cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MEASUREMENT OF EMISSIONS FROM AIR POLLUTION SOURCES. 2. C1 THROUGH C30 ORGANIC COMPOUNDS FROM MEDIUM DUTY DIESEL TRUCKS

Gas- and particle-phase tailpipe emissions from late-model medium duty diesel trucks are quantified using a two-stage dilution source sampling system. The diesel trucks are driven through the hot-start Federal Test Procedure (FTP) urban driving cycle on a transient chassis dynamometer. Emission rates of 52 gas-phase volatile hydrocarbons, 67 semivolatile and 28 particle-phase organic compounds, and 26 carbonyls are quantified along with fine particle mass and chemical composition. When all C_1−C_(13) carbonyls are combined, they account for 60% of the gas-phase organic compound mass emissions. Fine particulate matter emission rates and chemical composition are quantified simultaneously by two methods: a denuder/filter/PUF sampler and a traditional filter sampler. Both sampling techniques yield the same elemental carbon emission rate of 56 mg km^(-1) driven, but the particulate organic carbon emission rate determined by the denuder-based sampling technique is found to be 35% lower than the organic carbon mass collected by the traditional filter-based sampling technique due to a positive vapor-phase sorption artifact that affects the traditional filter sampling technique. The distribution of organic compounds in the diesel fuel used in this study is compared to the distribution of these compounds in the vehicle exhaust. Significant enrichment in the ratio of unsubstituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to their methyl- and dimethyl-substituted homologues is observed in the tailpipe emissions relative to the fuel. Isoprenoids and tricyclic terpanes are quantified in the semivolatile organics emitted from diesel vehicles. When used in conjunction with data on the hopanes, steranes, and elemental carbon emitted, the isoprenoids and the tricyclic terpanes may help trace the presence of diesel exhaust in atmospheric samples.
Recent clinical approaches to pain treatment

Abstract Recent years have seen a number of important developments in pain research and treatment. Many new approaches have been developed to supplement the more traditional medical and surgical treatment for chronic pain. The following article reviews outcome studies of comprehensive pain treatment programs and examines the rationale, role, and effectiveness of some of the, new procedures being used, including biofeedback, acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, hypnosis, and behaviorally oriented programs. Research on the endorphins and its potential clinical value are also reviewed briefly.
Interactions between invasive herbivores and their long-term impact on New England hemlock forests

The introduction of the hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) in the eastern United States has caused extensive damage to eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) stands. The presence of other herbivores can affect adelgid density and hemlock health. Here, we report the results of long-term work monitoring hemlock forests in a 7,500 km2 latitudinal transect of southern New England. In biannual surveys between 1997 and 2011, we assessed change in hemlock basal area, stand-level hemlock defoliation, the density of four exotic herbivores (A. tsugae, Fiorinia externa, Nuculaspis tsugae and an unidentified Nuculaspis sp.) and explored relationships between biotic and abiotic variables. Hemlock basal area decreased by approximately 60 % over the 14 years of the study. Hemlock stand defoliation increased locally in some stands but on average stand defoliation did not change throughout the study period/area. Local increases in defoliation were probably driven by the northward expansion by A. tsugae, and to a certain extent by the co-occurring presence of F. externa and Nuculaspis scales. Average F. externa density increased during the study and also expanded dramatically northward, although its density did not impact hemlock stand defoliation and only reduced hemlock basal area in some stands. Stand-level variation in F. externa densities was most strongly affected by the presence of Nuculaspis scales, which were present in about 80 % of the stands. While A. tsugae continues to be the primary threat to eastern hemlock, its impact needs to be studied in the context of a broader herbivore community.
Microelectrode recording in the posterior hypothalamic region in humans.

INTRODUCTION Deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamic region (PHR) is an emerging technique for the treatment of medically intractable cluster headache. Few reports have analyzed single unit neuronal recordings in the human PHR. We report properties of spontaneous neuronal discharge in PHR for 6 patients who underwent DBS for cluster headaches. METHODS Initial target coordinates, determined by magnetic resonance imaging stereotactic localization, were 2 mm lateral, 3 mm posterior, and 5 mm inferior to the midpoint of the anterior commissure-posterior commissure plane. A single microelectrode penetration was performed beginning 10 mm above the anatomic target, without systemic sedation. Single units were discriminated off-line by cluster cutting in principal components space. Discharge rates, interspike intervals, and oscillatory activity were analyzed and compared between ventromedial thalamic and hypothalamic units. RESULTS Six patients and 24 units were evaluated. Units in the PHR had a slow, regular spontaneous discharge with wide, low-amplitude action potentials. The mean discharge rate of hypothalamic neurons was significantly lower (mean +/- standard deviation, 13.2 +/- 12.2) than that of medial thalamic units (28.0 +/- 8.2). Oscillatory activity was not detected. Microelectrode recording in this region caused no morbidity. CONCLUSION The single-unit discharge rate of neurons in the PHR of awake humans was 13.2 Hz and was significantly lower than medial thalamic neurons recorded dorsal to the target. The findings will be of use for microelectrode localization of the cluster headache target and for comparison with animal studies.
Laparoscopic repair of a cholecystoduodenal fistula

