cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Localization of lipoprotein in pre- and post-transition atherosclerotic lesions following short-term incubation with [125I]LDL.

Ultrastructural autoradiography has been used to test the hypothesis that atherosclerotic regions of vessels differ with respect to lipoprotein uptake and localization. White Carneau pigeons, in which the prevalence and localization of aortic lesions are highly predictable, were fed a 0.25% cholesterol-supplemented diet to accelerate atherosclerosis. One hour prior to necropsy the birds were given a single intravenous injection of homologous [125I]LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Plasma die-away and tissue distribution of label were determined, and after the birds had been killed, the aortas, spleen and liver were processed for electron microscope autoradiography. Initial [125I]LDL uptake was rapid, with 35% of the label removed within 30 min. Predominant accumulation was in the liver, followed by the lung, kidney, the spleen and the aorta, in which the [125I]LDL level was approximately 4% that of the liver. Autoradiographic analysis documented hepatocyte (33%) and Kupffer cell (19.9%) localization in the liver and reticuloendothelial cell (57.4%) localization in the spleen. The aortic analysis involved serially sectioned lesions for direct comparison of non-lesion, lesion/non-lesion interface (edge) and deep lesion regions. Analysis of 2275 silver grains documented a ten-fold increase in LDL accumulation at the lesion edge (as compared to adjacent non-lesion) where macrophage foam cells contained more than 70% of the label. The other 30% was distributed equally among endothelium, the intimai matrix and smooth muscle cells. This distribution changed with more complex (deeper) lesions, although grain density in the complex lesions was comparable to the edge. In the complex regions, macrophage foam cell grains were reduced to 37%, whereas smooth muscle cell (22%) and the extracellular matrix (24%) label were both increased. These studies substantiate enhanced accumulation of lipoprotein specifically at lesion sites in the aorta and demonstrate a shift from macrophage localization at the developing edge to smooth muscle cell and the extracellular matrix in more complex deeper lesions.
Rapid screening and comparison of human microsatellite markers in baboons : Allele size is conserved, but allele number is not

We have developed a rapid screening method for cross-species amplification of homologous microsatellite loci and studied some of the characteristics of those loci in the species of origin (human) and the test species (baboon). We tested a matrix of 64 combinations of magnesium concentration and annealing temperature, and after screening over 750 markers with that system, we found that 32 of those combinations account for >99% of the loci that could be amplified across species. This number of test conditions can be further reduced to 6 conditions when a touchdown PCR profile is used instead of traditional 3-step PCR. When the test primers are used to amplify batched DNA samples, and fluorescently labeled dNTPs are incorporated into the PCR product, the products from the best set of conditions can be loaded directly onto an automated sequencer, and the number of alleles, allele size range, and approximate allele frequencies can be estimated from one lane per locus. We were able to optimize conditions for automated microsatellite genotyping in baboons for 24.3% of the loci screened, resulting in a panel of over 280 genetic markers suitable for genetic analysis of baboons. Analysis of 139 markers for which we had completed human and baboon genotyping indicated that there was no correlation between numbers of alleles in humans and in baboons, but a high correlation between median allele sizes. There is no indication of directional selection for increased human microsatellite size.
A note on inverted Mandelbrot sets

A simple technique is described for demonstrating artistically interesting behavior in chaotic systems defined by complex dynamics. In particular, the Mandelbrot set for the iterative process\(\zeta \to \zeta ^p + (1/u)^p \) is explored.
The genetic structure of a relict population of wood frogs

Habitat fragmentation and the associated reduction in connectivity between habitat patches are commonly cited causes of genetic differentiation and reduced genetic variation in animal populations. We used eight microsatellite markers to investigate genetic structure and levels of genetic diversity in a relict population of wood frogs (Lithobates sylvatica) in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, where recent disturbances have altered hydrologic processes and fragmented amphibian habitat. We also estimated migration rates among subpopulations, tested for a pattern of isolation-by-distance, and looked for evidence of a recent population bottleneck. The results from the clustering algorithm in Program STRUCTURE indicated the population is partitioned into two genetic clusters (subpopulations), and this result was further supported by factorial component analysis. In addition, an estimate of F ST (F ST = 0.0675, P value <0.0001) supported the genetic differentiation of the two clusters. Estimates of migration rates among the two subpopulations were low, as were estimates of genetic variability. Conservation of the population of wood frogs may be improved by increasing the spatial distribution of the population and improving gene flow between the subpopulations. Construction or restoration of wetlands in the landscape between the clusters has the potential to address each of these objectives.
Influence of Molecular Rigidity on Interfacial Ordering in Diphenyl-Based Polysiloxane Films

Abstract Synchrotron X-ray reflectivity (XRR) shows significant differences between the ordering in thin films of diphenyl-based siloxane oligomers with single versus double backbones of –Si–O– repeating groups. We show that the more restricted conformational arrangement of twofold-skeleton molecules results in a higher degree of molecular ordering indicated by 2–2.5 times higher value of intensity of the corresponding Bragg peak in thin solid films of poly(phenylsilsesquioxane) than in films of poly(diphenylsiloxane), regardless of the solvent used for film casting. In both cases, the ordered molecules are located within 40–50 A of the substrate surface. The results indicate unambiguously that the chain stiffness of siloxanes governs the degree of ordering in the restricted geometry of the interfacial region.
Effects of Roughage Type and Texture on Milk Fat Secretion and Body Weight Recovery by Lactating Dairy Cows

