cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of the Eastern Interconnection Line Frequency

This paper reports the results of recent efforts to characterize the frequency on the Eastern Interconnection. The power system line frequency has been used routinely in the control and management of generation. A data collection and analysis program was undertaken to enable the characterization of this line frequency over time spans from five minutes to twenty-four hours. The results shown here reveal the range of frequencies that appear on the Interconnection, the nature of the variation about the 60 Hz set point, the spectrum of periodic components present, and the influence on the measured frequency of the averaging time used for measurement.
Antipsychotic effect of milieu in the acute treatment of schizophrenia

We studied 35 patients meeting DSM-III criteria for schizophrenia, paranoid or undifferentiated type, chronic with acute exacerbation. All were treated in hospital, 13 on a psychiatric intensive care unit, and 22 on an open ward. The former unit is a more structured and less stimulating one. We found those patients treated on that ward to show greater improvement in BPRS ratings during the first 2 days of hospitalization compared to the open-ward group, despite similar doses of medication being utilized. Additionally, this improvement was noted to occur among BPRS items comprising a psychotic subscale.
Process of customer interaction during new service development in an emerging country

Globalization has a major impact on the practice of innovation across a wide range of service industries. Yet, only limited attention has been paid to the issue of service innovation in a global context. To address this critique of the literature, a case study of new service development and customer interaction was conducted in a multinational financial services firm based in the USA. The case study investigates the development of new services with inputs from company's customers in India. It also traces the roles of local Indian subsidiary and local managers in developing and managing the overall service innovation process.
Uncertainty as a deterrence strategy: A critical assessment

Abstract Many of those who oppose modernization of America's land‐based missile force do so by an appeal to the deterrent effect of the uncertainties inherent in any Soviet attempt to launch a first strike against those forces. What is overlooked by such arguments is that the existence of such uncertainties can, under certain circumstances, encourage rather than deter attack. Uncertainty might be useful to the extent that it concerns enemy perceptions of areas in which the United States is weak. However, the best way to deter war and increase American bargaining ability vis‐a‐vis the Soviet Union is not to increase uncertainty but to reduce, as far as possible, the Soviet leadership's estimate of its chances in a war with the United States.
The neuropsychology of dreams: a clinico-anatomical study.

Abstract by Mark Solms, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 1997. $59.95 (292 pages) ISBN 0 8058 1585 6
Differences in APOBEC3G expression in CD4+ T helper lymphocyte subtypes modulate HIV-1 infectivity.

The cytidine deaminases APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F exert anti–HIV-1 activity that is countered by the HIV-1 vif protein. Based on potential transcription factor binding sites in their putative promoters, we hypothesized that expression of APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F would vary with T helper lymphocyte differentiation. Naive CD4+ T lymphocytes were differentiated to T helper type 1 (Th1) and 2 (Th2) effector cells by expression of transcription factors Tbet and GATA3, respectively, as well as by cytokine polarization. APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F RNA levels, and APOBEC3G protein levels, were higher in Th1 than in Th2 cells. T cell receptor stimulation further increased APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F expression in Tbet- and control-transduced, but not in GATA3-transduced, cells. Neutralizing anti–interferon-γ antibodies reduced both basal and T cell receptor-stimulated APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F expression in Tbet- and control-transduced cells. HIV-1 produced from Th1 cells had more virion APOBEC3G, and decreased infectivity, compared to virions produced from Th2 cells. These differences between Th1- and Th2-produced virions were greater for viruses lacking functional vif, but also seen with vif-positive viruses. Over-expression of APOBEC3G in Th2 cells decreased the infectivity of virions produced from Th2 cells, and reduction of APOBEC3G in Th1 cells increased infectivity of virions produced from Th1 cells, consistent with a causal role for APOBEC3G in the infectivity difference. These results indicate that APOBEC3G and APOBEC3F levels vary physiologically during CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation, that interferon-γ contributes to this modulation, and that this physiological regulation can cause changes in infectivity of progeny virions, even in the presence of HIV-1 vif.
Lettuce Yield Reductions Correlated with Methyl Parathion Use

The effects of methyl parathion and methomyl applications upon yields and photosynthetic rates were examined on lettuce in the growth period between thinning and rosette formation. Reductions in lettuce head weight and density were linearly correlated with the increased numbers of methyl parathion applications made during the season. Applications of methomyl were correlated with increases in lettuce head weight. A positive correlation was found between the percentage of plants that bolted before formation of a marketable head and the number of applications of both insecticides; methyl parathion elicited the greater effect. Both insecticides reduced photosynthetic rates and leaf conductance rates, and reductions were linearly correlated with rates of insecticide applied. The effects of the insecticides on physiological processes were of short duration. Based on calculated reductions in yield, a pesticide threshold of not more than three applications of methyl parathion per season on lettuce in southern California was suggested.
U.S. Government solar policy: Appropriate roles for nonfinancial incentives

