cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glycosaminoglycans and glycosaminoglycan-degrading enzyme of Rana catesbeiana back skin during late stages of metamorphosis.

Abstract The glycosaminoglycans of Rana catesbeiana tadpole and adult frog back skin previously have been shown to be different. Tadpole skin contains essentially only hyaluronic acid, while frog skin contains a mixture of sulfated and nonsulfated glycosaminoglycans similar to the glycosaminoglycans of mammalian skin. Rana catesbeiana back skin glycosaminoglycans during late stages of metamorphosis (climax) have now been examined. At stage XX the distribution of glycosaminoglycans is approximately half way between that of the tadpole and frog. By stage XXII, the changes in glycosaminoglycans are essentially complete. At this point, the pattern is similar to that of the later stages as well as to the pattern of glycosaminoglycan content found in the juvenile and adult frog. There is however, an apparent diminution in total content of glycosaminoglycans as the animal ages. Hyaluronidase activity has been previously demonstrated in the back skin of Rana catesbeiana tadpoles. Similar activity has now been demonstrated in the back skin of animals during late stages of metamorphosis and after completion of metamorphosis. The back skin of the adult Rana catesbeiana bullfrog, however, appears to be devoid of all hyaluronidase activity. The back skin hyaluronidase may be involved in removal of glycosaminoglycans during metamorphosis. The absence of enzymatic activity in the fully grown bullfrog might bear this out. However, there is no direct evidence that the enzyme does function in this capacity.
Electromagnetic Waves in a Three- Dimensional Asymmetric Dielectric Slab Waveguide

The propagation of guided electromagnetic waves in dielectric waveguides has received considerable attention in the engineering literature [l, 5-7. 13, 141. The practical importance of these waves in both communications using optical fibers and in integrated optical circuitry using thin film technology is well known [5-7, 131. The dielectric waveguides used in integrated optics are asymmetric slabs which constitute the simplest optical waveguides. The configuration for such a waveguide consists of three-dimensional Euclidean space decomposed into a horizontal dielectric slab of finite thickness sandwiched between two infinite half spaces; a true waveguide is formed when the ratios of the phase speeds of the half spaces to that of the slab are greater than one. These ratios are the reciprocals of the refractive indices found in [S]. Besides the direct applications in integrated optics, the study of slab waveguides and their properties is often useful in gaining an understanding of the waveguiding properties of more complicated dielectric waveguides. The analysis of this problem is usually carried out using the methods of geometrical (ray) optics and/or a reduction, based on various simplifying assumptions, to finding solutions for the one-dimensional reduced wave equation [S, 6, 13 J. This analysis yields the electromagnetic field as an orthogonal direct sum of TE (transverse electric) and TM(transvese magnetic) radiation modes and TM, TE guided modes which propagate in the slab and decay away from it. The complete set of generalized eigenfunctions obtained below from the spectral analysis of the Maxwell operator in an appropriate Hilbert space are of exactly this same type. This of course is to be expected. The spectral analysis of a similar waveguide problem-electromagnetic waves over a dielectric clad perfect conductor-has been carried out in 31 0022-247X/85 S3.00
The Technical Adequacy of Curriculum-Based Measurement Passage Copying With Secondary School English Language Learners

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of a passage-copying measure that could be used to indicate general writing proficiency among secondary school English language learners. Participants were 57 students in 3 high school English as a second language classes. Alternate-form reliabilities for passage copying were generally in the moderate range; validity coefficients were also moderate. Sufficiently reliable and valid scoring procedures are identified for further study.
Development and experimental characterization of a Multiple Isolated Flux Path reluctance machine

This paper presents an unconventional type of doubly-salient reluctance machine with Multiple Isolated Flux Paths (MIFPs) that has reduced eddy current and hysteresis losses and several other advantages that improve the power and/or torque density over that of comparably sized conventional reluctance machines. The design also offers the potential to reduce torque ripple and acoustic noise emission. A custom simulator was developed to carry out FEA-based geometric optimization and a second nonlinear parametric simulator was developed to conduct control optimization with consideration of impacts from mutual coupling between phases. Although design constraints were based upon vehicle propulsion applications, the machine is scalable and is well-suited for a wide range of applications. Using machine dimensions similar to that of the 2nd generation Toyota Prius, the projected performance of the machine indicates that the MIFP reluctance machine is capable of producing over 50 kW with less than 5% torque ripple using ripple mitigation techniques. In addition to simulation results, this paper also includes experimental results of the MIFP machine on a dynamometer at up to 23.4 kW.
Concepts of drugs: differences in conceptual structure across groups with different levels of drug experience