Abstract Twenty-five lactating Holstein cows were fed five rations in which the roughage portions (dry matter) consisted of either 1) baled hay; 2) cubed hay; 3) cubed hay, 90% and corn silage, 10%; 4) cubed hay, 80% and corn silage, 20%; or 5) cubed hay, 60% and corn silage, 40%. Hays were third-cutting alfalfa. Rations were fed in a continuous test during the first 168 days of lactation to determine effects of ration on feed intake, production and composition of milk, and change in body weight. Substituting corn silage for cubed hay depressed intake of roughage dry matter at 20 and 40% substitution and increased milk fat percent at 40%, but had no effect on solids-not-fat percent or production of fat-corrected milk. In early lactation mean milk fat percentages increased linearly as corn silage was substituted for cubed hay at 20 and 40%. Gross efficiencies of milk production of the 20 and 40% corn silage rations exceeded efficiencies of baled hay, cubed hay, or 10% corn silage rations. Rate of body weight recovery after parturition was slower for cows fed baled hay than for those fed cubed hay or mixed cubes and silage. The interrelationships of milk fat tests and rumen volatile fatty acids of cows fed coarse textured hay (baled), fine textured hay (cubed), and cubes supplemented with corn silage indicate milk fat percentages are affected by type as well as texture of forage and that the potential metabolic mechanisms due to type and texture may differ.
Loss of Homeostatic Strain Alters Mechanostat “Set Point” of Tendon Cells In Vitro

Tendon cells respond to mechanical loads. The character (anabolic or catabolic) and sensitivity of this response is determined by the mechanostat set point of the cell, which is governed by the cytoskeleton and its interaction with the extracellular matrix. To determine if loss of cytoskeletal tension following stress deprivation decreases the mechanoresponsiveness of tendon cells, we cultured rat tail tendons under stress-deprived conditions for 48 hours and then cyclically loaded them for 24 hours at 1%, 3%, or 6% strain at 0.17 Hz. Stress deprivation upregulated MMP-13 mRNA expression and caused progressive loss of cell-matrix contact compared to fresh controls. The application of 1% strain to fresh tendons for 24 hours inhibited MMP-13 mRNA expression compared to stress-deprived tendons over the same period. However, when tendons were stress-deprived for 48 hours and then subjected to the same loading regime, the inhibition of MMP-13 mRNA expression was decreased. In stress-deprived tendons, it was necessary to increase the strain magnitude to 3% to achieve the same level of MMP-13 mRNA inhibition seen in fresh tendons exercised at 1% strain. The data suggest loss of cytoskeletal tension alters the mechanostat set point and decreases the mechanoresponsiveness of tendon cells.
Optimization of The Processing Parameters for Pulsed Laser Deposition of Nickel Silicide Ohmic Contacts On SiC

This research investigates the potential of pulsed laser deposition to create reliable high current ohmic contacts of Ni 2 Si on single crystal 4H-SiC. Since this stoichiometry is the stable interphase in the nickel-silicon carbide diffusion couple, direct deposition eliminates the detrimental excess carbon normally formed by direct sintering Ni on SiC, the surface roughening that results from this sintering as well as the need for post-deposition high-temperature (900°C) anneals that are required in complex multi-component contacts. This study examines the processing parameters that must be used during deposition to obtain the desired microstructural characteristics for the contact. Pulsed laser deposition of nickel silicide produces smooth films with an amorphous or nanocrystalline structure interspersed with macroparticles. Macroparticle formation on the resulting films appear in the form of solidified droplets of the eutectic composition nickel silicide (3:1) that form during the long term target processing. The dependence of the number and size distributions of these droplets on laser fluence sample temperature is examined.
Extractive Fermentation of Acetone and Butanol: Process Design and Economic Evaluation

