cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cultural swarms: assessing the impact of culture on social interaction and problem solving

In this paper we investigate how diverse knowledge sources interact to direct individuals in a swarm population. We identify three basic phases of problem solving that are generated by the swarm population in the solution of real valued function optimization problems. The question that we are interested in answering is how these phases derive from the interaction of various sources of cultural knowledge present in the belief space of a population. We map the central tendency of the subset of individuals that are influences by each knowledge source over time at the meta-level. The resultant patterns suggest the presence of "cultural swarms" where various knowledge sources take turns at leading and following in the exploration and exploitation of the problem space. This suggests that the social interaction of individuals coupled with their interaction with a culture within which they are embedded provides a powerful vehicle for the solution of complex problems.
Fragmented oxidation products define barrier disruptive endothelial cell response to OxPAPC

Excessive concentrations of oxidized phospholipids (OxPL), the products of 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (PAPC) oxidation have been detected in atherosclerosis, septic inflammation, and acute lung injury (ALI) and have been shown to induce vascular barrier dysfunction. In contrast, oxidized PAPC (OxPAPC) at low concentrations exhibit potent barrier protective effects. The nature of such biphasic effects remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that barrier-disruptive effects of high OxPAPC doses on endothelial cell (EC) monolayer are defined by fragmented products of PAPC oxidation (lysophosphatidyl choline [lyso-PC], 1-palmitoyl-2-(5-oxovaleroyl)- sn -glycero-phosphatidylcholine [POVPC], 1-palmitoyl-2-glutaroyl- sn -glycero-phosphatidylcholine [PGPC]), whereas barrier enhancing effects are mediated by full length oxidated PAPC products and may be reproduced by single compounds contained in the OxPAPC such as 1-palmitoyl-2-(5,6-epoxyisoprostane E2)-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidyl choline (PEIPC). All 3 fragmented OxPAPC products increased EC permeability in a dose-dependent manner, whereas PEIPC decreased it and reversed barrier disruptive effects of lyso-PC, POVPC, and PGPC monitored by measurements of transendothelial electrical resistance. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis showed that PGPC mimicked the cytoskeletal remodeling and tyrosine phosphorylation of adherens junction (AJ) protein vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin leading to EC barrier dysfunction induced by high OxPAPC concentrations. Barrier-disruptive effects of PGPC were abrogated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibitor, N-acetyl cysteine, or Src kinase inhibitor, PP-2. The results of this study show that barrier disruptive effects of fragmented OxPAPC constituents (lyso-PC, POVPC, PGPC) are balanced by barrier enhancing effects of full length oxygenated products (PEIPC). These data strongly suggest that barrier disruptive effects of OxPAPC at higher concentrations are dictated by predominant effects of fragmented phospholipids such as PGPC, which promote ROS-dependent activation of Src kinase and VE-cadherin phosphorylation at Tyr 658 and Tyr 731 leading to disruption of endothelial cell AJs.
Effectiveness of self-instruction for arthritis patient education.

Abstract Self-instruction is one means of providing patient education, allowing the health professional to teach a larger number of persons than with one-to-one or group instruction and at a lower cost. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-instruction on learning, satisfaction with the teaching approach, and health status of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A control-group pretest-posttest design was used. Thirty subjects receiving care at a rheumatology clinic who met study criteria were randomly assigned to two groups: (a) self-instruction and (b) control. One-way analysis of covariance on posttest Rheumatoid Arthritis Knowledge Inventory (RAKI) scores, with the pretest as covariate, was used to examine the difference in learning between the self-instruction and control groups. There was a significant difference between the groups (P = 0.01). Participants who completed the self-instructional program had improved scores on the posttest as compared to the control. Subjects rated self-instruction as an effective teaching strategy in terms of promoting learning about RA and patient acceptability. t -Test demonstrated no significant difference between the groups in health status. Significant correlations were found between subjects' test scores and selected variables.
Drumming Against the Quiet The Sounds of Asian American Identity in an Amorphous Landscape

Drawing largely from the realm of performance theory, critical race theory, and Asian American studies, the author examines the ways in which performance, performativity, and the cooptation of aest...
Ophthalmology and medical education in Australia

Abstract Australian medicine and ophthalmology both began as extensions of British traditions. With growing financial and national independence, they have acquired indigenous strength and characteristics. An original triumvirate of medical schools launched a century ago have been augmented by seven additional schools, particularly since World War II. Both general medical and specialty education are now well obtainable in Australia. The quality of ophthalmology is high and research has been moving upward since World War II. New buildings are replacing old. The organization of registrars (residents) is blending with that of union-type workers and reflects widespread though locally autonomous unions in almost every field of endeavor. Canberra and the National University are recent major additions to cultural and scientific affairs of Australia. The Royal Flying Doctors Service has since 1928 cast an increasingly effective “mantle of safety” over the outback. Reductions in federal funds and student numbers have paralleled similar occurrences in the U.S. in the 1980s. Geriatric ophthalmology has made a major step forward and the organization of examinations and policing of medicine have been greatly strengthened in the past decade.
SU-GG-T-582: Comparison of Dose Based and Biological Based Treatment Planning Systems for the Siemens Artiste Linear Accelerator