Seventy-seven college students varying in degree of drug use experience rated the perceived similarities of all possible combinations of 16 drugs classes (cigarettes, other tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, barbiturates, minor and major tranquilizers, amphetamines, amphetamine derivatives, cocaine, heroin, opiates, hallucinogens, inhalants, PCP, anti-depressants). Multi-dimensional scaling (INDSCAL) and network models (PFNET) indicated that abstainers had only one pharmacological category involving sedatives/depressants, and that they attached more importance to whether drugs were licit vs. illicit than to whether they were depressants vs. stimulants. Conceptions became more coherent, differentiated and based on pharmacological properties for more experienced drug users. In line with previous work, groups with greater experience with drugs had more sophisticated conceptions not only about the drugs they had used, but also about drugs they had not used. These findings suggest that early on in drug behavior sophisticated and interrelated concepts are developing that should be taken into account when designing interventions and information campaigns.
Rituximab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Rituximab (Rituxan®; iogen Idec, San Diego, CA, USA) is a human-mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody specific for CD20, a surface glycoprotein expressed on B lymphocytes. Administration of rituximab as a single agent to patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has limited clinical activity, but generally does not eradicate leukemia from the marrow. However, when administered in combination with chemotherapy, rituximab can improve the survival of patients relative to those treated with chemotherapy alone. As a result of this, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the use of rituximab in previously untreated and previously treated CD20-positive CLL in combination with fludarabine monophosphate and cyclophosphamide. The results of clinical studies evaluating the activity of rituximab when used alone or in combination with other antileukemia agents for the treatment of this disease are reviewed here.
Effects of certain operating variables on the continuous solvent extraction of vegetable oils

Data have been secured on the countercurrent extraction of soybean flakes by trichloroethylene in a laboratory extraction pilot plant having a capacity of about 10 lb. per hour. Feed rates and extraction times departed only slightly from a straight line relationship with the speed of the chain used to move the flakes through the extractor. Over the ranges studied, changes in solvent-feed ratios had a much greater effect than the extraction time on the amount of oil extracted. Over a practical range of temperatures with the solvent-feed ratio constant, the residual oil content of the meal showed a straight line relationship with the temperature.
Differentiall behavioral and adrenocortical responses to stress among three macaque species

Behavioral and adrenocortical responses of rhesus (Macaca mulatta), bonnet (M. radiata), and crabeating (M. fascicularis) macaques were compared in their home cages, during exposure to novelty and during physical restraint. Both behavioral and adrenocortical responses differentiated species in each condition. In all conditions, post-test corticosteroid levels were highest for crabeaters and lowest for rhesus. Rhesus were the most active behaviorally, and bonnets were the most passive, while crabeaters exhibited the greatest signs of behavioral disturbance. Relationships between adrenocortical and behavioral responses varied between groups. Both adrenocortical and behavioral profiles were in accord with the behavior of these three species under more natural conditions. The role of psychophysiological responses in general behavioral dispositions toward the environment is discussed. It is concluded that behavioral dispositions, inclusive of psychophysiological responses, may vary qualitatively even among closely related primate species.
A Quantum Mechanical Game of Craps: Teaching the Superposition Principle Using a Familiar Classical Analog to a Quantum Mechanical System

A standard die makes an ideal classical analog to a quantum mechanical system. In this paper, the relationships between an operator, wave functions that are eigenfunctions of the operator, and the corresponding eigenvalues are discussed. While the form of neither the operator nor the total wave function is known, the properties and expectation values for measurements on the system can be predicted. The connection between quantum mechanics and probability is explored using both "normal" and "loaded" dice. Using the orthonormality of the wave functions, the familiar result for the probability of rolling a single value and the expected average value for a large number of rolls are derived. The collapse of the wave function upon measurement of the system, which is analogous to the collapse of the probability distribution upon the die coming to rest, is also discussed.
Role for interleukin-1 in the pathogenesis of hypersensitivity diseases.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a polypeptide product of various cells, is one of the key mediators of the body's response to microbial invasion, inflammation, immunological reactions, and tissue injury. IL-1 is a prominent member of a group of polypeptide mediators now called “cytokines.” Current evidence suggests that IL-1 is not produced in health but that any perturbation such as inflammation or even slight injury triggers the expression of IL-1 genes. The biological effects of IL-1 are manifested in nearly every tissue and organ. These include various proinflammatory effects such as increased production of arachidonate metabolites, synovial cell proteases, activation of basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils, endothelial cell adhesiveness, and stimulation of lymphocyte responses. Control of IL-1 synthesis in certain diseases is often appropriate. Although corticosteroids reduce both the transcription and translation of IL-1, we have recently investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with N-3 (omega-3) fatty acids in human volunteers. The results indicate that increasing the amount of N-fatty acids in the diet decreases the ability of blood mononuclear cells to synthesize IL-1 in vitro. It is suggested that the ameliorative effects of N-3 fatty acid dietary supplements in patients with hypersensitive diseases may be, in part, the result of decreased IL-1 production.
EYESAFE ACTIVE IMAGING OF HARD TARGETS: AN OVERVIEW OF TECHNIQUES UNDER INVESTIGATION BY NVESD

