cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SU-GG-J-15: A Novel Registration Tool of Large Deformations for Adaptive Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Available deformable registration methods are often inaccurate for large deformations encountered, for example, for the rectum and bladder. The purpose of this work is to develop a novel approach to accurately and effectively register large deformations for adaptive radiation therapy.Method and Materials: A software tool combining a fast symmetric Demons algorithm and the use of masks was developed using ITK to register CTimages acquired from planning and treatment fractions. A multiresolution deformation is implemented to improve speed. In cases of large (<70% Dice's coefficient (DC), defined as overlap divided by average volume) organ discrepancies, masks are used to guide the deformation and concentrate the registration on the organs of interest. The tool was tested for deformations of prostate, bladder and rectum and used to calculate accumulated dose for multiple prostate treatment fractions. The bladder and rectum volume were masked with a uniform intensity of −1000 and 1000 Hounsfield number respectively in both the planning and treatmentimages. Calculation of the overlap of these organs is facilitated by the masks. The masks can be manually or automatically generated. Results: The deformable registration tool is able to accurately register organs over different days with organ overlaps as low as 36% DC. The overlap of the original and deformed contours reaches 97% DC. Repeated registration with the lowest image resolution can further increase the overlap to 99%. Registration of 512×512×100 resolution images took 6–10 minutes depending on the degree of disagreement. The prostate and seminal vesicles were correctly placed even though they are not masked. The cumulative doses for fractions with large deformation were computed and verified. Conclusion: The tool developed can accurately register large deformations and can be effectively used for adaptive planning to correct for interfractional changes.
Theoretical response of condenser microphones

Modifications to prior theory yield expressions for the frequency response and equivalent lumped elements of a condenser microphone in terms of its fundamental geometrical and material properties. Results of the analysis show excellent agreement with experimental data taken on B&K pressure microphone types 4134 and 4146.
Instrumentation and intelligence issues in bridge health monitoring

A comprehensive market survey and laboratory evaluation was conducted for the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to identify the most promising sensors and data-acquisition systems for infrastructure application. A pilot system for highway bridge monitoring was implemented on a typical steel-stringer bridge in Cincinnati for high-speed traffic and long-term environmental monitoring. Static tests were performed with known truck loads to confirm monitoring results and to calibrate finite-element and section analysis models of the bridge. A complete and accurate characterization of the as- is structural condition has been related to the structural capacities and reliability. This multi- disciplinary research improves our understanding of the actual loading environment and the corresponding bridge responses. Instrumented monitoring is expected to complement inspection methods, provide an objective measure of the state-of-health, and alert officials to bridge deterioration or failure.
Coherence Modified for Sensitivity to Relative Phase of Real Band-Limited Time Series

As is well known, coherence does not distinguish the relative phase of a pair of real, sinusoidal time series; the coherence between them is always unity. This behavior can limit the applicability of coherence analysis in the special case where the time series are band-limited (nearly-monoch- romatic) and where sensitivity to phase differences is advantageous. We propose a simple mod-ification to the usual formula for coherence in which the cross-spectrum is replaced by its real part. The resulting quantity behaves similarly to coherence, except that it is sensitive to relative phase when the signals being compared are strongly band-limited. Furthermore, it has a useful interpretation in terms of the zero-lag cross-correlation of real band-passed versions of the time series.
Immune complexes in the pathogenesis of hypergammaglobulinemic purpura

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) was performed and circulating immune complex (CIC) levels evaluated in three patients with hypergammaglobulinemic purpura (HGP) of Waldenstrom. The Raji cell immunoradiometric assay was used to detect complexes of both IgG and IgM type. IgM and C3 were detected in blood vessel walls of all three patients. Elevated levels of IgG complexes were detected in two patients, and elevated levels of IgM complexes were detected in all three patients. Clinical improvement after plasmapheresis was noted in one patient. A cause-and-effect relationship between CIC and the inflammation of the superficial dermal blood vessels is postulated.
Characterization of VP6 genes from rotavirus strains collected in the United States from 1996–2002

We sequenced 22 VP6 genes from common rotavirus strains P[8], G1; P[4], G2; P[8], G3; P[8], G4 and P[8], G9 and uncommon type P[6], G9 collected in the US over a 6-year period. All strains defined as members of VP6 antigenic subgroup (SG) I according to reactivity patterns with monoclonal antibodies formed a genetic cluster (Genogroup I) with SG I reference strains. Similarly, all strains in antigenic SGII formed a group (Genogroup II) with corresponding standard strains of the same SG. Most US strains of each genogroup had diverged by 10-15% from the VP6 gene sequence of reference strains collected >20 years earlier and some recent isolates from other countries. Evolutionary analysis demonstrated that recently isolated US strains of both genogroups have diverged into 2-3 related clusters consistent with other recent findings. Unexpectedly, some recent isolates from other countries have diverged greatly from both older reference isolates and from the recent US isolates characterized here. This finding suggests that genetic diversity in human rotavirus VP6 genes may be greater than previously recognized. These sequences will help in the construction of a VP6 gene database to aid in the development of broadly reactive molecular assays and permit identification of regions where primers and probes for existing assays may need to be redesigned.
Developing an Innovative Baccalaureate Program in Computer Forensics

