cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Embryonic brain precursors transplanted into kainate lesioned rat spinal cord.

Embryonic day 14 rat cerebral cortex-derived precursors were expanded with FGF2 and labeled with BrdU prior to being transplanted into the kainic acid-lesioned adult rat spinal cord. While these precursors give rise to cells with neuronal, astrocytic and oligodendroglial phenotypes in vitro, they remained largely undifferentiated up to 12 weeks in vivo. Numerous BrdU-labeled cells were found in injured gray matter, and also lining the dilated central canal that sometimes accompanies these lesions. BrdU-labeled cells never co-expressed Map2ab, rarely co-expressed GFAP but often co-expressed nestin, even after 12 weeks in vivo. These observations suggest that the environment of the kainic acid-injured spinal cord is not hostile to transplanted embryonic cerebral cortex-derived precursors, but also is not conducive to their neuronal differentation.
Nano-enhanced polymer composites for energy storage applications

Polymer nanocomposites containing high dielectric permittivity ceramic particles embedded into a dielectric polymer represent promising candidates to overcome the limitations of monolithic materials in both energy storage and energy conversion. Indeed, monolithic materials are hitting a plateau in terms of high energy storage capabilities due to the trade-off between the dielectric constant, the dielectric loss and the dielectric breakdown. Since ceramics have high dielectric constant but low dielectric breakdown, while polymers have high dielectric breakdown and low loss but low dielectric constant, the strategy of simply filling a polymer with ceramic particles will only yield incremental and limited success. In this study, we investigate the effect of adding commercial metal oxide nanoparticles, TiO 2 , to a ferroelectric polymer on the dielectric constant, breakdown, ferroelectric behavior and energy density of the system; specifically, we focus on impact of the particles size, aspect ratio, and interaction with the polymer dipole. We find that at a very low TiO 2 content, namely 4.6vol%, the energy density increased by more than 400% as compared to the pristine polymer, with an enhancement in both the dielectric constant and the dielectric breakdown while the dielectric loss remained in the same range as that of the pure polymer. We also investigate the mechanism for this large improvement and demonstrate that the high aspect ratio particles have a planar distribution in the nanocomposite film, resulting in a low local field, and therefore a high dielectric breakdown.
Angiotensin II-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is mediated by oxidative stress in transgenic TG(mRen2)27(Ren2) rats⋆

Background/Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common health problem and includes a spectrum of hepatic steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis. The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a vital role in blood pressure regulation and appears to promote hepatic fibrogenesis. We hypothesized that increased RAS activity causes NAFLD due to increased hepatic oxidative stress. Methods We employed the transgenic TG(mRen2)27(Ren2) hypertensive rat, harboring the mouse renin gene with elevated tissue Angiotensin II (Ang II). Results Compared with normotensive Sprague–Dawley (SD) control rats, Ren2 developed significant hepatic steatosis by 9 weeks of age that progressed to marked steatohepatitis and fibrosis by 12 weeks. These changes were associated with increased levels of hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Accordingly, 9-week-old Ren2 rats were treated for 3 weeks with valsartan, an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker, or tempol, a superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetic. Hepatic indices for oxidative stress, steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were markedly attenuated by both valsartan and tempol treatment. Conclusions This study suggests that Ang II causes development and progression of NAFLD in the transgenic Ren2 rat model by increasing hepatic ROS. Our findings also support a potential role of RAS in prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
Myocardial lesions in the offspring of female rats fed a copper dificient diet

Abstract Cardiac disease occurred in the offspring of dams fed a copper deficient diet from weaning. The usual age incidence at death for animals succumbing with heart failure was 5 to 7 weeks; the age of rapid growth when copper deficient offspring were slightly anemic. At necropsy the hearts were enlarged and usually pale. The most common histopathologic change was diffuse fatty change in the myocardium with small to large areas of necrosis in the ventricular and atrial musculature. Aneurysm of the apex developed in some severely involved hearts. Hemopericardium and hemothorax also occurred but specific rupture sites were not found. Myocardial cell hypertrophy with large vesicular nuclei was the only histopathologic change observed in some grossly enlarged hearts. Histochemical studies of the heart from copper deficient offspring demonstrated reductions in myocardial cytochrome oxidase activity especially in the myocardial sections from hearts with gross and histopathologic change. The activities of other mitochondrial oxidative enzymes, including NAD diaphorase, succinic, malic and glutamic dehydrogenase and glycolytic enzyme, lactic dehydrogenase, were increased. The myocardium from young control rats had little or no activity when stained for monoamine oxidase, however, the qualitative activity for this enzyme was consistently increased in the hearts from copper deficient offspring. Copper deficient offspring supplemented with copper had improved growth rate and there was evidence for return of myocardial enzyme activities to control levels.
Partial Resolution of Hypoplastic Trachea in Six English Bulldog Puppies with Bronchopneumonia