The U.S. Army is actively pursuing 3D active imaging techniques using laser sources emitting at 1.5 μm. This eyesafe short wave infrared (SWIR) waveband is advantageous due to both the improved eye safety and atmospheric propagation through obscurants. NVESD has several active programs in this area, which will be reviewed in this paper. These are: 1) single-pixel scanned imaging laser radar, 2) 2D gated SWIR imaging, and 3) 3D-flash laser radar. These systems are being evaluated for various targeting scenarios, including as potential payloads on unmanned air-vehicles, ground vehicles and other sensor suites. Applications include low-cost long-range target identification, identification of heavily obscured targets, obstacle avoidance, and high resolution imaging.
A stochastic model of translation with −1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting

Many viruses produce multiple proteins from a single mRNA sequence by encoding overlapping genes. One mechanism to decode both genes, which reside in alternate reading frames, is ?1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting. Although recognized for over 25?years, the molecular and physical mechanism of ?1 frameshifting remains poorly understood. We have developed a mathematical model that treats mRNA translation and associated ?1 frameshifting as a stochastic process in which the transition probabilities are based on the energetics of local molecular interactions. The model predicts both the location and efficiency of ?1 frameshift events in HIV-1. Moreover, we compute ?1 frameshift efficiencies upon mutations in the viral mRNA sequence and variations in relative tRNA abundances, predictions that are directly testable in experiment.
An exploratory factor analysis of children's depression inventory scores in young children of substance abusers.

A factor analytic study of scores obtained on the Children's Depression Inventory from a sample of 202 young children (M = 7.5 yr., SD = 2.2) of alcoholics and substance abusers was completed. A principal components factor analysis with an oblique rotation yielded five separate factors related to Negative Self-concept, Acting-out, Somatic/Disturbed Symptoms, Mood, and Hopelessness. In previous factor analytic studies of the Children's Depression Inventory with normal and clinical populations the primary factor obtained was formed by mood-related items. In contrast, the primary factor of the present analysis was formed by items concerning perceptions of self-concept, not mood. These results corroborated previously reported data from the Child Behavior Checklist suggesting that the depressive symptoms displayed by children of substance abusers are related to self-concept and externalization.
Mutations in actin subdomain 3 that impair thin filament regulation by troponin and tropomyosin

Thin filament-mediated regulation of striated muscle contraction involves conformational switching among a few quaternary structures, with transitions induced by binding of Ca2+ and myosin. We establish and exploitSaccharomyces cerevisiae actin as a model system to investigate this process. Ca2+-sensitive troponin-tropomyosin binding affinities for wild type yeast actin are seen to closely resemble those for muscle actin, and these hybrid thin filaments produce Ca2+-sensitive regulation of the myosin S-1 MgATPase rate. Yeast actin filament inner domain mutant K315A/E316A depresses Ca2+ activation of the MgATPase rate, producing a 4-fold weakening of the apparent Ca2+ affinity and a 50% decrease in the MgATPase rate at saturating Ca2+concentration. Observed destabilization of troponin-tropomyosin binding to actin in the presence of Ca2+, a 1.4-fold effect, provides a partial explanation. Despite the decrease in apparent MgATPase Ca2+ affinity, there was no detectable change in the true Ca2+ affinity of the thin filament, measured using fluorophore-labeled troponin. Another inner domain mutant, E311A/R312A, decreased the MgATPase rate but did not change the apparent Ca2+ affinity. These results suggest that charged residues on the surface of the actin inner domain are important in Ca2+- and myosin-induced thin filament activation.
Comparison of Technetium-99m sestamibi and indium-111 octreotide imaging in a patient with Ewing's sarcoma before and after stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND We report the use of two novel nuclide agents, Technetium-99m (99Tc)sestamibi (MIBI) and indium-111 (In-111) octreotide, in comparison with conventional computed tomography (CT) imaging in a patient with metastatic Ewing's sarcoma (ES) before and after high dose chemotherapy with autologous peripheral stem cell transplantation (PSCT). MIBI is taken up actively by metabolically active tumor cells. Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, binds specifically to somatostatin receptors. METHODS The patient was a 20-year-old male with recurrent metastatic ES to the lung. Before and sequentially after high dose chemotherapy and PSCT, the patient was imaged with MIBI. Whole body planar and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were obtained after the injection of 30 mCi of 99Tc MIBI. Prior to PSCT the patient was imaged with 6 mCi In-111 pentreotide. RESULTS Conventional CT scans also were performed. Initial CT revealed pulmonary metastasis in the right lower lobe along with multiple left pleural-based lesions. These lesions were visualized clearly with MIBI. Octreotide detected only the left lung involvement. Sequential MIBI scans after PSCT correlated with tumor reduction in the right lung field and tumor progression in the left lung as well as the development of new pulmonary metastasis. These findings were confirmed on CT. CONCLUSIONS MIBI imaging was highly concordant with CT scanning in the detection of metastatic ES. MIBI scanning holds promise for the direct detection of a variety of human malignancies, and may prove useful as a rapid whole body imaging modality. Cancer 1997; 80:2478-83. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Association between elongation factor‐1α and microtubules in vivo is domain dependent and conditional