Motivated by the demand of the industry and the increasing concern in homeland security, a baccalaureate program in computer forensics has been developed and begun in fall 2005. This 124-credit multidisciplinary program consists of courses in criminal justice, law enforcement, political science, mathematics, computer science, and computer forensics. A year since its implementation, the program has shown its potentials and strengths, and both students and industries have demonstrated a strong interest in the program.
Impact of Mass Media During the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election: A Cross-Cultural Study of Stereotype Change in China and the United States

The present study proposes a media effects model to examine how stereotypes of African Americans might change as a result of media coverage of Barack Obama's election as the first African American President in U.S. history. The authors tested the model in panel studies of college students in China and the United States before and after Mr. Obama was elected. Among Chinese respondents, Time 1 knowledge about Mr. Obama and evaluations that U.S. media portrayed Mr. Obama positively predicted positive stereotype change. Among U.S. respondents, media use at Time 1 predicted positive stereotype change. The authors discuss implications of their findings for theories of media effects on stereotype change.
X-ray structure, symmetry and mechanism of an AMPA-subtype glutamate receptor

Ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate most excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system and function by opening a transmembrane ion channel upon binding of glutamate. Despite their crucial role in neurobiology, the architecture and atomic structure of an intact ionotropic glutamate receptor are unknown. Here we report the crystal structure of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA)-sensitive, homotetrameric, rat GluA2 receptor at 3.6 A resolution in complex with a competitive antagonist. The receptor harbours an overall axis of two-fold symmetry with the extracellular domains organized as pairs of local dimers and with the ion channel domain exhibiting four-fold symmetry. A symmetry mismatch between the extracellular and ion channel domains is mediated by two pairs of conformationally distinct subunits, A/C and B/D. Therefore, the stereochemical manner in which the A/C subunits are coupled to the ion channel gate is different from the B/D subunits. Guided by the GluA2 structure and site-directed cysteine mutagenesis, we suggest that GluN1 and GluN2A NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptors have a similar architecture, with subunits arranged in a 1-2-1-2 pattern. We exploit the GluA2 structure to develop mechanisms of ion channel activation, desensitization and inhibition by non-competitive antagonists and pore blockers.
Hormone action at the membrane level VII. Stimulation of dihydroalprenolol binding to beta-adrenergic receptors in isolated rat heart ventricle slices by triiodothyronine and thyroxine

Abstract Thyroxine (T 4 ) and triiodothyronine (T 3 ) increase the number of β-adrenergic receptors in heart ventricle slices. A short term effect reaches a maximum by 1.5–2 h and requires added amino acids for consistent results. The apparent K m for the l -T 3 effect is 15 pM. This effect, measured by an increase in stereo-specific binding of (−)-[ 3 H]dihydroalprenolol is not inhibited by cycloheximide or puromycin and is produced more effectively by l -T 3 than d -T 3 . However, cycloheximide nearly completely inhibits protein synthesis in the 2–3 h incubation time. T 3 also gives a small inhibition of protein synthesis during this time interval. The early effect of T 3 stimulation of dihydroalprenolol binding is considered to be a post-translational event whereby T 3 enhances the transport of existing β-adrenergic receptors from the cytosol into the membrane. A long term (15 h) stimulation of dihydroalprenolol binding to ventricle membranes is also produced by l -T 3 . This effect is stereospecific, is inhibited by cycloheximide, and is believed to be a transcriptional-translational event leading to the synthesis of new β-adrenergic receptors by T 3 .
Two glycosylase families diffusively scan DNA using a wedge residue to probe for and identify oxidatively damaged bases.

DNA glycosylases are enzymes that perform the initial steps of base excision repair, the principal repair mechanism that identifies and removes endogenous damages that occur in an organism’s DNA. We characterized the motion of single molecules of three bacterial glycosylases that recognize oxidized bases, Fpg, Nei, and Nth, as they scan for damages on tightropes of λ DNA. We find that all three enzymes use a key “wedge residue” to scan for damage because mutation of this residue to an alanine results in faster diffusion. Moreover, all three enzymes bind longer and diffuse more slowly on DNA that contains the damages they recognize and remove. Using a sliding window approach to measure diffusion constants and a simple chemomechanical simulation, we demonstrate that these enzymes diffuse along DNA, pausing momentarily to interrogate random bases, and when a damaged base is recognized, they stop to evert and excise it.
Evaluation of articular cartilage thickness of the humeral head and the glenoid fossa by MR arthrography : anatomic correlation in cadavers

Objective. To evaluate the accuracy of MR arthrography in determining the thickness of articular cartilage of the humeral head and glenoid fossa.
Chemosensory processing in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster: generalization of a feeding response reveals overlapping odour representations.

