cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FLANKER SIZE AFFECTS VISUAL LATERAL INTERACTIONS

4 Figure 1. Summary of results from previous study (Woods et al., 2002). Example images for (A) experiment 1; and (C) experiment 2. At close flanker-test distances (2 and 3λ) the lateral interactions varied with (B) spatial frequency and with bandwidth for (D) 2 cycles/deg. and (E) 8 cycles/deg. Note how larger patches (greater σ) overlap more at closer test-flanker distances (C). Horizontal position of some data points are offset from 2, 3, 4 and 6λ so that error bars (95% confidence limits) are seen more easily.
Boundary structure between homologous and nonhomologous regions in serologically unrelated bacteriophages P22 and P221. I. Mapping by recombination found in cultures of double lysogenic strains for P22h and P221.

Abstract Serologically unrelated Salmonella phages P22h and P221 can recombine in the region containing the c, g, and h21 markers. In a lysate from Salmonella typhimurium St 22 mixedly infected with P22h and P221, the total frequency of recombinants is very low (0.1–1.0%). Lysates from doubly lysogenic strains of St 22 carrying P22hm3c+h21 and P221c2h+21, contain a high frequency of recombinants. When lysates produced by induction of doubly lysogenic strains with mitomycin C were assayed on mitomycin C-treated indicator bacteria, reciprocal recombinant types were found to be present in fairly comparable numbers. The frequencies of recombinants were used in an attempt to map the homologous regions between the two phages P22h and P221.
Data gathering for freeway simulation using unintrusive sensors and satellite telemetry

This paper provides a summary of data needs and field data collection used in the simulation of traffic on freeways. Sensor test results, and successful deployments of traffic sensor data retrieval via satellite communication for use in simulation; archival or planning applications are presented.
Improved health-related quality of life after lung volume reduction surgery and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Purpose: It has been hypothesized that lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) and pulmonary rehabilitation improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis by examining the long-term functional consequences and general health status of patients with emphysema who have undergone LVRS and pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: Forty-nine subjects with severe emphysema, aged 51 to 84 years old, post-LVRS and pulmonary rehabilitation participated in this study. Subjects reported changes in physical and mental domains on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) over 3 time periods: prior to surgery, 6 months postsurgery, and 18 months postsurgery. The population as a whole was studied and both gender and age were analyzed as subsets. Subjects participated in an intensive 2-week (10 daily sessions) pulmonary rehabilitation program following LVRS. Results: Subjects showed significant improvements in both the physical and mental component summaries at Time 2 (3 months post-LVRS through 6 months post-LVRS) and Time 3 (12 months post-LVRS through 18 months post-LVRS) when compared to Time 1 (pre-LVRS). On the mental component summary scale, subjects younger than 65 years old had significant improvement compared to subjects 65 years and older at Time 3 (P < .05). Women significantly improved more than men at Time 3 on the physical component summary scale (P < .05). Conclusions: Lung volume reduction surgery and 2 weeks (10 daily sessions) of intensive pulmonary rehabilitation appears to improve HRQOL in people with emphysema up to at least 18 months postsurgery. What these data further suggest is that even after declines in health, women can improve HRQOL later in life, and that greater focus should be given to the emotional needs of our older patients.
Induction of functional Fc receptors in P388 leukemia cells. Requirement for multiple differentiation signals.

Abstract The development of functional Fc receptors (FcR) during induced differentiation with the tumor promoter, phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), was studied in the murine tumor cell line, P388. PMA induced the appearance of FcR on the membranes of P388 cells as indicated by the binding of IgG-coated sheep red blood cells (IgG-SRBC). Concentrations of PMA as low as 1 ng/ml were sufficient to induce the expression of FcR as well as to inhibit cellular division and to induce adherence in the P388 tumor cell line; however, optimal FcR induction occurred at PMA concentrations of 10–100 ng/ml. Immunofluorescent analysis with heat-aggregated myeloma proteins indicated that PMA induced FcR which were capable of binding IgG2a and IgG2b immunoglobulins, but not IgGl. Adherence to a substratum was determined to be a second required signal for expression of FcR, since PMA induction of P388 tumor cells in teflon dishes failed to fully develop FcR and adherence of P388 cells to poly- l -lysine-coated culture dishes in the absence of PMA was insufficient for FcR expression. FcR which appeared after PMA induction were nonfunctional in the sense that membrane-bound IgG-SRBC were not ingested to any significant extent by the tumor cells. However, if FcR induction occurred in the presence conA-induced rat spleen cell culture supernatants, phagocytosis of membrane-bound erythrocytes occurred. These findings suggest that for the expression of FcR which are capable of particle internalization, at least three identifiable membrane-transmitted signals are required during differentiation.
Coupling the biophysical and social dimensions of wildfire risk to improve wildfire mitigation planning

