cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of local exhaust ventilation controls on dust exposures during concrete cutting and grinding activities.

This study assessed the effectiveness of commercially available local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems for controlling respirable dust and crystalline silica exposures during concrete cutting and grinding activities. Work activities were performed by union-sponsored apprentices and included tuck-point grinding, surface grinding, paver block and brick cutting (masonry saw), and concrete block cutting (hand-held saw). In a randomized block design, implemented under controlled field conditions, three ventilation rates (0, 30, and 75 cfm) were tested for each tool. Each ventilation treatment was replicated three times in random order for a total of nine 15-min work sessions per study subject. With the exception of the hand-held saw, the use of LEV resulted in a significant (p<0.05) reduction in respirable dust exposure. Mean exposure levels for the 75 cfm treatments were less than that of the 30 cfm treatments; however, differences between these two treatments were only significant for paver block cutting (p...
Recent models in data envelopment analysis : Theory and applications

A critical review of the recent models of data envelopment analysis (DEA) is attempted here. Three new lines of approach involving dynamic changes in parameters, the error correction models and a stochastic sensitivity analysis are discussed in some detail. On the applications side, two new formulations are presented and discussed, e.g. a model of technical change and a cost frontier for testing economies of scale and adjustment due to risk factors. Thus the critical review of recent DEA models of productivity measurement provides new insight into the frontier of research in this field.
News Media Framing Sets Public Opinion That Drugs is the Country's Most Important Problem

Responses by the public to the question of whether drugs was the United States’ most important problem ranged from under 5% to over 60% during the 9 years from 1985 to 1994. Time series analysis showed that changes in this opinion could be explained by the press describing drugs as a crisis. Other types of drug discussion contributed negligibly. In the reverse direction, public opinion about drugs was a weak but significant contributor to press coverage.Cuando entre los anos 1985 y 1994 se le pregunto al publico si la droga era el problema mas importante de los Estado Unidos, las respuestas afirmativas variaron entre un 5 y un 60 por ciento. El analisis de series cronologicas demostro que los cambios de opinion podian ser atribuidos a la prensa que presentaba el problema de la droga como una crisis. Otro tipo de discusiones sobre el tema tenian un efecto negligible. A la vez, la opinion del publico influia de manera debil pero significativa en la forma en que la prensa trataba el tema.Entre 1985 et 1994, ...
Steroid hormone effects on picrotoxin-induced seizures in female and male rats.

Abstract Picrotoxin (1 mg/kg. i.p.), evoked a single generalized seizure in 75% of ovariectomized rats. Pretreatment of matched pairs with silastic implants containing 100% estradiol had an anticonvulsant effect; it protected all rats against such seizures. Implants containing 10% estradiol in cholesterol were less effective in protecting against picrotoxin-induced seizures. With 2 mg/kg picrotoxin, 85% of the seizure-affected ovariectomized controls had multiple seizures. The incidence of seizures and the ratio of single to multiple seizures induced by the higher dose of picrotoxin were unaffected by estradiol silastic implants, intraperitoneal injections of progesterone (0.5 mg, 4–5 h before convulsant) or the combination of both hormones. At the 2 mg/kg dose, 8/8 intact males had no seizures while all paired ovariectomized females had seizures. By contrast, the incidence of seizures in pairs of gonadectomized males and females did not differ. Testosterone treatment improved the ratio of single to multiple seizures in males but not in females. Males had statistically fewer multiple seizures than did females after testosterone treatment. The distribution of latencies to a single seizure is statistically different from the distribution of latencies to the first of multiple seizures irrespective of dose, sex and hormone treatment. This suggests that the population of rats responding with a single seizure at the higher dose of picrotoxin have a higher threshold for acquiring multiple seizures and that testosterone predisposes males but not females to this population.
The Spinocerebellar Ataxia 12 Gene Product and Protein Phosphatase 2A Regulatory Subunit Bβ2 Antagonizes Neuronal Survival by Promoting Mitochondrial Fission

The neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia 12 (SCA12) is caused by CAG repeat expansion in the non-coding region of the PPP2R2B gene. PPP2R2B encodes Bβ1 and Bβ2, alternatively spliced and neuron-specific regulatory subunits of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) holoenzyme. We show here that in PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons, cell stressors induced a rapid translocation of PP2A/Bβ2 to mitochondria to promote apoptosis. Conversely, silencing of PP2A/Bβ2 protected hippocampal neurons against free radical-mediated, excitotoxic, and ischemic insults. Evidence is accumulating that the mitochondrial fission/fusion equilibrium is an important determinant of cell survival. Accordingly, we found that Bβ2 expression induces mitochondrial fragmentation, whereas Bβ2 silencing or inhibition resulted in mitochondrial elongation. Based on epistasis experiments involving Bcl2 and core components of the mitochondrial fission machinery (Fis1 and dynamin-related protein 1), mitochondrial fragmentation occurs upstream of apoptosis and is both necessary and sufficient for hippocampal neuron death. Our data provide the first example of a proapoptotic phosphatase that predisposes to neuronal death by promoting mitochondrial division and point to a possible imbalance of the mitochondrial morphogenetic equilibrium in the pathogenesis of SCA12.
Monetary Transmission in Low Income Countries

