cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single Measurement Detection Of a Discontinuous Conductivity

Let be a bounded region in R$sup:n$esup: 2. with C$sup:2$esup: boundary and conductivity ggr;Suppose that some region D CC may have been replaced with a material which has a differing C$sup:2$esup: conductivity profile. We show that by applying an appropriate current flux on and measuring the resulting potential on an open subset one can "detect" the presence of the region D, that is. the potentials induced on when D is present versus absent must differ. Moreover. if D and its conductivity are known to satisfy certain a priori restrictions, one can assert that the potentials induced on must differ by a fixed aount which does not depend on the domain D or its conductivity.
Detection of elastin in the human fetal membranes: Proposed molecular basis for elasticity

The human fetal membranes provide a sterile biomechanical container which adjust by growth to mid-pregnancy to the increase in fetal size, and by elasticity to the forceful movements of the fetus. The molecular basis for this elasticity is not known, yet reduced elasticity may lead to their premature rupture and preterm birth, a major problem in perinatal medicine. Classically, elastin confers the property of elastic recoil to elastic fibres which are assembled from a family of tropoelastin precursors. These are covalently cross-linked to form insoluble elastin by formation of desmosine and isodesmosine, catalysed by the enzyme lysyl oxidase. The amnion, chorion and decidua were shown by Northern analysis and RT-PCR to contain detectable levels of tropoelastin mRNA and the mRNA encoding lysyl oxidase. The proteins encoded by these mRNAs were also identified by Western blotting and immunolocalization. Further, insoluble elastin was extracted from the human fetal membranes and shown by comparison to elastin preparations from other elastic tissues to have a reasonable desmosine content. Finally, scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of multiple layers of an apparently very thin elastic system in this tissue. This biochemical and histopathologic study has demonstrated therefore that the human fetal membranes synthesize and deposit a novel elastic fibre. The presence of such an elastic system in these tissues provides, for the first time, a probable molecular basis for the elastic properties of this tissue.
Pacemaker and Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator Lead Extraction: A Safe and Effective Surgical Approach

Background Need for pacemaker or internal cardioverter defibrillator lead removal is increasing. Removal can be dangerous, difficult, or unsuccessful. Methods We retrospectively reviewed our results and the techniques we used in 365 patients from 1992 through 2009 for successful complete removal of leads and complications. Various techniques of extraction were analyzed for effectiveness and complications. The eras before (1992 to 1999) and after the availability of laser sheath extraction (2000 to 2009) are compared. Results Of 365 patients who underwent transvenous lead extraction, of which 235 were infected, and 130 had lead removal for noninfectious indication. Staphylococcus aureus was the infecting organism in 40%, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus occurred in 33%. One-half of the organisms were methicillin resistant. Preimplant risk factors for infection included more than one device implant procedure in 105 (47%), preimplant Coumadin therapy (Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ) in 74 (31%), and hemodialysis in 9 (4%). Laser extraction became available in 2000. The era with the availability of laser extraction was associated with a better complete extraction rate (93% vs 89.55%) a lower bleeding rate (1.9% vs 3.1%), and complete extraction without the additional use of femoral workstation extraction tools. Mortality was 1.1%. No death was due to device removal. All deaths were the result of severe preoperative and continuing postextraction sepsis. Conclusions A lead extraction protocol that included procedures done in an operating room environment allowing rapid, open intervention for bleeding, a varied choice of extraction tools, arterial line monitoring, transesophageal echocardiography, general anesthesia, and an experienced team yielded complete extraction in more than 90% of patients, with a low complication rate and no procedurally related deaths.
Atmospheric Neutrinos, Astrophysical Neutrons, and Proton-Decay Experiments

Simple analytical estimates of the fluxes of atmospheric muons and neutrinos are presented. It is shown that the geomagnetic field strongly suppresses the fluxes of atmospheric neutrinos below 1 GeV from directions of low magnetic latitudes and may open a window for neutrino astronomy. The validity of these estimates is demonstrated through indirect tests.
Joint distributions and local realism in the higher-spin Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment

A method is given to determine whether or not the distribution functions describing the two spin measurements in the spin-s Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment are compatible with the existence of distributions describing three spin measurements (not all of which can actually be performed). When applied to the spin-1/2 case the method gives the results of Wigner, or of Clauser, Holt, Horne, and Shimony, depending on whether or not the two-spin distributions are assumed to have the forms given by the quantum theory. Generalizations of the conditions of Wigner or of Clauser et al. to the spin-1 case are explicitly calculated. The spin-3/2 case is examined in some simple geometries to show that an apparently monotonic trend toward local realism as s increases from1/2 to1 is, in fact, violated when s increases from1 to3/2. The analysis is based on a novel representation of the modulus squared of a rotation matrix element. The structure of that matrix element responsible for the restoration of local realism in the classical (large s) limit is identified, but a rigorous treatment of the classical limit is not attempted. The higher-spin results are significantly stronger than those given by Mermin's spin-s Bell inequality.
Migration and Privatization of Space and Power in Late Socialist China