The following case report describes the laparoscopic repair of a cholecystoduodenal fistula that was noted incidentally during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Accounting education, firm training and information technology: a research note

Rapid developments in information technology (IT) have posed many challenges to the accounting profession. In this study we examined what has been done in US colleges by polling auditors' perceptions to investigate whether US accounting firms provide their auditors with more information on current IT topics than colleges do. Also educators in the USA are surveyed to find out what they are planning to do in college courses to ensure that accounting graduates acquire necessary IT knowledge/skills. The results indicate that the entry-level auditors have had significantly more exposure to IT topics while in college than the senior auditors had, which suggests that educators have modified their curricula by incorporating more IT topics into accounting programmes. According to the findings, educators recognize the importance of IT topics, but only a few IT topics can/will be covered in accounting curricula. Implications, limitations, and future research directions of this study are also discussed. 1Currently vi...
An experimental investigation of interfacial temperatures in blade-seal material rubbing of aircraft compressors

Results are presented for the rubbing of rotating (100 m/s) titanium blade specimens, with different plasma-sprayed tip coating, against an abradable porous seal material at two different incursion rates. In general, there was a good correspondence between the average transverse force of rubbing and the seal specimen surface temperature. Instantaneous seal surface temperature measurement showed a significant temperature jump before and after each rubbing with a high rate of cooling during each revolution and a high overall temperature level. Numerical predictions of both blade and seal temperature agreed well for the bare blade tip experiments but were consistently high for the coated blades. This suggests that the thermal properties of the coatings may significantly affect the temperatures and hence the wear characteristics of the system.
Spontaneous and elicited PGO spikes in rats

Summary High-amplitude waves, similar in distribution and configuration to pontogeniculo-occipital (PGO) spikes recorded in cats, were recorded from the area of the locus coeruleus of chronically implanted, unanesthetized albino rats. The mean frequency of spiking during paradoxical sleep (PS) was 19 per min and the amplitudes of the spikes ranged from 0.07 to 0.28 mV. Based on these findings and those of a previous report, it was concluded that these spikes are homologous with PGO spikes recorded in cats. It was also found that spikes identical to the spontaneously occurring spikes of PS could be produced during wakefulness and in all states of sleep with external auditory stimulation. These elicited spikes were not accompanied by eye movements. Initial stimulus presentations resulted in EEG desynchronization, orienting movements and PGO spikes. With continued stimulus presentations, EEG and other signs of alerting would habituate followed by a gradual habituation of the spikes. The latency to the appearance of an evoked spike ranged from 20 to 24 msec. These findings are in agreement with recent studies in cats showing that PGO spikes occur in response to external, auditory stimuli in wakefulness and all stages of sleep in addition to their spontaneous occurrence just prior to and during PS.
SMART COLLISION INFORMATION PROCESSING SENSORS FOR FAST MOVING OBJECTS

In this technical note we survey the area of smart collision information processing sensors. We review the existing technologies to detect collision or overlap between fast moving physical objects or objects in virtual environments, physical environments or a combination of physical and virtual objects. We report developments in the collision detection of fast moving objects at discrete time steps such as two consecutive time frames, as well as continuous time intervals such as in an interframe collision detection system. Our discussion of computational techniques in this paper is limited to convex objects. Techniques exist however to efficiently decompose non-convex objects into convex objects. We also discuss the tracking technologies for objects from the standpoint of collision detection or avoidance.
Coadministration of B-type natriuretic peptide and the vasopressin-2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan: a novel physiologic strategy to enhance water and sodium excretion without adversely affecting renal or neurohumoral function in experimental congestive heart failure

Background Efficacy of diuretic therapy in congestive heart failure (CHF) can be affected by renal hemodynamics, neurohumoral activation, and diuretic-induced changes in renal function. Physiological strategies that enhance water and sodium (Na) excretion while maintaining renal function are a high priority. Arginine vasopressin increases water reabsorption after binding to the V2 receptor in the collecting duct (CD). In contrast, B-type natriuretic peptide (B) decreases Na reabsorption via the particulate guanylyl cyclase linked natriuretic peptide A receptor (NPR-A) also in the CD. We hypothesized that coadministration of the V2-receptor antagonist tolvaptan (T) and B would mediate a diuresis and natriuresis without adversely affecting renal hemodynamics in experimental CHF.
Peacocke on red and red