Insects are capable of detecting, and discriminating between, a very large number of odours. The biological relevance of many of those odours, particularly those related to food, must first be learned. Given that the number of sensory receptors and antennal lobe (AL) glomeruli is limited relative to the number of odours that must be detectable, this ability implies that the olfactory system makes use of a combinatorial coding scheme whereby each sensory cell or AL projection neuron can participate in coding for several different odours. An important step in understanding this coding scheme is to behaviourally quantify the degree to which sets of odours are discriminable. Here we evaluate odour discriminability in the fruit fly,Drosophila melanogaster, by first conditioning individual flies to not respond to any of several odourants using a nonassociative conditioning protocol (habituation). We show that flies habituate unconditioned leg movement responses to both mechanosensory and olfactory stimulation over 25 unreinforceed trials. Habituation is retained for at least 2 h and is subject to dishabituation. Finally, we test the degree to which the conditioned response generalizes to other odourants based on molecular features of the odourants (e.g. carbon chain length and the presence of a target functional group). These tests reveal predictable generalization gradients across these molecular features. These data substantiate the claim that these features are relevant coding dimensions in the fruit fly olfactory system, as has been shown for other insect and vertebrate species.
Generation and manipulation of nonclassical light using photonic crystals

Photonic crystal cavities can localize light into nanoscale volumes with high quality factors. This permits a strong interaction between light and matter, which is important for the construction of classical light sources with improved properties (e.g., low threshold lasers) and of nonclassical light sources (such as single and entangled photon sources) that are crucial pieces of hardware of quantum information processing systems. This article will review some of our recent experimental and theoretical results on the interaction between single quantum dots and photonic crystal cavity fields, and on the integration of multiple photonic crystal devices into functional circuits for quantum information processing.
Oil windfall, public spending and price stability: modelling inflation in Chad

This article examines the determinants of inflation in Chad using quarterly data from 1983:Q1 to 2009:Q3. The analysis is based on a single-equation model, completed by a Structural Vector Autoregression (SVAR) model to capture inflation persistence. The results show that the main determinants of inflation in Chad are rainfall, foreign prices, exchange rate movements and particularly public spending, which soared following the onset of oil production in 2003. The effects of rainfall shocks and changes in foreign prices on inflation persist during six quarters. Changes in public spending and the nominal exchange rate affect inflation during three and four quarters, respectively. †The views expressed herein are those of the author and should not be attributed to the IMF, its Executive Board, or its management.
Effects of structural imperfections on constant-feedback-gain control of a spatial structure

Abstract The numerical sensitivity of a constant-feedback-gains controller to random structural imperfections is examined using the results of a series of finite element analyses. The basic finite element model, which uses linear beam-column elements, is a two-dimensional simplification of a large (10 m long) three-dimensional frame currently undergoing testing at Cornell University. The cross-sectional properties, nodal coordinates, and masses of the models were randomly varied within four different ranges of maximum imperfection. Twenty transient dynamic analyses were run for each range of structural perturbation. Each analysis used a different random distribution of imperfections. The results of the finite element analyses show that the optimal control configuration, found by dynamic programming, exhibited unacceptable sensitivity to small perturbations of the structural model. A second, nearly optimal, control configuration was found to be more robust with respect to structural imperfections.
Experiences with a combination of group therapy and methadone maintenance in the treatment of heroin addiction.

This report describes the experience of a program for heroin abusers which combines some features of a therapeutic community with methadone maintenance therapy. The program utilized both ex-addict ...
Detailed Design Considerations For An Advanced Cryogenic Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS)

Requirements for limb emission measurements have led to the design of a cryogenic Fourier transform spectrometer which combines a number of features for the first time. The critical design considerations were interferometric fringe visibility and interferogram sampling accuracy. The features include a parallelogram scan mechanism with flex pivots, a beryllium scan carriage with back-to-back cat's-eye mirrors, an optimized scan turnaround profile, a flexure-mounted KBr beamsplitter, and linear phase filtering. The instrument, which is currently under test at Perkin-Elmer Corporation, will serve as a breadboard for future spaceborne atmospheric sensors.© (1980) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
High energy density Na–S/NiCl2 hybrid battery

High temperature (250–350 °C) sodium–beta alumina batteries (NBBs) are attractive energy storage devices for renewable energy integration and other grid related applications. Currently, two technologies are commercially available in NBBs, e.g., sodium–sulfur (Na–S) battery and sodium–metal halide (ZEBRA) batteries. In this study, we investigated the combination of these two chemistries with a mixed cathode. In particular, the cathode consisted of molten NaAlCl4 as a catholyte and a mixture of Ni, NaCl and Na2S as active materials. During cycling, two reversible plateaus were observed in cell voltage profiles, which matched electrochemical reactions for Na–S and Na–NiCl2 redox couples. An irreversible reaction between sulfur species and Ni was identified during initial charge at 280 °C, which caused a decrease in cell capacity. The final products on discharge included Na2Sn with 1 < n < 3, which differed from that of Na2S3 in traditional Na–S battery. This novel battery demonstrated a 50% increase in energy density over ZEBRA batteries. Despite of the initial drop in cell capacity, the mixed cathode demonstrated relatively stable cycling with more than 95% of cell capacity retained over 60 cycles. Optimization of the cathode may lead to further improvements in battery performance.
Exposure to lead appears to selectively alter metabolism of cortical gray matter.

