cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Emission from Lava Flows on Io

Abstract The thermal emission from Loki, Ulgen, and Amaterasu Paterae can be modeled remarkably accurately with a simple two-parameter model based on analytical expressions for the cooling of a silicate lava flow. In this model the flow is assumed to produce new surface at a constant rate and then the surface cools purely by radiation. The highly nonlinear ( T 4 ) dependence of radiative flux on temperature paradoxically produces simple approximations for the temperature of the surface vs time and also for the distribution function which gives the fraction of the surface at any given temperature. This work is based upon a modification of the Stefan model which describes the solidification of lava flows. The first of the two parameters which describe the system, R ′ A , is the product of a flow rate R A (given in m 2 sec −1 ) and a term set by material properties and related to thermal inertia. The second parameter t ′ 0 is the product of a time scale t 0 and another term set by material properties. The time t 0 can be interpreted either as the time the flow has been active or the time it takes for old surface to be covered by new flow. The analytical model predicts a spectrum with F λ ∝ λ 3 in the near infrared, with an exponential cutoff at short enough wavelengths and a slower turnover at long wavelengths. Slightly more elaborate versions of the model predict the way in which the spectrum should change when the flow rate varies with time. Measurements of such variations will provide a critical test of the model.
A Controlled Colloidal Destabilization Approach for the Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) from Cobalt Ferrite and Magnetite Nanoparticles Suspensions in Diethylene Glycol

Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles suspensions in diethylene glycol were tested as candidate systems for the EPD of CoFe2O4 and Fe3O4. It was found that despite the high stability and high zeta potential of such suspensions and the occurrence of mass transport at the electrode, they are not viable systems for EPD, due to coagulation failure. However, dilution of both suspensions with ethanol caused film coagulation at electric field between 20 and 60 V cm-1. Combinations of electric field and DEG volume fraction in ethanol/suspension mixtures that allow EPD to take place are detailed, and a description of the outcome of EPD trials is provided. A qualitative discussion of the causes of film consolidation in the presence of ethanol is presented.
DNA synthesis following gross alterations of the nucleocytoplasmic ratio in the ciliate Stentor coeruleus.

Abstract Incorporation of externally supplied and injected 3 H-thymidine into DNA was measured autoradiographically. Starved stentors synthesized no DNA, in contrast to well-fed animals, but replication commenced in some cases if they were fed. Grafting starved and well-fed stentors together rapidly induced DNA synthesis in the starved partner. Suppression of synthesis in the well-fed macronucleus was not observed. Well-fed cytoplasm alone induced DNA synthesis in starved stentors, and starved cytoplasm grafted to starved animals also induced synthesis after a lag. Starved animals with the beaded macronucleus reduced to 2 nodes commenced DNA replication after 6 hr; however, initiation was prevented if the normal nuclear complement was restored before the fourth hour. The macronucleus was required to render starved cytoplasm capable of supporting DNA synthesis, but once potentiated the cytoplasm alone could initiate replication in a starved nucleus. Initiation required RNA synthesis, shown by actinomycin sensitivity. This nucleic acid analysis suggests that decreasing the nucleocytoplasmic ratio elicits RNA synthesis in the remaining macronucleus. The RNA codes for proteins involved in DNA synthesis which are synthesized in the cytoplasm and enter the nucleus to initiate DNA replication.
Decentralized stabilization of interconnected systems

Abstract An algorithm for the evaluation of the fixed modes of interconnected large-scale systems with respect to decentralized feedback gains is presented, as well as a procedure for the determination of decentralized stabilization and/or pole-placement feedback gains. The approach is based on eigenvalue dynamics, and closed-form expressions for eigenvalue sensitivities with respect to the decentralized feedback gains are obtained.
Chromium Mask Damage In Excimer Laser Projection Processing

Cr masks used for conventional optical lithography were evaluated for their damage under excimer laser irradiation at 248 nm and 308 nm. The damage of Cr films on quartz ranged from erosion of pattern edges to total ablation depending on the fluence. At low fluences, cumulative stressing of the Cr films by the laser pulses leads to development of fine cracks. Difference in damage threshold at 248 nm and 308 nm was observed.
A soliton device

A simple, novel superconducting tunneling device has been investigated experimentally as well as theoretically. The device can be used to perform logic by the steering of Josephson solitons. It may be used as the basis for wide margin, high density, high speed circuits. The concept was demonstrated experimentally through the operation of a chain of 10 devices fabricated with a 5 μm Pb-alloy technology.
Letter by El Husseini et al Regarding Article, “What Causes Disability After Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke?”

