cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavioral relationships between two sympatric voles (Microtus): relevance to habitat segregation.

This study was undertaken to examine the role of behavioral interactions in maintaining habitat segregation in sympatric populations of Microtus pennsylvanicus and Microtus montanus . In 145 staged encounters between pairs of mice, 79 interspecific and 66 intraspecific, M. pennsylvanicus displayed more agonistic behavior than did M. montanus and was usually dominant in interspecific interactions. These data, combined with examination of the habitats used by these voles where their ranges do not overlap, suggest that interspecific behavioral interactions may prevent M. montanus from invading mesic habitats occupied by M. pennsylvanicus .
Role of polymeric Tamm-Horsfall protein in cast formation: Oligosaccharide and tubular fluid ions

Role of polymeric Tamm-Horsfall protein in cast formation: Oligosaccharide and tubular fluid ions. Background In acute tubular necrosis (ATN), distal tubules are obstructed by casts formed by tubular debris, cells, and Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP). Since there are Arginine-Glycine-Aspartate (RGD) and Leucine-Aspartate-Valine (LDV) adhesive sequences in human THP, there may be direct integrin-mediated binding of tubular cells to THP. Alternatively, polymerization of THP may result in entrapment of the cells in its gel. Methods Adhesion of LLC-PK 1 cells to THP-coated wells was directly measured. THP concentrate was dissolved in solutions which mimic urine from ATN (ATN-S), distal convoluted tubule (DCT-S), collecting duct (CD-S), and monomeric buffer (M buffer). THP was also denatured by either boiling or N-glycanase digestion. Gel formation of THP was then measured. Inhibition of LLC-PK 1 cell adhesion to collagen type I was measured with each solution, as well as after the collagen was pretreated with either monomeric (mTHP) or polymeric (pTHP) THP. The effect of pTHP on the settling rate of LLC-PK 1 cells in suspension was also measured. Results LLC-PK 1 cells did not directly adhere to THP, a finding against integrin-mediated binding as a mechanism for in vivo tubular cell/THP cast formation. The high electrolyte concentration of ATN-S and CD-S, however, was associated with pTHP gel formation. Moreover, cells suspended in pTHP remained in suspension. In cell adhesion studies, mTHP attenuated cell adhesion by binding to the matrix, whereas pTHP attenuated cell adhesion by trapping cells in its gel. An active process was involved since both pTHP gel formation and attenuation of cell adhesion were abolished by boiling or oligosaccharide removal with N-glycanase digestion. Conclusions With renal ischemia and proximal tubule cell shedding, ATN and collecting duct fluid composition enhance THP gel formation and thus favor tubular cast formation and obstruction. The present in vitro results indicate the importance of oligosaccharide residues in mediating the effect of the THP on gel formation and potential cast formation in ATN.
Role of increased glomerular filtration rate in atrial natriuretic factor-induced natriuresis in the rat.

One of the major renal hemodynamic actions of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) is to increase glomerular filtration rate (GFR). To assess the role of this effect on ANF-induced natriuresis (UNaV), diuresis (V) and kaliuresis (UKV) we performed late clamp experiments in six rats. After control periods (C), synthetic ANF (auriculin A) was infused i.v. (2 micrograms X min-1/kg body wt) throughout the experiment (150 min). After pre-clamp periods, the perfusion pressure of the left kidney (LK) was reduced to 75-80 mmHg. The right kidney (RK) served as a time control. In LK, before the late clamp, ANF increased (p less than 0.01) GFR from 1.5 +/- 0.1 to 1.8 +/- 0.1 ml/min, V from 17 +/- 5 to 53 +/- 5 microliters/min, and UNaV from 2.1 +/- 0.6 to 10.0 +/- 0.9 microEq/min. Almost identical increases occurred in the RK. The late clamp returned all parameters in LK to C values (p greater than 0.05): GFR to 1.4 +/- 0.1 ml/min, V to 6.3 +/- 1.2 microliter/min, and UNaV to 1.0 +/- 0.3 microEq/min. The late clamp also reversed the ANF-induced increase in UKV. In the RK, GFR (1.8 +/- 0.1 ml/min), V (38 +/- 4 microliter/min) and UNaV (7.8 +/- 0.8 microEq/min) remained elevated (p less than 0.01 vs. C) to the end of the experiment. These data demonstrate that upon return of GFR to control levels, the ANF-induced diuresis, natriuresis and kaliuresis is abolished. The results support our previous view that the increase in GFR together with a decrease in inner-medullary hypertonicity account wholly or in great part for the natriuretic action of ANF.
The microtubule binding of Tau and high molecular weight Tau in apoptotic PC12 cells is impaired because of altered phosphorylation.

