cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conference Report: Update on Probe Discovery World Congress 2009

The conference was the first of its kind in a series of trend-setting conferences conceived and organized by Select Biosciences. The word ‘probe’ is a broad term that can be interpreted to mean any one of a wide variety of agents. These include active chemistries discovered in academic screening laboratories or in government organizations (Molecular Libraries Probe Production Centers Network or the US NIH), commercially available probes (i.e., dyes, antibodies or fluorescent proteins), failed drug candidates from the pharmaceutical industry, whole-body or cellular imaging agents, specific biomarkers or tool molecules from chemogenomics and/or systems biology efforts. The conference attendees represented academia, biotech and pharma, the speaker list was stellar, and the conference organizers succeeded in bringing together all of the various incarnations of probe hunters in order to share their experiences and to network with a common purpose.
Effect of D-LSD and related compounds on release of norepinephrine-H3 and serotonin-H3 evoked from brain slices by electrical stimulation

Abstract Slices of brain accumulate monoamines when incubated with tritiated compounds. Mild electrical-field stimulation, which causes depolarization of nerve membranes, induces a striking increase in the rate of release of tritiated amines. The effects of psychotomimetic and related drugs on the evoked release of norepinephrine-H 3 and serotonin-H 3 have been examined. The addition of D-LSD to the superfusing medium diminished release of both tritiated amines while mescaline, L-acetyl-D-LSD and N,N-dimethyltryptamine lowered release of serotonin-H 3 only. The non-hallucinogenic L-LSD and BOL exerted no inhibitory effect. It is suggested that the mode of action of D-LSD involves a specific interplay between D-LSD and serotonin by one or more mechanisms.
Non-negative matrix factorization of partial track data for motion segmentation

This paper addresses the problem of segmenting low-level partial feature point tracks belonging to multiple motions. We show that the local velocity vectors at each instant of the trajectory are an effective basis for motion segmentation. We decompose the velocity profiles of point tracks into different motion components and corresponding non-negative weights using non-negative matrix factorization (NNMF). We then segment the different motions using spectral clustering on the derived weights. We test our algorithm on the Hopkins 155 benchmarking database and several new sequences, demonstrating that the proposed algorithm can accurately segment multiple motions at a speed of a few seconds per frame. We show that our algorithm is particularly successful on low-level tracks from real-world video that are fragmented, noisy and inaccurate.
Gauge symmetry breaking in compactified heterotic strings

Abstract It is shown that, if there exists a modular invariant compactification of the heterotic string on an internal conformal field theory, with a Z N discrete symmetry and a simply laced gauge group G generated by free bosons (or fermions), then the necessary and sufficient condition for the corresponding theory with broken symmetry (obtained by turning on Z N Wilson lines) to be modular invariant, is level matching.
Developmental Biology: Micro(RNA)-Managing Nodal

Nodal signaling plays an essential role during the induction and patterning of vertebrate embryonic tissue types. In Xenopus and zebrafish, microRNAs regulate Nodal signaling, but surprisingly by very different mechanisms.
XIAP and survivin as therapeutic targets for radiation sensitization in preclinical models of lung cancer

Survivin and XIAP are members of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) family. They are upregulated in various malignancies. Inactivation of these molecules has resulted in chemosensitization. The purpose of this study was to determine whether inhibition of survivin, XIAP, or both enhances radiotherapy in a lung cancer model. Transient transfection of H460 cells with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against either molecule has specifically reduced their expression, by Western analysis. Results from 3-(4,5-methylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide and clonogenic assays suggest that inhibition of survivin or XIAP greatly decreased cell survival following irradiation. A significantly increased number of apoptotic cells were detected when H460 cells were treated with either antisurvivin, anti-XIAP or both ASOs (P=0.03, 0.0003 and 0.01, respectively) plus irradiation. H460 xenografts that were treated with ASOs plus radiotherapy demonstrated growth delay beyond 15 days. Growth delay in the groups of combined treatment was greater than that in other groups. However, treatment with ASOs alone did not affect tumor growth delay in mice, but decreased the survival of H460 cells in culture. Antisense treatment did not cause any mortality or weight loss during the 32 days of study. These data suggest that inhibition of survivin or XIAP radiosensitizes H460 lung cancer cells by upregulating apoptosis and downregulating cell survival. Combination of radiotherapy and inhibition of survivin and XIAP through the antisense approach results in improved tumor control by radiotherapy in a mouse model of lung cancer.
Long-Term Benefits Following Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation

Catheter ablation has acquired a prominent role in the management of symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF). Attempting to accurately assess the benefit of ablation can be quite challenging and is influenced by many variables, including the type of AF, procedural technique, operator experience, and duration and method of follow-up. Equally elusive is the proper definition of a successful ablation outcome. Should a "successful" ablation necessitate complete resolution of AF and AF symptoms documented by long-term monitoring, or does a more clinical approach evaluating for symptomatic improvement constitute a favorable outcome? Furthermore, at what point following an ablation should a recurrence be an acceptable, if not an expected, occurrence and should a significant decrease in AF burden warrant consideration as success? Our goal here will be to explore the current data evaluating outcomes for ablation of AF. We will examine electrophysiologic and other clinical endpoints, and hope to provide long-term expectations following ablation of paroxysmal and persistent AF.
Cytotoxicity comparison of mineral trioxide aggregates and EndoSequence bioceramic root repair materials.

