cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Micromanipulation of chromosomes and spindles in insect spermatocytes.

Publisher Summary Micromanipulation is a useful technique for exploring various aspects of cell division, including spindle assembly, the interaction of chromosomes with the spindle, cell cycle regulation, and cytokinesis. Micromanipulation of chromosomes and spindle components has been done primarily in spermatocytes of insects, such as praying mantis, crickets, crane flies, Drosophila , and especially grasshoppers. This chapter focuses on the various methods used to manipulate insect spermatocytes along with some examples of possibilities with a needle in a cell. The chapter provides step-by-step descriptions of performing micromanipulation using a video/computer-enhanced polarization microscope in which chromosomes, centrosomes, and microtubules are readily observed. Micromanipulation is usually carried out in intact living cells visualized by video microscopy and chromosome micromanipulation is done primarily with phase contrast microscopes. Polarization microscopy is used to visualize centrosomes and microtubules for micromanipulation, which is inspired by Shinya Inoue's designs. The images are stored either on an optical disk recorder or on a computer hard disk for further image processing, particularly contrast enhancement and haze removal by unsharp masking.
Photonics meets connectomics: case of diffuse, long-range horizontal projections in rat cortex

Recent years have seen progress in characterizing connections between different regions of the rodent brain to establish a “connectome.” This effort involves systematically collected new data together with tools to characterize network relationships in new and preexisting data. The choices made during data collection, analysis, and display in order to generate these connectomes have emphasized dense, specific connections between cortical regions defined using <italic<a priori</italic< parcellation schemes that may obscure certain spatial relationships in the data. One example of a pattern of connectivity not clearly evident in these connectomes is a diffusely radiating, apparently nonspecific, border-crossing, long-range horizontal axonal projection that is related to horizontal spreads of evoked activity in the rat cortex. Here, we describe the horizontal projection system and explore evidence for this projection within the connectome data. We consider how the differences in optical and histological methodologies and analyses used for the connectome studies and our own studies lead to different emphases concerning this important horizontal projection pattern.
Dosimetric characterization of a new /sup 125/Iodine brachytherapy source, model I125-SL

Low-energy gamma emitting isotopes encapsulated for permanent implant are routinely applied in prostate cancer brachytherapy. Before clinical use, a new source design requires full dosimetric analysis and calibration standardization. The results of one such experimental measurement and analysis are here reported for a new design of /sup 125/Iodine source, model I125-SL (Mills Biopharmaceutical Inc.). Dose measurements were made using standard methods employing thermoluminescent dosimeters in a water equivalent plastic phantom, in accord with the AAMP Task Group 43 recommendation of liquid water reference material. Precision machined bores in the phantom located dosimeters and source(s) in a reproducible fixed geometry providing for transverse-axis and angular dose profiles over a range of distances from 0.17 to 10 cm. The data were analyzed in terms of parameters recommended by AAPM TG43. The dose-rate constant, /spl Lambda/, was evaluated by two methods, the first with reference to a /sup 60/Cobalt standard, accounting for response variation with isotope energy spectrum. Second, the dose-rate constant was determined with reference to phantom measurements using calibrated model 6702 and 6711 sources. The radial dose function, g(r), the anisotropy function, F(r,/spl theta/), the anisotropy factor, /spl phi//sub an/(r), and the point-source approximation anisotropy constant, /spl phi/~/sub an/, were derived from one- and two-dimensional dose distribution data measured in the phantom, accounting for finite dosimeter volume and with attention to inter-chip effects. The results are compared to TG43 data for existing /sup 125/I sources. The new source is comparable to the model 6711 source design.
Diagnosing placental membrane hypoxic lesions increases the sensitivity of placental examination.

Abstract Context.—Two relatively unknown and recently described placental membrane hypoxic lesions (laminar necrosis and microscopic chorionic pseudocysts) have never been compared with time-honored, focal (infarction), and diffuse hypoxic lesions of placental parenchyma. Objective.—To compare the effect on placental diagnosis of the above placental membrane hypoxic lesions and chorionic disc hypoxic lesions (infarctions and global hypoxic pattern of placental injury). Design.—Twenty-three clinical (maternal and fetal) and 32 gross and microscopic placental features were retrospectively compared in 4590 placentas from a placental database built during a 13-year period: 168 placentas with at least one hypoxic disc lesion (infarct or global hypoxia) and at least one membrane lesion (microscopic chorionic pseudocysts or laminar necrosis (group 1), 750 placentas with at least one hypoxic villous lesion but no membrane lesion (group 2), 480 placentas with at least one membrane lesion but no villous lesion (gro...
Motorola/Arizona State University-an experiment towards industrial/academic excellence

In August, Motorola and Arizona State University entered a partnering arrangement, new to both groups, in which Motorola placed a full time employee at ASU to co-direct a university research center, the Center for Solid State Electronics Research (CSSER). In this paper, the details of this two year 'experiment' between ASU and Motorola are presented. After giving a brief introduction, the Center for Solid State Electronics Research is described. Responsibilities for the industrial co-director and metrics for success, both from ASU's perspective and from Motorola's perspective are then given. Specific examples of improved linkages and accomplishments are illustrated. Finally, observations for the first nine months are presented and some future directions are outlined.
Evidence from normal expression and targeted misexpression that bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp-4) plays a role in mouse embryonic lung morphogenesis.

