cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyelectrolyte properties of the isolated mitotic apparatus

Abstract 1. 1. Mitotic apparatuses isolated from dividing sea urchin eggs in 1.0 M hexanediol at pH 6.2 exhibited polyelectrolyte properties both immediately after isolation and after storage at 0 °C, as observed by phase contrast microscopy. These included ( a ) expansion in media at pHs above or below the isoelectric range of the mitotic apparatus, ( b ) shrinkage to minimal size at pHs in the isoelectric range, and ( c ) shrinkage and stabilization in response to divalent ions of charge opposite to the net charge on the mitotic apparatus. 2. 2. The isoelectric range for the whole isolated mitotic apparatus, as determined by perfusion of individual mitotic apparatuses, centered at about pH 4.5. 3. 3. Two effects of ATP were related to these polyelectrolyte properties: ( a ) at a pH below the isoelectric range of the mitotic apparatus, at which the mitotic apparatus has a net positive charge, ATP caused the mitotic apparatus to shrink; ( b ) at neutral pH, above the isoelectric range, excess ATP reversed stabilization and shrinkage of the mitotic apparatus by Mg 2+ . The latter effect was also obtained with similar concentrations of pyrophosphate or EDTA, and was thus non-specific. 4. 4. Expansion of the mitotic apparatus appeared to involve astral enlargement, spindle elongation, and, in anaphase mitotic apparatuses, increased separation of chromosome sets. These were only approximations of the living phenomena, however, and in contrast with the situation in vivo , increased chromosome set separation was accompanied by an increase in the distance between chromosomes and poles. 5. 5. A possible relationship between the polyelectrolyte behavior of the mitotic apparatus observed after isolation and the mechanism of its stabilization during isolation, based upon the dielectric constant of the medium, was suggested.
Immunocytochemical localization of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in the area postrema of the cat. Light and electron microscopy.

Morphological evidence is presented of the existence of the putative neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in axon terminals and of glutamine synthetase (GS) in ependymoglial cells and astroglial components of the area postrema (AP) of the cat. Purified antiserum directed against the GABA biosynthetic enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and GS antiserum were used. The results showed that punctate structures of variable size corresponding to axon terminals exhibited GAD-immunoreactivity and were distributed in varying densities. The greatest accumulation occurred in the caudal and middle segment of the AP and particularly in the area subpostrema, where the aggregation of terminals was extremely dense. The presence of both GAD-immunoreactive profiles and GS-immunostained ependymoglial cells and astrocytes in the AP provide further evidence of the functional correlation between the two enzymes.
"Blue letter effects": Changes in physicians' attitudes toward dabigatran after a safety advisory in a specialized hospital for cardiovascular care in Japan.

Abstract Background A blue letter (safety advisory) for dabigatran was issued by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in August 2011. Changes in physicians’ attitudes toward dabigatran use before and after the blue letter have not been previously reported. Methods and results Between March 2011 and July 2012, dabigatran was prescribed to 404 Japanese patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation at The Cardiovascular Institute (Tokyo, Japan). Patients were divided into three groups according to the first prescription date: phase I (before the blue letter, n = 135); phase II (after the blue letter and before permission for longer-term prescriptions, n = 112); and phase III (after permission for longer-term prescriptions, n = 157). In phase II, dabigatran use tended to be avoided for patients with older age, renal dysfunction, receiving antiplatelet medication, or p-glycoprotein inhibitors. Measurement of activated partial thromboplastin time significantly increased from phase I to III. In phase III, the tendencies seen in phase II were reversed: dabigatran use in patients with older age and renal dysfunction tended to increase, but decreased or remained the same in patients receiving antiplatelet medications or p-glycoprotein inhibitors. Conclusions We described the changes in the attitudes of attending physicians toward dabigatran prescription after the blue letter in a specialized hospital for cardiovascular care in Japan, which, we believe, involve useful information for safe use of dabigatran in a real-world clinical setting. However, a true impact or effect of the blue letter should be ascertained in a nationwide, multicenter study.
Linear copper 'chain' complexes with bulky tritopic hydrazone ligands--structural and magnetic studies.

Tritopic 2,6-picolyl-bis-hydrazone ligands with bulky terminal groups derived from phenyl-pyridyl ketone do not form the expected [3 × 3] grids on reaction with copper(II), but instead form Cu8 ‘pinwheels’, and in the present case linear trinuclear, pentanuclear and chain structures also. Direct bridging between copper ions occurs through µ2-N–N diazine groups, and longer O–C–N hydrazone connections, leading to moderately strong antiferromagnetic exchange between adjacent metal centres. Structural and magnetic properties are discussed in the context of specific orthogonal and non-orthogonal bridges, which can be distinguished and quantified.
Dipoles, defects and interfaces

Abstract The importance of dipole layers at interfaces is emphasized. The differences between the dipole layers in the case of submonolayer coverages and those that are important in the case of metal-semiconductor and semiconductor-semiconductor interfaces are explored.
Uptake by neuroblastoma cells of glucosylceramide, glucosylceramide glucosidase, its stimulator protein, and phosphatidylserine

