cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homogeneous ice freezing temperatures and ice nucleation rates of aqueous ammonium sulfate and aqueous levoglucosan particles for relevant atmospheric conditions.

Homogeneous ice nucleation from micrometre-sized aqueous (NH4)2SO4 and aqueous levoglucosan particles is studied employing the optical microscope technique. A new experimental method is introduced that allows us to control the initial water activity of the aqueous droplets. Homogeneous ice freezing temperatures and ice melting temperatures of these aqueous solution droplets, 10 to 80 μm in diameter, are determined. Homogeneous ice nucleation from aqueous (NH4)2SO4 particles 5–39 wt% in concentration and aqueous levoglucosan particles with initial water activities of 0.85–0.99 yield upper limits of the homogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficients of up to 1 × 1010 cm−3 s−1. The experimentally derived homogeneous ice freezing temperatures and upper limits of the homogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficients are compared with corresponding predictions of the water-activity-based ice nucleation theory [T. Koop, B. P. Luo, A. Tsias and T. Peter, Nature, 2000, 406, 611]. It is found that the water-activity-based ice nucleation theory can capture the experimentally derived ice freezing temperatures and homogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficients of the aqueous (NH4)2SO4 and aqueous levoglucosan particles. However, the level of agreement between experimentally derived and predicted values, in particular for homogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficients, crucially depends on the extrapolation method to obtain water activities at corresponding freezing temperatures. It is suggested that the combination of experimentally derived ice freezing temperatures and homogeneous ice nucleation rate coefficients can serve as a better validation of the water-activity-based ice nucleation theory than when compared to the observation of homogeneous ice freezing temperatures alone. The atmospheric implications with regard to the application of the water-activity-based ice nucleation theory and derivation of maximum ice particle production rates are briefly discussed.
Power Allocation in Multi-Antenna Wireless Systems Subject to Simultaneous Power Constraints

We address the problem of power allocation to maximize ergodic capacity subject to multiple power constraints assuming that perfect causal channel state information (CSI) is available at both the transmitter and the receiver. We characterize the optimal power allocation subject to both long-term and short-term power constraints, which depends upon the ratio of the two power levels. Additionally, we find a suboptimal power allocation if the input power is subject to long-term and per-antenna power constraints. We characterize the conditions for which one power constraint dominates and the other can be ignored. Numerical results suggest that, for the Rayleigh fading case, a short-term power constraint that is larger than a long-term power constraint does not significantly impact the ergodic capacity of the channel. The effect of per-antenna power constraints is also explored for the case of Rayleigh fading through our numerical results.
A second-order time-accurate implicit finite volume method with exact two-phase Riemann problems for compressible multi-phase fluid and fluid-structure problems

A family of compressible multi-phase fluid and fluid-structure interaction problems for which implicit schemes are preferable over explicit counterparts is identified. Using as a backdrop a finite volume method based on exact two-phase Riemann problems that has proven to be robust for multi-phase flows with strong contact discontinuities and highly nonlinear fluid-structure interaction problems, an implicit computational framework for the solution of such problems is presented. General issues that arise in the context of second- and higher-order time-discretizations of multi-material problems by multi-step schemes are highlighted, and solutions to these issues are presented in the form of redesigned implicit time-integrators. The proposed implicit computational framework is illustrated with the solution of an air-water shock tube problem, a realistic compressible multi-phase fluid problem, and a highly nonlinear fluid-structure interaction problem associated with the underwater implosion of a cylindrical shell. In all cases, the accuracy and robustness of the proposed implicit computational framework are demonstrated, and its superior computational performance is highlighted.
A thermal-mechanical coupled finite element model with experimental temperature verification for vertically stacked FPGAs

Back end of line 3D integration of dies is a promising technology that can allow for considerable boost in inter-chip communication and reduction in form factor of a package. This can result in, however, high die temperatures, particularly for multi-tier FPGAs, due to the high density of power dissipating circuits. Therefore, to design thermally aware multi-tier FPGAs, there is a need to first understand the relationship among circuit architectures, toggle rates, layout, clock frequency, I/O behavior, power, temperature, thermal stress, and thickness of inter-die substrates. This study investigated the relationship among these parameters as tested on a Spartan 3E-250K FPGA. The power-temperature simulations have been conducted on a model built in ANSYS finite element package. The model predictions have been verified by thermocouple-measured case temperatures. The verified model has been extended to predict the temperature and stress distributions for a 2-tier, stacked package.
Immunohistochemical analysis of hormone receptors and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva

Abstract OBJECTIVE: Aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) is a frequently misdiagnosed tumor which tends to locally recur. The purpose of our case study and review is to characterize this tumor by immunohistochemical analysis of its estrogen and progesterone status and its proliferating capacity by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), as well as, note any recurrent sites of spread. METHOD: A 43 year old woman presented with a suspected Bartholin's gland abscess. Physical examination was consistent with a mass in the left labium majus. Marsupialization of the mass failed. Resection of this tumor revealed an AA with positive tumor margins. Lost to follow up, the patient was located 6 months later. Examination revealed a palpable mass in the ischiorectal fossa. Extended-left, radical hemivulvectomy revealed recurrent tumor. Estrogen and progesterone receptor status was weakly positive. PCNA stained with the same intensity as the fibroconnective, tissue background. CONCLUSION: We report on a case of AA as well as examine the literature to review a total of 32 cases. We note that AA is often misdiagnosed and tends to recur in the ischiorectal and retroperitoneal spaces. By means of immunohistochemical analysis, we conclude: the estrogen and progesterone receptor status was weakly positive, but could not be distinguished from the background-fibroblastic tissue, PCNA correlates well in this tumor with its low mitotic index; however, further similar studies are needed to characterize this tumor. This may aid in treatment.
Transforming growth factor-β expression in human retinal pigment epithelial cells is enhanced by Toxoplasma gondii: a possible role in the immunopathogenesis of retinochoroiditis

Retinochoroiditis caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection results in inflammation and necrosis of the retina. We have used human retinal pigment epithelial cultures (HRPE) as an in vitro model to investigate the role of TGF-beta in T. gondii-induced retinochoroiditis. RT-PCR analyses showed enhanced steady state levels of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 mRNA in T. gondii-infected HRPE. Uninfected HRPE secrete TGF-beta1 in a latent form while 10-30% of the secreted TGF-beta2 was in the active form. T. gondii infection induced a significant increase (P < 0.01) in total TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 secretion by HRPE. In addition, soluble extracts of T. gondii (ST) stimulated secretion of both TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta2 significantly (P < 0.01). Interestingly, T. gondii infection as well as ST of the parasites completely inhibited secretion of the active form of TGF-beta2. Studies evaluating the effect of TGF-beta on T. gondii replication in HRPE revealed that TGF-beta enhanced parasite replication. The interactions between host retinal cells and T. gondii may play an active role in the pathogenesis of retinochoroiditis.
Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is not a risk factor for acute kidney injury in thoracic aortic surgery.

Objective Previous studies describe a high incidence of acute kidney injury after open thoracic aortic surgery. Findings may be confounded by patient selection, including surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest only or emergency procedures. We studied incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury in patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery. Methods We reviewed 851 patients undergoing elective thoracic aortic surgery with and without deep hypothermic circulatory arrest between 2000 and 2007, focusing on clinical outcome and acute kidney injury defined by consensus RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of function, End-stage renal disease) criteria. Results Mean age was 59 ± 16 years; 29% were women. Surgical procedures included aortic root or ascending aorta in 817 patients (96%), aortic arch in 172 (20%), and descending thoracic aorta in 54 (6%), with 20% reoperative procedures. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was used in 238 (28%). Incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (all RIFLE classes) was 17.7%; 2.1% required renal replacement therapy. Mortality increased with RIFLE class severity of acute kidney injury ( P Conclusions Thoracic aortic surgery can be performed with low rates of acute kidney injury, comparable to other cardiac surgical procedures. Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and preoperative serum creatinine are not independent risk factors. RIFLE criteria allow comparison with previous studies and correlate well with patient outcome. Risk estimates for acute kidney injury require multivariable prediction.
Coarsening kinetics of coherent NiAl-type precipitates in FeNiAl and FeNiAlMo alloys

The coarsening rates of NiAl(β′) precipitates in ferritic FeNiAl and FeNiAlMo alloys were measured at 700°C in order to determine the interfacial energy σ. The Lifshitz-Slyozou-Wagner theory and the Brailsford-Wynblatt modification are used to analyze the ripening kinetics. When volume fraction effects are considered, the interfacial energy between the α matrix and the β′ precipitate was determined as 2 × 10−2 J m−2 in both alloys. X-ray diffraction results show that molybdenum increases the lattice parameter mismatch δ between the matrix and the precipitate to 0.81%. On the basis of the rather small variation in the interfacial energy σ, it is suggested that an increase in the coherency strains does not substantially alter σ as long as the precipitates remain coherent.
Vertical migration, hatching rates, and distribution of egg stages in freshwater zooplankton

Abstract In shallow, thermally stratifield lakes, the developing eggs carried by pelagic crustacean zooplankton are exposed to regularly alternating higher and lower temperatures during daily vertical migration. Rate summation techniques for determining the duration of egg developiment suggest that (1) the distribution of egg stages in the population will not change because of the alternating temperatures, and (2) the majority of young animals will not be hatched or released in the warmer, upper waters of the lake. This latter result is probably positively adaptive, but it may be brought about entirely mechanistically by the more rapid development in warmer waters.
Modeling the uptake of sulfur by crops on two alluvial soils of Louisiana: Soybeans