Although the precise definition for a microtubule-associated protein (MAP) has been the subject of debate, elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha) fits the most basic criteria for a MAP [Durso and Cyr, 1994a]. It binds, bundles, stabilizes, and promotes the assembly of microtubules in vitro, and localizes to plant microtubule arrays in situ. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo association of EF-1alpha with microtubules was further investigated. Analysis of the in vitro binding data for EF-1alpha and microtubules indicates that EF-1alpha binds cooperatively to the microtubule lattice. In order to investigate the interaction of EF-1alpha with microtubules in vivo, GFP fusions to EF-1alpha or to EF-1alpha truncates were transiently expressed in living plant cells. Using this method, two putative microtubule-binding domains on EF-1alpha were identified: one in the N-terminal domain I and one in the C-terminal domain III. The binding of domain I to microtubules in vivo, like the binding of full-length EF-1alpha, is conditional, and requires incubation in weak, lipophilic organic acids. The binding of domain III to microtubules in vivo, however, is not conditional, and occurs under normal cellular regimes. Furthermore, domain III stabilizes cortical microtubules as determined by their resistance to the anti-microtubule herbicide, oryzalin. Because the accumulation of EF-1alpha onto microtubules is unconditional in the absence of domain I, we hypothesize that domain I negatively regulates the accumulation of EF-1alpha onto microtubules in vivo. This hypothesis is discussed in terms of possible regulatory mechanisms that could affect the accumulation of EF-1alpha onto microtubules within living cells.
Pressure generation at the junction of two microchannels with different depths

In this study, we report the design of a microchip-based hydraulic pump that comprises three glass conduits arranged in a T-geometry, one of which has a 2 mm long segment shallower (0.5-3 microm in depth) than the remaining 15 microm deep microfluidic network. Upon application of an electric field across this microchannel junction, a mismatch in EOF rate is introduced due to a differential in the fluid conductivity across the deep and shallow segments. Using the reported micropump, pressure-driven velocities up to 3.2 mm/s have been generated in a 15 microm deep separation channel for an applied voltage of 1.75 kV allowing us to operate under separation conditions that yield the minimum plate height. Moreover, we have shown that this flow velocity can be maximized by optimizing the depth in the shallow region of the T-geometry. Interestingly however, a simple theory accounting for fluid conductivity differences across microchannels of different depths significantly underestimates the pressure-driven velocities observed in our experiments. The Taylor dispersion coefficient in our system on the other hand compares well with the theoretical predictions reported in the literature. Finally, the functionality of our device has been demonstrated by implementing a reverse-phase chromatographic separation that was driven by the pressure-driven flow generated on-chip.
Nitrite-Generated Nitric Oxide to Protect Against Intimal Hyperplasia Formation

Vascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current vascular therapeutic interventions directed at diseased vessels are restricted in long-term efficacy by the development of intimal hyperplasia and the reformation of flow-limiting disease. The vascular injury and inflammation that ensues from the intervention, especially in the setting of an existing atherosclerotic vascular disease, results in further endothelial dysfunction and subsequent smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration. Although the etiology of intimal hyperplasia is multifactorial, impaired nitric oxide (NO) signaling has been implicated. The vasoprotective properties of NO have been intensely studied, and many investigations have focused on harnessing this biological system for therapeutic benefit. Continued studies investigate the role of impaired NO signaling via the classical arginine/NO synthase (NOS)/NO pathway in the setting of intimal hyperplasia. Furthermore, the possible protective effects of nitrate and nitrite-generated NO via non-NOS-mediated pathways to limit vascular injury have been recently appreciated and will likely prove to be an important vasoregulatory and vasoprotective signaling pathway.
Sustained load crack growth in A533B-1 steel under neutron irradiation in a water environment

Abstract A study of the combined effects of radiation, water and temperature on sustained load crack growth behavior of reactor pressure vessel steel A533B-1 is reported. To complete this study wedge opening loading (WOL) T-type fracture toughness specimens were prepared from a sample of A533B-1 steel which had a copper content of 0.13%. The crack length change was measured after 939 hr of irradiation in a water environment. An electrical potential method was successfully used to measure the crack length of rusted radioactive specimens. Sustained load crack growth occurred at initial stress intensity factor KIi as low as 50 MN /m 3 2 . The value of stress corrosion cracking threshold factor KIscc after neutron irradiation in a water environment appears to be in the range of 47 MN /m 3 2 . The results of neutron irradiation in a water environment are to apparently increase the susceptibility of A533B-1 steel to stress corrosion cracking and hydrogen embrittlement.
Fish Consumption and Stroke Risk in Elderly Individuals: The Cardiovascular Health Study

