cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chemical co-treatments and intramembrane particle patching in the poly(ethylene glycol)-induced fusion of turkey and human erythrocytes

Abstract Several chemical co-treatments were used to lower the threshold concentrations of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) required to induce fusion between turkey erythrocytes and between human erythrocytes. Concanavalin A was used in conjuction with 25% (w/w) PEG to induce turkey erythrocyte fusion. The fusion percentage increased with increasing concentrations of concanavalin A and the duration of concanavalin A treatment. In samples with high percentages of fusion, numerous hemispherical intramembraine particle-free zones (bubbles) in the plasma membrane were revealed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy. However, concanavalin A treatment did not facilitate fusion between human erythrocytes even at 35% PEG, although slight intramembrane particle patching was observed under this condition. Spermidine (0.05% w/v), trichloroacetic acid (100 mM) and ethanol (4% v/v) were found to promote fusion of human erythrocytes in 25% PEG. In all of these cases, intramembrane particle patching was observed by freeze-fracture electron microscopy in the presence of PEG. When applied alone, only ethanol caused a slight intramembrane particle patching. Neither dimethylsulfoxide (2% v/v), lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC, 0.15 mM), nor polylysine (mol. wt. 1000–4000, 0.05% w/v) promoted fusion of human erythrocyte in 25% PEG. None of these chemical treatments, alone, or in combination with PEG, caused intramembrane particle patching. We conclude that the positive effect of chemical treatments on PEG-induced cell fusion is closely related to the formation of intramembrane particle-free zones on the plasma membrane.
Montaigne, philosophe au quotidien: vie privée et vie publique dans les essais

De concert avec ses fonctions politiques - et cela sur vingt ans -, Montaigne redigea ses Essais que l'on considere trop souvent comme separes de ses responsabilites publiques aujourd'hui releguees a l'arriere plan de sa carriere d'ecrivain. Nous voudrions arguer que ses Essais sont indissociables de sa vie publique. Certes, les preoccupations litteraires et politiques de Montaigne changent avec son temps, mais ce qui fonde la forme de l'essai - a savoir un discours profondement inscrit dans le present - ne permet pas d'etablir une difference theorique entre le prive et le public puisque les deux sont pratiquement inseparables quand ils sont reduits a leur unite la plus stricte qui se rapporte essentiellement au quotidien, car dans l'immediat du vecu, le prive et le public sont pratiquement indissociables. Si une philosophie se degage indubitablement des Essais, elle a peut-etre plus a voir avec la manipulation constante effectuee par Montaigne entre le particulier (vie privee) et l'universel (vie publique) que sur le contenu de tel precepte moral ou dogme des ecoles antiques. La temporalite de l'ecriture et celle des evenements ne sont pas en synchronie dans les Essais et Montaigne joue constamment sur cette image d'un livre prive (hors de toute temporalite historique) alors que les Essais sont concus comme un objet lui permettant precisement l'acces a la vie publique. Cette philosophie du quotidien et du temps present qui ressort des Essais ne saurait mettre a l'ecart les considerations publiques et historiques qui rythment toujours l'ecriture d'une vie bien particuliere.
Law and random events: the state of child mental health policy.

In popular parlance, lawfulness and randomness are polar opposites. Indeed, in some jurisprudential theories (see, e.g., Pospisil, 1971), predictability is the sine qua non of law. Without reliability of application, law cannot be expected, as a practical matter, to guide the behavior of the citizenry (cf. Melton & Saks, 1985) or, as an ethical matter, to ensure justice in the conduct of affairs of state (cf. Rawls, 1971). Assertion of such a principle is likely to engender little controversy. Predictability is, after all, the foundation of the doctrine of stare decisis that serves as the major principle of legal decision making in common-law jurisdictions, and it is embedded in the fundamental legal constructs of due process and equal protection. With predictability’s status as an elemental feature of law, one might expect particular care to ensure reliable application of state authority in those areas of law that govern the relationships and institutions that are most basic in society. Indeed, without such care the integrity of the legal system itself is questionable.
Ascorbic Acid and Folic Acid Content and Sensory Characteristics of Dehydrated Green Peppers

Moisture content, water activity, ascorbic and folic acid content, and color of blanched and unblanched green peppers, dried for 8 or 9 hr at 60°C or 12 hr at 49°C, were determined before and after 8 wk storage at room temperature. Sensory characteristics of the peppers were evaluated after storage. Blanching influenced ascorbic acid content, color, firmness, and intensity of green pepper, sweet and bitter flavor. Time and temperature of drying influenced water activity and some texture attributes.
Conformational study of calf brain tubulin.

