cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Kronecker product approximations for dense block Toeplitz‐plus‐Hankel matrices

In this paper, we consider the approximation of dense block Toeplitz-plus-Hankel matrices by sums of Kronecker products of Toeplitz-plus-Hankel matrices. We present an algorithm for efficiently computing the matrix approximation that requires the factorization of matrices of much smaller dimension than that of the original. The main results are described for block Toeplitz matrices with Toeplitz-plus-Hankel blocks, but the algorithms can be readily adjusted for other related structures that arise in image processing applications, such as block Toeplitz with Toeplitz blocks and block Toeplitz-plus-Hankel with Toeplitz-plus-Hankel blocks. Our work extends the techniques in Kamm and Nagy (SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 2000; 22:155–172) and Nagy et al. (SIAM J. Matrix Anal. Appl. 2004; 25:829–841), which consider similar matrices, but with the added restriction that the matrices have a banded/block-banded structure. We illustrate the effectiveness of our algorithm by using the output of the algorithm to construct preconditioners for systems from two different applications: diffuse optical tomography and atmospheric image deblurring. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from loss of cytochrome c impairs cellular oxygen sensing and hypoxic HIF-α activation

Summary While cellular responses to low oxygen (O 2 ) or hypoxia have been studied extensively, the precise identity of mammalian cellular O 2 sensors remains controversial. Using murine embryonic cells lacking cytochrome c, and therefore mitochondrial activity, we show that mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) are essential for proper O 2 sensing and subsequent HIF-1α and HIF-2α stabilization at 1.5% O 2 . In the absence of this signal, HIF-α subunits continue to be degraded. Furthermore, exogenous treatment with H 2 O 2 or severe O 2 deprivation is sufficient to stabilize HIF-α even in the absence of cytochrome c and functional mitochondria. These results provide genetic evidence indicating that mtROS act upstream of prolyl hydroxylases in regulating HIF-1α and HIF-2α in this O 2 -sensing pathway.
Selective Clinical Ultrasound Signals Mediate Differential Gene Transfer and Expression in Two Human Prostate Cancer Cell Lines: LnCap and PC-3

Abstract Low intensity ultrasound signals, similar to that employed in clinical therapy, are found to mediate differential gene transfer and expression of the Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) reporter in two human prostate cancer cell lines, LnCap and PC-3. Cell suspensions in the presence or in the absence of GFP (44.5nM) were treated at 37°C under a standing wave condition. Cells were exposed to either continuous wave, 932.7kHz ultrasound, or to several independent bursts, each burst comprising a 20% duty cycle (932.7kHz) sine wave. The burst “repetition” frequency was varied from 10Hz to 10kHz in several different experiments and each treatment received a net identical ultrasound energy exposure. Transient GFP expression levels in viable cells were monitored by flow cytometry. The findings revealed a strong ultrasound tone-burst frequency dependence on the transfection efficiencies. Interestingly, the ultrasound signal parameters which are routinely employed in clinical therapy did not yield any statistically significant enhancement in transfection efficiency relative to their sham counterparts.
Deactivation of titanium dioxide photocatalyst by oxidation of polydimethylsiloxane and silicon sealant off-gas in a recirculating batch reactor.

Abstract We have studied deactivation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst by oxidation of polydimethylsiloxane and silicone sealant off-gas in a recirculating batch reactor. Polydimethylsiloxane vapor is a model indoor air pollutant. It does not adsorb strongly on TiO2 in the dark, but undergoes oxidation when the ultraviolet (UV) photons are also present. Commercial silicone (room-temperature vulcanizing) sealant off-gas is an actual indoor air pollutant subject to short-term spikes in concentration. It does adsorb on the TiO2 surface in the dark, but UV photons also catalyze its oxidation. The oxidation of the Si-containing vapors was monitored using a Fourier transform infrared spectroscope equipped with a gas cell. Subsequent to each incremental exposure, a hexane oxidation reaction was performed to track the titania catalyst’s activity. The exposures were repeated until substantial deactivation was achieved. We have also documented the regenerative effect of washing the catalyst surface with wat...
Mechanism of the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen in a Tubular Solid Oxide Electrolyte Flow Reactor