How are we to define ‘red’? We seem to face a dilemma. For it seems that we must define ‘red’ in terms of ‘looks red’. But ‘looks red’ is semantically complex. We must therefore define ‘looks red’ in terms of ‘red’. Can we avoid this dilemma? Christopher Peacocke thinks we can. He claims that we can define the concept of being red in terms of the concept of being red′; the concept of a sensational property of visual experience. Peacocke agrees that his definition of red makes use of a concept that those who possess the concept of being red need not possess; namely, red′. But he thinks that this does not matter. For, he says, the definition is justified provided we can specify what it is to possess the concept of being red in terms of the concept of being red′. What he tries to show is that this might be so even if no-one could possess the concept of being red′ unless he possessed the concept of being red. Peacocke has two attempts at showing this. However, both these attempts fail. What Peacocke does show is something weaker. He shows that, using red′, we can construct a concept that gives what he calls the ‘constitutive role’ of the concept of being red; but, importantly, that it gives the constitutive role of red does not suffice for what Peacocke says is required for giving a definition. Thus, if we accept Peacocke's standard for definition, it follows that he gives us no way of avoiding the original dilemma. If this is right then perhaps we should join with those like Colin McGinn who think that we should give up our attempts to define our secondary quality concepts.
Job Satisfaction and Nonwork Satisfaction as Components of Life Satisfaction1

The relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction is examined, using regression analyses which control the effects of satisfaction with domains other than the job and conditions associated with the workplace and with life away from work. Results from data analyses of two independent sets of survey data are used to elaborate and refine a multivariate framework for relating overall life satisfaction and job satisfaction.
Frequency dependence of elastic (SH-) wave velocity and attenuation in anisotropic two phase media

Abstract The propagation and attenuation of elastic waves in a random anisotropic two-phase medium is studied using statistical averaging procedures and a self-consistent multiple scattering theory. The specific geometry and orientation of the inhomogeneities (second phase) are incorporated into the formulation via the scattering matrix of each inhomogeneity. The anisotropy of the composite medium is due to the specific orientation of the non-symmetric inclusions. At low frequencies, analytical expressions are derived for the effective wave number in the average medium as a function of the geometry and the material properties and the angle of orientation of the inclusions. The results for the special cases of oriented cracks may find applications in geophysics and material science. The formulation is ideally suited for numerical computation at higher frequencies as evidenced by the results presented for composites reinforced by fibers of elliptical cross section.
Collaboration in Context: Rural Change and Community Forestry in the Four Corners

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, many rural communities in the western United States have experienced dramatic social and economic transformations. Concurrent with these New West changes has been the rapid proliferation of community-based collaborative approaches to resource conservation and management. Given the uneven local impacts of these transformations and the community-based nature of collaborative management, the question arises as to the role of collaborative conservation efforts in mediating the local effects of these regional changes. To address this issue, a comparative analysis of four community forestry initiatives on national forests in the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States was conducted. The results present a framework that begins to articulate the way place specific socioenvironmental contexts are reflected in the diverse form and structure of community-based forestry projects in the region.
Xylem Sap Flow as Affected by Metabolic Inhibitors and Girdling

The flow of sap in Populus tremuloides was studied by the thermoelectric method immediately prior to and at several periods of time after radical girdling. Similarly, the flow of sap in Betula papyrifera was studied before and after girdling or injection with metabolic inhibitors or a filtrate of a culture of Ceratocystis ulmi.None of the treatments caused any significant change in the speed at which the sap flowed. However, the rate at which the temperature rose at the upper (downstream) thermocouple decreased significantly in girdled trees and in most trees treated with metabolic inhibitors. That decrease was first noticed 4 days after poisoning with 0.1 m mercuric chloride, and 1 day after poisoning with either 0.01 m picric acid or a culture filtrate of Ceratocystis ulmi. A 0.05 m trichloroacetic acid solution caused a decrease in the rate of temperature rise about 2 hours after the tree was injected. The rate of temperature rise returned to normal the next day after the injection with trichloroacetic but again showed a decrease after 42 days.Increases in the rate of heat rise were noted the day after the birch trees were girdled, and all girdled trees showed a significant decrease in the rate of heat rise sometime after they were girdled. Many of the girdled trees showed no sap flow or even an apparent downward flow of xylem sap sometime after girdling.Laboratory experiments indicated that the blocking of the vessels by air emboli would result in a significant change in the rate of temperature rise, not accompanied by a significant change in the speed at which the sap flowed. Since air emboli caused similar results to those actually experienced in the field, the data are interpreted as the result of blocked or nonfunctional vessels.All of the data agree with that of earlier workers. Cessation of upward flow occurs only in girdled trees after rather long periods of time. It is suggested that cessation could be caused by tyloses and air emboli. All of the data are also in agreement with the passive theories of sap ascent. However, the trichloroacetic acid experiments suggest the existence of a repair mechanism or a second means of sap movement.
Optical two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy with active interferometric stabilization

