cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NOS1AP in schizophrenia.

NOS1AP is an attractive candidate gene for schizophrenia susceptibility. Linkage and association studies from multiple samples drawn from different populations indicate that a schizophrenia susceptibility gene is located in the region of chromosome 1 containing NOS1AP. Increased NOS1AP expression is observed in post-mortem samples from individuals with schizophrenia. NOS1AP binds to neuronal nitric oxide synthase and synapsin, other candidate genes for schizophrenia, and may disrupt signal transduction through the N-methyl d-aspartate receptor complex, leading to hypofunctioning of that system. In this review, I present the evidence supporting NOS1AP as a schizophrenia susceptibility gene, with a focus on explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence obtained from each type of study that has been conducted.
A 9.6 kb intervening sequence in D. virilis rDNA, and sequence homology in rDNA interruptions of diverse species of drosophila and other diptera

Abstract A large proportion of the 28S ribosomal RNA genes in Drosophila virilis are interrupted by a DNA sequence 9.6 kilobase pairs long. As regards both its presence and its position in the 28S gene (about two thirds of the way in), the D. virilis rDNA intervening sequence is similar to that found in D. melanogaster rDNA, but lengths differ markedly between the two species. Degrees of nucleotide sequence homology have been detected between rDNA interruptions of the two species. This homology extends to putative rDNA intervening sequences in diverse higher diptera (other Drosophila species, the house fly and the flesh fly), but hybridization of cloned D. melanogaster and D. virilis rDNA interruption segments to DNA of several lower diptera has been negative. As is the case with melanogaster rDNA interruptions, segments of the virilis rDNA intervening sequence hybridize with non-rDNA components of the virilis genome, and inter-specific homology may involve these non-rDNA sequences as well as rDNA interruptions. There is, however, evidence from buoyant density fractionation of DNA that the distributions of interruptionrelated sequences are distinct in D. melanogaster and D. virilis genomes. Moreover, thermal denaturation studies have indicated differing extents of homology between hybridizable sequences in D. virilis DNA and different segments of the D. melanogaster rDNA intervening sequence. We infer from our studies that rDNA intervening sequences are prevalent among higher diptera; that in the course of the evolution of these organisms, elements of the intervening sequences have been moderately to highly conserved; and that this conservation extends in at least two distantly related species of Drosophila to similar sequences found elsewhere in the genomes.
Delay-dependent stabilization of MIMO networked control systems

This paper deals with the problems of delay-dependent stability and controller design for a class of multi-input and multi-output (MIMO) networked control systems (NCSs). The considered systems are modeled as discrete-time systems with multiple input delays. Based on Lyapunov stability theory and linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) techniques, new delay-dependent stability criteria is derived. At the same time, a novel controller design method is proposed, which can be easily obtained by solving some LMIs. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Modeling net rates for expedited freight services

Abstract We demonstrate the development, testing and application of statistical models to study actual billings (net of discounts) for expedited freight services. The models reveal the structure of net tariffs. They enable carriers to identify customers whose revenues are deficient considering services rendered, and terminals where revenues are deficient considering their mix of business. The models thus point to situations where business activities, pricing structures or negotiated discounts need review. The models also verify that the overwhelming determinants of monthly charges to shippers are the fundamental cost drivers for the industry, namely number of shipments, weight of shipments, and distance shipped.
Yield and Comparison of Nutritive and Energy Values: Pigs' Feet, Pigs' Tails

Raw and cooked pigs'feet and tails were compared for yield, proximate composition, mineral, vitamin, amino acid, protein efficiency ratio (PER) (calculated from amino acid compositions), saturated and polyunsaturated fats; and cholesterol content, The raw yields for pigs' feet and tails were 42.2 and 69.9%, respectively. Corresponding values for cooking losses were 9.4 and 13.0%. Cooking the two products resulted in significant increases in moisture content. Cooked pigs' feet produced significant losses of protein, fat, ash, and caloric values, while cooked pigs' tails showed none. Cooked pigs' feet and tails resulted in some changes in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and polyunsaturated fat. There was no significant difference between the saturated fats and cholesterol in the raw and cooked products. The PER values of pigs' feet were lower than those of pigs' tails.
Theory of the Electron Spin Resonance in the Heavy Fermion Metal β − YbAlB 4

The heavy fermion metal β-YbAlB4 exhibits a bulk room temperature conduction electron spin resonance (ESR) signal which evolves into an Ising-anisotropic f-electron signal exhibiting hyperfine features at low temperatures. We develop a theory for this phenomenon based on the development of resonant scattering off a periodic array of Kondo centers. We show that the hyperfine structure arises from the scattering off the Yb atoms with nonzero nuclear spin, while the constancy of the ESR intensity is a consequence of the presence of crystal electric field excitations of the order of the hybridization strength.
Radioimmunoassay for alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone.