We describe recent advances in biophysical and social aspects of risk and their potential combined contribution to improve mitigation planning on fire-prone landscapes. The methods and tools provide an improved method for defining the spatial extent of wildfire risk to communities compared to current planning processes. They also propose an expanded role for social science to improve understanding of community-wide risk perceptions and to predict property owners' capacities and willingness to mitigate risk by treating hazardous fuels and reducing the susceptibility of dwellings. In particular, we identify spatial scale mismatches in wildfire mitigation planning and their potential adverse impact on risk mitigation goals. Studies in other fire-prone regions suggest that these scale mismatches are widespread and contribute to continued wildfire dwelling losses. We discuss how risk perceptions and behavior contribute to scale mismatches and how they can be minimized through integrated analyses of landscape wildfire transmission and social factors that describe the potential for collaboration among landowners and land management agencies. These concepts are then used to outline an integrated socioecological planning framework to identify optimal strategies for local community risk mitigation and improve landscape-scale prioritization of fuel management investments by government entities.
27 Al impurity-satellite NMR and non-Fermi-liquid behavior in U 1 − x Th x Pd 2 Al 3

Non-Fermi-liquid (NFL) behavior in the f-sublattice-diluted alloy system ${\mathrm{U}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Th}}_{x}{\mathrm{Pd}}_{2}{\mathrm{Al}}_{3}$ has been studied using ${}^{27}\mathrm{Al}$ nuclear magnetic resonance. Impurity satellites due to specific U near-neighbor configurations to ${}^{27}\mathrm{Al}$ sites are clearly resolved in both random and field-aligned powder samples. The particular configuration associated with each satellite is identified by comparison of calculated and observed satellite intensities. The spatial mean $\overline{K}$ and rms spread $\ensuremath{\delta}K$ of impurity satellite shifts, which are related to the mean $\overline{\ensuremath{\chi}}$ and rms spread $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\chi}$ of the inhomogeneous susceptibility, have been measured in field-aligned powders with the crystalline c axis both perpendicular and parallel to the external field. Satellites corresponding to only one uranium near neighbor were chosen for analysis, since in this case $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\chi}(T)/\overline{\ensuremath{\chi}(T)}=\ensuremath{\delta}K/\overline{K}$ independent of the (unknown) spatial correlation of the random susceptibility inhomogeneity. The relatively narrow lines observed at low temperatures suggest that disorder-induced inhomogeneity of the f-ion-conduction-electron hybridization is not the cause of NFL behavior in these alloys: at low temperatures the experimental values of $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\chi}(T)/\overline{\ensuremath{\chi}(T)}$ are much smaller than required by disorder-driven models. This is in contrast to results in at least some alloys with disordered non-$f$-ion nearest neighbors to f ions (``ligand disorder''), where disorder-driven theories give good accounts of NFL behavior. Our results suggest that f-ion dilution does not produce as much inhomogeneity of the hybridization strength as substitution on ligand sites.
Small preulcerative invasive carcinoma of the cervix: the spray carcinoma.

Abstract In the majority of cases of solid cervical carcinoma the carcinoma starts by transformation of the epithelium into a surface carcinoma with the latent prospective tendency of downgrowth. This period of latency of invasion shows great variation, from a few days to several years. There is a second mode of carcinogenesis in the cervix. The carcinomatous transformation is limited to the basal Malpighian zone of the squamous epithelium, starting invasion immediately after transformation of the basal zone into carcinoma. In such cases the upper external surface zone of the epithelium remains unchanged and normal, while the carcinoma in the depth starts invasion by down-growth, sometimes by masses composed of carcinoma cells, sometimes by single cells developing from the basalis. For the latter type of initial carcinoma the term spray carcinoma is suggested. There is no change of the surface that would indicate carcinomatous invasion in the depth. Consequently, methods suggested for detection of surface carcinoma, as colposcopy, iodine test, Papanicolaou and Ayre smears, are of no avail.
Prevention of corticosteroid-induced suppression of human polymorphonuclear leukocyte-induced damage of Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and gamma interferon

Neutrophils (PMNs) are a critical line of defense against Aspergillus fumigatus infection. Increased frequency of invasive aspergillosis has been observed in patients receiving corticosteroids, suggesting a deleterious effect of these compounds on PMN antifungal function. To investigate this hypothesis and to determine the potential preventive utility of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma), the effects of hydrocortisone (HCS) and dexamethasone (DXS) on PMN-induced damage of Aspergillus fumigatus hyphae were studied with or without pretreatment of PMNs with G-CSF and IFN-gamma. PMNs treated with HCS (> or = 3,000 microM) or DXS (> or = 10 microM) during a 2-h colorimetric tetrazolium metabolic assay (using methylthiotetrazolium) showed suppressed percentage of hyphal damage (P or = 30 microM) and DXS (> or = 1 microM) significantly suppressed oxidative burst measured as superoxide anion release by PMNs in response to opsonized and nonopsonized hyphae as well as to N-formylmethionyl leucyl phenylalanine. Pretreatment of PMNs with G-CSF (4,000 U/ml) and/or IFN-gamma (100 and 1,000 U/ml) for 90 min prevented the suppression of hyphal damage that occurred in the presence of HCS (3,000 microM; P < 0.01) or DXS (10 microM; P < or = 0.001). G-CSF (4,000 U/ml) and IFN-gamma (100 U/ml) combined had an additive effect on increasing the antifungal activity of HCS-treated but not of DXS-treated PMNs compared with IFN-gamma alone (P = 0.015). Thus, these findings reveal that corticosteroids impair PMN function in response to A. fumigatus and that G-CSF and IFN-gamma prevent this impairment.
Contraction of reconstituted Dictyostelium cytoskeletons: An apparent role for higher order associations among myosin filaments