This paper reviews monetary transmission mechanisms in low-income countries (LICs) to identify aspects of the channels that may operate differently in LICs relative to advanced and emerging economies. Given the weak institutional frameworks, reduced role of securities markets, imperfect competition in the banking sector and the resulting high cost of bank lending to private firms, the traditional channels (interest rate, bank lending, and asset price) are impaired in LICs. The exchange rate channel is also undermined by central bank intervention in the foreign exchange market. These conclusions are supported by review of the institutional frameworks, statistical analysis, and previous literature.
Vaccine-Associated Liability Risk and Provider Immunization Practices

Objective To explore the effect of concern about vaccine-associated malpractice litigation on provider immunization practices and attitudes. Design A cross-sectional mail survey. Participants One thousand one hundred sixty-five pediatricians and 1849 family physicians. Main Outcome Measures Physicians' perceptions of the legal and financial risks of providing immunizations and of the liability protection afforded by state programs and their current immunization practices. Results The response rate was 72% for pediatricians and 63% for family physicians. Overall, less than 30% of the respondents believed that federal and state programs protect them against vaccine-related lawsuits, with pediatricians more likely to believe so (32% vs 21%, P P Conclusions Liability-related variables were not independently associated with most immunization behaviors examined. This raises the question as to whether physicians cite liability as a reason for not immunizing children with acute and chronic illnesses, when their concerns are actually otherwise. These data suggest that educational efforts focused on liability issues alone will have little effect on inappropriate delaying of immunization for these children. Rather, education is needed regarding inappropriate contraindications themselves.
Mechanism of action of Pseudomonas syringae phytotoxin, syringomycin. Interaction with the plasma membrane of wild-type and respiratory-deficient strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract The effects of the phytotoxin, syringomycin, produced by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, were examined on cells of a wild-type and a respiratory-deficient ( rho 0 ) mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The growth of both strains in liquid culture was inhibited by 0.5 μg syringomycin per ml and higher. Uptake rates of tetraphenylphosphonium and dimethyloxazolidine ions in cell suspensions of both strains increased when 1.5 μg per ml syringomycin was added. These responses were kinetically and quantitatively similar in the two strains and indicated increases in electrical potential (cell interior negative) and pH differences (cell interior alkaline) across the plasma membrane. Glucose (0.1 M) enhanced the effect on the electrical potential, was required for the pH changes, and increased the cellular ATP levels. These results show that the effects of syringomycin are energy-dependent and are due to alterations of plasma membrane and not to mitochondrial function.
CW operation of a tunable 330/460 GHz gyrotron for enhanced nuclear magnetic resonance

In this work we describe the operation of a continuous-wave 330/460 GHz gyrotron oscillator operating at the second harmonic of the electron cyclotron frequency. The oscillator is intended to be used in 700 MHz 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments enhanced by dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). At 460 GHz, the gyrotron operates in the TE11,2 mode and is able to generate 16 W of power continuously and stably for a beam current of 100 mA and beam voltage of 13 kV. Power and frequency tuning measurements as a function of beam voltage and magnetic field were carried out. The results show continuous frequency tunability over a range of 700 MHz with a minimum power level of 5 W for a fixed beam current of 100 mA. Extended frequency tuning due to the interaction of the electron beam with the backward-wave component of successive high order axial modes is observed. Power and frequency tuning measurements are also reported for the TE4,3 mode at 330 GHz, a frequency suitable for 500 MHz DNP/NMR spectrometers.
Emotion, Relationship, and Meaning as Core Existential Practice: Evidence-Based Foundations

Existential therapy’s solid evidence-based foundation has not been adequately articulated to date. One challenge to this task is the lack of a singular or unified existential approach. Despite this, there remain shared themes that are common across the approaches to existential therapy. A second challenge is that many existential therapists resist Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology (EBPP), viewing it as excessively restrictive. However, EBPP is more inclusive than previous approaches to evaluating therapeutic effectiveness, such as the empirically supported treatment movement. We maintain that EBPP fits well with existential therapy and supports its practice. This paper identifies three pillars of existential psychology as its (1) relational focus, (2) emphasis on working with emotions and experience, and (3) meaning-centered approach. Each of these pillars have a strong foundation in empirical research, clinical competencies, and ability to be adapted to individual and cultural differences, which have been identified as the core of EBPP (American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology 2006). While few outcome studies specifically on existential psychotherapy exist, there is extensive research supporting the core practices that comprise existential therapy practice.
Spatial content analysis for precision surfaces with the area structure function

