cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Persistent behavior at high rates maintained by intravenous self-administration of nicotine

Squirrel monkeys pressed a level at high rates under a second-order schedule of reinforcement in which level pressing produced a brief visual stimulus that was occasionally contiguous with an intravenous injection of nicotine. The rate of lever pressing could be markedly reduced either by substituting saline for nicotine injections or by blocking the effects of nicotine with mecamylamine. The rate of level pressing could be reduced by eliminating the brief visual stimulus. These results show that nicotine can function as an effective reinforcer under a second-order schedule of drug self-administration and that an environmental stimulus associated with nicotine intake can contribute to the maintenance of persistent drug-seeking behavior.
Quantitative analysis of 3-dimensional aortic annular geometry: implication for aortic root reimplantation.

From the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC; the Gorman Cardiovascular Research Group, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa; and the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa. Disclosures: Authors have nothing to disclose with regard to commercial support. Received for publication Dec 7, 2012; revisions received March 6, 2013; accepted for publication March 15, 2013; available ahead of print Dec 11, 2013. Address for reprints: Joseph E. Bavaria, MD, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce St, 6 Silverstein Pavilion, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (E-mail: Joseph.Bavaria@uphs.upenn.ed). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014;147:1103-5 0022-5223/$36.00 Copyright 2014 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2013.03.046
The quality of greenways planning in northwest Indiana: a focus on sustainability principles

Although the development of greenways is an increasingly popular trend, little research has focused on evaluating plans to determine how well they address sustainability principles. For this study, the authors completed a qualitative analysis of 32 plans, and a quantitative analysis of 27 plans from jurisdictions in northwest Indiana that address greenways and open space. Evaluations were based upon an established system to evaluate sustainability that the researchers modified for greenways. Plans are ranked based upon their quality and a qualitative analysis and description of each ranking are provided. Results from an ordered logit model show that the most significant determinants of plan-rank in relation to greenways are the population size of the planning jurisdiction, ratio of the population that is white, and population residing in the same house for five or more years. A spatial analysis of plan-rank reveals that there is no clustering of highly ranked plans.
Residual Stress in the Mouse Brain

Proper folding of the cerebral cortex is critical to normal human brain function. The mechanisms of cortical folding, however, remain incompletely understood, although they have intrigued neuroscientists for more than a century. Clearly a biomechanical problem, cortical folding has been speculated to result from stresses induced by differential or constrained growth [1]. More recently, investigators have postulated that tension in neural axons of cerebral white matter causes specific folding patterns [2]. However, it is uncertain if sustained tension exists in axons in both the developing and mature brain.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Relationship of p21WAF1 expression with disease‐free survival and biochemical recurrence in prostate adenocarcinomas (PCa)

BACKGROUND. The p21 WAF1 gene is considered to be one of the major regulators of the cell cycle. Its level of expression has been shown to correlate with pathologic stage and Gleason score in prostatic cancer. However, its relationship to clinical outcome is not yet well-characterized. METHODS. Immunohistochemical staining for p21 WAF1 protein expression was performed in 62 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens from our institution. The results were correlated with the disease-free survival and biochemical recurrence of the patients. RESULTS. Thirty-four of the 62 patients were Caucasian and 28 were African American. There was a significant correlation between p21 WAF1 expression and biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy (P < 0.0095). However, while p21 WAF1 staining in prostate cancer was a prognostic indicator of disease-free survival in Caucasians (P < 0.0001), it appeared not to be a factor in African-American men (P = 0.908). CONCLUSIONS. This study suggests that p21 WAF1 may have a role in the pathogenesis and progression of prostate carcinoma, and may serve as a predictor of biochemical recurrence of this tumor. The differences in the values of p21 WAF1 as a prognostic marker of disease-free survival in Caucasians vs. African Americans suggest that progression of prostate cancer may have different mechanisms in different ethnic groups.
Trefoil peptides promote restitution of wounded corneal epithelial cells.

The ocular surface shares many characteristics with mucosal surfaces. In both, healing is regulated by peptide growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular matrix proteins. However, these factors are not sufficient to ensure most rapid healing. Trefoil peptides are abundantly expressed epithelial cell products which exert protective effects and are key regulators of gastrointestinal epithelial restitution, the critical early phase of cell migration after mucosal injury. To assess the role of trefoil peptides in corneal epithelial wound healing, the effects of intestinal trefoil factor (ITF/TFF3) and spasmolytic polypeptide (SP/TFF2) on migration and proliferation of corneal epithelial cells were analyzed. Both ITF and SP enhanced restitution of primary rabbit corneal epithelial cells in vitro. While the restitution-enhancing effects of TGF-alpha and TGF-beta were both inhibited by neutralizing anti-TGF-beta-antibodies, trefoil peptide stimulation of restitution was not. Neither trefoil peptide significantly affected proliferation of primary corneal epithelial cells. ITF but not SP or pS2 mRNA was present in rabbit corneal and conjunctival tissues. In summary, the data indicate an unanticipated role of trefoil peptides in healing of ocular surface and demand rating their functional actions beyond the gastrointestinal tract.
A comparison of ocean tracer dating techniques on a meridional section in the eastern North Atlantic

