cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ionic charge transport between blockages: Sodium cation conduction in freshly excised bulk brain tissue

We analyze the transient-dc and frequency-dependent electrical conductivities between blocking electrodes. We extend this analysis to measurements of ions’ transport in freshly excised bulk samples of human brain tissue whose complex cellular structure produces blockages. The associated ionic charge-carrier density and diffusivity are consistent with local values for sodium cations determined non-invasively in brain tissue by MRI (NMR) and diffusion-MRI (spin-echo NMR). The characteristic separation between blockages, about 450 microns, is very much shorter than that found for sodium-doped gel proxies for brain tissue, >1 cm.
Fracture Behavior of Sn-3.5Ag-0.7Cu and Pure Sn Solders as a Function of Applied Strain Rate

The demand for environmentally benign Pb-free solders is increasing, and the push toward smaller portable electronics will make it more likely for solder interconnects to encounter mechanical shock through dropping or mishandling. Thus, fundamental understanding of the relationship between solder microstructure and mechanical shock resistance is essential for developing reliable numerical models of mechanical shock behavior. In this paper we report on the strain rate-dependent mechanical behavior of pure Sn and Sn-3.5Ag-0.7Cu solders, measured from tensile tests conducted in the strain rate range from 10−3 s−1 to 30 s−1. Local strain and strain rate distributions were measured by digital image correlation. Finally, the strain rate dependence of fracture mechanisms is discussed. For a given strain rate, water-quenched tin–silver–copper (SAC) had the greatest ultimate tensile strength (UTS), followed by furnace-cooled SAC, then pure Sn. Furnace-cooled SAC had lower ductility than water-quenched SAC, due to large Ag3Sn needles that nucleated elongated voids which easily coalesced.
A new Lagerstätte from the Middle Ordovician St. Peter Formation in northeast Iowa, USA

A new fossil fauna has been discovered from a recently recognized shale unit within the middle Ordovician St. Peter Formation in northeast Iowa. It contains a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates, including soft body tissues, impressions, and 3-dimensionalpreservations. The exceptional preservation reveals a new Konservat-Lagerstatte, the Winneshiek Lagerstatte, and opens a unique window into the community that inhabited the margins of the Laurentian cratonic seaway during Middle Ordovician transgression. Among the fossils, several conodont assemblages, including the apparatus of enigmatic coleodontids, are preserved. Some conodont assemblages associated with soft body tissues are particularly noteworthy.
STAC: Simultaneous tracking and calibration

System identification is an essential first step in robotic control. Here we focus on the calibration of kinematic sensors, such as joint angle potentiometers, tendon/actuator extension sensors and motion capture markers, on complex humanoid robots.
Fluctuation Tests with Antibody-Forming Spleen Cell Populations

Shortly after immunization of mice, cells forming specific antibodies to one antigen, for example, sheep red blood cells, are nonrandomly distributed throughout the spleen. If the spleen donor has been immunized with two different antigens, for example, sheep red blood cells and chicken red blood cells, the nonrandom distribution of spleen cells forming antibody to one antigen differs significantly from that of cells forming antibody to the other antigen. These findings are in accord with a clonal distribution of antibody-forming cells.
A Modular Computer Model for the Design of Vehicle Dynamics Control Systems1

SUMMARY This paper describes a multiport approach to computer-aided modeling of vehicle dynamics. The modeling approach produces models that are suitable for the interactive design and evaluation of complex control strategies. The vehicle model which can be used for ride and handling analysis, is built from modular components. The components are programmed using the syntax of the computer aided control system design (CACSD) program EASYS. Seven modeling components are used to create a three-dimensional vehicle dvnamics model. The model is flexible enoug-h to simulate any suspension design with revolute joints. Each component of the model consists of a FORTRAN subroutine and a main calling module called a macro. To simplify the process of model building, the modeling components in the car model are designed to represent physical elements, such as the spring, damper, link or tire. To create a model, the components, which are represented by blocks, are interconnected through points, located on the blocks, ca...
Echocardiography of Cardiac Myxomas

Myxomas are a rare cardiac tumor usually occurring in the left atrium. Echocardiography has proven to be a valuable noninvasive tool in the diagnosis and followup of cardiac myxomas. A complete M-mode and twodimensional study can be performed to demonstrate motion of the tumor within the heart as well as its position and size. Echocardiography can also aid in the differential diagnosis of mitral valve stenosis, thrombi, and valvular vegetations. When left untreated, cardiac myxomas can be fatal; therefore, identification and prompt surgical removal are essential.
Mother-Child Discourse Surrounding a Child?s Past Behavior at 30 Months: Links to Emotional Understanding and Early Conscience Development at 36 Months.

