cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Power series whose partial sums have few zeros in an angle

Abstract Let ∑ anzn be a power series different from a polynomial, sn(z) its partial sum of order n. Let vn(δ) denote the minimum of the number of zeros of sn in any angle of opening δ and vertex 0. It has been known for several years that if vn(δ) = o(n) for some δ > 0, then the power series must represent an entire function of order zero. In the present paper it is assumed that vn(δ) ⩽ Anα, n = 1, 2, … for some δ > 0 and 0 ⩽ α ϵ ⩾ 1 ΩA and log 10 Ω = 10 100 δ . Apart from the value of ϵ this estimate for an is best possible. The proof shows also that if an ≠ 0 and n ⩾ n0 there is a coefficient an − p ≠ 0 with p α . Thus in the case of a zero free angle the power series can have no unbounded gaps, and an = O{exp (− ϵn2)}.
Challenges for Geotechnical Engineering Graduate Education

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” This quote from Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities could summarize our current state of affairs for graduate geotechnical education. Geotechnical engineering salaries are low, but adequate; undergraduate student perception of the geotechnical engineering image warrants improvement; research funding is scarce; and the role of the PhD degree needs an evaluation. Yet, on the other hand, demand is high for graduates, the MS degree will soon become the first professional degree, and continuing education via the Internet presents a considerable opportunity. Whereas we face formidable challenges, discussed below, the first step toward resolution is acknowledging the challenge. Challenges are commonplace for geotechnical engineering and I’m confident we will make great progress in resolving these challenges and positioning ourselves for the future. Consequently, this paper addresses the following: 1. Current climate for graduate geotechnical engineering; 2. Motivation for pursuing an advanced geotechnical degree; 3. Research and funding for support of geotechnical engineering; 4. Role of distance learning and continuing education; and 5. Challenges and recommendations.
Inhibition of oxidation of carbon fibres by sol-gel coatings

On montre experimentalement la possibilite d'utiliser la methode sol-gel pour appliquer un revetement de silice sur des fibres de carbone afin de les proteger contre l'oxydation tout en conservant une flexibilite convenable
Performance more than working memory disrupted by acute systemic inflammation in rats in appetitive tasks

Evidence from molecular biology, epidemiology, behavioral pharmacology, and clinical science support the conclusion that brain inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neuropsychological disorders. Three different tests were conducted to determine whether the acute inflammatory response induced by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment is accompanied by a selective disruption of working memory functioning in rats. Doses of LPS sufficient to induce a thermoregulatory response were administered intraperitoneally and their effects on behavioral measures of symbolic working memory, spatial learning, and spatial memory consolidation, were assessed. LPS-induced immune activation was found not to significantly affect memory processes in any of the behavioral tests used. However, LPS-induced immune activation caused performance deficits consistent with a disruptive effect of LPS on motivation and arousal. These results suggest that sickness behavior induced by immune stimulation is not necessarily accompanied by selective impairment in memory processes. The importance of distinguishing cognitive disruption from performance impairment in interpreting the behavioral effects of inflammatory mediators is discussed.
Ciliary neurotrophic factor immunoreactivity is not associated with reactive astrocytes in the rat spinal cord following unilateral spinal nerve ligation

Following a direct insult to the central nervous system, ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is induced in reactive astrocytes adjacent to the injury, where it participates in functional recovery. On the other hand, the role of CNTF in spinal cord plasticity after peripheral nerve injury is unclear. Hence, CNTF immunoreactivity (IR) was evaluated in rat spinal cords following unilateral spinal nerve ligation. CNTF-IR was found in GFAP-negative white matter cells exhibiting oligodendrocyte-like morphology. While GFAP labeling was increased in spinal cords of ligated animals, CNTF-IR was unchanged, suggesting that CNTF does not regulate spinal astrocyte reactivity generated by peripheral nerve ligation.
Development of a chemical retinal prosthesis: Stimulation of rat retina with glutamate

Retinal degenerative diseases cause partial or total blindness and affect millions of people worldwide, yet currently have no treatment. Retinal prostheses using electrical stimulation are being developed but face significant problems moving forward. Here we propose using chemical stimulation, via the neurotransmitter glutamate, to modulate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) spike rates. Our results demonstrate that it is feasible to stimulate RGCs in an explanted retina using focal ejections of glutamate from either subretinal or epiretinal sides. Preliminary evidence suggests we are primarily activating RGCs as opposed to bipolar cells. This is an important first step in the development of a chemical retinal prosthesis based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
Computing: the wireless epidemic.

