cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters

Abstract A series of p -nitrophenyl esters, whose rates of basic hydrolysis varied over 100-fold, were synthesized. The thrombin-catalyzed hydrolysis did not follow the relative order of the non-enzymic breakdown of these substrates, but it showed a range of turnovers of about 2500-fold in going from p -nitrophenyl acetate through acetylglycinate, iodoacetate, acetyl- l -leucinate, carbobenzoxyglycinate to carbobenzoxy- l -phenylalaninate and carbobenzoxy- l -tyrosinate. The latter two compounds are as good thrombin substrates as N α -p -tosyl- l -arginine methyl ester. It is concluded that the presence of an apolar phenyl side chain in the substrate molecule plays an important part in promoting its hydrolysis by the enzyme.
Connection between the atomic photoeffect and internal conversion

It is shown that over an appreciable energy range $K$-, $L$-, and $M$-shell photoeffect total cross sections are proportional to $E1$ internal-conversion coefficients from the same subshell. In the nonrelativistic dipole approximation the ratio $\frac{{\ensuremath{\beta}}^{E1}}{\ensuremath{\sigma}}=(\frac{3}{8\ensuremath{\pi}}){(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, independent of shell and subshell; numerically, for $s$ waves, this ratio holds to 1 MeV. Screening effects enter only at low energies, reaching several percent at the $K$-shell threshold.
Real-time monitoring of high-intensity focused ultrasound ablations with photoacoustic technique: An in vitro study

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to apply photoacoustic imaging(PAI) to monitor high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) process in real-time for accurate evaluation of thermal ablation outcomes.Methods: A photoacoustic (PA) imaging system was used to monitor HIFU ablation process in this study. Single-element, spherically focused ultrasonic transducers with center frequencies of 5 and 10 MHz were used to generate HIFU lesions and detect PA signals in beef kidney during HIFU treatments, respectively. A 25-μm diameter, T-type thermocouple was used to measure the temperature rise during the treatment as well. Thermal dose, which was used to indicate the coagulation of soft tissue, was calculated with the temperaturemeasured by the thermocouple. Detected PA signals were then related to the coagulation of soft tissue through thermal dose calculations. In addition, PA signals from beef kidney coagulating under a constant temperature was obtained to show the changes of PA signals under a constant temperature during soft tissue coagulation.Results: PA amplitude increases during the HIFU process and tends to have a saturation stage after the soft tissue is completely coagulated, which is indicated by a 240 or more TD43 minutes. Also, a linear relation between the PA signal amplitude changes and temperature was observed when monitoring the sole effect of temperature. In addition, PA amplitude changes finally reached a constant value during soft tissue coagulation under a constant temperature.Conclusions: Through measurement of the photoacoustic signal, the authors demonstrated that monitoring thermal dose may be a more appropriate method in HIFU treatment than monitoring temperature.
A Bayesian Approach to Tackling Hard Computational Problems (Preliminary Report)

Abstract Abstract We describe research and results centering on the construction and use of Bayesian models that can predict the run time of problem solvers. Our efforts are motivated by observations of high variance in the run time uired to solve instances for several challenging problems. The methods have application to the decision-theoretic control of hard search and reasoning algorithms. We illustrate the approach with a focus on the task of predicting run time for general and domain-specific solvers on a hard class of structured constraint satisfaction problems. We describe the use of learned models to predict the ultimate length of a trial, based on observing the behavior of the search algorithm during an early phase of a problem session. Finally, we discuss how we can employ the models to inform dynamic run-time decisions. We thank Dimitris Achlioptas for his insightful contributions and feedback.
Alternative integral equations and perturbation expansions for self-coupled scalar fields

Abstract It is shown that the theory of self-coupled scalar field may be expressed in terms of a class of integral equations which include the Yang-Feldman equation as a particular case. Other integral equations in this class could be used to generate alternative perturbation expansions which contain a nonanalytic dependence upon constant and are less ultraviolet divergent than the conventional perturbation expansion.
Effects of MBC on hyphal tip organization, growth, and mitosis of Fusarium acuminatum, and their antagonism by D2O.

Effects of treatment with methyl benzimidazole-2-ylcarbamate (MBC) on living hyphal tip cells ofFusarium acuminatum were determined with phase contrast light microscopy. These included (i) displacement of mitochondria from hyphal apices, (ii) disappearance of Spitzenkorpers, (iii) reduction of linear growth rate, and (iv) metaphase arrest of all mitoses: responses i–iii were not a result of effects on mitosis. Since all of these responses theoretically could have resulted from an MBC effect on microtubule structure and/or function, heavy water (D2O) was used to counteract MBC. Treatments of hyphae with MBC + D2O caused quantitative responses, i–iii above, intermediate between those to the separate reagents, and some nuclei of these hyphae were not arrested at mitosis. Moreover, several nuclei fragmented (multimicronucleation) in a manner apparently similar to mammalian nuclei treated with antitubulin agents. Thus, the effects of MBC on apical organization, Spitzenkorper integrity, hyphal growth and mitosis could have been mediated through interference with microtubules.
The effect of temperature cycling on creep-rupture of eutectic and conventional superalloys