In this article, I examine the informal privatization of space and power occurring within China's "floating population" under late socialism. Focusing on a prominent unofficial migrant community in Beijing, I analyze the ways migrant leaders build up their power through the control of housing and market spaces and by mobilizing traditional social networks. By revealing the complexity and uncertainties within the culturally specific reconfiguration of power and social relations in post-Mao China, I challenge the metanarrative of postsocialist transformations as a teleological move toward liberal capitalism and democracy, and I articulate the dialectical relationship between space and power, [space, power, migration, social network, state-society dynamic, socialism and postsocialism, China]
Effects of handle orientation, gloves, handle friction and elbow posture on maximum horizontal pull and push forces

Biomechanical models were evaluated for effects of handle orientation, handle material, gloves and arm posture on maximal pull/push force. Eight healthy subjects performed maximum pull/push exertions on handles with two different orientations and two different surface materials, using bare hand and two types of glove as well as two arm postures. The empirical data supported the proposed biomechanical models: Pull/push forces for the bare hand on a rubber handle decreased 10% when the handle was parallel to the pull/push direction, compared with when perpendicular to it. For parallel handles, pull/push forces further decreased with decreasing hand-handle friction coefficient (simulated by different handle materials and gloves). Pull force exerted by the bare hand was 29% greater when the elbow was extended than when flexed. Pull force was greater than push force (with bare hand and flexed elbow). The biomechanical models suggest that friction between the hand and handle limits pull/push forces for parallel handles. Elbow strength may be responsible for decreased pull force for the flexed elbow posture and decreased force for pull compared with push in the postures examined. STATEMENT OF RELEVANCE: Biomechanical models presented in this paper provide insights for causes of upper extremity strength limitations during pull/push tasks. Findings in this paper can be used directly in the design of workstation and objects to reduce fatigue and risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Is coronary arterial spasm a risk factor for coronary atherosclerosis

divulges a new content. Both of these factors are involved in the present issue. The occurrence of angina at rest without evident increase in myocardial demand, as well as a number of other clinical observations,3*4 has long argued against luminal narrowing as the sole explanation for diverse manifestations of myocardial ischemia. But the decisive factor leading to a change in medical paradigm was related to the introduction of selective coronary angiography. For the first time the occurrence of reversible segmental and diffuse narrowing of coronary arteries was visible.
Chemical Linkage of Polysaccharides to Residual Lignin in Loblolly Pine Kraft Pulps

Abstract The chemical bonding of polysaccharides to the residual lignin remaining in bleachable grade loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) kraft pulp was examined by methylation analysis. Before analysis, most of the nonbonded polysaccharides were enzymatically hydrolyzed and the sugars were washed from the remaining solid to give a residual lignin that contained about 8% carbohydrates. The analysis indicated that the majority of the remaining sugars were present as oligomeric segments of well-characterized pulp polysaccharides. About one monomeric unit per oligomer was bonded to lignin. The methylation data indicated that the major bonding was to the primary C-6 position in hexans and the primary C-5 position in arabinan. Xylan was bonded to lignin at C-3 with a small amount at C-2. The overall pattern and quantity of bonding was sufficiently similar to that previously determined for Pinus taeda wood to conclude that formation of alkali-stable, acid-hydrolyzable lignin-carbohydrate bonds is not significant during...
Affine Extension of Supersymmetric Field Theory

It is shown that there is no obstacle to the affine extension of supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. This result holds equally for loop and Kac-Moody algebras. It also holds for 4, 6, and 10 dimensions. By dimensional reduction of the 10-dimensional theory one obtains a supersymmetric action describing interacting Kac-Moody fields in four dimensions.
The structure of GP zones in Cu-10.9 at.% Be

Abstract For a series of aging treatments at 538 K of a single crystal of Cu-10.9 at.% Be, the absolute diffuse X-ray intensity was measured with a wavelength of 1.4 A, in a volume in reciprocal space sufficient to separate the contributions from clustering and those from atomic displacements. The zones are a mixture of Be-rich single and multilayered {100} planes. As aging proceeds, the zones increase in thickness and diameter. The nearest Cu planes collapse toward the zones, but subsequent planes are further away than the average interplanar distance. These displacements fall to zero 5–7 layers into the matrix. The {110} 〈110〉 shear strain in the zones is ~0.05. The stair-step arrangement of these regions reported previously is supported, and this is inherited from the 〈110〉 alignment of the ellipsoidal clusters present in the as-quenched condition. The γ″ phase, which appears in addition to GP zones for long aging times, is a monoclinic ordered Cu-Be array which arises from a distortion of four b.c.t. cells in the f.c.c. matrix. The shear strain in this phase is ~0.08 on the {110} 〈110〉 system.
Localized Plasma Membrane Topological Changes upon Exocytosis Visualized by Polarized-TIRFM