Abstract The conformation of calf brain tubulin has been monitored by circular dichroism, optical rotatory dispersion, and spectrophotometric titration as a function of pH, temperature, ligand concentrations, and denaturants. At pH 7, calf brain tubulin maintains its structural integrity between 5 and 37 °C as determined by circular dichroism. Furthermore, the presence of MgCl 2 up to 1.6 × 10−2 m does not induce any observable changes in the circular dichroism spectra, nor does 10−4 m CaCl2. With increasing pH, the spectral data can best be described as a gradual loosening of the secondary structure between pH 7 and 9. Both spectral and titrimetric data suggest a major unfolding of tubulin between pH 9 and 10. The apparent pK of tyrosine shifts from 10.85 to 9.98 upon transferring from buffer to 6 m guanidine hydrochloride, indicating that at least 14 of the 15 tyrosine groups are not fully accessible to protons in the native protein. The single disulfide bridge in calf brain tubulin helps to maintain a domain which is highly resistant to unfolding by denaturants.
Curing of thermosetting polymers by an external fluid

A theoretical model is proposed for curing thermosetting polymers. The following heat transfer mechanisms are taken into account : convection through the heated fluid-mold interface, conduction through the resin, and heat generated by chemical reaction. To study the influence of the convective heat in the curing step of the polymers, different external heating fluids are considered. Several chemical systems are used in the simulation. The results show that an epoxy requires precise control of thermal runaway. Criteria for processability are established and they provide a cycle time without promoting a damaging exotherm.
An empirical evaluation of further approximations to an approximate continuous review inventory model

This paper describes an empirical evaluation of several approximations to Hadley and Whitin's approximate continuous review inventory model with backorders. It is assumed that lead time demand is normally distributed and various exponential functions are used to approximate the upper tail of this distribution. These approximations offer two important advantages in computing reorder points and reorder quantities. One advantage is that normal tables are no longer required to obtain solutions, and a second advantage is that solutions may be obtained directly rather than iteratively. These approximations are evaluated on two distinct inventory systems. It is shown that an increase in average annual cost of less that 1% is expected as a result of using these approximations. The only exception to this statement is with inventory systems in which a high shortage cost is specified and ordering costs are unusually low.
The effect of time and temperature on the mechanical behavior of epoxy composites

A crosslinked epoxy resin consisting of a 60/40 weight ratio of Epon 815 and Versamid 140 and composites of this material with glass beads, unidirectional glass fibers and air (foams) were tested in tension, compression and flexure to determine the effect of time and temperature on the elastic properties, yield properties and modes of failure. Unidirectional continuous fiber-filled samples were tested at different fiber orientation angles with respect to the stress axis. Strain rates ranged from 10−4 to 10 in./in.-min and the temperature from −1 to 107°C. Isotherms of tangent modulus versus strain rate were shifted to form master modulus curves. The moduli of the filled composites and the foams were predictable over the entire strain rate range. It was concluded that the time-temperature shift factors for tangent moduli and the time-temperature shift factors for stress relaxation were identical and were independent of the type and concentration of filler as well as the mode of loading. The material was found to change from a brittle-to-ductile-to-rubbery failure mode with the transition temperatures being a function of strain rate, filler content, filler type and fiber orientation angle, indicating that the transition is perhaps dependent on the state of stress. In the ductile region, an approximately linear relationship between yield stress and log strain is evident in all cases. The isotherms of yield stress versus log strain rate were shifted to form a practically linear master plot that can be used to predict the yield stress of the composites at any temperature and strain rate in the ductile region. The time-temperature shift factors for yielding were found to be independent of the type, concentration and orientation of filler and the mode of loading. Thus, the composite shift factors seem to be a property of the matrix and not dependent on the state of stress. The compressive-to-tensile yield stress ratio was practically invariant with strain rate for the unfilled matrix, while fillers and voids raised this ratio and caused it to increase with a decrease in strain rate. The yield strain of the composites is less than the unfilled matrix and is a function of fiber orientation and strain rate.
Biorenewable fuels at the intersection of product and process flexibility: A novel modeling approach and application

Abstract In recent years, governments, industry and academia have all invested increasing amounts of time, effort and resources into the production of biorenewable fuels. This interest owes, among other reasons, to our planet's growing demand for energy, depletion of fossil fuel resources and the negative effect of drilling for and burning fossil fuels on the health of our eco-systems and atmospheric chemistry. However, research suggests that biorenewable fuels have the potential to cause environmental and social calamities of their own—especially when produced in the same ways and at the expense of conventional food production. This paper proposes novel supply chains and land use plans for advanced biorenewable fuels which are measured for cost and environmental impact. A two-stage Stackelberg leader-follower mathematical optimization model is proposed. The model uses a series of integrated and sequenced linear programs to optimize the benefits of leveraging biodiversity for the production of advanced biorenewable fuels. Numerical experiments with our model show statistically significant cost, land use and environmental improvements on the order of 10% to 25%. Because the model captures two types of flexibilities (product and process) interfacing across firms, implications are drawn for production systems in other industries where distinct flexibilities meet and environmental impacts are critical.
Heavy ion induced transfer reactions leading to weakly bound final states

