cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of coherent backscattering in a multimode fiber using nonreciprocal phase modulation

We used a magneto-optical effect to control coherent backscattering in a multimode fiber. A continuous transition from a backscattered peak to a dip was realized by manipulating the relative phase between reciprocal paths.
Problems and Solutions in Biological Sequence Analysis

Preface 1. Introduction 2. Pairwise alignment 3. Markov chains and hidden Markov models 4. Pairwise alignment using HMMs 5. Profile HMMs for sequence families 6. Multiple sequence alignment methods 7. Building phylogenetic trees 8. Probabilistic approaches to phylogeny 9. Transformational grammars 10. RNA structure analysis 11. Background on probability.
The mutant DnaAcos protein which overinitiates replication of the Escherichia coli chromosome is inert to negative regulation for initiation

Initiation of chromosome replication occurs excessively in the dnaAcos mutant at 30 degrees C. DnaAcos protein was purified from an overproducing strain and found to be as active as wild-type DnaA protein in initial synthesis rates of minichromosome replication in vitro at 30 degrees C. However, whereas efficient initiation occurred for only 20 min with wild-type DnaA protein, it continued for 45 min with DnaAcos protein, an indication that DnaAcos protein retained initiation activity for a longer time than wild-type DnaA protein. Also, whereas wild-type DnaA protein is inactivated by ADP binding, DnaAcos protein failed to be inactivated by ADP due to its inability to bind nucleotide. Thus, DnaAcos protein appears to lack negative regulation for its initiation activity. At 42 degrees C, a temperature at which initiation of chromosome replication is normal in the dnaAcos mutant, in vitro DnaAcos protein activity decreased to 25% of that observed at 30 degrees C. This coincident occurrence of normal initiation in vivo and reduced activity is consistent with the idea that negative control of DnaA protein activity is necessary for normal replication.
Amelioration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase mediated stress reduces cell death after blast-induced traumatic brain injury.

A total of 1.7 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur each year in the United States, but available pharmacologic options for the treatment of acute neurotrauma are limited. Oxidative stress is an important secondary mechanism of injury that can lead to neuronal apoptosis and subsequent behavioral changes. Using a clinically relevant and validated rodent blast model, we investigated how nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (Nox) expression and associated oxidative stress contribute to cellular apoptosis after single and repeat blast injuries. Nox4 forms a complex with p22phox after injury, forming free radicals at neuronal membranes. Using immunohistochemical-staining methods, we found a visible increase in Nox4 after single blast injury in Sprague Dawley rats. Interestingly, Nox4 was also increased in postmortem human samples obtained from athletes diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Nox4 activity correlated with an increase in superoxide formation. Alpha-lipoic acid, an oxidative stress inhibitor, prevented the development of superoxide acutely and increased antiapoptotic markers B-cell lymphoma 2 (t = 3.079, P < 0.05) and heme oxygenase 1 (t = 8.169, P < 0.001) after single blast. Subacutely, alpha-lipoic acid treatment reduced proapoptotic markers Bax (t = 4.483, P < 0.05), caspase 12 (t = 6.157, P < 0.001), and caspase 3 (t = 4.573, P < 0.01) after repetitive blast, and reduced tau hyperphosphorylation indicated by decreased CP-13 and paired helical filament staining. Alpha-lipoic acid ameliorated impulsive-like behavior 7 days after repetitive blast injury (t = 3.573, P < 0.05) compared with blast exposed animals without treatment. TBI can cause debilitating symptoms and psychiatric disorders. Oxidative stress is an ideal target for neuropharmacologic intervention, and alpha-lipoic acid warrants further investigation as a therapeutic for prevention of chronic neurodegeneration.
When is the numerical range of a nilpotent matrix circular

The problem formulated in the title is investigated. The case of nilpotent matrices of size at most 4 allows a unitary treatment. The numerical range of a nilpotent matrix M of size at most 4 is circular if and only if the traces trM^*M^2 and trM^*M^3 are null. The situation becomes more complicated as soon as the size is 5. The conditions under which a 5x5 nilpotent matrix has circular numerical range are thoroughly discussed.
The Development of Word Retrieval Abilities in the Second Year and its Relation to Early Vocabulary Growth

The present research investigated the development of word retrieval abilities late in the second year when most children display a marked increase in word production. When asked what was hidden in a given box, children with still quite limited productive vocabularies were reliably less likely to produce the labels of the hidden objects than were children with larger productive vocabularies even though (1) all children could name those objects and (2) all children did well when asked to find those same hidden objects. Additionally, the provision of pictorial cues facilitated word retrieval, especially in the early stage of lexical development. Naming errors during a naturalistic book-reading session peaked in children whose productive vocabularies had recently begun to expand, further suggesting that word retrieval processes undergo significant changes at this time.
Intake of nucleotides by the mosquito Culiseta inornata in comparison with water, sucrose, and blood☆