Six English bulldog and nine nonbrachycephalic puppies with bronchopneumonia and radiographs were evaluated. Relative size of the trachea was measured by the tracheal diameter (TD) and the thoracic inlet distance (TI), expressed as a ratio (TD:TI). At diagnosis of bronchopneumonia, there was a significant difference between the median TD:TI of the bulldog puppies (0.07; range, 0.06-0.09) and that of the nonbrachycephalic puppies (0.14; range, 0.11-0.25; P=0.0004). At the same time, there was also a significant difference between the mean TD:TI of bulldog puppies (0.07±0.01) and that of nonbrachycephalic puppies (0.15±0.05; P=0.002). Follow-up radiographs showed significant increases in TD:TI ratio in all six bulldogs (median TD:TI = 0.14; range, 0.12-0.18; P=0.03 and mean TD:TI = 0.15±0.02; P=0.0007), whereas the ratio did not change significantly in the nonbrachycephalic control group (median TD:TI = 0.17; range, 0.14-0.22; P=0.10 and mean TD:TI = 0.18±0.03; P=0.06). Tracheal hypoplasia in some brachycephalic dogs might partially or completely resolve with growth to mature body size.
Key role of terminal hydroxyl groups and visible light in the reactive adsorption/catalytic conversion of mustard gas surrogate on zinc (hydr)oxides

Abstract Rhombic Zn(OH) 2 and flower-like ZnO nano-particles were synthesized with a controlled precipitation rate. The materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR, potentiometric titration, nitrogen adsorption, TA-MS, MS-MS, SEM and UV–vis–NIR. A commercial ZnO was used as a reference material. Hydroxyl groups were formed on the surface when a slow addition of NaOH was used. The surface area of Zn(OH) 2 was higher (350%) in comparison to that of ZnO. The presence of hydroxyl groups increased the band gap from 3.05 eV for ZnO to 3.22 eV for Zn(OH) 2 . The materials were used as reactive adsorbents of mustard gas surrogate, 2-Chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). On the surface of Zn(OH) 2 , more CEES was absorbed than of that of ZnO. Moreover, the capacity on Zn(OH) 2 significantly increased under a visible light exposure. The results indicated the paramount role of terminal OH groups in the reactive adsorption process. The porosity was also found important since it affects the distribution of these OH active centers. Ethyl vinyl sulfide (EVS) was detected on the surfaces of both samples. At light, hydroxyethyl ethyl sulfide (HEES) was detected only on Zn(OH) 2 . Thus the absorption of photons led to the formation of the ethyl ethyl sulfide (EES) cations, which were transformed to less toxic EVS by dehydrohalogenation. With water and hydroxyl groups on the surface, the light irradiation promoted the formation of hydroxyl radicals. They reacted with the EES radicals and formed HEES via a hydrolysis pathway. No conversion of CEES was found in the dark.
The question of pure fusion explosions under the CTBT

Fusion research involving implosions of deuterium‐tritium targets driven by laser or particle beams appears to be widely accepted as not prohibited under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Research on fusion involving implosions driven by other means is underway in civilian and military laboratories in the US and other countries and could result in small (up to perhaps a few tons TNT equivalent) explosive fusion energy releases. However, the status of such experiments under the CTBT has not been clearly defined. Until the potential for this research to lead to the development of pure fusion weapons has been openly reviewed and an appropriate policy governing its conduct is established in the context of the CTBT, such experiments should be subject to two interim limits: (1) a maximum of ‐10 14 neutrons produced; and (2) a ban on the use of tritium.
Characterization of microsatellite markers for the North African gundi, Ctenodactylus gundi (Rodentia: Ctenodactylidae)

Eleven highly polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from the North African gundi (Ctenodactylus gundi), a gregarious rock-dwelling rodent found in northern Africa. These loci exhibited high genetic diversity (eight to 19 alleles per locus) and high levels of heterozygosity (62–98%). Collectively, these microsatellite markers are sufficiently variable to estimate levels of relatedness and population genetic structure for C. gundi.
Sparse and optimal wide-area damping control in power networks

Inter-area oscillations in power networks are typically poorly controllable by means of local decentralized control. Recent research efforts have been aimed at developing wide-area control strategies that involve communication of remote signals. In conventional wide-area control strategies the control structure is fixed a priori typically based on modal criteria. In contrast, here we employ the recently introduced paradigm of sparsity-promoting optimal control to simultaneously identify the control structure and optimize the closed-loop performance. To induce a sparse control architecture, we regularize the standard quadratic performance index with an l1-penalty on the feedback matrix. The quadratic objective functions are inspired by the classic slow coherency theory and are aimed at imitating homogeneous networks without inter-area oscillations. We use a compelling example to demonstrate that the proposed combination of the sparsity-promoting optimal control design with the slow coherency objective functions performs almost as well as the optimal centralized controllers.
A Quantum Mechanics-Based Scoring Function: Study of Zinc Ion-Mediated Ligand Binding

In this communication, we report the development of a novel quantum mechanics-based scoring function to predict free energy of ligand binding in the zinc metalloenzymes carbonic anhydrase (CA) and carboxypeptidase A (CPA). In particular, the AM1 method is used in conjunction with solvation modeling to predict the relative binding affinities of 18 CA and 5 CPA inhibitors. The effect of metal−ligand charge transfer is also discussed and shown to be different in CPA and CA, providing a further challenge to computing metalloenzyme binding affinities.
Study on the optimal allocation of emergency power supplies for urban important customers

