cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INCREASING THE SUPPRESSIVE EFFECT OF DELAYED PUNISHERS: A REVIEW OF BASIC AND APPLIED LITERATURE

Although punishment is a common feature in programs designed to suppress inappropriate responding, the delivery of punishment may be delayed for a variety of reasons. When punishment is delayed, the result may be a decrease in response suppression. It is therefore important to identify strategies to increase the effectiveness of delayed punishers. In this paper, basic and applied research on delayed punishment is reviewed. The delay-of-punishment gradient is described, and strategies are provided to increase the suppressive effect of delayed punishers. For each strategy identified, a conceptual account is provided describing how the strategy enables a delayed punisher to exert a suppressive effect. Furthermore, this paper suggests additional uninvestigated but potentially effective strategies and identifies problems with current research into delayed punishment. Finally, recommendations regarding future research into delayed punishers are provided. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maximum normalized difference vegetation index images for sub-Saharan Africa for 1983-1985

(1986). Cover Maximum normalized difference vegetation index images for sub-Saharan Africa for 1983-1985. International Journal of Remote Sensing: Vol. 7, No. 11, pp. 1383-1384.
Pregnancy in women who undergo long-term hemodialysis.

Abstract Objective: Pregnancy is rare in women who require long-term hemodialysis, and pregnancy outcome with a live birth has a low success rate. The purpose of this study was to describe the treatment of pregnancy and the outcome in a series of patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis treatment. Study Design: A total of 15 women who were undergoing long-term hemodialysis treatment who had 18 pregnancies during the period from 1990 to 2000 were included in this study. All the women had been undergoing hemodialysis for a mean of 5.3 years before pregnancy, except for one woman who began hemodialysis at 16 weeks of gestation. When conception was confirmed, the risks of pregnancy were explained to the couple and to the medical team. Almost all hemodialysis were performed with a high-flux dialyzer and with volume-controlled ultrafiltration. During pregnancy the hemodialysis schedule was increased to 4 hours 4 to 6 times weekly, with a blood flow rate of 250 to 300 mL/min and a dialysate flow rate of 500 to 600 mL/min. Data on changes in dialysis regimen, biochemistry, blood pressure control, use of erythropoietin, medical complications, obstetric regimen, and perinatal problems were collected. Results: Elective abortion was performed in 5 of the 18 pregnancies. Thirteen pregnancies were treated, with 12 live births, of which 9 infants survived. There was 1 intrauterine fetal death and 3 neonatal deaths. No fetal anomaly was detected. The mean gestational age at delivery was 32 weeks (range, 23-36 weeks). The mean newborn weight was 1542 g (range, 512-1660 g), with intrauterine growth restriction in 7 of the 9 cases. Anemia was treated with recombinant human erythropoietin and/or transfusion in all cases. Of the 15 women undergoing hemodialysis treatment, elevated blood pressure was complicated in 13 pregnancies, in which 7 were treated with antihypertensive drugs. Polyhydramnios occurred in 6 of 9 surviving live births and was partially relieved after hemodialysis. Cesarean delivery was performed in 6 of 13 deliveries. All of the women recovered after delivery to their prepregnancy dialysis therapy levels. Conclusion: Although pregnancy remains risky in women who are undergoing long-term dialysis, advances in dialysis, obstetrics, and neonatal treatment have led to an improved success rate. Our data from 1990 to 2000 showed a 60% success rate. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:152-6.)
Influence of Sex on the Pharmacokinetic Interaction of Fleroxacin and Ciprofloxacin with Caffeine

Background: Previous pharmacokinetic studies have shown that a number of the quinolones inhibit the metabolism of caffeine. Objective: To evaluate the effect of sex on the interaction between two quinolones and caffeine. Design: Multiple-dose, double-blind, randomised, three-period crossover study. Participants: Twelve male and twelve female healthy volunteers. Methods: Subjects received by mouth either fleroxacin 400mg once daily and caffeine 100mg three times daily, ciprofloxacin 500mg twice daily and caffeine 100mg three times daily, or caffeine alone, for 3 days. Subjects received each of the other regimens after 12-day washout periods. Plasma and urine concentrations were determined by validated high-performance liquid chromatography procedures and the data were analysed by noncompartmental linear pharmacokinetic methods. Results: Analysis of the interaction by sex revealed that females showed a significant difference in caffeine pharmacokinetics in the presence of ciprofloxacin (area under the concentration-time curve [AUC], peak plasma concentration [Cmax], time to Cmax [tmax] and apparent total body clearance [CL/F]) and fleroxacin (AUC and CL/F) when compared with males. Significant differences between sexes were also observed in the pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin (AUC, elimination rate constant [β] and CL/F) and fleroxacin (Cmax and β) in the presence of caffeine. However, these significant differences disappeared when AUC and Cmax were normalised to 70kg bodyweight and CL/F was expressed as per kg bodyweight. Conclusion: The effect of quinolones on the pharmacokinetics of caffeine, and the reciprocal effect, are different between the sexes, due in part to different bodyweights.
Fugacity and vapor pressure of nonpolar liquids at low temperatures