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy images the plasma membrane-cytosol interface and has allowed insights into the behavior of individual secretory granules before and during exocytosis. Much less is known about the dynamics of the other partner in exocytosis, the plasma membrane. Here we report the implementation of a TIRFM-based polarization technique to detect rapid submicron changes in plasma membrane topology as a result of exocytosis. A theoretical analysis of the technique is presented taking into account the high numerical aperture lenses that are used in through-the-lens TIRFM, the point spread function, and pixilation on the CCD camera. Image simulations are presented for predicted topologies of the post-fusion granule membrane/plasma membrane complex. Experimental results on diI-stained bovine adrenal chromaffin cells using polarized TIRFM demonstrate rapid and varied submicron changes in plasma membrane topology at sites of exocytosis. They occur immediately upon fusion in at least 80% of the fusion events and decay with varying speeds from as fast as 100 ms to tens of seconds. Endocytosis, also imaged by optical techniques, revealed that less than 10% of the fusion events stimulated with elevated K+ result in rapid endocytosis. Thus, most of these topological changes are kinetically distinct from endocytosis and reflect a varying time course for the flattening of fused granule membranes into the plasma membrane.
Safety and performance analysis of a commercial photovoltaic installation

Continuing to better understand the performance of PV systems and changes in performance with the system life is vital to the sustainable growth of solar. A systematic understanding of degradation mechanisms that are induced as a result of variables such as the service environment, installation, module/material design, weather, operation and maintenance, and manufacturing is required for reliable operation throughout a system’s lifetime. We wish to report the results from an analysis of a commercial c-Si PV array owned and operated by DuPont. We assessed the electrical performance of the modules by comparing the original manufacturers’ performance data with the measurements obtained using a solar simulator to determine the degradation rate. This evaluation provides valuable PV system field experience and document key issues regarding safety and performance. A review of the nondestructive and destructive analytical methods and characterization strategies we have found useful for system, module, and subsequent material component evaluations are presented. We provide an overview of our inspection protocol and subsequent control process to mitigate risk. The objective is to explore and develop best practice protocols regarding PV asset optimization and provide a rationale to reduce risk based on the analysis of our own commercial installations.
The resolution of (±)-carnitine and the synthesis of acylcarnitines

Abstract Procedures are described for the resolution of (±)-carnitine nitrile chloride into its optical isomers by salt formation with (+)-10-camphorsulfonic acid and (+)-dibenzoyltartaric acid. Procedures for the acylation of carnitine are described employing large excesses of the acylating agent in a heterogenous reaction or using the arnitine benzyl ester in a homogeneous reaction. The acylation of the carnitine benzyl ester can be carried out using lower ratios of acylating agent to carnitine.
Collective Energies from Momentum– and Angular Momentum–Projected Determinantal Wavefunctions

Abstract Determinantal many-particle wavefunctions, as used in Hartree-Fock theory of finite nuclei, are not eigenfunctions of the total linear momentum, nor, generally, of the total angular momentum. A simple derivation is given for the expression for the energy in terms of momentum- or angular momentum projected determinants. A variational principle based on this expression is used to determine the collective energy (center of mass kinetic and rotational energy). This method gives the correct energy of center of mass motion, and in the case of strong deformation, the Thouless-Valatin self-consistent cranking result for the rotational energy.
SOME DATA ON THE WHITEWARE INDUSTRY OF WEST VIRGINIA1

Most of the usual types of whiteware are manufactured in West Virginia by 24 different firms. Data are given on the kinds of body raw materials used, and their geographic sources; the materials used for glazes; lawn meshes used; number and kinds periodic bisque kilns and glost kilns; number of car tunnel bisque and glost kilns; horns kilns are on fire and the cones reached in each of the various types of whiteware.
Raman spectroscopic study of a laminar hydrogen diffusion flame in air

Abstract Spontaneous Raman spectroscopy has been employed for time-averaged, spatially-resolved measurements of temperature and species concentration in an axisymmetric, laminar hydrogen diffusion flame in quiescent air. Temperatures were obtained from vibrational Q-branch raman spectra of N2, O2, and H2 and the rotational Raman spectra of N2 and H2, and concentrations of H2, and N2 were determined. The results are compared to existing numerical nonequilibrium calculations for the conditions of this experiment. Significant differences between experimental and predicted temperature and concentration profiles are observed. In particular, the flame is larger in both diameter and length and the flame zone is thicker than predicted. Some possible sources of the discrepancies are discussed.
The significance of renal C4d staining in patients with BK viruria, viremia, and nephropathy

