cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Examination of the Learning Styles of Online MBA Students and Their Preferred Course Delivery Methods

This study asked students of non-traditional age enrolled in an online MBA program to complete a questionnaire for assessing their learning styles, using the well-known Kolb Learning-Style Inventory. In addition to the questions about learning style, students were asked to evaluate eight electronic course delivery methods used by their professors. Students were asked to assess those methods using a 6-point Likert-type scale. They were also asked how the method could be qualitatively improved, but this research paper does not address those written comments. The following research questions were posed: What are the different learning styles of online MBA students?, What, if any, differences are there in the learning styles of students enrolled in online MBA courses?, and Do online students prefer certain electronic course delivery methods over others? Differences were identified in the learning styles of the students. Students reported preferences in certain course delivery methods over others. There were also significant relationships reported between learning styles and preferred course delivery methods. Implications for instructors are discussed.
Fusion of fuzzy information with considerations for compatibility, partial aggregation, and reinforcement

Abstract We present a general method for fusing fuzzy data. This approach allows for the inclusion of a number of considerations that help make the fusion more intelligent. Using the concept of a compatibility function, we are able to include information about the acceptability of fusing values from different parts of the observation space. OWA operators are used to implement different fusion functions, allowing for different emphasis on larger and smaller observed values. The fuzzy measure is used to allow for the fusion of subsets of our observed sources by providing a measure of the reliability of any subset of observed values. Finally, the MICA operators are used to allow for a reinforcement of possibilities that are commonly agreed upon as being high (upward reinforcement) and low (downward reinforcement).
Usefulness of clopidogrel to protect against diabetes-induced vascular damage.

Clopidogrel enhances the levels of endothelial nitric oxide and prostacyclin in tissue culture. We have previously described a marked increase in circulating endothelial cells (CECs), an ex vivo indicator of vascular injury, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We hypothesized that clopidogrel treatment would result in a decrease in CEC number and increased activity of endothelial progenitor cell recruitment signaling pathways in diabetic patients. CECs were isolated from the peripheral blood of 9 patients with type 2 diabetes using anti-CD146-coated Dynabeads. The cells were stained with acridine orange and counted by fluorescence microscopy. Endothelial progenitor cells were isolated in a similar fashion using anti-CD34 and anti-CD133 and assayed for expression of phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate kinase. The patients were then treated with clopidogrel 75 mg/day for 30 days, after which repeat blood specimens were analyzed. As previously observed, diabetic patients had an elevated number of CECs (mean 79 ± 15 cells/ml peripheral blood), which was reduced by clopidogrel treatment (mean 10 ± 4 cells/ml; p
Measuring the Permeability of Open-Framework Gravel

Open-framework gravel has permeability, k, above the measurement range of most laboratory constant-head permeameters because the head difference across the length of conventional permeameters is too small to be measured. Here we addressed the challenge of measuring the high k by using a 3 m long permeameter. The head difference over this length was of the order of 10(-2) to 10(-3) m, which we could measure to the nearest 10(-5) m. We collected data over the range of linear, laminar flow to nonlinear, laminar flow to verify that k was measured using data collected within the Darcian regime. We measured k between 4000 and 100,000 Darcies among experiments using different sediments.
Interactions between Human Glutamate Carboxypeptidase II and Urea-Based Inhibitors: Structural Characterization†

Urea-based, low molecular weight ligands of glutamate carboxypeptidase II (GCPII) have demonstrated efficacy in various models of neurological disorders and can serve as imaging agents for prostate cancer. To enhance further development of such compounds, we determined X-ray structures of four complexes between human GCPII and urea-based inhibitors at high resolution. All ligands demonstrate an invariant glutarate moiety within the S1' pocket of the enzyme. The ureido linkage between P1 and P1' inhibitor sites interacts with the active-site Zn(1)(2+) ion and the side chains of Tyr552 and His553. Interactions within the S1 pocket are defined primarily by a network of hydrogen bonds between the P1 carboxylate group of the inhibitors and the side chains of Arg534, Arg536, and Asn519. Importantly, we have identified a hydrophobic pocket accessory to the S1 site that can be exploited for structure-based design of novel GCPII inhibitors with increased lipophilicity.
Vasculopathy, hematological, and immune abnormalities associated with levamisole-contaminated cocaine use.