Abstract Serum-free cultured neuroblastoma cells (clone NIE-115) have been shown to absorb emulsified glucosylceramide, glucosylceramide glucosidase, an activator protein for the enzyme, and phosphatidylserine from a synthetic medium. Uptake of the enzyme was augmented by phosphatidylserine, and vice versa. Uptake of the enzyme-lipid complex was further augmented by the activator protein. It appears likely that the activator forms a complex only with the enzyme-lipid complex, not with the individual components. Two uptake mechanisms for the enzyme seem to be involved, one of which (the complex with activator proteins and acidic lipid) is sensitive to mannosyl phosphate groups. Hydrolysis of absorbed glucosylceramide was slow unless the medium was supplemented with the acidic phospholipid or glucosidase. The most rapid disappearance of stored glycolipid took place when the ternary mixture was added to the cell medium, enzyme + activator protein + phosphatidylserine. These findings may be relevant to enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher disease.
Linear transformations relating the electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram.

Abstract The average heartbeat waveforms of an individual, as obtained from the electrocardiogram (12 signals) and the vectorcardiogram (3 signals), are accurately related by a linear transformation. Depending on the individual, phase shifts between the electrocardiographic signals may have to be accounted for in the transformation; with this provision, excellent estimation of the average VCG heartbeat from the ECG record may be achieved. Attempts to find a single transformation which is valid for an entire group of individuals, however, have not been successful.
Suicide Prevention with Diverse College Students

Because of a dearth of experience in preventing suicide in diverse student populations, Pace University developed a multicultural suicide prevention kit. This article details the process used to develop the kit. The rationale for approaching suicide prevention in a culturally competent manner is presented, and methods used to gain culture-specific phenomena that impact the mental health of diverse students are discussed. It is hoped this kit will encourage other colleges and universities to enhance their own suicide prevention efforts.
Studies on the 1H-1-pyrindine system☆

Abstract The NMR spectrum of 1-pyrindine (3) indicates the presence of the 5H and 7H tautomers in solution. Reaction of 3 with methyl iodide followed by extractive basification afforded mainly a dimeric species (10) plus a small amount of the new 1-methyl-1H-1-pyrindine (5). Similar treatment of a methochloride obtained from 3, however gave 40% of 5, and this was formed also in low yield from the reaction of the conjugate base of 1-pyrindine with methyl iodide, or of the conjugate acid of 1-pyrindine with diazomethane. The UV and visible absorption of 5 are very similar to those of analogous heteroanalogs of azulene and confirm the presence of the 1H-tautomer in pure 3. The properties and possible structures of the intermediate methiodide and methochloride compounds formed from 3 are discussed.
Sodium Titanates: Stoichiometry and Raman Spectra

The sodium titanates Na4TiO4, α, β-, and γ-Na2TiO3, Na8Ti5O14, Na2Ti3O7, and Na2Ti6O13, all of which can be synthesized in the temperature range 800° to 1200°C, have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The existing XRD data have been critically reviewed and several inconsistencies and errors have been identified.
Evasion with weak superiority

Le but du poursuivant est de terminer le jeu en choisissant une commande convenable alors que le but de l'echappant est d'empecher la fin du jeu avec une commande appropriee
The effect of prior response learning upon subsequent paired-associate learning under constant or varied orders of presentation

The present study was designed to examine transfer from the initial acquisition of response items to a subsequent PA list presented in a constant or in a varied sequence. Twenty-four Ss acquired the items in a serial list and 24 by a free-recall procedure. Half the Ss within each condition then acquired the PA list in a constant-order sequence and half in a varied-order sequence. Two controls were used: (a) a warm-up control in which the PA list was acquired without prior trigram learning; and (b) a learning to learn control in which the PA list was acquired following acquisition of a serial list of items unrelated to the PA list. Relative to the warm-up control, the most general finding is that all conditions facilitate acquisition of the PA list. In varied-order PA learning only nonspecific positive transfer was found. In constant order PA learning there is evidence for specific facilitation effects.
The Military, The State, And Development In Asia And The Pacific

Introduction - the armed forces in Asia and the Pacific, Viberto Selochan military-civilian relations in Indonesia in the late Soeharto era, Harold Crouch the Thai military and its role in society in the 1990s, Suchit Bunbongkarn the armed forces of the Philippines and political instability, Viberto Selochan the military in Malaysia - what role in society?, Harold Crouch the military in Myanmer - what scope for a new role?, Robert Taylor the military in Pakistan politics - direct or indirect participation?, Samima Yasmeen the entrenchment of the Bangladesh military in government, Chowdhury Abrar the Japanese self-defense forces, Yoshinori Horiguchi the military factor in South Korean politics, James Cotton military roles and relations in Papua New Guinea, Yaw Saffu the politicization of military professionalism in Fiji, Jim Sanday the military, politics, social forces and development - issues for comparative analysis, Robin Luckham.
Effects of No. 2 fuel oil on common eider eggs

Abstract An oil spill near a breeding colony could result in the transfer of oil from the plumage and feet of incubating birds to their eggs. Microlitre amounts of No. 2 fuel oil were applied externally to common eider eggs in an island breeding colony in Maine. Clutches of eggs treated with 20 μl of fuel oil had significantly greater embryonic mortality than the control clutches when they were examined 7 days after treatment. The results are similar to those of an earlier study of artificially incubated common eider eggs and indicate that nest site conditions do not affect embryotoxicity of No. 2 fuel oil.
Time-irreversible subconductance gating associated with Ba2+ block of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels.