Peritubular capillary C4d staining in allograft kidney is an important criterion for antibody-mediated rejection. Whether BK virus infection can result in complement activation is not known. We studied 113 renal allograft biopsies from 52 recipients with a history of BK virus activation. The samples were classified into four groups according to the concurrent detection of BK virus DNA in urine, plasma, and/or biopsy: BK-negative (n=37), viruria (n=53), viremia (n=7), and nephropathy (n=16) groups. The histological semiquantitative peritubular capillary C4d scores in the viremia (0.3+/-0.8) and BK nephropathy (0.6+/-0.9) groups were lower than those in the BK-negative group (1.2+/-1.1, P=0.05 and P=0.06, respectively) and the viruria group (1.2+/-1.1, P=0.04 and P=0.06, respectively). Diffuse or focal peritubular capillary C4d staining was present in 9/76 (12%) and 14/76 (19%) of all samples with concurrent BK virus reactivation (viruria, viremia, and nephropathy). The diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection could be established in 7/9 (78%) and 5/14 (36%) of these samples, respectively. Diffuse tubular basement membrane C4d staining was restricted to BK nephropathy cases (4/16, 25%). Semiquantitative tubular basement membrane C4d scores were higher in BK nephropathy (1.2+/-1.3) compared with BK-negative (0.05+/-0.3, P=0.017) and viruria (0.0+/-0.0, P=0.008) groups. Bowman's capsule C4d staining was more frequent in BK nephropathy (5/16) compared with the aforementioned groups (2/36 (P=0.023) and 4/51 (P=0.03), respectively). Within the BK nephropathy group, samples with tubular basement membrane stain had more infected tubular epithelial cells (12.1+/-7.6% vs 4.4+/-5.0%, P=0.03) and a trend toward higher interstitial inflammation scores. In conclusion, peritubular capillary C4d staining remains a valid marker for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection in the presence of concurrent BK virus infection. A subset of biopsies with BK nephropathy shows tubular basement membrane C4d staining, which correlates with marked viral cytopathic effect.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 244

Abstract Available information pertaining to the nuclear structure of all nuclei with mass numbers A=244 is presented. Various decay and reaction data are evaluated and compared. Adopted data, levels, spin, parity and configuration assignments are given. When there are insufficient data, expected values from systematics of nuclear properties or/and theoretical calculations are quoted. Unexpected or discrepant experimental results are also mentioned.
Maintenance of a normal thymic microenvironment and T-cell homeostasis require Smad4-mediated signaling in thymic epithelial cells

Signals mediated by the transforming growth factor-β superfamily of growth factors have been implicated in thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation, homeostasis, and function, but a direct reliance on these signals has not been established. Here we demonstrate that a block in canonical transforming growth factor-β signaling by the loss of Smad4 expression in TECs leads to qualitative changes in TEC function and a progressively disorganized thymic microenvironment. Moreover, the number of thymus resident early T-lineage progenitors is severely reduced in the absence of Smad4 expression in TECs and directly correlates with extensive thymic and peripheral lymphopenia. Our observations hence place Smad4 within the signaling events in TECs that determine total thymus cellularity by controlling the number of early T-lineage progenitors.
Development of a Chronic Disease Indicator Score Using a Veterans Affairs Medical Center Medication Database

Abstract Objective: Develop a chronic disease index that approximates the number of chronic diseases a patient has using a medication database. Methods: An expert panel determined whether specific medication classes could be indicative of a chronic disease. Those classes identified were incorporated into a computer program and then used to screen the medication records of 246 randomly selected patients to estimate the number of chronic diseases present in each patient. This number was designated as the chronic disease index (CDI). The CDI was then validated against chart review. The CDI and a measure of disease severity, the chronic disease score (CDS) also were compared. The sensitivity and specificity of the computer program was analyzed for seven common chronic diseases. Results: The expert panel designated 54 drug classes containing medications used to treat chronic diseases. The CDI correlated moderately with the number of chronic diseases found via chart review ( r = 0.65; P=0.001) and highly with the CDS ( r = 0.81; P=0.001). The index predicted the presence of three common diseases with a sensitivity of ≥75%, and of six common diseases with a specificity of ≥75%. Conclusions: The CDI correlates moderately well with the actual number of chronic disease states present. This tool may be useful for researchers when trying to identify patients with specific diseases and also for risk adjustment.
Predominant Source of Interpersonal Influence in Relationships Between Psychiatric Patients and Nursing Staff

Observer ratings of two 1/2-hour interviews between the same randomly selected nurse-patient pairs were undertaken. It was hypothesized that (a) nurses and patients would emit complementary dominant and submissive behaviors, respectively, on a status dimension during both interviews; (b) neither nurses nor patients would exert greater interpersonal influence for change on the status dimension; (c) patients would not reciprocate higher levels of nurse friendliness during the first interview but would during the second; and (d) nurses would exert greater interpersonal influence for change in feeling toward reciprocal friendliness in patients. Interviews were rated using the Leary Interpersonal Check List. Interjudge reliability was established for Leary's coding system as used in the present study. The results of four separate† tests supported the hypotheses related to nurse and patient positions on the status and feeling dimensions during each of the two interviews. The patterns of correlation coefficients in two separate cross-lagged panel analyses provided strong support for a lack of greater influence by either party for status and some support for greater nurse influence for change in patient feelings. The results support the position that a social psychological model emphasizing the rules of interpersonal complementarity can be used to understand and generate remedies for maladaptive interpersonal behavior.
Application of X-ray reflection interface microscopy to thin-film materials

