cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PHYSICAL SCALE EFFECTS AND PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT EXPERIMENTS

: The scales across which physical properties exist are vast and subtle in their effects on particular systems placed locally on such scales. For example, human experiential access is restricted only to partial segments of the mass density, size, and temperature scales of the universe. I argue that philosophers must learn to appreciate better the effects of physical scales. Specifically, thought experiments in philosophy should be more sensitive to physical scale effects, because the conclusion of a thought experiment may be undermined by unintentionally ignored scale effects, and the changes required to obtain the foreground state of affairs in a thought experiment might require unacknowledged scale-spanning changes to the contextual background. I discuss four philosophical thought experiments: Putnam's Twin Earth and Brain in a Vat, Searle's Chinese Room, and Chalmers's Zombies Without Qualia. I close by briefly defending the greater interest and importance of physical possibility over logical possibility.
Interaction between GABAA receptor subunit intracellular loops: implications for higher order complex formation

The majority of fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS is mediated by the GABA type-A (GABAA) receptor, a ligand-gated chloride channel. Of the approximately 20 different subunits composing the hetero-pentameric GABAA receptor, the γ2 subunit in particular seems to be important in several aspects of GABAA receptor function, including clustering of the receptor at synapses. In this study, we report that the intracellular loop of the γ2 subunit interacts with itself as well as with γ1, γ3 and β1–3 subunits, but not with the α subunits. We further show that γ2 subunits interact with photolabeled pentameric GABAA receptors composed of α1, β2/3 and γ2 subunits, and calculate the dissociation constant to be in the micromolar range. By using deletion constructs of the γ2 subunit in a yeast two-hybrid assay, we identified a 23-amino acid motif that mediates self-association, residues 389–411. We confirmed this interaction motif by inhibiting the interaction in a glutathione-S-transferase pull-down assay by adding a corresponding γ2-derived peptide. Using similar approaches, we identified the interaction motif in the γ2 subunit mediating interaction with the β2 subunit as a 47-amino acid motif that includes the γ2 self-interacting motif. The identified γ2 self-association motif is identical to the interaction motif reported between GABAA receptor and GABAA receptor-associated protein (GABARAP). We propose a model for GABAA receptor clustering based on GABARAP and GABAA receptor subunit–subunit interaction.
The Global Food Supply Chain

The multidimensional supply food supply chain, undergirded by economic and technological investment, involves a sequence of production,processing, distribution, and consumption components; the safety and security of these components typically involves multiple regulatory agencies. The emergence of new external challenges—from agroterrorism and bioterrorism to relatively new social considerations—challenge the normal functioning of the global food supply chain. China—a salient example of a geographically vast, rapidly developing country—illustrates the challenges of adopting elements (e.g. traceability and transparency) necessary for ensuring the security of the food supply chain. A broad understanding of food security requires an appreciation of multiple academic perspectives, from economics to public health; cross-border trade flows both ensure food security through the provision of food imports and, potentially, can threaten food security through the introduction of accidentally introduced or deliberately introduced hazards. New risk-management systems instituted by, for example, the 2002 Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act seek to help regulatory agencies better ensure the safety and security of food imports. Elsewhere, novel approaches to cross-border cooperation signal models for enhanced trade cooperation that will ensure security in the global food supply chain. Keywords: food security; supply chain security; agricultural biosecurity; agroterrorism; international trade; multilateral trading system; World Trade Organization; cooperation
Intermediate Macroeconomics Made Simpler

In the last thirty-five years, the course in intermediate macroeconomics has become more difficult, both for the student to learn and the instructor to teach. In this paper, some simpler approaches are presented to teaching the following topics: the distinction between private, public, and national savings; the Ricardian Equivalence Hypothesis; Economic Growth Theory; and the derivation of the Lucas Supply Curve.
On a stochastic nonlinear equation in one-dimensional viscoelasticity

In this paper we discuss an initial-boundary value problem for a stochastic nonlinear equation arising in one-dimensional viscoelasticity. We propose to use a new direct method to obtain a solution. This method is expected to be applicable to a broad class of nonlinear stochastic partial differential equations.
Localized loss of hypocretin (orexin) cells in narcolepsy without cataplexy

STANDARD NOSOLOGY CLASSIFIES PATIENTS WHO HAVE SHORT SLEEP LATENCY AND ≥ 2 SLEEP ONSET REM SLEEP PERIODS ON THE MULTIPLE SLEEP LATENCY test as narcoleptic.1 Under this definition, more than a quarter of those classified as narcoleptic do not have cataplexy.2,3 The intensity of cataplexy in patients classified as having narcolepsy with cataplexy varies greatly: it is the most debilitating symptom in a few patients, causing total loss of muscle tone and consequent collapse several times a day; it occurs rarely and causes only transient weakness of the facial musculature in others.4 Narcolepsy with cataplexy has been shown to be characterized by a loss of the hypocretin (orexin) peptide and of the cells generating this peptide.5–8 All human narcoleptic brains we have examined have some surviving hypocretin cells with approximately normal morphology.9 Unfortunately, collection of the brains of human narcoleptics has been largely limited to patients with cataplexy. We now present data from an analysis of the complete hypothalamus of one patient with narcolepsy without cataplexy (patient 1), data from a second narcolepsy without cataplexy patient from which we received only anterior hypothalamic tissue (patient 2), 5 narcolepsy with cataplexy patients, and 6 normal individuals.
Efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate 0.005% ointment in the treatment of psoriasis