As wireless communication technologies spread, so the potential for viruses to exploit them grows. Biological models of virus transmission will assume new relevance for assessing the emerging threat.
1256 ALTERED ERYTHROCYTE MALONYLDIALDEHYDE (RBC-MDA) FORMATION IN REYE'S SYNDROME

Peroxide-induced erythrocyte malonyldialdehyde formation (RBC-MDA) has been used as a measure of polyunsaturated fat autooxidation, a process believed to alter membrane transport and enzyme function. Evidence for this process was sought in erythrocytes of RS patients using the method of Bidder (Life Sciences 30:1021, 1980). For 7 children with stage II-IV RS, RBC-MDA was 432 ± 36 nmoles/g hemoglobin on admission, 323 ± 25 at the nadir, and 478 ± 67 1-4 months after RS. Nadir values differed significantly from admission and from values for 7 siblings(431 ± 28), 5 pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) patients(517 ± 32)and 5 adults (530 ± 40). Corresponding values for plasma vitamin E in RS patients were 556 ± 37 mcg/dl at admission, 473±36 at the nadir, and 905±30 after RS. Nadir values were significantly different from recovery, siblings 1001±43, and ICU patients 740±98. Conclusion: The observed decrease in RBC-MDA in RS could be explained by decreased substrate (if RBC polyunsaturated fatty acids had undergone peroxidative degeneration) or, less likely, given the low plasma vitamin E, increased antioxidant activity.
Recruitment in the Trial of Nonpharmacologic Intervention in the Elderly (TONE)

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of different approaches to participant enrollment in a behavior modification trial. DESIGN: Concurrent, prospective evaluation performed in context of recruitment for a randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Four study centers located in Baltimore, Maryland, Memphis, Tennessee New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Winston-Salem, North Carolina. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women aged 60 to 80 years who were being treated with a prescription medication for control of hypertension. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visit counts and percent yields were assessed at each stage of the screening and randomization process. Logistic regression was used to contrast the randomization yields for different recruitment strategies and to explore the impact of sociodemographic characteristics and geographic location on recruitment yields RESULTS: The overall randomization yields from a pre-screen contact and a first screening visit to enrollment in the trial were 11% and 31%, respectively. Randomization yields varied significantly by participant age, education, and marital status. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the feasibility of recruitment for trials of nonpharmacologic interventions in older people and suggest that mass mailing and mass media advertising campaigns provide an effective means of enrolling in such studies participants with a broad range of personal characteristics.
Target regions enhance the outgrowth and survival of ganglion cells in embryonic retina transplanted to cerebral cortex in neonatal rats

In embryonic mouse retina transplanted to occipital cortex of neonatal rats, ganglion cells do not project axons into the host cortex, although they may survive up to but not beyond 6 weeks post-transplantation. By contrast, if embryonic tectum or diencephalon is transplanted along with the retina, ganglion cells exhibit vigorous outgrowth to specific regions of the co-transplant and are able to survive for at least 14 weeks.
Steady-state island populations on a vicinal surface

We obtain an analytical solution for the coupled kinetic equations describing adatom and island populations at steady state during growth by molecular beam epitaxy on a vicinal surface. Two major approximations are necessary to provide analytical tractability. The capture numbers for all reactions have been set equal (and equal to unity) and the reaction terms have been replaced by mean-field terms.
Studies on the Nutritional Value of Sorghum Grains with Varying Tannin Contents for Chicks 2. Amino Acid Digestibility Studies

Abstract Studies were conducted to determine apparent and corrected amino acid digestibility of sorghums varying in tannin content. The effects of adding tannic acid to low tannin sorghum and a protein-free diet were also investigated. Supplementation of a protein-free diet with 1.41% tannic acid resulted in a 4-fold increase in endogenous amino acid excretion. The addition of tannic acid to a low tannin sorghum to provide 1.41% tannin produced a relatively small decrease in apparent amino acid digestibility which could be accounted for by the increase in endogenous amino acid excretion. Apparent and corrected amino acid digestibilities of sorghums of intermediate and high tannin content were greatly lower than the low tannin sorghum or the low tannin sorghum plus tannic acid equivalent to the high tannin sorghums. Apparent digestibility of all of the amino acids for the low, intermediate and high tannin varieties was 73, 41 and 22%, respectively, whereas the corresponding value for the low tannin sorghum plus tannic acid was 63%.
A note on a form of the Emden-Fowler equation☆

Abstract The Emden-Fowler equation (tϱu′)′ = tσup when ϱ + σ = 0 can be related to the problem of diffusion and reaction in a slab, thus defining boundary conditions and an important functional of the solution. The solution for all p may be given in terms of the hypergeometric function and the asymptotic behavior of this and of the solutions of allied nonlinear equations may be studied rather easily by this means.
Susceptibility testing interpretive criteria and drug stability for cefdinir, cefetamet, and cefpodoxime against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Cefdinir, cefetamet, and cefpodoxime, three orally administered cephalosporins, were tested against 100 strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae having various antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Triplicate testing of each organism strain was performed for all agar dilution and disk diffusion tests. Cefdinir was the most active compound (MIC90) micrograms/ml) especially against gonococci with chromosomal-mediated resistance to penicillin. The recommended susceptible interpretive criteria were as follows: for the 5-micrograms cefdinir disk, > or = 31 mm (MIC correlate, or = 29 mm (MIC correlate, or = 31 mm (MIC correlate, or = 29 mm (MIC correlate, < or = 0.5 microgram/ml). No organisms resistant to these new cephalosporins were detected. Cefdinir, cefetamet, and defpodoxime were stable in GC agar medium for at least 21 days when stored at 2 degrees-5 degrees C.
Ergodic Theory of Infinite Dimensional Systems¶with Applications to Dissipative Parabolic PDEs