Ba2+ block of large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels was studied in patches of membrane excised from cultures of rat skeletal muscle using the patch clamp technique. Under conditions in which a blocking Ba2+ ion would dissociate to the external solution (150 mM N -methyl-d-glucamine+o, 500 mM K+i, 10 μM Ba2+i, +30 mV, and 100 μM Ca2+i to fully activate the channel), Ba2+ blocks with a mean duration of ∼2 s occurred, on average, once every ∼100 ms of channel open time. Of these Ba2+ blocks, 78% terminated with a single step in the current to the fully open level and 22% terminated with a transition to a subconductance level at ∼0.26 of the fully open level (preopening) before stepping to the fully open level. Only one apparent preclosing was observed in ∼10,000 Ba2+ blocks. Thus, the preopenings represent Ba2+-induced time-irreversible subconductance gating. The fraction of Ba2+ blocks terminating with a preopening and the duration of preopenings (exponentially distributed, mean = 0.75 ms) appeared independent of changes in [Ba2+]i or membrane potential. The fractional conductance of the preopenings increased from 0.24 at +10 mV to 0.39 at +90 mV. In contrast, the average subconductance level during normal gating in the absence of Ba2+ was independent of membrane potential, suggesting different mechanisms for preopenings and normal subconductance levels. Preopenings were also observed with 10 mM Ba2+o and no added Ba2+i. Adding K+, Rb+, or Na+ to the external solution decreased the fraction of Ba2+ blocks with preopenings, with K+ and Rb+ being more effective than Na+. These results are consistent with models in which the blocking Ba2+ ion either induces a preopening gate, and then dissociates to the external solution, or moves to a site located on the external side of the Ba2+ blocking site and acts directly as the preopening gate.
Formation of multiple embryo-like structures from single microspores during maize anther culture

In a previous study on the RFLP analysis of the maize anther culture response (Wan et al. 1992), some of the anther-derived callus Unes from hybrids H99 x Pa91 (HP) and H99 x FR16 (HF) showed the same RFLP patterns with 58 (for HP Unes) or 35 (for HF lines) RFLP markers used. Since the callus Unes with the identical RFLP pattern were initiated from individual embryo-like structures (ELSs) from the same anther culture plate, these must have originated from the same microspore. Twin embryos which apparently had originated from the same microspore were also observed. Thus in certain cases one microspore must be capable of forming more than one ELS. However, in the case of the callus Unes from a different F1 hybrid (Pa91 x FR16), no identical RFLP patterns were observed. Thus multiple ELS formation from a single microspore may be genetically controlled. Since in some cases the proportion of callus lines resulting from multiple ELS formation can be quite high (about 50% for the HP lines), estimates of gene segregation and anther culture response frequencies can be affected greatly.
Strategic aspects of public finance in a world with high capital mobility

Abstract In a world with high capital mobility an increase in equity taxes is likely to induce a capital out-flow. It is commonly believed that, in consequence, there may be an under-provision of public goods when governments have only equity taxes at their disposal. This paper compares the provision of public goods under cooperative and non-cooperative tax policies. Suprisingly, the non-cooperative regime may result in either an over- or an under-provision of public goods. It is also shown that the gains from coordination increase as countries become atomistic.
The effect of topical insulin on the release of excitotoxic and other amino acids from the rat cerebral cortex during streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic ischemia

Insulin has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in brain and spinal cord ischemia. The mechanism of neuroprotection may involve alterations in metabolism, protein synthesis or uptake of GABA by astrocytes. Conversely, hyperglycemia increases the extent of neurologic damage observed during ischemia/reperfusion. Diabetic patients are 2-4 times more likely to suffer a stroke as normoglycemic patients and they also have worsened neurologic outcome. Determining if insulin, which many diabetics already use as therapy, can be neuroprotective, would be a possible means of alleviating the detrimental outcome from diabetic stroke. This study looked at the relationship between topically administered insulin (1 mIU insulin/ml and 100 mIU insulin/ml) during a four vessel occlusion model of global ischemia and the release of amino acids, especially glutamate, from the cortex in streptozotocin (STZ)-treated rats. The rats were utilized either 5-7 days (ASTZ) or 4-6 weeks (CSTZ) after a single STZ injection. In the ASTZ animals both doses of insulin increased the amount of the excitotoxic amino acids, aspartate and glutamate, released during reperfusion and the higher dose also increased the levels of taurine and GABA during reperfusion. In the CSTZ animals, both doses of insulin increased the amount of excitotoxic amino acids during reperfusion and the lower dose increased GABA levels released during reperfusion. The differences between the ACTZ and CSTZ animals may be due to metabolic differences in the utilization of glucose. Insulin may act as a neuroprotectant by increasing extracellular GABA resulting in neuroinhibition.
Third commentary on "XML and the new design regime"