During 1975–1980, U.S. solar policy emphasized financial incentives to potential purchasers as the primary means of stimulating the introduction and spread of residential solar heating systems. This article examines the importance of nonfinancial factors in decisions to purchase residential solar heating systems during these early stages of market penetration and discusses the implications these factors have for policy design. Drawing upon research on the diffusion of innovations, on the effectiveness of income tax credits for solar heating systems, and on solar energy system purchasing decisions themselves, the argument is developed that nonfinancial factors such as system reliability, warranty protection, environmental concerns, adequate information about system costs and performance, and confidence in system suppliers and installers are at least as important as initial system cost to early purchasers. These considerations were not reflected in U.S. solar policy to the extent warranted. As a result, that policy failed to promote the balanced development of all elements essential to a viable residential solar heating industry and probably failed to alter the intentions of many prospective solar system purchasers. The reasons U.S. policymakers were relatively insensitive to nonfinancial factors are discussed and an alternative strategy for increasing the rate of market penetration of residential solar heating systems is offered.
Technology and society: socioeconomic influences on technological sectors for United States counties

This paper analyzes socioeconomic influences on technological levels for 164 counties in the United States. The conceptual framework is that social and economic dimensions impact the sizes of technology sectors in counties, i.e. technology does not develop by itself but in concert with pre-disposing characteristics of the environment. Based on correlation and regression analyses, the findings reveal that nationally in the US, factors that are important correlates of technology sectors are professional/scientific/technical services workforce, other services workforce, household income, federal grant funds, college education, and ethnicity. The study reveals a large range in technology levels across the nation. There are distinctive influences for counties in ''sunbelt'' versus ''traditional'' subsamples, and in ''high-tech'' versus ''low-tech'' subsamples. The findings are discussed in terms of relevant academic and policy literature. The paper implies that certain ''indirect'' steps can be taken by national, state, and local governments to reduce the digital divide.
Policy changes through decision models: planning and implementing Florida growth management, 1970–2010

This study analyzes Florida's five growth management policies from 1970 to 2010. The two most recent policies cover sustainable urban development initiatives. In each of the five policies, one decision model represents the planning policy phase including state legislation and another model represents the subsequent policy implementation (administration) phase including state–regional–local regulation and enforcement. The thread of different models throughout the 10 phases reveals critical changes in legislation and implementation decision styles. It shows policy change and development from problem emergence through decades of legislation and implementation experiences. Florida's narrative demonstrates successful planning and problematic discretionary implementation including numerous incremental compliance versions. The failure of planning policies to link effectively to implementation highlights the distinction between legislative requirements and administrative activities. Implementation also played a k...
Interaction of slow electrons with density fluctuations in condensed materials: Calculation of stopping power.

The calculation of the energy-resolved scattering of slow (\ensuremath{\lesssim}3 eV) electrons from density fluctuations is extended from crystalline semiconductors to amorphous, condensed materials (solid or liquid). In the Born approximation, the scattering is proportional to S(q,\ensuremath{\omega}), the ``dynamical structure factor'' of the material. This factor, which exhibits some basic similarities and differences between solids and liquids, is determined by hydrodynamical parameters in the low-q range relevant to slow electrons. For solids, the scattering law remains unchanged when extended from crystalline to amorphous states, so the stopping power remains unchanged also. The scattering law changes when extended to liquids, but the calculated stopping power remains effectively unchanged.
Participation of soluble liver proteins in the exchange of membrane phospholipids

Abstract 1. 1. When rat liver mitochondria and microsomes were incubated separately with a 105 000 × g supernatant fraction which contained some phospholipid, a rapid exchange of phospholipids between the particulate and soluble fractions was observed. The exchange was not accompanied by a net transfer of phospholipids. The exchange was temperature dependent. Phosphatidyl choline was exchanged to a greater extent than was phosphatidyl ethanolamine. 2. 2. The 105000 × g supernatant fraction was adjusted to pH 5.1, and the precipitate was removed by centrifugation. This yielded a virtually phospholipid-free supernatant fraction. This “pH 5.1 supernatant fraction” stimulated the exchange of phospholipids between mitochondria and microsomes at least as much as the original 105000 × g supernatant fraction. This exchange of phospholipids between cell membrane fractions was also temperature dependent. Phosphatidyl choline of the particulate fractions exchanged more rapidly than phosphatidyl ethanolamine. The extent of exchange dependent on the amount of pH 5.1 supernatant protein present in the medium. 3. 3. The factor in the pH 5.1 supernatant fraction, stimulating the exchange of phospholipids, is probably a protein because it was found to be nondialyzable, precipitable with (NH4)2SO4, sensitive to temperature and digestible by trypsin. It appears likely that the stimulatory effect of the pH 5.1 supernatant fraction does not depend on the presence of a lipoprotein which carries phospholipids from one organelle to another. 4. 4. Phospholipids also exchanged between mitochondria and plasma lipoproteins. The presence of pH 5.1 supernatant fraction greatly stimulated the exchange.
Hemoglobin exacerbates the ocular inflammatory response to endotoxin.

