cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical model evaluation of topical prodrug delivery—simultaneous transport and bioconversion of vidarabine‐5′‐valerate I: Physical model development

A physical model approach to the topical delivery of a vidarabine ester prodrug was investigated. It involved modeling, theoretical simulations, experimental method development for factoring and quantifying parameters, and, finally, employment of the deduced parameters to determine the steady-state species fluxes and concentration profiles in the target tissue. The present report describes the physical modeling and theoretical simulation aspects. The physical model for the simultaneous transport and bioconversion of a topically delivered prodrug was formulated assuming homogeneous enzyme distributions and constant diffusivities in the membrane. The mathematical problem was solved, and the solution yielded concentration profiles and fluxes of all species in the biomembrane. These results provided the prevailing levels of the prodrug, the drug, and the metabolite at the target site and the transport rates of all species into the bloodstream. Computations of concentration profiles and fluxes were carried out for a reasonable range of the parameters. The relative activities of the esterase and the deaminase enzymes, as well as the stratum corneum permeabilities, were important in influencing the concentration profiles and fluxes of all species.
Emergency medical services transport of patients with headache: Mode of arrival may indicate serious etiology

Objective. To determine whether mode of arrival is associated with seriousness of etiology and use of diagnostic testing in patients treated in the emergency department for headache. Methods. This ...
A New Low-Cost β-Type High-Strength Titanium Alloy with Lower Alloying Percentage for Spring Applications

Spring applications require materials that possess a low Young’s modulus and high strength, in addition to having a lower alloying percentage for reduced costs. In this study, a new low-cost ¢-type titanium alloy with a lower alloying percentage than conventional ¢-type alloys was developed for spring applications using [Al]eq and [Mo]eq. The alloy is located in the near-¢ region and its ¢ transus temperature is about 1023K (750°C). This alloy could be cold rolled to a reduction ratio of 86.7% without any intermediate heat treatment. The solutionized alloy exhibits an ultimate strength of 925MPa, a 0.2% proof stress of 910MPa, an elongation of 18%, and a Young’s modulus of 78GPa; the comprehensive characteristics are better than those of conventionally used alloys (Ti-15-3 and ¢C) for spring applications.
Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and stercoral ulcers.

Colonic ulcerations can affect the entire colon and rectum, and have variable clinical presentation according to the anatomic location and underlying pathology. Diverse causes may lead to colonic ulceration, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, oral drugs (mostly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), local or diffuse ischemia, and different intestinal microorganisms. An ulcer may also herald a concealed malignant disease. In Colonic ulcerations can affect the entire colon and rectum, and have variable clinical presentation according to the anatomic location and underlying pathology. Diverse causes may lead to colonic ulceration, such as inflammatory bowel diseases, oral drugs (mostly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), local or diffuse ischemia, and different intestinal microorganisms. An ulcer may also herald a concealed malignant disease. In most cases, colonic ulcerate is associated with diffuse colitis in the acute setup or with inflammatory bowel diseases, and to the lesser extent the ulceration is defined as solitary. This article focuses on two of the less commonly diagnosed diseases: solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and stercoral ulceration, both related to local tissue ischemia and often seen in the elderly population.
From Naïve to Norvig On Deriving a PROLOG Compiler

An interpreter is a concise definition of the semantics of a programming language and is easily implemented. A compiler is more difficult to construct, but the code that it generates runs faster than interpreted code. This paper introduces rules to transform an interpreter into a compiler, and then provides a concrete demonstration of the rules in the form of a derivation of a Prolog compiler, much like Norvig's, implemented in Common Lisp. This example also suggests that the approach can be applied to a wide range of interpreter implementations and related algorithms.
Recent developments in Korean fisheries management

Abstract Korean fisheries face stock depletion and enforcement problems even after various fisheries management tools have been used for 50 years to manage the fisheries. Because of these problems, self-control management has been introduced into Korean fisheries led by the central government since 2001. This paper analyzes the characteristics of 79 model communities (2002) which have introduced Self-control Management Project (SMP) as their fisheries management system. Based on the characteristics of 79 model communities, we categorize Korean SMPs into 3 types: fishing village community model (I), fishing gear community (aquaculture (II-1) and coastal and offshore fishery (II-2)) and large-scale community (III). This paper also provides alternative policies to alleviate problems in different types of communities and to expand and more firmly establish the SMP in Korean fisheries.
Integrating Global Positioning System with Laser Technology to Capture As-Built Information during Open-Cut Construction

The construction industry is continuing to face the challenge of properly identifying existing underground utilities prior to engaging in new construction or renovation projects. Contractors need to know the precise location of existing underground utilities to increase the efficiency of the construction process and to reduce the likelihood of utility strike and interruptions. This research outlines a methodology to assist field personnel in the collection of underground utility location data that can be accomplished accurately and consistently, in a minimal amount of time, with less effort, while maintaining safety protocols. This novel process aims to create a framework to develop a permanent data collection and storage solution. The research examined various methodologies to improve the positional accuracy of underground utilities through integration of global positioning systems and laser technology. The integrated technology was tested in both a controlled environment and under actual construction fi...
A psychophysical approach to assessing the quality of antialiased images