Production de butanol (plus acetone et ethanol) par fermentation de melasse par Clostridium acetobutylicum. Etude economique comparative de 2 procedes: fermentation classique discontinue et fermentation avec extraction en continu du produit (extraction par l'alcool olleylique). Le second procede est environ 20% moins cher que le premier
Anthropometric differences in obese men with biochemical failure after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Abstract Objective The effect of obesity on biochemical failure after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) is controversial. The differences in study outcomes may be a result of using body mass index (BMI) rather then direct anthropometric measurements of fat distribution. To investigate these differences, we used endorectal coil MRI (eMRI) data to directly measure fat thicknesses in obese men who underwent RRP. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on an RRP database of 1,987 men with available BMI, clinicopathologic characteristics, and biochemical follow-up. Obese men (BMI ≥ 30) were compared with normal weight men (BMI ≤ 25) and overweight men (BMI > 25, Results Kaplan Meyer curves with log rank analysis revealed a significant difference in biochemical free survival in lean men and overweight men compared with obese men ( P = 0.016, P = 0.021). A BMI ≥ 30 did not predict time to biochemical failure on multivariate analysis (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.67–1.56, P = 0.29). The anterior fat thickness on eMRI in obese men with biochemical failure ( n = 21) was significantly smaller than obese men without biochemical failure ( n = 122) (35 mm vs. 44 mm, P = 0.003). Calculated percent visceral fat thickness was also significantly larger in obese men with biochemical failure (74% vs.71%, P = 0.02). Subset analysis on patients with extracapsular extension and higher pathologic Gleason scores revealed similar trends in anterior and percent visceral fat thicknesses ( P = 0.003, P = 0.02). Conclusion Difference in fat distribution may help account for some of the controversy surrounding obesity and prostate cancer. These differences may explain why BMI alone may not adequately predict the influence of obesity on outcomes of prostate cancer treatment.
Some Comparative Aspects of Selenite and Selenomethionine Metabolism

The different ratios of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) to selenium (Se) content in human erythrocytes as compared to those from animals are due to differences in the distribution of Se between the erythrocyte proteins, mainly GPx and hemoglobin (Hb). However, based on some rat experiments, this is probably not due solely to species differences but also to the dietary forms of Se consumed. When rats were fed diets with selenite as the Se source, essentially all of the Se was deposited with GPx, but when the source was selenomethionine, as supplied by high-Se wheat or selenized yeast, as much as 60% of the Se was deposited with Hb in the erythrocytes. Since the erythrocyte GPx activity is so low in comparison to the peroxidase activity of Hb, this creates a source of error in the assay of GPx in human blood, and thus this assay cannot be used to accurately assess Se status. When selenomethionine was the dietary source of Se for rats, significantly more Se was deposited in tissues (1.4 to 3.6-fold in liver, ki...
Secondary-electron emission from metals impacted by high-velocity particles: molecular-effect deviations from a single-particle picture

Abstract Experiments have been performed to study the influence of projectile molecular effects on the production of secondary electrons in the MeV/amu energy regime. Secondary-electron yields from Au, Ta and A1 2 O 3 surfaces were measured using charged-particle projectiles provided by Van de Graaff accelerators (H + at 1.5–6 MeV, H 2 + at 2–6 MeV, H 3 + at 3–6 MeV, 3 He + at 13–22 MeV, 3 He 2+ at 13–33 MeV, 4 He + at 18–22 MeV, and 4 He 2+ at 18–33 MeV) and scanning electron microscopes (electrons at 0.8–30 keV). For low projectile velocities, the total electron yield due to a composite projectile is less than the sum of the yields of the individual components of that projectile. This “molecular effect” is attributed to interference effects between the individual components of the projectile which lessen each component's ability to produce secondary electrons. As the projectile velocity is increased, these interference effects are reduced and the projectile as a whole becomes more effective in producing secondary electrons. Secondary electrons produced by backscattered electrons were also studied and found to constitute 60–80% of the total number of secondary electrons emitted from Au and Ta and ~ 40% of those emitted from Al 2 O 3 . These results are interpreted in terms of existing theories of secondary-electron emission. Ongoing computer simulations are contributing to an understanding of the particle dynamics of the secondary-electron emission process for composite projectiles and are showing qualitative agreement with experiment.
Intussusception caused by dried apricot: A case report.

INTRODUCTION An unusual cause of intussusception due to small bowel obstruction secondary to dried apricot consumption was encountered. Phytobezoar small bowel obstruction is a rare, but interesting pathology that accounts for 2–4% of small bowel obstructions (18). Even rarer, is an intussusception caused by dried fruit ingestion. We present the case of a 56-year-old female that presented with an intussusception after she ingested a large amount of dried apricots.
KChIP3 rescues the functional expression of Shal channel tetramerization mutants.

KChIP proteins regulate Shal, Kv4.x, channel expression by binding to a conserved sequence at the N terminus of the subunit. The binding of KChIP facilitates a redistribution of Kv4 protein to the cell surface, producing a large increase in current along with significant changes in channel gating kinetics. Recently we have shown that mutants of Kv4.2 lacking the ability to bind an intersubunit Zn2+ between their T1 domains fail to form functional channels because they are unable to assemble to tetramers and remain trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here we find that KChIPs are capable of rescuing the function of Zn2+ site mutants by driving the mutant subunits to assemble to tetramers. Thus, in addition to known trafficking effects, KChIPs play a direct role in subunit assembly by binding to monomeric subunits within the endoplasmic reticulum and promoting tetrameric channel assembly. Zn2+-less Kv4.2 channels expressed with KChIP3 demonstrate several distinct kinetic changes in channel gating, including a reduced time to peak and faster entry into the inactivated state as well as extending the time to recover from inactivation by 3–4 fold.
Prediction of soakout time using analytical models