Objectives To report 4 cases of cocaine-related purpura and to review previously reported cases of levamisole, levamisole-contaminated cocaine, and cocaine-induced vasculopathy. Methods We describe 4 patients suspected of vasculopathy associated with levamisole-tainted cocaine use. A retrospective review of the literature was performed using the PubMed, PubJet, MD consult, and Cochrane review databases. Results Four cases (2 females and 2 males), 46 to 55 years of age, presented with cocaine-related purpura, mainly affecting the ears, neutropenia, and autoantibodies. Skin biopsies revealed a mixed pattern of leukocytoclastic vasculitis and microvascular thrombosis in 2 cases, and pure thrombosis in the third case. The mixed vasculopathic pattern in association with neutropenia, both known adverse effects of levamisole, and levamisole positivity in 2 cases point to this compound as the true etiologic agent in our patients. Eleven cases of levamisole-contaminated cocaine-induced vasculopathy have been described in the English literature. Among these, 10 were females. Age range was 22 to 57 years. Urine levamisole positivity was tested and confirmed in 3 of the 11 cases. The clinical characteristics, laboratory features, histology, treatment, and recovery rates were compared for the published cases of levamisole, levamisole-contaminated cocaine, and cocaine-induced vasculopathy. Conclusions Adulterated cocaine abuse is an increasingly recognized phenomenon in North America. Levamisole is among the many contaminants that have been detected in seized cocaine throughout North America and Europe. Recent reports described an association between levamisole-tainted cocaine and purpuric skin rash, neutropenia, and the presence of autoantibodies.
GraphZip: a fast and automatic compression method for spatial data clustering

Spatial data mining presents new challenges due to the large size and the high dimensionality of spatial data. A common approach to such challenges is to perform some form of compression on the initial databases and then process the compressed data. This paper presents a novel spatial data compression method, called GraphZip, to produce a compact representation of the original data set. GraphZip has two advantages: first, the spatial pattern of the original data set is preserved in the compressed data. Second, arbitrarily dimensional data can be processed efficiently and automatically. Applying GraphZip to huge databases can enhance both the effectiveness and the efficiency of spatial data clustering. On one hand, performing a clustering algorithm on the compressed data set requires less running time while the pattern can still be discovered. On the other hand, the complexity of clustering is dramatically reduced. A general hierarchical clustering method using GraphZip is proposed in this paper. The experimental studies on four benchmark spatial data sets produce very encouraging results.
A spin probe study of the influence of cholesterol on motion and orientation of phospholipids in oriented multibilayers and vesicles

Abstract Spin probes have been used to study at the molecular level the influence of cholesterol on bilayers of egg lecithin and dipalmitoyl lecithin. Distinct differences between the two lecithin systems were revealed. Increasing amounts of cholesterol result in extension of the fatty acid chains and decreased amplitude of motion of the long axes of the fatty acids in egg lecithin. In dipalmitoyl lecithin cholesterol causes an increase in the mobility and amplitude of motion of the fatty acid side chains, presumably due to alteration of the molecular interactions between phospholipids by relaxing the close packing of these molecules. These data provide an explanation for the condensing and fluidizing effects of cholesterol in water-containing phases and monolayers of egg lecithin and dipalmitoyl lecithin, respectively, and for the permeability behavior of egg lecithin and dipalmitoyl lecithin liposomes in the presence and absence of cholesterol. Differences are revealed between the spin bilayer environments in hydrated phospholipid films and vesicles.
Lossless compression of hyperspectral imagery via lookup tables with predictor selection

We propose a new low-complexity algorithm for lossless compression of hyperspectral imagery using lookup tables along with a predictor selection mechanism. We first compute a locally averaged interband scaling (LAIS) factor for an estimate of the current pixel from the co-located one in the previous band. We then search via lookup tables in the previous band for the two nearest causal pixels that are identical to the pixel co-located to the current pixel. The pixels in the current band co-located to the causal pixels are used as two potential predictors. One of the two predictors that is closest to the LAIS estimate is chosen as the predictor for the current pixel. The method pushes lossless compression of the AVIRIS hyperspectral imagery to a new high with an average compression ratio of 3.47.
A control structure for line-frequency-switched STATCOMs under system faults

Voltage-Sourced Converter (VSC) based Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) is used for voltage regulation in transmission and distribution systems. Comparing with PWM STATCOMs, Angle-controlled STATCOMs are fired at line frequency to lower the system losses. In recent years, angle-controlled STATCOMs have been deployed by utility owners for the purpose of voltage regulation, voltage stability improvement and increasing operational functionality. Despite the superior feature on voltage waveform quality and efficiency, the practical angle-controlled STATCOMs suffer from the over-current (and trips) and possible saturation of the interfacing transformers caused by negative sequence current during unbalanced conditions and system faults. This paper specifically proposes a control structure to improve the angle-controlled STATCOMs performance under unbalanced conditions and system faults. The main improvement is to decrease the negative sequence current and DC-link voltage oscillations substantially under power line faults through the control and not the components design. PSCAD/EMTDC and experimental results verify the validity of the proposed control structure under unbalanced conditions and system faults.
Prescience or serendipity? Parallelism in living systems theory and modern sociological theory