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are critical for the branching and differentiation of the lung, but the mechanisms involved are still unclear. To investigate this problem in mouse embryonic lung, we have studied the temporal and spatial expression of genes implicated in the morphogenesis of other organs. At 11.5 days p.c., hepatocyte nuclear factor-3beta (Hnf-3beta) is expressed uniformly throughout the epithelium, while Wnt-2 expression is confined to the distal mesenchyme. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) transcripts are found throughout the epithelium, with high levels in the distal tips of the terminal buds, while bone morphogenetic protein-4 (Bmp-4) transcripts are localized at high levels in the distal tips of the epithelium, with lower levels in the adjacent mesenchyme. Epithelial expression is also seen for Bmp-7, but transcripts are less dramatically upregulated at the distal tips. The Type I Bone morphogenetic protein receptor gene (Bmpr/Tfr-11/Brk-1) is expressed at low levels in the epithelium and in the distal mesenchyme. To investigate the role of Bmp-4 in lung development, we have misexpressed the gene throughout the distal epithelium of transgenic lungs using a surfactant protein C enhancer/promoter. From 15.5 days p.c., transgenic lungs are smaller than normal, with grossly distended terminal buds and, at birth, contain large air-filled sacs which do not support normal lung function. Labeling with BrdU reveals an inhibition of epithelia] proliferation in 15.5 days p.c. transgenic lungs. A small but significant stimulation of proliferation of mesenchymal cells is also observed, but this is accompanied by an increase in cell death. In situ hybridization with riboprobes for the proximal airway marker, CC10, and the distal airway marker, SP-C, shows normal differentiation of bronchiolar Clara cells but a reduction in the number of differentiated Type II cells in transgenic lungs. A model is proposed for the role of BMP4 and other signalling molecules in embryonic lung morphogenesis.
A Procedure for Computation of Fully Stalled Flows in Two-Dimensional Passages

A procedure is described for computation of incompressible, steady, two-dimensional flows in fully stalled diffusers with plenum exit. The procedure is successful in predicting pressure distributions and patterns to the accuracy of the data. The procedure employs a zonal model; this maintains close connections between the modeling and the physics thereby providing insight into critical aspects of modeling separated flows. The procedure presented is also convenient for computing unstalled flows in passages with turbulent boundary layers for either direct or indirect design problems. Computing times are well within engineering feasibility. The concepts developed can be extended to other classes of separated flows; some of these extensions have already been completed and are referenced.
Phosphorylation of the chromosomal passenger protein Bir1 is required for localization of Ndc10 to the spindle during anaphase and full spindle elongation.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) repeat protein Bir1 localizes as a chromosomal passenger. A deletion analysis of Bir1 identified two regions important for function. The C-terminal region is essential for growth, binds Sli15, and is necessary and sufficient for the localization of Bir1 as a chromosomal passenger. The middle region is not essential but is required to localize the inner kinetochore protein Ndc10 to the spindle during anaphase and to the midzone at telophase. In contrast, precise deletion of the highly conserved IAP repeats conferred no phenotype and did not alter the cell cycle delay caused by loss of cohesin. Bir1 is phosphorylated in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Mutation of all nine CDK consensus sites in the middle region of Bir1 significantly decreased the level of phosphorylation and blocked localization of Ndc10 to the spindle at anaphase. Moreover, immunoprecipitation of Ndc10 with Bir1 was dependent on phosphorylation. The loss of Ndc10 from the anaphase spindle prevented elongation of the spindle beyond 7 μm. We conclude that phosphorylation of the middle region of Bir1 is required to bring Ndc10 to the spindle at anaphase, which is required for full spindle elongation.
Carbon-13 NMR investigation of the bisulfite induced changes in yeast RNA.

