cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tissue-Specific Differences in Activation of Atypical Protein Kinase C and Protein Kinase B in Muscle, Liver, and Adipocytes of Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 Knockout Mice

Insulin receptor substrates (IRSs) 1 and 2 are postulated to control the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-dependent signaling factors, namely, atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) and protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt, which mediate metabolic effects of insulin. However, it is uncertain whether aPKC and PKB are activated together or differentially in response to IRS-1 and IRS-2 activation in insulin-sensitive tissues. Presently, we examined insulin activation of aPKC and PKB in vastus lateralis muscle, adipocytes, and liver in wild-type and IRS-1 knockout mice, and observed striking tissue-specific differences. In muscle of IRS-1 knockout mice, the activation of both aPKC and PKB was markedly diminished. In marked contrast, only aPKC activation was diminished in adipocytes, and only PKB activation was diminished in liver. These results suggest that IRS-1 is required for: 1) activation of both aPKC and PKB in muscle; 2) aPKC, but not PKB, activation in adipocytes; and 3) PKB, but not aPKC, activation in liver. Presumably, IRS-2 or other PI3K activators account for the normal activation of aPKC in liver and PKB in adipocytes of IRS-1 knockout mice. These complexities in aPKC and PKB activation may be relevant to metabolic abnormalities seen in tissues in which IRS-1 or IRS-2 is specifically or predominantly down-regulated.
Cleavage of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase by Interleukin-1β Converting Enzyme and Its Homologs TX and Nedd-2

The proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an early biochemical event, which occurs during apoptosis. A recent study suggested that PARP cleavage can be mediated by a novel cytosolic protease (prICE) that resembles interleukin-1β converting enzyme (ICE), but cannot be mediated by ICE itself (Lazebnik, Y. A., Kaufmann, S. H., Desnoyers, S., Poirier, G. G., and Earnshaw, W. C.(1994) Nature 371, 346-347). We have used a COS cell co-transfection assay to investigate if ICE or any known ICE-like protease is active in PARP cleavage within the cell. Here we report that co-expression of human PARP with human ICE, or the ICE homologs TX and Nedd-2, resulted in a cleavage of PARP identical to that observed in apoptotic cells. Experiments with purified recombinant human ICE indicated that PARP polypeptide can be specifically cleaved in vitro by ICE in a time- and enzyme concentration-dependent manner. PARP cleavage, however, requires a 50-100-fold higher ICE concentration than does processing of the interleukin-1β precursor at an equivalent substrate concentration. The abilities of ICE, TX, and Nedd-2, when expressed at high intracellular concentrations, to cleave PARP are consistent with their induction of apoptosis in transfected cells.
The Men's Stress Workshop: A Gender-Sensitive Treatment for Depressed Men

Abstract Over 10% of men will meet lifetime criteria for major depressive disorder, yet men often are unwilling to enter treatment, and have more negative attitudes toward therapy than do depressed women. The Men's Stress Workshop was developed as a gender-sensitive group therapy protocol for men that explicitly addresses the role of masculine norms in the treatment of depressive symptoms. In this article we: (a) provide an overview of the model that serves as the conceptual foundation for the workshop; (b) outline the major treatment components and hypothesized change mechanisms for the workshop; and (c) describe the research design and treatment development. Case material is presented to illustrate the treatment content and format.
Determination of bilayer membrane bending stiffness by tether formation from giant, thin-walled vesicles.

The curvature elastic modulus (bending stiffness) of stearoyloleoyl phosphatidylcholine (SOPC) bilayer membrane is determined from membrane tether formation experiments. R. E. Waugh and R. M. Hochmuth 1987. Biophys. J. 52:391–400) have shown that the radius of a bilayer cylinder (tether) is inversely related to the force supported along its axis. The coefficient that relates the axial force on the tether to the tether radius is the membrane bending stiffness. Thus, the bending stiffness can be calculated directly from measurements of the tether radius as a function of force. Giant (10–50-microns diam) thin-walled vesicles were aspirated into a micropipette and a tether was pulled out of the surface by gravitational forces on small glass beads that had adhered to the vesicle surface. Because the vesicle keeps constant surface area and volume, formation of the tether requires displacement of material from the projection of the vesicle in the pipette. Tethers can be made to grow longer or shorter or to maintain equilibrium by adjusting the aspiration pressure in the micropipette at constant tether force. The ratio of the change in the length of the tether to the change in the projection length is proportional to the ratio of the pipette radius to the tether radius. Thus, knowing the density and diameter of the glass beads and measuring the displacement of the projection as a function of tether length, independent determinations of the force on the tether and the tether radius were obtained. The bending stiffness for an SOPC bilayer obtained from these data is approximately 2.0 x 10(-12) dyn cm, for tether radii in the range of 20–100 nm.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Characterization and application of deep Si trench etching