Abstract Tritium and excess 3 He data from a 1988 meridional section in the eastern North Atlantic are presented and related to hydrographic data for the region. The computed tritium - 3 He ventilation ages are well correlated over a wide range of water masses with an independent tracer age estimate from a contemporaneous chlorolluorocarbon CFC-12 data set, with residuals only slightly greater than those expected from sampling error alone. The tritium - 3 He ages are slightly younger (∼ 1 year) than the CFC-12 ages in recently ventilated water, and the disparity between the two tracer ages increases sharply for ages approaching the elapsed period since the bomb-tritium input in the early 1960s. The overall features of the tracer age-age curve are captured by a simple 2-D gyre circulation model and are related to the timescales of the transient for each tracer and the pre-anthropogenic and primordial backgrounds of 3 He. Regions of anomalously low tritium - 3 He age relative to the overall section tracer age-age curve are observed near the tropical-subtropical transition and in the deep thermocline in the southern part of the subtropical gyre. These areas contain steep tracer gradients on isopycnal surfaces and elevated non-linear tracer age mixing effects, based on diagnostic calculations.
Power sensitive power control in ad networks

In this paper, we propose battery power sensitive power control as a variable-range transmission power control strategy to maximize network lifetime and minimize end-to-end delay in wireless multi-hop networks. The network lifetime is defined as the time by which the first node runs out of battery power. To the best of our knowledge, there is no power control strategy that takes into account the remaining battery power of a node before changing the transmission power of the node. According to our power control strategy, each node starts with a higher transmission range and then gradually tunes down its transmission range depending on the battery power available at the node. If the transmission range to be reduced to falls below a minimum threshold level that just guarantees network connectivity, the node continues to operate at the minimum transmission range. The rate at which the nodes tune down their transmission range influences the network lifetime and the end-to-end delay. Our power control strategy is localized and does not require any significant global coordination overhead even in the presence of node mobility. Through extensive simulations conducted under varying mobility and traffic load, we show that our residual battery power based power control strategy can achieve higher network lifetime and lower end-to-end delay when compared to operating the network at a fixed common power level.
The Effect of Tutoring With Nonstandard Equations for Students With Mathematics Difficulty

Students often misinterpret the equal sign (=) as operational instead of relational. Research indicates misinterpretation of the equal sign occurs because students receive relatively little exposure to equations that promote relational understanding of the equal sign. No study, however, has examined effects of nonstandard equations on the equation solving and equal-sign understanding of students with mathematics difficulty (MD). In the present study, second-grade students with MD (n = 51) were randomly assigned to standard equations tutoring, combined tutoring (standard and nonstandard equations), and no-tutoring control. Combined tutoring students demonstrated greater gains on equation-solving assessments and equal-sign tasks compared to the other two conditions. Standard tutoring students demonstrated improved skill on equation solving over control students, but combined tutoring students' performance gains were significantly larger. Results indicate that exposure to and practice with nonstandard equations positively influence student understanding of the equal sign.
Inhibition of platelet aggregation by a fibrinogenase from Naja nigricollis venom is independent of fibrinogen degradation.

Abstract Fibrinogenases, proteinases which release peptides from the car☐y-terminal end of fibrinogen, are classified as α-fibrinogenases or β-fibrinogenases, based on their ability to preferentially attack the Aα or Bβ chain, respectively, of fibrinogen. α-Fibrinogenases have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation whereas β-fibrinogenases do not. We have studied the inhibition of platelet aggregation by proteinase F1, an α-fibrinogenase from Naja nigricollis venom. This proteinase inhibits whole blood aggregation in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC 50 value of 145 μg. However, the proteinase fails to inhibit aggregation in washed platelet suspensions. Thus, proteinase F1 appears to require a plasma factor to cause inhibition. Since fibrinogen acts as an adhesive protein which links platelets during aggregation, and since proteinase F1 cleaves fibrinogen, we investigated the role of fibrinogen in the inhibition of platelet aggregation by proteinase F1. The degradation products of fibrinogen formed by the proteinase did not cause significant inhibition. Thus, the inhibition of platelet aggregation appears to be independent of the formation of fibrinogen degradation products. We also studied the effect of proteinase F1 on aggregation of platelets that were reconstituted with defibrinogenated plasma. The proteinase inhibited aggregation of platelets even in the absence of plasma fibrinogen. Proteinase F1 was about 4-fold more potent in inhibiting platelet aggregation in defibrinogenated blood. From these results, we conclude that the inhibition of platelet aggregation by proteinase F1 from N. nigricollis venom is independent of its action on fibrinogen.
Seismic Models of Reflections From Attenuating Layers