Summary 13 C-NMR has been used to demonstrate the existence and structure of a bisulfite addition product formed from the reaction of sodium bisulfite with yeast RNA. Specifically, upon treatment of yeast RNA with bisulfite at pH 5.2 the signals from C 5 and C 6 of cytosine and uracil are lost with concomitant appearance of signals corresponding to C 4 and C 5 of the uracil-bisulfite adducts. No spectral evidence for the existence of cytosine-bisulfite adducts is observed, thus indicating that the cytosine moieties of yeast RNA are converted to uracil-bisulfite adducts in the presence of bisulfite at pH 5.2. This would be expected based on the pH profile for cytidine deamination. When the pH is increased to 9.5 RNA is regenerated. The spectrum of this regenerated RNA matches that of untreated RNA with the exception of signals originating from cytosine moieties.
On being imitated: Effects on reward and reward value of the imitator

Abstract The effects of being imitated on the model's reward of imitating and nonimitating confederates and on the confederates' reward value were assessed. Forty-eight first graders served as subjects. It was found that more children showed a bias in giving reward to the imitating confederate than to the nonimitating confederate. This effect was particularly strong for children classified as having an internal locus of control. Second, no difference in confederates' reward value was obtained as measured by operantly conditioned responding on a marble-drop task.
Effect of Caffeine Ingestion on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Men and Women

Abstract The effect of caffeine ingestion on submaximal endurance performance of 15 females and 13 males was investigated. After completing a [Vdot]O 2 max test, each subject performed two submaximal cycling tests at approximately 75% of [Vdot]O 2 max to exhaustion. For the caffeine (C) trials, 300 mg of caffeine was added to 250 ml of decaffeinated coffee and ingested one hour prior to the exercise. The decaffeinated (D) trial involved consuming 250 ml of decaffeinated coffee an hour prior to the test. The C and D trials were administered randomly using a standard double blind design. Physiological parameters were monitored each 9, 10, and 11 minute intervals throughout each trial and averaged. As expected the [Vdot]O 2 (L · min −1 ), [Vdot]E and work outputs (kgm) were significantly (p 0.05) different between the...
High-Level Computational Studies of Nonidentity Proton Transfer Reactions: Variations in Their Gas Phase Potential Energy Surfaces

High-level calculations (G2+) have been used to characterize the gas phase potential energy surfaces of the nonidentity proton transfer reactions of a series of simple anions (H - ,C H 3 - ,N H 2 - ,O H - ,F - , SiH3 - ,P H 2 - , SH - ,C l - , HCC - , and NC - ) with their conjugate acids. Only the combinations that give reactions that are exothermic by less than 20 kcal/mol were considered. The surfaces for the nonidentity reactions appear to be hybridizations of those of the corresponding identity reactions, and a simple averaging approach provides a reasonable representation of the nonidentity surface. Measures based on the geometry or electron density indicate that the position of the transition state (“early” or “late”) is better correlated with the properties of the proton donor/acceptor than the exothermicity of the proton transfer process in these systems.
Robust tie-point registration of disparate imaging sensors by matching optical flow

Many imaging systems consist of a combination of distinct electro-optic sensors that are constrained to view the same scene through a common aperture or from a common platform. Oftentimes, a spatial registration of one sensor's image is required to conform to the slightly disparate imaging geometry of a different sensor on the same platform. This is generally achieved through a judicious selection of image tie-points and geometric transformation model. This paper outlines a procedure to improve any such registration technique by leveraging the temporal motion within a pair of video sequences and requiring an additional constraint of minimizing the disparity in optical flow between registered video sequences.
Multichannel time-dependent whitening of non-Gaussian data for weak-signal image processing

We present an integrated, theoretically self-consistent approach to the optimal processing of non-Gaussian data for weak-signal image processing in multichannel correlated clutter backgrounds. Our approach combines linear predictive filtering with locally optimal detection theory to perform both intra- and interchannel whitening and soft editing within the context of Neyman-Pearson likelihood ratio processing. Whitening coefficients are estimated from a multichannel formulation of the Yule-Walker equations. Soft editing is performed by way of a nonlinear operator computed from the multichannel joint density of whitened residuals, which, in the Gaussian limit, is shown to reduce to a channel-dependent conditional mean subtraction. We assume the signal to be deterministic. In addition, we also assume that non-Gaussian departures in the data are limited in both space and time. Processing results are presented for both simulated and real data and are compared with standard Fourier-based approaches.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Development of cataplexy in genetically narcoleptic Dobermans.

Forty-two genetically narcoleptic Doberman puppies [20 pure narcoleptic (N) puppies (from four narcoleptic x narcoleptic crosses) and 22 backcross narcoleptic (BN) puppies (from six narcoleptic x heterozygous crosses)] were systematically observed during the developmental period (4-24 weeks) to assess the age at onset and severity of cataplexy, a pathological manifestation of REM sleep atonia seen in narcolepsy. The mean age of onset of cataplexy was 9.69 +/- 1.15 weeks, with a median age of 7 weeks. The severity of cataplexy increased with age and reached a plateau at around 16-24 weeks. The effects of cross type (N vs BN) and sex on the development of cataplexy were analyzed. There was no difference in severity between N and BN puppies (P = 0.51). However, females had more severe cataplexy than males (P = 0.01), and this trend was preserved in five of the six litters that had both male and female puppies. These results suggest that the pathophysiological process in genetic canine narcolepsy emerges during the early developmental period and that it may involve a differential development in males and females. Furthermore, our results revealed that cataplexy onset corresponds to the emergence of adult-like REM sleep and to previously reported neuroanatomical and neurochemical abnormalities in canine narcolepsy.
Selected stable states in large quantum systems