• Background: There is a clinical impression that bleeding into sites of inflammation exacerbates the inflammatory response. It has been hypothesized that hemoglobinic iron (Fe) contributes to this response by catalyzing free radical reactions. In the present study, the effects of autologous hemoglobin on the inflammatory response to endotoxin was determined. In addition, the possible contributions of Fe to this response was assessed by co-injection of either transferrin or desferrioxamine. • Methods: A mild ocular inflammation was induced in rabbits by intravitreal injection of 0.25 ng endotoxin. In some animals apotransferrin, hemoglobin, hemoglobin + apotransferrin or hemoglobin + desferrioxamine were co-injected. Twenty-four hours later, anterior uveitis was quantified by slit-lamp examination and determination of protein concentration and infiltration of white cells into the aqueous humor. • Results: Co-injection of autologous hemoglobin with endotoxin greatly exacerbated the ocular inflammatory response to endotoxin, especially the infiltration of white cells, which was increased 15-fold. Both apotransferrin, which binds Fe at high affinity, and desferrioxamine, which chelates Fe, greatly decreased the cellular response to the co-injection. • Conclusions: It is likely that hemoglobinic Fe is responsible for the increased infiltration of white cells caused by the co-injection of autologous hemaglobin and endotoxin.
Agility beyond software development

Agile software development grew out of a variety of alternative software development methods that shared a common set of values and principles. After two decades, agile software development remains loosely defined, but has been widely accepted. This acceptance has gained the attention of other fields with discussions of applying agile to their work, for example agile systems engineering and agile program management. However, agile was defined in terms of software development, both in practice and in principle. Therefore, translation into other fields has been challenging. This paper derives a set of agile characteristics and discusses two benefits of accepting such a set of characteristics for (a) application of agile to other fields beyond software development and (b) for measurement of agility.
Dynamics of Roller Cone Bits

Tentative de developpement d'un outil analytique pour quantifier l'action des dents d'un trepan a molettes coniques base sur des essais, une analyse geometrique et des donnees statistiques
REGENERATION OF TOBACCO AND PETUNIA PLANTS FROM PROTOPLASTS AND CULTURE OF CORN PROTOPLASTS

Protoplasts isolated enzymatically from leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), stem callus of petunia (Petunia hybrida) and roots of corn (Zea mays) seedings were grown aseptically in microchambers, liquid droplets, or in stationary suspension cultures. Cell wall regenration occurred within 2 days in petunia, 6 to 7 days in tobacco, and 10 days in corn protoplasts. In petunia protoplasts, cell divisions ensued immediately after cell wall formation, and a colony of 30 to 40 cells was produced in 10 to 15 days after culture. Tobacco protoplasts took a longer time for the initiation of cell division activity and the formation of a cell colony. Plating of cell colonies derived from petunia and tobacco protoplasts, separately, resulted in larger sized cell masses, each of which formed a callus tissue when rransferred to fresh nutrient media. Auxins and cytokinins were essential for the differentiation, of shoots from protoplast-derived callus tissues of petunia and tobacco. Transfer of individual shoots to simpler nutrient media resulted in the formation of adventitious roots. Such plantlets of petunia and tobacco have flowered and set seeds in the greenhouse. Complete abortion of pollen was seen in plants derived from protoplasts of cytoplasmic male sterile plants of petunia. Corn root protoplasts elongated following cell wall regeneration, accumulated a few large lipid globules, and remained viable for over 10 weeks in culture. Cell wall regeneration and a low percentage of cell division were seen in protoplasts isolated from corn leaves. Adjacent protoplasts occasionally fused to form two-nucleate protoplasts.
Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in pre-diabetes: the glass is half full and half empty.

The modern incarnation of the term “pre-diabetes” occurred during a press conference hosted by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) on 27 March 2002 to announce the results of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP): “ HHS and the ADA are using the new term ‘pre-diabetes’ to describe an increasingly common condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not yet diabetic—known in medicine as impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose. … Most people with this condition go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. ” Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes often cosegregate with hypertension and dyslipidemia (low serum HDL cholesterol and high triglyceride levels) as manifestations of the metabolic syndrome (1), which affects 47 million people in the U.S. (2). Components of the metabolic syndrome can be identified in pre-diabetic subjects several years before the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological studies, including the Paris Prospective Study (3), have shown that pre-diabetes confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients who progress to type 2 diabetes exhibit additional risk for atherosclerotic disorders, which manifest as a two- to fourfold increase in the prevalence of CVD, stroke, and peripheral vascular diseases, compared with nondiabetic subjects (4). The risk of first myocardial infarction in diabetic patients is similar to that of …
A method for evaluating the influence of wiring on the performance of components in a photovoltaic system design

This paper presents a simple method for evaluating the influence of wiring on the operating conditions of the direct current components in a photovoltaic system design. This method uses electrical circuit theory, electrical resistance modeling, and an iterative calculation approach to address the causality dilemma that exists when estimating voltage reductions in the wires that connect photovoltaic modules to power inverters. This method can be used to estimate the voltage, current output, and power output of each photovoltaic module in a system, and the corresponding total power available at the inverter, given current–voltage (I–V) models for the photovoltaic modules, and the lengths and thicknesses of the corresponding interconnection wiring. This paper uses this method to illustrate the influence that wiring can have on the direct current operating voltage that is needed at the power inverter to achieve maximum power performance for the system. The goal is that this method would be incorporated into software that analyzes the power performance and energy output of photovoltaic systems.
AIDS: understanding the pathogenesis of HIV infection.