Purpose: To compare the performance of the biological‐based treatment planningsystem (TPS) CMS Monaco with the dose‐based TPS CMS XiO, for treatment of head and neck patients on the Siemens Artiste Linear Accelerator.Method and Materials: Three head and neck patients treated on the Artiste and planned with XiO were replanned using Monaco. The Monaco plans were developed using the same clinical objectives concerning the prescription dose to the target and the maximum allowed dose to the organs at risk. The XiO plans were optimized using the Superposition algorithm employing dose‐volume and minimum/maximum dose constraints. The Monaco plans were optimized with the Monte Carlo algorithm using biological cost functions. Minimum, maximum and mean doses were compared as well as the equivalent uniform dose (EUD), total number of segments and monitor units (MU) required. The plans were delivered onto the Sun Nuclear MapCheck diode array with a 3%/3mm distance to agreement criterion. Results: Target coverage was similar in both plans. The average reduction in the Monaco mean dose was 4.7, 1.7, 9.3 and 11.2 Gy for the spinal cord, brainstem and, right and left parotid, respectively, compared to the XiO plans. The number of segments was comparable for two patients and was reduced by 63 for the third patient. The number of MU's for the Monaco plans were greater in all three cases. Conclusion: The three plans developed with Monaco were deemed to be clinically acceptable and were dosimetrically equivalent or superior to plans developed using XiO. The Monaco plans had superior organ at risk sparing whilst maintaining the same target coverage achieved with the XiO system.
The ASLIB CRANFIELD RESEARCH PROJECT ON The COMPARATIVE EFFICIENCY OF INDEXING SYSTEMS

The Aslib Cranfield Project had its beginning some years back, when several members of the Aslib Aeronautical Group took an active part in the development of a new form of index that had been proposed by the National Aeronautical Institute of Holland. Later we did some tests on the Uniterm system of co‐ordinate indexing and, following a joint conference with the Classification Research Group, the idea developed of making a complete test of various indexing systems. A draft programme was prepared and was considered by many people in this country and the United States. An application was made to the National Science Foundation for a grant to cover the first stage of the investigation, and in July 1957 the Foundation advised Aslib that the grant had been approved.
The effect of sensory input on the reaction time of schizophrenic patients of good and poor premorbid history

The reaction times of good premorbid and poor pre morbid schizophrenic patients and normal controls were measured under conditions of low, medium and high sensory input (noise). Poor premorbid subjects showed significant initial deficits that improved under conditions of increasing input, reaching normal levels under high input. These findings are congruent with previous research reporting significant biological and behavioral differences between process and reactive schizophrenics. They also clarify the previous findings of improvement in response efficiency reported for schizophrenics generally under conditions of sensory input.
The core of the lymphocyte microvilli–WASp issue

Comment on Majstoravich et al, page [1396][1] Majstoravich and colleagues have determined that the short microvilli of lymphocytes, although uniform in length and density, are highly dynamic actin filament bundle–containing structures that do not depend upon WASp for their morphology.
Mitigation of Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Deformation in a Sloping Stratum: Three-dimensional Numerical Simulation

Finite-element (FE) simulations are increasingly providing a versatile environment for conducting lateral ground deformation studies. In this environment, mitigation strategies may be assessed in order to achieve economical and effective solutions. On the basis of a systematic parametric study, three-dimensional FE simulations are conducted to evaluate mitigation by the stone column (SC) and the pile-pinning approaches. Mildly sloping saturated cohesionless strata are investigated under the action of an applied earthquake excitation. For that purpose, the open-source computational platform OpenSees is employed, through a robust user interface that simplifies the effort-intensive pre- and postprocessing phases. The extent of deployed remediation and effect of the installed SC permeability are investigated. The influence of mesh resolution is also addressed. Generally, SC remediation was found to be effective in reducing the sand stratum lateral deformation. For a similar stratum with permeability in the silt range, SC remediation was highly ineffective. In contrast, pile pinning appeared to be equally effective for the sand and silt strata permeability scenarios. Overall, the conducted study highlights the potential of computations for providing insights toward the process of defining a reliable remediation solution.
Diagnosis‐related group regulations. Implications for the practicing rheumatologist

Data from our university hospital on the 2 most common rheumatologic diseases that require hospitalization indicate that total charges for patients admitted with rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus break down as follows: room, board, and nursing, 55%; tests/procedures, 30%; drugs, 5%; physical and occupational therapy, 5%; and miscellaneous, 5%. Thus, shortening the length of stay would be the most effective mechanism to reduce total charges. We also found marked heterogeneity in the single diagnosis-related group containing rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus inpatients under 70 years old who had no comorbid conditions. Planners should be sensitive to this as prospective reimbursement is extended beyond Medicare patients.
Children's construction of fantasy stories: Gender differences in conflict resolution strategies