Abstract Results are reported on the effect of temperature cycling on rupture strength of two representative fiber-strengthened eutectic composites and several non-composite superalloys. The tests involved both prior cycling and subsequent rupture and also temperature cycling under load. An initial increase and subsequent decrease in rupture life was observed with increasing number of cycles or decreasing cycle period with the former type of test. This was shown also to occur in the absence of fibers. A similar response could be induced by room-temperature prestrain. The results are therefore interpreted in terms of the effect on rupture life of cyclic straining, most likely resulting from thermal expansion mismatch. The temperature-cycling rupture tests showed a strong effect of cycle period on life, independent of the presence of fibers. A linear damage analysis gave a reasonable prediction of the average TCR rupture life although it could not account for the period dependence. A creep analysis predicted the temperature-cycling creep strain quite well from isothermal data. Using a new mean-strain transfer rule in the analysis, it also predicted a cycle period effect at long periods which was in agreement with experiment. There were no qualitative differences in the response to temperature cycling between the eutectic and conventional superalloys studied.
High-efficiency bragg gratings in photothermorefractive glass.

Photosensitive silicate glasses doped with silver, cerium, fluorine, and bromine were fabricated at the Center for Research and Education in Optics and Lasers. Bragg diffractive gratings were recorded in the volume of these glasses with a photothermorefractive process (exposure to UV radiation of a He–Cd laser at 325 nm is followed by thermal development at 520 °C). Absolute diffraction efficiency of as much as 93% was observed for 1-mm-thick gratings with spatial frequencies up to 2500 mm-1. No decreasing of diffraction efficiency was detected at low spatial frequencies. Original glasses were transparent (absorption coefficient less than 1 cm-1) from 350 to 4100 nm. Induced losses in exposed and developed glass decreased from 0.3 to 0.03 cm-1 between 400 and 700 nm, respectively, and did not exceed 0.01–0.02 cm-1 in the IR region from 700 to 2500 nm. Additional losses caused by parasitic structures recorded in the photosensitive medium were studied.
785-1 An Evaluation of the Reproducibility of Semiquantitative Echocardiographic Assessment of Global and Regional Left Ventricular Function

Left ventricular regional and global function is predominantly evaluated by semiquantitative scoring systems, yet little information exists on inter- and intra-observer variability. We evaluated 97 pts. with known LV dysfunction to assess the intra- and inter-observer variability of 2 scoring systems. Standard parasternal and apical 2-D imaging views were scored by 2 experienced echocardiographers blinded to each other using the American Society of Echocardiography 16 segment model. One observer reanalyzed the studies after a 3 month interval. In System A, segments were graded normal 1+, mildly hypokinetic 1.5+, hypokinetic 2+, severely hypokinetic 2.5+, akinetic 3+ or dyskinetic 4+, In system B grades were normal 1+, hypokinetic 2+, akinetic 3+ and dyskinetic 4+. Global function was assessed with a regional wall motion score index (RWMSI) (sum of segment scores/# of segments scored) and by visually estimating EF. Results We scored 1458 (94%) of the available segments. Inter and intra-observer correlations were high and showed minimal systematic bias: Correlation Δ Change EF RWMSI EF RWMSI Inter-observer 0.84 * 0.81 * 0.05 ± 8.4% 0.04 ± 0.29 Intra-observer 089 * 0.89 * -0.31 ± 6.5% 0.07 ± 0.23 * * p l 0.05 For regional function, segment scores differed by 2 or more units in 35 (2%) segments (interobserver) and in 16 (1%) segments (intraobserver). For System A there was full interobserver agreement in 710 (49%) segments, (range 37–60% for individual segments) and full intraobserver agreement in 889 (57%) segments (range 43–73%. For system B, full interobserver agreement was significantly higher at 951 (66%)* segments (range 51–76%) as was full intraobserver agreement at 1094 (74%)* segments (range 62–82%). Conclusions 1) Intraobserver variability is less than interobserver variability for both global and regional assessment of LV function. 2) Asegmental score change of 2 units is highly reliable. 3) Attempts to increase the number of gradations of wall motion scoring over the current clinical standard (system B) reduces reliability significantly. 4) The estimated EF must change g 17% between observers or g 13% serially by the same observer to reliably indicate a significant change.
Sewage diversion effects on the water column of a subtropical estuary