Available generalized correlations of fugacity coefficients of nonpolar liquids are reexamined in their lower temperature ranges, and these correlations are extended to a reduced temperature of 0.35. Generalized functions are constructed from literature data on vapor pressures and liquid densities. Two sets of functions are presented with w and zc, respectively, as third parameter. The results fulfill a need for basic information in the engineering of cryogenic systems. The same vapor pressure data are correlated in a generalized form down to Tr = 0.35 to give a one-parameter family of reduced vapor pressures curves. The correlation is compared with data on simple fluids, normal fluids, polar substances, and quantum fluids.
Comparative behavior of a nonlinear system subjected to impulsive load

Abstract Analytical and experimental studies of the dynamic response of a system with geometric and material nonlinearity are described. The dynamic excitation consists of an impulsive base acceleration. The dynamic system consists of a cantilever beam with a lumped mass and a gapped support beam at the free end. The material nonlinearity considers both the effect of yielding and the effect of strain rate on the inital yield level. Two analytical models are considered. The first is a generalized single degree-of-freedom system with a bilinear hysteresis. The second is a multiple degree-of-freedom system which uses beam elements with concentrated plastic hinges to represent the system. Numerical methods are used to solve the resulting equations of dynamic equilibrium. Experimental studies are performed and accelerations and residual plastic deformations are measured. Critical comparisons are made between the calculated and measured responses. The results show that the single degree of freedom model may overestimate the displacement response.
A quantitative explanation of the difference in the temperature dependences of the viscoelastic softening and terminal dispersions of linear amorphous polymers

A coupling model of relaxation that can account for viscoelastic properties in both the softening and terminal dispersions is found to explain quantitatively also their different temperature dependences.
Patrol officer arrest rates: A study of the social organization of police work

The study discussed in this paper examined the variation in felony arrest rates among patrol officers performing similar duties in the same patrol area. Data were obtained by records review, self-administered questionnaires, unstructured interviews and participant observation during a two-year field presence in a New York City Police precinct. Analysis of the data led to the conclusion that the patrol officers control their enforcement patterns through a process of role adaptation. This functional division of labor serves the individual needs of the officers as they mediate conflicting demands of police bureaucracy and community.
Heme-dependent activation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase by cytosol is due to an Hsp70-dependent, thioredoxin-mediated thiol-disulfide interchange in the heme/substrate binding cleft.

We have reported that heme-dependent activation of apo-neuronal nitric oxide synthase (apo-nNOS) to the active holo-enzyme dimer is dependent upon factors present in reticulocyte lysate and other cytosols. Here, we find that both Hsp70 and thioredoxin are components of the activation system. The apo-nNOS activating activity of reticulocyte lysate is retained in a pool of fractions containing Hsp70 that elute from DE52 prior to Hsp90. All of the activating activity and 20–30% of the Hsp70 elute in the flow-through fraction upon subsequent ATP-agarose chromatography. Apo-nNOS activation by this flow-through fraction is inhibited by pifithrin-μ, a small molecule inhibitor of Hsp70, suggesting that a non-ATP-binding form of Hsp70 is involved in heme-dependent apo-nNOS activation. Previous work has shown that apo-nNOS can be activated by thiol-disulfide exchange, and we show substantial activation with a small molecule dithiol modeled on the active motifs of thioredoxin and protein disulfide isomerase. Further fractionation of the ATP-agarose flow-through on Sephacryl S-300 separates free thioredoxin from apo-nNOS activating activity, Hsp70, and a small amount of thioredoxin, all of which are eluted throughout the macromolecular peak. Incubation of apo-nNOS with the macromolecular fraction in combination with either the thioredoxin-containing fraction or with purified recombinant human thioredoxin restores full heme-dependent activating activity. This supports a model in which Hsp70 binding to apo-nNOS stabilizes an open state of the heme/substrate binding cleft to facilitate thioredoxin access to the active site cysteine that coordinates with heme iron, permitting heme binding and dimerization to the active enzyme.
Prevention of crescentic glomerulonephritis by immunoneutralization of the fractalkine receptor CX3CR1: Rapid Communication

Prevention of crescentic glomerulonephritis by immunoneutralization of the fractalkine receptor CX 3 CR1. Background Fractalkine is a newly identified T-cell and monocyte/macrophage (Mφ) chemokine with a transmembrane domain and is a cell-surface protein on activated endothelium. It can mediate adhesion of cells expressing the fractalkine receptor CX 3 CR1. These unique features make fractalkine well suited for leukocyte recruitment in tissues with high blood flow as in the renal glomerulus. Methods Fractalkine expression in glomeruli and response of isolated glomerular inflammatory cells to fractalkine were studied in the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) crescentic glomerulonephritis model. Antibody was used to confirm the proinflammatory role of fractalkine. Results Fractalkine was markedly induced in the endothelium of nephritic rat glomeruli, and inflammatory leukocytes infiltrating the glomeruli expressed increased levels of CX 3 CR1. Anti-CX 3 CR1 antibody treatment dramatically blocked leukocyte infiltration in the glomeruli, prevented crescent formation, and improved renal function. Conclusions Fractalkine plays a central role in leukocyte trafficking at the endothelium in the high-flow glomerular circuit and, in turn, implicates CX 3 CR1 as a prime drug target for therapeutic intervention of endothelium-related inflammatory diseases.
Simple molecular theory of the smectic C , B , and H phases