During the 1950s and 1960s, Parsonian functionalist systems theory was the dominant theory in American sociology. Since that time, the systems perspective has waned in sociology. Functionalism was widely critiqued, and no other systems theory has emerged (until recently) within sociology to take its place. However, there are still remnants of systems theory in contemporary sociological theory, and still some interest in the perspective. In fact, there are major points of congruence between prominent aspects of contemporary social theory and the “new” systems theories such as Living Systems Theory (LST), social entropy theory and autopoietic theory. There is also a great deal of interest in micro-macro linkages among contemporary sociological theorists. The purpose of this paper is to integrate LST and contemporary sociological theory. I will show that both approaches have a number of points in common, such as emphases on time, space, process, structure, and concrete systems. In addition to this basic congruence, I will also show that LST covers a number of areas not sufficiently dealt with in contemporary sociological theory, thus adding breadth and richness to it. Among the important contributions made by LST that are either entirely missing or relatively neglected in contemporary sociological theory are the analyses of types of systems (abstracted, concrete, conceptual), the 20 subsystems, the eight levels, the concept of organizational pathology, the study of information-input overload, and the concept of a social marker. Thus, I will demonstrate that LST and contemporary sociological theory are congruent in many ways, and compatible or complementary in many others. There are no or few real points of conflict between them. The major problem to date is that so few sociologists have a working knowledge of LST. Social theorists can benefit greatly from an understanding of LST, and this integration of LST and contemporary sociology is designed to, among other things, further that goal. Specifically, I will integrate LST with key mainstream sociological theories including Alexander's neofunctionalism, Giddens' structuration theory, and Collins' conflict theory.
Phosphoinositides and photoreceptors

The importance of phosphoinositides (phosphorylated phosphatidyl inositol derivatives, PIs) for normal cellular function cannot be overstated. Although they represent a small fraction of the total phospholipid within the cell, they are essential regulators of many cellular functions. They direct membrane trafficking by functioning as recruitment factors for vesicular trafficking components, they can modulate ion channel activity through direct binding within cellular membranes, and their hydrolysis generates second messenger signaling molecules. Despite an explosion of information regarding the importance of these lipids in cellular biology, their precise roles in vertebrate retinal photoreceptors has not been established. This review summarizes the literature on potential roles for different phosphoinositides and their regulators in vertebrate rods and cones. A brief description of the importance of PI signaling in other photosensitive cells is also presented. The highly specialized functions of the vertebrate photoreceptor, combined with the established importance of phosphoinositides, promise significant future discoveries in this field.
Fraction size, dose and time dependence of x ray induced late renal injury

Histologic quantitation of renal radiation injury based on an intact mouse model correlates well with loss of renal mass, as measured by the ratio of right to left renal weight, radiation dose, and time after irradiation. Use of the radiation dose at which 50% of animals show renal tubular changes of a specified grade (ED50), allows comparison of 1, 5 and 15 fraction exposures. The X-ray dose necessary to effect significant injury (Grade 3 change) by six months after irradiation (ED50) was 11.6, 25.7, and 44.0 Gy for single, 5, and 15 fractions, respectively. Isoeffect plots of total radiation dose as a function of fraction number are linear on logarithmic coordinates, indicating that this relationship followed a power function. When plotted as inverse total dose versus dose per fraction, the six month post-irradiation data were linear, but the 12 month data were not. Lack of linearity is not in agreement with the multi-fraction isoeffect linear quadratic model.
African American legislators' perceptions of firearm violence prevention legislation

Firearm mortality is the leading cause of death for young African American males, however, few studies have focused on racial/ethnic minority populations and firearm violence. The National Black Caucus of State Legislators advocates for legislation that promotes the health of African Americans. Thus, the purpose of this study was to collect baseline data on African American legislators’ perceptions regarding firearm violence in the African American community. A cross-sectional study of African American legislators (n = 612) was conducted to investigate the research questions. Of the 612 questionnaires mailed, 12 were not deliverable, and 170 were returned (28 %). Utilizing a three wave mailing process, African American legislators were invited to participate in the study. The majority (88 %) of respondents perceived firearm violence to be very serious among African Americans. Few (10 %) legislators perceived that addressing legislative issues would be an effective strategy in reducing firearm violence among African Americans. The majority (72 %) of legislators perceived the most effective strategy to reducing firearm violence in the African American community should focus on addressing societal issues (e.g. crime and poverty). After adjusting for the number of perceived barriers, the number of perceived benefits was a significant predictor of legislators’ perceived effectiveness of firearm violence prevention legislation for 8 of the 24 potential firearm violence prevention legislative bills.
Simulation of the responses of a DC motor driven from an SCR-controlled source

The computer-based simulation of DC motors driven from silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR)-controlled sources is described for both DC and AC sources. A circuit simulation program is used for simulation when the DC source is used. An original program utilizing Euler's method provides simulation when the source is AC. >
The existence of non-trivial asymptotically flat initial data for vacuum spacetimes

This paper demonstrates the existence of non-trivial solutions (g, k) to the constraint equations of the initial value formulation of the Einstein field equations over ℝ3 withgij − δij ∼ |x|−1 as |x| → ∞. Using the conformal methods of Lichnerowicz and York, this problem is divided into two parts. First, using weighted Sobolev spaces it is shown the set of pairs (g, k) withg a conformal metric andk transverse-traceless with respect tog forms a smooth vector bundleP with infinite dimensional fiber. Second, it is shown that the elements of a large open set inP uniquely determine a solution to the scalar constraint equation with the appropriate growth at infinity, and thereby determine solution to the constraint equations.
Cocaine and level of arousal: effects on vigilance task performance of rats.