We consider a class of randomly perturbed dynamical systems satisfying conditions which reflect the properties of general (nonlinear) dissipative parabolic PDEs. Results on invariant measures and their exponential mixing properties are proved, and applications to 2D Navier–Stokes systems are included.
The Supercollider: The Pre-Texas Days — A Personal Recollection of Its Birth and Berkeley Years

This article describes the beginnings of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC). The narrative starts in the early 1980s with the discussion of the process that led to the recommendation by the US high energy physics community to initiate work on a multi-TeV hadron collider. The article then describes the formation in 1984 of the Central Design Group (CDG) charged with directing and coordinating the SSC R&D and subsequent activities which led in early 1987 to the SSC endorsement by President Reagan. The last part of the article deals with the site selection process, steps leading to the initial Congressional appropriation of the SSC construction funds and the creation of the management structure for the SSC Laboratory.
Studies of a new fatty acid analog (DMIVN) in hypertensive rats and the effect of verapamil using ARG microimaging.

Abstract Studies of myocardial utilization of fatty acids and analogs has focused on coronary heart disease. This study addresses the topic of radioiodinated fatty acid utilization in hypertensive-cardiomyopathy. The new fatty acid analog 19-iodo-3,3-dimethyl-18 nonadecenoic acid (DMIVN) was studied by autoradiographic microimaging (ARG) in salt-sensitive (S) hypertensive (salt-fed) and in salt-sensitive (S) normotensive (low-salt diet), Dahl-strain rats. A salt fed, S-strain group was treated with verapamil and the results were compared to those in a hypertensive, non-treated group. The distribution of DMIVN in the hearts of normotensive rats was uniform. In the myocardium of hypertensive rats nonuniform DMIVN concentration was seen in the subendocardial and mid-layers of the left ventricle (LV). Verapamil given to salt-fed rats prevented hypertension and uniform DMIVN uptake similar to normotensive controls was seen. The data suggest that DMIVN may be suitable for the detection of hypertension induced myocardial changes and for assessing therapy. The distribution and clearance characteristics of DMIVN indicate that DMIVN may be a useful agent for SPECT imaging in man.
Preparation and structure identification of Li2NaSb

Abstract The title phase may be obtained in high yield of up to 95% by reaction of stoichiometric element in a sealed Ta container at 860°C. The phase was established by X-ray powder diffraction to have the structure of BiF3 (Fm3m, z = 4, a = 6.798(1) A ) with ordered cations (Li atoms occupy 8(b) positions; Na atoms occupy 4(a) positions). In this report, the preparation will be described and the structure of the phase will be discussed and compared with A3Sb (A = Li and Na).
TU-D-210A-02: Catheter-Based Ultrasound Technology for Image-Guided Hyperthermia and Thermal Ablation

Catheter‐based ultrasound applicators have been developed for delivering hyperthermia and thermal ablation for the treatment of cancer and benign diseases. This technology includes interstitial applicators for tumorablation and hyperthermia delivery during brachytherapy, transurethral devices for conformal prostate hyperthermia and ablation, and an endocavity applicator integrated with an HDR ring applicator for intrauterine hyperthermia. The common design incorporates arrays of multiple ultrasound transducers which provide dynamic axial and angular control of hyperthermia and thermal ablation. Performance was evaluated in phantom, excised tissue,in vivo experiments in canine prostate under MR temperature monitoring, clinical hyperthermia, and 3D‐biothermal simulations with patient specific anatomy. Interstitial and endocavity devices can tailor hyperthermia to large treatment volumes, with multi‐sectored and multi‐transducer power control useful to limit exposure to rectum and bladder. Transurethral applicators include curvilinear transducers with rotational sweeping of focused heating patterns, and multi‐sectored tubular devices capable of dynamic angular control without applicator movement. Curvilinear transurethral produce target conforming coagulation zones that can cover either the whole gland or defined focal regions. Multi‐sectored transurethral applicators can dynamically control the angular heating profile and target large regions of the prostate without applicator manipulation. High‐power interstitial implants with directional devices can be used to effectively ablate defined target regions while avoiding sensitive tissues. MR temperature monitoring can effectively define the extent of thermal damage and provided a means for real‐time control of the applicators. Preliminary investigations have also demonstrated ultrasound strain imaging can be used to monitor the ablatedtissue. In summary, these catheter‐based ultrasound devices allow for dynamic control of heating profiles along the length and angular expanse of the applicator during therapy delivery, are amenable to MR monitoring, and provide a minimally‐invasive technique for true 3D control of hyperthermia and thermal ablation. (Support NIH R01CA122276, R01CA111981, & R41CA121740).
Ornithine Cyclodeaminase: Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Implications for the u-Crystallin Family