It has been little more than four years since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was definitively associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although a few holdouts still insist that the true cause of AIDS has not yet been found, an overwhelming body of evidence indicates that a retrovirus is responsible. The human retroviruses can be classified into transforming retroviruses (HTLV-I and HTLV-II) and cytopathic retroviruses (HIV-1 and HIV-2). As their name suggests, the cytopathic viruses rapidly lyse cells, but it is now clear that they do not lyse all of the cell types that they infect. Many
Microsite differences in surface substrate characteristics in Chamaecyparis swamps of the New Jersey Pinelands

Atlantic white cedar wetlands have pronounced hummock-hollow microtopography, in which the hummocks may be covered bySphagnum spp. or may have only a layer of needle and leaf litter present. I tested the hypotheses that characteristics of the hummock peat, including moisture content, bulk density, redox potential and fiber content, would vary linearly with elevation above the water table, and that these relationships would not vary between moss- and litter-covered surfaces. These hypotheses underlie the frequent use of microsite elevation as an indicator of habitat differentiation in wetlands. I found that moisture and redox potential varied with elevation, but bulk density and fiber content were independent of elevation. Furthermore, moisture and redox status onSphagnum-covered microsites had a weaker relationship to elevation (lower slope coefficient and lower r2) than on litter-covered microsites. Principal components analyses showed thatSphagnum-covered microsites were differentiated primarily on the basis of the relative content of undecomposed and decomposed fibers, while litter-covered sites were differentiated primarily on the basis of moisture and elevation. These results suggest that environmental gradients on hummock-hollow systems are complex and not a simple reflection of elevation. Environmental disturbances that reduceSphagnum cover may affect vegetation by creating more drought-prone microsites on the tops of the hummocks, and this may be important for management of cedar regeneration.
Rebooting the bootstrap argument: Two puzzles for bootstrap theories of concept development

The Origin of Concepts sets out an impressive defense of the view that children construct entirely new systems of concepts. We offer here two questions about this theory. First, why doesn't the bootstrapping process provide a pattern for translating between the old and new systems, contradicting their claimed incommensurability? Second, can the bootstrapping process properly distinguish meaning change from belief change?
Bupropion Binds in the Middle (M2-9) of the Torpedo Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ion Channel

Bupropion is clinically prescribed for the treatment of depression (Wellbutrin) and for smoking cessation (Zyban). While there is consensus that the primary mechanism of action involves increased synaptic concentrations of dopamine and norepinephrine via inhibition of the respective reuptake transporters, DAT and NET, there is growing evidence that some of the therapeutic benefits of bupropion may result from non-competitive antagonism of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), in particular α4β2 and α3β4 subtypes. To aid in elucidating the mechanism of bupropion action and the development of new therapeutic agents for smoking cessation and depression, our goal is to determine the specific molecular interactions between bupropion and several nAChR subtypes (Torpedo, α4β2, α3β4). We first established that bupropion dose-dependently and reversibly inhibits ACh-induced currents in Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with affinity-purified and lipid-reconstituted Torpedo nAChRs (IC50 0.34 μM). Using a photoreactive analog of bupropion ([125I]-SADU-3-72), we next established that bupropion inhibits the binding of [125I]-SADU-3-72 to the Torpedo nAChR (IC50 closed state, 3.6 μM; desensitized state, 1.2 μM) and that binding to the closed nAChR is fully inhibited by tetracaine (IC50 0.42 μM) consistent with a bupropion/[125I]-SADU-3-72 binding site within the nAChR channel. [125I]-SADU-3-72 photolabeled Torpedo nAChR subunits in an agonist-sensitive and bupropion-inhibitable (specific) manner. Finally for the closed nAChR, we identified sites of specific [125I]-SADU-3-72 labeling within δM2 (δLeu265/δM2-9) and βM2 (βLeu257/βM2-9). In the desensitized state, TCP-inhibitable (specific) labeling was identified within δM2 (δLeu265, δM2-9 with minor labeling of δSer258, δM2-2). Our results establish that bupropion binds in the middle (M2-9) of the Torpedo nAChR channel, with a slightly broader binding locus in the desensitized channel. Currently, studies are underway to identify the site(s) of [125I]-SADU-3-72 labeling in affinity-purified α4β2 and α3β4 nAChRs.
Code Generation on Steroids: Enhancing COTS Code Generators via Generative Aspects

Commercial of-the-shelf (COTS) code generators have become an integral part of modern commercial software development. Programmers use code generators to facilitate many tedious and error-prone software development tasks including language processing, XML data binding, graphical component creation, and middleware deployment. Despite the convenience offered by code generators, the generated code is not always adequate for the task at hand. This position paper proposes an approach to address this problem. We utilize the power of aspect oriented programming (AOP) to enhance the functionality of generated code. Furthermore, our approach enables the programmer to specify these enhancements through an intuitive graphical interface. Our proof of concept software tool provides event-handling aspect/aspects that enhance the functionality of the XML processing classes automatically generated by a commercial of- the-shelf code generator, Castor.
Adverse effects in women: implications for drug development and regulatory policies.