ABSTRACTA commercially available electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) etcher has been used todevelop deep silicon trench etch processes using SF6-02 chemistries. It was found that theetch rate depends primarily on the delivery of reactant. Aspect ratio dependent etching (ARDE) is more evident in this chemistry than it is in chlorine-based chemistries.Selectivity of the silicon etch rate to the silicon dioxide mask etch rate is determined mostly by the influence of etch power on the silicon dioxide etch rate. Etch anisotropy isdetermined mostly by temperature and the 02 to SF6 ratio. The high degree of anisotropyattainable under conditions of low temperature and high 02 ratio must be balanced againstthe problem of micromasking which is also favored by these conditions. Deep silicontrench etching has the potential to have a major impact on micromachining. However, dueto the many interactions between numerous variables each etch process must be tailored tothe individual application.Key words: trench etching, micromachining, ECR, SF6-02INTRODUCTIONDeep silicon etch technologies have the potential to strongly impact micromachining.Most work in this area reported in the literature has been done with research tools, or withvery large features (see for example I 2.) We have used a commercially available HitachiM-3 18OEX etcher to pattern features down to 0.5 micron. As will be seen below, we havefound that there are many parameters which must be traded off one against the other and ineach case the etch process must be tailored to the specific application.Chlorine-based chemistries are well understood, parameter-insensitive and relativelyresistant to aspect-ratio dependent etching (ARDE). However, the etch rates are relativelylow, -O.4 microns per minute. Oxygen-SF chemistries etch more rapidly, between 2 and10 microns per minute. However, the interaction between the process variables is more
Advising: Small Wins in Institutional Development.

Are tlicsc propo.sitio~is problems or wahful thinking; what happcrls wllc~i wc c~ilcrtain such notions? Karl Weick rwe~ltly published an article that is vcry useful in this rcgard.l He suggests that people onen delinc social problems in ways that ovcnvlicki their ability to do anything about thcm. That is. the problem isexperienced as such a ~nassivc undertaking that the resulting arousal, or anxiety, disarms or disables the potential probleni-solvcr. When wid problenis arc dcscriW this way, the cffoll to convey their gravity undcmiinc\ Ihc very rcwurcn for tl~ouglit iultl actio~i ~ii'cr~sary to cllvige them.
Diffusion of hydrogen and deuterium on the (110) plane of tungsten

The diffusion of hydrogen and deuterium and of mixtures of these isotopes on the (110) plane of tungsten has been studied by the field-emission-fluctuation method as a function of coverage $\ensuremath{\theta}$ and $T$ It was possible to show that the results in this system are not influenced by the applied field required for emission. Thermally activated diffusion was found for $Tg130\ensuremath{-}160$ K, depending on the isotope and $\ensuremath{\theta}$, with activation energies of 4-5.3 kcal/mole for $^{1}\mathrm{H}$ (increasing with $\ensuremath{\theta}$) and marginally but consistently higher values for $^{2}\mathrm{H}$. Below these temperatures tunneling set in quite abruptly for $^{1}\mathrm{H}$, and somewhat more gradually for $^{2}\mathrm{H}$. Values of ${D}_{\mathrm{tun}}$ ranged from 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ to ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}12}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec depending on $\ensuremath{\theta}$, for $^{1}\mathrm{H}$, and from 1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ to 3.6\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}13}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/sec for $^{2}\mathrm{H}$. The relatively small differences in ${D}_{\mathrm{tun}}$ for $^{1}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{2}\mathrm{H}$ suggest that the tunneling barriers are quite narrow, and these are postulated to correspond to the "necks" between adjacent W atoms. The binding site is postulated to be a long narrow well, corresponding to the "hour-glass"-shaped region between the next nearest W atoms. In the thermally activated regime $D$ increases by over 6 orders of magnitude (at constant $T$) as $\ensuremath{\theta}$ increases from 0.1 to 0.9 for $^{2}\mathrm{H}$. A less drastic increase is also found for $^{1}\mathrm{H}$. The behavior of $^{2}\mathrm{H}$ is tentatively explained by assuming that chemisorbed $^{2}\mathrm{H}$ atoms behave classically, and chemisorbed $^{1}\mathrm{H}$ atoms like fermions, electron spins averaging to 0, so that collisions among adsorbed atoms, leading to very long effective mean free paths are possible at high $\ensuremath{\theta}$ for $^{2}\mathrm{H}$ but not $^{1}\mathrm{H}$. Evidence for a phase transition, occurring at 80-90 K depending on $\ensuremath{\theta}$, was found for both $^{1}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{2}\mathrm{H}$ from an oscillation in the mean-square fluctuation and a corresponding dip in $D$. It could be shown from supercooling and superheating experiments that the transition is of first order. Evidence of a segregation of $^{1}\mathrm{H}$ and $^{2}\mathrm{H}$ at \ensuremath{\sim}130 K in the case of mixtures at high $\ensuremath{\theta}$ is also presented.
Accelerated interleaflet transport of phosphatidylcholine molecules in membranes under deformation