A large number of cellular functions require assembly of actin and myosin and coordinated interactions between the resulting filaments. To better understand the structure and function of one such contractile assembly, we have begun fractionation and reconstitution studies of Dictyostelium cytoskeletons. Isolated cytoskeletons rapidly contracted when mixed with Mg-ATP, and myosin II was essential for this since myosin-depleted (stripped) cytoskeletons failed to contract. Dictyostelium, Acanthamoeba, or skeletal muscle myosins bound to stripped cytoskeletons with equal efficiency, and the Mg-ATPase of all three myosins was stimulated by the cytoskeleton-associated actin. Near neutral pH, however, only the homologous system reconstituted with Dictyostelium myosin contracted, despite the fact that under the same conditions all three myosins bound to myosin-depleted (ghost) muscle myofibrils and restored contractility. Individual Dictyostelium myosin thick filaments have a strong tendency to aggregate and associate end-to-end, and this may be important for functional contraction of cytoskeletons. This suggestion is supported by the observation that under conditions where individual Acanthamoeba myosin filaments aggregated, reconstituted cytoskeletons contracted. None of the solution conditions tested caused rabbit muscle myosin filaments to aggregate or to contract cytoskeletons. Thus higher order associations among individual myosin filaments may be essential for some types of cell motility. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Functional equations and topological N-groups

Let N be a topological nearring. A topological N-group is a topological group G, together with a continuous function from N x G to G, sending (a, x) to ax, such that (a + b) x = ax + bx and (ab) x = a (bx) for all $ a,b \in N $ and $ x \in G $ . We determine all topological N-groups in the case where the topological nearring N is the unique, up to isomorphism, topological nearring whose additive group is the two dimensional Euclidean group $ \Bbb {R}^2 $ and which has an identity but is not zero symmetric, and the topological group is any one of the n-dimensional Euclidean groups $ \Bbb {R}^n $ . A key ingredient in all this is the solution of a functional equation involving two continuous selfmaps of $ \Bbb {R}^n $ .
Low-dose (550 cGy), single-exposure total body irradiation and cyclophosphamide: consistent, durable engraftment of related-donor peripheral blood stem cells with low treatment-related mortality and fatal organ toxicity.

Abstract On the basis of observations of dog models and from earlier studies with humans, we hypothesized that a lowdose (550 cGy) TBI-based conditioning regimen would result in sustained engraftment of HLA-matched sibling peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) with low treatment-related mortality (TRM) and low serious organ toxicity if the TBI was given as a single dose and at a high dose rate. The regimen included 550 cGy TBI administered as a single dose at 30 cGy/min and cyclophosphamide. Cyclosporine was given as GVHD prophylaxis. Twentyseven good-risk (acute leukemia in first remission and chronic-phase chronic myelogenous leukemia) and 53 poor-risk (other) patients were accrued. Complete donor engraftment occurred in 93% to 100% of evaluable patients at each scheduled assessment and was durable through 4 years. Mixed chimerism (50% to 98% donor) was observed in 9 patients (11%). Without further intervention, all patients had complete donor engraftment on subsequent assessments. Graft failure did not occur. TRM through at least 2 years was 7% in the good-risk and 19% in the poor-risk diagnostic groups. Grade 4 (fatal) organ toxicity occurred in only 2 patients (2.5%). Other causes of TRM included infection and GVHD. Median follow-up for the surviving patients was 1234 days (range, 780-1632 days). Current status includes 39 patients (49%) alive and in complete remission, 2 alive in relapse, and 39 dead. Relapse occurred in 15% of the good-risk group and 45% of the poor-risk group. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of 3-year disease-free and overall survival of the good-risk group were 77% and 85%, respectively, and of the poor-risk group were 34% and 36%, respectively. Low-dose (550 cGy), single-exposure TBI given at a high dose rate with cyclophosphamide resulted in consistent durable engraftment of HLAmatched sibling PBSC with a low risk of fatal organ toxicity and TRM. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2002;8(11):608-18.
N,N'-Bis-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-isophthalamide as an additive in sulfonated polymer membranes for direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract N,N′-Bis-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-isophthalamide (BBImIP) has been synthesized using phosphorus pentoxide-methanesulfonic acid (PPMA) as a solvent and dehydrating agent and investigated as an additive in both sulfonated polysulfone (SPSf) membranes (up to 4.0 wt.% BBImIP) and sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes (up to 3.0 wt.% BBImIP). The SPSf/BBImIP blend membranes have been characterized by ion-exchange capacity and proton conductivity measurements as well as single cell and methanol crossover measurements in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Although the presence of BBImIP in the SPSf/BBImIP blend membranes lowers proton conductivity and cell performance compared to that of plain SPSf, it reduces methanol crossover significantly. On the other hand, the sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK)/BBImIP blend membranes show cell performance comparable to or better than that of plain SPEEK membrane with reduced methanol crossover.
Metastable and nonmetastable recombination-induced defect reactions involving a hydrogen complex with a silicon vacancy in SiC