Abstract Females of Culiseta inornata were attached by their wings to applicator sticks and tested for responsiveness to nucleotides that are reported phagostimulants for Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens pallens . Water-satiated individuals refused 5-adenylic acid, adenosine diphosphate, and adenosine triphosphate in Tris buffer. Thirsty mosquitoes imbibed the test solutions. The volume of nucleotides consumed by these insects was compared with water, 1 M sucrose, and defibrinated sheep blood. Mosquitoes gorged on sucrose and blood accepted an average of 4.5 μl when replete. Intake of nucleotides and water was approximately 0.80 μl. It is believed that acceptance of nucleotides was mediated by the water receptor. The volume of liquids consumed was measured by two methods not previously used for mosquitoes. The nucleotides and water were imbibed from measured amounts in a cavity of a glass slide. Sucrose, blood, and water were taken directly from a micropipette calibrated in units of 1 μl.
Modeling and Assessment of Porosity Effects on Mechanical Properties of Tissue Scaffolds

Mechanical properties of scaffolds are important for fabricating engineered tissues. However, localized mechanical properties of scaffold cannot be directly obtained from experiments. This study provides a solid modeling approach to simulate mechanical behaviors of alginate scaffolds with different porosity. A scaffold micro-domain has been modeled as made of sub-units, arranged in a sphere-based pore architecture. An expression to calculate porosity was also derived for the scaffold architecture. Finite element simulations of compressing alginate scaffolds were performed to evaluate the effect of porosity on quasi-static mechanical behavior. The developed FEA model is capable of computing scaffold strength and predicting localized mechanical behavior without destructive materials testing.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Mentoring global female managers in the global marketplace: traditional, reverse, and reciprocal mentoring

A stream of research exists that focuses on traditional mentoring (senior female managers mentoring junior members in a domestic organization). The literature further indicates that females are increasing in number but may receive less mentoring than males and expatriates may receive less mentoring than domestic employees. A new paradigm, reverse mentoring, has emerged (e.g., a junior person, knowledgeable of the rapid technological change and globalization of business, acts as the mentor for a senior person). This paper proposes a third type of mentoring, ‘reciprocal’, as essential for competition in global markets. It is argued that mentoring can become a strategic tool in the organizational knowledge creation and transfer process. Moreover, mentoring could serve as a competitive advantage in creating an effective support system for female global female managers.
Expression of beta‐adrenergic receptors by astrocytes isolated from adult rat cortex

Astrocytes are the most numerous cell type in the central nervous system. When cultured, these cells express a wide variety of receptors for neurotransmitters. Nonetheless, it has yet to be firmly established that adult astrocytes in situ express receptors for neurotransmitters. In this report the technique of combined receptor autoradiography and immunocytochemistry has been applied to isolated astrocytes from adult animals to examine beta-adrenergic receptor (beta-AR) expression by these cells. It is shown that fibrous and protoplasmic astrocytes isolated from adult rat cerebral cortices specifically bind the beta-AR ligand iodocyanopindolol and that this binding is inhibited by the beta-AR ligands propranolol and isoproterenol. These results indicate that at least two of the major morphological subtypes of adult astrocytes express beta-ARs.
Analysis of pseudopartial and partial wetting of various substrates by lead

Lead drops exhibit partial wetting on some substrates and pseudopartial wetting on others. In pseudopartial wetting, a film is in equilibrium with a capillary body with a nonzero contact angle. Using a free energy formulation appropriate for the experiments, we show the conditions under which minimization of the system energy is accurately achieved by minimizing the energy of the film alone. Using a set of simple surface energy isotherms, we explain the various wetting behaviors of lead. We contrast isotherms for autophobing systems and the metallic systems considered here.
Security Basics for Computer Architects

Abstract Download Free Sample Design for security is an essential aspect of the design of future computers. However, security is not well understood by the computer architecture community. Many important security aspects have evolved over the last several decades in the cryptography, operating systems, and networking communities. This book attempts to introduce the computer architecture student, researcher, or practitioner to the basic concepts of security and threat-based design. Past work in different security communities can inform our thinking and provide a rich set of technologies for building architectural support for security into all future computers and embedded computing devices and appliances. I have tried to keep the book short, which means that many interesting topics and applications could not be included. What the book focuses on are the fundamental security concepts, across different security communities, that should be understood by any computer architect trying to design or evaluate secu...
Bacterial shrubs, crystal shrubs, and ray-crystal shrubs: bacterial vs. abiotic precipitation