Recent research supports the idea that both the content and style of mother-child discourse is important in shaping a child's early moral understanding. This study was designed to further this research by examining how the clarity, elaborativeness, and emotional content of conversations about the past related to a child's sociomoral development. Sixty-three mother-child dyads took part in the study. When the child was 30 months, each mother was asked to discuss with her child two past events, one in which her child behaved well and one in which her child misbehaved. These conversations were transcribed and coded for emotional content and for maternal narrative style. At 36 months, children completed measures of early conscience development and emotional understanding. Mother's use of clear, elaborative discourse and emotion-laden discourse in the conversations about child's past behavior at 30 months were related to a child's early conscience development and emotional understanding 6 months later.
A digital filter for unfolding pulse-height distributions

Abstract A computer program has been developed which acts as a digital filter to remove undesired spurious features (such as Compton tails, escape peaks, etc.) from the response of a scintillation spectrometer. The input to the “filter” is the digital representation of the pulse-height distribution and the output consists of a digital representation of the desired unfolded spectrum. A relatively clean Gaussian line is obtained from the filter. The filtering procedure is simple enough that small computers have been used on-line (or built-in circuitry can be used) to give rapid unscrambled results. Thus far we have demonstrated the capabilities of the filter up to 4 MeV both with a 3″ × 3″ Nai(Tl) gamma spectrometer (using data of Heath) and with an 8″ × 12″ NaI(Tl) total absorption gamma spectrometer. The program written in FORTRAN-4 language includes nonlinearity corrections and rigorous error estimates. The filter has been extensively simulated on off-line computers (IBM 7090 and CDC 1604) and we have a simplified working version for the PDP-8. The execution time for 128 channels for the IBM 7090 version is about 1 sec, and for the PDP-8 version is about 6 sec.
Establishing Prognosis in Retroperitoneal Sarcoma: A New Histology-Based Paradigm

Background Retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging applies to primary tumors only; due to specific RPS disease characteristics, staging is driven primarily by grade, stratifying patients into only two distinct prognostic subsets. The objective of this study was to help improve currently available staging for RPS by establishing a new, more robust histology-based prognostic system.
Decreased blood-pressure in pharmacologically treated hypertensive patients who regularly elicited the relaxation response.

Abstract A wakeful hypometabolic state may be induced by simple, non-cultic mental techniques or by traditional meditational practices. The hypometabolic state seems to represent an integrated hypothalamic response ("relaxation response") which is consistent with a state of decreased sympathetic-nervous-system activity. A prospective investigation was designed to test whether regular elicitation of the relaxation response might lower blood-pressures in hypertensive patients who were maintained on constant antihypertensive therapy. Fourteen people were investigated. During the control period of 5.6 weeks, blood-pressures did not change significantly from day to day and averaged 145.6 mm.Hg systolic and 91.9 mm.Hg diastolic. During the experimental period of 20 weeks, systolic blood-pressures decreased to 135.0 mm.Hg (P
Divergent Hsc70 binding properties of mitochondrial and cytosolic aspartate aminotransferase. Implications for their segregation to different cellular compartments.

Cytosolic Hsc70 discriminates between the homologous mitochondrial and cytosolic isozymes of aspartate aminotransferase, binding exclusively the mitochondrial form. By screening a library of synthetic peptides spanning the sequence of the mitochondrial enzyme, we have identified binding sites in this polypeptide that interact with Hsc70. These potential binding sites are scattered over the entire sequence and map to secondary structure elements, particularly the a-helix, that are partly exposed on the surface of the native protein. Several peptides corresponding to analogous positions in the cytosolic enzyme sequence do not bind to Hsc70. Phylogenetic analyses suggest that Hsc70 binding sequences have diverged as a consequence of biochemical specialization ensuring differential interaction of each isozyme with the cellular machinery in charge of protein folding and translocation.
Calcification of the internal elastic lamina of coronary arteries.

Two well-recognized patterns of calcification occur in large- and medium-sized arteries, intimal calcification associated with atherosclerosis and medial calcification described by Monckeberg. Calcification limited to the internal elastic lamina is a third pattern of calcification not previously reported in coronary arteries. Here we describe 19 cases of coronary artery internal elastic lamina calcification. We serially sectioned and examined the coronary arteries of 66 patients with advanced AIDS and 27 HIV− controls with other chronic illnesses. We observed calcification of the internal elastic lamina in 10 HIV+ patients and 9 controls. HIV− patients with internal elastic lamina calcification were significantly older than HIV− patients without it (P=0.008) and HIV+ patients with it (P=0.006). Occasionally, calcification encroached on adjacent intimal or medial tissue with mild fibrosis. There was frequent disruption of the internal elastic lamina but no evidence of inflammation. Calcification was the dominant histologic feature in all cases. Von Kossa, Alizarin red, and trichrome/elastic stains confirmed these findings. Patients with internal elastic lamina calcification often had extensive medical histories but did not suffer from chronic renal failure or other conditions known to cause calcium dysregulation. We describe coronary internal elastic lamina calcification in HIV+ patients and older HIV− adults. The clinical significance of this finding is unknown. It could lead to arterial stiffening and increased pulse pressure and could be mistaken for intimal calcification on coronary imaging. Internal elastic lamina calcification may result from premature aging due to HIV disease and chronic illness or from metabolic disorders in HIV+ patients.
Elastography: history, principles, and technique comparison