The utility of an infinite number of degrees of freedom is examined in the context of quantum systems. Such systems are known to allow inequivalent representations of the commutation relations, qualitative differentiation (spontaneously broken symmetries) arising from cooperative effects, and superselected stable states. This freedom is discussed and then used in an exactly soluble model of the measurement process. (auth)
Total synthesis of (±)-marmin and related coumarin monoterpenes☆

Abstract (±)-Marmin ( 1a ) and its cis isomer ( 1b ) have been synthesized from 7-neranyloxycoumarin ( 10a ) and 7-neryloxycoumarin ( 10b ), respectively, by way of the corresponding terminal epoxides 2a and 2a . The geometrically and positionally specific route confirms the structure and, in particular, the irons double bond geometry of natural (+)-marmin and epoxide (+)- 2a . The latter, upon reaction with stannic chloride in benzene gives rise to the naturally occurring cyclic monoterpene coumarin types 3 and 6 as well as the previously unknown double-bond isomer 13 .
Thermally stable polyimides from solutions of monomeric reactants

A method for preparing thermally stable resin-fiber-reinforced composites by using solutions of appropriate monomers is described. Solutions containing a dimethyl ester of an aryl tetracarboxylic acid, the monomethyl ester of nadic acid, and an aryl diamine were used to impregnate graphite fibers. Composites fabricated from these prepregs exhibited excellent thermo-oxidative stability and retention of mechanical properties at 315 C (600 F). These results compare favorably to those obtained from composites made from amide-acid prepolymers capped with reactive alicyclic rings. Monomeric solutions provide excellent shelf life and improved solubility compared to amide-acid prepolymer solutions.
A network interface unit simulation using micro passim

This paper describes how micro PASSIM, a GPSS based simulation system, was transported from the Apple II to the HP 9836. The problems associated with moving a large program form one UCSD Pascal system to another are discussed. Micro PASSIM was transported to the HP system so that an Ethernet to HPIB interface board could be modeled. The model is described and the results obtained from the simulation are discussed. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using micro PASSIM rather than a standard language, such as GPSS, is also included.
Heterogeneity in statin indications within the 2013 american college of cardiology/american heart association guidelines.

A standard (“core”) implementation of American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2013 lipid guidelines (based on 10-year risk) dramatically increases the statin-eligible population in older Americans, raising controversy in the cardiovascular community. The guidelines also endorse a more “comprehensive” risk approach based in part on lifetime risk. The impact of this broader approach on statin eligibility remains unclear. We studied the impact of 2 different implementations of the new guidelines (“core” and “comprehensive”) using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Although “core” guidelines led to 72.0 million subjects qualifying for statin therapy, the broader “comprehensive” application led to nearly a twofold greater estimate for statin-eligible subjects (121.2 million), with the greatest impact among those aged 21 to 45 years. Subjects indicated for statin therapy under comprehensive guidelines had a greater burden of cardiovascular risk factors and a higher lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease than those not indicated for statins. In particular, men aged 21 to 45 years had a 3.13-fold increased odds of being eligible for statin therapy only under the “comprehensive” guidelines (vs standard “core” guidelines; 95% confidence interval 2.82 to 3.47, p
THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG UMBELLIFERONE, GROWTH, AND PEROXIDASE LEVELS IN CUCUMBER ROOTS'

Umbelliferone decreases the elongation rate and initiates a swelling response in cucumber roots. Associated with these growth effects are increases in peroxidase activity in water soluble, salt soluble, and wall bound fractions. The effect on elongation is reversible and is separated in time from the swelling response. Increased peroxidase levels appear after the elongation rate has been reduced but coincident with the swelling response. It is suggested that umbelliferone effects axial elongation and radial expansion through different mechanisms. As IS TRUE of a number of coumarin compounds (Goodwin and Taves, 1950), umbelliferone (7hydroxycoumarin) retards root growth. Coumarin typically upsets growth polarity (Avers and Goodwin, 1956; Svensson, 1971 and 1972), and results in increased peroxidase activity (Goren and Tomer, 1971). Many chemically diverse compounds alter the transverse microfibrillar pattern and evoke a swelling response (Green, 1969). In addition, many such compounds have been shown to elicit increased peroxidase levels. Hypotheses involving an alteration of the microfibrillar pattern (Apelbaum and Burg, 1971), weakening of the cell wall by an inhibition of cellulose synthesis (Hogetsu, Shibaoka, and Shimokoriyama, 1974), and an involvement of increased peroxidase levels (Ridge and Osborne, 1970), have been offered to explain the mode of action of these compounds. The present paper describes the effect of umbelliferone on cucumber primary roots. Growth data and enzyme assays suggest that neither a possible altered microfibrillar pattern nor increased peroxidase levels are involved in the umbelliferone-imposed inhibition of axial growth. However, the results are consistent with any or a combination of these mechanisms being involved in radial expansion.
Regional potential evapotranspiration in arid climates based on temperature, topography and calculated solar radiation