Abstract New X-ray imaging techniques with excellent spatial resolution are under development for investigating surface and interface structures. X-ray reflection imaging microscopy (XRIM) applies full-field imaging to a specularly reflected X-ray beam from a surface or interface. This technique uses a zone plate objective lens to spatially resolve the reflected X-ray intensity and, by exploiting phase contrast, allows steps or terraces to be directly visualized. Thickness fringes caused by interferences in crystalline thin films grown on single-crystal substrates are observed near Bragg peaks and also carry information related to the termination of the film at either the surface or the film–substrate interface. We have applied the XRIM technique to image X-ray intensity along thickness fringes in complex oxide thin-film systems such as SrRuO 3 on SrTiO 3 , EuTiO 3 on DyScO 3 , and Bi 2 O 3 on SrTiO 3 . Measurements of the contrast variations in the images as a function of momentum transfer, Q , allow features to be identified as steps/terraces, or attributed to film inhomogeneities. Using both the Q -resolution and the excellent spatial resolution of the XRIM technique, images of fabricated systems with lateral structures are demonstrated.
Hyperglycemia delays rostral initiation sites during neural tube closure.

Abstract Neural tube defects contribute greatly to perinatal loss, physical handicap, mental retardation and other developmental defects, yet the mechanisms through which they occur are poorly understood. One hindrance to the study of these defects at the cellular and molecular levels is the low frequency with which they arise in susceptible animals. The present study utilizes a culture system for the study of rodent exencephaly, an animal model of human anencephaly, in which a high frequency of affected animals are obtained by culture in hyperglycemic rat serum. Rat embryos were dissected at day 9.5 from timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley dams and cultured under standard conditions developed by New [ Biol. Rev . (1978) 53 , 81–122]. Embryos cultured under elevated glucose conditions are able to close the caudal neural tube with the failure of neural tube closure limited to the rostral neuralepithelium. In this report we present the novel finding that, although at the end of culture frequently only the hindbrain region remains open, the normal sequence of events expected during rostral closure anterior to the hindbrain is markedly delayed. In embryos cultured in hyperglycemic serum, both rostral initiation sites II and III are significantly delayed. The degree of delay increases with increasing glucose concentration in the culture medium. These studies support the use of this defined in vitro model of anencephaly for studies of the molecular and cellular bases underlying the failure of hindbrain closure and demonstrate that sufficient numbers of affected animals can be produced to obtain significant results. The similarity of our findings with hyperglycemia-induced exencephaly to studies in mouse strains that are genetically susceptible to anencephaly suggest that the mechanisms underlying these different routes to failure of neural tube closure share common precursor events.
Thermoset polyurethanes containing hydroquinone di(β‐hydroxyethyl) ether

A thermoset polyurethane resin extended with hydroquinone di(β-hydroxyethyl) ether (HQEE) was found to have good thermomechanical properties suitable for external elastomeric automotive applications. A resin composed of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), ethylene glycol, and a primary polyol was found to have good mechanical properties but was too reactive for processing as a one-component resin. Replacing the liquid ethylene glycol extender with the solid HQEE substantially increased the pot life of the resin as well as improving the modulus properties. When catalyzed with zinc stearate this resin had sufficient pot life at room temperature, at least 4 hr, to be processed as a one-component system but still cure rapidly at elevated temperatures. The HQEE-extended materials required only 50% hard-block content (isocyanate plus extender) to have the same modulus at room temperature as ethylene glycol-extended materials containing 60% hard block. By using a graft or polymer polyol, the required hard-block content could be reduced to 40% The polyurethane of MDI/SAN graft polyol/HQEE containing 40% hard block had a flex modulus of 230 MPa, tensile strength of 18 MPa, and 240% elongation. The ratio of flex moduli measured at −29 and +70°C was 2.7, which compared very favorably to conventional RIM systems. The modulus at elevated temperatures was particularly improved, which is important in painting operations.
Separation of cells and proteins from fermentation broth using ultrafiltration

Ultrafiltration of fermented cheese whey broth was studied using a lab scale cross-flow membrane system. The molecular weight cut-offs (MWCO) of the used membranes were 5000 Da and 20,000 Da. The experiments were conducted at five levels of transmembrane pressure (70, 140, 210, 280, and 420 kPa), two temperatures (21 and 37 °C) and two cross-flow velocities (1 m/s and 2 m/s). The permeate flow-rate decreased with time due to fouling of the membrane. Higher transmembrane pressure and cross- flow velocity caused higher permeate flux. Transmembrane pressure and cross-flow velocity had no significant effect (P > 0.1) on protein retention ratio. Higher MWCO of the membrane caused higher permeate flux and reduced the crude protein retention ratio. However, the MWCO of membrane had no significant effect on the protein retention ratio.
Optimal estimation of finish parameters

This paper discusses basic issues involved in the estimation of surface spectra from laboratory measurements, the development of physically-based spectral models, and the estimation of finish parameters and their associated errors.
Metabolic adaptations to short-term every-other-day feeding in long-living Ames dwarf mice