Reporting on the results of the CATCH study, Coutts et al1 were surprised that 15% of subjects with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke were disabled (modified Rankin Score >2) at 90 days and indicate that their study “is novel in that it emphasizes the need to examine disability even in minor stroke.” Although differing in purpose and design, their data are consistent with our study, in which we found 37% of patients with TIA had a modified Rankin Score >2, 3 months …
PHOSPHORYLATION OF RECOMBINANT N-SYNDECAN (SYNDECAN 3) CORE PROTEIN

The cytoplasmic domain of the syndecan family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans is punctuated by the presence of four regularly spaced tyrosine residues. In this report, we explore the possibility of whether the four tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of N-syndecan (Syndecan 3) are potential substrates for phosphorylation by a tyrosine kinase. Bacterially expressed elk kinase was used to phosphorylate a series of bacterially expressed N-syndecan fusion proteins. Our results clearly demonstrate that the tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of N-syndecan can be phosphorylated by a tyrosine-specific kinase, and that all four tyrosine residues are capable of being phosphorylated.
Effects of cyanide and polyphosphates on adsorption of metals from simulated and real mixed-metal plating wastes

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of chromate, cyanide, pyrophosphate and tripolyphosphate on the adsorption of a suite of metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni and Pb) onto iron oxyhydroxide. All metals were present simultaneously, along with one of the anions. In the absence of complexing agents, adsorption of the strongest sorbing metals (Pb, Cu, Cr) slightly inhibited that of the remaining metals when all were present at concentrations of 10 −4 M and 10 −3 M total iron was available as the adsorbent. The presence of up to 10 −3 M CrO 4 had no significant effect on removal of the cationic metals from solution. Cyanide strongly inhibited sorption of Ni and Cu, but did not affect the other metals. These effects can be explained based on changes in metal speciation when the CN was added. Under the experimental conditions, CN formed strong soluble complexes with Ni. Also, reduction of Cu 2+ to Cu + by CN, and subsequent formation of Cu + -CN complexes, was thermodynamically favorable. The remaining metals in the system did not form strong complexes under the experimental conditions and were therefore unaffected. At low concentration, pyro- and tripolyphosphate enhanced sorption of all the metals, but at high concentration they led to a qualitative change in the metal sorption behavior. Whereas in the absence of the phosphate ligands, metal sorption is strongly pH dependent, at high polyphosphate concentration, this dependence almost disappears. Simultaneously, some of the Fe adsorbent dissolves as Fe-P complexes. The changes in metal behavior with increasing ligand concentration reflect the the totality of interactions in the system, which includes complexation, adsorption of free metal and complexes, iron dissolution and changes in the surface charge associated with the various sorption reactions. The effects of metal, chromate and CN concentration do not appear to be major impediments to the utilization of adsorption as a treatment process. The effects of P-containing ligands are more complicated: they may either increase or decrease metal sorption depending on the particular water under study. Further study to elucidate the interactions in these latter systems appears warranted.
Identification and Quantitative Estimation of Alcohols in Celery Essential Oil

SUMMARY: The alcohols in celery essential oil obtained from fresh celery by two essence recovery methods were separated by gas chromatography and identified by spectroscopic methods. Thirteen alcohols were reported. Twelve of the 13 alcohols have not been previously reported as constituents of celery essential oil. A semiquantitative estimation of each constituent was made.
European Integration, Urban Economic Change, and Public Policy Responses

Most empirical work on changing disparities in income during recently increased European integration examines the European Union (EU)-defined regions because of a dearth of readily available urban units of analysis and economic indicators. Moreover, a lack of systematic data on urban entrepreneurial efforts fuels debate over their effectiveness in enhancing urban prosperity. I combine a quantitative analysis of trends in income disparities for the Western European urban system for 1980-1994, with comparative case studies using qualitative and quantitative information for three problem cities in Britain that were selected in order to investigate the types and effectiveness of their urban entrepreneurial efforts. On the one hand, the macro analysis provides no clear evidence of convergence in urban incomes. On the other hand, while the public-private partnerships in the problem cities vary somewhat depending on local context, their entrepreneurial strategies are remarkably similar. Higher levels of economic development spending, however, do not translate necessarily into improved urban performance.
Comparative study of intra-articular lidocaine and intravenous meperidine/diazepam for shoulder dislocations

The purpose of this study was to compare the analgesic effectiveness of intra-articular lidocaine versus intravenous meperidine and diazepam during the reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations. Patients were randomized to one of the two methods before the reduction of shoulder dislocations. Patients marked a visual analog pain scale at baseline, after anesthesia just before reduction, and at the time of discharge. Interference with the procedure caused by pain or lack of muscle relaxation, perception of adequacy of analgesia by the patient, adverse effects, and time to discharge from the Emergency Department (ED) were measured. Differences of outcomes, relative risks (RR), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived. Fifty-four patients with anterior shoulder dislocations presenting from May 21, 1998 through January 21, 1999 were included in this study; 29 were randomly assigned to receive intra-articular lidocaine (IAL) and 25 to receive intravenous meperidine/diazepam (IVMD). IAL was less effective than IVMD in relieving pre-reduction pain (p = 0.045) but equally effective in overall pain relief (p = 0.98). IAL was more effective than IVMD in shortening recovery time (p = 0.025). There was an indication favoring IVMD in terms of physician-perceived muscle relaxation and patient's perception of analgesia adequacy. In conclusion, although the IVMD method appears to have some clinically and statistically significant advantages, IAL possesses some favorable features that render it to be an analgesia alternative in shoulder dislocation reduction.
A Microcomputer-Based Image Analyzer for Quantitating Neurite Outgrowth