Biological membranes are lamellar structures composed of two leaflets capable of supporting different mechanical stresses. Stress differences between leaflets were generated during micromechanical experiments in which long thin tubes of lipid (tethers) were formed from the surfaces of giant phospholipid vesicles. A recent dynamic analysis of this experiment predicts the relaxation of local differences in leaflet stress by lateral slip between the leaflets. Differential stress may also relax by interleaflet transport of lipid molecules ("flip-flop"). In this report, we extend the former analysis to include interleaflet lipid transport. We show that transmembrane lipid flux will evidence itself as a linear increase in tether length with time after a step reduction in membrane tension. Multiple measurements were performed on 24 different vesicles composed of stearoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine plus 3% dinitrophenol-linked di-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine. These tethers all exhibited a linear phase of growth with a mean value of the rate of interlayer permeation, cp = 0.009 s-1. This corresponds to a half-time of approximately 8 min for mechanically driven interleaflet transport. This value is found to be consistent with longer times obtained for chemically driven transport if the lipids cross the membrane via transient, localized defects in the bilayer.
Chamber Core Structures for Fairing Acoustic Mitigation

Abstract : The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory is pursuing an innovative composite structure design called chamber core for constructing launch vehicle payload fairings. A composite chamber core fairing consists of many axial tubes sandwiched between face sheets, tubes that can be used as acoustic dampers to reduce low-frequency interior noise with virtually no added mass. This paper presents the results of experimental studies of noise transmission through a 1.51 m diameter x 1.42 m tall chamber core cylinder. It was tested in a semireverberant acoustics laboratory using band-limited random noise at sound pressure levels up to 110 dB. The bare cylinder provided approximately 12.7 dB of attenuation over the 0-500 Hz bandwidth and 15.3 dB over 0-2000 Hz. The noise reduction increased to over 18 dB for both bandwidths with the axial tubes acting as acoustic dampers. Narrowband reductions in excess of 15 dB were measured around specific acoustic resonances. This was accomplished with virtually no added mass to the composite cylinder. Results were compared with the performance provided by a 2.5 cm acoustic blanket treatment. The acoustic dampers were as effective as the acoustic blanket at low frequency, but not at higher frequencies. The acoustic dampers were better able to couple with and damp the low-frequency acoustic modes. Together, the acoustic blanket and dampers provided over 10 dB more noise reduction over the 2000 Hz bandwidth than the bare cylinder.
Gender and energy balance: Sex differences in adaptations for feast and famine

According to this theory/review, the cross-culturally common finding of more women than men among the obese is at least in part a consequence of sex differences in evolutionary selection pressure. James and Trayhurn claim that the propensity to obesity is linked to th ability to survive a fast and both may involve reduced heat production. The present theory extends this relationship to sex differences in energy balance. According to the theory proposed here, mammalian females were subjected to more severe selection pressures during times of short food supply than males were and hence females were under more pressure to evolve mechanisms to facilitate survival during famine, which led to sex differences in obesity. The data relevant to sex differences in starvation survival, obesity and heat production, and the possible evolutionary roles and implications of sex differences in chromosomes and in organizational and activational sex hormones are reviewed. The conclusion is that evolution has created a linkage between sex chromosomes, hormones and energy balance, and this linkage is at least in part responsible for the greater resistance of the female to famine and for her greater tendency to become obese in times of feast.
Theory of the Trapped Dielectron

The theory of the trapped dielectron in polar media is developed on the basis of the continuous dielectric model. The theory leads to a remarkably simple criterion for the energetic stability of the dielectron. Application is made to the calculation of the electronic properties of the trapped dielectron in aqueous systems. The transition energies calculated with low static dielectric constants are in the right energy region as compared to the absorption spectrum observed at low temperature.
Intrapreoptic injection of the prostacyclin metabolite, 6-keto-PGE1, produces pyrexia in the cat

Abstract 6-keto-prostaglandin E1 (6-k-PGE1) Is a metabolite formed from prostacyclin (PG12) in platelet, blood vessel, kidney and liver preparations (5). It Is a potent agonlst in a number of peripheral test systems, producing effects which closely resemble those of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) (1). Whether 6-k-PGE1 has effects on the central nervous system is unknown. However, other prostaglandins of the E series (PGE1, PGE2) are strongly pyrogenic when Injected into or near the anterior hypothalamic/preoptic (AH/PO) region of the brain (2).It seemed possible, therefore, that 6-k-PGE1 might have a similar activity. We report here the effect on body temperature of bilateral injection of 6-k-PGE1 into the AH/PO region of conscious cats. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was used as a reference compound.
The impedance of a curved surface