Values of evapotranspiration are required for a variety of water planning activities in arid and semi-arid climates, yet data requirements are often large, and it is costly to obtain this information. This work presents a method where a few, readily available data (temperature, elevation) are required to estimate potential evapotranspiration (PET). A method using measured temperature and the calculated ratio of total to vertical radiation (after the work of Behnke and Maxey, 1969) to estimate monthly PET was applied for the months of April–October and compared with pan evaporation measurements. The test area used in this work was in Nevada, which has 124 weather stations that record sufficient amounts of temperature data. The calculated PET values were found to be well correlated (R2=0·940–0·983, slopes near 1·0) with mean monthly pan evaporation measurements at eight weather stations.In order to extrapolate these calculated PET values to areas without temperature measurements and to sites at differing elevations, the state was divided into five regions based on latitude, and linear regressions of PET versus elevation were calculated for each of these regions. These extrapolated PET values generally compare well with the pan evaporation measurements (R2=0·926–0·988, slopes near 1·0). The estimated values are generally somewhat lower than the pan measurements, in part because the effects of wind are not explicitly considered in the calculations, and near-freezing temperatures result in a calculated PET of zero at higher elevations in the spring months. The calculated PET values for April–October are 84–100% of the measured pan evaporation values. Using digital elevation models in a geographical information system, calculated values were adjusted for slope and aspect, and the data were used to construct a series of maps of monthly PET. The resultant maps show a realistic distribution of regional variations in PET throughout Nevada which inversely mimics topography. The general methods described here could be used to estimate regional PET in other arid western states (e.g. New Mexico, Arizona, Utah) and arid regions world-wide (e.g. parts of Africa). Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The early development of numerical reasoning

Abstract Children of age 1–4 years were found capable of engaging in numerical reasoning. Children were presented with a task in which they placed a set of objects one by one into an opaque container. An experimenter then visibly performed either an addition, a subtraction, or no transformation on the screened set. Children were then instructed to remove all objects from the container. Across two experiments, children searched for and removed the correct number of objects when set numerosity was small. Knowledge of numerical identity and knowledge of the effects of addition and subtraction transformations on numerosity were present even in children who had not yet begun to count verbally. These findings provide evidence that the emergence of numerical reasoning does not depend upon the prior development of a verbal counting ability or upon cultural experience with numbers.
Combining compiler and operating system support for energy efficient I/O on embedded platforms

Mobile and embedded platforms have experienced dramatic advances in capabilities, largely due to the development of associated peripheral devices for storage and communication. The incorporation of these I/O devices has increased the overall power envelope of these platforms. In fact, system-level power consumption of mobile platforms is often dominated by peripheral devices. Since battery technologies alone have been unable to provide the lifetimes required by many platforms, in order to conserve energy, most devices provide the ability to transition into low power states during idle periods. The resulting energy savings are heavily dependent upon the lengths and number of idle periods experienced by a device. This paper presents an infrastructure designed to take advantage of device low power states by increasing the burstiness of device accesses and idle periods to provide a reduced power profile, and thereby an improvement in battery life. Our approach combines compiler-based source modifications with operating system support to implement a dynamic solution for enhanced energy consumption. We evaluate our infrastructure on an XScale-based embedded platform with a Linux implementation.
S-nitrosylation of soluble guanylyl cyclase: a novel mechanism of nitrate tolerance?

Organic nitrates, such as nitroglycerin (GTN) have been used since the 19th century for the treatment of angina pectoris, ischemia and hypertension. Like S-nitrosothiols, organic nitrates are NO-generating compounds that are vasoactive via NO stimulation of the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). The therapeutic effectiveness of GTN is severely limited by the development of nitrate tolerance, which is the loss of NO-dependent vasodilation after exposure to GTN. More than a century after its first description, the mechanism of nitrate tolerance remains a mystery. Recently, much interest has focused on another NO-dependent signal, S-nitrosylation, which could modulate vascular physiology and pathophysiology.
The Silylation of Nitrile Anions. Silylketenimines

Abstract The ambident anion lc↔ln derived from proton abstraction from the α position of primary and secondary nitriles offers two potential sites for electrophilic attack.1
A high speed wavefront determination method based on spatial frequency modulations for focusing light through random scattering media

A large number of degrees of freedom are required to produce a high quality focus through random scattering media. Previous demonstrations based on spatial phase modulations suffer from either a slow speed or a small number of degrees of freedom. In this work, a high speed wavefront determination technique based on spatial frequency domain wavefront modulations is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, which is capable of providing both a high operation speed and a large number of degrees of freedom. The technique was employed to focus light through a strongly scattering medium and the entire wavefront was determined in 400 milliseconds, ~three orders of magnitude faster than the previous report.
Antenna and wave theories of infinite yagi-uda arrays

