cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High efficiency nonequilibrium air plasmas sustained by high energy electrons

The Air Plasma Ramparts MURI goal is to sustain a volume-filling, nonequilibrium plasma with an electron number density of 10/sup 13/ electrons/cm/sup 3/ in atmospheric pressure air at temperatures at or below 2000 K, with the minimum expenditure of power. That minimum depends directly on the energy cost of ionization. In this paper, approaches to minimize the cost of ionization are examined. It is well understood that the most practical ionization mechanism is through collisions of electrons with neutral species. The cost of ionization as a function of the electron energy indicates that there is more than a two order of magnitude reduction in power required if the plasma is sustained by high energy electrons. These electrons can be supplied from outside the plasma by the use of electron beams, or from within the plasma by short, repetitively-pulsed, very high voltage acceleration of thermal electrons between collisions with neutral gas molecules. Electron beams offer the possibility of sustaining single electrode plasma "fountains" or plasma "thunderstorms," and generate stable, non-filamentary, volume-filling plasmas. Electron beams are approximately a factor of two more efficient than the best that can be achieved with pulse sources, but they must enter the plasma through windows whose losses can easily offset that advantage. High voltage, subnanosecond length pulses at repetition rates of more than 100 KHz avoid the window problem.
Studies on calciferol metabolism. Metabolism of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D3 by the chicken embryo.

Abstract It is known that after birth of a vertebrate there is a requirement for the metabolism of Vitamin D 3 (cholecalciferol) to 1,25-(OH) 2 -Vitamin D 3 to produce the hormonally active form essential for calcium homeostasis. However it is not known whether the enzymatic capability to produce 1,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 only appears after birth or whether it is generated in the embryo. Presented in this paper are results of studies designed to measure the production and localization of 1,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 in the embryo. It was found that the renal enzyme, 25-OH-cholecalciferol-1-hydroxylase, which is capable of producing 1,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 , is present as early as day 9 of incubation (12 days before hatch) in White Leghorn chicks. Further, the enzyme activity increases 6-fold to a maximal level which occurs on the day of hatching. 1,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 was shown to be produced in vivo at day 17 and was found then in low levels in the embryonic intestine and kidney. Thus we have shown that 1,25-(OH) 2 -D 3 is made by embryonic chick kidneys and is found in low levels in embryonic chick intestine and kidney significantly before hatch.
The efficiency of methanol conversion to CO2 on thin films of Pt and PtRu fuel cell catalysts

Abstract Yields were determined for the CO 2 produced upon the electrochemical oxidation of 1.0 M methanol in 0.1 M HClO 4 at the following four fuel cell catalyst systems: Pt black, Pt at 10 wt.% metal loading on Vulcan XC-72R carbon (C/Pt, 10%), PtRu black at 50 at.% Pt, 50 at.% Ru (PtRu (50:50) black), and PtRu at 30 wt.% Pt, 15 wt.% Ru loading on Vulcan XC-72R carbon (C/PtRu, 30 wt.% Pt, 15 wt.% Ru). Samples were electrolyzed in a small volume (50 μl) arrangement for a period of 180 s keeping the reactant depletion in the cell below 1%. The dissolved CO 2 produced was determined ex situ by infrared spectroscopy in a micro-volume transmission flow cell. For the PtRu materials, the efficiencies for CO 2 formation were near 100% at reaction potentials in the range between 0.4 V (versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), V RHE ) and 0.9 V RHE . At the Pt catalysts, the yields of CO 2 approached 80% between 0.8 and 1.1 V RHE and declined rapidly below 0.8 V RHE .
Dynamic Stability Calculations for an Arbitrary Number of Interconnected Synchronous Machines

Describing the small signal performance of a multi- machine synchronous power system by a set of differential equations of the form [x] = [A] [x] allows standard multivariable control theory to be used in dynamic stability studies. The construction of the [A] matrix for a multimachine power system involves the application of Kron's rotational transformation to the transmission network admittance matrix, and a matrix analysis of the synchronous machines using internal flux linkages as state variables.
Cloninger's tridimensional theory of personality and psychopathology: applications to substance use disorders.

Objective: To evaluate studies that applied Cloninger's tridimensional theory of personality to substance abusers. Methods: Medline and PsychInfo data bases were searched for studies published between 1986 and mid-1995 that used the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). A supplemental manual search was conducted to identify additional evaluations of the tridimensional theory. Reports were reviewed if they included substance abusers or related tridimensional traits to substance use measures. Results: Factor analyses did not consistently support the tridimensionality of the TPQ. Novelty Seeking (NS) traits distinguished alcoholics from nonalcoholics, Type B and Type 2 alcoholics from their Type A and Type 1 counterparts, smokers from nonsmokers, and individuals (substance abusers and nonabusers) with and without antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Tridimensional traits independently predicted early onset alcohol abuse and serious delinquency in studies that did not employ the TPQ and were sign...
Jane Fonda, Barbara Bush and other aging bodies: Femininity and the limits of resistance

