cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A great and neglected west indian - american writer : frank hercules

Although one may speculate the reasons, it can hardly be doubted that the established post-WWII West Indian writers in the United States have received less than their fair share of critical attention from intellectuals in the Caribbean.1 The neglect is of long standing. Neither critical nor even bibliographic treatments of Caribbean literature dealing with the earliest stages of the Caribbean novel commonly notice the Trinidad novePs admittedly undistinguished beginnings in Trinidadian-American Archer Tracy, the most authoritative work on the West Indian novel, Kenneth Ramchand's The West Indian Novel and Its Background, merely quotes a passage by Robert Bone that lists tracy's name,2 and, remarkably, he is not even mentioned in the acknowledgedly historical or bibliographic works by Sander, Herdeck and Bandara.3 As a figure of some pertinent historical interest, and as an illuminating contrast to the special subject of this study, Frank Hercules, Tracy deserves passing notice.
Donald Alan Kennerly, MD, PhD: a conversation with the editor.

Donald Kennerly (Figure ​(Figure11) was born in Connecticut on February 25, 1952, and grew up in that state. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1974 and from Washington University School of Medicine in 1980, receiving both MD and PhD degrees. His residency in internal medicine was at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis from 1980 to 1983, and his fellowship in allergy and immunology was at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UT Southwestern) from 1983 to 1986. Following the fellowship, he remained at UT Southwestern, rising to associate professorship with tenure. He was director of the Division of Allergy and Immunology of the Department of Internal Medicine, and his research focused on mechanisms of cell activation in mast cells. He was the founding medical director of the asthma clinic at Parkland Hospital.
An analytic placer for mixed-size placement and timing-driven placement

We extend the APlace wirelength-driven standard-cell analytic placement framework of A.A. Kennings and I.L. Markov (2002) to address timing-driven and mixed-size ("boulders and dust") placement. Compared with timing-driven industry tools, evaluated by commercial detailed routing and STA, we achieve an average of 8.4% reduction in cycle time and 7.5% reduction in wirelength for a set of six industry testcases. For mixed-size placement, we achieve an average of 4% wirelength reduction on ISPD02 mixed-size placement benchmarks compared to results of the leading-edge solver, Feng Shui (v2.4) (Khatkhate et al., 2004). We are currently evaluating our placer on industry testcases that combine the challenges of timing constraints, large instance sizes, and embedded blocks (both fixed and unfixed).
Energy and momentum conserving methods of arbitrary order for the numerical integration of equations of motion

Conventional numerical methods, when applied to the ordinary differential equations of motion of classical mechanics, conserve the total energy and angular momentum only to the order of the truncation error. Since these constants of the motion play a central role in mechanics, it is a great advantage to be able to conserve them exactly. A new numerical method is developed, which is a generalization to arbitrary order of the "discrete mechanics" described in earlier work, and which conserves the energy and angular momentum to all orders. This new method can be applied much like a "corrector" as a modification to conventional numerical approximations, such as those obtained via Taylor series, Runge-Kutta, or predictor-corrector formulae. The theory is extended to a system of particles in Part II of this work.
A Road Map to U.S. Decarbonization

Alternative energy sources could replace 70% of fossil fuels in America within 30 years at a cost of $200 billion per year.
Information-Based Optimization Approaches to Dynamical System Safety Verification

