cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of contrast medium concentration and depth effects on the radiographic appearance of specific canine urolith mineral types

Nine pure mineral types of canine uroliths (bladder or urethral origin only) identified in a chronologic sample from the Minnesota Urolith Center were compared to sequential dilutions of iodinated radiographic contrast medium in vitro. The uroliths studied were those composed of 100% magnesium ammonium phosphate, calcium oxalate monohydrate, calcium oxalate dihydrate, calcium phosphate appatite, calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (brushite), ammonium acid urate, sodium acid urate, cystine, and silica. The radiopacity of the uroliths was classified as radiolucent, isopaque, or radiopaque, as compared to the radiopacity of the contrast medium solutions in which they were placed, using 2.0 mm and 5.0 mm depths in petri dishes radiographed using a table-top technique. A statistically significant relationship was found between the effective atomic number of the uroliths and the effective atomic number of the contrast medium solutions to which they were compared for the endpoints of isopacity, first lucency (in increasing iodine concentration sequence), and optimal visualization of internal architecture. In general, uroliths isopaque or radiolucent in contrast medium solutions weaker than 23.5 mgI2/ml are most likely ammonium acid urate or sodium acid urate. Uroliths isopaque or radiolucent in contrast medium solutions between 23.5 mgI2/ml and 44.4 mgI2/ml are probably magnesium ammonium phosphate, cystine, or silica. Uroliths that remained radiopaque in solutions stronger than 44.4 mgI2/ml, and particularly those radiopaque in contrast medium solutions stronger than 80 mgI2/ml, almost always contained calcium. This relative opacity assessment is proposed for use in double contrast cystography as an aid in differentiating urolith mineral types clinically to facilitate appropriate use of medical protocols to dissolve uroliths or to prevent their growth or recurrence.
Cross-Class Interviewing An Analysis of Interaction and Communicative Styles

When an interviewer attempts to elicit information from a respondent, he is both in face-to-face interaction and in a communicative situation. If the respondent and interviewer are of different social classes, then an opportunity exists to watch interaction and communication of a rather special kind. Most conversations between classes probably occur in fairly formalized or routinized situations, rather unlike that which occurs during an interview—particularly when the interview is lengthy, personal, and only moderately structured. Analysis of cross-class interviewing—indeed of any interviewing—in terms of interaction and styles of communication ought rather quickly to pay rich dividends toward our understanding of these related matters.
A length-based, multiple-resource formulation for shortest path network interdiction problems in the transportation sector

Abstract This paper analyzes a variation of the shortest path network interdiction problem for homeland security scenarios pertaining to attacks on critical infrastructure and key resources that use highways in the transportation sector as conduits for gaining proximity to targets. The model represents a static Stackelberg game and may be formulated as a bi-level mixed integer program with two players: an attacker and a defender. Using highway segments as arcs, a set of predetermined highway entry points and a target set, the attacker seeks the path of maximum non-detection between any entry and target node. The defender impacts the minimum value of this maximum non-detection path through the allocation of a limited number of defense sensors that reduce the non-detection probabilities for arcs that fall within the range of influence of a sensor. Two types of sensors, static and dynamic sensors, are available to the defender and separate influence functions model their respective effects on arc non-detection. A geographic information system is used to collect, store and process network information and sensor influence information stored in a relational database. The results of the problem formulation are analyzed in a case study involving a California highway sub-network. The case study also examines the effects of sensor parameters, budget levels and target sets on the solutions that are obtained.
A unimodal hazard rate function and its failure distribution

A unimodal hazard rate function is suggested to model a failure rate that has a relatively high rate of failure in the middle of expected life time. This unimodal hazard rate function has two shape parameters. One of the parameters indicates the location (time) of the mode and the other controls the height of the mode. In effect, these two parameters index the class of unimodal hazard rate functions. The reliability function and the failure density function of the unimodal hazard rate function are relatively uncomplicated and mathematically tractable. The properties of the unimodal hazard rate function and the failure density function are investigated. The maximum likelihood method is used for the inference concerning the two parameters and an example based on real data is presented. This unimodal hazard rate function is particularly useful when the time of the peak failure rate is of prime interest. The failure distribution provides a practical way of estimating the peak failure time.
Mixtures of fine-grained minerals - kaolinite and carbonate grains

The behavior of mineral mixtures can be significantly different from the behavior of the individual components of the mixture due to differences between the mechanical and chemical properties of the individual minerals, and their ensuing effects on interparticle interactions and fabric formation. This study examines mixtures of kaolinite and calcium carbonate at different mass fractions using sedimentation, viscosity, and liquid-limit tests. These macroscale tests represent a wide range of solid-volume fractions and strain levels, with emphasis on high water-content conditions to magnify the effects of electrical forces. The results demonstrate that interparticle interactions depend on mineral surface-fluid effects, particle geometry, relative particle size, and solids content. With small solids contents, the kaolinite/calcium carbonate mixture behavior is a function of electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged mineral particles that promote flocculation; however, with large solids contents, the specific surface area of the minerals is the controlling factor. These results are relevant to many natural soil environments and to the possible development of engineered mineral mixtures for industrial applications.
Multiple walker recognition using wireless distributed pyro-electric sensors

