Visual spatial memory is enhanced in female rats (but inhibited in males) by dietary soy phytoestrogens

Background  

In learning and memory tasks, requiring visual spatial memory (VSM), males exhibit superior performance to females (a difference attributed to the hormonal influence of estrogen). This study examined the influence of phytoestrogens (estrogen-like plant compounds) on VSM, utilizing radial arm-maze methods to examine varying aspects of memory. Additionally, brain phytoestrogen, calbindin (CALB), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) levels were determined.     

A linear theory of straight elastic rods

This paper is based on the work of Green & Laws who have given a general thermodynamical theory of rods which is valid for any material. Here, starting with the general non-linear theory of elastic rods, we derive a linear theory allowing for thermal effects. The resulting free energy as a quadratic function of kinematic variables is restricted by certain symmetry conditions. The basic equations then separate into four groups, two for flexure, one for torsion and one for extension of the rod with temperature effects occurring only in the latter group. Wave propagation along an infinite rod is considered. There are two wave speeds for each type of flexure, two for torsion and three for isothermal extension and all wave speeds depend on the wave length.     

Dynamic routing in open queueing networks: Brownian models,cut constraints and resource pooling

We present an introductory review of recent work on the control of open queueing networks. We assume that customers of different types arrive at a network and pass through the system via one of several possible routes; the set of routes available to a customer depends on its type. A route through the network is an ordered set of service stations: a customer queues for service at each station on its route and then leaves the system. The two methods of control we consider are the routing of customers through the network, and the sequencing of service at the stations, and our aim is to minimize the number of customers in the system. We concentrate especially on the insights which can be obtained from heavy traffic analysis, and in particular from Harrison's Brownian network models. Our main conclusion is that in many respects dynamic routingsimplifies the behaviour of networks, and that under good control policies it may well be possible to model the aggregate behaviour of a network quite straightforwardly.Supported by SERC grant GR/F 94194.     

Metal-specific allosteric activation and deactivation of a diamine

The reaction of a potentially tetradentate bis(pyridyl-thiazole) ligand with acetone is allosterically activated upon complexation with Cd(II) but deactivated by reaction with Cu(I), demonstrating metal-specific allosteric controlled reactivity.