Theoretical models and laboratory measurements both suggest that the interaction of solids and fluids in a reservoir formation can lead to strong attenuation measured by a low quality factor Q. When the reservoir layer is relatively thin, the loss of energy from a propagating seismic wave may be negligible. However, the low Q in such a layer can still have a measurable influence on reflections as it makes the reflection coefficient complex. A numerical modeling method that can simulate such effects rapidly for complex, laterally heterogeneous media will help to quantify the effects on reflected waveforms. Born scattering theory is useful for such problems, though it does not seem to have been applied in previous studies to modeling including finite Q values represented by complex elastic moduli. Here therefore we introduce a new implementation of the Born algorithm that does allow this type of modeling. Validation against full waveform results shows that results are accurate, and the seismograms also show that phase changes indicate the presence of low Q even when the reflecting reservoir layer is thin. The instantaneous phase seismic attribute can help to identify these effects, providing a potentially useful hydrocarbon indicator.
Vibrational spectra of methylenecyclopentane, methylenecyclopentane-2,2,5,5-d4 and methylene-d2-cyclopentane-2,2,5,5-d4☆

Abstract The 42 fundamental frequencies of methylenecyclopentane, methylenecyclopentane-2,2,5,5-d4 and methylene-d2-cyclopentane-2,2,5,5-d4 are assigned from the vapor and liquid phase infrared spectra and the Raman spectra of liquid samples. Assignments are made on the basis of group frequencies, intensities, isotopic shifts, gas phase band contours, Raman depolarization ratios and comparison with similar molecules. The lowest frequency ring mode is observed as a combination band progression in the mid-infrared spectrum of methylenecyclopentane yielding a progression of bands beginning at 158.0 cm−1 and decreasing in frequency. These bands are interpreted in terms of a one-dimensional harmonic vibration with a small negative quartic anharmonicity. This interpretation is favored over that of pseudorotation in the methylenecyclopentane molecule.
Beam steering microwave reflector based on electrically tunable impedance surface

A periodic resonant texture can transform a conductive sheet into a high-impedance surface. By adjusting the resonance frequency using varactor diodes, the surface impedance and the reflection phase are tuned. The reflection phase can be varied across the surface, to create an electronically tunable phase gradient, which can steer a reflected beam in two dimensions.
Activated-carbon electric-double-layer capacitors: electrochemical characterization and adaptive algorithm implementation

An activated-carbon electric-double-layer capacitor is characterized and an adaptive algorithm is derived and implemented that is commensurate with potential traction applications of these energy storage devices. The electrochemical characterization relies on a simplified equivalent circuit interpretation extracted from a more-complete mathematical representation of the capacitor system. In addition to the high power capability and potentially low costs of this class of capacitors, we clarify the substantial invariance of the device performance with respect to temperature, a distinct advantage over battery systems. The robustness of the equivalent circuit in terms of capturing the salient features of the experimental data over the temperature and voltage range of interest enables the formulation of a model-reference adaptive algorithm. The algorithm developed and implemented in this work is fully recursive in that the only variables required for on-line regression are those of the previous time step and the current time step. Successful comparisons of the algorithm's adapted state of charge and power predictions provide an initial validation of the algorithm.
Rossby‐gravity waves in tropical total ozone

Randel (1992) has recently reported evidence for Rossby-gravity waves in tropical data fields produced by the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The purpose of this paper is to show that similar features are observable in fields of total column ozone from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) satellite instrument. The observed features are episodic, have zonal (east-west) wavelengths of approximately 6,000-10,000 km and oscillate with periods of 5-10 days. The modes exhibit westward phase progression and eastward group velocity. A simple linear model is used to estimate the magnitude of total ozone perturbations induced by Rossby-gravity waves. The model is able to account for the magnitude of observed TOMS features as well as their asymmetry about the equator. The significance of finding Rossby-gravity waves in total ozone fields is that: (1) the report of similar features in ECMWF tropical fields is corroborated with an independent data set; and (2) the TOMS data set is demonstrated to possess surprising versatility and sensitivity to relatively smaller scale tropical phenomena.
The determinants of individual immigrant mortality on sailing ships, 1836-1853.

