cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
N‐Methyl‐d‐Aspartic Acid Stimulation of Vasopressin Release: Role in Osmotic Regulation and Modulation by Gonadal Steriods

Previous experiments demonstrated that excitatory amino acids participate in the osmotic regulation of vasopressin secretion, but the specific involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors was not evaluated. This was demonstrated in the present studies. NMDA stimulated vasopressin release from perifused explants of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system (HNS), and osmotic stimulation of vasopressin release was inhibited by MK-801 (10 microM) and AP5 (100 microM) NMDA receptor antagonists. The effective concentration of NMDA was dependent upon the Mg2+ concentration of the perifusate with stimulation observed at 1 microM NMDA in Mg2+-replete compared with 5 microM in low-Mg2+ medium. Previous experiments also demonstrated that estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibited osmotically stimulated vasopressin secretion, and a nongenomic mechanism of action was suggested by the ability of steroids conjugated to bovine serum albumin to replicate the effect. Experiments were performed to explore the potential role of NMDA receptors in this mechanism. Estradiol (50 pg/ml) and DHT (3 ng/ml) inhibited NMDA stimulated vasopressin release in perifused HNS explants. These results suggest a role of NMDA receptors in the mediation of vasopressin secretion in osmotically stimulated release. Furthermore, estradiol and DHT may exert their inhibitory effect on osmotically stimulated vasopressin release via the NMDA receptor.
Using XML to map relationships in hacker forums

XML and the technologies that make use of it (XPath, XSL, etc.) have massive potential for information collection, storage, and visualization. One application in which their functionality stands out is the collection and visualization of social relationships in hacker forums. This information can be used by law enforcement to discover potential informants for a known suspect or by academia to study the complex relationships that exist in the malicious hacker subculture. This paper examines the motivations for, workings of, and uses of the program "XScrape" for the purpose of mapping social networks in hacker forums, but the information it contains can be easily applied to other domains.
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Agonists Potentiate Cyclic AMP Formation Induced by Forskolin or β‐Adrenergic Receptor Activation in Cerebral Cortical Astrocytes in Culture

The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist 1-aminocyclopentane-1S,3R-dicarboxylic acid (ACPD) potentiated the accumulation of cyclic AMP induced by either beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation (isoproterenol) or direct activation of adenylyl cyclase (AC) with forskolin in rat cerebral cortical astrocytes grown in a defined medium. In contrast, ACPD inhibits the cyclic AMP response in astrocytes cultured in a serum-containing medium. Pharmacological characterization indicated that a group I mGluR, of which only mGluR5 is detectable in these cells, is involved in the potentiation of cyclic AMP accumulation. Potentiation was elicited by mGluR I agonists [e.g., (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG)], but not by mGluR II or III agonists; it was pertussis toxin resistant and abolished by procedures suppressing mGluR5 function (phorbol ester pretreatment or DHPG-induced receptor down-regulation). Nevertheless, it appears that products generated through the mGluR5 transduction pathway, such as elevated [Ca2+]i or activated protein kinase C (PKC), are not involved in the potentiation as it was not influenced by either the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM or the PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220. An inhibitor of phospholipase C, U-73122, markedly attenuated mGluR5-activated phosphoinositide hydrolysis but did not significantly affect the DHPG potentiation of the cyclic AMP response. A mechanism is proposed in which the potentiating effect on AC could be mediated by free betagamma complex that is liberated after the agonist-bound mGluR5 interacts with its coupled G protein.
Splenic-gonadal fusion: Identification by radionuclide scanning

Splenic-gonadal fusion is an unusual congenital anomaly resulting from the fusion of the splenic and gonadal anlagen at approximately the sixth week of gestation. A 14-mo-old male presenting with signs and symptoms of testicular torsion underwent scrotal exploration, and ectopic splenic tissue was found adjacent to the left testis. The operative diagnosis of splenic-gonadal fusion prompted abdominal scanning with 99mTc-sulfur colloid. The radionuclide image demonstrated an unusual pattern of activity that was consistent with surgical description of the intraabdominal appearance of this disorder. It is suggested that 99mTc-sulfur colloid scanning may prove to be a useful adjunct in the evaluation of patients with this anomaly.
Association of viral and plasmid DNA with the nuclear matrix during productive infection

The association of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA or plasmid DNA in subcellular fractions from either infected or transfected cells was examined. In lytically infected cells, approx. 25% of viral specific DNA during the infection cycle was retained in nuclei after washing with low ionic strength buffer and 1% Triton X-100. Viral replicating DNA found in the nuclear matrix was capable of performing limited DNA synthesis by the endogenous DNA polymerase in vitro. Viral DNA synthesized in vitro hybridized preferentially to SV40 Hind-III B and C fragments which are in proximity to the origin of replication. In plasmid-transfected COS-7 cells (SV40-transformed cells), the amount of plasmid DNA found in the nuclear matrix was related to its replication efficiency in cells. More than 80% of the plasmid DNA was tightly associated with subnuclear structures. Little or no plasmid DNA was found in the cytoplasmic fraction. The results suggest that, in extrachromosomal model systems, the association of DNA with nuclear matrix is important for the regulation of DNA replication.
Phenotypic and ultrastructural properties of antigen presenting cells involved in contact sensitization of normal and UV Irradiated mice