Background Associations between fish consumption and stroke risk have been inconsistent, possibly because of the differences in types of fish meals consumed. Additionally, such relationships have not been specifically evaluated in the elderly, in whom disease burden may be high and diet less influential. Methods Among 4775 adults 65 years or older (range, 65-98 years) and free of known cerebrovascular disease at baseline in 1989-1990, usual dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. In a subset, consumption of tuna or other broiled or baked fish, but not fried fish or fish sandwiches (fish burgers), correlated with plasma phospholipid long-chain n-3 fatty acid levels. Incident strokes were prospectively ascertained. Results During 12 years of follow-up, participants experienced 626 incident strokes, including 529 ischemic strokes. In multivariate analyses, tuna/other fish consumption was inversely associated with total stroke ( P = .04) and ischemic stroke ( P = .02), with 27% lower risk of ischemic stroke with an intake of 1 to 4 times per week (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55-0.98) and 30% lower risk with intake of 5 or more times per week (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50-0.99) compared with an intake of less than once per month. In contrast, fried fish/fish sandwich consumption was positively associated with total stroke ( P = .006) and ischemic stroke ( P = .003), with a 44% higher risk of ischemic stroke with consumption of more than once per week (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.12-1.85) compared with consumption of less than once per month. Fish consumption was not associated with hemorrhagic stroke. Conclusions Among elderly individuals, consumption of tuna or other broiled or baked fish is associated with lower risk of ischemic stroke, while intake of fried fish or fish sandwiches is associated with higher risk. These results suggest that fish consumption may influence stroke risk late in life; potential mechanisms and alternate explanations warrant further study.
Disruptive influence of osmic acid and unbuffered chromic acid on inclusions of two plant viruses

The various components of Dalton's chrome-osmium were used separately and in sequence. Results were compared with chrome-formalin-osmium, formaldehyde-osmium, and glutaraldehyde-osmium fixed tissues. Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMW) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) inclusions were stable if tissues were fixed with 0.008 M chromate, buffered with phosphate at pH 7.2, but not with unbuffered chromate. Osmic acid post-fixation did not change WSMV inclusions but dissolved TMV inclusions. Osmic acid prefixation destroyed viral inclusion integrity for both viruses. It is shown that when plant tissues are fixed with Dalton's chrome-osmium, osmium prefixation and dichromate postfixation occur. This fixative initially contains a mixture of osmic acid and chromate. With our chrome-osmium fixative, chromate prefixation, and osmic acid postfixation take place. The sequence of fixation of the tissue and pH control, were all important in the maintenance of the viral crystal structure of WSMV and TMV. Glutaraldehyde-osmium fixed tissues appeared leached compared with the chrome—osmium and formaldehyde—osmium fixed tissue and viral inclusions were not preserved.
Draft Genome Sequence of Leucobacter sp. Strain UCD-THU (Phylum Actinobacteria)

ABSTRACT Here we present the draft genome of Leucobacter sp. strain UCD-THU. The genome contains 3,317,267 bp in 11 scaffolds. This strain was isolated from a residential toilet as part of an undergraduate project to sequence reference genomes of microbes from the built environment.
Java – Anmerkungen eines Wirth-Schülers

Die „Internet-Programmiersprache“ Java ist momentan in aller Munde. Leider wird bei der recht marktschreierisch gefuhrten Diskussion um Java haufig unterschlagen, dass viele der Java immanenten Qualitaten keineswegs neu sind, sondern sich (besonders im Umfeld der Sprache Pascal) seit langem bewahren. Der vorliegende Artikel beleuchtet den rasanten Aufstieg von Java, zeigt bislang weitgehend unbekannte Zusammenhange zwischen Java und Pascal auf, und wagt schliesslich eine Prognose uber die Zukunft von Java.
Strengthening of Porous Mullite and Zirconia CMC Matrices by Evaporation/Condensation

A processing method using evaporation/condensation sintering in an HCl atmosphere was developed for strengthening porous materials without shrinkage. Strengthening without shrinkage is useful in preventing voids and cracks that might be formed during constrained densification, e.g., a porous matrix in a continuous fiber reinforced ceramic composite. Mixtures of mullite and zirconia (monoclinic, tetragonal (3 mol% Y2O3), and cubic (8 mol% Y2O3)) were studied and exposed to HCl vapor at temperatures up to 1300°C. It was observed that the evaporation–condensation mass transport process produced a porous material with minimal shrinkage. As the crystal structure of the starting tetragonal and cubic zirconia powders did not change after extensive coarsening, it appeared that zirconium and yttrium were transported in the same proportion via evaporation/condensation. The process produced significant coarsening of the zirconia grains, which made the material resistant to densification when heated to 1200°C in air. Because the sintering produced coarsening without shrinkage, the pores also coarsened and a porous microstructure was retained. Mixtures of mullite and zirconia were used because mullite does not densify under the processing conditions used here, namely, heat treatments up to 1300°C. The mullite particles acted as a non-densifying second phase to further inhibit shrinkage when the mullite/zirconia composite was heated up to 1200°C in air. The coarsened cubic zirconia plus mullite mixture had the least densification after heat treatments in air of 100 h at 1200°C.
Chlorophyll a in bilayer membranes. I. The thermal phase diagram with distearoylphosphatidylcholine