The requirement to establish safety of drugs prior to marketing has been in place since 1938 by the US Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and is by no means a new concept. The efficacy regulations were enacted in 1962 via the Kefauver–Harris Amendment and the drug approval process has evolved thereafter. The assessment of safety and efficacy of drug products is made by pharmaceutical companies during drug development, which then goes through a regulatory review by the US FDA for the determination of market approval or nonapproval. The drug development and regulatory approval processes have endured close ongoing scrutiny by regulatory bodies, the public, US Congress and academic and private organizations and, as a result, have ensured continual refinement. Over the years, evidence has been emerging on varied drug responses in subgroup populations, and the underlying biology associated with age, race and sex as demographic variables have been examined. The resulting growing knowledge of disease burden, treatment r...
The growth of transparent amorphous carbon thin films from coal

Abstract Large-area, uniform, transparent amorphous carbon (a-C) thin films were synthesized through simple chemical vapor deposition using coal as the solid carbon source. The atomic force microscopy characterization showed that the synthesized carbon thin film has ∼5 nm thickness with ∼0.55 nm surface roughness. The optical transmittance spectrum showed that the carbon thin film has >96% optical transmittance over the spectral range from 350 nm to 900 nm. The carbon thin films can be transferred to various substrates, which show promise for applications in solar cell, optical and magnetic storage disks, light emitting diodes, photodiodes, and biomedical implants.
Some contextual and historical determinants of the effects of chlordiazepoxide on punished responding of rats.

Abstract Rationale. A host of factors that modulate the increases produced by benzodiazepines on responding suppressed by punishment have been described. Nonetheless, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the anxiolytic-like activity in this animal model have not been fully delineated. Objectives. The present experiments sought to determine the necessity of the reinforcing event (food delivery), the role of the relationship of food delivery to the punishing stimulus, and the prevailing historical context of behavior in determining the effects of chlordiazepoxide (CDAP) from 1 to 17 mg/kg, i.p. on punished responding. Methods. Male, Sprague-Dawley rats pressed a lever under a multiple schedule. In the presence of one stimulus, every 30th response produced food and, in the presence of an alternate stimulus, every 10th response produced food, a brief electric shock, or food plus shock. Additionally, the baseline schedule was manipulated to determine antecedent experience that may contribute to the efficacy of CDAP. Results. Chlordiazepoxide generally produced little or no effect under the FR 30 schedule but increased response rates under the FR 10 schedule when responding produced either food plus shock (to 600% of control) or shock alone (300% of control) but not food alone. The increases produced when shock alone was delivered were eliminated when rats did not have a history of food plus shock pairings. In addition to increasing suppressed responding, CDAP also prevented the suppression in both punished and non-punished response rates that resulted from adding a food plus shock or shock alone contingency. Conclusions. Chlordiazepoxide and perhaps benzodiazepines in general have robust efficacy for both reducing response suppression and for preventing its occurrence. This efficacy is modulated by conditions present at the time of drug exposure and by the history of the organism with respect to response contingencies.
Detecting significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a rheumatoid arthritis study using random forests

Random forest is an efficient approach for investigating not only the effects of individual markers on a trait but also the effect of the interactions among the markers in genetic association studies. This approach is especially appealing for the analysis of genome-wide data, such as those obtained from gene expression/single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array experiments in which the number of candidate genes/SNPs is vast. We applied this approach to the Genetic Analysis Workshop 16 Problem 1 data to identify SNPs that contribute to rheumatoid arthritis. The random forest computed a raw importance score for each SNP marker, where higher importance score suggests higher level of association between the marker and the trait. The significance level of the association was determined empirically by repeatedly reapplying the random forest on randomly generated data under the null hypothesis that no association exists between the markers and the trait. Using random forest, we were able to identify 228 significant SNPs (at the genome-wide significant level of 0.05) across the whole genome, over two-thirds of which are located on chromosome 6, especially clustered in the region of 6p21 containing the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, such as gene HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DRA. Further analysis of this region indicates a strong association to the rheumatoid arthritis status.
Severe Liver Injury after Treatment with the Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Zafirlukast

Patients receiving zafirlukast may develop severe liver injury and should be observed for signs and symptoms of hepatitis.
Fibrin Clot Structure and Mechanics Associated with Specific Oxidation of Methionine Residues in Fibrinogen