Abstract The Cushman and Barber mechanistic model3 was used to help elucidate the mechanisms that govern the uptake of sulfur (S) by plants. Sulfur uptake predicted by the model was compared to measured S uptake by ‘Centenial’ soybean (Glycine max [L] Men.) grown on Gallion very fine sandy loam (Typic Hapludalf) and Mhoon silty clay loam (Typic Fluvaquent) under glasshouse conditions. Predicted S uptake was significantly correlated with observed uptake r 2 =0.92. However, the model overpredicted S uptake by a factor of 14. Better agreement between observed and predicted S uptake values could be achieved by decreasing the maximum influx rate (/ max ) obtained from solution culture experiments, which may not be valid for soil studies. The assumption made by the model that / max for roots growing in soils is the same for all root surfaces and does not change regardless of plant age may not be appropriate. If the current model and assumptions are otherwise valid, an / max appropriate for soils was fit directl...
Quality of Life Therapy and Assessment in Health Care

An integrative model of quality of life is proposed as a way to correct for terminological inconsistencies and to guide further quality of life research and health care applications. Research and theory supporting the need for routine quality of life assessment and intervention in general medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, behavioral medicine, and gerontology are discussed. Clinical guidelines for and research on quality of life assessment and intervention in health care are presented and reviewed. An integrated service delivery system in which quality of life assessments and interventions are considered coequal with those aimed at ameliorating physical and psychological symptoms is proposed along with a future program of research.
Investigational Vertebroplasty Efficacy and Safety Trial: detailed analysis of blinding efficacy

Results of the current study demonstrate that, even for invasive procedures such as spine augmentation, effective blinding can be achieved.
Isolation of a histone IIb1-IIb2 complex.

Abstract Calf thymus histones IIb1 and IIb2 interact to form a stable 1:1 complex with a molecular weight of 28,500 ± 800. The complex migrates as a single, sharp band in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels and appears to result from a specific interaction rather than crude aggregation.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the NMR Line Shapes of LiF and NaF Single Crystals

Experimental cw line shapes have been obtained for ${\mathrm{Li}}^{7}$, ${\mathrm{Na}}^{23}$, and ${\mathrm{F}}^{19}$ nuclei in NaF and LiF single crystals, and compared with several line-shape theories. A new line-shape theory is described which gives better results than previous ones for these two crystal systems.
A lattice implementation of the Isgur-Wise limit

Abstract We construct the Isgur-Wise limit of QCD in a form appropriate for lattice gauge theory. The formulation permits a calculation of heavy quark processes even when the momentum transfers are much larger than the inverse lattice spacing. Applications include semi-leptonic heavy quark decay and scattering processes, including the computation of the nonperturbative part of the Isgur-Wise universal function.
The Green-Kubo formula in gauge theories☆

Abstract Two special issues are discussed when the Green-Kubo formula is applied to gauge theories. one in connection with anomaly theory and another in connection with hot QCD.
An Apoptosis Targeted Stimulus with Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields (nsPEFs) in E4 squamous Cell Carcinoma

Stimuli directed towards activation of apoptosis mechanisms are an attractive approach to eliminate evasion of apoptosis, a ubiquitous cancer hallmark. In these in vitro studies, kinetics and electric field thresholds for several apoptosis characteristics are defined in E4 squamous carcinoma cells (SCC) exposed to ten 300 ns pulses with increasing electric fields. Cell death was >95% at the highest electric field and coincident with phosphatidylserine externalization, caspase and calpain activation in the presence and absence of cytochrome c release, decreases in Bid and mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm) without apparent changes reactive oxygen species levels or in Bcl2 and Bclxl levels. Bid cleavage was caspase-dependent (55–60%) and calcium-dependent (40–45%). Intracellular calcium as an intrinsic mechanism and extracellular calcium as an extrinsic mechanism were responsible for about 30 and 70% of calcium dependence for Bid cleavage, respectively. The results reveal electric field-mediated cell death induction and progression, activating pro-apoptotic-like mechanisms and affecting plasma membrane and intracellular functions, primarily through extrinsic-like pathways with smaller contributions from intrinsic-like pathways. Nanosecond second pulsed electric fields trigger heterogeneous cell death mechanisms in E4 SCC populations to delete them, with caspase-associated cell death as a predominant, but not an unaccompanied event.
2-Quinoxalinol salen ligands incorporated into functionalized resins for selective solid-phase extraction of copper(II)

Abstract In exploring selective extraction systems for use in environmental remediation or in metal scavenging agents for use in combinatorial chemistry, a novel reagent for the selective extraction of copper(II) has been developed. 2-Quinoxalinol salen ligands supported on an aminomethyl-polystyrene resin has been shown to efficiently and selectively extract copper(II) ions from organic solvents within 30 min under a variety of experimental conditions. Mild reducing conditions allow for metal ion recovery.
The induction of oxidative stress and cellular death by the drinking water disinfection by-products, dichloroacetate and trichloroacetate in J774.A1 cells.