The assumption that antialiasing destroys useful visual information about object features is challenged in three experiments that examine the effects of antialiasing on the visual information for object location and motion. The results show that proper antialiasing eliminates the spurious visual information produced by sampling processes in image synthesis and allows the viewer's visual system to produce a precise representation of object location and a continuous representation of object motion. This suggests that in designing imagery systems, simply increasing the spatial and temporal addressability and resolution beyond limits set by the human visual system will have a negligible impact on image quality, but that effective use of antialiasing techniques could allow visual information about object features to be presented with great fidelity. >
On the origin, homologies and evolution of primate facial muscles, with a particular focus on hominoids and a suggested unifying nomenclature for the facial muscles of the Mammalia

The mammalian facial muscles are a subgroup of hyoid muscles (i.e. muscles innervated by cranial nerve VII). They are usually attached to freely movable skin and are responsible for facial expressions. In this study we provide an account of the origin, homologies and evolution of the primate facial muscles, based on dissections of various primate and non-primate taxa and a review of the literature. We provide data not previously reported, including photographs showing in detail the facial muscles of primates such as gibbons and orangutans. We show that the facial muscles usually present in strepsirhines are basically the same muscles that are present in non-primate mammals such as tree-shrews. The exceptions are that strepsirhines often have a muscle that is usually not differentiated in tree-shrews, the depressor supercilii, and lack two muscles that are usually differentiated in these mammals, the zygomatico-orbicularis and sphincter colli superficialis. Monkeys such as macaques usually lack two muscles that are often present in strepsirhines, the sphincter colli profundus and mandibulo-auricularis, but have some muscles that are usually absent as distinct structures in non-anthropoid primates, e.g. the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, levator labii superioris, nasalis, depressor septi nasi, depressor anguli oris and depressor labii inferioris. In turn, macaques typically lack a risorius, auricularis anterior and temporoparietalis, which are found in hominoids such as humans, but have muscles that are usually not differentiated in members of some hominoid taxa, e.g. the platysma cervicale (usually not differentiated in orangutans, panins and humans) and auricularis posterior (usually not differentiated in orangutans). Based on our observations, comparisons and review of the literature, we propose a unifying, coherent nomenclature for the facial muscles of the Mammalia as a whole and provide a list of more than 300 synonyms that have been used in the literature to designate the facial muscles of primates and other mammals. A main advantage of this nomenclature is that it combines, and thus creates a bridge between, those names used by human anatomists and the names often employed in the literature dealing with non-human primates and non-primate mammals.
A subexponential algorithm for discrete logarithms over hyperelliptic curves of large genus over GF ( q )

There are well-known subexponential algorithms for finding discrete logarithms over finite fields. However, the methods which underlie these algorithms do not appear to be easily adaptable for finding discrete logarithms in the groups associated with elliptic curves and the Jacobians of hyperelliptic curves, except for very special cases (Menezes et al., IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory 39 (1993) 1639–1646, Okamoto and Sakurai, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 576, Springer, Berlin, 1991). This has led to the development of cryptographic systems based on the discrete logarithm problem for such groups (Koblitz, Math. Comput. 48 (1987) 203–209, J. Cryptogr. 1 (1989) 139–150, Menezes, Elliptic Curve Public Key Cryptosystems, Kluwer, Dordrecht, 1993, Miller, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer, Berlin, 1986, pp. 417– 426). In this paper a subexponential algorithm is presented for finding discrete logarithms in the group of rational points on the Jacobians of large genus hyperelliptic curves over prime fields. We give a heuristic argument that under certain assumptions, there exists a constant c⩽2.181 such that for g∈Z>0 and odd prime powers q with logq⩽(2g+1)1−e and 0<e=o(1), the algorithm computes discrete logarithms in the group of rational points on the Jacobian of a genus g hyperelliptic curve over GF(q) of the form y2=f(x) with deg(f)=2g+1, within expected time Lq2g+1[1/2,c], or equivalently, Lqg[1/2,c′] with c′=2c.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide partially mediates nociception in acute experimental pancreatitis.