Using a combination of structural and mechanical characterization, we examine the effect of fibrinogen oxidation on the formation of fibrin clots. We find that treatment with hypochlorous acid preferentially oxidizes specific methionine residues on the α, β, and γ chains of fibrinogen. Oxidation is associated with the formation of a dense network of thin fibers after activation by thrombin. Additionally, both the linear and nonlinear mechanical properties of oxidized fibrin gels are found to be altered with oxidation. Finally, the structural modifications induced by oxidation are associated with delayed fibrin lysis via plasminogen and tissue plasminogen activator. Based on these results, we speculate that methionine oxidation of specific residues may be related to hindered lateral aggregation of protofibrils in fibrin gels.
Possible Pseudoresistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to Penicillin G in a Patient With a Mixed Pneumococcus-Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia

We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with a mixed pneumococcus-staphylococcus pneumonia, in which both organisms were recovered from both sputum and blood. Streptococcus pneumoniae persisted in sputum 48 hours after initiation of high-dose intravenous penicillin G. When nafcillin was substituted for penicillin G, both pneumococci and staphylococci were eradicated from blood and sputum. This strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae was highly susceptible to penicillin G, but the associated strain of Staphylococcus aureus was not. The staphylococcus produced large amounts of a penicillin-degrading betalactamase. We reviewed the records of ten cases of pneumococcus pneumonia from the Wayne State University-Detroit Medical Center admitted from March 1978 to April 1981, in which sputum cultures were repeated within one to ten days after penicillin G had been initiated. At second cultures of sputum, Streptococcus pneumoniae was recovered in none of these latter cases. We further showed that on a blood agar culture plate in the presence of penicillin G, a beta-lactamase positive strain of Staphylococcus aureus allowed growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Therefore, despite penicillin therapy, Staphylococcus aureus in sputum may facilitate the persistence of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Mathematical models of carbide tool crater surfaces

Abstract Carbide cutting tool crater surfaces are expressed by both second and third order polynomials. The fitting of actual crater surfaces is illustrated by an example. The criterion of suitable models, the effects of second and third order coefficients, the repeatability and the “weighting” of the crater center are discussed in detail. Finally, the applications of the fitted polynomials are illustrated by crater volume and crater top area calculations.
Apparent Inverse Relationship between Cannabinoid Agonist Efficacy and Tolerance/Cross-Tolerance Produced by Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Treatment in Rhesus Monkeys

Synthetic cannabinoids (CBs) [naphthalen-1-yl-(1-pentylindol-3-yl) methanone (JWH-018) and naphthalen-1-yl-(1-butylindol-3-yl) methanone (JWH-073)] are marketed, sold, and used as alternatives to cannabis. Synthetic CBs appear to have effects similar to those of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the drug primarily responsible for the behavioral effects of cannabis. However, synthetic CB products produce atypical effects (e.g., hypertension, seizures, and panic attacks). One potential explanation for atypical effects is CB1 receptor agonist efficacy, which is reportedly higher for JWH-018 and JWH-073 compared with Δ9-THC. The goal of this study was to test a prediction from receptor theory that tolerance/cross-tolerance (i.e., resulting from daily Δ9-THC treatment) is greater for a low-efficacy agonist compared with a high-efficacy agonist. Rhesus monkeys discriminated 0.1 mg/kg Δ9-THC i.v. from vehicle, and sensitivity to CB1 agonists was determined before and after 3 and 14 days of Δ9-THC treatment (1 mg/kg per day s.c.). (1R,3R,4R)-3-[2-Hydroxy-4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl) phenyl]-4-(3-hydroxypropyl)cyclohexan-1-ol (CP-55,940), a prototype high-efficacy CB1 receptor agonist, JWH-018, and JWH-073 substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of Δ9-THC. Three days of Δ9-THC treatment produced less tolerance/cross-tolerance than 14 days of Δ9-THC treatment. Three days of Δ9-THC did not result in cross-tolerance to CP-55,940, JWH-073, and JWH-018; in contrast, as reported previously, 3 days of Δ9-THC treatment decreased sensitivity to Δ9-THC 3-fold. Fourteen days of Δ9-THC decreased sensitivity to Δ9-THC, CP-55,940, JWH-018, and JWH-073 9.2-fold, 3.6-fold, 4.3-fold, and 5.6-fold, respectively. The greater loss of sensitivity to Δ9-THC relative to CP-55,940 and JWH-018 suggests that differences in CB1 receptor agonist efficacy are important in vivo and might underlie differences in the dependence liability and adverse effects of synthetic CBs versus cannabis.
Spectroscopic studies on ultra-thin films of indium tin oxide under electro-chemical modulation