SummaryA radioimmunoassay has been developed for alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (ae MSH). The assay compares favorably with biologic assays in terms of sensitivity and appears to be better in terms of precision and specificity.
Recyclable polymerization catalysts : methyl methacrylate polymerization with silica-supported CuBr-bipyridine atom transfer radical polymerization catalysts

CuBr/Bipyridine (Bpy) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) catalysts are physisorbed and covalently tethered to nonporous fumed silica and are characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and UV/vis spectroscopy. The supported catalysts are used for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA), promoting the polymerization to moderate conversions with good control, with molecular weights similar to theoretical values and low polydispersity indices (PDIs). The used, Cu(II)-containing catalysts are subjected to a regeneration process with AIBN as a reductant, producing increased concentrations of Cu(I) species on the surface for the tethered system. Leaching experiments indicate that the tethered systems result in no detectable soluble copper species and that the majority of the catalytic transformations occur with sites tethered to the surface. In contrast, use of the physisorbed catalyst results in a substantial amount of leached copper species, and the soluble species are capable of controlling the polymerization in the absence of the solid, although with extremely low polymerization rates.
A comparative evaluation of a fibromyalgia rehabilitation program.

Objective To compare an evidence-based clinical fibromyalgia program, referred to as Fibro-Fit, with results of controlled clinical trials. Methods An interdisciplinary group education and exercise program with 36 sessions over 12 weeks was used. Demographic, clinical, and outcome variables were collected on 149 participants, of whom 71% completed the program. Outcomes included measures of self-efficacy, pain, physical fitness, function, and coping skills. Results Results of the prospective before–after evaluation showed statistically significant (P < 0.005) improvements in all outcomes except for grip strength. These results were comparable with controlled clinical trials found in the literature. Data suggest that smoking, fibromyalgia support groups, and medications may be important modifiable factors. Conclusions Results suggest that Fibro-Fit was effective in improving physical impairments and function. Further investigation is required to refine the effective components of these programs and determine how modifiable factors can be used to improve outcomes.
Application of the Kohn-Sham formalism to quantum dots with realistic dimensions and constrictions

Abstract We demonstrate that the Kohn-Sham self-consistent scheme used successfully for studying the electronic properties of periodic systems can be scaled to calculate the properties of quantum dots without and with constrictions at length and energy scales comparable to those currently attainable experimentally. This method can be a useful tool for studying low-dimensional systems in the extreme quantum limit.
Synthesis and characterization of novel biodegradable and biocompatible poly(ester-urethane) thin films prepared by homogeneous solution polymerization

Novel biodegradable and biocompatible poly(ester-urethane)s were synthesized by in situ homogeneous solution polymerization of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) diol, dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA), and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate in acetone followed by solvent exchange with water. The effects of the DMPA content and hard segment content on the properties of the polyurethanes were measured by DSC, TGA, and hydrolytic degradation measurements. The results showed that DMPA had a dramatic effect on the particle size; the particle size decreased rapidly with increasing DMPA content. The hydrolytic degradation test showed that the degradation rate was little affected by the DMPA content in the range investigated, but was observed to be influenced by the hard segment content. Cell toxicity analysis showed that the biodegradable poly(ester-urethane)s synthesized in this study did not exhibit any detectable toxicity to human umbilical vein endothelial cells and mouse embryonic stem cells. Both types of cells can effectively adhere to and spread on the surface of pure poly(ɛ-caprolactone) or poly(ester-urethane)s. The present study demonstrates the feasibility of a facile synthesis of biodegradable polyurethanes and of their aqueous dispersions with prescribed properties for biomedical applications.
Lake ice records used to detect historical and future climatic changes

Historical ice records, such as freeze and breakup dates and the total duration of ice cover, can be used as a quantitative indicator of climatic change if long homogeneous records exist and if the records can be calibrated in terms of climatic changes. Lake Mendota, Wisconsin, has the longest uninterrupted ice records available for any lake in North America dating back to 1855. These records extend back prior to any reliable air temperature data in the midwestern region of the U.S. and demonstrate significant warming of approximately 1.5 °C in fall and early winter temperatures and 2.5 °C in winter and spring temperatures during the past 135 years. These changes are not completely monotonie, but rather appear as two shorter periods of climatic change in the longer record. The first change was between 1875 and 1890, when fall, winter, and spring air temperatures increased by approximately 1.5 °C. The second change, earlier ice breakup dates since 1979, was caused by a significant increase in winter and early spring air temperatures of approximately 1.3 °C. This change may be indicative of shifts in regional climatic patterns associated with global warming, possibly associated with the ‘Greenhouse Effect’. With the relationships between air temperature and freeze and break up dates, we can project how the ice cover of Lake Mendota should respond to future climatic changes. If warming occurs, the ice cover for Lake Mendota should decrease approximately 11 days per 1 °C increase. With a warming of 4 to 5 °C, years with no ice cover should occur in approximately 1 out of 15 to 30 years.
The subinternship curriculum in internal medicine: a national survey of clerkship directors