Background The mechanism by which pancreatitis causes pain is unknown. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) is released after sensory nerve activation and promotes nociceptive signaling in models of visceral pain. We hypothesized that acute pancreatitis leads to the activation of pancreatic sensory neurons that release CGRP in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This signal is ultimately transmitted to the brain, and pain is sensed. Methods To induce pancreatitis, rats were injected with l -arginine (500 mg/kg) intraperitoneally or saline (control). Pancreatitis was confirmed by measuring serum amylase and evaluating pancreatic histology. Activation of nociceptive pathways was evaluated by counting Fos-like immunoreactive nuclei (FLI) in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord at T3-L1. Some animals received the CGRP antagonist CGRP8-37 (50 μg intrathecally) 2 hours before perfusion. Animals were compared using a 2-tailed t test. Results l -Arginine treatment induced acute necrotizing pancreatitis in the rat at 24 hours. l -Arginine (24 hours) increased FLI in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, with a peak effect at L1. Intrathecal administration of CGRP8-37 significantly decreased the number of FLI nuclei in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in T11-L1. Conclusions Nociception in the l -arginine model of acute pancreatitis is partially mediated by the release of CGRP in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Antagonism of CGRP or its receptors may be useful in treating pain from acute pancreatitis.
Loss of Human Photoreceptor Sensitivity Associated with Chronic Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation

The crystalline lens of the human eye absorbs most of the incident ultraviolet radiation (UVR), but when the lens is removed, this radiation can reach the photoreceptors. The consequences of UVR exposure on cone receptor sensitivity were determined from psychophysical measurements in patients who had undergone bilateral cataract extraction and implantation of intraocular lenses (IOLs). The IOL implanted in one eye contained chromophores that absorb incident UVR, whereas that implanted in the other eye transmitted UVR. Five years of exposure to ambient UVR was associated with a selective loss in sensitivity of the short-wave cone photoreceptors. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that chronic exposure to UVR may damage the human retina.
Highly Stable Molecular Layers on Nanocrystalline Anatase TiO2 through Photochemical Grafting

Well-defined molecular layers can be formed on the surface of nanocrystalline anatase TiO2 by photochemically grafting organic molecules bearing a terminal vinyl group. The molecular layers produced are shown to have minimal oxidation and are able to be patterned and uniformly grafted through optically thick nanocrystalline films. Stability tests show that the layers have excellent stability in deionized water at 80 °C, aqueous solutions at pH = 1.0 and pH = 10.3 at 65 °C, and acetonitrile for time scales approaching 1200 h. Degradation of the films in deionized water occurs using a AM1.5 full-spectrum solar simulator as an illumination source but is partially suppressed by filtering with a 400 nm UV blocking filter which blocks the above-bandgap light. A mechanism is proposed for the grafting reaction in which the surface hydroxyl groups trap photoexcited holes, facilitating reaction with the vinyl group.
Hormonal induction of alkaline phosphatase activity by an increase in catalytic efficiency of the enzyme

Abstract Alkaline phosphatase activity of HeLa 65 cells is increased 5- to 20-fold during growth in medium containing cortisol. The kinetics of increase in activity are characterized by a 12- to 24-hour lag period after adding hormone, followed by a linear and rapid increase of activity which reaches a plateau after 60 to 100 hours. Both RNA and protein synthesis are required for “induction”. However, immunological methods show that the amount of enzyme protein in induced cells is not increased; suggesting that there is neither an increased rate of alkaline phosphatase synthesis nor a hormone-mediated decrease in the catabolism of the enzyme. When the kinetics of induction are compared to the kinetics of enzyme synthesis using radioactively labeled enzyme and specific precipitation by antiserum, the alkaline phosphatase is maximally labeled long before the increase of enzyme activity reaches a maximum. This finding suggests that the hormone acts by initiating the synthesis of a modifier molecule which interacts with the enzyme to produce an enhanced catalytic efficiency. The physical and chemical characteristics of the base-level and induced enzyme are similar except the V max of the induced alkaline phosphatase is much greater. The increased catalytic efficiency of induced alkaline phosphatase is not the result of an increase in the zinc ion content of this metalloenzyme. However, the binding of ionic zinc to the induced form of apoenzyme appears to be different from that of the base-level enzyme. It is suggested that the enhanced catalytic activity of induced alkaline phosphatase is the result of an alteration in zinc ion binding which produces an entatic effect, lowering the energy requirements of the enzyme substrate transition state.
Isotonicity Values and Derived Thermodynamic Properties of Some Uni-Univalent Electrolytes of Pharmaceutical Interest

Commonly used substituted amine salts of pharmaceutical interest are studied with the thermoelectric vapor-phase osmometer previously described in J. Pharm. Sci. as a molecular weight apparatus. The instrument is used without modification to determine change in the resistance of a thermistor as a function of the concentrations of drops of liquid in contact with it. The data are plotted on a percentage basis to provide direct reading of isotonicity values (per cent NaCl) and on a molar basis to show typical electrolyte behavior at lower concentrations. A few interesting abnormalities, including apparent micelle formation, appear at higher concentrations (0.1–0.2 M ). Osmotic coefficients and sodium chloridee quivalent values are calculated.
A framework for accelerating neuromorphic-vision algorithms on FPGAs

