cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nicotinic interactions with antipsychotic drugs, models of schizophrenia and impacts on cognitive function

People with schizophrenia often have substantial cognitive impairments, which may be related to nicotinic receptor deficits, (α7 and α4β2), documented in the brains of people with schizophrenia. The large majority of people with schizophrenia smoke cigarettes. Thus, nicotinic interactions with antipsychotic drugs are widespread. Complementary co-therapies of novel nicotinic ligands are being developed to add to antipsychotic therapy to treat the cognitive impairment of schizophrenia. Thus, it is critical to understand the interaction between nicotinic treatments and antipsychotic drugs. Nicotinic interactions with antipsychotic drugs, are complex since both nicotine and antipsychotics have complex actions. Nicotine stimulates and desensitizes nicotinic receptors of various subtypes and potentiates the release of different neurotransmitters. Antipsychotics also act on a verity of receptor systems. For example, clozapine acts as an antagonist at a variety of neurotransmitter receptors such as those for dopamine, serotonin, norepinepherine and histamine. In a series of studies, we have found that in normally functioning rats, moderate doses of clozapine impair working memory and that clozapine blocks nicotine-induced memory and attentional improvement. Clozapine and nicotine can attenuate each other's beneficial effects in reversing the memory impairment caused by the psychototmimetic drug dizocilpine. A key to the clozapine-induced attenuation of nicotine-induced cognitive improvement appears to be its 5HT2 antagonist properties. The selective 5HT2 antagonist ketanserin has a similar action of blocking nicotine-induced memory and attentional improvements. It is important to consider the interactions between nicotinic and antipsychotic drugs to develop the most efficacious treatment for cognitive improvement in people with schizophrenia.
Evoked potential changes during classical conditioning of morphine in the awake, freely behaving rat.

Abstract The phenomena of repeated addict relapse has been attributed to the development of some sort of conditioning or learning process which proceeds concomitant with the development of drug dependence by the addict. It is further thought that these drug-induced conditional responses remain resistant to extinction after addict withdrawal and may be a prime causal factor in the resumption of drug use. To test this hypothesis, rats were surgically prepared with chronic electrodes to record electrocorticograms (ECoG) and an intravenous jugular catheter and subjected to a classical conditioning paradigm of auditory clicks (the conditional stimulus) and a small intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate (the unconditional stimulus). Morphine shifted the ECoG spectral pattern from a predominance of desynchronization to low-frequency (
News as Social Knowledge in China: The Changing Worldview of Chinese National Media

This article argues that the Chinese news media are the major stock of social knowledge, serving as ways for the general public to make sense of the changing environment both within and without the Chinese polity. Based on an extensive content analysis, both quantitative and qualitative, of China Central Television National Network News and People's Daily domestic edition in 1992, and compared with earlier content analyses dating back 15 years, this study suggests that since the reforms in the late 1970s, news in China has provided the Chinese society and people with the baseline knowledge needed for the building of a forced consensus, the basis of Communist rule and legitimacy.
Multiregional analysis of temperature fields in reactor tube bundles

Abstract The multiregional analysis of temperature fields in tube bundles previously reported by Axford [1] has been extended to include calculation of Nusselt numbers. We have found that Nusselt numbers based on a single region analysis may be in considerable error, even at relatively wide pitch-to-diameter ratios.
Absence of metal clusters and appearance of new electron states in Na6C60.

We calculate the structural and electronic properties of the ${\mathrm{Na}}_{6}$${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ fulleride using the Car-Parrinello method as well as standard local density approximation band structure calculations. In contrast to previous claims we find that metal clusters do not form but, like the potassium and rubidium fullerides, sodium intercalation gives rise to a conventional ionic compound. Unlike the case of heavier alkali fullerides, a characteristic new kind of low-lying electron state appears that is not the ${\mathrm{C}}_{60}$ state. Effects of temperature on the electronic nature of the compound are discussed as well as consequences of these findings for higher fullerides.
Reported Self-Concept and Self-Actualizing Value Changes as a Function of Academic Classes with Wilderness Experience:

This study examined changes in self-perception and actualizing values as a function of participation in college classes which included wilderness experience. Two separate wilderness programs were investigated: the first emphasized intense, sustained, physical and mental challenges and learning how to live off an inhospitable environment; the second emphasized traditional laboratory group activities in a wilderness retreat. Changes in students taking these courses were contrasted with changes in college students registered for either a lecture-type course or a course with lectures and time-limited, structured, experiential learning. Positive changes in self-concept as measured by the Tennessee Self-concept Scale were apparent in participants who had either wilderness program. Control subjects did not show significant gains. Changes from pre-to post-course were not found on the Personal Orientation Inventory. While limitations must be noted, the college courses which included a wilderness experience had a p...
Performance of natural gas membranes in the presence of heavy hydrocarbons