The optimal allocation of emergency power supplies should consider the distribution of existing distributed generators, capacity of existing emergency power suppliers in each local district utility and important customers' needs for emergency power supplies. Based on the relationship between power supply reliability and economy, the optimum model of emergency power supplies has been proposed in this paper with the minimum total cost as objective function and some constraints such as time and capacity etc. An optimal algorithm of emergency power supplies based on genetic algorithm is put forward. The model and algorithm brought forward are proved by a practical example and software development based on GIS. The study results help to improve power supply reliability and the ability of urban electric network for emergency situation, reduce customers' outage costs and guarantee power system with preventive and emergency measures facing natural and man-made disasters.
Visible Photoluminescence of Ultrathin ZnO Nanowire at Room Temperature

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire (NW) was grown on a ZnO-buffered silicon substrate by a hydrothermal method in an aqueous solution that contained methenamine (C6H12N4) and zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn(NO3)2·6H2O). The concentration of the zinc nitrate is the main factor that governed the morphology of the NW. As the concentration was reduced gradually, the diameter of the NW became smaller, and an ultrathin (≤10 nm) single crystal of ZnO NW emerged. The sample of ultrathin NW contains many dislocations and exhibits an unusual characteristic photoluminescence (PL) spectrum in the visible light region.
953-36 L-Arginine Administration Improves Left Ventricular Performance in Neonatal Lambs Following Cardiopulmonary Bypass and Two Hours of Global Hypothermic Ischemia

Prior studies in isolated neonatal lamb hearts showed that the nitric oxide precursor L-Arginine (L-ARG), infused during reperfusion (rep) improved left ventricular (LV) function and coronary blood flow (CBF) after hypothermic ischemia. We evaluated the effects of L-ARG in an in situmodel of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPS) and hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) in 13 neonatal lambs with LV micromanometers and LV free wall sonomicrometry crystals. Before CPB, hemodynamics and LV regional preload recruitable stroke work (RPRSW) were recorded. Coronary blood flow (CBF) was determined with microspheres. Animals were cooled to 15°C prior to 2 hrs HCA. Group LARG (n = 6) received an infusion of L-ARG calculated to achieve a plasma concentration of 3 mM during the first 15 min of rep on CPS. Group CON (n = 7) received 0.2 mg/kg phentolamine at rep, according to the clinical protocol of this institution. Animals were weaned from CPB and data obtained for 3 hrs. No intergroup differences were seen in heart rate, systemic vascular resistance, cardiac output, or left atrial pressure at baseline or during rep. (p g 005) CBF at 1 and 2 hrs rep was not different between the two groups (p g 0.05). Rep RPRSW data are expressed as mean % recovery of baseline. Group 1 hr 2 hrs 3 hrs CON 65.5 63.5 52 L-ARG 80 * 81.7 * 84 * * p l 0.05 Increased nitric oxide production during early rep improves recovery of the immature myocardium following CPS and HCA. Techniques such as this may have application in clinical cardiac surgery.
Integrating Play Therapy Techniques Into Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Solution-focused brief therapy is a recognized therapeutic approach proven effective in time-limited circumstances. This article describes the solutionfocused process and presents a framework for integrating the expressive play therapy techniques of art, sandtray, and puppets into the solution-focused model. Three case studies are used to demonstrate this process.
Designing spatially heterogeneous strategies for control of virus spread

The spread of a virus - whether in a human population, computer network or cell-to-cell - is closely tied to the spatial (graph) topology of the interactions among the possible infectives. The authors study the problem of allocating limited control resources (e.g. quarantine or recovery resources) in these networks in a way that exploits the topological structure, so as to maximise the speed at which the virus is eliminated. For both multi-group and contact-network models for spread, these problems can be abstracted to a particular decentralised control problem for which the goal is to minimise the dominant eigenvalue of a system matrix. Explicit solutions to these problems are provided, using eigenvalue sensitivity ideas together with constrained optimisation methods employing Lagrange multipliers. The proposed design method shows that the optimal strategy is to allocate resources so as to equalise the propagation impact of each network component, as best as possible within the constraints on the resource. Finally, we show that this decentralised control approach can provide significant advantage over a homogeneous control strategy, in the context of a model for SARS transmission in Hong Kong.
The Perturbation of Hepatic Glutathione by α2-Adrenergic Agonists