Two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled parallel-group trials involving 388 patients were conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate 0.005% ointment to those of its vehicle in the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The study medication (up to 100 gm/week) was applied topically to the affected target areas of the body twice daily for up to four consecutive weeks. Efficacy and safety were evaluated after one, two, three, and four weeks of treatment. In both studies, fluticasone ointment was clearly shown to be superior to vehicle throughout the four weeks of treatment. At the end of the treatment period, the superiority of fluticasone ointment was statistically significant for all efficacy measures. At the end of study 1, the skin of ten of eighty-eight patients (11%) who received fluticasone were rated as cleared by the investigators and fifty (57%) were rated as excellent or good. Of those who received vehicle, the skin of one of ninety (1%) was rated cleared and twenty-five (28%) were rated excellent or good. In study 2, the skin of three of 105 (3%) patients who received fluticasone were rated as cleared and sixty-nine (66%) were rated as excellent or good at the end of the study. Of those who were treated with vehicle, no patient's skin was rated cleared and thirty of 100 (30%) were rated excellent or good. Adverse events were few and mild. The most common drug-related adverse events were burning and pruritus at the site of application, which occurred in 6% of both the fluticasone-treated patients and those who received vehicle. These findings support the conclusion that fluticasone, 0.005%, ointment is clinically superior to its vehicle in the treatment of psoriasis.
Emerging applications of knowledge sharing systems

Knowledge sharing systems represent a novel category of knowledge-based systems intended to overcome expert systems limitations in their application to ill-structured domains. Knowledge sharing systems provide an effective approach to knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer among people, particularly in multidisciplinary or decentralized-expertise fields. The author proposes knowledge sharing systems applications in such emerging areas as concurrent engineering, intelligent-organizational decision support systems, knowledge-based technology transfer, and new quality control. >
An empirical approach to evaluating the validity of alternative low-risk drinking guidelines.

Introduction and Aims. This paper proposes an approach for evaluating the validity of alternative low-risk drinking guidelines. Design and Methods. Twenty-seven alternative guidelines were evaluated in terms of their ability to predict nine measures of concurrent and prospective alcohol-related harm, using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of US adults (n = 26 438 to 12 339 depending upon outcome). Parameters compared included sensitivity, specificity, adjusted odds ratios and measures of model fit. Results. Performance varied by harm. The guidelines that best predicted concurrent alcohol-related harm comprised daily-only limits of 4/3 drinks for men/women, but gender-invariant limits of 4/4 drinks also performed well. Adding weekly limits did little to improve the prediction of concurrent harm. The guidelines that best predicted prospective harm comprised daily limits of 4/4 drinks combined with weekly limits of 14 drinks for men and 7 drinks for women, with weekly limits of 14/14 drinks running second. When concurrent and incident harms were aggregated, daily-only limits of 4/3 drinks performed nearly on a par with the combination of 14/14 drinks per week and 4/3 drinks per day. Discussion and Conclusions. This paper supported gender-specific daily limits and suggested that optimal guidelines might take daily limits from analyses of concurrent harms and weekly limits from analyses of prospective harms. This paper illustrates a mechanism for validating the ability of low-risk drinking guidelines to accurately predict a range of alcohol-related harms, whereby countries could use their own data on consumption and its association with harm to evaluate their low-risk drinking guidelines.[Dawson DA, Smith SM, Pickering RP, Grant BF. An empirical approach to evaluating the validity of alternative low-risk drinking guidelines. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011]. Language: en
How to Transform Individuals and Nations

The following diagrams illustrate a scientifically sound framework for world transformation and peace. The two components, Excellence of the External and Excellence of the Internal, allow individuals organizations, and nations to emerge at their best. Six Sigma is the wherewithal for the excellence of the external while the ancient Eastern wisdom, recent scientific contributions of Western and American scientists, and this author's framework outlined in science of compassion is the wherewithal for the excellence of the internal. By now, I have made numerous presentations on the topic in three countries (e.g., USA, Peru and India) to audience’s bewilderment, excitement, and acceptance. I am confident this framework has a lot of potential for doing humanity a lot of good.
Kindreds of the Earth: Badaga Household Structure and Demography

Kindreds of the Earth: Badaga Household Structure and Demography. Paul Hackings. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1999. 302 pp.
The queer child, or growing sideways in the twentieth century, by Kathryn Bond Stockton

The queer child, or growing sideways in the twentieth century, by Kathryn Bond Stockton, Durham, NC, Duke University Press, 2009, 312 pp., US$ [22.95] (paperback), ISBN 978-0822343868 The cover pho...
Impaired Generation of 12-Hydroxylated Bile Acids Links Hepatic Insulin Signaling with Dyslipidemia