Although the importance of the microtubule network throughout cell life is well established, the dynamics of microtubules during apoptosis, a regulated cell death process, is unclear. In a previous study (Davis, P. K., and Johnson, G. V. (1999) Biochem. J. 340, 51–58) we demonstrated that the phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau was increased during neuronal PC12 cell apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the increased tau phosphorylation that occurred during apoptosis impaired the microtubule binding capacity of tau. This study is the first demonstration that microtubule-binding by tau and high molecular weight tau is significantly impaired as a result of altered phosphorylation during a naturally occurring process, apoptosis. Furthermore, co-immunofluorescence studies reveal for the first time that tau populations within an apoptotic neuronal PC12 cell exhibit differential phosphorylation. In control PC12 cells, Tau-1 staining (Tau-1 recognizes an unphosphorylated epitope) is evident throughout the entire cell body. In contrast, Tau-1 immunoreactivity in apoptotic PC12 cells is retained in the nuclear/perinuclear region but is significantly decreased in the cytoplasm up to the plasma membrane. The selective distribution of phosphorylated tau in apoptotic PC12 cells indicates that tau likely plays a significant role in the cytoskeletal changes that occur during apoptosis.
Accumulation Point Location on Tree Networks for Guaranteed Time Distribution

A guaranteed time distribution system is organized so that movement of items between any source-destination pair serviced by the system is completed within a guaranteed period of time T. Various express mail services are examples of such distribution systems. The movement of items between source and destination consists of a combination of different modes of travel with varying speeds i.e. trucks, airplanes etc.. Decisions have to be made regarding location of accumulation points called local centers at which changes in the mode of travel occur. All customers have to be allocated to these local centers so as to provide the best minimum time guarantee for travel between every source-destination pair. Accumulated flows between local centers pass through a global center in a centralized sorting system CSS and move directly between local centers in a decentralized sorting system DSS. For tree structured distribution systems we provide polynomial time algorithms that locate a given number of local centers, allocate customers to local centers and provide the best possible time guarantee for both centralized and decentralized guaranteed time distribution systems.
Unidirectional absorption of gentamicin from the peritoneum during continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Gentamicin kinetics were determined after intravenous or intraperitoneal injection in five patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Our objective was to determine rate of absorption of gentamicin from the peritoneum into the systemic circulation and vice versa. After intraperitoneal instillation of 1 mg/kg in the CAPD fluid during a 6-hr dwell time, the antibiotic appeared in the serum within 15 min in four of five patients. Peak serum concentrations ranged between 1.6 and 7.2 mg/l(mean +/- SD = 3.52 +/- 2.22) in all five patients and the time to reach peak concentration was 3.8 +/- 1.5 hr. Peritoneal gentamicin clearance was 13 ml/min. Percent extraction of gentamicin from the PD fluid within the 6 hr of intraperitoneal exposure ranged from 65% to 100% (mean +/- SD = 86.8 +/- 13.2). The fraction of the intraperitoneal dose absorbed into systemic circulation was found to be 0.84 independently by calculating the ratio of AUCip and AUCiv. When the same dose of gentamicin was injected intravenously (1 mg/kg), no gentamicin could be detected in the peritoneal fluid in three of five patients and only a very small amount of the drug was present for a brief period of time in the remaining two. The kinetic parameters of intravenous gentamicin were: volume of distribution, 0.3 l/kg; elimination rate constant, 0.028 hr(-1), plasma clearance 0.009 l/kg . min(-1), and half-life 27.4 hr. In two patients with acute peritonitis treated with intraperitoneal gentamicin, peak serum concentrations were found to range between 3.5 and 4.5 mg/l. These data suggest that gentamicin is rapidly absorbed from the peritoneal fluid into the blood compartment, but that occurrence of the reverse exchange is negligible. Thus, CAPD would not be expected to alter the elimination characteristics of intravenous gentamicin. Instillation of gentamicin in CAPD fluid may allow rapid absorption to reach therapeutic serum concentrations.
Sand digging contingent upon bar pressing in deermice (Peromyscus)

Abstract 1. 1. Five stocks of Peromyscus were tested for the quantity of sand they could remove from a tunnel in 24 hours. The stocks were P. maniculatus bairdii (domesticated and first laboratory generation of wild caught), P. maniculatus gracilis, P. leucopus, P. floridanus. 2. 2. P. m. gracilis dug significantly less sand than the other species, which did not differ, except for the first laboratory generation of wild caught P. m. bairdii, which failed to dig. 3. 3. A second experiment testing the reinforcing value of sand digging was performed with P. leucopus. The opportunity to dig sand was contingent upon pressing one of two bars, which provided sand over a period of 24 days. 4. 4. Acquisition of the position discrimination occurred during the first 12 days, but reversal learning did not take place during the second 12 day period. Controls receiving no sand had a significantly lower bar pressing rate than those making the discrimination. 5. 5. The results suggest that phenotypic expression of the genotype in terms of habitat selection and habitat utilization depends to a certain extent upon the reinforcing properties of the environment,
Effect of fiber types, fascicle size and halothane on caffeine contractures in rat muscles

Caffeine contractures were recorded from thin bundles and whole extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles of rat, and correlated with preparation size and fiber types. Thin bundles were more sensitive to caffeine and halothane than whole muscles, and bundles of 100% type I fibers were more sensitive than bundles of 100% type II fibers. Magnitude of contracture had significant correlation with maximal tetanic tension, total number of fibers, thickness of the preparation, and proportion of type I fibers. These results suggest that fascicle size and fiber types significantly affect results of in vitro contracture test for susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia.
Protein tyrosine kinase Csk-catalyzed phosphorylation of Src containing unnatural tyrosine analogues.