Structure function (SF) is the average height difference squared as a function of separation, which can represent the spatial content of precision surfaces. Linear SF has been applied in astronomy to area data and it captures data of all spatial content. However, it loses the information on anisotropy. The recently introduced two-quadrant area SF characterizes surfaces of arbitrary aperture over any chosen dynamic range while retaining anisotropic information. This paper discusses some computational issues of the SF, analyses the SF for surfaces described by a combination of Zernike polynomial terms and presents an example of its application to a diamond turned surface.
JCoDA: a tool for detecting evolutionary selection

The incorporation of annotated sequence information from multiple related species in commonly used databases (Ensembl, Flybase, Saccharomyces Genome Database, Wormbase, etc.) has increased dramatically over the last few years. This influx of information has provided a considerable amount of raw material for evaluation of evolutionary relationships. To aid in the process, we have developed JCoDA (Java Codon Delimited Alignment) as a simple-to-use visualization tool for the detection of site specific and regional positive/negative evolutionary selection amongst homologous coding sequences. JCoDA accepts user-inputted unaligned or pre-aligned coding sequences, performs a codon-delimited alignment using ClustalW, and determines the dN/dS calculations using PAML (Phylogenetic Analysis Using Maximum Likelihood, yn00 and codeml) in order to identify regions and sites under evolutionary selection. The JCoDA package includes a graphical interface for Phylip (Phylogeny Inference Package) to generate phylogenetic trees, manages formatting of all required file types, and streamlines passage of information between underlying programs. The raw data are output to user configurable graphs with sliding window options for straightforward visualization of pairwise or gene family comparisons. Additionally, codon-delimited alignments are output in a variety of common formats and all dN/dS calculations can be output in comma-separated value (CSV) format for downstream analysis. To illustrate the types of analyses that are facilitated by JCoDA, we have taken advantage of the well studied sex determination pathway in nematodes as well as the extensive sequence information available to identify genes under positive selection, examples of regional positive selection, and differences in selection based on the role of genes in the sex determination pathway. JCoDA is a configurable, open source, user-friendly visualization tool for performing evolutionary analysis on homologous coding sequences. JCoDA can be used to rapidly screen for genes and regions of genes under selection using PAML. It can be freely downloaded at http://www.tcnj.edu/~nayaklab/jcoda .
Peripheral chromatic sensitivity for flashes: A post-peceptoral red-green asymmetry

Abstract Thresholds of luminance and red-green chromatic flashes (200 msec) were measured on a yellow adapting field in the fovea and periphery (up to 12° eccentricity for 1° flashes and 21° eccentricity for 2° flashes). Chromatic sensitivity (in cone contrast coordinates) is about 7 times higher than luminance sensitivity in the fovea but falls faster with eccentricity, so that luminance and chromatic sensitivities are similar at eccentricities of 20° or less. At eccentricities greater than about 14°, there is a clear asymmetry wherein green chromatic flashes are considerably less detectable than red ones. By measuring complete detection contours for many ratios of incremental and decremental red and green flashes, we isolated the red and green chromatic detection mechanisms, and demonstrated that the red-green asymmetry is not a property of the L- or M-cone response per se, but rather is a property of the post-receptoral, chromatic mechanisms. The peripheral luminance and chromatic mechanisms could be further separated with a suprathreshold luminance flash (a pedestal), since an intense pedestal masks coincident luminance test flashes but facilitates the chromatic flashes. The luminance pedestal approximately linearizes the chromatic detection function (the psychometric function).
Clustering of Prm- mutations of bacteriophage λ in the region between 33 and 40 nucleotides from the cl transcription start point

Abstract Mutations affecting P RM -directed expression of the λ c I- rex operon have been isolated and characterized. Six (class I) mutations, including prm 116 ( K.-M. Yen and G. N. Gussin, 1973 , Virology 56 , 300–312), appear to be defective in the interaction between RNA polymerase and the P RM promoter. Five of the six mutations map in the RNA polymerase “recognition” region ( W. Gilbert, 1976 , In “RNA Polymerase” (R. Losick and M. Chamberlin, eds.), pp. 193–205. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N. Y.) located approximately 35 nucleotides preceding the transcription start point, while one maps near the so-called Pribnow box, a heptanucleotide sequence common to some extent in all promoters sequenced thus far. The existence of mutations in two distinct regions of the promoter may provide the opportunity to distinguish between the functions of the two regions in transcription initiation. Three of the Prm − mutations (class II) are defective in repressor binding at O R . These mutations may be Prm − because repressor is unable to act as a positive regulator of P RM ( M. Ptashne, K. Backman, M. Z. Humayun, A. Jeffrey, R. Maurer, B. Meyer, and R. T. Sauer, 1976 , Science 199 , 156–161). A 10th mutant that exhibited some of the properties expected of a prm − mutant appears to be defective in the c I gene itself; most likely it is a c I missense mutant.
Psychophysiological sequelae of holocaust trauma in a Jewish child.