Abstract A simple model is suggested for the study of heavy ion induced transfer reactions leading to weakly bound (or unbound) final states. The finite range and recoil effects are considered and a simple expression is obtained for the differential cross section at high energies.
Transcranial eosinophilic granuloma manifested by a subcutaneous scalp mass. Differential diagnosis in children.

background. The differential diagnosis of nodular scalp lesions in a child is surprisingly extensive. objective. To present a case of eosinophilic granuloma that was manifested by a scalp mass in a pediatric patient. methods. The case is presented and the relevant literature is reviewed. conclusions. The seriousness of some of these lesions requires a thorough evaluation, including noninvasive imaging, and carefully planned surgical intervention so that effective diagnosis and treatment are ensured. Surgical exposure of unsuspected central nervous system connections may lead to infection, hemorrhage, seizures, or other significant morbidity and mortality.
Understanding how off-chip memory bandwidth partitioning in Chip Multiprocessors affects system performance

Chip Multi-Processor (CMP) architectures have recently become a mainstream computing platform. Recent CMPs allow cores to share expensive resources, such as the last level cache and off-chip pin bandwidth. To improve system performance and reduce the performance volatility of individual threads, last level cache and off-chip bandwidth partitioning schemes have been proposed. While how cache partitioning affects system performance is well understood, little is understood regarding how bandwidth partitioning affects system performance, and how bandwidth and cache partitioning interact with one another. In this paper, we propose a simple yet powerful analytical model that gives us an ability to answer several important questions: (1) How does off-chip bandwidth partitioning improve system performance? (2) In what situations the performance improvement is high or low, and what factors determine that? (3) In what way cache and bandwidth partitioning interact, and is the interaction negative or positive? (4) Can a theoretically optimum bandwidth partition be derived, and if so, what factors affect it? We believe understanding the answers to these questions is very valuable to CMP system designers in coming up with strategies to deal with the scarcity of off-chip bandwidth in future CMPs with many cores on a chip.
Use of Robust Estimators In Multichannel Stacking

Seismic data is often contaminated by largeamplitude. nonGaussian distributed noise. Ihe USC of r&ust estimamrs when stacking seismic signals will minimize the effect of largeamplitude noise 0n the result. The paf0rmance of the mean, median, Huber and rcdcscwding M+stimetol are investigated, ualng simulati0ns, 10 determine which estimators performed best for a variety of noise dktributi0ns. St&s made withthtHubats~~~thecharactaofthoamadewithalinear estimamr, but have significantly ess random noise. Stack made with median and redtsccnding Mestimatcrs have poor rekcmr character. Velrzity panels made with either the median 0r mdescending Meetimat0r am affected the lean by large-amplitude noise.
CHROMODYNAMIC FLUX TUBES

We show that in the presence of condensation of a gauge field there is confinement of chromodynamic charges. Between these confined charges an electric flux tube is generated. In particular we have considered the classical solutions for an SU(2) Yang-Mills theory in the presence of such a condensate. This treatment has been motivated by the cancellation of infrared divergences in 2+1 dimensions.
Lipid-anchored DNA mediates vesicle fusion as observed by lipid and content mixing

A general method for synthesizing 5′- and 3′-coupled DNA-lipid conjugates has been developed and employed in DNA-mediated vesicle fusion. Vesicles presenting complementary DNA fuse, resulting in both outer and inner leaflet mixing as well as content mixing. Fusion is maximized using 5′- and 3′-coupled DNA on opposite vesicle partners, rather than only 5′-coupled DNA, showing the importance of DNA orientation to the process. Lipid and content mixing assays show a dependence of fusion kinetics on the sequence and average number of DNA per vesicle. Vesicles without DNA or presenting noncomplementary sequences also appear to undergo some degree of lipid mixing or exchange, but no content mixing. Total lipid mixing appears to occur more efficiently than inner leaflet mixing and content mixing, and this may be explained by the observed nonspecific lipid mixing and/or the rise of a hemifused intermediate. The ability to control DNA sequence and the relative experimental simplicity of this system make it highly attractive to probe fundamental questions of membrane fusion using both ensemble and single vesicle assays.
Multiplexed immunoassays for biomonitoring of exposure to agrochemicals using quantum dots as fluorescent reporters

The application of quantum dots (QDs) as labels in immunoassay microarrays for the multiplex detection of 3- phenoxybenzoic acid (PBA) and atrazine-mercapturate (AM) has been demonstrated. PBA and AM are biomarkers of exposure to the pyrethroid insecticides and to the herbicide atrazine, respectively. Microarrays were fabricated by microcontact printing of the coating antigens in line patterns onto glass substrates. Competitive immunoassays were successfully performed using quantum dots (QD560 and QD620) as reporters. The multiplexed immunoassays were characterized by fluorescence microscopy and SEM. The application of QD fluorophores facilitates multiplex assays and therefore can contribute to enhanced throughput in biomonitoring.
On the adequacy of program dependence graphs for representing programs