The nontrivial recombination-induced behavior of the well-known low-temperature photoluminescence of the hydrogen complex with a silicon vacancy ${(V}_{\mathrm{Si}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{H})$ has been previously reported by different authors. It was known to be limited to the metastable quenching and/or growth. In this work, nonmetastable recombination-induced changes of the ${V}_{\mathrm{Si}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{H}$ luminescence in hydrogenated $4H$- and $6H\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{SiC}$ are revealed. It is demonstrated that the phenomenon of recombination-stimulated migration of hydrogen at low temperatures may lead to the formation of ${V}_{\mathrm{Si}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{H}$ defects, which in certain types of samples is evidenced by a strong nonreversible growth of the corresponding luminescence under above-band-gap excitation. This kind of behavior is rather typical for hydrogenated SiC under optical excitation although it can be masked by the dominating metastable quenching. The concurrent recombination-induced formation of ${V}_{\mathrm{Si}}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{H}$ defects explains why the apparent metastable quenching behavior may be very different in different samples. In order to demonstrate that the suggested mechanisms can be responsible for the observed changes in the photoluminescence for a reasonable set of assumptions, a semiempirical model of the competing quenching and growth kinetics has been developed and successfully applied to fit the photoluminescence data.
Effect of Temperature and Draw Ratio on Force- Extension Properties of Twisted Fibers1

Abstract : When single fibers are twisted under constant tension before testing, a decrease in strength is observed. This reduction in strength is generally small with fibers having low orientation (low draw-ratio) and increases as the draw-ratio increases. The difference in the strength resulting from twist is negatively correlated with temperature. (Author)
Calcium-induced precipitate formation in brain mitochondria: composition, calcium capacity, and retention.

Both isolated brain mitochondria and mitochondria in intact neurons are capable of accumulating large amounts of calcium, which leads to formation in the matrix of calcium- and phosphorus-rich precipitates, the chemical composition of which is largely unknown. Here, we have used inhibitors of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) to determine how the amount and rate of mitochondrial calcium uptake relate to mitochondrial morphology, precipitate composition, and precipitate retention. Using isolated rat brain (RBM) or liver mitochondria (RLM) Ca2+-loaded by continuous cation infusion, precipitate composition was measured in situ in parallel with Ca2+ uptake and mitochondrial swelling. In RBM, the endogenous MPT inhibitors adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) increased mitochondrial Ca2+ loading capacity and facilitated formation of precipitates. In the presence of ADP, the Ca/P ratio approached 1.5, while ATP or reduced infusion rates decreased this ratio towards 1.0, indicating that precipitate chemical form varies with the conditions of loading. In both RBM and RLM, the presence of cyclosporine A in addition to ADP increased the Ca2+ capacity and precipitate Ca/P ratio. Following MPT and/or depolarization, the release of accumulated Ca2+ is rapid but incomplete; significant residual calcium in the form of precipitates is retained in damaged mitochondria for prolonged periods.
Quest for Love through Self-Exploration: Edna Wu’s Women Narrators’ Search for Fulfillment of the Body and Soul in the New Land

Love, gender, sex, and sexuality are omnipresent and constantly intertwined with political and racial issues and other aspects of humanity in each one of Edna Wu’s three books: Clouds and Rain: A China-to-America Memoir (1994), Two Eves in the Garden of Eden and a Male Mother (A Screen and a Play) (2006), and A Single-Winged Bird (2010). A Chinese immigrant, Edna Wu painstakingly examines what Jonathan Spence calls the “erotic and intellectual fulfillment” for her narrators in this new land of freedom. She, more than any other writers, male or female, who have left China and set up homes in America, uses a combination of genres and forms—from fiction to poetry and from memoir to drama—in exploring the Chinese immigrant’s experience that embodies acute conflicts between the old and the new, the restricted and the free, and the East and the West. She is equally free in utilizing bilingualism in her writing to reveal the emotions of her characters and to enhance the crippling effects of the very act of uprooting oneself from one place in order to settle in another. These techniques that she so adeptly employs allow her to absorb deeply in her soul search in each of the three works. In this paper I attempt to analyze the theme of universal erotic love Edna depicts in the fictionalized experience of her narrators in the three works. Specifically, I elect to focus on the feministic perspective unique to Edna in seeking self-realization through unbounded means and approaches. In so doing I want to argue that, insofar as the purpose of migration is to start anew, women immigrants as portrayed by Edna seek their newness and renewed selfhood through a range of experiments unknown to them in the world they have come from. The free exploration of their own bodies and sexuality constitutes a major and primal part of these experiments. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n8p752
Measurement of oxygen saturation in the retina with a spectroscopic sensitive multi aperture camera