The association of type 2 diabetes with elevated plasma triglyceride (TG) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and intrahepatic lipid accumulation represents a pathophysiological enigma and an unmet therapeutic challenge. Here, we uncover a link between insulin action through FoxO1, bile acid (BA) composition, and altered lipid homeostasis that brings new insight to this longstanding conundrum. FoxO1 ablation brings about two signature lipid abnormalities of diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, elevated liver and plasma TG. These changes are associated with deficiency of 12α-hydroxylated BAs and their synthetic enzyme, Cyp8b1, that hinders the TG-lowering effects of the BA receptor, Fxr. Accordingly, pharmacological activation of Fxr with GW4064 overcomes the BA imbalance, restoring hepatic and plasma TG levels of FoxO1-deficient mice to normal levels. We propose that generation of 12α-hydroxylated products of BA metabolism represents a signaling mechanism linking hepatic lipid abnormalities with type 2 diabetes, and a treatment target for this condition.
Shock intensity and unconditioned responding in the gerbil

Six male gerbils were tested for their unconditioned response to shock (0.0–0.9 mA in 0.1-mA steps) before and after shaving the tail, feet, and scrotum. Results indicated that the gerbils were more sensitive after shaving than before. The Ss under both conditions made flinch responses at low intensities of shock, reaching a maximum of 0.1 mA and then declining. The Ss under both conditions showed an increase in locomotor responses from 0.0 mA to 0.9 mA. The response topographies for both the flinch and locomotor responses were similar to those of the rat (Trabasso & Thompson, 1962) but were displaced toward low shock intensities.
Photorefractive Effect In Lithium Niobate Directional Couplers

Experimental results on the photorefractive effect in Ti-indiffused LiNbO 3 , directional couplers at GaAs and He-Ne wavelengths are presented. The photorefractive effect has been observed as drift in the switching state of this device at GaAs wavelengths (0.81 μm and 0.85 μm) for intensities (powers) as low as 32 W/cm 2 (3.2 μW). Analysts of this effect indicates refractive index changes as large as 2 x 10 -4 are occurring at λ = 0.63 μm. In addition, an analytical model of the mode profiles of Ti-indiffused LiNbO 3 channel wave-guides for calculating the coupling characteristics of diffused directional couplers is presented.
Quantitative and Comprehensive Decomposition of the Ion Atmosphere around Nucleic Acids

The ion atmosphere around nucleic acids critically affects biological and physical processes such as chromosome packing, RNA folding, and molecular recognition. However, the dynamic nature of the ion atmosphere renders it difficult to characterize. The basic thermodynamic description of this atmosphere, a full accounting of the type and number of associated ions, has remained elusive. Here we provide the first complete accounting of the ion atmosphere, using buffer equilibration and atomic emission spectroscopy (BE-AES) to accurately quantitate the cation association and anion depletion. We have examined the influence of ion size and charge on ion occupancy around simple, well-defined DNA molecules. The relative affinity of monovalent and divalent cations correlates inversely with their size. Divalent cations associate preferentially over monovalent cations; e.g., with Na+ in 4-fold excess of Mg2+ (20 vs 5 mM), the ion atmosphere nevertheless has 3-fold more Mg2+ than Na+. Further, the dicationic polyamine putrescine2+ does not compete effectively for association relative to divalent metal ions, presumably because of its lower charge density. These and other BE-AES results can be used to evaluate and guide the improvement of electrostatic treatments. As a first step, we compare the BE-AES results to predictions from the widely used nonlinear Poisson Boltzmann (NLPB) theory and assess the applicability and precision of this theory. In the future, BE-AES in conjunction with improved theoretical models, can be applied to complex binding and folding equilibria of nucleic acids and their complexes, to parse the electrostatic contribution from the overall thermodynamics of important biological processes.
Growth of Lactobacillus paracasei ATCC 334 in a cheese model system: A biochemical approach

Growth of Lactobacillus paracasei ATCC 334, in a cheese-ripening model system based upon a medium prepared from ripening Cheddar cheese extract (CCE) was evaluated. Lactobacillus paracasei ATCC 334 grows in CCE made from cheese ripened for 2 (2mCCE), 6 (6mCCE), and 8 (8mCCE) mo, to final cell densities of 5.9 ×10 8 , 1.2 × 10 8 , and 2.1 × 10 7 cfu/mL, respectively. Biochemical analysis and mass balance equations were used to determine substrate consumption patterns and products formed in 2mCCE. The products formed included formate, acetate, and d-lactate. These data allowed us to identify the pathways likely used and to initiate metabolic flux analysis. The production of volatiles during growth of Lb. paracasei ATCC 334 in 8mCCE was monitored to evaluate the metabolic pathways utilized by Lb. paracasei during the later stages of ripening Cheddar cheese. The 2 volatiles detected at high levels were ethanol and acetate. The remaining detected volatiles are present in significantly lower amounts and likely result from amino acid, pyruvate, and acetyl-coenzyme A metabolism. Carbon balance of galactose, lactose, citrate, and phosphoserine/phosphoserine-containing peptides in terms of d-lactate, acetate, and formate are in agreement with the amounts of substrates observed in 2mCCE; however, this was not the case for 6mCCE and 8mCCE, suggesting that additional energy sources are utilized during growth of Lb. paracasei ATCC 334 in these CCE. This study provides valuable information on the biochemistry and physiology of Lb. paracasei ATCC 334 in ripening cheese.
A hormonally active substance produced by the ovary of the Holothurian Parastichopus californicus.