Single injections of epinephrine significantly lowered the hepatocellular levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) while producing small but significant elevations in serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) activity. Hormones, i.e. glucagon and the corticosteroids, were also found to depress significantly hepatic glutathione. Based upon the agonist-antagonist studies performed, the hepatic GSH lowering effects of epinephrine appear to be mediated solely by alpha 2 receptors. Adrenergic antagonists with alpha 2 receptor blocking properties, phenotolamine and yohimbine, prevented the epinephrine-induced lowering of GSH while agonists with alpha 2 activity, clonidine and guanabenz, mimicked epinephrine's response. Antagonists with either alpha 1 or beta activity, i.e. prazosin, phenoxybenzamine and propranolol, did not prevent the epinephrine-induced lowering of hepatic GSH. Contrary to these findings antagonists with either alpha or beta receptor blocking activity significantly reduced the epinephrine-induced elevations in SGPT activity. Thus, there was no apparent relationship between the elevation of SGPT activity and the reduction in hepatic glutathione levels. It is concluded that the therapeutic administration of these compounds, or physiologic responses to stress or pain, may exacerbate the hepatotoxicity of compounds detoxified by GSH or alter important glutathione-mediated hepatocellullar processes.
The Representation of Women's Roles in Women's Magazines Over the Past 30 Years

ABSTRACT A thematic content analysis performed on a sample of article published in the Ladies home journal and Housekeeping magazines over the period of 1954 to 1982 revealed a gradual decline in the number having themes of women as wives, mothers, and homemakers and an increase in articles with political, social and economic (i.e., career) themes. Traditional sex role models, however, still dominate the page of most women's magazines.
Expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in an ACTH-producing small cell lung cancer

Non-pituitary tumors that produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) exhibit resistance to the normal feedback effects of glucocorticoids on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene expression. This glucocorticoid resistance is typically complete, although some tumors show only relative glucocorticoid resistance in the clinical setting. The molecular mechanisms responsible for these clinical pathophysiologic observations are unknown, but might include glucocorticoid receptor defects or aberrant expression of enzymes or transporters that exclude glucocorticoids from access to their intracellular receptors. We examined whether ACTH-producing non-pituitary tumor cells might express 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11beta-HSD), the principal 'gatekeeper' enzyme known to metabolize glucocorticoids. 11Beta-HSD mRNA and enzyme activity were assessed in DMS-79 cells, a line derived from an ACTH-producing small cell lung cancer. RT-PCR studies showed expression of mRNA encoding 11beta-HSD2 but not 11beta-HSD1 in DMS-79 cells. Control human fibroblasts expressed predominantly 11beta-HSD1 but also had detectable 11beta-HSD2 mRNA, while HepG2 hepatoma cells also expressed only 11beta-HSD2 mRNA. Whole cell assays in DMS-79 cells revealed 11beta-HSD activity with a Km for cortisol of 26.1 +/- 9.0 nM and Vmax of 57.0 +/- 5.9 pmol/h/mg protein. HepG2 cells expressed a similar high affinity enzyme activity, while control fibroblasts expressed 11beta-HSD activity with a Km for cortisol of 652 nM. Conversion of cortisol to cortisone in DMS-79 cells was inhibited to 7% of baseline by addition of 10 microM glycyrrhetinic acid. Dexamethasone (20 nM) was converted to a single product in DMS-79 cells at a rate of 17.2 pmol/h/mg protein; this activity was also inhibited by glycyrrhetinic acid. We conclude that DMS-79 cells express 11beta-HSD2. While DMS-79 cells harbor additional defects in glucocorticoid signaling, these data suggest that expression of 11beta-HSD2 might contribute to the development of the glucocorticoid-resistant phenotype of some ACTH-producing tumors.
The virtual machine

A parallel computer architecture is proposed that is based on an optimistic style of execution. Specifically, the Virtual Time Machine (VTM) detects violations of data dependence constraints at runtime, and automatically recovers from them. In order to efficiently implement this mechanism, a sophisticated, two-dimensional memory system is proposed that is addressed using both a spatial and a temporal coordinate. Initially targeted for discrete event simulation applications, the long term goal of this work is to develop a general purpose parallel computer that will support a wide range of parallel programming paradigms.This paper outlines the motivations behind the VTM architecture, the underlying computation model, a proposed implementation, and initial performance results. A recurring theme that pervades the entire paper is our contention that existing shared memory and message-base machines do not pay adequate attention to the dimension of time.
Role of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in dopamine D1-, but not D2-, mediated changes in striatal and accumbens neurotensin systems

The role of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in specific D1 and D2 regulation of striatal and accumbens neurotensin (NT) systems was investigated. As demonstrated previously, stimulation of D1 receptors with multiple administration of SKF 38393 significantly increased striatal and accumbens NT content to approximately 145% of control. These responses were completely blocked by coadministration of the non-competitive NMDA antagonist, MK 801. Previous studies have documented that D2 receptors tonically regulate striatal NT systems. Thus, multiple doses of sulpiride, a D2 antagonist, increased striatal NT content to 167% of control while quinpirole, a D2 agonist, decreased striatal NT content to 58% of control. MK 801 did not alter either striatal NT response to D2 manipulation. As previously reported, levels of accumbens NT changed only in response to D2 blockade and not to D2 stimulation. Thus, sulpiride increased accumbens NT content to 138% of control; this was not blocked by the coadministration of MK 801. NT content also significantly increased after stimulation of glutamate receptors with NMDA. To determine if D1 receptors participate in this NMDA-mediated change, the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 was coadministered. Blockade of D1 receptors did not significantly alter the response of striatal NT systems to NMDA. However, in both striatum and nucleus accumbens, the NMDA effect on NT systems appeared to be lessened. In summary, expression of D1−, but not D2-mediated changes in striatal and accumbens NT systems are markedly dependent on NMDA receptor activity. In comparison, expression of the NMDA-mediated changes in the same NT systems do not appear to be as dependent on D1 receptor activity.
Analysis of plastic recycling products by expert systems

