cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Y+ and y+ L arginine transporters in neuronal cells expressing tyrosine hydroxylase.

Abstract Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as sole substrate for enzymes involved in diverse cell processes including redox balance via nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cell proliferation via arginase. Neurons that express nNOS require intracellular arginine to generate nitric oxide (NO). Using a TH+ neuronal cell line (CAD cells), we show that neuronal NO production is largely dependent on extracellular arginine. Although a small intracellular pool exists in CAD cells, the lack of mRNA for argininosuccinate synthase (AS), a rate limiting enzyme for arginine recycling, suggests that intracellular pools are not re-supplied by this mechanism in this sub-class of neurons. Rather, arginine is taken up from the extracellular media by two primary transport systems, the y+ and the y+L systems. The expression of CAT1, CAT3, y+LAT1 and y+LAT2 mRNAs supports the presence of each system. CAD cell arginine transport is depressed by increased extracellular K+ levels and demonstrates that variations in membrane potential control neuronal arginine uptake. Short term exposure to the oxidizing agents, rotenone and Angeli's salt, but not FeSO4, increases arginine transport. The regulation of arginine uptake by physiological factors suggests that arginine supply adapts in a moment-to-moment fashion to the changing needs of the neuron.
Probing the source of hydrogen peroxide associated with coarse mode aerosol particles in southern California.

Coarse mode aerosols were collected at three sites in the Los Angeles area, two in Riverside, CA, one upwind and the other downwind of a major freeway, and also on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Coarse mode aerosol mass, H2O2, and H2O2 normalized to aerosol mass averaged 46 ± 22 μg/m3, 17 ± 8 ng/m3, and 0.48 ± 0.32 ng/μg at the upwind Riverside site and 97 ± 27 μg/m3, 34 ± 14 ng/m3, and 0.37 ± 0.18 ng/μg at the downwind Riverside site, respectively. H2O2, which appears to be generated by the particles (Arellanes, C.; Paulson, S. E.; Fine, P. M.; Sioutas, C. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2006, 40, 4859−4866), was uncorrelated with particle mass, but was strongly correlated with soluble iron, zinc, and copper (r = 0.47−0.67, p = 0.00−0.01). H2O2 levels were not affected by the addition of dithiothreitol, a marker for quinone redox activity. H2O2 levels were sensitive to the pH of the particle extraction solutions, increasing as the pH was decreased. The initial rate of H2O2 generat...
Baryon-antibaryon pair decay of ηc in coherent production

Abstract We investigate the feasibility of observing ηc by its OZI-rule-forbidden baryon-antibaryon pair decay in the coherent production (Primakoff effect) of ηc. The cross sections are estimated as a function of photon energy, and the CM angular distribution is calculated.
Assay of Aldehydes from Lipid Peroxidation: Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Compared to Thiobarbituric Acid

Abstract The oxidation of lipids, lipid peroxidation, is usually assayed with thiobarbituric acid (TBA). We compare the TBA assay measuring TBA-reactive substances (TBARS), and a new gas chromatography–mass spectrometric (GC–MS) assay measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) with unsaturated fatty acids and biological samples. The extent of oxidation to different unsaturated fatty acids is related to the total number ofbis-allylic positions, the position of the first double bond from the methyl terminus, and the lipid chain length. The extent of oxidation of different biological samples or organs is related to the component polyunsaturated fatty acids. Both the GC–MS and TBA assays give parallel results for oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids and biological samples. The GC–MS assay is about two- to sixfold more sensitive than the TBA assay for oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. In contrast, the TBA assay gives about two- to sixfold higher TBARS than MDA by GC–MS assay in biological samples, possibly due to the nonspecificity and artifactual formation of derivatives in the acid-heating step of the TBA assay. The GC–MS assay is shown to be useful in oxidation-related cell culture studies with as few as 250,000 neural cells. These results suggest that the GC–MS assay is a useful, sensitive, and specific assay for lipid peroxidation. The TBA assay is also quite useful because of its sensitivity and simplicity, if one clearly understands its nonspecificity.
Differential splicing of type II procollagen mRNA in canine retina

Canine retina expressed two forms of Type II procollagen mRNA, IIA and IIB, due to alternate splicing of exon 2 at the N‐propeptide region. The N‐propeptide region of Type II procollagen showed a h...
Kate Chopin's “Lilacs” and the Myth of Persephone

(2001). Kate Chopin's “Lilacs” and the Myth of Persephone. ANQ: A Quarterly Journal of Short Articles, Notes and Reviews: Vol. 14, No. 1, pp. 31-34.
Metallurgical and Engineering Challenges in Magnesium Extrusion

AZ 31 Magnesium alloy was extruded under industrial conditions into both a solid shape and a hollow profile. A microstructure analysis of the solid shape revealed a bimodal grain distribution. The FEM process simulation was performed for double hat hollow profile, extruded through an eight-port-hole die using the modified flow stress model from literature. This allowed us to make a prediction of the extrusion process state variables. Additionally, a numerical simulation revealed some shortcomings in terms of a lack of predictive capabilities for extrusion welding. The integrity of the welds was analyzed using metallography techniques. The search for better mechanical properties has propelled alloy development research. Workability evaluations of new Magnesium alloys ZE20, ZE50 and ZE80 containing Zinc and Cerium were performed using compression tests under various temperature and strain rate conditions.
Rates and mechanisms of optic contamination in the EUV engineering test stand