Abstract Ovaries of Parastichopus californicus produced a substance similar to 1-methyladenine when incubated in vitro with an extract of starfish ( Patiria ) radial nerves. The holothurian substance stimulates germinal vesicle breakdown and follicle cell movement in oocytes of both Patiria and of Parastichopus , although the response of the starfish to both 1-methyladenine and the holothurian compound is more extensive and more reliable than that of Parastichopus . The compound resembles 1-methyl-adenine in its resistance to proteolysis and its elution behavior on Sephadex G-15 as well as in its biological activity. The endocrine significance of the holothurian compound remains unclear.
Gamma Profile Analysis for Stress, Texture and Grain Size

Two-dimensional X-ray diffraction pattern can be described by the diffraction intensity distribution in both 2 q and g directions. The 2D pattern can be reduced to two kinds of profiles: 2 q- profile and g-profile. The 2 q-profile can be evaluated for phase identification, crystal structure refinement and many applications with many existing algorithms and software. The g-profile contains information on texture, stress, and crystal grain size. This article introduces the concept and fundamental algorithms for stress, texture and crystal size analysis by g-profile analysis.
Recent Advances in Polymer Fibers

In recent years, there has been steady progress in developing new polymers and functional polymer fibers. The objectives of this issue are to provide readers an overview of significant advances for the production of high performance fibers such as Kevlar, PBO, Spectra and Dyneema fibers and to describe new super strong M5 fibers, highly elastic XLA™ fibers and self‐crimping T‐400, T‐800, and other fibers. Additional goals are to present futuristic technologies such as shape memory fibers and compare them with innovative spandex fibers as well as to describe unique nanofibers from biopolymers by using novel electrospinning methods. Finally new, high performance poly(ethylene naphthalate) fibers will be reviewed.
Identification of anti-idiotypic antibodies in the sera of ryegrass-allergic and nonallergic individuals.

Abstract Anti-idiotypic (Id) antibodies (Abs) are generated in the humoral response to antigen (Ag). Some of these anti-Id Abs are capable of binding to the combining site or paratope of Abs that bind Ag. These Ab2 can competitively inhibit the binding of Ab1 to Ag and may trigger an Ab1 response similar to the response induced by Ag. To determine if specific Ab2 that inhibit the binding of IgE Abs to ryegrass (RG)-pollen allergens are present in the sera of RG-allergic (RGA) individuals before the initiation of allergen-specific hyposensitization with RG-pollen extract, we studied sera from five RGA and four nonallergic (NA) subjects in an IgE anti-RG RAST-inhibition assay. Ab2-enriched serum fractions were prepared from these study subjects by exhaustive mixed grass-pollen affinity chromatography to remove IgE and IgG anti-RG Ab1 from whole serum aliquots containing Ab1. Unabsorbed, twice-concentrated sera were diluted to one-time concentrated sera with equal volumes of either Ab2-enriched sera without Ab1 or borate-buffered saline absorbed by mixed grass-pollen affinity chromatography. IgE anti-RG Ab1 was determined by a standard RG RAST assay. We have detected Ab2 in the sera of the RGA patients, which inhibit the binding of autologous and allogeneic IgE anti-RG to RG Ags in solid phase. Parallel RG RAST assays with sera from NA subjects demonstrated no significant inhibition. Ab2-enriched sera from some grass-allergic and some NA subjects inhibited IgE anti-RG binding found in some RGA patients' sera. We conclude that anti-Id Abs, Ab2, specific for IgE anti-RG, Ab1, are present in some RGA patients and NA individuals.
Site-specific inhibition of EcoRI restriction/modification enzymes by a DNA triple helix

The ability of oligopyrimidines to inhibit, through triple helix formation, the specific protein-DNA interactions of the EcoRI restriction and modification enzymes (EcoRI and MEcoRI) with their recognition sequence (GAATTC) was studied. The oligonucleotides (CTT)4 and (CTT)8 formed triplexes in plasmids at (GAA)n repeats containing EcoRI sites. Cleavage and methylation of EcoRI sites within these sequences were specifically inhibited by the oligonucleotides, whereas an EcoRI site adjacent to a (GAA)n sequence was inhibited much less. Also, other EcoRI sites within the plasmid, or in exogenously added lambda DNA, were not inhibited. These results demonstrate the potential of using triplex-forming oligonucleotides to block protein-DNA interactions at specific sites, and thus this technique may be useful in chromosome mapping and in the modulation of gene expression.
RhoGDI SUMOylation at Lys-138 Increases Its Binding Activity to Rho GTPase and Its Inhibiting Cancer Cell Motility

The Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor (RhoGDI) can bind to small GTPases and keep them in a biologically inactive state in cytoplasm, through which it affects actin polymerization and cell motility. However, mechanisms underlying how RhoGDI regulates Rho GTPase complex formation/membrane extraction/GTPase dissociation remain largely unexplored. Our previous studies reported that X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) interacted with RhoGDI via its RING domain and negatively modulated RhoGDI SUMOylation and HCT116 cancer cell migration. Here, we identified that RhoGDI SUMOylation specifically occurred at Lys-138, which was inhibited by XIAP domain. We further demonstrated that RhoGDI SUMOylation at Lys-138 was crucial for inhibiting actin polymerization and cytoskeleton formation as well as cancer cell motility. Moreover, SUMO-RhoGDI had a much higher binding affinity to small Rho GTPase compared with the un-SUMOylated form of RhoGDI. Taken together, our study demonstrated a novel modification of RhoGDI, SUMOylation at Lys-138, which played a key role in regulating Rho GTPase activation in cancer cells. The physiological regulation of RhoGDI SUMOylation by the RING domain of XIAP may account for modulation of cancer cell invasion and metastasis by XIAP.
A Comparison of Thermal and Epitherral Neutron Activation for the Measurement of Selenium in Vegetation

Abstract Selenium concentrations in vegetation measured by two methods of activation analysis are compared. Detection limits of 1 ppm and 20 ppb have been achieved from epithermal and thermal neutron activation, respectively.
Global analysis of a system with multiple responses including a strange attractor

The global behavior of a periodically forced Duffing system is analyzed in this paper. Depending upon the value of a parameter, the long term stable motion of the system may be a third order subharmonic response, a strange attractor, or both. When multiple stable responses are possible the domains of attraction are determined. The global analysis is carried out by using the compatible cell mapping method. The method is an iterative one and it allows the analysis to begin with a relatively coarse cell structure. The more detailed information is obtained by refining the cell structure successively.
A Bolzano's theorem in the new millennium

1. IntroductionOurmainobjectiveinthispaperistoestablishacloseconnectionbetweenaclassicaltheorem from real analysis (discovered over two centuries ago) and recent works inMonotone Operator Theory for reexive Banach spaces. Nevertheless, throughout thisexposition,wealsogiveabriefdescriptionofhowtheoriginalproblemhasevolvedintime,passingthroughdierentcategoriesofgeneralizationforthelast30years.Whilewe are progressing toward this goal, we are able to obtain some new results such asTheorem4(seeSection3),wheresomeconvexityconditionisnolongerrequired.Weare also able to obtain a new Invariance of Domain Theorem for monotone operators,as can be seen in Theorem 5 below.The study of the existence of zeros for nonlinear functional equations involvingmonotoneoperatorshasbeenextensivelydiscussedtowardtheveryendofthelastmil-lennium. Concerning the study of the existence of zeros under the boundary condition(2) below, we nd among the contributions, the work of Vainberg and Kachurovskii[19],Minty[12,13],Browder[4–6]andShinbrot[17].Forrelatedwork,wealsomen-tion BrBezis et al. [3], Kachurovskii [9], Leray and Lions [11], and Rockafellar [16].However, our main interest here is to attempt to unify some of the work done in thecontourofthiscondition(2),thatwasperhapsrstobservedbythismathematicianofthe XIX century. In spite of the fact that most of the results presented in Section 2 ofthis paper are known, their proofs share some degree of originality.
The Orbit of the Brown Dwarf Binary Gliese 569B

We present photometric, astrometric, and spectroscopic observations of the nearby (9.8 pc) low-mass binary Gl 569Bab (in turn being a companion to the early-M star Gl 569A) made with the Keck adaptive optics facility. Having observed Gl 569Bab since 1999 August, we are able to see orbital motion and to determine the orbital parameters of the pair. We find the orbital period to be 892 ± 25 days, the semimajor axis to be 0.90 ± 0.02 AU, the eccentricity to be 0.32 ± 0.02, and the inclination of the system to be 34° ± 3° (1 σ). The total mass is found to be 0.123 M☉ (3 σ). In addition, we have obtained low-resolution (R = 1500-1700) near-infrared spectra of each of the components in the J and K bands. We determine the spectral types of the objects to be M8.5 V (Gl 569Ba) and M9 V (Gl 569Bb) with an uncertainty of half a subclass. We also present new J- and K-band photometry that allows us to place the objects in the H-R diagram accurately. Most likely the binary system is comprised of two brown dwarfs with a mass ratio of 0.89 and with an age of approximately 300 Myr.
Effect of kaolinite on the specific infectivity of reovirus

The infectivity of enteric viruses (e.g., poliovirus, rotavirus, reovirus) is prolonged when these viruses are adsorbed on naturally occurring particulates (sediments, clay minerals) in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Furthermore, in vitro assays of these and other particulate-associated viruses often display infectivity levels (specific infectivity) greater than those of the same concentration of viruses in the absence of particulates. This investigations attempted to identify interactions at the particulate-virus-cell interface and to define the mechanism(s) whereby the apparent infectivity of viruses is enhanced when complexed with particulates. Reovirus type 3 and the clay mineral, kaolinite, were used as the model systems. Scanning electron micrographs after critical point drying showed that kaolinite was not present on the surface of cell monolayers of L-929 mouse fibroblasts 3 h after inoculation with a kaolinite-reovirus complex. However, the virus was observed on the surface of the cells. No change in dispersion of the virus particles was observed nor was the integrity of the cell surface altered by kaolinite. These results indicated that kaolinite enhanced the transport of viral particles, in conjunction with diffusion and Brownian movement, to receptors for the reovirus on the cell surface.
Morphological transformation of BALB/3T3 mouse embryo cells in vitro by vomitoxin.