The molecular theory of the smectic $A$ and $C$ phases is extended to the smectic $B$ and $H$ phases by including a soft-core repulsive interaction in addition to the dipole-dipole interaction used previously. The possibility of translational order (a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice in each smectic plane) is included in addition to the orientational order of the molecular dipoles. Four phases are found: (1) a disordered phase (smectic $A$), (2) an oriented phase with no translational order (smectic $C$), (3) a translationally ordered phase with no orientational order (smectic $B$), and (4) a phase with translational and orientational order (smectic $H$). In the oriented phases (smectic $C$ and $H$) the director is tilted with respect to the plane normal. The smectic-$A$-smectic-$C$ phase transition and the smectic-$B$-smectic-$H$ phase transition are second order; the other transitions are first order. The temperature dependence of the order parameters, the entropy, and the specific heat are computed.
Gel permeation chromatography coupled to fourier transform mass spectrometry for polymer characterization.

We report an on-line coupling of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) using a modified commercial electrospray ionization (ESI) interface. Selected oligomer profiles for the sodiated (1+ through 5+ charge states) oligomer ions of a narrow-molecular-weight poly(methyl methacrylate) were generated and used for obtaining a calibration curve. Using the MS-generated calibration curve and the refractive index response for quantification, an accurate molecular weight distribution was calculated and showed an excellent agreement with the value specified by the supplier. GPC/ESI/FTMS also allowed for an unequivocal end-group determination and characterization of a secondary distribution due to the formation of cyclic reaction products. We analyzed a glycidyl methacrylate/butyl methacrylate copolymer with a broad molecular weight distribution, where fractionation and high resolving power were required for adequate characterization. Molecular weight distribution data show...
Trends in Family Space/Time, Conflict, and Solidarity: Middletown 1924–1999

This article treats aspects of family life for which there are comparable data from students at three or more points over the 75‐year period 1924–1999, beginning with the 1924 Middletown high schoo...
Photoreflective spectroscopy of doped and undoped Cd1−xMnxTe

Abstract We present results of photoreflectivity measurements on Cd1−xMnxTe. The composition dependence of the energy gap for 0 ≤ × ≤ 0.5 at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures was determined with accuracy comparable to excition reflectivity and photoluminescence at T = 4 K. The lineshape change as a function of x, temperature between 80–295 K, and n− andp− type dopants is described. This fast and simple method is used to determine the spatial quality and homogeneity of large crystal wafers.
Reactions of Thiocarbamoyl compounds with vaska complexes: mechanism and stereochemistry

Abstract Bis(dimethylthiocarbamoyl)sulfide, (Me 2 NCS) 2 S, reacts with (PH 3 P) 2 MCOCl complexes giving ionic species [Ph 3 PM(η 2 -CSNMe 2 )(S 2 CNMe 2 )CO]X (M = Rh, Ir; X = Cl, PF 6 ) as kinetic products. On standing solution, [Ph 3 PRh(η 2 -CSNMe 2 )(S 2 CNMe 2 )CO]Cl is slowly transformed into the thermodynamic product Ph 3 PRh(η 2 -CSNMe 2 )S 2 CNMe 2 )Cl. The known reactions of Vaska-type complexes with Me 2 NCSCl to give [ trans -(Ph 3 P) 2 Ir(η 2 -CSNMe 2 )COCl]Cl and trans -(Ph 3 P) 2 Rh(η 2 -CSNMe 2 )Cl 2 probably follow a similar course. (PH 3 P)RuNOCl reacts with (Me 2 NCS) 2 S and Me 2 NCSCl in the same way as (Ph 3 P) 2 IrCOCl, but reacts with (Me 2 NCS) 2 NPh to give [ trans -(Ph 3 P) 2 Ru(η 2 -CSNMe 2 )NOCl]PF 6 . The mechanism and stereochemistry of these reactions are discussed. Reactions were monitored by NMR spectroscopy in an attempt to identify intermediate η 1 -thiocarboxamido complexes, but no such species could be detected.
Growth and development of Frankia spp. strain CcI3 at the single-hypha level in liquid culture

Filamentous actinobacteria from the genus Frankia grow by hyphal tip extension and branching. The growth kinetics and branching pattern of Frankia are not well studied, especially at the early stages of mycelial development. Here, we compare the growth of Frankia sp. strain CcI3 in liquid cultures with and without proteose peptone #3 (PP3) using time-lapse photomicrography and image analysis. Individual hyphae showed a pseudolinear increase in length at early stages of development, whereas at the mycelial level, the aggregate length of hyphae described an exponential rate before slowing. Growth based on optical density or microscopic observations was similar in medium with or without PP3. However, PP3 altered the pattern of mycelial development by increasing branching. Distances between the hyphal apex and first branches were on average shorter in PP3-containing media. The final interbranch distances were also shorter in PP3 medium indicating that hyphae tended to branch earlier and more often when supplemented with PP3 to give a more compact mycelium. Vesicle development in nitrogen-fixing cultures limited cell expansion as a result of vesicles truncating growth on new branches. The results provide some explanation for the growth kinetics of Frankia and some indication of how growth rates may be improved.
A Successful Senior Seminar: Unsolved Problems in Number Theory