The EUV Engineering Test Stand (ETS) is a full field, alpha class Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography (EUVL) tool that has demonstrated the printing of 70 nm resolution scanned images. The tool employs Mo/Si multilayer optics that reflect EUV radiation (13.4nm / 92.5eV) with ~67% peak reflectance per optic. For good reflectivity, many (greater than or equal to 40)Mo/Si layers must be present. Consequently, processes such as plasma induced multilayer erosion, which reduces the number of bilayer pairs on plasma facing optics, need to be understood. Since most materials readily absorb EUV photons, it is important to prevent contamination of mirror surfaces with EUV absorbing material. Contamination can occur by EUV photons “cracking” hydrocarbons or other species absorbed on the optical surfaces. The first ETS condenser component, referred to as C1, is coated with Mo/Si multilayers. Data collected from Mo/Si witness plates placed at the C1 position indicate erosion, using the Xe Laser Produced Plasma (LPP) spray jet, of 1 bilayer per ~15 million shots. Preliminary experiments with a filament jet yielded a significantly higher erosion rate. In the spray jet studies, erosion was found to depend sensitively on the composition of the residual background environment. Addition of low levels, ~7x10 -7 Torr, of H 2 O to the vacuum background produced oxidation of the Si cap, and significantly slowed spray jet induced erosion. Operation of the plasma changed the environment in the Illuminator Chamber from oxidizing to carbonizing, thereby changing the nature of the contamination found environment at the C3 optic which does not view the plasma directly (and therefore does not erode). The change in environment is attributed to plasma induced outgassing of fluorocarbons in the Illuminator. Due to the non zero conductance between the Illuminator and Main Chambers, fluorocarbons were also found in the Main Chamber during Xe LPP operation. RGA data are presented that document the effect. In the presence of such outgassing, Carbon deposition rates were measured for the C3, and P.O. Box optics. For C3, a C deposition rate of 3 angstrom / 10 million shots was found, while for the PO Box, a C deposition rate of 0.02 angstrom / 10 million shots was found from the data. All data was acquired with no attempt to mitigate C deposition with gas phase additives such as O 2 .
Attitude control of VTOL-UAVs

This paper presents a novel control approach to obtain asymptotic attitude stability of a quadrotor as a representative of Planar Vertical Take Off and Landing (PVTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The considered quadrotor is a symmetric VTOL-UAV with four rigid mono-directional propellers, which has been modeled based on quaternion representation with taking Coriolis and gyroscopic torques into account. In the proposed approach, two nearly equivalent control laws (model independent as well as model dependent) have been used to obtain exponential stability of attitude angles and asymptotic stability of attitude angular velocity of the quadrotor UAV. The proposed approach also presents how the attitude parameters i.e. attitude angles and attitude angular velocity can be quickly regulated to their desired values as required.
Sexual abuse, physical abuse, and posttraumatic stress disorder among women participating in outpatient drug abuse treatment

Findings from a prospective, longitudinal study of 182 women and 148 men in outpatient drug abuse treatment programs indicate that women are significantly more likely than men to experience sexual and physical abuse. Sexual and physical abuse are associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. Moreover, women are more likely than men to possess an array of psychological factors that predict relapse to drug use after treatment, including low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior, among others. But contrary to expectation, PTSD is not associated with relapse to drug use, nor are women more likely than men to relapse within a six-month posttreatment interval. Further analysis indicates that while women have more psychological risk factors associated with relapse, they are more likely than men to engage in the treatment process. Engagement in treatment, notably frequent participation in group counseling, appears to mitigate the higher risk of relapse for women.
The Losses Realized in Bank Failures

This paper examines the losses realized in bank failures. Losses are measured as the difference between the book value of assets and the recovery value net of the direct expenses associated with the failure. I find the loss on assets is substantial, averaging 30 percent of the failed bank's assets. Direct expenses associated with bank closures average 10 percent of assets. An empirical analysis of the determinants of these losses reveals a significant difference in the value of assets retained by the FDIC and similar assets assumed by acquiring banks. THE 1980S HAVE WITNESSED an unprecedented number of commercial bank and savings and loan failures. For example, between 1982 and year-end 1988, 791 commercial banks failed, more than twice the number of failures that occurred in the previous 40 years.1 The magnitude and sources of the losses realized in these and future bank failures have important implications for the adequacy of the deposit insurance fund and the resources of the Resolution Trust Corporation, as well as the efficacy of the policies these agencies use to dispose of a filed institution's assets.2 In this paper I examine the losses realized in bank failures during the period 1985 through mid-year 1988. Losses are measured using data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) as the difference between the book value of a bank's assets at the time of its closure and the value of the assets in an FDIC receivership or the value of the assets to an acquirer. This measure of loss I refer to as "loss on assets". Losses include expenses incurred in the liquidation and sale of assets, losses associated with forced liquidation including lost charter value (i.e., the value of the right to continue to operate) and past unrealized losses (i.e., losses on assets that occur prior to the bank's failure but are not reported on the bank's balance sheet at the time of the failure).3
SIMULTANEOUS SYNTHESIS OF HISTONE AND DNA IN SYNCHRONOUSLY DIVIDING TETRAHYMENA PYRIFORMIS