Program dependence graphs were introduced by Kuck as an intermediate program representation well suited for performing optimizations, vectorization, and parallelization. There are also additional applications for them as an internal program representation in program development environments.In this paper we examine the issue of whether a program dependence graph is an adequate structure for representing a program's execution behavior. (This question has apparently never been addressed before in the literature). We answer the question in the affirmative by showing that if the program dependence graphs of two programs are isomorphic then the programs are strongly equivalent.
Intermediate filaments in the inner ear of normal and experimentally damaged guinea pigs

The hypothesis that proteins known to occur in glial cells in the central nervous system may be present in inner-ear supporting cells was investigated. Immunocytochemical techniques were used to look for the existence of two classes of intermediate filaments, vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), in cellular elements of the inner-ear epithelium in normal and experimentally damaged guinea-pig cochleas. Vimentin is present in two types of supporting cells in the normal organ of Corti: Deiters' cells and inner pillar cells. Differences in intensity and distribution of vimentin immunostaining are observed across the three rows of Deiters' cells. GFAP immunoreactivity was not detected in any supporting-cell type in the organ. Cochlear hair cells were not labeled for either GFAP or vimentin. Following hair-cell destruction by exposure to noise or the administration of aminoglycosides, GFAP and vimentin are not present in phalangeal scars replacing lost hair cells.
Structural properties of III-V zinc-blende semiconductors under pressure

The pseudopotential method within the local-density approximation is used to investigate the static and structural properties of some III-V compound semiconductors. Comparisons of calculated total energies as a function of volume and structure yield information about solid-solid phase transformations. At high pressures the results indicate that several metallic structures are lower in energy than the zinc-blende structure. From our results the compounds (AlP, AlAs, GaP, and GaAs) can be divided into two classes. In the Ga compounds, we find a pressure-induced phase transformation to either rocksalt, $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Sn}$, or NiAs, whereas in the Al compounds rocksalt and NiAs are stabilized with respect to $\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{Sn}$. All structures except zinc blende are metallic. We discuss the electronic structure of each phase and show how it relates to structural stability.
Translating Japanese texts

Translating Japanese texts, by Kirsten Refsing and Lita Lundquist, Copenhagen, Museum Tusculanum Press, 2009, 188 pp.+references and index. Webshop prices (www.mtp.dk): DKK135; $23; €18, ISBN 978-8...
Commentary ‐ Image‐manufacturing in the USA: recent US Presidential Elections and beyond

Now that we have entered the new millennium in politics, it is clear that the machinery of the “old politics” that was centered on a party‐orientation is being replaced by computers of the “new politics” that is centered on an image manufacturing‐orientation. Along with this movement comes a highly integrated marketing strategy that is driven by a candidate’s inner circle of advisors who now control the money and message of both the party and candidate organization. This makes for a very easy transition from election to governing, as the top advisors during the campaign become top advisors to the leader and the key architects of the party administration. All of the advanced marketing techniques and tools that have been used in politics over the past several years are becoming more sharply focused on one central theme, and that is to manufacture a winning image for the leader and his/her party. The 2000 US Presidential Election will be used as a case in point to examine how this process works and what impact it will have on politics in the future.
Anatomic variant of the posterior interventricular coronary artery: implications for coronary angioplasty in acute myocardial infarction.

Acute thrombotic occlusion of an infarct-related artery is frequently found in patients presenting with myocardial infarction. In a patient with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction complicated by continuous chest pain and hemodynamic instability, emergency diagnostic coronary arteriography demonstrated a patent, infarct-related, “pseudo” right coronary artery while, in fact, this vessel was a rare anatomic variant of the posterior interventricular branch with very early origin from the right coronary artery and the true right coronary artery was completely occluded by a thrombotic obstruction. Accurate anatomic-angiographic interpretation of the angiogram was crucial for successful performance of emergency recanalization and revascularization of the true right coronary artery with laser and balloon angioplasty. Once antegrade flow was restored another rare coronary variant was discovered, i.e., a sinoatrial node artery arising from the middle portion of the newly patent right coronary artery. Clin. Anat. 10:303–306, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Diminished Production of T Helper 1 Cytokines and Lack of Induction of IL-2R+T Cells Correlate with T-Cell Unresponsiveness in Rhesus Monkeys Chronically Infected withBrugia malayi☆☆☆