Elastography is a relatively new imaging technology that creates images of tissue stiffness. It can be thought of an extension of the ancient technique of palpation but it gives better spatial localization information and is less subjective. Two main types of elastography are currently in use, strain elastography where the tissue displacement in response to gentle pressure is used to compute and image tissue strain, and shear wave elastography where the speed of shear waves traversing tissue is measured and used to create an image of tissue stiffness. Each method has advantages and disadvantages but generally strain imaging is excellent for focal lesions and shear wave imaging, being more quantitative, is best for diffuse organ diseases. Strain imaging requires additional training in acquisition technique to obtain high quality images. Pitfalls to avoid and tips for good images are provided. Improvements in strain imaging are focused on better quality indicators and better methods for quantification. Improvements in shear wave imaging will be higher frame rates, greater accuracy in focal lesions, and making results more comparable between different ultrasound systems. Both methods will continue to improve and will provide ever more powerful new tools for diagnosis of diffuse and focal diseases.
Quantitative measurements of inorganic mercury and organomercurials in water and biological media by gas-liquid chromatrography

Gas-liquid chromatography is used to determine inorganic mercury in the presence and absence of organomercurials in water and biological media after alkylation or arylation. Best results for inorganic mercury were realized with pentacyanomethylcobaltate(III) and tetraphenylborate(III), via the generated methyl and phenyl mercurial. Tetraethyltin, forming ethylmercury, was less satisfactory. Lower detection limits with these reagents were in the range 10–30 ng Hg ml-1 of medium. Co-determination of inorganic mercury and various organomercurials was carried out by sequential or simultaneous procedures with several column temperatures and packings. Optimal Chromatographic results were achieved with Durapak Carbowax 400 (low K') on Porasil F and 10% DEGS on Anakrom SD.
Termination of in vitro DNA synthesis at AAF adducts in the DNA

Abstract DNA synthesis catalyzed by E. coli polymerases I or III is inhibited on templates containing N-acetoxy-acetylaminofluorene-reacted adducts. Termination of synthesis occurs just before the site of the adduct. Synthesis on 0X174 templates primed with restriction fragments and treated with AAAF can be visualized on DNA sequencing gels. Comparison of the amounts of the different newly synthesized fragments with those calculated from the probability of termination as determined from the average number of adducts per molecule shows that synthesis terminates, rather than stutters, at each adduct. This method may be useful for detecting the bypass of lesions.
A method to measure resistivity, mobility, and absorber thickness in thin-film solar cells with application to CdTe devices

Abstract We report a method developed upon coordinated admittance spectroscopy and capacitance–voltage techniques to measure resistivity, mobility, and absorber thickness in thin-film photovoltaic devices. The absorber thickness is measured by depletion region width at freeze-out temperatures when the free carriers cease to respond to bias modulation. Based on a lumped-parameter equivalent-circuit model, we derive the inflection frequency due to dielectric relaxation of the absorber. We show that the square of freeze-out frequency depends linearly on bias voltage. Resistivity—and mobility—is calculated from the slope of this linear dependence. To demonstrate this method, we applied it to thin-film CdTe solar cells with back contacts formed under three different conditions: (A) with Cu in the carbon paste after nitric–phosphoric etch, (B) without Cu in the carbon paste after nitric–phosphoric etch, and (C) without Cu in the carbon paste and without nitric–phosphoric etch. The measured absorber thicknesses (5.45, 5.85, and 7.95 μm, respectively) agree well with growth history and other methods. Study using this method also yields insights to back-contact formation mechanism in terms of etching loss, Te-rich layer, and Cu doping/alloying. The freeze-out exhibits thermal activation due to combined contribution from mobility and carrier concentration.
Functional development of mechanoreceptive neurons innervating the glabrous skin in postnatal kittens

Abstract We studied single units innervating the glabrous forepaw skin of 35 domestic kittens ranging in age from 1 to 52 postnatal days. Three aspects of coding were emphasized: (a) size and force thresholds of receptive fields, (b) time course of recovery between stimulus presentations, and (c) electrical conduction properties of the afferent nerve fibers. Receptive field (RF) size and force thresholds were (a) positively correlated with age for palmar but not digital RFs, and (b) were significantly larger on palm than on digits. Unit responsiveness was highly dependent on intertrial interval, complete recovery requiring at least 30 sec. Conduction velocity increased more rapidly than nerve fiber length, thus conduction time decreased with age. Refractory period decreased with age, but the conduction velocities of sequential spikes were proportional, regardless of age. These changes which we observed can more readily be ascribed to alterations of the mechanical properties of skin and conduction properties of nerve fibers than to changes in the coding mechanisms themselves.
Spin dependent attenuation lengths in ferromagnets

Spin dependent attenuation lengths (AL) as a function of the hot electron energy are calculated for Fe, Co, and Ni. If λ↑(λ↓) is the AL of an electron with spin parallel (antiparallel) to the majority spin direction of the ferromagnet then the quantity A = (λ↓−λ↑)/(λ↓+λ↑) is found to change sign as a function of the electron energy.
Electrostatic potentials of some dibenzo-p-dioxins in relation to their biological activities