Optical two-dimensional Fourier transform spectroscopy is implemented near 800 nm with active stabilization. Excitation pulse delay is stabilized during data acquisition and stepped with interferometric accuracy. The reference used for heterodyne detecting the complete transient four-wave mixing signal is also phase-stabilized. The phase evolution of the four-wave mixing signal during the initial evolution period and the final detection period is then measured and correlated. Two-dimensional spectra with absorption and emission frequency axes are obtained by Fourier transforms with respect to the corresponding time variables. Measurement performed on a GaAs multiple quantum well sample shows light-hole and heavy-hole exciton transitions as the diagonal peaks and coupling between these two resonances as off-diagonal peaks.
Fine‐scale temporal adaptation within a salmonid population: mechanism and consequences

We demonstrate a clear example of local adaptation of seasonal timing of spawning and embryo development. The consequence is a population of pink salmon that is segmented into spawning groups that use the same limited habitat. We synthesize published observations with results of new analyses to demonstrate that genetic variation of these traits results in survival differentials related to that variation, and that density-dependent embryo mortality and seasonally variable juvenile mortality are a mechanism of selection. Most examples of local adaptation in natural systems depend on observed correlations between environments and fitness traits, but do not fully demonstrate local adaptation: that the trait is genetically determined, exhibits different fitness in common environments or across different environments, and its variation is mechanistically connected to fitness differences. The geographic or temporal scales of local adaptation often remain obscure. Here, we show that heritable, fine-scale differences of timing of reproductive migration in a pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) resulted in temporal structure that persisted several generations; the differences enable a density-dependent population to pack more spawners into limited spawning habitat, that is, enhance its fitness. A balanced trade-off of survivals results because embryos from early-migrating fish have a lower freshwater survival (harsh early physical conditions and disturbance by late spawners), but emigrant fry from late-migrating fish have lower marine survivals (timing of their vernal emergence into the estuarine environment). Such fine-scale local adaptations increase the genetic portfolio of the populations and may provide a buffer against the impacts of climate change.
Bilateral lower extremity gangrene requiring amputation associated with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. A case report

Heparin is a common cause of thrombocytopenia in hospitalized patients. Between 10% and 15% of patients receiving therapeutic doses of heparin develop thrombocytopenia. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) can cause severe bleeding and thrombosis owing to intravascular platelet aggregation. HIT must be distinguished from other causes of thrombocytopenia. Importantly, heparin use is often associated with an early fall in the platelet count that usually occurs within the first 4 days of initiation and recovers without cessation of heparin treatment. This nonimmune heparin-associated thrombocytopenia has not been found to be associated with thrombosis and does not necessitate discontinuation of heparin. The authors present a case report of a 70-year-old man who received heparin therapy following aortic tissue valve replacement and aortic root repair with graft and developed bilateral lower extremity arterial clots 6 days postoperatively in the setting of positive heparin antibody titers. Ultimately the patient required bilateral above-knee amputations.
Perceptions Of Communication Competence, Self‐Efficacy, And Trait Communication Apprehension: Is There an Impact on Basic Course Success?

The study examined the trends and relationships among communication apprehension (CA), self‐efficacy (S‐E), and self‐perceived public speaking competence (SPPSC), and impact on course grade, for 304 students enrolled in a basic public speaking course. Respondents completed McCroskey's (1982) Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (PRCA‐24), the Self‐Efficacy scale (S‐E Scale) (Pintrich and DeGroot's, 1990), and the Self‐perceived Public Speaking Competency scale (SPPSC Scale) (Ellis, 1995), based on the National Communication Association's (NCA) “Competent Speaker Speech Evaluation Form” (Morreale, 1990). Results indicated significant changes occurred in CA, S‐E, and SPPSC levels throughout the semester. However, only S‐E at mid‐semester and semester's end predicted grade.
Giant cell tumors of the jawbones.

Abstract 1. 1. The clinical and pathologic features of 28 cases previously diagnosed as central giant cell tumors of the jawbones were studied. 2. 2. Nine of these cases on review were considered to be examples of fibrous dysplasia or giant cell epulides. 3. 3. In 14 cases, the histologic features suggested a nonneoplastic condition. Edema, or fibrosis of the stroma, hemorrhage, and foci of osteoid or bony repair were conspicuous features. Giant cells in these lesions tended to be small, irregularly distributed, and frequently associated with areas of hemorrhage. 4. 4. In the remaining five cases, the histology appeared identical with the bona fide giant cell tumor of bone. There was some correlation between histologic structure and behavior. Recurrence was seen in three of the five lesions which showed this initial cellular pattern. However, a recurrence was also seen in one of the fourteen cases in which the initial specimen appeared typical of the entire group. In three cases, the recurrence responded well to further curettage. The prognosis for giant cell lesions in the jaws appears uniformly good. 5. 5. The age distribution of these cases was considerably different from that of giant cell tumors in other bones. 6. 6. The radiographic features of these giant cell lesions were nonspecific and may be confused with a number of other conditions involving the jaws. 7. 7. The exact nature of these lesions will undoubtedly be debated for many years to come. It is probably safe to assume that most lesions described as giant cell tumors of the jaws are not true neoplasms and only mimic the giant cell tumor of bone. These growths may properly be designated as giant cell lesions, giant cell nodes, or giant cell reparative granulomas to emphasize their benign nonneoplastic nature. However, a small minority of lesions in the jaws appear identical, at least on histologic grounds, with the genuine giant cell tumor. Further study of their clinical characteristics and behavior appears indicated. 8. 8. Because of the high frequency of jawbone involvement in hyperparathyroidism, this factor should be ruled out in all cases presenting giant cell lesions in the jaws.
A Conserved Serine Juxtaposed to the Pseudosubstrate Site of Type I cGMP-dependent Protein Kinase Contributes Strongly to Autoinhibition and Lower cGMP Affinity

