cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Adaptive Control Method for Ros-Drill Cellular Microinjector with Low-Resolution Encoder

A novel control methodology which uses a low-resolution encoder is presented for a cellular microinjection technology called the Ros-Drill (rotationally oscillating drill). It is developed primarily for ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) operations, with the objective of generating a desired oscillatory motion at the tip of a micro glass pipette. It is an inexpensive setup, which creates high-frequency (higher than 500 Hz) and small-amplitude (around 0.2 deg) rotational oscillations at the tip of an injection pipette. These rotational oscillations enable the pipette to drill into cell membranes with minimum biological damage. Such a motion control procedure presents no particular difficulty when it uses sufficiently precise motion sensors. However, size, costs, and accessibility of technology to the hardware components severely constrain the sensory capabilities. Consequently, the control mission and the trajectory tracking are adversely affected. This paper presents two contributions: (a) a dedicated novel adaptive feedback control method to achieve a satisfactory trajectory tracking capability. We demonstrate via experiments that the tracking of the harmonic rotational motion is achieved with desirable fidelity; (b) some important analytical features and related observations associated with the controlled harmonic motion which is created by the low-resolution feedback control structure.
Discordant isotopic ages and excess argon in biotites

Major isotopic age discordances are found at the eastern margin of a terrane in SW Montana which underwent metamorphism 1.6 AE ago (1AE= 109years). In Portal Creek, a one-mile portion of a traverse across this margin yields: (1) discordant whole rock Rb-Sr ages which approximate 2.8 AE; (2) seven biotite Rb-Sr ages concordant at 1.68 AE; (3) fifteen biotite K-Ar ages which are highly discordant and range from 1.63 to 3.25 AE; (4) ten generally concordant hornblende K-Ar ages at 1.9 AE. It is concluded that there was a major resetting event for the hornblendes at 1.9 AE ago. This was followed by a milder (?) event at 1.6 AE when the biotites became open systems while the hornblende did not. During this time, the biotites lost all their radiogenic87Sr, but actually gained radiogenic40Ar in amounts up to 16.0 × 10−4 scc Ar/g biotite. There is clear evidence of the incorporation of87Sr into minor amphibolitic layers which occur occasionally in these generally quartzo-feldspathic rocks.
Steroid specificity in the stimulation of human endometrial estradiol dehydrogenase.

Progesterone (P) stimulates estradiol dehydrogenase (E2DH) activity in human proliferative endometrium. The potencies of several progestins were studied in this system. Endometrium was incubated for 2–3 days in a culture medium containing various concentrations of steroids. The E2DH activity was measured at the end of the incubation. Steroid specificity was studied by examining the dose-response characteristics for each progestin in the stimulation of the enzyme activity. In this system, the most potent progestins, medroxyprogesterone acetate, R-5020, and P, were able to stimulate endometrial E2DH at a concentration as low as 3 nM after 2 days of incubation. 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) caproate was effective at 30 nM, whereas high concentrations (>100 nM) of medroxyprogesterone and 17-OHP were required in order to produce a detectable increase in activity. All of these compounds, except 17-OHP, produced a dose-dependent increase in E2DH activity. Based on the relative stimulation observed, it appears...
Retention of suturing and knot-tying skills in senior medical students after proficiency-based training: Results of a prospective, randomized trial

Purpose We evaluated suturing skills performance and retention in senior medical students (MS4) at the beginning of their fourth year and 7 months later. Methods MS4 students entering a surgery specialty were randomized to a proficiency-based suturing/knot-tying curriculum at the beginning of fourth year (Intervention, n = 11) versus no training (Control, n = 10). Time and technical proficiency (TP, proficiency ≥3) were assessed at baseline and 7 months. Performance was compared with past “Boot-Camp” MS4, categorical PGY-1 interns and PGY-2 residents. Data are mean ± SD. Results At baseline, Intervention and Control MS4 had similar total task times (848 ± 199 vs 845 ± 209 seconds) and TP scores (1.8 ± 0.15 vs 1.8 ± 0.3). At 7 months, Intervention MS4 total task times were faster (549 ± 80 vs 719 ± 151 seconds, P Conclusion A proficiency-based suturing and knot-tying curriculum taught early in the fourth year results in improved MS4 performance compared with no training or a traditional “boot camp” program.
Settlement analysis of piles with rectangular cross sections in multi-layered soils

Abstract A method of settlement analysis for axially loaded piles with rectangular cross section embedded in a multi-layered soil medium is presented. The differential equations governing the displacements of the pile–soil system are obtained using variational principles. Closed-form solutions for pile deflection and axial force along the pile shaft are then produced by using the method of initial parameters. The input parameters needed for the analysis are only the pile geometry and the elastic constants of the soil and pile.
VH replacement in mice and humans