This article focuses on the distinction between the methodology and technology behind XML and the content of the information that it must convey. The author argues that XML, rather than being in an incunabula state of development, is a highly structured, controlled (by standards organizations) communication channel. The author concludes that Wilkes's model is valid for representing how labor is divided in creating XML, but that it does not explain how the norms, standards, and conventions of the technology are determined.
Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis techniques for use in performance assessment for radioactive waste disposal

Abstract Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis techniques for use in performance assessments for radioactive waste disposal are reviewed. Summaries are given for the following techniques: differential analysis, Monte Carlo analysis, response surface methodology, and Fourier amplitude sensitivity test. Of these techniques, Monte Carlo analysis is felt to be the most widely applicable for use in performance assessment. Monte Carlo analysis involves five steps: (1) selection of a range and distribution for each input variable; (2) generation of a sample from the input variables; (3) propagation of the sample through the model under consideration; (4) performance of uncertainty analysis; and (5) performance of sensitivity analysis. These steps are discussed and illustrated with an analysis performed as part of a preliminary performance assessment for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).
Distinctions between intelligent manufactured and constructed systems and a new discipline for intelligent infrastructure hypersystems

Although the interconnected systems nature of the infrastructures, and the complexity of interactions between their engineered, socio-technical and natural constituents have been recognized for some time, the principles of effectively operating, protecting and preserving such systems by taking full advantage of “modeling, simulations, optimization, control and decision making” tools developed by the systems engineering and operations research community have not been adequately studied or discussed by many engineers including the writer. Differential and linear equation systems, numerical and finite element modeling techniques, statistical and probabilistic representations are universal, however, different disciplines have developed their distinct approaches to conceptualizing, idealizing and modeling the systems they commonly deal with. The challenge is in adapting and integrating deterministic and stochastic, geometric and numerical, physics-based and “soft (data-or-knowledge based)”, macroscopic or microscopic models developed by various disciplines for simulating infrastructure systems. There is a lot to be learned by studying how different disciplines have studied, improved and optimized the systems relating to various processes and products in their domains. Operations research has become a fifty-year old discipline addressing complex systems problems. Its mathematical tools range from linear programming to decision processes and game theory. These tools are used extensively in management and finance, as well as by industrial engineers for optimizing and quality control. Progressive civil engineering academic programs have adopted “systems engineering” as a focal area. However, most of the civil engineering systems programs remain focused on constructing and analyzing highly idealized, often generic models relating to the planning or operation of transportation, water or waste systems, maintenance management, waste management or general infrastructure hazards risk management. We further note that in the last decade there have been efforts for “agent-based” modeling of synthetic infrastructure systems by taking advantage of supercomputers at various DOE Laboratories. However, whether there is any similitude between such synthetic and actual systems needs investigating further.
Spectral optical-density measurements of small particles and breast tissues

The optical density of breast tissues without blood is found to be relatively constant from 320 to 800 nm, indicating a relatively independent scattering cross section over this wavelength region.
The paleocerebellum and the integration of behavioral function

The role of the cerebellum in motor function is well documented. Additional data clearly implicate the cerebellum in the regulation of sensory processes and autonomic functions, and more recent findings establish an influence of cerebellar systems on the regulation of emotional and motivational behaviors. The cerebellum provides extensive projections to brainstem and limbic mechanisms that have been implicated in behavioral regulation, and experimental manipulations of the cerebellum have been found to profoundly affect behavioral processes. In the present paper, we review some of these findings and offer a conceptual view of cerebellar function that reconciles these apparently disparate actions. We suggest that the cerebellum exerts functionally similar influences at all levels of sensorimotor and behavioral organization. This model provides a conceptual framework for understanding the behavioral consequences of cerebellar dysfunctions, which we suggest can be viewed as behavioral parallels to the classical cerebellar motor syndromes. Data implicating cerebellar systems in the pathogenesis of developmental disturbances in behavioral processes are also considered in the context of the present conception of cerebellar-behavioral function.
Theory of DNA melting curves.