Abstract The Unsolved Problems in Number Theory book by Richard Guy provides nice problems suitable for a typical math major. We give examples of problems that have worked well in our senior seminar course and some nice results that senior math majors can obtain.
Norm properties of C-numerical radii

Abstract Given n × n complex matrices A , C , the C -numerical radius of A is the nonnegative quantity r c (A)≡ma{|tr(CU ∗ AU)|:U unitary} . For C = diag (1,0,…,0) it reduces to the classical numerical radius r(A)= max{|x ∗ Ax|:x ∗ x=1} . We show that r c is a generalized matrix norm if and only if C is nonscalar and tr C ≠0. Next, we consider an arbitrary generalized matrix norm and characterize all constants v ⩾0 for which vN is multiplicative. A technique to obtain such v is then applied to C -numerical radii with Hermitian C . In particular we find that vr is a matrix norm if and only if v ⩾4.
“The Sociological Imagination” as Cliché: Perils of Sociology and Practices of Journalism

The “sociological imagination” that connects personal troubles to public issues is an idea that was in the air when C. Wright Mills gave it a name and advanced it in a way to make it part of the intellectual armament of the New Left. Later, journalistic practice would turn it into a cliche while sociology would assume prematurely that it was a weapon for the left rather than a tool that could be used from and for different political positions. This essay is a set of second thoughts about the meaning of the “sociological imagination” since Mills.
Mitogenic property of Wistaria floribunda seeds.

Two phytomitogens have been described which stimulate blastogenesis and mitosis of human peripheral blood lymphocytes: phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) from Phaseolus vulgaris1 and pokeweed mitogen (PWM) of Phytolacca americana2. Recently we have discovered mitogenic Properties in seed extracts of Wistaria floribunda (syn.: Wisteria floribunda, Japanese wisteria).
Effect of temperature on the mixed function oxidase-catalyzed metabolism of O,O-diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothionate (parathion)☆

Abstract Using hepatic microsomes from both untreated and phenobarbital-treated rats, the energies of activation for the hepatic mixed function oxidase-catalyzed metabolism of parathion to paraoxon and to diethyl phosphorothioic acid were found to be significantly different. In addition, the energies of activation for the metabolism of parathion to paraoxon and to diethyl phosphorothioic acid were found to be decreased by pretreatment of rats with phenobarbital. A decrease in the energy of activation of NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase was not seen in phenobarbital-treated as compared to untreated animals.
How the quality of peer relationships influences college alcohol use

Peer relationships are consistently linked to alcohol use in college students. However, this disparate literature often reveals contradictory findings regarding the precise mechanisms of peer influence. In this review, we use an organisational framework based on social learning theory (SLT) to demonstrate how the quality of peer relationships may influence personal alcohol use. We propose that the quality of peer relationships enhance the influence of social reinforcement, modelling and cognitive processes on personal alcohol use. Research indicates that the quality of peer relationships influences drinking via three pathways: the lack or breakdown of quality peer relationships, alcohol use being an integral part of peer interactions, and if peers disapprove of alcohol use or do not drink. This conceptualisation of peer influence informs the consistent finding of gender differences in college student drinking. Limitations of the reviewed research include reliance on cross-sectional surveys, self-report and homogeneous populations. Future directions for research on quality peer relationships involve detailed longitudinal assessment and the application of advanced statistical methods.
Purification of mucin glycoproteins by density gradientcentrifugation in cesium trifluoroacetatel

A procedure for the rapid isolation of mucin glycoprotein by density gradient centrifugation in cesium trifluoroacetate (CsTFA) is described. The separation of mixtures of rat tracheobronchial mucin, DNA, hyaluronic acid, and bovine serum albumin in CsTFA gradients was superior to that in cesium bromide gradients. Inclusion of guanidinium chloride or urea in the gradient had no influence on the separation obtained. The mucins isolated from sputum samples of cystic fibrosis patients by this procedure are largely free of nucleic acid, nonglycosylated proteins, and glycosaminoglycans. The results of the use of CsTFA gradient centrifugation for the isolation of mucin from extracts of bovine submaxillary gland are also presented. The CsTFA method is particularly suitable for the high-yield isolation of mucin from individual samples which are available in limited quantities.
Thermal equilibration of raman active defects in vitreous silica

Abstract We have used Raman spectroscopy to characterize the thermal treatment of several types of vitreous silica samples by monitoring the intensity of a strongly polarized mode at 606 cm−1. Room-temperature measurements were made on quenched samples as they were progressively equilibrated at the desired fictive temperatures. As the annealing temperature or network terminator concentration increased, the times required for equilibration decreased. The equilibrium intensity of the 606 cm−1 Raman line is exponentially dependent on the inverse fictive temperature, but independent of the impurity (such as OH) concentration. We reconcile this latter disagreement with other published results.
Carbon Dioxide Retention: A Mechanism of Ammonia Tolerance in Mammals