Abstract The in vitro toxicity of the drinking water disinfection by products dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA) were studied using the J774A.1 macrophage cell line. DCA and TCA were added to cell cultures at concentrations ranging between 8–32 mM and incubated for 24, 36 and 60 h. DCA and TCA effects on cellular viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and superoxide anion (SA) production by the cells, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the cells were determined. DCA and TCA caused time- and concentration-dependent increases in cellular death, in LDH release and production of SA by the cells. The compounds also caused modulations in SOD activities of the cells, with increases observed at the lower concentrations and/or shorter periods of incubations and suppression with the higher concentrations and/or longer periods of incubation. The results of the study indicate that DCA and TCA induce macrophage activation and that the activation is associated with cellular toxicity. Also, DCA and TCA are found to be equitoxic to J774.A1 cells.
Substance P inhibits the acute stimulation of ganglionic tyrosine hydroxylase activity by a nicotinic agonist

Abstract Incubation of rat superior cervical ganglia with dimethylphenylpiperazinium (30μM) for 30 min resulted in a two-fold increase in tyrosine hydroxylase activity. This effect was completely inhibited by substance P (30 μM) but not by substance P-free acid, kassinin or physalaemin. Neither of these four peptides alone produced any change in the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase. The IC 50 for the inhibitory effect of substance P was approximately 3μM. Substance P did not inhibit the stimulatory effects of bethanechol or vasoactive intestinal peptide on this enzyme activity. Thus substance P, acting at a site which has a different pharmacology than previously characterized substance P receptors, selectively inhibits nicotinic stimulation of tyrosine hydroxylase activity. These data raise the possibility that substance P may modulate the nicotinic regulation of catecholamine synthesis in sympathetic ganglia in vivo .
Low dose scatter correction for digital chest tomosynthesis

Digital chest tomosynthesis (DCT) provides superior image quality and depth information for thoracic imaging at relatively low dose, though the presence of strong photon scatter degrades the image quality. In most chest radiography, anti-scatter grids are used. However, the grid also blocks a large fraction of the primary beam photons requiring a significantly higher imaging dose for patients. Previously, we have proposed an efficient low dose scatter correction technique using a primary beam sampling apparatus. We implemented the technique in stationary digital breast tomosynthesis, and found the method to be efficient in correcting patient-specific scatter with only 3% increase in dose. In this paper we reported the feasibility study of applying the same technique to chest tomosynthesis. This investigation was performed utilizing phantom and cadaver subjects. The method involves an initial tomosynthesis scan of the object. A lead plate with an array of holes, or primary sampling apparatus (PSA), was placed above the object. A second tomosynthesis scan was performed to measure the primary (scatter-free) transmission. This PSA data was used with the full-field projections to compute the scatter, which was then interpolated to full-field scatter maps unique to each projection angle. Full-field projection images were scatter corrected prior to reconstruction. Projections and reconstruction slices were evaluated and the correction method was found to be effective at improving image quality and practical for clinical implementation.
Magnetohydrodynamic power generation - a status report

The author gives the historic and theoretical background to the development of m.h.d. power generation and surveys promising recent applications such as topping devices and space-vehicle power systems.
Similarity of the Structure of DNA from a Variety of Sources

DNA's from diverse cells of different species and from diverse tissues give the same x-ray diffraction pattern. The presently observable structure of DNA appears, then, to be the same in all cells. Thus, DNA in the resting state-the stored genetic material, from sperm of Paracentrotus lividus, Arbacia lixula, and salmon and from T(2) and T(7) bacteriophage-gives a pattern indistinguishable from DNA from very rapidly dividing cells, e.g., human acute leukemic leukocytes, human leukemic myeloid cells, mouse sarcoma 180, and bacteria-E. coli and pneumococci-during their logarithmic growth. The same x-ray patterns are given by DNA's from more slowly dividing tissues, e.g. calf liver, calf thymus, and human normal and leukemic lymphatic tissue. DNA from chicken erythrocytes-a DNA presumably metabolically inert-gives a similar picture. DNA's from several sources with a wide range in nitrogen base ratios, prepared independently by different workers using various methods, have given final products in varying yield; these all gave the same x-ray pattern, suggesting that all DNA is in the double-helical configuration. Finally, separation of the DNA molecule into a number of fractions with a varying adenine + thymine:guanine + cytosine ratio, but a constant adenine:thymine and guanine:cytosine ratio, each giving the same x-ray pattern as the original whole molecule, suggests that DNA cannot exist in significant amounts in forms other than the double-helix. X-ray diffraction photographs of sperm heads, extracted nucleoprotamine, calf thymus nuclei and extracted nucleohistone, and of chicken erythrocyte nuclei, are not all as well defined as those given by extracted DNA, but it is clear from the general characteristics of the pattern that much of the DNA bound to protein in these nuclei has the usual helical configuration, and that the double-helical structure of DNA exists in the cell and is not an artifact.
Tandem mass spectrometry acquisition approaches to enhance identification of protein‐protein interactions using low‐energy collision‐induced dissociative chemical crosslinking reagents