Abstract Introduction The purpose of this bench top evidence level 5 in vitro study was to compare the cytotoxic effect of 2 brands of white mineral trioxide aggregate cement (ProRoot MTA and MTA-Angelus), Brasseler EndoSequence Root Repair Material, and Brasseler EndoSequence Root Repair Putty by using human dermal fibroblasts. Methods The cells were cultured in recommended culture conditions and exposed to the tested materials. The cytotoxic effects were recorded at an observation period of 24 hours by using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)–based colorimetric assay. Results were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance with significance of p Results All materials tested demonstrated cell viability ≥91.8%. Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in cell viability of ProRoot MTA, MTA-Angelus, and Brasseler EndoSequence Root Repair Material. However, there was a statistically significant difference negatively associated with the cell viability of human dermal fibroblasts in association with the Brasseler EndoSequence Root Repair Putty. Conclusions The Brasseler EndoSequence Root Repair Materials were shown to have similar cytotoxicity levels to those of ProRoot MTA and MTA-Angelus.
Electrospinning Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives

Many solvents suitable for wet or dry spinning of cellulose and cellulose derivatives have also been investigated as solvents for electrospinning. Solvents for cellulose are not completely volatile and have required coagulation steps to ensure complete removal of the solvent from electrospun fibers and produce stable fibers. Cellulose derivatives include cellulose acetate, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, and ethyl‐cyanoethyl cellulose, which can be dissolved in volatile solvents suitable for electrospinning. Cellulose acetate in particular has been electrospun under a wide variety of conditions and subsequently deacetylated to form cellulose nanofibers or functionalized with other side groups.
Generative Model of Voice in Noise for Structured Coding Applications

A generative model of a human voice is presented, based on many pseudo-physical considerations. For robustness, observation noise is also included in the model. An EM-algorithm framework for inference and learning is then described. An instance of approximate inference and subsequent learning presented allows an extraction of voice parameter which can be used for structured coding application. This set of parameters allows a great amount of compression as well as the flexibility in making modification to pitch, duration and breathiness, noise-free synthesis compared to other non-parametric approaches.
Medicament Release from Ointment Bases: I. Indomethacin. In Vitro and in Vivo Release Studies

AbstractThe in vitro release of indomethacin from 1%, 3%, and 5% indomethacin ointments and its in vivo absorption through the skin of rabbits was investigated. The in vitro release of indomethacin followed zero-order kinetics and was better from an absorption base ointment. No significant differences (F=3.047 and P=0.079 for the absorption base) and (F=2.15 and P=0.14 for the hydrophilic base) in the release rate of indomethacin in 1%, 3%, and 5% indomethacin ointments were observed. Indomethacin was most effectively absorbed from absorption ointment bases. A correlation between the in vitro release and the in vivo absorption was found; also, a correlation between the in vivo release pattern of the bases used and the in vivo data reported in the literature was observed.
Active suppression of traveling waves in structures

This paper is concerned with the control of traveling waves in structures. Two approaches are used, independent modal-space control (IMSC) and direct feedback control. It is demonstrated that direct feedback control is more suitable for problems in which a large number of higher modes require control and IMSC is more attractive when the number of modes in need of control is not large or when inherent damping provides passive control, suppressing the higher modes. One fact worthy of notice is that although IMSC represents a global approach compared to direct feedback control, the actuator forces still tend to concentrate near localized disturbances such as traveling waves.
Arteriolar network morphology in gracilis muscle of rats with salt-induced hypertension

The purpose of this study was to determine if structural rarefaction of arterioles occurs in the gracilis muscle of Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rats with salt-induced hypertension. Arteriolar network architecture was studied in cleared muscles removed from DS fed either a high (7% NaCl) or low-normal (0.45% NaCl) salt diet for 4 weeks. Muscles removed from Dahl salt-resistant (DR) rats on high and low-normal salt diets served as controls. The 7% NaCl diet had no effect on arterial pressure in DR, but caused marked hypertension in DS. The density of arcade arterioles was significantly lower in DS than in DR (0.77 vs 1.26 segments/mg tissue, respectively) and was unrelated to either dietary salt content or mean arterial pressure in both strains. The number of transverse arterioles/mm parent vessel was 19% lower in DS on 7% NaCl than in DS on 0.45% NaCl and DR on either diet. These data indicate that compared to normotensive DR, the DS rat with salt-induced hypertension exhibits a lower vascular density within both the arcading and the transverse portions of the gracilis muscle arteriolar network. The lower arcade vessel density reflects an inherent characteristic of the DS strain, whereas the lower transverse arteriole density reflects a true structural rarefaction associated with salt-induced hypertension.
Peripheral corneal disorders