Abstract A study of the phytoplankton community and water column chemistry in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, before and after the diversion of secondary treated sewage from the bay has shown that changes in total nutrient concentrations in the water column cannot be accurately predicted without taking into account water column-benthos interactions. During the first year after sewage diversion, the decomposition of about 400 tonnes of benthic organisms, primarily filter feeders, resulted in water column dissolved organic nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations roughly an order of magnitude higher than those expected in the absence of such interactions. The biomass of phytoplankton appears to have been N limited both before and after sewage diversion, with internal nutrient recycling accounting for 70–99% of phtyoplankton nutrient uptake. Both the biomass and growth rate of the phytoplankton declined as a result of the sewage diversion, with post-diversion growth rates evidently well below nutrient-saturated values. Since the principal stresses on the bay's coral reef community as a result of the sewage discharges appear to have resulted from the elevated concentrations of plankton in the water, various measures of seston concentration appear to be the most ecologically significant indicators of nutrient enrichment in this system.
Inhomogeneity of Thallium Halide Mixed Crystals and Its Elimination

Prisms, cut from mixed crystals of thallium halides, as they are used at present for infrared spectroscopy, show optical inhomogeneity which causes an undesirable decrease of resolution. By chemical, x-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis it was possible to trace the cause of this defect to the use of incorrect data of the minimum melting points of the compositions from which the crystals were grown. The melting points of the thallium halides and of their binary systems have been redetermined, and crystals grown from compositions corresponding to the accurate minimum melting points have been found to be entirely homogeneous.
Appraisal determinants of discrete emotions.

Abstract A theory specifying how appraisals of a situation determine one's emotional responses (Roseman, 1979) was subjected to an experimental test. According to the theory, particular combinations of 5 appraisals determine which of 13 qualitatively different emotions will be experienced in any given situation. The appraisals are: motivational state (rewarding/punishing), situational state (presendabsent), probability (certaiduncertain), legitimacy (positivehegative outcome deserved), and causal agency (circumstanced other person/self). The emotions whose occurrence they determine are joy, relief, hope, liking (“warmth-friendliness”), pride, distress, sorrow, fear, frustration, disliking (“coolness-unfriendliness”), anger, regret, and guilt. In the experiment, 120 college students read brief stories in which these appraisals were manipulated, and rated the intensities of various emotions felt by story protagonists. Results showed that each appraisal had a significant effect upon emotions, and that the pa...
Cavity resonators containing anisotropic media

A general procedure for determining the resonant frequencies and mode vectors of cavity resonators of arbitrary shape and containing media characterized by arbitrary tensor permeabilities and permittivities is given. The method is basically that of Galerkin applied to an operator formulation of the problem. The solution is in the form of a matrix eigenvalue equation, which can be solved by conventional computational techniques. The general formulas are specialized to the case of a rectangular cavity containing gyrotropic plasma, and representative numerical calculations are given. The solution is compared to a first-order perturbation solution to illustrate to what extent the latter can be used as an approximation.
Functionalism, computationalism, and mental states

Abstract Some philosophers have conflated functionalism and computationalism. I reconstruct how this came about and uncover two assumptions that made the conflation possible. They are the assumptions that (i) psychological functional analyses are computational descriptions and (ii) everything may be described as performing computations. I argue that, if we want to improve our understanding of both the metaphysics of mental states and the functional relations between them, we should reject these assumptions.
Cognitive load theory meets the real world: worked examples on a popular homework help forum

Open online help forums connect students with volunteer helpers who provide assistance with specific problems from coursework. Cramster, the most popular existing mathematics help forum, is an advocate of cognitive load theory and promotes the provision of worked solutions as the best way to help students. The intent is that students can use these worked solutions as problem-solving models and learn from them. This project investigated this possibility by analysing 194 responses from the Algebra thru pre-Calculus archives from two perspectives: first, student ratings of solution helpfulness were examined; second, a rubric based on the accuracy and construction of the solutions was developed, applied, and compared with student ratings. The results indicate that Cramster helpers provided students with worked solutions that contain steps and sometimes goals, as opposed to final answers only. However, there were also many responses containing errors, and students did not show much discernment in their ratings.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROPORTIONAL AND PERCEPTUAL CONFLICT COMPOSITION ON TEAM PERFORMANCE

Past conflict research and theory has provided insight into the types of conflict and styles of conflict resolution in organizations and groups. A second generation of conflict research is now needed that recognizes that the type of conflict present in a group relative to the other types present (proportional conflict composition) and the amount of conflict perceived relative to the amount perceived by other members (perceptual conflict composition) may be critical to group functioning. Therefore, we propose two types of conflict composition in teams and investigate the links between proportional and perceptual conflict composition conflict, and team effectiveness (i.e., individual and team performance, commitment, cohesiveness, and member satisfaction) in two organizational samples. We find group conflict compositions consisting of high levels of task‐related conflict compared to relationship and process conflict (proportional task conflict) are high performing, satisfied teams. In addition, when team members disagree about amounts of conflict present (high perceptual conflict), we find evidence of negative group outcomes. Implications for managers and group members are discussed.
Generating reactive programs for graphical user interfaces from multi-way dataflow constraint systems