Abstract The determinants of mortality on immigrant ships are investigated using logit analysis on a sample of over 28,000 individuals (435 died). The sample covers arrivals at New York between 1836 and 1853. Results show that the voyage increased mortality most at younger ages, especially among infants. Mortality also varied significantly by port of origin but mortality was not significantly affected by sex or country of origin. Finally, mortality was found to vary by socioeconomic class but in an unexpected manner. Certain semiskilled workers died at higher rates than did farmers and laborers for reasons that remain unclear.
Determination of the K+Ar potential from total cross section measurements☆

Total scattering cross sections have been measured for K+ and Ar, and the potential has been determined in the range 2.4 A to 5.5 A. Novel methods of analyzing and displaying the data are described. The probable source of a systematic error in an earlier scattering study of K+ and Ar is identified. Our potential agrees well with other work on this system.
CROSS-RESISTANCE TO PESTICIDES AND PLANT DEFENSES: A STUDY OF THE TWO-SPOTTED SPIDER MITE

A population of spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koch) selected for survival on a toxic host (a resistant cucumber variety) had higher resistance to several organophosphate pesticides than the control population from which it was derived. Pesticide-resistant strains, however, did not survive better on cucumber than paired pesticide-susceptible strains. The need for more detailed experimental studies in this area is discussed. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Kreuzresistenz gegen Pestizide und gegen Abwehrmechanismen der Pflanzen: eine Studie bei Spinnmilben Eine Spinnmilbenpopulation (Tetranychus urticae). welche in bezug auf eine toxische Wirtspflanze (eine resistente Gurkensorte) selektioniert worden war. hatte hohere Resistenz gegen mehrere Phosphorsaureester als die Ausgangspopulation. Pestizidresistente Stamme uberlebten jedoch auf Gurke nicht besser als die entsprechenden pestizidempfindlichen Vergleichsstamme. Die Notwendigkeit fur detailliertere Untersuchungen wird diskutiert.
Theory of the helix-coil transition for synthetic polynucleotides forming branched helical structures.

A theory is developed for synthetic polynucleotides such as dAT, which are capable of forming single‐stranded, branched helical structures. The grand‐partition function for a dilute solution is expressed in terms of the so‐called quasigrand partition function for a strand. Configurations are considered which consist of rings in the random‐coil state, connected by helices. Weights are assigned to each configuration according to a similar set of rules as were used by Crothers and Zimm [D. M. Crothers and B. H. Zimm, J. Mol. Biol. 9, 1 (1964)] for unbranched two‐stranded complexes. The enumeration of configurations is carried out by means of a graph—theoretical technique. Expressions are derived for the helicity (the fraction bonded pairs), the mean number of base pairs per helix and per ring, the mean numbers of helices and U loops per strand. Our results for self‐complementary strands (dAT) are compared with the results of Crothers and Zimm for pairs of complementary homopolymer strands (dG—dC). The slope ...
Quantum bistability and spin current shot noise of a single quantum dot coupled to an optical microcavity

Here we explore the quantum-mechanical limit of bistability that appears in the spin-dependent transport through a single quantum dot coupled to an optical microcavity. The spin current is generated by electron tunneling between a single doped reservoir and the dot combined with intradot spin-flip transitions induced by a quantized cavity mode. Earlier research has shown that in the classical limit where a large number of such dots interacts with the cavity so that quantum effects were ignorable, the average spin current exhibits bistability as a function of the laser that drives the cavity. We show that in the limit of a single quantum dot this bistability continues to be present in the intracavity photon statistics. Signatures of the bistable photon statistics manifest themselves in the frequency-dependent shot noise of the spin current despite the fact that the quantum-mechanical average spin current no longer exhibits bistability. Besides having significance for future quantum-dot-based optoelectronic devices, our results shed light on the relation between bistability, which is traditionally viewed as a classical effect, and quantum mechanics.
Localization of genes involved in the metabolic syndrome using multivariate linkage analysis

There are no well accepted criteria for the diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome. However, the metabolic syndrome is identified clinically by the presence of three or more of these five variables: larger waist circumference, higher triglyceride levels, lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations, hypertension, and impaired fasting glucose. We use sets of two or three variables, which are available in the Framingham Heart Study data set, to localize genes responsible for this syndrome using multivariate quantitative linkage analysis. This analysis demonstrates the applicability of using multivariate linkage analysis and how its use increases the power to detect linkage when genes are involved in the same disease mechanism.
Porcine skin ED50 damage thresholds for 1214 nm laser irradiation

A series of experiments were conducted in vivo on porcine skin to determine the ED50 damage thresholds for 1214 nm continuous wave laser irradiation. These results provide new information for refinement of Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE). The study employed exposure durations of 1 sec, 3 sec, and 10 seconds with nominal spot diameters of 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm and as a function of laser power. The effect of each irradiation was evaluated acutely, one hour after exposure, and 24 hours post exposure. Probit analysis was conducted to estimate the dose for 50% probability of laser-induced damage (ED50); Damage was defined as persistent redness at the site of irradiation for the pig skin after 24 hours. The results indicated that Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits should be lowered for the laser beam diameters larger than 6 mm.
A numerical approach to subsidence prediction and stress analysis in coal mining using a laminated model