An integral equation for the propagation constant along an infinitely long Yagi structure is derived by expanding the vector potential function for such an array in terms of the spatial harmonic solutions of wave theory. This equation is shown to be identical with the integral equation derived on the basis of array theory and transformed by the Poisson summation formula. With the identity of array theory and this new wave theory formation established, the wave theory is used to discuss allowed wave solutions and the physical characteristics required of dipoles in order that they support a wave solution. The fundamental integral equation is solved by means of the array theory of King and Sandler; the numerical results are found to agree quite well with previously published data. Finally, the problem of two parallel nonstaggered Yagi arrays is considered, and it is shown that the propagation constant of the composite structure either decreases or increases over that of the isolated array depending upon whether the symmetric or the antisymmetric mode is excited. Some peculiar effects are noted with respect to this antisymmetric solution, and these lead to the existence of conditions under which no unattenuated wave solution is possible. This is referred to as the "cutoff condition." Numerical results are achieved which agree very well with experimental data obtained as part of this research.
Topographically generated fronts, very nearshore oceanography and the distribution of larval invertebrates and holoplankters

Foam lines oriented parallel to shore are common features of rocky shores. At times, the water coloration is different on either side of the foam lines, suggesting they are associated with fronts. We investigated the effect of shore-parallel foam lines and associated fronts on distributions of holo- and meroplankton. We performed CTD transects to describe the fronts and carried out vertical zooplankton tows to describe the distribution of zooplankton relative to the fronts. Fronts were within tens of meters of shore and were apparently generated by the interaction of coastal currents with local topography. We sampled four sites (three coves and one open coastal site), some of which were separated by only a few hundred meters. At each site we found shore-parallel foam lines and associated thermal fronts, but the characteristics of the fronts were different at three sites, suggesting that three different mechanisms were generating the fronts. At two coves, the foam line and front appeared to be due to the interaction of wind-driven currents from the north with coastal topography. At the third cove, the front appeared to be due to the expansion of solar-heated surface waters out of the cove. The foam line and front at the open coastal site appeared to be due to boundary mixing. At the coves, the distributions of holoplankters, meroplankters and phytoplankton were clearly altered by the presence of the fronts. At the open coastal site, the front had less effect on the distribution of zooplankton. The coastal ocean is the source of new recruits to the intertidal zone and an important source of food in the form of phytoplankton for filter feeders. We hypothesize that these very nearshore fronts may play an important role in structuring intertidal communities with which they are associated.
Einstein coefficients for rotational lines of the (0, 0) band of the NO A2Σ+-X2π system

A summary of the spectroscopic equations necessary for prediction of the molecular transition energies and the Einstein A and B coefficients for rovibronic lines of the gamma(0,0) band of nitric oxide (NO) is presented. The calculated molecular transition energies are all within 0.57/cm of published experimental values; in addition, over 95 percent of the calculated energies give agreement with measured results within 0.25/cm. Einstein coefficients are calculated from the band A00 value and the known Hoenl-London factors and are tabulated for individual rovibronic transitions in the NO A2sigma(+)-X2Pi(0,0) band.
Is the generation structure a signature of semi-simple grand unification?

Abstract The fundamental physical requirements: no anomalies, no new color assignments, no vector-like contributions, and no QN-degeneracy, are combined to fix uniquely the minimal non-trivial fermion representation within the framework of an SU(5) × SU(5) unified theory. The spontaneous emergence of a 5-dimensional generation structure is correlated in a natural way with the primary breakdown of vertical SU(5) into SU(3) × SU(2) × U(1). Simultaneously, the five predicted Georgi-Glashow generations turn out to be classified at medium energies by means of an effective SO(5) horizontal symmetry.
Vascular Injury and Cortical Deformation in a Model of Brain Contusion

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability, affecting 1.7 million Americans annually, 50,000 of whom die [1]. Victims who survive the initial injury often suffer debilitating neurologic deficits. The total annual cost of TBI in the United States has been estimated at $60 billion [2]. While damage to brain tissue is of primary concern in TBI, nearly all head trauma includes some element of vascular injury or dysfunction [3], putting neural tissue uninjured in the primary event at subsequent risk. Contusion, which includes injury to both brain and vessel tissue in the cortex, is considered the hallmark of head injury, but little is known about the specific mechanisms of vascular injury in contusion. Previous efforts to elucidate mechanisms and thresholds for contusion, including inanimate gel, animal, and computational models [e.g. 4–7], have defined bulk tissue deformations that are associated with contusion, but the relationship to vascular injury is not clear. In order to address this question, our laboratory is studying acute disruption of the blood-brain barrier using a controlled cortical impact (CCI) mouse model. The objective of this study was to compare acute vascular injury in CCI with cortical mechanics predicted by a computational model of the experiment. This comparison is then discussed in the context of results from isolated vessels testing in our laboratory.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Implications of behavioral consistency in dynamic choice under uncertainty