Hot-water travertine deposits commonly contain shrub-like morphologies, on the centimeter to meter scale, that range from highly irregular forms (bacterial shrubs) to features that display regular geometric patterns (crystal shrubs and ray-crystal crusts). The bacterial shrubs have been previously recognized as the product of bacterially induced precipitation whereas the ray-crystal crusts have been described as due to dominantly abiotic precipitation. The bacterial shrubs have a highly irregular morphology, similar to woody plants, in contrast, end member crystal shrubs display distinct crystal habits and regular repeating morphologies, i.e., they commonly have attributes of noncrystallographic as well as crystallographic dendrites. There is a complete gradational relationship between the bacterial shrubs and crystal shrubs. Ray-crystal crusts are large fan-shaped features composed of subparallel, extremely coarse bladed crystals of calcite. All three types (bacterial shrubs, crystal shrubs, and ray-crystal crusts) contain either a dense tangle of bacterial body fossils and/or micron-sized pores. The micropores are bacterial molds. The immediately enveloping spar crystals around all three morphologic types are devoid of bacterial body fossils and micropores. The bacterial shrubs, crystal shrubs, and ray-crystal crusts are, to differing degrees, the product of bacterially induced precipitation as well as abiotic mineral precipitation. The differences in morphology are due to the relative contribution of bacterially induced precipitation as compared with that of abiotic mineral precipitation. Bacterially induced precipitates can form in environments too chemically harsh or otherwise inhospitable for other taxa to thrive. Epiphyton and Renalcis commonly formed in occult environments under conditions inhospitable to other taxa. Consideration of the published descriptions and interpretations concerning Epiphyton and Renalcis, and by analogy the origin of bacterial shrubs, have led to the conclusion that Epiphyton and Renalcis also are bacterially induced precipitates.
Induction of MUC5AC mucin by conjugated bile acids in the esophagus involves the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase C/activator protein-1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Bile reflux contributes to the development of esophageal injury and neoplasia. The mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) is absent in the normal squamous epithelium of the esophagus but is strongly expressed in Barrett esophagus (BE). The objective of this study was to determine whether and how bile acids influence the expression of MUC5AC in the esophagus. METHODS: MUC5AC expression was studied by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting in human tissues, in tissues from a rat model of BE, and in SKGT-4 cultured esophageal epithelial cells. MUC5AC transcription was studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction and transient transfection assays. RESULTS: MUC5AC was absent from normal squamous epithelium but was present in 100% of Barrett specimens and in 61.5% of human esophageal adenocarcinoma tissues that were examined. MUC5AC protein expression was induced to a greater degree by conjugated bile acids than by unconjugated bile acids, and this occurred at the transcriptional level. In the rat reflux model, MUC5AC mucin was expressed abundantly in tissues of BE stimulated by duodenoesophageal reflux. Conjugated bile acids induced AKT phosphorylation in SKGT-4 cells but had no effect on extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, or protein-38 kinase phosphorylation. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY294002 and a dominant-negative protein kinase C (AKT) construct prevented the induction of MUC5AC by conjugated bile acids. Transactivation of AP-1 by conjugated bile acids coincided with MUC5AC induction, and cotransfection with a dominant-negative activator protein-1 (AP-1) vector decreased MUC5AC transcription and its induction. CONCLUSIONS: Conjugated bile acids in the bile refluxate contribute to MUC5AC induction in the esophagus. This occurs at the level of transcription and involves activation of the PI3K/AKT/AP-1 pathway. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Breaking a nominal through-silicon-via (TSV) and forming a clean cross-section

A method for breaking a through-silicon-via (TSV) and forming a clean cross-section is investigated. We use focus-ion-beam (FIB) and diamond saw to create the notches that induce the crack passing through TSV precisely. Bending the sample with two side notches of diamond saw revealed the notch of diamond saw may cause the breaking failure. Only one side notch of silicon sample is an accurate breaking through a TSV with about 1 um diameter. The fracture surface indicates where the cracks originated from and which notch dominates the cross-section of TSV. The Auger electron spectra show the Ga contaminant spreading less than 300 nm from a FIB notch that may provide the information for the nano-scale accuracy of the breaking.
A comparison of explicit and implicit predictions of convective and stratiform precipitating weather systems with a meso-β-scale numerical model

The feasibility of the implicit (parametrized) compared to the explicit (grid-resolved) approach for meso-β-scale models is examined using two different mesoscale precipitating weather systems (MPWSs): a squall line and a mesoscale convective complex (MCC) with an embedded meso-vortex, that were responsible for the 1977 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, flood events. The prognostic explicit scheme contains predictive equations for cloud water and rainwater incorporating liquid water evaporation and hydrostatic water loading, and it is tested with grid sizes of 25 and 12-5 km, respectively. Due to a near-saturated and moist adiabatic initial environment associated with the MPWSs, there is no notable delay in the initiation of the grid-box saturation. It is found that the explicit convective scheme fails to reproduce the convective precipitation related to the squall line and MCC, while it overpredicts the stratiform rainfall associated with the meso-vortex. On the other hand, the implicit convective scheme reproduces the size, orientation and evolution of the squall line, but totally misses the meso-vortex. A semi-implicit control simulation (implicit plus diagnostic explicit) reproduces very well both the squall line and MCC. The results indicate that even with a grid resolution on the order of 10 km, an implicit convective scheme is very important for the numerical prediction of convectively driven precipitating systems. The roles of different model physics in controlling the frequent model ‘blow-ups’ are also examined. It is found that if the semi-implicit or the explicit convective scheme is used alone, the model sustains different degrees of overdevelopment of the mesocyclogenesis due to the CISK-like feedback process among latent heat release, larger-scale moisture convergence and the surface pressure fall. Model simulation with the diagnostic explicit scheme is the most affected by this instability, followed by the prognostic explicit scheme. The parametrized convection tends to reduce or eliminate this problem by elevating the heating and moistening maximum and removing moisture that otherwise would be used for explicit condensation. The liquid water evaporation is very effective in an unsaturated environment whereas the hydrostatic water loading has a significant retarding effect under saturated conditions. Intercomparisons of six experimental simulations in addition to the control run indicate that the combination of the implicit and prognostic explicit schemes (full physics) is superior in reproducing the basic sequence of convective and stratiform rainfall and the extent of the mesocyclogenesis associated with the Johnstown MPWSs. Because of their different roles in handling various types and scales of precipitation, the full physics approach appears to allow a broader scale interaction between the parametrized convection and mesoscale environment and to have the greatest potential success in predicting MPWSs that occur under various environmental conditions.
Generation of Multi-Cycle Broadside Tests