Abstract Serines 64 and 79 are homologous residues that are juxtaposed to the autoinhibitory pseudosubstrate site in cGMP-dependent protein kinase type Iα and type Iβ (PKG-Iα and PKG-Iβ), respectively. Autophosphorylation of this residue is associated with activation of type I PKGs. To determine the role of this conserved serine, point mutations have been made in PKG-Iα (S64A, S64T, S64D, and S64N) and PKG-Iβ (S79A). In wild-type PKG-Iα, basal kinase activity ratio (−cGMP/+cGMP) is 0.11, autophosphorylation increases this ratio 3-fold, and theK a and K D values for cGMP are 127 and 36 nm, respectively. S64A PKG-Iα basal kinase activity ratio increases 2-fold, cGMP binding affinity increases ∼10-fold in both K a and K D, and activation by autophosphorylation is slight. S64D and S64N mutants are nearly constitutively active in the absence of cGMP, cGMP binding affinity in each increases 18-fold, and autophosphorylation does not affect the kinase activity of these mutants. Mutation of the homologous site in PKG-Iβ (S79A) increases the basal kinase activity ratio 2-fold and cGMP binding affinity 5-fold over that of wild-type PKG-Iβ. The combined results demonstrate that a conserved serine juxtaposed to the pseudosubstrate site in type I PKGs contributes importantly to enzyme function by increasing autoinhibition and decreasing cGMP binding affinity.
A NOVEL LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE-RESPONSE ELEMENT CONTRIBUTES TO INDUCTION OF NITRIC OXIDE SYNTHASE

The gene encoding the high output isoform of nitric oxide synthase represents a large class of alarm and defense genes transcriptionally induced in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The promoters of most of these genes contain at least two LPS-response elements, one of which commonly binds transcription factors of the NF-kappaB/Rel family. Here a novel LPS-response element is identified in the inducible nitric oxide synthase promoter, termed LREAA, which contains critical adenosine residues lying 19-20 base pairs downstream of the proximal NF-kappaB binding element (NFkappaBd). Both NFkappaBd and LREAA are required for LPS-induced promoter activity. A protein partially recognized by antibody against transcription factor Oct-1 binds to the LREAA element constitutively in untreated macrophages while contributing to a DNA-protein complex that includes NF-kappaB p50 in macrophages treated with LPS. NF-kappaB p50 and the LREAA-binding proteins may together recruit an LPS-triggered transactivator of transcription.
Laparoscopy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: Diffusion Versus Regionalization?

Purpose: Recognizing the emergence of laparoscopy as a standard of care for surgical treatment in many patients with organ confined renal cell carcinoma, we explored the diffusion of this technology by examining temporal trends in the nationwide use of laparoscopic total and partial nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods: Data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample were abstracted for 1991 through 2003. International Classification of Diseases-Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification 9 codes were used to identify patients undergoing open and laparoscopic total and partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. Using hospital sampling weights we calculated annual incidence rates for open and laparoscopic nephrectomy, thereby estimating the diffusion of laparoscopy. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify patient and hospital characteristics associated with the more frequent use of laparoscopic techniques.Results: Data on 6...
Effect of sample thickness in TMDSC measurements

Abstract In a previous study, a mathematical model of heat diffusion in a temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) specimen was derived. The model considered the specimen to be of cylindrical geometry with top and side surfaces exposed to the block temperature while the bottom surface was considered insulated. Contrary to most other derivations found in literature, this specific model took into account both radial and axial thermal gradients within the specimen and did not neglect the thermal diffusivity of the sample. Previous numerical simulations with this model showed that temperature gradients of as much as 0.15 K can exist within a polymeric sample subjected to typical TMDSC conditions. In continuation of this work, the present investigation concentrated on assessing the effect of sample thickness on thermal gradients and time to steady-state. It also explored the influence of sample thickness on heat flow phase, without using a complex heat capacity of doubtful physical meaning.
Microstructural evolution and yield stress increase for ion-irradiated V15Cr5Ti alloy☆