Abstract In precision manufacturing enterprises, machine parts at nonstandard temperatures are often soaked to standard temperature prior to making any dimensional measurements. The soakout times are usually determined using lumped heat-transfer models where the part temperatures are assumed to be uniform. This article discusses conditions under which lumped model assumptions are valid by comparing lumped analyses for various shapes and materials with the more general finite element results. In addition, the effect of ambient temperature cycling on part response is also studied.
Technical Note-Conditions for Global Optimality in Nonlinear Programming

This note presents necessary and sufficient conditions for a point x* to be a global solution of the problem of maximizing f subject to x ∈ S. The conditions are equivalent to the divergence or convergence of an infinite sequence, each of whose terms involves the integral of a power of f taken over S. A useful corollary is derived that characterizes the sequence as one that is eventually monotone increasing if and only if x* is not a global solution. A small example illustrates these results.
17 Restoration Techniques For Nereocystis Luetkeana (Mertens) Postels Et Ruprecht (Bull Kelp)

The establishment and growth of Nereocystis luetkeana communities are limited by many environmental and biotic factors. Temperature, light quantity and quality, turbidity, salinity, wave motion, and competition for space and light all determine where populations of this annual kelp will establish and persist from season to season. Like much of the nearshore marine vegetation in Puget Sound and the San Juan Archipelago, Nereocystis is negatively impacted by anthropogenic disturbances, such as shoreline development and sediment loading from terrestrial erosion. These events can alter or eliminate optimal habitat and conditions that support adult populations, as well as interfere with the development of the microscopic life stages. Various techniques to establish a Nereocystis bed in the northern waters of Washington, USA are examined and will serve as a model for future restoration efforts. Techniques being investigated are as follows: 1) out-planting Nereocystis during different seasons; 2) out-planting at different stages of maturity, i.e., zoospore and microscopic sporophyte (0.5–1.0 mm blade length) from cultures; 3) out-planting directly on natural substratum versus at elevated positions; 4) transplanting juveniles (10 cm stipe length); and, 5) seeding natural substratum with out-planted sori (sporophylls), bypassing the lab culturing phase. Results of this study will help define the optimal restoration procedure, including environmental parameters, for Nereocystis in order to aid coastal managers in the implementation of nearshore restoration projects. Preliminary results will be presented.
Molecular Characterization of the Iron-Hydroxamate Uptake System in Staphylococcus aureus

To investigate iron uptake, a chromosomal locus containing three consecutive open reading frames, designated fhuC, fhuB, and fhuD, was identified in Staphylococcus aureus. Whereas the fhuC gene encodes an ATP-binding protein, fhuB and fhuD code for ferrichrome permeases and thus resemble an ATP-binding cassette transporter. A fhuB knockout mutant showed impaired uptake of iron bound to the siderophores but not of ferric chloride, suggesting that this operon is specific for siderophore-mediated iron uptake.
Stable polynomials with complex coefficients

In this paper, the problem of determining whether a given polynomial with complex coefficients is stable or not is considered. A generalized Hurwitz theorem is proved, and then a stable criterion is derived based on the theorem. This criterion is expressed by means of an array, called generalized Routh array. The results are significant because neither division algorithm nor operations of complex numbers are in the generalized Routh array. Finally, an example is given to illustrate this point.
Effects of bombesin and gastrin-releasing peptide on memory processing.

We have previously shown that feeding mice immediately following training enhances memory retention and that one of the gastrointestinal hormones released during a meal, cholecystokinin, also enhances retention after peripheral administration. In the studies reported here we demonstrate that another gastrointestinal peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), enhances retention after peripheral administration, as does its amphibian counterpart, bombesin. GRP14–27 had the same effect as the intact peptide, while GRP1–16 was ineffective at enhancing retention. The dose-response curves showed a characteristic inverted U-shape with high doses of both GRP and bombesin being amnestic. The effect of both peptides was time-dependent and both reversed amnesia induced by the anticholinergic, scopolamine. I.c.v. administration of the peptides required higher doses to produce an effect on memory retention. suggesting that the effect was mediated predominantly through a peripheral mechanism. Doses of the peptides that enhanced memory retention after peripheral administration failed to increase serum glucose, suggesting that glucose modulation was not the mechanism by which GRP and bombesin modulate memory processing. Vagotomy inhibited the memory-enhancing effects of both GRP and bombesin, suggesting that these peptides produced their effect by stimulating ascending vagal pathways. These studies, together with our previous study with cholecystokinin, suggest the existence of a gastrointestinal hormonal system, which is activated by the passage of food through the intestine, that enhances memory retention.
Primal and mixed forms of Hamiltons's principle for constrained rigid body systems: numerical studies

Constraint equations arise in the dynamics of mechanical systems whenever there is the need to restrict kinematically possible motions of the system. In practical applications, constraint equations can be used to simulate complex, connected systems. If the simulation must be carried out numerically, it is useful to look for a formulation that leads straightforwardly to a numerical approximation. In this paper, we extend the methodology of our previous work to incorporate the dynamics of holonomically and nonholonomically constrained systems. The constraint equations are cast in a variatonal form, which may be included easily, in the time finite element framework. The development of the weak constraint equations and their associated “tangent” operators is presented. We also show that this approach to constraint equations may be employed to develop time finite elements using a quaternion parametrization of finite rotation. Familiarity with the notation and methodology of our previously presented work is assumed.
(202) Paralytic Effects of BoNT‐A VS BoNT‐B in Injected and Non‐Injected Muscles: Implications to Toxin Therapy