When guano bats, Tadarida brasiliensis, inhale ammonia in air mixtures, carbon dioxide is passively retained in sufficient amounts to neutralize alkali excess resulting from increased blood ammonia levels. There is no change in blood carbon dioxide levels in house mice, Mus musculus. Little brown bats, Myotis lucifugus, are intermediate in this respect. Passive carbon dioxide retention is clearly related to ammonia tolerance in these mammals. See full-text article at JSTOR
Imaging with waves bounced from a dispersive reflector

We develop a linearized imaging theory that combines the spatial, temporal, and spectral components of multiply scattered waves. We consider the case of multiple fixed sensors viewing a distribution of multiple moving objects (targets) in an environment in which known multipath scattering takes place. In this paper, we investigate the case in which the multipath scattering is also dispersive, i.e., is different for different frequencies. The strategy is to develop a model for the data that includes the sensor positions, transmitted waveforms, and angle-of-departure of the transmitted field. We use this model to develop an imaging method that is a modification of a tomographic, filtered backprojection method that produces a phase-space image. In this work we also analyze the image via a multidimensional point-spread function and we identify how the imaging system reacts to parameters such as frequency, number of sensors, and wave path. We demonstrate, through example, that enhanced phase-space resolution for a distribution of stationary targets, in the presence of a dispersive reflector, may be achieved via a tomographic approach with a priori knowledge about the wave path and the nature of the multipath scattering.
Surface Soil Changes during Twelve Years of Pasture Management in the Southern Piedmont USA

Surface soil characteristics are of key importance in assessing the sustainability of agricultural management systems. We evaluated the factorial combination of nutrient source (inorganic, mixed organic + inorganic, and organic as broiler litter) and forage utilization (unharvested, low and high cattle grazing pressure, and hayed) on soil organic matter during 12 yr of pasture management on a Typic Kanhapludult in Georgia. Nutrient source had very little effect on bulk density, soil organic C (SOC), and total soil N (TSN). Forage utilization greatly affected all soil properties, more so nearest the surface. For example, SOC at a depth of 0 to 3 cm under low grazing pressure was 47.6 g kg -1 and under haying was 28.8 g kg -1 (P < 0.001), while at 3 to 6 cm it was 20.1 and 14.9 g kg -1 , respectively (P = 0.04), and at 6 to 12 cm it was 12.7 and 11.0 g kg -1 , respectively (P = 0.59). Soil bulk density was inversely related to SOC. Total SOC (0-20 cm) plus surface residue C was 3.6 ± 3.6 Mg C ha -1 greater (mean ± standard deviation among six nutrient source x forage utilization comparisons) in the zone nearest shade and water sources than farther away. Sequestration of TSN in the surface 6 cm averaged 8 ± 8 kg N ha -1 yr -1 (mean ± standard deviation among three nutrient source comparisons) when hayed, 31 ± 15 kg N ha -1 yr -1 when left unharvested, and 74 ± 5 kg N ha -1 yr -1 when grazed by cattle with either low or high grazing pressure. These results indicate the large potential of well-managed grazing systems to improve the quality and functioning of soils in the southeastern United States.
Prognostic Implications of p53 Nuclear Overexpression and High Proliferation Index of Ki-67 in Adult Soft-Tissue Sarcomas

BACKGROUND Morphologically similar soft-tissue sarcomas may behave in very different fashions, making it difficult to predict clinical outcomes and to properly design therapeutic interventions. In a preliminary study, we observed that TP53 mutations and nuclear overexpression of p53 protein were frequent events in soft-tissue sarcoma, and we noticed an association between p53-positive phenotype and poor clinical outcome. PURPOSE We examined the potential clinical relevance of p53 overexpression in adults with soft-tissue sarcomas. We also studied the clinical implications of a high proliferation index. METHODS A cohort of 174 adults with soft-tissue sarcomas were analyzed using anti-p53 and anti-Ki-67 antibodies and immunohistochemical assays on consecutive fresh frozen tissue samples. RESULTS We observed a significant association between p53 nuclear overexpression and tumor grade (P = .001) and tumor size (P = .01). Patients displaying a p53-positive phenotype had significantly reduced survival (P = .02). Similarly, a significant difference was observed between high proliferation index and tumor grade (P < .001) and reduced patient survival (P = .03). A high Ki-67 proliferation index was detected in association with p53 nuclear overexpression. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of p53 protein and a high proliferation index strongly correlate with poor clinical outcome and reduced survival in patients having soft-tissue sarcomas.
BRAZILIAN TELEVISION The Decline of American Influence