Abstract Rats were food-reinforced for pressing one of two levers in an operant chamber, with the correct lever being indicated by the position of a briefly illuminated light. After stable accuracy levels were achieved, the rats were tested after an injection of either saline or cocaine (2.5 mg/kg) under two conditions. In the “low arousal” condition, animals were tested during the light phase of a 12-hr light-dark cycle and were fed approximately 5 hr prior to testing. In the “high arousal” condition, animals were tested during the dark phase after approximately 28-hr food deprivation. As expected, accuracy was higher and median choice and food retrieval latencies were shorter under the high arousal condition. Contrary to predictions, cocaine enhanced accuracy under both conditions. These results indicate that cocaine-enhanced performance in some tasks is not necessarily dependent on the animal performing at suboptimal arousal levels.
Sequential Sampling Plans for Green Peach Aphid (Homoptera: Aphididae) on Potato

The rationale for the development of a sequential sampling plan for green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), on potato is presented. Samples of green peach aphids on potato leaves demonstrated a close fit to Taylor’s power law ( r 2 = 0.927, P ≤ 0.001). The parameters generated from Taylor’s power law were used to develop sequential sampling plans. Curves defining the average sample number and illustrating the operating characteristic curves were obtained by computer simulation. The effect of the use of different minimum and maximum sample sizes was investigated.
RalA-Exocyst Complex Regulates Integrin-Dependent Membrane Raft Exocytosis and Growth Signaling

Anchorage dependence of cell growth is a key metastasis-suppression mechanism that is mediated by effects of integrins on growth signaling pathways. The small GTPase RalA is activated in metastatic cancers through multiple mechanisms and specifically induces anchorage independence. Loss of integrin-mediated adhesion triggers caveolin-dependent internalization of cholesterol- and sphingolipid-rich lipid raft microdomains to the recycling endosomes; these domains serve as platforms for many signaling pathways, and their clearance from the plasma membrane (PM) after cell detachment suppresses growth signaling. Conversely, readhesion triggers their return to the PM and restores growth signaling. Activation of Arf6 by integrins mediates exit of raft markers from the recycling endosomes but is not sufficient for return to the PM. We now show that RalA but not RalB mediates integrin-dependent membrane raft exocytosis through the exocyst complex. Constitutively active RalA restores membrane raft targeting to promote anchorage-independent growth signaling. Ras-transformed pancreatic cancer cells also show RalA-dependent constitutive PM raft targeting. These results identify RalA as a key determinant of integrin-dependent membrane raft trafficking and regulation of growth signaling. They therefore define a mechanism by which RalA regulates anchorage dependence and provide a new link between integrin signaling and cancer.
Minimum distance estimation in linear models with long-range dependent errors

This paper discusses the asymptotic representations of a class of L2-distance estimators based on weighted empirical processes in a multiple linear regression model when the errors are a function of stationary Gaussian random variables that are long-range dependent. Unlike the independent errors case, the limiting distributions of the suitably normalized estimators are not always normal. The limiting distributions depend heavily on the Hermite rank of a certain class of random variables. Some ‘goodness of fit’ tests for specified error distribution are also considered.
Antibodies to Renin as Proof of the Pathogenesis of Sustained Renal Hypertension

Antirenin to hog renin produced in the dog neutralizes the acute pressor effect of dog as well as hog renin. A course of intramuscular injections of hog renin in chronic renal hypertensive dogs produces an antihypertensive effect which is correlated with the antirenin titers of the plasma. Passive transfer of high titer homologous antiserum to hog renin produces an antihypertensive effect in chronic renal hypertensive dogs which is correlated with the antirenin titer. The results suggest a pathogenetic role for renin in experimental renal hypertension in the dog.
Trichoadenoma of Nikolowski

Trichoadenoma of Nikolowski is a rare benign tumor of the skin with hair follicle-like direction of differentiation. This tumor is less mature than trichofolliculoma and more differentiated than trichoepithelioma. Probably because of its rarity it has not been a well recognized tumor. We are reporting on eight cases of trichoadenoma to further define this benign growth.
Osmotic Loading of Neutralizing Antibodies Demonstrates a Role for Protein-tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Negative Regulation of the Insulin Action Pathway

Protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) have been postulated to balance the steady-state phosphorylation and the activation state of the insulin receptor and its substrate proteins. To explore whether PTP1B, a widely expressed, non-receptor-type PTPase, regulates insulin signaling, we used osmotic shock to load rat KRC-7 hepatoma cells with affinity-purified neutralizing antibodies that immunoprecipitate and inactivate the enzymatic activity of recombinant rat PTP1B in vitro. In cells loaded with PTP1B antibody, insulin-stimulated DNA synthesis and phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase activity were increased by 42% and 38%, respectively, compared with control cells loaded with preimmune IgG (p
Pursuit Rotor Speed, Sex Differences, and Reminiscence in Young Children