Subsidence due to underground mining may cause damage to surface structures and farmland and change surface and subsurface drainage patterns. During the past few decades, a number of subsidence prediction techniques have been proposed. Currently, the influence function method is the most widely used method for prediction of longwall coal mining subsidence. The influence function method may provide accurate results if a suitable function can be established for a specific site or region based on field observations. The method, however, suffers from generality, and cannot be used in virgin areas. Furthermore, there is a need to develop a model which can simultaneously analyze in-mine stability of mine workings including roof-pillar-floor interaction and associated surface and subsurface subsidence. Since the rock mass surrounding coal seams usually consists of distinct layers/beds and field observations suggest relative movements along bed interfaces, a homogeneous isotropie continuum model cannot effectively describe ground movements due to coal mining. Therefore, in finite element modeling some investigators reduce the values of the Young's modulus to very small, say one percent of the original laboratory value, to obtain acceptable subsidence results, e.g. Bowders et al [1]. Valuable attempts have also been made to model the sliding between beds in finite element modeling [2], but results have been presented only for two-dimensional problems due to large memory and computation time requirements for three-dimensional problems. A three-dimensional numerical model based on a laminated medium used in conjunction with boundary element technique was developed to simulate the ground movements due to coal mining, and results obtained were reasonable [3]. Recently, this model has been further modified to simultaneously analyze both subsidence and in-mine stability of mine workings including roof-pillar-
Digging Behavior of Solenopsis invicta Workers When Exposed to Contact Insecticides

Contact between ants and insecticides is a prerequisite for contact insecticides to be effective in the control of red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren. Typically, passive contact occurs in the insecticide application process, but ants also may actively contact insecticides by digging in treated soil or walking on a treated soil surface. Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine whether fire ant workers would dig sand treated with contact insecticides in two different scenarios: 1) no-choice bioassays where insecticide-treated sand was the only available digging substrate, and 2) two-choice bioassays where nontoxicant sand was also available for digging. Eight insecticides that are currently registered in the United States for imported fire ant control were tested. They include acephate, bifenthrin, carbaryl, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, γ-cyhalothrin, permethrin, and pyrethrin. Workers dug the treated sand for every insecticide tested, even at concentrations up to 10 times of the lowest lethal concentration (LLC) which caused 100% mortality in a toxicity bioassay. However, generally, insecticides significantly reduced the digging effort, even at a concentration that did not cause any significant mortality in the toxicity bioassay.
Morphologic evidence for innervation of Deiters' and Hensen's cells in the guinea pig

The presence of nerve fibers and terminals among Deiters' and Hensen's cells of the organ of Corti of the adult guinea pig is demonstrated using immunostaining for synaptophysin and neurofilaments, acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy. These nerve terminals appeared to form chemical synapses with Deiters' and Hensen's cells. Nerve fibers and synapses were more common in the apical as compared to the basal cochlea. The terminals were often present on basal appendages of Hensen's cells, which were rich in mitochondria and often contained a Golgi apparatus and dense core vesicles. Electron microscopy and immunostaining for neurofilaments showed that most Hensen's cells in the apical cochlea received innervation. Few of the nerve fibers and terminals were positive for acetylcholinesterase, which suggests that they were not collaterals of cholinergic olivocochlear fibers. The density of these fibers, as shown by immunohistochemistry for neurofilaments, was far greater than previous reports of GABA-ergic fibers, which suggests that they were not GABA-ergic olivocochlear fibers. The role of such fibers and synapses with supporting cells of the outer hair cell area is unknown. Determination of the origins and functions of these fibers will provide new insights into cochlear structure and function.
Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB): An Unsuspected Major Culprit in the Pathogenesis of Endometriosis That Is Still at Large?

Endometriosis, defined as the ectopic presence of endometrial glandular and stromal cells outside the uterine cavity, is a common benign gynecological disorder with an enigmatic pathogenesis. Many gen
Central visual field representation in striate-peristriate cortex as the functional unit of pattern discrimination in the bushbaby (Galago senegalensis).

Bushbabies were trained on a battery of visual discrimination and localization tests and retested after serial lesions of the occipital and temporal lobes. The results of these experiments indicated t
Design of A ternary barrel shifter using multiple-valued reversible logic

Multiple-valued reversible logic is emerging as a promising computing paradigm as it helps in reducing the width of the reversible or quantum circuits. Further, a barrel shifter that can shift and rotate multiple bits in a single cycle forms the essence of many computing systems. In this paper, we propose an efficient architecture and design of a reversible ternary barrel shifter. The ternary barrel shifter is realized using the Modified Fredkin gates (MFG) and the ternary Feynman gates. The design is evaluated in terms of quantum cost, the number of garbage outputs and the number of ancilla bits. To our knowledge, the use of multiple valued reversible logic for the design of a barrel shifter is being attempted for the first time in the literature.
Isolation of 6-, 8-, and 10-Gingerol from Ginger Rhizome by HPLC and Preliminary Evaluation of Inhibition of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Diseases caused by Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) have reached pandemic proportions with some strains being resistant to existing chemotherapies. Complex therapies requiring four to six drugs are sometimes required to prevent the emergence of resistant strains. There is a need for the discovery of new drugs or compounds that are potential drug templates that can be used to treat diseases caused by these bacteria. The research reported in this paper describes the isolation of 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerol from fresh ginger rhizome and the identification of 10-gingerol as the most active inhibitor of M. avium and M. tuberculosis in vitro. The gingerols were isolated by fractionation of a crude methylene chloride extract of fresh ginger rhizome by normal phase HPLC. Identification was based on mass spectral data. The identification of 10-gingerol was confirmed by synthesis. Keywords: Zingiber officinale; ginger; 6-gingerol; 8-gingerol; 10-gingerol; AIDS; Mycobacteri...
ADDITIONAL EVIDENCE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF "NEW" HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEINS IN HUMAN SERUM.