For a GUI to remain responsive, it must be able to schedule lengthy tasks to be executed asynchronously. In the traditional approach to GUI implementation--writing functions to handle individual user events--asynchronous programming easily leads to defects. Ensuring that all data dependencies are respected is difficult when new events arrive while prior events are still being handled. Reactive programming techniques, gaining popularity in GUI programming, help since they make data dependencies explicit and enforce them automatically as variables' values change. However, data dependencies in GUIs usually change along with its state. Reactive programming must therefore describe a GUI as a collection of many reactive programs, whose interaction the programmer must explicitly coordinate. This paper presents a declarative approach for GUI programming that relieves the programmer from coordinating asynchronous computations. The approach is based on our prior work on "property models", where GUI state is maintained by a dataflow constraint system. A property model responds to user events by atomically constructing new data dependencies and scheduling asynchronous computations to enforce those dependencies. In essence, a property model dynamically generates a reactive program, adding to it as new events occur. The approach gives the following guarantee: the same sequence of events produces the same results, regardless of the timing of those events.
Use of Tylosin to Prevent Early Mortality in Bobwhite Quail

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of treating day-old quail by drenching either with a soluble tylosin, tartrate solution or plain water, or medicating for five days with tylosin in the drinking water. Diagnosis of dead birds indicated ulcerative enteritis infection. Quail drenched with plain water or tylosine had less (P less than .01) mortality than those given tylosin in the drinking water or the untreated control birds. There was no difference between quail drenched with plain water or tylosin. Birds given tylosin in the drinking water resisted mortality significantly better (P less than .01) than the control birds.
The use of monoclonal antibody affinity columns for assessing DNA damage and repair following exposure to aflatoxin B1

Abstract Primary hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most lethal and common cancers in the world. It is particularly prevalent on the continents of Africa and Asia. A number of epidemiological studies have associated the exposure status of people to aflatoxin B1 as being important in the etiology of liver cancer. However, to date these studies have relied upon the criteria of presumptive intake data, rather than relying upon quantitative analyses of aflatoxin—DNA adduct and metabolite content obtained by monitoring biological fluids from exposed people. Information obtained by monitoring exposed individuals for specific DNA adducts and metabolites will define the pharmacokinetics of aflatoxin B1 in people, thereby facilitating risk assessments. We have developed monoclonal antibodies specific for aflatoxin metabolites, especially the DNA adducts. These monoclonal antibodies are used in solid phase immunoassays for the preparative purification of these aflatoxin derivatives from biological fluids. These methods in conjunction with other analytical procedures have resulted in the development of rapid protocols used to quantitatively measure aflatoxins in urine obtained from people dietarily exposed to this carcinogen. The people examined live in the Gambia and high liver cancer regions in the People's Republic of China. We have recently completed a pilot study in China where we have now begun to identify the pharmacokinetic parameters associated with chronic exposure of aflatoxin B1 in the diet. Despite the development of these new technologies, we must continue to define animal model systems which can be used to interpret the human data. Our work using animal models based on the differential effects of ethoxyquin on the kinetics of aflatoxin—DNA adducts and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci formation indicate that the direct linear extrapolation of total adduct content in target tissues to dose may be inappropriate to assign risk to people (or rats). However, our findings do support the concept that measurement of the major, rapidly excised AFB1-N7-Gua adduct in tissues and fluids is an appropriate dosimeter for estimating exposure status and risk in individuals consuming this mycotoxin. Further studies employing different classes of modifiers of aflatoxin carcinogenesis in rodent models should better define the relationships between hepatic and urinary levels of AFB1-N7-Gua and susceptibility to neoplasia.
Delusionality and response to open-label fluvoxamine in body dysmorphic disorder.

Background: Available data suggest that the delusional variant of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), a type of delusional disorder, may respond to serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and that delusionality (lack of insight) in BDD may improve with SRI treatment. However, this research has been hampered by the lack of a reliable and valid scale to assess delusionality. Method: Thirty subjects (21 women, 9 men; mean age = 33.3 ± 9.0 years) with DSM-IV BDD were prospectively treated with open-label fluvoxamine for 16 weeks. Subjects were assessed at regular intervals with the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS), the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Modified for BDD (BDD-YBOCS; a measure of BDD severity), and other instruments. The BABS is a reliable and valid 7-item, semistructured, clinician-administered scale that assesses current delusionality. Results: In this prospective, open-label study, 63% of BDD subjects responded to fluvoxamine. Delusional and nondelusional subjects had similar improvement in BDD symptoms. In addition, insight significantly improved in both delusional and nondelusional subjects. Baseline BABS scores did not contribute significantly to endpoint BDD-YBOCS scores in a regression analysis. Conclusion: Degree of delusionality did not predict fluvoxamine response, and delusionality significantly improved. These findings are preliminary and require confirmation in controlled trials. The implications of these findings for other types of delusions requires investigation.
Photoemission Studies of Cesium Telluride