While much work has been done on sex role development in children, conflict resolution, and sex role stereotyping in literature and television, little research has investigated conflict resolution and stereotyping in the fantasies children create themselves. The present study, analyzing gender differences in children's writing of fantasy stories, found significant differences in conflict resolutions they created. Boys used more violent resolutions to solve problems, while girls used more reasoning and analysis. Stories written by both sexes were—more often than not—sex role stereotyped, with female characters in traditional occupations and passive activities.
Spontaneous closure of secundum atrial septal defect in infants and young children

Abstract The records of 264 pediatric patients with uncomplicated ostium secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) were reviewed. Eighty-seven patients were younger than age 4 years at the time of cardiac catheterization. Subnormal weight gain, frequent pneumonia, cyanosis or tachypnea were present in 26 patients (30%). Of the 36 infants at catheterization, 17 (48%) had the previously described symptoms, including 12 (33%) who had congestive heart failure. Eight of the 36 infants were found to have closed their defect at a subsequent catheterization. Six of 18 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization between 1 and 2 years of age also had spontaneously closed their ASD at subsequent study. Statistical analysis of hemodynamic data revealed no difference (except a smaller shunt size) between ASDs that closed and those that did not in patients who were
Microgravity flow regime data and analysis

To utilize the advantageous properties of two-phase flow in microgravity applications, the knowledge base of two-phase flow phenomena must be extended to include the effects of gravity. In the experiment described, data regarding the behavior of two-phase flow in a conduit under microgravity conditions (essentially zero gravity) are explored. Of particular interest, knowledge of the void fraction of the gas and liquid in a conduit is necessary to develop models for heat and mass transfer, pressure drop, and wall shear. An experiment was conducted under reduced gravity conditions to collect data by means of a capacitance void fraction sensor and high speed visual imagery. Independent parameters were varied to map the flow regime regions. These independent parameters include gas and liquid volumetric flow rates and saturation pressures. Void fraction measurements were taken at a rate of 100 Hz with six sensors at two locations along the conduit. Further, statistical parameters were developed from the void fraction measurements. Statistical parameters such as variance, signal-to-noise ratio, half height value, and linear area difference were calculated and found to have characteristics allowing flow regime identification.
Indirect transmission of Escherichia coli O157:H7 occurs readily among swine but not among sheep.

Transmission of Escherichia coli O157:H7 among reservoir animals is generally thought to occur either by direct contact between a naive animal and an infected animal or by consumption of food or water containing the organism. Although ruminants are considered the major reservoir, there are two reports of human infections caused by E. coli O157:H7 linked to the consumption of pork products or to the contamination of fresh produce by swine manure. The objective of this study was to determine whether E. coli O157:H7 could be transmitted to naive animals, both sheep and swine, that did not have any direct contact with an infected donor animal. We recovered E. coli O157:H7 from 10/10 pigs with nose-to-nose contact with the infected donor or animals adjacent to the donor and from 5/6 naive pigs that were penned in the same room as the donor pig but 10 to 20 ft away. In contrast, when the experiment was repeated with sheep, E. coli O157:H7 was recovered from 4/6 animals that had nose-to-nose contact with the infected donor or adjacent animals and from 0/6 naive animals penned 10 to 20 ft away from the donor. These results suggest that E. coli O157:H7 is readily transmitted among swine and that transmission can occur by the creation of contaminated aerosols.
Modern wing flutter analysis by computational fluid dynamics methods

The application and assessment of the recently developed CAP-TSD transonic small-disturbance code for flutter prediction is described. The CAP-TSD code has been developed for aeroelastic analysis of complete aircraft configurations and was previously applied to the calculation of steady and unsteady pressures with favorable results. Generalized aerodynamic forces and flutter characteristics are calculated and compared with linear theory results and with experimental data for a 45 deg sweptback wing. These results are in good agreement with the experimental flutter data which is the first step toward validating CAP-TSD for general transonic aeroelastic applications. The paper presents these results and comparisons along with general remarks regarding modern wing flutter analysis by computational fluid dynamics methods.
Xefiltin, a new low molecular weight neuronal intermediate filament protein ofXenopus laevis, shares sequence features with goldfish gefiltin and mammalian ?-internexin and differs in expression from XNIF and NF-L