The effect of 4-MeV 58Ni2+-ion irradiation on the microstructure of the V15Cr5Ti alloy was determined for irradiation temperatures ranging from 550 to 750°C and for damage levels of 50 to 260 dpa. The swelling of the alloy that could be attributed to voids was negligible ( < 0.1%). The principle effect of the irradiation was to induce the formation of disc-shape precipitates in the alloy microstructure. The increase of the yield stress for the alloy resulting from the irradiations was evaluated from the irradiation-produced dislocation density and the number density and size of irradiation-produced precipitates. These evaluations showed that the increase of yield stress for the alloy on ion irradiation had a maximum value at ~ 50 dpa and the increase of yield stress decreased for irradiation temperatures above 600°C.
Raloxifene Inhibits Growth of RT4 Urothelial Carcinoma Cells via Estrogen Receptor-Dependent Induction of Apoptosis and Inhibition of Proliferation

Bladder cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer in the USA, with over 70,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Treatment often involves invasive surgical therapies, as chemotherapy alone is often ineffective and associated with high recurrence rates. Identification of estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) in up to 75 % of urinary tumors raises the question of whether this receptor could be targeted to effectively treat bladder cancer. In this study, a panel of five bladder cancer cell lines representing a variety of disease stage and grades were treated with the antiestrogens 4-hydroxytamoxifen, raloxifene, or the pure antagonist ICI 182,780. All cell lines were ERβ positive while only a few expressed estrogen receptor-α (ERα). Notably, all but the TCCSUP cell line were growth inhibited 20–100 % by at least two antiestrogens. Using RT4 cells, we demonstrate that growth inhibition by raloxifene is ER dependent and either ERα or ERβ can mediate this response. Activation of caspase-3 and its effector poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) demonstrate that raloxifene-induced growth inhibition is in part the result of increased apoptosis; this PARP cleavage was ER dependent. Moreover, changes in the expression of cell cycle genes indicate that cell proliferation is also affected. Specifically, raloxifene treatment results in the stabilization of p27 protein, likely via the downregulation of S-phase kinase-associated protein (SKP2). Expression of the negative cell cycle regulator B-cell translocation gene (BTG2) is also increased, while cyclin D1 transcription is reduced. These results indicate that antiestrogens may be useful therapeutics in the treatment of bladder cancer by targeting ER and inhibiting growth via multiple mechanisms.
Evidence implicating dentate granule cells in development of entorhinal kindling.

Abstract Kindling is an animal model of epilepsy induced by periodic focal electrical stimulation of the brain. The network of brain structures responsible for this permanent abnormal excitability is unknown. We hypothesized that the hippocampal formation serves a facilitatory role in lateral entorhinal cortex kindling. We therefore investigated the effect of dentate granule cell destruction induced by the neurotoxin, colchicine, on entorhinal cortex kindling development. We found that injection of colchicine into the hippocampal formation, but not frontal cortex, resulted in a 31% increase in the number of stimulations required to establish kindling in comparison with vehicle-injected controls. The effect of intrahippocampal colchicine was due to a 95% increase in the number of stimulations required to attain a class 2 seizure. Based on these and other data, we propose that elimination of granule cells reduces activation of CA2/3 neurons, thereby impairing development of entorhinal kindling.
T4 DNA topoisomerase: A new ATP-dependent enzyme essential for initiation of T4 bacteriophage DNA replication

A novel ATP-dependent DNA topoisomerase which makes reversible double-strand breaks in the DNA double helix has been purified to near homogeneity from T4 bacteriophage-infected Escherichia coli cells. Genetic data suggest that this activity is essential for initiating T4 DNA replication forks in vivo.
The influence of age on the increased activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in regenerating livers of partially hepatectomized rats

Abstract The activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and the lipid composition were determined in normal and regenerating livers of rats of various ages. The reductase activities did not differ greatly among the livers of the 3-, 13-, 24-month old rats. However, the reductase activities increased significantly in the regenerating livers of these rats following partial hepatectomy. The percent increase in enzyme activity varied with the age of the rat. The greatest increase (79.5%) occurred in the livers of the 13-month-old rats, with lesser increases occurring in the 3-month-old rats (49.5%) and in the 24-month-old rats (28.7%). Phosphoglyceride and triglyceride concentrations were also increased in the regenerating livers. The results suggested that lipid metabolism was stimulated in the regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy and that the degree of stimulation varied with the age of the rat.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a brachycephalic dog with hiatal hernia

A brachycephalic dog was presented with an acute onset of retching and abdominal discomfort. The dog had a chronic history of stertor and exercise intolerance suggestive of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. Radiographs were consistent with a Type II hiatal hernia. The dog was referred and within hours of admission became acutely painful and developed tympanic abdominal distension. A right lateral abdominal radiograph confirmed gastric dilatation and volvulus with herniation of the pylorus through the hiatus. An emergency exploratory coeliotomy was performed, during which the stomach was derotated, and an incisional gastropexy, herniorrhaphy and splenectomy were performed. A staphylectomy was performed immediately following the exploratory coeliotomy. The dog recovered uneventfully. Gastric dilatation and volvulus is a potentially life-threatening complication that can occur in dogs with Type II hiatal hernia and should be considered a surgical emergency.
The Multinational Firm

Direct investment is incorporated into a simple general equilibrium model of international trade. The analysis focuses on an attempt to endogenize the internalization decision. It is argued that a reasonable approach assumes that arm's length contracts must be "simple" so that "complex" arrangements require internalization. The model relates direct investment to the degree of underlying uncertainty and to fundamental trade determinants, such as relative factor endowments. The behavior of the model contrasts sharply with that of the Markusen-Helpman model, which takes internalization for granted.
Multipole plasmon modes at the surface of a conducting solid

A simple intuitive picture of the origin of multipole surface excitations of metals and degenerate semiconductors is presented.
Regional brain and cerebrospinal fluid quinolinic acid concentrations in Huntington's disease.