Abstract We obtain the impedance boundary condition for the electromagnetic field at a two-dimensional curved boundary between vacuum and a metal, as an expansion in powers of d(ω)|( 1 R min )−( 1 R max )| , where d (ω) is the skin depth of the metal at the frequency ω of the electromagnetic field and R min , R max are the extremal radii of curvature of the surface at the point where the impedance is calculated. The first two terms in this expansion are given and the condition under which the result is valid are discussed.
Molecular structure as a blueprint for supramolecular structure chemistry in confined spaces

Edited by Jack Halpern, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (received for review March 17, 2005)
A Survey of Computational Paradigms in Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Education

Undergraduate mechanical engineering programs in the United States were surveyed to determine the usage of structured programming languages (such as C or FORTRAN) versus the use of computational software systems (such as Matlab or Mathcad). A survey form was e-mailed to all mechanical engineering programs. The survey form was used to determine the following: (1) programming courses required, (2) use of structured programming in mechanical engineering curricula, (3) use of computational systems in mechanical engineering curricula, (4) junior-level analysis courses required, and (5) computer ownership requirements. Seventy-four responses, representing a good cross section (size, research mission, and geographical location) of mechanical engineering programs were received. The survey showed that about three-fourths required at least one course in a structured programming language but that only about one-third of the programs requiring a formal programming course used structured programming in two or more required courses. More than three-fourths of all programs used computational systems such as Matlab or Mathcad, and about the same number required a junior-level analysis course. Thirteen of the seventy-four mechanical engineering programs that responded to the survey required students to own computers.
Dilemmas of Blood Pressure Management for Heart Failure Prevention

More than 5.5 million individuals in the United States have heart failure (HF), more than a half-million individuals are diagnosed annually, and more than 1 million HF hospitalizations occur yearly.1 Outcomes remain poor, with approximately 50% of patients dying within 5 years of diagnosis.2 These trends will worsen when aging of the 78 million baby boomers will result in 1 in 5 Americans to be over the age of 65 years by the year 2050.3 HF incidence and prevalence are highest in the elderly. Incidence rate is 10 per 1000 individuals after age 65 years, and 80% of patients hospitalized with HF are over 65 years of age.1 A recent statement from the American Heart Association suggests that if the current trend continues, then by 2030 HF prevalence will increase by 25%, as opposed to 16.6% and 9.9% increase in coronary heart disease and hypertension, respectively, leading to a rise in estimated direct and indirect cost of care to 95 billion dollars annually.4 These trends underscore the importance of population-based strategies to prevent HF. Patient 1 was a 66-year-old woman with a body mass index of 24, who was examined at a routine annual visit to her primary care physician. Her blood pressure was 148/94 mm Hg after 5 minutes in sitting position. She did not have diabetes mellitus or history of cardiovascular (CV) disease, and she did not smoke. Her routine laboratory tests were unremarkable, including normal renal function. She was asymptomatic. Patient 2 was a 74-year-old man with a body mass index of 32, who was examined at a routine clinic visit to his cardiologist. His blood pressure was 148/94 mm Hg after 5 minutes in sitting position. He did not have diabetes mellitus. He had a history of non–Q-wave myocardial infarction 3 …
Uniform calibration of night vision goggles and test sets

There are orders of magnitude differences between the ~0.1 % ( k =2) uncertainty of NIST reference detector calibrations and the uncertainty of night vision (NV) goggle measurements. NIST developed a night vision radiometer calibration facility including NV radiometer transfer standards. The transfer standards, that propagate the radiance responsivity scale to the military primary standards laboratories, are calibrated against a NIST reference radiometer. The reference radiometer has been calibrated on the NIST Spectral Comparator Facility (SCF) for spectral power and irradiance responsivities. Spectral considerations are discussed to lower the uncertainties of the radiance responsivity scale transfer to the test sets and then to the goggles. Since direct determination of the final uncertainties in goggle calibrations and measurements is difficult, models have been made to estimate the most important uncertainty components based on individual spectral measurements of the applied source distributions and radiometer spectral responsivities. It is also shown, that because of source spectral mismatch problems, the goggle measurement uncertainty at applications can be much higher than at calibration. A suggestion is being made to mimic the no-moon (stars only) night sky radiation distribution using several LEDs in the test-sets to decrease the large spectral mismatch errors. A broad-band correction factor has been developed to further decrease calibration uncertainty when the goggles to be used have different spectral responsivities than the standard. Geometrical considerations to optimize the radiance measurement angle and the out-of-target blocking are also discussed to decrease the uncertainty in the radiance responsivity transfer.
Bystander Involvement in Peer Victimization: The Value of Looking beyond Aggressors and Victims.