Summary Data collected in a study of pursuit rotor abilities of 39 first grade pupils revealed that speed of response is a major dimension of performance in young children. Evidence for the early appearance of reminiscence was found, including data showing a significantly greater amount of reminiscence in males as compared with females. Moderate correlations between rotation speeds reflected the specificity of performance requirements at each speed. Data were interpreted in terms of the rapid rate of perceptual motor skill development at this age and suggested the need for more intense study of specific subskills needed for task success.
An Architecture and Its Rationale

The fundamental challenge of distributed OO computing is achieving the promises of performance, availability, etc. with no increase in software complexity. This article offers an actual answer to this challenge, for researchers and practitioners to use as a case study.
Effects of Donepezil on Amyloid-β and Synapse Density in the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is an approved drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although extensive studies have demonstrated the symptomatic efficacy of donepezil treatment in patients with AD, the effects of donepezil, if any, on the AD process are not known. In this study, we sought to determine whether long-term administration of donepezil would slow amyloid plaque deposition or confer neuronal protection in a mouse model of AD. We used quantitative light and electron microscopy to investigate the effects of long-term administration (from 3 to 9 months of age for 6 months of treatment) of donepezil (1, 2, 4 mg/kg, in drinking water) on tissue amyloid-beta (Abeta) protein, plaque deposition, synaptic protein (synaptophysin), and synapse density in the hippocampus of Tg2576 mice. Administration of the 4 mg/kg dose of donepezil, as compared to vehicle and lower doses of donepezil, significantly reduced brain tissue soluble Abeta(1-40) and Abeta(1-42), Abeta plaque number, and burden at the study end point in Tg2576 mice. The dose of 4 mg/kg of donepezil also significantly increased synaptic density in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus in Tg2576 mice. However, a significant change of the synaptophysin-positive bouton in the hippocampus was not observed. These results suggest that a higher dose of donepezil may have a measurable impact on tissue level of Abeta protein and plaque deposition and may prevent synapse loss in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD.
Study of the Effects of Environmental Variables and Supercritical Fluid Extraction Parameters on the Extractability of Pesticide Residues from Soils Using a Multivariate Optimization Scheme

A multivariate optimization scheme (MOS) was used to investigate the effects of environmental variables and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) parameters on the extractability of pesticide residues from soil samples. MOS is a highly efficient technique for studying a large number of variables and identifying optimal extraction conditions. MOS offered the opportunity to systematically and simultaneously examine the interaction and effect profiles among important soil variables and extraction parameters. Pesticide residence time in soil had a major influence on binding extent for all tested pesticides. Extractability as a function of soil composition was greatly dependent on the particular pesticide examined. Bensulfuron-methyl was the most difficult to extract from soils containing high levels of both organic matter and clay. Atrazine was extracted more easily than diuron. High organic matter and high clay content led to strong binding for diuron and atrazine, respectively. Effects of SFE parameters on e...
One adult who is crazy about you: Can natural mentoring relationships increase assets among young adults with and without foster care experience?

Abstract During emerging adulthood, most youth receive family support to help them weather the difficulties associated with transitioning to independence. When foster youth emancipate, they confront the challenges associated with emerging adulthood, and are at risk of having to transition without family support. Many are in danger of failing to meet minimal levels of self-sufficiency. A caring adult who offers social support is normative for adolescent development and protective for youth across many risk conditions. Natural mentoring can cultivate such relationships. This study examines the association between natural mentor relationship characteristics, and material hardship and asset-related outcomes during the emerging adulthood period in both a normative sample of young adults and young adults identified as former foster youth. This study also considers the potential mediating effect of future expectations. Data from Wave 3 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health that pertain to 15,197 respondents are used. Path models with categorical dependent variables were estimated using a maximum likelihood method with standard errors that are robust to non-normality and non-independence of observations. “Like a parent”, “role model”, and “guidance/advice” were significantly associated with assets among both groups. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on natural mentoring and former foster youth, and highlights the value of increasing our understanding of natural mentor roles for intervention development. The focus on asset-related outcomes is a novel approach to investigate the benefits of natural mentoring to the healthy development of youth. This paper is the first to consider the association between natural mentoring and asset building among both former and nonformer foster youth.
Partial gamma ray widths for low lying levels in aluminium and magnesium

Abstract The gamma rays resulting from the bombardment of Al and Mg with protons of 3.3 to 4.2 MeV energy were used to excite low lying levels in Al27, Mg24, and Mg25. Combining the results of self absorption and resonance scattering studies with measured branching ratios, the following partial widths Γ0 for the ground state transitions were obtained: Download : Download full-size image The angular distribution of the 1.01 MeV resonance radiation was found to be of the form W(θ)=1+(0.02±0.13)P2(cosθ), that of the 2.21-MeV radiation W(θ)=1+(0.23±0.03) P2(cos θ).
Plasma lipoproteins mediate platelet adhesion.