The use of multi-cycle (or multi-pattern) tests for delay faults can reduce the number of clock cycles required for test application, and enhance the ability of a test set to detect delay defects. This is achieved by exercising the circuit in functional mode for several clock cycles as part of each test. This advantage is especially important for multi-pattern functional broadside tests, which guarantee normal functional operation conditions during the functional clock cycles of the test. This paper describes a procedure for generating multi-pattern broadside tests. The procedure extends a two-pattern test set gradually to increase the number of patterns included in each test while reducing the number of tests. Experimental results demonstrate that significant reductions in the numbers of clock cycles are possible with the proposed procedure for both functional and arbitrary broadside test sets.
Matrix Sublimation/Recrystallization for Imaging Proteins by Mass Spectrometry at High Spatial Resolution

We have employed matrix deposition by sublimation for protein image analysis on tissue sections using a hydration/recrystallization process that produces high-quality MALDI mass spectra and high-spatial-resolution ion images. We systematically investigated different washing protocols, the effect of tissue section thickness, the amount of sublimated matrix per unit area, and different recrystallization conditions. The results show that an organic solvent rinse followed by ethanol/water rinses substantially increased sensitivity for the detection of proteins. Both the thickness of the tissue section and the amount of sinapinic acid sublimated per unit area have optimal ranges for maximal protein signal intensity. Ion images of mouse and rat brain sections at 50, 20, and 10 μm spatial resolution are presented and are correlated with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained optical images. For targeted analysis, histology-directed imaging can be performed using this protocol where MS analysis and H&E staining are ...
A high-speed photonic clock and carrier recovery device

We present the experimental results of a high-speed clock and carrier recovery device based on a novel oscillator called a optoelectronic oscillator (OEO). Such a device can recover a clock signal or carrier with a frequency up to 75 GHz and can be interfaced with a photonic communication system both electronically and optically.
A Combined Physical-Chemical Polymerization Process for Fabrication of Nanoparticle-Hydrogel Sensing Materials

A new type of light diffracting hydrogel composite film consisting of nanoparticles and polymer has been fabricated through a combined physical–chemical polymerization process. In this fabrication approach, polymers with ionic functional groups for molecular recognition were successfully incorporated into a hydrogel of colloidal photonic crystals. We first embedded crystalline colloidal arrays into a nonionic polymer hydrogel by a physical freeze–thaw process using a formulation that contained poly(vinyl alcohol), dimethyl sulfoxide, water, and monodispersed polystyrene nanoparticles. Then, a second ionic polymer network, which interpenetrates into the first polymer network, was formed through a photochemical polymerization process. During the formation of the second polymer network, functional groups for molecular recognition were introduced. Finally, the physically cross-linked nonionic polymer network was removed by hydrothermal dissolution, leaving the chemically cross-linked ionic polymer network int...
Dual-Color Click Beetle Luciferase Heteroprotein Fragment Complementation Assays

Understanding the functional complexity of protein interactions requires mapping biomolecular complexes within the cellular environment over biologically relevant time scales. Herein, we describe a set of reversible multicolored heteroprotein complementation fragments based on various firefly and click beetle luciferases that utilize the same substrate, D-luciferin. Luciferase heteroprotein fragment complementation systems enabled dual-color quantification of two discrete pairs of interacting proteins simultaneously or two distinct proteins interacting with a third shared protein in live cells. Using real-time analysis of click beetle green and click beetle red luciferase heteroprotein fragment complementation applied to β-TrCP, an E3-ligase common to the regulation of both β-catenin and IκBα, GSK3β was identified as a candidate kinase regulating IκBα processing. These dual-color protein interaction switches may enable directed dynamic analysis of a variety of protein interactions in living cells.
Liquid Ventilation in an Infant With Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis

Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) has been applied in various pulmonary diseases. We describe the use of partial liquid ventilation as a lavage method following normal saline (NS) lavage in an infant with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and severe hypoxemia. A 6 weeks old 3.4 kg former 36 weeks gestation boy on supplemental oxygen was transferred to our NICU with persistent tachypnea, dry cough, and increasing oxygen requirements. A lingular open lung biopsy revealed PAP. He developed progressive respiratory failure requiring ventilatory support, necessitating conventional NS lavage, followed by lung lavage with perflubron (LiquiVent; Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp. and Hoechst Marion Roussel) while on venovenous extracorporeal life support (ECLS). Lung lavage with NS and perflubron yielded minimal cloudy effluent. Gas exchange and pulmonary function deteriorated following NS lavage and attempts to discontinue ECLS were poorly tolerated. In contrast, tidal volume, PaO2, and pulmonary compliance increased after PLV, while the (A-a) D(O2) decreased to a point where ECLS was no longer required. Once perflubron was added repeatedly to the ventilator circuit to correct for evaporation over the 4 days of PLV. Cardiovascular status remained stable for several days; however, eventually he required reinitiation of ECLS and more mechanical ventilatory support with each trial off ECLS. He was maintained on high pressures and FiO2 without any possibility to wean him from mechanical ventilation. Life support was withdrawn 1 month after admission. The survival from PAP in infants remains dismal, even with total lung NS lavage. While both NS and perflubron lavage in this patient were not effective in removing the proteinaceous alveolar debris, PLV following NS lavage was associated with an improvement in gas exchange and lung compliance.
Ethnic cleansing and the Indian: the crime that should haunt America; Native America and the question of genocide

In the roughly four centuries of Euro-American ‘discovery’, exploration, conquest, and colonial ‘settlement’ (1492–1890), the number of North American Indians for the conterminous USA was drastical...
Pearls and Pitfalls in the Use and Abuse of Diuretics for Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

The main purpose of using diuretics is usually lost sight of, i.e. it is for the relief of dyspnea by using the least amount of a diuretic. The production of a low output state and hypercoagulation in an attempt to achieve dry weight by lowering blood volume excessively are among the hazards of using more diuretic than is absolutely necessary to achieve the goal of relieving dyspnea. The use of jugular venous pressure measurement and the status of dyspnea should have precedence over body weight in determining diuretic dose adjustment. Often forgotten in using diuretics is that potassium without magnesium will not enter cells and that the almost universal preference for furosemide over thiazides threatens to increase the incidence of osteoporosis. Also, the tendency to ignore loss of the water-soluble vitamins thiamine and ascorbic acid may result in refractory edema and the inability to manage the stresses of congestive heart failure.
NMDA-induced lesions of the nucleus accumbens or the ventral pallidum increase the rewarding efficacy of food to deprived rats

Abstract The role of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) and ventral pallidum (VP) in food reward modulation was investigated using Heyman's [24] curve fitting approach in food deprived rats. All rats were maintained at 80% normal body weight, and trained to lever press for food reinforcement. Each rat was tested daily with a series of four variable-interval (VI) reinforcement schedules (80, 40, 20, and 10 s) designed to approximate an exponential distribution, and randomly administered in ascending or descending order. The maximum response rate ( R max ) and the reinforcement rate required to maintain half-maximal responding (Re5o) were recorded for each rat's daily test session. Following the establishment of baseline responding, the excitotoxin N -methyl- d -aspartic acid (NMDA) was bilaterally administered into the NAC (30 μg per side) or VP (20 μg per side) over a 10 min period. Both groups displayed substantial damage to the intended structure, with the lateral regions typically sustaining more damage than medial regions, and minor damage to surrounding areas. When tested at three weeks post-lesion, a suppression of motor activity was evident in all animals when compared to pre-lesion baseline. Moreover, in almost all rats, Re5o decreased, suggesting that the rewarding efficacy of food had increased. These data are surprising, given the extensive literature on the relationship between damage in the NAC and loss of reward efficacy. However, based on pharmacological and anatomical findings, both brain regions have been divided into several subregions. Behavioral studies suggest that these subregions may differentially regulate reward and motor functions. The results from the present study suggest that (1) both the NAC and VP are involved in the modulation of food reward, (2) that lateral subregions in each structure may function to dampen food reward efficacy, and (3) that medial subregions may enhance food reward.
Development of reflexes from skin grafts in Rana pipiens: influence of size and position of grafts.