Peer victimization has been a focus of both research and prevention program development. This construct is typically measured from the victim and aggressor perspectives. However, prevention programming often includes an additional bystander perspective. The present study evaluated whether questions regarding witnessing peer victimization constitute a unique perspective. Sixth graders receiving a bullying prevention program were surveyed regarding peer victimization from the victim, aggressor, and bystander perspectives. Factor analyses showed that items from the bystander perspective constituted a unique factor. Given the potential role of bystanders in addressing peer victimization, the bystander perspective should be included in future research and evaluation.
Training practicing software engineers of Texas Instruments

Abstract Much has been written about software engineering programs from the viewpoint of the academician, but do these programs really reflect the need of industry? This paper provides some insight into the needs of practicing software engineers at Texas Instruments who are developing software according to military specifications and requirements for embedded real-time systems. The needs of our environment are compared to the entering skills of a typical newhire, with the differences noted. These differences can be satisfied by internal training that covers all aspects of software engineering, from communicating with co-workers to understanding the system life cycle.
Stable H/sub 2/-optimal controller synthesis

This paper considers fixed-structure stable H/sub 2/-optimal controller synthesis using a multiobjective optimization technique. The problem is presented in a decentralized static output feedback framework developed for fixed-structure dynamic controller synthesis. A quasi-Newton/continuation algorithm is used to compute solutions to the necessary conditions. To demonstrate the approach, a numerical example is considered, which consists of a second-order spring-mass-damper system pulled from the stable stabilization literature. The results are then compared with other methods of stable compensator synthesis.
How the location of superoxide generation influences the β-cell response to nitric oxide

Cytokines impair the function and decrease the viability of insulin-producing β-cells by a pathway that requires the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and generation of high levels of nitric oxide. In addition to nitric oxide, excessive formation of reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, has been shown to cause β-cell damage. Although the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide results in the formation of peroxynitrite, we have shown that β-cells do not have the capacity to produce this powerful oxidant in response to cytokines. When β-cells are forced to generate peroxynitrite using nitric oxide donors and superoxide-generating redox cycling agents, superoxide scavenges nitric oxide and prevents the inhibitory and destructive actions of nitric oxide on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and β-cell viability. In this study, we show that the β-cell response to nitric oxide is regulated by the location of superoxide generation. Nitric oxide freely diffuses through cell membranes, and it reacts with superoxide produced within cells and in the extracellular space, generating peroxynitrite. However, only when it is produced within cells does superoxide attenuate nitric oxide-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, gene expression, and toxicity. These findings suggest that the location of radical generation and the site of radical reactions are key determinants in the functional response of β-cells to reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species. Although nitric oxide is freely diffusible, its biological function can be controlled by the local generation of superoxide, such that when this reaction occurs within β-cells, superoxide protects β-cells by scavenging nitric oxide.
Metabolic fate of benzylalanine

Abstract The metabolism of dl -benzylalanine has been followed in vivo and in vitro . Benzylalanine is not significantly decarboxylated or hydroxylated. The major catabolic pathway in the mammalian organism is via transamination to benzoic acid. The similarity of the metabolism of phenylalanine in phenylketonuric individuals and that of benzylalanine in rats has been discussed in the light of experimental induction of phenylketonuria.
The Teleradiology Field Demonstration

The MITRE Corporation has designed a system for gathering, storing, transmitting over telephone lines, subsequent restoring and recalling radiological cases consisting of multiple images and textual case data. This system has been implemented at four satellite sites and one central reading site. An evaluation is being conducted to determine the accuracy, reliability, user acceptance, and utility of the system. This paper describes the context of the demonstration, describes the system operation and its principal components, emphasizing the technical characteristics of image gathering, processing, transmission, storage and display.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Rate of excretion of ammonia by the hard clam Mercenaria mercenaria and the American oyster Crassostrea virginica

Two species of bivalve molluscs, Mercenaria mercenaria Linne and Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, were maintained in an identical laboratory environment and fed the same diet for 1 month prior to measuring the quantity of ammonia which they excreted per gram dry weight. Data derived from juveniles and adults of these species were fitted to a log-log equation. M. mercenaria excreted more ammonia per gram body weight than C. virginica, and considerably more scatter is evident in the fit of the data from M. mercenaria to the log-log relationship. Experiments showed that neither temperature fluctuation during the experiments nor decomposition of organic nitrogen in the test water account for the scatter of points. Behavioral differences between the two species of organisms may explain these differences.
Acetone, ab initio calculations☆

Abstract Ab initio calculations on acetone using a 5,2,2 (contracted to 3,1,1:1 for carbon and oxygen, and 1 for hydrogen) Gaussian basis set gives a molecular energy of - 190·68162 Hartrees. The methyls have hydrogen eclipsing oxygen in the ground state. The rotational barrier is 0·99 kcal/mole.
Volume loss and defluidization history of Barbados