Abstract An automated method for monitoring a polyethylene recycling process has been developed. The products of catalyzed polyethylene cracking are alkanes, monounsaturated alkenes (monoene) and dienes, which were analyzed by gas chromatog-raphy-mass spectrometry. Three expert systems, a knowledge based expert system, a univariate rule building expert system and a fuzzy multivariate expert system, were developed and evaluated for their ability to correctly classify products of polyethylene cracking by their degree of unsaturation. Two test sets were used in the evaluation. One contained spectra from a mass spectral library. The second was a collected set of hydrocarbon standards. On both test sets, the rule building expert systems performed better than the knowledge based expert system. The chemometric detectors were effective for mathematically resolving chromatograms by chemical functionality.
Another distributed algorithm for multiple entries to a critical section

Abstract A new algorithm is proposed to allow K simultaneous entries into a critical section in a distributed system. The proposed algorithm needs in the worst case half as many message exchanges as in a recently published algorithm (K. Raymond, Inform. Process. Lett. 30 (1989) 189–193). A simplistic average case analysis of the proposed algorithm is presented which shows that we get almost 50% savings in number of messages in the average case also.
Apocynin Protects Against Global Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Stress and Injury in the Gerbil Hippocampus

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is an important underlying cause for neuronal injury leading to delayed neuronal death (DND). In this study, apocynin, a specific inhibitor for NADPH oxidase, was used to test whether suppression of ROS by the NADPH oxidase inhibitor can protect against ischemia-induced ROS generation and decrease DND. Global cerebral ischemia was induced in gerbils by a 5-min occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA). Using measurement of 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE) as a marker for lipid peroxidation, apocynin (5 mg/kg body weight) injected i.p. 30 min prior to ischemia significantly attenuated the early increase in HNE in hippocampus measured at 3 h after I/R. Apocynin also protected against I/R-induced neuronal degeneration and DND, oxidative DNA damage, and glial cell activation. Taken together, the neuroprotective effects of apocynin against ROS production during early phase of I/R and subsequent I/R-induced neuronal damage provide strong evidence that inhibition of NADPH oxidase could be a promising therapeutic mechanism to protect against stroke damage in the brain.
Some characteristics of 17β-estradiol dehydrogenase from bovine placenta

The activity of 17β-estradiol dehydrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.62) was measured, and its distribution in the subcellular fractions of bovine placenta was compared. Assay of activity was based on the formation of radioactive estrone from 17β[4-14C]-estradiol. Either NAD+ or NADP+ can serve as cofactor for the enzyme. The nuclear and microsomal fractions of the placental homogenate exhibited the highest specific enzymatic activities before and after treatment with Triton X-100. Electron micrographs of these two fractions prior to treatment with Triton X-100 showed satisfactory purity. 17β-estradiol dehydrogenase from bovine placenta exhibits a pH optimum of about 9.5–10.5, and is activated by 5 × 10−6M ZnC12; comparable concentrations of CaCl2 and MgCl2 inactivate the enzyme. The apparent Michaelis constants. Km, for 17β-estradiol and NAD+ are 1.4 × 1O−6M and 5.5 × 10−5M respectively. No 17α-estradiol dehydrogenase activity was demonstrable when using 17α-estradiol as substrate.
Leadership, regime security, and China's policy toward Taiwan: prospect theory and Taiwan crises

Abstract Traditional analyses of Taiwan crises have relied mainly on deterrence theory for their explanatory power. This approach fails to account for China's risk-taking behavior, which can be explained by prospect theory. We suggest that Chinese leaders are more likely to use more risky military coercion against Taiwan's pro-independence movements within a domain of losses, i.e., when their regime faces serious domestic and international challenges to its security. Conversely, Chinese leaders are more likely to employ less risky political pressure to oppose Taiwan's pro-independence forces if their decision making takes place in a domain of gains, i.e., when the security of China's regime is not challenged. We conclude that maintaining a good US–China relationship is the best strategy for the United States to help prevent military crises in the Taiwan Strait.
A comprehensive study for the determination of forty eight elements in the certification of a hazardous standard reference material

The centification of standard reference materials is of fundamental importance for environmental scientists to proceed with their own quality control programs or calibration procedures. As part of the National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) program, we participated in the certification of a hazardous waste material. Our efforts concentrated on judiciously using thermal and epithermal neutron activation analysis in conjunction with Compton suppression techniques. We have demonstrated that besides lowering the detection limit for several elements usually not reported by conventional NAA, Compton suppression is ideally suited to substantially reduce certain spectrla interferences. A detailed comprehensive study was undertaken using this method to highlight which isotopes can be most favorably used.
The Human Mitochondrial DEAD-Box Protein DDX28 Resides in RNA Granules and Functions in Mitoribosome Assembly