Background: The 4th-year internal medicine subinternship (subI), with its strong emphasis on experience-based learning and increased patient responsibilities, is an important component of undergraduate medical education. Discussions have begun amongst educational leaders on the importance of standardizing curriculum and evaluation tools utilized during the subinternship. Purpose: The objective of this survey was to describe the current state of educational practices regarding the subI curriculum, use of Clerkship Directors in Internal Medicine (CDIM) curricular guidelines, evaluation methodologies, and subintern call frequency and duty hours. Methods: The survey was a part of the CDIM annual survey sent to 109 institutional members in 2005. The subinternship survey included 17 questions that addressed the prevalence of formal curricula in the subinternship, use of CDIM curricular guidelines and resources, and the evaluation tools utilized for assessment of the subinternship. Two questions examined the cal...
Perceptions of Work-Related Conditions among Teachers and Persons in Other Occupations

AbstractThis study compares the responses of 302 full-time schoolteachers and 285 persons prepared as teachers but working full time in other occupations on a number of work-related questions. The sample was drawn from a survey of individuals who received teaching certificates from the University of Michigan from 1946 through 1976. The results of stepwise discriminant function analysis indicate that teachers can be differentiated from non-teachers on variables such as job lock-in, prospects for advancement, and initial commitment to teaching, as well as job and life satisfaction. The article presents implications of these findings for teacher incentive systems and the organizational structure of schools.
Mixed mode crack propagation in homogeneous anisotropic solids

Abstract The maximum circumferential tensile stress theory, originally developed for isotropic solids, is extended to an anisotropic one. A two parameter fracture toughness characterization is assumed, and a simplifying relationship among them postulated. The criteria is reformulated in terms of the maximization of the ratio of the maximum circumferential tensile stress (a function of the two stress intensity factors K I and K II ) over the material critical tensile strength (which has a polar variation in terms of two fracture toughnesses). It is found that material anisotropy can strongly deviate the angle of crack extension from the one predicted by current isotropic models.
Report to the membership

The formation of an Atomic Industrial Forum, the resignation of Dr. Astin as Director of the National Bureau of Standards, and the latest development in plans for a new Engineering Societies Building are items of current interest to the membership discussed by President Quarles in this report.
Inactivation of Conserved C. elegans Genes Engages Pathogen- and Xenobiotic-Associated Defenses

The nematode C. elegans is attracted to nutritious bacteria and is repelled by pathogens and toxins. Here we show that RNAi and toxin-mediated disruption of core cellular activities, including translation, respiration, and protein turnover, stimulate behavioral avoidance of normally attractive bacteria. RNAi of these and other essential processes induces expression of detoxification and innate immune effectors, even in the absence of toxins or pathogens. Disruption of core processes in non-neuronal tissues was sufficient to stimulate aversion behavior, revealing a neuroendocrine axis of control that additionally required serotonergic and Jnk kinase signaling pathways. We propose that surveillance pathways overseeing core cellular activities allow animals to detect invading pathogens that deploy toxins and virulence factors to undermine vital host functions. Variation in cellular surveillance and endocrine pathways controlling behavior, detoxification, and immunity selected by past toxin or microbial interactions could underlie aberrant responses to foods, medicines, and microbes.
Movement of organelles along filaments dissociated from the axoplasm of the squid giant axon

Cytoplasmic filaments, separated from the axoplasm of the squid giant axon and visualized by video-enhanced differential interference contrast microscopy, support the directed movement of organelles in the presence of ATP. All organelles, regardless of size, move continuously along isolated transport filaments at 2.2 +/- 0.2 micron/sec. In the intact axoplasm, however, movements of the larger organelles are slow and saltatory. These movements may reflect a resistance to movement imposed by the intact axoplasm. The uniform rate of all organelles along isolated transport filaments suggests that a single type of molecular motor powers fast axonal transport. Organelles can attach to and move along more than one filament at a time, suggesting that organelles have multiple binding sites for this motor.
Modular intermaxillary fixation for surgical orthodontics

With the increased amount of orthognathic surgery being performed by orthodontists and oral-maxillofacial surgeons, more efficient treatment techniques are being perfected. Modular intermaxillary fixation has been developed to help the orthodontist prepare his patient for surgery and provide the surgeon with the stable fixation needed for proper healing. It is efficient, saves chair time, is comfortable and esthetic, and is well accepted by patients. Modular intermaxillary fixation has been evaluated for more than a year, with good results in correcting mandibular skeletal dysplasias in all three planes of space.
Forcing function generator employing conductive plastic

This paper describes a forcing-function generator which uses a conductive-plastic potentiometer to provide a forcing-function signal for testing servo systems and components. The unit described gives a sine-wave signal, but methods for generating a square wave or triangular wave are also discussed. A phase-measuring device is made an integral part of the function generator, and allows output versus input phase shift to be read directly from a calibrated dial.
Cyclic AMP or forskolin rapidly attenuates the depressant effects of opioids on sensory-evoked dorsal-horn responses in mouse spinal cord-ganglion explants.

