cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Practical clinical approaches to the allergic rhinitis patient.

Background Numerous treatment strategies are available for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), including environmental controls, pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery in appropriately selected patients. A stepwise algorithmic approach based on disease severity and persistence of symptoms is often advocated to effectively manage patients with AR. Methods A review is provided of current evidence and guidelines for the management of AR. Practical clinical strategies to improve patient adherence to therapy and outcome are described. Results Algorithms to manage AR are based on the severity and persistence of disease. A tailored strategy geared toward addressing symptoms that are most troublesome to the patient is beneficial, as is the assessment of comorbid conditions such as rhinosinusitis, asthma, and laryngopharyngeal reflux. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is an underused treatment modality and patients with persistent AR should be considered candidates for desensitization, if appropriate. Assessment of patient outcome is important and the use of validated symptom surveys can provide an objective measure of quality of life. Conclusion A large armamentarium of treatment options is available to the otolaryngologist treating the patient with AR. A step-wise and tailored approach with equal attention dedicated to patient education and assessment of patient outcome can be helpful to improve efficacy of treatment.
Environmental Determinants of Organizational Ethical Climate: A Community Perspective

This paper examines the role of community norms and values in determining employees' ethical perceptions. The local community is viewed as a microculture which contributes to the ethical framework within which firms operate. Research findings indicate the existence of a community-based microculture that potentially moderates an organization's ability to create homogenous organizational ethical cultures in various geographical locations.
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) therapy of the nephrotic syndrome in children.

The clinical and physiologic features characterizing the administration of 56 courses of ACTH therapy to 45 children with the nephrotic syndrome have been reviewed. The intramuscular administration of ACTH in daily doses of 150 to 200 mg./sq.m./ 24 hours for at least 8 and usually 10 days resulted in complete diuresis in 38 of 47 (81%) such courses, in 68% of all courses, and in 34 of 45 (75%) patients treated. Approximately 50% of the patients undergoing diuresis have maintained clinical remissions of three months or longer. Twelve of 16 such patients have been in clinical remission for over 6 months; 6 of these, for over 12 months. Induced diuresis and remission were associated with considerable improvement in renal function, particularly glomerular filtration rate and filtration fraction. Some diminution of proteinuria and increased serum protein levels were observed after diuresis, and serum cholesterol fell toward normal levels. Rather consistent but minimal changes in serum electrolyte patterns were noted. An increase of 2 to 4 mM/1. in Na, slight alkalosis and a fall in serum K were usual responses. ACTH therapy of the nephrotic syndrome in children may be hazardous. Four patients died as a result of complications associated with therapy. The principal complications were infection, severe hypertension and hypotonicity of the extracellular fluid. Prompt recognition and treatment of these disorders with immediate withdrawal of ACTH therapy required constant vigilance and careful supervision. For this reason, this method of treatment is not considered to he a safe outpatient procedure. The mechanisms responsible for diuresis and remission induced by ACTH therapy are not yet clear. Adequate dosage, normal diet without salt restriction but without added or excessive salt, and possibly a limited period of reduced renal function appear to favor diuresis. Neither the age of the patient nor the (chronologic) duration of disease appear to influence the outcome in children. Although ACTH therapy may not effect a cure, it does appear to alter the course favorably in a relatively significant number of patients treated, and therefore at the present time appears to be the treatment of choice for the active phase of the nephrotic syndrome in children. A preventive or curative agent is still to be found.
Netscape is Dead: Remedy Lessons from the Microsoft Litigation

On March 1, 2008, AOL officially pulled the plug on the Netscape Browser, killing off the killer app of 1995 whose success had led Microsoft on an exclusionary campaign which eventually triggered the now-famous Microsoft monopolization litigation. Although the government plaintiffs in the United States were eventually successful on the merits in the monopolization litigation, Netscape's death highlights the problem of remedy. Microsoft retains its monopoly position in the desktop PC operating system market; Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser still has nearly 75 percent of the browser market, despite the challenge from the technologically superior Firefox browser. The European Commission's parallel case has fared no better. Microsoft was found to have abused its dominant position by tying its media player to Windows and by refusing to disclose necessary server-system interoperability information. But the Commission's media player unbundling remedy failed completely and its interoperability order has not halted Microsoft's progress toward dominance in the work group server operating system market. In fact, in 2008, after imposing more than $2.3 billion in fines on Microsoft for the initial violations and Microsoft's failure to comply with the Commission's remedy orders, the Commission announced that it was opening two new investigations into Microsoft, one of which involves the tying of Internet Explorer to Windows. This paper explores the problems of remedy in monopolization cases, using the Microsoft litigation as an exemplar. In the paper I argue that we have paid too little attention to remedy issues and that Microsoft teaches us at least three things about remedies: (1) Enforcers need to give more consideration to potential remedies prior to bringing monopolization cases. (2) Enforcers need to consider the full panoply of remedial options, including restructuring and fines. (3) Greater attention needs to be paid to evaluating remedies, including articulating goals and establishing benchmarks for measuring progress. The paper is in three parts. The first reviews the Microsoft litigation in the U.S. and EU, including private damages suits. The second reviews the remedies imposed in the U.S. and EU. The third focuses on the implications for the remedies debate, covering the political economy of remedies, remedial options, the craft of remedies, and multiple enforcement.
Cuticular hydrocarbons of termites of the Hawaiian Islands.