Abstract Skin grafts of various sizes, shapes, and positions were transposed between back and belly of frog tadpoles at midlarval stages. The aim of the experiments was to determine the effect of size and position of the graft on the development of reflexes evoked by light mechanical stimulation of the graft. Normal reflex movements of a limb were aimed at the stimulated point, and misdirected reflexes were aimed at the original position of the grafted skin rather than at the point of stimulation. At first only normal reflexes were evoked from all types of grafts. Grafts smaller than 40 mm 2 continued to give only normal responses. After a period of normal reflexes lasting a variable number of days after metamorphosis, misdirected reflexes were elicited from a small region of larger grafts. The position of this region was in the area of overlap of reflexogenous zones of forelimbs and hindlimbs. In larger grafts, the zone giving rise to misdirected reflexes spread gradually at a rate of about 1 mm per day until it occupied almost the entire graft. In those cases, the percentage of misdirected reflexes evoked from the graft was directly proportional to the graft area. Receptive fields of cutaneous nerves were mapped electrophysiologically. It was observed that nerves supplying the large grafts did not innervate surrounding skin and vice versa, but nerves grew across the margins of small grafts. The mechanism of exclusion of surrounding nerves by large grafts is not known. We concluded that misdirected reflexes developed after transposing pieces of back and belly skin in midlarval tadpoles, only if the area of the graft exceeded 40 mm 2 after metamorphosis, and if the graft crossed the boundaries of fore- and hindlimb reflexogenous zones.
Optimal field-splitting algorithm in intensity-modulated radiotherapy: evaluations using head-and-neck and female pelvic IMRT cases.

To develop an optimal field-splitting algorithm of minimal complexity and verify the algorithm using head-and-neck (H&N) and female pelvic intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) cases. An optimal field-splitting algorithm was developed in which a large intensity map (IM) was split into multiple sub-IMs (≥2). The algorithm reduced the total complexity by minimizing the monitor units (MU) delivered and segment number of each sub-IM. The algorithm was verified through comparison studies with the algorithm as used in a commercial treatment planning system. Seven IMRT, H&N, and female pelvic cancer cases (54 IMs) were analyzed by MU, segment numbers, and dose distributions. The optimal field-splitting algorithm was found to reduce both total MU and the total number of segments. We found on average a 7.9 ± 11.8% and 9.6 ± 18.2% reduction in MU and segment numbers for H&N IMRT cases with an 11.9 ± 17.4% and 11.1 ± 13.7% reduction for female pelvic cases. The overall percent (absolute) reduction in the numbers of MU and segments were found to be on average −9.7 ± 14.6% (−15 ± 25 MU) and −10.3 ± 16.3% (−3 ± 5), respectively. In addition, all dose distributions from the optimal field-splitting method showed improved dose distributions. The optimal field-splitting algorithm shows considerable improvements in both total MU and total segment number. The algorithm is expected to be beneficial for the radiotherapy treatment of large-field IMRT.
Ab-Initio-Based Transferable Potential for Sodalites

In this paper we derive a potential energy function for the frame atoms and the Na+ ions in sodalite-type zeolites. We use Coulomb interactions between the charges on the frame atoms and the ions, a Buckingham potential for the pairwise interactions, and a three-body term that couples bending and stretching for the O−T−O unit (T = Si, Al). This potential ascribes realistic charges to the O atoms of the framework, with the charges on Si and Al fixed to ensure transferability of the potential to all possible Si/Al ratios. The remaining potential parameters are chosen to ensure (1) accurate fits to ab initio surfaces of model clusters calculated at the MP2-6-31G** level of theory, (2) accurate predictions as to NaCl-SOD, and (3) a reasonable infrared spectrum for NaCl-SOD and silica-SOD. We find that potentials that mimic bending with a purely angular dependent term give both poor fits to ab initio surfaces and vibrational frequencies in NaCl-SOD. Three-body potentials that include a coupling to bond lengths...
Expected Values and Standard Deviations of the Reciprocal of a Variable from a Decapitated Negative Binomial Distribution

Abstract Tables are given of the expected value of 1/X, the expected value of 1/X 2, and the standard deviation of 1/X, where X is a variable following a negative binomial distribution whose zero class is lacking.
Image algebra: an overview

Abstract This paper is the first in a sequence of papers describing an algebraic structure for image processing that has become known as the AFATL Standard Image Algebra. This algebra provides a common mathematical environment for image processing algorithm development and methodologies for algorithm optimization, comparison, and performance evaluation. In addition, the image algebra provides a powerful algebraic language for image processing which, if properly embedded into a high level programming language, will greatly increase a programmer's productivity as programming tasks are greatly simplified due to replacement of large blocks of code by short algebraic statements. The purpose of this paper is to familiarize the reader with the basic concepts of the algebra and to provide a general overview of its methodology.
Antinutritive and Oxidative Components as Mechanisms of Induced Resistance in Cotton to Helicoverpa zea

Induced resistance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) foliage and squares to herbivory by Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is reported in this study. Induced resistance was indicated by decreased larval growth when larvae fed on previously damaged foliage or squares compared to the controls. Herbivory caused a significant decline in host nutritional quality as shown by a reduction in protein and most amino acids in both foliage and squares. Peroxidase, ascorbate oxidase, and diamine oxidase activities increased in both damaged foliage and squares, whereas levels of the nutritional antioxidant, ascorbate, were depressed after larval feeding. Larval feeding also markedly enhanced lipoxygenase activity and lipid peroxides in square tissues. Moreover, feeding damage altered the quantitative levels of phenolic compounds in foliage and squares. These results indicate a significant shift in the oxidative status of cotton plants following herbivory as indicated by increased oxidative enzyme activity, decreased levels of the nutritional antioxidant ascorbate, and increased levels of phenolic prooxidants (i.e., chlorogenic acid) and lipid peroxides.
Therapeutic Potential of Ancrod in the Management of Cerebrovascular Disorders