This article uses the self-representations of Jane Fonda and Barbara Bush to assess their two different approaches to aging and to explore the degree to which women are able to resist the prevailing cultural discourse which equates femininity with a youthful appearance. While Barbara Bush uses the rhetoric of “naturalness,” implying that she makes little effort with her appearance, Fonda emphasizes the work she puts into maintaining a fit body. Both frame their self-descriptions as resistance to cultural standards, but an exploration of their efforts reveals serious limits to this resistance. The conclusions discuss the possibilities for women to resist or change cultural dictates regarding the aging female body. Data come from all articles on Fonda and Bush published in women’s magazines since 1977.
Amnesty on trial: impunity, accountability, and the norms of international law

An emerging consensus regards domestic amnesties for international crimes as generally inconsistent with international law. This legal consensus rests on a norm against impunity: the chief role of international criminal law, and of the fledgling International Criminal Court (ICC), is to end impunity for violators of the worst of criminal acts. But the anti-impunity norm, and the anti-amnesty consensus that has arisen from it, now face serious difficulties. The ICC's role in the ongoing conflict in Northern Uganda illustrates the deadlock that has now emerged between countries wishing to retain the power to use domestic politics and criminal law as tools for negotiation with current or outgoing perpetrators, on the one side, and the ICC's determination to apply a consistent international anti-impunity norm, on the other. The paper argues that the anti-impunity norm itself is based on a narrowly retributivist conception of criminal justice. A broader norm for democratic accountability, by contrast, would continue to prefer prosecutions over amnesties in international law, less for the opportunity for deserved retribution for perpetrators than for the public enactment of the deliberative procedures associated with the rule of law. Keywords: amnesty; impunity; international law; international criminal court Citation: Ethics & Global Politics 2008. DOI: 10.3402/egp.v1i1.1816
Folivory in Fruit Bats: Leaves Provide a Natural Source of Calicum

Leaves are an important dietary source of carbohydrates and protein, and an especially rich source of calcium for bats. Most studies of leaf eating by fruit bats have suggested that only male bats feed on leaves. In this study, 23 wild-caught Tongan fruit bats (Pteropus tonganus) were used in feeding trials conducted in an outdoor enclosure. The number of leaves and percentage of each leaf eaten were recorded for each bat on a daily basis, and these data were then multiplied by a calcium constant that was derived from a chemical analysis of leaves from Callophylum neo-ebudicum. Leaves of C. neo-ebudicum that were available in the enclosure were consumed by 82.7% of the bats. Overall, males consumed leaves in greater quantities and with higher frequency than females. Bats that consumed leaves on a regular basis consumed up to 46% more calcium to their diet compared with bats that did not regularly consume leaves. Leaves may represent a readily available, widely used, concentrated source of minerals for foraging bats, and have the potential to contribute significantly to the total amount of ingested calcium.
Structure of [Ni(dippe)(μ-S)]2 and its reaction products. The nucleophilicity of the Ni2S2 fragment

The dimer [(dippe)Ni(μ-S)] 2 reacts with organic electrophiles to give the alkylated species [(dippe) 2 Ni 2 (μ-S)(μ-SR)] + . Stronger alkylating agents lead to double alkylation and cleavage of the dimer. Protonation similarly occurs with strong acids. The structures of several of these species have been determined.
Entropy-driven motility of Sinorhizobium meliloti on a semi-solid surface

Sinorhizobium meliloti growing on soft agar can exhibit an unusual surface spreading behaviour that differs from other bacterial surface motilities. Bacteria in the colony secrete an exopolysaccharide-rich mucoid fluid that expands outward on the surface, carrying within it a suspension of actively dividing cells. The moving slime disperses the cells in complex and dynamic patterns indicative of simultaneous bacterial growth, swimming and aggregation. We find that while flagellar swimming is required to maintain the cells in suspension, the spreading and the associated pattern formation are primarily driven by the secreted exopolysaccharide EPS II, which creates two entropy-increasing effects: an osmotic flow of water from the agar to the mucoid fluid and a crowding or depletion attraction between the cells. Activation of these physical/chemical phenomena may be a useful function for the high molecular weight EPS II, a galactoglucan whose biosynthesis is tightly regulated by the ExpR/SinI/SinR quorum-sensing system: unlike bacterial colonies that spread via bacterium-generated, physical propulsive forces, S. meliloti under quorum conditions may use EPS II to activate purely entropic forces within its environment, so that it can disperse by passively ‘surfing’ on those forces.
The mechanism of acceptor reactions of Leuconostoc mesenteroides B-512F dextransucrase.