Indium tin oxide (ITO) is one of the most used conductive transparent oxide (CTO). Its electrical and optical properties under different environments are crucial to several applications. In this study, single-mode, broadband, integrated optical waveguide (IOW) technique was used to investigate the spectroscopic properties of ultra-thin (~ 13 nm) ITO films under electrical potential modulation. Optical absorbance changes under cyclic voltammetry at various probing wavelengths were measured. Electric potential for minimum absorbance against wavelength was analyzed, and we observed a clear linear correlation between them. Understanding the mechanisms behind this unusual spectroscopic change under potential modulation may have an important impact on several technological applications of ITO.
Combining genetic algorithms with squeaky-wheel optimization

The AI optimization algorithm called "Squeaky-Wheel Optimization" (SWO) has proven very effective in a variety of real-world applications. Although the ideas behind SWO are more closely tied to those of local search such as hill-climbing, in some ways SWO can be thought of as an evolutionary algorithm. From that point of view SWO makes a number of design decisions that are at odds with the conventional wisdom of evolutionary algorithms, but not for any clear reasons. This suggests the possibility of improving on SWO by incorporating aspects of Genetic Algorithms that are known to be effective. We compare several algorithm variants on a set of constrained optimization benchmarks, and present some preliminary results suggesting that combining ideas from SWO with a more standard GA approach yields some significant improvements over both.
The ins and outs of peptide signaling

Many bacteria communicate by secreting and responding to extracellular peptides (pheromones). Some peptide pheromones act via receptors on the cell surface, which are often membrane-bound histidine protein kinases. Other peptide pheromones are transported into the cell by an oligopeptide permease and interact with intracellular receptors to modulate gene expression.
VEGETATIVE REPRODUCTION IN CHLOROPHYTUM ELATUM

THE PLANT commonly known as Chlorophytum elatum R. Br. is easily propagated by small plants which develop at the tips and nodal regions of stolons. Scores of such individuals may be found on one mature plant, and no doubt such ease of propagation has helped to make this plant a favorite greenhouse subject. Other members of the Liliaceae, especially the closely related genus Anthericum, commonly known as St. Bernard's lily, illustrate this same method of rapid vegetative reproduction. This study was made to determine the origin of these new plants and of the stolons upon which they are produced. Bailey (1925) states that the scapes of C. elcatum are sometimes transformed into stolons which bear leafy offshoots. Fairburn (1936) in a general study on plant propagation mentions that Anthericum is reproduced by offsets attached to the parent by a short stem. Gravis and Donceel (1900) in speaking of the flower-stalk of C. elatum say that sometimes an axis corresponding to the peduncle is transformed into a foliated shoot capable of taking root. Laurie and Chadwick (1931) list Anthericum Liliago as reproducing by offsets and stolons. Most of the investigations have been concerned with practical methods of propagation and little with the histology of the origin of new plants. Detailed studies would give a more nearly complete understanding of cellular changes as related to the formation of new structures in vegetative reproduction. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDUJRE.The plants used for the investigation were grown from a single original plant obtained through the courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Thirty young plants, from four to six inches high, were removed from the stolons in late September and placed in ordinary potting soil in the greenhouse. Later plantings were made at about four-week intervals. Early growth was rather slow, but after two months all the plants showed very vigorous growth and many new stolons. Material was removed for study at various intervals as soon as the young stolons first made their appearance. Such sections included the embryonic stolon, fips and nodes of the young stolon, and different stages of development of the young plants on the stolon. Material was fixed in the usual formalinacetic-alcohol mixture, dehydrated with alcohol, and cleared in xylene. Paraffin sections were cut 8-12 microins in thickness and stained in Heidenhain's iron-alum haematoxylin. Free hand sections were also generally employed throughout the investigation. GENERAL MORPHOLOGY. Chlorophytum is herbaceous, with a much shortened stem, long linear leaves, and rather fleshy roots. The flower scape is long and slender and considerably branched. It is almost erect when young but soon becomes procumbent, and from it the flowers and fruits as well as the new plants are
Dual HER2 gene protein assay: focused study of breast cancers with 2+ immunohistochemical expression.

Objectives: The combined gene protein assay (GPA) can simultaneously assess HER2 gene copy number and protein on a single slide using bright-field microscopy. Methods: GPA was compared with a fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay on 50 invasive breast carcinomas with a 2+ score on immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: The cases were categorized into positive, equivocal, or negative for HER2 gene amplification using the 2013 American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists criteria. This resulted in 82% agreement (41 of 50) between FISH and GPA. In addition, 25 known IHC 3+ breast carcinomas analyzed by GPA showed protein overexpression and clusters of HER2 gene consistent with unequivocal amplification, and 22 known IHC-negative cases were negative for HER2 gene amplification by GPA. Conclusions: Although GPA is an alternative to both IHC and FISH, it may be an unnecessary test for IHC 0/1+/3+ cases. The clinical utility of GPA appears to be similar to other in situ hybridization assays (ie, adjudicator of HER2 status for IHC 2+ cases).
Effect of oxygen pressure and experimental method on the high temperature oxidation of pure Fe