Given a heuristic estimate of the relative safety of a hybrid dynamical system trajectory, we transform the initial safety problem for dynamical systems into a global optimization problem. We introduce MLLO-IQ and MLLO-RIQ, two new information-based optimization algorithms. After demonstrating their strengths and weaknesses, we describe the class of problems for which different optimization methods are best-suited.
Initiation of Autophagy by Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the irradiation of photosensitized cells with light. Depending on localization of the photosensitizing agent, the process can induce photodamage to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, plasma membrane, and/or lysosomes. When ER or mitochondria are targeted, antiapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family are especially sensitive to photodamage. Both apoptosis and autophagy can occur after PDT, autophagy being associated with enhanced survival at low levels of photodamage to some cells. Autophagy can become a cell-death pathway if apoptosis is inhibited or when cells attempt to recycle damaged constituents beyond their capacity for recovery. While techniques associated with characterization of autophagy are generally applicable, PDT introduces additional factors related to unknown sites of photodamage that may alter autophagic pathways. This chapter discusses issues that may arise in assessing autophagy after cellular photodamage.
Cyclophanes—13: Crystal and molecular structure of [2.2][2,5]furano(1,4)naphthalenophane

Abstract The crystal and molecular structure of [2.2](2,5)furano(1,4)naphthalenophane (1) was determined by X-ray crystallography. The molecule exists in the anti-conformation and the study represents the first instance in which the structural features of a naphthalenoid ring within a cyclophane were determined. Crystals of cyclophane 1 are orthorhombic, space group Pbca, with a = 7.859(2). b = 11.482(3) and c = 28.818(8) A. While the nonbridged portion of the naphthalenoid ring is planar, the portion which is bridged to the furanoid ring through its 1 and 4 C atoms is puckered and boat-shaped. These C atoms are positioned 14° out of the plane of the other four C atoms of this ring. The furanoid ring is essentially planar but is not parallel to the naphthalenoid ring. It is inclined 22° to the least squares plane of the bridged portion of the naphthalenoid ring. This angle of inclination staggers the atoms of the furanoid and bridged naphthalenoid ring and positions the 3 and 4 C atoms, the 2 and 5 C atoms and the 0 atom of the furanoid ring 3.4. 2.9 and 2.6 A. respectively, from the least squares plane of the bridged portion of the naphthalenoid ring. While the internal angles around the bridging C atoms α- to the naphthalenoid ring are 109°, those α- to the furanoid ring are 113°. In addition unusually large bond angles ( $ 137°) at the 2 and 5 C atoms of the furanoid ring, external to the ring, are also observed. The distortions are considered with respect to the strain within the cyclophane macrocycle and are compared with other similar systems.
High-resolution harmonic motion imaging (HR-HMI) for tissue biomechanical property characterization

Background: Elastography, capable of mapping the biomechanical properties of biological tissues, serves as a useful technique for clinicians to perform disease diagnosis and determine stages of many diseases. Many acoustic radiation force (ARF) based elastography, including acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging and harmonic motion imaging (HMI), have been developed to remotely assess the elastic properties of tissues. However, due to the lower operating frequencies of these approaches, their spatial resolutions are insufficient for revealing stiffness distribution on small scale applications, such as cancerous tumor margin detection, atherosclerotic plaque composition analysis and ophthalmologic tissue characterization. Though recently developed ARF-based optical coherence elastography (OCE) methods open a new window for the high resolution elastography, shallow imaging depths significantly limit their usefulness in clinics. Methods: The aim of this study is to develop a high-resolution HMI method to assess the tissue biomechanical properties with acceptable field of view (FOV) using a 4 MHz ring transducer for efficient excitation and a 40 MHz needle transducer for accurate detection. Under precise alignment of two confocal transducers, the high-resolution HMI system has a lateral resolution of 314 μm and an axial resolution of 147 μm with an effective FOV of 2 mm in depth. Results: The performance of this high resolution imaging system was validated on the agar-based tissue mimicking phantoms with different stiffness distributions. These data demonstrated the imaging system’s improved resolution and sensitivity on differentiating materials with varying stiffness. In addition, ex vivo imaging of a human atherosclerosis coronary artery demonstrated the capability of high resolution HMI in identifying layer-specific structures and characterizing atherosclerotic plaques based on their stiffness differences. Conclusions: All together high resolution HMI appears to be a promising ultrasound-only technology for characterizing tissue biomechanical properties at the microstructural level to improve the image-based diseases diagnosis in multiple clinical applications.
How nurses shift from care of a brain-injured patient to maintenance of a brain-dead organ donor