We introduce a new multi aperture system capable of capturing six identical images of the human fundus at six different spectral bands. The system is based on a lenslet array architecture and is well suited for spectroscopy application. The multi-aperture system was interfaced with a fundus camera to acquire spectroscopic sensitive images of the retina vessel and ultimately to calculate oxygen saturation in the retina in vivo. In vitro testing showed that the system is able to accurately reconstruct curves of partially oxygenated hemoglobin. In vivo testing on healthy volunteers was conducted and yielded results of oxygen saturation similar to the one reported in the literature, with arterial SO2~0.95 and venous SO2~0.5.
Argument reconstruction and socio-technical facilitation of large scale argumentation

This paper introduces argument reconstruction as an important aspect of the socio-technical support for large-scale argumentation in goal oriented discourse communities. Drawing from prior research on the pragmatics of argumentation, we distinguish ordinary, normative, and design as three forms of argument reconstruction to be investigated in discourse communities. We suggest understanding how argument reconstruction is embedded in both social and technical aspects of discourse communities will improve capacity to support large-scale argumentation for discourse communities.
DISPOSITION DECOMPOSITION ANALYSIS FOR PHARMACODYNAMIC MODELING OF THE LINK COMPARTMENT

An approach based on disposition decomposition analysis (DDA) and the hysteresis minimization principle has been developed for pharmacodynamic modeling. It allows calculation of the mean transit time and the ratio of distribution clearance to biophase distribution volume of drug, and determination of the drug concentration-time function at the biophase (C b (t)). The proposed method extends the DDA approach to drug distribution to a possibly heterogeneous effect compartment of a generalized pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. The application of this DDA-dynamics method is demonstrated using published data for pancuronium.
Axillorenal arteriovenous graft: A new approach for dialysis access

As the population requiring hemodialysis grows, it becomes increasingly common to encounter patients with limited options for vascular access. Because inability to secure vascular access is a life-threatening problem, it is important to consider all possible options in each patient. We report a new arteriovenous grafting procedure in which the left renal vein is used for outflow in a patient with multiple venous occlusions. Patency of the graft continues 18 months after placement. This graft carries acceptable morbidity, and can be revised. Consideration of this graft is appropriate in selected patients.
Ophthalmic solution buffer systems. II. Effects of buffer type and concentration on the ocular absorption of pilocarpine and a method of ocular bioavailability prediction from physicochemical data

Abstract The objective of the study has been to quantitatively determine the effects of the concentrations and types of buffer used in ophthalmic drug solutions or formulations on the corneal absorption efficiency or ocular bioavailability of a representative amine drug, pilocarpine. The ophthalmic solutions containing pilocarpine (as nitrate or hydrochloride salts) are buffered in the pH range of 4.5–5.0 for reasons of optimum chemical stability. But such a pH range causes only a smaller fraction of total pilocarpine (pKa of protonated base 6.85 at 25° C) to be available as preferentially absorbed unionized species. Since tear fluid has a very low buffer capacity, ophthalmic solutions containing buffers of high buffer capacities within the pH range of 4.75–7.40 would tend to resist the pH alteration of the instilled fluid by tear fluid to a greater degree and consequently would lower the extent of drug absorption. Miosis-time profiles were obtained following the instillation of 25.0 μl of isotonic 1.0% (w/v) pilocarpine nitrate solutions which were buffered at a pH of 4.75 with the same initial 0.075 M concentration of citrate, phosphate or acetate buffers. Relative pharmacological response, as measured by the areas under the miosis-time profiles (AUC) and the maximum observed pupillary diameter changes (ΔPDmax), decreased in the order of: no buffer > acetate > phosphate > citrate. These isotonic buffer solutions containing 1% (w/v) pilocarpine nitrate were titrated in vitro with a standard base and the volume of 1.0 N sodium hydroxide needed to titrate the drug solutions from a pH of 4.75 to 7.40 showed excellent inverse linear relationships with the ocular bioavailability parameters. The correlations developed appear to have the capability of predicting relative ocular bioavailabilities of pilocarpine solutions as a function of buffer concentration for citrate, phosphate and acetate buffer systems.
A novel fluorescence-based cellular permeability assay