One goal of our research is to make wireless distributed pyroelectric sensor nodes an alternative to the centralized infrared video sensors, with lower cost, lower detectability, lower power consumption and computation workload, and less privacy infringement. To improve the identification rate and the number of people that can be recognized, one-by-one or simultaneously, we employ multiple sensor nodes to leverage the performance of the distributed sensor system. By using multiple sensor nodes the proposed biometric modality can be extended to the higher-security applications of walker recognition, and facilitate multiple human tracking.
Male backspace availability in the giant waterbug (Belostoma flumineum say)

Following bouts of courtship and copulation, female giant waterbugs (Belostoma flumineum Say) deposit eggs on the backs of their mates. Throughout a 6– to 12-day brooding period, males display several behaviors that are vital to egg-nymph survival. Consequently, females depend on male post-copulatory behaviors for successful reproduction and the possibility exists for male backspace availability to limit female reproduction in this species. I studied seasonal trends and factors that affect male backspace availability in populations of B. flumineum in east-central Illinois (USA). Early in the spring/summer, giant waterbug populations are relatively small and a large majority (188/205=91.7%) of the males are egg-laden; males experimentally added to the population during this period quickly became encumbered. In contrast, later in the summer after young-of-the-year emerge as adults, the waterbug population density increases dramatically and fewer (670/1274\2= 52.6%) of the males are encumbered (egg-laden). Of the males that are egg-laden both early and late in the season, significantly more are completely encumbered (i.e., 100% of the dorsum egg covered) early in the spring. The adult sex ratio is generally not biased and the number of eggs/pad that completely covers a male approximates a full ovarian complement. Therefore, these factors probably do not cause male backspace to become limited. The primary factor that appears to limit male backspace availability is the ability of females to synthesize a second partial clutch in a short time, often within 1 to 4 days. Females are capable of ovipositing partial clutches on 12 males within 30 days, whereas male brooding period is temperature dependent and ranges from 6 to 13 days. Newly emerged males are capable of breeding significantly sooner than can newly emerged females, thereby creating ample oviposition substrate for the females in the population after young-of-the-year adults appear. The evolution of sex-role reversal is not well understood; however it should not evolve in waterbugs unless male backspace limits female reproduction. Such a situation appears to exist in B. flumineum early in the season but not later in the summer.
Comment on "Regulations, Market Structure, Institutions, and the Cost of Financial Intermediation"

"Regulations, Market Structure, Institutions, and the Cost of Financial Intermediation," by Demirguc-Kunt, Laeven, and Levine (2004, this issue of JMCB) offers another piece to a larger puzzle constructed over the past ten years linking finance to economic performance. Starting with King and Levine (1993), over the past ten years an impressive array of facts has been assembled supporting the proposition that the size and efficiency of financial markets and institutions can have a causal impact on long-run growth. We now know, for example, that predetermined measures of financial market depth predict future growth; that industrial sectors relying heavily on external sources for cash to support investment benefit more from good finance than industries that rely on internally generated funds (Rajan and Zingales 1998); and that financial liberalizations seem to be followed by faster growth (Jayaratne and Strahan, 1996, Bekaert, Harvey, and Lundblad, 2003). The key challenge for this research has been to overcome the possibility that causality flows from the performance of the economy to the financial system, rather than the other way around. If financial resources seek the highest return, then we would expect a strong correlation between finance, return on capital, and economic growth. Where the economy leads, finance follows. The causality objection has been met by using timing, by emphasizing differential effects of finance across sectors, or by seeking plausibly exogenous policy or regulatory innovations. Any individual
Role of the Sigma-1 receptor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting spinal cord motoneurons (MN) with an associative connection to Frontotemporal Lobar Dementia (FTLD). The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) bound Sigma-1 Receptor (S1R) chaperone protein localizes to specialized ER cisternae within 10 nm of the plasma membrane in spinal cord ventral horn cholinergic post synaptic C-terminals. Removal of the S1R gene in the Superoxide Dismutase-1 (SOD-1) mouse model of ALS exacerbated the neurodegenerative condition and resulted in a significantly reduced longevity when compared to the SOD-1/S1R wild type (WT) mouse. The proposed amelioration of the ALS phenotype by the S1R is likely due to a “brake” on excitation of the MN as evidenced by a reduction in action potential generation in the MN of the WT when compared to the S1R KO mouse MN. Although the precise signal transduction pathway(s) regulated by the S1R in the MN has/have not been elucidated at present, it is likely that direct or indirect functional interactions occur between the S1R in the ER cisternae with voltage gated potassium channels and/or with muscarinic M2 receptor signaling in the post synaptic plasma membrane. Possible mechanisms for regulation of MN excitability by S1R are discussed.
Infrared and Computational Studies of the Adsorption of Methanol and Ethanol on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