Implementations of neuromorphic algorithms are traditionally implemented on platforms which consume significant power, falling short of their biologically underpinnings. Recent improvements in FPGA technology have led to FPGAs becoming a platform in which these rapidly evolving algorithms can be implemented. Unfortunately, implementing designs on FPGAs still prove challenging for nonexperts, limiting their use in the neuroscience domain. In this paper, a FPGA framework is presented which enables neuroscientists to compose multi-FPGA systems for a cortical object classification model. This is demonstrated by mapping this algorithm onto two distinct platforms providing speedups of up to ∼28X over a reference CPU implementation.
Probing the three-gluon coupling of QCD using heavy quark and quarkonium production in hadronic collisions

Abstract The production of heavy quarks and quarkonia at large transverse momentum in hadronic collisions depends on the non-Abelian three-gluon coupling of QCD. We examine what limits can be placed on deviations of this coupling from its gauge theory form by confrontation with experimental data on b-quark and charmonium ( J ψ ) production at large pT. We also briefly discuss the effects of a non-standard three-gluon coupling on the hadronic decay width of the 3 P 1 (c c ) charmonium state.
Engineering Dislocation Networks for the Directed Assembly of Two-Dimensional Rotor Arrays

Two-dimensional arrays of molecular rotors may provide entirely new approaches to signal processing, sensing, the development of dielectrics, and energy modulation, all based on rotational motions in the molecular adlayers. To this end, we have engineered a bimetallic surface system with a regular array of dislocations and studied the adsorption of a molecular rotor, dibutyl sulfide. Because of a size difference between the atoms, a single layer of Ag deposited onto Cu{111} reconstructs the Cu surface into a regular hexagonal array of hexagonally close-packed domains with an average spacing of 2.6 ± 0.1 nm surrounded by face-centered cubic close-packed areas. Our data demonstrates that the affinity of adsorbates for these different domains can be used to spatially control single molecule adsorption; individual dibutyl sulfide rotors have been arranged in a hexagonal pattern via their binding preference for hcp sites in a manner analogous to placing cogs on a pegboard.
Basic fibroblast growth factor delivery enhances adrenal cortical cellular regeneration.

The effective delivery of angiogenic factors is a useful strategy for the engineering of vascularized tissues. When adrenal cortical cells were implanted in mice under the renal capsule, the size o...
Development of a deer mouse whole-genome radiation hybrid panel and comparative mapping of Mus chromosome 11 loci.

A 5000-rad whole-genome radiation hybrid cell panel (BW5000) was developed for mapping the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) genome. The panel consists of 103 cell lines and has an estimated marker retention frequency of 63.9% (range, 28%–88%) based on PCR typing of 30 Type I (coding gene) and 25 Type II (microsatellite) markers. Using the composite Mus map, Type I markers were selected from six Mus chromosomes, 22 of which are on Mus Chr 11. Fifteen of the Mus Chr 11 markers were simultaneously mapped on an interspecific (P. maniculatus × P.polionotus) backcross panel to test the utility of the radiation hybrid panel, create a framework map, and help establish gene order. The radiation hybrids have effectively detected linkage in the deer mouse genome between markers as far apart as 6.7 cM and resolved markers that are, in the Mus genome, as close as 0.2 Mb. Combined results from both panels have indicated a high degree of gene order conservation of the telomeric 64 cM of Mus Chr 11 in the deer mouse genome. The remaining centromeric portion also shows gene order conservation with the deer mouse but as a separate linkage group. This indicates a translocation of that portion of Mus Chr 11 in P. maniculatus and is consistent with rearrangement breakpoints observed between Mus and other mammalian genomes, including rat and human. Furthermore, this separate linkage group is likely to reside in a chromosomal region of inversion polymorphism between P. maniculatus and P. polionotus.
Conditional logic abilities on the four-card problem: Assessment of behavioral and reasoning performances

The present study assessed the behavioral and the reasoning performances of 507 school and university students on the four logical principles of logical detachment, particular conversion, particular inversion, and particular contraposition. An adapted version of Wason's four-card problem was administered to all students in paper-and-pencil format and in group settings. Students were asked to respond to the logical questions and to justify their answers. Nine logical reasoning categories were identified. The results of behavioral and reasoning performances were compared across grade levels. Results indicated that many students who responded behaviorally correctly to the logical questions, provided incorrect reasoning justifications. The percentages of students who considered a conditional statement as hypothetical increased with age. No sex differences on the behavioral and the reasoning performances were reported.
Model of biological pattern recognition with spatially chaotic dynamics