Histone and DNA syntheses have been studied in synchronously dividing Tetrahymena pyriformis GL. During the heat treatment necessary to synchronize cultures of this amicronucleate protozoan, the DNA content of the already polyploid macronucleus increases. When the cells begin synchronous division, their DNA content is reduced in a stepwise process which is closely paralleled by reduction of macronuclear histone content. During cell division, the contents of DNA and histone decrease by slightly more than twofold, and in the subsequent S phase, DNA and histone increase simultaneously to 85% of the values expected if all chromosomes were to double. The first step in the process of reduction of DNA and histone contents is their decrease in excess of twofold, and this is accomplished by removal of extrusion bodies from the nuclei of dividing cells. The second step is a mechanism which allows, in effect, only 70% of the chromatin in the average nucleus to duplicate. Such partial duplication suggests that both histone and DNA syntheses in synchronous Tetrahymena depend upon a regulatory mechanism, the mediating elements of which are localized in only certain chromosomes.
Life on the Atoll: Singapore Ecology as a Neglected Dimension of Social Order

Based on field interviews in Singapore in 1985, 1997, and 2003, this article addresses the issue of how island ecology helps explain the remarkable low rates of crime that are often attributed mainly to cultural and government policies. Understanding crime and control on this most densely populated Southeast Asian atoll must begin with how people are dispersed over the limited spatial area. Ecology also influences how styles of some crimes are defined and controlled. Several of Donald Black’s propositions are given further consideration.
Inhibiting prolyl isomerase activity by hybrid organic–inorganic molecules containing rhodium(II) fragments

A small molecule containing a rhodium(II) tetracarboxylate fragment is shown to be a potent inhibitor of the prolyl isomerase FKBP12. The use of small molecules conjugates of rhodium(II) is presented as a general strategy for developing new protein inhibitors based on distinct structural and sequence features of the enzyme active site.
Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy: The Heart of the Matter

In this issue, the USPSTF recommends against using hormone therapy for the prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women. The editorialists discuss why evidence that became available aft...
Paleomagnetism of the Upper Silurian and Lower Devonian carbonates of New York State: evidence for secondary magnetizations residing in magnetite

Abstract Paleomagnetic directions for the Upper Silurian and Lower Devonian carbonates of the Helderberg escarpment (New York State) differ from expected Late Silurian and Early Devonian directions for cratonic North America. The mean direction (D = 165°, I = −10°; paleopole at 50°N 129°E) is similar to Late Carboniferous and Early Permian results. Negative fold tests, and a lack of reversals, suggest that the magnetization is secondary. However, low coercivities, low blocking temperatures, the thermomagnetic curves (TC near 570°C) and the acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetizations all suggest that the remanence is carried by magnetite. If a detrital origin of these magnetites is assumed, the secondary nature of the remanence would argue for thermal resetting as a result of deep burial of the rocks. However, no evidence for such thermal resetting is seen in the alteration of conodonts. More likely perhaps is a chemical or thermochemical origin of the remanence; this would require the magnetites to be authigenic.
Application of interlaced orientation slices in orthogonal planes for system characterization and as a basis for standardized brain sections in multiple-oblique positions.

Interlaced acquisition of orthogonal spin-echo orientation slices yields saturated intersection lines, which are available for a system characterization (spatial distortions, slice thickness, chemical shift displacement). Additionally, these scout images contain complete information for a transformation of the gradient coordinate system into the oblique coordinate system of the patient, bearing standardized planes for improved image interpretation and quantitative examinations. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Standoff concealed weapon detection using a 350 GHz radar imaging system

The sub-millimeter (sub-mm) wave frequency band from 300 - 1000 GHz is currently being developed for standoff concealed weapon detection imaging applications. This frequency band is of interest due to the unique combination of high resolution and clothing penetration. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is currently developing a 350 GHz, active, wideband, three-dimensional, radar imaging system to evaluate the feasibility of active sub-mm imaging for standoff detection. Standoff concealed weapon and explosive detection is a pressing national and international need for both civilian and military security, as it may allow screening at safer distances than portal screening techniques. PNNL has developed a prototype active wideband 350 GHz radar imaging system based on a wideband, heterodyne, frequency-multiplier-based transceiver system coupled to a quasi-optical focusing system and high-speed rotating conical scanner. This prototype system operates at ranges up to 10+ meters, and can acquire an image in 10 - 20 seconds, which is fast enough to scan cooperative personnel for concealed weapons. The wideband operation of this system provides accurate ranging information, and the images obtained are fully three-dimensional. During the past year, several improvements to the system have been designed and implemented, including increased imaging speed using improved balancing techniques, wider bandwidth, and improved image processing techniques. In this paper, the imaging system is described in detail and numerous imaging results are presented.
A case of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis treated with olanzapine.