The transforming potential of vomitoxin, a trichothecene mycotoxin produced on cereal grains by fungi of the genus Fusarium, was assessed using mouse embryo BALB/3T3 A31-1-1 cells. Cells grown in Eagle's basal medium with Earle's salts supplemented with 7.5% foetal bovine serum were treated with highly purified vomitoxin, which was dissolved in distilled water and filter-sterilized. Assays were conducted using cells from three different passages at dose levels ranging from 0.1 to 1.6 μg/ml. The treatment time was 48 hr and the highest dose levels tested produced approximately 10% survival as determined by in situ cell counts. Distilled water and 3-methylcholanthrene (5.0 μg/ml) were used as the vehicle and positive controls, respectively. Of the 20 dishes examined per dose group, the numbers of type III foci were 0–1 in the solvent control, 12–15 in the positive control and 0–9 in the treated groups. Comparison of the three assays showed that the level of response varied with passage number. Of the three passages of cells tested—passage numbers 6, 8 and 9 (p6, p8 and p9)—passage-9 cells produced the strongest positive effect.
Distance Learning Librarians: Their Shared Vision

Shared vision is a component of leadership that fosters innovation through buy-in at all levels of the organization. At times, people see a need for innovation but do not have the power to make changes on their own. Many librarians in academic institutions that were early adopters of distance learning envisioned a need for new services that were tailored to off-campus students. This study examines shared vision among librarians through a content analysis of planning documents from early distance learning library programs. It offers a shared vision model relevant to the study and application of leadership.
Dimensional expansion for the delta-function potential

This paper examines an attractive delta-function potential in D-dimensional space, where D is regarded as an arbitrary complex number. The renormalized scattering amplitude is calculated for arbitrary D and is shown to be finite as . Dimensional expansions about D = 0 and D = 2 are obtained; these expansions have a non-zero radius of convergence.
Multiple paternity in a natural population of a salamander with long-term sperm storage

Sperm competition appears to be an important aspect of any mating system in which individual female organisms mate with multiple males and store sperm. Postcopulatory sexual selection may be particularly important in species that store sperm throughout long breeding seasons, because the lengthy storage period may permit extensive interactions among rival sperm. Few studies have addressed the potential for sperm competition in species exhibiting prolonged sperm storage. We used microsatellite markers to examine offspring paternity in field-collected clutches of the Ocoee salamander (Desmognathus ocoee), a species in which female organisms store sperm for up to 9 months prior to fertilization. We found that 96% of clutches were sired by multiple males, but that the majority of females used sperm from only two or three males to fertilize their eggs. The high rate of multiple mating by females suggests that sperm competition is an important aspect of this mating system. Comparison of our data with those of other parentage studies in salamanders and newts reveals that multiple mating may be common in urodele amphibians. Nevertheless, the number of males siring offspring per clutch in D. ocoee did not differ appreciably from that in other species of urodeles with shorter storage periods.
Solving the ideological dilemmas of peer social support: Microanalysis of provider strategies on a warm line

It is commonly assumed that supportive communication consists of multiple goals and that there are difficulties tied to accomplishing these multiple goals in interaction. Building upon a description of three contrary themes that typify the goals of social support on a peer‐run warm line for clients within community mental health, this study explores how support providers address the contrary themes of connectedness, problem solving, and nondirectiveness in actual phone calls. Support providers share their own similar experiences with clients in order to help solve client problems, too. Support providers put forth advice within queries in order to meet dual goals: solve client problems yet support client autonomy. Additionally, paraphrasing client's reports, if done well, both supports client autonomy and helps build stronger peer relationships. Future studies should detail other actual strategies that address dilemmas inherent to social support.
The Post-Offshoring IS Organization

In the age in which many traditional IS functions will be taken over by offshore vendors or otherwise outsourced, attention needs to be paid to those functions that will increase in importance and/or need to be developed by IS departments if they are to be effective in this new environment. This article suggests a framework that may be judgmentally applied to IS activities in order to determine if they should be considered for offshoring/outsourcing. The results of applying the framework will be unique to each firm that uses it. However, in using that approach in more than 25 firms, the author has found that most firms will wish to retain a number of functions in-house. Fourteen such activities are discussed in three broad categories: "activities related to external relations," "activities related to the development, customization, and implementation of systems" and "business and IS strategic activities."
Electron-rich radicals by neutralizationreionization mass spectrometry. Generation, dissociations and energetics of the hydrogen atom adduct to acetamide.