Abstract This article describes computer simulation of the dynamics of a distributed model of the olfactory system that is aimed at understanding the role of chaos in biological pattern recognition. The model is governed by coupled nonlinear differential equations with many variables and parameters, which allow multiple high-dimensional chaotic states. An appropriate set of the parameters is identified by computer experiments with the guidance of biological measurements, through which this model of the olfactory system maintains a low dimensional global chaotic attractor with multiple “wings.” The central part of the attractor is its basal chaotic activity, which simulates the electroencephalographic (EEG) activity of the olfactory system under zero signal input (exhalation). It provides the system with a ready state so that it is unnecessary for the system to “wake up” from or return to a “dormant” equilibrium state every time that an input is given (by inhalation). Each of the wings may be either a near-limit cycle (a narrow band chaos) or a broad band chaos. The reproducible spatial pattern of each near-limit cycle is determined by a template made in the system. A novel input with no template activates the system to either a nonreproducible near-limit cycle wing or a broad band chaotic wing. Pattern recognition in the system may be considered as the transition from one wing to another, as demonstrated by the computer simulation. The time series of the manifestations of the attractor are EEG-like waveforms with fractal dimensions that reflect which wing the system is placed in by input or lack of input. The computer simulation also shows that the adaptive behavior of the system is scaling invariant, and it is independent of the initial conditions at the transition from one wing to another. These properties enable the system to classify an uninterrupted sequence of stimuli.
2-mercaptoacetate stimulates sham feeding in rats

Rats maintained on a LF diet (Purina chow) were pretreated with 0.3 M/kg 2-mercaptoacetate, an antagonist of B-oxidation of fatty acids, 60 min before sham feeding condensed milk with open gastric cannulas. 2-Mercaptoacetate significantly increased 30-min milk intake by about 35%. This suggests that blockade of fatty acid oxidation 1) participates control of feeding even in rats adapted to low fat diets, and 2) modulates not only the timing of meal initiation as previously reported by others, but also may influence the rate of ingestion and/or meal size. Finally, 2-mercaptoacetate pretreatment did not block the synergistic inhibition of sham feeding elicited by simultaneous injections of glucagon and cholecystokinin.
Theoretical studies of defects and nitrogen doping in tetrahedral amorphous carbon

Abstract We have performed ab initio molecular dynamics calculations on the formation of tetrahedral amorphous carbon supercells and on the doping of such supercells with nitrogen. By quenching from high temperatures, we have been able to produce supercells that include either very few or no defect states in the approximately 2 eV band gap. Based on these studies, we present evidence that the sp2 C atoms pair and form even membered chains and that this pairing removes states from the 2 eV energy gap. However, we also note that this pairing hybridizes with other defect states in the gap and that this hybridization removes these defect states from the gap. We have also investigated doping with N by placing N atoms at a variety of different sites in the C supercells and then relaxing the structures. This substitution was done with N substituting at 4-fold coordinated sites, 3-fold coordinated sites in a pair or even membered chain, isolated 3-fold coordinated sites (dangling bonds), and various strained sites. Both the energy of the ensuing configurations and their electronic structure were studied. Our results can all be understood in terms of an effective mass type theory but they are not the results that one would expect by analogy with diamond. Our results give a reasonable explanation of why the band gap of tetrahedral amorphous carbon is relatively free of defect states without hydrogenation and why the doping efficiency is less than in Si.
Mechanoreceptors and reflex arc in the feline shoulder

A reflex arc from the glenohumeral capsule to the biceps, infraspinatus, supraspinatus, and subscapular muscles was shown in a feline preparation. Branches of the suprascapular and subscapular nerves terminating in the capsule were identified and then stimulated with a 100 μsec supramaximal pulse at 10 pulses per second. Stimulation of the suprascapular articular nerve elicited electromyographic discharge in the biceps and infraspinatus muscles, whereas stimulation of the subscapular articular nerve elicited electromyographic discharge in the biceps, subscapularis, infraspinatus, and supraspinatus muscles. When the articular nerves were transected between their emergence from the main nerve trunk and the stimulation electrodes, the electromyographic discharge was abolished confirming the afferent nature of the nerves. The mean time delay (±SD) from application of the stimulus to the peak of the recorded electromyographic activity was 3.2±0.27 msec. Anatomic dissection and staining of the capsule segments where the articular nerves terminated revealed mechanoreceptors consisting primarily of free nerve endings and Golgi tendon organs, Ruffini's endings, and pacinian corpuscles. The existence of a ligamento-muscular reflex arc in the glenohumeral joint extends the concept of passive and active restraints of a joint by virtue of the synergy between ligaments and muscles. That such a reflex exists may advocate modification of surgical repairs of the capsule, leading to preservation of as many neurologic structures as possible; it may also form the foundation for new postsurgical therapeutic modalities.
On the long time creep and lifetime behavior in uniaxial extension of a linear low density polyethylene

This paper describes uniaxial creep measurements done on a linear low density polyethylene over a wide range of temperatures and applied stresses. It is found that the creep behavior overall is quite complex and that the one quantity which can best be used to predict useful lifetime of this material is the time at which necking is observed. The time to neck data has been used to generate a composite curve which can serve as an upper bound to lifetime prediction.
A new method for estimating counter-ion selectivity of a cationic association colloid: Trapping of interfacial chloride and bromide counter-ions by reaction with micellar bound aryldiazonium salts