Seven species of termites (Isoptera) belonging to three families are found in the Hawaiian Islands. The Kalotermitidae include Neotermes connexus Snyder, Cryptotermes brevis (Walker), Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light, Incisitermes immigrans Snyder, and the recently introduced Incisitermes minor (Hagen). Zootermopsis angusticollis (Hagen), a native of the Pacific Coastal region of North America has become established on Maui and is the sole representative of the Termopsidae. The only rhinotermitid known to be established in the Hawaiian Islands is Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki. A closely related species, Coptotermes vastator Light, has been reported from the Hawaiian Islands, but not recently documented. Cuticular hydrocarbon mixtures were characterized for each of the established and introduced species, as well as for C. vastator from Guam. The diversity of the hydrocarbon mixtures was extreme. At least half the hydrocarbons of C. brevis, C. cynocephalus, I. immigrans, and N. connexus are olefins. C. formosanus and C. vastator make no olefins, but methyl-branched alkanes comprise ca. 95% and 85% of their hydrocarbon mixtures, respectively. Blends of abundant hydrocarbons are species-specific and can be used to identify a given taxon without the diagnostic castes, soldiers, or imagoes. Cuticular hydrocarbon mixtures appear to correlate with habitat requirements.
Class E zero-current-switching rectifier with a parallel inductor

A novel Class E rectifier with a parallel inductor is introduced. The current and voltage waveforms explaining the principle of circuit operation are shown. The current of the rectifier diode is jumpless; therefore, switching losses and the reverse-recovery effect are considerably reduced. A symmetry between the rectifier and a Class E amplifier with a parallel inductor is presented. Characteristics of the DC output voltage as functions of the load resistance were measured at three values of the inductance. The experimental waveforms were in good agreement with those predicted theoretically. The circuit can operate with load resistance from zero to infinity. The rectifier is suitable for applications in resonant DC/DC power converters. >
Spatial multinomial regression models for nominal categorical data: a study of land cover in Northern Wisconsin, USA

We develop statistical tools for regression analysis of nominal categorical data on a spatial lattice that are becoming increasingly abundant because of the advances of geographic information systems in environmental science. In a generalized linear mixed model framework, we model the response variable by a multinomial distribution. There are two additive components in the linear predictor: a linear regression on covariates and a spatial random effect such that the spatial dependence in the random effect is induced by a multivariate conditional autoregressive model. Bayesian hierarchical modeling is used for statistical inference, and Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms are devised to obtain posterior samples. The methodology is applied to analyze a northern Wisconsin land cover data set in a study that assesses the relationship between forest landscape structure and past social conditions, expanding the analytical tools available in landscape ecology and environmental history. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gradient-corrected density functionals: Full-potential calculations for iron

Full-potential calculations of the electronic structure and ground-state properties of iron using the Langreth-Mehl-Hu, Perdew-Wang, and Becke gradient-corrected local-density functionals are reported. As in earlier linear-muffin-tin-orbital calculations using the atomic-spheres approximation, a ferromagnetic bcc ground state is found, although there are differences in the energetics. The effect of the gradient corrections on the electronic structure is discussed in detail. It is found that there are significant changes in the exchange splittings that result from nonspherical terms in the potential, and these differ significantly depending on the choice of the gradient correction.
Optimizing Energy Efficiency: An Imperative for Improved Business Performance

Abstract Energy reduction strategies have become an imperative within any industry in order to respond to the current market conditions and needs. Significant reductions in energy use are a clear imperative for the phosphate industry and its value chain. Many companies have begun to adopt energy reduction strategies, be it to lower costs through increased energy efficiency, to align with tightened government regulation or to respond to calls from the consumer to lower corporate carbon footprints. However, achieving sustainable reductions in energy consumption in a cost-effective manner can often prove challenging, as it requires a clear vision, a comprehensive assessment and a viable implementation strategy. When executed properly, however, such reductions can lead to substantial savings. This paper discusses the methodology of adopting an effective energy culture, as well as modes of reducing energy use through improved energy management.
Uniform deposition of protein incorporated mineral layer on three-dimensional porous polymer scaffolds.