Heavy chain variable segment (V H ) replacement refers to recombination activating gene (RAG) product-mediated secondary recombination between a previously rearranged V H gene and an upstream unrearranged V H gene. V H replacement was first observed in mouse pre-B cell lines and later demonstrated in knock-in mouse models carrying immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) genes encoding self-reactive or mono-specific antibodies or non-functional IgH rearrangements on both IgH alleles. Despite these findings, it is still difficult to find V H replacement intermediates during normal murine B cell development. In humans, ongoing V H replacement was found in a clonal B lineage EU12 cell line and in human bone marrow immature B cells. The identification of potential V H replacement products also suggested a potential contribution of V H replacement to the antibody repertoire. Here, I review the evidence for whether V H replacement genuinely offers an in vivo RAG-mediated recombinatorial mechanism to alter preformed IgH genes in mice and humans.
Ethanol and Contraction of Venous Smooth Muscle

Low concentrations of ethanol (17 mM) inhibited development of spontaneous mechanical activity (vasomotion) in isolated rat portal veins. Low concentrations of ethanol potentiated, however, contractions induced by epinephrine, but not those induced by angiotensin or potassium. Higher concentrations of ethanol, such as those associated with surgical anesthesia (100-170 mM), resulted in almost complete suppression of spontaneous contratile responses. These higher concentrations of ethanol: a) attenuate contractions induced by epinephrine, angiotensin, and potassium (K+); b) cause noncompetitive displacement of the dose-response curves of these vasoactive compounds; c) attenuate calcium (Ca++)-induced contractions of K+-depolarized portal veins; d) relax drug-induced, as well as Ca++-induced, contractions of portal veins. The profound depressant actions of ethanol are not mimicked by alpha-adrenergic, histaminergic, cholinergic, or serotonergic blocking drugs, nor are they attributable to actions on beta-adrenergic receptors. The direct vasodepressant actions of ethanol on isolated venous smooth muscle may play a significant role in alcohol-induced peripheral vasodiatation seen in man and animals.
EEG during pedaling: evidence for cortical control of locomotor tasks.

Objective This study characterized the brain electrical activity during pedaling, a locomotor-like task, in humans. We postulated that phasic brain activity would be associated with active pedaling, consistent with a cortical role in locomotor tasks.
Chlordimeform-induced alterations in endocrine regulation within the male rat reproductive system

Abstract The acaricide chlordimeform has been reported to have adverse effects in mammals that may be mediated by an interaction with α-adrenergic receptors. Since the hormonal signals involved in the regulation of reproductive function are themselves under hypothalamic adrenergic control, the present study was designed to investigate the effects of acute exposure to this compound on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Male rats given two intraperitoneal injections of chlordimeform-HCl (20 or 50 mg/kg) spaced 12 hr apart showed 24-hr declines in serum gonadotropins at 50 mg/kg that were paralleled by a drop in testosterone. These changes returned to control levels by 96 hr. Thyroid-stimulating hormone exhibited a dose-response decline that was accompanied by a similar decrease in serum thyroid hormone levels. The norepi-nephrine-stimulated secretion in vitro of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from hypothalamic explants was suppressed at the higher dose, while LH release from pituitary fragments in culture was unaffected. Although measurements of the in vitro release of other pituitary hormones suggest that there could be some direct pituitary effects of the compound, it appears likely that chlordimeform is able to influence endocrine regulation adversely within the reproductive system by interfering with hypothalamic α-adrenergic activity.
Autonomic blockade and the resting heart rate in man.

Abstract Neural control of resting pulse rate was studied in 12 subjects during high spinal anesthesia alone and during high spinal anesthesia plus intravenous atropine. Spinal anesthesia was used to produce complete preganglionic sympathetic block because of its freedom from pharmacologic side effects on heart rate. Sympathetic block slowed the resting heart rate; atropine elevated it to rates above basal control levels. The data confirm that the resting heart rate is influenced in man by both sympathetic and parasympathetic influences but that the latter predominate. Atropine elevates arterial blood pressure in the presence of complete sympathetic block.
Proximal tibial pain in a child

An 11-year-old boy presented with an 8-month history of right tibial pain. Initial diagnosis was patellar tendonitis. After failing to respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and activity modification, radiographs were obtained (Fig. 1). Past medical history was unremarkable. Physical examination revealed a waddling gait with a limp on the affected side. His sensory, motor, and vascular examinations showed no deficits. He had a full range of motion of the knee and the primary knee ligaments were
Reconstitution of respiratory chain enzyme systems. X. Reconstitution of succinate oxidase with cytochrome c-cytochrome oxidase of heart muscle.

Abstract The preceding communication has presented evidence for the formation of a complex with a 1:1 ratio of cytochrome c to cytochrome oxidase. Other forms of the complex with ratios of 0.2 and 0.5 have also been described. The variation in composition is apparently due to the polymerization state of the cytochrome oxidase employed in the reaction mixture. Among these forms, the complex of ratio 1 is most active in the reconstitution of succinate oxidase with soluble succinate dehydrogenase and the cytochrome b - c 1 particle.
High-pressure liquid chromatographic analysis of melphalan in plasma.