Using expressed protein ligation, five unnatural tyrosine analogues (amino-phenylalanine, homotyrosine, 2-methyl-tyrosine, (αS,βR)-β-methyl-tyrosine, and 2,6-difluoro-tyrosine) were incorporated into Src in place of the natural tail tyrosine residue. These semisynthetic substrates were evaluated as Csk substrates or allosteric activators. It appears that the tyrosine phenol hydroxyl is unlikely to be contributing significantly to Src's ground-state binding affinity for Csk. It has been observed that stabilizing tyrosine conformers can further optimize Src's already high substrate efficiency. These latter findings contrast similar studies with synthetic peptide substrates and highlight the value of investigation of protein kinase substrate selectivity with protein substrates.
Observation of the S1 state of spheroidene in LH2 by two-photon fluorescence excitation

Abstract The two-photon fluorescence excitation spectrum of LH2, measured by directly exciting the carotenoid S 1 transition and monitoring fluorescence from the bacteriochlorophyll, provides the first direct experimental verification of carotenoid S 1 to bacteriochlorophyll energy transfer. It also provides an estimate of the in situ spheroidene S 1 transition energy of 13 900±150 cm −1 , slightly red-shifted from solution estimates. The relative abilities of the carotenoids spheroidene (10 conjugated double bonds) and rhodopin glucoside (11 conjugated double bonds) to transfer energy via their S 1 states are discussed in terms of spectral overlap factors and competing processes such as S 1 →S 0 internal conversion.
Argininosuccinate synthase expression is required to maintain nitric oxide production and cell viability in aortic endothelial cells.

Abstract Although cellular levels of arginine greatly exceed the apparent Km for endothelial nitric-oxide synthase, current evidence suggests that the bulk of this arginine may not be available for nitric oxide (NO) production. We propose that arginine regeneration, that is the recycling of citrulline back to arginine, defines the essential source of arginine for NO production. To support this proposal, RNA interference analysis was used to selectively reduce the expression of argininosuccinate synthase (AS), because the only known metabolic role for AS in endothelial cells is in the regeneration of l-arginine from l-citrulline. Western blot analysis demonstrated a significant and dose-dependent reduction of AS protein as a result of AS small interfering RNA treatment with a corresponding diminished capacity to produce basal or stimulated levels of NO, despite saturating levels of arginine in the medium. Unanticipated, however, was the finding that the viability of AS small interfering RNA-treated endothelial cells was significantly decreased when compared with control cells. Trypan blue exclusion analysis suggested that the loss of viability was not because of necrosis. Two indicators, reduced expression of Bcl-2 and an increase in caspase activity, which correlated directly with reduced expression of AS, suggested that the loss of viability was because of apoptosis. The exposure of cells to an NO donor prevented apoptosis associated with reduced AS expression. Overall, these results demonstrate the essential role of AS for endothelial NO production and cell viability.
Caught in the revolving door: firm-government ties as determinants of regulatory outcomes

In this paper, we explore the effects of firm-government ties, often called a revolving door, on firm regulatory outcomes. In the context of genetically engineered (GE) crop industry, we study the ...
A frequency accuraterth order spatial derivative finite difference approximation

A method for the specification and design of finite difference spatial derivative approximations of general order r is presented. The method uses a difference polynomial with undetermined coefficients. Spatial frequency domain-based criteria, which include phase velocity, group velocity, and dissipation requirements at a priori selected spatial frequencies, are used to find the appropriate coefficient values. The method is formulated as an optimal design problem but is pursued heuristically. The general derivative approximation and the design method are suitable for use in more general design problems involving finite difference schemes for linear and nonlinear partial differential equations. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. * Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 15: 569–580, 1999
Digestion methods for determination of cadmium and lead in organic- and silica-rich sediments

Abstract River and deep-sea sediments are digested to clear solutions using either a simple three-step procedure in an open beaker or a closed-bomb procedure. In each, a mixture of nitric, perchloric, and hydrofluoric acids is used. All carbonaceous matter and silicates are decomposed. Cadmium and lead are quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Application of the methods to a national Bureau of Standards (NBS) sediment standard gave results in agreement with NBS values. Recoveries from spiked samples were in the range 95–103%. For various sediment samples from the Hudson River and from the North Atlantic Ocean, the relative standard deviations were less than 10%.
Creativity, Conflict, and Power in Tuareg Spirit Possession