An automated device that recognizes and quantitates neurite outgrowth from goldfish retinal explants is described. The system components include a video camera-inverted microscope and an Apple II microcomputer with an attached Motorola 68000 coprocessor. Values for neurite outgrowth were generated within 30 s, required no user input other than defining the microscopic field, and correlated well with a subjective measure, the nerve growth index.
Force balance along an inland tributary and onset to Ice Stream D, West Antarctica

The transition from inland- to streaming-style ice flow near to and upstream from the onset to Ice Stream D, West Antarctica, is investigated using the force-balance technique. Basal drag provides the majority of the flow resistance over the study area but is substantially modified by non-local stress gradients. Lateral drag increases with distance downstream, balancing ∼50-100% of the driving stress at the onset. Longitudinal stress gradients (LSG) are also found to be significant, an observation that distinguishes ice flow in this region from the inland- and streaming-flow regimes that bound it, in which LSG are usually negligible. LSG decrease the spatial variability in basal drag and sliding speed and increase the area of the bed over which frictional melting occurs. Overall, LSG decrease the resistive influence of basal stress concentrations and increase the spatial uniformity of basal sliding. These observations suggest that streaming flow develops as an integrated response to the physical interaction between the ice and its bed over an extended region upstream from the onset, rather than being solely due to changes in basal characteristics at the onset. An implication is that non-steady-flow behavior upstream from the onset may ultimately propagate downstream and result in non-steady behavior at the onset.
Intrinsic and extrinsic sources of variation in size at birth and rates of postnatal growth in the big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

We examined the relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic variables and variation in size at birth and rates of postnatal growth in the big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus at maternity roosts in central Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Body mass and length of forearm at birth were lowest when precipitation in the month preceding births was relatively high. In addition, body mass at birth was significantly lower when ambient temperatures during late pregnancy were relatively low. Pups born to middle age mothers were heavier than pups born to young or old mothers. When evaluated using mark–recapture data (longitudinal method), postnatal growth in length of forearm and body mass was greater for pups born to middle age and older mothers and change in body mass was greater for female pups than for male pups. When growth data were evaluated using the trajectory method, the rate of growth for length of forearm was greatest when ambient temperature was highest. Age prediction equations were improved when maternal age was incorporated into predictive equations. We recommend considering both intrinsic and extrinsic variables in studies where maternal effort is evaluated and age prediction equations are used for estimating postnatal growth rates in free-ranging bats.
Early referral to supportive care specialists for symptom burden in lung cancer patients: a comparison of non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics, and non-Hispanic blacks.

BACKGROUND: Effective management of symptoms in cancer patients requires early intervention. This study assessed whether the timing of referral to the Supportive Care Center (SCC) and symptom burden outcome varied by race or ethnicity in lung cancer patients who had been seen at a tertiary cancer center. METHODS: Non-Hispanic white (n = 752), Hispanic (n = 111), and non-Hispanic black (n = 117) patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer comprised this sample. Data on sociodemographic factors, stage of disease, comorbid conditions, and symptom severity (pain, depressed mood, fatigue) served as potential predictor variables. RESULTS: Whereas the mean time (15 months; median = 7 months) from initial presentation at the cancer center to referral to the SCC did not vary by race or ethnicity, we found that Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks had higher symptom burden when they first presented at the cancer center than non-Hispanic whites. Severe pain, depressed mood, and fatigue were significant predictors for early referral (<7 months) of non-Hispanic whites, but only severe fatigue (P <.05) was predictive of early referral for Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks. Furthermore, while the proportion of non-Hispanic white patients reporting severe pain, depressed mood, and fatigue significantly decreased (P <.001) at first follow-up visit after referral to the SCC; among Hispanics, improvement was only observed for depressed mood. No improvement in any of these symptoms was observed for non-Hispanic blacks. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas the timing of referral to supportive services did not vary by race, disparities in symptom burden outcomes persisted. Additional studies are needed to validate our findings. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Persistence of anti-human leukocyte antibodies in congenital heart disease late after surgery using allografts and whole blood