The nature of the electrode polarization process involving O/sub 2/ gas mixtures has been investigated in a 10 mole percent Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/-stabilized ZrO/sub 2/ tubular solid electrolyte cell with porous Au electrodes in the temperature range 650/sup 0/-850/sup 0/C. The polarization phenomena are dominated by cathodic processes occurring on the inside wall of the tube. In the intermediate oxygen pressure range (P/sub 0/2=10/sup -2/-0.21 atm), the reactor operated in a differential mode. The shapes of the experimental current-overpotential curves are in accordance with the form of a modified Butler-Volmer relationship with the forward and backward cathodic transfer coefficients being equal to 1 and with a model being employed in which charge transfer takes place in the two-phase region between the Au-electrode and ZrO/sub 2/ electrolyte. The most plausible rate-determining step is found to be the surface diffusion of adsorbed O/sub 2/ species on the electrolyte surface inside this two-dimensional ZrO/sub 2/-Au interface. The apparent exchange current I/sub o/app is found experimentally to be proportional to P/sub O/2 to the 0.53 +. 0.06 power. This behavior of I/sub 0/app eliminates many possible mechanisms and corroborates the one involving surface diffusion of O/sub 2/ in addition to charge transfer steps involvingmore » species O/sub 2//sup -/ and/or O/sup -/. For very low values of P/sub 0/2(<10/sup -3/ atm), the reactor operated in an integral mode with large conversions. In this case, significant changes that occur in the oxygen concentration owing to axial gas-phase diffusion must be accounted for in employing the above model. In the case of high pressures, both the processes of charge transfer and surface diffusion play a rate-determining role in the overall electrode dynamics. The activation enthalpy for the overall cathodic reaction is estimated to be 64 +. 8 kcal/mol.« less
Effects of alcohol on aggressive behavior in squirrel monkeys: influence of testosterone and social context

Social status and reproductive cycle determine the effects of acute, low doses of alcohol on the social behavior of squirrel monkeys. Alcohol produces biphasic effects on the behavior of dominant but not subordinate monkeys, and only during the mating season. The change in alcohol sensitivity measured in dominant monkeys coincides with changes in plasma testosterone levels. In order to directly study the interaction between alcohol, testosterone and aggressive behavior, testosterone propionate (TP, 25 mg/kg/day, SC) was administered to either dominant or subordinate male monkeys belonging to four separate groups, resulting in significantly elevated plasma levels of testosterone (i.e., 905±43 ng/ml in subordinates; 171±19 ng/ml in dominants). Two to three weeks after the beginning of testosterone treatment, the monkeys were administered doses of alcohol (0.1–1.0 g/kg). The behavior of subordinate monkeys was unaffected by TP treatment (even after the dominant monkey from each colony was removed and housed separately for 6 weeks). Testosterone treatment altered the sensitivity of subordinate monkeys to alcohol. Low doses of alcohol increased the frequency of threats, grasps, and displacements exhibited by subordinate monkeys with exogenously elevated testosterone. Daily administration of TP to dominant monkeys during the non-mating season did not affect the behavior of the treated animals in the group, although the body weight of TP-treated monkeys was similar to that measured during the mating season. Low doses of alcohol increased the frequency of threats, grasps, and displacements in dominant monkeys maintained on TP. We also tested the role of social context in maintaining high levels of plasma testosterone, and alcohol sensitivity in dominant monkeys. While living in their social groups, dominants exhibited a similar pattern of alcohol enhancement of aggressive behavior in dyadic confrontations compared to effects measured during the mating season in an undisturbed group. After 2 weeks of individual housing, both plasma testosterone values and sensitivity to alcohol's effects were significantly reduced. These findings strengthen previous correlative studies indicating a relationship between plasma testosterone levels and the effects of alcohol on the aggressive behavior of squirrel monkeys. High levels of testosterone may activate alcohol-sensitive brain substrates of aggressive behavior.
Antioxidant Strategies in Respiratory Medicine

Pulmonary oxidant stress plays an important pathogenetic role in disease conditions including acute lung injury/adult respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), hyperoxia, ischemia-reperfusion, sepsis, radiation injury, lung transplantation, COPD, and inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), released from activated macrophages and leukocytes or formed in the pulmonary epithelial and endothelial cells, damage the lungs and initiate cascades of pro-inflammatory reactions propagating pulmonary and systemic stress. Diverse molecules including small organic compounds (e.g. gluthatione, tocopherol (vitamin E), flavonoids) serve as natural antioxidants that reduce oxidized cellular components, decompose ROS and detoxify toxic oxidation products. Antioxidant enzymes can either facilitate these antioxidant reactions (e.g. peroxidases using glutathione as a reducing agent) or directly decompose ROS (e.g. Superoxide dismutases [SOD] and catalase). Many antioxidant agents are being tested for treatment of pulmonary oxidant stress. The administration of small antioxidants via the oral, intratracheal and vascular routes for the treatment of short- and long-term oxidant stress showed rather modest protective effects in animal and human studies. Intratracheal and intravascular administration of antioxidant enzymes are being currently tested for the treatment of acute oxidant stress. For example, intratracheal administration of recombinant human SOD is protective in premature infants exposed to hyperoxia. However, animal and human studies show that more effective delivery of drugs to cells experiencing oxidant stress is needed to improve protection. Diverse delivery systems for antioxidants including liposomes, chemical modifications (e.g. attachment of masking pegylated [PEG]-groups) and coupling to affinity carriers (e.g. antibodies against cellular adhesion molecules) are being employed and currently tested, mostly in animal and, to a limited extent, in humans, for the treatment of oxidant stress. Further studies are needed, however, in order to develop and establish effective applications of pulmonary antioxidant interventions useful in clinical practice. Although beyond the scope of this review, antioxidant gene therapies may eventually provide a strategy for the management of subacute and chronic pulmonary oxidant stress.
Diversity of Juvenile Anadromous Salmonid Assemblages in Coastal Oregon Basins with Different Levels of Timber Harvest