The peripheral cornea is anatomically and physiologically distinct from its central counterpart. The major differences relate to the gradual transition of corneal tissues to those of the conjunctiva, episclera, and sclera; furthermore, the vascular structures, lymphatics, and inflammatory cells from these neighboring structures are intimately associated with the limbus and periphery of the cornea. The peripheral cornea is thereby predisposed to three main classes of disorders which do not normally involve the central cornea. First, local conditions affecting the sclera and conjunctiva may secondarily spread to involve the limbus and peripheral cornea. These include several infectious diseases, as well as hypersensitivity conditions, mass lesions, and degenerations. Second, due to the associated blood vessels and lymphatics, the peripheral cornea may be involved in a variety of systemic diseases, including vasculitides, autoimmune disorders, and abnormal metabolic conditions. Finally, there are several conditions, such as the noninflammatory peripheral degenerations, which primarily affect the peripheral cornea without associated ocular or systemic changes. In this review, we present a classification and discussion of the various disorders which may involve the peripheral cornea.
The simple cubic structure of Ir clusters and the element effect on cluster structures

Abstract The simple cubic was found to be the most stable structure for Ir clusters in the subnanometer range from our density functional theory calculations. We further examined various structures of group 8–10 precious metal clusters. The tendency to form the simple cubic structure becomes stronger from right to left across a period and from top to bottom in the group, while the trend is opposite for the formation of icosahedrons or cubo-octahedrons.
Effects of foamed plastic insulation on severity of room fires

The results of a series of full scale room burn experiments with foamed plastic insulation in two walls indicate that the severity of room fires as characterized by the normalized heat load does not appear to be increased by the addition of foamed plastic insulation.
Sediment slides on the northwestern continental margin of Africa

Abstract A sediment slide complex has been mapped on the West African continental margin north of Dakar, Senegal. Four major slides covering approximately 44,300 km 2 were delineated by seismic reflection profiles, 3.5 and 12 kHz echograms and piston cores. Although the slide areas have been altered by later erosion and deposition by turbidity flows, the major components of the slides — slide scar, zones of hummocky and blocky slide material and zones of debris flow — are recognizable. Cores containing flow folds with horizontal axial surfaces substantiate the echogram interpretations of debris flow. Morphology and depositional areas of the slides indicate that several major slide movements have occurred in each of the various slide areas. The triggering mechanism for these slides is perhaps earthquakes associated with the Cape Verde Islands, Cape Verde Plateau, and adjacent fracture zones.
Dissociation energy of the molecule ZnI

Abstract The dissociation energy ( D 0 0 ) of the molecule ZnI was determined from gaseous equilibrium measurements over the range 993–1058 K. The Ag–Zn–I chemical species were generated by reaction of I 2 (g) with a Ag/Zn/Cu sample in an effusion cell source, and their abundances were monitored by mass spectrometry. Both the resulting D 0 0 (ZnI)=35.7±1.5 kcal mol −1 and a previously reported equilibrium value for D 0 0 (ZnCl) are somewhat larger than reported theoretical values, with the Gaussian MP2 method yielding D 0 0 values in closest agreement with experiment.
Evaluation of recurrent restricted index selection for increasing yield while holding seed protein constant in soybean

(…) Selection based on the index was not expected to change oil concentration and no significant changes in oil were observed. In comparing the restricted index with the other selection criteria, direct selection for either yield or for total protein produced the greatest yield response. However, direct selection for yield or total protein is expected to result in significantly lower protein concentration in later cycles of selection. Thus, the use of restricted index selection appears to be the most promising long-term approach to increasing yield while maintaining high protein concentration
The ultrastructural localization of calcium‐activated protease “calpain” in rat brain

Calpain I, a calcium-activated neutral protease which degrades a number of cytoskeletal proteins, has been implicated in the rapid turnover of structural proteins that may participate in synaptic plasticity. In the present study, an antibody raised against purified erythrocyte calpain I was biochemically characterized and demonstrated to specifically bind the Mr=80,000 subunit of both rat erythrocyte and brain calpain I. This antibody was used to examine the cellular distribution of calpain I at the electron microscopic level in rat brain and spinal cord using the avidin-biotin immunocytochemical technique. Reaction product was observed throughout neuronal perikarya, within both axonal and dendritic processes, and within spine heads and necks. Postsynaptic densities in both shaft and spine synapses were also immunoreactive. Glial cell bodies and processes were densely stained. In both neurons and glia, the reaction product was deposited along cytoskeletal elements. The localization of calpain I immunoreactivity to glial processes suggests this degradative enzyme may play a role in the glial hypertrophy and process retraction seen in brain. The presence of the enzyme in spines and postsynaptic densities is consistent with the hypothesis that it is involved in the turnover of synaptic cytoskeleton, thus providing a means through which transient physiological events effect lasting changes in the chemistry and morphology of spines.
Avoiding Problems in Patients with Craniotubular Bone Disorders

The management of three cases of craniotubular bone disorders—increased bone density—is discussed.
Correlation between the activation of Neu tyrosine kinase and promotion of foci formation induced by selected organochlorine compounds in the MCF-7 model system.