The adsorption of methanol and ethanol on room-temperature single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) has been investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and two-level ONIOM calculations. Whereas methanol does not adsorb onto SWCNTs at room temperature, ethanol does adsorb molecularly under these conditions. The IR data show that the adsorbed ethanol is in an environment quite similar to that of liquid ethanol. Comparison to studies of clusters of ethanol indicates that adsorbed ethanol molecules likely form cyclic clusters of four or more molecules, and ONIOM calculations suggest that these clusters can form inside the largest-diameter nanotubes in the sample. The nature of ethanol adsorption has implications for previously reported measurements of changes in the electrical properties of SWCNTs upon ethanol adsorption.
Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in patients with solid tumors without acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) developed in two patients with solid tumors without acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In patients with neoplastic solid tumors, as in those with hematologic malignancies, Pneumocystis is a possible cause of pneumonia. Management protocols evaluating pulmonary infiltrates in this patient population must include tests for PCP.
Optimization Of Plasmas For Recombination-Pumped Short-Wavelength Lasers

We report on experiments investigating the optimization of laser-ablated plasmas which are used to produce recombination-pumped, short-wavelength lasers. We evaluate the density of electrons and neutral atoms in laser ablated lithium and carbon plasmas as a function of time and distance away from the ablated target surface. We use an interferometric technique which can reveal information about the temperature of the plasma electrons. We find that the cold electrons which result in gain in recombination-pumped lithium lasers on the Lyman-\ensuremath{\alpha} transition are produced by the high-intensity pump pulse rather than the lower intensity ablating pulse.
Frontotemporal dementia: Its definition, differential diagnosis, and management

Background: Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is defined as primary neurodegeneration of the anterior temporal and/or frontal lobes resulting in a group of associated conditions marked by changes in cognition, language, personality, and social functioning. FTD was previously thought to be a rare disease. However, researchers report that FTD is the third most common form of dementia. Because adults with FTD have deficits in language, cognition, and behaviour, familiarity with FTD subtypes, associated deficits, and currently available management strategies is warranted. Aims: The aims of this tutorial are (a) to define frontotemporal dementia including behavioural and language characteristics of the three clinically distinct FTD subtypes (frontotemporal variant, nonfluent progressive aphasia, semantic dementia); (b) to identify similarities and differences between FTD and Alzheimer's dementia; and (c) to discuss management strategies for patients with FTD. Main Contribution: Different subtypes and presentations...
Recent Age-and Gender-Specific Trends in Mortality during Stroke Hospitalization in the United States:

BackgroundAdvancements in diagnosis and treatment have resulted in better clinical outcomes after stroke; however, the influence of age and gender on recent trends in death during stroke hospitalization has not been specifically investigated. We assessed the impact of age and gender on nationwide patterns of in-hospital mortality after stroke.MethodsData were obtained from all US states that contributed to the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. All patients admitted to hospitals between 1997 and 1998 (n = 1 351 293) and 2005 and 2006 (n = 1 202 449), with a discharge diagnosis of stroke (identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes), were included. Time trends for in-hospital mortality after stroke were evaluated by gender and age group based on 10-year age increments ( 84) using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsBetween 1997 and 2006, in-hospital mortality rates decreased across time in all sub-groups (all P ...
BOUND NEONATAL LYMPHOCYTES AFFECT THE GROWTH OF CANDIDA ALBICANS. † 1792

In human neonates and preterm infants, fungal infections produce significant morbidity and mortality. Human adult lymphocytes activated by Interleukin-2 (IL-2) closely adhere and inhibit the growth of hyphae forms ofCandida albicans. We hypothesized that neonatal lymphocytes, have decreased adherence to hyphae and therefore decreased capacity to inhibit the growth of C. albicans.
Unmanned Ground Vehicle Navigation in Coordinate-Free and Localization-Free Wireless Sensor and Actuator Networks