A new sensitive and rapid high-pressure liquid chromatographic determination of melphalan in plasma was developed. Recovery of 1 μg added to 1 ml of plasma at 23° was 94% but was greatly reduced at higher temperature. The method has been applied to plasma determinations of melphalan in rats and humans and is currently being utilized for human pharmacokinetic studies.
Characterization of optimal plans for stochastic dynamic programs

This paper provides general techniques for the characterization of optimal plans resulting from stochastic dynamic programming, We show that under standard assumptions the optimal plans in both finite and infinite horizon problems can be obtained by an application of the Implicit Function Theorem to first order conditions. Further, we show that under certain checkable conditions, optimal plans and value functions are p-times differentiable for any integer p > 0. Finally, we apply our technique to obtain a C” plan and value function in a one sector infinite horizon growth problem under uncertainty. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: 022, 111. 213. The analysis of many problems in economics requires the consideration of both time and uncertainty. One of the standard tools for solving such problems is stochastic dynamic programming. A frequent criticism of the application of this technique to economic decision problems is that although solutions are shown to exist they are not adequately characterized. The aim of this paper is to rebut this criticism for a broad class of finite and infinite horizon stochastic dynamic programming problems. We show that under
The defect in insulin receptors in obese-hyperglycemic mice: a probable accompaniment of more generalized alterations in membrane glycoproteins.

Abstract Although the liver plasma membranes of obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob and db/db) mice bind less insulin than the membranes from thin litter mates, nearly equally depressed binding is observed for the general plasma membrane markers, concanavalin A and wheat germ agglutinin. Glucagon binding is virtually unchanged, and adenylate cyclase activity from obese mice is more sensitive to glucagon. Isolated kidney cells from obese mice have reduced insulin binding, but the decrease in WGA and con A binding is even more profound. Cultured (48 to 72 hours) spleen lymphocytes also have grossly reduced WGA and con A binding. The apparent change in insulin binding in obese animals may be but a minor part of generalized alterations in membrane glycoproteins. Factors complicating comparisons of hormone binding in different metabolic states are considered.
RELATION OF FLOWER COLOR TO OPTICAL-DENSITY SPECTRA OF INTACT TISSUE AND OF ANTHOCYANIN EXTRACTS

Data from measurements of optical density of intact tissue and of anthocyanins in extracts resolved on cellulose thin layer plates were compared with visual evaluations of color quality and intensity in poinsettia, rose, and snapdragon. Visual evaluation was in good agreement with both instrumental and chemical determinations. However, the number or kinds of anthocyanins present could not be predicted from the visual evaluation or from the spectra of the fresh tissue. Data from the resolved extracts did not provide a basis for predicting the optical-density spectrum or the color of the intact tissue. In addition to the genetic factors which have been shown to control (1) the type of anthocyanin, (2) the amount of anthocyanin, and (3) the distribution of anthocyanins within the flower, we suggest another group of genes which apparently affect color through control of structural modification of individual anthocyanins in the living cell through shift in pH, metal chelation, and/or copigmentation. Such genes are apparently responsible for the modification of red color within the Wh Wh genotype of poinsettias containing both pelargonidin and cyanidin glycosides and for a very similar pink color in a snapdragon and a rose, each containing a single anthocyanin, a pelargonidin glycoside, and a cyanidin glycoside, respec-
Theoretical analysis of thermocapillary flow in cylindrical columns of high prandtl number fluids

Steady and oscillatory thermocapillary flows of high Prandtl number fluids in the half-zone configuration are analyzed theoretically. Scaling analysis is performed to determine the velocity and length scales of the basic steady flow. The predicted scaling laws agree well with the numerically computed results. The physical mechanism of oscillations is then discussed. The deformation of free surface plays an important role for the onset of oscillations in that it alters the main thermocapillary driving force of the flow by changing the temperature field near the hot-corner region. This phenomenon triggers oscillation cycles in which the surface flow undergoes active and slow periods. Based on that concept a surface deformation parameter is derived by scaling analysis. The deformation parameter correlates available data for the onset of oscillations well
Surgical specialty procedures in rural surgery practices: implications for rural surgery training.