Abstract Reactions of dextransucrase and sucrose in the presence of sugars (acceptors) of low molecular weight have been observed to give a dextran of low molecular weight and a series of oligosaccharides. The acceptor reaction of dextransucrase was examined in the absence and presence of sucrose by using d -[ 14 C]glucose, d -[ 14 C]fructose, and 14 C-reducing-end labeled maltose as acceptors. A purified dextransucrase was pre-incubated with sucrose, and the resulting d -fructose and unreacted sucrose were removed from the enzyme by chromatography on columns of Bio-Gel P-6. The enzyme, which migrated at the void volume, was collected and referred to as “charged enzyme”. The charged enzyme was incubated with 14 C-acceptor in the absence of sucrose. Each of the three acceptors gave two fractions of labeled products, a high molecular weight product, identified as dextran, and a product of low molecular weight that was an oligosaccharide. It was found that all three of the acceptors were incorporated into the products at the reducing end. Similar results were obtained when the reactions were performed in the presence of sucrose, but higher yields of labeled products were obtained and a series of homologous oligosaccharides was produced when d -glucose or maltose was the acceptor. We propose that the acceptor reaction proceeds by nucleophilic displacement of glucosyl and dextranosyl groups from a covalent enzyme-complex by a specific, acceptor hydroxyl group, and that this reaction effects a glycosidic linkage between the d -glucosyl and dextranosyl groups and the acceptor. We conclude that the acceptor reactions serve to terminate polymerization of dextran by displacing the growing dextran chain from the active site of the enzyme; the acceptors, thus, do not initiate dextran polymerization by acting as primers.
THE CONTINENTAL SHELF: PHYSICAL vs. LEGAL DEFINITION

RESUME Bien que difficile a definir precisement, la plate-forme continentale, au sens physique du terme, est bien connue. Dans cet article, l'auteur presente une description des traits physiques de cette zone et suggere que ces derniers servent de criteres dans l'examen des limites de la plate-forme, telles que definies legalement a la premiere Conference sur les Droits Maritimes, tenue a Geneve en 1958. II s'attache a demontrer I'incoherence de l'interpretation legale et du caractere physique de la plate-forme continentale. En fait, cette plate-forme, telle que decrite en termes legaux, n'est pas du tout, a proprement parler, ce qu'elle pretend etre et pourrait tout aussi bien avoir un autre nom. C'est un espace, au large des cotes, auquel sont liees les ressources existantes des fonds marins et le droit des etats a l'exploitation exclusive de ces ressources. Vue sous cet angle, la definition legale de cet espace sert donc a un but precis et on peut dire qu'elle a ete concue avec succes puisque, grâce a cette formule, les ressources de la mer par-dela cette zone territoriale peuvent etre exploitees avec le maximum de profit et sans conflits internationaux.
Comparison of Effects of p53 Null and Gain-of-Function Mutations on Salivary Tumors in MMTV-Hras Transgenic Mice

p53 is an important tumor suppressor gene which is mutated in ~50% of all human cancers. Some of these mutants appear to have acquired novel functions beyond merely losing wild-type functions. To investigate these gain-of-function effects in vivo, we generated mice of three different genotypes: MMTV-Hras/p53+/+, MMTV-Hras/p53-/-, and MMTV-Hras/p53R172H/R172H. Salivary tumors from these mice were characterized with regard to age of tumor onset, tumor growth rates, cell cycle distribution, apoptotic levels, tumor histopathology, as well as response to doxorubicin treatment. Microarray analysis was also performed to profile gene expression. The MMTV-Hras/p53-/- and MMTV-Hras/p53R172H/R172H mice displayed similar properties with regard to age of tumor onset, tumor growth rates, tumor histopathology, and response to doxorubicin, while both groups were clearly distinct from the MMTV-Hras/p53+/+ mice by these measurements. In addition, the gene expression profiles of the MMTV-Hras/p53-/- and MMTV-Hras/p53R172H/R172H tumors were tightly clustered, and clearly distinct from the profiles of the MMTV-Hras/p53+/+ tumors. Only a small group of genes showing differential expression between the MMTV-Hras/p53-/- and MMTV-Hras/p53R172H/R172H tumors, that did not appear to be regulated by wild-type p53, were identified. Taken together, these results indicate that in this MMTV-Hras-driven salivary tumor model, the major effect of the p53 R172H mutant is due to the loss of wild-type p53 function, with little or no gain-of-function effect on tumorigenesis, which may be explained by the tissue- and tumor type-specific properties of this gain-of-function mutant of p53.
Regulation of ornithine decarboxylase in cultured mouse mammary gland by the osmolarity in the cellular environment.

Abstract The biphasic increase of ornithine decarboxylase activity in mouse mammary gland in organ culture occurs with a hormone-independent first peak and a hormone-dependent second peak. The data presented indicate that a change in the osmolarity of the cellular environment is the major contributing factor for the emergence of the hormone-independent ornithine decarboxylase activity in mammary explants. Thus, incubation of mammary explants for 3 h in a medium diluted 53% with distilled water results in approx. 1000-fold stimulation of enzyme activity over the initial level, whereas a similar dilution of the medium with 0.18 M NaCl or 0.3 M sucrose blocks the increase. The increase in enzyme activity is similarly affected by a reduction of the concentration of NaCl in the culture medium. The hypoosmotic stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity appears to be affected at a posttranscriptional level, and is enhanced further by the actions of insulin and prolactin. The hypoosmotic enhancement of ornithine decarboxylase activity produces a large increase in the intracellular concentration of putrescine in mammary explants. However, neither the concentration of spermidine and spermine nor the activity of S -adenosyl- L -methionine decarboxylase is affected. In addition, studies of putrescine transport in mammary explants show that hypotonicity causes an increase in the rate of influx and a decrease in efflux of putrescine with enhancement of intracellular putrescine accumulation. On the other hand, the uptake of spermidine, spermine, amino acids, sugar, and a lipophilic cation, triphenylmethylphosphonium is unaffected. These data suggest a possibility that osmotic alteration in cellular environment causes an increased need for putrescine in mammary cells, resulting in stimulation of ornithine decarboxylase activity, which may represent a cellular mechanism for maintaining the homeostasis of the intracellular cationic environment.
Preparation of single crystals of In-Tl alloys