Platelet adhesion to VLDL, LDL, HDL, and to a mixture of purified apolipoproteins was examined. Platelets adhered to all the classes of lipoproteins tested. VLDL and the apolipoprotein mixture promoted the greatest degree of adhesion. Platelet adhesion was inhibited by addition of EDTA, RGD-containing peptides and anti-GPII b -III a monoclonal antibodies. Platelets from patients with Glanzman's Thrombasthenia which lack the GPII b -III a receptor adhered to VLDL less than half as well as did normal platelets. These results demonstrate that the major circulating lipoproteins can mediate in vitro platelet adhesion and that this adhesion occurs via platelet integrin receptors. We postulate that lipoprotein mediated platelet adhesion may play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Edge Waves and Chiral Bosonization

The incompressible quantum Hall states of a two-dimensional electron liquid have gapless excitations at their edges. These ripples in the electron charge profile are physical realizations of chiral bosons. I review this Bose-Fermi correspondence in the simplest case of a single filled Landau level.
The Sensitivity of the General Price Level to Changes in the Price of Crude Oil

There are many direct and indirect effects of changing crude oil prices on the inflation rate, so it is not surprising that there are different views about the resulting effects on the general price level and also on other aspects of the general economy. This study, estimates the direct and indirect effects of oil price changes on the economy-wide rate of inflation, which then has effects on spending and producing decisions. However, in this forum, we do not try to estimate the full indirect effects on the level of economic activity, such as effects on real GDP.
Structural and Functional Analysis of the ARF1–ARFGAP Complex Reveals a Role for Coatomer in GTP Hydrolysis

The crystal structure of the complex of ARF1 GTPase bound to GDP and the catalytic domain of ARF GTPase-activating protein (ARFGAP) has been determined at 1.95 A resolution. The ARFGAP molecule binds to switch 2 and helix alpha3 to orient ARF1 residues for catalysis, but it supplies neither arginine nor other amino acid side chains to the GTPase active site. In the complex, the effector-binding region appears to be unobstructed, suggesting that ARFGAP could stimulate GTP hydrolysis while ARF1 maintains an interaction with its effector, the coatomer complex of COPI-coated vesicles. Biochemical experiments show that coatomer directly participates in the GTPase reaction, accelerating GTP hydrolysis a further 1000-fold in an ARFGAP-dependent manner. Thus, a tripartite complex controls the GTP hydrolysis reaction triggering disassembly of COPI vesicle coats.
Cloning of a recombinant complementary DNA to a baboon (Papio anubis) estradiol-dependent oviduct-specific glycoprotein.

The estradiol-dominated baboon oviduct synthesizes and secretes a glycoprotein (mol wt, 120,000) that binds to oocyte zona pellucida in vivo. This glycoprotein separates into two major isoelectric variants (pl 8.0 and 4.5) on two-dimensional electrophoretic gels. This study was undertaken to further characterize the steroid-controlled gene expression of this glycoprotein. A recombinant cDNA library was prepared to poly(A)+ RNA isolated from oviducts obtained from estradiol-treated baboons. The library was screened with a polyclonal antibody prepared against the acidic component (pl 4.5) of the glycoprotein. A single positive plaque was purified. Digestion of the recombinant plasmid with EcoRI revealed fragments of 230 and 1000 basepairs. The antibody used to screen the library was epitope selected against the fusion protein produced by the purified recombinant phage. The epitope-selected antibody, when incubated with Western blots of oviductal explant culture medium obtained from estradioltreated baboons,...
Variational calculation of the depolarization of the maximum density droplet in two-dimensional quantum dots

We show that, if a variational parameter in the Fock-Darwin states is optimized, the lowest Landau level (LLL) approximation agrees well with configuration interaction results using several Landau levels for a wide range of confining and Coulomb interaction strengths. Within the optimized LLL approximation, we study several phase transitions beyond the maximum density droplet for four to nine electrons and find similar patterns in the phase-space diagrams for angular momenta up to $N(N+1)∕2$. Calculations for larger angular momentum reveal unpolarized phases for filling factors up to $\ensuremath{\nu}=1∕3$.
Tonic changes in alpha power during immersion of the hand in cold water

Phasic event-related desynchronization (ERD) of alpha activity briefly follows many types of stimulation. In order to define EEG changes resulting from longer stimulation. EEG records were made before and during hand immersion into cool and painfully cold water (cold pressor). Five minutes of 13-lead EEG records were obtained from 14 subjects for each condition. EEG frequency analysis was performed on artifact-free epochs from 60 to 240 sec following immersion. Following an initial phasic decrease in alpha power during cold water immersion, there was an augmentation of alpha power (8-12 Hz) in bilateral frontal and posterior electrodes. This augmentation was largely the result of an increase in the low alpha band (8-10 Hz). Alpha power at both central electrodes C3 and C4 changed little during cold water immersion. Cool water immersion produced less alpha power augmentation than cold water immersion. These observed changes were primarily in the high alpha band (10-12 Hz) and were larger in electrodes ipsilateral rather than contralateral to the stimulation. There was also an increase of beta bilaterally in frontal and posterior regions with cold water immersion. Our data demonstrate sustained topographic EEG responses during tonic stimulation from hand immersion in painfully cold water. These changes differ from those produced by stimulation with cool water immersion.
Comparative Performance of Comorbidity Indices in Discriminating Health-related Behaviors and Outcomes