A history of pore volume loss and defluidization of accreted sediments of the basal complex of Barbados island is presented. The structural evolution of the basal complex and evidence for past and present volumetric changes are addressed by examining varied phenomena, with emphasis on porosity-depth data. The empirical findings are used to consider questions such as the position-age profile of pore volume loss relative to other deformation components in the growing prism and the type of loading that principally caused pore volume loss.
Absence of food-aversion learning by a polyphagous scarab, Popillia japonica, following intoxication by geranium, Pelargonium × hortorum

It is commonly held that food-aversion learning should be more prevalent in polyphagous herbivores than in specialists. We tested the ability of Popillia japonica, a polyphagous scarab, to learn avoidance of a palatable but illness-inducing plant. Beetles that feed on flowers of geranium, Pelargonium × hortorum, became paralyzed, although most recovered within 24 h. In choice tests, naive beetles strongly preferred geranium petals over leaves of linden, Tilia cordata, a highly suitable host. Experienced beetles maintained this preference although it resulted in repeated bouts of paralysis. Fecundity was >10 times higher for beetles fed linden foliage for 2 wk than for those fed only geranium. Nevertheless, when a surplus of both foods was provided, the beetles fed mainly on geranium, resulting in greatly reduced fecundity. These results contradict the view that generalists should show propensity for food-aversion learning. Indeed, in this case, P. japonica continued to prefer the toxic plant, compromising its fitness.
Evidence of Soft-Mode Quantum Phase Transitions in Electron Double Layers

Inelastic light scattering by low-energy spin-excitations reveals three distinct configurations of spin of electron double layers in gallium arsenide quantum wells at even-integer quantum Hall states. The transformations among these spin states appear as quantum phase transitions driven by the interplay between Coulomb interactions and Zeeman splittings. One of the transformations correlates with the emergence of a spin-flip intersubband excitation at vanishingly low energy and provides direct evidence of a link between quantum phase transitions and soft collective excitations in a two-dimensional electron system.
Combined spinal-epidural analgesia for labor in a patient with Marfan’s syndrome

We report the management of a patient with Marfan's syndrome for labor analgesia and vaginal delivery using a combined spinal-epidural technique. The rapid onset of analgesia for the first stage of labor provided by the intrathecal opioid, combined with the slow and controlled onset of sensory anesthesia and sympathetic block provided by the dilute epidural local anesthetic, may make this technique particularly useful for labor and delivery in patients with Marfan's syndrome.
Which Object Fits Best? Solving Matrix Completion Tasks with a Humanoid Robot

Matrix completion tasks commonly appear on intelligence tests. Each task consists of a grid of objects, with one missing, and a set of candidate objects. The job of the test taker is to pick the candidate object that best fits in the empty square in the matrix. In this paper we explore methods for a robot to solve matrix completion tasks that are posed using real objects instead of pictures of objects. Using several different ways to measure distances between objects, the robot detected patterns in each task and used them to select the best candidate object. When using all the information gathered from all sensory modalities and behaviors, and when using the best method for measuring the perceptual distances between objects, the robot was able to achieve 99.44% accuracy over the posed tasks. This shows that the general framework described in this paper is useful for solving matrix completion tasks.
An Alternative Method for Estimating Variance Components in Generalizability Theory

This study compares, using simulated data, two methods for estimating variance components in generalizability (G) studies. Traditionally variance components are estimated from an analysis of variance of sample data. The alternative method for estimating variance components is restricted maximum likelihood (REML). The results indicate that REML provides estimates for the components in the various designs that are closer to the true parameters than the estimates from analysis of variance.
A statistical analysis of microhardness data in boron softened Ni3Al

In a recent paper, the authors reported that the microhardness of stoichiometric Ni/sub 3/Al alloy could be lowered by the addition of boron. The lowering in hardness was observed both in grain interiors and on grain boundaries, indicating that under localized deformation boron could soften the material. Although the data are convincing, they only represent a random sample drawn from the population. For a more general conclusion, it is appropriate to make estimates about the population mean, ..mu.., and population standard deviation, sigma, by using statistical methods. Such an analysis is presented in this note. In particular, the 95% confidence intervals for ..mu.. and sigma are evaluated; the difference between the ..mu..'s of the boron-free and boron-doped alloys is estimated.
Use of capillary electrophoresis with laser‐induced fluorescence detection to assess messenger ribonucleic acid molecules amplified by the polymerase chain reaction: Applications in the cloning of cells