Abstract A modified Bridgman method has been developed for the growth of large (1.9 cm dia. by 10 cm long) single crystals of In-Tl alloys containing up to 30 at % thallium. Highly homogeneous, strain-free crystals of both the face-centered tetragonal and the face-centered-cubic lattice structures have been produced using the method. A lava crucible was used to reduce mechanical strain. The crucible was enclosed in a stainless steel container under positive inert gas pressure which limited oxidation and vaporization of the alloys.
Cochlear Implant in the Child Under Two Years of Age: Skull Growth, Otitis Media, and Selection

Abstract Early cochlear implantation is desirable to effect maximal development of receptive and expressive language. Factors to consider in implanting before the age of 2 years include anatomic considerations, temporal bone growth and device extrusion or migration, the sequela of otitis media, and the accuracy of early diagnosis. Clinical experience and laboratory data indicate that cochlear implantation before the age of 2 years is possible. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1997;117:217-9.)
Cross-phosphorylation, signaling and proliferative functions of the Tyro3 and Axl receptors in Rat2 cells.

The dysregulation of receptor protein tyrosine kinase (RPTK) function can result in changes in cell proliferation, cell growth and metastasis leading to malignant transformation. Among RPTKs, the TAM receptor family composed of three members Tyro3, Axl, and Mer has been recognized to have a prominent role in cell transformation. In this study we analyzed the consequences of Tyro3 overexpression on cell proliferation, activation of signaling pathways and its functional interactions with Axl. Overexpression of Tyro3 in the Rat2 cell line that expresses Axl, but not Mer or Tyro3, resulted in a 5 fold increase in cell proliferation. This increase was partially blocked by inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway but not by inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI(3)K) signaling pathway. Consistent with these findings, an increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation was detected with Tyro3 but not with Axl overexpression. In contrast, activation of Axl stimulated the PI(3)K pathway, which was mitigated by co-expression of Tyro3. The overexpression of Tyro3 enhanced Gas6-mediated Axl phosphorylation, which was not detected upon overexpression of a “kinase dead” form of Tyro3 (kdTyro3). In addition, the overexpression of Axl induced kdTyro3 phosphorylation. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed that the Axl and Tyro3 receptors are closely associated. These findings show that overexpression of Tyro3 in the presence of Axl promotes cell proliferation, and that co-expression of Axl and Tyro3 can affect the outcome of Gas6-initiated signaling. Furthermore, they demonstrate a functional interaction between the members of the TAM receptor family which can shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the functional consequences of TAM receptor activation in cell transformation, neural function, immune function, and reproductive function among others.
Polymorphisms of Paraoxonase (PON1) and Their Significance in Clinical Toxicology of Organophosphates

Paraoxonase (PON1) is an HDL-associated enzyme capable of hydrolyzing multiple substrates, including several organophosphorous insecticides and nerve agents, oxidized lipids, and a number of drugs or pro-drugs. Several polymorphisms in the paraoxonase (PON1) gene have been described, which have been shown to affect either the catalytic efficiency of hydrolysis or the expression level of PON1. This review discusses the relevance of these polymorphisms for modulating sensitivity to organophosphorous compounds. Animal studies characterizing the PON1 polymorphisms have demonstrated the relevance of PON1 in modulating OP toxicity and have indicated the importance of an individual's PON1 status (i.e., genotype and phenotype taken together) rather than genotyping alone. Nevertheless, direct confirmation in humans of the relevance of PON1 status in conferring susceptibility to OP toxicity is still elusive. Recent studies examining the involvement of PON1 status in determining OP susceptibility of Gulf War veteran...
Mortality in Florida professional firefighters, 1972 to 1999.

Background Exposure to occupational hazards among firefighters may lead to increased mortality from cancer, lung, or heart disease. Methods Age- and gender-adjusted mortality rates of 34,796 male and 2,017 female Florida professional firefighters between 1972 and 1999 were compared with the Florida general population. Results One thousand four hundred eleven male and 38 female firefighter deaths with known causes were identified. In male firefighters, mortality due to all causes and most non-malignant diseases was significantly less than expected. There was no excess overall mortality from cancer, but excesses existed for male breast cancer [standardized mortality ratio (SMR = 7.41; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.99–18.96) and thyroid cancer (SMR = 4.82; 95% CI: 1.30–12.34)]. Mortality from bladder cancer was increased and approached statistical significance (SMR = 1.79; 95% CI: 0.98–3.00). Firefighters certified between 1972 and 1976 had excess mortality from bladder cancer (SMR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.04–3.33). Female firefighters had similar morality patterns to Florida women except for atherosclerotic heart disease (SMR = 3.85; 95% CI: 1.66–7.58). Conclusions Excess mortality risk from bladder cancer may be related to occupational exposure during firefighting. The thyroid cancer and breast cancer risk in males, as well as the excess risk of cardiovascular disease mortality noted in females warrant further investigation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 47:509–517, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polymorphism of wollastonite