Abstract Yields of aryl halides and phenolic products from dediazoniation of a hydrophobic aryldiazonium salt bound to cetyltrimethylammonium halide, CTAX, micelles in 0.1 to 0.2 M HX with added NaX(XCl − and Br − ) are used to estimate, simultaneously, the quantity of halide counter-ions and water at the micelle surface. The interfacial counter-ion concentration increases, both in solutions of CTABr with added NaBr and CTACl with added NaCl with a proportionate decrease in interfacial water. The selectivity of CTAX micelles toward Br − and Cl − in solutions containing mixtures of the two ions is obtained directly, unlike all previous methods which require an estimate of the fraction of bound counter-ions. Counter-ion exchange constants, K Br Cl , estimated from aryl bromide/aryl chloride yield ratios at high NaX, are consistent with published values. Our results show, for the first time, that K Br Cl is insensitive to ionic strength up to 3.0 M NaX when [Br − ]/[Cl − ]=1.0, but has modest dependence on the mole fraction of Br − at constant total NaX. K Br Cl is also independent of surfactant concentration, after correcting for the fraction of bound counter-ions. In principle, product ratios from reaction of hydrophobic aryldiazonium salts can be used to estimate the relative concentrations of all nucleophiles at the surfaces of association colloids, provided stable aryl substituted products are formed via rate determining loss of N 2 .
Structural landscape of isolated agonist-binding domains from single AMPA receptors

AMPA receptors mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission by converting chemical signals into electrical signals, and thus it is important to understand the relationship between their chemical biology and their function. We used single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer to examine the conformations explored by the agonist-binding domain of the AMPA receptor for wild-type and T686S mutant proteins. Each form of the agonist binding domain showed a dynamic, multistate sequential equilibrium, which could be identified only using wavelet shrinkage, a signal processing technique that removes experimental shot noise. These results illustrate that the extent of activation depends not on a rigid closed cleft but instead on the probability that a given subunit will occupy a closed-cleft conformation, which in turn is determined not only by the lowest energy state but also by the range of states that the protein explores.
Antibiotics and thyroid tissue slices.

In view of the lack of concurrence among several investigators concerning a possible in vivo antithyroid effect of Aureomycin® and penicillin, the surviving thyroid slice method in use in this laboratory for several years has been employed to test the direct antithyroid action of some common antibiotics. Although the agents (PAS and isoniazid) frequently employed in treating tuberculosis have been found to exert a significant antithyroid activity, none of the common antibiotics tested exhibited an antithyroid effect except at concentrations higher than those to be expected in clinical practice.
A comparative analysis of Australian, US, and British telecasts of the Seoul Olympic opening ceremony

This study compares audio and visual components of the 1988 Seoul Olympics opening ceremony telecasts as seen in the United States (NBC), the United Kingdom (BBC), and Australia (TEN). The authors describe and compare the media constructions of this global event that result from differences in commercial obligation, financial resources, and the geopolitical and cultural perspectives of the broadcasting networks. The study explores, in particular, the balance and tension between televised images of nations and the symbols of Olympic internationalism, suggesting a range of policy implications.
Antigen-specific regulatory T cells in bovine paratuberculosis

Abstract Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is an intracellular pathogen that survives in the host's intestinal macrophages and causes chronic enteritis in ruminants. The subclinical stage of MAP infection is accompanied by loss of pro-inflammatory TH1 response, and a predominant, but ineffective, antibody-mediated TH2 response. How MAP interacts with the bovine immune system and suppresses TH1 responses is unclear. Studies carried out in our lab and others indicate that when peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from subclinical MAP-infected cattle are stimulated with MAP-antigen, IL-10 is up-regulated and leads to suppression of IFN-γ expression in MAP-antigen-reactive effector T cells. IL-10 up-regulation and reduction in IFN-γ would favor MAP survival and proliferation in macrophages. Depletion studies in PBMCs from MAP-infected cattle also revealed that the MAP responsive T-cell population that produces IL-10 is CD4+ and CD25+. Therefore, we hypothesize that cattle infected with MAP develop regulatory T (Treg) cells capable of producing IL-10 that in turn limits peripheral and tissue-specific TH1 immune responses. The aim of this review is to summarize current thinking regarding Treg cells and provide preliminary evidence that infection of cattle with MAP may lead to development of Treg cells.
Optimal strategy for trapping single fluorescent molecules in solution using the ABEL trap.