We present a set of algorithms for the navigation of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) towards a set of pre-identified target nodes in coordinate-free and localization-free wireless sensor and actuator networks. The UGVs are equipped with a set of wireless listeners that provide sensing information about the potential field generated by the network of actuators. Two main navigation scenarios are considered: single-UGV, single-destination navigation and multi-UGV, multi-destination navigation. For the single-UGV, single-destination case, we present both centralized and distributed navigation algorithms. Both algorithms share a similar two-phase concept. In the first phase, the system assigns level numbers to individual nodes based on their hop distance from the target nodes. In the second phase, the UGV uses the potential field created by the network of actuators to move towards the target nodes, requiring cooperation between triplets of actuator nodes and the UGV. The hop distance to the target nodes is used to control the main moving direction while the potential field, which can be measured by listeners on the UGV, is used to determine the UGV's movement. For the multi-UGV, multi-destination case, we present a decentralized allocation algorithm such that multiple UGVs avoid converging to the same destination. After each UGV determines its destination, the proposed navigation scheme is applied. The presented algorithms do not attempt to localize UGVs or sensor nodes and are therefore suitable for operating in GPS-free/denied environments. We also present a study of the communication complexity of the algorithms as well as simulation examples that verify the proposed algorithms and compare their performances.
Relaxation of domain wall nuclear spins via magnon interactions in Fe

Abstract The position and temperature dependence of longitudinal relaxation rates, T1 of 57Fe nuclei in domain walls indicate that the main relaxation mechanism below 295 °K is emission or absorption of a single bulk magnon.
A bivariate interval censorship model for partnership formation

We consider a statistical problem of estimating a bivariate age distribution of newly formed partnership. The study is motivated by a type of data that consist of uncensored, right-censored, left-censored, interval-censored and missing observations in the coordinates of a bivariate random vector. A model is proposed for formulating such type of data. A feasible algorithm to estimate the generalized MLE (GMLE) of the bivariate distribution function is also proposed. We establish asymptotic properties for the GMLE under a discrete assumption on the underlying distributions and apply the method to the data set.
Nanoprodrugs of NSAIDs: Preparation and Characterization of Flufenamic Acid Nanoprodrugs

We demonstrated that hydrophobic derivatives of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)flufenamic acid (FA), can be formed into stable nanometer-sized prodrugs (nanoprodrugs) that inhibit the growth of glioma cells, suggesting their potential application as anticancer agent. We synthesized highly hydrophobic monomeric and dimeric prodrugs of FA via esterification and prepared nanoprodrugs using spontaneous emulsification mechanism. The nanoprodrugs were in the size range of 120 to 140 nm and physicochemically stable upon long-term storage as aqueous suspension, which is attributed to the strong hydrophobic interaction between prodrug molecules. Importantly, despite the highly hydrophobic nature and water insolubility, nanoprodrugs could be readily activated into the parent drug by porcine liver esterase, presenting a potential new strategy for novel NSAID prodrug design. The nanoprodrug inhibited the growth of U87-MG glioma cells with IC50 of 20 μM, whereas FA showed IC50 of 100 μM, suggesting that more efficient drug delivery was achieved with nanoprodrugs.
The interface between transcriptional and epigenetic control of effector and memory CD8⁺ T-cell differentiation

Immunity to many intracellular pathogens requires the proliferation, differentiation, and function of CD8(+) cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). While the majority of effector CTLs die upon clearance of the pathogen, a small proportion of them survive to become long-lived memory CTLs. Memory CTLs can provide protective immunity against re-exposure to the same pathogen and are the principle motivation behind T-cell- based vaccine design. While a large body of cellular immunologic research has proven invaluable to define effector and memory CTLs by their different phenotypes and functions, an emerging focus in the field has been to understand how environmental cues regulate CTL differentiation on a genomic level. Genome-wide studies to profile transcriptional and epigenetic changes during infection have revealed that dynamic changes in DNA methylation patterns and histone modifications accompany transcriptional signatures that define and regulate CTL differentiation states. In this review, we emphasize the importance of epigenetic regulation of CD8(+) T-cell differentiation and the likely role that transcription factors play in this process.
Coordinated activation of the nuclear ubiquitin ligase Cul3-SPOP by the generation of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate.

Phosphoinositide signaling pathways regulate numerous processes in eukaryotic cells, including migration, proliferation, and survival. The regulatory lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate is synthesized by two distinct classes of phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs), the type I and II PIPKs. Although numerous physiological functions have been identified for type I PIPKs, little is known about the functions and regulation of type II PIPK. Using a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified an interaction between the type IIβ PIPK isoform (PIPKIIβ) and SPOP (speckle-type POZ domain protein), a nuclear speckle-associated protein that recruits substrates to Cul3-based ubiquitin ligases. PIPKIIβ and SPOP interact and co-localize at nuclear speckles in mammalian cells, and SPOP mediates the ubiquitylation of PIPKIIβ by Cul3-based ubiquitin ligases. Additionally, stimulation of the p38 MAPK pathway enhances the ubiquitin ligase activity of Cul3-SPOP toward multiple substrate proteins. Finally, a kinase-dead PIPKIIβ mutant enhanced ubiquitylation of Cul3-SPOP substrates. The kinase-dead PIPKIIβ mutant increases the cellular content of its substrate lipid phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate (PI5P), suggesting that PI5P may stimulate Cul3-SPOP activity through a p38-dependent signaling pathway. Expression of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 4-phosphatases that generate PI5P dramatically stimulated Cul3-SPOP activity and was blocked by the p38 inhibitor SB203580. Taken together, these data define a novel mechanism whereby the phosphoinositide PI5P leads to stimulation of Cul3-SPOP ubiquitin ligase activity and also implicate PIPKIIβ as a key regulator of this signaling pathway through its association with the Cul3-SPOP complex.
Load Balancing in a Campus Network Using Software Defined Networking