Different superstructures of wollastonite from the regional metamorphic Lepontine zone (Southern Alps) and other localities (e.g., Sierra Nevada, California) have been found. Besides well ordered normal 1T, 2M (2T ?), 4T-wollastonite, all disordered intermediate states exist. The various polymorphs were studied with the precession method. The superstructure is observed in reflections hkl k=odd. 4T-wollastonite is described with a 0=31.659 A and is shown to be a common polymorph. The superstructure seems to be independent of metamorphic grade (in the well-zoned Lepontine area it does not follow any mineralogical isograds) and occurs only in strained rocks with well developed lineation and strong preferred orientation. Thus the formation of the superstructure is explained as a deformation effect. Contrary to temperature and pressure, both stress and strain show large local variations and inhomogeneities. Experimental deformation of a 2T-wollastonite at 4 kb and 700° C produced complete disorder. It is suggested that consecutive annealing of strained disordered wollastonite causes periodic stacking sequences of [SiO3]-chains along the a*-axis. It appears from these studies that superstructures in chainsilicates are more common than presently known and that they might be useful petrogenetic indicators for the deformation and cooling history of a rock.
The influence of sulfur on partitioning of siderophile elements

Sulfur is a potential light element in the liquid outer core of the Earth. Its presence in segregating metal may have had an influence in distribution of metal-loving (siderophile) elements during early accretion and core formation events in the Earth. The observed “excess” abundance of siderophile elements in the terrestrial mantle, relative to an abundance expected from simple core-mantle equilibrium at low temperature and pressure, may indicate a reduction in the iron-loving tendency of siderophile elements in the presence of sulfur in the metallic phase. The present experimental partitioning study between iron-carbon-sulfur-siderophile element bearing liquid metal and liquid silicate shows that for some siderophile elements this sulfur effect may be significant enough to even change their character to lithophile. Large and intricate variations in metal-silicate partition coefficients (Dmetsil) have been observed for many elements, e.g., Ni, Co, Ge, W, P, Au, and Re as a function of sulfur content. Moderately siderophile elements Ge, P, and W show the most significant response (sulfur-avoidance) by an enhanced segregation into the associated sulfur-deficient phases. Highly siderophile elements Ir, Pt, and Re show a different style of sulfur-avoidance (alloy-preference) by segregating as sulfur-poor, siderophile element-rich alloys. Both groups are chalcophobic. Dmetsil for Ni, Co, and Au moderately decreases with increasing sulfur-content in the liquid metal. Dmetsil for chalcophile element, Cr, in contrast, increases with sulfur. Irrespective of the sulfur-content, in the presence of a carbon-saturated liquid metal, P is always lithophile. The general nonmetal-avoidance tendency of siderophile elements (and acceptance of chalcophile elements) in the liquid metal, postulated by Jones and Malvin (1990) in the FeNiS(sulfur)M (siderophile) system is found to be present in the metal-silicate system as well. A sulfur-bearning liquid metal segregation can potentially reduce the metal-loving nature of many elements to explain the excess paradox. Sulfur-bearing core segregation, however, might require an efficient draining of exsolved immiscible sulfide liquids from the molten silicate, or an increasing siderophility of sulfur at high pressure to reduce the mantle sulfur content to the observed (<300 ppm) value. Moreover, the chondritic relative abundance pattern of many moderately or highly siderophile elements in the upper mantle is not explained by the presence of sulfur in the segregating metals. Core formation is more complex and intricate than equilibrium segregation.
Velocity profile reconstruction using orthogonal decomposition

It is illustrated how a one-dimensional, time-dependent form of orthogonal decomposition can be employed to effectively smooth spatial-temporal velocity profile data to remove irregularities introduced during data acquisition, while retaining the dominant profile characteristics. This essential filtering feature of orthogonal decomposition is employed to establish smoothed velocity profile sequences for a turbulent boundary layer flow. Establishment of the dominant eigenmodes (up to the first nine eigenmodes) of the flow as well as the effect of the filtering process on time-mean statistics are illustrated.
Tissue-specific glucocorticoid regulation of tryptophan hydroxylase mRNA levels