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections are a promising new therapeutic approach for treatment of various pain syndromes (eg, myofascial pain, pain from chronic muscle spasm). The toxin acts by inhibiting acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions thereby alleviating excessive contraction in injected muscles, but at higher doses results in a “spread” of partial paralysis to surrounding muscles. This study compared the effects of a single injection of BoNT-B (Myobloc™) vs BoNT-A (Botox®) in injected and non-injected muscles. Using quantitative electrophysiologic methods, the degree of paralysis was assessed by measuring the amplitude of the evoked compound muscle action potential (CMAP) in the injected muscle (abductor pollicis brevis [APB]), in neighboring muscles (first dorsal interosseous [FDI]), and in relatively distant muscles (abductor digiti minimi [ADM]) of the monkey hand. Induced paralysis was determined by comparing data at baseline and 2 weeks post-injection. Preliminary studies established a minimum effective dose (MED) (~70% reduction in CMAP) for each compound (BoNT-A, 0.09 U; BoNT-B, 0.44 U). In this study, doses included the MED, 5×, and 25× the MED. One APB of each monkey (n = 10/group) was injected with 100 μL of BoNT-B and the contralateral APB with an equivalent dose of BoNT-A. Both compounds were associated with a dose-dependent “spread” of induced paralysis to the neighboring FDI muscle, but the effect was greater with BoNT-A (92.7% vs 57.3%, P < 0.002). Similarly, in the distant ADM muscle, mean percent reduction in CMAP was 58.3% in the BoNT-A group compared with only 2.0% in the BoNT-B group (P < 0.0001). None of the monkeys receiving 25× MED of BoNT-B had functional paralysis in the ADM muscle, whereas this level of dysfunction occurred in 30% of those treated with BoNT-A. Overall, BoNT-B exhibited less spread to non-injected muscles, suggesting advantages in terms of “control” and “safety.” Support of Elan Pharmaceuticals is gratefully acknowledged.
A dual-signalling electrochemical DNA sensor based on target hybridization-induced change in DNA probe flexibility

We report a fully covalent, dual-signalling electrochemical DNA sensor that exploits competitive binding and target hybridization-induced change in probe flexibility for simple and robust detection of target DNA.
Hardy Spaces and Potential Theory on C1 Domains in Riemannian Manifolds

Introduction Background and definitions The boundary layer potentials The Dirichlet problem The Neumann problem Compactness of layer potentials, Part II The Dirichlet regularity problem The equivalence of Hardy space definitions Appendix A. Variable coefficient Cauchy integrals Appendix B. One result on the maximal operator Bibliography.
Collocation finite-element simulation of thermal-ice regimes in rivers

Abstract A collocation finite element scheme using Hermite cubic piecewise polynomials is developed for the numerical simulation of problems pertaining to one-dimensional convective diffusion processes. This scheme is tested and compared with a number of existing solutions, and is applied to simulate the winter thermal-ice regimes in natural rivers. The result of this study suggests that the collocation finite element method achieves accurate simulation with considerably less computer time than other well-known numerical methods.
A Note on Interface Cracks With and Without Friction in Contact Zone

A complete set of Comninou’s bimaterial interface crack-tip fields with and without friction in the contact zone (Comninou, 1977a,b) is given in terms of several arbitrary analytic functions. When the bimaterial becomes homogeneous, the complex function representation fully describes the crack-tip field for a cracked body under conditions of crack surface contact and slip, which can occur when the body is subjected to combined compression and shear loadings.
Anomalous diffusion in aqueous solutions of gelatin

Dynamic-light-scattering experiments on semidilute aqueous solutions of gelatin indicate three relaxation processes: an exponential for times less than \ensuremath{\sim}50 \ensuremath{\mu}sec followed by a power law at intermediate time and then a stretched exponential at long time. The characteristic time of the stretched exponential diverges as the system evolves to a gel. The latter two relaxations can be explained in terms of an anomalous diffusion mechanism where the mean-square displacement behaves as 〈${\mathit{R}}^{2}$〉\ensuremath{\sim}lnt at intermediate time and 〈${\mathit{R}}^{2}$〉\ensuremath{\sim}${\mathit{t}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\beta}}}$ with \ensuremath{\beta}1 at late time. Length scales derivable from these diffusion mechanisms obey scaling, and it is proposed that \ensuremath{\beta} is related to the fracton density-of-states exponent and the fractal dimension of the gelatin molecules.
Measurement and Analysis of Gas Bubble Evolution from an Anode in Electrolytic Cells

Measurement and analysis of oxygen gas bubbles generated from an anode in different aqueous electrolytic solutions have been studied at different applied currents (I). Bubble size distribution (BSD...
Reciprocal overshadowing in the discrimination of color-odor compounds by honeybees: Further tests of a continuity model