Abstract Background Specialty procedures constitute one eighth of rural surgery practice. Currently, general surgeons intending to practice in rural hospitals may not get adequate training for specialty procedures, which they will be expected to perform. Better definition of these procedures will help guide rural surgery training. Methods Current Procedural Terminology codes for all surgical procedures for 81% of North Dakota and South Dakota rural surgeons were entered into the Dakota Database for Rural Surgery. Specialty procedures were analyzed and compared with the Surgical Council on Resident Education curriculum to determine whether general surgery training is adequate preparation for rural surgery practice. Results The Dakota Database for Rural Surgery included 46,052 procedures, of which 5,666 (12.3%) were specialty procedures. Highest volume specialty categories included vascular, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, cardiothoracic, urology, and otolaryngology. Common procedures in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery are taught in general surgical residency, while common procedures in obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, urology, and otolaryngology are usually not taught in general surgery training. Conclusions Optimal training for rural surgery practice should include experience in specialty procedures in obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, urology, and otolaryngology.
Experimental confirmation of the J integral as a thin section fracture criterion

Abstract Recent experimental results have indicated that the J integral may serve as a valid parameter for predicting elastic-plastic plane strain fracture. Similar confirmation for thin section or predominantly plane stress fracture does not exist. The purpose of this investigation was to examine experimentally the validity of a J integral fracture criterion by performing tests on thin section metals. Seven alloys and three specimen configurations were tested under conditions that caused elastic-plastic fracture. Results indicated that a critical value of J existed for each alloy that could be used as a fracture criterion.
International Perspectives on the Politics of Education: Leadership & Identity in Multiple Contexts: An introduction to the Politics of Education Special Issue:

This article is an introduction to a Special Issue of Educational Policy entitled, “International Perspectives on the Politics of Education: Leadership & Identity in Multiple Contexts.” The introduction summarizes key points from each article and suggests concepts and themes that link them to one another.
A new approach to the control of shock

A method for the control and alleviation of traumatic and haemorrhagic shod is presented, using the principle of vasodilatabon by sympathetic blockade obtained variously by high subarachnoid block, Hexamethonium compounds, or Chlorpromazme By using position and blood replacement therapy in conjunction with sympathetic blockade it is possible to arrest and reverse the shock phenomena more promptly and safely for the patient and render immediate surgical interference feasible for repair of injury.
Quiet children in the classroom: On helping not hurting

Most teachers enter the profession to help students. Yet. with the possible exception of parents, teachers have an unparalleled potential for harming young people. Unfortunately, that potential is realized far more often than we might think. Almost without exception kindergarten teachers tell me how delightful the little ones are when they first enter school. I am tOld that almost all of them are warm, affectionate, and anxious to learn. On the other hand, many secondary teachers tell me how miserable many of the young people are by the time they reach their classes. They are described as cold, unresponsive, and hostile to learning. The consistency with which these comments are repeated has led me to pose a question to students in my graduate classes in instructional communication: "What have we as a profession done to produce this change in young people?" Although blame is cast at many factors-society in general, TV, peers-almost everyone has to conceed that the teaching profession must admit to a major share of the blame, at the very least. 'While there are many things that teachers do that harm children (for the most part unknowingly, not maliciously), I want to restrict my comments here to things that teachers can do or avoid doing to help one portion of our young
The measurement of linear accelerator isocenter motion using a three-micrometer device and an adjustable pointer

Abstract Purpose : The small motions of the major axes of a linear accelerator observed during gantry and treatment table rotation were measured to improve beam-target alignment during stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Methods and Materials : Measurements of gantry isocenter motion and table rotational axis wobble were performed with an adjustable front pointer and a three-micrometer device. Nominal gantry and table isocenters were specified. The gantry motion path and table isocenter coordinates were then applied to offset simulated treatment target coordinates so as to compensate for gantry sag. Target simulation films were examined to document improvement of beam-target alignment. Results : The overall precision of the measurement of gantry and table isocenter coordinates was 0.2 mm. Over gantry rotation of 0 to 360°, the gantry isocenter was found to follow a pinched loop with a maximum point to point distance of 1 mm. Table axis motion was found to be negligible relative to the reproducibility of gantry isocenter motion. Thus, a table isocenter was defined that was invariant to table rotation. Conclusion : Results indicate that the three-micrometer device and adjustable front pointer are useful tools for three-dimensional (3D) mapping of gantry, collimator and table isocenters and their motions. It is suggested that such measurements may be useful in the quality assurance of linear accelerators, particularly to improve beam-target alignment during SRS and other high dose external beam therapy.
Neuromuscular stimulation therapy after incomplete spinal cord injury promotes recovery of interlimb coordination during locomotion

The mechanisms underlying the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) induced repetitive limb movement therapy after incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) are unknown. This study establishes the capability of using therapeutic NMES in rodents with iSCI and evaluates its ability to promote recovery of interlimb control during locomotion. Ten adult female Long Evans rats received thoracic spinal contusion injuries (T9; 156 +/- 9.52 Kdyne). 7 days post-recovery, 6/10 animals received NMES therapy for 15 min/day for 5 days, via electrodes implanted bilaterally into hip flexors and extensors. Six intact animals served as controls. Motor function was evaluated using the BBB locomotor scale for the first 6 days and on 14th day post-injury. 3D kinematic analysis of treadmill walking was performed on day 14 post-injury. Rodents receiving NMES therapy exhibited improved interlimb coordination in control of the hip joint, which was the specific NMES target. Symmetry indices improved significantly in the therapy group. Additionally, injured rodents receiving therapy more consistently displayed a high percentage of 1:1 coordinated steps, and more consistently achieved proper hindlimb touchdown timing. These results suggest that NMES techniques could provide an effective therapeutic tool for neuromotor treatment following iSCI.
The possibility and the complexity of achieving fault-tolerant coordination