Exposure of fetal mouse spinal cord-ganglion explants to morphine (0.1 μM) results in naloxone-reversible, dose-dependent depression of sensory-evoked dorsal-horn synaptic-network responses within a few minutes. After chronic opiate exposure (1 μM) for 2–3 days, these dorsal cord responses recover and can then occur even in10 μM morphine. In the present study, when naive explants were treated with forskolin (10–50 μM)—a selective activator of adenylate cyclase (AC)—for 10–30 min prior to and during exposure to morphine (0.1–0.3 μM) ord-Ala2-d-Leu5-enkephalin (0.03–0.1 μM), the usual opioid depressant effects on dorsal-horn responses generally failed to occur (10–30 min tests). Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (10 μM) or the more lipid-soluble analog, dioctanoyl cyclic AMP (0.1 mM), produced a similar degree of subsensitivity to opiates as 10 μM forskolin. With high levels of forskolin (50 μM), even concentrations of morphine up to 1–10 μM were far less effective in depressing cord responses. These effects of exogenous cAMP analogs and forskolin on cord-ganglion explants are probably both mediated by increases in intracellular cAMP. The marked decrease in opioid sensitivity of cAMP or forskolin-treated cord-ganglion explants provides significant electrophysiologic data compatible with the hypothesis that neurons may develop tolerance and/or dependence during chronic opioid exposure by a compensatory enhancement of their AC/cAMP system following initial opioid-depression of AC activity. Previous evidence relied primarily on behavioral tests and biochemical analyses of cell cultures. It will be of interest to determine if dorsal-horn tissues of cord-ganglion explants do, in fact, develop increased AC/cAMP levels as they express physiologic signs of tolerance during chronic exposure to opioids.
Content of the Business Communication Course: An Analysis of Coverage:

This study examined 229 responses from members of the Association for Business Communication (United States) who rated the importance of 30 business commu nication concepts. The concepts were divided into six categories: communication theory, written communication, oral communication, employment communica tion, technology, and current business communication issues. Respondents also reported the amount of class coverage they provided for each topic. Of the 30 con cepts, 23 were rated as moderately or greatly important. Gaps occurred in some categories between their perceived importance and their actual class coverage. The five most important concepts centered on written communication and were ranked as follows (from highest to lowest ): Use correct grammar and sentence structure, write memoranda, write persuasive news, write good news/positive message let ters, and write reports.
Feasibility Study of Inspection of Farm Machinery Safety Features

Agriculture continues to be a very hazardous industry. One of the possible risk factors injuries may be the absence of safety features on farm machinery. A feasibility study was undertaken to assess the feasibility of obtaining information on deficiencies or absence of safety devices. Tractors and Power take-off (PTO) driven machines on 36 dairy farms were inspected. The pilot study was well received by farmers. The absence of rollover protective structures (ROPS (and PTO shields appeared related to the age of machine. Since the sample was a convenience sample consisting only of dairy farms, no substantial inferences from such a pilot study should be drawn. It did appear, however, that such a project was readily accepted, and that older machinery more often possessed deficient or missing safety devices.
Pulsed electromagnetic field treatments enhance the healing of fibular osteotomies

This study tested the hypothesis that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatments augment and accelerate the healing of bone trauma. It utilized micro-computed tomography imaging of live rats that had received bilateral 0.2 mm fibular osteotomies (approximately 0.5% acute bone loss) as a means to assess the in vivo rate dynamics of hard callus formation and overall callus volume. Starting 5 days post-surgery, osteotomized right hind limbs were exposed 3 h daily to Physio-Stim PEMF, 7 days a week for up to 5 weeks of treatment. The contralateral hind limbs served as sham-treated, within-animal internal controls. Although both PEMF- and sham-treatment groups exhibited similar onset of hard callus at approximately 9 days after surgery, a 2-fold faster rate of hard callus formation was observed thereafter in PEMF-treated limbs, yielding a 2-fold increase in callus volume by 13-20 days after surgery. The quantity of the new woven bone tissue within the osteotomy sites was significantly better in PEMF-treated versus sham-treated fibulae as assessed via hard tissue histology. The apparent modulus of each callus was assessed via a cantilever bend test and indicated a 2-fold increase in callus stiffness in the PEMF-treated over sham-treated fibulae. PEMF-treated fibulae exhibited an apparent modulus at the end of 5-weeks that was approximately 80% that of unoperated fibulae. Overall, these data indicate that Physio-Stim PEMF treatment improved osteotomy repair. These beneficial effects on bone healing were not observed when a different PEMF waveform, Osteo-Stim, was used. This latter observation demonstrates the specificity in the relationship between waveform characteristics and biological outcomes.
Thyroid-specific expression of cholera toxin A1 subunit causes thyroid hyperplasia and hyperthyroidism in transgenic mice