Abstract Intrinsically defect-free asymmetric hollow fiber polyimide membrane modules were studied in the presence and absence of saturated and aromatic components. Under some conditions for the ternary system, the permselectivity of the membrane is scarcely affected, while under other conditions, permselectivity is negatively affected by as much as 20%. In most cases, for the ternary feeds, significant depression in fluxes was observed due to competition between the CO2, CH4 and heavier hydrocarbons, but the effect was even more pronounced for the toluene. In addition to steady state tests in the presence and absence of n-heptane and toluene, modules were conditioned for 5 days with ternary mixture of CO2, CH4 and one or the other of these heavy hydrocarbons. Following this conditioning process, the modules were studied with a simple binary 10% CO2/90% CH4 mixture. These conditioning studies provide insight into the fundamental effects induced in the membrane due to the long-term exposure to the complex mixtures. Following exposure to the ternaries containing n-heptane, negligible CO2 permeance increase was seen, while significantly increased permeances were seen under some conditions following toluene exposure even at low pressures of the ternary toluene/CO2/CH4 conditioning gas mixture. Although a more protracted process occurs in the case of n-heptane/CO2/CH4 at 35 °C and 500 ppm, a significant loss in selectivity does still occur in the actual ternary tests after exposure for 5 days. The problem caused by 300 ppm toluene at 35 °C is more immediately apparent than for n-heptane exposure, but the ultimate selectivity loss is similar for both hydrocarbons. In addition to the selectivity, in the presence of toluene the permeability is also depressed significantly, presumably due to a greater capability of toluene to compete for added free volume elements introduced in the conditioning process. The conditioning treatment has negligible effect at 55 °C, suggesting that that the sorption affinity of toluene decreases with increasing temperature. Results also suggest that an essentially defect-free, non-nodular morphology offers advantages in stability under demanding operating conditions. Earlier work [G. Djoekita, Characterization and Analysis of Asymmetric Hollow Fiber Membranes for Natural Gas Purification in the Presence of Hydrocarbons, The University of Texas at Austin, 2000] showed serious losses in performance of membranes comprised of similar materials, when the selective layer had a pronounced fused nodular nature as opposed to the intrinsically defect-free skin layers reported on here.
Physicochemical structure-activity relationship of DDT congeners and the inhibition of mitochondrial ATPase

Structure-activity relationships were used to determine the physicochemical properties of DDT that are important in the inhibition of oligomycin-sensitive mitochondrial ATPase activity of red coxal muscle tissue homogenates of the American cockroach (Periplaneta americana). The results were compared with structure-activity relationships derived from toxicity values for houseflies (Musca domestica) and blowflies (Phormia regina), reported in the literature. Toxicity was found to be promoted by hydrophobicity and electron donation. Toxicity was concluded to be a route of action process involving the distribution and partitioning of insecticide to active sites and apart from them. Enzyme inhibition, in contrast to factors contributing to toxicity, was determined to be a mode of action process predicted by the lipophilic parameter (π) and the steric constant, van der Waals radii (VWR), and represents action upon a sterically sensitive, hydrophobic site in the membrane sector of mitochondrial ATPase.
Passing the Torch: African American Women in the Civil Rights Movement

Since Africans arrived in Jamestown, Virginia, in 1619, women have been involved inthe African American experience. They have been, and still are, instrumental in shaping America and in the journey of African Americans from slavery to freedom. Despite the fact they were at the bottom of the social ladder, deprived of all rights, vulnerable to sexual and physical abuse by White males, and disliked and scorned by many White women, African American womenheld their families and communities together (Davis, 1982). They have distinguished themselves by their perseverance, ability to adapt and overcome hardships, and abilities to meet the challenges that face them every day. African American women have faced triple barriers-race, gender, and class. These barriers have given them the courage to succeed in their chosen professions-education, law, business, medicine, entertainment. Mary McLeod Bethune stated,
Estimation of downwind viable airborne microbes from a wet cooling tower—Including settling

In recent years, reuse of municipal waste water as the coolant in drift-producing cooling towers at electrical generating plants has become increasingly common. A hueristic model is presented that can be used to estimate the concentrations of viable airborne microbes in the drift from a wet cooling tower given the concentration of microbes in the cooling tower. The purpose of this presentation is to allow the nonmeteorologist to understand the factors affecting airborne concentration and to make crude estimates of ground-level concentrations of airborne microorganisms. Concentrations are calculated using a standard meterological method, the Gaussian dispersion model, in which terms have been included for droplet settling and microbial death rate.
The dynamic effects and compensation of load transitions in robotic systems

The problem of a robot handling a payload typically involves pre-load, load, and post-load stages, and payload transitions between these stages. Although considerable work has focused on the control of robots carrying payloads, few consider the problem of load transitions—one of the most important effects on system performance. This article studies these transitions and presents a compensation method. It is shown that load transitions lead to abrupt (jump) parameters and uncertain transition times in the robot/payload model. A control strategy is proposed that takes the load transitions into account and guarantees the stable path tracking of robots in the face of these transitions. The effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified via simulation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Inequalities in school climate in California