The nervous system of the postmetamorphic frog Xenopus laevis, like that of other amphibians, shows continued growth and a high capacity for regeneration, especially in its visual system. This characteristic has been attributed, in part, to the retention in adults of traits that in mammals are limited to embryos. In mammals, the progressive maturation of neurons is marked by successive changes in neuronal intermediate filament (nIF) subunit composition. For example, in mammalian forebrain, newly differentiating neurons first express the low molecular weight nIF protein α-internexin. As neurons mature, α-internexin expression declines, and expression of the low molecular weight neurofilament triplet protein (NF-L) increases. Thus, a systematic examination of the expression of low molecular weight nIF proteins in the postmetamorphic frog might reveal whether the nIF subunit composition of its neurons more closely resembles that of embryonic as opposed to adult mammals. Previously, X. leavis has been shown to express both NF-L and XNIF, a novel low molecular weight nIF protein that most closely resembles mammalian α-internexin. We have now discovered a new, low molecular weight nIF protein with even higher homology to α-internexin. We named this protein xefiltin, because it shared highest sequence identity with gefiltin, an α-internexin-like nIF protein from the goldfish visual system. In situ hybridization with probes to xefiltin, XNIF and NF-L showed that transcripts of all three were expressed widely throughout the post-metamorphic frog nervous system, but with distinctly different patterns of expression. For example, xefiltin was the most abundantly expressed of the three in retinal ganglion cells and in neurons of the habenular nucleus and telencephalon, whereas XNIF and NF-L were found at higher levels than xefiltin in peripheral sensory ganglia and in structures caudal to the mesencephalon. In general, the combined distributions of xefiltin and XNIF paralleled the distribution of α-internexin in mammalian embryos. Thus, we speculate that the persistence of α-internexin-like nIF proteins in the amphibian nervous system may be important for its continued potential for growth and plasticity. J. Comp. Neurol. 377:351–364, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Constrained model-based representations of X-ray detector efficiency curves

Abstract Campbell, Jorch and Thompson have corroborated the reliability of a model-based efficiency function proposed by us by applying it to their Si(Li) and Ge(Li) X-ray detectors. In the process, they did encounter a difficulty in fitting the model to the Ge(Li) detector data. The source of this difficulty is traced to unrealistic parameter signs, and its possible reoccurrence is eliminated by a simple modification of the model equation.
Adult students in higher education: A portrait of transitions

Adult students, whether new or returning to higher education, experience a unique set of transition challenges. By understanding the characteristics and needs of this student cohort, colleges and universities are better able to facilitate adult student success.
Caring for the underserved: using patient and physician focus groups to inform curriculum development.

Background .—Training pediatric residents to care for the underserved is a recognized curricular need. A literature review revealed that curricula specific to caring for the underserved tend to focus on specific medical diagnoses rather than physician or patient behaviors. Objective .—To collect and evaluate information essential for developing a curriculum to teach care for the underserved. Methods .—Focus groups were conducted to identify themes responsive to the question, “What does a physician need to know to care for the underserved?” Each of 3 focus groups met twice. The physician group included 5 pediatricians and 3 family practitioners. There were 2 patient groups: one Spanish-speaking (N = 13) and one English-speaking (N = 8). Content analysis was used to identify themes from each of the focus groups. Results .—Prevailing themes from the 3 groups were communication/respect, cultural issues, and frustration with systems, such as health insurance, transportation, and health delivery systems. Patients expressed an almost universal wish for physicians to listen to them and to attempt to “understand my life.” Physicians expressed concerns with lacking the time to establish quality patient relationships and the need to serve multiple roles. The groups did not discuss issues related to specific medical conditions. Conclusions .—Physicians and underserved patients identified communication/respect, cultural issues, and frustration with systems, such as health insurance, transportation, and health delivery systems, as important factors in caring for the underserved. Curricula to teach care of the underserved should include these themes.
Neurologic complications of anorexia nervosa

The records of 100 patients with anorexia nervosa were reviewed. Neurologic complications were present in 47 patients. Neuromuscular abnormalities were most common and were present in 45% of patients. Generalized muscle weakness was detected in 43% of patients and peripheral neuropathies in 13%. Less common neurologic complications included headaches (6%), seizures (5%), syncope in the absence of orthostatic hypotension (4%), diplopia (4%), and movement disorders (2%). Neurologic problems due to chronic deficiency diseases were rare; only one patient had symptoms directly attributable to a vitamin B12 deficiency and none had evidence of Wernicke's encephalopathy. In most patients, the neurologic complications were reversed completely after correction of nutritional deficiencies and fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
NASA's Earth Science Data Systems: lessons learned and future directions

One of NASA's strategic objectives is to "Study Earth from space to advance scientific understanding and meet societal needs". NASA's Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) directly support this objective by providing end-to-end capabilities to deliver data and information products to users. The Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS) is the largest of NASA's ESDS. Dozens of satellites contribute to the multi-petabyte EOSDIS archive, which consists of data and derived products in variety of Earth science disciplines. These products are currently being distributed to hundreds of thousands of users each year at the rate of 7 to 10 Terabytes a day. EOSDIS is a distributed, heterogeneous set of systems located at several NASA centers, other federal agencies and universities. Operating since 1994, EOSDIS has evolved from a near-line tape-based system to an online disk-based archive. The distributed components of EOSDIS are interoperable at the "inventory level" to provide "one-stop shopping" for access to data files. EOSDIS supports NASA's open data policy whereby data are available to users at no charge and on a non-discriminatory basis. One of the requirements of EOSDIS is to ensure that the data are preserved in its archives or are transitioned to other permanent archival agencies. From the point of view of long-term preservation of digital data, "temporal interoperability" is critical. This is enabled by media standards, migration policies, and standards for metadata and documentation.
Biochemical and morphological developments are partially impaired in intestinal mucosa from growing pigs fed reduced-protein diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids

The objective of this study was to determine if a reduction in dietary CP, with partial replacement of the intact protein with crystalline AA (CAA), would alter growth, morphology, and free or peptide-bound AA concentrations of intestinal mucosa in growing pigs. Twenty-four barrows (37.0 +/- 1.5 kg of BW) were fed 1 of 4 diets for 24 d: 16.1% CP with no CAA, or 12.8, 10.1, or 7.8% CP (analyzed values, as-fed) containing CAA. As CP decreased, CAA were gradually increased to meet requirements on a true ileal digestible basis. Pigs were euthanized 2 h postmeal on d 24, and mucosal samples from duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected. Reducing dietary CP decreased ADG, G:F, and final weight (linear, P < 0.05). With reduced dietary CP, mucosal protein concentration decreased in the jejunum (quadratic, P < 0.05) and tended to decrease in the ileum (linear, P = 0.062). Reduction of the dietary CP concentration from 16.1 to 7.8% tended to decrease the crypt depth (linear, P < 0.10) and decreased villus width (linear, P < 0.05) in duodenum and jejunum mucosa but did not reduce villus height or villus surface area in any regions of the small intestine. In the duodenum, a reduction in dietary CP increased free Lys, Met, and Thr (linear, P < 0.05) and peptide-bound Lys and Thr (quadratic, P < 0.10). In the jejunum, reducing CP decreased free Cys (linear P < 0.05) and tended to decrease free Asn and His (linear, P < 0.10) and peptide-bound His (quadratic, P = 0.061) and Ile, Leu, and Val (linear, P < 0.10). In the ileum, reducing CP decreased free Asn, Ser, Tyr, Arg, His, Phe (linear, P < 0.05), and Leu (linear, P = 0.054) and peptide-bound Gly and Ser (linear, P < 0.05) and tended to decrease peptide-bound Ile, Leu, Phe, Val (linear, P < 0.10), and Lys (linear P < 0.05). In conclusion, reduced-CP diets supplemented with CAA lead to a reduction in growth performance, associated with biochemical and morphological modifications of the intestinal mucosa.
Flow cytometric quantitation of T cell phenotypes in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood of homosexual men with and without antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus, type I

Abstract Two-color flow cytometry was used to analyze T cell subsets (total (CD3), helper-inducer (CD4), and suppressor-cytotoxic (CD8)) in paired specimens of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and peripheral blood of 66 homosexual men, including 62 with antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1). With the exception of one traumatic specimen, all of the CSF specimens, 52 of which had ⩽ 5 lymphocytes/mm 3 , were evaluated fully, with the number of lymphocytes counted for each antibody ranging from 200 to 2933 (mean=1129). Proportions of CD3, CD4, and CD8 lymphocytes in CSG were very highly correlated with the proportions of these cells in the peripheral blood ( r =0.87, 0.96, and 0.94, respectively), as was the CD4/CD8 ratio ( r =0.98). These strong correlations were present in each of seven subgroups of study subjects defined on the basis of detailed neurologic examination, neuropsychological testing, and the presence or absence of antibodies to HIV-1. In the population studied, T cell phenotypes in CSF as analyzed by two-color flow cytometry were largely determined by the corresponding proportions in the peripheral blood.
Does tobacco industry marketing of 'light' cigarettes give smokers a rationale for postponing quitting?

The objective of this analysis was to examine further whether tobacco industry marketing using the labels light and ultra-light is perceived by smokers as a health claim. Smokers might view low tar/nicotine brands of cigarettes as a means to reduce the harm to their health from smoking and postpone quitting. Data were from smokers responding to a large, population-based survey of Californians' smoking behavior, conducted in 1996 (8,582 current smokers). Sixty percent of smokers thought the labels light and ultra-light referred to low tar/ nicotine cigarettes, or otherwise implied a health claim. This percentage was higher for smokers of low tar/ nicotine brands. Among smokers of regular brands, the more highly addicted, those who were trying unsuccessfully to quit, those who had cut consumption or thought about it, and those with health concerns were more likely to have considered switching. While some of these characteristics also were associated with smokers of low tar/nicotine brands, the associations were not as numerous or as strong. We conclude that some smokers appear to view low tar/nicotine brands as one short-term strategy to reduce the harm to their health from smoking without quitting. By implying reduced tar or nicotine exposure, tobacco industry marketing using the labels light and ultra-light is misleading smokers. The use of such labels should be regulated.
No exceptionalism needed to treat terrorists.