Inorganic–organic hybrid materials designed to facilitate bone tissue regeneration use a calcium phosphate mineral layer to encourage cell adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Mineral formed on porous materials is often discontinuous through the thickness of the scaffold. This study aimed to uniformly coat the pores of three-dimensional (3D) porous, polymer scaffolds with a bone-like mineral layer in addition to uniformly incorporating a model protein within this mineral layer. A filtration system designed to induce simulated body fluid flow through the interstices of 3D polylactic-co-glycolic acid scaffolds (10-mm diameter × 2-mm thickness) illustrated that a uniform, continuous mineral layer can be precipitated on the pore surfaces of a 3D porous structure within 5 days. MicroCT analysis showed increased mineral volume percent (MV%) (7.86 ± 3.25 MV%, p = 0.029) and continuous mineralization of filtered scaffolds compared with two static control groups (floating, 0.16 ± 0.26 MV% and submerged, 0.20 ± 0.01 MV%). Furthermore, the system was effective in coprecipitating a model protein, bone sialoprotein (BSA), within the mineral layer. A 10-fold increase in BSA incorporation was seen when coprecipitated filtered scaffolds (1308 ± 464 μg) were compared to a submerged static control group (139 ± 45 μg), p < 0.001. Confocal microscopy visually confirmed uniform coprecipitation of BSA throughout the thickness of the filtration scaffolds. The designed system enables 3D mineralization through the thickness of porous materials, and provides the option of including coprecipitated biomolecular cues within the mineral layer. This approach of providing a 3D conductive and osteoinductive environment could be conducive to bone tissue regeneration.
CLASSIFYING FACIAL EXPRESSIONS USING LEVEL SET METHOD BASED LIP CONTOUR DETECTION AND MULTI-CLASS SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINES

This paper describes a fully automated computer vision system for detection and classification of the seven basic facial expressions using Multi-Class Support Vector Machine (SVM). Facial expressions are communicated by subtle changes in one or more discrete features such as tightening of the lips, raising the eyebrows, opening and closing of eyes or certain combination of them, which can be identified through monitoring the changes in muscle movements (Action Units), located around the regions of mouth, eyes and eyebrows. For classifying facial expressions, an analytic representation of face with 15 feature points has been used that provides visual observation of the discrete features responsible for the seven basic facial expressions. Feature points from the region of mouth are detected by segmenting the lip contour applying a variational formulation of the level set method. A multidetector approach of facial feature point detection is utilized for identifying the feature-points from the regions of eyes, eyebrows and nose. Feature vectors composed of 15 features are then obtained with respect to the average representation of neutral face and are used to train a Multiclass SVM classifier. The proposed method has been tested over two different facial expression image databases and the average successful recognition rates of 92.04% and 86.33% have been achieved.
The permeability of chromaffin granules to non-electrolytes.

Abstract Chromaffin granules isolated from bovine adrenal glands were incubated in solutions of non-electrolytes, and the release of catecholamine from these granules was measured. Chromaffin granules are rapidly lysed upon incubation in hypotonic sucrose, or during incubation in isotonic solutions of low molecular weight non-electrolytes such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, formamide, or urea. Lysis of chromaffin granules in isotonic solutions of larger non-electrolytes occurs more slowly. At 30°, the time required for the release of 50 per cent of the osmotically releasable catecholamine is approximately 0.6 min in isotonic erythritol, 4 min in arabitol, and 9 min in mannitol or glucose. The lysis of chromaffin granules is markedly temperature dependent. Below 16–19°, the rate of catecholamine release from granules incubated in isotonic erythritol, arabitol, mannitol or glucose is greatly decreased. Above 20°, the granules behave as though their membranes are permeable to hexoses, hexitals, and smaller non-electrolytes.
ATP-independent DNA renaturation catalyzed by a protein from Ustilago maydis

A protein that catalyzes the renaturation of complementary strands of DNA has been purified from mitotic cells of the lower eukaryote Ustilago maydis. The most highly purified fraction contains a polypeptide with a molecular mass of 20 kDa as determined by SDS/PAGE and glycerol gradient sedimentation. DNA reannealing is enhanced by the presence of a divalent cation but does not require ATP nor any other nucleotide triphosphate. Reassociation proceeds with fast kinetics as more than 60% of the DNA is reannealed within 4 min at a 30:1 nucleotide/protein monomer ratio, results which suggest that the protein acts in a stoichiometric fashion. Amino acid analysis revealed that the protein contained an elevated level of basic residues and low levels of tryptophan and tyrosine. The protein binds to an oligonucleotide of ten residues but not to one having only five. As judged by agarose gel assays, the protein does not catalyze strand-transfer reactions but does promote the annealing of a 58-residue polynucleotide onto single-stranded circles and gapped linear duplexes. These latter reactions are dependent on the presence of DNA sequence similarity between the pairing partners.
Agoraphobia and interpersonal relationships

The gender role constructs, interpersonal behaviors, and marital relationships of agoraphobic support group members were compared to those of controls of similar gender. Agoraphobic subjects scored significantly higher on measures of marital conflict and interpersonal dependency, and lower in self-confidence and self-agency/masculinity than controls. Agoraphobics viewed their marital relationships as significantly less satisfactory than controls in terms of level of support, depth of relationship, and characteristic level of conflict.
Paper chromatography of urinary indoles extracted under alkaline and acid conditions.