This paper considers two fundamental aspects of the analysis of dynamic choices under risk: the issue of the dynamic consistency of the strategies of a non EU maximizer, and the issue that an individual whose preferences are nonlinear in probabilities may choose a strategy which is in some appropriate sense dominated by other strategies. A proposed way of dealing with these problems, due to Karni and Safra and called ‘behavioral consistency’, is described. The implications of this notion of ‘behavioral consistency’ are explored, and it is shown that while the Karni and Safra approach obtains dynamically consistent behavior under nonlinear preferences, it may imply the choice of ‘dominated’ strategies even in very simple decision trees.
Frequency and characteristics of sediment delivery pathways from forest harvest units to streams

Timber harvest is typically the largest area of anthropogenic disturbance in forested watersheds, and harvested areas may generate from one to five times more erosion than undisturbed areas (Motha et al., 2003). When sediment from harvested areas reaches stream channels it can degrade water quality and aquatic habitat. Streamside management zones (SMZs) are often prescribed to minimize sediment delivery, but there is little information about sediment delivery through these zones. Hence the objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the frequency of sediment delivery pathways (''features'') from timber harvest units; (2) measure the physical characteristics and connectivity of these features; and (3) develop models to predict the length and connectivity of features from harvest units to streams. Nearly 200 harvest units with streamside management zones were assessed on four National Forests in the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains of California. Only nineteen features were found below harvest units ranging in age from 2 to 18 years. Feature lengths ranged from 10 m to 220 m, and the length was significantly related to mean annual precipitation, cosine of the aspect, elevation, and hillslope gradient (R 2 = 64%, p = 0.004). Six of the nineteen features were connected to streams and five of the six connected features originated from skid trails. The results indicate that timber harvest alone rarely initiated large amounts of runoff and surface erosion, particularly when newer harvest practices were utilized. Sediment delivery from timber harvest may be further reduced by locating skid trails away from streams, maintaining high surface roughness downslope of water bars, and promptly decommissioning skid trails following harvest.
Recent results of nonlinear estimators applied to hereditary systems.

An application of the extended Kalman filter to delayed systems to estimate the state and time delay is presented. Two nonlinear estimators are discussed and the results compared with those of the Kalman filter. For all the filters considered, the hereditary system was treated with the delay in the pure form and by using Pade approximations of the delay. A summary of the convergence properties of the filters studied is given. The results indicate that the linear filter applied to the delayed system performs inadequately while the nonlinear filters provide reasonable estimates of both the state and the parameters.
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine hydrochloride, modulates the pulsatile release of prolactin in postmenopausal women

We investigated serotoninergic regulation of prolactin release in estrogen-withdrawn postmenopausal women by using a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Subjects underwent frequent blood sampling after placebo (basal) or fluoxetine administration. Mean 24-hour serum prolactin concentrations increased significantly in response to fluoxetine. Objective pulse analysis revealed no change in prolactin pulse frequency with serotoninergic stimulation, but maximal serum prolactin peak heights increased significantly. Multiple-parameter deconvolution disclosed no change in prolactin half-life, but a significant increase in the total mass of prolactin secreted per 24 hours during fluoxetine administration. Cosinor analysis of the prolactin time series showed a significant increase in the circadian amplitude and mean without any change in the time of maximal concentration during treatment with fluoxetine. We conclude that short-term activation of the serotoninergic system in the absence of substantial estradiol and opiatergic tone significantly increases the secretion of prolactin in postmenopausal women.
GENERIC: A Silicon Compiler Support Language

We describe a support language, GENERIC, for producing high quality, general purpose layout in a silicon compiler. Since layout is the critical bottleneck to producing high-quality integrated circuits in silicon compilers, better methods are needed for this critical task. GENERIC forms a rich semantic base for describing and manipulating layout in a VLSI design system, enabling more complex layout to be generated. No particular design style is imposed by the language; Instead, operators and data structures are provided for efficient and effective manipulation of the layout. The operators form a more abstract basis for implementing layout strategies, and yet are still inherently efficient. Using the operators and data structures of GENERIC, a unification of extant techniques is presented, as well as extensions of the layout methodology in ways not possible with existing techniques. Furthermore, GENERIC contains a novel mechanism called planes which allows arbitrary topological manipulations in a way that guarantees design rule correctness.
pp wave big bangs: Matrix strings and shrinking fuzzy spheres