Chemical crosslinking combined with mass spectrometry is a useful tool for studying the topological organization of multiprotein interactions, but it is technically challenging to identify peptides involved in a crosslink using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) due to the presence of product ions originating from both peptides within the same crosslink. We have previously developed a novel set of collision-induced dissociative chemical crosslinking reagents (CID-CXL reagents) that incorporate a labile bond within the linker which readily dissociates at a single site under low-energy collision-induced dissociation (CID) to enable independent isolation and sequencing of the crosslinked peptides by traditional MS/MS and database searching. Alternative low-energy CID events were developed within the in-source region by increasing the multipole DC offset voltage (ISCID) or within the ion trap by increasing the collisional excitation (ITCID). Both dissociation events, each having their unique advantages, occur without significant backbone fragmentation to the peptides, thus permitting subsequent CID to be applied to these distinct peptide ions for generation of suitable product ion spectra for database searching. Each approach was developed and applied to a chemical crosslinking study involving the N-terminal DNA-binding domain of AbrB (AbrBN), a transition-state regulator in Bacillus subtilis. A total of thirteen unique crosslinks were identified using the ITCID approach which represented a significant improvement over the eight unique crosslinks identified using the ISCID approach. The ability to segregate intrapeptide and interpeptide crosslinks using ITCID represents the first step towards high-throughput analysis of protein-protein crosslinks using our CID-CXL reagents.
Tethered Polymer-Supported Planar Lipid Bilayers for Reconstitution of Integral Membrane Proteins: Silane-Polyethyleneglycol-Lipid as a Cushion and Covalent Linker

There is increasing interest in supported membranes as models of biological membranes and as a physiological matrix for studying the structure and function of membrane proteins and receptors. A common problem of protein-lipid bilayers that are directly supported on a hydrophilic substrate is nonphysiological interactions of integral membrane proteins with the solid support to the extent that they will not diffuse in the plane of the membrane. To alleviate some of these problems we have developed a new tethered polymer-supported planar lipid bilayer system, which permitted us to reconstitute integral membrane proteins in a laterally mobile form. We have supported lipid bilayers on a newly designed polyethyleneglycol cushion, which provided a soft support and, for increased stability, covalent linkage of the membranes to the supporting quartz or glass substrates. The formation and morphology of the bilayers were followed by total internal reflection and epifluorescence microscopy, and the lateral diffusion of the lipids and proteins in the bilayer was monitored by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Uniform bilayers with high lateral lipid diffusion coefficients (0.8-1.2 x 10(-8) cm(2)/s) were observed when the polymer concentration was kept slightly below the mushroom-to-brush transition. Cytochrome b(5) and annexin V were used as first test proteins in this system. When reconstituted in supported bilayers that were directly supported on quartz, both proteins were largely immobile with mobile fractions < 25%. However, two populations of laterally mobile proteins were observed in the polymer-supported bilayers. Approximately 25% of cytochrome b(5) diffused with a diffusion coefficient of approximately 1 x 10(-8) cm(2)/s, and 50-60% diffused with a diffusion coefficient of approximately 2 x 10(-10) cm(2)/s. Similarly, one-third of annexin V diffused with a diffusion coefficient of approximately 3 x 10(-9) cm(2)/s, and two-thirds diffused with a diffusion coefficient of approximately 4 x 10(-10) cm(2)/s. A model for the interaction of these proteins with the underlying polymer is discussed.
Militarization of the Market and Rent‐Seeking Coalitions in Turkey

This article analyses the role of historically-determined institutional and political characteristics in determining both the nature of the adjustment process, and its economic and political outcomes, in Turkey. In particular, the author explores the degree to which the formation of rent-seeking coalitions has contributed to the failure of neo-liberal economic reforms in the country. The analysis suggests that the Turkish experience since the early 1980s offers a unique case for studying the relationships between the state bureaucracy, the military, the business sector, civil society, and international economic actors. Unlike previous research in this area, this article focuses especially on the role of the military as an interest group in the process of economic liberalization in Turkey.
On the evolution of calculation abilities.

Some numerical knowledge, such as the immediate recognition of small quantities, is observed in animals. The development of arithmetical abilities found in mans evolution as well as in childs development represents a long process following different stages. Arithmetical abilities are relatively recent in human history and are clearly related with counting, i.e., saying aloud a series of number words that correspond to a collection of objects. Counting probably began with finger sequencing, and that may explain the 10-base found in most numerical systems. From a neuropsychological perspective, there is a strong relationship between numerical knowledge and finger recognition, and both are impaired in cases of left posterior parietal damage (angular or Gerstmanns syndrome). Writing numbers appeared earlier in human history than written language. Positional digit value is clearly disclosed in Babylonians, and around 1,000 BC the zero was introduced. Contemporary neuroimaging techniques, specifically fMRI, have demonstrated that the left parietal lobe, particularly the intraparietal sulcus, is systematically activated during a diverse of number tasks; other areas, particularly the frontal lobe, are also involved in processing numerical information and solving arithmetical problems. It can be conjectured that numerical abilities continue evolving due to advances in mathematical knowledge and the introduction of new technologies.
Dietary Levels of Chlortetracycline and Measures of Shell Quality

Abstract Addition of chlortetracycline to laying rations at levels of 200 and 500 grams per ton resulted in no significant changes in egg weight, shell thickness, pore count or pore diameter. The study was based on 630 eggs laid over 6 periods by 60 hens divided into 12 groups of 5 birds each. The groups were fed according to a statistical design of repeated latin squares balanced for estimation of residual effects.
Land Application of Biosolids in the USA: A Review