Gesundheit and colleagues (2009) offer dramatic examples of the medical treatment of terrorists, but then they pose the suggestion that those who engage in terrorism forfeit their right to medical ...
14-3-3 proteins in plant physiology

Plant 14-3-3 isoforms, like their highly conserved homologues in mammals, function by binding to phosphorylated client proteins to modulate their function. Through the regulation of a diverse range of proteins including kinases, transcription factors, structural proteins, ion channels and pathogen defense-related proteins, they are being implicated in an expanding catalogue of physiological functions in plants. 14-3-3s themselves are affected, both transcriptionally and functionally, by the extracellular and intracellular environment of the plant. They can modulate signaling pathways that transduce inputs from the environment and also the downstream proteins that elicit the physiological response. This review covers some of the key emerging roles for plant 14-3-3s including their role in the response to the plant extracellular environment, particularly environmental stress, pathogens and light conditions. We also address potential key roles in primary metabolism, hormone signaling, growth and cell division.
Sex differences in sexual arousal to different erotic stories

Abstract Previous research on sex differences in arousal to erotic stimuli suggests that the pattern of dominant behavior exhibited by the characters in the stimuli influence males' and females' sexual response to the stimuli. In this study, an erotic story describing a male and a female engaging in sexual activity was presented to male and female college students. The story varied the sex of the dominant character and whether the description focused on the feelings and reactions of the male or female character. The subjects were then asked to indicate their degree of sexual arousal as well as their positive and negative feelings. It was predicted that male subjects would report more arousal, more positive affect, and less negative affect when the dominant character in the story was the male and also when the story focused on the male character's feelings. Female subjects were expected to report more arousal, more positive affect, and less negative affect when the female was the dominant character in the ...
Can first-mover and early-mover advantages be sustained in an industry with low barriers to entry/imitation?

This study examines whether first-mover and early-mover advantages can be sustained in an industry where the barriers to entry are generally low and new product innovations can be easily imitated—namely, the money market mutual fund industry. Using a simultaneous-equation supply-and-demand model of panel data from a variety of money market fund product categories, the study finds that first-movers and early-movers enjoy both a highly sustainable pricing advantage and a moderately sustainable market share advantage. These counterintuitive results are interpreted in terms of the structural characteristics of demand in the industry. Implications of these results for the ongoing debate between the ‘sustainability’ and ‘hypercompetition’ perspectives are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermo-mechanical analysis of fixed mask 1 for the advanced photon source insertion device front ends

Abstract The first fixed mask is one of the critical elements on the insertion device front ends of the beamlines at the Advanced Photon Source now under construction at Argonne National Laboratory. The heat flux from the undulators will be very large. We simulated the X-ray beam at several locations to ensure that the worst possible case was considered. The maximum temperature (about 180°C) occurs when the beam hits the center of the horizontal surface. The maximum effective stress (about 313 MPa) occurs when the X-ray beam hits at or near the corners.
Feeding behavior modulation in the leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii): effects of noxious versus innocuous prey.

Abstract Feeding, a fundamentally rhythmic behavior in many animals, is expected to exhibit modulation with respect to prey type. Using high-speed videography (200 frames s −1 ) and kinematic analysis, we investigated prey-processing behavior in the long-nosed leopard lizard ( Gambelia wislizenii ). The effects of two prey types were examined, innocuous immature crickets ( Acheta domesticus ) and noxious stinging hymenopterans (honeybees [ Apis mellifer ] and yellow jackets [ Vespula sp.]). Stinging hymenopterans are processed more extensively, with higher gape-cycling frequencies, and for a greater duration than are crickets. Generalized tetrapod feeding models were used as a framework to test the hypothesis that gape profile characteristics are modulated in response to prey noxiousness. Cricket processing generally fits the models, but hymenopteran processing departs from typical model parameters. In particular, the SO phase is absent to barely detectable during hymenopteran processing. This likely represents an effect of extrinsic neural input on a centrally directed rhythmic motor pattern, possibly to avoid being stung. Differences in the capture behavior of crickets versus hymenopterans indicate that G. wislizenii assesses prey noxiousness before physical contact with prey and modifies its capture behavior accordingly. These results add to the growing body of evidence that sensory information can play a critical role in shaping stereotyped rhythmic behaviors in non-mammalian tetrapods.
Assessment of haemorrhoidal artery network using colour duplex imaging and clinical implications.