Several studies have shown that some organochlorine compounds act like estrogen in certain animals and in vitro cell culture systems, and therefore, there is a possibility that they could promote the process of tumorigenesis in breast cancer cells. In our previous study, two representative organochlorines, 1,1,1-trichloro 2-o-chlorophenyl-2'-p-chlorophenyl ethane (o,p'-DDT) and beta-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta HCH), were found to directly activate the protein tyrosine kinase of Neu (c-erbB-2 proto-oncogene product) immunoprecipitates isolated from MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In the current study, we also found that 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) at 1 nM and alpha-HCH isomers at 100 nM could also significantly activate protein tyrosine kinase of Neu immunoprecipitates in a cell-free system. We also found that organochlorines result in an increase of Neu protein tyrosine kinase after intact cell treatment in estrogen-depleted medium. This Neu kinase activation by beta-HCH (100 nM) was blocked when the cells were pretreated with Neu mRNA antisense oligonucleotide (p < 0.07, Student's t-test). Endogenously added alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HCH, o,p'-DDT, 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl (2,2'-PCB), and 2,4,5-T at 100 nM were found to promote foci formation in postconfluent cultures of this cell line. This stimulatory effect caused by 17beta-estradiol, o,p'-DDT, and beta-HCH on foci formation was inhibited by coincubation with Neu monoclonal antibody (p < 0.05). Those two events induced by organochlorines (i.e., Neu kinase activation and foci formation) seemed causally correlated.
Wavelet detector for model-based imaging

This paper investigates the model-based aspects of the estimator correlator (EC) detector in the wavelet domain. Ideas from group theory are used to develop and describe underlying properties. By applying group representation theory to the detector development, insight into the optimal processing structure of the EC is gained. In the absence of a priori model information, the EC detector reduces to the wavelet domain or matched filter detector. With a priori information incorporated into the model, the EC becomes a weighted wavelet detector. Implementing the EC in the wavelet domain provides range-Doppler (wavelet) images at different stages of processing. This allows the opportunity to simultaneously exploit the vast body of knowledge of wavelets, scattering function theory, and range-Doppler processing techniques. Ambiguity function theory is used to evaluate performance capabilities of these wavelet-based detectors using various narrowband and wideband transmit signals. This paper shows that the weighted wavelet detector serves as a classifier as well by using the scattering function model as a basis for pattern recognition. An example of the effectiveness of the weighted wavelet detector with narrowband and wideband signals for a multi- highlight image model is presented and results are discussed.
On an algorithm of Milne and Reynolds

The Milne-Reynolds averaging technique is extended to all weakly stable methods of numerical integration of ordinary differential equations, and a numerical example is presented. Also, a Milne-Reynolds average is given which reduces by a factor ofO(h2l+1) the unstable component of the error arising with Milne's methods without changing the order of the truncation error. The average is given explicitly forl=1,2.
The effect of estrogen administration on the metabolism and protein binding of hydrocortisone.

ABSTRACT A study has been made of the effect of estrogen administration on the plasma hydrocortisone level in normal subjects, with and without concomitant cortisone therapy. Plasma hydrocortisone levels in some instances fall progressively during the control period with cortisone alone. This is reversed by administration of estrogen. By use of ultrafiltration at 37°C. and double isotope tracer techniques the protein-bound and nonprotein-bound fractions of plasma hydrocortisone were studied. Approximately 5–10 per cent was not protein bound. This percentage was reduced, but absolute values remained the same, when estrogen was given. The rise in the plasma level of hydrocortisone represented an increase in the protein-bound fraction, and in vitro techniques revealed an increase in the binding protein, or in the number of sites. The increased plasma levels due to estrogen therapy were not associated with depression of eosinophils, which suggests that only the nonprotcin-bound fraction is biologically active...
A regional divide in sustainability performance in China: geography, governance and income

China had accredited 320 Eco-Communities and 72 Model Cities by 2009. This paper uses these ‘sustainable places’ and their neighbors to examine spatial variations in sustainability performance and possible causes of such variations. Data were collected through personal interviews of 186 provincial and local environmental officials and researchers, in addition to review of governmental publications. This paper finds a regional divide in sustainability performance between China's Eco-Provinces and other provinces and between ‘sustainable places’ and other communities. Geography, governance and income are important in understanding the divide. The conventional wisdom following the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) is inadequate for understanding the regional divide in sustainability performance. Sustainability studies need to be expanded to pay more attention to geography and governance, not just income. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
TALK is Cheap