It is now recognized that spirit possession and a work of art share common properties. Yet few analyses stop to consider the transformative effects of possession artistry in diverse contexts, extending beyond the immediate ritual process: while visiting, in leisure, gossip, courtship, and festival settings, where local residents in effect re-create possession in commentary about its music, singing, and dancing in terms of aesthetic competence as well as curing efficacy. I analyze the synaesthetic interplay of visual and oral messages in possession enactment that center on the musical sound of exorcism and the silence of trance, and connect them to power relationships between persons involved in critical discourse about possession. The goal is to delineate interrelationships between local notions of possession artistry—not in the sense of Western high culture, but rather as a cultural system and basis for the perception and practice of aesthetics—and to look at the assertion or suppression of social power among the Kel Ewey Tuareg of Niger, West Africa.
Info Stone: Bridging the gap between ambient and direct manipulation devices

Current ubiquitous computing research has focused on either ambient or tangible interfaces, neglecting the crossover between. In this demonstration, users will experience InfoStone, an interaction device that bridges the gap between ambient and tangible interaction. Users will also learn about design guidelines used in the creation of such interaction devices.
Bragg reflection transmission filters for variable resolution monochromators

Abstract There are various methods for improving the angular and spectral resolution of monochromator and analyzer systems. The novel system described here, though limited to higher X-ray energies (> 20 keV), is based on a dynamic effect on the transmitted beam with a thin perfect crystal plate set in the Bragg reflection case. In the case of Bragg reflection from a perfect crystal, the incident beam intensity is reduced as it penetrates the crystal in the range of reflection. This extinction length is of the order of microns. The attenuation length, which determines the amount of normal transmission through the plate is generally much longer. Thus, in the case of the Bragg reflection, the attenuation of the transmitted beam can change by several orders of magnitude with a small change in energy or angle. A thin crystal plate cuts a notch in the transmitted beam with a width equal to its Darwin width, thus acting as a transmission filter. When used in a nondispersive mode with other monochromator crystals, the filter set at the Bragg angle will reflect the entire Darwin width of the incident beam and transmit the wings of the incident beam distribution. When the element is offset in angle by some fraction of the Darwin width, the filter becomes useful in adjusting the angular width of the transmitted beam and removing a wing. Used in pairs with symmetrical offset, the filters can be used to continuously adjust the intrinsic angular divergence of the beam with good wing reduction. Such filters may be useful in improving the angular resolution of a small-angle-scattering camera, for instance. These filters may be added to a Bonse-Hart camera with one pair on the incident beam to reduce the intrinsic beam divergence and a second pair on the analyzer arm to improve the analyzer resolution. Also, these filters could be used in dispersive monochromator systems to improve the energy resolution.
All-optical switching of grating transmission using cross-phase modulation in optical fibres

All-optical modulation of the transmission of a grating by picosecond laser pulses (1064 nm) in an optical fibre is demonstrated. The photosensitive grating is reflecting in the visible (514.5 nm) and the modulation is achieved by changing the refractive index through cross-phase modulation.
Bias-stress induced threshold voltage and drain current instability in 4H–SiC DMOSFETs

Abstract In this work, the instability of n-channel 4H–SiC double-implanted metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect-transistors (DMOSFETs) was studied, in terms of threshold-voltage ( V TH ) shifts and drain–source current ( I DS ) transients, for different gate bias stress durations of range 100–5500 s. At room temperature, for positive gate bias stress, the V TH shift and I DS decay increase with increasing stress time. The V TH shift and the I DS decay were recovered by negative gate bias stress. It is believed that the instability in device behavior during positive gate bias stress is due to capture of electrons by the SiC/gate dielectric interface traps and the gate dielectric near interface traps. Elevated temperature measurements have indicated a decrease in V TH and an increase in I DS with increasing stress time possibly due to mobile positive ions in the gate dielectric.
A Cascade Mass Spectrometer

A cascade spectrometer has been designed and constructed in which the ion beam traverses two successive 180° trajectories. This instrument differs from previous two-stage mass spectrometers in that a large single magnet (rather than tandem magnets) is utilized. Designed as a research rather than an analytical instrument, it provides for not only the analysis of ions from a primary source but also the identification of primary, secondary, or dissociated ions after the primary ion beam has interacted with a suitable target at the focal point of the first 180° 12-in. radius trajectory. Reflected and/or sputtered ions from the target traverse a second 180° trajectory and are detected by a semiconductor magnetic multiplier, which scans the entire focal plane. Isotopically resolved mass spectra of ions sputtered from pure metals and alloys have been obtained.
Use of Computer Databases to Reduce Radiograph Reading Errors