This paper explores neurotic and religious components of conversion and psychophysiological sequelae of Holocaust trauma in a child of concentration camp inmates. The patient is a 26-year-old married woman of orthodox Jewish faith, whose presenting symptom was noncyclic uterine bleeding. The uniqueness of the symptom is emphasized within the defensive use it represents of the ritual menstrual code of the patient's orthodox Jewish way of life. Complexities in differentiating the symptom as either psychosomatic, hysterical, or both, as well as some of the sociocultural background which lends significance to the patient's symptoms, are discussed below. This study is intended as a contribution to the literature on the treatment of religious patients. As this case study deals indirectly with the effects on the psychological health of their post-war child of parental pathology resulting from concentration camp experiences, it will be a contribution to the slowly growing body of literature examining this important topic. 18 Recent psychiatric literature contains relatively few detailed case studies focusing on the unique neurotic or disordered uses of religious institutions within the defensive or symptomatic characteristics of the religious patientY 9 This is possibly because of a philosophical unwillingness to view such clientele as presenting unique therapeutic challenges, or a general failure to appreciate the defensible clinical need to approach such patients with two conceptions: the patient
MicroRNAs and the regulation of intestinal homeostasis.

The mammalian intestinal tract is a unique site in which a large portion of our immune system and the 10^14 commensal organisms that make up the microbiota reside in intimate contact with each other. Despite the potential for inflammatory immune responses, this complex interface contains host immune cells and epithelial cells interacting with the microbiota in a manner that promotes symbiosis. Due to the complexity of the cell types and microorganisms involved, this process requires elaborate regulatory mechanisms to ensure mutualism and prevent disease. While many studies have described critical roles for protein regulators of intestinal homeostasis, recent reports indicate that noncoding RNAs are also major contributors to optimal host-commensal interactions. In particular, there is emerging evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs) have evolved to fine tune host gene expression networks and signaling pathways that modulate cellular physiology in the intestinal tract. Here, we review our present knowledge of the influence miRNAs have on both immune and epithelial cell biology in the mammalian intestines and the impact this has on the microbiota. We also discuss a need for further studies to decipher the functions of specific miRNAs within the gut to better understand cellular mechanisms that promote intestinal homeostasis and to identify potential molecular targets underlying diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC).
The Elimination of Supercooling in Superconductors by the Proximity Effect: New Bounds on T c for Mg, Ag, and Au*

The use of the superconducting proximity effect to eliminate supercooling in a type I superconductor is reported. This effect has been demonstrated to be completely successful when applied to a tungsten specimen. It has also been employed to firmly establish new low upper bounds on the possible superconducting transition temperature of Mg, Ag, and Au.
Considerations for Requiring Intermediate Stress Relief (ISR) for All Weld Types on 2 1/4 Cr-1 Mo-V Reactors

As an industry consensus, API 934-A is an excellent recommended practice on the materials and fabrication requirements for Cr-Mo reactors. However, it is cautious and somewhat vague on the topic of Intermediate Stress Relief (ISR) versus Dehydrogenation Heat Treatment (DHT) for the different types of welds — which reflects the industry’s varying practices. For the advanced steels, API 934-A states that DHT should only be used with Purchaser approval, and that it should not be used on restrained welds such as nozzle welds. As a result, it is common for a DHT to be permitted on longitudinal and circumferential seams to achieve the cost and schedule savings, and ISR is used for nozzle welds. There are risks to the fabricator however, as the welds remain extremely brittle after DHT (the toughness is restored after postweld heat treatment {PWHT}, and at intermediate levels after ISR), and welding defects that are acceptable per ASME Code criterias can lead to brittle fractures during subsequent fabrication steps. The costs of the repairs and delays can then be very high, especially if the cracking is not detected until after PWHT. This paper shows the risks of acceptable defects causing brittle fractures by fracture mechanics calculations, and presents some case histories of cracking. The relative costs of ISR versus DHT, versus repairs before and after PWHT are also reviewed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Abstract 2477: The effect of dissociated glucocorticoids on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced skin inflammation in SENCAR mice

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Glucocorticoids are very effective in preventing carcinogen- and tumor promoter-induced skin inflammation, hyperplasia, and mouse skin tumor formation when applied to skin together with a carcinogen. Their control of cellular functions is mediated by a well-known transcription factor, glucocorticoid receptor (GR). GR acts via two different mechanisms: transcriptional regulation that requires DNA-binding and protein-protein interaction between GR and other transcription factors, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) or activator protein 1 (AP-1), which is independent of DNA binding. We hypothesize that only the transrepression activities of the GR are sufficient to suppress skin tumor development. To test our hypothesis, we have synthesized two glucocorticoids (RU24858 and RU24782) that induce only transrepression activities of the GR. These two compounds are able to bind to the GR with high affinity and repress the AP-1 and NF-κB activity while showing reduced transactivation activities in vitro. Different doses (0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg) of RU24858, RU24782, desoxymethasone (DES) and fluocinolone acetonide (FA) or acetone were applied to the dorsal skin of female SENCAR mice 20 min. prior to TPA application (2 μg), two times per week for two weeks. Keratinocytes proliferation rates were estimated by measuring epidermis thickness and BrdU incorporation index. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR techniques were also used to evaluate expression level of genes involved in inflammation and cell cycle regulation. All studied compounds did not influence keratinocytes proliferation when applied alone. Application of DES, FA and RU24858 reversed TPA induced hyperplasia, in dose-depended manner, while RU24782 treatment had no effect on epidermis thickness or the BrdU incorporation index in TPA treated skins. All tested compounds were able to decrease c-jun mRNA level both in acetone and TPA-treated skins. DES, FA and RU24858 were also able to decrease elevated by TPA mRNA level of IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS. RU24782 did not influence mRNAs levels of these genes. These findings suggest that RU24782 had no effect on TPA-induced inflammation and hyperplasia in SENCAR mice, while RU24858 was able to reduce all tested inflammation markers, having only slight effect on epidermal hyperplasia. Supported by NIH grants CA 0796065-06 and P30 CA 54174-16S1. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2477.
Load-balanced routing for mesh networks