Vascular permeability is a pathologic process in many disease states ranging from metastatic progression of malignancies to ischemia-reperfusion injury. In order to more precisely study tissue, and more specifically cell layer permeability, our goal was to create a fluorescence-based assay which could quantify permeability without radioactivity or electrical impedance measurements. Human aortic endothelial cells were grown in monolayer culture on Costar-Transwell clear polyester membrane 6-well cell culture inserts. After monolayer integrity was confirmed, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF(165)) at varying concentrations with a fixed concentration of yellow-green fluorescent 0.04 microm carboxylate-modified FluoSpheres microspheres were placed in the luminal chamber and incubated for 24 h. When stimulated with VEGF(165) at 20, 40, 80, and 100 ng/ml, this assay system was able to detect increases in trans-layer flux of 8.2+/-2.4%, 16.0+/-3.7%, 41.5+/-4.9%, and 58.6+/-10.1% for each concentration, respectively. This represents the first fluorescence-based permeability assay with the sensitivity to detect changes in the permeability of a cell layer to fluid flux independent of protein flux; as well as being simpler and safer than previous radioactive-and impedance-based permeability assays. With the application of this in vitro assay to a variety of pathologic conditions, both the dynamics and physiology relating to cellular permeability can be more fully investigated.
6-Methyl-1,3,8-trichlorodibenzofuran (MCDF) as a 2,3,7,8-TCDD antagonist in C57BL/6 mice

MCDF exhibits moderate affinity for the Ah receptor in both mice and rats; however, it is only a weak Ah receptor agonist in both species. In contrast, to previous studies in rats, MCDF was a relatively poor antagonist of TCDD-induced monooxygenase activities in mice, and over a dose range of 10–500 μmol/kg, significant inhibition was observed only at a dose of 50 μol/kg. These dose-response interactive studies in C57BL/6 mice showed that MCDF significantly antagonized the TCDD-mediated induction of hepatic microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), 14% inhibition, and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), 17% inhibition. MCDF was also a weak agonist for teratogenicity (cleft palate) and immunotoxicity (inhibition of the plaque-forming cell response to sheep erythrocytes) in C57BL/6 mice. Cotreatment of mice with an effective dose of 2,3,7,8-TCDD (ED70–100) and a subeffective dose of MCDF demonstrated that MCDF significantly antagonized 2,3,7,8-TCDD-induced teratogenicity and immunotoxicity in the mice.
Counterfactual thinking, persistence, and performance: A test of the Reflection and Evaluation Model

The present research extends previous functional accounts of counterfactual thinking by incorporating the notion of reflective and evaluative processing. Participants generated counterfactuals about their anagram performance, after which their persistence and performance on a second set of anagrams was measured. Evaluative processing of upward counterfactuals elicited a larger increase in persistence and better performance than did reflective processing of upward counterfactuals, whereas reflective processing of downward counterfactuals elicited a larger increase in persistence and better performance than did evaluative processing of downward counterfactuals. Moreover, path analyses indicated that whereas the relationship between counterfactual thinking and persistence was accounted for by emotional responses following upward and downward counterfactual generation, the relationship between counterfactual thinking and performance was accounted for by enhanced persistence following reflective processing of downward counterfactuals, but was accounted for by both enhanced persistence and strategic thinking following evaluative processing of upward counterfactuals.
Megaquarry versus decentralized mineral production: network analysis of cement production in the Great Lakes region, USA

Abstract The geography of mineral resources and human settlement influences the production–consumption cycle of cement and other mined construction materials, and affects the energy, cost and environmental burden associated with these materials. Although mines that supply most construction products have traditionally been located near major points of consumption, population pressures have raised the possibility that these small, widely scattered operations might be replaced by large, megaquarry operations. This study uses network analysis to compare transportation-related energy and cost for cement production from highly centralized facilities, or megaquarries, to that from smaller production facilities dispersed throughout the Great Lakes region of the United States. Results show that a transition to megaquarries can increase transport-related energy and associated environmental impacts by almost 50%. This suggests that decisions involving the location of mining operations for construction products are best made on a regional rather than local basis.
Differential induction of reactive oxygen species through Erk1/2 and Nox-1 by FK228 for selective apoptosis of oncogenic H-Ras-expressing human urinary bladder cancer J82 cells

Purpose This study sought to reveal mechanisms for differential regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in histone deacetylase inhibitor FK228-induced selective apoptosis of oncogenic H-Ras-expressing human cancer cells.
Psychopharmacology and the etiology of psychopathologic states: are we looking in the right way?

Psychopharmacology and the Etiology of Psychopathologic States: Are We Looking in the Right Way?
Density and viscosity of low-molecular weight triglycerides and their mixtures

The viscosities of tributyrin (C4∶0) and binary mixtures of this triglyceride with a diesel fuel, tricaproin (C6∶0), and tricaprylin (C8∶0) were determined for the temperature range −5 to 85°C and for shear rates of 1.62–64.7 s−1. The resulting dynamic viscosities were fit to a power law model to obtain values for the consistency coefficient and the flow behavior index. These results indicated slightly pseudoplastic flow behavior (indices ranged from 0.94 to 0.99) for tributyrin and its mixtures. The calculated consistency coefficients for tributyrin and those previously obtained for tricaproin, tricaprylin and tricaprin were fit by a least-squares method to the three-parameter Vogel model to account for the effect of temperature. An ideal solution relationship and the Kendall-Monroe model were used to predict the density and consistency coefficients, respectively, for binary and quaternary mixtures of these low-molecular weight triglycerides.
Revision of the Manefish Genera Caristius and Platyberyx (Teleostei: Percomorpha: Caristiidae), with Descriptions of Five New Species