Errors in reading radiologic images create health risks to patients and can adversely affect physicians through litigation and increased insurance costs. This study assessed the usefulness of a radiology teaching database for training physicians to improve their diagnostic accuracy. This tool is particularly important in pediatric radiology because children have unique anatomies and pathologies, and most physicians are generally more familiar with adults. The case collection consisted of normal cases and cases that had changes in the initial interpretations from an existing database of pediatric radiologic images at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. Physicians in the radiology department were surveyed regarding their opinions on the case collections. The most frequent users of the collection were residents and fellows, who used the collection primarily for learning and reference. Attending radiologists used the collection for teaching and daily film reading. The most commonly used cases involved head computed tomography, brain magnetic resonance, and skull radiography. All respondents recognized the value of the database for the enhancement of residents' and fellows' training. Residents and fellows expressed the desire to add complete abnormal and frequently missed case collections to the normal collection. Physicians who used the collections did so very frequently, but many experienced physicians never accessed the collection. Inexperienced physicians' reliance on reference books compared with Internet resources highlights a need for computer-based teaching and reference tools. This study illustrates that easy-to-use computer-based teaching files are useful for training physicians and as reference tools for experienced physicians.
Sheriffs Perceptions of Firearm Control Polices

Public health professionals can maximize their effectiveness in reducing firearm trauma by seeking partners from law enforcement professionals. This study assessed sheriff’s support for various types of firearm control measures and their firearm control advocacy activities. A 29 item valid and reliable survey was used for a three- wave mailing to a national random sample of 650 sheriffs. The majority (over 50%) of sheriffs supported 4 of 14 proposed firearm control policies. Almost 55% of responding sheriffs were members of the NRA and being a member of the NRA was significantly associated with less support for 12 of the 14 firearm control policies. The majority (>70%) of sheriffs did not participate in most firearm control advocacy activities. Sheriffs were found to be far less supportive of potentially important firearm control policies than what has been previously found for police chiefs. Thus, sheriffs may be less helpful than police chiefs as colleagues for public health campaigns to reduce firearm trauma.
The Elastic Constants of Fiber Reinforced Materials

The five elastic constants of a composite containing parallel cylin drical fibers are expressed as a series expansion in terms of the volume fraction, c, of the fibers. The coefficients of c2 are e...
Macrophage-mediated bone resorption occurs in an acidic environment.

Resorption is a continuous skeletal process involving the degratation of both the organic and inorganic matrices of bone. This process has received much attention, but little is known about the physical mechanism by which resorptive cells degrade the skeleton. In this study, we examined the pH at the resorptive cell-bone interface using a fluorescent dye, fluorescein isothiocyanate, conjugated to the organic matrix of devitalized rat bone. Because the visible spectrum of fluorescein differs in acidic and neutral environments, the relative magnitudes of fluorescence at two different wave lengths indicates whether the pH at the fluorescing site is above or below the pKa of the dye. Our studies indicate that macrophage-mediated bone resorption occurs at pH below 6.0. The presence of parathyroid hormone or calcitonin, however, has no effect on the cell-matrix interface pH after 6 hours of incubation. In contrast to resorptive macrophages, fibroblasts, which bind to bone without resorbing it, do not generate an acidic environment at the matrix attachment site.
Automatic network generation for system-on-chip communication design

With growing system complexities, system-level communication design is becoming increasingly important and advanced, network-oriented communication architectures become necessary. In this paper, we extend previous work on automatic communication refinement to support non-traditional, network-oriented architectures beyond a single bus. From an abstract description of the desired communication channels, the refinement tools automatically generate executable models and implementations of the system communication at various levels of abstraction. Experimental results show that significant productivity gains can be achieved, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach for rapid, early communication design space exploration.
Placebo-associated improvements in motor function: comparison of subjective and objective sections of the UPDRS in early Parkinson's disease.

The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) is primarily composed of an investigator-derived objective rating of motor function and a patient-derived assessment of activities of daily living (ADL). Using a stringent definition of placebo effect, we examined the frequency, temporal development, and stability of improvements during placebo treatment over 6 months in a large placebo-controlled trial of deprenyl and tocopherol in early Parkinson's disease (DATATOP). One hundred ninety-nine subjects received placebo treatment in the randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled DATATOP study. We compared the baseline UPDRS motor section scores with follow-up scores at 4, 13, and 26 weeks. Placebo-associated improvement was defined as an improvement over baseline score in motor UPDRS of at least 50% or a change in at least two motor items at any one visit by two or more points, Seventeen percent of the 185 subjects who qualified for analysis met the placebo response criteria. The group prevalence of response was steady (7% to 10%) at any one visit without a marked predominance of an early study effect. Older subjects with more motor impairment at baseline were most likely to show a placebo-associated improvement. ADL scores were low throughout the study, and ADL improvements did not identify the subjects with objectively defined placebo-associated improvement. Prominent improvements in investigator-derived objective measures of Parkinson's disease motor impairment occur during clinical trials. including one that was not aimed at showing improved short-term efficacy. Although the notion of placebo effect often implies patient-based perceptions, we found subjective changes to be infrequent in placebo-treated patients, suggesting that either: (1) the placebo effect was rater-driven; (2) the ADL questionnaire is insensitive to transient but objectively demonstrable motor changes; or (3) that the objective changes, albeit major, are within the realm of natural variation in the UPDRS motor scale from visit to visit.
The oxyhydrochlorination of methane on fumed silica-based Cu, K, La catalysts: III. Bulk & surface analysis