Exact algorithms for the calculation of melting curves of heterogeneous DNA with N base pairs apparently require computer time proportional to N2. However, it is shown that a decomposition of the loop entropy factor into a sum of I exponential functions (1) gives an extremely accurate approximation to the loop entropy factor for small values of I and (2) makes the computer time for the exact algorithms proportional to I·N. In effect, exact results for melting curves and lengths of helix or coil stretches are obtained with computer time comparable to that required for the Frank-Kamenetskii approximation. The remarkable accuracy of the latter for the fraction of helical content (errors of 0.01–0.05) is confirmed, but appreciably larger errors are found for the lengths of helix or coil stretches (typical errors of 30–100%).
Intercomparisons between empirical models with data fusion techniques for monitoring water quality in a large lake

Lake Erie has a history of algal blooms, due to eutrophic conditions attributed to urban and agricultural activities. Blue-green algae or cyanobacteria thrive in these eutrophic conditions, since they require little energy for cell maintenance and growth. Microcystis are a type of blue-green algae of particular concern, because they produce microcystin, a potent hepatotoxin. Microcystin not only presents a threat to the ecosystem, but it threatens commercial fishing operations and water treatment plants using the lake as a water source. In this paper, we have proposed an early warning system using Integrated Data Fusion and Machine-learning (IDFM) techniques to determine microcystin concentrations and distribution by measuring the surface reflectance of the water body using satellite sensors. The fine spatial resolution of Landsat is fused with the high temporal resolution of MODIS to create a synthetic image possessing both high temporal and spatial resolution. As a demonstration, the spatiotemporal distribution of microcystin within western Lake Erie is reconstructed using the band data from the fused products and applied machine-learning techniques. Analysis of the results through statistical indices confirmed that the Genetic Programming (GP) model has potential accurately estimating microcystin concentrations in the lake (R2 = 0.5699).
Extinction in the Pigeon after Continuous Reinforcement: Effect of Number of Reinforced Responses:

Summary.-Number of responses and time to extinction were measured after 3, 10, 1000, 3000, 5000, and 10,000 reinforced key-peck responses during conditioning. Each response was reinforced with a ,045-gm. food pellet. The number of responses in extinction was a monotonically increasing function which became asymptotic beyond 1000 reinforced responses. Number of reinforced responses during conditioning significantly affected the number of responses in extinction (p < ,001) but not the time to extinction. The results support the findings of previous free-operant bar-press smdies with rats. Freeoperant animal studies of cxrinction after continuous reinforcement have consistendy produced monotonically increasing functions and have typically employed relatively small amounts of reinforcement. Amount of reward may be an important parameter determining the shape of the extinction function in the free-operant studies. The literature contains several studies that have investigated resistance to extinction as a function of the number of continuousiy reinforced responses during conditioning (D'Amato, Schiff, & Jagoda, 1962; Dyal & Holland, 1963; Harris & Nygaard, 1961; Hill & Spear, 1963; Hornme, 1956; Ison, 1962; Kass & Wilson, 1966; Lewis & Duncan, 1956, 1958; Madison, 1964; Margulies, 1961; North & Scimmel, 1960; Perin, 1942; Schiff, 1965; Siege1 & Wagner, 1963; Tombaugh, 1967; Williams, 1938; Wilson, 1964). Aside from the experiments with human Ss (Kass & Wilson, 1966; Lewis & Duncan, 1956, 1958), the only species in which the relationship has been systematically investigated is the rat.2 The rac research has indicated a number of parameters which are important determinants of the extinction function. The range of the number of acquisition trials, the amount of reinforcement, and the kind of training procedure (discrete-trial bar-press, free-operant bar-press, runway) are parameters which have been shown to affect the shape of the function relacing the number of continuously reinforced responses during acquisition to extinction measures. All of the experiments that have used a free-operant bar-press procedure have produced functions in which resistance to extinction is an increasing monotonic 'This reporr is based on a dissertation submitted in December, 1966, to Harvard University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D. degree. The writer wishes to thank R. J. Herrnstein, the dissertction director, for his support and advice during the study. 'King, Wood, and Butcher (1961) reported a smdy in which resistance to extinction as a funcuon of number of continuously reinforced responses was investigated in White Carneaux pigeons. The experiment was reported only as an abstract; the results were not subsequently published. King (personal communication, 19GG) indicated that he had not been able to replicate the resalts and had little confidence in the findings.
Is intraoperative frozen section analysis an efficient way to reduce positive surgical margins

Abstract Objectives To assess the accuracy and efficiency of frozen section analysis to detect positive surgical margins (+SMs) during radical prostatectomy. Methods In a consecutive series of 760 patients treated with radical prostatectomy from 1998 to 2002, areas suspicious for +SMs on the surface of the removed prostate were examined by frozen section analysis. In a subset of 520 patients, the surgeon’s level of suspicion for +SMs was scored and recorded during radical prostatectomy. Results Overall, 259 patients underwent frozen section examination. Of these, 55 patients (21%) had +SMs on permanent section examination compared with 50 (10%) of 501 patients with no frozen section analysis (P Conclusions Although the positive predictive value of frozen section analysis for +SMs is high, the sensitivity is too low to expect that a policy of routine frozen section analysis of suspicious areas will reduce the rate of +SMs substantially.
On the Importance of Scientific Rhetoric in Stuttering: A Reply to Finn, Bothe, and Bramlett (2005)