Abstract Several groups have introduced chlorophyll a into artificial bilayer membranes in an attempt to develop a model system for studying the behavior of chlorophyll in the photosynthetic membrane. In order to investigate the organization of chlorophyll in these model systems, mixed bilayer systems containing chlorophyll a and distearoylphosphatidylcholine under conditions of excess water have been studied by differential thermal analysis. The resulting data suggest a phase diagram for this system consisting of a double eutectic with formation of a thermodynamic compound of defined stoichiometry between chlorophyll a and phospholipid at temperatures below the liquidus. The phase diagram may be simulated to obtain thermodynamic parameters characteristic of the compound phase. It is apparent that the organization and intermolecular interactions of chlorophyll in a bilayer membrane can very widely depending on the temperature and composition of the system. In particular, phase separation can occur within the membrane over certain temperature ranges, resulting in an inhomogeneous system. Thus in interpreting the physical and spectroscopic properties of chlorophyll a in bilayer membranes, it is essential to consider the phase state of the membrane and the organization and environment of the chlorophyll in the particular phase.
Avida-MDE: a digital evolution approach to generating models of adaptive software behavior

Increasingly, high-assurance applications rely on autonomic systems to respond to changes in their environment. The inherent uncertainty present in the environment of autonomic systems makes it difficult for developers to identify and model resilient autonomic behavior prior to deployment. In this paper, we propose Avida-MDE, a digital evolution approach to the generation of behavioral models (i.e., a set of interacting finite state machines) that capture autonomic system behavior that is potentially resilient to a variety of environmental conditions. We use an evolving population of digital organisms to generate behavioral models, where the organisms are subjected to natural selection and are rewarded for generating behavioral models that meet developer requirements. To illustrate this approach, we successfully applied it to the generation of behavioral models describing the navigation behavior of an autonomous robot.
The mammography screening controversy: who and what is heard in the press?

Abstract The objective of this project was to analyze newspaper coverage of the January 2000 meta-analysis by Gotzsche and Olsen, “Is screening for breast cancer with mammography justified?” [Lancet 355 (2000) 129]. A content analysis was performed on a comprehensive set of newspaper clippings from the UK during the 2 weeks following publication of the Lancet article. The original authors were most quoted in Wave 1 (the first weekend); the screening programme was most quoted in Wave 2 (week 2). Screening programme description, and the “quality” of the Lancet article dominated Wave 1; patient testimonials increased in Wave 2. Newspaper articles were structured as debates between experts and advocates, thereby enhancing polarisation of opinion. We suggest this is counter-productive to evidence-based patient choice and public involvement in decision-making. Medical journals’ and charities’ press releases that begin to include discussion of uncertainty inherent in medical technologies can contribute to evidence-based public deliberation.
OFDMA capacity analysis and subcarrier allocation in MIMO Channels

This paper studies the performance of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) in the multiuser multicarrier MIMO (M3) system for both uplink (UL) and down-link (DL) channels. We numerically quantify the performance gap between OFDMA and the optimal multicarrier solution. We also derive simple but near optimal algorithms to solve the generic OFDMA resource allocation problem in different scenarios.
Studies on the mechanism of action of hexamethylene bisacetamide, a potent inducer of erythroleukemic differentiation.

Abstract Hexamethylene bisacetamide (diacetyldiamino hexane) is a potent inducer of erythroid differentiation in murine erythroleukemia cells. Hexamethylene bisacetamide and the closely related pentamethylene bisacetamide were synthesized with radioactive labels in various portions of the molecule and the uptake, metabolism, and intracellular distribution determined. Bisacetamides are taken up by the cell; an intracellular concentration equal to the extracellular concentration is achieved by 6–8 h. Commitment to differentiation is not detected until at least 10 h after equilibration. Both uptake and commitment to differentiate are concentration and temperature dependent. The majority of the compound is deacetylated upon cell entry and the acetate portion incorporated nonspecifically into lipid and protein. Acetate competes with the incorporation of hexamethylene bisacetamide into protein and lipid, but does not affect inducing activity. The diamine portion of the molecule is detected only in the cytoplasm, in a trichloroacetic acid-soluble and acetylated form, whereas the acetate moiety is detected in both cytoplasm and nucleus and in both a trichloroacetic acid-soluble and insoluble form. The cellular uptake of diamines and bisacetamides (acetylated diamines) are similar, but acetylation of the diamine greatly increases inducing activity.
A computer model of cerebellar purkinje cells

Abstract A mathematical computer model of frog Purkinje cells is generated on the basis of presentday morphological and physiological data. The model utilizes passive cable equations and the Hodgkin & Huxley equations describing ionic conductances in excitable membranes. It comprises 62 compartments, the active and passive properties being specified independently for each compartment. The morphological properties of the model were obtained from computer reconstruction and direct observation of Golgi-stained Purkinje cells. Three forms of activation were utilized to test the adequacy of the model: (1) antidromic invasion, (2) orthodromic invasion via the parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapse, and (3) climbing fiber activation. It was shown that the electrophysiological parameters available in the literature make it possible to construct a model capable of demonstrating most of the electrical properties of Purkinje cells, such as antidromic invasion and the ability to generate simple spikes and spike bursts. Questions such as the mechanism of generation of climbing fiber bursts were analyzed. The model may be used as a heuristic tool to help in the analysis and interpretation of electrophysiology and as a prototype element in the construction of more complex computer simulations of neuronal circuits.
Changing Epstein-Barr viral ZEBRA protein into a more powerful activator enhances its capacity to disrupt latency.