Purpose – School climate, or the physical and social conditions of the learning environment, has implications for academic achievement. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine how school climate varies by school-level characteristics in California using administrative data and the California School Climate Survey. Findings – Teachers/staff at secondary schools, schools in large cities, schools that serve low-income populations, Hispanic- and black-majority schools, and/or low-performing schools reported less positive school climates, including staff/student relationships, norms and standards, student facilitative behaviors, and perceived safety, than their counterparts, paralleling other education inequity trends. Originality/value – The authors encourage educators and school leaders to use data-driven and evidence-based strategies to overcome systematic inequities in positive school climate in order to create social contexts that nurture students’ academic ...
An assessment of the construct validity of Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being: Method, mode, and measurement effects

Abstract This study assesses the measurement properties of Ryff’s Scales of Psychological Well-Being (RPWB)—a widely used instrument designed to measure six dimensions of psychological well-being. Analyses of self-administered RPWB data from three major surveys—Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), National Survey of Families and Households II, and the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS)—yielded very high overlap among the dimensions. These large correlations persisted even after eliminating several methodological sources of confounding, including question wording, question order, and negative item-wording. However, in MIDUS pretest and WLS telephone administrations, correlations among the dimensions were much lower. Past research demonstrates that self-administered instruments provide more valid psychological measurements than telephone surveys, and we therefore place more weight on the consistent results from the self-administered items. In sum, there is strong evidence that RPWB does not have as many as six distinct dimensions, and researchers should be cautious in interpreting its subscales.
Endogenous CRX expression and IRBP promoter activity in retinoblastoma cells

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether antisense oligonucleotides (AODNs) targeted against CRX, a photoreceptor-specific trans-acting factor, suppress CRX expression and interphotoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) promoter activity. Methods: Cultures of human retinoblastoma cells were transfected with chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter plasmids containing a mouse IRBP promoter and AODNs directed against CRX. RT–PCR using primers specific to CRX, OTX2, GAPDH, or RNase H was conducted on total RNA isolated from retinoblastoma cells at various times following transfection with AODNs. Results: Transfection of retinoblastoma cells with IRBP promoter CAT constructs alone produced high activity. Co-transfection with AODNs suppressed IRBP promoter activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with half-maximal effect produced at about 2 nM AODN concentration. Transfection with CAT constructs containing an SV40 promoter produced high activity that was unaffected by co-transfection with AODNs. RT–PCR products were obtained for all target sequences. CRX RT–PCR product from cells transfected with AODNs was greatly diminished following transfection with an AODN whereas control transcripts, including that of OTX2, were relatively unaffected. Conclusions: The CRX-specific AODNs specifically and potently suppressed CRX expression and IRBP promoter activity, as measured by RT–PCR and transient transfection assays, respectively. Little or no effect was seen on controls. These data suggest that endogenous CRX is required for IRBP promoter activity in retinoblastoma cells.
Contamination and damage of silicon surfaces during magnetron-enhanced reactive ion etching in a single-wafer system

Compred with multi-wafer batch systems single wafer processing holds the potential for lower yield losses in the presence of process instability. However contamination and damage considerations can serve to offset this advantage. We report the results of preliminary experiments designed to assess the impact of particle generation metal contamination structural and electrical degradation of silicon as a results of dielectric and multi-layer resist (MLR) etching in a single wafer magnetron enhanced reactive ion etching (MERlE) system. In this work SIMS AUGER ESCA RBS MOS-CV and Schottky barrier diode results are presented. Also included are data on foreign material (FM) particulate levels.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Activated microglia from aged mice are less sensitive to anti-inflammatory feedback from IL-4

Poster Division: Biological Sciences: 3rd Place (The Ohio State University Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum)
Reinforced uncrosslinked poly (vinyl alcohol) gels produced by cyclic freezing-thawing processes: a short review

Abstract Novel methods of preparation of strong poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels without utilization of chemical crosslinking or reinforcing agents are reviewed. Aqueous poly (vinyl alcohol.) solutions exposed to several freezing-thawing cycles lead to such materials. The process of reinforcement of these hydrogels is a densification of the macromolecular structure. This is probably due to the microparticle-microgel formation within the hydrogel or to microcrystalline structural formations or to partial phase separation. The densification process is more prominent for gels that are exposed to up to five freezing-thawing cycles. Important biomedical and pharmaceutical applications of these gels are reviewed.
Mapping considerations for optimal binary correlation filters

The optimality of correlation filters is an important issue in applications of pattern recognition. We consider here both binary phase-only filters (BPOFs) and amplitude encoded binary phase-only filters (AE BPOFs) and study the results of optimizing the filters for a real world object (the Space Shuttle). We find that while only small improvements result from optimizing a BPOF, optimization of the AE BPOF is quite important in obtaining a useful correlation function. In the case of an AE BPOF, both signal-to-noise and peak-to-sidelobe measures must be studied. Computer simulation and experimental correlation results are presented.
Measurement of the translation mobility of concanavalin a in glycerol-saline solutions and on the cell surface by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching

The fluorescence recovery kinetics of succinyl-fluorescein Concanavalin A (S-F-ConA) in glycerol-physiological saline solutions of high viscosity and when bound to the surface of mouse fibroblast were measured following brief photobleaching using a laser excited fluorescence microscope. In the high viscosity solutions, the recovery kinetics, interpreted on the basis of a simple diffusion model, yielded a diffusion coefficient in close agreement with the values predicted by the Stokes-Einstein equation. Recovery kinetics for S-F-ConA bound to the surface of mouse 3T3 and SV3T3 cells cultured in vitro yielded diffusion coefficients in the range of 5–10·10−11cm2/s, values considerably lower than those reported previously for membrane protiens. These measurement indicated that a considerable fraction of the S-F-ConA molecules bound to the cell surface are immobilized. These results are discussed in relation to current concepts of lateral motion of protein components within natural membranes.
Even the social sciences have laws

Who says that the social sciences are not quantitative? Even in a field supposed to be dominated by people's impulses to buy — that of marketing — there are striking regularities.
Prevention and treatment of functional and structural radiation injury in the rat heart by pentoxifylline and alpha-tocopherol.

Purpose Radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD) is a severe side effect of thoracic radiotherapy. This study examined the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and α-tocopherol on cardiac injury in a rat model of RIHD. Methods and Materials Male Sprague-Dawley rats received fractionated local heart irradiation with a daily dose of 9 Gy for 5 days and were observed for 6 months after irradiation. Rats were treated with a combination of PTX, 100 mg/kg/day, and α-tocopherol (20 IU/kg/day) and received these compounds either from 1 week before until 6 months after irradiation or starting 3 months after irradiation, a time point at which histopathologic changes become apparent in our model of RIHD. Results Radiation-induced increases in left ventricular diastolic pressure (in mm Hg: 35 ± 6 after sham-irradiation, 82 ± 11 after irradiation) were significantly reduced by PTX and α-tocopherol (early treatment: 48 ± 7; late treatment: 53 ± 6). PTX and α-tocopherol significantly reduced deposition of collagen types I (radiation only: 3.5 ± 0.2 μm 2 per 100 μm 2 ; early treatment: 2.7 ± 0.8; late treatment: 2.2 ± 0.2) and III (radiation only: 13.9 ± 0.8; early treatment: 11.0 ± 1.2; late treatment: 10.6 ± 0.8). On the other hand, radiation-induced alterations in heart/body weight ratios, myocardial degeneration, left ventricular mast cell densities, and most echocardiographic parameters were not significantly altered by PTX and α-tocopherol. Conclusions Treatment with PTX and α-tocopherol may have beneficial effects on radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis and left ventricular function, both when started before irradiation and when started later during the process of RIHD.
The involvement of RNA in ribosome function

The ribosome is a particle made of RNA and protein that is found in abundance in all cells that are actively making protein. It catalyses the messenger RNA-directed synthesis of proteins. Recent structural work has demonstrated a profound involvement of the ribosome's RNA component in all aspects of its function, supporting the hypothesis that proteins were added to the ribosome late in its evolution.
Caveolin-1, cellular senescence and age-related diseases.

According to the “free radical theory” of aging, normal aging occurs as the result of tissue damages inflicted by reactive oxygen species (ROS) when ROS production exceeds the antioxidant capacity of the cell. ROS induce cellular dysfunctions such as stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS), which is believed to contribute to normal organismal aging and play a role in age-related diseases. Consistent with this hypothesis, increased oxidative damage of DNA, proteins, and lipids have been reported in aged animals and senescent cells accumulate in vivo with advancing age. Caveolin-1 acts as a scaffolding protein that concentrates and functionally regulates signaling molecules. Recently, great progress has been made toward understanding of the role of caveolin-1 in stress-induced premature senescence. Data show that caveolin-mediated signaling may contribute to explain, at the molecular level, how oxidative stress promotes the deleterious effects of cellular senescence such as aging and age-related diseases. In this review, we discuss the cellular mechanisms and functions of caveolin-1 in the context of SIPS and their relevance to the biology of aging.
On the stability of a general polynomial in the space of Markov parameters

Abstract Markov parameters and the associated stability criterion were first introduced for continuous-time real polynomials. Recently, robust stability of such polynomials was considered in Markov parameters space, where efficient robust stability tests were obtained based on the Markov theorem. This has motivated the authors to extend the above idea to more general types of polynomials, and develop Markov parameters and the associated stability criterion for complex continuous-time as well as real and complex discrete-time polynomials. Moreover, for each polynomial type, we present compact relations in order to recover the coefficients of a polynomial corresponding to a given set of Markov parameters. The stability results presented here may be useful for 1-D and 2-D filtering and control applications.
WAVE OPERATORS IN MULTICHANNEL SCATTERING