Purpose To refute the alleged practice of “pseudoscience” by P. Finn, A. K. Bothe, and R. E. Bramlett (2005) and to illustrate their experimental and systematic bias when evaluating the SpeechEasy,...
The Ability of Diphenylpiperazines to Prevent Neuronal Death in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons In Vitro After Nerve Growth Factor Deprivation and In Vivo After Axotomy

The mechanism of neuroprotection by the calcium channel antagonist flunarizine against neuronal death is unknown. We investigated the ability of other calcium channel antagonists (cinnarizine, nimodipine, nicardipine, diltiazem, and verapamil), calmodulin antagonists, and calpain inhibitors to prevent neuronal death in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons in vitro after nerve growth factor (NGF) deprivation and the ability of cinnarizine and diltiazem to protect in vivo after axotomy. In vitro, only neurons treated with cinnarizine or flunarizine were protected from death after withdrawal. In vivo, cinnarizine, but not diltiazem, protected dorsal root ganglion neurons in rats after unilateral sciatic nerve crush. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was evaluated with fura 2 after NGF deprivation in vitro. Neurons "committed to die" 24 h after NGF deprivation displayed a decline in [Ca2+]i before visible morphological deterioration consistent with cell death. The influx of extracellular calcium was not necessary to produce neuronal death. Neurons deprived of NGF gradually lost the ability to respond to elevated external potassium with an increase in [Ca2+]i during the first 24 h after trophic factor deprivation. After 24 h, neurons deprived of NGF could not be rescued by readministration of NGF. Neurons protected from cell death with diphenylpiperazines maintained their response to high external potassium, suggesting continued membrane integrity. We speculate that diphenylpiperazines may protect sensory neurons via an unknown mechanism that stabilizes cell membranes.
MEK1/2–ERK1/2 Mediates α1-Adrenergic Receptor-stimulated Hypertrophy in Adult Rat Ventricular Myocytes ☆

We examined the relative roles of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) in mediating the alpha1-adrenergic receptor (alpha1-AR) stimulated hypertrophic phenotype in adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVM). Norepinephrine (NE; 1 microM) in the presence of the beta -AR antagonist propranolol (Pro; 2 microM) caused activation of Ras (>six-fold), MAPK/ERK kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2, >10-fold) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2, approximately 30-fold) within 5 min, as determined by kinase activity assays and Western blots using phospho-specific antibodies. Conversely, p38 and c-Jun amino-terminal kinases (JNK) were not activated by NE/Pro. Activated MEK1/2 signals remained detectable at 2 h, and activated ERK1/2 remained detectable at 48 h. The alpha1-AR selective inhibitor prazosin (100 nM) completely inhibited the NE/Pro-stimulated activation of Ras, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. The MEK inhibitor PD98059 caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of NE/Pro-stimulated protein synthesis (as assessed by [3H]leucine incorporation and cellular protein accumulation) and ERK1/2 activation, with approximately 50% inhibition at a concentration between 10 and 50 microM, which is consistent with the known IC50 values of PD98059 for MEK1 (4 microM) and MEK2 (50 microM). Thus, these data show that alpha1-AR stimulated hypertrophy in ARVM is dependent on the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
Coated vesicles of liver Golgi apparatus increased by ascorbate.

Abstract Cultured hepatocytes and hepatoma cells when treated for 10–30 min with 30 mM ascorbate (vitamin C) responded by a 2- to 3-fold increase in the numbers of coated vesicles of the Golgi apparatus zone as determined by quantitation from electron micrographs. At a near optimal concentration of 30 mM ascorbate, the effect was reproduced under a variety of conditions of fixation and methods of specimen preparation.
Around the Block and Around the World: Teaching Literacy Across Cultures

As the use of English spreads around the world, it is important to remember that there is not now just one English but multiple “world englishes.” Many scholars and teachers have argued that language changes to adapt to different cultural contexts. This world of rapid cross-cultural communication is the world in which our students read and write. In fact, many students, through e-mail, instant messaging, or online games, are already engaged in reading and writing with young people in other countries. They live their literate lives with increasing contact with people in countries they may never visit, and their literate identities will be read by people in cultures unfamiliar to them. Such literacy practices should make teachers question how best to teach reading and writing in an age of cross-cultural communication. We need to help students explore how multiple world englishes influence how standardized English is taught and how it is affected by issues of language, culture, and power. Finally, we must find ways to use the new technologies that allow us to communicate across borders as pedagogical tools to teach students about writing and reading in a cross-cultural world.
BREMSSTRAHLUNG POWER DENSITY: LONG-RANGE INTERACTIONS.