Abstract The Epstein-Barr viral transcriptional activator ZEBRA induces expression of viral early lytic genes when introduced into cells bearing latent Epstein-Barr virus. We show here that a ZEBRA-herpes simplex viral protein 16 (VP16) fusion protein induces early viral lytic gene expression in Epstein-Barr virus-containing cells more efficiently than does wild-type ZEBRA. The fusion protein is also a more powerful transcriptional activator in these cells, as assayed with reporter constructs. Our experiments also suggest that ZEBRA manifests a function required for full activity on certain natural promoters but not on promoters bearing oligomerized ZEBRA binding sites; this function cannot be provided by VP16.
Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: experience with 100 consecutive surgical patients.

One hundred newborns with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were treated surgically according to a uniform protocol between July, 1980 and June, 1988. The infants (53 females, 47 males) weighed between 600 and 3,800 g, averaging 1,500 g. Twenty-eight weighed less than or equal to 1,000 g, 38 weighed from 1,001 g to 1,500 g, and 34 weighed more than 1,500 g. Median age at the time of surgery was 14 days. Surgery was performed for pneumoperitoneum in 40, a “positive” paracentesis in 51, and for other reasons in 9 infants. A paracentesis was performed if intestinal gangrene was suspected clinically. Resection of gangrenous bowel with exteriorization was the usual procedure; in only 5 patients was primary closure performed. The hospital survival for the infants was 54% for the group weighing less than or equal to 1,000 g, 74% for the group weighing from 1,001 g to 1,500 g, and 79% for the group weighing more than 1,500 g. Overall hospital survival was 70%; it was 81% for those having a definitive procedure (excluding 14 infants with NEC “totalis”). There were 3 late deaths from causes unrelated to NEC. Significant long-term complications included failure-to-thrive in 23% and stricture formation in 30% of the survivors. Long-term follow-up showed gastrointestinal status to be normal in 74%; only 8% have persistent major gastrointestinal dysfunction. Mental and motor development was considered grossly normal in only 53% of the patients.
Growing “Nanofruit” Textures on Photo-Crosslinked SU-8 Surfaces through Layer-by-Layer Grafting of Hyperbranched Poly(Ethyleneimine)

We report the growth of hierarchical nanostructures on a photo-crosslinked SU-8 surface through alternating layer-by-layer Michael addition reactions between poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and dipentaerythritol pentaacrylate (SR399) to generate grafted hyperbranched poly(ester amines) (HPEA). Initial surface treatment with acryloyl chloride (AC) in toluene partially swelled the polymer network, resulting in the formation of “nano-cranberry” domes (∼100 nm in diameter), whose size and density could be varied by the choice of solvent, concentration, and reaction time of acryloyl chloride. The subsequent layer-by-layer grafting of hyperbranched PEI led to the formation of surfaces evocative of “nano-strawberries”, “nano-raspberries” and “nano-pineapples”, each of which consisted of ∼16−21 nm “nanoseeds” grown on top of and between the nanodomes. The complexity and coverage of the seeds can be manipulated by the generation and molecular weight of PEI grafts. In contrast, when the cross-linked SU-8 surface was init...
Professionalism in Early Childhood Teacher Education: Focus on Ethics

(1995). Professionalism in Early Childhood Teacher Education: Focus on Ethics. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 13-15.
Identifying gaps and blind spots in competitive intelligence

Abstract As a result of the intensification and globalization of competition in most fields, the use of competitive intelligence (Cl) in strategic decisions has grown in potential importance. Yet evidence exists that many companies have serious blind spots concerning their competitors' capabilities, intentions and possible reactions to offensive moves. This article introduces a relatively simple but systematic approach to identifying and studying competitive blind spots and facilitating the effective use of Cl in strategic decisions. Applying this approach retrospectively in two companies, and prospectively in a third, we found that if identified serious gaps in Cl, which, in all cases, may have contributed to results shortfalls.
Learning query-class dependent weights in automatic video retrieval

Combining retrieval results from multiple modalities plays a crucial role for video retrieval systems, especially for automatic video retrieval systems without any user feedback and query expansion. However, most of current systems only utilize query independent combination or rely on explicit user weighting. In this work, we propose using query-class dependent weights within a hierarchial mixture-of-expert framework to combine multiple retrieval results. We first classify each user query into one of the four predefined categories and then aggregate the retrieval results with query-class associated weights, which can be learned from the development data efficiently and generalized to the unseen queries easily. Our experimental results demonstrate that the performance with query-class dependent weights can considerably surpass that with the query independent weights.
Throughput analysis of a slotted frequency-hopped spread spectrum multiple access network