Ornithine cyclodeaminase catalyzes the conversion of l-ornithine to l-proline by an NAD+-dependent hydride transfer reaction that culminates in ammonia elimination. Phylogenetic comparisons of amino acid sequences revealed that the enzyme belongs to the μ-crystallin protein family whose three-dimensional fold has not been reported. Here we describe the crystal structure of ornithine cyclodeaminase in complex with NADH, refined to 1.80 A resolution. The enzyme consists of a homodimeric fold whose subunits comprise two functional regions: (i) a novel substrate-binding domain whose antiparallel β-strands form a 14-stranded barrel at the oligomeric interface and (ii) a canonical Rossmann fold that interacts with a single dinucleotide positioned for re hydride transfer. The adenosyl moiety of the cofactor resides in a solvent-exposed crevice on the protein surface and makes contact with a “domain-swapped”-like coil−helix module originating from the dyad-related molecule. Diffraction data were also collected t...
Genetic mapping and QTL analysis of horticultural traits in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) using recombinant inbred lines

A set of 171 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) were developed from a narrow cross in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2 x = 14) using the determinate ( de), gynoecious ( F), standard-sized leaf line G421 and the indeterminate, monoecious, little-leaf ( ll) line H-19. A 131-point genetic map was constructed using these RILs and 216 F(2) individuals to include 14 SSRs, 24 SCARs, 27 AFLPs, 62 RAPDs, 1 SNP, and three economically important morphological [ F (gynoecy), de (determinate habit), ll (little leaf)] markers. Seven linkage groups spanned 706 cM with a mean marker interval of 5.6 cM. The location of F and de was defined by genetic linkage and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to be associated with SSR loci CSWCT28 and CSWCTT14 at 5.0 cM and 0.8 cM, respectively. RIL-based QTL analysis of the number of lateral branches in three environments revealed four location-independent factors that cumulatively explained 42% of the observed phenotypic variation. QTLs conditioning lateral branching (mlb1.1), fruit length/diameter ratio (ldr1.2) and sex expression (sex1.2) were associated with de. Sex expression was influenced by three genomic regions corresponding to F and de both on linkage Group 1, and a third locus (sex6.1) on linkage Group 6. QTLs conditioning the number of fruit per plant (fpl1.2), the number of lateral branches (mlb1.4) and fruit length/diameter ratio (ldr1.3) were associated with ll. The potential value of these marker-trait associations (i.e., yield components) for plant improvement is portended by the relatively high LOD scores (2.6 to 13.0) and associated R(2) values (1.5% to 32.4%) that are affiliated with comparatively few genetic factors (perhaps 3 to 10).
Modular extension of the ACR-NEMA DICOM standard to support new diagnostic imaging modalities and services.

The American College of Radiology-National Electrical Manufacturers Association (ACR-NEMA) Standard for Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) (NEMA PS3-1993, DICOM) enables interconnection of images over standard networks. The widespread adoption of DICOM by industry and the benefits of standardized image management have attracted international attention. Other medical specialties, dentistry, and veterinary medicine have indicated strong interest in extending the DICOM Standard to support nonradiological image modalities. Parts 1 through 9 of DICOM were published in 1992 and 1993. Additional features developed in response to requests from the user community are being added in DICOM Supplements. The ACR, NEMA, and committees from other medical specialties working under the coordination of the American National Standards Institute Healthcare Informatics Standards Planning Panel Message Standards Developers Subcommittee Joint Working Group for Diagnostic Image Communication have defined new image object classes to support X-Ray Angiography, Radio-Fluoroscopy, Positron Emission Tomography, Endoscopy, and Light Microscopy. ACR-NEMA has also developed new service classes ofr Storage Commitment and Worklist Management. In joint work with the standards development committee of the Japanese Industries for Radiation Apparatus and the Japanese Medical Information System Development Center, ACR-NEMA has developed specifications for multibyte character set support and for a DICOM file format for transportable media. Other work is in progress. New DICOM features have provided and can continue to provide significant new functionality for digital image management systems. The demonstrated capability of efficient extension of the base standard is evidence of the effectiveness of the object oriented strategy of DICOM.
Infrared Thermography Of Burn Front Propagation In Heat Powders

Heat powders are consolidated into dense composites to form concentrated chemical heat sources. During the reaction, a high temperature burn front propagates through the composites. The burn front is preceded by a lower temperature thermal front which generates thermal gradients. Thermography was used to determine thermal gradients preceding the burn front, during the reaction of the consolidated heat powder. The techniques involved along with the resulting thermography will be discussed.
Neurochemical and genetic bases of psychopathology: current status.