The power density of bremsstrahlung and the recombination rate are found for a fully ionized, nonrelativistic hydrogen plasma dominated by long-range collisions. The results show that the bremsstrahlung energy radiated per unit volume per second is greater than previously predicted.
Eroticism, violence, and sacrifice: A postmodern theory of religion and ritual

A fascinating and controversial theory of religion and ritual is offered by Georges Bataille, an influential French postmodern thinker and writer In his collected works he suggests that religion, which he identifies with the sacred, can best be understood by the interconnections and workings of eroticism, violence, and sacrifice. The key to understanding Bataille's theory is to focus on his concept of eroticism, which was one of his life-long obsessions. According to Bataille, a common feature of eroticism, sacrifice, and religion is violence which represents a danger to overflow at anytime. If eroticism opens the way to death, sacrifice effects it. Unable to reject violence, Bataille maintained that human beings practice both internal and external forms of violence in sacrifice. And because the love object of a sexual encounter and the victim of a sacrifice are stripped of their identity in these respective activities, there is an intimate connection between eroticism and sacrifice. Due to the fact that Bataille does not use ample examples from various religions to support his theory, this paper tests his ideas by applying them to the Sun Dance of the Sioux. This dramatic form of sacrifice enables one to recognize the many deficiencies of Bataille's theory.
Petrography, geochemistry, and depositional setting of the San Pedro and Santo Tomas coal zones : anomalous algae-rich coals in the middle part of the Claiborne Group (Eocene) of Webb County, Texas

Two coal zones, the San Pedro and the overlying Santo Tomas, are present for nearly 35 km in outcrop, surface and underground mines, and shallow drill holes along the strike of the middle part of the Claiborne Group (Eocene) in Webb County, Texas. A sandstone-dominated interval of 25 to 35 m separates the two coal zones, which range up to 3 m in thickness. Each coal zone contains carbonaceous shales, thin (<0.75 m) impure coal beds, and thin (<0.85 m) but commercially significant nonbanded coal beds. The nonbanded coals are different from other Tertiary coals of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain: unlike lignites that are typical of the older Wilcox Group (Paleocene-Eocene) and younger Jackson Group (Eocene), nonbanded coals of the Claiborne Group have high vitrinite-reflectance values (0.53 Rmax) and high calorific yields (average 6670 kcal/kg or 12,000 Btu, dry basis). The coals are weakly agglomerating (free-swelling index is 1.5–2.0) and have an apparent rank of high-volatile bituminous. The coal-bearing portion of the middle Claiborne Group in the Rio Grande area represents a fining-upward transition from sandstone-dominated, marine-influenced, lower delta plain depositional environments to more inland, mudstone-rich, predominantly freshwater deltaic settings. Discontinuities within the San Pedro coal zone are attributed mainly to the influence of contemporaneous deposition of distributary mouth-bar sand bodies. The less variable nature of the Santo Tomas coal zone reflects its origin in the upper part of an interlobe basin that received only minor clastic influx. Petrographic attributes of the nonbanded coals indicate that they formed subaqueously in fresh to possibly brackish waters. A highly degraded groundmass composed of eugelinite is the main petrographic component (approximately 71%, mineral-matter-free basis). An enriched liptinite fraction (approximately 23%) probably accounts for unusually high calorific values. There is negligible inertinite. Petrographic study of polished blocks indicates that approximately 10 percent of the nonbanded coal from both coal zones is composed of green algae fructifications, which also occur in clastic rocks of the coal-bearing interval. Such algal material cannot be identified or quantified by conventional coal petrographic techniques that utilize particle pellets or by palynological analyses that include acid preparation.
The simulation of high resolution images of amorphous thin films

Abstract Computer-simulated high resolution electron microscopy (HREM) images of white-noise weak phase objects show features similar to those observed in images of very thin films (2 nm) of amorphous silicon. Local patches of regular fringes arise as a result of the spatial-frequency filtering effect of the aperture and need not indicate the presence of microcrystalline regions. It is shown how drastically the appearance of a simulated amorphous image is influenced by the transfer function of the objective lens and by the objective aperture or equivalent damping of high-frequency components due to partial temporal and spatial coherence of the electron beam. Simulated images of through-focus series also show the same general appearance as for an amorphous silicon film.
Gel electrophoresis for assessing fibrin cross-linking: a "precaution" re-evaluated.

Abstract Cross-linking of fibrin subunits can be demonstrated by acrylamide gel electrophoresis through changes in migration patterns of the dimers and polymers produced. Dilution of plasma before clotting in addition to thoroughly washing of the fibrin clot may be necessary to eliminate occluded proteins which on electrophoresis can be confused with certain subunits of fibrin.
The effect of impression volume and double-arch trays on the registration of maximum intercuspation.