Abstract 1. A method for the extraction and paper chromatographic analysis of urinary indoles is described which utilizes ethyl ether and 2-butanone sequentially under alkaline and acidic conditions. 2. The advantages of this procedure are two-fold: (1) it permits the fractionation of urinary indoles into multiple extracts with not too much overlapping and (2) it makes possible the paper chromatographic analysis of urine extracts more highly concentrated than heretofore employed. 3. The pattern of excretion of urinary indoles in a total of 50 normal male urines (individual or pooled) as demonstrated by this method is presented. The indoles most generally detected in normal male urines were tryptophan, indican, indoleacetic acid, indoleacetylglutamine, indoleacetylglucuronic acid, indoleacetamide, 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid, 6-hydroxyskatole sulfate (in 30 % of normals), and traces of indolelactic acid, and N-acetyltryptophan. 4. The effect of alkaline, acid, and enzymic (β-glucuronidase) hydrolysis of urine prior to extraction was studied. 5. The effect of tryptophan load tests is reported. 6. By utilization of this method, the presence of indoleacetylglucuronic acid was demonstrated in the acid-butanone extract and its relationship to indoleacetamide in the alkaline-ether extract was established. (See A ddendum .)
Where Cognitive Psychology Applies: How Theories about Memory and Transfer Can Influence Composition Pedagogy

What sort of approach should we use to teach writing skills in today's classrooms? Many socially oriented scholars think we should teach context-specific writing skills that address the text's social milieu, whereas cognitively inclined scholars think we should teach more general models that can be adapted to a wide variety of writing contexts. As a number of composition theorists (e.g., Carter, 1990; Flower, 1994; Nystrand, 1989) have argued, a genuine synthesis between the cognitive theorists' general knowledge perspective and the social theorists' local knowledge perspective is necessary if we wish to teach students of diverse backgrounds how to write successfully in a variety of present and future contexts. This article attempts to bridge the misleading dichotomy between local knowledge and general knowledge by applying what cognitive psychologists have discovered about memory, expertise, and the transfer-of-learning to the question of appropriate composition pedagogy.
The dynamics of stochastic and resonant layers in a periodically driven pendulum

Abstract The analytical conditions for both the onset of a new resonance in stochastic layers and the presence of resonant layers in a periodically driven pendulum are presented. The stochastic layers in the vicinity of the homoclinic orbit and the resonant layers formed near the resonant separatrix are illustrated through the Poincare mapping sections. The similarity between stochastic layers and resonant layers is observed. The mechanism of resonant layers characterized by sub-resonance in nonlinear dynamics can be further investigated through such similarity.
Altered signal transduction in Folr1−/ − mouse embryo fibroblasts

Mice lacking the gene for Folr1 (folic acid receptor 1) have an NTD (neural tube defect) that is rescued by maternal folate supplementation. Primary cultures of MEFs (mouse embryonic fibroblasts) were established from these embryos and the effect on various signalling pathways examined. TGFβ1 (transforming growth factor β1) inhibited the proliferation of wild-type and Folr1-/- MEFs, and folate restriction, either in growth medium or through folate uptake, led to further inhibition of growth. This effect may be Smad-independent because reporter assays using the Smad-dependent reporter, p3TP-lux, revealed attenuation of TGFβ1/Smad signalling in Folr1-/- MEFs. Signalling through the canonical Wnt pathway, measured by Wnt-3a stimulated expression of the target gene, Axin2, demonstrated increased activity in Folr1-/- MEFs. Only minor changes in the expression of a panel of TGFβ (transforming growth factor β) and Wnt pathway-associated genes were revealed when Folr1-/- MEFs were compared with wild-type cells. These results demonstrate that under conditions of reduced folate (Folr-/-) signalling, pathways crucial for proper development of the neural tube are significantly altered.
Learning in government programs and the usefulness of cost-benefit analysis: Lessons from manpower and urban renewal history

Especially in the social program area, the outcomes of new programs are extremely difficult to predict, and it is rarely clear a priori which of several competing program techniques ought to be tried. In such an atmosphere, ex post program evaluation methods which take account of possibilities of “learning by doing” can promote the selection over time of those program elements which maximize beneficial results per unit cost. A basic premise of this paper is that recent applications of cost-benefit techniques have frequently ignored learning considerations, greatly reducing their usefulness. The “learning by doing” features of the recent history of manpower and urban renewal programs are examined to demonstrate the plausibility of this premise.
Neuroimaging in tuberous sclerosis complex.

Purpose of reviewIn this review we discuss recent advances in the neuroimaging of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), highlighting its application in improving clinical management, particularly in the case of intractable epilepsy.Recent findingsProgress in structural and functional imagi
Helicopter Vibration Reduction through Cyclic Variations in Rotor Blade Root Stiffness

This study analytically examines the influence of cyclic variations in flap-, lag-, and torsion-stiffness of the blade root region (at harmonics of the rotational speed), for reduction of vibratory hub loads of a helicopter in forward flight. The results indicate that considerable reduction in hub vibrations is possible using small-to-moderate amplitude cyclic variations in stiffness (no greater than 15% of the baseline stiffness value). Torsion stiffness variations produced moderate reductions in vertical hub force, lag stiffness variations produced substantial reductions in all hub forces and the hub yaw moment, and flap stiffness variations produced very significant reductions in all hub forces and the hub roll and pitch moments. The amplitude of the cyclic stiffness variations required generally increase with increasing forward speed, for comparable reductions in vibration. At any given forward speed, if the amplitudes of cyclic stiffness variation are too large, the hub vibrations can actually increa...
Metabolism of progesterone by rat testicular homogenates. II. Changes with age.