Abstract A potential long-term target of glucocorticoid modulation of serotonin (5-HT) production is tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) gene expression. However, studies on TPH gene expression have been hampered by the extremely low levels of TPH mRNA in the brain, and there have been contradictory reports on the effects of glucocorticoids on 5-HT levels. To overcome these obstacles, we have developed a sensitive competitive RT-PCR assay to directly measure TPH mRNA levels from the rat brain. We observed a tissue-specific modulation of TPH mRNA levels in the melatonin producing pineal gland and the serotonin producing raphe nuclei of the brain. Following chronic treatment of adrenalectomized rats with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone for 1 week, there was a 16-fold increase in TPH mRNA in the pineal gland that was contrasted by a decrease in TPH mRNA to 16% of the control levels in the brain. To address the mechanism of dexamethasone repression of TPH mRNA levels, we then tested a serotonergic neuronal-like cell line derived from rat thyroid C cells. Dexamethasone caused a rapid decrease in TPH mRNA levels to ≈20% of control values in CA77 C cells. This was measured by both competitive RT-PCR and a standard hybridization assay, which confirmed the validity of the RT-PCR assay. Furthermore, the reduction of TPH mRNA levels was associated with a decrease in 5-HT levels in the CA77 C cells. Hence, glucocorticoids may alter serotonin and melatonin biosynthetic capacity by cell-specific modulation of the TPH gene.
The Nonsense-mediated Decay Pathway and Mutually Exclusive Expression of Alternatively Spliced FGFR2IIIb and -IIIc mRNAs *

Exons IIIb and IIIc of the FGFR2 gene are alternatively spliced in a mutually exclusive manner in different cell types. A switch from expression of FGFR2IIIb to FGFR2IIIc accompanies the transition of nonmalignant rat prostate tumor epithelial cells (DTE) to cells comprising malignant AT3 tumors. Here we used transfection of minigenes with and without alterations in reading frame and with and without introns to examine how translation affects observed FGFR2 splice products. We observed that nonsense mutations in other than the last exon led to a dramatic reduction in mRNA that is abrogated by removal of downstream introns in both DTE and AT3 cells. The mRNA, devoid of both IIIb and IIIc exons (C1-C2), is a major splice product from minigenes lacking an intron downstream of the second common exon C2. From these observations, we suggest that repression of exon IIIc and activation of exon IIIb inclusion in DTE cells lead to the generation of both C1-IIIb-C2 and C1-C2 products. However, the C1-C2 product from the native gene is degraded due to a frameshift and a premature termination codon caused by splicing C1 and C2 together. Derepression of exon IIIc and repression of exon IIIb lead to the generation of both C1-IIIc-C2 and C1-C2 products in AT3 cells, but the C1-C2 product is degraded. The C1-IIIb-IIIc-C2 mRNA containing a premature termination codon in exon IIIc was present, but at apparently trace levels in both cell types. The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway and cell type-dependent rates of inclusion of exons IIIb and IIIc result in the mutually exclusive expression of FGFR2IIIb and IIIc.
Muscles of the chest wall.

Knowledge of the extrathoracic muscles of the chest wall is an important part of the armamentarium of the general thoracic surgeon. These muscles are principally important from an anatomic and surgical reconstructive point of view. A thorough knowledge of the extrathoracic muscle flaps is a prerequisite in the training of any cardiothoracic surgeon.
Plasma protein pattern (Tiselius electrophoretic technique) in Cushing's syndrome.

DOUGHERTY and White (7) reported an increase of the serum γ-globulin in rabbits following injection of large amounts of adrenal extract, and a release of γ-globulin antibody from lymphoid tissue following adrenal stimulation by adrenotrophic hormone, or following injection of adrenal extract (2). These observations suggested the question of what changes, if any, occur in the γ-globulin level of the plasma of patients with hyperadrenal function of the Cushing's syndrome type. METHODS A group of 9 patients proved by physical examination and pertinent laboratory findings to have Cushing's syndrome were studied. The results were contrasted with those obtained on patients with Addison's disease (5) and hypo-adrenal function of pituitary origin (6). In 8 of the patients with Cushing's syndrome, the plasma proteins were studied before treatment was instituted. Three of this group were observed for a period of as long as three years after therapy. One patient, no. 9, who had had a partial adrenalectomy and x-ray ...
An augmented electric field integral equation for high-speed interconnect analysis

The conventional electric field integral equation (EFIE) is augmented by including charge as the extra unknown, so that the contributions of the vector potential and the scalar potential are separated to avoid the imbalance at low frequencies. With the frequency scaling and the direct enforcement of the current continuity constraint, the new augmented EFIE is free of low-frequency breakdown for interconnect analysis. Mathematically, it can be categorized as a generalized saddle-point problem. The new equation is verified by numerical examples. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 50: 2658–2662, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.23736
Transport and fate of microorganisms in porous media: A theoretical investigation

Abstract Bacteria and viruses found in groundwater are a proven health hazard as evidenced by the large number of outbreaks of water-borne diseases caused by contaminated groundwater. To analyze the fate of biological contaminants in soils and groundwater, we studied various transport processes including dispersion, convection, Brownian motion, chemotaxis and tumbling of bacteria. The differences between bacteria and viruses in their transport mechanisms, decay and growth kinetics have also been investigated. It has been shown that the rate of deposition terms can be incorporated by a first-order and an adsorption isotherm for bacteria and viruses, respectively. The movement of bacteria is coupled with the transport of a bacterial nutrient present in seeping wastewater.
Venous Thromboembolism in an Industrial North American City: Temporal Distribution and Association with Particulate Matter Air Pollution