Abstract Background and Objective Although the predictive ability of the Charlson Index, Elixhauser Index (EI), Chronic Disease Score (CDS), and Health-related Quality of Life Comorbidity Index (HRQL-CI) for health care outcomes has been assessed individually, little research has compared the discriminative performance of these indices directly in a single study. The current study compared these indices in discriminating among type 2 diabetes patients varying in demographics and health care outcomes characteristics. Study Design There were 9832 Medicaid patients with type 2 diabetes from 8 states evaluated. Endpoints included demographics (age, race), health care behaviors (physician's diabetes care standard adherence, patient's medication adherence), and health care utilization and expenditures. Discriminative power of comorbidity indices was determined by c-statistics from logistic regression, the shape of receiver operator characteristic curve, and area under the curve. Results The CDS demonstrated the best ability in discriminating between age subgroups (c = 0.61) and patients who were or were not adherent to their medication (c = 0.56). The CDS and HRQL-CI mental index performed similarly in discriminating based on diabetes care standard adherence (c = 0.60). The EI had the best discrimination for health care utilization and costs, while HRQL-CI physical index performed similarly to EI in predicting hospitalization admission (c = 0.62), and the HRQL-CI mental index performed similarly to the EI in predicting outpatient visits (c = 0.74). Conclusions The CDS was found to be the best metric for differentiating among patients varying in demographics, physician's diabetes care standard adherence, and patient's medication adherence, while the EI should be the first choice to identify patients at risk of high medical resource use.
The additivity of multiple doses of a liver carcinogen in rats

Abstract The temporal pattern and dose-rate dependence of liver cancer in rats fed 2-fluorenylacetamide (2-FAA) was compared to analytical formulas derived from a specific model. The model was based on the idea that carcinogens have two distinct actions on cells: (1) transformation and (2) acceleration of progression. Transformed cells are by definition progressing toward cancer, but their rate of progression may depend on several factors, specifically, the amount of carcinogen. In the experiments the carcinogen was removed from the diet after various times and the rate of tumor progression was estimated from the time of tumor occurrence. The results were consistent with the idea that 2-FAA accelerated the progression of the cancers. The model provides a simple explanation of Druckrey's law in that the temporal occurrence of tumors induced by a carcinogen represents the acceleration of a naturally occurring disease progression.
Inhibition of bile flow in the isolated perfused rat liver by a synthetic parenteral amino acid mixture: associated net amino acid fluxes.

To identify a role for amino acids in cholestasis associated with total parenteral nutrition, we measured bile formation by the isolated perfused rat liver in the presence and absence of added amino acids. All livers were infused,constantly with sodium [14C]taurocholate (0.28 μmoles per min) for 90 min. At 40 min, a primed-constant infusion of a synthetic L-amino acid mixture (121 + 19.3 μmoles of N per min) was administered for an additional 50 min. Mean bile flow rates during the amino acid infusion were reduced from 15.4 μl per min per 10 gm liver weight to 10.4 μl per min per 10 gm (p 3 times greater than reported physiological postprandial portal venous concentrations in the rat, and together constituted about 25% of the 9 0-min perfusate amino acids (8.3 mM). The highest net hepatic uptake was for glycine (125 μmoles per hr per 10 gm), which was almost 50% of its infusion rate. These observations lead us to propose that nonphysiological hepatic concentrations and uptake of certain amino acids interfere with bile formation, particularly with bile acid-independent flow.
Contact angles of aqueous solutions on an organoclay

Abstract Values for the critical surface tension of octadecylammonium bentonite and dioctadecyldimethylammonium bentonite were derived from measurements of the contact angle with aqueous solutions of ethanol and acetone. Depending on the preparation of the dry organoclay surfaces, γ c for toluene cast surfaces were 22–25 mN m −1 and for mechanically pressed disks were 19 to 21 mN m −1 with ethanol solutions. Acetone solutions gave γ c in the range of 23 to 26 mN m −1 . Comparisons to established values of γ c for polymers containing organic groups similar to those in the organoclays are made.
Proteins of Escherichia coli come in sizes that are multiples of 14 kDa: domain concepts and evolutionary implications