Abstract Giambartolomei, G. H., Lasater, B. L., Villinger, F., and Dennis, V. A. 1998. Diminished production of T helper 1 cytokines and lack of induction of IL-2R+T cells correlate with T-cell unresponsiveness in rhesus monkeys chronically infected withBrugia malayi. Experimental Parasitology90, 77–85. The relationship between antigen-specific responsiveness, parasitic burden, and lymphatic pathology was investigated in nine rhesus monkeys with chronicBrugia malayiinfections. Specifically,in vitroproliferation, cytokine gene expression and production, IL-2R expression on T cells, microfilaria (mf) densities, and lymphedema were evaluated. PBMC from three animals (two mf− one mf+) proliferated in response to filarial antigen (responder monkeys, RM) and cells from six animals (5 mf+; one mf−) did not (nonresponder monkeys, NRM). All RM showed lymphedema and none of the NRM did. Antigen-specific IL-2 and IFN-γ (mRNA and protein) were induced in PBMC from all RM whereas PBMC from only one of six NRM responded with IL-2 and IFN-γ expression. IL-4 transcripts were induced in PBMC from two of three RM and in cells from all six NRM. IL-10 mRNA expression and protein production were induced in PBMC from two of three RM and in cells from five of six NRM. A marked increase in the frequency of IL-2R+T cells was observed in antigen-stimulated PBMC cultures of RM but not in those of NRM. The data show that diminished production of Th1 cytokines and lack of induction of IL-2R+T cells may contribute to the unresponsiveness of PBMC from NRM to filarial antigen. They also show that the polarization of immune responses and lymphatic pathology observed in rhesus monkeys is similar to that generally described in human lymphatic filariasis patients.
Modulation of brain gene expression during sleep and wakefulness: a review of recent findings.

The characterization of the molecular correlates of sleep and wakefulness is essential to understand the restorative processes occurring during sleep and the cellular mechanisms underlying sleep regulation. In order to determine what molecular changes occur during the sleep-waking cycle, we have recently performed a systematic screening of gene expression in the brain of sleeping, sleep deprived, and spontaneously awake rats. Out of the ∼10,000 genes screened so far, a small minority (∼0.5%) was differentially expressed in the cerebral cortex across behavioral states. Most genes were upregulated in wakefulness and sleep deprivation relative to sleep, while only a few were upregulated in sleep relative to wakefulness and sleep deprivation. Almost all the genes upregulated in sleep, and several genes upregulated in wakefulness and sleep deprivation, did not match any known sequence. Known genes expressed at higher levels in wakefulness and sleep deprivation could be grouped into functional categories: immediate early genes/transcription factors, genes related to energy metabolism, growth factors/adhesion molecules, chaperones/heat shock proteins, vesicle and synapse-related genes, neurotransmitter/hormone receptors, neurotransmitter transporters, enzymes, and others. Although the characterization of the molecular correlates of sleep, wakefulness, and sleep deprivation is still in progress, it is already apparent that the transition from sleep to waking can affect basic cellular functions such as RNA and protein synthesis, neural plasticity, neurotransmission, and metabolism.
The role of the Coriolis force on the stability of rotating magnetic stars and the origin of convective motions.

Based on the method of the energy principle, the effect of the Coriolis force in the stability of rotating magnetic stars is examined and the conditions for instability is derived. It is shown that, in these stars, the effect of this force is to inhibit the onset of convective motion.
The MA postgraduate marketplace in community psychology: A case study

The present study examined career outcomes for graduates of one master's program. It was an attempt to determine the local dimensions of what had been termed a “conservative unfolding” of community psychology. Graduates of the MA program at the University of New Haven found employment in a highly competitive job market. Between February 1975 and July 1976, 68% of graduates obtained new human service positions and 16% were accepted into Ph.D. programs. Of those who obtained new positions, approximately two-thirds became human service administrators. Graduates tended to be employed by nontraditional (i.e., other than mental health) human service agencies. Their position titles, for the most part, did not include the designation psychologist. The results for females were even more impressive than those for males. Despite previously reported reductions in opportunities for intervention at the community level, these findings appear to support the conclusion that a growing population of new professionals with a community orientation may well influence how the future of community psychology unfolds.
A conformational analysis of leucine enkephalin as a function of pH.

The conformations of Leu enkephalin in aqueous solution have been investigated as a function of pH using molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations suggest the peptide backbone exists as a mixture of folded and unfolded forms (approximately 50% each) at neutral pH, but is always unfolded at low or high pH. The folded form at neutral pH possesses a 2 --> 5 hydrogen bond and a close head to tail separation. No significant intramolecular hydrogen bonding of the carbonyl oxygens was observed in either the folded or unfolded forms of the peptide. Analysis of the Gly carbonyl oxygens and terminal groups indicated that, while the conformational population distribution of Leu enkephalin did vary noticeably as a function of pH, their hydration was essentially independent of pH and in agreement with the available NMR data. Further study indicated that the unfolded state of the peptide was not random in nature and consisted of one major unfolded backbone arrangement stabilized by a persistent hydrophobic interaction between the side chains of Tyr and Leu.
Soluble Glycosaminoglycans Inhibit the Interaction of TAT-PTD with Lipid Vesicles