Abstract Two recently described high-density lipoproteins are characterized further. The hydrated densities for these components floating in solution density 1.125 g/ml are: S f 20−12, 1.071 g/ml; S f 12−4, 1.079 g/ml. When they occur in human sera, S f 12−4 especially, is quite consistently present. They have not been observed in rat sera. Experimental measurements of densities during separation procedures are reported.
Shared inputs, over-capitalization, and regulation

Abstract When inputs are joint in production, a partially regulated firm has the incentive to allocate all joint inputs to the regulated jurisdiction. The regulated firm, if required to allocate costs, will have less of an incentive to over-capitalize.
TAXONOMIC DIVERSITY OF ISLAND BIOTAS.

Students of biogeography since Darwin have focused disproportionately on oceanic islands. The prime bases for this interest have been the distinct forms which have evolved in the genetic isolation provided by islands and the ecological situation pertaining because the species successfully colonizing any island are but a small subset of the mainland species pool. One aspect of the latter effect which has received attention is that, within any higher taxon, the mean number of species per genus (S/G) on an island is usually lower than S/G for its presumed source area (MacArthur and Wilson, 1967). If it is assumed that congeneric species tend to resemble one another more in any measurable biological characteristic than do less closely related species, then the lower S/G on an island implies a more "diverse" biota on the island than on the source area. Although Williams (1964) pointed out that a random subset of any species pool has an expected S/G lower than that of the entire pool, Moreau (1966) and Grant (1966) attach significance to the lower S/G per se on islands, without regard for whether this S/G is lower or higher than expected, and attribute the lower insular value to ecological and/or evolutionary phenomena. In this paper I will first treat qualitatively the general distribution of the S/G ratio for random subsets of any species pool, then analyze the data for a series of well-studied island groups, and finally reassess the ecological and evolutionary ideas formulated on this subject in the light of the statistical treatment. THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The effectiveness of silage inoculants: A systems approach

Abstract A systems model of the ensilage process is used to study the potential benefits of silage inoculants. The model simulates plant respiration; growth and death of indigenous lactic acid bacteria, inoculated bacteria, and clostridia; accumulation of endproducts; change in pH; release of ammonia; hydrolysis of hemicellulose; and proteolysis. The inoculant is modelled as having increased acid-tolerance and a greater fraction of lactic acid produced out of the total endproducts (homofermentation) as compared to the indigenous lactic acid bacteria. The population of indigenous bacteria on the forage after chopping is represented by a log-normal probability distribution. Increased acid tolerance of the inoculant is predicted to have more effect on ensilage than homofermentation. Low levels of inoculation do not increase the final true protein-nitrogen content and may increase the likelihood of clostridial spoilage in very wet forages. Inoculation at levels of at least 105/G is necessary to induce consistent quality increases.
Links from complex spikes to local plasticity and motor learning in the cerebellum of awake-behaving monkeys

The hypothesis of cerebellar learning proposes that complex spikes in Purkinje cells engage mechanisms of plasticity in the cerebellar cortex; in turn, changes in the cerebellum depress the simple-spike response of Purkinje cells to a given stimulus and cause the adaptive modification of a motor behavior. Many elements of this hypothesis have been supported by prior experiments, and correlations have been found [corrected] between complex spikes, simple-spike plasticity and behavior [corrected] during the learning process. We carried out a trial-by-trial analysis of Purkinje cell responses in awake-behaving monkeys and found evidence for a causal role for complex spikes in the induction of cerebellar plasticity during a simple motor learning task. We found that the presence of a complex spike on one learning trial was linked to a substantial depression of simple-spike responses on the subsequent trial, at a time when behavioral learning was expressed.
A simulation framework for service-oriented computing systems

An SOA-compliant DEVS (SOAD) simulation framework is proposed for modeling service-oriented computing systems. A set of novel abstract component models that conform to the SOA principles and are grounded in the DEVS formalism is developed. The approach supports construction of hierarchical composition of service models with feedback relationships. A SOAD Simulator (SOADS) is designed and implemented. An exemplar model of a basic service-oriented computing system is described. A representative experiment capturing throughput and timeliness QoS attributes for the exemplar model is devised, simulated, and described. The paper concludes with the concept of community-based development of the SOAD framework and tools.
Surface and surface-to-volume relationships of the Sertoli cell during the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the rat