Abstract Many of the characteristic neuroanatomical and neurochemical features of Huntington's disease (HD) are produced in experimental animals by an intrastriatal injection of the endogenous N- methyl- d -aspartate receptor agonist quinolinic acid (QUIN). Conceivably, a chronic over-production of QUIN in brain could be involved in the pathogenesis of HD. To investigate this hypothesis, concentrations of QUIN were measured both in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and postmortem tissue from patients with HD and neurologically normal age-matched controls. CSF QUIN concentrations were slightly lower in patients with HD, however the changes were not significant. Mean concentrations of QUIN tended to be lower in HD putamen, dentate nucleus and several cortical regions, although significant reductions were found only in Brodmann areas 17, 20 and 28. The mechanisms responsible for these small reductions in brain QUIN concentrations remain to be determined. These results do not support the hypothesis that a chronic increase of QUIN production is responsible for neurodegeneration in HD.
Reynolds number effects on a turbulent boundary layer with separation, reattachment, and recovery

The present paper addresses experimental studies of Reynolds number effects on a turbulent boundary layer with separation, reattachment, and recovery. A momentum thickness Reynolds number varies from 1,100 to 20,100 with a wind tunnel enclosed in a pressure vessel by varying the air density and wind tunnel speed. A custom-built, high-resolution laser Doppler anemometer provides fully resolved turbulence measurements over the full Reynolds number range. The experiments show that the mean flow is at most a very weak function of Reynolds number while turbulence quantities strongly depend on Reynolds number. Roller vortices are generated in the separated shear layer caused by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability. Empirical Reynolds number scalings for the mean velocity and Reynolds stresses are proposed for the upstream boundary layer, the separated region, and the recovery region. The inflectional instability plays a critical role in the scaling in the separated region. The near-wall flow recovers quickly downstream of reattachment even if the outer layer is far from an equilibrium state. As a result, a stress equilibrium layer where a flat-plate boundary layer scaling is valid develops in the recovery region and grows outward moving downstream.
AZIMUTHAL SHEAR OF COMPRESSIBLE OR INCOMPRESSIBLE, NON-LINEARLY ELASTIC POLAR ORTHOTROPIC TUBES OF INFINITE EXTENT

Abstract An infinite, non-linearly elastic, polar orthotropic tube is fixed at its outer boundary and attached at its inner boundary to a rigid but movable axle to which a torque is applied. The governing equations are reduced to a two-point boundary-value problem for coupled first- and second-order ordinary differential equations. Analytical, analytical-numerical, and numerical solutions of these equations are obtained and used to compute torque-twist relations for a variety of compressible and incompressible strain-energy densities. For a Blatz-Ko material, kinks (elastic shocks) are found for a range of torques and geometries.
Is the secondary market for developing-country debt efficient?: An application of the Dickey-Fuller unit root test

Abstract This paper examines weak-level efficiency in the secondary market for four heavily indebted Latin American countries by applying the Dickey-Fuller unit root test to discounted debt prices for the period January 1986 to October 1996. The analysis presented in this paper suggests that in spite of the announcement of the of Brady Plan and subsequent Brady bond restructurings, which were intended to encourage market-based reduction of developing countries' external-debt burden, that the secondary market for developing-country debt continued to be weakly inefficient. The analysis also found that while the secondary market for developing-country debt for two of the four cases examined experienced structural change following the implementation of the Brady Plan, that these markets in fact became more inefficient. The existence of weak-level market inefficiency implies that opportunities existed to earn above average returns by following an investment strategy that exploits observable regularities in prior externaldebt price movements.
An approach to the evaluation of catalog selection systems

Abstract The similarities between classification systems for catalog selection and information retrieval systems indicate that similar evaluation methodologies might well be appropriate. The characteristics of classification systems and of information retrieval systems are summarized and two catalog selection systems (GRANT and Grundy) are presented as examples. The contributions of this article are a discussion of the system characteristics that allow the use of measures such as recall and precision in evaluation and a brief overview of related research within the field of information retrieval.
Is Religiosity a Protective Factor for Mexican-American Filial Caregivers?