Several models have been proposed for translocation of cell-penetrating peptides across membranes, but no general consensus on the mechanism of this process has emerged. It was hypothesized that heparan sulfate on the cell surface may play a role. We used fluorescence spectroscopy to study the effect of three soluble glycosaminoglycans—heparan sulfate, low-molecular-weight heparin, and dermatan sulfate—on the interaction of the fluorescently labeled peptide TAT−PTD with negatively charged small unilamellar vesicles. We found that the presence of glycosaminoglycans results in an order-of-magnitude increase in the apparent dissociation constant K d of the electrostatic component of the peptide/membrane interaction (from 0.13 to 2.6 mM). Thus, rather than aiding in the peptide’s penetration, soluble glycosaminoglycans competitively decrease TAT−PTD’s binding to the membrane, presumably by neutralizing its charge, and thereby attenuating electrostatic forces involved in the interaction. Our results, however, do not exclude a possible role of membrane-anchored glycosaminoglycans in the endocytotic transduction of CPPs across the cell membrane.
Defense reflex and motion detector responsiveness to approaching targets: The motion detector trigger to the defense reflex pathway

The latency of the crayfish,Procambarus clarki, visually evoked defense reflex varies inversely with the velocity of an approaching object (Figs. 3, 4, 5). Several lines of evidence demonstrate that the latency variations may be attributed to the time required for the target visual angle to expand by a criterion number of degrees (Table 1). The probability that a stimulus will elicit the defense reflex, increases monotonically with the velocity of target approach. Single unit analysis of optic nerve interneurons indicate that the sustaining unit response latency was ≧ reflex latency (Fig. 8). Dimming units were only weakly responsive to approaching objects. Furthermore, the dimming units exhibited very little differential responsiveness over 76% of the behaviorally relevant range of stimulus velocity (Fig. 10). Motion detectors exhibited strong responses to approaching targets (Fig. 11) and both the mean discharge rate and the number of brief interspike intervals/stimulus increased linearly with stimulus velocity (Fig. 14, 15). It is proposed that a central neuronal threshold for eliciting the defense reflex is a criterion number of motion detector spikes or brief interspike intervals.
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF ABNORMAL HEMOGLOBIN PIGMENTS IN BLOOD.

Abstract Technics for the spectrophotometric determination of three abnormal hemoglobin pigments, each in a two-component system, are presented. The two-component system involves oxyhemoglobin with methemoglobin, sulfhemoglobin or carboxy-hemoglobin. The analysis is accomplished by measuring the absorbancy of a diluted blood sample at two wavelengths; the wavelength showing a wide separation between the absorbance of oxyhemoglobin and the abnormal hemoglobin pigment under assay, and the isobestic point. Except for the use of a buffer for the determination of carboxyhemoglobin, no chemicals are added to the blood. A suitable method for calculating the results is described.
Performance assessment of density-functional methods for study of charge-transfer complexes.

Various density functionals are applied to a number of weakly bound intermolecular pi-pi charge-transfer (CT) complexes. Most functionals, including the recently developed mPWPW91 and mPW1PW91, grossly underestimate experimental excitation energies; good agreement is obtained only with the half-and-half hybrid BH&HLYP functional. PW91PW91 provides the best agreement with intermolecular distances measured in crystal, while the BH&HLYP values are about 0.1 A too long. Various hybrid functionals with nonlocal exchange correction provide binding energies that compare favorably with the experimental heats of formation measured in solution.
Characterization of Morphological Changes in Agglomerates Subject to Condensation and Evaporation Using Multiple Fractal Dimensions

Multiple fractal dimensions are used to characterize morphological changes that occur when an aerosol composed of irregularly shaped agglomerates is subject to condensation followed by evaporation. The agglomerates change from a branched, chainlike structure to a more regular, near-spherical or clumplike structure reflected in a decrease in the structural fractal dimension. The textural fractal dimension remains constant because the primary particles, of which the agglomerates are composed, do not change in shape. The degree of supersaturation and the number of condensation-evaporation cycles that the aerosol undergoes are major factors that influence morphological change. Even at low supersaturations, increasing the number of condensation-evaporation cycles makes the agglomerates more regular and thus decreases the structural fractal dimension. The transition point in the Richardson plot is a good indicator of the size of the primary particles in the agglomerate.
Insect juvenile hormones: highly potent synthetic mimics.

The substitution of a 7-alkoxy group for the 6,7-epoxy moiety in aryl terpenoid ethers having high juvenile hormone activity has produced several compounds exceptionally active against Tenebrio mol...
Selecting Social Goals: J. M. Keynes and the Emergence of Ontological Rationality in Economics

In this paper we discuss the fundamental inconsistency that results from employing the two traditional concepts of rationality as the basis of selecting social goals. We then consider the possibility that the selection of social goals must be based on explicitly ethical criteria. To do so a third concept of rationality namely, ontological rationality, should be adopted. Moreover, we argue that J. M. Keynes in A Tract Monetary Reform based his public policy recommendations on a modified version of ontological rationality, thereby introducing ontological rationality into economics as the basis for selecting social goals.
Janusian Leadership: Two Profiles of Power in a Community of Practice

This article investigates how informal positions of power emerge within a community of practice and how positions of power influence communication and understanding about key issues. Findings from a study of one community of practice reveal Janusian leadership within the group and the effects of emergent, informal power roles on group goals, adding to theoretical knowledge about small groups, academic peer groups, and communities of practice.
Addressing the Issue of Cultural and Linguistic Diversity and Assessment: Informal Evaluation Measures for English Language Learners.