A computational analysis of the electrostatic potentials of eight halogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins has been carried out at theab initio SCF STO-5G level. It focuses upon the relationships between these potentials and the biological activities of the molecules, including toxicity, aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction and receptor binding. In general, regions of negative potential are found to be associated with the oxygens and with the halogen substituents. Biological activity appears to be related to the presence of an optimum range of negative potentials above the lateral portions of the molecules in conjunction with a weakening of those near the oxygens.
BMP7 antagonizes TGF-β-dependent fibrogenesis in mesangial cells

Exogenous administration of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 was recently shown to ameliorate renal glomerular and interstitial fibrosis in rodents with experimental renal disea...
Thermal lensing of high power edge-pumped YAG slab lasers with undoped edges and Brewster ends

In this paper we present calculations of the effects on thermal lensing of bonding undoped host crystal to the ends and edges of edge-pumped slab lasers. Using ray tracing and finite element analysis we simulate the distribution of absorbed pump power, 3D temperature, stress, and surface displacements. We numerically calculate the induced lensing due to thermal and stress gradients, and deformation induced end effects. In slabs with undoped material bonded to the edges through which pump light enters, the induced lensing has an "m"-shaped profile while undoped Brewster ends reduce deformation induced lensing.
Cerebrovascular anatomy and blood flow measurements in the rabbit.

The arterial supply and venous drainage of the rabbit's brain were characterized by intravascular injection of casting material and intra-arterial administration of markers (crystal violet or dissolved hydrogen gas). The internal carotid artery supplies the homolateral cerebral cortex and subcortical structures except for the thalamus and the posterior portion of the nucleus caudatus; it also supplies the homolateral retina and optic nerve. No noncerebral structures are supplied by this artery. The dorsal sagittal sinus drains the dorsal and lateral parts of the frontal and parietal areas of the cerebral cortex, with no detectable extracerebral contamination. Electromagnetic measurement of flow in the internal carotid artery (ICBF), volumetric or H2-clearance measurement of flow in the dorsal sagittal sinus (SSBF), and H2-clearance determination in cerebral cortex yield comparable results on the cerebrovascular response to hyper- and hypocapnia. ICBF and SSBF are reliable and valid estimates of average bl...
COMPARISON OF PROTESTING AND NON-PROTESTING STUDENTS

During two consecutive quarters at a midwestern, scate supported university of approximately 18,000 students, several events took place which involved protesting or rioting on the patc of a small segment of the student body. The lasc of these disruptions resulted in the university's temporarily being closed. The precipitating faccors were varied and somewhat unclear buc much like chose at other schools experiencing similar disruptions (fee increases, complaints about ROTC, dissatisfaccion with che war, felc comradeship with student "causes" at other universities-some of which had already closed, etc.). Each of chese protests rcsulced in the arrest, or if not arrest, in university disciplinary action for some of chose involved. This writer and many of her colleagues speculated abouc the make-up of those who did the protesting and of course the opinions were quice varied as to what these students were really like and how they rnighc differ from college students who chose noc co protest. A review of the literature indicated a fairly consiscenc picture of the student activist or prorestor with regard to a number of variables. According to reports such as chose by Bay (1967), Flacks (1967), Keniston ( 1967) and Watts, Lynch, and Whitcaker (1969), the usual protestor (when compared co his non-protesting counterpart) is brighter, more intellectually oriented and achieves better academically, comes from a higher socio-economic background, may be somewhat better adjusted (the data here are less clear), and is more apt co be found in the fine arts or humanities or social sciences as opposed to fields such as business, education or che physical sciences. When this university and at least three others in the same state were temporarily closed due to similar student disruptions, the author felt it would be interesting to compare the characteristics of scudent protestors ac chis university with chose of a non-procesting sample, and with those protestors abouc which so much has been writcen. Student records were made available to the author for research purposes.
Associational resistance mediates predator--prey interactions in a marine subtidal system

There is a growing awareness of the role that indirect interactions play in influencing food webs and ecosystem structure. In this study, the hypothesis that crustose algal epibionts provide gastropods associational resistance from predation was investigated through field surveys and laboratory feeding assays. In rocky low intertidal ⁄shallow subtidal systems in the northeast Pacific, several species of crustose algae (the red alga Peyssonnelia meridionalis and crustose corallines) can colonize the shells of living Tegula brunnea snails. The growth patterns of these epibiontic crustose algae allow them to cover their host’s surface completely, which may, in turn, protect their hosts from predation. A multi-site field survey of T. brunnea revealed that >60% of snails were at least 75% covered with one or more species of crustose algae, with 35% fully covered, indicating that this is common in the field. Laboratory feeding assays revealed that sea stars, a primary predator of T. brunnea, distinguished among snails with different shell coverings; Pisaster consumed nearly three times as many bare (i.e. no crustose algae) snails as those covered with Peyssonnelia, while Pycnopodia consumed four times as many bare snails as those covered with crustose corallines. These results suggest that epibiont crustose algae can benefit their hosts via associational resistance; this finding may have implications for the role of associational resistance in trophic interactions.
What Makes Discourse Scholarly