Abstract We examined the relationships of timber harvest, stream habitat complexity, and diversity of juvenile anadromous salmonid assemblages in 14 small- to intermediate-sized basins in coastal Oregon between 1985 and 1989. Diversity (the inverse of a species dominance index) of assemblages in streams in basins with low harvest levels (≤25% of the basin area harvested) was greater than in streams in basins with high harvest levels (>25% of the basin area harvested) (P = 0.02). Assemblages in basins with high levels of harvest were more dominated by a single species than were assemblages in basins with low harvest, Percent of basin harvested was more strongly associated with assemblage diversity (P = 0.07) than were basin area (P = 0.90) or gradient (P = 0.22) when the influence of the other two factors was controlled. Habitat features were compared between three pairs of streams. Streams in basins with low timber harvest had more complex habitat, as manifested by more large pieces of wood per 100 m (P <...
Gastric bypass and copper deficiency: a possible overlooked consequence.

Dear Editor, The article “Copper and zinc serum levels after derivative bariatric surgery: differences between Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and biliopancreatic diversion” [1] is the most recent of a number of articles written on this subject in the last few years. In essence, a growing body of case studies point to the fact that bariatric surgery in particular has negative impacts upon copper status which we assume is due to decreased copper deficiency [2–10]. A reported symptom of this condition has been the ataxia that occurs. That this would occur is not totally surprising given the known connection of copper and its associated cuproenzymes and brain function. Copper is a key cofactor for a number of cuproenzymes involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. Among these studies is a more serious nonreported condition that could also be associated with bariatric bypass surgery. It is a well-known fact that in animal studies, one of the most significant signs of copper deficiency is cardiac hypertrophy with related deleterious consequences of heart function [11]. The fact that no mention of abnormal heart function in these patients has been reported is surprising given the large body of research done on this topic. On the other hand, the cardiac signs may not be as readily noticeable such as ataxia. Awell-trained cardiologist would have to look for such heart problems in these patients if they did exist. What does copper deficiency cause in animal studies? While shortness of breath is always considered one feature of an impending problem in human clinical cardiac issues, this has not been studied in rodent or pig models fed with copper-deficient diets. The hearts of animals develop a concentric hypertrophy within weeks of being fed a diet devoid of copper [11]. The gene program for mitochondrial biogenesis is turned on, but most hearts will have a normal level of ATP [12]. However, even in marginal copper deficiency, anomalies in electrocardiograms are a telltale sign of copper deficiency [13]. Increased amplitude of the QRS complex, inverted Twaves, and increased ST segments are just a few of the negative ECG changes that occur in copper deficiency without other noticeable signs [14]. In severe copper deficiency, mitral valve prolapse, heart murmurs, and even aneurysms have been reported [11]. In light of the numerous reports suggesting that bariatric surgery can lead to possible lower blood copper levels, it would be prudent for a cardiologist to monitor some of these patients until more information is known as to whether the heart is involved.
An iterative approach to strucural optimization

An iterative procedure of structural optimization is discussed that combines finite element analysis with the use of explicit optimality conditions. The procedure is illustrated by examples concerning sandwich beams with constraints on the deflection at a specified section, the maximum deflection or the sum of the maximum deflection in all spans of a continuous beam. The examples suggest that, starting from a uniform beam, by far the greatest saving in weight is obtained in the first two or three iterations.
WDM burst switching for petabit data networks

WDM burst switching combines optical data paths and electronic control to enable very high capacity routing switches. This paper shows how expected advances in optical component technology and electronics can lead to petabit capacity IP routers.
The efficiencies of the component steps of oxidative phosphorylation. II. Experimental determination of the efficiencies in mitochondria and examination of the equivalence of membrane potential and pH gradient in phosphorylation.

Abstract In the accompanying article (T. E. Gunter and B. D. Jensen, 1986 Arch. Biochem. Biophys.248, 289–304) , a method is described for measuring the efficiencies of individual steps of the process of oxidative phosphorylation. The results of applying this method to the case of state 3 phosphorylation in rat liver mitochondria are reported here. The rate of energy use (or power use) at the gradient generation, leakage, and phosphorylation steps are reported as efficiencies and energy use factors in tabular form. The limits of the degrees of coupling of the gradient generation and phosphorylation steps are also determined and under the current conditions of measurement these degrees of coupling are found to be quite close to unity. The data can be used to show that the only sets of the stoichiometric parameters nHO (the charge/2e− ratio in this case from succinate to oxygen), nHP (the H + ATP ratio), and nHT (number of protons translocated during substrate-product transport) which are simultaneously consistent with both the laws of thermodynamics and with the current data are 8, 3, 1, and 6, 3, 0. The efficiency of the phosphorylation step which is independent of nHO and nHT averages 80% for the control data analyzed. If nHO is 8 (succinate to oxygen), the average value of the efficiency of generation of the electrochemical proton gradient is approximately 91 percent. Since very little power (energy) would then be left over to be coupled in parallel to phosphorylation through some other means of coupling, this would place the electrochemical proton gradient in the direct path of power flow and identify it as “an” intermediate in the process. This would suggest that any other intermediate should be considered as being “in series” with the electrochemical proton gradient. The agents butyrate and propionate have been employed to permit investigation over a range of pH gradient and membrane potential. Both butyrate and propionate decrease the efficiency of generation of the electrochemical proton gradient and increase proton leakage. In addition, butyrate activates electron transport whereas propionate inhibits it. By using butyrate to modify the values of pH gradient and membrane potential, it can be shown that the ratio of the efficiency with which the pH gradient is used in phosphorylation to that with which the membrane potential is used is 1.08 ± 0.38.
Enabling screening in 3D microenvironments: probing matrix and stromal effects on the morphology and proliferation of T47D breast carcinoma cells