Thyroid cell growth and function are regulated by hormones and growth factors binding to cell surface receptors that are coupled via G proteins, Gs and Gq, to the adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C signal transduction systems, respectively. Activating mutations of the TSH receptor and G alpha s have been documented in subsets of thyroid neoplasms. To test the oncogenic potential of activated G alpha s in transgenic mice, we used the cholera toxin A1 subunit that constitutively activates G alpha s and used the rat thyroglobulin gene promoter for targeting this transgene (TGCT) to thyroid follicular cells. Three (M1392, F1358, and F1286) of six founders identified were able to transmit the transgene to their offspring and thyroid glands from these mice contained elevated levels of cAMP. Concentrations of serum thyroxine were elevated as early as 2 months of age (M 1392 and F 1286). F1358 mice were euthyroid until 8 months of age, at which time they developed hyperthyroidism. All three TGCT lines developed thyroid hyperplasia independent of their thyroxine levels. DNA image analysis of thyroid follicular cells from both the hyper and euthyroid mice showed that DNA index and "S+G2/M" phase were increased compared with normal, changes similar to that seen in poor prognosis human carcinomas. These data suggest that the G alpha s-adenylyl cyclase-cAMP pathway has an important role in thyroid hyperplasia and the transgenic mouse models reported herein will allow further examination of the role of this pathway in thyroid oncogenesis.
Oligomeric State of Human Erythrocyte Band 3 Measured by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Homotransfer

Abstract The oligomeric state of the erythrocyte anion exchange protein, band 3, has been assayed by resonance energy homotransfer. Homotransfer between oligomeric subunits, labeled with eosin-5-maleimide at Lys 430 in the transmembrane domain, has been demonstrated by steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and is readily observed by its depolarization of the eosin fluorescence. Polarized fluorescence measurements of HPLC-purified band 3 oligomers indicate that eosin homotransfer increases progressively with increasing species size. This shows that homotransfer also occurs between labeled band 3 dimers as well as within the dimers, making fluorescence anisotropy measurements sensitive to band 3 self-association. Treatment of ghost membranes with either Zn 2+ or melittin, agents that cluster band 3, significantly decreases the anisotropy as a result of the increased homotransfer within the band 3 clusters. By comparison with the anisotropy of species of known oligomeric state, the anisotropy of erythrocyte ghost membranes at 37°C is consistent with dimeric and/or tetrameric band 3, and does not require postulation of a fraction of large clusters. Proteolytic removal of the cytoplasmic domain of band 3, which significantly increases the rotational mobility of the transmembrane domain, does not affect its oligomeric state, as reported by eosin homotransfer. These results support a model in which interaction with the membrane skeleton restricts the mobility of band 3 without significantly altering its self-association state.
Hamster retractor muscle: A new preparation for intravital microscopy

The hamster retractor muscle is a long strap-shaped muscle which has its origin on the spinal processes of the last three thoracic vertebrae and inserts proximal to the blind end of the cheek pouch. The muscle is easily prepared without interruption of the nerve supply or major arterial supply by severing the tendon at the spine and ligating two minor blood vessels. The dimensions of the muscle region studied are typically 6 to 7 mm wide, 15 to 20 mm long, and less than 600 μm in thickness at the center in hamsters weighing 80 to 100 g. Microscopic observations are usually confined to the edge of the muscle where the thickness is less than 150 μm. Two small arteries supply the muscle region studied and branch four to five times before reaching the capillaries. A repetitive modular pattern consisting of an arteriole, capillaries, and a venule, occurs along the edge of the muscle. At the edge, all layers of capillaries are visible and blood generally flows in a concurrent pattern to the collecting venules located on either side of the arteriole. The relatively simple vascular arrangement of this new striated muscle preparation makes it an attractive vascular bed for mathematical modeling of microcirculatory mass transport experiments.
The proton affinity of proline analogs using the kinetic method with full entropy analysis.

The proton affinity of proline analogs, L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (Aze), L-proline (Pro), and L-pipecolic acid (Pip), have been measured using the Armentrout modification of the extended kinetic method in a quadrupole ion trap instrument. Experimental values of 223.0 ± 1.5, 224.9 ± 1.6, and 225.6 ± 1.6 kcal/mol have been determined for the 298K proton affinities of Aze, Pro, and Pip respectively. High level theoretical calculations using both MP2 and B3LYP methods at a variety of basis sets were carried out in order to give theoretical predictions for the 298 K proton affinity and gas phase basicity of all three analogs. Recommended values for the gas phase basicity and proton affinity for proline based on our work and other recent determinations are 216 ± 2 and 224 ± 2 kcal/mol.
Globalization: Meaning and measurement

Abstract While there is much that is new about globalization, there is much about it that is familiar. As in the past, while globalization produces both winners and losers, aggregate gains exceed aggregate losses, and gains and losses occur within both rich and poor countries. While the rich tend to grow richer, so do the poor. Absolute measures of income inequality often increase with globalization, though they are not caused by it.
Heat transfer in high volume fraction CNT nanocomposites: Effects of inter-nanotube thermal resistance