The Bierman and Lobach comment (this issue) is a wonderful example of how scholarly discourse ought to proceed. We agree with fully 95% of what they said. On a few of their points, we have addition...
Gas-phase acid-base properties of melamine and cyanuric acid

The thermochemical properties of melamine and cyanuric acid were characterized using mass spectrometry measurements along with computational studies. A triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer was employed with the application of the extended Cooks kinetic method. The proton affinity (PA), gas-phase basicity (GB), and protonation entropy (ΔpS) of melamine were determined to be 226.2 ± 2.0 kcal/mol, 218.4 ± 2.0 kcal/mol, and 26.2 ± 2.0 cal/mol K, respectively. The deprotonation enthalpy (ΔacidH), gas-phase acidity (ΔacidG), and deprotonation entropy (ΔacidS) of cyanuric acid were determined to be 330.7 ± 2.0 kcal/mol, 322.9 ± 2.0 kcal/mol, and 26.1 ± 2.0 cal/mol K, respectively. The geometries and energetics of melamine, cyanuric acid, and related ionic species were calculated at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level of theory. The computationally predicted proton affinity of melamine (225.9 kcal/mol) and gas-phase deprotonation enthalpy of cyanuric acid (328.4 kcal/mol) agree well with the experimental results. Melamine is best represented as the imide-like triazine-triamine form and the triazine nitrogen is more basic than the amino group nitrogen. Cyanuric acid is best represented as the keto-like tautomer and the N-H group is the most probable proton donor.
Plasma effects on bacterial spores in a wet environment

An arc-seed microwave plasma torch, which can run stably at low airflow rate (e.g., 0.393 l s−1) and produces an abundance of reactive atomic oxygen in its plasma effluent, is applied for studying the effects of atomic oxygen on bacterial spores in solution. Bacillus cereus was chosen as the biological agent. The experimental results show that the plasma effluent can penetrate into water to kill B. cereus spores. The kill time (i.e., 10-fold reduction time) is about 10 s at an exposure distance of 3 cm, 24 s at 4 cm, and 31 s at 5 cm. Morphological studies are performed via scanning electron and atomic force microscopes, which take two- and three-dimensional images of spores to record the changes in their morphological structures and shapes caused by the plasma effluent. The loss of appendages and exosporium in the structure as well as flattened cell shapes are observed.
Note on ultraviolet hydroxyl observations of Comet Kohoutek

Observations of hydroxyl (OH) emission from Comet Kohoutek were made during the evening of 24 January 1974, from an altitude of 41,000 feet. The comet, of visual magnitude 5.5 at the time of observation, was photographed with an f/1.3 Maksutov slitless spectrograph of 150-mm aperture. This spectrograph used a double quartz prism as the dispersion element to isolate the OH radiation in the low-resolution spectrum. A nearly spherical coma of OH about three arc minutes diameter, as observed from an earth-comet distance of 0.88 AV, was photographed. The OH emission was the strongest feature in the spectrum and produced an irradiance of 3 billionths erg per sq cm per sec at the earth.
Transposable element number in mixed mating populations.

Theoretical population genetic studies of transposable elements focus almost exclusively on random mating species, whereas many plants reproduce through partial or substantial self-fertilization. Here I develop computer simulation and analytic approximations of simplified element dynamics (transposition balanced by selective elimination) in partially self-fertilizing populations, using Ty1- copia elements for biological inspiration. Under the most plausible models and parameter values, element numbers decrease with self-fertilization when element insertions are deleterious, but may increase when ectopic exchange regulates element number. Conclusions for models of ectopic exchange depend in part on parameters for which little firm empirical evidence is available. Small changes in selfing rate can lead to abrupt changes in element number when homozygous and heterozygous elements have markedly different fitness effects. Equilibrium element numbers can be sensitive to population size, especially at high selfing rates. Elements are frequently lost in small highly selfing populations under the deleterious insertion model. In contrast, small highly selfing populations can accumulate very large numbers of elements under ectopic exchange. Empirical data on element number and localization in plants with different mating systems suggests that deleterious insertion, rather than ectopic exchange, may regulate element number. Limitations to available empirical data, especially the lack of comparison between closely related species differing in mating system, mean that this conclusion is tentative.
Motion of an electron in a weak, spatially uniform external electric field

Abstract The motion of an electron in a weak, spatially uniform external electric field is calculated by Fourier tranforming the free electron-positron field.
Ibuprofen inhibits adhesiveness of monocytes to endothelium and reduces cellular oxidative stress in smokers and non-smokers