We investigated the surface phenotype and localization of hapten in antigen-presenting cells involved in the induction of contact hypersensitivity or tolerance. Dendritic cells collected 18 h earlier from the draining lymph nodes of mice sensitized with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), which induce contact hypersensitivity upon injection into the foot-pads of naive mice, stimulated proliferation of lymphocytes from FITC-specific T-cell lines. By immunoelectron microscopy, these cells expressed high amounts of surface Ia molecules but had a negligible amount of FITC on the cell membrane. The majority of the FITC was localized in discrete structures in the cytoplasm, including mitochondria, endocytic vesicles, lysosomes, and cored tubules. In contrast, lymph node cells conjugated with FITC in vitro did not stimulate proliferation of FITC-specific T cells and showed a heavy, uniform distribution of FITC throughout the cytoplasm. Draining lymph node cells from mice exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and then sensitized by applying FITC to the UV-irradiated skin, which induce tolerance upon injection into naive mice, induced significantly less proliferation of FITC-specific T cells than draining lymph node cells from unirradiated mice. The differences in activity of these cells, relative to draining lymph node cells from unirradiated, FITC-sensitized mice could not be attributed to a decreased number of Ia+ dendritic cells in the DLN, decreased surface expression of Ia molecules on these cells, or an alteration in the intracellular localization of hapten. However, a significantly higher percentage of the FITC+ dendritic cells from UV-irradiated mice expressed mac-1, -2, and -3 and F4/80 macrophage markers than did those from unirradiated animals, and fewer cells contained Birbeck granules, suggesting that a different population of Ia+ antigen-presenting cells may reach the draining lymph nodes of UV-irradiated mice.
Characterization of lignin derived from water-only flowthrough pretreatment of Miscanthus.

Abstract The structural characterization of lignin improves the understanding of the complex lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment which is vital for the economic success of biofuels production. In this study, water-only flowthrough pretreatment is employed to Miscanthus at 160 °C for various reaction times to derive the mode of depolymerization process of Miscanthus lignin. Thus, after aqueous phase depolymerization, lignin-derived entities in the pretreated biomass and hydrolyzates were chemically characterized with the aid of various advanced analytical techniques, such as 1D and 2D NMR, FTIR, Py-GC/MS and GC/MS. Both FTIR and Py-GC/MS analysis of pretreated solid residues revealed progressive reduction in H, G and S lignin during flowthrough pretreatment. There was over 60% reduction of S/G ratio, indicative of lignin monomeric compositional change through water-only flowthrough reaction. In agreement with compositional analysis, the FTIR and NMR (1D and 2D) analysis of pretreated hydrolyzate strongly suggested for selective removal and degradation of S-lignin over H and G-lignin. In addition, low content of monomeric and dimeric lignin derivatives were detected by GC–MS analysis of the liquid hydrolyzate, indicating the possibility for existence of soluble oligomeric lignin-derived entities in the hydrolyzates. Our results suggested that under water-only flowthrough pretreatment conditions with Miscanthus samples, lignin depolymerization reactions were associated with selective hydrolysis of 8–O–4′ sub-structures along with cleavage of cinnamic and/or coumarylate ester linkages followed by oxidative cleavage at Cα–Cβ position, in conjunction with the preferential removal of S-lignin during the delignification process.
Motor-cargo release: CaMKII as a traffic cop.

The spatial and temporal regulation of motor-based transport is essential to ensure precise cargo delivery in all cell types. New light has been shed on mechanisms controlling cargo–motor interactions, with the finding that NMDA-cargo is released from KIF17 kinesin following motor phosphorylation by CaMKII near the synapse.
Patient dose reduction during voiding cystourethrography

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is a commonly performed examination in a pediatric uroradiology practice. This article contains suggestions on how the radiation dose to a child from VCUG can be made "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA). The pediatric radiologist should consider the appropriateness of the clinical indication before performing VCUG and utilize radiation exposure techniques and parameters during VCUG to reduce radiation exposure to a child. The medical physicist and fluoroscope manufacturer can also work together to optimize a pulsed-fluoroscopy unit and further reduce the radiation exposure. Laboratory and clinical research is necessary to investigate methods that reduce radiation exposures during VCUG, and current research is presented here.
Quantification of multiple mRNA levels in rat brain regions using real time optical PCR

Abstract TaqMan® is significantly more sensitive than other methods of mRNA quantification and makes possible the simultaneous analysis of numerous genes in small brain regions. This technique was used to quantify levels of mRNAs of 21 genes in tissue extracts from caudate putamen and nucleus accumbens from individual rats after 1 day ‘binge’ cocaine or saline administration. Expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase, cyclophilin and actin mRNAs as well as 18S ribosomal RNA were evaluated for normalization of levels of gene expression.
Developmental and tissue-specific expression of a tomato anionic peroxidase (tap1) gene by a minimal promoter, with wound and pathogen induction by an additional 5′-flanking region