Monte Carlo simulations were employed to investigate the effective thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube–polystyrene (CNT–PS) nanocomposites at different wt.% of CNT loadings and temperatures. By validating with experimental data, values of phonon transmission probability as well as Kapitza resistance at the CNT–PS interface and at the CNT–CNT contact were calculated. In addition, the observed poor enhancement of thermal conductivity at high CNT concentrations was found to be the result of the CNT–CNT thermal resistance and of the bundle configuration.
Flow Through PCR Module of BioBriefcase

The BioBriefcase is an integrated briefcase-sized aerosol collection and analysis system for autonomous monitoring of the environment, which is currently being jointly developed by Lawrence Livermore and Sandia National Laboratories. This poster presents results from the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) module of the system. The DNA must be purified after exiting the aerosol collector to prevent inhibition of the enzymatic reaction. Traditional solid-phase extraction results in a large loss of sample. In this flow-through system, we perform sample purification, concentration and amplification in one reactor, which minimizes the loss of material. The sample from the aerosol collector is mixed with a denaturation solution prior to flowing through a capillary packed with silica beads. The DNA adheres to the silica beads allowing the environmental contaminants to be flushed to waste while effectively concentrating the DNA on the silica matrix. The adhered DNA is amplified while on the surface of the silica beads, resulting in a lower limit of detection than an equivalent eluted sample. Thus, this system is beneficial since more DNA is available for amplification, less reagents are utilized, and contamination risks are reduced.
Phase space prediction of product branching ratios: canonical competitive nonstatistical model.

We present a new model for predicting branching ratios of chemical reactions when a branching of the reaction path occurs after the dynamical bottleneck, including the case where it occurs after an intermediate. The model is based on combining nonstatistical phase space theory for the direct component of a reaction with variational transition-state theory for an indirect component of reaction. The competition between direct and indirect processes is treated by an extension of the unified statistical model. This new method provides a way to understand the factors that control this kind of chemical reaction and to perform calculations using high-level electronic structure methods for complex systems. The model is based on quantized energy levels of transition states and products, and it involves the same information as required for calculating transition-state rate constants and equilibrium constants plus a phenomenological relaxation time, which was taken from previous work. For the textbook reaction of th...
Polymyxin B protects horses against induced endotoxaemia in vivo

Summary Reasons for performing study: A safe, affordable and effective treatment for endotoxaemia in horses is needed in order to reduce the incidence of this potentially fatal condition. Objective: To evaluate the effect of polymyxin B (PMB) on signs of experimentally-induced endotoxaemia. Hypothesis: PMB ameliorates the adverse effects of endotoxaemia without causing nephrotoxicity. Methods: Four groups of 6 healthy mature horses each received 20 ng endotoxin/kg bwt i.v. over 30 mins. Additionally, each group received one of the following i.v.; 5000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins before endotoxin infusion; 5000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins after endotoxin infusion; 1000 u PMB/kg bwt 30 mins prior to endotoxin infusion; or saline. Clinical response data and samples were collected to determine neutrophil count, serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF) activity, plasma thromboxane B2 concentration and urine gamma glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) to creatinine ratio. Results: Treatment with PMB before or after administration of endotoxin significantly reduced fever, tachycardia and serum TNF, compared to horses receiving saline. The differences in response to endotoxin were greatest between horses that received saline vs. those that received 5000 u PMB/kg bwt prior to endotoxin. Urine GGT:creatinine did not change significantly. Conclusions and potential relevance: This study indicates that PMB may be a safe and effective treatment of endotoxaemia, even when administered after onset. Although nephrotoxicity was not demonstrated with this model, caution should be exercised when using PMB in azotaemic patients.
Operating systems projects: Minix revisited

The author argues for the use of a real, albeit educational-strength, operating system, instead of simulators, on which to base operating systems projects. Minix developers have created a version that can be run on Windows and Unix platforms, without the need for hard-drive partitioning. Sample projects demonstrate how Minix can be used to reinforce operating systems concepts.
A Neural Network Parallel Adaptive Controller for Fighter Aircraft Pitch-Rate Tracking

A fighter aircraft pitch-rate command-tracking controller based on a neural network parallel controller is proposed. The scheme consists of an online radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) in parallel with a model reference adaptive controller (MRAC) and uses a growing dynamic RBFNN to augment MRAC. Updating the RBFNN width, the center and weight characteristics are performed such that the error reduction and improved tracking accuracy are accomplished. The RBFNN architecture adapts its centers and radii and tunes the relevant parameters, dynamically addressing the issues related to initial error and dimensional growth inherent in static neural network design. The total control signal is used to change the elevator deflection, keeping the other control surface deflections at random values, even when the aircraft operates at different maneuvers. Moreover, a suitable reference model structure is used for all aircraft operating modes, and the system is then fully tuned by the parallel controller. The strength of the proposed scheme is in its ability to effectively perform, even when plant mode swings and functional changes occur. Theoretical results are validated by conducting simulation studies on a nonlinear F16 fighter aircraft model operating at different modes created by a randomly changing parameter set.
Pharmacology of solanine