Honeybees were trained to discriminate between simultaneously presented color-odor compounds, one group with color and odor confounded and a control group with color relevant and odor irrelevant; in subsequent differentially reinforced training with the colors in the absence of the odors, the performance of the two groups was the same (Experiment 1). When, however, response to the colors was measured in a 10-min extinction test, discrimination was found to be poorer after confounded training (Experiment 2), and like results were obtained in an extinction test with the odors after control animals had been trained with odor relevant and color irrelevant, the confounded animals showing poorer discrimination of the odors than the controls (Experiment 3). The results of the first two experiments, in which overshadowing of color by odor was found only with an extinction test, require us to take seriously the possibility that our previous modeling experiments (with probability of correct choice in differentially reinforced training as the measure of performance) may have been insufficiently sensitive to noncontinuity effects. Our first efforts to model extinction suggest, however, that all the results of the present experiments can be understood without sacrifice of the parsimonious independence principle.
Conjecture on electron trapping in liquid water

Abstract From the available experimental and theoretical evidence it appears reasonably certain that electron thermalization precedes trapping in liquid water. The vast majority of prospective trapping sites do not actually bind an electron permanently due to insufficient attractive “strength”, but scatter the thermalized electron after going through a state of temporary negative ion formation. Trapping probably occurs efficiently over a relatively narrow range of trapping potentials just sufficient to bind the electron. The 10 -13 s time scale appears to be very important in liquid water, being dominated by energy loss of epithermal electrons, trapping and eventual solvation.
Urea cycle enzyme adaptation to dietary protein in primates

Activities of the five hepatic enzymes of the urea cycle increased two- to threefold in monkeys on a 60 percent protein diet compared with levels in monkeys on an isocaloric 6 percent protein diet. Equal adaptation occurred in rats on the same diets. These enzyme activities in adult humans approximate those of monkeys on a similar protein intake.
The Supporting Hyperplane Method for Unimodal Programming

This paper proposes an algorithm for maximizing a linear unimodal function over a compact convex set X in n-dimensional Euclidian space. The algorithm is a variant of the cutting-plane method of Cheney and Goldstein and of Kelley. In their method one maximizes the original linear unimodal function over successively refined approximations to X. Each approximation is the intersection of finitely many closed half spaces containing X. Any limit point of the sequence of solutions to the approximating problems solves the original problem. The principal new feature of our method is that each successive half space is defined by a hyperplane that supports X at a boundary point Zoutendijk's MFD method also has this property. The particular boundary point is chosen as the point where the line drawn from a fixed interior point of X to the solution exterior to X to the most recent approximating problem pierces the boundary of X. Our method is applicable where X is described as the set on which finitely many unimodal functions are nonnegative. The cutting-plane method is applicable only under the more restrictive assumption that the above functions are concave. Our method is formulated so as to be applicable also to unimodal integer programs.
Photochemistry of the Martian atmosphere

A critical analysis is carried out for models which may be fine tuned to give agreement with observational constraints for O2, CO, and O3 in the Martian lower atmosphere and which are in accord also with upper atmospheric data for O and CO. The models have a number of features in common: dynamic mixing must be exceedingly rapid at heights above 90 km; if heterogeneous processes are not assumed to play a major role in the removal of atmospheric CO and O2, mixing must be rapid at heights between 30 and 40 km. The value implied for the diffusion coefficient in this region depends on the assumptions made regarding the rates for reaction of OH with HO2 to form H2O and the rate of reaction of HO2 with itself to form H2O2. If these reaction rates are taken to have values similar to those used in current models of the earth's stratosphere, the eddy diffusion coefficient at 40 km above the Martian surface should be about 5 by 10 to the seventh power sq cm/sec.
Thermal design, analysis and optimization of a power charger for hybrid or electric vehicles

Hybrid or electric vehicles require an on-board battery charger that converts AC to DC with high efficiency to charge the batteries. The charger should be compatible with all international power grids, should be designed for quick charging of the battery packs, and should cater to a broad range of vehicle platforms. Heat dissipation in the battery charger is usually very high. Hence, it is imperative to choose an adequate and easily adoptable cooling method to maintain the operating temperature of the electronic devices of the charger within safe limits for a reliable system. Thermal design, analysis and optimization of such a charger is presented and discussed in this paper.
Modeling and Optimization for Soft-Error Reliability of Sequential Circuits

Due to reduction in device feature size and supply voltage, the sensitivity to radiation-induced transient faults of digital systems dramatically increases. In this paper, we present two approaches to evaluating the susceptibility of sequential circuits to soft errors. The first approach uses the Markov chain theory but can only provide steady-state behavior information. The second approach uses symbolic modeling based on binary decision diagrams/algebraic decision diagrams and circuit unrolling. The soft-error rate (SER) evaluation using this approach is demonstrated by the set of experimental results, which show that, for most of the benchmarks used, the SER decreases well below a given threshold (10-7 FIT) within ten clock cycles after the hit. The results obtained with the proposed symbolic framework are within 4% average error and up to 11 000x faster when compared to HSPICE detailed circuit simulation. The framework can be used for selective gate sizing targeting radiation hardening, leading up to 80% SER reduction when applied to a subset of ISCAS'89 benchmarks.
On-Chip Fluorescence Detection Using Organic Thin Film Devices for a Disposable Lab-on-a-Chip