The family Caristiidae, commonly known as manefishes or veilfins, includes several species of mesopelagic, oceanic fishes found throughout the major ocean basins of the world. We present herein the second part of our revision of the family, including all of the “large-mouth” species, which are distinguished from other members of the family by having a narrow suborbital space and a long upper jaw that extends to mid-orbit or beyond and which is visible externally, not covered by the thin bones of the suborbital series. This group, which is comprised of the genera Platyberyx and Caristius, is described in full, including descriptions of five new species. The genus Platyberyx, which includes six species, three of which are newly described, is distinguished from all other caristiid genera by the presence of a conspicuous lateral line with large scales. The genus Caristius, with four species, two of which are newly described, is distinguished from Platyberyx by the absence of a conspicuous lateral line and by ...
Moving on up: The political incorporation of Hispanic women into the federal judiciary of Texas

The President of the United States, with the approval of the US Senate, appoints Supreme Court justices, as well as court of appeals and district judges. Judicial nominations are often a centerpiece of a President's legacy. Always with a complex calculi of presidential goals, nominee characteristics, institutional constraints and opportunity, Presidents have sought to balance their own policy preferences with the need to diversify the bench. This article examines the political ascension of Hispanic female judges to the Texas federal judiciary. I illuminate dynamics that structure hierarchies on the basis of race and gender. I advance an account of race-gendering as a political process that silences, stereotypes, enforces invisibility, excludes and challenges Hispanic women's ascension into the judiciary. Race-gendering constitutes a form of interested bias operating in the judiciary, which has important implications for the understanding of the internal operations of political institutions and the representation of a historically under-representated group, and their incorporation into the federal judiciary.
Unusually low dynamic surface tensions of aqueous solutions of sodium myristate

Abstract The surface tension behavior of aqueous sodium myristate solutions shows certain peculiar and interesting features that were observed previously only with biphasic dispersions of lipids or lipids and proteins. In the range from 25 to 37°C, the equilibrium tension is as low as 18 mN m −1 at high concentrations. The concentration dependence differs from that of other solutions, possibly reflecting the non-binary nature of the solution due to hydrolysis to the acid form. For a frequency or rate of area pulsation of ν =20–80 cycle min −1 and area amplitude of 1.9 in a pulsating bubble surfactometer, the dynamic surface tension at minimum area can be well below 10 mN m −1 , and as low as 1 mN m −1 for concentrations ranging from 2 to 6 mM. These low tensions can be achieved only when the net rates of tension equilibration are neither too fast nor too slow compared with the rate of the area oscillation. The lowest tension minima, γ min , are observed for dimensionless frequencies νt 95 varying from about 10 to 150, where t 95 is the time that it takes to reach 95% of the equilibrium surface pressure at constant area. These results may be useful in understanding the behavior of certain lung surfactant formulations, and possibly relevant to foaming and coating processes.
Conditioned cardiac response to the olfactory stimuli of amino acids in the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus.

The channel catfishes' behavioral sensitivity to amino acids was determined by monitoring their heart rate during the presentation of shock-paired amino acid solutions. The response, a deceleration in the heart rate, was mediated through olfaction. After limited training, catfish responded to 17 different amino acids. Threshold concentrations of 10−9 M cysteine or alanine, 10−8 M glutamine, and 10−8 M serine were found. Quantitative differences in the magnitude of response evoked by different amino acids were observed. Fish trained to respond to a particular amino acid tended to generalize their response to novel amino acids. However, the fish were easily trained to discriminate between different amino acids. Simple mixtures of two amino acids were discriminated from the single amino acid components suggesting that the combination of amino acids results in a uniquely different olfactory stimulus.
CVD/PAN Felt Carbon/Carbon Composites:

The preparation and evaluation of a CVD/PAN carbon/carbon frustum are described. The thermal gradient infiltration technique has successfully yielded a matrix composed primarily of the desired rough laminar microstructure. Characterization of the composite includes thermal and mechanical properties as functions of temperature, as well as room temperature crystallographic parameters.
The upper mantle beneath the Philippine Sea region from waveform inversions

We present a three-dimensional S-velocity model for the upper mantle beneath the Philippine Sea region. It was derived from inversions of 281 broad band vertical-component seismograms recorded in the area at the Global Seismological Network (GSN) and SKIPPY portable array stations. We have been able to obtain high-resolution tomographic images spanning the depths down to 200–300 km and locally down to the upper transition zone. High-velocity subducting slabs and low-velocity volcanic arc regions are the dominant features of the model. Fast, thin lithosphere of back-arc basins is underlain by a prominent low-velocity zone. Low velocities at lithospheric depths are observed beneath the extinct Central Basin Ridge in the West Philippine Basin and close to the Eauripik Ridge that separates the East and West Caroline basins. High upper-mantle heterogeneity and resulting scattering presents a difficulty and limits the resolution, especially below 200–300 km. Explicit modeling of seismic wave diffraction may be necessary for a significant improvement in resolution.
Interaction of dichlone with human erythrocytes. I. Changes in cell permeability.