Objective. The effects of lead poisoning on the development of children have been examined primarily in the context of behavioral and neuropsychological studies. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vivo use of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for the evaluation of the neurotoxic effects of lead on the nervous system. MRS has the ability to monitor brain metabolism by detecting a number of neurochemicals among which is N-acetylaspartate, a metabolite shown to decrease in processes that involve neuronal loss. Methods. In the present study we evaluated the metabolism of gray and white matter of frontal cortex using MRS in individuals with elevated blood lead levels and compared the results with those obtained on nonlead-exposed controls. Results. Although all of the participants had normal MRI examinations of the brain, the lead-exposed individuals exhibited a significant reduction in the N-acetylaspartate/creatine and phosphocreatine ratios in frontal gray matter compared with the nonlead-exposed controls. Conclusions. The findings of this study suggest that lead has an effect on brain metabolites as detected by MRS in vivo. More specifically, we have found statistically significant reduced levels of brain metabolites in gray but not white matter in lead-exposed individuals. These results imply that MRS is able to detect metabolic abnormalities in individuals with lead poisoning.
Public transit bus ramp slopes measured in situ

AbstractPurpose: The slopes of fixed-route bus ramps deployed for wheeled mobility device (WhMD) users during boarding and alighting were assessed. Measured slopes were compared to the proposed Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) maximum allowable ramp slope. Methods: A ramp-embedded inclinometer measured ramp slope during WhMD user boarding and alighting on a fixed-route transit bus. The extent of bus kneeling was determined for each ramp deployment. In-vehicle video surveillance cameras captured ramp deployment level (street versus sidewalk) and WhMD type. Results: Ramp slopes ranged from −4° to 15.5° with means of 4.3° during boarding (n = 406) and 4.2° during alighting (n = 405). Ramp slope was significantly greater when deployed to street level. During boarding, the proposed ADA maximum allowable ramp slope (9.5°) was exceeded in 66.7% of instances when the ramp was deployed to street level, and in 1.9% of instances when the ramp was deployed to sidewalk level. During alighting, the proposed ADA ma...
Not Just for Children: The Mexican Comic Book in the Late 1960s and 1970s

Preface Mexican Comic Books: Their Production and Consumption KaliMAn Lagrimas, risas y amor Rius' Los supermachos and Los agachados Post-Rius Los supermachos Chanoc El Payo La familla burron La novela policiaca Conclusion Select Bibliography Index
Effect of thermomechanical processing on grain boundary character distribution of a Ni-based superalloy

Abstract Grain boundary engineering (GBE) was performed on an INCONEL alloy 617 by means of thermomechanical processing (TMP) to optimize the grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) with an increased fraction of low- Σ coincidence site lattice boundaries (CSLBs). Samples with a 5% thickness reduction followed by annealing at 1100 °C for 90 min promoted more low- Σ CSLBs than those with greater thickness reductions. The fraction of the Σ 3 n ( Σ 3, Σ 9, and Σ 27) boundaries was promoted preferentially by TMP, which is desirable for the improvement of material’s properties. The thermal stability of the GBE-optimized GBCD was verified to be stable at 850 °C for 672 h without significant degradation.
Statistically constrained economic design of the multivariate exponentially weighted moving average control chart

This paper shows that economic statistical design can provide for better statistical properties without significantly increasing optimal total costs. Cost comparisons between optimal economic statistical designs and optimal economic designs show no significant cost increases. The average run length (ARL) constraints added by economic statistical design significantly improve the statistical properties of the control chart scheme. False alarm frequency is limited while keeping good shift detection characteristics. In addition, the Multivariate Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (MEWMA) control schemes performed better from the cost standpoint than the benchmark pure statistical design—the Hotelling T2 control chart. This improvement held for unconstrained and constrained designs. Finally, cost comparisons at small values of n showed significant advantage for the MEWMA schemes. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An accounting of the daily accretion, depletion, and storage of soil-water as determined by weighing monolith lysimeters

Daily values of accretion, depletion, and storage of soil-water under grass-cover are presented for a two-year period from data obtained by weighing monolith lysimeters located at the United States Soil Conservation Service Research Station, Coshocton, Ohio. Data from two soil-types are given for a one-year period. Graphs of daily precipitation and condensation are presented as a measure of accretion, and graphs of daily evapotranspiration, percolation, and runoff present data of the depletionprocesses. A graph shows the daily soil-moisture content of the 0- to 40-inch profile which constitutes a measure of changes in storage of soil-moisture. The latter values expressed in inches of water in the profile were obtained from a curve based on the accretion and depletion of soil-water as determined by the weighing lysimeters and further substantiated by occasional soil-moisture determinations made in the field.
Illumina mate-paired DNA sequencing-library preparation using Cre-Lox recombination