Today, commercial load balancers are often in use, including in the production network at Arizona State University (ASU). One of the main issues such load balancers face is that they use a static scheme for load distribution. However, at particular times of the academic year, such as during course registration, the network exhibits significant variations in both temporal and spatial traffic characteristics. At these times, students experience much greater latency and become frustrated with the network service. To address this problem, our aim is to develop an SDN-based approach to load balancing to better cope with the traffic variation.
Disconnections of African American Public Housing Residents: Connections to Physical Activity, Dietary Habits and Obesity

African American (AA) and low SES populations report poor health behaviors and outcomes. This study aimed to increase understanding of barriers to participating in healthful behaviors and programs in AA residents of public housing. Twenty two apparently healthy, AA residents (50% female, M = 43.9 years) completed in depth interviews, which were taped, transcribed and analyzed using a constant comparison approach. Residents demonstrated some awareness of health recommendations, but described limited adherence. Physical activity for recreation was reported as primarily for youth, with adults engaging in limited physical activity (primarily incidental to other activities). Barriers reported by residents were both personal and environmental. Few residents were aware of local neighborhood opportunities for physical activity or healthful eating. Future efforts should focus on increasing understanding of health promoting behaviors and awareness and efficacy of residents to connect with the resources of their surrounding communities.
An Advanced Course in Engineering

To supplement the training of college graduates in the practical application of fundamental principles and mathematics to engineering analysis, the General Electric Company 11 years ago established its ``Advanced Course in Engineering.'' The course of study given and the objectives to be attained are outlined in this paper which also summarizes the practical value of this special 3 year course as indicated by the work of its graduates.
Lobeline Attenuates Progressive Ratio Breakpoint Scores for Intracranial Self-Stimulation in Rats

The alkaloid lobeline inhibits the function of vesicular monoamine and dopamine transporters and diminishes the behavioral and neurochemical effects of nicotine and amphetamines. In the present study, we examined the interaction of systemic administration of lobeline on breakpoint scores on a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). Rats were run in two 30 min sessions, separated by a 10 min timeout period. At the end of the first session, each rat was injected with either 0, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg (i.p.) lobeline. Positive controls known to suppress and to augment ICSS responding included the adrenergic antagonist prazosin (0, 0.5 and 2.0 mg/kg, i.p.) and the psychostimulant cocaine (0, 1.25, and 5.0 mg/kg, i.p.). Analyses of changes in average PR breakpoint scores between the 2 sessions revealed that lobeline significantly suppressed PR scores at doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg, as did 0.5 mg/kg and 2.0 mg/kg prazosin. These changes are unlikely to reflect motoric effects of these drugs inasmuch as neither lobeline nor prazosin alter locomotion at these doses. In contrast, PR breakpoint scores were significantly increased at 5.0 mg/kg cocaine, a dose that is sufficient to elevate locomotion in the rat. These results are consistent with the view that lobeline modulates brain reinforcement processes.
Impact of Climatic Factors on Early Life Stages of Atlantic Mackerel, Scomber Scombrus, L.: An Application of Meteorological Data to a Fishery Problem

Abstract Climate influences the abundance of Atlantic mackerel, Scomberscombrus, in several ways. In the southerncontingent, the timing of the spawning migration is functionally related to sea surface temperature. Wefound this climatic linkage is also significantly related to the abundance of mackerel entering the northwesternAtlantic fishery the following year. In the Middle Atlantic Bight, cooler spring water temperatures duringa spawning season are associated with greater recruitment the following year. Mackerel spawn in nearshoresurface waters at a time when winds frequently are offshore, but survival should be favored by onshore drift.Egg and larval drift over 14 day periods, at 13 locations in the Middle Atlantic Bight were simulated forspawning seasons preceding five "strong" and three "weak" recruitment years. The results of these studiesdemonstrate that the net and offshore distances transported in "strong" versus "weak" years were notsignificantly different. When the outlier year 1967, which pre...
Temporal and spatial expression of an adult cuticle protein gene from Drosophila suggests that its protein product may impart some specialized cuticle function.