Some important consequences of, and conditions for, the convergence to the wave operators in the case of multichannel scattering are derived. The convergence for the typical multichannel systems with quadratically integrable interactions is demonstrated. (C.J.G.)
Allergic Fungal Sinusitis Induced Visual Loss and Optic Neuropathy

Visual loss associated with allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is uncommon, with incidence estimates ranging from 1.46% to 3.7%. Uncertainty remains concerning the pathophysiology of visual loss in the setting of AFS. Proposed theories include direct or indirect compression of the optic nerve or orbital inflammatory changes causing an optic neuritis. A case of precipitous visual loss in an adult male with clinical and radiographic evidence of optic neuropathy is reported. After surgical and medical interventions this patient showed improvement in optic nerve function. Visual loss associated with AFS is a rare but potentially devastating condition.
Relevant query feedback in statistical language modeling

In traditional relevance feedback, researchers have explored relevant document feedback, wherein, the query representation is updated based on a set of relevant documents returned by the user. In this work, we investigate relevant query feedback, in which we update a document's representation based on a set of relevant queries. We propose four statistical models to incorporate relevant query feedback.To validate our models, we considered anchor text of incoming links to a given document as feedback queries and performed experiments on the home-page retrieval task of TREC 2001. Our results show that three of our four models outperform the query-likelihood baseline by at least 35% in MRR score on a test set.
Circular dichroism evidence for G·U and G·T base pairing in poly[r(G-U)] and poly[d(G-T)]

We have measured the circular dichroism (CD) and absorption properties of poly[r(G-U)] and poly [d(G-T)] over a wide range of Na+ concentrations and temperatures. We find evidence for self-complexed forms of these polymers at lower temperatures and/or higher Na+ concentrations than generally needed for double-strand formation in other DNA and RNA polymers. These self-complexes could be composed of double-stranded regions with weak G·U or G·T base pairs.
REACTIVE INTERMEDIATES IN THE PHOTOLYSIS OF CYCLOPENTADIENYLCOBALT(I) DICARBONYL AND IN THE REDUCTION OF CYCLOPENTADIENYLCOBALT(III) CARBONYL DIIODIDE

Abstract Photolysis of (C 5 H 5 )Co(CO) 2 (I) in toluene or petroleum ether solution at −78°C generates the unsaturated monocarbonyl species (C 5 H 5 )Co(CO), which was identified in solution by its IR spectrum. At room temperature, this monocarbonyl can associate with excess I to give (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Co 2 (CO) 3 , or dimerize to (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Co 2 (CO) 2 . The latter is stable as a solid, but in solution it is slowly converted to the insoluble trimer (C 5 H 5 ) 3 Co 3 (CO) 3 . (C 5 H 5 ) 2 Co 2 (CO) 2 is symmetrically cleaved by phosphines to (C 5 H 5 )Co(CO)(PR 3 ), while diolefins bring about unsymmetrical cleavage to give (C 5 H 5 )Co(diolefin) and (C 5 H 5 )Co(CO) 2 .
Parameter Sensitivity in the Dynamics of Rotor-Bearing Systems

When designing a rotor system it is frequently desirable to have at hand a set of design sensitivity coefficients which quantitatively predict a change in specific system characteristics to changes in design parameters. This paper presents eigenvalue sensitivity coefficients for the damped natural frequencies of whirl of general linear rotor system modelled by finite element discretization. In addition, a simple and direct method for calculation of the damped critical speeds is presented, which utilizes the eigenvalue sensitivity with respect to the spin speed. It is shown that the combination of design parameter and spin speed whirl frequency sensitivity coefficients may be used to also evaluate the damped critical speed sensitivity coefficients.
Intravitreally injected platelet activating factor induces retinitis in experimental animals.

Purpose. Platelet activating factor is a lipid which has been strongly implicated in anterior uveitis. In order to investigate further the role of platelet activating factor in intraocular inflammation, we have characterized the histological changes associated with the intravitreal injection of platelet activating factor, PAF analogs, or lyso-PAF in laboratory rabbits and rats. Methods. Initial studies utilized a PAF analog (rac 1-0-octadecyl 2-0-ethyl glycero phosphoryl choline or ethoxy PAF), because this compound is relatively resistant to degradation by hydrolase, the major degradative enzyme for PAF. Doses ranging from 1 ug to 5 mg and time points from 6 hours to 7 days after injection were studied. Results. In either rats or rabbits, 100 ug of ethoxy PAF consistently induced a marked uveitis with the predominance of inflammation focused in the retina and choroid. Retinitis was also induced in rabbits by either 1 mg PAF injected intravitreally or a similar dose of the PAF precursor/metabolite, lyso P...
Absence of mutations in the deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) gene in patients with relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Absence of mutations in the deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) gene in patients with relapsed and/or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
Globalization, Pedagogical Imagination, and Transnational Literacy