Standard Illumina mate-paired libraries are constructed from 3- to 5-kb DNA fragments by a blunt-end circularization. Sequencing reads that pass through the junction of the two joined ends of a 3-5-kb DNA fragment are not easy to identify and pose problems during mapping and de novo assembly. Longer read lengths increase the possibility that a read will cross the junction. To solve this problem, we developed a mate-paired protocol for use with Illumina sequencing technology that uses Cre-Lox recombination instead of blunt end circularization. In this method, a LoxP sequence is incorporated at the junction site. This sequence allows screening reads for junctions without using a reference genome. Junction reads can be trimmed or split at the junction. Moreover, the location of the LoxP sequence in the reads distinguishes mate-paired reads from spurious paired-end reads. We tested this new method by preparing and sequencing a mate-paired library with an insert size of 3 kb from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We present an analysis of the library quality statistics and a new bio-informatics tool called DeLoxer that can be used to analyze an IlluminaCre-Lox mate-paired data set. We also demonstrate how the resulting data significantly improves a de novo assembly of the S. cerevisiae genome.
Plasmodium berghei: Inhibited incorporation of AMP-8-3H into nucleic acids of erythrocyte-free malarial parasites by acridines, phenanthridines, and 8-aminoquinolines

Abstract The ability of several acridine derivatives and various other heterocyclic compounds to inhibit incorporation of radioactivity from exogenous AMP-8-3H into the DNA and RNA of erythrocyte-free malarial parasites (Plasmodium berghei) was studied. The most potent acridine derivative was acriflavin (50% inhibition of RNA between 10−6 and 10−5 M). Acridine orange (50% inhibition of RNA at nearly 10−4 M) and acridine red (50% inhibition of RNA at nearly 10−3 M) were less potent than acriflavin by about 10-and 100-fold, respectively. Another heterocycle, methylene blue NN, approached the potency of acriflavin (50% inhibition of RNA at slightly greater than 10−5 M). Three phenanthridine heterocycles were tested and M & B 1502 (dimidium butoxide) was found to be the most potent, exerting 50% inhibition of RNA at slightly greater than 10−5 M. Another derivative, M & B 4250A exerted 50% inhibition of RNA at 10−4 M while a dose midway between 10−4 and 10−3 M was required of M & B 4180A to cause this magnitude of inhibition. Two 8-aminoquinolines were also studied to determine their inhibitory potency against plasmodial nucleic acid anabolism. Both of these two-ringed heterocycles were relatively lacking in potency, exerting 50% inhibition of RNA at doses somewhat greater than 10−4 M.
The Excretion of 17-Ketosteroids by Diabetics

DIABETES is complicated occasionally by impotence in men and by retardation of physical and sexual development in children of adolescent age. Since impotence may be associated with a decrease of testicular function, a study of the excretion of 17-ketosteroids by diabetic men seemed indicated, inasmuch as it furnishes some indication of testicular function. Interpretation of results, however, is complicated by the contribution of the adrenal glands to the total excretion of 17-ketosteroids. Therefore, diabetic women were also included in the study, since in women the adrenal glands furnish almost, if not entirely, all of the urinary 17-ketosteroids (2, 7). At puberty, associated with the sexual development and growth, there is normally a rapid rise in the excretion of the 17-ketosteroids derived from the testes and from the adrenal glands (12). Therefore, the excretion of these substances by diabetic children of adolescent age was studied in relation to sexual and physical development.
From Strategic Planning to Strategic Design: Reconceptualizing the Future of Strategy in Organizations

In this article I present an overview of critiques of strategic planning, focusing on their conceptualizations of the environment. I first outline the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the nature of the environment of strategy, and then outline some of the alternatives to strategic planning and their underlying bases in constructivism and the sciences of complexity. I conclude by arguing that Banathy's systems design methodology is eminently suited to the process of strategy formulation, and should be explored more deeply within this context.
Magnetism and local environment model in (Ni 1-c Co c ) 0.78 P 0.14 B 0.08 amorphous alloys

The magnetic properties of amorphous alloys (Ni 1-c Co c ) 0.78 P 0.14 B 0.08 have been investigated. The samples were prepared by the splat-cooling method. The Curie temperatures have been determined and the magnetization measurements performed for 1.7°K \leq T \leq 270\deg K and fields up to 70 kOe. Ni 0.78 P 0.14 B 0.08 is paramagnetic, whereas Co 0.78 P 0.14 B 0.08 is ferromagnetic until the crystallization temperature (678°K). The average moment per cobalt atom is 1.15 \mu_{B} . In (Ni 1-c Co c ) 0.78 P 0.14 B 0.08 the critical concentration for the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition is c \simeq 0.15 , this transition occurs in an inhomogeneous way. The saturation magnetization in the whole concentration range can be interpreted (as for some crystallized alloys and compounds) by a local environment model, when a reasonable short range order is assumed. In such a model the magnetic moment per cobalt atom is related merely to the number of its Co first neighbors n Co . For n Co =0 and 1 the cobalt atom is not magnetic, for n Co = 2 and 3 it carries a small moment \mu_{1} = 0.50 \mu_{B} and for n Co > 3 it is magnetic with \mu_{2} = 1.15 \mu_{B} as in Co 0.78 P 0.14 B 0.08 ; the nickel atoms do not carry a substantial moment in the entire concentration range. These features are comparable to those obtained in some crystalline alloys.
Studies of chlorambucil-DNA adducts.