Abstract Oxyhydrochlorination (OHC) is the reaction between hydrogen chloride, oxygen and a hydrocarbon to give chlorocarbons and water, viz: To-understand the activity we studied the crystalline phases (by XRD) and surface copper oxidation states by ESCA (XPS). The reversible uptake of oxygen and dissolution (loss of crystallinity) were characteristic of active catalysts and were promoted by potassium. Activity was found for a high Cu +l /Cu +2 surface concentration. This oxidation state ratio was developed by proper catalyst preparation, activation and reactant introduction. Our results imply a specific sequence of reactant interaction during the catalysis.
Cancer invasion and metastasis: positive and negative regulatory elements.

(1991). Cancer Invasion and Metastasis: Positive and Negative Regulatory Elements. Cancer Investigation: Vol. 9, No. 5, pp. 543-551.
Effectiveness of the likelihood function in logic-based track formation

A logic-based track formation procedure was presented by C.B. Chang et al. (1984). In addition to the conventional gating logic, it utilized the negative log-likelihood function (goodness of fit or sum of residuals) to further reduce the false track acceptance probability. An analytical technique for the evaluation of the effectiveness of this reduction is presented. The exact solution in closed form and a Gaussian approximation are given and compared. It is shown that the goodness of fit provides an additional reduction of the false track acceptance probability by a factor of two to three. >
Time-optimal nonlinear feedback control for the NPSAT1 spacecraft

NPSAT1 is a small satellite being built at the Naval Postgraduate School, and due to launch in January 2006. It uses magnetic actuators and a pitch momentum wheel for attitude control. In this paper, a novel time-optimal sampled-data feedback control algorithm is introduced for closed-loop control of NPSAT1 in the presence of disturbances. The feedback law is not analytically explicit; rather, it is obtained by a rapid re-computation of the open-loop time-optimal control at each update instant. The implementation of the proposed controller is based on a shrinking horizon approach and does not require any advance knowledge of the computation time. Preground-test simulations show that the proposed control scheme performs well in the presence of parameter uncertainties and external disturbance torques
Nasolabial flap reconstruction of oral cavity defects: a report of 18 cases.

Abstract Purpose: This article describes the successful use of pedicled nasolabial flaps in the reconstruction of various oral cavity defects with or without adjunctive microvascular free tissue transfer. Patients and Methods: Twenty-eight flaps were performed in 18 patients, for a variety of oral cavity defects. Results: All flaps healed without evidence of necrosis, infection, or dehiscence. Patient satisfaction with this procedure was high. The use of the nasolabial flap appears to provide an improvement in overall functional outcome. Conclusions: The inferiorly based nasolabial flap provides reliable coverage of intermediate-sized oral cavity defects when used alone. It can improve mastication and speech when used in conjunction with microvascular free tissue transfer for the reconstruction of large combined defects of the tongue and floor of mouth. © 2000 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Effect of white adipose tissue flap and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 on nerve regeneration in rats

Adipose tissue-derived stem cells and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) have shown potential to enhance peripheral nerve regeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an in vivo biologic scaffold, consisting of white adipose tissue flap (WATF) and/or IGF-1 on nerve regeneration in a crush injury model. Forty rats all underwent a sciatic nerve crush injury and then received: a pedicled WATF, a controlled local release of IGF-1, both treatments, or no treatment at the injury site. Outcomes were the normalized maximum isometric tetanic force (ITF) of the tibialis anterior muscle and histomorphometric measurements. At 4 weeks, groups with WATF had a statistically significant improvement in maximum ITF recovery, as compared to those without (P < 0.05), and there was an increase in myelin thickness and total axon count in the WATF-only group versus control (P < 0.01). Functional and histomorphometric data suggest that IGF-1 suppressed the effect of the WATF. Use of a pedicled WATF improved the functional and histomorphometrical results after axonotmesis in a rat model. IGF-1 does not appear to enhance nerve regeneration in this model. Utilizing the WATF may have a beneficial therapeutic role in peripheral nerve injuries.
The present and future of solution NMR in investigating the structure and dynamics of channels and transporters

Membrane channels, transporters and receptors constitute essential means for cells to maintain homeostasis and communicate with the surroundings. Investigation of their molecular architecture and the dynamic process of transporting substrate or transmitting signals across the membrane barrier has been one of the frontiers in biomedical research. The past decade has seen numerous successes in the use of X-ray or electron crystallography in determining atomic-resolution structures of membrane proteins, and in some cases, even snapshots of different physiological states of the same protein have been obtained. But there are also many cases in which long-standing efforts to crystallize proteins have yet to succeed. Therefore we have practical needs for developing complementary biophysical tools such as NMR spectroscopy and electron microscopy for tackling these systems. This paper provides a number of key examples where the utility of solution NMR was pivotal in providing structural and functional information on ion channels and transporters.
Can Microfinance Reduce Economic Insecurity and Poverty? By How Much and How?