In his article, "Globalization, Pedagogical Imagination, and Transnational Literacy," Ezra Yoo-Hyeok Lee explores the juncture of comparative literature, globalization and postcolonial studies as to how creative writers, literary critics, and cultural theorists respond to globalization and its challenges. Arjun Appadurai expounds that globalization has demanded new research conceptualization and invention in academia. Subsequently, Lee investigates methods through which educators and scholars in comparative literature take up such a demand. In turn, Lee proposes a transnational literacy which offers a responsible form of cultural explanation, through which to explore the interrelations between the national and the postcolonial or global paradigms, both emergent as frames of current cultural change. Lee also offers a close reading of critical works by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Diana Brydon, and David Damrosch to elaborate on the concept of transnational literacy and to consider ways of circumnavigating around Eurocentrism in comparative literary and cultural studies. Ezra Yoo-Hyeok Lee, "Globalization, Pedagogical Imagination, and Transnational Literacy" page 2 of 12 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 13.1 (2011):
Identification of lipoprotein families in a variant of human plasma apolipoprotein A deficiency

This study describes the plasma lipoprotein system of a 48-year-old female patient with diffuse plane xanthoma and a deficiency of ApoA, the major apolipoprotein in HDL. In addition to the skin lesions, the patient exhibited hepatomegaly, corneal opacity and coronary insufficiency. Her tonsils were normal in appearance. Histochemical tests revealed intracellular deposition of free and ester cholesterol in the foam cells of skin lesions and rectal tumors. The patient had normal cholesterol and variable but elevated triglyceride levels in the plasma. The concentration of HDL was 1% of that reported for normal female subjects. In contrast, the concentration of VLDL was five times and that of LDL1 ten times higher than those of normal subjects. Increased concentrations of VLDL and LDL1 may be related to a reduced level of lipoprotein lipase. The level of LDL2 was normal, but its composition was characterized by a relatively high content of triglyceride and protein and a low content of cholesterol ester and ph...
Recent advances in high-power ultrafast mode-locked laser diodes

Semiconductor diode lasers are playing important roles in high speed information processing, telecommunications, and high speed measurement and diagnostic systems. This paper presents recent developments in the generation, amplification, and utilization of high power modelocked optical pulses from traveling wave semiconductor optical amplifier devices.
Effect of aVirido-Xantha mutation in barley on the content of individual plastid pigments

A virido-xantha (vx) barley mutant with reduced chlorophyll content when grown at 15°C was investigated to determine quantitative and qualitative changes in the plastid pigments. Both chlorophyll and the capacity to produce protochlorophyllide from exogeneously supplied δ-aminolevulinic acid are reduced in the mutant. The total carotenoid content is also reduced in the mutant, but individual carotenoids are not reduced coordinately. Antheraxanthin actually accumulates in the mutant, and zeaxanthin was found in significant amounts in mutant seedlings but could not be detected in normal barley seedlings. Included in the methods is a procedure for the preliminary identification of zeaxanthin employing spectrophotometric analysis of fractions eluted from a sucrose column. The presence of recessive suppressors of thevx mutant results in increased contents of the chlorophyll pigments accompanied by a partial reversal of the changes in carotenoid indicated above. The changes in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents are also partially reversed when mutant seedlings are grown at 21°C.
Convex set theoretic image recovery: History, current status, and new directions

Since its introduction a decade ago, convex set theoretic image recovery has been applied to a steadily increasing number of problems and has established itself as a powerful, flexible, and reliable estimation tool. The purpose of this paper is to give a historical overview of the field, survey its most significant developments, analyze its current limitations, and propose new directions for theoretical and applied research.
Commentary on ‘the production of alveolar macrophage-derived growth-regulating proteins in response to lung injury’ by M.E. Brandes and J.N. Finkelstein

Abstract The study of molecular mechanisms of lung injury and repair has been complicated by the complex architecture and the multiplicity of cell types within this tissue. It has been recognized that significant communication must transpire between the different lung cells in order for normal growth, differentiation and repair to occur, but an understanding of this system is only now beginning. Numerous sources and types of such communicating substances have been proposed. These substances may often be similar (or even identical) to those formed in other tissues. However, the stimulus which elicits their release, the cell types they affect, and the processes which regulate their action are influenced by the local environment, and may thus be different in the lung as compared to other tissues.
Comment on David Listokin, Barbara Listokin, and Michael Lahr's “The contributions of historic preservation to housing and economic development”: Historic preservation in a neoliberal age

Abstract Listokin, Listokin, and Lahr argue that historic preservation can function as a community development tool, but there are numerous deficiencies inherent in this method that make it a less‐than‐desirable way to revitalize. Historic preservation generally leads to gentrification that in turn displaces many low‐income households. The historic rehabilitation tax credit also represents a circuitous means of providing affordable housing that would be more effectively delivered through direct subsidy.
Evaluated Nuclear Data Files for the Naturally-occurring Isotopes of Cadmium