Abstract Chlorambucil (CLB) is a bifunctional nitrogen mustard whose therapeutic and major side-effects are thought to be caused by binding to DNA. HPLC analysis of hydrolyzed DNA from L1210 cells incubated with [ 14 ]CICLB generated two peaks of radioactivity, indicating the formation of two or more major adducts. Since DNA incubated with [ 14 C]CLB in a cell-free system gave rise to the same profile, experiments were conducted with DNA from cells exposed to radiolabeled DNA precursors, which was then reacted with CLB. DNA containing (8- 14 C]guanine gave rise to one peak of radioactivity, while DNA containing [2,8- 3 H]adenine gave rise to two peaks. These peaks corresponded to the peaks seen in the experiment with intact L1210 cells treated with [ 14 C]CLB. Experiments with DNA containing [5- 3 H]cytosine indicated that no cytosyl adducts were formed. No adducts were seen in hydrolysates prepared from labeled DNA incubated with drug solvent alone. These data indicate that the majority of adducts induced by CLB are guanyl adducts, but a substantial quantity of adenyl adducts has also been identified.
T Cell Receptor Regulation Of Fas-mediated Apoptotic Calcium Release

Although alterations in calcium levels are known to play an important role in a variety of physiological processes, only in past few years has the role of calcium signaling in regulation of apoptosis been well recognized. It has been shown that apoptotic stimuli provoke rapid elevation of cytosolic calcium concentration, which in turn orchestrates the release and activation of multiple pro-apoptotic factors. Our previous results in T cells demonstrated that Fas-mediated apoptosis requires calcium release, which was dependent upon phospholipase C-γ1 (PLC-γ1) activation and calcium release from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) channels. Here, we show that PLC-γ1 activation after Fas receptor ligation requires canonical components of the T cell receptor complex. Specifically, the active form of the Src family tyrosine kinase Lck and PLC-γ1 become associated with the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) in a stimulus-dependent manner. We found that Lck activates PLC-γ1 indirectly via Zap70 tyrosine kinase and other members of the T cell receptor signaling pathway. Moreover, in absence of a functional T cell receptor complex, Fas stimulation failed to induce calcium release. This led to significantly inhibited effector caspase activation and delayed cell death. These findings strongly suggest a vital interplay between Fas and the T cell receptor complex, which has significant implications for T cell regulation.
Interactive Domains in the Molecular Chaperone Human αB Crystallin Modulate Microtubule Assembly and Disassembly

BACKGROUND Small heat shock proteins regulate microtubule assembly during cell proliferation and in response to stress through interactions that are poorly understood. METHODOLOGY Novel functions for five interactive sequences in the small heat shock protein and molecular chaperone, human alphaB crystallin, were investigated in the assembly/disassembly of microtubules and aggregation of tubulin using synthetic peptides and mutants of human alphaB crystallin. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The interactive sequence (113)FISREFHR(120) exposed on the surface of alphaB crystallin decreased microtubule assembly by approximately 45%. In contrast, the interactive sequences, (131)LTITSSLSSDGV(142) and (156)ERTIPITRE(164), corresponding to the beta8 strand and the C-terminal extension respectively, which are involved in complex formation, increased microtubule assembly by approximately 34-45%. The alphaB crystallin peptides, (113)FISREFHR(120) and (156)ERTIPITRE(164), inhibited microtubule disassembly by approximately 26-36%, and the peptides (113)FISREFHR(120) and (131)LTITSSLSSDGV(142) decreased the thermal aggregation of tubulin by approximately 42-44%. The (131)LTITSSLSSDGV(142) and (156)ERTIPITRE(164) peptides were more effective than the widely used anti-cancer drug, Paclitaxel, in modulating tubulin microtubule dynamics. Mutagenesis of these interactive sequences in wt human alphaB crystallin confirmed the effects of the alphaB crystallin peptides on microtubule assembly/disassembly and tubulin aggregation. The regulation of microtubule assembly by alphaB crystallin varied over a narrow range of concentrations. The assembly of microtubules was maximal at alphaB crystallin to tubulin molar ratios between 1:4 and 2:1, while molar ratios >2:1 inhibited microtubule assembly. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Interactive sequences on the surface of human alphaB crystallin collectively modulate microtubule assembly through a dynamic subunit exchange mechanism that depends on the concentration and ratio of alphaB crystallin to tubulin. These are the first experimental results in support of the functional importance of the dynamic subunit model of small heat shock proteins.
“Know-How, procedural knowledge, and choking under pressure”

I examine two explanatory models of choking: the representationalist model and the anti-representationalist model. The representationalist model is based largely on Anderson's ACT model of procedural knowledge and is developed by Masters, Beilock and Carr. The antirepresentationalist model is based on dynamical models of cognition and embodied action and is developed by Dreyfus who employs an antirepresentational view of know-how. I identify the models' similarities and differences. I then suggest that Dreyfus is wrong to believe representational activity requires reflection and attention. I also argue that the representationalist model of choking is preferable, since some embodied actions require appeals to representations, something not available to Dreyfus's anti-representational model.
Isolation and identification of C-terminal peptides of proteins.