In this paper, we present a high-sensitivity approach for on-chip fluorescence-based measurements for disposable lab-on-a-chip (LOC) with an integrated organic light-emitting diode (OLED) excitation source and organic photodiode (OPD) detector. A simple and inexpensive cross- polarization scheme was used to filter out excitation light from the fluorescent dye emission spectrum. We incorporated a bi- layer OPD detector with responsivity 10 times higher than conventional single heterojunction OPD, resulting in a detection limit of 1 nM, which is a 1,000-fold improvement over previous publications. The dynamic experiment was conducted and the result shows promising application in realtime fluorescence analysis. The demonstrated on-chip fluorescence detection approach is ideally suited for integration with disposable LOC devices for point-of-care diagnostics and on-site environmental testing.
Prospective strategies to delay the evolution of anti-malarial drug resistance: weighing the uncertainty.

Background: The evolution of drug resistance in malaria parasites highlights a need to identify and evaluate strategies that could extend the useful therapeutic life of anti-malarial drugs. Such strategies are deployed to best effect before resistance has emerged, under conditions of great uncertainty. Methods: Here, the emergence and spread of resistance was modelled using a hybrid framework to evaluate prospective strategies, estimate the time to drug failure, and weigh uncertainty. The waiting time to appearance was estimated as the product of low mutation rates, drug pressure, and parasite population sizes during treatment. Stochastic persistence and the waiting time to establishment were simulated as an evolving branching process. The subsequent spread of resistance was simulated in simple epidemiological models. Results: Using this framework, the waiting time to the failure of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) for malaria was estimated, and a policy of multiple first-line therapies (MFTs) was evaluated. The models quantify the effects of reducing drug pressure in delaying appearance, reducing the chances of establishment, and slowing spread. By using two first-line therapies in a population, it is possible to reduce drug pressure while still treating the full complement of cases. Conclusions: At a global scale, because of uncertainty about the time to the emergence of ACT resistance, there was a strong case for MFTs to guard against early failure. Our study recommends developing operationally feasible strategies for implementing MFTs, such as distributing different ACTs at the clinic and for home-based care, or formulating different ACTs for children and adults.
Aggregation-induced emission in BF2–hydrazone (BODIHY) complexes

A new family of BF2–hydrazone complexes was developed that exhibit enhanced emission in the solid-state. The modularity of the systems enabled their structure–property analysis, which showed that the solid-state fluorescence quantum yield is dependent on the molecule's planarity, dipole moment and number of π–π interactions it forms. One of the BF2–hydrazone complexes was easily transformed into a solid-state acid/base sensor.
Direct Visualization of Microtubule Flux during Metaphase and Anaphase in Crane-Fly Spermatocytes

Microtubule flux in spindles of insect spermatocytes, long-used models for studies on chromosome behavior during meiosis, was revealed after iontophoretic microinjection of rhodamine-conjugated (rh)-tubulin and fluorescent speckle microscopy. In time-lapse movies of crane-fly spermtocytes, fluorescent speckles generated when rh-tubulin incorporated at microtubule plus ends moved poleward through each half-spindle and then were lost from microtubule minus ends at the spindle poles. The average poleward velocity of approximately 0.7 microm/min for speckles within kinetochore microtubules at metaphase increased during anaphase to approximately 0.9 microm/min. Segregating half-bivalents had an average poleward velocity of approximately 0.5 microm/min, about half that of speckles within shortening kinetochore fibers. When injected during anaphase, rhtubulin was incorporated at kinetochores, and kinetochore fiber fluorescence spread poleward as anaphase progressed. The results show that tubulin subunits are added to the plus end of kinetochore microtubules and are removed from their minus ends at the poles, all while attached chromosomes move poleward during anaphase A. The results cannot be explained by a Pac-man model, in which 1) kinetochore-based, minus end-directed motors generate poleward forces for anaphase A and 2) kinetochore microtubules shorten at their plus ends. Rather, in these cells, kinetochore fiber shortening during anaphase A occurs exclusively at the minus ends of kinetochore microtubules.
Structural determinants of Ca2+ transport in the Arabidopsis H+/Ca2+ antiporter CAX1.