Land application of biosolids has proven a cost-effective method of waste disposal by beneficially recycling organic matter and nutrients and improving soil quality; however, it may also pose potential threat to the environment and human health. The purpose of this paper is to provide information on recent research progresses and regulation efforts regarding land application of biosolids, including forms and types and nutrient values of biosolids, environmental and health concerns, and related best management practices (BMPs) of biosolids application, with emphasis on its land application in agriculture. More research and regulations are expected to minimize potential risks of biosolids land application, especially its long-term impacts.
ATPo but not cAMPi activates a chloride conductance in mouse ventricular myocytes

Objective: The aim was to test for the presence of cAMPi activated and ATPo activated chloride conductances (ICl(cAMP) and ICl(ATP)) in mouse ventricular myocytes. Methods: Membrane currents were measured in enzymatically dissociated ventricular myocytes using the whole cell configuration of the patch clamp technique. Results: After inhibiting the activation of sodium, calcium, and potassium currents, increasing [cAMP]i with isoprenaline (1 μM), forskolin (10 μM), or isobutylmethylxanthine (500 μM) had no effect on residual membrane current but extracellular ATP (100 μM) elicited a time independent background conductance. The ATP-activated conductance was observed during voltage steps ranging from +40 to −110 mV from a holding potential of −30 mV within 1 min after adding ATP to the bath. The reversal potential for the ATP activated conductance varied with changes in the chloride gradient and was within several mV of the predicted Nernst potential for chloride. Partially substituting external chloride with aspartate attenuated the ATP activated currents and shifted the reversal potential to values close to those predicted for ECl, suggesting the chloride selective nature of the conductance. The poorly hydrolysable ATP analogue ATPγS (100 μM) also elicited the chloride conductance, suggesting purinoceptor linked activation rather than a mechanism dependent on hydrolysis of ATP by ectoATPases. The conductance may be activated following P2 and not P1 purinoceptor stimulation, since the P1 purinoceptor agonists adenosine (500 μM) and adenosine monophosphate (500 μM) had no effect in seven and four cells, respectively. Activation of ICl(ATP) is not likely to be dependent on increased [Ca2+]i since ATP activated the current in cells dialysed with 10 mM EGTA or 20 mM BAPTA. Conclusions: (1) cAMPi does not activate a chloride conductance in mouse ventricular myocytes; (2) ATPo does activate a chloride conductance, through stimulation of a P2 purinoceptor; and (3) Ca2+i and cAMPi are not involved in activation of ICl(ATP). Also, macroscopic ICl(ATP) from mouse ventricle and ICl(cAMP) from other species appear to be indistinguishable in terms of time independence and rectification properties that depend on the concentration and permeability of intracellular anions. ICl(ATP) could be of physiological and pathophysiological significance considering the ability of chloride channels to modulate cardiac electrical activity and the fact that ATP may be an important neuromediator in the heart.
A probabilistic functional crossover operator for genetic programming

The original mechanism by which evolutionary algorithms were to solve problems was to allow for the gradual discovery of sub-solutions to sub-problems, and the automated combination of these sub-solutions into larger solutions. This latter property is particularly challenging when recombination is performed on genomes encoded as trees, as crossover events tend to greatly alter the original genomes and therefore greatly reduce the chance of the crossover event being beneficial. A number of crossover operators designed for tree-based genetic encodings have been proposed, but most consider crossing genetic components based on their structural similarity. In this work we introduce a tree-based crossover operator that probabilistically crosses branches based on the behavioral similarity between the branches. It is shown that this method outperforms genetic programming without crossover, random crossover, and a deterministic form of the crossover operator in the symbolic regression domain.
A Cumulative Damage Model for Fatigue Life of Composite Laminates

The objective of the research is to make an attempt at relating the fatigue failure of a composite laminate to the fundamental damage and fatigue behavior of its laminae. Damage accumulation and pr...
Peanut agglutinin and chondroitin-6-sulfate are molecular markers for tissues that act as barriers to axon advance in the avian embryo