Background Allografts are used for vascular reconstruction in many forms of congenital heart disease. Although allografts induce anti-human leukocyte antibody (HLA) formation, much about this response is unknown. Methods Three groups of patients aged 8 to 18 years old underwent analysis for class I and II anti-HLA antibodies using Luminex. Groups were defined by timing of allograft exposure and diagnosis at Norwood for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (neonatal group), at Glenn for single-ventricle lesions not requiring arch reconstruction (infant group), and cardiac defects repaired during infancy without allografts (controls). Patients had significant anti-HLA (sensitization) if mean fluorescence intensity was≥ 1500. Results The study enrolled 29 patients (median age, 10.1 years). Significant class I anti-HLA antibodies were seen in 44% (8 of 18) of the neonatal group, 25% (1 of 4) of the infant group, and 14% (1 of 7) of controls; class II anti-HLA antibodies were seen in 44% (8 of 18) of the neonatal group, 25% (1 of 4) of the infant group, and 29% (2 of 7) of controls. All patients received fresh whole blood, but the neonatal group had greater exposure ( p = 0.001). There was less sensitization with increasing time from last receipt of allograft(s) or blood transfusion ( p = 0.05). Conclusions Exposure to allograft at the Norwood procedure is associated with long-term sensitization to anti-HLA antibodies in 56% of patients. Sensitization also occurs in those without prior exposure to allografts, may decrease over time, and appears related to whole blood. These findings have implications for those in whom heart transplant is considered late in the clinical course.
Infection with chicken anaemia virus impairs the generation of pathogen‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes

Infection with chicken anaemia virus (CAV), a circovirus, can result in immunosuppression and subsequent increased susceptibility to secondary infections. This is the first report of impairment of pathogen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) after natural and experimental infection of chickens with CAV and Marek's disease virus (MDV) or reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV). MDV- and REV-specific CTL were generated at 7 days post infection by 9-30-day-old-chickens that were positive for maternal antibodies to CAV at 9-17 days of age. Replication of CAV could not be demonstrated in these chickens using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assays. In contrast, REV-specific CTL failed to develop when chickens negative for maternal antibodies at 9-17 days of age were infected. Infection with CAV at 45 days of age after CAV maternal antibodies had waned also caused a decreased REV-specific CTL response. In these chickens increased levels of CAV DNA of up to 107 copy numbers per micro g DNA and increased relative transcript levels of CAV by up to a factor of 106 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and RT-PCR. Interleukin (IL)-1beta and IL-2 mRNA levels were not significantly affected by CAV infection at 7 or 14 days p.i. Similar assays for interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) transcripts demonstrated a 10-fold increase in IFN-gamma mRNA levels at 7 days post infection following REV or REV + CAV infection, while CAV alone caused a two- to fourfold increase. These results show a strong link between CAV antibody status, CAV replication, and the ability to generate REV-specific CTL. It is likely that the immunosuppressive effects of subclinical infection have previously been underestimated.
Extrasolar Planetary Systems Near a Secular Separatrix

Extrasolar planetary systems display a range of behavior that can be understood in terms of the secular theory of classical celestial mechanics, including the motions of the major axes. Four planet pairs in the seventeen known extrasolar planetary systems with multiple planets (υ And, 47 UMa, 55 Cnc, and HD 128311), have trajectories in orbital element space that lie close to the separatrix between libration and circulation. Here we examine the dynamics of the first two, which are not in mean motion resonance. The basics of secular theory are reviewed in order to develop insight into this behavior. The definition of a secular resonance is discussed, correcting misconceptions in the literature; it is not synonymous with libration and is not a commensurability of eigenfrequencies. The behavior of these two near-separatrix systems is evaluated with updated orbital elements by comparing both analytical and numerical results. We find that the apsidal motion from secular theory does not match the predictions from N-body simulations and conclude that first-order secular theory should be used with caution on extrasolar planetary systems. While the existence of one near-separatrix system could be explained simply by chance initial conditions, the fact that there are several is improbable unless some physical process tends to set up systems near the separatrix. Explanations based on an impulsive increase in the eccentricity of one planet are promising, but key issues remain open.
Effects of dietary protein quantity and protein quality on growth rate and on selected enzyme activities in channel catfish

Abstract 1. 1. Growth rate and tissue activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), aspartate aminotransferase (GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (GPT) increased with dietary protein quantity in fingerling channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ). 2. 2. Growth rate and GOT activity increased, and GDH activity decreased with increased quality of dietary protein. 3. 3. The GOT:GDH ratio appears useful as an index of protein utilization and of growth rate in channel catfish.
Qualitative investigation of factors contributing to effective nutrition education for Navajo families.