During breast carcinoma progression, the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment is continuously remodeled, and changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) occur. High throughput screening platforms have been used to decipher the complexity of the microenvironment and to identify ECM components responsible for cancer progression. However, traditional screening platforms are typically limited to two-dimensional (2D) cultures, and often exclude the influence of ECM and stromal components. In this work, a system that integrates 3-dimensional cell culture techniques with an automated microfluidic platform was used to create a new ECM screening platform that cultures cells in more physiologically relevant 3D in vitro microenvironments containing stromal cells and different ECM molecules. This new ECM screening platform was used to culture T47D breast carcinoma cells in mono- and co-culture with human mammary fibroblasts (HMF) with seven combinations of three different ECM proteins (collagen, fibronectin, laminin). Differences in the morphology of T47D clusters, and the proliferation of T47D cells were found in ECM compositions rich in fibronectin or laminin. In addition, an MMP enzyme activity inhibition screening showed the capabilities of the platform for small molecule screening. The platform presented in this work enables screening for the effects of matrix and stromal compositions and show promises for providing new insights in the identification of key ECM components involved in breast cancer.
A system to sense near-surface atmospheric gases of possible biological origin on Mars

This paper describes a robot system that is equipped with an open path spectrometer proposed to look for signs of indigenous life on Mars. The system was developed to search large areas around a landing site for gases that have a possible biological origin. The rationale for the system, instrumentation and measurements are described. Data is presented from field studies conducted at Mars analog sites in Arkansas. Unique problems addressed include 1) localization of gas sources with a minimal set of equipment; 2) handling both strong (at short measurement distances) and weak (at long distances) laser light signals, with a variable sunlight background; 3) optimal photo detector placement, which depends on measurement distance; 4) managing measurements in wind; and 5) measurements of low concentrations of gases.
Cytonemes extend their reach

Nature advance online publication April282013; doi:10.1038/nature12157 Cytonemes are specialized filopodia, first described in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, that were proposed to mediate long distance signalling during development. A recent report from Barna and colleagues (Sanders et al, 2013) published in Nature shows that cytonemes in the chick limb bud carry SHH signalling proteins out to signal receiving cells, thus highlighting their evolutionarily conserved roles in cell–cell communication.
Active mitigation of induced phase distortion in a GSM SoC

A novel technique for the mitigation of self-interference in a GSM transmitter is presented. It was designed to mitigate the impact of interference caused by the transmitterpsilas high frequency signals to the on-chip circuitry responsible for generating the PLLpsilas crystal-based reference clock. Excessive jitter experienced in this reference clock causes intolerable modulation distortion, as it is effectively amplified by the PLL that produces the transmitterpsilas modulated carrier. The presented technique, leveraging on specific features of the all-digital PLL (ADPLL), was demonstrated in a GSM system-on-chip (SoC) based on the digital RF processor (DRPtrade) technology in 90 nm CMOS.
A Time Domain Fluorescence Tomography System for Small Animal Imaging

We describe the application of a time domain diffuse fluorescence tomography system for whole body small animal imaging. The key features of the system are the use of point excitation in free space using ultrashort laser pulses and noncontact detection using a gated, intensified charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. Mouse shaped epoxy phantoms, with embedded fluorescent inclusions, were used to verify the performance of a recently developed asymptotic lifetime-based tomography algorithm. The asymptotic algorithm is based on a multiexponential analysis of the decay portion of the data. The multiexponential model is shown to enable the use of a global analysis approach for a robust recovery of the lifetime components present within the imaging medium. The surface boundaries of the imaging volume were acquired using a photogrammetric camera integrated with the imaging system, and implemented in a Monte-Carlo model of photon propagation in tissue. The tomography results show that the asymptotic approach is able to separate axially located fluorescent inclusions centered at depths of 4 and 10 mm from the surface of the mouse phantom. The fluorescent inclusions had distinct lifetimes of 0.5 and 0.95 ns. The inclusions were nearly overlapping along the measurement axis and shown to be not resolvable using continuous wave (CW) methods. These results suggest the practical feasibility and advantages of a time domain approach for whole body small animal fluorescence molecular imaging, particularly with the use of lifetime as a contrast mechanism.
Life stress in adolescence predicts early adult reward-related brain function and alcohol dependence