Objective: To emphasize the availability of safer alternatives to currently standard therapy for monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis (MHP). Method: We report a case of treatment of monosymptomatic hypochondriacal psychosis in an elderly woman with the atypical neuroleptic olanzapine. Results: Treatment with rather low doses of olanzapine led to complete resolution of delusional symptoms. Conclusions: Olanzapine, like other atypical neuroleptic agents, shows promise as a treatment for this syndrome, and it offers considerable safety and side-effect advantages over older agents.
LIGHT AND SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE STUDIES ON DRY BEANS: EXTRACELLULAR GELATINIZATION OF LIMA BEAN STARCH IN WATER AND A MIXED SALT SOLUTION

Gelatinization temperatures of freely dispersed Lima bean starch were determined in pure water and a dilute aqueous salt solution. The composition of the salt solution was based on the hydration medium employed to process quick-cooking beans. Morphological changes in the starch granules during the gelatinization process were examined microscopically. In either an excess of pure water or salt solution the dispersed granules expanded and exhibited a characteristic sequence of explicit configurations. Various stages of gelatinization were characterized in light or scanning electron photomicrographs as: (1) swollen; (2) dimpled or indented; (3) doughnut or erthrocyte-like; (4) rubber-raft shaped; (5) pancake; and (6) dispersed or diaphanous. The dispersed granules retained a veil- or film-like residue which has been defined as a “membrelle.” Gelatinization was initiated at a specific temperature and progressed to completion over a limited temperature. With increasing temperatures, the proportion of granules affected increased until all the granules were dispersed. The gelatinization temperature range was 71–79°C in water and was 79–85°C in the salt solution.
Limb preservation with isolated limb infusion for locally advanced nonmelanoma cutaneous and soft-tissue malignant neoplasms

Objective To demonstrate the efficacy of isolated limb infusion (ILI) in limb preservation for patients with locally advanced soft-tissue sarcomas and nonmelanoma cutaneous malignant neoplasms. Background Locally advanced nonmelanoma cutaneous and soft-tissue malignant neoplasms, including soft-tissue sarcomas of the extremities, can pose significant treatment challenges. We report our experience, including responses and limb preservation rates, using ILI in cutaneous and soft-tissue malignant neoplasms. Methods We identified 22 patients with cutaneous and soft-tissue malignant neoplasms who underwent 26 ILIs with melphalan and dactinomycin from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2009, from 5 institutions. Outcome measures included limb preservation and in-field response rates. Regional toxic effects were measured using the Wieberdink scale and serum creatinine phosphokinase levels. Results The median age was 70 years (range, 19-92 years), and 12 patients (55%) were women. Fourteen patients (64%) had sarcomas, 7 (32%) had Merkel cell carcinoma, and 1 (5%) had squamous cell carcinoma. The median length of stay was 5.5 days (interquartile range, 4-8 days). Twenty-five of the 26 ILIs (96%) resulted in Wieberdink grade III or less toxicity, and 1 patient (4%) developed grade IV toxicity. The median serum creatinine phosphokinase level was 127 U/L for upper extremity ILIs and 93 U/L for lower extremity ILIs. Nineteen of 22 patients (86%) underwent successful limb preservation. The 3-month in-field response rate was 79% (21% complete and 58% partial), and the median follow-up was 8.6 months (range, 1-63 months). Five patients underwent resection of disease after an ILI, of whom 80% are disease free at a median of 8.6 months. Conclusions Isolated limb infusion provides an attractive alternative therapy for regional disease control and limb preservation in patients with limb-threatening cutaneous and soft-tissue malignant neoplasms. Short-term response rates appear encouraging, yet durability of response is unknown.
Lending a visible hand an analysis of infomediary behavior in Colombian public access computing venues

This paper describes the role of infomediaries, a particular function of public access computing (PAC) services that extend the reach of information and communication technologies (ICT) in developing countries. Infomediaries help PAC users and other members of the community meet their information needs through formal or informal training, support and service activities that result in better direct or indirect use of ICT resources. Infomediaries help foster digital inclusion and bridge gaps such as illiteracy, limited physical access to a venue, insufficient technology-operation skills, and income constraints. We discuss findings of an in-depth study of PAC in Colombia, South America, conducted by University of Washington researchers and local partners. Combining qualitative and quantitative research methods, we analyze the role of infomediaries in three types of PAC venues: libraries, telecenters and cybercafes. Infomediaries in PAC venues contribute to human development by enabling easier access to (1) i...
Adherence to screening mammography recommendations in a university general medicine clinic