Background: Dearterialization should reduce arterial overflow to haemorrhoids. The purpose of this study was to assess the topography of haemorrhoidal arteries. Methods: Fifty patients with haemorrhoidal disease were studied. Using endorectal ultrasonography, six sectors were identified within the lower rectal circumference. Starting from the highest level (6 cm above the anorectal junction), the same procedure was repeated every 1 cm until the lowest level was reached (1 cm above the anorectal junction). Colour duplex imaging examinations identified haemorrhoidal arteries related to the rectal wall layers, and the arterial depth was calculated. Results: Haemorrhoidal arteries were detected in 64·3, 66·0, 66·0, 98·3, 99·3 and 99·7 per cent of the sectors 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 cm above the anorectal junction respectively (P < 0·001). Most of the haemorrhoidal arteries were external to the rectal wall at 6 and 5 cm (97·9 and 90·9 per cent), intramuscular at 4 cm (55·0 per cent), and within the submucosa at 3, 2 and 1 cm above the anorectal junction (67·1, 96·6 and 100 per cent) (P < 0·001). The mean arterial depth decreased significantly from 8·3 mm at 6 cm to 1·9 mm at 1 cm above the anorectal junction (P < 0·001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the vast majority of haemorrhoidal arteries lie within the rectal submucosa at the lowest 2 cm above the anorectal junction. This should therefore be the best site for performing haemorrhoidal dearterialization. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly of one-dimensional supramolecular objects: From monomers to networks

One-dimensional supramolecular aggregates can form networks at exceedingly low concentrations. Recent experiments in several laboratories, including our own, have demonstrated the formation of gels by these systems at concentrations well under 1% by weight. The systems of interest in our laboratory form either cylindrical nanofibers or ribbons as a result of strong noncovalent interactions among monomers. The stiffness and interaction energies among these thread-like objects can vary significantly depending on the chemical structure of the monomers used. We have used Monte Carlo simulations to study the structure of the threads and their ability to form networks through bundle formation. The persistence length of the threads was found to be strongly affected not only by stiffness, but also by the strength of attractive two-body interactions among thread segments. The relative values of stiffness and attractive two-body interaction strength determine if threads collapse or create bundles. Only in the presence of sufficiently long threads and bundle formation can these systems assemble into networks of high connectivity.
Synthesis of 16-fluoroestrogens by unusually facile fluoride ion displacement reactions: prospects for the preparation of fluorine-18 labeled estrogens

16..cap alpha..-Fluoroestradiol and 16..beta..-fluoroestradiol can be prepared by the reaction of fluoride ion with the opposite corresponding epimeric (((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)oxy)estrone precursors, followed by stereoselective reduction to the 17..beta..-estradiols. The related 17..beta..-ethynyl compounds can be prepared by ethynylation of the fluoroestrones. Stereochemical assignments, suggested by known reaction stereoselectivities, are supported by extensive /sup 1/H and /sup 19/F NMR analyses. The fluoride ion displacement reactions operate rapidly and efficiently at room temperature, even with low concentrations of fluoride ion. This rapid and convenient fluorination method is adaptable to the preparation of fluorine-18 labeled estrogens that may be useful as breast tumor imaging agents. 18 references, 1 tables.
Diagnosis and treatment of neuromyelitis optica

Background:Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an uncommon CNS demyelinating syndrome often mistaken for severe multiple sclerosis (MS). Several clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging characteristics may accurately distinguish NMO from MS early in the disease course.Review Summary:NMO is usually a relapsi
Delta Opioid Peptide[D- Ala2,D-Leu5]Enkephalin Promotes Cell Survival

By studying the hibernation in ground squirrels, a protein factor termed hibernation induction trigger (HIT) was found to induce hibernation in summer-active ground squirrels. Further purification of HIT yielded an 88-kD peptide that is enriched in winter hibernator. Partial sequence of the 88-kD protein indicates that it may be related to the inhibitor of metalloproteinase. Delta opioid [D-Ala2,D-Leu5]enkephalin (DADLE) also induced hibernation. HIT and DADLE were found to prolong survival of peripheral organs preserved en bloc or as a single preparation. These organs include the lung, the heart, liver and kidney. DADLE also promotes survival of neurons in the central nervous system. Methamphetamine (METH) is known to cause destruction of dopaminergic (DA) terminals in the brain. DADLE blocked and reversed the DA terminal damage induced by METH. DADLE acted against this effect of METH at least in part by attenuating the mRNA expressions of a tumor necrosis factor p53 and an immediate early gene c-fos. DADLE also blocked the neuronal damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion following a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. In PC12 cells, DADLE blocked the cell death caused by serum deprivation in a naltrexone-sensitive manner. Thus, DADLE, and by extension the endogenous delta opioid peptides and delta opioid receptors, may play an important role in organ and neuronal survival. Here, critical developments concerning these fascinating cell protective properties of DADLE are reviewed.
Effect of pH on tumor cell uptake of radiogallium in vitro and in vivo.