Statement of problem The type of double-arch trays used may affect occlusion. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine what effect, if any, double-arch tray design and impression material volume had on the registration of maximum intercuspation (MI). Material and methods Quadrant impressions were made on articulated fracture-resistant dental casts mounted in maximum intercuspation occlusion. Three types of sideless double-arch impression trays were used: First Bite with nylon webbing, Sultan's 3-Way with double crosshatch webbing, and Premium's 3-in-1 Tray with single crosshatch webbing. Vinyl polysiloxane impression material (Aquasil Ultra Rigid Fast Set) was distributed at 2 different volumes (5.4 ml and 8.3 ml), and 60 impressions were made (n=10). A weight of 1.2 kg was placed on the upper arm of an Artex articulator, ensuring complete closure. The impressions were allowed to polymerize for 5 minutes. After polymerization, specimens were placed on a light box, and a camera set at a fixed distance was used to capture the light transmission that was projected through the impression material. The camera transferred the information to an image analysis program (ImageJ). This system allowed the different amounts of light projected through the impression to be translated into a gray scale value (GSV), which was assigned a thickness value, in millimeters, of a specified occlusal contact area. To assess reliability of the experimental design, 10 control impressions were made by directly applying impression material onto the typodont. These were analyzed in the same manner as the impressions made with trays. A 2-way ANOVA comparing volume by tray type was used (α=.05). This was followed by a Tukey HSD test. Results There was no main effect for volume of impression material ( P =.71). Tray type was significantly different ( P P P Conclusions This in vitro study demonstrated that certain trays hinder closure into MI, which may negatively affect the accuracy of record making.
Molecular cloning and expression of rabbit pancreatic cholesterol esterase.

Abstract Rabbit pancreatic cholesterol esterase (CEase, carboxyl ester lipase, EC 3.1.1.3) has been cloned from a λgt11 library of adult rabbit pancreatic cDNA. The open reading frame consists of 1788 nucleotides which encodes 576 amino acids of the functional protein and a 20 amino acid leader peptide. When compared to other species, the greatest homology is observed between residues 82–248 with little or no homology at the C-terminal end where proline-glutamate-serine-threonine (PEST) segments are a characteristic feature of the human CEase. Rabbit CEase (RCEase) retains the active-site serine (gxsxg), the active-site histidine and the tentative heparin binding site (KKRCLQ) at similar positions in comparison to pancreatic CEases of other species. When rabbit CEase cDNA is expressed in monkey kidney (COS-7) cells, enzymatic hydrolytic activity is detected in the growth medium as is a 67 kDa protein by Western blotting with polyclonal anti-CEase antibody. Northern blot analysis shows two mRNA (2.2 and 3.2 kb) species.
Gentle acoustic crosstalk cancelation using the spectral division method and Ambiophonics

We propose the concept of gentle acoustic crosstalk cancelation, which aims at reducing the crosstalk between a loudspeaker and the listener's contralateral ear instead of eliminating it completely as aggressive methods intend to do. The expected benefit is higher robustness and a tendency to collapse less unpleasantly. The proposed method employs a linear loudspeaker array and exhibits two stages: 1) Use the Spectral Division Method to illuminate the ipsilateral ear using constructive interference of the loudspeaker signals. This approach provides only little channel separation between the listener's ears at frequencies below approximately 2000 Hz. 2) There we additionally use destructive interference by Recursive Ambiophonics Crosstalk Elimination (RACE). RACE was chosen because of its tendency to collapse gently. In a sample scenario with realistic parameters, the proposed method achieves around 20 dB of channel separation between 700 Hz and 9000 Hz, which appears to be sufficient to achieve full perceived lateralization when only one ear is illuminated.
Cross-calibration of A.M. constellation for long-term monitoring of land surface processes

Data from multiple sensors must be used together to gain a more complete understanding of land surface processes at a variety of scales. Although higher-level products derived from different sensors (e.g., vegetation cover, albedo, surface temperature) can be validated independently, the degree to which these sensors and their products can be compared to one another is vastly improved if their relative spectroradiometric responses are known. Most often, sensors are directly calibrated to diffuse solar irradiation or vicariously to ground targets. However, space-based targets are not traceable to metrological standards, and vicarious calibrations are expensive and provide a poor sampling of a sensor's full dynamic range. Crosscalibration of two sensors can augment these methods if certain conditions can be met: (1) the spectral responses are similar, (2) the observations are reasonably concurrent (similar atmospheric & solar illumination conditions), (3) errors due to misregistrations of inhomogeneous surfaces can be minimized (including scale differences), and (4) the viewing geometry is similar (or, some reasonable knowledge of surface bi-directional reflectance distribution functions is available). This study extends on a previous study of Terra/MODIS and Landsat/ETM+ cross calibration by including the Terra/ASTER and EO-1/ALI sensors, exploring the impacts of cross-calibrating sensors when conditions described above are met to some degree but not perfectly. Measures for spectral response differences and methods for cross calibrating such sensors are provided in this study. These instruments are cross calibrated using the Railroad Valley playa in Nevada. Best fit linear coefficients (slope and offset) are provided for ALIto- MODIS and ETM+-to-MODIS cross calibrations, and root-mean-squared errors (RMSEs) and correlation coefficients are provided to quantify the uncertainty in these relationships. Due to problems with direct calibration of ASTER data, linear fits were developed between ASTER and ETM+ to assess the impacts of spectral bandpass differences between the two systems. In theory, the linear fits and uncertainties can be used to compare radiance and reflectance products derived from each instrument.