Due to the static nature of nodes, in mesh networks, a poor choice of paths may remain unchanged for a long time and create hot spots. Hence, it is very important to design path weight functions (also called routing metrics) to facilitate load-balanced routing in mesh networks. Such path weight functions (PWFs) must reflect the shared nature of wireless channels and support easy calculation of loop-free paths. In this abstract, we present our theoretical studies of the requirements on PWFs and design the first PWF, called Metric of Interference and Channel-switching (MIC), that satisfies these requirements. Our simulation results show that MIC's performance is substantially better than existing PWFs. (See our technical report [5] for more details.)
Can children provide coherent, stable, and valid self-reports on the big five dimensions? A longitudinal study from ages 5 to 7

Research on early childhood personality has been scarce. Self-reports of Big Five personality traits were measured longitudinally with the Berkeley Puppet Interview when children were 5, 6, and 7 years of age. For comparative purposes, Big Five self-reports were collected in a sample of college students. The children's self-reports showed levels of consistency and differentiation that approached those of the college age sample. Children's personality self-reports demonstrated significant correlations across the 1- and 2-year longitudinal intervals. Substantial and increasing convergence was found between children's self-reports of Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness and conceptually relevant behavior ratings provided by mothers, fathers, and teachers. Children's self-reports of Neuroticism were unrelated to adults' reports but did predict sadness and anxious behavior observed in the laboratory. The results provide the beginnings of an account of how the Big Five dimensions begin to be salient and emerge as coherent, stable, and valid self-perceptions in childhood.
Age-associated decrease in heart rate response to isoproterenol in dogs

Abstract Aging results in a decrease in the maximum heart rate during exercise. To determine if the age-associated decline in maximal heart rate might be due to a decreased chronotropic response to catecholamines, the maximum heart rate induced by systemic injections of isoproterenol was compared in unanesthetized mature (1–4 year) and senescent (8–12 year) beagle dogs. Maximum rate was also assessed under pentobarbital anesthesia before and after cholinergic blockade with atropine. The unanesthetized baseline heart rates in the mature and senescent groups did not differ [148 ± 6 vs. 147 ± 7 beats/min (bpm)] but the maximum isoproterenol induced heart rate was lower in the senescent compared to the mature group (249 ± 7 vs. 286 ± 13 bpm, P
Stimulation by nickel of soil microbial urease activity and urease and hydrogenase activities in soybeans grown in a low-nickel soil

The concentration of nickel in some soils may be insufficient to meet the requirements of enzymes such as urease in soybeans and hydrogenase in Rhizobium. In an initial evaluation of nickel availability, several soils were examined for nickel content and microbial urease activity. Total and extractable nickel were determined by atomic emission spectrometry. Purified glucose and urea were added to soils to stimulate microbial growth and urease activity, the latter of which was monitored by the rate of decomposition of14C urea. Nickel also was added to some samples to determine if the indigenous supply was limiting. In one low-nickel soil (total Ni 13 ppm) urease activity increased 150% in response to additional nickel, while other soils (total Ni 22–3491 ppm) failed to respond to nickel. However, additional nickel did stimulate urease activity (up to 109%) in 3 out of 10 soils to which purified CaCO3 was added. Presumably the rise in pH associated with this treatment decreased nickel availability. Additions of Co, Mn, Fe, or Cu had no consistent effect on urease activity, thus indicating that the response to Ni was specific. Nickel fertilization increased leaf urease and nodule hydrogenase activity of soybeans grown in low-nickel soil, however, yield was not improved. These results may have practical implications in the nutrition of plants and micro-organisms that metabolize H2 and urea.
The length-difficulty relation in immediate serial recall

Six experiments examined the time subjects would spend studying arrays of items before they tried to recall the items in order. Within and across experiments the relation between study time and the amount of material to be recalled was most generally a power function with an exponent of approximately 2.6. Thus, arrays doubled in size were studied about six times as long. Experimental manipulations and individual differences, however, suggested some limitations on the generality of the power function. The power, logarithmic, and exponential functions observed were suggested as possible indicators of the interaction of associative and organizational processes in serial learning.
Vascular Occlusion Affects Gait Variability Patterns of Healthy Younger and Older Individuals