Stressful life events increase vulnerability to problematic alcohol use, and they may do this by disrupting reward-related neural circuitry. This is particularly relevant for adolescents because alcohol use rises sharply after mid-adolescence and alcohol abuse peaks at age 20. Adolescents also report more stressors compared with children, and neural reward circuitry may be especially vulnerable to stressors during adolescence because of prefrontal cortex remodeling. Using a large sample of male participants in a longitudinal functional magnetic resonance imaging study (N = 157), we evaluated whether cumulative stressful life events between the ages of 15 and 18 were associated with reward-related brain function and problematic alcohol use at age 20 years. Higher cumulative stressful life events during adolescence were associated with decreased response in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during monetary reward anticipation and following the receipt of monetary rewards. Stress-related decreases in mPFC response during reward anticipation and following rewarding outcomes were associated with the severity of alcohol dependence. Furthermore, mPFC response mediated the association between stressful life events and later symptoms of alcohol dependence. These data are consistent with neurobiological models of addiction that propose that stressors during adolescence increase risk for problematic alcohol use by disrupting reward circuit function.
Partition-and-shift LDPC codes for high density magnetic recording

High-rate low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are the focus of intense research in magnetic recording because, when decoded by the iterative sum-product algorithm, they show decoding performance close to the Shannon capacity. LDPC codes can be described by a bipartite graph called Tanner graph. The length g of the shortest cycle in a Tanner graph is referred to as the girth g of the graph. Since large girth leads to more efficient decoding and large minimum distance, LDPC codes with large girth are particularly desired. We propose a class of structured LDPC codes with large girth and flexible code rates, called partition-and-shift LDPC codes (PS-LDPC).
Modeling Granular Fabric by Tensors and their Statistical Test

It is well known that fabric is one of the most important factors in the mechanics of granular materials. This paper presents a theoretical development directed at quantifying the fabric anisotropy of granular media. An averaging technique is used in developing tensor measures that are useful for this purpose. The technique allows tensors based on solid and void phase to be treated in a unified manner. Several definitions of the fabric tensor have been proposed in the past. A discussion of these tensors is provided. It is shown that for certain fabric tensors, it is necessary to give an appropriate expression for the distribution of fabric descriptors. For other types of tensors, this is not necessary. The void phase tensors are useful from an experimental point of view. In its development, the void phase distribution function is limited to a second order tensor term. If the fluctuations of the distribution are high, higher order terms may be necessary for a complete description. A statistical test is proposed to determine the adequacy of the choice of the rank of tensors in describing a particular distribution. Key words: Granular, Statistics, Fabric, voids, soils, stereology
Umbilical Cord Stricture and Overcoiling Are Common Causes of Fetal Demise

Abstract Although umbilical cord stricture and umbilical cord overcoiling have been established as causes of intrauterine fetal demise, relatively few studies addressed this issue, most of them being case reports. We reviewed a total of 268 fetal autopsies during a 3-year period from 1998 to 2001. One hundred thirty nine cases of fetal demise including spontaneous abortion were identified. Nineteen percent (26 of 139) were associated with umbilical cord stricture, overcoiling, or a combination of both. Stricture of the umbilical cord was defined as a decrease in diameter in relation of the remaining umbilical cord; overcoiling as 0.3 coil/cm or greater. Fetal demise most commonly occurred in the second trimester, with a mean gestation age of 21 weeks. The average maternal age was 33 years; 15% had a prior fetal demise. We found that 77% (20 of 26) of these cases had umbilical cord stricture only or with overcoiling, 23% (6 of 26) had umbilical cord overcoiling alone. Localized deficiency of Wharton's jell...
Autumn Leaves and Old Photographs: The Development of Metaphor Preferences.

Abstract In order to determine the development of preferences for different types of metaphors, a metaphor preferences task was designed. Subjects at seven ages, from 6 through 20 years, received incomplete sentences followed by metaphorical and literal completions, and were asked to select their preferred completions. The pattern of preferences shifted with age. Metaphors based on grounds involving color or shape were preferred by the youngest subjects; metaphors based on movement or sound were preferred by subjects of intermediate age; and metaphors based on nonperceptual, conceptual grounds were preferred by the oldest subjects. At all ages the most frequently chosen metaphors were those based on a combination of two grounds (e.g., color and shape). Preference for literal completions declined with age, but there was an increase in literal selections in the 8th and 10th grades. This study demonstrates the systematic development of aesthetic preferences in the domain of figurative language.
Imaging with rectangular transmission gratings

In a restricted class of imaging that is due to rectangular transmission gratings, the image formation of coarse periodic objects has been considered in the close vicinity of the gratings under incoherent illumination. The imaging occurs at an extremely high demagnification, typically of the order of 103, and is determined by the ratio of the periods of the pupil grating and the object. Analyses based on geometrical optics, Fresnel–Kirchhoff diffraction theory, and the optical transfer function (OTF) consideration have been given. It is revealed that the frequency response assumesfinite values only at certain allowablespatial frequencies, which are equal to the integral multiples of the pupil grating frequency. The system OTF has been calculated by varying the normalized-image distance α. The incoherent images under Fourier imaging conditions have been explained in terms of the present mathematical formulations.
Some goodness-of-fit t ests and effic ient estimation in longitudinal surveys under missing data