Existing research indicates that there is a disproportionate number of students with cultural and linguistic differences, English Language Learners (ELL), who are misidentified as learning disabled when their problems are due to cultural and/or linguistic differences. As a consequence, these students do not receive appropriate services. With the increasing number of ELL in our preschool to high school classrooms, educators need to employ assessment measures that fairly and accurately identify individual strengths and areas of need. Informal assessment is an authentic solution to the need for formative evaluation that is adaptable to language and cultural diversity, individual learning styles, and personal challenge. Informal assessment also helps to realistically inform instruction.
Factor structure of the Emotional Eating Scale in overweight and obese adults seeking treatment.

The purpose of this study was to examine the factor structure and anthropometric correlates of the Emotional Eating Scale in overweight and obese adults presenting for weight loss. Participants were 217 men and women with a mean body-mass index of 33.1 (±3.4) kg/m2. Results indicated a four factor structure: depression, anger, anxiety, and somatic arousal. These factors demonstrated strong internal consistency, and together accounted for approximately 60% of the total variance. Women had significantly higher depression and total scores than did men. There were no significant correlations between the Emotional Eating Scale scores and anthropometric measures. This work begins to add to the literature base regarding the applicability of the original design of the Emotional Eating Scale for samples consisting of men and African Americans.
Regional Planning as Mediation: Inside Minnesota's Metropolitan Twin Cities Regional Plan Implementation

Regional planning has long struggled with how to address problems that extend across jurisdictional boundaries. With reduced political support in the USA for regional governance since the 1980s, studies of collaborative and voluntary approaches emerged with little reference to the literature on remaining regional government institutions such as the well-known case of the Twin Cities, Minnesota Metropolitan Council. This paper uses interviews and a first-person narrative to tell a more complex story of an institution known for strong regional governance powers. The Council institutionalized communicative planning and new regionalism undergirded by civic coalitions, government incentives, institutional power, and the strategic opportunities provided by legal ambiguity. This paper argues for further understanding of how imperfect power combined with direct provision of infrastructure services may provide conditions for more effective regional and collaborative planning practice than might be possible through...
Reply to ``Comment on `Centroid theory of transverse electron-proton two-stream instability in a long proton bunch'''

The authors disagree with Dr. D. V. Pestrikov's assertion that ``the results obtained in the commented paper are not true,'' based on how Volterra's integral equations are treated in the paper. The authors would agree, for clarity, that the equal sign ($=$) in Eqs. (34), (36), and (38) in the paper be replaced by some special symbol or the approximate sign ($\ensuremath{\approx}$) to indicate the omission of initial conditions. These and similar changes together with the revision to an error found by the authors have been published in a recent erratum.
Do women have realistic expectations of treatment for stress urinary incontinence

Aims: Our objective was to determine what women find acceptable regarding treatment and outcomes for treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and correlate this to age, distress and quality of life (QOL). Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional IRB-approved study evaluated women with primary SUI. One hundred sequential women (mean age, 53.8 years) answered questionnaires on initial interview, including the Urogential Distress Inventory (UDI-6), the American Urologic Association QOL questionnaire, as well as other validated questions regarding treatment options and possible outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi Squared, Fisher Exact, and t tests as well as the Wilcoxon Rank Score. Results: Of the 100 women who submitted questionnaires, 22% overall expected a complete cure, 57% a good improvement, 12% to be able to cope better, and 9% expected any improvement at all. We found this to be a realistic expectation of possible outcomes of treatment, with 79% expecting a good improvement or cure for their SUI. The women were also asked what type of treatment they found acceptable for their SUI: 22% found a major surgery acceptable, 39% found a minor surgery acceptable, 32% found a clinical procedure acceptable, and 7% found medication acceptable. The majority of women (71%) found a minor surgery, like a transobturator tape, or a clinical procedure, like collagen injection, most desirable. These results were then analyzed for correlation to age, degree of distress (measured by UDI-6), and QOL (measured by AUA QOL score). Conclusions: Overall women have realistic expectations of treatment for SUI. They are willing to accept varied results depending on their distress regarding incontinence. Choices regarding treatments are influenced by age, severity and quality of life. It may be beneficial to include the UDI-6, age and QOL score as a part of the work up and planning for treatment of SUI to better meet patient’s expectations. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:480–484, 2008. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Plume-rise effect on natural convection heat transfer in staggered arrays of circular heating elements