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors predicting adherence to a health care provider’s screening mammography recommendation in a general internal medicine practice. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: An urban academic general internal medicine practice. PATIENTS: Three hundred forty-nine asymptomatic women, aged 50 years and older, without prior history of breast cancer, who received a health care provider’s recommendation for screening mammography. MEASUREMENT: Independent variables were: patient age, race, insurance type, educational level, and duration of affiliation with the practice; visit type; and health care provider gender and level of training. Dependent variables were acceptance of the recommendation and adherence, defined as undergoing mammography within three months of the recommendation. RESULTS: Overall, 193 (55%) of the women underwent the recommended mammography. Two hundred ninety-eight (85%) initially agreed to the recommendation, and of these, 190 (64%) completed mammography within three months. By univariate analysis, acceptance of the recommendation decreased significantly with increasing age (p<0.01), and by race (African-Americans 89% vs whites 82%, p=0.05). Only age remained independently predictive of acceptance in a multiple variable analysis. Among women who accepted the recommendation, adherence varied significantly according to race (white 70% vs nonwhite 59%, p=0.05), insurance type [Medicare as only insurance 45%, Medicaid 66%, non-health maintenance organization (non-HMO) private 62%, HMO 73%, p=0.03], and health care provider training (attending physicians 73%, residents 58%, nurse practitioners 47%, p=0.02). In a logistic regression analysis, insurance type and health care provider training remained independently predictive of adherence. CONCLUSION: Acceptance of screening mammography recommendations decreases with age. Among the women who agreed to the recommendation for screening mammography, insurance type and health care provider level of training best predicted adherence.
Authenticity Perceptions of Talavera Pottery

Talavera pottery is a unique art form produced in Puebla, Mexico. Although it has a long history, little is known concerning the aspects that contribute to perceptions of authenticity. A study of people who purchase Talavera found that authenticity encompasses five main factors: Appearance/Utility, Tradition and Certification, Difficult to Obtain, Locally Produced, and Low Cost. ANOVA indicates that there are differences with respect to the perception of authenticity with regard to appearance/utility and locally produced. Local tourists view authenticity through appearance and utility while international visitors are more concerned with the pottery being locally produced by local residents. The challenge for the people of Puebla is to continue to encourage interest in Talavera production while attempting to maintain its perception of authenticity and uniqueness among local residents and visitors to the region.
Idiotype vaccine strategies for treatment of follicular lymphoma

Follicular lymphoma is an indolent lymphoma associated with a relapsing course. Immunization with tumor B cell idiotype (Id; a unique variable region of surface B cell immunoglobulin) may induce humoral and cellular immune response against the tumor. Based on promising results from early phase clinical trials with Id vaccine, three Phase III trials were initiated, which, despite failing to meet their primary end points, still provided a glimmer of optimism. This article describes the clinical development of the Id vaccine against follicular lymphoma, outlines the outcomes of clinical trials and delineates the future prospects for the integration of the idiotype vaccine into follicular lymphoma treatment.
Relaxation rate for an ultrafast folding protein is independent of chemical denaturant concentration.

The connection between free-energy surfaces and chevron plots has been investigated in a laser temperature jump kinetic study of a small ultrafast folding protein, the 35-residue subdomain from the villin headpiece. Unlike all other proteins that have been studied so far, no measurable dependence of the unfolding/refolding relaxation rate on denaturant concentration was observed over a wide range of guanidinium chloride concentration. Analysis with a simple Ising-like theoretical model shows that this denaturant−invariant relaxation rate can be explained by a large movement of the major free energy barrier, together with a denaturant- and reaction coordinate-dependent diffusion coefficient.
Unique features of the plant life cycle and their consequences

Continuous development, the absence of a germline, flexible and reversible cellular differentiation, and the existence of haploid and diploid generations — both of which express genes — are characteristics that distinguish plants from animals. Because these differences alter the impact of mutations, animals and plants experience varied selection pressures. Despite different life-cycles, both flowering plants and multicellular animals have evolved complex sensing mechanisms that act after fertilization as 'quality checks' on reproduction, and that detect chromosome dosage and the parent of origin for specific genes. Although flowering plant embryos escape such surveillance in vitro, embryo success in the seed often depends on a healthy endosperm — a nutritive tissue that is produced by a second fertilization event in which maternal and paternal gene contributions can be monitored immediately after fertilization and throughout development.
Stress cracking of polyurethanes by absorbed steroids

Abstract Circumferentially stretched polyurethanes, Pellethane 2363-80A and 2363-55D, were studied following exposure to three steroids of differing polarity; cholesterol, cholesteryl acetate and cortisone. Equilibrium uptakes, diffusion kinetics and environmental stress cracking (ESC) were investigated. Cholesterol reached equilibrium uptake by 16 h, whereas cortisone and cholesteryl acetate did not attain equilibrium uptake until 96 h, suggesting different processes. All uptakes were less than 0.6%. The cortisone diffusion curves showed an inflection at 36 h suggesting some sort of structural change in 55D. The glass transition temperature, Tg, of the soft segment as a function of exposure time to cortisone and water shows a steady increase with cortisone content until after 36 h at which time the Tg falls almost to the value for water equilibrated samples. This shows that cortisone is able to affect the mobility of soft segments. The relationship between circumferential strain, steroid uptake and ESC was investigated. Samples were stretched at 50% increments from 0 to 250%; after 12days exposure steroid uptakes were determined and the samples examined with SEM. Cholesterol promoted ESC in 80A and 55D at strains of 200 and 150%, respectively. Pellethane 55D was resistant to ESC in the presence of cortisone at all strains, while 80A cracked only at strains above 200%. The equilibrium uptake of cholesterol acetate was most sensitive to strain, particularly for 55D. Cholesterol acetate was the most effective ESC agent, cracking both 80A and 55D after 12days exposure with an uptake under 0.25% and a strain of only 50%.
The interpretation of the parameters in the transmission/disequilibrium test.