Objectives Obesity rates in American Indian and Alaskan Native children are a major health threat, yet effective ways to address this remain elusive. Building on an earlier dietary assessment of Navajo Head Start families which indicated a gap in parental nutrition awareness despite a strong program emphasis, the aim of this project was to identify culturally relevant nutrition education strategies for Navajo parents and educators of young children. Methods Eight focus group interviews were conducted with 41 parents and early childhood education paraprofessionals to identify contributors to both healthful and unhealthy food ways of Navajo preschoolers. Results were presented in two community venues to verify the themes and discuss implications. Results Barriers to healthful eating included availability/cost, parenting/control, preferences/habits, time pressures, and knowledge/education. Enablers to healthful eating included the categories of schools/education, and support/modeling. Reactions to these findings during community forums suggested (1) the need for stronger parenting and parental control over the food environment; (2) community-level action to address these barriers; and (3) the need for knowledge and culturally relevant educational strategies for caregivers and children. Conclusions Implications for interventions include building upon existing community resources to enhance culturally relevant and respectful parental, family, and community support for affordable and acceptable food experiences and choices for young children and their families.
N-((1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)arylamide as a New Scaffold that Provides Rapid Access to Antimicrotubule Agents: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antiproliferative Activity Against Select Cancer Cell Lines

A series of N-((1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)arylamides was synthesized by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and afforded inhibitors of cancer cell growth. For example, compound 13e had an IC(50) of 46 nM against MCF-7 human breast tumor cells. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies demonstrated that (i) meta-phenoxy substitution of the N-1-benzyl group is important for antiproliferative activity and (ii) a variety of heterocyclic substitutions for the aryl group of the arylamide are tolerated. In silico COMPARE analysis of antiproliferative activity against the NCI-60 human tumor cell line panel revealed a correlation to clinically useful antimicrotubule agents such as paclitaxel and vincristine. This in silico correlation was supported by (i) in vitro inhibition of tubulin polymerization, (ii) G(2)/M-phase arrest in HeLa cells as assessed by flow cytometry, and (iii) perturbation of normal microtubule activity in HeLa cells as observed by confocal microscopy. The results demonstrate that N-((1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)arylamide is a readily accessible small molecule scaffold for compounds that inhibit tubulin polymerization and tumor cell growth.
Discriminatory Power of Stoichiometry-Driven Protein Folding?

There is a saying that when life hands you a lemon, you make lemonade out of it. I found that this has a parallel in molecular modeling: when your test of a putative diagnostic property fails to show discriminatory power, make an invariant out of it. The paper by Mittal, Jayaram, Shenoy and Bawa (1) is a brilliant example of this. Based on three independent observations, comparison of Cα distance distributions, small standard deviation (STD) of the amino-acid propensities and the comparison of amino-acid propensities in structured and unstructured proteins, the paper concluded that the relative frequencies each amino acid occurs in natural proteins is an important contributor to protein stability. This may not necessarily be surprising, but certainly it has not been thought to be the case. Given that these relative frequencies are found to be (more or less) constant, the authors call this set of relative frequencies stoichiometry. I will comment on these observations in the order of strength (as I see it).
Patrol officer performance appraisal: Problems and prospects

This article examines the critical role of performance appraisal in the development of police personnel, analyzes various systems for assessing patrol officer performance, and evaluates patrol officer perceptions of the adequacy, utility, and fairness of current appraisal systems.
Features of the glacial history of the Transantarctic Mountains inferred from cosmogenic 26Al, 10Be and 21Ne concentrations in bedrock surfaces

This paper describes measurements of concentrations of cosmogenic 26Al, 10Be and 21Ne in quartz from bedrock surfaces in the Transantarctic Mountains where stratigraphic and geomorphic evidence shows that the surfaces were covered by ice in the past, but were not glacially eroded during periods of ice cover. It then explores to what extent this information can be used to learn about past ice sheet change. First, cosmogenic nuclide concentrations in sandstone bedrock surfaces at two sites in the McMurdo Dry Valleys near 77°S are consistent with an equilibrium between nuclide production and loss by surface erosion and radioactive decay. They are most easily explained by a scenario in which: i) sites more than c. 100 m above the present ice surface were almost never ice-covered and eroded steadily at 0.5–1.5 m Ma-1, and ii) sites near the present ice margin experienced similar erosion rates when ice-free, but have been covered by cold-based, non-erosive glacier ice as much as half of the time during the past several million years. Nuclide concentrations in granite bedrock at a site in the Quartz Hills near 85°S, on the other hand, have not reached production-erosion equilibrium, thus retaining evidence of the time they were first exposed to the cosmic ray flux. Nuclide concentrations at these sites are most easily explained by 4–6 Ma exposure, extremely low erosion rates of 5–10 cm Ma-1 during periods of exposure, and only very short periods of cold-based, non-erosive ice cover.
Immunofluorescent localization of thyroid hormone receptor isoforms in glial cells of rat brain.