The tomato anionic peroxidase genes (tap1 and tap2) are induced by wounding and pathogen attack. The 5′-flanking region of tap1 confers wound- and pathogen-inducible β-glucuronidase (GUS) expression in tobacco plants transformed with a tap1/GUS chimeric fusion gene construct. A series of nested 5′ promoter deletions in the tap1/GUS fusion gene construct was created, and introduced into tobacco protoplasts via polyethylene glycol-mediated DNA transfer. A −202 construct (where the transcriptional start site is denoted +1) and larger tap1 promoter constructs showed constitutive GUS expression. A 2-fold increase in GUS expression over the high constitutive levels was observed with −358 bp and larger tap1 constructs when protoplasts were incubated with elicitor preparations from Verticillium albo-atrum. In tobacco plants transformed with the tap1 promoter deletion/GUS fusion gene constructs, wounding caused induction of GUS expression by 20 h that increased 6- to 18-fold by 72 h. The region between −202 and −358 of the tap1 promoter conferred wound responsiveness. GUS was also found to be expressed in the epidermis and trichomes in the aerial parts of transgenic plants. High-level GUS expression was observed in the nodal region of stems that was associated with the leaf traces. GUS that was absent in very young flower buds was found in the subsequent developmental stages in the pistils, ovaries and anthers. The developmentally regulated tissue-specific expression of GUS was found with all constructs containing the −202 and larger promoters whereas wound and pathogen induction required −358 or larger promoter. These results suggest that the tap1 gene, which was heretofore thought to be expressed only upon wounding or pathogen attack, plays a role in normal developmental processes of the plant and this gene acquired additional 5′-flanking promoter for the purpose of responding to wounding and fungal attack.
EVALUATION OF UV DOSE IN FLOW-THROUGH REACTORS FOR FRESH APPLE JUICE AND CIDER

ABSTRACT High absorptivity and turbidity interfere with the UV disinfection of apple cider. Three different configurations of flow-through UV reactors were evaluated to overcome this interference. Two approaches were employed: use of an extremely thin film UV reactor and increasing the turbulence within a UV reactor. Multiple-lamp UV reactors including the thin-film laminar flow “CiderSure” (8 lamps) and turbulent flow “Aquionics” (12 lamps) and annular single-lamp “UltraDynamics” reactor were studied. UV disinfection performance in laminar and turbulent flow reactors was compared by evaluation of UV dose delivery. UV fluence rate (irradiance) distribution was calculated using the multiple point source summation method. E. coli K12 was used as a target bacterium in a bioassay, and the log reduction per one pass was determined for each UV reactor. Finally, the UV decimal reduction dose (D10) was calculated by dividing the average UV fluence by log bacterial reduction per pass. Variations of the UV decimal ...
Water and arteriosclerosis

Abstract Consumption of hard water is presumed to protect against the development of arteriosclerotic diseases. Substantial epidemiologic correlations support the “hard water effect” as sufficiently valid to warrant alteration of public water supplies as a public health measure. A recently proposed theory that arteriosclerosis is an indolent, chronic, infectious disease caused by cyanobacteria suggests that an alternate explanation may be possible. The relationship between hard water and arteriosclerosis is reviewed, contradictions and exceptions noted, and an alternate theory of microbial infection is offered.
Survivin: An inhibitor of apoptosis in pediatric cancer

Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) expressed in a large number of adult malignancies. Its expression levels correlate with more aggressive disease and poor clinical outcome in many of these tumors. As its expression is restricted in normal adult differentiated tissues, it has become of great interest as both a tumor prognostic marker and as a potential biologic target for future anti-cancer therapies. Survivin expression and Survivin-based therapies have been examined in many of the more common pediatric malignancies. We present an overview of Survivin function and current research exploring its biologic and therapeutic roles in pediatric tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Seasonal occurrence, abundance, and leaf damage of the apple blotch leafminer, Phyllonorycter crataegella, in Connecticut apple orchards.

Populations of the apple blotch leafminer, Phyllonorycter crataegella (Clemens), were sampled in two commercial apple orchards in Connecticut during 1978 and 1979. Each population developed three generations per year. Pupae of the third generation overwintered in fallen apple leaves, and adults emerged in late April and early May. In 1978, moth abundance increased sharply from the second to third flight period even though endosulfan, methomyl, or both were applied in the spring. In 1979, abundance of immatures and adults also increased markedly at the end of the growing season. Rise in population size was accompanied by an increase in the amount of larval food and a decrease in percent parasitism. Tissue feeders destroyed 38.9 and 52.3% of the photosynthetic area of attached and fallen leaves, respectively, collected in a severely infested orchard in October 1979. Impact of parasitism and other factors on populations is discussed.
Analysis: PENDRA: The Once and Future Noninvasive Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device?