The problem of fault-tolerant coordination is fundamental in distributed computing. In the past, researchers have considered two types of coordination: general coordination, in which the actions of faulty processors are irrelevant, and consistent coordination, in which the faulty processors are forbidden from acting inconsistently. This paper studies the possibility and complexity of achieving coordination in synchronous and asynchronous systems with crash, send-omission, and general omission failures. We indicate the systems in which coordination cannot be achieved and, when it can, analyze the computational complexity of optimally achieving it. In some cases, optimum solutions can be implemented in polynomial time, while in others they require NP-hard local computation. These results provide a thorough characterization of coordination and will thus aid researchers in determining the approach to take when attempting to achieve fault-tolerant coordination.
Plasma cholinesterase activity and dibucaine number in infants and children

Summary Reference values for plasma cholinesterase in adults are available, but data for paediatric patients are scarce. In this study plasma cholinesterase activity and dibucaine number were measured in 111 healthy infants and children two months to 12 years. There were no significant differences in cholinesterase values between the infants and the older children. The cholinesterase activity of the paediatric population was comparable to that of adults. One infant had markedly decreased cholinesterase activity and was presumed to have an atypical variant of the enzyme. Further analysis of this child and the family, identified that this child had most probably the atypical allele (E1a E1a), whereas his two siblings, his mother and maternal uncle were probably heterozygous. The implications of cholinesterase activity in the paediatric population are discussed.
A meta‐analytic examination of the impact of student race on classroom interaction

A quantitative summary of 15 studies indicates that African‐American/ Latino students receive more negative feedback and less praise from teachers in the classroom than Euro‐American students. In a...
Sonographic determination of renal volumes in normal neonates

Renal diseases that affect renal size without altering renal architecture require a quantitative means of detection. A prospective study was undertaken to establish normal values for renal volumes in healthy neonates using sonography. Volumes were determined by two methods; (1) the serial area-volume method using parallel transverse images; and (2) the prolate ellipsoid model of the kidney using orthogonal diameters taken from ultrasound images. Renal volumes for both the right and left kidneys in both sexes were found to be approximately 10 ml. There was no significant difference between the results obtained by either method, nor were there significant differences between the volumes of the right and left kidneys within either sex. No difference in renal volume was noted between sexes. The mean greatest renal length was also computed for right and left kidneys in both sexes. Knowledge of normal renal volumes may aid in the diagnosis of urinary system disorders in neonates.
Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy in aortic aneurysms

Aneurysm-induced disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) constitutes a rare presentation form of aortic aneurysms. The majority of DIC cases are asymptomatic and this condition is usually diagnosed during the perioperative workup; yet, in a minority of cases, DIC leads to the diagnosis of the vascular abnormality. The management of aneurysm-induced DIC is based both on the treatment of the underlying disorder and on an active scrutiny of the hemodynamic and blood support requirements. Blood replacement therapy should be individualized, guided by the clinical situation of the patient (especially considering the bleeding risk or the presence of hemorrhages), and accompanied by a close monitoring of the coagulation status. Fresh frozen plasma is usually the preferred initial option to replace coagulation factors, but fibrinogen, cryoprecipitates, and platelet concentrates are adequate options in certain contexts. Heparins, both non-fractionated and low-weight molecular types, are the most widely accepted agents for achieving adequate control of the coagulation activation and consumption. Other antithrombotic drugs are under study, including antithrombin III and activated protein C, although only the latter has demonstrated a benefit in terms of survival in a comparative, randomized context. Antifibrinolytic agents such as gabexate mesilate, tranexamic acid, and epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) have been used with conflicting results. These agents may have a role for patients with catastrophic bleeding resistant to other therapeutical options, but their relevance as a first line of treatment is, at present, undefined. An assessment of the multitude of therapeutic approaches available would seem to indicate that there is a lack of standardization in the management of these patients. Multi-center, randomized clinical trials are needed to elucidate the most adequate therapy in this context.
Pharmacological identification of acetylcholine receptor subtypes in echinoderm smooth muscle (Sclerodactyla briareus).