Abstract Fate and distribution studies using tritiated solanine in rats showed that the compound (1) is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, (2) is rapidly eliminated in the urine and feces, and (3) reaches peak tissue concentrations in 12 hr. The descending order of tissue concentration in various organs was: spleen, kidney, liver, lung, fat, heart, brain, and blood. When administered ip, fecal and urinary excretion rates were comparable over a dose range of 5–15 mg/kg. However, at a dose of 25 mg/kg, there was an abrupt decrease in urinary and fecal excretion with a corresponding rise in concentration in liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines. There was no proportionate increase in tissue concentration of solanine in lung, heart, blood, and brain over a dose range of 5–25 mg/kg. Solanine was very toxic to the chick embryo (yolk sac injection) and to mice, rats, and rabbits when administered parenterally. Oral administration of the compound produced no toxic effects in mice at a dose of 1 g/kg. The aglycon solanidine was considerably less toxic than the glycoside. In unanesthetized rabbits, solanine produced tachycardia, tachypnea, and terminal bradypnea. There was an initial slight activation of the EEG followed by delta waves which were associated with bradypnea and cyanosis. Death resulting from solanine intoxication appeared to be caused by central nervous system depression because of the initial disappearance of EEG signals followed by cessation of respiration and terminal loss of ECG signals. Solanine and solanidine are very similar to cardiac glycosides with respect to effect on the heart. They produce positive inotropic action in the isolated frog ventricle. Toxic doses administered iv in rabbits produced ventricular extrasystoles and terminal ventricular fibrillation. Solanine had roughly the potency of the reference compound, K-strophanthoside, whereas solanidine was about one-fifth as active. Chromatographic evidence showed that there were at least 2 metabolites of solanine in addition to solanidine which possessed polarity intermediate to solanine and solanidine (aglycon).
Actin cytoskeletal network in aging and cancer

Abstract The cytoskeleton is being recognized as an important modulator of metabolic functions of the cell. The actin cytoskeletal network, in particular, is involved in events regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. The state of actin in a variety of cell types is regulated by signals arising from the cell surface through a wide spectrum of interactions. In this review, we explore the role of actin cytoskeletal network in a series of events which are known to influence cell proliferation and differentiation. These include interaction opf actin network with extracellular matrix proteins, cell surface membranes, second messengers, cytoplasmic enzymes and the nucleus. Because of the involvement of the actin network in such diverse interactions, we propose that alterations in the actin cytoskeletal function may be an important aspect of generalized decrease in cellular functions associated with aging. Preliminary data indicate that alterations in the cytoskeletal network do occur in cells obtained from older individuals. Alterations in actin state are also reported during malignant transformation of cells in culture, and in naturally occurring tumors. Taken together, the existing data seem to suggest that changes in the actin cytoskeletal network may be a part of the aging process as well as malignant transformation. Therefore, the study of the actin cytoskeletal network and its regulation has the potential to yield important information regarding cellular senescence and neoplastic transformation.
Synthesis and evaluation of dioxygen binding [Mn(depe)2X2] complexes (X=Br or NCS)

Synthesis, characterization and oxygen affinity studies for [Mn(depe)2X2] [X=Br or NCS; depe=1,2-bis(diethylphosphino)ethane] complexes are reported. [Mn(depe)2Br2] crystals were obtained and characterized by single crystal x-ray and elemental analysis. Gravimetric and volumetric dioxygen uptake studies were performed at atmospheric pressure at various temperatures. These transition metal compounds show considerable dioxygen uptake at various partial pressures of dioxygen. Some isotherm and kinetic data for dioxygen coordination by these complexes at ambient pressures are presented.
Misbehavior detection and isolation in peer-to-peer networks with the presence of hidden nodes

All smartphones and tablets are currently equipped with Network Interface Cards (NIC) that use IEEE 802.11 family to access Wi-Fi networks or communicate in a peer-to-peer model, which is the topic of this paper. This paper presents a novel technique to detect and isolate a rogue user that modified the firmware on the device's NIC card to capture the channel either to disrupt the communication or to illegally increase its own node throughput in a wireless network with hidden nodes present at the expense of other nodes in the network. The attacker modifies the NIC (Network Card Interface) firmware that is using IEEE 802.11 DCF to deviate from the normal back-off mechanism specified by the IEEE standard which significantly increases the successful probabilities of its packet transmissions. The attacker node only backs off one slot every time it has a packet to transmit or when it experiences a collision. As a result, the attacker captures the channel (Bandwidth) and prevents others from sharing the bandwidth. The attacker forces the NIC to have a firmware upgrade that contains the malicious code. The proposed algorithm detects the attacker in a network with the presence of hidden nodes. The paper's main contributions are: a new method to model Markov Chain to account for the hidden nodes' throughputs, a detection algorithm, and an isolation technique to isolate the attacker.
2,4-Dihydroxybenzylamine: A specific inhibitor of glutathione reductase