Insufficient blood flow is one possible mechanism contributing to altered gait patterns in lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Previously, our laboratory found that induced occlusion alters gait variability patterns in healthy young individuals. However the effect of age was not explored. The purpose of this study was to account for age by investigating gait variability following induced vascular occlusion in healthy older individuals and to identify amount of change from baseline to post vascular occlusion between younger and older individuals. Thirty healthy younger individuals and 30 healthy older individuals walked on a treadmill during baseline and post vascular occlusion conditions while lower extremity joint kinematics were captured. Vascular occlusion was induced by thigh cuffs inflated bilaterally on the upper thighs. Amount and temporal structure of gait variability was assessed. Older individuals exhibited significantly increased values of temporal structure of variability post vascular occlusion. Post vascular occlusion values were similar between younger and older individuals after adjusting for baseline measurements. Results show blood flow contributes to altered gait variability. However alterations were less severe than previously documented in symptomatic PAD patients, suggesting that neuromuscular problems in the lower extremities of PAD patients also contribute to gait alterations in these patients.
Differentiation of Isomers by Wavelength-Tunable Infrared Multiple-Photon Dissociation-Mass Spectrometry: Application to Glucose-Containing Disaccharides

Variation in the wavelength of irradiation in infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IR-MPD) of lithium-tagged glucose-containing disaccharide ions (1−2-, 1−3-, 1−4-, and 1−6-linked isomers of both anomeric configurations) resulted in marked differences in their mass spectral fragmentation patterns. Two-dimensional plots of the fragment yield versus infrared wavelength for each mass spectral product ion were unique for each isomer and can be considered a spectral fingerprint. Individual product ions or diagnostic ratios of key product ions can be optimized at specific IR wavelengths. The technique permits both linkage position and anomeric configuration to be assigned. The ratio of the fragments derived by cleavage at the glycosidic bond (m/z 169/187) is much enhanced for β-anomers compared to α-anomers. Differences in the diagnostic product ions 169 and 187 were largest in the range of 9.0−9.4 μm, where the maximum dissociation yield was observed. Conversely, at 10.6 μm, the wavelength of nontunable CO2 ...
Speculation concerning the Positive Electron

I WRITE hypothetically, and in an interrogative mood except that I scarcely expect a present answer, but it is simpler to state a hypothesis with preposterous dogmatism, in imitation of the unconscious manner of the crank.
Cyclic AMP and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) prevent programmed cell death of cultured rat cerebellar granule cells

Abstract Cultured cerebellar granule cells undergo programmed cell death when they are deprived of depolarizing KCI. Results from this study indicate that the cAMP analog cyclic 8-(4-chlorophenylthio) adenosine-3′5′-monophosphate (CPT cAMP) can prevent the cell death in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximal effect seen at 500 μM. Approximately 70% of cells can be saved with this concentration of CPTcAMP for at least 6 days. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) increased the intracellular CAMP levels of these cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This agent can prevent the decrease of cAMP and cell death induced by KCl withdrawal. These results suggest that PACAP could function as a neurotrophic factor for cerebellar granule cells in vivo.
Trophic interactions in the phytotelmata communities of the Pitcher Plant, Sarracenia purpurea

A pulse-perturbation experiment, designed to assess the impact of top predators, resource availability, and the interaction between predators and resources, was conducted in the inquiline community found in a natural population of the pitcher plant Sarracenia purpurea. Experimental manipulations of pitchers were removal of the top predator (the filter-feeding larvae of the mosquito Wyeomia smithii), addition of resources (mealworms), and the combination of the two. Pitchers were then censused every three days for 15 days. Top-predator removal had little effect on the remaining community, in part because mosquitoes rapidly recolonized the pitchers. Resource addition resulted in large, persistent increases in both bacterial and protozoan abundances but had no effect on rotifers and mites. Therefore, “top-down” effects were relatively weak. In contrast “bottom-up” effects were strong at the lowest trophic level (bacteria) but differentially affected species at a higher trophic level that feed on bacteria. Th...
RbSr isotopic evidence in the origin of potash-rich lavas of Western Italy

Abstract The 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratio in the potassic lavas of the Roman province has been found to vary from 0.706 to 0.711, with the ratio rather constant for each volcano, but generally increasing from south to north. The increase in 87 Sr/ 86 Sr is found to be correlated roughly with total Rb and Sr, both of which reach unusually high levels of concentration. It is concluded that the continental potassic volcanic association in general (leucite-basalt to potash-trachyte), by analogy with this volcanic province, could not have derived its unusually high Sr from carbonatites or the normal types of basalt, or from the assimilation of limestone. The Sr isotopic evidence suggests that these unusual magmas were derived from the refusion or anatexis of ancient continental sialic rocks. The concentrations of Sr and other trace elements suggest that the sialic rocks were deeply depressed into the high pressure regime where garnet and clinopyroxene are dominant residual phases.
Phototransduction in itDrosophila: a paradigm for the genetic dissection of sensory transduction cascades

Abstract A combination of molecular, genetic and physiological studies is providing fundamental insight into the function and regulation of the phototransduction cascade. The availability of Drosophila mutants with defects in visual physiology allows for an in vivo dissection of this complex sensory signal transduction process.
Interaction between troponin and myosin enhances contractile activity of myosin in cardiac muscle.