The uptake of the fungicide dichlone (2,3-dichloro-1,4-naphthoquinone) by human erythrocytes was extremely rapid, reaching a maximum within 5 min of treatment. Most of the dichlone taken up was present in the interior of the cell; only a small fraction of the pesticide (less than 5%) was bound to the cell membrane. Dichlone (3 · 10−5M-10−4M) induced a rapid loss of intracellular potassium from the erythrocytes; the leakage of K+ varied with the fungicide concentration as well as with cell concentration. Pretreatment of the cells with glutathione was able to reduce potassium loss. Cells exposed to dichlone showed increased osmotic fragility. Dichlone also inhibited Na+-K+ ATPase, which is associated with active ion transport. However, the leakage of potassium in dichlone-treated cells does not appear to be related to the interference with active ion transport. An extensive loss of potassium within a relatively short time after treatment suggests that dichlone produces its effect by increasing passive cation permeability, probably as a result of direct action on the membrane structure. Dichlone was able to induce hemolysis, but only at concentrations higher than those which resulted in K+ loss. The loss of hemoglobin appeared to be mainly due to osmotic swelling of the treated cells. Exposure of red cells to dichlone also resulted in a rapid and extensive formation of methemoglobin as well as a denaturation of hemoglobin. Thus, dichlone not only may be capable of lowering the capacity of erythrocytes to transport oxygen but also alters their permeability.
Thin-layer chromatography and bioassay of prostaglandins in extracts of semen and tissues of the male reproductive tract

By acid ether extraction and thin-layer chromatography, prostaglandins have been separated from biologically active compounds of other chemical groups. The technique does not, however, separate different prostaglandins from each other. The biological activity of the eluates was estimated on the rabbit isolated jejunum and the hamster isolated colon preparations in terms of prostaglandin E1; the concentrations (thus expressed) of prostaglandin in human semen ranged from 24 to 783 μg/ml. with a mean of 226 μg/ml. No prostaglandins (minimal detectable concentration, 0.5 μg/g) could be detected in the male reproductive organs of several species of laboratory animal.
Appraising Birth Order in Career Assessment: Linkages to Holland's and Super's Models.

Adlerian vocational theory proposes that birth order, or psychological position in the family of origin, significantly influences vocational behavior. If so, appraising birth order position may be useful in a career assessment context to enrich an understanding of an individual's occupational interests, values, and vocational personality style. Two exploratory studies examined this potentiality. In Study 1, analysis of variance results indicated significant differences in vocational personality type, occupational interests, and values among three birth-order groups derived from a medical student sample (N = 159). Significant differences in occupational interests among birth-order groups also emerged in Study 2 which used a college student sample (N = 119). Combined, results of the present research lend support to the Adlerian theoretical assertion that birth order determines vocational personality, occupational interest, and values patterns. Birth order represents a salient and viable variable to consider...
Hypersonic Viscous Interaction Theory for Wedge Wings

Abstract : The aerodynamic characteristics of wedge wings having either a delta or a two-dimensional planform are determined for hypersonic viscous flow. It is assumed that the wing is at a small angle of attack, that the shock is strong, and that the ratio of specific heats is near 1. Under these assumptions pressure and shear distributions, obtained from Cheng's interaction theory, are integrated over the surface using two-dimensional strip theory to obtain the lift, drag, lift to drag ratio, and center of pressure. A single table of numerical results which define the aerodynamic characteristics in the strong, moderate, and weak interaction regimes is obtained. Analytical expressions are obtained for the limiting cases of strong and weak interaction. Figures are presented which show the reduction in maximum obtainable lift to drag ratio for a given wing as the viscous interaction parameter increases. (Author)
sn-Glycerol-3-phosphate transacylase activity in Euglena gracilis organelles.

Abstract sn -Glycerol-3-phosphate transacylase activity was demonstrated in Euglena mitochondria, chloroplasts, and microsomes. There was no activity in the 100,000 g 1-h supernatant. Exposure of each of the isolated organelles to 1 × 10 −4 % Triton X-100 resulted in release of substantial quantities of transacylase activity into the 100,000 g supernatant. Products formed by catalysis by the membrane-bound transacylases were heterogenous, while those resulting from catalysis by the extracted enzymes were practically all lysophosphatidate.
Fuzzy rule base optimization of a compliant wrist sensor for robotic assembly

The problem of part mating and assembly with close tolerances has been addressed in the past by active or passive compliance and by force/position control. With ambient sensor and transmission noise and with imprecise measurements it is often difficult to attain high precision in manipulator positioning. A compliant wrist position sensor with a fuzzy logic rule base was designed by the author to address this problem. In this article, after a brief review of this sensor, optimization of its fuzzy rule base is discussed. The optimization results are then presented. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.