A method for the isolation and identification of C-terminal peptides of proteins has been developed. The procedure entails the racemization of the C-terminal amino acid by reaction of the N-trifluoroacetylated protein with acetic anhydride and pyridine. After deprotection, the protein is fragmented to yield a mixture of peptides, which in turn are digested with carboxypeptidases. All peptides are hydrolyzed to L-amino acids except the C-terminal peptide with the terminal D-amino-acid residue. It is resistant to the action of carboxypeptidases and is readily identified by peptide mapping. © Munksgaard 1995.
Determination of α-aminoadipic acid in brain, peripheral tissues, and body fluids using GC/MS with negative chemical ionization

alpha-Aminoadipic acid (alphaAA) is a structural homolog of the excitatory amino acid glutamate and a natural product of lysine metabolism in mammalian cells. Under experimental conditions, alphaAA can influence various elements of glutamatergic neurotransmission. Moreover, as a selective inhibitor of kynurenine aminotransferase II, alphaAA is capable of decreasing the levels of the neuroinhibitory metabolite kynurenic acid in the brain. We now describe the identification of this potential endogenous neuromodulator in tissues and body fluids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of its pentafluorobenzyl (PFB) derivative. alphaAA was recovered from the GC column with a retention time of approximately 7 min. Subsequent MS analysis using electron capture with negative ionization revealed two separate ions for alphaAA (m/z 520, approximately 45% and m/z 322, approximately 55%). Both of these ions were positively identified with two different GC methodologies. In the rat, alphaAA levels ranged from 5 to 30 microM in various brain areas and from 8 to 40 microM in peripheral organs, whereas serum and urine contained only 1-2 microM alphaAA. Levels in the human brain were 18.7+/-2.4 microM (cortex) and 18.0+/-1.7 microM (striatum) alphaAA (n=9 each), and the mouse forebrain contained 8.3+/-1.9 microM alphaAA (n=6). Neuronal depletion, caused in rats by an intrastriatal injection of NMDA (300 nmol/2.5 microl), did not alter the striatal content of alphaAA, indicating that brain alphaAA resides at least in part in glial cells. alphaAA may therefore function as a glia-derived modulator of excitatory neurotransmission.
Kinetic Lability, Structural Diversity, and Oxidation Reactions of New Oligomeric, Anionic Carboxylate-Pyridine Complexes.

The dimeric [M2(OAc)5(py)2μ-(OH2)]Et4N complexes, I (M = Mn, Fe, Co), have been isolated from pyridine solutions of MII(OAc)2·xH2O and Et4N(OAc)·4H2O. The X-ray structures of I (M = Mn, Fe, Co) have been determined and show the metal ions asymmetrically bridged by two acetate ligands and a water molecule. One of the metal ions is bound by a pyridine ligand and two monodentate acetate ligands that are hydrogen bonded to the bridging water molecule. The second metal ion is bound to a bidentate acetate ligand and a pyridine ligand. Recrystallization of I from acetonitrile leads to the reorganization of I and isolation of the M3(OAc)8(Et4N)2 complexes, II (M = Mn, Fe, Co). The X-ray structure of II (M = Mn, Co) has been determined and shows the three metal ions connected by four bridging acetate ligands in a μ1, μ2 mode and two acetate ligands in the μ1,η1 mode, with a bidentate acetate ligand on each of the external metal ions completing the distorted octahedral geometry. Air oxidation of I-Fe in propionitri...
Tumor necrosis factor in the pathophysiology of infection and sepsis

Evolving concepts of TNF biology, including the compartmentalized production of this cytokine, the tissue-associated forms of the mediator, and the interdependent nature of TNF activity with other cytokines during injury are preliminary in nature. While it is likely that clinical therapeutive strategies will arise from these concepts, currently, the most evident clinical role for TNF is as a proximal mediator of tissue injury and shock
Tidal Mixing Events on the Deep Flanks of Kaena Ridge, Hawaii

Abstract A 3-month mooring deployment (August–November 2002) was made in 2425-m depth, on the south flank of Kaena Ridge, Hawaii, to examine tidal variations within 200 m of the steeply sloping bottom. Horizontal currents and vertical displacements, inferred from temperature fluctuations, are dominated by the semidiurnal internal tide with amplitudes of ≥ 0.1 m s−1 and ∼100 m, respectively. A series of temperature sensors detected tidally driven overturns with vertical scales of ∼100 m. A Thorpe scale analysis of the overturns yields a time-averaged dissipation near the bottom of 1.2 × 10−8 W kg−1, 10–100 times that at similar depths in the ocean interior 50 km from the ridge. Dissipation events much larger than the overall mean (up to 10−6 W kg−1) occur predominantly during two phases of the semidiurnal tide: 1) at peak downslope flows when the tidal stratification is minimum (N = 5 × 10−4 s−1) and 2) at the flow reversal from downslope to upslope flow when the tidal stratification is ordinarily increasi...
A critical analysis of the eccentric starting point for trochanteric intramedullary femoral nailing