The rise of Brazilian television is reviewed here showing how TV Globo came to dominate, and how U.S. influences gradually diminished. This “Brazilianization” of television occurred largely due to commercial reasons, as TV Globo gained a virtual monopoly of national advertising in Brazil. Less important were national and international governmental policies. Telenovelas and other TV genres represent programming ideas that have been Brazilianized almost beyond recognition. In fact the author argues that telenovelas have become the paramount form of popular culture since the 1970s in Brazil.
Regulation by insulin of gluconeogenesis in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Abstract Insulin (10 nM) completely suppressed the stimulation of gluconeogenesis from 2 mM lactate by low concentrations of glucagon (⩽0.1 nM) or cyclic AMP (⩽10 μM), but it had no effect on the basal rate of gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes from fed rats. The effectiveness of insulin diminished as the concentration of these agonists increased, but insulin was able to suppress by 40% the stimulation by a maximally effective concentration of epinephrine (1 μM). The response to glucagon, epinephrine, or insulin was not dependent upon protein synthesis as cycloheximide did not alter their effects. Insulin also suppressed the stimulation by isoproterenol or cyclic GMP. These data are the first demonstration of insulin antagonism to the stimulation of gluconeogenesis by catecholamines. Insulin reduced cyclic AMP levels which had been elevated by low concentrations of glucagon or by 1 μM epinephrine. This supports the hypothesis that the action of insulin to inhibit gluconeogenesis is mediated by the lowering of cyclic AMP levels. However, evidence is presented which indicates that insulin is able to suppress the stimulation of gluconeogenesis by glucagon or epinephrine under conditions where either the agonists or insulin had no measurable effect on cyclic AMP levels. Insulin reduced the glucagon stimulation of gluconeogenesis whether or not extracellular Ca2+ were present, even though insulin only lowered cyclic AMP levels in their presence. Insulin also reduced the stimulation by epinephrine plus propranolol where no significant changes in cyclic AMP were observed without or with insulin. In addition, insulin suppressed gluconeogenesis in cells that had been preincubated with epinephrine for 20 min, even though the cyclic AMP levels had returned to near basal values and were unaffected by insulin. Thus insulin may not need to lower cyclic AMP levels in order to suppress gluconeogenesis.
A polypeptide skin test antigen from Nocardia Asteroides. II. Further studies on the specificity of a nocardin active polypeptide.

Nocardin Active Polypeptide (NAP-A), derived from 3 different strains of Nocardia asteroides, was tested for species and strain specificity in guinea pigs, sensitized to 9 species of Nocardia and Streptomyces. There were no cross-reactions with genera other than Nocardia. NAPA-A was specific for N. asteroides. Cross-reactions occurred with N. caviae and only 1 strain of N. brasiliensis. Quantitative differences in specificity were found between various strains of N. asteroides. Thus, the combined antigen, derived from 3 strains of N. asteroides, was found to be the most consistent in producing positive and specific reactions in animals, sensitized to the various N. asteroides strains used in this study. The combined antigen, also, minimized the occasional cross-reaction incurred with N. brasiliensis.
The combustion kinetics of a synthetic paraffinic jet aviation fuel and a fundamentally formulated, experimentally validated surrogate fuel

Abstract A surrogate fuel is formulated in an a priori manner through a combustion property matching technique to emulate the gas phase chemical kinetic combustion phenomena of S-8 POSF 4734, an alternative aviation fuel derived from natural gas via the Fischer–Tropsch process. A fundamental concept is described which identifies n-dodecane and iso-octane as being appropriate surrogate fuel components for the non-aromatic synthetic fuels. The performance of the formulated 51.9/48.1 mole % n-dodecane/iso-octane mixture as a surrogate for the target real fuel is evaluated by the measurement of a series of combustion phenomena exhibited by both fuels including: (1) The oxidative reactivity of stoichiometric mixtures of each fuel in O2/N2 at 12.5 atm and 500–1050 K, for a residence time of 1.8 s at a fixed carbon content of 0.3% using a variable pressure flow reactor. (2) The autoignition behavior of stoichiometric mixtures of each fuel in air at compressed conditions of 667–1223 K and ∼20 atm by the reflected shock technique. (3) The strained extinction limits of diffusion flames of each fuel at 1 atm. The performance of available kinetic models for n-dodecane/iso-octane mixtures is evaluated by analysis of their computations of this experimental data. Furthermore, the impact of oxidation kinetics unique to the mono methylated alkanes which are the dominant molecular structure in synthetic fuels is examined by an experimental study involving the formulation of an n-decane/iso-octane mixture as a surrogate fuel for 2-methyl heptane, a proposed model molecule for such real fuel components.
Separation of Crotalus atrox (Western diamondback rattlesnake) α-proteinase from serine proteinase and hemorrhagic factor activities☆

A method for obtaining Crotalus atrox alpha-proteinase (EC 3.4.24.1) in a pure form has been developed. Fractionation of the crude venom on DEAE-Sepharose, followed by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-150 and chromatography on CM-Sepharose, yielded an alpha-proteinase preparation which showed a single band on disc and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and had an activity on casein approximately twice that previously reported. The enzyme is a nonglycosylated single-chain polypeptide with a molecular weight of 26,738 and a pI of 8.15. Proteolytic activity on casein, alpha 1-antichymotrypsin, and Cl-inhibitor was abolished by treatment of alpha-proteinase with 1 mM EDTA, but full activity was retained in the presence of 1 mM phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. Caseinolytic activity was increased by 33 and 55% in the presence of 10 mM Mg2+ and Ca2+, respectively. Pure alpha-proteinase is devoid of esterolytic activity on H-D-Pro-Phe-Arg-p-nitroanilide (S-2302), benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester, and benzoyl-L-tyrosine ethyl ester. The final preparation has no hemorrhagic factor activity.
Autophagy and disease: always two sides to a problem