Background Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in atherosclerosis and a useful model from which to study chronic inflammation. We compared monocyte function, lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in smokers and non-smokers, before and after oral ibuprofen intake. The adhesion of freshly isolated monocytes to native and tumour necrosis factor a (TNFa) stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), as well as superoxide anion (O 2 ) levels and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) production in resting and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulated monocytes were determined. Materials and methods A group of nine smokers without any other coronary risk factor was compared with an age-matched group of 9 non-smokers. Tests were performed before and after a two-week course of oral ibuprofen (600 mg day -1 ). Results In smokers before ibuprofen, monocyte adhesion to native and TNFa-stimulated HUVEC was increased (P < 0001 and P < 0.01, respectively), and so were O 2 - levels in native and PMA-stimulated monocytes (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Ibuprofen reduced the adhesion of monocytes to native and stimulated HUVEC (P < 0.001) and O 2 generation by resting and PMA-stimulated cells (P < 0.01) in both groups. H 2 O 2 production by resting and PMA-stimulated monocytes was reduced in smokers and non-smokers (P < 0.01). Interestingly, ibuprofen increased HDL cholesterol levels in smokers (P < 0.01) and non-smokers (P < 0.001), and reduced the level of triglycerides in smokers (P < 0.05). Conclusion Oral administration of ibuprofen reduced the adhesion of monocytes to HUVEC, suppressed oxidative stress and increased HDL cholesterol levels in smokers and non-smokers.
Elimination of Cyclin D1 in Vertebrate Cells Leads to an Altered Cell Cycle Phenotype, Which Is Rescued by Overexpression of Murine Cyclins D1, D2, or D3 but Not by a Mutant Cyclin D1

Abstract DT40 lymphoma B-cells normally express cyclins D1 and D2 but not D3. When cyclin D1 expression was extinguished in these cells by gene knockout, specific alterations in their ability to transit the cell cycle were observed. These changes are exemplified by a delay of approximately 2 h in their progression through a normal 14-h cell cycle. This delay results in an increase in the number of cells in the G2/M phase population, most likely due to triggering of checkpoints in G2/M, inability to enter G1 normally, and/or alterations of crucial event(s) in early G1. The defect(s) in the cell cycle of these D1 “knockout” cells can be rescued by overexpression of any normal mouse D-type cyclin but not by a mutant mouse cyclin D1 protein that lacks the LXCXE motif at its amino terminus. These data suggest that the cell cycle alterations observed in the D1−/− cells are a direct effect of the absence of the cyclin D1 protein and support the hypothesis that the D-type cyclins have separate, but overlapping, functions. Elimination of cyclin D1 also resulted in enhanced sensitivity to radiation, resulting in a significant increase in apoptotic cells. Expression of any normal murine D-type cyclin in the D1−/− cells reversed this phenotype. Intriguingly, expression of the mutant cyclin D1 in the D1 −/− cells partially restored resistance to radiation-induced apoptosis. Thus, there may be distinct differences in cyclin D1 complexes and/or its target(s) in proliferating and apoptotic DT40 lymphoma B-cells.
Selected policy issues in international agricultural research: On striving for international public goods in an era of donor fatigue

Abstract International agricultural research is a small but critically important part of the global research system. Its importance derives from the extent of international spillovers, the efficiencies of working across national boundaries for many research products, and the productivity-boosting collegiality and cost-reducing benefits thereof of sharing information and materials, while fostering the advance of agricultural science generally. Financial difficulties pervade the international as well as national elements of the global system, so it is an appropriate time to examine some of the threats to effective functioning of an international System that is needed for its key contributions to productivity growth. Suggestions are made for boosting efficiency of the international agricultural research centers and strengthening their support of national research efforts in the developing world.
Experimental Test of Time-Reversal Invariance in Strong Interactions

A comparison of the polarization (P) and the asymmetry (A) in the scattering of protons by nuclei can be used as a lest of invariance under Wigner time reversal in the nuclear interaction. P and A were independently measured in p-p scattering at 210 Mev and 3O deg c.m. A liquid hydrogen target of thickness 0.8 g/cm/sup 2/ was used, and carbon was employed both as a polarizer in the A measurement and as an analyzer in the P measurement. Results yield values of A = 0.305 plus or minus 0.005 and P = 0.279 plus or minus 0.017. (W.D.M.)
Effects of preweaning predatory or consummatory experience and litter size on cricket predation in northern grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster)

On examine les interactions sociales entre parents et petits en presevrage au cours de la predation et de la consommation des criquets ou au cours de la consommation seule et la contribution de ces experiences a la predation ulterieure sur les criquets
Stuff most students never ask about grad school

This paper describes the process of selecting a graduate school. To make the decision it is necessary to carefully look at the motivating factors. The criteria for selecting the graduate school are: 1) the graduating school should make the job search; 2) a well-respected school is advantageous in the post-graduation job search; 3) outside activities offered by the school provides the opportunity for the students to enjoy the "off-time" that would increase the productivity. Funding also should be considered where the institution could offer scholarship. An industrial collaborations are often accompanied by a much more structured project this also should be considered. The advisor selection is also carefully noted that it is more important than selecting the project. Having regular one-on-one meeting with the advisor is a good thing so that advisor will give constructive feedback, as it easier to understand an explanation with visual aids. It would be a good idea to check into family services offered by the prospective schools, such as family housing and childcare. Offering business cards, Web sites search facilities, data collection and display, technical paper writing these are some of the most important factor for the graduate school. Finally to improve the papers/presentations the students should properly explain the technical papers with out fear.
Disparities in organ allocation and access to liver transplantation in the USA.