OBJECTIVES Antegrade femoral intramedullary nailing through a greater trochanteric insertion site has been proposed for the treatment of subtrochanteric fractures. The currently available trochanteric nails have dissimilar characteristics, and the most appropriate insertion site for satisfactory subtrochanteric fracture alignment has not been determined. This study is an analysis of 5 different trochanteric femoral nails and 3 different insertion sites using a cadaveric model of a reverse obliquity subtrochanteric femur fracture to determine the optimal trochanteric entry site. SETTING OSHA-approved cadaveric laboratory with an OEC 9800 (General Electric Company, Fairfield, CT) fluoroscopic C-arm. METHODS Twenty-one embalmed human cadaveric femurs were stripped of soft tissues. Three different starting points on the anteroposterior radiograph were used: at the tip of the greater trochanter, and 2 to 3 mm medial and lateral to the tip. A reverse obliquity subtrochanteric fracture was created. The Trochanteric Antegrade Nail (TAN), Gamma nail (2nd and 3rd generations), Trochanteric Fixation Nail (TFN), and the Holland Nail were then inserted. The proximal bend and radius of curvature were calculated for each nail. Varus and valgus angulation as well as lateral gapping were measured on radiographs; also calculated were the mean, range, and standard deviation. Statistical analysis was performed on angulation and gapping at the fracture site by using Fisher least significant differences analysis, based on a 2-way ANOVA test. RESULTS The Holland nail had a proximal bend of 10 degrees and a radius of 300 cm. TAN was 5 degrees and 350 cm, TFN was 6 degrees and 150 cm, Gamma 2 was 4 degrees and 300 cm, and Gamma 3 was 4 degrees and 200 cm. The tip starting point led to the most neutral alignment regardless of nail. The lateral starting point led to varus with all nails. The medial starting point led to valgus of >6 degrees with the Holland and TFN; Gamma and TAN had better alignment with <4 degrees of valgus. Gapping of the lateral cortex was greatest with a lateral starting point. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of 5 trochanteric intramedullary nails with different proximal bends and 3 different starting points in the greater trochanter showed that the tip of the trochanter is close to the "universal" starting point. In this cadaveric subtrochanteric fracture model, the tip starting point led to the most neutral alignment regardless of nail used. The lateral starting point led to varus and gapping of the lateral cortex with all nails. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Subtrochanteric fractures treated with a trochanteric antegrade nail should have an acceptable reduction before nail insertion. The tip of the trochanter, or even slightly medial, on anteroposterior fluoroscopy is recommended as the universal starting point for these nails. However, slight deviations from this point and nail geometry can cause fracture site malalignment. A lateral starting point led to varus alignment and should be avoided.
Getting acquainted in Second Life: human agent interactions in virtual environments

The paper investigates human agent interactions in virtual environments like Second Life. As interactions in such environments are inherently social, the agent should be able to participate in social interaction rituals like getting acquainted when meeting someone for the first time. The differences between these rituals in real life and in Second Life are analyzed. Different rule sets for each version of the ritual have been developed and the performance of the different sets is compared in interactions with users in Second Life.
Peptidergic neurons of the crab, Cardisoma carnifex, in defined culture maintain characteristic morphologies under a variety of conditions.

Peptidergic neurons dissociated from the neurosecretory cell group, the X-organ, of adult crabs (Cardisoma carnifex) show immediate outgrowth on unconditioned plastic dishes in defined medium. Most of the neurons can be categorized as small cells, branchers or veilers. A fourth type, “superlarge,” found occasionally, has a soma diameter greater than 40 μm and multipolar outgrowth. We report here the effects on morphology that follow alterations of the standard defined culturing conditions. The three common types of neurons are present when cells are grown in crab saline or saline with l-glutamine and glucose (saline medium). Changes of pH between 7.0 to 7.9 have no effect. Osmolarity changes cause transient varicosities in small cells. In some veilers, pits rapidly appear in the veil and then disappear within 35 min. In cultures at 26° C instead of 22° C, veilers extend processes from the initial veil in a pattern similar to branchers, and the processes of adjacent veilers sometimes form appositions. Culturing in higher [K+]o medium ([K+]o=15–110 mM; standard=11 mM) has no long-term effect, but growth is arrested by [K+]o greater than 30 mM. Cultures were also grown in media in which [Ca2+]o ranged from 0.1 μM to 26 mM (standard=13 mM). Outgrowth occured from all neuronal types in all [Ca2+]o tested. Thus, the expression of different outgrowth morphologies occurs under a wide variety of culturing conditions.