The three currently recognized T3 binding thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms, TR alpha 1, TR beta 1, and TR beta 2, arise from two distinct genes (alpha and beta), whereas two closely related non-T3-binding receptor variants, collectively designated TR alpha 2, arise from alternate splicing of the alpha gene transcript. Using a panel of specific antisera to these isoforms we have assessed the presence or absence of TRs in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes of rat cerebrum and cerebellum. Inferences as to colocalization of the receptor isoforms and cell-specific marker proteins were based on immunohistochemical analysis of the differential emissions of paired immunofluorescent probes. Antisera against myelin basic protein (MBP) identified oligodendroglia, and glial fibrillary acidic protein identified astrocytes. MBP-positive oligodendrocytes displayed positive fluorescent signals with each of the three TR isoform-specific antisera and the antiserum to the receptor variants. These findings are consistent ...
Biochemical and cell biological analysis of actin in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has long been a useful model organism for muscle research. Its body wall muscle is obliquely striated muscle and exhibits structural similarities with vertebrate striated muscle. Actin is the core component of the muscle thin filaments, which are highly ordered in sarcomeric structures in striated muscle. Genetic studies have identified genes that regulate proper organization and function of actin filaments in C. elegans muscle, and sequence of the worm genome has revealed a number of conserved candidate genes that may regulate actin. To precisely understand the functions of actin-binding proteins, such genetic and genomic studies need to be complemented by biochemical characterization of these actin-binding proteins in vitro. This article describes methods for purification and biochemical characterization of actin from C. elegans. Although rabbit muscle actin is commonly used to characterize actin-binding proteins from many eukaryotic organisms, we detect several quantitative differences between C. elegans actin and rabbit muscle actin, highlighting that use of actin from an appropriate source is important in some cases. Additionally, we describe probes for cell biological analysis of actin in C. elegans.
Effect of Route of Inoculation on Humoral Immune Response of White Leghorn Chickens Selected for High or Low Antibody Response to Sheep Red Blood Cells

Abstract Effects of route of SRBC inoculation and antigen dosage on primary and secondary antibody response of White Leghorn lines selected for high (HA) or low (LA) 5-d antibody response to a single i.v. inoculation with 0.1 mL of a 0.25% suspension of SRBC were studied in two trials. In the first trial, chicks from parents of generation S24 of each line were randomly assigned to one of four treatments. At 35 d of age, they were inoculated into the brachial vein with 0.1 mL of 0.25% suspension of SRBC or into the breast muscle with 0.1 mL of 0.25, 2.50, or 25.00% SRBC. Plasma SRBC antibody was measured 3, 6, 10, and 20 d later. In the second trial, chicks from parents of generation S25 of each line were randomly assigned to treatment groups. At 28 d of age they were inoculated with 0.1 mL of 0.25% SRBC into the brachial vein, 0.1 mL of 25.00% SRBC into the thigh (T-L) or breast muscle (B-L), or 0.5 mL of 25.00% SRBC into the thigh (T-H) or breast muscle (B-H). Twenty-one days later, chicks (except five per group) were given a booster inoculation of 0.1 mL of 25.00% SRBC into the thigh muscle. Six and 10 d after each inoculation, plasma SRBC antibody, IgG, and IgM titers were measured. The SRBC antibody titers after primary i.v. inoculation with SRBC were always higher for HA than LA chicks. When inoculations were i.m., differences between lines varied with dosage. Low dosages inoculated into the breast failed to induce line differences consistently, whereas at higher dosages, titers were greater for HA than LA chicks regardless of inoculation site. For Line LA, inoculation into the thigh elicited higher titers than inoculations into the breast. Antibody titers to the booster inoculation of SRBC were similar for the lines.
Recovery of multipotent progenitors from the peripheral blood of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

Rationale: Studies have demonstrated that bone marrow–derived cells can be recruited to injured lungs through an unknown mechanism. We hypothesize that marrow progenitors are mobilized into the circulation of patients with cardiac and/or respiratory failure, and may then traffic to and incorporate into the sites of tissue injury.Objectives: To determine whether progenitor populations are increased in the blood of patients with severe acute cardiorespiratory failure placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).Methods: Mononuclear cells from ECMO, umbilical cord, and control blood samples were evaluated in colony-forming assays for hematopoietic, mesenchymal, and epithelial cells. Progenitors were identified by proliferative and differentiative capacities, and confirmed by the expression of lineage-specific markers.Measurements and Main Results: Significantly higher levels of hematopoietic progenitors were observed in ECMO (n = 41) samples than neonatal intensive care unit (n = 16) or pediatric int...
The flow of gene expression

Gene expression is a highly interconnected multistep process. A recent meeting in Iguazu Falls, Argentina, highlighted the need to uncover both the molecular details of each single step as well as the mechanisms of coordination among processes in order to fully understand the expression of genes.
Urban Revitalization: A Case Study of One Catholic Elementary School’s Journey

This article offers background information on U.S. trends in Catholic school enrollment from 1965 through the present, and presents a case study of one school that is attempting to address issues of enrollment, identity, effectiveness, and the elusive but critical essence of making a difference in the lies of students. The importance of leadership, mission, and a sense of community are reconfirmed as essential elements to the future success of Catholic schools in the United States.
The effect of thyroid status on the calmodulin content of several tissues in the rat.