Trapping of 10-nm-sized single fluorescent bio-molecules in solution has been achieved using high-speed position sensing and electrokinetic feedback forces in the Anti-Brownian ELectrokinetic (ABEL) trap. The high diffusion coefficient of small objects in solution requires very fast, real-time sensing of position, and this has been previously achieved using a simple rotating beam, but improved strategies are needed for the smallest objects, such as single nanometer-sized fluorescent molecules. At the same time, single molecules are limited in photon emission rate and total number of photons, so each emitted photon must be used as efficiently as possible. We describe a new controller design for the ABEL trap which features fast, knight’s tour scanning of an excitation beam on a 2D square lattice and a Kalman filter-based estimator for optimal position sensing. This strategy leads directly to a maximum-likelihood-based method to extract the diffusion coefficient of the object held in the trap. The effectiveness of the algorithms are demonstrated and compared to the simple rotating beam design through Monte Carlo simulations. Our new approach yields tighter trapping and a much improved ability to extract diffusion coefficients.
Inverse Solution to the Coupled Ordinary Differential Equation

The identification of the actual form of the constant coefficient coupled differential equations and their boundary conditions, from two sets of discrete data points, is possible through a unique two-step approach developed in this paper. In the first step, the best Bezier function is fitted to the data. This allows an effective approximation of the data and the required number of derivatives for the entire range of the independent variable. In the second step, the known derivatives are introduced in a generic model of the coupled differential equation. This generic form includes two types of unknowns, real numbers and integers. The real numbers are the coefficients of the various terms in the differential equations, while the integers are exponents of the derivatives. The unknown exponents and coefficients are identified using an error formulation. Two examples are solved. The given data is exact, smooth and they represent solutions to coupled linear differential equations. The solution is obtained through discrete programming. Three methods are presented. The first is limited enumeration, which is useful if the coefficients belong to a limited set of discrete values. The second is global search using the genetic algorithm for a larger choice of coefficient values. The third uses a state space integrator driven by the genetic algorithm, to minimize the error between known data and that obtained from numerical integration.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Juxtapoze: supporting serendipity and creative expression in clipart compositions

Juxtapoze is a clipart composition workflow that supports creative expression and serendipitous discoveries in the shape domain. We achieve creative expression by supporting a workflow of searching, editing, and composing: the user queries the shape database using strokes, selects the desired search result, and finally modifies the selected image before composing it into the overall drawing. Serendipitous discovery of shapes is facilitated by allowing multiple exploration channels, such as doodles, shape filtering, and relaxed search. Results from a qualitative evaluation show that Juxtapoze makes the process of creating image compositions enjoyable and supports creative expression and serendipity.
Particle-Microplasma Interactions

Summary form only given. We demonstrate that the potential gradients created within microplasmas are capable of trapping micro-and nanoparticles in a three-dimensional space. The microplasma is generated within a microwave-excited discharge gap. The gap is typically 150 microns across and a symmetric 900 MHz voltage is applied across the gap to initiate and sustain the microplasma [1]. Although the plasma is in direct contact with microwave-driven electrodes, the ion plasma frequency and the natural frequency of the particles are orders of magnitude less than the drive frequency. Therefore, the particles suspended in the microplasma only respond to the internal, time-average plasma potential and externally applied potentials. To demonstrate the particle trapping phenomena, melamine formaldehyde particles are released 1 cm from the microplasma. The particles acquire a negative charge and are captured within the localized potential well of the microplasma. The residence time of particles is several minutes in flowing argon at 300 Pa. The particles are illuminated by HeNe laser and are observed to form "plasma crystals" with a periodicity of 120 microns. The particle positions allow for the visualization of the microplasma's internal potential structure. We also manipulate the internal electric fields using auxiliary electrodes consisting of quarter-wave microstrip transmission lines. By designing and microfabricating appropriate electrode structures, particles can lie systematically expelled from the microplasma trap. Time-of-flight measurements of expelled particles allow for the determination of particle size distributions. Application of these principles to nanoparticle sensing and diagnostics will be discussed.
The effect of retroactivity on the transfer function of a phosphorylation system

It was theoretically shown that impedance-like effects, called retroactivity, in biomolecular circuits can significantly impact the behavior of a system. In this paper, we quantify the effect of retroactivity on the transfer function of a phosphorylation system after linearization of its nonlinear model about a steady state. Our analysis shows that retroactivity shifts the poles of the transfer function toward the low frequency.
Relative Cerebral Blood Volume Values to Differentiate High-Grade Glioma Recurrence from Posttreatment Radiation Effect: Direct Correlation between Image-Guided Tissue Histopathology and Localized Dynamic Susceptibility-Weighted Contrast-Enhanced Perfusion MR Imaging Measurements