Abstract Contractions of an echinoderm (sp. Sclerodactyla briareus) smooth muscle, the longitudinal muscle of the body wall (LMBW), were evoked by acetylcholine (ACh) and agonists: epibatidine, muscarine and nicotine (in order of force generation: ACh>muscarine=epibatidine>nicotine). ACh-induced contractions were blocked by atropine by 50%, and methoctramine, by 30%. ACh responses were also blocked by 25% by methyllycaconitine (MLA) but not by d -tubocurarine (dTC). Muscarine initiated large contractions that were completely blocked by atropine. To elucidate possible muscarinic ACh receptor (mAChR) subtypes, muscarinic agonists (oxotremorine, pilocarpine) and antagonists (methoctramine, pirenzepine) were tested. Oxotremorine, pilocarpine, and pirenzepine each enhanced resting tonus and potentiated ACh-induced contractions (order of potency: pilocarpine>oxotremorine=pirenzepine). Muscarine, oxotremorine or pirenzepine generated phasic, rhythmic contractions. Nicotine-induced contractions were almost completely blocked by dTC but were not altered by atropine. Large contractions evoked by epibatidine were potentiated by dTC whereas atropine had no effect on them. MLA blocked spontaneous rhythmicity. Cholinesterase inhibitors, neostigmine or physostigmine, caused marked potentiation of ACh-induced contractions and initiated rhythmic slow wave contractions in previously quiescent muscles. The present pharmacological evidence points to the co-existence of excitatory nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChRs) and mAChRs where nAChRs possibly modulate tone, and the mAChRs initiate and enhance rhythmicity.
Creep behaviour of high density polyethylene films having well-defined morphologies of stacked lamellae with and without an observable row-nucleated fibril structure

Creep behaviour of melt-extruded high density polyethylene films, having a stacked lamellar morphology (either with or without the visible (by transmission electron microscopy, TEM) presence of row-nucleated fibril structures) and compression moulded slow-cooled isotropic films of the same resins, was investigated. The creep experiments were carried out at different temperatures and stresses, and the orientation dependence of the creep behaviour for the melt-extruded films was studied by performing the creep experiments at three angles (0°, 45° and 90°), with respect to the original machine direction. An Eyring-rate model was used to analyse the creep data, and the three parameters associated with the Eyring-rate model, i.e. activation volume, activation energy and the availability of creep sites, were obtained by fitting the plateau creep rate according to the Eyring-rate equation. It was concluded that the creep behaviour of all the films was basically controlled by the deformation of the amorphous phase and, more specifically, by the density and tautness of tie-chains. The orientation dependence on the melt-extruded films was explained by the different constraint effects of crystalline lamellae to the tie-chains at each orientation.
Hybrid chaos synchronization and its application in information processing

In this paper, through numerical studies, we explore a new methodology for chaos synchronization via a hybrid (generalized plus identical) synchronization. An arbitrary signal, generated by an unknown dynamical system, can be synchronized by the hybrid chaotic system. The signal can then be stored for future application such as password and message identification. Each finite-length signal can, in principle, be labelled and stored by a unique number, provided that the key hybrid system parameter used for the purpose is suitably chosen within a one-to-one mapping range. The new methodology enables us to encode an arbitrary signal accurately and efficiently. Sufficient numerical simulations are shown to verify the proposed design. Potential applications of the developed hybrid chaos synchronization system include information storage, message identification, and certain types of secure signal and image communication.
An assay for virus-specific help for B cells.

Abstract Spleen cells from mice immunized with vaccinia or influenza viruses were mixed with spleen cells from mice immunized by dinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin (DNP-KLH) and transferred into irradiated syngeneic recipient mice which were subsequently restimulated with trinitrophenylated (TNP) or unmodified viruses. One week later, spleens were removed and assayed for indirect anti-DNP plaque-forming cells (PFC). When spleen cells from both influenza and vaccinia primed mice were restimulated with the haptenated form of the virus used for the initial immunization there was an enhanced PFC response compared to that seen with spleen cells from unprimed mice.
CORRELATION BETWEEN RHEUMATIC DISEASES AND RH BLOOD GROUPS.

WE have recently determined the blood groups of 99 patients with some variety of articular disease (31 with rheumatoid arthritis, 31 with rheumatoid spondylitis, 15 with gout, 9 with disseminated lupus erythematosus, 6 with familial Mediterranean fever, and 7 with various other diseases). Statistical analyses demonstrated no significant heterogeneity among the results obtained for the different diseases. Accordingly, the data were pooled. For comparison we used Wiener's series of 1071 New York Whites1, as in a previous investigation2. There is a significant correlation between the absence of the Rh antigen D and rheumatic disease, as shown in Table 1. No correlation was found between the presence of rheumatic disease and antigens C or E, or with the ABO blood group system. There did, however, seem to be a correlation with the absence of antigen N (χ2(2), = 9.59, P = 8 × 103).
Specific uptake of radioactivity from 3 H-oxytocin by surviving segments of rat mammary gland.