A review, which does not attempt to be exhaustive, is presented. Evidence for the operation of genetic factors in the etiology of mental disorders, including studies of natural families, twins, and adoptees and their biological and adoptive relatives, is briefly summarized and discussed. Environmental influences are also clearly involved, and observations bearing on their nature are described. Certain neurochemical correlates of psychopathology, particularly those related to chemical neurotransmitters, are discussed. Since schizophrenia and the affective disorders are phenomenological syndromes, it is likely that they represent heterogeneous collections of more specific disorders with common symptomatic features. Attempts to delineate, more homogeneous subgroups in these disorders on the basis of morphological or biochemical features have achieved some success, and an example of each approach is described.
Studies of the dissolution characteristics of norethindrone-mestranol tablets.

Abstract Using a simple and sensitive HPLC method, dissolution studies have been performed on norethindrone-mestranol combination tablets in de-aerated water and in 30% isopropanol-water. The rate and extent of dissolution in the hydroalcoholic medium were much greater than in water. However, in a comparison of the dissolution data of products of the same dosage strengths from different manufacturers, the same rank order relationships existed for data obtained in de-aerated water and hydroalcoholic media. This would suggest that even for highly insoluble drugs an aqueous dissolution medium may be used. In these studies each component of the tablet exhibited its own dissolution rate in de-aerated water although these differences were not detected in the hydroalcoholic medium. Manufacturers should therefore exercise caution in monitoring the dissolution of only one component for quality control purposes.
Lack of topography in the spinal cord projection to the rabbit soleus muscle.

Several mammalian muscles in the limb and trunk receive topographically organized innervation from spinal cord motor neurons. Some muscles in which topographic innervation has been demonstrated have a sheet-like architecture; others are compartmentalized and/or have more than one origin. An interesting question is whether topography is related to these anatomical features, or whether it occurs as a general consequence of the development of innervation. To address this question, we examined the pattern of projections to the soleus muscles, which lacks these anatomical features. Intracellular recordings of endplate potentials in early and intermediate age rabbits were used to assess the spinal origin of inputes to two distinct regions of the muscle. Both regions were innervated by both rostral and caudal portions of the motor pool. These experiments also showed that individual muscle fibers frequently receive separate inputs arising from widely separated regions of the motor pool. In another set of experiments, physiological measurements of tension overlap in young, polyinnervated muscles showed that the relative positions of motor neurons in the spinal cord do not correlate with the extent to which motor units share muscle fibers. In a third set of experiments, motor neurons were retrogradely labeled following local injections of tracer into muscle. Small and large local injections resulted in comparably dispersed labeling of motor neurons within the motor pool. Moreover, the rostrocaudal position of labeled neurons was not correlated with the position of the injection site within the muscle. Together, these results provide evidence that the soleus muscle is not topographically innervated. Furthermore, an examination of several age groups suggests that the innervation pattern in this muscle is not altered by postnatal synapse elimination. © 1995 Willy-Liss, Inc.
Event-based experiments in an assistive environment using wireless sensor networks and voice recognition

As the population is aging, more and more people require additional health care, either at home, in the work place or in a nursing facility. Now, a need exists for health monitoring outside of hospital conditions. These new conditions make this technology of interest for developing health care monitoring systems that can be deployed in many different environments, including the home. Other systems in development employ a wide range of different sensors, including cameras, and recording the information for processing. These systems all involve using an apartment environment seeded with sensors for detecting human behavior and activities. While these systems are embedded in assistive environments, they do not have a comprehensive approach to describe events, or handle a general and rapid deployment into different configurations using wireless technology. In this paper, we are presenting our ongoing project of deploying sensors into an assistive environment. We currently are using SunSPOT sensor motes, where each one has been programmed for a specific role based on rules describing events. In addition, we are developing a voice recognition system for reaction to human input in the same environment. Our system can be rapidly deployed without requiring additional wiring or unwanted intrusion into the human patient's life.
Genetic structure of community acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus USA300

Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) is a significant bacterial pathogen that poses considerable clinical and public health challenges. The majority of the CA-MRSA disease burden consists of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) not associated with significant morbidity; however, CA-MRSA also causes severe, invasive infections resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The broad range of disease severity may be influenced by bacterial genetic variation. We sequenced the complete genomes of 36 CA-MRSA clinical isolates from the predominant North American community acquired clonal type USA300 (18 SSTI and 18 severe infection-associated isolates). While all 36 isolates shared remarkable genetic similarity, we found greater overall time-dependent sequence diversity among SSTI isolates. In addition, pathway analysis of non-synonymous variations revealed increased sequence diversity in the putative virulence genes of SSTI isolates. Here we report the first whole genome survey of diverse clinical isolates of the USA300 lineage and describe the evolution of the pathogen over time within a defined geographic area. The results demonstrate the close relatedness of clinically independent CA-MRSA isolates, which carry implications for understanding CA-MRSA epidemiology and combating its spread.
The Effect of Wax and Water on Extrusion Forces Using an Instrumented Miniextruder