Comprehensive neutronic evaluated data files for the naturally-occurring isotopes of cadmium are deduced from experimental data and nuclear models, and presented in the ENDF/B-VI formats. Particular attention is given to those processes relevant to fuel-cycle and fission-product applications. Comparisons are made with prior evaluations of the cadmium isotopes, and discrepancies and consistencies cited. Some of the discrepancies are very large 9.9 as much as 100%), and the differences have the potential for a pronounced impact on applications usage. The present files are comprehensive, including may important processes that are not represented in the contemporary ENDF/B-VI system. Recommendations are made for future measurements where appropriate.
Application of feed-forward control to a lithography stepper

Presents a novel feedforward control algorithm that seeks to improve the reproducibility of pattern transfer in modern photolithography process sequences. Coupled with a feedback controller and accurate empirical equipment models, the feedforward controller significantly improves the process capability index (Cpk) of the lithographic sequence by centering its response around the specifications and by reducing its inherent variance. This algorithm has been implemented on a resist coat and expose sequence in the Berkeley Microfabrication Laboratory. Experimental results show that process accuracy can be significantly improved by the application of this algorithm. >
Exploring Knowledge Filtering Processes in Electronic Networks of Practice

Online forums sponsored by Electronic Networks of Practice (ENPs) have become an important source of information for individuals seeking solutions to problems online. However, not all information available in a forum is helpful or accurate, requiring knowledge seekers to evaluate and filter the solutions they encounter. Most forums offer peripheral cues to help knowledge seekers make evaluation decisions, yet little is understood about the information filtering patterns people engage in when filtering information on ENP forums. This paper reports the results of a pilot fMRI study designed to elucidate the neural correlates involved in evaluating both content and peripheral cues encountered on an ENP forum. The ultimate goal of this research is to better understand information processing patterns in online forums and how these patterns produce more or less accurate filtering results.
Individual Differences in Attachment and Reproductive Strategies: Commentary on Buss & Greiling

Buss and Greiling cite individual differences in attachment as a principal illustration of adaptive individual differences. This particular example, however, is a highly controversial one: Many if not most relationship researchers assume (implicitly or explicitly) that insecure attachment patterns reflect some kind of malfunction of the attachment system in modern environments rather than evolved facultative strategies. I therefore review some of the arguments and evidence on both sides of this issue, along with the closely related topics of mating/reproductive strategies and parental investment. In the end I support the Buss-Greiling position, but for reasons not discussed in their article.
Synthesis and characterization of zinc sulfide/gallium phosphide nanocomposite powders

Nanocomposite powders between zinc sulfide and gallium phosphide were synthesized. Monodisperse, submicrometer, spherical, and porous clusters of ZnS nanocrystallites were used as a host material, into which a solution containing a phosphinogallane, [(t-Bu)2GaPR2]x wherein R =i-Pr, x= 2 or R =t-Bu, x= 1, was impregnated. The pure ZnS powders and the composite powders obtained after flash pyrolysis at 600°C were subsequently heat-treated at various temperatures ranging from 500° to 900°C and characterized using a variety of techniques. While pure ZnS powders undergo significant grain growth and morphology change at temperatures as low as 600°C, the composite Powders maintain their integrity up to 800°C.
Cutaneous disseminated histoplasmosis in AIDS patients in south Florida.

BackgroundHistoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic pathogenic fungus endemic to the Mississippi and Ohio river valleys. In the immunocompetent it causes a self-limited disease, but in the immunocompromised may lead to disseminated disease (disseminated histoplasmosis (DH)). It is one of the opportunistic infections which defines the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and is rarely encountered outside endemic regions. Methods Clinical, laboratory, and histologic information concerning seven patients with DH and AIDS in South Florida was recorded. Results We report seven cases of DH with mucocutaneous lesions in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All patients had markedly depressed CD4 counts of less than 40 cells/mm3, and only two had traveled to endemic areas. Two out of the seven patients were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at the time DH was identified. All of our patients had mucocutaneous lesions at the time of diagnosis, which clinically presented as a generalized papular eruption, ulcers, and erythematous scaly plaques. Conclusions Even in non-endemic regions, HIV-positive patients presenting with fever, chills, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, cough, lymphadenopathy, and mucocutaneous lesions should have an early skin biopsy specimen taken for mycologic tissue culture and histopathologic evaluation for disseminated fungal infections.
Conversion of Pregnenolone-7α-3H-sulfate to Other Δ5-3β-Hydroxysteroid Sulfates by the Human Fetal Adrenal in Vitro