Liver transplantation has become the standard of care for the treatment of chronic liver disease. In 1986, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) was formed to ensure the just and equitable allocation of donor livers. At the time, UNOS decided to use the Childs–Turcotte–Pugh scoring system to determine the degree of liver disease in potential transplant patients. Unfortunately, it was shown that the Childs–Turcotte–Pugh system was easily manipulated and did not provide equal access to donor organs. Owing to this fact, the Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was instituted by UNOS in February 2002. While the institution of MELD has shown an improvement in organ allocation and outcomes, disparities still exist. This article discusses UNOS and the MELD allocation system as well as the racial, geographic and gender disparities that occur despite the institution of the MELD system.
Physicochemical properties of the cytoplasmic glucocort1coid receptor complex in HeLa S3 cells

Abstract The physicochemical properties, size, shape, and surface charge, have been determined for the cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor complex (GR) in randomly growing HeLa S3 cells. Sucrose density gradient and gel exclusion Chromatographie analysis have shown GR to undergo a marked reduction in size and shape when analyzed under increasing KCl concentration conditions. Analysis of GR prepared in a hypotonie buffer solution revealed a large, 7–8 S species with Ve/V0 ratio of 1.15, and a Stokes radius of ∼- 95 A. Increasing the KCl concentration in the analysis buffer to 0.15 M resulted in reduction in GR size and shape to a 4.5 S species with the following properties: Ve/V0 = 1.38, Stokes radius = 69 A , and calculated Svedberg molecular weight = 132,000. A limit to the observed decrease in GR size and shape was obtained under hypertonic, 0.4 M KCl, conditions; a 3.75 S form was observed to elute from the gel exclusion column with a Ve/V0 = 1.40, Stokes radius = 65 A , and a calculated Svedburg molecular weight = 102,000. Exposure to higher KCl conditions, 0.6 M and 0.8 M, resulted in no further decrease in GR size or shape. Ion exchange Chromatographie analysis of cytoplasmic GR revealed heterogeneous populations of GR with apparent differences in surface charge. GR binding to DEAE cellulose revealed a predominant form which eluted at 0.15 M KCl (Form I). Under both hypotonie and hypertonic conditions small populations of GR forms were observed to elute from DEAE at ~ 0.1 M KCl (Form III), and ~ 0.3 M KCl (Form II), respectively. Binding of GR to hydroxylapatite (HAP) confirmed the heterogenous nature of GR. Cytoplasmic GR partitioned into at least 3 forms on HAP. The predominant GR form eluted from HAP at 0.1 M K2HPO4 (Form I); secondary, and tertiary forms eluted at 0.125 M (Form II), and 0.15 M K2POH4 (Form III), respectively. Glucocorticoid receptors were observed to elute from columns of phosphocellulose, and DNA cellulose in the void volume. Two receptor forms were observed with isoelectric focusing of HeLa S3 cytoplasm on Sephadex IEF G-75 gels. The primary, and secondary species had pI values of 7.5 and 6.3, respectively. These results demonstrate that randomly growing HeLa S3 cells contain heterogeneous populations of GR in the cytoplasmic compartment. Randomly growing HeLa S3 cell cytoplasm appears to contain two “unactivated” receptor species (Forms I and II) that differ in their overall surface charge properties; a third activated species (Form III) appears to arise from heat induced “activation” during cell homogenization. and is more basic in nature.
Engineered Crops: Transgenes Go Wild

Genetically modified Agrostis stolonifera has escaped from cultivation. For the first time, a herbicide-resistant perennial weed has established itself in wild populations.
Bis‐aminoquinolines as potential antimalarial agents and a novel fused ring system, pyrano[3,2‐ c :5,6‐ c ′]diquinoline

3,3′(1,3-Ethyliminodimethylene)bis(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-methyl)quinoline (2c) and related compounds were synthesized. 3,3-Methylenebis(4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-methyl)quinoline (5) was prepared and upon treatment with phosphorus oxychloride gave 1,13-dimethyl-5,9-dimethoxy-14H-pyrano[3,2-c:5,6-c′]diquinoIine (6), a novel ring system.
Combustion behavior and kinetics of synthetic and coal-derived chars: Comparison of theory and experiment