A greater amount of radioactivity from 3H—oxytocin was taken up in vitro by mammary gland, a target tissue, than by abdominal muscle, a nontarget tissue. Furthermore, oxytocin, 4–threonine—oxytocin, 8–lysine—vasopressin, and 4– proline—oxytocin competed with 3H—oxytocin for uptake by mammary segments in the rank order of their ability to elicit milk—ejection in vitro. Comparison of the relative binding and biological activities of these peptides was made under virtually identical conditions on tissue samples obtained from the same rat. These findings suggest that the binding of an oxytocic peptide to receptor substances in the mammary gland is fundamental to its milk—ejecting activity. (Endocrinology 91: 213, 1972)
Layering in the wall rock of Valles Marineris: intrusive and extrusive magmatism

[1] High-resolution images of the walls exposed in Valles Marineris reveal variations in appearance and degree of layering indicating various lithologies comprise the Tharsis plateau. The layered wall rock has been proposed to result from effusive flood basalt volcanism or interbedded sediments and volcanics. We present observations of unlayered rock that indicate layering extends to a greater depth in the western half of Valles Marineris and is confined to the Tharsis plateau, a region of thickened, uplifted crust resulting from prolonged intrusive activity. Consistent with this view, we propose that the observed layering may be a manifestation of intrusive rocks resulting from crystal fractionation of intruded basaltic magmas. Terrestrial layered plutons provide analogs for comparison such as those of the North Atlantic Igneous Province (NAIP) a large igneous province associated with crustal rifting and exposures of thick sequences of layered flood basalts and intruded layered cumulates. INDEX TERMS: 5480 Planetology: Solid Surface Planets: Volcanism (8450); 6225 Planetology: Solar System Objects: Mars; 8450 Volcanology: Planetary volcanism (5480). Citation: Williams, J.-P., D. A. Paige, and C. E. Manning, Layering in the wall rock of Valles Marineris: intrusive and extrusive magmatism, Geophys. Res. Lett., 30(12), 1623, doi:10.1029/2003GL017662, 2003.
An integrative intervention for promoting recovery from extramarital affairs.

The discovery or disclosure of an extramarital affair can have a devastating impact on partners, both individually and on the relationships. Research suggests that affairs occur relatively frequently in relationships and are a common presenting problem in couple therapy. However; despite their prevalence, there is little empirical treatment research in this area, and most therapists describe this problem as one of the more difficult to treat. In this study, we used a replicated case-study design to explore the efficacy of an integrative treatment designed to help couples recover from an affair. Six couples entered and completed treatment. The majority of these couples were less emotionally or maritally distressed at the end of treatment, and the injured partners reported greater forgiveness regarding the affair. Details of the intervention, suggested adaptations of the treatment, and areas for future research are discussed.
Possible mechanism for cold denaturation of proteins at high pressure

We study cold denaturation of proteins at high pressures. Using multicanonical Monte Carlo simulations of a model protein in a water bath, we investigate the effect of water density fluctuations on protein stability. We find that above the pressure where water freezes to the dense ice phase ($\ensuremath{\approx}2\text{ }\mathrm{k}\mathrm{b}\mathrm{a}\mathrm{r}\mathrm{s}$) the mechanism for cold denaturation with decreasing temperature is the loss of local low-density water structure. We find our results in agreement with data of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease $A$.
The new heart failure guidelines: strategies for implementation.

Several life-prolonging therapies are available for the treatment of heart failure, yet they are underutilized in many patients. A treatment gap exists between patients who are eligible for a therapy and the number of patients who actually receive them. Suboptimal prescribing rates for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, β-blockers, and aldosterone antagonists have been reported. Strategies are needed to increase the proportion of patients who are receiving evidence-based therapies. Predischarge initiation of evidence-based therapies has effectively increased utilization in the acute coronary syndrome population. Predischarge initiation of β-blockade in patients hospitalized for heart failure has also been shown to be safe and effective for improving β-blocker use at 60 days. Larger registry initiatives have demonstrated improved use of evidence-based therapies associated with implementation of a performance improvement process system. The mortality and morbidity associated with heart failure is strikingly high, and it is critical that proven therapies are prescribed to all eligible patients so that clinical outcomes can be improved. Systematic processes are effective approaches to ensuring appropriate evidence-based therapies are prescribed in most patients.
Direct Conversion of Cord Blood CD34+ Cells Into Neural Stem Cells by OCT4

Cellular reprogramming or conversion is a promising strategy to generate desired stem cell types from somatic cells. Neural stem cells (NSCs) have the potential to regenerate central nervous system tissue and repair damage in response to injury. However, NSCs are difficult to isolate from human tissues and expand in sufficient quantities for therapy. Here, we report a method to generate neural stem cells from cord blood CD34-positive cells by ectopic expression of OCT4 in a feeder-free system. The induced cells (iNSCs) show a characteristic NSC-like morphology and can be expanded in vitro for more than 20 passages. In addition, the iNSCs are positive for neural stem cell-specific markers such as Nestin and Musashi-1 and are similar in gene expression patterns to a human neural stem cell line. The iNSCs express distinct transcriptional factors for forebrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord regions. Upon differentiation, the iNSCs are able to commit into multilineage mature neural cells. Following in vivo introduction into NOD/SCID mice, iNSCs can survive and differentiate in the mouse brain 3 months post-transplantation. Alternatively, we were also able to derive iNSCs with an episomal vector expressing OCT4. Our results suggest a novel, efficient approach to generate neural precursor cells that can be potentially used in drug discovery or regenerative medicine for neurological disease and injury.
Magnescope: A poratble magnetic inspection system for evaluation of steel structures and components