ABSTRACT Three human fetal adrenal homogenates, from fetuses of 12, 15 and 19 weeks of gestational age, were separately incubated with pregnenolone-7α-3H-sulfate under conditions in which hydrolysis of the sulfate ester is inhibited. Three metabolites (minimal estimates of conversion in parentheses) were identified: 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate (8.5%), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (1.4%) and 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (1.1%). The pattern of metabolism was identical in the 3 experiments. The results are interpreted as demonstrating a direct pathway of neutral steroid sulfate metabolism in the fetal adrenal gland.
A comparison of equilibrium partitioning and critical body residue approaches for predicting toxicity of sediment-associated fluoranthene to freshwater amphipods

Equilibrium partitioning (EqP) theory, which has been used to develop sediment quality criteria, predicts that the effects of organic compounds in sediments can be assessed by comparison of organic carbon-normalized sediment concentrations and estimated pore-water concentrations to effects determined in water-only exposures. A complementary approach, the critical body residue (CBR) theory, examines actual body burdens in relation to toxic effects. Critical body residue theory predicts that the narcotic effects of nonpolar compounds should be essentially constant for similar organisms, and narcosis should be observed at body burdens of 2 to 8 μmol/g tissue. This study compares these two approaches for predicting toxicity of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) fluoranthene. The freshwater amphipods Hyalella azteca and Diporeia spp. were exposed for up to 30 d to sediment spiked with radiolabeled fluoranthene at concentrations of 0.1 (trace) to 3,940 nmol/g dry weight (=346 μmol/g organic carbon). Mean survival of Diporeia was generally high (>70%) and not significantly different from that of control animals. This result agrees with EqP predictions, because little mortality was observed for Diporeia in 10-d water-only exposures to fluoranthene in previous studies. After 10-d exposures, mortality of H. azteca was not significantly different from that of controls, even though measured interstitial water concentrations exceeded the previously determined 10-d water-only median lethal concentration (LC50). Equilibrium partitioning overpredicted fluoranthene sediment toxicity in this species. More mortality was observed for H. azteca at later time points, and a 16-d LC50 of 3,550 nmol/g dry weight sediment (291 μmol/g organic carbon) was determined. A body burden of 1.10 μmol fluoranthene-equivalents/g wet weight in H. azteca was associated with 50% mortality after 16-d exposures. Body burdens as high as 5.9 μmol/g wet weight resulted in little mortality in Diporeia. Diporeia, which has limited ability to metabolize fluoranthene and a higher lipid content, appears to be less sensitive than H. azteca, which does metabolize fluoranthene. These results demonstrate that the CBR approach is a useful complement to the EqP approach for the prediction and assessment of toxicity associated with contaminated sediments.
Glasgow Coma Scale score dominates the association between admission Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and 30-day mortality in a mixed intensive care unit population.

Abstract Objective The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, a measure of multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome, is used to predict mortality in critically ill patients by assigning equally weighted scores across 6 different organ systems. We hypothesized that specific organ systems would have a greater association with mortality than others. Design We retrospectively studied patients admitted over a period of 4.2 years to a mixed-profile intensive care unit (ICU). We recorded age and comorbidities, and calculated SOFA organ scores. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. We determined which organ subscores of the SOFA score were most associated with mortality using multiple analytic methods: random forests, conditional inference trees, distanced-based clustering techniques, and logistic regression. Setting A 24-bed mixed-profile adult ICU that cares for medical, surgical, and trauma (level 1) patients at an academic referral center. Patients All patients' first admission to the study ICU during the study period. Measurements and Main Results We identified 9120 first admissions during the study period. Overall 30-day mortality was 12%. Multiple analytical methods all demonstrated that the best initial prediction variables were age and the central nervous system SOFA subscore, which is determined solely by Glasgow Coma Scale score. Conclusions In a mixed population of critically ill patients, the Glasgow Coma Scale score dominates the association between admission SOFA score and 30-day mortality. Future research into outcomes from multiple-organ dysfunction may benefit from new models for measuring organ dysfunction with special attention to neurologic dysfunction.
Biological data integration: wrapping data and tools

Scientific data is inevitably digital and stored in a wide variety of formats in heterogeneous systems. Scientists need to access an integrated view of remote or local heterogeneous data sources with advanced data access, analysis, and visualization tools. Building a digital library for scientific data requires accessing and manipulating data extracted from flat files or databases, documents retrieved from the Web as well as data generated by software. We present an approach to wrapping web data sources, databases, flat files, or data generated by tools through a database view mechanism. Generally, a wrapper has two tasks: it first sends a query to the source to retrieve data and, second builds the expected output with respect to the virtual structure. Our wrappers are composed of a retrieval component based on an intermediate object view mechanism called search views mapping the source capabilities to attributes, and an Extensible Markup Language (XML) engine, respectively, to perform these two tasks. The originality of the approach consists of: 1) a generic view mechanism to access seamlessly data sources with limited capabilities and 2) the ability to wrap data sources as well as the useful specific tools they may provide. Our approach has been developed and demonstrated as part of the multidatabase system supporting queries via uniform object protocol model (OPM) interfaces.