The paper suggests that, rather than through its narrow, direct financial impact, microfinance may prove to be more potent in reducing insecurity and poverty through its indirect, broader impact conducing to a more egalitarian initial endowment distribution that is necessary for the “take-off” of an equitable growth process. The paper begins by examining the distinctive roles of micro credit, micro savings, and micro insurance programs in dealing with poverty and insecurity, and highlights the complementariness that exists among these programs and how this complementariness can be used to overcome the weaknesses of the individual programs.
An uncertain partnership.

R esearch conducted at U.S. universities has contributed significantly to improvements in public health and national security. Currently, university scientists are diligently working to modify standard laboratory operating procedures to comply with regulations imposed under two new federal
Otiorhynchus ( Nihus ) grischunensis sp. n.—a new species of the O. rhilensis species group from the Swiss Alps (Curculionidae, Entiminae)

Otiorhynchus (Nihus) grischunensis sp. n. is described from Grisons, Switzerland. The new species was exclusively found in the alpine area and is thought to be endemic. Otiorhynchus grischunensis belongs to the O. rhilensis species group and is compared with its presumably closest relative, O. rhilensis. The new species fills a gap in the northwesternmost distribution of the O. rhilensis group and hence allows new insights into the biogeographical history of the group.
Pathology of lung allografts in children and young adults

Heart-lung and lung transplantation have become acceptable therapeutic modalities for end-stage lung and heart conditions in children and young adults, but the posttransplantation pulmonary pathology in this age-group is poorly characterized. We present our experience with the pathology of lung transplantation in a cohort of 11 patients with a median age of 12.5 years, and median posttransplantation follow-up of 8.3 months. The findings are based on histological examination of 98 specimens, including five autopsy specimens from patients 20 years of age or younger. Our experience, combined with the data in other pediatric series, suggest that there is not a significant difference in the prevalence or severity of acute rejection or bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) between adult and pediatric lung transplant recipients. Lymphocytic bronchitis/bronchiolitis showed a more prominent association with BO in our series than previously reported in adult studies. Chronic vascular rejection in the pediatric lung transplant recipients can occur earlier than reported in adults and is associated with a grave prognosis. Overwhelming infection was a major cause of death in our experience. In particular, our data combined with the previous reports indicate that adenoviral pneumonia is a relatively common pathogen in the pediatric population and is a major cause of mortality in this age-group.
Effects of Declawing and Cage Shape on Productivity, Feathering, and Fearfulness of Egg-Type Chickens

Declawing day-old egg-type chicks did not significantly (P less than .05) alter 20-week body weight. However, declawed hens tended to mature earlier and lay more eggs than the intact hens. Hens housed in shallow cages tended to be better feathered than those housed in deep cages. Neither declawing nor cage shape had a significant effect on the time required for birds to return to feeding after exposure to a noise stimulus, which was used as an indicator of fearfulness.
Making Systems Users Accountable: Using Accountability to Deter Access Policy Violations

A long-time tenet of information security is the principle of least privilege, which requires that systems users be given the minimum amount of access privilege required to complete a task. However, many financial, medical, and customer records systems grant employees broad access for reasons of practical necessity. However, with broad access rights comes potential for system abuse. This paper shows how accountability theory can be used within systems to deter access policy violations - the accessing of information contrary to explicitly stated policies for how access rights may be used. We conduct a field experiment using a system in actual use to show how two accountability-related effects - identifiability and evaluation - reduce access policy violations. The hypotheses are generally supported, showing the potential of accountability mechanisms to deter abuses of broad access privileges.
Reactivity of Antineoplastic Drugs with Model Peptides Studied by Advanced Mass Spectrometry Methodologies

The in vivo interaction of the antineoplastic drug l-3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1nitrosourea (BCNU) and acrolein with model peptides has been investigated in order to provide a detailed description of their electrophilic reactivity towards biological macremolecules. Following incubation with these substances, the modified species were separated by HPLC and identified by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry, whereas the reactive amino acids within the peptides structure were assigned by tandem mass spectrometry. Incubation with BCNU led essentially to the formation of an N-terminal carbamoil-derivative that slowly decomposed to form three isomeric structures and a very minor ethylated adduct. Alkylation with acrolein gives rise to a mixture of different adducts due to the reaction of both the double bond and the carbonyl group. Two species containing intramolecular cross-links were also observed. These results constitute the pre-requisite for in vitro and in vivo studies on the modification of hemoglobin in patients following treatment with antineoplastic drugs.
Military Justice is Alive and Well: A Response to Dr. William J. Gregor