Human mitochondrial ribosomes are specialized in the synthesis of 13 proteins, which are fundamental components of the oxidative phosphorylation system. The pathway of mitoribosome biogenesis, the compartmentalization of the process, and factors involved remain largely unknown. Here, we have identified the DEAD-box protein DDX28 as an RNA granule component essential for the biogenesis of the mitoribosome large subunit (mt-LSU). DDX28 interacts with the 16S rRNA and the mt-LSU. RNAi-mediated DDX28 silencing in HEK293T cells does not affect mitochondrial mRNA stability or 16S rRNA processing or modification. However, it leads to reduced levels of 16S rRNA and mt-LSU proteins, impaired mt-LSU assembly, deeply attenuated mitochondrial protein synthesis, and consequent failure to assemble oxidative phosphorylation complexes. Our findings identify DDX28 as essential during the early stages of mitoribosome mt-LSU biogenesis, a process that takes place mainly near the mitochondrial nucleoids, in the compartment defined by the RNA granules.
Does a rising tide raise all ships? The impact of growth on inequality

Using semiparametric methods and an up-to-date panel dataset on income inequality, the impact of past economic growth on current inequality is examined in a group of nations with widely differing initial incomes. Regardless of a nation's initial development, past economic growth stimulates inequality over short and medium-run periods. However, in the long-run, inequality in developed and developing nations reacts differently to comparable rates of economic growth. Specifically, inequality declines with growth in developing nations, while rising with growth in developed nations.
Topological signatures of medium range order in amorphous semiconductor models

The topological local cluster (or Schlaefli cluster) concept of Marians and Hobbs is used to detect topologically crystalline regions in models of disordered tetrahedral semiconductors. The authors present simple algorithms for detecting both Wells-type shortest circuits and O'Keeffe-type rings, which can be used to delineate alternative forms of the Schlaefli cluster in models.
Considerations of oxalacetic acid keto--enol equilibria in various solvents.

Abstract Nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet, and infrared spectral measurements were employed in this study of keto-enol equilibria of oxalacetic acid solutions. The observed protons at 3.80, 5.95, and 9.0 ppm for the methylene, methenyl, and hydroxyl protons, respectively, of the free acid in dioxane solutions indicated the presence of 30–35% keto oxalacetic acid. Infrared spectra of the solid acid indicated a higher content of enol acid than did spectra of dioxane solutions. Ultraviolet spectral measurements, however, of dioxane and diethyl ether solutions of the acid agreed with literature values. We suggest, therefore, that quantitative measurements of enol oxalacetic acid may be approximately 30–35% too high if based on the extinction coefficient at 260 nm in diethyl ether.
Optical interband transitions in antimony

Abstract Piezoreflectance has been measured in single crystals of antimony with light polarized in the basal plane of the crystal for photon energies in the range 0.6 to 5.0 eV. An attempt has been made to assign the structure in the piezoreflectance spectrum to the various interband transitions predicted theoretically.
Auxiliary Axis for Rensselaer’s Geotechnical Centrifuge Center In-Flight Robot: Design Considerations

Rensselaer’s Geotechnical Centrifuge Center is a resource for conducting research into the behavior of soils, earthen structures and other materials under high g-force conditions. The 3m radius centrifuge can accelerate a roughly 1m × 1m × 1m payload up to as much as 200 g’s. Under such loading, properly prepared soil samples accurately simulate deep soil conditions at 1 g. The system also includes an In-flight Robot that provides the capability to perform experiments while the centrifuge is in operations, as well as a 2–D shaker and associated 2–D Laminar Box that permit earthquake simulations while in flight. However prior to the implementation of the Auxiliary Axis, pilings were limited to a maximum usable length of approximately 15cm. The objective of Auxiliary Axis is to provide the capability to handle long pilings (up to 35cm) in situations where both the 2–D Shaker and 2–D Laminar Box are used. The Aux Axis is attached to the exterior of the in-flight robot when needed, and removed when not. The Aux Axis is designed to perform in a 50 g’s environment which holds some unique engineering concerns. It is designed so that installation and removal is as simple as possible, and can typically be completed in about 30 minutes. The Aux Axis is powered by the existing robot Z axis motor and belt drive system. Consequently, both the Z axis and the Aux Axis move simultaneously when the Aux Axis is installed. The Aux Axis is geared approximately 8.42 times higher than the Z axis so that it moves much further than the Z axis during operation. This permits the pilings; which are attached to the Aux Axis, to be fully inserted into the soil sample before the Z axis has moved far enough to interfere with the top of the 2–D Laminar Box.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Lmo4 in the nucleus accumbens regulates cocaine sensitivity