Our eagerly awaited M300 Workstation arrived in the fall of 1984 and was installed in the Reference Department, where it was to be used primarily for interlibrary loan. Once we had worked our way through the mysteries of diskettes, booting, DOS, and other arcane lingo, we were off and running. Our next question was, what else could we do with it? Chapter 5 of the OCLC M300 Guide to Operations, “Other M300 Uses,” seemed to hold the answer.
Potential Uses of Corticotropin‐Releasing Hormone Antagonists

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), its natural homologs urocortins (UCN) 1, 2, and 3, and several types of CRH receptors (R), coordinate the behavioral, endocrine, autonomic, and immune responses to stress. The potential use of CRH antagonists is currently under intense investigation. Selective antagonists have been used experimentally to clarify the role of CRH-related peptides in anxiety and depression, addictive behavior, inflammatory disorders, acute and chronic neurodegeneration, and sleep disorders, as well as preterm labor.
Cantilevered bone grafts and plates in orbital reconstruction

The anterior one third of the orbit is formed by the thick bone of the orbital rim, whereas the middle one third is composed of the relatively thinner bone of the lamina papyracea, roof, floor, and lateral wall. The sphenoid contributions to the posterior one third of the orbit and the bone in the region of the optic canal and superior orbital fissure are again thicker in comparison with the middle third. The floor of the orbit is clearly the weakest area and is involved in 85% of all fractures. The lamina papyracea is involved in 49% of cases, whereas the roof (18%) and lateral wall (8%) are involved less frequently. 1 Fractures of the floor and/or medial wall of the orbit that involve greater than 2.5 cm 2 of surface area of contiguous bony support with disruption of the periorbita and ligamentous supporting structures have been shown to result in acute or delayed enophthalmos or hypophthalmos and, therefore, mandate repair. 1 High-energy impact forces transmitted to the orbital floor and lamina papyracea often produce defects of much larger dimension, resulting in significant herniation of orbital soft tissue into the adjacent paranasal sinuses. The primary objective of surgical repair is reduction of periorbital structures back into the confines of the orbit and accurate reconstitution of normal bony orbital configuration and volume. This must be achieved without entrapment of orbital fat, extraocular muscles, or suspensory ligaments within the reconstructed orbital walls. Generally, larger fractures cannot be reconstructed adequately with existing bony fragments, and autologous or alloplastic materials are needed. A number of alloplastic materials has been advocated, including medpor, 2"3 hydroxylapatite, 4 silastic, s Marlex mesh (Bard Vascular, Bil6 7
Production of recombinant human proinsulin in the milk of transgenic mice

There is a steady increasing demand for insulin worldwide. Current insulin manufacturing capacities can barely meet this increasing demand. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of producing human proinsulin in the milk of transgenic animals. Four lines of transgenic mice harboring a human insulin cDNA with expression driven by the goat β-casein gene promoter were generated. The expression level of human proinsulin in milk was as high as 8.1 g/L. The expression of the transgene was only detected in the mammary gland during lactation, with higher levels at mid-lactation and lower levels at early and late lactation. The blood glucose and insulin levels and the major milk compositions were unchanged, and the transgenic animals had no apparent health defects. The mature insulin derived from the milk proinsulin retained its biological activity. In conclusion, our study provides supporting evidence to explore the production of high levels of human proinsulin in the milk of dairy animals.
Diversity and frequency distribution of omo group cercopithecoidea

Approximately 6000 cercopithecoid specimens have been recovered from Omo Group deposits of southwestern Ethiopia since 1967. The specimens range in completeness from fragmentary isolated teeth to nearly complete skeletons. The majority of the specimens consist, however, of isolated tecth, fragmentary jaw parts and limb bones. They range in age from c. 3·0 m.y. to c. 0·9 m.y. Both Colobinae and Cercopithecinae have been recovered, with the cercopithecines predominating. The colobine specimens fall into 4 size groups which probably represent taxonomic units. The smallest of the specimens have been assigned to genus Colobus . Of the two middle-sized groups, the smaller is rare and of unknown affinities, while the larger is probably a new genus and species. The largest of the specimens, similar in size to a modern savannah baboon, probably also represents a new genus and species. Six species of cercopithecines have been recovered. Specimens of Cercopithecus and Papio are rare as are those of two species of small Papionini of uncertain affinities. The majority of the specimens belong to the genus Theropithecus with both T. brumpti and T. oswaldi being represented. Cercopithecoid specimens are not evenly distributed through the deposits and preliminary analysis indicates that the differences in frequencies may be due to changes in the environment of the lower Omo basin through time.
Domain observations of titanomagnetites during hysteresis at elevated temperatures and thermal cycling

Abstract Domain observations using Bitter patterns have been made on x = 0.6 titanomagnetites up to the Curie point. The principal results are: (1) there is no major increase in the number of domain walls before they are lost near the Curie point; (2) with increasing temperature, the fields at which saturation is reached and departed from during hysteresis decrease; (3) with increasing field, the temperatures at which saturation is reached during thermal cycling decrease; and (4) particles of the order of tens of microns were found to be in a saturated or near saturated state after cooling from the Curie point to room temperature in the ambient geomagnetic field. These results were observed on several different grains showing clear body domains. They attest to the predicted importance of the magnetostatic energy in the external field at elevated temperature. They also suggest that models of multidomain thermoremanent magnetization need not involve major increases in the number of walls at elevated temperature. Clearly the metastable single domain particles will be important in TRM due to the large moment they carry. Also discussed are the exotic patterns commonly found in titanomagnetites, and their possible role in determining magnetization state.
EPA's Approach to Controlling Pollution from Animal Feeding Operations: An Economic Analysis