Photoemission measurements have been made at photon energies from 3 to 12 eV on ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$Te films at pressures less than 5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ Torr. Inelastic electron-electron scattering and electron-phonon scattering have a dramatic effect on the photoemission data. By using the three-step model of photoexcitation, hot-electron transport, and escape to describe photoemission in ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$Te, both the quantum yield above the main threshold and the energy distributions of photoemitted electrons (EDC's) can be qualitatively understood. Important features in the band structure ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$Te have also been deduced from the behavior of structure in the EDC's. Three maxima in the conduction-band density of states are located at 4.05 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1, 4.9 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1, and 5.4 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 eV above the top of the valence band. Two peaks observed in the valence-band density of states at 0.7 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 and 1.4 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 eV below the top of the valence band have been assigned to the spin-orbit-split $5p$ orbitals of Te. The value for the spin-orbit splitting (0.65 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.1 eV) is in excellent agreement with the theoretical free-atom value. In addition, an upper bound of 2 eV was set for the over-all width of the valence band in ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$Te. ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$Te films overcoated with 5% additional Te were also studied. Both these films and the ${\mathrm{Cs}}_{2}$Te films prepared without additional Te display a low yield (\ensuremath{\le} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}5}$ electrons/incident photon) below the main threshold of the quantum yield. It was found that this low yield cannot be explained in terms of a Cs or Te in an otherwise stoichiometric single-phase compound.
A distributed emitter model for solar cells: Extracting a temperature dependent lumped series resistance

The solar cell operating temperature can significantly affect the intrinsic solar cell performance, as well as the resistivity of the emitter and grid electrodes. The grid electrode spacing is optimized to reduce the power loss caused by shadowing and lateral current flow. These optimizations are often based on measurements and calculations performed at the standard temperature 25 °C. However, over a range of possible operating temperatures, 25 °C to 100 °C, the emitter resistivity can more than double and the metal resistivity can go up by 60 %. If the temperature dependent sheet resistance is not included in the simulations, the conversion efficiency of the solar cell can be over estimated by 0.4 percentage points.
Interference in SV40 DNA infections: A possible basis for cellular competence

Abstract At the restrictive temperature, DNA from temperature-sensitive mutants of simian virus 40 (SV40) (in the A or B/C genes) interferes with plaque formation by wild-type SV40 DNA. This interference occurs early in the first cycle of infection. Nonhomologous DNA also can interfere with SV40 DNA infection. The mode of interference by ts SV40 DNAs and nonhomologous DNAs appears to be the same. In conjunction with other observations the interference by nonhomologous DNA and the similarity of interference by tsA DNA and tsB DNA suggest that interference does not require expression of any viral gene product. Since interference is observed even when the infections by interfering DNA and wild-type DNA are separated in time, interference must occur after the DNAs interact with cells. Furthermore, the different efficiencies with which structurally similar DNAs (SV40, PM2 and φX174 replicative form) interfere indicate that interference depends at least in part on nucleotide sequence. Those two observations suggest that interference is an intracellular, perhaps nuclear, phenomenon. The possible relevance of this interference phenomenon to observations on cellular competence for SV40 DNA infections is discussed.
Observations of Coyote–Cat Interactions

Abstract Coyotes (Canis latrans) pose a risk to domestic cats (Felis catus). We captured, radiocollared, and tracked 8 coyotes from November 2005 to February 2006 for 790 hours in Tucson, Arizona, USA. We observed 36 coyote–cat interactions; 19 resulted in coyotes killing cats. Most cats were killed in residential areas from 2200 hours to 0500 hours during the pup-rearing season. Single coyotes were as effective killing cats as were groups (>1) of coyotes. Documented cases of predators killing cats could encourage cat owners to keep their cats indoors and assist wildlife managers in addressing urban wildlife issues.
Normal limits for left ventricular ejection fraction and volumes estimated with gated myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with normal exercise test results: Influence of tracer, gender, and acquisition camera

Background Myocardial imaging with tracers such as technetium-99m sestamibi or thallium-201 is extensively used as a means of measuring myocardial perfusion. With gated acquisition, these tracers can also be used as a means of measuring left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and end diastolic and end systolic volumes (EDV and ESV, respectively). The objective of this study was to determine the normal range of EF, EDV, and ESV and to evaluate differences caused by either the tracer used, the gender of the patient, or the acquisition camera used.
Supported and sulfided Pb-Mo oxides: Active and stable hydrotreatment catalysts

A newly developed PbMo/Al2O3 HDS catalyst shows activity and stability that are comparable to or better than the traditional CoMo/Al2O3. Activity is optimum when the atomic ratio Pb∶Mo is 1∶6. At that ratio, the generated surface phase(s) display maximum degree of Mo coordinative unsaturation, as measured by low temperature oxygen chemisorption.
Electronic structure of large molecules: CNDO/S3 model

The preparation of novel polymeric systems with prescribed electronic transport, photogeneration, and triboelectric properties requires a detailed knowledge of the electronic structure of the large molecules which are commonly utilized as pendant groups or molecular dopants in such systems. To achieve a systematic design capability for these materials, a spectroscopic CNDO-level molecular orbital model, called CNDO/S3, has been developed to describe simultaneously the photoemission and optical absorption spectra of aromatic heterocycles containing hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine species. This model is shown to predict these spectra for a wide variety of such molecules including the polyenes, polyacenes, paracyclophanes, TCNQ, porphins, phthalocyanines, and other fused-ring heterocycles based on pyrrole and furan.
Abstract IA15: Regulation of metabolism to support tumor growth.