The high intracellular level of glutathione is maintained, in part, by the important redox enzyme glutathione reductase. This report describes the properties of a new inhibitor of glutathione reductase, 2,4-dihydroxybenzylamine (2,4-DHBA). The inhibition of glutathione reductase by both 2,4-DHBA and 1,3-bischloroethyl-nitrosourea (BCNU) requires the presence of the co-factor NADPH. However, the inhibition caused by 2,4-DHBA was found to occur much more rapidly. Inhibition of glutathione reductase was time dependent, involved a stoichiometric titration of the enzyme, and was not reversed by gel-filtration indicating an irreversible inhibitory mechanism. The drug interacted at two inhibitory sites as determined by a Hill-type plot analysis. 2,4-DHBA was shown to compete with the substrate oxidized glutathione, and the reducing agents, glutathione and dithioerythritol, were found to protect the enzyme from its inhibitory effect. These results suggest that the inhibition may entail a free radical effect at or near the active site. A structure-activity analysis with other meta-dihydroxybenzene derivatives revealed that the inhibition of glutathione reductase was unique to 2,4-dihydroxybenzylamine.
Growth and Partial Metamorphosis of Imaginal Disks of the Greater Wax Moth, Galleria mellonella, in vitro

THE most important of the problems of insect metamorphosis is the nature of the action of ecdysone. There is a particular lack of knowledge of the stages between the initiation of metamorphosis by ecdysone and the final differentiation into the adult. Experiments on the action of pure ecdysone in vitro have been conducted with systems which respond in a limited way to ecdysone but do not grow or metamorphose1,2. This communication reports the initiation of metamorphosis in an insect tissue by pure ecdysone in vitro.
A novel riemannian framework for shape analysis of 3D objects

In this paper we introduce a novel Riemannian framework for shape analysis of parameterized surfaces. We derive a distance function between any two surfaces that is invariant to rigid motion, global scaling, and re-parametrization. It is the last part that presents the main difficulty. Our solution to this problem is twofold: (1) we define a special representation, called a q-map, to represent each surface, and (2) we develop a gradient-based algorithm to optimize over different re-parameterizations of a surface. The second step is akin to deforming the mesh on a fixed surface to optimize its placement. (This is different from the current methods that treat the given meshes as fixed.) Under the chosen representation, with the L2 metric, the action of the re-parametrization group is by isometries. This results in, to our knowledge, the first Riemannian distance between parameterized surfaces to have all the desired invariances. We demonstrate this framework with several examples using some toy shapes, and real data with anatomical structures, and cropped facial surfaces. We also successfully demonstrate clustering and classification of these objects under the proposed metric.
Design of internal superconducting holding magnet for the JLAB Hall-B frozen spin polarized target

We present the results of our investigation of a series of internal holding magnets for longitudinal and transverse polarizations. These magnets will be placed inside a polarizing refrigerator designed for frozen spin targets. The studied magnets will provide the holding field in the range 0.3–0: 5T : The total thickness of the superconducting coils is of the order 0: 5m m: The frozen spin target is under construction for use in photo-nuclear experiments in concert with the JLAB Hall-B CLAS detector. r 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. PACS: 29.25.Pj; 13.88.+e; 84.71.Ba
Proximity to past earthquakes as a least-astonishing hypothesis for forecasting locations of future earthquakes

The cellular seismology (CS) method of Kafka (2002, 2007) is presented as a least-astonishing null hypothesis that serves as a useful standard of comparison for other, more complex, spatial forecast methods (i.e., methods that forecast the loca- tions, but not the times, of earthquakes). Spatial forecast methods based on analyses of earthquakes in California, such as that of Ebel et al. (2007) and the pattern informatics (PI) method of Rundle et al. (2002, 2007) provide opportunities for comparing meth- ods that incorporate information about rates of seismicity with a method (i.e., CS) that only assumes that future earthquakes will occur near epicenters of past earthquakes. The Ebel et al. (2007) five-year-forecast method (E07) maps the spatial distribution of rates of seismicity, and the PI method not only considers rates of seismicity but also incorporates temporal changes in local rates of seismicity as a measure of the potential for future earthquakes to occur at some location. Our comparison of success rates of the E07 method and the PI method with CS for earthquakes in California has yet to reveal any compelling evidence that inclusion of seismicity rates or temporal changes in local seismicity rates in a spatial forecast model improves the ability to forecast locations of earthquakes.
Travel as Qualitative Method: Travel in Psychology’s History and in Medard Boss’ Sojourn to India

This article details the history, possibility, limits, and ethics of cross-cultural travel as a qualitative method in psychology. The article provides a brief overview of the ambiguous relationship...