Autophagy is a process traditionally known to contribute to cellular cleaning through the removal of intracellular components in lysosomes. In recent years, intensive scrutiny at the molecular level to which autophagy has been subjected has also contributed to expanding our understanding of the physiological role of this pathway. Added to the well-characterized role in quality control, autophagy has proved to be important in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and of the energetic balance, in cellular and tissue remodelling, and cellular defence against extracellular insults and pathogens. It is not a surprise that, in light of this growing number of physiological functions, connections between autophagic malfunction and human pathologies have also been strengthened. In this review, we focus on several pathological conditions associated with primary or secondary defects in autophagy and comment on a recurring theme for many of them, ie the fact that autophagy can often exert both beneficial and aggravating effects on the progression of disease. Elucidating the factors that determine the switch between these dual functions of autophagy in disease has become a priority when considering the potential therapeutic implications of the pharmacological modulation of autophagy in many of these pathological conditions.
The relationship of excess body weight and health-related quality of life: evidence from a population study in Taiwan.

Excess body weight is related to significant morbidity and mortality. However, less is known about the relationship of body weight to health-related quality of life (HRQOL), especially for Asian populations. We examined the relationship of excess weight and HRQOL in a general population sample from Taiwan. This cross-sectional study used a national representative sample (n=14 221) from the 2001 Taiwan National Health Interview Survey. Body weight was categorized using body mass index (BMI in kg/m2) as normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), and obese (⩾30). HRQOL was measured using the Taiwan version of the SF-36. We compared the body weight–HRQOL relationships by age, gender, and status of chronic condition, respectively. We especially used the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to examine the relationships of BMI and HRQOL by taking into account the correlations of HRQOL within households. Four models were developed to adjust sequentially for sets of covariates: Model 1 with no adjustment; Model 2 adjusting for sociodemographic variables; Model 3 adding chronic conditions; Model 4 further adding smoking status. Unadjusted physical HRQOL was best for normal weight, worse for overweight, and worst for obese individuals. For unadjusted mental HRQOL, overweight subjects had at least as good mental domain scores of HRQOL as those with normal weight or obesity, depending on the subscales. As age increased, excess weight was associated with worse physical, but not mental HRQOL. Compared to men, women with excess weight showed a greater deficit in physical HRQOL. Multivariable analyses suggested that obesity was associated with worse physical HRQOL compared to overweight, which, in turn, was worse or comparable to normal weight. Specifically, in the model adjusting for demographic variables, the deficit in physical functioning and physical component scores for the obese vs normal weight were statistical significant (P<0.05) and clinically important difference (effect size ⩾0.3). Both obesity and overweight were associated with higher mental component scores than normal weight, but the effect size was <0.3. In Taiwan, excess weight was related to worse physical, but not mental HRQOL. The lack of impact of increased body weight on mental health status presents a potential challenge to preventing the increases in obesity. More research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which excess weight affects specific domains of HRQOL, and to develop effective prevention strategies.
Peripheral bypass-induced pulmonary and coronary vascular injury. Association with increased levels of tumor necrosis factor.

BACKGROUNDAlthough cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with systemic complement activation and neutrophil sequestration, it is unclear whether bypass-induced vascular injury is localized and dependent on organ ischemia. We hypothesized that other factors perhaps related to placement of a bypass circuit or to blood perfusion of a pump-oxygenator system may produce vascular injury caused by systemically circulating mediators. In dogs, we determined whether application of a systemic venoarterial bypass circuit with pump-oxygenator perfusion but without pulmonary or cardiac flow diversion (peripheral bypass) leads to vascular injury. Since several features of the postperfusion syndrome after bypass resemble sequelae of endotoxin exposure, we also measured circulating endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor levels.METHODS AND RESULTSAnesthetized dogs underwent 2 hours of exposure to a pump-oxygenator with peripheral venoarterial bypass. We used a double indicator measurement of pulmonary and coronary vascular per...
Computed tomography in patients with homonymous visual field defects--A. Clinico-radiologic correlation.

Abstract CT Scans were obtained in 39 patients with homonymous visual field defects and analyzed in conjunction with the results of neurologic and neuro-ophthalmologic examination. Nineteen patients had infarcts involving the optic radiations or the occipital lobes. The CT scan findings correlated with the age, size and location of the infarct. Large hemispheric infarcts were associated with dense homonymous hemianopsias. Six patients in this series had primary or metastasic neoplasm, CT again demonstrated a close correlation between the location of the lesions and the resulting field defects. Six patients had arterio-venous malformations of the occipital lobe. In three of them, CT scans identified an occipital lobe hematoma and separated these patients from those with cerebral infarction.
Can voluntary pollution prevention programs fulfill their promises? Further evidence from the EPA's 33/50 Program