Ischaemic stroke is a major public health problem. Thrombus formation and occlusion of an artery are of paramount importance in the aetiology of focal cerebral ischaemia. Thrombosis is an active process, involving endothelium, coagulation system activation, platelet aggregation and thrombus fragmentation. There is evidence that plasma fibrinogen levels are increased before and during acute stroke.
Clair Patterson and Robert Kehoe's Paradigm of “Show Me the Data” on Environmental Lead Poisoning

Abstract In 1925, Robert A. Kehoe enunciated a paradigm predicated upon categorical distinction between expectations and conjecture (“show me the data” mentality) from hard scientific facts on exposure outcomes. It led to a precedent-setting system of voluntary self-regulation by lead industry as a model for environmental control and implicitly signaled the level of industrial responsibility for lead pollution. It combined a cascading uncertainty rule (there is always uncertainty to be found in a world of imperfect information) with a highly skewed cost-benefit concept (immediate benefits of tetraethyl lead additives must be weighed against possible future health hazards). Many studies were funded by the lead industry to develop a theoretical framework for the paradigm which served as a strong defensive strategy against lead critics. It resulted in an unfettered growth in automotive lead pollution to over 270,000 tons per year in the United States and 350,000 tons per year worldwide during the early 1970s. Clair Patterson is credited with being the first person to mount an effective challenge against the Kehoe paradigm, and with his success came an upsurge of activity and attention to the risks of environmental lead pollution on public health.
The CEO endorser and message source credibility: an empirical investigation of antecedents and consequences

This article investigates the antecedents and consequences of source credibility within the context of the relatively new but growing phenomenon of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) endorsers. The study results indicate that source credibility is a central determinant of a CEO endorsers' ability to effect desired outcome states. Results also indicate that the effect of message source credibility on purchase intentions, though strong, is not direct because beliefs about critical product attributes mediate the effect of a message source's credibility on behavioural intentions. The results of the study also indicate that models of source credibility derived from the celebrity endorser literature do not generalize to the CEO endorser context. Specifically, the attractiveness and expertise of the message source had no significant impact on receivers' perceptions of credibility.
A New Genetically Encoded Single-Chain Biosensor for Cdc42 Based on FRET, Useful for Live-Cell Imaging

Cdc42 is critical in a myriad of cellular morphogenic processes, requiring precisely regulated activation dynamics to affect specific cellular events. To facilitate direct observations of Cdc42 activation in live cells, we developed and validated a new biosensor of Cdc42 activation. The biosensor is genetically encoded, of single-chain design and capable of correctly localizing to membrane compartments as well as interacting with its upstream regulators including the guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor. We characterized this new biosensor in motile mouse embryonic fibroblasts and observed robust activation dynamics at leading edge protrusions, similar to those previously observed for endogenous Cdc42 using the organic dye-based biosensor system. We then extended our validations and observations of Cdc42 activity to macrophages, and show that this new biosensor is able to detect differential activation patterns during phagocytosis and cytokine stimulation. Furthermore, we observe for the first time, a highly transient and localized activation of Cdc42 during podosome formation in macrophages, which was previously hypothesized but never directly visualized.
Roles of proton and electric field in the electroreduction of O2 on Pt(111) surfaces: Results of an ab-initio molecular dynamics study

The electroreduction of O2 on the Pt(111) surface is studied with Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics simulations of O2/Pt(111), O2 + H+(H2O)3/Pt(111), and O2 + H+(H2O)3 + e-/ Pt(111). Starting from ...
Nerve Growth Factor Stimulation of Arachidonic Acid Release from PC12 Cells: Independence from Phosphoinositide Turnover

The effect of nerve growth factor on the metabolism of arachidonic acid and the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol in PC12 cells was examined. Addition of nerve growth factor to PC12 cells isotopically labeled with [3H]arachidonic acid caused an increased release of radioactivity. In a similar manner, treatment of PC12 cells prelabeled with [3H]inositol increased inositol monophosphate accumulation in the presence of LiCl. Stimulation of [3H]arachidonic acid release by nerve growth factor was concentration dependent, attaining a maximum at 0.5 nM. Concentrations of nerve growth factor above 0.5 nM caused less than maximal stimulation. In contrast, nerve growth factor-stimulated accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate exhibited a sigmoidal dose-response curve with an apparent maximum at 8 nM. Increased accumulation of [3H]inositol monophosphate could be detected as early as 60 s after nerve growth factor addition, whereas nerve growth factor-stimulated release of [3H]arachidonic acid was not observed until 5 min after nerve growth factor treatment. The nerve growth factor-stimulated release of [3H]arachidonic acid was independent of extracellular calcium concentration. Increased [3H]inositol monophosphate accumulation elicited by nerve growth factor was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. These results suggest that the increased metabolism of arachidonic acid and the enhanced hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol are separately regulated by nerve growth factor.
Remote sensing input to GIS-integrated cotton growth model: preliminary results