Whole homogenates of testes from rats of different sizes have been incubated with progesterone-4-14C and labeled products have been isolated and assayed for radioactivity. A marked change in the pattern of metabolites takes place when the rats are 200–300 g in weight (7–9 weeks). With testes from 150–200 g animals testosterone is formed in appreciable yields but to a great extent is further metabolized, principally to 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol. The ring A reductase activity responsible for this transformation appears to decrease during an early phase of rapid sexual maturation. It is suggested that this change in testicular enzymatic activities may play a role, and that 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol may serve some special function in the process of sexual maturation. (Endocrinology 78: 1041, 1966)
THE BULLETIN OFTHE BULLETIN OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF INTERNAL SECRETIONS

WE HAVE PREVIOUSLY reported general methods for the extraction of the gonadotropic hormones from acetone desiccated pituitary tissue and the fractionation of the extract into two gonadotropic fractions (1, 2, 3, 4). One of these preparations (FSH) produces follicular growth in the ovaries and tubular development in the testes while the second (LH) produces cor′ pora lutea if injected with the FSH or if given to animals whose ovaries have undergone considerable follicular development. This preparation does not produce follicles or corpora lutea when injected alone into sexually immature, 2i′dayold, or hypophysectomised rats. In the male, this preparation acts on the interstitial elements of the testes causing secretion of male hormone, resulting in hypertrophy of the secondary sex glands. Because of the selec tive action of these two preparations on the male and female gonads, we con′ eluded that each preparation contained a separate gonadotropic hormone and that the gonadotropic activity of the pituitary ...
Wave active filters based on unit-element prototypes

A general method for realising wave active filters based on unit-element (u.e.) prototype filters is described. The systhesis of a wave active filter having a general allpass transfer function is presented to illustrate the approach. Experimental results for a 2nd-order case are presented to show that the synthesis method will lead to practical realisations.
A Half Century of Radar

As the IEEE celebrates its 100th anniversary, the practitioners of radar look back on fifty years of progress in their specialized field. Although microwave radar has been the dominant concern for most of this period, the earliest efforts and some of the most recent have used other regions of the spectrum-metric and now micrometer wavelengths. The evolutionary development of radar can be traced through this half century, punctuated by several major innovations in techniques and components: the microwave magnetron, high-power klystron and Amplitron transmitting tubes, coherent signal processing, monopulse tracking, pulse compression, electronically steered arrays, digital processing and control, and solid-state microwave devices. By comparing the appearance and performance of typical radar systems developed before and after each of these innovations, we can see how they have affected the art of radar, and we may also be able to predict what future developments will bring to this ever-changing field.
Swelling Packers; Lab Testing and Field Application

The best well completion is the lowest cost one that meets the demands for the well during its life time. There are different aspects that we need to consider when designing completion such as reservoir consideration (Allen and Roberts, 2006).We can have openhole completions, perforated casing completion, or horizontal completions. In this study, we present lab evaluation of oil and water swelling elastomers for potential field application in Saudi Arabia fields.
Methacholine and Histamine Inhalation Challenges in Asthma: Relationships to Age of Onset, Length of Illness, and Pulmonary Functions

Levels of airway's hyperreactivity, as indexed by methacholine and histamine thresholds, were determined for hospitalized asthmatic patients using the serial concentration, constant-breath method. Airways hyperreactivity was categorized into tow and high based on a split of the sample of subjects tested. These categories were unrelated to pulmonary function measurements obtained throughout hospitalization. Patients having high airways hyperreactivity to histamine or methacholine were admitted for intensive inpatient care at a younger age, had an earlier age of onset, and had asthma of longer duration than patients having low airways hyperreactivity. These latter results suggested that relatively greater airways hyperreactivity is more likely to be associated with early onset of the illness.
Catecholamines Mediate Nicotine-Induced Adrenocorticotropin Secretion via a-Adrenergic Receptors

Previous studies determined that iv nicotine stimulates ACTH secretion by acting on sites accessible from the fourth ventricle (IV), rather than directly on CRF-containing neurons in the hypothalamus. Brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups, which are accessible from the IV, project to the hypothalamus and stimulate the secretion of CRF and ACTH. Therefore, these studies investigated the role of catecholamines in nicotine-stimulated ACTH secretion. Experiments with the catecholaminergic neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine, demonstrate that the ACTH response to nicotine delivered iv (0.03 or 0.05 mg/kg body wt) or instilled into the IV (1 or 2.5 μg) was significantly reduced in lesioned animals (P < 0.01). Selective inhibitors of epinephrine synthesis, SKF 64139 and 2,3-dichloro-α- methylbenzylamine (DCMB), significantly reduced (P < 0.01) the ACTH response to 0.05 mg/kg body wt nicotine iv, without affecting median eminence CRF content. Because controversy exists about the effect of DCMB as an α2 adrenoreceptor...
Autoinducer-2 influences interactions amongst pioneer colonizing streptococci in oral biofilms.

Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus oralis are among the first bacterial species to colonize clean tooth surfaces. Both produce autoinducer-2 (AI-2): a family of inter-convertible cell–cell signal molecules synthesized by the LuxS enzyme. The overall aim of this work was to determine whether AI-2 alters interspecies interactions between S. gordonii DL1 and S. oralis 34 within dual-species biofilms in flowing human saliva. Based upon AI-2 bioluminescence assays, S. gordonii DL1 produced more AI-2 activity than S. oralis 34 in batch culture, and both were able to remove AI-2 activity from solution. In single-species, saliva-fed flowcell systems, S. oralis 34 formed scant biofilms that were similar to the luxS mutant. Conversely, S. gordonii DL1 formed confluent biofilms while the luxS mutant formed architecturally distinct biofilms that possessed twofold greater biovolume than the wild-type. Supplementing saliva with 0.1–10 nM chemically synthesized AI-2 (csAI-2) restored the S. gordonii DL1 luxS biofilm phenotype to that which was similar to the wild-type; above or below this concentration range, biofilms were architecturally similar to that formed by the luxS mutant. In dual-species biofilms, S. gordonii DL1 was always more abundant than S. oralis 34. Compared with dual-species, wild-type biofilms, the biovolume occupied by S. oralis 34 was reduced by greater than sevenfold when neither species produced AI-2. The addition of 1 nM csAI-2 to the dual-species luxS–luxS mutant biofilms re-established the biofilm phenotype to resemble that of the wild-type pair. Thus, this work demonstrates that AI-2 can alter the biofilm structure and composition of pioneering oral streptococcal biofilms. This may influence the subsequent succession of other species into oral biofilms and the ecology of dental plaque.
Role of the C-terminus and the long cytoplasmic loop in reduced folate carrier expression and function.

Abstract The reduced folate carrier (RFC1), a member of the major facilitative superfamily, generates uphill transport of folates into cells through an exchange mechanism with intracellular organic anions. RFC1 has twelve transmembrane domains with N- and C-termini, and the long loop connecting the 6th and 7th transmembrane domains, directed to the cytoplasm. To elucidate the role of the C-terminus and the long cytoplasmic loop in carrier function, mutants with deletion of the entire C-terminus or with progressive deletions of the loop region were constructed and stably transfected into the murine MTX r A cell line, which lacks functional RFC1. While expression of the C-terminus-deleted RFC1 protein could not be detected in the cell lysate, the RFC1 mutant lacking 57 of 66 amino acid residues of the long cytoplasmic loop appeared to be inserted into the cytoplasmic membrane but was not functional. In cell lines in which 17 or 31 amino acids were deleted from the carboxyl half of the loop, there was partial preservation of methotrexate, 5-formyltetrahydrofolate, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate transport. The loss of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate transport activity in the Δ31 and Δ17 mutants was due primarily to a decrease in substrate binding to the carrier. Mutants with partially truncated internal loops demonstrated an anion responsiveness similar to that of wild-type RFC1, indicating that this region of the carrier does not contain a site(s) that plays a role in anion exchange. This is the first study to describe the important role of the long cytoplasmic loop in substrate binding and the crucial role of the C-terminus in maintaining stability of RFC1.
Purification factor characterization of zone refining

Abstract A quantity πT, termed the purification factor, defines the potential state of purity realizable in a specimen that has undergone zone-refinement treatment. An exact analysis appears intractable, but neglect of the terminal zone perturbation (which becomes vanishingly small for the infinite ingot) allows a lower bound to be established on the remanent solute impurity. Such numerical vales of πT are evaluated for some sensible distribution coefficients and zone dimensions involving a maximum of ten passes. An original expression for the solute impurity distribution is deduced and numerically appraised for a range of operational conditions not presently tabulated; the relation has been applied to the indicated θT determinations.
Spatial Light Modulators For Optical Neuromorphs

Neural networks are highly interconnected systems of simple analog processing elements which are intrinsically highly parallel in nature and exhibit abilities such as leatniny and generalization. bince optical systems are inherently highly paialiel, in that spatially modulated wavefronts can contain large amount of information and nonlinear materials such as photorefractive crystals can be used to pertoLm processing functions on these wavefronts, optical implementations of neural network architectures are a natural development. We refer to optical implementations of neural network systems as "Optical Neuromorphs."
Cardiorespiratory responses to glutamate microinjected into the medullary raphé