Abstract Ca2+ levels in plants, fungi, and bacteria are controlled in part by H+/Ca2+exchangers; however, the relationship between primary sequence and biological activity of these transporters has not been reported. TheArabidopsis H+/cation exchangers, CAX1 and CAX2, were identified by their ability to suppress yeast mutants defective in vacuolar Ca2+transport. CAX1 has a much higher capacity for Ca2+transport than CAX2. An Arabidopsis thaliana homolog of CAX1, CAX3, is 77% identical (93% similar) and, when expressed in yeast, localized to the vacuole but did not suppress yeast mutants defective in vacuolar Ca2+ transport. Chimeric constructs and site-directed mutagenesis showed that CAX3 could suppress yeast vacuolar Ca2+ transport mutants if a nine-amino acid region of CAX1 was inserted into CAX3 (CAX3-9). Biochemical analysis in yeast showed CAX3-9 had 36% of the H+/Ca2+ exchange activity as compared with CAX1; however, CAX3-9 and CAX1 appear to differ in their transport of other ions. Exchanging the nine-amino acid region of CAX1 into CAX2 doubled yeast vacuolar Ca2+transport but did not appear to alter the transport of other ions. This nine-amino acid region is highly variable among the plant CAX-like transporters. These findings suggest that this region is involved in CAX-mediated Ca2+ specificity.
CMOS K-band LNAs design counting both interconnect transmission line and RF pad parasitics

We have successfully demonstrated K-band low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) in 0.18 /spl mu/m standard CMOS process and validated their performance at the specified frequencies of 24 GHz and 26 GHz. The impact of the interconnect line and RF pad parasitics on the frequency characteristics is investigated. The measured LNA performance agrees well with the simulated one, as the parasitic effects are well taken into account. The 24 GHz LNA obtains a 12.9 dB gain and a 5.6 dB noise figure (NF). The 26 GHz LNA achieves an. 8.9 dB gain with a 6.9 dB NF. The input referred third-order intercept point (IIP3) is measured to be higher than +2 dBm for both LNAs. Each LNA consumes 30 mA of DC current from a 1.8 V power supply.
Integrating rich user feedback into intelligent user interfaces

The potential for machine learning systems to improve via a mutually beneficial exchange of information with users has yet to be explored in much detail. Previously, we found that users were willing to provide a generous amount of rich feedback to machine learning systems, and that the types of some of this rich feedback seem promising for assimilation by machine learning algorithms. Following up on those findings, we ran an experiment to assess the viability of incorporating real-time keyword-based feedback in initial training phases when data is limited. We found that rich feedback improved accuracy but an initial unstable period often caused large fluctuations in classifier behavior. Participants were able to give feedback by relying heavily on system communication in order to respond to changes. The results show that in order to benefit from the user's knowledge, machine learning systems must be able to absorb keyword-based rich feedback in a graceful manner and provide clear explanations of their predictions.
Electronic Analog Devices for Design of Reactor Controls

Nuclear reactors for power production require essentially two control regimes-one for start-up and the other about design point power. The start-up regime requires controls and instrumentation for neutron flux. The power regime is one in which temperatures must be controlled. The Bell-Strauss simulator has been used successfully for development of neutron flux control equipment. Nuclear power plant simulation requires a more elaborate analog computer such as the present ORNL nuclear plant simulator. This computer has been used successfully for designing servo mechanisms for rod control, temperature regulation and heat dump control for power reactor designs. Some of these applications are described.
El empleo de analgésicos opiáceos para aliviar el dolor del cáncer

Many cancer patients die after a prolonged period of deterioration marked by intense physical and emotional suffering. However, in an effort to control the illegal market, many countries have adopted regulations that restrict or prohibit the therapeutic use of opioid analgesics, which could improve the quality of life of these patients. The World Health Organization has responded to this problem by making palliative care a priority of its Cancer Program. The countries have been urged to establish measures and governmental policies that will make opioid analgesics more accessible for alleviating cancer pain.
Sublimation Pressure and Sublimation Coefficient of Single‐Crystal Lead Selenide

The torsion-Langmuir and torsion-effusion methods, respectively, were used to study the sublimation characteristics of oriented single-crystal and powdered lead selenide. Analysis of the data showed that the sublimation coefficient is unity over the experimental range. From combined free-surface and equilibrium data the expression for the sublimation pressure of PbSe from 887° to 1052°K was found to be log P(atm) =- (1.226±0.015) 104/T+(8.163±0.154), where T is the absolute temperature and the errors are standard deviations. Third-law calculations of the heat of sublimation at 298°K gave 55.66±0.20 kcal/mol PbSe.
Examining the influence of insurance and moral hazard on the utilisation of practitioner‐based complementary and alternative medicine

Moral hazard (excess consumption of clinical services) is representative of consumer behaviour associated with the utilisation of services reimbursed from third-party payers. Within the USA, CAM is supported by numerous commercial and public insurance programmes. The objective of this article is to assess the utilisation of CAM when paid for by third-party payers. Data from the 2007 US National Health Interview Survey were examined to measure the relationship between insurance coverage and the utilisation of practitioner-based alternative medicine. Participant use of chiropractic, osteopathic manipulation and acupuncture was compared with health insurance coverage. The analysis applied standard epidemiological risk ratios to the data in order to calculate the effect of insurance coverage on CAM and moral hazard. The presence of health insurance was a strong facilitator of utilisation, with up to a 40% increase in utilisation when reimbursement mechanisms were introduced. The finding suggests that market-based strategies for dealing with moral hazard have little influence when applied to practitioner-based CAM, while insurance coverage plays a significant role in its delivery. Consequently, factors related to behavioural economics and agency modelling may undermine efficient utilisation and payment for CAM services.