The Clean Water Action Plan recognized the importance of nonpoint source pollution as a cause of water-quality problems (EPA and USDA). As part of a follow-up on this plan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued a USDA-EPA Unified National Strategy (the Joint Strategy) to manage nutrient pollution from animal feeding operations (USDA and EPA). One of EPA's tasks for this effort is to review and update its regulatory requirements for livestock and poultry operations, which were originally promulgated during the 1970s. There are two related sets of regulatory requirements: (a) effluent limitations guidelines (ELG) for animal feeding operations (or "feedlots") and (b) requirements for discharge permits for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The ELG for the feedlots category are currently specified at 40 CFR 412, and the definitions for CAFOs in the NPDES program regulations are at 40 CFR 122.23. These regulations prohibit the release of wastewater from containment systems that are designed to hold waste and runoff, except during an extreme storm event, but do not specifically address discharges that may occur when wastewater or solid manure mixtures are applied to cropland. The EPA decided to include feedlots in its
Bacterial adhesion to polyurethane surfaces in the presence of pre-adsorbed high molecular weight kininogen

The factors which affect the adherence of a bacteria cell to the surface of a biomaterial include the surface chemistry of the cell and material, as well as the composition of the adsorbed protein layer when the biomaterial is exposed to circulating blood. In an effort to better understand the mechanisms by which bacteria adhere to such surfaces, and specifically to determine the effects of high molecular weight kininogen on bacterial adhesion, experiments were performed in which the attachment of Staphylococcus aureus was directly observed on glass and on a series of functionalized polyurethanes. These surfaces had been pre-adsorbed with various concentrations of high molecular weight kininogen and fibrinogen. Attachment was observed using a radial flow chamber, in which shear stress varied inversely with radial distance. Protein adsorption studies were also performed using 125I labeled fibrinogen to investigate the relationship between surface chemistry, protein adsorption, and bacterial attachment. Bac...
Economic and environmental optimization of a large scale sustainable dual feedstock lignocellulosic-based bioethanol supply chain in a stochastic environment.

Abstract This work proposes a two-stage stochastic optimization model to maximize the expected profit and simultaneously minimize carbon emissions of a dual-feedstock lignocellulosic-based bioethanol supply chain (LBSC) under uncertainties in supply, demand and prices. The model decides the optimal first-stage decisions and the expected values of the second-stage decisions. A case study based on a 4-state Midwestern region in the US demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed stochastic model over a deterministic model under uncertainties. Two regional modes are considered for the geographic scale of the LBSC. Under co-operation mode the 4 states are considered as a combined region while under stand-alone mode each of the 4 states is considered as an individual region. Each state under co-operation mode gives better financial and environmental outcomes when compared to stand-alone mode. Uncertainty has a significant impact on the biomass processing capacity of biorefineries. While the location and the choice of conversion technology for biorefineries i.e. biochemical vs. thermochemical, are insensitive to the stochastic environment. As variability of the stochastic parameters increases, the financial and environmental performance is degraded. Sensitivity analysis shows that levels of tax credit and carbon price have a major impact on the choice of conversion technology for a selected biorefinery. Biochemical pathway is preferred over the thermochemical as carbon price increases. Thermochemical pathway is preferred over the biochemical as the level of tax credit increases. In addition, bioethanol production in the US is shown to be unviable without adequate governmental subsidy in the form of tax credits.
Penalty finite element analysis of incompressible flows using element by element solution algorithms

Abstract Finite element analysis of complex three-dimensional flows requires solution of a large system of algebraic equations. These equations are most often solved using direct methods, i.e., Gauss elimination method. However, for complex problems, direct methods demand prohibitively large CPU times and storage, thus making it difficult to solve these equations economically even on supercomputers. Iterative methods, on the other hand, do not require large storage and CPU times because the global system of equations are not formulated and factorized. These advantages over direct methods have revived the interest in iterative solvers. The element by element solvers using conjugate gradient methods have been used successfully for the solution of problems in fluid and solid mechanics and were shown to be advantageous over direct methods. In this paper we present an element by element algorithm for solution of incompressible flow problems using a penalty finite element model. The iterative methods (conjugate gradient and generalized minimum residual method) are compared with the frontal equation solver for efficiency, and the iterative solvers are found to be economical when a large number of equations are to be solved.
Genomic responses to 5-HT1a or 5-HT2a2c receptor activation is differentially regulated in four regions of rat brain