The interactive effect of warm wakes induced by lower positioned heating elements on the natural convection of upper heating elements has been experimentally studied using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. The heating elements consisting of circular horizontal tubes are arrayed in a staggered configuration. It is found that the qualitative behavior of heat transfer around each heating element is to some degree invariant with the tube spacing ratio and tube elevation in the tested range. Based on typical characteristic length, which includes tube diameter, tube spacing, and type of tube bundle arrangement, generalized correlating equations for average Nusselt numbers on all tubes are presented in the modified Grashof number range of 1 X 10 to 2 X 10. The staggered arrangement of heating elements has always had a better heat-transfer performance than the in-line arrangement when other experimental conditions are maintained the same. However, the degree of enhancement depends on the tube spacing ratio.
Studying conceptual change in learning physics

There is often a severe problem of lack of communication between teacher and pupils. When two people communicate, what passes between them are the words and gestures they use to attempt to convey meaning, not the meaning itself. So a teacher has some ideas which he or she hopes to convey by putting them into words, diagrams or symbols. The child may take note of the words, and so on, but from these has to build up a meaning for them. There is clearly a strong possibility that this meaning created by the child is not the meaning intended by the teacher. This possibility is very high if the type of language used by the teacher, or workcard, or textbook writer, is not familiar to the child. Then various things may happen, as Barnes (1986) has so clearly pointed out: a) The child may ignore what the teacher is saying. b) The teacher may ignore what the pupil is saying (the teacher “controls” knowledge by using unfamiliar language, consequently children'S ideas are devalued and are only heard when they talk among themselves). c) The teacher may insist that the pupils use the “correct” words and so, sound scientific. (We, like Barnes, have seen children praised for “thinking like a scientist” when it is clear that the children are simply “making noises which sound scientific”).
Microstructure of interfacial HgTe/CdTe superlattice layers for growth of HgCdTe on CdZnTe (2 1 1)B substrates

Transmission electron microscopy has been used to characterize the microstructure of HgTe/CdTe superlattices (SLs) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on CdZnTe(2 1 1) B substrates. The purpose of these intermediate layers was to improve the quality of subsequent HgCdTe (MCT) epilayers intended for infrared detectors. The observations confirmed that the SLs smoothed out the surface roughness of the substrate, and showed that threading dislocations were prevented from reaching the MCT epilayers. High-quality growth of MCT on CdZnTe using the HgTe/CdTe interfacial layers has been demonstrated.
Guanfacine and secondary mania in children.

Introduction: Guanfacine hydrochloride is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, which has gained recent attention in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. This medication has been described as effective in the management of attention-deficit hyperactivity and tic disorders, with minimal side effects. Methods: Presented here are five cases of behavioral activation in children treated with guanfacine. Results: In each instance the clinical presentation resembled an acute hypomanic or manic episode. The dose of guanfacine was 0.5 mg/day. Later investigation revealed that all of the youngsters had clear risk factors (clinical and/or familial) for bipolar disorder. Conclusions: It appears as though guanfacine may be capable of precipitating secondary mania in vulnerable children.
Dopamine receptor signaling in the forebrain: recent insights and clinical implications.

Dopamine (DA) is an important modulator of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity throughout the CNS. The actions of DA are mediated by D1- and D2-type receptors, which are distributed presynaptically, postsynaptically, and extrasynaptically, in projection and interneurons. These receptors utilize phosphorylation cascades or direct membrane interactions to affect the function of voltage- and neurotransmitter-gated channels, cytosolic enzymes, and transcription factors. Via these mechanisms, DA receptors have complex effects on neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, synaptic integration, synaptic plasticity, and circuit interactions. D1- and D2-type receptors may also form complexes with each other and with other receptors, which adds to the complexity and flexibility of dopaminergic signaling. In the CNS, DA receptors are primarily distributed in the striatum and frontal cortex, where they affect action selection, exertion of effort, attention and working memory, behavioral activation, and learning from both rewarding and aversive events. Abnormal DA signaling in these circuits is associated with Parkinson disease (PD), dystonia, schizophrenia, drug addiction, and attention-deficit disorders. The manifestations of these conditions reflect both the direct effects of impaired DA receptor signaling and DA receptor-triggered plastic changes in striatal and cortical synapses. The physiology, signaling, and pharmacology of DA receptors and their involvement in disease have been the subject of several reviews.1–8
Identification of a sex pheromone from a rotifer

The first isolation and characterization of a sex pheromone from a zooplankter is reported. A 29 kdalton glycoprotein on the surface of females of the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis acts as a contact-mating pheromone. This glycoprotein (gp29) is glycosylated with oligosaccharides containing Nacetylglucosamine, mannose, and fucose residues, and these oligosaccharides are necessary for male recognition of females. Males detect this signal by contact chemoreception with receptors located in their corona. Binding of purified glycoprotein to male receptors reduces mating attempts by 93%. An antibody to the glycoprotein binds to females, reducing male mating attempts by 86%. When purified gp29 is bound to sepharose beads, it is sufficient to elicit male mating behavior. This glycoprotein is likely to play a key role in the evolution and maintenance of reproductive isolation in rotifers.