IN THE ONGOING QUEST for the Holy Grail of an accurate, effective, and convenient continuous, non-invasive glucose sensor, PENDRA®, whose name derives from Arthurian legend (Pendragon Medical, Ltd., Zurich, Switzerland), has recently emerged, having obtained regulatory approval in Europe for use as an adjunct to routine self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in people with diabetes. Unlike all of the other continuous (or near-continuous) minimally invasive glucose monitoring devices that are currently available or close to regulatory approval in this country, PENDRA utilizes an entirely distinct technology. The CGMS® (Medtronic, Northridge, CA), GlucoWatch® Biographer (Cygnus, Redwood City, CA), and NavigatorTM (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) all employ an amperometric platform, in which interstitial fluid is directly sampled and the ambient glucose concentration is derived from the production of a small current generated by the oxidation of glucose. PENDRA operates by impedance, or dielectric, spectroscopy, making it the first truly noninvasive device, in that the tissue fluid compartment of interest (in this case the microcirculation) is not violated or extracted. When applied to the skin, contacts on the back of the PENDRA generate a small electromagnetic field across the skin surface along a frequency range of 1–200 MHz; the impedance of the sensor at a given resonance frequency depends on the impedance changes within the skin and underlying tissues. Glucose itself does not affect the dielectric spectrum in this frequency range, but changes in sodium and potassium gradients at various glucose concentrations lead to small conductivity changes in the tissue membranes that can be assessed by the device as changes in impedance. A frequency sweep and temperature measurement are performed every minute. The sensitivity of the signal is on the order of 20–60 mg/dL of glucose/ .1 Continuous glucose readings are generated every minute, in real-time, and the device also incorporates an upward and downward trend indicator, adjustable alarms for hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and a USBtype data download capability. Early clinical evaluations are promising, demonstrating accuracy in a clinically relevant range. Ten of 15 adults without diabetes who wore the PENDRA device while their blood glucose levels were ramped from 100 to 300 mg/dL with a Biostator had sensor–reference glucose correlations in which 95% fell within Clarke Error Grid (CEG)2 Zones A+B (52% A, 43% B).3 When clamped at constant blood glucose, the devices did not show appreciable sensor drift.4 The sensors demonstrated a correlation of r 0.958 and a CEG distribution of 81% A and 18% B (n 458 paired points for analysis) in a study of 15 volunteers without diabetes whose glucose levels were clamped at normal and high glucose levels.5 In the only home-use study of the PENDRA, sensor readings of 10
OPTOMETRY'S ROLE IN HIGHWAY SAFETY

This paper contains a resume of US. optometrists' activity in promoting highway safety which includes research into many aspects of vision and visibility as well as pressure on vehicle designers. It emphasises that Australian Optometrists must also take a stand on vehicle and highway design. They should, in particular, seek to have the "give way to the right rule" removed. Language: en
Financial performance and survival of multinational corporations in China

This study investigates the impact of entry timing, mode of entry, market focus, and location advantages on the financial performance and survival of multinational corporations (MNCs) in China. Three major results were found. First, MNCs that entered China in an earlier year had a higher level of profit than those that entered in a later year. Second, equity joint ventures (EJVs) had a higher profit level than cooperative operations or wholly foreign-owned subsidiaries. Third, MNCs that utilized well the location advantages in China had a higher profit. We also found that EJVs were more likely to survive compared to cooperative operations, while wholly owned subsidiaries did not differ from EJVs. The findings are based on a 2-year study of about 1000 MNC operations in China. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computerized analysis of thermal recovery well test data

The radius of the swept zone is an important parameter in secondary recovery by thermal methods. There have been several methods proposed to determine this parameter from well tests performed on the injection well. Perhaps the most powerful method presently is the pseudo-steady state analysis method where a straight line is found on a plot of well data on cartesian axes. This method is only valid for the case where there is a high mobility ratio between the swept and unswept zones. Though it has been extended to the case of a low mobility ratio, analysis then becomes complex. Automated type-curve match offers a new way to analyze well test data. Laplace space determination of parameter gradients allows type-curve match to the most complex of mathematical models. This study shows that automated type-curve match to the two-zone reservoir model can be used to analyze well tests on thermal recovery injection wells. A comparison with the best of present methods, i.e. the pseudo-steady state method, shows that automated type-curve match proves to be better in the determination of swept zone radius when mobility ratio is not high or when multiple flow rates have occurred. In addition automated type-curve match can, inmore » some cases, estimate unswept zone parameters like mobility and porosity-compressibility product. The application of automated type-curve match to two field examples is demonstrated.« less
Exploiting AML algorithm for multiple acoustic source 2D and 3D DOA estimations