Axon outgrowth between the spinal cord and the hindlimb of the chick embryo is constrained by three tissues that border axon pathways. Growth cones turn to avoid the posterior sclerotome, perinotochordal mesenchyme, and pelvic girdle precursor during normal development and after experimental manipulation. We wanted to know if these functionally similar barriers to axon advance also share a common molecular composition. Since the posterior sclerotome differentially binds peanut agglutinin (PNA) and since PNA binding is also typical of prechondrogenic differentiation, we examined the pattern of expression of PNA binding sites and cartilage proteoglycan epitopes in relation to axon outgrowth. We found that all three barrier tissues preferentially express both PNA binding sites and chondroitin-6-sulfate (C-6-S) immunoreactivity at the time when growth cones avoid these tissues. Moreover, both epitopes are expressed in the roof plate of the spinal cord and in the early limb bud, two additional putative barriers to axon advance. In contrast, neither epitope is detected in peripheral axon pathways. In the somites, this dichotomous pattern of expression clearly preceded the invasion of the anterior sclerotome by either motor growth cones or neural crest cells. However, in the limb, barrier markers disappeared from presumptive axon pathways in concert with the invasion of axons. Since this coordinate pattern suggested that the absence of barrier markers in these axon pathways requires an interaction with growth cones, we analyzed the pattern of barrier marker expression following unilateral neural tube deletions. We found that PNA-negative axon pathways developed normally even in the virtual absence of axon outgrowth. We conclude that the absence of staining with carbohydrate-specific barrier markers is an independent characteristic of the cells that comprise axon pathways. These results identify two molecular markers that characterize known functional barriers to axon advance and suggest that barrier tissues may impose patterns on peripheral nerve outgrowth by virtue of their distinct molecular composition.
Linear and Nonlinear Support Vector Machine for the Classification of Human 5-HT1A Ligand Functionality.

Upon binding to a receptor, agonists and antagonists can induce distinct biological functions and thus lead to significantly different pharmacological responses. Thus, in silico prediction or in vitro characterization of ligand agonistic or antagonistic functionalities is an important step toward identifying specific pharmacological therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the molecular properties of agonists and antagonists of human 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtype 1A (5-HT 1A ). Subsequently, intrinsic functions of these ligands (agonists/antagonists) were modeled by support vector machine (SVM), using five 2D molecular fingerprints and the 3D Topomer distance. Five kernel functions, including linear, polynomial, RBF, Tanimoto and a novel Topomer kernel based on Topomer 3D similarity were used to develop linear and nonlinear classifiers. These classifiers were validated through cross-validation, yielding a classification accuracy ranging from 80.4% to 92.3%. The performance of different kernels and fingerprints was analyzed and discussed. Linear and nonlinear models were further interpreted through the illustration of underlying classification mechanism. The computation protocol has been automated and demonstrated through our online service. This study expands the scope and applicability of similarity-based methods in cheminformatics, which are typically used for the identification of active molecules against a target protein. Our findings provide a good starting point for further systematic classifications of other GPCR ligands and for the data mining of large chemical libraries. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Comparison of treatment plans for irradiating adenocarcinoma of the prostate

Abstract In a clinic with multiple megavoltage beams (Co-60, 6 MV, 10 MV, 18 MV) available, the optimal dose distributions depends on the radiation technique, patient size, and beam energy. To determine optimal dose distributions for external beam irradiation for patients with localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate, we investigated the dependence of beam energy, treatment technique, and patient size. Various radiation isodose plans were prepared at the central plane of the treatment field using computerized tomography scans of the pelvis for small, medium, and large patients. The dose uniformity in the target volume, the dose received by sensitive tissues such as bladder, rectum, and femoral heads, and the irradiated volume of these normal tissues were used as the criteria for comparing the plans. In all cases, the target volume was within the 95% isodose line with good dose uniformity (±5%, of the prescribed dose). The volume of the rectum and bladder enclosed within the 90% isodose curve depended on the choice of the beam energy and the treatment technique for different patient sizes. For the small size patient the optimal dose distribution was achieved by using 10 MV box and arc or oblique boost. For the medium size patient, using 18 MV X-rays with box technique and oblique boost gave the optimal treatment plan. For the large size patient, using 18 MV or 10 MV X-rays box technique with arc boost were both acceptable.
Valley degeneracy and intersubband spectroscopy in silicon inversion layers

Abstract Far infrared Fourier transform spectroscopv has been performed on electron inversion layers on (111) Si samples with valley degeneracies of 2 and 6. The 2-fold degenerate samples have an extra transition on the low frequency side of the 0 → 1 transition. The intersubband transition energies are 8–10 meV lower on the 6-fold degenerate samples than on the 2-fold degenerate samples. These results are compared with available theoretical models.
O ( n 2.5 ) time algorithms for the subgraph homeomorphism problem on trees

Abstract The complexity of the subgraph homeomorphism problems have been open. We show O(n2.5) time algorithms when the problems are restricted to trees, directed or undirected. The algorithm can be applied to the subtree isomorphism problem for unrooted trees with the same complexity, and improves over Reyner's O(n3.5) algorithm for the subtree isomorphism problem.
Growth inhibition of the androgen responsive DDT(1)MF-2 cell line by glucocorticoids: the role of ornithine decarboxylase.