Protonated acetamide exists as two planar conformers, the more stable anti-form (anti-1+) and the syn-form (syn-1+), ΔG0298(anti→ syn)=10.8 kJ mol−1. Collisional neutralization of 1+ produces 1-hydroxy-1-amino-1-ethyl radicals (anti-1 and syn-1) which, in part, survive for 3.7 μs. The major dissociation of 1 is loss of the hydroxyl hydrogen atom (∼95%) which is accompanied by loss of one of the methyl hydrogen atoms (∼3%) and loss of the methyl group (∼2%). The most favorable dissociation of the O–H bond is calculated to be only 34 kJ mol−1 endothermic but requires 88 kJ mol−1 in the transition state. Other dissociations of 1, for example, loss of one of the amide hydrogens, methyl hydrogens and loss of ammonia are calculated to proceed through higher energy transition states and are not kinetically competitive if proceeding from the ground doublet electronic state of 1. The unimolecular dissociation of 1, following collisional electron transfer, is promoted by large Franck–Condon effects that result in 8...
The reliability and reproducibility of foot type measurements using a mirrored foot photo box and digital photography compared to caliper measurements

Abstract The height of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) is thought to be a predisposing factor to various lower extremity injuries. Discrepancy exists as to whether MLA height plays a role in injury prevention. The purpose of this study was to determine the intertester and intratester reliability, and the validity of the mirrored foot photo box (MFPB) and caliper measurements to radiographic measurements. Methods Thirty subjects with equal numbers of men and women were recruited. Both feet were tested ( n =60) in a 90% weight bearing stance. A set of anatomic landmarks were palpated, marked, and measured using a caliper, MFPB, and radiographs. The protocol was completed by two testers on 2 days approximately 1 week apart. Intertester and intratester reliability were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)(2, k ) and the ICC(2, 1), respectively. Validity of both measurement techniques to radiographic measurements was determined using the ICC(2, k ). Results The intertester reliability ranged from 0.991 to 0.577, while the intratester reliability ranged from 0.994 to 0.527, with first metatarsal angle being the only variable with poor reliability. Most variables demonstrated acceptable validity between the MFPB and the caliper measurements, and acceptable validity between the MFPB and calipers compared to radiographic measurements. The MFPB took 51.3±19.6 s per foot while the caliper measurements averaged 227.4±68.9 s to complete the measurements. Discussion The MFPB is as reliable as the caliper measurements, and offers better intertester reliability. Both the caliper and MFPB measurements demonstrated acceptable validity to radiographic measurements and testing time was reduced when using the MFPB compared to calipers.
Gilbert damping in conducting ferromagnets. I. Kohn-Sham theory and atomic-scale inhomogeneity

We derive an approximate expression for the Gilbert damping coefficient ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{G}$ of itinerant electron ferromagnets which is based on their description in terms of spin-density-functional theory (SDFT) and Kohn-Sham quasiparticle orbitals. We argue for an expression in which the coupling of magnetization fluctuations to particle-hole transitions is weighted by the spin-dependent part of the theory's exchange-correlation potential, a quantity which has large spatial variations on an atomic length scale. Our SDFT result for ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{G}$ is closely related to the previously proposed spin-torque correlation-function expression.
Using E-mail for Family Research

This article discusses conceptual, methodological, and ethical challenges of using e-mail to study families and offers strategies to address them. Specifically, the unique nature of issues related to sampling and data collection are addressed. Suggested adjustments and strategies include the use of insiders' consultation, securing opportunities for all family members to voice their views, creating paths for expressing content typically conveyed nonverbally, letting respondents control the pace and shape of the dialogue, creating a virtual shared reality and informing participants about measures to protect their privacy. Directions for future research are offered.
Application of optical coherence tomography and high-frequency ultrasound imaging during noninvasive laser vasectomy.

A noninvasive approach to vasectomy may eliminate male fear of complications related to surgery and increase its acceptance. Noninvasive laser thermal occlusion of the canine vas deferens has recently been reported. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) are compared for monitoring laser thermal coagulation of the vas in an acute canine model. Bilateral noninvasive laser coagulation of the vas was performed in six dogs (n = 12 vasa) using a Ytterbium fiber laser wavelength of 1075 nm, incident power of 9.0 W, pulse duration of 500 ms, pulse rate of 1 Hz, and 3-mm-diameter spot. Cryogen spray cooling was used to prevent skin burns during the procedure. An OCT system with endoscopic probe and a HFUS system with 20-MHz transducer were used to image the vas immediately before and after the procedure. Vasa were then excised and processed for gross and histologic analysis for comparison with OCT and HFUS images. OCT provided high-resolution, superficial imaging of the compressed vas within the vas ring clamp, while HFUS provided deeper imaging of the vas held manually in the scrotal fold. Both OCT and high HFUS are promising imaging modalities for real-time confirmation of vas occlusion during noninvasive laser vasectomy.
Pattern-addressable memory

The pattern associative memory (PAM), a custom associative memory chip specialized to handle the syntax and associated pattern-matching rules common to a range of symbolic processing applications, is discussed. The applications of particular interest are those in which runtime information is captured in the form of a database of declarative expressions. The structure and functioning of an array of these chips, which forms an associative coprocessor for a workstation are described. PAM implementation is addressed. >
Ringelmann Revisited Alternative Explanations for the Social Loafing Effect