The present studies represent an initial effort to evaluate a possible relationship between thyroid status and calmodulin and were undertaken because of evidence that some actions of the thyroid hormones are calmodulin mediated. To this end, the effects of hypothyroidism and of thyroid hormone excess on the concentration of calmodulin in several tissues of the rat were evaluated. In thymocytes, liver, heart, and brain, but not in skeletal muscle, calmodulin concentrations were markedly increased in the thyrotoxic rat (140–203% of values in normal controls); values were unchanged in hypothyroid animals. These changes were evident regardless of whether calmodulin concentrations were expressed per cell (thymocytes), or in relation to either the wet wt or protein content of the tissues. These findings are apparently the first to demonstrate that thyroid hormone, unlike other hormones tested thus far, can influence tissue calmodulin content. In view of the fact that many metabolic systems that are influenced b...
A novel in vitro stripping method to study geometry of corneocytes with fluorescent microscopy: example of aging skin

Background/purpose: To develop modification of stripping method allowing high-resolution fluorescent visualization of corneocytes of human skin in vitro. To validate the method, the measured corneocyte areas on skin flakes are collected from individuals of different ages. Materials and methods: Two complimentary fluorescent dyes were used sequentially. First the adhesive layer of the stripping tape was stained with a cationic dye (rhodamine 640). This tape was used to collect skin flakes. Then both the tape and collected flakes were stained with anionic dye (fluorescein). The fluorescence of the adhesive tape exposed to the second staining is substantially decreased due to the mutual quenching of the dyes. Thirteen healthy, 6‐86-year-old males participated to validate the method. The measurements were done on backhand and forearm. Results: The method allows high-resolution imaging of corneocytes by means of fluorescent microscopy. Both absolute areas and the dependence of corneocyte areas on the individual age are in good agreement with the data reported previously. Conclusion: The developed method is fast and easy. It requires minimum interaction with the individual and allows using a broad variety of fluorescent dyes that may be potentially unsafe but beneficial for imaging. It can be used on any part of human or animal body.
Formulaic Language and Second Language Acquisition: Zipf and the Phrasal Teddy Bear

This article revisits earlier proposals that language learning is, in essence, the learning of formulaic sequences and their interpretations; that this occurs at all levels of granularity from large to small; and that the language system emerges from the statistical abstraction of patterns latent within and across form and function in language usage. It considers recent research in individual differences, the psycholinguistics of language processing, and longitudinal studies of first (L1) and second (L2) language acquisition. The first section reviews studies of individual differences in phonological short-term memory (PSTM) and working memory (WM) and their correlations with vocabulary and grammar acquisition in L2. The second section summarizes evidence that language processing is sensitive to the statistical properties of formulaic language in terms of frequency and transitional probability. The third section examines the definition of formulas and formulaicity using different statistical metrics. The fourth section evaluates longitudinal research in L1 and L2 into the putative developmental sequence commonly proposed in usage-based approaches, from formula to low-scope pattern to creative construction. The final section weighs the implications of the statistical distributions of formulaicity in usage for developmental sequences of language acquisition. Zipf's law and the “phrasal teddy bear” explain the paradox whereby formulas seed language acquisition and yet learner language is formula-light in comparison to native norms.
Human computer interactions using language based technology

Spoken language offers an attractive alternative for human computer interface, since speech is the most natural, efficient, flexible, and economical means of communication among humans. To provide this interface, however, speech recognition technology must be combined with natural language processing technology, so that the verbal input can not only be recognized, but also understood, and appropriate actions can be taken. This paper provides an overview of recent research in spoken language understanding, focusing on the activities in the United States sponsored by the Advanced Research Projects Agency of the Department of Defense. Some of the future research directions are also summarized. >
Inhibition of gravitropism in primary roots of Zea mays by chloramphenicol.