Background Emerging evidence, mainly from Europe and Asia, indicates that venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurs most often in winter. Factors implicated in such seasonality are low temperature-mediated exacerbation of coagulation and high levels of particulate matter (PM) air pollution. However, in contrast to most European and Asian cities, particulate matter pollution peaks in the summer in many North American cities.
Universal Kummer congruences mod prime powers

Abstract We have previously proved Kummer congruences mod primes p such that p - 1 | / n for the universal divided Bernoulli numbers B ^ n / n . In this paper we strengthen these congruences to hold mod powers of p.
Determination of persulfate in emulsion polymerization latices

In the emulsion polymerization of butadiene, styrene, or both, potassium persulfate is often used as the catalyst. A convenient concentration of potassium persulfate in the aqueous layer of the charge is 0.10–0.2%; the method of analysis should therefore be suitable for very small persulfate concentrations. Three methods have been investigated. In the volumetric method the persulfate is allowed to react in an acid medium with an excess of standard ferrous iron, the excess being back-titrated after a given period of time with standard ceric cerium solution. The recommended procedure was found accurate and precise within 0.5%, even at such small concentrations as 5 mg. of potassium persulfate per 100 ml. When latex is analyzed by this method, the polymer is first removed by coagulation with sulfuric acid and the persulfate determined in the filtrate. In order to obtain reliable results the reaction between the persulfate and ferrous iron in the filtrate must be carried out in the absence of oxygen, although this is not necessary in solutions of pure persulfate. The interference by oxygen is attributed to substances of peroxidic character in the fatty acid soaps used as emulsifiers in the emulsion polymerization. The colorimetric method (“Becco” method) is based upon the oxidation of the leuco base of commercial wool green BSMA to a green dye by the persulfate and (colorimetric) measurement of the dye formed. The various factors affecting the accuracy and precision of this method have been investigated and a procedure is given for the analysis of latex. For several reasons, the volumetric and polarographic methods are superior to the colorimetric method. Persulfate in a latex can be determined accurately by polarographic analysis of the latex filtrate after removal of the polymer with sulfuric acid. The polarographic determination can be carried out, in the presence of oxygen, with simple equipment. The method is rapid and precise.
Dynamics and the calculus of variations

Abstract The vanishing first variation of a functional is first applied, in accordance with the rules of the calculus of variations, to obtain three equations for an extremal function of one independent variable. The vanishing first variation of a functional is then applied, in accordance with the laws of mathematics and mechanics, to obtain two equations for an extremal function of two independent variables, time and one independent space variable (readily extended to three independent space variables). These two equations, the validity of which has now been extensively demonstrated in the literature, are compared to the corresponding two equations from the calculus of variations. A direct analytical solution to the inverse problem of dynamics (prescribe the displacement function, find the required force function) is demonstrated. Finally, it is demonstrated that the extremal function which causes the first variation of the associated functional to vanish, also causes the associated work/energy to vanish.
Comparison of subjective and objective assessments of sleep in healthy older subjects without sleep complaints

Older adults have reduced sleep quality compared with younger adults when sleeping at habitual times and greater sleep disruption when their sleep is at adverse times. The purpose of this analysis was to investigate how subjective measures of sleep relate to objectively recorded sleep in older subjects scheduled to sleep at all times of day. We analyzed data from 24 healthy older (55-74 years) subjects who took part in a 32-day inpatient study where polysomnography was recorded each night and subjective sleep was assessed after each scheduled wake time. The study included baseline nights and a forced desynchrony (FD) protocol when the subjects lived on a 20-h rest activity schedule. Our postsleep questionnaire both included quantitative and qualitative questions about the prior sleep. Under baseline and FD conditions, objective and subjective sleep latency were correlated, subjective sleep duration was related to slow-wave sleep and wake after sleep onset, subjective sleep quality was related to stage 1 and 2 sleep, and sleepiness and refreshment at wake time were related to duration of premature awakening. During FD, most measures of objective and subjective sleep varied with circadian phase and many additional correlations between objective and subjective sleep were present. Our findings show that when sleeping at habitual times, these healthy older subjects did not perceive their generally poor sleep quality, but under FD conditions where sleep quality changed from day-to-day their subjective sleep ratings were more associated with their objective sleep.
Influences of context on early writing development

Research on children's early writing development in the past has focused primarily on product and process. In reviewing the more recent research on early writing development, however, a new focus of context emerges. Occurrences of literacy are now being observed in the home, the school, and the community. With this new emphasis, comes the task of defining context. A definition of context reflects theoretical perspectives, areas of research interests, and types of methodologies employed in conducting research. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to address the following aspects of context: #op1#cp multidiscipline perspectives and definitions of context, #op2#cp contextual shifts observed between the home and the school, #op3#cp contextual factors present when learning how to write, and #op4#cp pedagogical implications for curriculum development.
SPARC and DNA methylation: Possible diagnostic and therapeutic implications in gastrointestinal cancers

DNA methylation is a major contributor to epigenetic alterations and as such is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in gastrointestinal malignancies. DNA methylation is commonly observed in several Gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies including pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Methylation results in decreased expression of tumor suppressor genes. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) is a tumor suppressor gene that can be functionally inactivated through methylation. SPARC is commonly dysregulated in GI malignancies. Inhibition of DNA methylation can reverse the silencing of SPARC. In the present review, we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of the features of DNA methylation that pertain to SPARC, focusing on their functional and clinical relevance in GI carcinogenesis.
Alternate Anodes for the Electrolytic Reduction of UO 2