I thank two referees for their thoughtful and constructive comments. This work was supported in part by National Institutes of Health grants GM59507, GM57672, and DA09055.
The importance of social position in e-learning

The growth and popularity of online social networks has created new ways of collaboration and communication. College/university students worldwide are particularly enthusiastic users--- the vast majority are engaging on a daily basis with online social networks via a computer or mobile device. Likewise, eLearning has been utilized by academic communities to transcend learning across space and time to offer students an alternative to physical classrooms. Today, there is interest from educational institutions and organizations in the potential of social networks and social media to complement or leverage formal educational activities and enhance learning outcomes. Although many studies boast about the benefits of eLearning, users have traditionally complained about usability. This study aims to analyze the frequency of online social networking practices across a broad spectrum of diverse users based on survey responses. The goal of this research is to investigate the frequency of usage of social networking features for consideration in the design of new eLearning solutions.
Hyperfine Structure of Nine Levels in Two Configurations of V 51 . I. Experimental

The hyperfine structure of the $3{d}^{3}4{s}^{2} ^{4}F_{\frac{3}{2},\frac{5}{2},\frac{7}{2},\frac{9}{2}}$ and $3{d}^{4}(^{5}D)4s ^{6}D_{\frac{1}{2},\frac{3}{2},\frac{5}{7},\frac{7}{2},\frac{9}{2}}$ levels in ${\mathrm{V}}^{51}$ has been studied in detail by the atomic-beam magnetic-resonance technique. Evidence of substantial $J$ mixing within each multiplet is found. This paper discusses the experiment itself; the following paper discusses the theoretical considerations, corrections to the raw data, and the final results.
Mental Phenomena as Causal Determinants in Brain Function

The central concepts concerning consciousness that I shall try to defend have already been presented in some detail (Sperry, 1952, 1964, 1965). Accordingly, I shall review them only in brief outline, devoting the bulk of the discussion to various peripheral aspects and implications that previously have had less emphasis. At the outset let me make it clear that when I refer to consciousness I mean that kind of experience that is lost when one faints or sinks into a coma. It is the subjective experience that is lacking during dreamless sleep, that may be obliterated by a blow on the head, by anoxia, or by pressure on the inner walls of the third ventricle during brain surgery. On the positive side we can include as conscious events the various sensations elicitable by a local electric current applied to the unanesthetized brain, or the pain of a phantom amputated limb, as well as most of our waking subjective experience, including self-consciousness.
Life Satisfaction and Depression among Retired Black Persons

Correlates of life satisfaction of 30 elderly black persons were studied by means of a three-session, phase-focused (pre-retirement, immediate post-retirement, and current) interview that included ...
The stratigraphical effects of the mid-Dinantian movements in South West Wales

Abstract The mid-Dinantian earth movements may be considered an early phase of the Hercynian orogeny. Two periods of movements have been recognized, the sub- and intra-Visean phases. The movements resulted in few recognizeable tectonic structures, but had instead important stratigraphical effects. The main palaeogeographical control on sedimentation was the massif of St. George's Land. The Dinantian rocks were deposited in east-west facies belts on the shelf south of the landmass. The rocks are composed dominantly of shallow-water marine limestones. Four main facies may be recognized in the Dinantian rocks: ( 1 ) “zaphrentid-phase” facies; ( 2 ) “standard” facies; ( 3 ) “lagoon-phase” facies; and ( 4 ) reef facies. Over the greater part of the area, the limestones are of the “standard” development of the South Western Province. The “standard” limestones are well-sorted, light-coloured, mud-free bioclastic and oolitic limestones deposited in a shallow, open-sea environment. In the extreme south of the area, in the Bosheron-Stackpole Quay outcrop, a large part of the Dinantian succession is made up of the “zaphrentid-phase” facies. This facies is composed of a rhythmical succession of fine-grained, dark-coloured, mud-rich, bioclastic limestones and interbedded calcareous shales and mudstones rich in solitary corals. The “zaphrentid-phase” deposits were deposited on the seaward side of the shelf in muddier, quieter and deeper water. The mid-Dinantian movements produced important and widespread palaeogeographical changes on the shelf which is reflected in the lithology of the mid-Dinantian rocks. The trend of the shoreline of the shelf sea appears to have been affected by the incipient growth of the Ritec fault. Movements along the fault resulted in breaks in sedimentation (represented in the succession by the sub- and intra-Visean unconformities) and the development of widespread, restricted coastal flats (represented by “lagoon-phase” deposits) in northern outcrops. Elsewhere in South West Wales there are no apparent discontinuities in the succession as a result of the mid-Dinantian movements. Instead, the movements are reflected by marked lithological and faunal changes in the succession. In southern-most Pembrokeshire, reefs grew in response to the widespread shallowing of the sea resulting from the mid-Dinantian movements. Reefs are developed at two horizons in the lower part of the Visean in the Bosherston-Stackpole Quay outcrop.
VHF/ UHF Building Penetration Characteristics When Using Low Antenna Heights