Abstract An adult cuticle protein gene (Dacp-1) from Drosophila melanogaster has been isolated and characterized. This gene was classified as an adult cuticle protein gene because it maintains the conserved structure of other cuticle protein genes, the sequence of its conceptual translation product contains a repeated motif that is found almost exclusively in a subset of adult cuticle proteins from Locust migratoria , and the gene is expressed in the epidermis underlying the head and thoracic cuticle. The bulk of Dacp-1 expression starts ∼72 hr after pupariation, peaks approximately 12 hr after eclosion, and decreases thereafter to undetectable levels by 3 days after eclosion, The stage specificity and spatial restriction of Dacp-1 expression as well as the physical properties of its conceptual translation product suggest that it may be involved in some specialized function such as thickening of the adult cuticle.
Comparative study of epinephrine and an epinephrine-like substance obtained from autolyzing adrenal glands.

SummaryA bluish-violet color stable for 24 hours in a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0 results from addition of a solution of ferric ammonium oxalate to a solution of epinephrine or of suprarenal gland extracts. The transmittancy of the solution is determined at a wavelength of 555 mμ. The presence of ascorbic acid, uric acid or other naturally occurring substances found in adrenal glands does not interfere with the determination. This method is not applicable for the determination of epinephrine in blood or in drugs. The procedure is extremely simple and rapid and is capable of an accuracy of less than 1% to 5% as the greatest variation. The bluish-violet color that is obtained from minced autolyzing adrenal glands has been shown to be caused by a reaction between an epinephrine-like substance and iron products from the food chopper. A comparison of the specific extinction of various epinephrine standards and a note on the effects of dry storage is made (Fig. 1).
Design of multifunctionalized mesoporous silicas for esterification of fatty acid

Abstract Organosulfonic acid mesoporous silicas further functionalized with hydrophobic organic groups were synthesized via postsynthesis grafting and one-step co-condensation methods. The resulting materials were tested in the esterification of fatty acid with methanol to produce methyl esters as a pretreatment step in the production of biodiesel. Incorporation of the hydrophobic group into the organic–inorganic hybrid acid catalyst was found to improve the performance of the resulting catalyst. However, the performance of the multifunctionalized mesoporous materials demonstrated a strong dependence on the incorporation method and on the size of the hydrophobic organic groups. Solution effects within the reaction mixture appeared to influence the catalytic activity of the catalysts. The results indicate the potential for intentional design of the catalytic environment at a molecular level with the use of organic–inorganic mesoporous materials.
Molecular recognition of CCR5 by an HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop.

The binding of protein HIV-1 gp120 to coreceptors CCR5 or CXCR4 is a key step of the HIV-1 entry to the host cell, and is predominantly mediated through the V3 loop fragment of HIV-1 gp120. In the present work, we delineate the molecular recognition of chemokine receptor CCR5 by a dual tropic HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop, using a comprehensive set of computational tools predominantly based on molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. We report, what is to our knowledge, the first complete HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop : CCR5 complex structure, which includes the whole V3 loop and the N-terminus of CCR5, and exhibits exceptional agreement with previous experimental findings. The computationally derived structure sheds light into the functional role of HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop and CCR5 residues associated with the HIV-1 coreceptor activity, and provides insights into the HIV-1 coreceptor selectivity and the blocking mechanism of HIV-1 gp120 by maraviroc. By comparing the binding of the specific dual tropic HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop with CCR5 and CXCR4, we observe that the HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop residues 13–21, which include the tip, share nearly identical structural and energetic properties in complex with both coreceptors. This result paves the way for the design of dual CCR5/CXCR4 targeted peptides as novel potential anti-AIDS therapeutics.
A core course in computer theory: design and implementation issues

This paper describes the design and implementation of a junior-level course in formal languages and automata theory which satisfies CSAB guidelines for the computer science core curriculum in the area of theoretical foundations of computer science. The optimal prerequisites for such a course, as well as its impact on advanced computer science courses, are discussed. Several suggestions on how to present the subject matter in such a formal languages course, which has traditionally been considered too difficult to be taught below the senior level, are also discussed.
Cytodifferentiation of the supraoptic nucleus correlated with vasopressin synthesis in the rat.

This study demonstrates that neurons in the supraoptic nucleus attain many of the prerequisites for functional activity prior to birth. Immunoassayable vasopressin (VP) was detected in the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system (HNS) of the rat as early as 17 days post-coitus (dpc). Vasopressin concentrations increased 3–6-fold daily from an average of 21 pg/animal on 17 dpc to 5984 pg/animal at 21 dpc. The daily increases were highly significant (P <0.001). Between 21 dpc and the morning of the day of birth on 22 dpc, a further significant increase (P <0.05) occurred to a mean level of 9672 pg VP/animal. Birth usually occurred on the afternoon of the 22nd day. Parturition did not seem to deplete VP stores in the HNS. Differentiation of the magnocellular neurons in the supraoptic nucleus closely paralleled the appearance and increases in VP. It was first possible to distinguish a supraoptic nucleus in the 17 dpc rat and to identify dense core granules in the developing neurons of the nucleus. Cytodifferentiation of the magnocellular neurons was essentially complete by 21 dpc. Synaptic contacts could not be found on the soma and dendrites of the supraoptic neurons until 21 dpc and were extremely rare throughout the period examined.
Endogenously-mediated, pretranslational suppression of cytochrome P4501A in PCB-contaminated flounder