While testosterone (T) stimulates the growth of DDT1MF-2 cells, glucocorticoids arrest the growth of these cells in the G0/G1 stage of the cycle. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the first and rate-limiting enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, is highly sensitive both to growth and inhibitory stimuli. To assess the mechanism of glucocorticoid inhibition of cell growth, the effect of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) on growth and ODC was studied. DDT1-MF-2 cell growth was inhibited by TA and difluoromethyl ornithine (DFMO), an irreversible inhibitor of ODC. TA (10nm) inhibited the ODC activity to 10% of the control levels by 12 h and inhibition was maintained at all later intervals studied. Ten μm DFMO inhibited ODC activity to a maximum of 50% of control. The concentration of ODC mRNA was maximally decreased at 15 h after TA administration.
Fully automated optical lens design for automotive lighting

Aerodynamic headlamp lenses have presented several challenges and opportunities to the Automotive lighting community in terms of Computer Aided Optical Design, Raytrace simulation, Visualization of end parts and communication of optics information to tool shops. This paper will examine existing practices of headlamp lens design and describe a new optics automation tool (FALCON) which effectively integrates design, simulation, visualization and optics manufacturing using IGES.1 It will conclude with the benefits of automating optical lens design.
Expanding coincident signaling by PTEN through its inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate 3-phosphatase activity.

Abstract PTEN, a tumor suppressor among the most commonly mutated proteins in human cancer, is recognized to be both a protein phosphatase and a phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 ) 3-phosphatase. Previous work [Maehama and Dixon, J. Biol. Chem. 273 (1998) 13375–13378] has led to a consensus that inositol phosphates are not physiologically relevant substrates for PTEN. In contrast, we demonstrate that PTEN is an active inositol 1,3,4,5,6-pentakisphosphate (Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P 5 ) 3-phosphatase when expressed and purified from bacteria or HEK cells. Kinetic data indicate Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P 5 ( K m =7.1 μM) and PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3 ( K m =26 μM) compete for PTEN in vivo. Transient transfection of HEK cells with PTEN decreased Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P 5 levels. We discuss the physiological significance of these studies in relation to recent work showing that dephosphorylation of Ins(1,3,4,5,6)P 5 to inositol 1,4,5,6-tetrakisphosphate is a cell signaling event.
An Accelerated Method for Effective Process Control of Plastic Encapsulated Nichrome PROMS

A Biased Pressure Temperature Humidity (BPTH) test has been developed as a process control for plastic encapsulated nichrome link PROMs and a control limit established assuring reliability better than 0.001%/1,000 hours. Correlation has been made between BPTH and 85°C/85% Relative Humidity Bias testing giving an acceleration factor of 20. Chemical vapor deposited phosphovapox and plasma deposited silicon nitride were evaluated as glassivation techniques. Silicon nitride has demonstrated improved life times greater than three times that of phosphovapox glassivation and five times that of non-glassivated devices.
Optimal Germinal Center B Cell Activation and T-Dependent Antibody Responses Require Expression of the Mouse Complement Receptor Cr1

Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) and complement receptor (Cr)1 and complement receptor (Cr)2 are important for the generation of humoral immunity. Cr1/2 expression on B cells and FDCs was shown to provide a secondary signal for B cell activation, to facilitate transport of Ag in immune follicles, and to enhance retention of immune complexes by FDCs. We show in this study that murine B cells predominantly express the Cr2 product from the Cr2 gene, whereas FDCs almost exclusively express the Cr1 isoform generated from the Cr2 gene. To define the specific role of Cr1, we created an animal that maintains normal cell-restricted expression of Cr2 but does not express Cr1. Cr1-deficient (Cr1KO) mice develop normal B1 and B2 immature and mature B cell subsets and have normal levels of naive serum Abs but altered levels of natural Abs. Immunization of the Cr1KO animal demonstrates deficient Ab responses to T-dependent, but not T-independent, Ags. Germinal centers from the immunized Cr1KO animal possess a deficiency in activated B cells, similar to that seen for animals lacking both Cr1 and Cr2 or C3. Finally, animals lacking only Cr1 respond similarly to wild-type animals to infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae, a pathogen to which animals lacking C3 or both Cr1 and Cr2 are particularly sensitive. Altogether, these data suggest that the production of Cr1, primarily by FDCs, is critical in the generation of appropriately activated B cells of the germinal center and the generation of mature Ab responses.
Multi-view visual servoing using epipoles

We explore the benefits of multiple views for visual servoing (VS) by commanding a single camera to first "peer" at a scene from two vantage points, thus acquiring a set "reference" images, prior to executing a visual position task. Our approach completely decouples the translational and rotational components of our controller: epipoles from the reference views drive the translational error to zero, while the rotational degrees of freedom maintain all of the features in the field of view (FOV). We furnish a simple Lyapunov stability proof that demonstrates a large domain of attraction while maintaining all features in the FOV. Finally, we present simulated experiments that suggest robustness to measurement noise and large variations in the baseline between the reference views.
The Hamiltonicity of swapped (OTIS) networks built of Hamiltonian component networks

A two-level swapped (also known as optical transpose interconnect system, or OTIS) network with n2 nodes is built of n copies of an n-node basis network constituting its clusters. A simple rule for intercluster connectivity (node j in cluster i connected to node i in cluster j for all i ≠ j) leads to regularity, modularity, packageability, fault tolerance, and algorithmic efficiency of the resulting networks. We prove that a swapped network is Hamiltonian if its basis network is Hamiltonian. This general closure property for Hamiltonicity under swap or OTIS composition replaces a number of proofs in the literature for specific basis networks and obviates the need for proving Hamiltonicity for many other basis networks of potential practical interest.