Progressive and selective degeneration of specific classes of neurons occurs in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Differential vulnerability in this disease is evident even within supopulations that synthesize and release acetylcholine as a transmitter; i.e., basal forebrain cholinergic neurons degenerate but other classes of cholinergic neurons are relatively preserved. The basis for this selective vulnerability is unknown. Studies of differential neuronal vulnerability in AD would be facilitated if cell lines expressing neurotransmitter-specific phenotypes could be cloned from the brain. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) with laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) has been shown to be a sensitive method of detection and quantitation of the DNA products of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CE/LIF was combined with the PCR to detect phenotypic messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, converted to cDNA using reverse transcriptase (RT), in cultures of virally immortalized brainstem progenitor cells produced during establishment of a cloning strategy. RT/PCR methods were developed for detection of the mRNAs for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the neuronal, constitutive isoform of nitric oxide synthase (c-NOS), and the growth-associated protein GAP-43, three genes known to be expressed in central cholinergic neurons. A "nondestructive" method of screening cultured cells for their expression of c-NOS was established using depolarization with medium containing 50 mM potassium ion. These approaches were first validated using cultured SN56 (cholinergic) and N1E-115 (c-NOS-positive) neuroblastoma cells, and with primary brainstem cultures. For the cloning of novel cell lines, progenitor cells were isolated from the embryonic day 13 fetal brainstem and were immortalized by transfection with a retroviral vector that confers a temperature-sensitive SV-40 transforming activity and neomycin resistance. Cell colonies surviving in G418-containing media were isolated and cloned by dilution. Clonal cultures were expanded by growth at 33 degrees C, differentiated by switching to a low-serum medium and growth at 39 degrees C, and screened for depolarization-induced accumulation of nitrite in the medium. The subset of putative c-NOS-positive clones (about 4%) were then screened for their expression of mRNAs using RT/PCR in combination with CE/LIF. This screening protocol proved to be powerful in the rapid isolation and phenotypic characterization of immortalized progenitor cells cloned from embryonic rat brainstem.
On the classification of some model equations for viscoelasticity

Abstract We classify and derive a canonical form for a linearization of the upper convected Maxwell model for steady viscoelastic fluid flow. We show that there are always two families of characteristic curves which follow the streamlines and across which the solution may be discontinuous. If the product of the Weissenberg number and the Reynolds number is greater than one, then two additional families of characteristic curves exist.
The breath of a flower: CO(2) adds another channel-and then some-to plant-pollinator interactions.

n this article I comment on our findings that floral carbon dioxide (CO2) can be used by Manduca sexta hawkmoths in a scale- and context-dependent fashion. We firstly found, in wind tunnel assays, that diffusing floral CO2 is used as long-distance cue (e.g. meters). Moths track CO2 plumes up-wind in the same manner they track floral odors. Nevertheless, CO2 did not appear to function as a local stimulus for flower probing, evidencing a scale-dependent role in nectar foraging. These results were further enriched by a second finding. In dual choice assays, where moths were offered two scented artificial flowers of which only one emitted above-ambient CO2-levels, female Manduca sexta chose to feed on the CO2 emitting flower only when host-plant volatiles were added to the background. We discuss this apparent measurement of oviposition obligations during foraging in the context of the life histories of both insect and plant species. These findings seem to pinpoint the usually artificial nature of compartmenta...
Purification and characterization of the human protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTPμ, from a baculovirus expression system

The receptor like PTPase, PTPμ, displays structural similarity in its extracellular segment to members of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. The full length form of PTPμ (200 kD) and a construct expressing only the intracellular PTPase domain-containing segment (80 kD) were expressed in the baculovirus/Sf9 cell system, purified and characterized. Full length PTPμ was membrane associated while the truncated form was recovered in the soluble fraction. PTPμ preferentially dephosphorylated a reduced carboxamidomethylated and maleylated derivative of lysozyme (RCML) over other tyrosine phosphorylated substrates such as myelin basic protein (MBP) or the syn thetic peptide EDNDYINASL. The enzymatic properties of the soluble, truncated form of the enzyme were examined in detail. The pH optimum was 7.5. It dephosphorylated RCML with a Km of 400 nM and a Vmax of 725 nmol/min/mg. This form of the enzyme was 2 fold more active than full length PTPμ. Trypsinization of the full length form inhibited activity. Vanadate and molybdate, potent tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors, abolished activity of the enzyme. Zn++ and Mn++ ions, polylysine, poly-glu/tyr, and spermine were also inhibitory. (Mol Cell Biochem 127/128: 131–141, 1993)
Technique to collect fungiform (taste) papillae from human tongue.

The sense of taste is critical for human life. It informs the body about the quality of food that will be potentially ingested and stimulates metabolic processes that prepare the alimentary canal for digestion. Steady progress is being made towards understanding the early biochemical and molecular events underlying taste transduction (for a review, Breslin and Spector, 20081). However, progress to date has largely resulted from animal models. Yet, since marked differences in receptor specificity and receptor density vary among species, human taste transduction will only be understood by using human taste tissue. Here we describe a biopsy technique to collect human fungiform papillae, visible as rounded pink anterior structures, about 0.5 mm in diameter that contain taste buds. These biopsied papillae are used for several purposes including the isolation of viable taste bud cells, in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and, through techniques of molecular biology, the identification of taste-specific novel proteins.
Screening for colorectal cancer with flexible sigmoidoscopy by nonphysician endoscopists