Restrictive dietary interventions exert significant beneficial physiological effects in terms of aging and age-related disease in many species. Every other day feeding (EOD) has been utilized in aging research and shown to mimic many of the positive outcomes consequent with dietary restriction. This study employed long living Ames dwarf mice subjected to EOD feeding to examine the adaptations of the oxidative phosphorylation and antioxidative defense systems to this feeding regimen. Every other day feeding lowered liver glutathione (GSH) concentrations in dwarf and wild type (WT) mice but altered GSH biosynthesis and degradation in WT mice only. The activities of liver OXPHOS enzymes and corresponding proteins declined in WT mice fed EOD while in dwarf animals, the levels were maintained or increased with this feeding regimen. Antioxidative enzymes were differentially affected depending on the tissue, whether proliferative or post-mitotic. Gene expression of components of liver methionine metabolism remained elevated in dwarf mice when compared to WT mice as previously reported however, enzymes responsible for recycling homocysteine to methionine were elevated in both genotypes in response to EOD feeding. The data suggest that the differences in anabolic hormone levels likely affect the sensitivity of long living and control mice to this dietary regimen, with dwarf mice exhibiting fewer responses in comparison to WT mice. These results provide further evidence that dwarf mice may be better protected against metabolic and environmental perturbations which may in turn, contribute to their extended longevity.
Strategic Planning as a Prerequisite to Strategic Marketing Action in Libraries and Information Agencies

SUMMARY It is essential that library and information agency directors lead their organizations through a strategic planning process before developing strategic marketing plans which should be based on, and designed, to support the attainment of strategic objectives. Whatever strategic planning process is used, it should result in a clear vision of what the organization wants to become. An ideal plan should also be able to answer questions such as: Who are the organization's primary customers? What are the primary and secondary products and services? Is the current marketing plan supportive of the vision, mission and strategic goals of the organization? Using strategic marketing processes, an organization will be able to develop a competitive product mix and an appropriate marketing approach targeting identified markets. For too long we have misunderstood marketing/strategic planning to mean “promotion and public relations.” Of course, we know that this is a much bigger and more important phenomenon in man...
Molecular basis for Nup37 and ELY5/ELYS recruitment to the nuclear pore complex.

Nucleocytoplasmic transport is mediated by nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), enormous assemblies composed of multiple copies of ∼30 different proteins called nucleoporins. To unravel the basic scaffold underlying the NPC, we have characterized the species-specific scaffold nucleoporin Nup37 and ELY5/ELYS. Both proteins integrate directly via Nup120/160 into the universally conserved heptameric Y-complex, the critical unit for the assembly and functionality of the NPC. We present the crystal structure of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Nup37 in complex with Nup120, a 174-kDa subassembly that forms one of the two short arms of the Y-complex. Nup37 binds near the bend of the L-shaped Nup120 protein, potentially stabilizing the relative orientation of its two domains. By means of reconstitution assays, we pinpoint residues crucial for this interaction. In vivo and in vitro results show that ELY5 binds near an interface of the Nup120–Nup37 complex. Complementary biochemical and cell biological data refine and consolidate the interactions of Nup120 within the current Y-model. Finally, we propose an orientation of the Y-complex relative to the pore membrane, consistent with the lattice model.
A finite helical axis as a landmark for kinematic reference of the knee.

Reference coordinates based on the finite helical axis for flexion of the knee from 0 to 90 deg are proposed. Six degree-of-freedom tracking allows the use of such a helical axis as a kinematic landmark for knee motion representation. Data from five human subjects in vivo are presented as a path of finite helical axes for flexion of the knee from 20 to 80 deg. The finite helical axis rotates by an average of 11.4 deg, the centrode translates an average of 19.8 mm, and the total axial translation averages 0.1 mm during flexion from 20 to 80 deg. Error due to the transducer was measured on a fixed-pivot pendulum and found to be 1.0 deg and 1.9 mm rms for the helical axis orientation and position, respectively, and 0.1 mm for the axial translation. Reproducibility and soft tissue effects on the measurements were repeatable to 4.0 deg and 2.7 mm rms in orientation and position, respectively, and 0.1 mm for the axial translations. Soft tissue errors averaged 4.9 deg and 3.6 mmm in position and orientation, and 0.3 mm in the axial translations.
Delayed hypothermia preferentially increases expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon III in rat hippocampus after asphyxial cardiac arrest.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels increase in rats treated with a regimen of delayed, mild hypothermia that improve neurological recovery after asphyxial cardiac arrest. BDNF transcription in rat brain involves at least five different BDNF exons (exons I–V) that produce four different varieties of mRNA, each containing exon V paired with one of exons I–IV. This study examined whether these different BDNF transcripts are differentially affected by cardiac arrest and by therapeutic hypothermia in rat hippocampus using a reverse transcription and PCR-based method. At 24 h after asphyxial cardiac arrest, transcripts containing exons I and III increased. In rats treated with hypothermia after cardiac arrest, transcripts containing exon III were further increased. No significant alterations in transcripts from exons II or IV were observed, though there was a trend for hypothermia to decrease message from these exons. These data suggest that hypothermia after cardiac arrest produces exon-specific changes in BDNF transcription.
Characterization and improvement of an assay for thiamine pyrophosphate with applications to fruit tissue at different stages of the climacteric.