Abstract The functional profiles of brain 5-HT1A and 5-HT 2A c receptors were assessed by quantitating changes in the immediate early genes — c-fos, ngflc and tisl, following receptor activation with either 8-OH-DPAT (8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin) or DOI (1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane). Stimulation of either class of 5-HT receptor elicited an induction of all three immediate early genes to varying extents in cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum, but not in striatum. The responses to 8-OH-DPAT peaked earlier than those to DOI. WAY 100135 (N-tertiobutyl-3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-piperazinyl]-2-phenylpropanamide), the putative 5-HT1A receptor antagonist blocked the 8-OH-DPAT effect but not the responses to DOI. WAY 100135 by itself also elicited a relatively smaller genomic response. Ketanserin completely abolished the DOI-induced genomic responses. The results support the earlier findings that 5-HT1A receptor sites are abundant in frontal cortex and hippocampus. In addition, the robust genomic responses to 8-OH-DPAT as well as Northern hybridization with a cDNA probe for 5-HT1A mRNA in the cerebellum clearly implicate the functional expression of 5-HT1A receptors in this brain region. The responses to the 5-HT2 receptor agonist, DOI support a greater abundance of these receptors in the cortex, and relatively lower levels in hippocampus and cerebellum. The results suggest a differential induction pattern among the three immediate-early genes depending on the brain region and the 5-HT receptor subtype involved.
AGE-SPECIFIC FERTILITY AND FECUNDITY IN NORTHERN FREE-RANGING WHITE-TAILED DEER: EVIDENCE FOR REPRODUCTIVE SENESCENCE?

Population performance of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is driven largely by survival and reproduction. Knowledge of age-specific reproduction would enhance our understanding of population performance and dynamics relative to intrinsic factors, regulatory mechanisms, and their interaction with extrinsic factors. From 1991 to 2002, we examined serum progesterone as an indicator of pregnancy in freeranging white-tailed deer (0.5‐15.5 years old), age-specific fertility and fecundity, and the potential effect of reproductive senescence on population change. We did not detect relationships between serum progesterone concentrations and Julian date, age, or body mass at capture in 41 confirmed-pregnant, adult (� 1.0-year-old) does. Serum progesterone concentrations of 284 females ranging in age from 0.5 to 15.5 years were distributed bimodally with a narrow peak at 0.0‐0.4 ng/ml (composed of samples from 46 of 50 fawns) and a broad peak centered at about 3.6 ng/ml. Only 1 (1.8%) of 55 fawns was pregnant, whereas pregnancy rates were 96.6% (112 of 116) for 2.5‐7.5 year olds and 98.5% (64 of 65) for 8.5‐15.5 year olds. Among adults, the lowest pregnancy rates occurred in yearlings (87.5%), not in the oldest does. Mean estimated fecundity was 1.3 fetuses per doe in yearlings and was 1.8 fetuses per doe in 2.5‐15.5 year olds. We observed no evidence of senescence relative to fertility and fecundity in adult female white-tailed deer up to 15.5 years old. Because older does comprise a relatively small proportion of the population, fecundity rates of these females have little impact on population change (k); however, their ultimate value to the population may be in their life-long reproductive success and associated genetic contribution.
Soccer and Philosophy: Beautiful Thoughts on the Beautiful Game

edited by Ted Richards, Open Court Press, 2010, vii + 408 pp., US$21.95 (paperback), ISBN 0-8126-9676-9 In 1923, an estimated 300,000 fans entered Wembley Stadium to watch Bolton Wanderers play Wes...
Formal co-verification of pipelined datapaths

We consider the formal co-verification of various pipelined implementations of a specific instruction set architecture (ISA). The simpler hardware implementations in this variety are complemented by software emulations for the ISA instructions that find no native hardware support. The comprehensive verification of such implementations makes it necessary that software and hardware layers have to be considered jointly and need to be specified in a common framework. We use a modular specification, implementation and verification approach based on theorem proving techniques in PVS that allows the scaling of the implementations and the adaptation of the formal verification efforts even in between the corner cases that we are constructing in detail and thereby enable the formally verified co-design of individual operations of the instruction set guided by cost and performance trade-offs.
Robust distributed control of decomposable systems with switching network topology

In this paper, we consider the problem of designing distributed controller for networks of dynamic systems called decomposable systems with switching network topologies. Exploiting certain structural property associated with state space matrices of these systems, a modal decomposition approach is used to design a distributed controller that has the same interconnection structure as the networks in each instance; i.e. controller structure changes according to network topologies without any delay. An explicit expression for computing the controller parameters is derived using LMI approach under H 2 or H ∞ criteria with D-stability property. Moreover, a simple sufficient condition for the existence of such a controller is provided that ensures the stability of the network with any arbitrary switching provided that the networks switch among a finite set of admissible topologies. The simulations results are provided to support the theoretical development.
Comparative colonization of human Actinomyces species in hamsters under different dietary conditions.