In his article, "The Death of Military Justice," 40 Parameters 6, 6-16 (Autumn 2010), Dr. William J. Gregor argues that the repeal of 10 U.S.C. § 654, commonly known as "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" (DADT), will result in a lack of military discipline, an increase in challenges to the jurisdiction of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and the all-around breakdown of military justice as we know it. He makes this faulty argument by making two related fatal mistakes. First, he erroneously assumes that when Congress repealed the discriminatory DADT law, it was also rejecting all of the appended findings of fact. That is simply not the case. Congress was only casting aside those that called for discrimination against gay service members. Second, Dr. Gregor incorrectly assumes that Congress had to reject basic principles of military justice in order to let gay and lesbian service members be honest about their sexuality. Not so. Dr. Gregor sees the repeal of DADT as bringing a military justice apocalypse because he sees homosexuality as incompatible with honorable military service, but President Obama and Congress disagree. Congress did not reject the central premises of military law when it repealed DADT; rather, broad Congressional majorities concluded that being gay is no more incompatible with military service than being left or right handed and that being honest about who you are comports with American military values of honor, service and trust.
Gadolinium Enhanced MRI Assessment of Bone-Patellar Tendon-Bone Graft Harvest on Patellar Vascularity

Objectives:Bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autograft remains a favored graft source for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction despite problems related to donor-site morbidity. Patellar devascularization has been proposed as a source of anterior knee pain following vascular disruption from traumatic injury (fracture) or surgical procedures involving the patella (total knee arthroplasty); however, no study has investigated the effect of BPTB harvest on patellar vascularity. Recent anatomic studies have suggested that the dominant arterial supply enters the patella through the inferior pole. We hypothesized that BPTB harvest can significantly diminish patellar vascularity following graft harvest.Methods:Nine matched pair cadaveric knee specimens (mean age 47.4 years) were dissected and cannulated at the superficial femoral, anterior tibialis, and posterior tibialis arteries. A single knee was randomly selected to undergo bone graft harvest. The contralateral knee was left intact to serve as a cont...
Spatially Dispersive Ferrite Nonlinear Transmission Line With Axial Bias

A spatially dispersive nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) using axially biased ferrite as the nonlinear medium has been developed. The NLTL is frequency tunable from 0.95 to 1.45 GHz with adjustment of the axial biasing field. A circuit model describing the dispersion of the line has been developed and compared with experimental measurements and time and frequency domain simulations. Instantaneous peak power levels exceeding 100 MW and average power levels of 10s of MW with durations from 4 to 17 ns have been observed.
Y2O3-sealed Ni–Al protective coatings for Inconel 625

Abstract The surfaces of flame-sprayed Ni–Al coatings deposited on to Inconel 625 substrates were sealed by Y2O3 film (0.5–1.5 μm) derived pyrolytically from an yttrium acetate tetrahydrate-based precursor solution. Y2O3-sealed Ni–Al coating specimens were placed into an automated cyclic furnace and then subjected to heating–cooling cycle tests (one cycle=12 h at 900 °C+12 h at 25 °C) to evaluate the usefulness of this coating system in preventing oxidation of the underlying Inconel. After 75 cycles, the weight gains of sealed Ni–Al coatings were ∼50% lower than those of unsealed coatings. Such effectiveness of the Y2O3 sealer in improving the efficacy of the Ni–Al protective coatings was due mainly to its reactivity with Al2O3 formed by oxidation of Al within the coatings. This selective reaction led to the formation of a crystalline YAlO3 phase. Extended oxidation resulted in the transformation of YAlO3 into the Y3Al5O12 phase as a result of a secondary reaction between YAlO3 and Al2O3. Consequently, the sealing layers consisting of Y2O3, YAlO3, and Y3Al5O12 contributed significantly to filling and eliminating inherent open spaces in the Ni–Al coatings, thereby suppressing the diffusion of oxygen through the pores. Such oxygen-impervious layers endow the Ni–Al layers with a long useful life-span as oxidation-resistant coatings for Inconel.
Si-F bonding in aluminosilicate glasses: Inferences from ab initio NMR calculations

Although it has been well accepted that F-Al linkages dominate in F-bearing alkali aluminosilicate glasses, the possibility of F-Si linkages remains unresolved. Recent 1 9 F NMR results have been interpreted as indicativeof not only the presence of the Al-F-Na(n) linkages but also of the presence of Si-F-Na(n) linkages. High level ab initio NMR calculations were performed to investigate the nature of possible species contributing to the 1 9 F spectra. The B3LYP/6-31G * level was used to optimize structures and a scaling technique applied to the calculation of NMR properties using both HF and B3LYP methods at the 6-311+G(2df,p) level. The applicability of this scaling method was checked by comparing calculated results against experimental data on several crystalline materials; the results are improved over HF or DFT methods alone. The calculation results show that none of the F-Al species investigated can produce the -147 ppm peak of Schaller et al. (1992). However, several species in which F is bonded to fourfold-, fivefold-, and sixfold-coordinated Si produce a 1 9 F chemical shift of approximately -147 ppm. These results verify the assignments of this peak by Zeng and Stebbins (2000) to tetrahedral Si-F and NaSiF 6 -like species, and rule out many other possible species. Several additional species such as a fivefold coordinated Si-F species may further contribute to the -147 ppm 1 9 F peak.