The approximate maximum likelihood (AML) algorithm shows promises for joint estimations of acoustic source spectrum and direction-of-arrival (DOA). For the multisource case, the AML algorithm remains feasible as one considers an alternating projection procedure based on sequential iterative search on single source parameters. In order to perform multisource beamforming operations, earlier, we used a two-dimensional (2D) sensor array with 2D AML to obtain the DOA estimations for sources in the far field of the array. Now, the 3D AML algorithm enables a 3D sensor array to collect acoustic data for estimation of DOA represented in azimuth and elevation angles. In this paper, we consider two acoustic sources being simultaneously active and derive Cramer-Rao bound (CRB) on DOA estimation given by a 3D array. Also, we compare the two-source DOA estimation results of 2D AML and 3D AML, respectively. To construct reasonable constraints on sensor topology, we adopt the concept of isotropic array and decouple the interplay between azimuth and elevation angle variations. The 3D AML algorithm exhibits superior spatial separation over its 2D counterpart for multiple sources located at different azimuth and elevation angles. Although the 3D AML algorithm requires more demanding computational complexity, we have developed a number of efficiency enhancements to reduce the loading for the grid search.
Long-term monitoring of adult periodontitis patients in supportive periodontal therapy: correlation of gingival crevicular fluid proteases with probing attachment loss.

Abstract. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine if a chairside assay for neutral protease activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) could provide an early indication of site-specific disease activity, as defined by probing attachment loss. Clinical measures and assay data were collected at 6-month intervals over an average period of 26 months (range from 24 to 36 months). 38 subjects were selected from a pool of previously-treated chronic adult periodontitis patients who were in periodontal maintenance at intervals of 3 to 6 months. GCF samples were collected from a total of 71 tooth sites exhibiting prior attachment loss, and analyzed for neutral protease activity (NPA). Positive BOP and positive NPA scores were classified as true positives if sites subsequently lost at least 1 mm of attachment over the next 12 months, as confirmed by linear regression analysis. As a predictor of breakdown, the NPA assay had an accuracy of 94% and a risk ratio of 37.6 as compared to values of 58% and 1.5 for BOP. When only the subset of sites ≥7 mm were considered, the NPA assay had a calculated accuracy of 92% versus a value of 50% for BOP. These results indicate that the assay appears to differentiate between bleeding at sites exhibiting only chronic inflammation with no attachment loss and bleeding at sites undergoing active attachment loss.
Circularity and Gaussianity Detection Using the Complex Generalized Gaussian Distribution

Knowing the statistical properties of a complex-valued signal is important in many signal processing applications by providing the necessary information for choosing the appropriate algorithm. In this paper, we provide generalized likelihood ratio tests (GLRT), based on the complex generalized Gaussian distribution (CGGD), for detecting two important signal properties: 1) the circularity of a complex random variable, not constrained to the Gaussian case and 2) whether a complex random variable is complex Gaussian. These tests can be combined to statistically determine if a complex random variable is, the often assumed, circular Gaussian. Simulations are used to quantify the performance of the detectors followed by application to communication signals and actual radar data.
A new structural type in ternary chalcogenide chemistry: Structure and properties of Nb2Pd3Se8

Abstract A study of the NbPdSe system has afforded a new phase, Nb2Pd3Se8. The structure of this phase has been established through single-crystal X-ray measurements. The compound crystallizes in space group D92h-Pbam with two formula units in a cell of dimensions a = 15.074(6), b = 10.573(4), c = 3.547(2)A. In this unusual structure there are two chains of edge-sharing selenium trigonal prisms centered by niobium atoms. These chains conjoin through two types of palladium atoms—square planar and square pyramidal—each coordinated by selenium atoms. As a consequence of this conjunction tunnels extending along c result. Electrical conductivity measurements indicate that this material is a metallic-semiconductor.
Uncertainty in Flood Wave Routing in a Lateral-Inflow-Dominated Stream

Flood wave routing is a common problem in water resources engineering, for example, when a hydrograph enters a stream channel and passes downstream to an observation station. In the past, the problem has been approached by making the best possible estimate of the inflow hydrograph. The channel properties such as geometry and roughness are also estimated, along with any lateral inflow. The best estimates are used with a flood wave routing model to predict the hydrograph at the downstream observation station. Making a prediction by this procedure is full of challenges. It is impossible to exactly know the precise form of the hydrograph that will enter the channel. It is also difficult to select the channel properties from the range of values that may be appropriate. Lateral inflow is notoriously difficult to quantify. Making predictions under these circumstances is full of uncertainties. One approach to analyzing uncertainties is to use Monte Carlo modeling to make quantitative estimates of the uncertainty ...
Distributed gradient-domain processing of planar and spherical images

Gradient-domain processing is widely used to edit and combine images. In this article we extend the framework in two directions. First, we adapt the gradient-domain approach to operate on a spherical domain, to enable operations such as seamless stitching, dynamic-range compression, and gradient-based sharpening over spherical imagery. An efficient streaming computation is obtained using a new spherical parameterization with bounded distortion and localized boundary constraints. Second, we design a distributed solver to efficiently process large planar or spherical images. The solver partitions images into bands, streams through these bands in parallel within a networked cluster, and schedules computation to hide the necessary synchronization latency. We demonstrate our contributions on several datasets including the Digitized Sky Survey, a terapixel spherical scan of the night sky.
Discovery and development of a novel class of nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors.