In this paper, we developed a new characterization of multivariate normality of a random vector based on univariate normality of linear combinations of its components.
Solvent Distribution in Weakly-Ordered Block Copolymer Solutions

The distribution of solvent in block copolymer solutions near their order−disorder transitions is examined experimentally, by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and theoretically, by the self-consistent mean-field (SCMF) approach. Three lamellar-forming poly(styrene-b-isoprene) diblocks were employed, in toluene, a neutral good solvent, and in cyclohexane, a selective solvent. For a given copolymer concentration, two solutions were prepared, one in protonated and one in perdeuterated solvent, and the scattering profiles compared. For a neutral solvent, one expects a small partitioning of the solvent to the interface between microdomains, to screen unfavorable styrene−isoprene contacts. Such partitioning should be manifest as a difference between the h- and d-solvents in the intensities of the second (and higher order, even) harmonic peaks (i.e., I(2q*), where the lamellar spacing, L, is 2π/q*). This difference is observed experimentally, and is in quantitative agreement with SCMF predictions using lit...
Soft-Tissue Sarcoma of the Right Thigh

This is a case study of extremity soft-tissue sarcoma of the right thigh.Ultrasound identified a mass and a surgical specimen diagnosed malignant fibrous histiocytoma, the histological subtype of s...
Oxygen isotopic composition of nitrate and nitrite produced by nitrifying cocultures and natural marine assemblages

The d18O value of nitrate produced during nitrification (d 18 ONO3,nit) was measured in experiments designed to mimic oceanic conditions, involving cocultures of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria or ammonia-oxidizing archaea and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria, as well as natural marine assemblages. The estimates of d 18 ONO3,nit ranged from 21.5% 6 0.1% to +1.3% 6 1.4% at d18O values of water (H2O) and dissolved oxygen (O2 )o f 0% and 24.2% vs. Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water, respectively. Additions of 18O-enriched H2O allowed us to evaluate the effects of oxygen (O) isotope fractionation and exchange on d 18 ONO3,nit. Kinetic isotope effects for the incorporation of O atoms were the most important factors for setting overall d 18 ONO3,nit values relative to the substrates (O2 and H2O). These isotope effects ranged from +10% to +22% for ammonia oxidation (O2 plus H2O incorporation) and from +1% to +27% for incorporation of H2O during nitrite oxidation. d 18 ONO3,nit values were also affected by the amount and duration of nitrite accumulation, which permitted abiotic O atom exchange between nitrite and H2O. Coculture incubations where ammonia oxidation and nitrite oxidation were tightly coupled showed low levels of nitrite accumulation and exchange (3% 6 4%). These experiments had d 18 ONO3,nit values of 21.5% to +0.7%. Field experiments had greater accumulation of nitrite and a higher amount of exchange (22% to 100%), yielding an average d 18 ONO3,nit value of +1.9% 6 3.0%. Low levels of biologically catalyzed exchange in coculture experiments may be representative of nitrification in much of the ocean where nitrite accumulation is low. Abiotic oxygen isotope exchange may be important where nitrite does accumulate, such as oceanic primary and secondary nitrite maxima.
Motivational effects of ethanol in DARPP-32 knock-out mice.

DARPP-32 (dopamine and adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein, 32 kDa) is an important component of dopaminergic function in brain areas thought to be important for drug and alcohol addiction. The present experiments characterized the acquisition of ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion, ethanol-induced conditioned place preference, and ethanol self-administration in DARPP-32 knock-out (KO) mice compared to wild-type (WT) controls. For taste conditioning, KO and WT mice received access to 0.2 m NaCl solution followed immediately by intraperitoneal injection of 0–4 gm/kg ethanol. Ethanol produced dose-dependent conditioned taste aversion that was the same in both genotypes. For place conditioning, KO and WT mice received eight pairings of a tactile stimulus with ethanol (2 gm/kg, i.p.), and a different stimulus with saline. Ethanol produced increases in locomotor activity during conditioning, with KO mice showing higher activity levels after ethanol compared to WT mice. WT mice, but not KO mice, acquired conditioned preference for the ethanol-paired stimulus. In the self-administration procedure, KO and WT mice were trained to lever press for access to 10% v/v ethanol. Subsequently, the mice had 23 hr/d access to food, ethanol, and water. Response patterns were determined using 0–30% v/v ethanol concentrations. WT mice displayed concentration-dependent responding for ethanol. Responding on the ethanol lever by KO mice did not change as a function of ethanol concentration. Saccharin (0.2% w/v) was subsequently added to the ethanol mixture, and responding was examined at 0, 5, 10, and 20% ethanol concentrations. Ethanol responding increased in both genotypes, although WT mice showed higher rates at all concentrations.
Enhancement of Whole Cell Synaptic Currents by Low Osmolarity and by Low [NaCl] in Rat Hippocampal Slices