An estimated 2 million Americans use cocaine, resulting in large personal and societal costs. Discovery of the genetic factors that contribute to cocaine abuse is important for understanding this complex disease. Previously, mutations in the Drosophila LIM-only (dLmo) gene were identified because of their increased behavioral sensitivity to cocaine. Here we show that the mammalian homolog Lmo4, which is highly expressed in brain regions implicated in drug addiction, plays a similar role in cocaine-induced behaviors. Mice with a global reduction in Lmo4 levels show increased sensitivity to the locomotor stimulatory effects of cocaine upon chronic cocaine administration. This effect is reproduced with downregulation of Lmo4 in the nucleus accumbens by RNA interference. Thus, Lmo genes play conserved roles in regulating the behavioral effects of cocaine in invertebrate and mammalian models of drug addiction.
Accuracy and simplicity of alternative procedures for stability design of steel frames

Abstract This paper provides a detailed evaluation and comparison of five specific procedures for elastic analysis and stability design of steel frames. The strength predictions of these methods are compared to one another and to the results of rigorous plastic zone solutions. Three of the approaches involve story- or system-buckling calculations using methods detailed in a companion paper. The fourth procedure is based on a simple approximate formula for story-buckling effective length factors. The fifth approach does not utilize column-buckling loads or effective lengths, but rather accounts for the stability behavior through the application of ‘notional’ horizontal loads at each of the floor levels of a building frame. The paper focuses on the fundamental characteristics and accuracy of each of the methods, and on the relative simplicity of their associated calculations. Two case study examples are presented that highlight issues pertinent to redundant framing systems. These frames collectively include many of the behavioral phenomena that can influence the accuracy and simplicity of the design calculations.
Stress-associated immunomodulation and herpes simplex virus infections

Stress has been shown to modulate an individual's immune system through the release of certain signal molecules such as catecholamines, cytokines and glucocorticoids. These signal molecules can significantly alter the host immune system and leave it susceptible to a primary or recurrent viral infection. Focusing on herpes simplex virus types-1 and -2 as examples, the authors explain how stress-associated immunomodulation can influence the recurrence of herpes simplex viral infections. Specific signal molecules such as epinephrine, interleukin-6, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, glucocorticoids and prostaglandins are upregulated during episodes of acute and chronic stress and have been implicated as effectors of herpes simplex viral reactivation and recurrent disease. The authors suggest that the release of immunomodulating signal molecules due to stress can compromise the host's cellular immune response and trigger herpes simplex viral reactivation.
Isolation of long-lived mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans using selection for resistance to juglone

The accumulation of molecular damage from attack by reactive oxygen species is one cause of aging. Therefore, some mutant organisms showing increased resistance to reactive oxygen species should live longer. We show that selection for Caenorhabditis elegans mutants that are resistant to juglone, a reactive oxygen species-generating compound, leads to the identification of long-lived mutants. Indeed, four of six resistant mutants isolated were also long-lived. This study illustrates once more the strong relationship between oxidative stress and the aging processes.
The road forward for research on callous-unemotional traits: reply to Lahey (2014).

Lahey (2014) provides a thoughtful and scholarly discussion of our review of the research on the potential utility of callous-unemotional (CU) traits for designating a distinct subgroup of children and adolescents with severe conduct problems. In this reply, we attempt to clarify several issues raised in Lahey's commentary. Specifically, by focusing largely on only 1 part of the research review (i.e., implications for evaluating the new specifier included for the diagnosis of conduct disorder in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; American Psychiatric Association, 2013), the commentary underestimates the available empirical support for the utility of these traits for designating an important subgroup of children and adolescents with severe conduct problems. Furthermore, we highlight a number of studies that provide data inconsistent with the model proposed by Lahey in which CU traits are best considered as solely a marker of more severe conduct problems. Finally, we highlight limitations in estimating the stability of CU traits based solely on the number of individuals who continue to fall above and below a diagnostic cutoff at 2 points in time. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved). Language: en
Effect of aldosterone on the living cornea in vitro.

EARLIER work has shown that the cornea of the rabbit, excised and mounted between two chambers, can be kept alive and functioning for 8 hr.1 during which time it can be demonstrated that the epithelium generates an electrical potential of 20–50 mV.1, that sodium is actively transported across the epithelium into the corneal stroma2, and that the net flux of sodium is equivalent to virtually all the neutralizing current2,3. This system appeared to afford a satisfactory model for the in vitro study of the effect on sodium transport of aldosterone, the principal sodium-retaining steroid of the adrenal cortex of most mammals studied4. Aldosterone is assumed to affect sodium exchange in the renal tubule5, and has been demonstrated in vitro to stimulate transport of sodium across the isolated bladder of a toad6 and skin of a frog7. In the present investigation the effect of aldosterone on the excised cornea of the rabbit was assessed in vitro.
Bounds on Quark Mixing Angles in the Standard Six-Quark Model

Using existing data we determine optimal bounds on the quark mixing angles in the standard six-quark Kobayashi-Maskawa version of the Weinberg-Salam model. The analysis is based on a recent generalized Cabibbo fit and constraints on the predicted values of the K/sub L/-K/sub S/ mass difference and CP-nonconservation parameter epsilon. We give resulting bounds on branching ratios and lifetimes of c-, b-, and t-flavored hadrons.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF NONEQUILIBRIUM IONIZATION IN A LINEAR MHD GENERATOR.