Abstract PURPOSE: Screening with sigmoidoscopy reduces the risk of death from colorectal cancer. Only 30% of eligible patients have undergone sigmoidoscopy, in part because of a limited supply of endoscopists. We evaluated the performance and safety of screening sigmoidoscopic examinations by trained nonphysician endoscopists in comparison with board-certified gastroenterologists. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Asymptomatic patients 50 years or older without evidence of fecal occult blood and no personal history or family history of a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer under age 55 years were offered sigmoidoscopy. All examinations were performed either by a gastroenterologist or a trained nonphysician endoscopist at a staff model health maintenance organization. Outcomes included the depth of examination, number and histology of polyps, and complications. RESULTS: Nonphysicians performed 2,323 sigmoidoscopic examinations, and physicians performed 1,378 examinations. The mean (±SD) depth of sigmoidoscopy examinations performed by nonphysicians was 52 ± 10 cm compared with 55 ± 9 cm ( P P = 0.35). No major complications occurred. The cost per examination, including the nonphysician training cost, was lower for nonphysicians ($186 per examination) than for physicians ($283 per examination). CONCLUSIONS: Appropriately trained nonphysicians may be capable of performing safe and effective screening for colorectal cancer with flexible sigmoidoscopy. An increased use of nonphysicians to perform sigmoidoscopy may increase the availability and reduce the cost of the procedure.
Idazoxan and response to typical neuroleptics in treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Comparison with the atypical neuroleptic, clozapine.

BACKGROUND We investigated whether antagonism of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors would augment treatment response in schizophrenia, by administering idazoxan, an alpha 2 antagonist drug, to treatment-resistant patients on typical neuroleptics. METHOD Seventeen hospitalised treatment-resistant patients with DSM-III-R schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were studied on typical neuroleptic treatment, on treatment with idazoxan plus typical neuroleptic, and after discontinuation of idazoxan, in fixed, non-random order, and under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions. RESULTS The addition of idazoxan to fluphenazine treatment resulted in significant reductions of global psychosis and total, positive and negative symptoms on the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, compared to neuroleptic treatment alone. Symptom improvement significantly correlated with idazoxan-induced changes in indices of noradrenergic function. In a subgroup of patients, idazoxan plus typical neuroleptic treatment compared favourably with clozapine treatment, when both were compared to typical neuroleptic treatment alone. CONCLUSIONS The antagonism of alpha 2 receptors augmented therapeutic response to typical neuroleptic treatment in treatment-resistant patients with schizophrenia. This antagonism may contribute to clozapine's superior antipsychotic effects.
On developing a mesh network of robots for hands-on undergraduate education

Our goal is to introduce the latest technology based laboratory experiments to engage students effectively and to help them understand the fundamental concepts in the electronics and telecommunications fields. In order to achieve this goal a multi-featured or a multi-disciplinary platform is used to develop the experiments. The essence of our approach is twofold: to evaluate a platform which can be used to teach the basics of wireless networks, and later use the same platform to develop innovative control applications. This robotic platform can also be used for experimental research in mobile sensor networks. The platform we adopted is the surveyor robot (SRV-1) platform. In this paper, we propose laboratory experiments on TCP, UDP, different networking modes and mesh network of robots. Additionally, we report the results of an initial assessment to evaluate the students' knowledge level on wireless networks and their interest in using the surveyor robot platform.
Polymer‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst for the polymerization of isoprene

A polymer-supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst, polystyrene-TiCl4AlEt2Cl (PS–TiCl4AlEt2Cl), was synthesized by reaction of polystyrene–TiCl4 complex (PS–TiCl4) with AlEt2Cl. This catalyst showed the same, or lightly greater catalytic activity to the unsupported Ziegler–Natta catalyst for polymerization of isoprene. It also has much greater storability, and can be reused and regenerated. Its overall catalytic yield for isoprene polymerization is ca. 20 kg polyisoprene/gTi. The polymerization rate depends on catalyst titanium concentration, mole ratio of Al/Ti, monomer concentration, and temperature. The kinetic equation of this polymerization is: Rp = k[M]0.30[Ti]0.41[Al]1.28, and the apparent activation energy ΔEact = 14.5 kJ/Mol, and the frequency factor Ap = 33 L/(mol s). The mechanism of the isoprene polymerization catalyzed by the polymer-supported catalyst is also described. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Origins of High Spatial Resolution Secondary Electron Microscopy

The secondary electron generation process is studied in an ultra-high vacuum scanning transmission electron microscope using electron coincidence spectroscopy. Production pathways for secondary electrons are determined by analyzing coincidences between secondary electrons and individual excitation events. The ultimate spatial resolution available in scanning electron microscopy is limited by the derealization of the secondary electron generation process. This derealization is studied using momentum resolved coincidence electron spectroscopy. The fraction of secondary electrons resulting from localized excitations can explain the high spatial resolution observed in secondary electron microscopy images.