Abstract We examine incentives for firm participation in the EPA's 33/50 Program and the impact of this Program on firm emissions. We use a sample of manufacturing firms from 19 industry groups that were invited to participate in the Program in 1991. We find that while the Program may have attracted some of the most polluting firms, the decline in emissions observed between 1991 and 1995 was the result of an independent trend rather than a direct consequence of the Program as argued by an earlier study published in this Journal .
The behavior of eigenvalues and singular values under perturbations of restricted rank

Abstract A perturbation A + X of a matrix A by a matrix X of rank at most k causes the singular values of A to rise or fall not more than k levels, and all nonnegative real numbers consistent with this condition are achievable as the singular values of A + X for an appropriate X of rank at most k .
Effect of Crystal Packing on Cro Dimer Conformation

X-ray crystallography is the primary method in structural biology for providing information about protein conformation. However, artificial packing forces in the crystal lattice select just a snapshot of a protein’s conformational ensemble, whereas proteins are flexible and may adopt different conformations in order to function. This raises the question, how accurately do X-ray structures describe the solution state of a protein? To address this critical issue, we have established protocols for performing Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation in solution as well as the crystalline environment and for using network analysis to study the conformational ensembles1-3.As a model system, we consider the λ Cro repressor, whose solved X-ray structures range from a closed to an open global conformation. The fully open form is observed both bound and unbound to DNA. Network analysis and a free energy surface constructed from Replica Exchange MD reveal that closed and semi-open conformations are stable in solution, with a modest barrier separating these two states3. Yet the fully open conformation, while accessible, lies higher in free energy, indicating it requires stabilization by DNA or crystal contacts. Since a semi-open state is among the low energy conformations sampled in simulation, we propose that this form may initiate DNA recognition and only minor adjustments are needed to achieve the fully open conformation as observed in the functional complex. Subsequent crystal MD simulations estimated the strength of packing interfaces in the lattice, showing the influence of crystal form and mutation in stabilizing different dimer conformations. Our quantitative results will aid analysis of X-ray data in establishing protein structure-function relationships. [1] Vorontsov, I. I. and Miyashita, O. (2009) Biophys. J., 97, 2532-2540. [2] Campbell, Z. T., et al. (2010) Biophys. J. 99, 4012-4019. [3] Ahlstrom, L. S. and Miyashita, O., submitted.
Energetics of Adsorbed CH3 and CH on Pt(111) by Calorimetry: Dissociative Adsorption of CH3I

The heat of adsorption and sticking probability of methyl iodide were measured on Pt(111) at 95, 215, 270, 300, and 320 K using single crystal adsorption calorimetry (SCAC). On clean Pt(111) at 95 ...
Vitamin D metabolites specific binding by rat intestinal cytosol

Abstract The intestine of ricketic rats, a recognized target tissue of vitamin D, contains s soluble macromolecule capable of specific in vitro binding of both 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol. Its sedimentation behavior on linear 5–20% sucrose gradients suggests as a molecular weight of approximately 100 000. The binding is specific for sterols possessing both an open B ring and 25-hydroxyl group, and is destroyed by pre-incubation with trypsin. The binding affinity for 25-hydroxycholecalciferol ( K A = 2 · 10 9 1/ mole ) was 2.8 times that for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.
Effects on Nonglandular Trichomes of Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. (Asteraceae) on Ingestion, Assimilation, and Growth of the Grasshoppers Hypochlora alba (Dodge) and Melanoplus sanguinipes (F.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) 1

Grasshoppers of the species Hypochlora alba, a specialist on Artemisia ludoviciana, and Melanoplus sanguinipes, a generalist, were individually fed on excised leaves of A. ludoviciana with and without nonglandular trichomes, with a control of M. sanguinipes fed lettuce and wheat bran. Survivorship was highest for H. alba on pubescent leaves and M. sanguinipes on the control diet, and lowest for M. sanguinipes on pubescent leaves. The H. alba groups and M. sanguinipes fed pubescent leaves had the longest development times. Patterns of utilization varied between species and diet groups, but, in general, M. sanguinipes fed pubescent leaves did not differ significantly from the H. alba groups. Results suggest that nonglandular trichomes of A. ludoviciana have little effect on the specialist, H. alba. They do not deter feeding (under no-choice conditions) in the generalist, but they appear to make digestion so energy-expensive that the species cannot grow normally on this plant.
The network project : A multidisciplinary cancer education and training program in pain management, rehabilitation, and psychosocial issues

Abstract Despite recent advances in cancer pain management and education, the undertreatment of cancer pain remains a national health problem. In response to the need for interdisciplinary education and training, we have developed "The Network Project" at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This program includes a 2-week observership in cancer pain management, psychosocial oncology, and cancer rehabilitation. The efficacy of the Network Project Observership Program was evaluated with the use of a knowledge and attitude inventory which contains questions pertaining to cancer pain, psychosocial oncology, and cancer rehabilitation, and follow-up questionnaires completed one year after participation in the program. The knowledge and attitude inventory was completed by each participant both before and after the observership period. Analysis of the 152 observers who participated in the first 3 years of the Network Project's Observership Program demonstrated a significant improvement in knowledge of cancer pain, psychosocial issues, and rehabilitation issues (P