Using interview data collected from 47 Mexican-American families, this study explored whether two measures of religiosity—prayer and/or meditation, and participation in religious services—predicted caregiving outcomes in filial caregivers. Dependent variables included the perceived benefits derived from caregiving, and the subjective appraisal of caregiving as burdensome. Treated as covariates were caregiver age and income, care receiver co-residence, cultural orientation, the care receiver’s functional impairment, restrictions on the caregiver’s social activities, and the caregiver’s sense of mastery and competence in caregiving. Use of prayer and/or meditation was predictive of the perception that caregiving resulted in perceived benefits, and participating in religious services/meetings/activities was predictive of lower levels of subjective burden.
Effects of Structure on Permeability of Substituted Anilines from Aqueous Solutions through Polyethylene

Permeation studies were undertaken with aqueous solutions of aniline and various substituted anilines to ascertain the effect of chemical structure on the permeation of these agents through polyethylene. The permeation studies permitted the estimation of steady-state rates of permeation and calculation of the permeability constants. Permeability constants varied from a low of 1.61 × 10−9 cm.2/sec. for 2-anilinoethanol to a high of 3.58 × 10−6 cm.2/sec. for N,N-dimethylaniline. When the permeability constants of the compounds were compared with their hexane-water partition coefficients, a very high correlation resulted, leading to an empirical expression which may be useful in predicting the permeability constants of similar types of compounds having partition coefficients in the range of the values reported.
Internal and External Mediators of Women's Rape Experiences

Internal and external factors are examined as mediational processes and/or coping strategies that link four aspects of women's rape experiences to the initial and lasting effects on their post-rape adjustment, attitude toward sex and intimacy, and lifestyle changes to prevent future assaults. Data are from a multiethnic community sample of 55 women who had been victims of rape or attempted rape. A measured or observed variable simultaneous path analysis model was used to test the relationships among the traumatic circumstances, mediators, and outcome variables. More self-blame, high involvement of police or other agencies, a greater number of repeated rapes per incident, and severity of abuse predicted women's negative initial and lasting attitudes toward sex and intimacy. The implications of these findings are discussed as they relate to barriers in disclosing attempted and completed incidents of rape.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of Glycine max sterol methyl transferase 2 genes involved in plant membrane sterol biosynthesis

Sterol C24 methyltransferase (SMT2) genes governing the pattern of phytosterols synthesized in higher plants have been studied in Glycine seedlings and wild-type and engineered Arabidopsis thaliana plants. The SMT2 genes of soybean (SMT2-1 and SMT2-2) previously cloned and characterized (Neelakandan et al. 2009) were shown to complement the SMT deficient cvp1 mutant Arabidopsis plants, consistent with their role in regulation of 24-alkyl sterol-controlled plant physiology. Further analysis of these genes showed that environmental cues, including dehydration, cold, and abscisic acid induced differential changes in transcript levels of the SMT2 during soybean seedling growth. Sterol analyses of transgenic Arabidopsis seeds originating in variant constructs of AtHMGR1, GmSMT1, and GmSMT2 engineered in seeds showed relevant modifications in the ratio of 24-methyl to 24-ethyl sterol in the direction of sitosterol formation. To provide insight into the structural features of the sterol gene that affects transcript regulation, the upstream promoter sequences of soybean SMT2 genes were cloned and characterized. Sequence analysis revealed several important cis-elements and transcription factor binding sites. The analysis of promoter-GUS fusions in transgenic Arabidopsis plants revealed shared and distinct expression features in different developmental stages and tissues. The data are interpreted to imply that SMT2 is an important contributor to normal plant growth and development.
Hippocampal N-Acetylaspartate Concentration and Response to Riluzole in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Background Previous research has suggested the therapeutic potential of glutamate-modulating agents for severe mood and anxiety disorders, potentially resulting from enhancement of neuroplasticity. We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging ( 1 H MRSI) to examine the acute and chronic effects of the glutamate-release inhibitor riluzole on hippocampal N -acetylaspartate (NAA), a neuronal marker, in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and examined the relationship between changes in NAA and clinical outcome. Methods Fourteen medication-free GAD patients were administered open-label riluzole and then evaluated by 1 H MRSI before drug administration, and 24 hours and 8 weeks following treatment. Patients were identified as responders ( n = 9) or nonresponders ( n = 5). Seven untreated, medically healthy volunteers, comparable in age, sex, IQ, and body mass index to the patients, received scans at the same time intervals. Molar NAA concentrations in bilateral hippocampus, and change in anxiety ratings were the primary outcome measures. Results A group-by-time interaction was found, with riluzole responders showing mean increases in hippocampal NAA across the three time points, whereas nonresponders had decreases over time. In GAD patients at Week 8, hippocampal NAA concentration and proportional increase in NAA from baseline both were positively associated with improvements in worry and clinician-rated anxiety. Conclusions These preliminary data support a specific association between hippocampal NAA and symptom alleviation following riluzole treatment in GAD. Placebo-controlled investigations that examine hippocampal NAA as a viable surrogate endpoint for clinical trials of neuroprotective and plasticity-enhancing agents are warranted.