A link throughput analysis is presented for a slotted frequency-hop, spread-spectrum, multiple-access packet radio network (PRN) operating in the presence of background noise. The PRN consists of an arbitrary number of radio units arranged in a paired-off topology. Forward error correction coding is used for packet protection. M-ary frequency-shift-keying (FSK) modulation is used with hard decision decoding. Expressions are derived for the link throughput in terms of the channel cutoff rate and capacity. With the objective of maximizing the link throughput, the dependency of the optimal processing gain and code rate on the population size, traffic intensity, and bit signal-to-noise ratio is examined in detail. >
Left Labor Agitators in the Pacific Rim of the Early Twentieth Century

As part of the global circulation of capital and labor in the early twentieth century, labor and left activists traveled throughout the Pacific Rim. Highlighting the biographical and political journeys of two important left labor agitators of the period, Patrick Hickey and J. B. King, this essay considers the role of the agitator and the meaning of the left for the mobilization of working people during the first three decades of the twentieth century. Hickey and King both had early experiences with radical unions in North America, Hickey with the Western Federation of Miners in Utah and King with the Industrial Workers of the World in British Columbia. Their paths intersected in the formation of the left Federation of Labour (the “Red Feds”) in New Zealand. Both went on to play significant roles in Australian left labor circles in the years before, during, and after the First World War. Diverging over strategy and tactics during this time, Hickey became involved with the Labor Party of Australia and King eventually joined the Communist Party of Australia. Their biographical and political journeys reveal significant insights into the splits within the left and the public role of left labor agitators in the Pacific Rim during this period.
The Public Face of Chinatown: Actresses, Actors, Playwrights, and Audiences of Chinatown Theaters in San Francisco during the 1920s

In the twentieth century, elaborate and prosperous Chinatown theaters in New York and San Francisco (from the 1920s to the early 1930s) constituted a golden age of Cantonese opera in the United States, a vivid musical life that has been almost completely expunged from U.S. cultural memory. Seeking a historical narrative for this musical past—preserving those vivid sonorities and glamorous images that “threaten to disappear irretrievably”—entails an examination of the actresses, actors, musicians, and playwrights who enlivened the stages of these opera theaters, as well as the audiences who flocked to see them. In particular, this study sheds light on the significance of the performers named on the daily playbills and pictured in newspapers or on immigration bond papers. The images and sonorities extend beyond the bounds of the theaters to epitomize the Chinese community. The study not only offers a significant window into the interior layers of the music lives of Chinese America, but also reflects on the Chinatown community's sense of its musical and artistic self.
Carrier Lifetime as a Developmental and Diagnostic Tool in Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells

Minority carrier lifetime measurements were used to optimize processes for amorphous/crystalline silicon heterojunction solar cells. A blue filter highlights surface lifetime and is used to determine the interaction between the front and rear depositions. On n-type substrates, depositing the front p-type layer first led to contamination of the rear surface such that a subsequent n-type deposition on the rear intended as a back surface field had no passivating quality and giving cells with low open-circuit voltages only 580 mV. Switching the order of deposition and depositing the rear n-layer first, improved the quality of the rear passivation and subsequently increased open circuit voltages to over 620 mV; without intrinsic buffer layers. Depositions of intrinsic material resulted in lifetimes of 2.4 ms, and wafer cleaning was found to have a significant impact on measured lifetime. Finally, immersion in hydrofluoric acid was found to be the easiest way to measure substrate lifetime above 1 ms.
Category Similarity Effects in Children's Semantic Memory Retrieval.

Abstract Fourth-, sixth-, and eighth-grade students were required to indicate whether or not a stimulus word belonged in either of two semantic categories that were held in memory. Each category pair was either semantically similar or semantically dissimilar. The results indicated that even for the youngest children, similar categories required less search time than dissimilar categories. It was suggested that while dissimilar categories had to be accessed successively prior to search, subjects were able to consolidate similar categories into a superordinate group which eliminated the time to shift from one category to another during search. The results were contrasted with clustering studies which have demonstrated a minimal amount of memory facilitation in children for conceptually related items over unrelated items.
Homeostatic interactions: a longitudinal study of biological, psychosocial and family variables in children with cystic fibrosis

A two-year longitudinal study of thirty-five children used data gathered from pulmonary function tests, clinical measurements and standardized tests of depression, self-esteem and family environment to illustrate homeostatic interactions among biological and psychosocial adaptation to cystic fibrosis. Despite physical deterioration over the course of the study, children with cystic fibrosis reported lower depression and higher self-esteem than population norms, and improvements in psychological functioning. Decline in biological indicators of health was associated with increases on an index based on Family Environmental Scales (FES), subscales of cohesion, expressiveness and organization, and maintenance of high self-esteem and low depression. Presence of additional major life stressors was associated with deterioration in pulmonary function, higher levels of depression and poorer scores on the FES. These findings suggest that homeostatic interactions between children's health status and family functioning may moderate the physical and psychological sequelae of cystic fibrosis.