Measurements and propagation models for building penetration are shown for a VHF/ UHF system that uses low antenna height (<3 meters). Measurements show that excess building loss, even when line-of-sight conditions exist, can easily exceed 30 dB. Additionally, variations of the channel frequency response in excess of 20 dB were observed over a 5 MHz bandwidth. Also, paths with maximum excess delays (25 dB) up to 5.2 mu seconds were observed. These factors as well as others presented in detail in this document will have a significant impact on the air interface specification for the cognitive radio in- building communication system.
Reduced order modeling using genetic-fuzzy algorithm

Many high-order systems have a large state space. Such systems need to additional computation time for complex calculation to find the output response. Traditionally, Iteration methods have been applied to solve this problem. In this paper advantages of stability equation method derived by Parmer, [1], and the error minimization technique used in genetic-fuzzy algorithm have been combined to propose a new method for order reduction of linear dynamic systems described via state-space models. Genetic part has been used in this formulation to find the optimal solution(s) to minimize the objective function ”J” that depends on the error term between the original output and the desired or reduced output. Fuzzy sets have been used to determine the step size action (point crossover or multiple crossover) depending upon fuzzy rules based on the current and previous error terms. An example of reduced order modeling from power systems is presented to illustrate the algorithm.
Co-administration of hyaluronic acid with local anaesthetics shows lower cytotoxicity than local anaesthetic treatment alone in bovine articular chondrocytes

Objective To study the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) on local anaesthetic chondrotoxicity in vitro . Methods Chondrocytes were harvested from bovine femoral condyle cartilage and isolated using collagenase-containing media. At 24 hours after seeding 15 000 cells per well onto a 96-well plate, chondrocytes were treated with media (DMEM/F12 + ITS), PBS, 1:1 lidocaine (2%):PBS, 1:1 bupivacaine (0.5%):PBS, 1:1 lidocaine (2%):HA, 1:1 bupivacaine (0. 5%):HA, or 1:1 HA:PBS for one hour. Following treatment, groups had conditions removed and 24-hour incubation. Cell viability was assessed using PrestoBlue and confirmed visually using fluorescence microscopy. Results Media-treated groups had a mean of 1.55×10 4 cells/well (sem 783). All treated cells showed statistically significant reduced viability when compared with media alone (all p < 0.003). Cells treated with bupivacaine + HA (6.70×10 3 cells/well (sem 1.10×10 3 )) survived significantly more than bupivacaine (2.44×10 3 cells/well (sem 830)) (p 3 cells/well (sem 596)) was not significantly more cytotoxic than lidocaine (2.24×10 3 cells/well (sem 341)) (p = 0.999). There was no statistical difference between the chondrotoxicities of PBS (8.49×10 3 cells/well (sem 730) cells/well) and HA (4.75×10 3 cells/well (sem 886)) (p = 0.294). Conclusions HA co-administration reduced anaesthetic cytotoxicity with bupivacaine but not lidocaine, suggesting different mechanisms of injury between the two. Co-administered intra-articular injections of HA with bupivacaine, but not lidocaine, may protect articular chondrocytes from local anaesthetic-associated death. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2013;2:270–5.
Estimates and Rigorous Bounds on Pore-Fluid Enhanced Shear Modulus in Poroelastic Media with Hard and Soft Anisotropy

A general analysis of poroelasticity for hexagonal, tetragonal, and cubic symmetry shows that four eigenvectors are pure shear modes with no coupling to the pore-fluid mechanics. The remaining two eigenvectors are linear combinations of pure compression and uniaxial shear, both of which are coupled to the fluid mechanics. The analysis proceeds by first reducing the problem to a 2 x 2 system. The poroelastic system including both anisotropy in the solid elastic frame (i.e., with ''hard anisotropy''), and also anisotropy of the poroelastic coefficients (''soft anisotropy'') is then studied in some detail. In the presence of anisotropy and spatial heterogeneity, mechanics of the pore fluid produces shear dependence on fluid bulk modulus in the overall poroelastic system. This effect is always present (though sometimes small in magnitude) in the systems studied, and can be comparatively large (up to a maximum increase of about 20 per cent) in some porous media--including porous glass and Schuler-Cotton Valley sandstone. General conclusions about poroelastic shear behavior are also related to some recently derived product formulas that determine overall shear response of these systems. Another method is also introduced based on rigorous Hashin-Shtrikman-style bounds for nonporous random polycrystals, followed by related self-consistent estimates of mineral constants for polycrystals. Then, another self-consistent estimation method is formulated for the porous case, and used to estimate drained and undrained effective constants. These estimates are compared and contrasted with the results of the first method and a consistent picture of the overall behavior is found in three computed examples for polycrystals of grains having tetragonal symmetry.
Postnatal compensatory growth of manipulated mouse embryos