The surface relationships of the Sertoli cell and the surface relationships of the Sertoli cell in comparison to the changing volumes of developing germ cells were studied using morphometric techniques at periods representing nine groupings of the fourteen defined periods in the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium of the adult rat. No cyclic variation in the total Sertoli plasma membrane surface area was noted. Cyclic variations were noted in the area of the Sertoli cell surface that faces the basal compartment germ cells, but not the basal lamina. No cyclic variations were noted in the amount of contact of the Sertoli cells with each other at the level of the Sertoli cell barrier. However, when areas in the adluminal compartment were studied, significantly less Sertoli-Sertoli contact was seen in stages V through VII than in other stages with the exception of stages II-IV. Surface contact of germ cells with Sertoli cells increased progressively as germ cells entered the intermediate compartment and progressed to late spermatids. However, a calculation of the surface-to-volume ratio showed that surface increases of the Sertoli cell in relation to the volume of germ cells were greatest in elongating spermatids past step 12 of spermiogenesis. The area in which Sertoli ectoplasmic specializations faced germ cells was determined throughout spermatogenesis, and these data demonstrated that the first appearance of ectoplasmic specialization was at the mid-pachytene phase. They also showed that stage VIII was a period when ectoplasmic specialization loss from the cell surface was evident. Less Sertoli ectoplasmic specialization face step 8 and step 19 spermatids than comparable germ cell types at other stages. In addition to Sertoli cell surface area changes during the cycle, volumes of individual germ cell types were determined for the first time. The data presented allow an objective understanding of the complex structure and relationships of the Sertoli cell and provide a basis for understanding functional changes and interpreting biochemical data.
Implementing a caching and tiling map server: a Web 2.0 case study

We describe our efforts to build a caching and tiling map server that greatly improves the performance and interactivity of traditional geographic map servers. We have used this system to integrate and effectively federate 15 Indiana county map servers with Google map images and state-wide ortho-photography data. Our approach is an example of the so-called Web 2.0 style of development, in which we integrate external, third party services into a higher level service. This approach also allows for lightweight client development using relatively simple JavaScript programming libraries. We demonstrate this by building a Google Map client interface to our tile server. Finally, we discuss our initial efforts to make collaborative clients using a shared event model that captures and broadcasts browser events to other, listening browsers.
Shell Strength and Primate Seed Predation of Nontoxic Species in Eastern and Southern Africa

The large African primates that eat fruit destroy the seeds of a number of fruiting species. This paper addresses several questions about seed-eating: What is the nature of the dietary niche provided by the nonpoisonous seeds of eastern and southern Africa? How well are these seeds mechanically protected? What other means of reducing seed predation are employed by the plants? and is the niche ecologically stable? Measurements of seed shell strength on 37 species from 17 families reveal a range of values, from <100-kg (numerous species) to over 2000-kg (palm nuts) breaking load. Primates crack open with their teeth seed shells from species exhibiting test strengths less than 600 kg. Variation in shell strength appears to increase dramatically for average species strengths above 100 kg. Plant species are not characterized by specific shell strengths but instead, display envelopes of shell strength overlapping broadly with other species. Taking this into account, adult male baboons (Papio spp.) appear to be dentally capable of preying upon most of the seed species of eastern and southern Africa. The possibility for predation of nonpoisonous seeds exists primarily because the plants periodically produce large crops in synchrony and the hard-shelled seeds are effectively dispersed, sometimes explosively but more often by means of edible fruits. The concomitant primate seed predation is a facultative specialization, of little apparent threat to the community of plants that support it.
Effect Of Race On Promotions To Top Management In A Federal Department

Applicant race did not directly affect promotion decisions for top management positions in a cabinet-level U.S. government department with standardized promotion practices that include a panel revi...
An ILP formulation for system level throughput and power optimization in multiprocessor SoC architectures

System-level low power scheduling techniques are required for optimizing the performance and power of embedded applications that are mapped to multiprocessor System-on-Chip (SoC) architectures. In this paper, we present an integer linear programming (ILP) formulation that combines loop transformations (pipelining and unrolling) and system-level low power optimization techniques (dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) and power management (DPM)) to minimize the power consumption, while satisfying the period and deadline constraints of the application. We also present three modifications that relax one or more constraints in the optimal formulation in order to obtain smaller run times. We present experimental analysis by applying the formulations on an MPEG decoder algorithm. All results are compared against two existing techniques. Our formulations result in large system-level power reductions (max: 48.2%, min: 15.92%, avg: 31.9%). The modified ILP formulations result in exponential decrease in runtimes, and a corresponding linear degradation in the result quality.
P01.40. A new approach for quantifying chemosensitizing effects from herb-drug combinations: assessment of Tripterygium Wilfordii-Docetaxel in prostate cancer