Oral colonization of hamsters by Actinomyces species of human origin was studied. Strains of A. viscosus and A. naeslundii became implanted while strains of A. israelii, A. odontolyticus and Arachnia propionica did not. A glucose diet was superior to a sucrose diet for A. viscosus and A. naeslundii implantation. A. naeslundii appeared to colonize the animals at a slower rate. Suppression of the oral-intestinal flora by a short-term pretreatment of 3–7 days or continuous exposure to dietary streptomycin sulphate also improved implantation of streptomycin-resistant strains of these 2 species. An experimental period of 3–6 months was required for development of gross deposits of cervical plaque and periodontal pathology.
Dietary isoflavones alter regulatory behaviors, metabolic hormones and neuroendocrine function in Long-Evans male rats.

Phytoestrogens derived from soy foods (or isoflavones) have received prevalent usage due to their 'health benefits' of decreasing: a) age-related diseases, b) hormone-dependent cancers and c) postmenopausal symptoms. However, little is known about the influence of dietary phytoestrogens on regulatory behaviors, such as food and water intake, metabolic hormones and neuroendocrine parameters. This study examined important hormonal and metabolic health issues by testing the hypotheses that dietary soy-derived isoflavones influence: 1) body weight and adipose deposition, 2) food and water intake, 3) metabolic hormones (i.e., leptin, insulin, T3 and glucose levels), 4) brain neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels, 5) heat production [in brown adipose tissue (BAT) quantifying uncoupling protein (UCP-1) mRNA levels] and 6) core body temperature. This was accomplished by conducting longitudinal studies where male Long-Evans rats were exposed (from conception to time of testing or tissue collection) to a diet rich in isoflavones (at 600 micrograms/gram of diet or 600 ppm) vs. a diet low in isoflavones (at approximately 10–15 micrograms/gram of diet or 10–15 ppm). Body, white adipose tissue and food intake were measured in grams and water intake in milliliters. The hormones (leptin, insulin, T3, glucose and NPY) were quantified by radioimmunoassays (RIA). BAT UCP-1 mRNA levels were quantified by PCR and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis while core body temperatures were recorded by radio telemetry. The data were tested by analysis of variance (ANOVA) (or where appropriate by repeated measures). Body and adipose tissue weights were decreased in Phyto-600 vs. Phyto-free fed rats. Food and water intake was greater in Phyto-600 animals, that displayed higher hypothalamic (NPY) concentrations, but lower plasma leptin and insulin levels, vs. Phyto-free fed males. Higher thyroid levels (and a tendency for higher glucose levels) and increased uncoupling protein (UCP-1) mRNA levels in brown adipose tissue (BAT) were seen in Phyto-600 fed males. However, decreased core body temperature was recorded in these same animals compared to Phyto-free fed animals. This study demonstrates that consumption of a soy-based (isoflavone-rich) diet, significantly alters several parameters involved in maintaining body homeostatic balance, energy expenditure, feeding behavior, hormonal, metabolic and neuroendocrine function in male rats.
Pediatric Farm-related Injuries: A Series of 96 Hospitalized Patients

Ninety-six children were admitted during a 9-year period to a pediatric level 1 trauma center for treatment of farm-related injuries. The age range was from 6 weeks to 17 years (median, 7.5 years; mean, 7.6 years; standard deviation, 4.4). Thirty-nine patients (40.6%) had an animal-related injury, including 36 children (37.5%) who had an injury associated with a horse. Amish children had an increased risk of horse-related injury when compared with non-Amish children (p=0.04; RR=2.09, 95% CI: 1.18<RR<3.70). Thirty-seven patients (38.5%) had farm machinery-related injuries, including 14 children (14.6%) with an injury associated with a tractor. Falls from buildings or haylofts accounted for injuries to 12 patients (12.5%). Head trauma accounted for 35 cases (36.4%), with skull fractures in 23 cases (24.0%). Animal-related injuries were significantly associated with head/maxillofacial trauma (p = 0.001; RR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.35 <RR<3.41). Five children (5.2%) died, and one child with a severe brain injury was discharged to a long-term rehabilitation facility. Animals, especially horses, accounted for a large percentage of farm-related injuries in this population.
The recent development of permanent magnet materials containing rare earth metals

The prospect that permanent magnets with previously unattainable coercivities and energy products might be made from cobalt-rare earth alloys has caused intense research efforts in the last three years. Alternative ways of preparing magnets from powders and by casting were demonstrated in several laboratories. (BH)_{\max} \approx 20 MG.Oe and M H_{c} > 25 000 Oe have been achieved with SmCo 5 , and the development of manufacturing processes for magnets made from this alloy has begun. This paper reviews the basic concepts, properties of the alloys of interest, and the physical factors influencing the coercive force. Approaches to alloy, powder, and magnet fabrication are discussed, with their merits and drawbacks; also problems incurred in the materials development and their possible solutions. Application areas are reviewed and some economic factors considered. It is concluded that the R Co 5 magnets are indeed beginning to live up to their promise, but that more materials research, process development, and circuit redesign are needed if their potential is to be fully utilized.