The electrolytic reduction process of UO2 employs a platinum anode and a stainless steel cathode in molten LiCl-LiO2 maintained at 973 K (700 °C). The degradation of platinum under the severely oxidizing conditions encountered during the process is an issue of concern. In this study, Inconel 600 and 718, stainless steel alloy 316, tungsten, nickel, molybdenum, and titanium, were investigated though electrochemical polarization techniques, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to serve as potential anode materials. Of the various materials investigated, only tungsten exhibited sufficient stability at the required potential in the molten electrolyte. Tungsten anodes were further studied in molten LiCl-LiO2 electrolyte containing 2, 4, and 6 wt pct of Li2O. In LiCl-2 wt pct Li2O tungsten was found to be sufficiently stable to both oxidation and microstructural changes and the stability is attributed to the formation of a lithium-intercalated tungsten oxide surface film. Increase in the concentration of Li2O was found to lead to accelerated corrosion of the anode, in conjunction with the formation of a peroxotungstate oxide film.
aMAGEing New Players Enter the RING to Promote Ubiquitylation

The MAGE proteins are best known as curious tumor-specific antigens. However, Doyle et al. (2010) reveal that MAGE proteins interact with RING proteins to promote ubiquitylation which provides important new insights into the physiological and pathological functions of this enigmatic family of proteins.
Face, content, and construct validities of inanimate intestinal anastomoses simulation.

Purpose Surgical simulation modules for "open" surgery are limited and not well studied or validated. Available simulation modules use either synthetic material, which is convenient but may not mimic what is observed or felt in the operating room, or live animal laboratories, which can simulate human tissue but are costly and not readily available. An intestinal anastomosis simulation was devised with thawed porcine intestine. In this study, the face, content, and construct validities of this simulation module were analyzed for both hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses. Methods Participants were timed on performing a 2-layered, hand-sewn anastomosis, as well as a side-to-side, functional, end-to-end, stapled anastomosis on thawed porcine small bowel. Anastomoses were examined for adequacy and measured for luminal narrowing and bursting pressure by intraluminal saline infusion. Questionnaires were answered regarding impressions with the simulation modules. Face, content, and construct validities were evaluated by comparing junior residents to senior residents and faculty. Data collected were analyzed with 2-sample t -tests. Results Both hand-sewn and stapled anastomoses showed strong face and content validity. Overall impressions of these inanimate simulation modules were a positive experience as reflected by the comments of participants. For hand-sewn anastomoses, a significant difference was found between junior and senior group times (50.0 ± 17.2 vs 33.0 ± 9.7 minutes, p=0.013) as well as PGY-1 and faculty times (64.0 ± 7.2 vs 28.0 ± 3.8 minutes, p=0.001). Bursting pressures varied between both groups and were not significant. For stapled anastomoses, no difference was noted between the various groups in completion time or bursting pressure. Conclusions Hand-sewn and stapled inanimate intestinal anastomoses are a valid simulation of intraoperative experience based on the face and content validities. Although stapled anastomosis does not have good construct validity, the more challenging hand-sewn anastomosis does differentiate between various skill levels.
An analytical model for the combustion of coal particles

A model for the combustion of coal particles is developed which accounts for the gasification and pyrolysis reactions throughout the particles, oxidation reactions at the particles' outer surface, distributed gas-phase reactions around the particles, and transport of heat and mass throughout the reaction zones. The model shows that the combustion of large particles is dominated by gasification and gas-phase reactions. As large particles burn and shrink, however, the mechanism changes to one dominated by surface oxidation. This change in mechanism can be gradual or very rapid (even discontinuous) depending on the combustion conditions. The particle size at which this transition takes place decreases as the bulk gas temperature or oxygen concentration increase. The proposed model is used to predict the conversion of pulverized coal as a function of time; the results agree with literature data for particles of 26-32 μm radius. On a mis au point un modele relatif a la combustion de particules de charbon qui tient compte (a) des reactions de gazeification et de pyrolyse en tous points d'une particule, (b) des reactions d'oxydation a la surface extericure des particules, (c) des reactions qui se produisent en phase gazeusc autour des particules et (d) des transferts de chaleur et de masse dans les zones de reactions. Le modele indique que les reactions de gazeification et celles qui se produisent en phase gazeuse dominent la combustion des grosses particules de charbon; toutefois, lorsque ces particules brulent et diminuent de volume, le regime se transforme et l'oxydation de la surface predomine; ce changemeut peut etre graduel ou tres rapide (meme discontinu), selon les conditions de la combustion. Les dimensions des particules auxquelles la transition se fait diminuant a mesure que le temperature globale ou la concentration en oxygene augmente. On emploie le modele propose pour prevoir la conversion du charbon pulverise en fonction du temps; les resultats obtenus concordent avec des donnees publiees pour les particules dont le rayon est compris entre 26 et 32 μm.