Recent work suggests that group members' motivation for certain types of tasks declines as group size increases. Two experiments examined alternative explanations for this effect. The results of the first study disconfirmed the "me first" explanation, which holds that the effect occurs only when an individual performs in several different size groups. The second experiment supported the "hide-in—the crowd"explanation, which holds that member anonymity increases with group size for the tasks which have yielded the effect.
Distribution of μ-opioid receptors in the nucleus raphe magnus and nucleus gigantocellularis: A quantitative autoradiographic study

The present study has described and quantitated the distribution of mu-opioid receptors in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and nucleus gigantocellularis (NGC), using in vitro autoradiography. Moderately dense binding of a mu-enkephalin analog, DAGO, was observed in the NRM and adjacent parts of the NGC. DAGO binding density was greatest in the anterior NRM, possibly due to a greater involvement in the descending, opiate-mediated modulation of nociception. These findings agree with proposed roles for this region in the central regulation of pain.
Vitreous induces components of the prostaglandin E2 pathway in human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Purpose To investigate the alterations in gene expression when human retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in culture are treated with vitreous as a model for the changes that occur in proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Methods Human RPE cells were cultured with or without human vitreous or collagen. RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed. The RNAs expressed were compared by using DNA macroarrays. Messenger RNA levels were also measured using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was examined by immunoblot analysis. Immunoassays were used to determine levels of prostaglandin E(2). Results Vitreous treatment of RPE cells resulted in increased expression of two critical enzymes in the synthesis of prostaglandin E(2): membrane-associated prostaglandin E-synthase (mPGES) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2. Increased levels of mPGES RNA and protein were still present at 48 hours of treatment, but the increase in COX-2 mRNA and protein was transient. The increase in the expression of mPGES was associated with an increase in the production of prostaglandin E(2) that was observed at 12 and 24 hours of treatment but not at 48 hours. Treatment with 100 microg collagen I per ml medium did not cause increased expression of mPGES and COX-2, even though both collagen- and vitreous-treatment caused a morphologic change in the RPE cells to a more fibroblast-like phenotype. Conclusions Treatment of human RPE cells with vitreous induces changes in gene expression that are indicative of an inflammatory response.
Three degrees-of-freedom joint for spatial hyper-redundant robots

We present a new mechanical design for a compact three degrees-of-freedom joint mechanism. This joint design is ideal for use in robotic devices, especially hyper-redundant or snake-like robots. This joint exhibits an unprecedented range of motion: the origin of a coordinate frame attached to the output link of the joint can move on a spherical cone whose apex angle is 120° and this coordinate frame can be rotated around an axis passing through its origin and the center of the sphere. Moreover, the joint is optimized for strength, compactness and accuracy. These characteristics are verified by exploring the magnitude of the wrenches and errors that the joint can produce in its effective workspace. Finally, we present a mechatronic integration of four of our joints to construct a 12 degrees-of-freedom spatial hyper-redundant robot.
Antiarrhythmic and electrophysiologic effects of oral propafenone

Twenty-six patients had ventricular tachycardia initiated at control electrophysiologic study and had a repeat study during oral propafenone therapy. Ten patients had had sustained ventricular tachycardia, 6 cardiac arrest and 10 symptomatic, nonsustained ventricular tachycardia. Twenty-two patients had heart disease, 18 of whom had coronary artery disease. During propafenone therapy, ventricular tachycardia could not be initiated during programmed ventricular stimulation in 5 patients, and in 21 patients the cycle length of induced ventricular tachycardia increased from 246 ± 42 ms at control to 355 ± 96 ms (p
Electrical characteristics of isolated Aplysia californica intestine

Abstract 1. 1. Transmural potential difference and short-circuit current of intestinal sheets of Aplysia califonica were stable up to 5 hr. 2. 2. Transmural potential difference was serosa negative relative to the mucosa and the short-circuit current was consistent with a net active anion transport from mucosa to serosa. 3. 3. Transmural potential difference and short-circuit current were dependent upon the presence of sodium and chloride in the bathing medium. 4. 4. Transmural potential difference and short-circuit current were predominantly dependent upon aerobic metabolism, however a finite residual electrical component was dependent upon glycolytic energy. 5. 5. The major portion of the short-circuit current is carried by a net active chloride transfer from the mucosal to serosal compartments while the minor portion is carried by a net active sodium transfer in the same direction.
Adaptive modeling of environmental effects in modal parameters for damage detection in civil structures

Many researchers have proposed damage detection techniques that exploit changes in modal parameters to identify the extent and location of damage in large structures. These analyses, however, generally neglect the effects of environmental changes on modal parameters. Such environmental effects include changes in loads, boundary conditions, temperature, and humidity. Data from real bridge structures indicate that the effects of environmental changes can be significant. In fact, these changes can often mask more subtle structural changes caused by damage. This paper examines a linear adaptive model that may discriminate the changes of modal parameters due to temperature changes from those caused by structural damage or other environmental effects. Data from the Alamosa Canyon Bridge in the state of New Mexico were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the adaptive filter for this problem. Results indicate that a linear four-input (two time and two spatial dimensions) filter of temperature can reproduce the natural variability of the frequencies with respect to time of day. Using this simple model, we attempt to establish a confidence interval of the fundamental frequency for a new temperature profile in order to discriminate the natural variation due to temperature.