Ca2+ signaling in striated muscle cells is critically dependent upon thin filament proteins tropomyosin (Tm) and troponin (Tn) to regulate mechanical output. Using in vitro measurements of contractility, we demonstrate that even in the absence of actin and Tm, human cardiac Tn (cTn) enhances heavy meromyosin MgATPase activity by up to 2.5-fold in solution. In addition, cTn without Tm significantly increases, or superactivates sliding speed of filamentous actin (F-actin) in skeletal motility assays by at least 12%, depending upon [cTn]. cTn alone enhances skeletal heavy meromyosin's MgATPase in a concentration-dependent manner and with sub-micromolar affinity. cTn-mediated increases in myosin ATPase may be the cause of superactivation of maximum Ca2+-activated regulated thin filament sliding speed in motility assays relative to unregulated skeletal F-actin. To specifically relate this classical superactivation to cardiac muscle, we demonstrate the same response using motility assays where only cardiac prot...
Production of early and late pulmonary responses with inhaled leukotriene D4 in allergic sheep.

Abstract Some allergic sheep respond to inhalation of Ascaris suum antigen with both immediate and late increases in airflow resistance (late response). The mechanism of the late response is unknown but recent evidence suggests that the initial generation of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) immediately after antigen challenge is a necessary pre-requisite for the physiologic expression of this late response. Based on this evidence we hypothesized that airway challenge with leukotriene D4 (LTD4), an active component of SRS-A would produce acute and late airway responses in allergenic sheep similar to those observed with antigen. In five allergic sheep with documented early and late pulmonary responses to Ascaris suum antigen, inhalation of leukotriene D4 aerosol (delivered dose {mean ±SE} 0.55±0.08 ug) resulted in significant early and late increases in specific lung resistance (SRL). In three allergic sheep which only demonstrated acute responses to antigen, LTD4 aerosol (delivered dose 0.59±0.09ug) only produced an acute increase in SRL. In the late responders pretreatment with aerosol cromolyn sodium (1 mg/kg) did not affect the acute response but blunted the late increase in SRL. Pretreatment with aerosol FPL-57231 (1% w/v solution) completely blocked both the acute and late responses. These data support the hypothesis that initial release of LTD4 in the airways of sensitive animals is important for the physiologic expression of the late response.
Experimental Canine Cholera III. Serologic Studies and Re-Challenge Experiments

The serologic responses to infection with Vibrio cholerae in humans have been extensively studied [1-3]. Agglutinating and vibriocidal antibodies rise in titer within 7-10 days following the onset of illness and then decrease by 3-4 months. Whether these antibodies play any role in protection against subsequent illness, however, is at present unknown. Vaccine field trials in endemic areas, using whole-cell vaccines [4, 5], have demonstrated that significant protection is afforded by vaccination with killed vibrios. The mechanism by which this occurs, however, remains to be determined. Mosley and co-workers have shown in endemic areas an inverse correlation between likelihood
Studies on Phenolic Steroids in Human Subjects. XVII. The Kidney and Fate of 15α-Hydroxyestrogens

ABSTRACT The conjugation and metabolism of 15α-hydroxyestrogens was studied in vivo in pregnant and nonpregnant subjects, with particular emphasis on the role of the kidney in the conjugation of these steroids. Labeled 15α-hydroxyestradiol (15α-OHE2) was administered iv to 2 pregnant women and 1 nonpregnant woman and estetrol (E4) to a pregnant woman. All pregnant patients were in the third trimester. More than 70% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine in 3–5 days. The major conjugates of 15α-OHE2 were the N-acetyglucosaminides (NAG) and the sulfo-NAG (S-NAG), with glucosiduronates (GL) constituting a minor percentage of the conjugates. The major metabolite of 15α-OHE2 identified in our studies was E4, with only a small amount of 15α-OHE1 being present in one case only. The administered E4 was excreted preponderantly (ca. 82%) as the monoglucosiduronate of ring-D with small amounts of the S-GL (8–6%) and 3-sulfate (7.4%) being present in the urine. The E4 was excreted unmodified. Fu...
A comparison between preoperative magnetic resonance and intraoperative ultrasound tumor volumes and margins.