As an extension of the biometrical analysis of data described in an earlier paper (Papaioannou et al., 1989, Development, 106, 817-827), we have examined the extent of postnatal compensatory growth in body weight and tail length of genetically identical F1 mice from the following groups: controls--the natural offspring of timed matings; transferred controls--offspring from embryos flushed at the 2-cell stage and transferred to recipient foster mothers; and transferred half embryos--offspring developing from one blastomere from the 2-cell stage transferred to recipient foster mothers. There was little difference between the postnatal growth curves of transferred controls and mice produced from half embryos, indicating regulation during prenatal development is complete and that halving an embryo at the beginning of gestation has no lasting effects on its size or postnatal growth rate. In contrast, embryo transfer itself had a significant effect, resulting in smaller litters and larger, more variable animals after birth. There was then a period of postnatal compensatory growth in body weight and tail length after 4 weeks of age. We have provided direct evidence that animals that become relatively large during early growth curtail their growth rate compared to small animals as they approach maximum size and the reverse occurs with small animals. A similar phenomenon was observed for tail length. Although the overall variance of embryo transfer mice is high during postnatal growth, the intraclass correlation coefficient is also high, making them useful for comparative experiments.
Understanding software productivity: a comparative empirical review

The current state of the art in software productivity measurement is examined. A framework for understanding software productivity and some fundamentals of measurement are described. Selected studies of software productivity are surveyed, and challenges involved in measuring software productivity are identified. Alternatives for understanding software productivity that attempt to overcome the limitations of current approaches are discussed. >
Recent innovations in CMOS image sensors

The trend in semiconductor manufacturing over the last decade has been an accelerated rate for both materials integration and wafer fabrication process development. While the cutting edge of semiconductor technology is driven by digital logic and memory applications, several other technology sectors benefit from innovation by the leaders. Of these technology sectors, image sensor manufacturers have realized many benefits from the selective use of developments within advanced technology node manufacturing. The motivations for the imaging industry to pursue Moore's Law type of scaling are comparable to that of the broader semiconductor industry. Additionally, image sensor companies seek a reduction of camera module form factor, an increase in pixel resolution, and an increase in pixel array performance. Today, semi-professional grade digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) pixels have scaled down to the size of what were state-of-the-art “small pixel” consumer grade camera phone sensors just a few years ago. The pixel size of recent camera phones has shrunk to 1.12 μm. The resolution for recent camera phones has reached 16.4 Mp. Beyond silicon foundry processes, imaging companies must also concern themselves with the optical systems and packaging solutions required to integrate their silicon devices with the consumer electronics supply chain. Chipworks, as a supplier of competitive intelligence to the semiconductor and electronics industries, monitors the evolution of image sensor technologies as they come into production. Chipworks has obtained charge-coupled devices (CCD) and CMOS image sensor (CIS) chips from leading manufacturers and performed structural, compositional, and design analyses to benchmark the technology of the market leaders.
High level expression of Ricinus communis casbene synthase in Escherichia coli and characterization of the recombinant enzyme.

Abstract Casbene synthase catalyzes the cyclization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate (2) to casbene (1), a diterpene phytoalexin with antibacterial and antifungal activity that is produced by seedlings of castor bean ( Ricinus communis L.) in response to fungal attack. We report the high-level expression of casbene synthase cDNA in Escherichia coli as insoluble inclusion bodies, the solubilization and refolding of active casbene synthase, and the kinetic and product analysis of the recombinant enzyme. To overcome problems apparently associated with the presence in the casbene synthase gene of rare Arg codons, as well as the intrinsic antibacterial activity of casbene itself, the casbene synthase gene was expressed in an E. coli host harboring the pSM102 vector that encodes the dnaY gene for t Arg (AGA/G) , using an expression vector, pET-21d(+), carrying the tightly controlled T7 lac promoter.
Striped Cucumber Beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Aggregation in Response to Cultivar and Flowering

The striped cucumber beetle [Acalymma vittatum (F.)] is a specialist pest of cucurbits throughout its range in the United States and Canada. Improved integrated pest management options are needed across the pest's range, especially on organic farms where there are few effective controls. Trap cropping in cucurbits is an option, but there are significant challenges to the technique. Because cucurbit flowers are highly attractive to the beetles, four field experiments tested whether cultivar and phenology interact to preferentially aggregate beetles. The first experiment tested the hypothesis that cucurbit flowers were more attractive to striped cucumber beetles than was foliage. The second experiment tested whether there were differences in beetle aggregation between two relatively attractive cultivars. The third and fourth experiments were factorial designs with two plant cultivars and two levels of flowering to specifically test for an interaction of cultivar and flowering. Results indicated that flowers were more attractive than foliage, beetle aggregation was affected by plant cultivar, and that there was an interaction of cultivar with flowering. We conclude that a single cultivar may be sufficient to serve as a generic trap crop to protect a wide variety of cucurbits.