Abstract A theoretical model describing the combustion of carbonaceous particles at intermediate and high temperatures (1250–2600 K) has been developed and compared with experimental results. The analysis includes the effects of pore diffusion and growth, inert mineral matter, gas-phase heat and mass transfer, and treats solid spherical and cenospheric char particles. The combustion dynamics are described by time-dependent equations for particle temperature, radius, ash layer thickness, and a number of intraparticle conversion variables. These are coupled to pseudo-steady equations for gas-phase transport and internal reaction and diffusion. Model predictions were contrasted with combustion measurements obtained for several synthetic chars and two coal-derived chars. The synthetic chars were glassy carbons produced in the form of solid monodisperse spheres. Cenospheric synthetic chars were also produced. All synthetic chars were mineral free. The coal-derived chars contained mineral matter and were considered spherical. In each case, apparent and intrinsic rate parameters were estimated by direct application of the combustion model to experimental data gathered under conditions of moderate to large Thiele modulus. These rate parameters were compared with previous results using a simpler model that does not consider pore enlargement and the temperature dependence of gas-phase properties. The comparison indicated that the latter of the above phenomena affects the predicted apparent rates by a factor of about 2 and the intrinsic rates by a factor of 4 at high temperature. At low temperatures, accounting for the temperature dependence of the gas phase did not appear to influence the calculated apparent rates, and the difference in the intrinsic rates was attributed to structural changes in the char. The estimated kinetic parameters were subsequently used to generate temperature-time profiles of single burning particles. The results obtained are in good agreement with the experimentally observed behavior of the synthetic and coal-derived chars. The validity of the intrinsic rate calculation was tested by simulating the combustion behavior of particles burning in the kinetically limited (low Thiele modulus) regime; however, more definitive tests are needed.
The Teaching of College German under a Modular System.

Psychological theory suggests that we should teach in "different keys," that both habit formation and cognitive learning are essential to language learning. Gagne defines a hierarchy of eight types of learning which includes both strategies.7 Osgood's analysis seems to indicate that both concept formation and utilization and automatic response are necessary in foreign language learning-thus, one sees the need to learn certain concepts and principles of grammar at a cognitive level, but recognizes that this approach by itself is insufficient for communication. The learner must in addition achieve the ability to produce automatic responses.18 How can we determine the "different keys" or the proper combination of theory-derived principles as we construct our multi-approach? As Carroll has often stated, by setting up more precisely controlled, small-scale experiments that check hypotheses. How shall we go about designing future experiments? One basic concern should be to determine what can be best taught by habit formation and what by the cognitive approach. Must some things be taught at a cognitive level? As habit? Are there areas of language systems that might be taught either way? If so, which way is more efficient? A second concern should be with
The presence of repeated DNA sequences and a partial restriction map of the pSym of Rhizobium fredii USDA193

The large, 350-kb Sym (symbiotic) plasmid pRjaUSDA193 of Rhizobium fredii was examined to determine the frequency of repeated sequences present and to produce a physical and genetic map of a large region of the plasmid. A novel hybridization method, the Southern Cross, revealed that the plasmid pRjaUSDA193 contained many repeated sequences and assisted in restriction enzyme mapping of a 100-kb region containing nod genes. A cosmid clone bank was prepared with the broad-host-range cosmid pVK102. The restriction enzymes HindIII, HpaI, and KpnI were used to construct a physical map of overlapping clones. Labeled nod gene sequences were used to determine their location in the mapped region.
Gender-related differences in infrarenal aortic aneurysm morphologic features: Issues relevant to Ancure and Talent endografts

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether gender-related anatomic variables may reduce applicability of aortic endografting in women. Methods: Data on all patients evaluated at our institution for endovascular repair of their abdominal aortic aneurysm were collected prospectively. Ancure (Endovascular Technologies (EVT)/Guidant Corporation, Menlo Park, Calif) and Talent (World Medical/Medtronic Corporation, Sunrise, Fla) endografts were used. Preoperative imaging included contrast-enhanced computed tomography and arteriography or magnetic resonance angiography. Results: One hundred forty-one patients were evaluated (April 1998–December 1999), 19 women (13.5%) and 122 men (86.5%). Unsuitable anatomy resulted in rejection of 63.2% of the women versus only 33.6% of the men (P = .026). Maximum aneurysm diameter in women and men were similar (women, 56.94 ± 8.23 mm; men, 59.29 ± 13.22 mm; P = .5). The incidence of iliac artery tortuosity was similar across gender (women, 36.8%; men, 54.9%; P = .2). The narrowest diameter of the larger external iliac artery in women was significantly smaller (7.29 ± 2.37 mm) than in men (8.62 ± 2.07 mm; P = .02). The proximal neck length was significantly shorter in women (10.79 ± 12.5 mm) than in men (20.47 ± 19.5 mm; P = .02). The proximal neck width was significantly wider in women (30.5 ± 2.4 mm) than in men (27.5 ± 2.5 mm; P = .013). Proximal neck angulation (>60 degrees) was seen in a significantly higher proportion of women (21%) than men (3.3%; P = .012). Of the patients accepted for endografting, a significantly higher proportion of women required an iliofemoral conduit for access (women, 28.6%; men, 1.2%; P = .016). Conclusion: Gender-related differences in infrarenal aortic aneurysm morphologic features may preclude widespread applicability of aortic endografting in women, as seen by our experience with the Ancure and Talent devices. In addition to a significantly reduced iliac artery size, women are more likely to have a shorter, more dilated, more angulated proximal aortic neck. (J Vasc Surg 2001;33:S77-84.)