1 embryo sacs have smaller central cells and abnormal antipodal cells that are larger, more vacuolated, and fewer in number than wild type. Embryos and endosperms produced by fertilization of stt1 embryo sacs develop and grow more slowly than wild type. The data suggest that the morphology of mutant embryo sacs influences endosperm development, leading to the production of miniature kernels in stt1. Analysis of seeds carrying a mutant maternal allele of stt1 over a deletion of the paternal allele demonstrates that both parental alleles are active after fertilization in both the endosperm and embryo. This analysis also indicates that embryo development until the globular stage in maize can proceed without endosperm development and is likely supported directly by the diploid mother plant.
LAND TAXATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

oped, demonstrate that property as a tax base is related to something more than the importance of agriculture in a nation's economic base. The property tax, which has enjoyed its greatest development in the United States, was an expression of the political and economic beliefs and realities of the nation just as was the (Gabelle), the famous salt tax which formed a basic portion of the revenue system of the Ancient Regime in France and the Manchu and more ancient em-
Tests of dorsolateral frontal function correlate with objective tests of postural stability in early to moderate stage Parkinson’s disease

A substantial number of individuals with Parkinson’s disease who display impaired postural stability experience accelerated cognitive decline and an increased prevalence of dementia. To date, studies suggest that this relationship, believed to be due to involvement of nondopaminergic circuitry, occurs later in the disease process. Research has yet to adequately investigate this cognitive-posturomotor relationship especially when examining earlier disease states. To gain greater understanding of the relationship between postural stability and cognitive function/dysfunction we evaluated a more stringent, objective measure of postural stability (center of pressure displacement), and also more specific measures of cognition in twenty-two patients with early to moderate stage Parkinson’s disease. The magnitude of the center of pressure displacement in this cohort was negatively correlated with performance on tests known to activate dorsolateral frontal regions. Additionally, the postural stability item of the UPDRS exhibited poor correlation with the more objective measure of center of pressure displacement and all specific measures of cognition. These results may serve as rationale for a more thorough evaluation of postural stability and cognition especially in individuals with mild Parkinson’s disease. Greater understanding of the relationship between motor and cognitive processes in Parkinson’s disease will be critical for understanding the disease process and its potential therapeutic possibilities.
Age-Dependent Demographic Rates of the Bioenergy Crop Miscanthus × giganteus in Illinois

Abstract Some plants being considered as bioenergy crops share traits with invasive species and have histories of spreading outside of their native ranges, highlighting the importance of evaluating the invasive potential before the establishment of large-scale plantings. The Asian grass Miscanthus × giganteus is currently being planted as a bioenergy crop in the north central region of the United States. Our goal was to understand the demographic rates and vegetative spread of this species in unmanaged arable lands in Illinois to compare with those of large-statured invasive grasses (LSIGs). We collected data from 13 M. × giganteus plantings in Illinois, ranging in age from 1 to 7 yr, recording tiller number, plant spatial extent, spikelet production, and plant survival over 4 yr. Additionally, to understand recruitment potential, we conducted a greenhouse germination experiment, and, to estimate establishment from rhizome fragments, field trials were performed. Miscanthus × giganteus demographic rates we...
Mechanisms of Improvement of Fracture Strength in Laser‐Surface‐Modified Ceramics

Three mechanisms of improvement in fracture strength of laser-surface-modified ceramic materials are proposed to explain the experimental observations of more than 50% increase in fracture strength. First, the improvement in fracture strength by about 50% is considered to arise from either a complete or partial closure of crack surfaces at the interface of the laser-modified overlayer. The second mechanism of improvement in fracture strength is derived from the physical displacement of the crack tip away from the free surface when a laser-modified layer is introduced. Thus, the critical crack size, defined as a crack that propagates with decreasing energy, is increased almost 100%. The third mechanism is based upon the compressive stresses introduced in the laser-modified region. The fast cooling rates attained after laser irradiation are responsible for development of regions of compressive internal stresses. These sources of improvement in fracture strength are analyzed and the results of the calculations compared with experimental results.