Huang, Rong, Daniel F. Bossut, and George G. Somjen. Enhancement of whole cell synaptic currents by low osmolarity and by low [NaCl] in rat hippocampal slices. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 2349–2359, 1997....
Midlife Development in a Life Course Context

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the midlife development in a life-course context. According to this chapter, the belief that “midlife” comprises a separate and distinct stage of life is a recent cultural construction, originating only in the 20th century. The emergence of midlife as a life stage is linked to two related demographic trends: the increase in human longevity and the decline in fertility. The two demographic changes are particularly relevant in defining midlife for women, given the gender gap in longevity and the greater salience of family roles for women. However, these demographic trends have also worked in tandem with the transformations in the economy and career paths, to produce the constellation of social roles that characterize an adult life course in transition. It is difficult to set precise ages when midlife begins or ends. However, it is popularly thought to begin at age 35. Midlife in the early 21st century is a state of flux, with economic, demographic, technological, social, and cultural changes produce unprecedented variability for those in this stage of life. This brings to mind a final life course theme that individuals help to construct their own lives and their own environments. These remarkable social changes offer challenges but also opportunities for individuals to customize their middle years according to their own interests and inclinations and for society to create new structures that will serve to expand the life chances and choices for those in the middle life course.
GnRH analogue induces Th1 and Th17 immunity

Myoferlin, one of the members of the Ferlin family is a membrane protein encoded by the MYOF gene and found in cell membranes, nuclear membranes and cytoplasmic vesicles. A high expression ofMyoferlin is observed in skeletal and cardiacmuscles and weak expression in the brain, kidney and placenta. Myoferlin has been found to be necessary for membrane repairing and regulation of VEGF signal transduction. VEGF is not restricted to the vascular system and contributes to wound healing, cell division and proliferation. Successful implantation of the developing embryo in the maternal uterus is associated with Extravillous Trophoblast (EVT) cell proliferation and invasion of the uterine wall. Decreased EVT proliferation and trophoblast cell death has been associatedwith pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction thus resulting in inadequate trophoblast invasion.We have hypothesized that there is a correlation between the down-regulation of Myoferlin and the decreased cell proliferation of trophoblast cells upon bacterial infection. In this study, detection and quantification of Myoferlin on JEG-3 cell line wasperformedupon treatmentwith Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Proteomics quantitative data, revealed that LPS treatment induced a significant (p=0.0002)decrease in theexpression level ofMyoferlin in trophoblast cell line. Myoferlin quantification estimated by flow cytometry also showed significant decrease in LPS treated JEG-3 cells in dose dependent manner. Whereas, fluorescence microscopic imaging results confirmed the same. The cell proliferation assay revealed a significant decrease (62%) in trophoblast cell growth in 48h of LPS treatment. In conclusion, decreased Myoferlin expression is associated with the decreased cell proliferation of trophoblast cells upon bacterial LPS treatment.
Superparamagnetic Flexible Substrates based on Submicron Electrospun Estane Fibers Containing MnZnFe-Ni Nanoparticles

Flexible field responsive superparamagnetic substrates were prepared by electrospinning a solution of elastomeric polyurethane containing ferrite nanoparticles (ca. 14 nm) of Mn-Zn-Ni. The flexible mats were characterized in terms of fiber morphology and magnetic properties. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) indicated that the diameter of these composite fibers was ca. 300-500 nm. Furthermore, the back-scattered electron FESEM images indicated agglomeration of the nanoparticles at higher wt% (ca 17-26 wt%) loading in the electrospun fibers. The induced specific magnetic saturation and the relative permeability were found to increase linearly with increasing wt% loading of the ferrite nanoparticles on the submicron electrospun fibers. A specific magnetic saturation of 1.7 – 6.3 emu/g at ambient conditions indicated superparamagnetic behavior of these composite electrospun substrates. Additionally, dielectric constant values of the electrospun fibers were measured to be between 2.3 and 5.8.
The Measurement of Neighborhood Dynamics in Urban House Prices

This paper introduces an explicit geographic perspective for modeling the housing price determination process. The traditional econometric models that utilize the hedonic price regression are accepted but are extended to incorporate spatial neighborhood dynamics. The expansion method is used as the general modeling framework. The question posed by this research is: Do housing attributes produce different pricing differentials depending on location? Consequently, the models that are generated are characterized by spatial variation with respect to the influence of housing attributes on housing prices. In addition to its conceptual concern, this paper also deals with spatial dependence, an issue that has not been addressed in the previous empirical investigations. The empirical segment of this research uses data for the Columbus, Ohio MSA. The results suggest that the models constructed using the expansion method more accurately mirror the workings of the residential real estate markets.
Investigation of some coking plant professional health present situation