AbstractAn instrumented miniextruder is described and was used to evaluate the effect of wax and water on forces during the extrusion process. Samples as small as 50 g were evaluated. Microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH-101) and acetaminophen were formulated to prepare spheres using methods of extrusion and spheronization. A commercially available wax product, Compritol® (glycerol behenate, N.F.), was added to the formula in levels of 10%. 30%, and 50%, and formulations were granulated with distilled water. As the amount of distilled water or the level of wax was increased in the formulations, a decrease in measured extrusion force was observed. This effect on extrusion forces seemed to be influenced more by the addition of wax than by the level of water. In fact, it was noted that the wax alone decreased the extrusion forces. A comparison between the miniextruder's force readings and power consumption data from an instrumented NICA (model E-140) extruder indicates similar trends.
Role of calcium and superoxide dismutase in sensitizing mitochondria to peroxynitrite-induced permeability transition

The mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) is a membrane protein complex assembled and opened in response to Ca2+ and oxidants such as peroxynitrite (ONOO–). Opening the PTP is mechanisti...
Nicotine induces leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the cerebral microcirculation of the mouse

Nicotine and several related metabolites were examined for their ability to induce leukocyte rolling and adhesion in the cerebral microcirculation of the mouse. A cranial window was surgically prepared for the visualization of the pial microcirculation using an intra-vital microscopy imaging system. Using this technique rhodamine-labeled leukocytes could be visualized and video-recorded as they traveled within the microvessels, and the quantitation of their rolling and adhesion along the pial venule walls was assessed during an off-line video playback analysis. Nicotine was found to produce significant dose-related increases in leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Cotinine, a major nicotine metabolite, did not induce the same degree of leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Mecamylamine, a nicotine antagonist, was found to inhibit the nicotine-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion. Anti-P-selectin antibody blocked nicotine-induced leukocyte rolling, while anti-CD18 antibody effectively inhibited leukocyte adhesion, but not rolling in similar experiments. Nicotine-induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion were also inhibited by superoxide dismutase and catalase. These data suggest that nicotine, the principle pharmacological agent in cigarette smoke and related tobacco products, acts via a ganglionic-type nicotinic receptor to enhance leukocyte rolling via P-selectin and reactive oxygen radical-dependent mechanisms in cerebral microcirculation of the mouse.
Multiple water barriers: alternative to assessment of fuel assemblies during accident conditions of transport

AbstractPackages for the transport of radioactive material have to comply with national and/or international regulations. These regulations are widely based on the requirements set forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the 'Regulations for the safe transport of radioactive material'. In this framework, packages to transport fuel assemblies (including spent fuel assemblies) have to meet the requirements for packages containing fissile material. In accident conditions of transport, the applicant for the package design approval has to show that the package remains subcritical taking due account of the status of the contents in these conditions. In most cases, considering water ingress in the package, it is not possible to assume that the fissile material included in the fuel assemblies is dispersed in the package with the most severe conceivable distribution regarding criticality. In order to alleviate this difficulty, during the last years, we have provided a significant better knowledge...
THE HEAT CAPACITY OF GADOLINIUM FROM 15 TO 355 K

The heat capacity of gadolinium has been measured over the temperature range 15 to 355\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. An enhanced heat capacity associated with the ferromagnetic transition was observed, with maximum at 18.6\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The thermodynamic functions were computed and are tabulated for various temperatures. The results are discussed in connection with theories of ferromagnetism.
A mechanism for the origin of Regge asymptotic behavior in quantum field theory

Abstract A mechanism is proposed for obtaining Regge asymptotic behavior from operator product expansion near the light cone. With canonical singularities, a consequence is the quantization condition α R (t = m B 2 - m A 2 ) = 1 2 N AB R = half-integer for any particles A and B which can couple to the Reggeon R. This is found to be in excellent agreement with experiment.
Sexual size dimorphism and growth plasticity in snakes: an experiment on the Western Diamond‐backed Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)

We conducted an experiment to examine the effects of sex and food intake on growth, mass gain, and attainment of sexual maturity in Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox). We also measured testosterone levels to determine whether testosterone might be involved in the male-biased sexual size dimorphism observed in this species. We collected neonate rattlesnakes and raised them in the laboratory for 2 years on either a high-intake diet (fed one mouse per week) or a low-intake diet (fed one mouse every 3 weeks). High-intake snakes grew and gained mass more rapidly than low-intake snakes, but males did not grow or gain mass more rapidly than females in either treatment group. High-intake snakes attained reproductive maturity earlier than low-intake snakes, indicating that size, not age, is the critical determinant of reproductive maturity. Males had higher levels of testosterone than females but did not grow more quickly, suggesting that testosterone may not affect growth in this species and may therefore not be the proximate determinant of sexual size dimorphism. J. Exp. Zool. 303A:598-607, 2005. r 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Darwin (1871) recognized that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was prevalent among animal species and varied in both direction and magni- tude. Mammals and birds tend most often to show male-biased SSD where males are larger than females (Andersson, '94). Reptiles are variable but typically show female-biased SSD where females are larger than males (Fitch, '81). Numerous ultimate explanations of SSD have been proposed, but Darwin's original hypotheses are still the most widely discussed: in species where females are larger, size may provide a fecundity advantage,
From disasters to WOW: using web science to understand and enable 21st century multidimensional networks