A method for the measurement of thiamine pyrophosphate was reexamined with regard to optima for pH, temperature, incubation time, and pyruvate decarboxylase apo-enzyme concentration. The purified apo-enzyme was shown to be stable for 30 days at -80°C. Optimized conditions resulted in assays about 10 times faster than previously described. Increases in TPP content were noted during ripening of avocado and pear fruit however, the significance of the increases was circumscribed by limitations inherent to the extraction and assay procedures. Regulatory functions of TPP and their potential role in fruit tissues are discussed.
Dynamics of the Earth's Radiation Belts and Inner Magnetosphere

Trapped by Earth's magnetic field far above the planet's surface, the energetic particles that fill the radiation belts are a sign of the Sun's influence and a threat to our technological future. In the AGU monograph Dynamics of the Earth's Radiation Belts and Inner Magnetosphere, editors Danny Summers, Ian R. Mann, Daniel N. Baker, and Michael Schulz explore the inner workings of the magnetosphere. The book reviews current knowledge of the magnetosphere and recent research results and sets the stage for the work currently being done by NASA's Van Allen Probes (formerly known as the Radiation Belt Storm Probes). In this interview, Eos talks to Summers about magnetospheric research, whistler mode waves, solar storms, and the effects of the radiation belts on Earth.
Upgrading municipal environmental services to European Union levels: a case study of household willingness to pay in Lithuania

Lithuania is one of ten countries in Central and Eastern Europe that is aligning its environmental policies with those of the European Union (EU). The costs of harmonizing environmental policies are expected to be extremely high and to fall dis- proportionately on local governments. One policy option for financing these service upgrades is to use increased tariffs. We evaluate the feasibility of this strategy by esti- mating household willingness to pay for upgraded landfill, sewerage, and recycling programs. We then compare estimated benefits with costs from the literature. We find that household willingness to pay is substantial for upgraded landfill management and expanded sewerage service, but virtually zero for the two recycling programs con- sidered. Relative to costs, households are willing to pay approximately 80-90 per cent of costs for landfill improvement, but less than 10 per cent for upgraded sewerage service and recycling programs. These results suggest that targeted subsidies will be critical to fund the municipal environmental expenditures required for Lithuania to join the EU.
Adenovirus-mediated increase in HNF-3β or HNF-3α shows differences in levels of liver glycogen and gene expression

We previously generated a transgenic mouse line (T-77) in which increased hepatic expression of the hepatocyte nuclear factor-3beta (HNF-3beta) protein was used to assess its role in hepatocyte-specific gene transcription. The T-77 transgenic mice displayed elevated serum bile acid and bilirubin levels and a complete absence of hepatic glycogen storage. These postnatal liver defects were associated with diminished expression of hepatocyte genes involved in gluconeogenesis and bile acid transport as well as reduced levels of hepatocyte transcription factors. In this study, we show that mouse tail vein injections of adenovirus expressing the rat HNF-3beta (AdHNF3beta) cDNA efficiently increased its levels throughout the liver lobule and recapitulated the T-77 transgenic liver phenotype within several days postinfection. Likewise, the AdHNF3beta-infected liver phenotype was associated with reduced hepatic expression of genes involved in glucose homeostasis, bile acid transport, and bilirubin conjugation, which were not found with control adenovirus infections. These studies show that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer is an effective method for rapid hepatic increases in transcription factor levels to determine in vivo target genes. In contrast, AdHNF3alpha-infected liver displayed only a transient reduction in hepatic glycogen levels and was associated with less severe decreases in hepatic expression of gluconeogenic and bilirubin metabolism genes. Consistent with these findings, only T-77 transgenic and AdHNF3beta-infected liver exhibited diminished hepatic expression of the HNF-6 transcription factor, suggesting that reduced HNF-6 levels contribute to diminished HNF-3beta-specific transcriptional activity.
Communication based Clustering to Detect Selfish Nodes in MANET

Objective: The main intent of this research is to detect the selfish node in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) and to select the Cluster Head (CH) based on the energy level and Node Communication Ratio (NCR). Methods/Analysis: In this paper, a new mechanism is developed to identify the selfish nodes in the communication network. Based on the level of energy and the Node Communication Ratio, the Cluster Head is selected. The cluster head in turn is used to contribute to the network within its infrastructure range. The sink node will be noticing the behavior of each and every communicating node in the network. Results: The communication based clustering has proved better performance in terms of packet delivery rate, packet loss rate, packet delay rate and better energy efficiency during data transmission. Conclusion: The simulation results show that this scheme has improved quality of service compared to the existing scheme 2Ack. This scheme can be applied in the areas of military operations, emergency and disaster management in order to ensure reliable data delivery on-the-move.
Time Reversal in Multiple-Input Multiple-Output Radar