The involvement of the medullary raphe in modulating cardiorespiratory activity was examined by microinjecting L-glutamate (L-Glu) into the raphe of rats. Animals were vagotomized, paralyzed, artificially ventilated, maintained at 37 degrees C, and instrumented to record arterial blood pressure (BP) and phrenic nerve activity (PNA). Mock cerebrospinal fluid (mCSF, 10 nl, pH 7.4; control) and L-Glu dissolved in mCSF (10, 100, 1000 mM; 10 nl; pH 7.4; experimental) were microinjected into the raphe. L-Glu affected both BP and PNA in a dose dependent manner. Blood pressure was reduced by 6.30 +/- 0.97 and 12.98 +/- 1.29% by 100 and 1000 mM L-Glu, respectively, without affecting heart rate. PNA increased by 23 and 38% with 100 and 1000 mM L-Glu, respectively. Mock CSF and 10 mM L-Glu had no effect. It is concluded that there are sites in the medullary raphe that affect blood pressure only and other sites which can affect both blood pressure and respiration.
Polychromatic X-ray micro- and nanodiffraction for spatially-resolved structural studies

The availability of intense, focused synchrotron X-ray microbeams has enabled new techniques for materials investigations with sub-micron spatial resolution. The scanning microbeam setup we have developed at the XOR-UNI beamline at the Advanced Photon Source (APS) is versatile in that it provides 1D, 2D or 3D scans (including depth resolution), and can alternate between polychromatic- and monochromatic-beam modes. Focusing in both modes uses elliptical Kirkpatrick-Baez (K-B) reflecting mirrors. Beam diameters of {approx} 500 nm FWHM are now routine, and 90 nm focus has been demonstrated. In white-beam mode, a CCD detector records a complete Laue diffraction pattern, which is analyzed with an automated indexing program. These X-ray diffraction patterns provide real-space maps of the local lattice structure, crystal orientation, grain morphology, and strain tensor. Spatially-resolved X-ray microdiffraction studies are now providing previously unavailable measurements of local microstructures. These measurements, in turn, yield new insights in several classic fields of materials science. This paper will illustrate the application of polychromatic scanning X-ray microscopy with examples from 1D, 2D and 3D materials systems. In 1D systems, we have mapped the structure and orientation of an individual ZnO nanorod along with the associated Ge catalyst particle used to control the nanocrystal growth. Inmore » 2D systems, X-ray microdiffraction studies have revealed the mechanisms for local crystallographic tilting in epitaxial oxide films grown on textured Ni substrates for superconducting applications. In 3D systems, X-ray microscopy investigations have included in-situ studies of microstructural evolution during thermal grain growth in polycrystalline aluminum. In general, these spatially-resolved measurements provide important new insights and are valuable as input for theoretical and computer modeling studies of a wide range of material processes.« less
LAND REFORM, IDEOLOGY AND URBAN FOOD SECURITY: ZIMBABWE'S THIRD CHIMURENGA

This paper is used to comment on the political, legal and ideological struggles between the Zimbabwean State and an alliance comprised of the Commercial Farmers Union of Zimbabwe (CFU) and the British Government over the country's land reform and the theoretical context in which these processes may be situated. A related and equally important objective of the study is to understand how ordinary Zimbabweans construe the impacts of the unfolding dynamics on their livelihoods. The study examines the mechanisms, which both the State and the alliance have used to manipulate land reform in pursuit of their various ideological and political objectives. Finally, it explores how these strategies are being interpreted by the urban poor in the local discourse of food insecurity. These issues are all contextualised in terms of what a former Zimbabwe cabinet minister describes as the Third Chimurenga, a reference to the country's first two agrarian/liberation struggles or chimurengas.
Effect of rotation on fluid motion and channel formation during unidirectional solidification of a binary alloy

Abstract When off-eutectic binary alloys are cast by means of unidirectional solidification (UDS), perturbations in density and permeability along the liquidus front may result in the nucleation and subsequent growth of vertical flow channels in the two-phase (solid/liquid) mushy region. The channels subsequently become locations of severe compositional nonhomogeneity which are commonly termed freckles. In this study UDS of hypereuteclic NH4Cl-H2O has been numerically simulated to determine the effects of both steady and intermittent mold rotation. For slow, steady rotation up to 120 rpm, it was found that related inerlial effects were insufficient to significantly alter buoyancy induced mechanisms responsible for channel formation. However, for intermittent rotation corresponding to successive spin-up and spin-down of the mold, channel nuclealion was confined to the centerline and outer radius of the casting. The elimination of channels from the core of the casting is attributed to the impulsive change in angular frequency associated with spin-up and its effect on establishing an Ekman layer along the liquidus front. The front is washed by flow within the layer, thereby eliminating the perturbations responsible for channel nucleation.
Conversion of Fas-resistant to Fas-sensitive MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells by the Synergistic Interaction of Interferon- γ and all- Trans Retinoic Acid