The primary purpose of this study was to obtain, through magnetically induced ionization, a plasma in which the electron temperature was significantly greater than the gas stagnation temperature. The magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator was mounted at the downstream end of a shock tuhe. Noble gases were shock-heated to static gas temperatures, corresponding to equilibrium electron densities ne between 108 cm~~3 and 1012 cm~3. The major results were: 1) An initial ne of the order of 1011 cm~3 was required at the generator entrance to obtain significant magnetically induced ionization; if ne was produced by pre-ionization with an applied electric field, the pre-ionization power requirement was 10% of the maximum generator power output. 2) Electrode conduction losses controlled the minimum initial ne requirement, the ionization growth rate in the generator, and the maximum generator power output. 3) The rate of ionization growth in the freestream of the generator was in agreement with the predictions of a one-dimensional theory in which electron collisional ionization and recombination dominated the rate equations. 4) The measured steady-state, electron densities in the generator were up to 1000 times greater than the corresponding values at the gas stagnation temperatures. The measurements were in general agreement with the theoretical predictions obtained from the electron energy equation and the Saha equation at the electron temperature.
Methodological problems with gamma-ray burst hardness/intensity correlations

The hardness and intensity are easily measured quantities for all gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and so, many past and current studies have sought correlations between them. This Letter presents many serious methodological problems with the practical definitions for both hardness and intensity. These difficulties are such that significant correlations can be easily introduced as artifacts of the reduction procedure. In particular, cosmological models of GRBs cannot be tested with hardness/intensity correlations with current instrumentation and the time evolution of the hardness in a given burst may be correlated with intensity for reasons that are unrelated to intrinsic change in the spectral shape.
Is neoadjuvant therapy the answer to adenocarcinoma of the esophagus

The conflicting results of randomized studies have led to confusion over the proper management of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although there is no firm evidence that neoadjuvant chemoradiation improves survival, because of the shortcomings of these trials, this method of treatment is practiced at many centers. Without the results of another multiinstitutional randomized trial, the true answer may never be known.
Optimizing sequential biventricular pacing using radionuclide ventriculography

Background Biventricular pacemakers are usually programmed with the default setting of synchronous biventricular pacing, although the ventricles may be paced sequentially. Whether this parameter is important for optimizing resynchronization therapy is not clear. Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate whether sequential pacing acutely improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and dyssynchrony and to assess the feasibility of nuclear ventriculography for device optimization. Methods Twenty-seven patients implanted with a biventricular pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for heart failure were studied. LVEF was measured using planar radionuclide ventriculography during simultaneous biventricular pacing and during sequential pacing at four different interventricular intervals ranging from LV-40 (preexciting the left ventricle by 40 ms) to LV+40 (preexciting the right ventricle). Interventricular and intraventricular dyssynchrony were analyzed by phase analysis at each setting. Results There was great heterogeneity in individual response to VV interval programming. Twenty-four of 27 patients (89%) had significant changes (both favorable and unfavorable) in LVEF at different interventricular delays, with variations of up to 10% in absolute terms. Simultaneous biventricular pacing yielded maximal LVEF in 9 of 27 patients (33%), with a relative increase in LVEF of 18 ± 14% by optimized sequential pacing in the remaining patients. Interventricular dyssynchrony varied significantly, with least dyssynchrony at the LV-20 setting ( P = .024). There were no significant differences in intraventricular dyssynchrony at the different settings. Conclusion Programming VV intervals has considerable impact on LVEF. However, there is a great degree of variation between patients in response to these settings, requiring individual assessment for device optimization
A radioreceptor assay for purified teleost growth hormone.

Abstract Highly purified 125I-labelled tilapia (Sarotherodon mossambicus) growth hormone (GH) binds to membrane fractions prepared from tilapia liver. Specific (displaceable) binding occurred with the 600, 15,000, and 90,000g fractions with the greatest binding observed with the 90,000g microsomal membrane fraction. Binding was dependent on time and membrane concentration. Specificity studies showed that up to 60% of the 125I-labelled tilapia GH bound to the liver microsomal membrane fraction could be displaced by 500 ng of unlabelled hormone. Scatchard analysis of the binding of 125I-labelled tilapia GH revealed a single class of binding site with a binding capacity of 125 ± 7.7 fmol/mg protein and a binding affinity of 1.5 × 1010 ± 0.4 × 1010 (SEM) l/mol. GH preparations from several vertebrate classes and tilapia prolactin and ovine prolactin at high concentrations displayed competition for the tilapia GH-binding site. 125I-Labelled tilapia GH demonstrated specific binding to liver microsomal membrane fractions of the teleosts Gillichthys mirabilis, Salmo gairdneri, and Oncorhynchus tschawytscha but not to those of an amphibian Necturus maculosus or a bird Coturnix japonica. Slight, but significant, specific binding was observed with the microsomal membrane fraction of tilapia kidney and gill and of rat liver. These data suggest that this tilapia GH radioreceptor assay may have an application in the detection of teleost GH-like activity.