Time reversal explores the rich scattering in a multipath environment to achieve high target detectability. Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar is an emerging active sensing technology that uses diverse waveforms transmitted from widely spaced antennas to achieve increased target sensitivity when compared to standard phased arrays. In this paper, we combine MIMO radar with time reversal to automatically match waveforms to a scattering channel and further improve the performance of radar detection. We establish a radar target model in multipath rich environments and develop likelihood ratio tests for the proposed time-reversal MIMO radar (TR-MIMO). Numerical simulations demonstrate improved target detectability compared with the commonly used statistical MIMO strategy.
Lateral automobile impacts and the risk of traumatic brain injury.

Abstract Study objectives We determine the relative risk and severity of traumatic brain injury among occupants of lateral impacts compared with occupants of nonlateral impacts. Methods This was a secondary analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Automotive Sampling System, Crashworthiness Data Systems for 2000. Analysis was restricted to occupants of vehicles in which at least 1 person experienced an injury with Abbreviated Injury Scale score greater than 2. Traumatic brain injury was defined as an injury to the head or skull with an Abbreviated Injury Scale score greater than 2. Outcomes were analyzed using the χ 2 test and multivariate logistic regression, with adjustment of variance to account for weighted probability sampling. Results Of the 1,115 occupants available for analysis, impact direction was lateral for 230 (18.42%) occupants and nonlateral for 885 (81.58%) occupants. One hundred eighty-seven (16.07%) occupants experienced a traumatic brain injury, 14.63% after lateral and 16.39% after nonlateral impact. The unadjusted relative risk of traumatic brain injury after lateral impact was 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51 to 1.56). After adjusting for several important crash-related variables, the relative risk of traumatic brain injury was 2.60 (95% CI 1.1 to 6.0). Traumatic brain injuries were more severe after lateral impact according to Abbreviated Injury Scale and Glasgow Coma Scale scores. The proportion of fatal or critical crash-related traumatic brain injuries attributable to lateral impact was 23.5%. Conclusion Lateral impact is an important independent risk factor for the development of traumatic brain injury after a serious motor vehicle crash. Traumatic brain injuries incurred after lateral impact are more severe than those resulting from nonlateral impact. Vehicle modifications that increase head protection could reduce crash-related severe traumatic brain injuries by up to 61% and prevent up to 2,230 fatal or critical traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States.
E3 ligases in T cell anergy--turning immune responses into tolerance

Peripheral tolerance is an important strategy used by the immune system to prevent self-reactive lymphocytes from attacking host tissues. A variety of mechanisms contribute to peripheral tolerance, among them activation-induced cell death, suppression by regulatory T cells, and T cell anergy or unresponsiveness. Recent work has led to a better understanding of the cell-intrinsic program that establishes T cell anergy. A major insight is that during the induction phase of anergy, incomplete stimulation (T cell receptor stimulation without costimulation) leads via calcium influx to an altered gene expression program that includes up-regulation of several E3 ubiquitin ligases. When the anergic T cells contact antigen-presenting cells, intracellular signaling proteins are monoubiquitinated and targeted for lysosomal degradation, thus decreasing intracellular signaling and also resulting in decreased stability of the T cell-antigen-presenting cell contact. We propose a molecular program leading to T cell anergy and discuss other proteins that may play a role.
Oocyte maturation and ovariole number in lines of Drosophila melanogaster selected for postponed senescence

1. Postponed senescence lines of Drosophila melanogaster have previously been generated by selection for delayed female reproduction. 2. This study addresses the question of whether the selection regime has differentiated lines with respect to oocyte maturation or ovariole number. 3. Oocyte stage and ovariole number were characterized in replicate postponed senescence lines (O) and in replicate control lines (B). 4. Oocyte maturation is delayed in O females. 5. The delay in oocyte maturation in O lines corresponds to reduced early age fecundity. 6. Selection may have resulted in an increased number of ovarioles in O females.
Detonation characteristics of hydrogen-oxygen mixtures

Detonation velocities were measured in mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen containing 25 to 75 mole % hydrogen at initial temperatures from 160° to 580°K. and initial pressures from 1/2 to 2 atm. The measurements were made in a number of tubes of different diameter to permit extrapolation to a tube of infinite diameter. Theoretical detonation characteristics were computed for the same range of conditions. The measured and computed velocities are in good agreement except in rich mixtures and at subatmospheric pressures. Schlieren photographs reveal that the detonation wave front is very thin for a stoichiometric mixture but degenerates to a complicated zone of interacting shock waves and turbulent combustion as the percentage of hydrogen is reduced. The detonation velocity is found to depend only slightly on initial temperature and pressure. The computed pressures behind the detonation and reflected waves are roughly proportional to initial pressure and to the reciprocal of the initial temperature.