Abstract Efforts to develop a novel class of nonsteroidal aromatase Inhibitors began with the discovery that the infertility in male rats exposed to high levels of the agricultural fungicide, fenarimol (α-(2-chlorophenyl)-α-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-pyrimidine- methanol), was attributable to the inhibition of aromatase activity within the central nervous system during the critical neonatal period. Although fenarimol was not particularly potent in inhibiting rat ovarian microsome aromatase activity in vitro (50% inhibition (IC50) -4.1 μM). Subsequent testing of a number of analogues led to the identification of LY56110 (α, α-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-5-methylpyrimidine) which exhibited an IC50 of 29 nM. LY56110 was orally active, blocking the testosterone-induced increase of uterine weight and ovarian estrogen biosynthesis in immature female rats. In rats with established DMBA-induced mammary carcinoma, complete tumor regression was observed in 80% of the animals. Development of LY56110 was, however, stopped because of its effects on hepatic microsomal enzymes and an unacceptably long half-life. Structural modifications resulted in the development of the indenopyrimidines. LY113174 (8-chloro-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-5H-indeno pyrimidine) was highly effective in vitro (IC50 - 24 nM) and in vivo but was far less potent than LY56110 with respect to induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes. LY113174 exhibited an acceptable biological half-life and had no effect on cholesterol side-chain cleavage. The indenopyrimidines appear to be a novel class of nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors which may prove useful in the treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases.
Vortex shedding from a bluff body adjacent to a plane sliding wall

The characteristics of the flow around a bluff body of square cross-section in contact with a solid-wall boundary are investigated numerically using a finite difference procedure. Previous studies have shown qualitatively the strong influence of solid-wall boundaries on the vortex-shedding process and the formation of the vortex street downstream. In the present study three cases are investigated which correspond to flow past a square rib in a freestream, flow past a rib on a fixed wall and flow past a rib on a sliding wall. Values of the Reynolds number studied ranged from 100 to 200. Comparisons between the sliding-wall and fixed-wall cases show that he sliding wall has a significant destabilising effect on the recirculation region behind the rib. Results show the onset of unsteadiness at a lower Reynolds number for the sliding-wall case and both the freestream and fixed-wall cases. At moderate Reynolds numbers the sliding-wall results show that the rib periodically sheds vortices of alternating circulation in much the same manner as the rib in a freestream; as in, for example, Davis and Moore (1982). The vortices are distributed asymmetrically downstream of the rib and are not of equal strength as in the freestream case. However, the sliding-wall case shows no tendency to develop cycle-to-cycle variations at higher Reynolds numbers, as observed in the freestream and fixed-wall cases. Thus, while the moving wall causes the flow past the rib to become unsteady at a lower Reynolds number than in the fixed-wall case, it also acts to stabilise or "lock-in" the vortex-shedding frequency. This is attributed to the additional source of positive vorticity immediately downstream of the rib on the sliding wall.
NudC is required for Plk1 targeting to the kinetochore and chromosome congression.

Summary The equal distribution of chromosomes during mitosis is critical for maintaining the integrity of the genome. Essential to this process are the capture of spindle microtubules by kinetochores and the congression of chromosomes to the metaphase plate [1]. Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a mitotic kinase [2] that has been implicated in microtubule-kinetochore attachment, tension generation at kinetochores, tension-responsive signal transduction, and chromosome congression [3–7]. The tension-sensitive substrates of Plk1 at the kinetochore are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that human Nu clear d istribution protein C (NudC), a 42 kDa protein initially identified in Aspergillus nidulans [8, 9] and shown to be phosphorylated by Plk1 [10], plays a significant role in regulating kinetochore function. Plk1-phosphorylated NudC colocalizes with Plk1 at the outer plate of the kinetochore. Depletion of NudC reduced end-on microtubule attachments at kinetochores and resulted in defects in chromosome congression at the metaphase plate. Importantly, NudC-deficient cells exhibited mislocalization of Plk1 and the Kinesin-7 motor CENP-E from prometaphase kinetochores. Ectopic expression of wild-type NudC, but not NudC containing mutations in the Plk1 phosphorylation sites, recovered Plk1 localization at the kinetochore and rescued chromosome congression. Thus, NudC functions as both a substrate and a spatial regulator of Plk1 at the kinetochore to promote chromosome congression.
Quantitative measurements of small molecule mixtures using laser electrospray mass spectrometry.