Metabolism in cancer cells is different from many normal cells. We have argued that alterations in cell metabolism associated with cancer may be selected to meet the distinct metabolic needs of proliferation. Unlike metabolism in differentiated cells, which is geared toward efficient ATP generation, the metabolism in cancer cells must be adapted to facilitate the accumulation of biomass. Pancreatic cancer cells are no exception, however it remains unclear exactly how the metabolism of pancreatic tumors is altered to support their growth. All cancer cells divert a larger fraction of their nutrient metabolism to pathways other than mitochondrial ATP production regardless of oxygen availability. Nevertheless, oxygen levels still influence how nutrients are metabolized. We have found that the source of carbon used in various anabolic processes can differ based on the cellular context and environmental conditions. There is strong selection for use of the M2 isoform of pyruvate kinase (PKM2) to metabolize glucose in pancreatic cancer cell lines. However, evidence suggests that PK-M2 can be dispensable for glucose metabolism by tumors in vivo. Paradoxically, high pyruvate kinase activity can suppress tumor growth, and pyruvate kinase activation can promote a catabolic state. These findings suggest a framework to consider how metabolism could be targeted for improved pancreatic cancer therapy. Citation Format: Matthew Vander Heiden. Regulation of metabolism to support tumor growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Progress and Challenges; Jun 18-21, 2012; Lake Tahoe, NV. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA15.
The Amino Terminus of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Glycoprotein K Is Required for Virion Entry via the Paired Immunoglobulin-Like Type-2 Receptor Alpha

The herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein K (gK)/UL20 protein complex is incorporated into virion envelopes and cellular membranes and functions during virus entry and cell-to-cell spread. To investigate the role of gK/UL20 in the context of a highly neurovirulent virus strain, the HSV-1(McKrae) genome was cloned into a bacterial artificial chromosome plasmid (McKbac) and utilized to construct the mutant virus McK(gKΔ31-68), carrying a 37-amino-acid deletion within the gK amino terminus. The McKbac virus entered efficiently into Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells constitutively expressing HSV-1 human receptors, nectin-1, herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), or paired immunoglobulin-like type-2 receptor alpha (PILRα). In contrast, the McK(gKΔ31-68) virus failed to enter into CHO-PILRα cells, while it entered CHO cells expressing HVEM and nectin-1 more efficiently than the McKbac virus. Both McKbac and McK(gKΔ31-68) viruses entered all CHO cells expressing HSV-1 receptors via a pH-independent pathway. The HSV-1(F) gBΔ28syn mutant virus, encoding a carboxyl-terminal truncated gB, causes extensive cell fusion. Previously, we showed that the gKΔ31-68 amino acid deletion abrogated gBΔ28syn virus-induced cell fusion, indicating that the amino terminus of gK is required for gB-mediated virus-induced cell fusion (V. N. Chouljenko, A. V. Iyer, S. Chowdhury, D. V. Chouljenko, and K. G. J. Kousoulas, Virology 83:12301-12313, 2009). Surprisingly, the gKΔ31-68/gBΔ28syn virus caused extensive fusion of CHO-nectin-1 cells but limited cell fusion of CHO-PILRα cells. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments revealed that both gK and PILRα bound gB in infected cells. Collectively, these results indicate that the amino terminus of gK is functionally and physically associated with the gB-PILRα protein complex and regulates membrane fusion of the viral envelope with cellular membranes during virus entry as well as virus-induced cell-to-cell fusion.
Line bisection-based hemisphericity estimates of university students and professionals: Evidence of sorting during higher education and career selection

Abstract Recently, hemisphericity has been assessed by six intercorrelated methods. Here, one of these, the “Best Hand Test,” a two-hand line bisection-based biophysical method relatively independent of language, culture, or education, was applied to the measurement of hemisphericity distributions within large groups. Entering university students ( n =402) enrolled in three lower division courses were chosen as a reference population. Each of these classes contained about 56% left brain-oriented individuals. In contrast, mean student left-brain distributions in four specialized, upper level courses ( n =180), ranged from 35 to 68%, suggestive of hemisphericity sorting. Even more pronounced hemisphericity distribution differences were found within university representatives of 15 professions ( n =421) and within professional subspecialists ( n =45). For example, of biochemists ( n =18), 83% were left brain-oriented, while among astronomers ( n =21), only 29% were. These results are of intrinsic interest, and demonstrate the capability of the Best Hand Test to estimate hemisphericity in large groups.
The formation of housing policy in New York City, 1960–1970