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Differentiating tumor growth from posttreatment radiation effect (PTRE) remains a common problem in neuro-oncology practice. To our knowledge, useful threshold relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) values that accurately distinguish the 2 entities do not exist. Our prospective study uses image-guided neuronavigation during surgical resection of MR imaging lesions to correlate directly specimen histopathology with localized dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced perfusion MR imaging (DSC) measurements and to establish accurate rCBV threshold values, which differentiate PTRE from tumor recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative 3T gradient-echo DSC and contrast-enhanced stereotactic T1-weighted images were obtained in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) previously treated with multimodality therapy. Intraoperative neuronavigation documented the stereotactic location of multiple tissue specimens taken randomly from the periphery of enhancing MR imaging lesions. Coregistration of DSC and stereotactic images enabled calculation of localized rCBV within the previously recorded specimen locations. All tissue specimens were histopathologically categorized as tumor or PTRE and were correlated with corresponding rCBV values. All rCBV values were T1-weighted leakage-corrected with preload contrast-bolus administration and T2/T2*-weighted leakage-corrected with baseline subtraction integration. RESULTS: Forty tissue specimens were collected from 13 subjects. The PTRE group (n = 16) rCBV values ranged from 0.21 to 0.71, tumor (n = 24) values ranged from 0.55 to 4.64, and 8.3% of tumor rCBV values fell within the PTRE group range. A threshold value of 0.71 optimized differentiation of the histopathologic groups with a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: rCBV measurements obtained by using DSC and the protocol we have described can differentiate HGG recurrence from PTRE with a high degree of accuracy.
Local perceptions of climate change validated by scientific evidence in the Himalayas

The Himalayas are assumed to be undergoing rapid climate change, with serious environmental, social and economic consequences for more than two billion people. However, data on the extent of climate change or its impact on the region are meagre. Based on local knowledge, we report perceived changes in climate and consequences of such changes for biodiversity and agriculture. Our analyses are based on 250 household interviews administered in 18 villages, and focused group discussions conducted in 10 additional villages in Darjeeling Hills, West Bengal, India and Ilam district of Nepal. There is a widespread feeling that weather is getting warmer, the water sources are drying up, the onset of summer and monsoon has advanced during last 10 years and there is less snow on mountains than before. Local perceptions of the impact of climate change on biodiversity included early budburst and flowering, new agricultural pests and weeds and appearance of mosquitoes. People at high altitudes appear more sensitive to climate change than those at low altitudes. Most local perceptions conform to scientific data. Local knowledge can be rapidly and efficiently gathered using systematic tools. Such knowledge can allow scientists to test specific hypotheses, and policy makers to design mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change, especially in an extraordinarily important part of our world that is experiencing considerable change.
A Variant of the HTRA1 Gene Increases Susceptibility to Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in the developed world and has a strong genetic predisposition. A locus at human chromosome 10q26 affects the risk of AMD, but the precise gene(s) have not been identified. We genotyped 581 AMD cases and 309 normal controls in a Caucasian cohort in Utah. We demonstrate that a single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs11200638, in the promoter region of HTRA1 is the most likely causal variant for AMD at 10q26 and is estimated to confer a population attributable risk of 49.3%. The HTRA1 gene encodes a secreted serine protease. Preliminary analysis of lymphocytes and retinal pigment epithelium from four AMD patients revealed that the risk allele was associated with elevated expression levels of HTRA1 mRNA and protein. We also found that drusen in the eyes of AMD patients were strongly immunolabeled with HTRA1 antibody. Together, these findings support a key role for HTRA1 in AMD susceptibility and identify a potential new pathway for AMD pathogenesis.
LINEAR MARANGONI PROBLEM IN A DILUTED POLYMER

Linear stability analysis of the Benard-Marangoni problem is a realistic polymeric fluid layer with a plane — free upper surface. Results of stationary and oscillatory instabilities obtained for models of diluted polymeric Jeffreys fluids and Maxwellian concentrated solutions were compared. It was shown that the oscillatory behavior may often occur before the onset of steady convection at physically meaningful parameter ranges.
Stable icosahedral hollow cage clusters: stannaspherene ( ) and plumbaspherene ( )

One of the major objectives of cluster science is to discover stable atomic clusters, which may be used as building blocks for cluster-assembled nanomaterials. The discovery and bulk synthesis of the fullerenes have sprouted new research disciplines in chemistry and nanoscience and precipitated intense interest to search for other similar stable clusters. However, despite major research efforts, no other analogous gas-phase clusters have been found and yielded to bulk syntheses. In this article, we review our recent discoveries in cluster beam experiments of stannaspherene ( ) and plumbaspherene ( ), which are highly stable and symmetric cage clusters. The names for these two clusters derive from their icosahedral (Ih ) symmetry and delocalized spherical π-bonding that are characteristics of buckminsterfullerene C60. Stannaspherene and plumbaspherene have diameters comparable to that of C60 and can be considered as inorganic analogues of the buckyball. The large internal space in has been shown to be able...
Global behaviour of solutions to a class of second-order rational difference equations when prime period-two solutions exist

For non-negative parameters α, β, γ, A, B and C such that A+B+C>0, consider the class of difference equations where either if A = 0, or R = [0,∞)2 if A>0. This class consists of 49 non-trivial second-order rational difference equations. We give a complete qualitative description of the global behaviour of solutions including basins of attraction of equilibria and prime period-two (PP2) solutions for all nonlinear difference equations (E) for which PP2 solutions exist. In particular, we show that every solution of (E) converges to an equilibrium or to a PP2 solution.