Quantitative measurements of atenolol, tioconazole, tetraethylammonium bromide, and tetrabutylammonium iodide using laser electrospray mass spectrometry (LEMS) reveal monotonic signal response as a...
Nonideality consideration for high-precision amplifiers-analysis of random common-mode rejection ratio

Nonideal factors which play a key role in performance and yield in high-precision applications of operational amplifiers are rigorously investigated. The combined effects of both deterministic and statistical parameters must be incorporated. The statistical characteristics of the common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) and the offset of two-stage CMOS op-amps are investigated. The op-amp errors associated with finite open-loop gains, finite CMRRs, and nonzero offset voltages are analyzed. It is shown that the random common-mode gain as determined by the mismatch of paired devices is comparable to the deterministic common-mode gain. It is shown that the probability density function of the CMRR is distributed similarly to that of a Gaussian random variable, but the mean is finite and the symmetry is skewed somewhat, as contrasted with the probability density function of the offset voltage which has a Gaussian distribution with zero mean. It is also shown that a nonideal finite CMRR can actually reduce the op-amp errors caused by a finite open-loop gain. >
The unsheltering sky: China, India, and the Montreal Protocol

The cooperation of China and India in replacing chemicals that damage the stratospheric ozone layer is critical to the success of the world`s first environmental agreement, the Montreal Protocol. China`s leaders accepted the agreement more readily than did their Indian counterparts. These divergent responses are attributed to the nature of the policy issue in question, the impact of regime type upon state leaders` environmental policies, and dissimilar linkages between international and domestic actors and forces. The author examines these divergent responses.
Secondary Personality and Behavioral Problems in Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

This review details the lack of information available concerning personality and behavioral development of adolescents with learning disabilities (LD). Research on self-concept, locus of control, temperament, problem behavior, and social status in this population is reviewed in an effort to note the consistency of indicators concerning secondary emotional and social problems. The discussion highlights conflicting results as well as methodological pitfalls. Future research directions with this population are suggested, including groups comparison studies, developmental research, research on LD subtypes, and research treatments resulting from these suggested personality and behavioral deficits.
Some generalizations of the first Fredholm theorem to multivalued A-proper mappings with applications to nonlinear elliptic equations

Abstract Let X and Y be real normed spaces with an admissible scheme Γ = {En, Vn; Fn, Wn} and T: X → 2Y A-proper with respect to Γ such that dist(y, A(x)) 0 and k > 0, where c: R+ → R+ is a given function and A: X → 2Y a suitable possibly not A-proper mapping. Under the assumption that either T or A is odd or that (u, Kx) ⩾ 0 for all u in T(x) with ∥ x ∥ ⩾ r > 0 and some K: X → Y ∗ , we obtain (in a constructive way) various generalizations of the first Fredholm theorem. The unique approximation-solvability results for the equation T(x) = f with T such that T(x) − T(y) ϵ A(x − y) for x, y in X or T is Frechet differentiable are also established. The abstract results for A-proper mappings are then applied to the (constructive) solvability of some boundary value problems for quasilinear elliptic equations. Some of our results include the results of Lasota, Lasota-Opial, Hess, Necas, Petryshyn, and Babuska.
High Intensity, Large Length-Scale Freestream Turbulence Generation in a Transonic Turbine Cascade

Heat transfer predictions in gas turbine engines have focused on cooling techniques and on the effects of various flow phenomena. The effects of wakes, passing shock waves and freestream turbulence have all been of primary interest to researchers. The focus of the work presented in this paper is to develop a turbulence grid capable of generating high intensity, large-scale turbulence for use in experimental heat transfer measurements in a transonic facility. The grid is desired to produce freestream turbulence characteristic of the flow exiting the combustor of advanced gas turbine engines. A number of techniques are discussed in this paper to generate high intensity, large length-scale turbulence for a transonic facility. Ultimately, the passive grid design chosen is capable of producing freestream turbulence with intensity of approximately 10–12% near the entrance of the cascade passages with an integral length-scale of 2 cm.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The effect of dose heterogeneity on radiation risk in medical imaging

The current estimations of risk associated with medical imaging procedures rely on assessing the organ dose via direct measurements or simulation. The dose to each organ is assumed to be homogeneous. To take into account the differences in radiation sensitivities, the mean organ doses are weighted by a corresponding tissue-weighting coefficients provided by ICRP to calculate the effective dose, which has been used as a surrogate of radiation risk. However, those coefficients were derived under the assumption of a homogeneous dose distribution within each organ. That assumption is significantly violated in most medical-imaging procedures. In helical chest CT, for example, superficial organs (e.g. breasts) demonstrate a heterogeneous dose distribution, whereas organs on the peripheries of the irradiation field (e.g. liver) might possess a discontinuous dose profile. Projection radiography and mammography involve an even higher level of organ dose heterogeneity spanning up to two orders of magnitude. As such, mean dose or point measured dose values do not reflect the maximum energy deposited per unit volume of the organ. In this paper, the magnitude of the dose heterogeneity in both CT and projection X-ray imaging was reported, using Monte Carlo methods. The lung dose demonstrated factors of 1.7 and 2.2 difference between the mean and maximum dose for chest CT and radiography, respectively. The corresponding values for the liver were 1.9 and 3.5. For mammography and breast tomosynthesis, the difference between mean glandular dose and maximum glandular dose was 3.1. Risk models based on the mean dose were found to provide a reasonable reflection of cancer risk. However, for leukaemia, they were found to significantly under-represent the risk when the organ dose distribution is heterogeneous. A systematic study is needed to develop a risk model for heterogeneous dose distributions.
Mechanisms of Premature Vascular Aging in Children With Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is a rare, segmental premature aging syndrome of accelerated atherosclerosis and early death from myocardial infarction or stroke. This study sought to establish comprehensive characterization of the fatal vasculopathy in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome and its relevance to normal aging. We performed cardiovascular assessments at a single clinical site on the largest prospectively studied cohort to date. Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was dramatically elevated (mean: 13.00±3.83 m/s). Carotid duplex ultrasound echobrightness, assessed in predefined tissue sites as a measure of arterial wall density, was significantly greater than age- and sex-matched controls in the intima-media (P<0.02), near adventitia (P<0.003), and deep adventitia (P<0.01), as was internal carotid artery mean flow velocity (P<0.0001). Ankle-brachial indices were abnormal in 78% of patients. Effective disease treatments may be heralded by normalizing trends of these noninvasive cardiovascular measures. The data demonstrate that, along with peripheral vascular occlusive disease, accelerated vascular stiffening is an early and pervasive mechanism of vascular disease in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. There is considerable overlap with cardiovascular changes of normal aging, which reinforces the view that defining mechanisms of cardiovascular disease in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome provides a unique opportunity to isolate a subset of factors influencing cardiovascular disease in the general aging population.
Synthesis of 7-Alkoxyquinolines, Coumarins, and Resorufins