Objective:To understand a coking plant workers at the scene of occupational hazard.Methods:The pair process harmful factor various workshops,the post carry on the examination according to the national standard.Results:Sampling point dust total qualified rate 87.9%,Noise total qualified rate 72.2%,3-4 benzene and pi qualified rate 61.2%.Conclusion:The dust,the noise,the poison are the main occupation harm factor.
Effects of I Ching on Contemporary Music Writing

I Ching theories not only have influence on the culture and tradition of China for over 2000 years,but also on contemporary music writing all cross the world,which lies in the four transformations:way of thinking in music wrting;writing principles and laws;writing manners and methods;structural layout principle of the works and the naming pattern;purposes of writing and the function of the works.
Spectrofluorimetric determination of trace amounts of molybdenum in running water and urine

Objective: To determine trace amounts of molybdenum in running water and urine.Methods:A fluorescent reagent 2-hydroxyacetophenone benzoylhydrazone(HAPBH) was synthesized.The fluorescent reaction of this reagent with molybdenum was studied.Results:Molybdenum could form a stable complex with 2-hydroxyacetophenone benzoylhydrazone(HAPBH),in the solution at pH 4.0.The Mo-HAPBH complex has excitation and emission maxima at 306 and 437 nm,respectively.Conclusion:The linear range of the method is from 0 to 120 μg/L and the detection limit is 0.057 μg/L of molybdenum.This method has been successfully applied to the determination of molybdenum in running water and urine.
Amino acid-mediated regulation of spontaneous synaptic activity patterns in the rat basolateral amygdala

1. Spontaneous postsynaptic currents (PSCs) were examined in the basolateral amygdala using whole cell patch-clamp recordings in coronal slices (400 microns) from young rats (postnatal day 6-25). In most cells, Cs+ was used in the electrode to block putative voltage-activated K(+)-currents. Both inward and outward spontaneous PSCs were examined. 2. The alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate receptor antagonist, 6,7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) blocked all inward PSCs, which reversed near 0 mV. They therefore were considered to be glutamate-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Averaged EPSCs had a rapid 10-90% rise time (1.0 +/- 0.04 ms; mean +/- SD) and monoexponential decay (tau = 3.6 +/- 0.18 ms) at potentials negative to about -50 mV. Above this potential, a second, slower time constant (tau 1 = 41 +/- 4.5 ms at -30 mV), accounting for 10-30% of the total EPSC amplitude was resolved in 8 of 10 cells examined. The slower decay time constant was sensitive to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonist, DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP5) and therefore probably was due to activation of NMDA receptors. 3. The gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) antagonist, bicuculline, blocked all outward PSCs, which reversed near -70 mV. They therefore were considered to be GABA-mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). Averaged IPSCs displayed rapid 10-90% rise times (1.0 +/- 0.03 ms) and monoexponential decay time constants (tau = 5.16 +/- 0.14 ms). 4. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) reduced the frequency of synaptic activity and eliminated the largest PSCs, thus reducing slightly the mean EPSC and IPSC amplitude. Most cells received bursts of spontaneous IPSCs and/or EPSCs (30-68 Hz lasting 0.5-6 s), which were also TTX sensitive. The TTX data suggest that the somata of the cells responsible for the largest PSCs and the PSC bursts were contained within the slice. 5. In addition to blocking EPSCs, DNQX blocked the bursts of IPSCs, but not all individual IPSCs. DNQX had similar effects as TTX on the bursts and frequency of the IPSCs. 6. Bicuculline enhanced spontaneous EPSC frequency (231 +/- 90%). Much of this increase was due to an increase in the bursts of EPSCs. 7. Neurons in the basolateral amygdala therefore appear to receive both excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) synaptic input from local neurons. The activity of the neurons responsible for these inputs are themselves largely regulated by glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs. The relevance of this local circuitry to seizures and epilepsy is discussed briefly.
Clinical efficacy of temporal artery biopsy in Nashville, Tennessee.

ABSTRACTA retrospective study of temporal artery biopsies done over one decade in four Nashville hospitals yielded 412 procedures on 394 patients. Diagnosis was obtained in 17%, and the procedure was helpful in 21% of patients. Only two complications were recorded. There was no correlation between l
Two State Weak and Mean Valued Energy Quantum Systems are Thermodynamically Homologous

Canonical ensemble theory is used to obtain simple exact scaling relationships (homology transformations) which establish equivalences between certain thermodynamic quantities for two state weak valued and mean valued energy quantum systems that are described by the same Hamiltonian. These equivalences define how a thermodynamic quantity for a weak (mean) valued energy system can be represented by an appropriately scaled version of the same quantity for a mean (weak) valued energy system. This provides: (i) a method for quantifying the thermodynamic properties of the typically more complicated (and difficult to prepare) weak valued energy systems in terms of those of the generally less complicated mean valued energy systems; and (ii) a systematic way to compare the properties of weak and mean valued energy systems. The results are validated and illustrated numerically by applying them to a spin ½ system in a uniform magnetic field. Several apparent thermodynamic effects induced by the weak measurement and state post-selection process required to prepare a weak valued energy system are also identified for this system.