Recent advances in Web Science provide comprehensive digital traces of social actions, interactions, and transactions. These data provide an unprecedented exploratorium to model the socio-technical motivations for creating, maintaining, dissolving, and reconstituting multidimensional social networks. Multidimensional networks include multiple types of nodes (people, documents, datasets, tags, etc.) and multiple types of relationships (co-authorship, citation, web links, etc). Using examples from research in a wide range of activities such as disaster response, science and engineering communities, public health and massively multiplayer online games (WoW - the World of Warcraft), Contractor will argue that Web Science serves as the foundation for the development of social network theories and methods to help advance our ability to understand and enable multidimensional networks.
Cervical nerve injection: computed tomography guidance with intravenous contrast and extraforaminal needle placement. Series of seven consecutive case reports

Abstract Background context Image-guided cervical nerve injections are being performed with increasing frequency. Severe complications are being reported. Purpose The purpose of this study is to introduce a technique for cervical nerve injection that may decrease the possibility for severe complications. Study design/setting This is a series of case reports describing the technique and clinical follow-up. Patient sample The sample comprises seven consecutive cases of unilateral neck and arm pain referred for cervical nerve injection. Outcome measures Retrospective evaluation of pain relief before and after the injection and at follow-up is reported as case studies. Methods The technique for computed tomography guided cervical nerve injection is described with case reports of seven consecutive patients. Results The results are case reports of each of the seven patients after unilateral cervical nerve injection. Conclusion A technique for cervical nerve injection is described with the results of the injection. This technique may allow some standardization in the procedure, decrease the learning curve for training physicians, and minimize the potential complications.
Cross-National Differences in Employment and Economic Sufficiency

Economic independence is an important indicator of the transition to adulthood. This article portrays the level of economic in dependence among young adults, ages eighteen to thirty-two, in seven industrialized countries. The cross-national variations the authors uncover help one understand how work, family, and comparative income packages affect economic self-sufficiency. In all countries, young women are less able than are young men to become economically independent through market work alone. The ability to support a family is affected more by government transfers than the ability to support oneself. The authors also find that family support through additional income, the provision of housing, and caring labor as well as decisions to have roommates are clearly important to the economic well-being of young adults. In closing, the authors suggest several avenues for future research.
Linker-scanning mutational analysis of the transcriptional activity of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat.

We have compared the relative importance of transcription regulatory regions in the U3 and R regions of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 long terminal repeat (LTR) by using linker-scanning mutational analysis. Twenty-six mutant LTR-chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) transient expression plasmids were prepared in which consecutive 18-bp regions of wild-type LTR were replaced with an NdeI-XhoI-SalI (NXS) polylinker. The mutant LTR-CAT plasmids were transfected into unstimulated Jurkat cells, Jurkat cells stimulated with phytohemagglutinin and tetradecanoylphorbol acetate, and Jurkat cells which constitutively express the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 trans-activator protein, Tat. Transcriptional activity was measured by analysis of CAT activity. The activities of these mutants identified one major and several minor transcription control elements in addition to previously identified elements. In addition, this fine-structure analysis identified differences in utilization of regulatory regions between unstimulated, stimulated, and Tat-expressing Jurkat cells. A significant regulatory region was indicated by linker-scanning mutations between nucleotides -183 and -130 (relative to the transcription start site, +1). These mutations caused marked decreases in activity of the LTR in unstimulated and especially in stimulated Jurkat cells but had no effect in Tat-expressing Jurkat cells. DNA mobility shift studies comparing probes of wild-type and mutant sequences in the -183 to -130 region indicated that alterations in specific DNA binding correspond to the altered transcriptional activity of the mutants. The effects of mutations in several regulatory regions, in addition to the -183 to -130 region described above, differ between Tat-expressing and -nonexpressing Jurkat cells. For example, the NF-kB sites are necessary for transcription in both Tat-expressing and -nonexpressing cells. However, Tat-expressing Jurkat cells primarily require only the 39-proximal site, while both stimulated and unstimulated Jurkat cells appear to require both sites. Mutants downstream of the TATA element cause a more significant decrease in activity in Tat-expressing Jurkat cells than in the others. Finally, several mutations in the 59 half of the LTR (-453 to -184) show modest increases in transcription (1.5-fold or less) in unstimulated Jurkat cells only, suggesting possible negative regulatory sites. In summary, our studies have identified a control region (-183 to -130) upstream of the NF-kB sites and have more precisely defined significant differences in the utilization of regulatory regions between unstimulated, stimulated, and Tat-expressing Jurkat cells. Images
Cognitive Outcome of Childhood-Onset Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Investigators on behalf of the MS Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society performed a third cognitive assessment on 48 of 63 patients with childhood or juvenile MS in the original cohort and compared with 46 healthy controls.
SWI/SNF-dependent chromatin remodeling of RNR3 requires TAFIIs and the general transcription machinery