During the 1960s, policy makers at three levels of government attempted to place New York's public housing in middle-income neighborhoods. The high cost of providing public housing, a desire for economically segregated neighborhoods and racial prejudice caused voters to reject this reform of housing policy.
Neutral temperatures in the lower thermosphere from N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield (LBH) band profiles

[1] Measurements of the neutral temperature in the lower thermosphere, using high resolution (0.13 nm) N2 Lyman-Birge-Hopfield (LBH) band emissions are presented. The data were taken by the High-resolution Ionospheric and Thermospheric Spectrograph (HITS) instrument aboard the Advanced Research and Global Observation Satellite (ARGOS). By fitting the LBH band profiles, temperatures in the thermosphere between ∼150 and 270 km have been retrieved. Temperatures retrieved for three geomagnetically quiet days, 28–30 July 2001 are consistent with temperatures from the Mass Spectrometer and Incoherent Scatter (MSIS) model.
Sample Size and Cost Analysis for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Drug Trials Using Various Imaging Modalities to Assess Right Ventricular Size and Function End Points

Background— Placebo-controlled trials for pulmonary arterial hypertension are no longer acceptable because new therapies must show clinically significant effects on top of standard treatment. The purpose of this study was to estimate sample sizes and imaging costs for the planning of a hypothetical pulmonary arterial hypertension drug trial using imaging to detect changes in right ventricular size and function in response to combined therapy. Methods and Results— Same-day cardiovascular MR (CMR) and 2-dimensional (2D) and 3D transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE and 3DTTE) were performed in 22 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (54±13 years of age) twice, 6 months apart. Short-axis CMR cines and full-volume 3DTTE data sets of the right ventricle were used to measure end-diastolic volume and ejection fraction. Fractional area change was obtained from 2DTTE. Sample size calculations used a 2-sample t test model incorporating differences between baseline and 6-month measurements. Cost estimates were made using the Medicare fee schedule. No significant differences were noted between baseline and follow-up measurements. Large SDs reflected variable progression of disease in individual patients on standard therapy and measurement variability. These sources of variability resulted in intertechnique differences in sample sizes: to detect a change of 5% to 15% in 3DTTE-derived right ventricular ejection fraction and fractional area change or change of 15 to 30 mL in 3DTTE right ventricular end-diastolic volume; sample sizes were 2× to 2.5× those required by CMR. As a result, the total cost of a trial using complete TTE was greater than CMR, which was greater than limited TTE. Conclusions— Because of lower measurement variability, CMR is more cost saving in pulmonary arterial hypertension drug trials than echocardiography, unless limited TTE is used.
Theory of algorithms for unconstrained optimization

A few months ago, while preparing a lecture to an audience that included engineers and numerical analysts, I asked myself the question: from the point of view of a user of nonlinear optimization routines, how interesting and practical is the body of theoretical analysis developed in this field? To make the question a bit more precise, I decided to select the best optimization methods known to date – those methods that deserve to be in a subroutine library – and for each method ask: what do we know about the behaviour of this method, as implemented in practice? To make my task more tractable, I decided to consider only algorithms for unconstrained optimization.
Treatment-related reductions in PTSD and changes in physical health symptoms in women

This study examined the relationship between change in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms over the course of PTSD treatment and the association with changes in general physical health symptoms. Both positive health habits (e.g., exercise) and negative (e.g., smoking), were examined to determine if they accounted for the association between changes in PTSD severity over time and changes in physical health. Participants were 150 women seeking treatment for PTSD. Latent growth curve modeling indicated a substantial relationship (R (2) = 34%) between changes in PTSD and changes in physical health that occurred during and shortly following treatment for PTSD. However, there was no evidence to suggest that changes in health behaviors accounted for this relationship. Thus, PTSD treatment can have beneficial effects on self-reported physical health symptoms, even without direct treatment focus on health per se, and is not accounted for by shifts in health behavior.
Response-Based Evaluation of Design Sloshing Loads for Membrane-Type LNG Carriers

Sloshing model test and dynamic structural analysis of a membrane-type LNG tank is performed to determine design sloshing loads for LNG containment system. Spatial, temporal and statistical characteristics of the measured sloshing loads are investigated. Dynamic structural analysis of a LNG containment system is performed to obtain structural responses at predefined critical locations under short duration triangular pulse, which is referred to as triangular impulse response function (TIRF). The TIRFs are synthesized with time history of measured sloshing loads to obtain dynamic response of the LNG containment system. Statistical analysis of peak stress values are used as basis of determining design sloshing loads for the structural assessment of LNG containment system.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The Cultural Heritage of Family Ranches

On the Ground Historic family ranching is a uniquely American cultural heritage that should be considered a cultural resource when managing rangeland. Public land agencies need to consider the effects of land management decisions on the cultural continuity of historic ranching families and communities. Ranching communities maintain and transmit cultural heritage, including folk stories and local ecological knowledge, through their interactions with historic working landscapes. Experiential learning forges emotional ties to the land and community necessary for cultural continuity. Local ecological knowledge is useful for adaptive comanagement, monitoring, and conservation. Continuity of local ecological knowledge is a significant factor in the resilience of ranching culture, rural pastoral economies, and working landscapes.
Behavior of waves in high density polyethylene geomembranes: a laboratory study