Gonadally mature fish display strong sex-related differences in the content and activity of P4501A, the major polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon-inducible P450 form in teleosts. Such differences appear related to plasma levels of the female sex steroid, estradiol (E2); however, neither the mechanism of estradiol suppression of P4501A nor the capacity for hormonal regulation to overcome P4501A induction by high concentrations of potent inducers are known. Gonadally mature flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) were collected from Fox Island (FI), Rhode Island, a reference site, and New Bedford Harbor (NB), Massachusetts, a site highly contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Differences in flounder P4501A expression were determined at the level P4501A catalytic activity (measured as ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, EROD), P4501A protein content (immunoquantitated), and P4501A mRNA content (by Northern blot) as they relate to sex, reproductive status, and hepatic PCB content. Our results confirm that suppression of P4501A in gonadally mature female fish is probably due, at least in part, to elevated E2 titers, and demonstrate that such suppression occurs at a pretranslational level and, further, that endogenous regulation of P4501A expression can ‘override’ exogenous regulation by even high concentrations of P4501A inducers.
Spectrally enhanced light emission from aperiodic photonic structures

Light-emitting silicon-rich, SiNx∕SiO2 Thue-Morse (T-M) multilayer structures have been fabricated in order to investigate the generation and transmission of light in strongly aperiodic deterministic dielectrics. Photoluminescence and optical transmission data experimentally demonstrate the presence of emission enhancement effects occurring at wavelengths corresponding to multiple T-M resonance states. Emission enhancement effects by a factor of almost 6 with respect to homogeneous SiNx dielectrics have been experimentally measured, in good agreement with transfer matrix simulations. The unprecedented degree of structural flexibility of T-M systems can provide alternative routes towards the fabrication of optically active multiwavelength photonic devices.
John Searle and Pierre Bourdieu: Divergent Perspectives on Intentionality and Social Ontology

Despite Searle's claim of theoretical proximity between his concept of the Background and Bourdieu's concept of the habitus, there is at least one substantial difference in the respective ways in which these concepts have been elaborated: the Background is conceived as a nonintentional neurophysiological reality whereas the habitus is fully intentional, or rather constitutes a nonrepresentational level of intentionality completely overlooked from Searle's standpoint. Moreover, each concept implicates a distinct perspective on social reality: the former suggests that significance is superimposed yet essentially external to this reality; the latter indicates that significance is immanent. I elaborate on the comparison between the two concepts/perspectives from different angles in order to highlight the existing differences as well as explore possible underlying affinities, which depend upon reconsidering the conventional understanding of intentionality as an exclusive attribute of mental phenomena. I show that Searle's analysis of the Background is inundated with indications of the undeniably intentional character of something he attempts to define as a nonintentional reality. Finally, I discuss the connection between the immanence of significance in Bourdieu's account of social reality and the conflict-centered orientation of this account. This dimension is noticeably absent from Searle's theorizing of the social.
Design of an ultra-wideband antenna embedded in composite ballistic materials

The design of antennas for wideband and ultra-wideband radar systems has been an area of extensive research in recent years. The design of these types of antennas is complex in and of its self and has been the focus of much study especially in the areas of planar-type wide band antennas. In particular, design of communication and radar antennas for vehicle mounted systems for military applications are rather challenging as planar wideband or ultra-wideband antennas are required to operate in conjunction with some kind of defensive structures to ensure the safety of the vehicle and its occupants as well as the continued operations of the antenna systems. As such, it is necessary to incorporate composite ballistic materials into the structure of antenna system.
Radiation-induced implantation of polymeric films in metallic substrates

Implanted, polymeric films have been produced by accelerator-ion-beam irradiation of metallic substrates immersed in hydrocarbon gases. Typical substrates include silver, aluminum, and steel; hydrocarbon gases include 1,3 butadiene and ethylene at 6.6 Pa pressure; ion beams employed include singly ionized H, He, and Ar at 30 keV. Experimental procedures and corrosion-resistance properties of the films are reviewed (each discussed elsewhere). A theory of the film-formation process is presented. It is concluded that the films form as the result of a two-stage process: glow-discharge adhesion and polymerization followed by radiation-induced implantation resulting from collisional recoil and substrate sputtering.
The Socially-Responsible University: Talking the Talk while Walking the Walk in the College of Business