Primary roots of Zea mays seedlings germinated and grown in 0.1 mM chloramphenicol (CMP) were significantly less graviresponsive than primary roots of seedlings germinated and grown in distilled water. Elongation rates of roots treated with CMP were significantly greater than those grown in distilled water. Caps of control and CMP-treated roots possessed extensive columella tissues comprised of cells containing numerous sedimented amyloplasts. These results indicate that the reduced graviresponsiveness of CMP-treated roots is not due to reduced rates of elongation, the absence of the presumed gravireceptors (i.e., amyloplasts in columella cells), or reduced amounts of columella tissue. These results are consistent with CMP altering the production and/or transport of effectors that mediate gravitropism.
Large-Number Addition and Subtraction by 9-Month-Old Infants

Do genuinely numerical computational abilities exist in infancy? It has recently been argued that previous studies putatively illustrating infants' ability to add and subtract tapped into specialized object-tracking processes that apply only with small numbers. This argument contrasts with the original interpretation that successful performance was achieved via a numerical system for estimating and calculating magnitudes. Here, we report that when continuous variables (such as area and contour length) are controlled, 9-month-old infants successfully add and subtract over numbers of items that exceed object-tracking limits. These results support the theory that infants possess a magnitude-based estimation system for representing numerosities that also supports procedures for numerical computation.
Sustainable urban transport: Four innovative directions

Abstract This paper examines the concept and implementation of sustainable transport. It traces efforts to define and operationalize the notion of sustainable transport in the urban context, noting that these efforts have tended to fall into two broad clusters of work: those that envision sustainable transportation as a policy pathway, and those that envision it as a policy end-point. The authors argue that to be successful, sustainable transport policy must avoid the common transportation policy pitfall of ignoring the larger systems in which transportation activity is embedded. The goal of sustainable transportation may be better served by a number of the organic innovations in transportation practice that are occurring in the field. The authors identify four emerging areas of innovation: New Mobility, City Logistics, Intelligent System Management, and Livability. Finally, the authors discuss the extent to which these innovations represent a more systems-oriented approach, and the institutional challenges inherent in these proposals.
TrustMe: anonymous management of trust relationships in decentralized P2P systems

Decentralized peer to peer (P2P) networks offer both opportunities and threats. Its open and decentralized nature makes it extremely susceptible to malicious users spreading harmful content like viruses, trojans or, even just wasting valuable resources of the network. In order to minimize such threats, the use of community-based reputations as trust measurements is fast becoming a de-facto standard. The idea is to dynamically assign each peer a trust rating based on its performance in the network and store it at a suitable place. Any peer wishing to interact with another peer can make an informed decision based on such a rating. An important challenge in managing such trust relationships are to design a protocol to secure the placement and access of these trust ratings. Surprisingly, all the related work in this area either support very limited anonymity or assume anonymity to be an undesired feature and neglect it. We motivate the importance of anonymity, especially in such trust based systems. We then present TrustMe: a secure and anonymous underlying protocol for trust management. The protocol provides mutual anonymity for both the trust host and the trust querying peer. Through a series of simulation-based experiments, we show that the TrustMe protocol is extremely secure in the face of a variety of possible attacks and present a thorough analysis of the protocol.
J.-C. De Nadaï, Rhétorique et Poétique dans la Pharsale de Lucain: La Crise de la Représentation dans la Poésie Antique (Bibliothèques d'Études Classiques 19). Louvain and Paris: Peeters, 2000. Pp. 363. ISBN 90-429-0868-8. €45.00.

La tradition critique a pu parfois contester a Lucain le titre de poete, en raison du style declamatoire que presentent tant de pages de la Pharsale, comme un effet du gout detestable d'un siecle instruit a l'ecole des rheteurs. De nos jours, on s'attacherait plus volontiers a relever les traits d'authentique poesie se faisant jour en depit de tant de defauts. Dans cette etude, on a voulu suggerer au contraire que cette rhetorique declamatoire tenait au fond meme d'un ouvrage ou le dessein d'ecrire un poeme est sans cesse revele comme impossible desormais. Rien donc de moins poetique que la Pharsale, bien eloignee pourtant de la diatribe philosophique ou du pamphlet politique qu'on y a lu parfois. Desertee par la poesie, l'oeuvre est un immense "art poetique": elle ne nous entretient que de cette absente, qui ne saurait plus subsister, au siecle de Neron, que dans la purete de son regret.
Chemistry and electrochemistry of concentric ring cathode Li1.42Ni0.25Mn0.75O2+γ for lithium batteries

A co-precipitation method in a continuous stirred tank reactor was developed to synthesize the carbonate precursor Ni0.25Mn0.75CO3 for the cathode material Li1.42Ni0.25Mn0.75O2+γ. Both the precursor and the cathode materials were studied by a variety of characterization methods in order to establish a link between the compositions, structures, and physical properties of these compounds and the electrochemical properties of the Li1.42Ni0.25Mn0.75O2+γ cathode. The precursor particles were found to have concentric ring architectures during the co-precipitation reaction, resulting in spherical particles composed of 20 μm bulky cores around which several shells/layers formed. The variation in the number of layers grown on each precursor particle led to a wide size distribution for both the precursor and cathode compounds. Cathode particles whose sizes were above 20 μm yielded lower specific capacities due to the diminished lithium ion diffusion across the voids that separate the subsequent shells. The ring architecture of the particles can be destroyed by soft ball milling, which improves the overall electrochemical performance of the cathode.