Purpose Resistance to cancer chemotherapy is a major problem. Herb-drug combinations can offer a new potential to overcome such resistance. To quantitatively assess chemosensitizing effects of herb-drug combinations (HDC), a new approach that takes into account both the chemosensitizing effect (CE) and “safety” considerations of the HDC is proposed and used in describing the cytotoxic activity of Tripterygium wilfordii-docetaxel (TW-Dtx) combination on prostate cancer cell lines.
CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotide promotes microglial cell uptake of amyloid β 1-42 peptide by up-regulating the expression of the G-protein- coupled receptor mFPR2

SPECIFIC AIMSInflammation contributes to the pathogenic process of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We previously discovered that a human G-protein-coupled formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) and its mouse homologue mFPR2 mediate the chemotaxis and activation of mononuclear phagocytes in response to a variety of peptide agonists, including amyloid β 1-42 (Aβ42), which is neurotoxic and a key mediator of inflammatory responses in AD. Since mFPR2 is up-regulated in mouse microglia by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a Toll-like receptor 4 ligand, the aim of this study is to investigate whether TLR9, which is activated by CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) as well as by potential agonists released by damaged host cells, may also enhance the expression and function of mFPR2, thereby affecting the progress of AD.PRINCIPAL FINDINGS1. CpG ODN enhances mFPR2 expression by microglial cellsWe examined the capacity of CpG ODN, by interacting with TLR9, to regulate the expression and function of mFPR2 in mouse microglial...
Response of emergent macrophytes to experimental nutrient and salinity additions

Summary 1 Nutrient additions often result in species dominance/compositional changes in wetland ecosystems, but the impact of nutrients may be constrained by different salinity levels. Wetlands of northern Belize, distributed along a salinity gradient, are strongly phosphorus-limited and dominated largely by three species of emergent macrophytes: Eleocharis cellulosa Torr., Cladium jamaicense Crantz and Typha domingensis Pers. 2 We conducted a mesocosm experiment to assess changes in growth characteristics [biomass allocation, plant height, relative growth rate (RGR), rhizome length] and nutrient uptake of these three species in response to simultaneous changes in levels of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and salinity. 3 The growth characteristics of Typha and Eleocharis responded positively to N and especially P addition, whereas the growth response of Cladium was largely insignificant. The RGR of Typha increased under P addition, while RGR of Eleocharis increased with N and decreased with salinity addition. Nutrient addition increased the rhizome number of both Typha and Eleocharis. However, plasticity in rhizome length was observed only in Typha, which showed increased rhizome length at medium and high P. 4 Salinity decreased plant height and shoot and root biomass of Cladium and Eleocharis, while in Typha it reduced only height. Rhizome number and length were decreased only in Eleocharis. 5 Both medium and high P additions increased tissue P content in all three species, but Eleocharis accumulated significantly more P than Cladium and Typha. Nitrogen additions increased tissue N content in Cladium and Eleocharis, but not in Typha. 6 Cladium exhibited strong morphological constraint and behaved as a stress-tolerator that was well adapted to low nutrients. Typha– characterized by its plastic, opportunistic guerrilla growth strategy, fast and efficient space occupancy, and rather wasteful nutrient management – behaved as a typical competitor. Eleocharis responded rapidly to nutrients but displayed limited rhizome plasticity, and its growth was affected at higher salinity. 7 According to recorded traits, we hypothesize that P input into wetlands will result in expansion of Typha, leading to competitive exclusion of both co-occurring species. The only conditions allowing coexistence of all three species are those limiting vertical and horizontal growth of Typha: low P and higher salinity. To ensure the stability of Belizean wetlands, the maintenance of oligotrophic status is therefore crucial.
Insights into electromagnetic interaction mechanisms

Low frequency (< 300 Hz) electromagnetic (EM) fields induce biological changes that include effects ranging from increased enzyme reaction rates to increased transcript levels for specific genes. The induction of stress gene HSP70 expression by exposure to EM fields provides insight into how EM fields interact with cells and tissues. Insights into the mechanism(s) are also provided by examination of the interaction of EM fields with moving charges and their influence on enzyme reaction rates in cell-free systems. Biological studies with in vitro model systems have focused, in general, on the nature of the signal transduction pathways involved in response to EM fields. It is likely, however, that EM fields also interact directly with electrons in DNA to stimulate biosynthesis. Identification of an EM field-sensitive DNA sequence in the heat shock 70 (HSP70) promoter, points to the application of EM fields in two biomedical applications: cytoprotection and gene therapy. EM field induction of the stress protein hsp70 may also provide a useful biomarker for establishing a science-based safety standard for the design of cell phones and their transmission towers.