We find pp wave solutions in string theory with null-like linear dilatons. These provide toy models of big bang cosmologies. We formulate matrix string theory in these backgrounds. Near the big bang 'singularity', the string theory becomes strongly coupled but the Yang-Mills description of the matrix string is weakly coupled. The presence of a second length scale allows us to focus on a specific class of non-Abelian configurations, viz. fuzzy cylinders, for a suitable regime of parameters. We show that, for a class of pp waves, fuzzy cylinders which start out big at early times dynamically shrink into usual strings at sufficiently late times.
Control of Cell Proliferation and Cytodifferentiation by a Factor reacting with the Cell Surface

The normal embryological development of many, if not all, organs depends on interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal tissues1. Some epithelial components require their own mesenchyme, while others, for example pancreatic epithelia, develop with any of a variety of mesenchymes1, 2. We have reported that extracts from mesenchymal tissues will replace intact tissue in the normal development of rat pancreatic epithelia in vitro2–5. The causal activity present in these extracts has been termed mesenchymal factor (MF). This activity appears to be a specific component of embryonic mesenchymal tissue; it has been detected only in extracts of tissues rich in mesenchyme and in tissue culture cells derived from mesenchyme5. No activity has been detected in extracts of epithelial cells, in a variety of adult tissues and in several embryonic organs such as liver, brain or heart. None of the common hormones or growth factors tested has MF activity2, 5. MF has been purified from chicken embryos and has the characteristics of a glycoprotein (ref. 5 and unpublished results). In addition to its reported effects on cytodifferentiation (refs 2–5 and unpublished results), we have recently shown that MF dramatically stimulates epithelial DNA synthesis and cell proliferation5.
Decreased bone anabolic effect of basic fibroblast growth factor at fatty marrow sites in ovariectomized rats

The purpose of the study was to compare the bone anabolic effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) at hematopoietic (red) and fatty (yellow) marrow sites in ovariectomized (ovx) rats. Female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to ovariectomy or sham surgery at 3 months of age and maintained untreated for 2 months after surgery. Three groups of ovx rats were then injected intravenously with bFGF for 14 days at a dose of 200 μg/kg body weight. One group of bFGF-treated OVX rats was killed at the end of the treatment period, whereas the other two groups were killed at 7 or 14 days after withdrawal of bFGF treatment. Another group of ovx rats and a group of sham-operated control rats were treated intravenously with vehicle alone for 14 days. The proximal tibia and first lumbar vertebra, bone sites with hematopoietic marrow, as well as the distal tibia and caudal vertebra, bone sites with primarily fatty marrow, were processed undecalcified for quantitative bone histomorphometry. At the hematopoietic marrow sites, bFGF treatment induced a marked accumulation of osteoid, which calcified during the withdrawal period to result in a significant increase in cancellous bone volume. Osteoblast and osteoid surfaces were increased by at least a factor of 10 at these sites in bFGF-treated ovx rats before declining rapidly during the withdrawal period. In contrast, osteoid volume was negligible in the fatty marrow sites of bFGF-treated ovx rats. Although these animals exhibited a nonsignificant trend for increased cancellous bone volume in the fatty distal tibia during the withdrawal period, no such trend was observed in the fatty caudal vertebra. Indices of bone formation (osteoblast and osteoid surfaces) were significantly increased by bFGF treatment in the fatty distal tibia, which retained some small pockets of hematopoietic cells, but not to the same great extent as in the skeletal sites with hematopoietic marrow. Furthermore, not even a trend for increased osteoblast and osteoid surfaces was observed in the fatty caudal vertebra of bFGF-treated ovx rats. These findings indicate that bFGF is a strong bone anabolic agent at skeletal sites with hematopoietic marrow, but the stimulatory effects of the growth factor on bone formation are greatly attenuated at fatty marrow sites.
Cholinergic-nitrergic transmitter mechanisms in the cerebral circulation.

Cerebral blood vessels from several species are innervated by vasodilator nerves. Acetylcholine (ACh) released from parasympathetic cholinergic nerves was first suggested to be the transmitter for vasodilation. Results from pharmacological studies in isolated cerebral arterial ring preparations, however, have demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) but not ACh mediates the major component of neurogenic vasodilation. More recently, ACh and NO have been shown to co-release from the same cholinergic-nitrergic nerves, and that ACh acts as a presynaptic transmitter in modulating NO release. In this communication, evidence for the neuronal origin of NO and possible role of ACh in modulating NO release in large cerebral arteries at the base of the brain will be discussed.
Warfare in prehistoric and early historic eastern North America

Recent criticisms of the use of historically and ethnographically recorded conflicts as models for warfare in prehistoric times force archaeologists to reexamine assumptions about the frequency, severity, and effects of intergroup fighting. In eastern North America, skeletons of victims and palisaded settlements—the only information consistently available on intergroup hostilities—indicate that the prevalence of conflicts varied greatly over time and space. Occasionally the attacks, typically ambushes of small numbers of people, cumulatively resulted in numerous casualties.Variation in palisade strength is consistent with the organizational structure and warrior mobilization potential of late prehistoric societies in different parts of the Eastern Woodlands.