This article presents a stakeholder-based example of corporate social responsibility (CSR) within a university context. The first section provides a literature review that builds the case for CSR efforts by educational institutions. The next section details aspects of the focal corporate social responsibility program at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) from its early conception to its implementation. The Talking the Talk section describes the overarching mission of the larger university and its influence on the mission of the newly formed College of Business which undertook an ambitious community outreach program in a downtown neighborhood. The execution of the program is discussed subsequently in the Walking the Walk section, with an emphasis on formation of advisory boards, development of appropriate coursework, relevant interactions with external constituencies, and plans for assessment and continuous improvement. The article closes with recommendations for universities considering similar endeavors.
Electrodeposition of Fe−Pt Films with Low Oxide Content Using an Alkaline Complexing Electrolyte

Electrochemical deposition of equiatomic Fe-Pt from complexing electrolytes provides precise tuning of alloy stoichiometry, enables close control of the growth process, and results in limited oxygen incorporation. The films grow epitaxially on oriented substrates and the low oxygen content favors transformation from the as-deposited cubic to the high anisotropy L1(0) phase and magnetic hardening upon thermal annealing at temperatures (400-450 degrees C) much lower than previously achieved by other plating processes.
Regulation of Milk Protein Gene Expression in Normal Mammary Epithelial Cells by Tumor Necrosis Factor1

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) is a physiologically significant regulator of mammary gland development, stimulating growth and branching morphogenesis of mammary epithelial cells (MEC) and modulating functional differentiation. The present studies were performed to determine the mechanism by which TNF modulated functional differentiation. In rat MEC in primary culture, TNF inhibited accumulation of whey acidic protein and β-casein messenger RNAs in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, levels of transferrin messenger RNA, the product of another milk protein gene, were not inhibited by TNF, suggesting selectivity. Using a nuclear run-on assay in the immortalized HC11 mammary epithelial cell line and the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D in MEC in primary culture, the effects of TNF were shown to be mediated by both a decrease in transcription and a decrease in the stability of the whey acidic protein and β-casein transcripts. Additionally, TNF stimulated the binding of nuclear facto...
Aggravation of hepatic necrosis by lysosomal injury

In this study lysosomal alterations were produced in rat liver cells by administering the surface-active agent Triton WR-1339 and the effects upon hepatic necrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride were observed. The toxic effects of CCl4 were enhanced by Triton WR-1339, probably because of the damage to lysosomes.
Mammography in symptomatic women 50 years of age and under, and those over 50.

Our experience with the use of mammography as a diagnostic aid in symptomatic women with breast complaints has been presented. One-third of all cancers were found in women 50 years of age and under. The detection of cancer by mammography in the younger age group was similar to that experienced in the older age group. Radiation exposure by mammography has diminished markedly during the last 15 years—only one-third to one rad per exposure with modern technique. Recent hysterical criticism of the use of mammography in women under 50 years of age is unwarranted in the light of current findings. This diagnostic modality should be utilized when indicated in all age groups over 30. It is probable that screening clinics should include all women over 35 years of age. Cancer 43:878–882, 1979.
The “Closed Psychological System” Design as a Research Technique for Environmental Psychology

Research techniques appropriate for the acquisition of information related to environmental psychology are considered. For convenience the se methods are somewhat arbitrarily divided into four categories. Some major characteristics of one of these categories, the “closed psychological system”, are described. This technique is then compared with the other three, better known, methods.
Wettability of pharmaceutical solids: its measurement and influence on wet granulation

Abstract The wettability of several pharmaceutical powders was assessed by the contact angle method, and the values for surface energies, as well as their dispersive and polar components, were determined. This method was found to work well for hydrophobic powders. The dispersive surface energies determined from the contact angle were consistent with those measured by inverse gas chromatography. The data also showed that the contact angle approach was difficult to apply to hydrophilic powders due to drop penetration. The surface energy data obtained by the contact angle method were applied to the selection of the granulating solvent for a wet granulation process. The prediction of granulating solvent performance based on solvent–drug spreading coefficients was in good agreement with the characteristics of the resulting granules, in terms of density, porosity and friability.
Mesenchymal stem cells: Paradoxes of passaging

The field of stem cell biology continues to evolve with the ongoing characterization of multiple types of stem cells with their inherent potential for experimental and clinical application. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are one of the most promising stem cell types due to their availability and the relatively simple requirements for in vitro expansion and genetic manipulation. Multiple populations described as "MSCs" have now been isolated from various tissues in humans and other species using a variety of culture techniques. Despite extensive in vitro characterization, relatively little has been demonstrated regarding their in vivo biology and therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, clinical trials utilizing MSCs are currently underway. The aim of this review is to critically analyze the field of MSC biology, particularly with respect to the current paradox between in vitro promise and in vivo efficacy. It is the authors' opinion that until this paradox is better understood, therapeutic applications will remain limited.
Mitochondrial alterations in Rett syndrome

Findings in the muscle biopsies from 2 patients with Rett syndrome are presented. Routine light microscopy and muscle histochemistry were unremarkable. Electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial alterations, including distention, vacuolation, and membranous changes. The results suggest the possibility of a mitochondrial defect in Rett syndrome.