External-interface computer code has been written for the cotton growth model, Gossym, such that it can be operated from the ArcView GIS interface. Remote-sensing data have been incorporated as an estimator of plant height for feedback to the model. Management zones are delineated automatically based on available spatially variable data, and Gossym subsequently calculates outputs for each management zone, and uses current remote-sensing data in the calculations. This advanced Gossym model system also gathers local weather data automatically over the internet. Development and use of the model system are also described. Site-specific field data and remotely sensed images have been collected extensively on two agricultural fields in Mississippi from 1998 through 2003. Evaluation of yield prediction based on the Gossym model system indicated that current remote-sensing data can enhance accuracy. Details of experimentation and data analysis are presented.
Nonlinear Boundary Value Problems on Sequence Spaces

In this paper we study the solvability of nonlinear, discrete-time boundary value problems for functional equations. Conditions are established for the existence of solutions to problems of the form $$x(k + 1) = f(k, x(k)) + \lambda g(k, x(k)); \quad k = 0, 1, 2, \ldots$$
Decreased subunit exchange of heat-treated lens αA-crystallin

Abstract αA-Crystallin high-molecular-weight (HMW) aggregates were prepared by preheating at 80–90 °C and studied using spectroscopic measurements. Conformational differences were suggested based on data of increased bis-ANS (4,4′-dianilino-1,1′-binaphthalene-5,5′-disulfonic acid) and ThT (thioflavin T) fluorescence as well as increased far-UV and decreased near-UV circular dichroism (CD). These results indicated that HMW aggregated α-crystallin was more hydrophobic than the native α-crystallin, possibly resulting from partial unfolding of α-crystallin. The two cysteines in αA-crystallin were mostly oxidized in HMW aggregates. The effects of HMW aggregation on the dynamic structure were studied with fluorescence resonance energy transfer; subunit exchange became slower. These results strongly suggest that HMW αA-crystallin aggregates result from exposure of buried β-pleated sheets and increased hydrophobic interaction.
BIBSEARCH: A multifaceted research tool

On-line information services are extremely powerful vehicles for obtaining large amounts of relevant information in a relatively short time. These services are limited, however, in their ability to further process the information they produce. BIBSEARCH is a local data base retrieval system that enables researchers to postprocess downloaded information, to combine this informaton with other similarly downloaded data, and to electronically rescan it at a later date. The user can also add notes, keywords, and so forth to these files. References can be manually entered and/or downloaded. Other BIBSEARCH features include support for: maintenance of an overlapping category filing system; extraction and listing of citations from manuscripts; automatic generation of sorted bibliographies; and the ability to test whether abstracts already exist within one’s personal data base before downloading them.
The Dynamics of Wave-Induced Downslope Winds

Abstract A theory for the dynamics of strong surface winds on the lee side of a large mountain range is derived and compared with observations. The strong winds observed near Boulder, Colo., are found to be surface manifestations of standing gravity waves whose wavelength is long compared to typical resonant lee wavelengths. The theory indicates that such waves can become very intense if an inversion is present neat mountain-top level in the upstream environment and if the stability and wind profiles are such that the waves approximately reverse phase between the surface and the tropopause. The theory is extended to the development of a numerical model for estimation of maximum surface winds from upstream sounding data. Comparisons of the model predictions with observations are sufficiently encouraging to suggest the future utilization of such a model for operational forecasting. The differences between the predictions of this theory and those of hydraulic jump models are explored.
Gypsies in Our Libraries

When the Library of Congress (LC) Subject Cataloging Division defended its decision last year to continue using “Gypsy” as its principal heading on the grounds that it was better known than the more correct “Rom,” it unwittingly demonstrated its own prejudices against my people.
Remarks on the notion of ``pressure''

Abstract In addition to understanding the various meanings attached to the word “pressure” one also has to comprehend the meanings of the phrases in which the term “pressure” appears. For instance one comes across the following combinations: “static-fluid pressure”, “thermodynamic pressure”, “mechanical pressure”, “contact pressure”, “stagnation pressure”, “vapor pressure”, “electro-osmotic pressure”, etc., One also often comes across the comment that “pressure is the Lagrange multiplier that enforces the constraint of incompressibility” and that “pressure is the mean normal stress”. In general the word “pressure” with different significations, is used with gay abandon without paying proper attention to its usage 1 . The distinction in the meanings of the above terms assumes paramount significance when discussing properties of materials, which could possibly depend on “pressure”. In this short note we discuss the distinction between various significations of the word “pressure”, and their implications with regard to response relations for bodies.