The membrane receptor Fas (Apo-1/CD95) is an important initiator of programmed cell death induced by anti-Fas antibody or Fas ligand. MCF-7 human breast cancer cells have low levels of Fas receptor (FasR) and are resistant to anti-FasR antibody mediated apoptosis, however two naturally occurring substances, interferon and all-trans retinoic acid (AT), act synergistically to enhance antiproliferative processes in these cells, suggesting this combination may also be an effective means for enhancing FasR expression. When this was studied, it was found that IFN-γ and AT in combination acted synergistically to induce expression of FasR mRNA and FasR protein in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. This induction required continuous protein synthesis, and STAT1 protein, but not PKR or TR1 protein, was induced in a manner quantitatively and temporally related to FasR protein induction, and consistent with STAT1 mediation of the synergistic effect of IFN-γ and AT on FasR expression. FasR-induced cells were resistant to stimulation of apoptosis by anti-FasR antibody, however treatment with cycloheximide rendered these cells sensitive to antibody-induced apoptosis, suggesting endogenous blockade to signaling. These cells did not express caspase 3, or FLIPL, but strongly expressed the endogenous inhibitor of apoptosis Bcl-2, indicating a type II Fas signaling pathway. Expression of these proteins was not modulated by IFN/AT, however treatment of Fas-induced cells with Bcl-2 specific small interfering RNA (SiRNA) downregulated Bcl-2 protein expression and rendered these cells sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of anti-Fas antibody. These findings indicate that IFN-γ+AT in combination modulate Fas signaling and provide a novel mechanism for the promotion of cell death in breast cancer cells.
Numerical study of a near-zero-index acoustic metamaterial

Abstract This Letter studies a two-dimensional, membrane-based acoustic metamaterial with a near-zero refractive index. It yields a frequency-dependent effective density that is near-zero at a narrow frequency band centered around its first resonant frequency. This effective density results in its near-zero refractive index. Numerical simulations are shown which demonstrate that the phase in this metamaterial undergoes small changes, and the metamaterial functions as an angular filter such that only a wave with a near-zero incident angle can transmit. Its ability to tailor acoustic phase pattern is also discussed in this Letter.
Direct Liquefaction of Coal Using Aerosol-Generated Ferric Sulfide Based Mixed-Metal Catalysts

The activity of aerosol-generated ferric sulfide based mixed-metal catalysts for direct coal liquefaction was studied at 400 °C and nominally 2000 psi hydrogen pressure. Aluminum, cobalt, copper, lead, silver, and tin were used in turn as the second metal. The typical fraction of the second metal was 10 atom % of total metal, although the concentration was varied in some cases. The catalysts were prepared in an aerosol reactor at 250 °C and 70 psi and were characterized in terms of their skeletal density, surface area, pyrrhotite/pyrite ratio, and X-ray diffraction. Of the catalysts tested, only those in which Al (and perhaps Pb) was used as the second metal cause an increase in conversion compared to the iron-alone catalyst. Selectivity to oil-range products is higher for catalysts containing Ag, Co, Cu, or Pb than for the iron-alone catalyst and is highest for the Fe−Pb−S catalyst. Hence, the Fe−Pb−S catalyst appears to be the one most suitable. The relative size of the ions of the second metal may be i...
Sintering and Creep Behavior of Plasma-Sprayed Zirconia and Hafnia Based Thermal Barrier Coatings

The sintering and creep of plasma-sprayed ceramic thermal barrier coatings under high temperature conditions are complex phenomena. Changes in thermomechanical and thermophysical properties and in the stress response of these coating systems as a result of the sintering and creep processes are detrimental to coating thermal fatigue resistance and performance. In this paper, the sintering characteristics of ZrO2-8wt%y2O3, ZrO2-25wt%CeO2-2.5wt%Y2O3, ZrO2-6w%NiO- 9wt%Y2O3, ZrO2-6wt%Sc2O3-2wt%y2O3 and HfO2-27wt%y2O3 coating materials were investigated using dilatometry. It was found that the HfO2-Y2O3 and baseline ZrO2-Y2O3 exhibited the best sintering resistance, while the NiO-doped ZrO2-Y2O3 showed the highest shrinkage strain rates during the tests. Higher shrinkage strain rates of the coating materials were also observed when the specimens were tested in Ar+5%H2 as compared to in air. This phenomenon was attributed to an enhanced metal cation interstitial diffusion mechanism under the reducing conditions. It is proposed that increased chemical stability of coating materials will improve the material sintering resistance.
Narratives and Moral Projects: Generational Memories of the Malagasy 1947 Rebellion

This article develops an analysis of how different generations in both rural and urban areas of East Madagascar remember a violent anticolonial rebellion that took place in 194 7 and places these memories in the context of various state re- gimes' efforts to create competing narrations of the events. I show how rural and urban elders, rural and urban youth, and former soldiers remember the 1947 rebellion in different, but overlapping, ways. Rather than viewing the overall pattern as a simple reflex of the particular narratives people use, I suggest that their memories are best viewed as a complex outcome of the ways in which people's "moral projects" shape their selection, use and interpretation of particular narratives, thereby accounting for the considerable heterogeneity in the ways 194 7 is remembered. Such a reading attempts to move beyond the tendency within cultural historical studies tofocus solely on narrative dynamics to a more nuanced understanding of the interaction between narrative and context in the making of memory.