When injected at tracer levels into the blood, radiogallium as 67Ga-citrate binds to, and is transported to the site of the tumor by, transferrin. The process by which transferrin-bound Ga is converted to tumor-bound Ga is not fully understood, but may involve the differential physiology of neoplasms compared with normal tissues. Based on the slight acidity known to be exhibited by the extracellular fluid of many animal and human tumors, we have studied the effect of pH on stability and dissociation of the Ga-transferrin complex and on the uptake of Ga by tumor cells in vitro and animal tumors in vivo. When plasma from rabbits injected with 67Ga-citrate was dialyzed at pH 6.5–7.5, dissociation of Ga from transferrin showed an inverse pH-dependence. A similar inverse dependence on pH was observed for the uptake of Ga by L1210 leukemia cells and Ehrlich ascites cells incubated with Ga-transferrin complex. Tumor uptake of Ga in rats bearing Walker-256 carcinosarcoma or Murphystum lymphosarcoma whose tumor pH had been further lowered by administration of glucose showed a statistically significant increase over control rats receiving no glucose. These results demonstrate that the stability of the Ga-transferrin complex is pH-dependent and suggest that dissociation of this complex due to decreased pH at the tumor site may be one factor involved in tumor localization and binding of Ga.
Imperfect competition, the Keynesian cross, and optimal fiscal policy

Abstract This note analyzes a simple Keynesian macro model with imperfect competition and demonstrates that the optimal fiscal policy is a complete shutdown—taxes and government purchases should both be zero. If the model is extended slightly, then welfare improving policies may exist. However, the benefits are generated in part by the public goods nature of government purchases, and not just by the multiplier process. It appears that the multiplier alone is not sufficient to justify the use of fiscal policy.
Hydrogeochemical Relationships Using Partial Correlation Coefficients

: Sixty-nine groundwater samples were analyzed for six chemical parameters. Partial and simple correlation coefficients for these parameters indicate that partial coefficients are superior to simple coefficients in establishing geochemical relationships for the aqueous system evaluated. The improved reliability arises from the ability of partial correlation analysis to hold outside factors that may be affecting the two variables of interest, constant.
Moving From Artifact to Action: A Grounded Investigation of Visual Displays of Evidence during Medical Deliberations

This article builds on scholarship in technical communication, medical rhetoric, and visual communication and represents a portion of a grounded study of one medical workplace setting's visualization practices. Specifically, the author explores how medical images—as technologically and rhetorically rendered artifacts—make “present” (Perelman & Olbrechts-Tyteca, 1969) the material characteristics of disease and thereby perceptually and argumentatively afford the construction of knowledge about future cancer-care action.
What kind of #conversation is Twitter? Mining #psycholinguistic cues for emergency coordination

The information overload created by social media messages in emergency situations challenges response organizations to find targeted content and users. We aim to select useful messages by detecting the presence of conversation as an indicator of coordinated citizen action. Using simple linguistic indicators drawn from conversation analysis in social science, we model the presence of coordination in the communication landscape of Twitter using a corpus of 1.5 million tweets for various disaster and non-disaster events spanning different periods, lengths of time, and varied social significance. Within replies, retweets and tweets that mention other Twitter users, we found that domain-independent, linguistic cues distinguish likely conversation from non-conversation in this online form of mediated communication. We demonstrate that these likely conversation subsets potentially contain more information than non-conversation subsets, whether or not the tweets are replies, retweets, or mention other Twitter users, as long as they reflect conversational properties. From a practical perspective, we have developed a model for trimming the candidate tweet corpus to identify a much smaller subset of data for submission to deeper, domain-dependent semantic analyses for the identification of actionable information nuggets for coordinated emergency response.
Error minimization in time-constant measurements

Time-constant measurements are often applied to determine parameters of exponential waves, and to find the value of capacitance or resistance in an RC circuit. The charging or discharging process is then monitored and the time distance, defined by two threshold levels, is precisely measured by means of a digital method. Analysis shows that proper choice of the thresholds can reduce a measurement error due to inaccuracy of threshold level calibration.
Existence of positive solutions for elliptic systems—Degenerate and nondegenerate ecological models

with homogeneous Dirichlet conditions w,=O on dD. The function $(s) satisfies the conditions rl/ E C’[O, oo), $(Q) =O, and $‘(s)>O for s>O. Problems of this nature are of interest in reaction-diffusion processes in biology and chemistry. For example, the case for $(u) = urn, m > 1, or m E (0, 1) .for single parabolic equations (i.e., U, = du” +f(x, u)) has been studied recently for porous medium analysis and population dynamics (cf. [2, 7, 15, 18, 191). As t -+ cc these solutions tend to a solution of the corresponding elliptic scalar equation. Studies have also been carried out in these and other papers (e.g., [3, 4, 16, 171) with urn replaced by $(u) satisfying the conditions described above. In this article, however, the hypotheses on f are quite different from those in the papers mentioned above. For example, f is not necessarily Lipschitz in u and may depend discontinuously on x. Thus even for the scalar case, the results here are not covered by the other papers, although there are some overlaps. Moreover, our emphasis here is on degenerate systems (Section 3) and their applications (Section 4). These results are quite different and generalize the papers mentioned above to practical interesting cases. Other relevant results for the nondegenerate cases can be found in [S, 9, 111. In Section 2, we discuss some existence and uniqueness theorems for