A major obstacle in surgical neuro-oncology is differentiating the interface between tumor and normal brain. Twenty-two brain tumors were evaluated preoperatively with magnetic resonance imaging. Intraoperative ultrasonography was used to guide suggical resection of these tumors, and results were compared with surgical and pathologic findings. Ultrasound tumor volume estimates were larger than T1 gadolinium-enhanced and T1 non-gadolinium-enhanced volumes, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. Similarly T2 volumes were larger than the corresponding sonographic volumes, except for the subset of low-grade gliomas, and in that instance the difference was small, but again the differences were not statistically significant. Ultrasonography enhanced identification of infiltrating tumor cells beyond falsely underestimated tumor margins as defined by T1 images. Ultrasound images helped differentiate edema as seen on T2 images from solid tumor and normal brain. The information gained from ultrasound images can be used to enhance tumor resection and improve patient survival and quality of life. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Binding and processing of immunostimulatory Fcγ1, fragments by the murine macrophage cell line P388D1

Abstract Previous data from this laboratory indicated that human Fcγ fragments induce murine B cells to proliferate and that the induction is macrophage-dependent. To further investigate the role of macrophages in this phenomenon, biologically active Fcγ fragments from a human IgG 1 myeloma protein and the murine macrophage-like cell line P388D 1 were utilized. Fc γ 1 fragments bound specifically and to a single class of receptor on P388D 1 cells with a K a value of 4 × 10 6 M −1 and to approximately 2.4 × 10 5 binding sites/cell. The binding was not effectively inhibited by two immunostimulatory Fc γ 1 , subfragments that were macrophage independent, i.e., pFc′ fragments approximating the Cγ3 domain of IgG 1 and synthetic peptides representing residues 335–357 in Fc γ 1 . P388D 1 cells were able to process Fcγ 1 fragments but not intact IgG 1 into subfragments that were able to induce lymphocyte proliferation in the absence of macrophages. The processing was rapid and resulted in active subfragments of several size classes. These findings not only further document the molecular and cellular events in these systems but underscore the usefulness of the P388D 1 cell line in future studies on Fc fragment-induced lymphocyte regulation.
Superconductivity in graphite intercalation compounds.

Alkali-metal graphite intercalation compounds undergo a normal-to-superconducting transition at a critical temperature ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ that increases with increasing alkali-metal concentration. Furthermore, the temperature dependence of the critical magnetic field ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{c}2}$ is linear down to very low temperatures. A two-band model, which considers coupling between a three-dimensional band and an almost two-dimensional electronic energy band, and which was successfully applied to explain superconductivity in ${\mathrm{C}}_{8}$K, is used to interpret recently reported data. In particular, we show that the increase in ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{c}}$ as the alkali-metal concentration increases, the linear temperature dependence of ${\mathit{H}}_{\mathit{c}2}$, and the anisotropy in its value, are consistent with the two-band model.
Cholesterol vehicle in experimental atherosclerosis. Part 6. Long-term effects of fats and fatty acids in a cholesterol-free diet

A review of the literature on experimental atherosclerosis in rabbitsl, 2 has indicated that saturated fats exert an atherogenic effect when added to a cholesterol-free semi-synthetic diet, but not when added to a commercial laboratory chow. In view of the atherogenesis-enhancing effects of free fatty acids 3 5, we examined the possibility that augmenting fat-rich diets with free fatty acids might confer atherogenic properties on a fat-rich, cholesterol-free diet based on laboratory chow.
Relationships between Ambient Sounds and the Accuracy of Pharmacists' Prescription-Filling Performance

Associations between ambient sounds and accuracy of pharmacists' prescription-filling performance in a pharmacy was studied. Pharmacists were videotaped as they filled prescriptions each workday for 23 days. Each filled prescription was inspected by the investigator. Deviations from the physician's written order were considered errors. Videotape analysis was used to detect unpredictable, predictable, uncontrollable, and controllable sounds. A within-subjects case control study design was employed to determine whether the frequency of ambient sounds was significantly different when prescriptions with errors, compared with those without errors, were filled. Loudness, in terms of equivalent sound levels (Leq) for each half hour, was analyzed for a relationship to dispensing error rate. A mean dispensing error rate of 3.23% was found. Unpredictable sounds, controllable sounds, and noise had a significant effect on pharmacists which resulted in a decreased dispensing error rate. These results suggest that the quality of pharmacists' performance is not adversely affected by ambient sound. As equivalent sound levels increased, the error rate increased to a point, then decreased.
Oncostatin M: a pleiotropic cytokine in the central nervous system

Oncostatin M (OSM), a member of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine family, has yet to be well studied, especially in the context of the central nervous system (CNS). The biological functions of OSM are complex and variable, depending on the cellular microenvironment. Inflammatory responses and tumor development are among two of the major events that OSM is involved in. Although OSM levels remain low in the normal CNS, elevated expression occurs in pathological conditions. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the regulation of OSM to control its expression and/or its effects. Accumulating data demonstrate that OSM binds to specific receptor complexes, then activates two major signaling pathways: Janus Kinase-Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (JAK-STAT) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), to regulate downstream events. In this review, we focus on the biological functions of OSM, the signaling pathways of OSM in the CNS, and OSM involvement in CNS diseases.