Thermogravimetric measurements were carried out on annealed and cold-worked Fe at 500°C in Oa at 10 and 760torr. Runs were started by bringing the specimens rapidly to temperature in O2 or by admitting 02 to hot H2-reduced specimens maintained free of oxide in ultrahigh vacuum. Less oxidation occurred at 10torr than 760 owing to greater separation between oxide and metal. Still greater separation developed in the hot-bare type of experiment and oxidation was correspondingly slower. Cold-worked Fe showed separation and slower oxidation at 10torr but only after the oxide grew thick enough. The explanation proposed is that plastic deformation of the oxide is greater at 760torr causing collapse of the voids that form by condensation of cation vacancies at the Fe3O4-Fe interface. Oxidation is faster because there is less separation to hinder transfer of metal into the oxide. Oxidation of cold-worked Fe is the same initially at both pressures because extra vacancy sinks are present to suppress nucleation of voids; oxidation at 10torr becomes relatively slow subsequently when the thickening oxide has developed sufficient hot strength to resist the squashing effect of 10torr but not of 760torr.
OPTIMAL CONDITIONS FOR ASSAY OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL NUCLEASE

Conditions optimal for assay of staphylococcal nuclease were established by spectrophotometric measurement of acid soluble oligonucleotides produced from heat denatured calf thymus deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) by purified micrococcal nuclease (DNase, E.C. No. 3.1.4.7) as well as crude DNase from Staphylococcus aureus. Assay conditions of 50°C. calcium concentration of 0.005M, NaCl concentration of 0.17M and pH of 10.0 were optimal for activity of DNase. There was a sixfold increase in activity of DNase under these conditions over that observed under the most commonly used assay conditions of 37°C and pH 9.0. Use of 50°C and pH 10.0 in a DNA-agar diffusion system also resulted in a reduction in assay time by twofold with crude DNase from growth of weak or strong DNase producing strains of S. aureus. Similarly, the assay time of DNase extracted from dried malted milk and cheddar cheese (involved in staphylococcal food poisoning) was also reduced by twofold at 50°C and pH 10.0 over that observed at 37°C and pH 9.0.
The Diurnal Wind Variation in the Lowest 1500 ft in Central Oklahoma. June 1966–May 1967

A one-year accumulation of wind data from a television tower in northern Oklahoma City has been analyzed on a diurnal basis. The annual mean speeds below the third level at 296 ft are lowest at night and highest during the day, and conversely the speeds up to the seventh level at 1458 ft are lowest during the day and highest at night. Generally, speed changes occur in short time periods shortly after sunrise and near sunset. Resultant wind directions veer most with height from 1700 to 1000 CST and least during midday. At all levels winds veer with time between 2100 and approximately 1100 CST and then back with time during the remaining hours.
Pokeweed mitogen-induced immunoglobulin secretory responses of thymic B cells in myasthenia gravis: Selective secretion of IgG versus IgM cannot be explained by helper functions of thymic T cells

The thymus, with its striking B cell infiltrates, is widely regarded as an important element in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis (MG) but its role remains to be elucidated. To gain further insight into the functional properties of MG thymic B cells, we studied the heavy chain isotype of immunoglobulin they produced in vitro in response to the T cell-dependent polyclonal activator pokeweed mitogen (PWM). MG thymic cells secreted prominent amounts of IgG but little IgM. In contrast, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM) of the same subjects secreted similar amounts of IgG and IgM as did PBM of control subjects. In cell admixture experiments, MG thymic T cells, like PBM T cells, helped autologous PBM B cells produce IgM as well as IgG, although the overall magnitude of help for both isotypes appeared less than that of PBM T cells. Thus, in response to PWM, MG thymic B cells are largely committed to an IgG response and this likely reflects the intrinsic properties of these cells rather than the immunoregulatory properties of thymic T cells. This IgG isotype switch likely reflects in vivo activation events.
Annual seed dormancy cycles in two desert winter annuals

Freshly matured seeds of Eriogonum abertianum Torr. and Eriastrum diffusum (Gray) Mason and those of both species exhumed after various periods of burial in the Chihuahuan Desert in Arizona, USA, were tested for germination in light and darkness at five thermoperiods. Seeds of Eriogonum were nondormant (ND) at maturity in autumn 1988, and thus 87% of them germinated in light at 15/6 and at 20/10°C. Seeds entered conditional dormancy (CD) in winter, germination at 20/10°C decreased to 6% in light. However, a high percentage of the seeds were again ND by autumn 1990. Thus, like seeds of facultative winter annuals in humid, temperate regions, those of Eriogonum have an annual CD/ND cycle, which is characteristic of annuals in unpredictable habitats (...)
Deep energy levels of defects in the wurtzite semiconductors AIN, CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZnO

The major chemical trends in the energy levels of $s{p}^{3}$-bonded substitutional deep impurities in the wurtzite semiconductors AIN, CdS, CdSe, ZnS, and ZnO are predicted. N impurities (deposited on the anion site by ion implantation) appear to be candidates for producing shallow $p$-type dopants in these materials.