Abstract Initial attempts to correlate the distribution of gene density (number of gene loci per unit length on the linkage map) with the distribution of lengths of coding sequences have led to the observation that 46% of approximately 1000 sampled proteins in Escherichia coli have molecular masses of n X 14,000 +/- 2500 daltons (n = 1, 2, ...). This clustering around multiples of 14,000 contrasts with the 36% one would expect in these ranges if the sizes were uniformly distributed. The entire distribution is well fit by a sum of normal or lognormal distributions located at multiples of 14,000, which suggests that the percentage of E. coli proteins governed by the underlying sizing mechanism is much greater than 50%. Clustering of protein molecular sizes around multiples of a unit size also is suggested by the distribution of well-characterized HeLa cell proteins. The distribution of gene lengths for E. coli suggests regular clustering, which implies that the clustering of protein molecular masses is not an artifact of the molecular mass measurement by gel electrophoresis. These observations suggest the existence of a fundamental structural unit. The rather uniform size of this structural unit (without any apparent sequence homology) suggests that a general principle such as geometrical or physical optimization at the DNA or protein level is responsible. This suggestion is discussed in relation to experimental evidence for the domain structure of proteins and to existing hypotheses that attempt to account for these domains. Microevolution would appear to be accommodated by incremental changes within this fundamental unit, whereas macroevolution would appear to involve "quantum" changes to the next stable size of protein.
Assessing Formation Scenarios for the Double Nucleus of M31 Using Two-Dimensional Image Decomposition*

The double nucleus geometry of M31 is currently best explained by the eccentric disk hypothesis of Tremaine, but whether the eccentric disk resulted from the tidal disruption of an inbounding star cluster, from a nuclear black hole, or from an m = 1 perturbation of a native nuclear disk remains debatable. I perform detailed two-dimensional decomposition of the M31 double nucleus in the Hubble Space Telescope V-band to study the bulge structure and to address competing formation scenarios of the eccentric disk. I deblend the double nucleus (P1 and P2) and the bulge simultaneously using five Sersic and one Nuker components. P1 and P2 appear to be embedded inside an intermediate component (re = 32) that is nearly spherical (q = 0.97 ± 0.02), while the main galaxy bulge is more elliptical (q = 0.81 ± 0.01). The spherical bulge mass (2.8 × 107 M⊙), being coincident with the supermassive black hole mass (3 × 107 M⊙), conjoined with a shallow bulge cusp, is consistent with the scenario that the bulge was scoured by spiraling binary supermassive black holes. In the two-dimensional decomposition the bulge is consistent with being centered near the UV peak of P2, but the exact position is difficult to pinpoint because of dust in the bulge. P1 and P2 are comparable in mass. Within a radius r = 1'' of P2, the relative mass fraction of the nuclear components is M• : Mbulge : P1 : P2 = 4.3 : 1.2 : 1 : 0.7, assuming the luminous components have a common mass-to-light ratio of 5.7. The eccentric disk as a whole (P1 + P2) is massive, M ≈ 2.1 × 107 M⊙, comparable to the black hole and the local bulge mass. As such, the eccentric disk could not have been formed entirely out of stars that were stripped from an inbounding star cluster. Hence, the more favored scenario is that of a disk formed in situ by an m = 1 perturbation caused possibly by the passing of a giant molecular cloud or the passing/accretion of a small globular cluster.
Separation of nitrogenous residues from deproteinated whey for lactose crystallization

Abstract The influence of heat treatment, pH adjustment, and total solids content on the effectiveness of secondary protein removal (clarification) from heat-acid deproteinated whey was studied. Lowering pH and increasing total solids content before clarification decreased residual protein (nitrogen×6.38) in clarified whey. Lowest nitrogen was obtained by concentrating deproteinated whey to 55% total solids, adjusting pH to 3.5, heating to 90C, and filtering. Thread-like aggregates formed during concentration of the heat-acid deproteinated whey at pH 4.5 in a rotary film evaporator. Analytical studies indicated that the aggregates were composed predominantly of proteose-peptone component 5.
Cathepsin G-dependent modulation of platelet thrombus formation in vivo by blood neutrophils

Neutrophils are consistently associated with arterial thrombotic morbidity in human clinical studies but the causal basis for this association is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that neutrophils modulate platelet activation and thrombus formation in vivo in a cathepsin G-dependent manner. Neutrophils enhanced aggregation of human platelets in vitro in dose-dependent fashion and this effect was diminished by pharmacologic inhibition of cathepsin G activity and knockdown of cathepsin G expression. Tail bleeding time in the mouse was prolonged by a cathepsin G inhibitor and in cathepsin G knockout mice, and formation of neutrophil-platelet conjugates in blood that was shed from transected tails was reduced in the absence of cathepsin G. Bleeding time was highly correlated with blood neutrophil count in wildtype but not cathepsin G deficient mice. In the presence of elevated blood neutrophil counts, the anti-thrombotic effect of cathepsin G inhibition was greater than that of aspirin and additive to it when administered in combination. Both pharmacologic inhibition of cathepsin G and its congenital absence prolonged the time for platelet thrombus to form in ferric chloride-injured mouse mesenteric arterioles. In a vaso-occlusive model of ischemic stroke, inhibition of cathepsin G and its congenital absence improved cerebral blood flow, reduced histologic brain injury, and improved neurobehavioral outcome. These experiments demonstrate that neutrophil cathepsin G is a physiologic modulator of platelet thrombus formation in vivo and has potential as a target for novel anti-thrombotic therapies.