Gene expression requires the recruitment of chromatin remodeling activities and general transcription factors (GTFs) to promoters. Whereas the role of activators in recruiting chromatin remodeling activities has been clearly demonstrated, the contributions of the transcription machinery have not been firmly established. Here we demonstrate that the remodeling of the RNR3 promoter requires a number of GTFs, mediator and RNA polymerase II. We also show that remodeling is dependent upon the SWI/SNF complex, and that TFIID and RNA polymerase II are required for its recruitment to the promoter. In contrast, Gcn5p-dependent histone acetylation occurs independently of TFIID and RNA polymerase II function, and we provide evidence that acetylation increases the extent of nucleosome remodeling, but is not required for SWI/SNF recruitment. Thus, the general transcription machinery can contribute to nucleosome remodeling by mediating the association of SWI/SNF with promoters, thereby revealing a novel pathway for the recruitment of chromatin remodeling activities.
Hybrid evolutionary computing model for mobile agents of wireless Internet multimedia

The ecosystem is used as an evolutionary paradigm of natural laws for the distributed information retrieval via mobile agents to allow the computational load to be added to server nodes of wireless networks, while reducing the traffic on communication links. Based on the Food Web model, a set of computational rules of natural balance form the outer stage to control the evolution of mobile agents providing multimedia services with a wireless Internet protocol WIP. The evolutionary model shows how mobile agents should behave with the WIP, in particular, how mobile agents can cooperate, compete and learn from each other, based on an underlying competition for radio network resources to establish the wireless connections to support the quality of service QoS of user requests. Mobile agents are also allowed to clone themselves, propagate and communicate with other agents. A two-layer model is proposed for agent evolution: the outer layer is based on the law of natural balancing, the inner layer is based on a discrete version of a Kohonen self-organizing feature map SOFM to distribute network resources to meet QoS requirements. The former is embedded in the higher OSI layers of the WIP, while the latter is used in the resource management procedures of Layer 2 and 3 of the protocol. Algorithms for the distributed computation of mobile agent evolutionary behavior are developed by adding a learning state to the agent evolution state diagram. When an agent is in an indeterminate state, it can communicate to other agents. Computing models can be replicated from other agents. Then the agents transitions to the mutating state to wait for a new information-retrieval goal. When a wireless terminal or station lacks a network resource, an agent in the suspending state can change its policy to submit to the environment before it transitions to the searching state. The agents learn the facts of agent state information entered into an external database. In the cloning process, two agents on a host station sharing a common goal can be merged or married to compose a new agent. Application of the two-layer set of algorithms for mobile agent evolution, performed in a distributed processing environment, is made to the QoS management functions of the IP multimedia IM sub-network of the third generation 3G Wideband Code-division Multiple Access W-CDMA wireless network.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sir David Cuthbertson and Arvid Wretlind--pillars of ESPEN.

repair and maintenance. He felt that the protein breakdown was somehow required to maintain a constant level of metabolism. A corollary seemed to be that any increase in heat production was due to the specific dynamic action arising from the increase in protein breakdown. Cuthbertson became interested in the finding that an injured patient had a decrease in heat production and body temperature followed by a subsequent phase of ‘enhanced vitality’ with an increase in heat production and body temperature. The curves of urinary increase in nitrogen and the basal consumption of oxygen generally moved in parallel. The loss of 7–8% of the body’s content of nitrogen was considered to be too great an amount to come from the local area of injury alone. The loss of body tissue could not be fully accounted for by the loss of muscle substance from the site of injury or even the injured limb. There appeared to be a generalized increase in catabolism. These observations lead Cuthbertson to propose what later became known as ‘the metabolic response to injury’, namely that the presence of an injury produced a systemic response which involved tissues throughout the body. Nitrogen balance has been regarded as the hallmark of this response and remained a source of intense curiosity for Cuthbertson throughout his life. This response to injury was further clarified by Cuthbertson during the early years of World War II, a time of renewed interest in traumatic shock. He introduced the term ‘ebb phase’ for the shock phase, followed by the ‘flow phase’ which was characterized by hypermetabolism, nitrogen loss and the other features of the metabolic response which he had been studying. He observed that the flow phase had many of the features of a generalized inflammatory response, and also observed that it was doubtful whether during the early catabollc phase, any dietary measure could effectively suppress the catabolic destruction of body protein.