Abstract In this laboratory study, the behavior of waves of the type seen in field deployed high density polyethylene (HDPE) geomembranes was studied. Four experimental variables were evaluated: normal stress, original wave height, thickness of geomembrane and temperature. Twenty-five separate tests were conducted, each for 1000 hours duration. Each of the tests utilized HDPE geomembranes with strain gages attached in a number of critical locations. The results of the 1000-hour strain measurements were modeled and extrapolated to 10,000 hours using the Kelvin-chain model. The measured and extrapolated strains were then converted to stresses via the Maxwell–Weichert model and stress relaxation master curves. With the completion of the experiments and their extrapolation into a near steady state condition, it was found that tensile strains up to 4.9% remained in the geomembranes. The equivalent residual stresses were as high as 22% of the yield stress. Full contacts between the geomembrane and the underlying subgrade soil was not achieved in any of the tests performed.
Tamoxifen enhances therapeutic effects of gemcitabine on cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis

Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly malignant tumor with limited therapeutic options. We have previously reported that tamoxifen (TMX) induces apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells and reduces cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis in mice. In the present studies, we determined the effect of combination therapy of TMX and gemcitabine (GMT), another chemotherapeutical reagent for many cancers, on cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis and investigated the responsible mechanisms. GMT inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. TMX enhanced GMT-induced apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Consistently, GMT (15 mg/kg) inhibited cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis in nude mice by 50%. TMX (15 mg/kg) enhanced the inhibitory effect of GMT on tumorigenesis by 33%. The inhibition of tumor growth correlated with enhanced apoptosis in tumor tissues. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the additive effects of TMX on GMT-induced apoptosis, we determined the activation of caspases in cholangiocarcinoma cells exposed to GMT, TMX, or both. Activation of caspases 9 and 3, as well as cytochrome c release to the cytosol, was demonstrated in cells exposed to both reagents. In contrast, TMX activated caspase 2, whereas GMT had no effect. Inhibition of caspase 2 activation decreased TMX-, but not GMT-, induced activation of caspase 3 and apoptosis of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Similarly, activation of caspase 2 was found in tumors from TMX-treated mice, but not GMT-treated mice. Therefore, the enhanced effect of TMX on GMT-induced cholangiocarcinoma cell death is partially mediated by activation of caspase 2. TMX and GMT both induce apoptosis and inhibit cholangiocarcinoma tumorigenesis, which may be attributed to the activation of distinct apoptosis signals by TMX and GMT. Our studies provide in vivo evidence and molecular insight to support the use of TMX and GMT in combination as an effective therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.
More Trouble for Direct Source Incompatibilism: Reply to Yang

Direct source incompatibilism (DSI) is the conjunction of two claims: SI-F: there are genuine Frankfurt-style counterexamples (FSCs); SI-D: there is a sound version of the direct argument (DA). Eric Yang (2012) responds to a recent criticism of DSI (Campbell 2006). We show that Yang misses the mark. One can accept Yang’s criticisms and get the same result: there is a deep tension between FSCs and DA, between SI-F and SI-D. Thus, DSI is untenable. In this essay, we use an important yet overlooked distinction between truthmakers and determiners to help drive this point home.
Skill level and recreation conflict among skiers and snowboarders.

This paper examines out-group and in-group normative beliefs about unacceptable behaviors (conflict) reported by skiers and snowboarders with varying skill levels. Individuals with greater skills in skiing and snowboarding were predicted to experience more conflict than those with less ability in the activity. Across all skill levels, skiers and snowboarders were hypothesized to report more out-group than in-group conflict. Data were obtained from surveys (n = 595) distributed at five ski resorts in Colorado. Skiers and snowboarders rated their skill level on a four-point scale (beginner, intermediate, advanced, or expert). Multiple item indices were created to measure observed unacceptable behaviors between skiers and snowboarders. Analyses supported both hypotheses. As perceived skill level increased, out-group and in-group conflict increased for both skiers and snowboarders. Within each skill level, skiers reported more unacceptable behaviors by snowboarders than with fellow skiers, and snowboarders al...
Controlling “Good Science” Language, National Identity, and Occupational Control in Scientific Work

This article addresses two intertwined aspects of difference that have yet to be deeply examined by organizational communication scholars—language and national identity. Accordingly, in this research, which is taken from a larger study on scientific occupational identity, I use Tompkins and Cheney’s enthymeme as an analytical device to explore the ways that participants reject and simultaneously instantiate discrimination in the workplace. In doing so, I contribute to the theory of occupational control by demonstrating how perceptions of language and national identity are used as part of occupational decision making in order to evaluate “good science” at work. Findings in this article indicate, regardless of the common assumptions that “science does not discriminate,” that the concept of good science is based, in part, on the identity of the embodied subject and his or her English language performance.