The authors describe a portable magnetic inspection device developed for nondestructive evaluation of ferromagnetic steel structures and components. The device consists of an inspection head, instrumentation for measuring magnetic-field and flux density, and a computer together with the necessary control and data-analysis software. The device has been used for nondestructive evaluation of the mechanical condition of steels, particularly, detection of stress and monitoring the progress of fatigue damage. The most important application is in the detection of incipient failure, such as occurs with fatigue damage, temper embrittlement, and creep damage. Results which demonstrate the successful use of this instrument in monitoring fatigue are described. >
Loss measurement of plasmonic modes in planar metal-insulator-metal waveguides by an attenuated total reflection method

We report experimental excitation and characterization of surface plasmon modes in planar metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguides. Our approach is based on determining the width of the reflection angular spectrum in the attenuated total reflection (ATR) configuration. Owing to its transverse character, the ATR configuration provides a more straightforward and simpler way to determine the loss of plasmonic modes in MIM structures, compared to using tapered end couplers with multiple waveguide samples or scanning near-field optical microscopy. In this Letter, two waveguide structures with Au claddings and 50/200nmSiO2 cores are investigated. The propagation lengths measured at λ=1.55μm are 5.7 and 18μm, respectively, in agreement with the theoretical predictions.
A Model for Integrating Research, Practice, and Field Instruction in the Undergraduate Curriculum

ABSTRACT In an effort to provide senior undergraduates with a means of integrating their learning across content areas, BSW program faculty have devised a two-semester research assignment for the practice class and co-requisite field placement. This project, done independently, consists of the students' identification of a field agency problem issue, the preparation of a research proposal for studying the problem, the implementation of the project, and a written report of outcomes. Through this process, learning from the research, practice, and field instruction courses is integrated. This paper is a description of the development and implementation of that project, which is also adaptable to MSW programs. Specific benefits to students and field agencies are discussed.
The energy efficiency of on-off keying with partial CSI and peak power constraints

It is well known that on-off keying (OOK) suffers from a 3 dB SNR penalty relative to BPSK for coded transmission over a Rayleigh fading channel with perfect receiver channel state information (CSI). Previously, the cutoff rate has been used to show that this 3 dB penalty can be partially recovered if the OOK transmission probability can be varied, with full recovery in the limit of vanishing rates. We extend these results to the case of imperfect CSI. We show that the maximum penalty with partial CSI is 4 dB, and that there is a range of rates and CSI quality for which the penalty is instead a gain. By further varying the transmission probability of the '1' bit in OOK, we show that the 3 dB penalty can be recovered for small rates, but not at larger rates. Finally, we consider the energy penalty for using OOK under a peak power constraint.
Effects of Aggregate Type and Gradation on Fatigue and Permanent Deformation of Asphalt Concrete

This paper presents laboratory test results demonstrating the effects of aggregate type and gradation on fatigue and permanent deformation of asphalt concrete. Diametral fatigue tests and uniaxial incremental static creep tests were performed under varying temperatures and mixture variables, including aggregate type and gradation. The effects of aggregate type and gradation on permanent deformation were evaluated under test combinations with changing asphalt type, asphalt content, air voids content, temperature, and applied stress level. For the fatigue study, the effect of aggregate type was evaluated by changing asphalt content, air voids content, and temperature. The test results were analyzed using statistical analysis and graphical comparison of data. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to investigate the main effects and interactions of the test variables with the aggregate type or gradation. The analysis revealed that, with the size of experimentation used in this study, aggregate type has significant effects on fatigue resistance and permanent deformation of asphalt concrete. Gradation had no significant effects on permanent deformation. Interactions of aggregate type with gradation, asphalt type, air voids, and temperature were found to be significant for the permanent deformation of asphalt concrete, whereas no interaction appeared to be significant for fatigue. For the covering abstract see IRRD 858225.
Enhancing our understanding of the molecular responses to hypoxia in mammals using Drosophila melanogaster

Drosophila melanogaster has been used as a genetic model, especially in the past decade, to examine normative biological processes and disease conditions very effectively. These span a wide range of major issues such as aging, cancer, embryogenesis, neural development, apoptosis, and alcohol intoxication. Here, we detail how the Drosophila melanogaster can be used as a genetic model to study the molecular and genetic underpinnings of the response to hypoxia. In our study of the basis of anoxia tolerance, one of the potent approaches that we use is a mutagenesis screen to identify loss-of-function mutants that are anoxia sensitive. The major advantage of this approach is that it is not biased for any particular gene or gene product. Although our screen is in progress, we already have evidence that this approach is useful.