Abstract Synthesis of the title compounds by treatment of the sodium salts of 7-quinolinol, 7-hydroxycoumarin, and resorufin with alkyl halides is described.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase and Superoxide Mediate Hemodynamic Initiation of Intracranial Aneurysms

Background: Hemodynamic insults at arterial bifurcations are believed to play a critical role in initiating intracranial aneurysms. Recent studies in a rabbit model indicate that aneurysmal damage initiates under specific wall shear stress conditions when smooth muscle cells (SMCs) become pro-inflammatory and produce matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The mechanisms leading to SMC activation and MMP production during hemodynamic aneurysm initiation are unknown. The goal is to determine if nitric oxide and/or superoxide induce SMC changes, MMP production and aneurysmal remodeling following hemodynamic insult. Methods: Bilateral common carotid artery ligation was performed on rabbits (n=19, plus 5 sham operations) to induce aneurysmal damage at the basilar terminus. Ligated animals were treated with the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor LNAME (n=7) or the superoxide scavenger TEMPOL (n=5) and compared to untreated animals (n=7). Aneurysm development was assessed histologically 5 days after ligation. Changes in NOS isoforms, peroxynitrite, reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP-2, MMP-9, and smooth muscle a-actin were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: LNAME attenuated ligation-induced IEL loss, media thinning and bulge formation. In untreated animals, immunofluorescence showed increased endothelial NOS (eNOS) after ligation, but no change in inducible or neuronal NOS. Furthermore, during aneurysm initiation ROS increased in the media, but not the intima, and there was no change in peroxynitrite. In LNAME-treated animals, ROS production did not change. Together, this suggests that eNOS is important for aneurysm initiation but not by producing superoxide. TEMPOL treatment reduced aneurysm development, indicating that the increased medial superoxide is also necessary for aneurysm initiation. LNAME and TEMPOL treatment in ligated animals restored a-actin and decreased MMPs, suggesting that eNOS and superoxide both lead to SMC de-differentiation and MMP production. Conclusion: Aneurysm-inducing hemodynamics lead to increased eNOS and superoxide, which both affect SMC phenotype, increasing MMP production and aneurysmal damage.
Smoke and Mirrors The Political Economy of the Tobacco Settlements

The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) resolved litigation between forty-six states and the major U.S. cigarette manufacturers. In total, the defendants agreed to pay more than $246 billion ove...
A computer aided method for design of noninvasive indirect measurement of arterial blood pressure

A computer aided method for design of noninvasive indirect measurement of systolic, diastolic pressure and mean arterial blood pressure on the human finger is described. It was based on the vascular unloading technique and used a hydraulic adaptive control system. The error between measured blood pressure and actual human blood pressure could be controlled by using self-tuning adaptive control. The design of the system, based on a microcomputer, could automatically accept and process the data from a sample signal, display the measurement results on front panel light emitting diodes, and control the hydraulic system, thereby forming a closed-loop real-time indirect measurement system of arterial blood pressure. >
Compact terahertz Surface Plasmon switch inside a Two Dimensional Electron Gas layer

The possibility of realizing a terahertz (THz) switch by employing Surface Plasmons (SPs) along a Two Dimensional Electron Gas (2DEG) layer of a hetero-structure is presented. It is shown that SP's properties may be easily controlled by changing the motion of the electrons inside the 2DEG. The electron drift velocity is controlled by applying an external bias voltage at the 2DEG's ends. A compact and efficient THz switch with high On/OFF signal ratio is reported using this concept. The control voltage of the switch is considerably low. A multi-physic simulator, based on numerical solution of Maxwell's and Boltzmann's equations, is developed to analyze the switch appropriately. This micro-meter size plasmonic switch demonstrates a very promising method for navigating the sub-wavelength THz signals inside future plasmonic circuits.