Background The responsibility of obtaining organs for transplantation rests partly on critical care nurses. How nurses balance care of critically ill, brain-injured patients with the professional responsibility to procure organs is a question of ethical and clinical importance. Objectives To describe the experiences of critical care nurses in making the shift from caring for a brain-injured patient identified as a potential organ donor to maintaining a brain-dead body. Methods An interpretive, phenomenological design was used. In 2 trauma centers, 9 critical care nurses were interviewed, and 2 of the 9 nurses were observed. Results Identification of potential organ donors is made under conditions of prognostic ambiguity. The transition from brain injury to brain death is a period of instability in which the critical care team must decide quickly whether to resuscitate a patient in order to procure organs. After a patient is brain dead, critical care nurses' relationship with and responsibility toward the patient change. Conclusions The process of identifying potential organ donors and holding open the tentative possibility of organ procurement illustrates the practical difficulties of early referral of potential donors to organ procurement organizations. Early referral to an organ procurement organization implies a commitment to organ procurement that some nurses may hesitate to make because such a commitment changes their relationship with a brain-injured patient.
Severe Pancreatitis Exacerbation in a Perinatal Patient with Severe Preeclampsia

Poster Presentation Background Pancreatitis in pregnancy is rare, and when complicated, mortality may exceed 10%. The subject of this case report also had severe preeclampsia, which stimulated discussion of the new guidelines from the Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy. This poster presentation will provide education about a rare condition and also review important points in the hypertension guidelines. Case The woman presented at 39 weeks gestation with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting but no scotoma or headache. Her blood pressure was 180–190/110–120. Labs were unremarkable, except for lipase, which was >4000 (normal 20–300). Prior to pregnancy her lipase was 9500, and pancreatectomy and islet cell transplantation were recommended, but she did not follow up. Instead, the woman had been using narcotics daily at home via a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). She was treated for preeclampsia with antihypertensives and magnesium sulfate. Consults were ordered with pain management, surgery, gastroenterology, maternal‐fetal medicine (MFM), and neonatology. The attending physician on call wanted to perform an emergency cesarean, but MFM recommended stabilization, and the surgery consult concurred. A male was born with a tight nuchal cord, was intubated, and was transported to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The woman's postpartum course consisted primarily of nutrition support and pain management, but on postpartum Day 3 she needed a transfusion due to hemoglobin of 6.1. On Day 6, creatinine levels rose to 1.7 and her blood pressure became elevated again, so a nephrology consult was added. On Day 7, she developed a headache and 3+ pretibial edema, so magnesium sulfate was restarted. The newborn underwent body cooling due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy but was discharged at 12 days of life in stable condition. The woman was finally discharged on postpartum Day 15, with oral analgesics and on total parenteral nutrition. She was to follow up with the same specialists who recommended the pancreatectomy. Conclusion Pancreatitis is an inflammatory state that can cause respiratory failure, renal failure, and cardiac complications due to the pancreatic enzymes being released into the circulation. Treatment is to alleviate the inflammation and symptoms. Perinatal nurses need to know that a more typically seen condition in pregnancy‐gallbladder disease can precipitate pancreatitis. Two points that stood out in this scenario were the insistence on stabilization of the woman prior to cesarean, which is always recommended in the literature but not always practiced. Second, magnesium sulfate was restarted because of an earnest attempt at our institution to follow the taskforce guidelines.
Hormonal Changes in Puberty: III. Correlation of Plasma Testosterone, LH, FSH, Testicular Size, and Bone Age with Male Pubertal Development

The somatic manifestations of puberty in a cohort of 51 boys were correlated with changes in the concentrations of plasma testosterone, LH, and FSH. The stage of pubertal development was graded (P1–P5), testicular size measured, and skeletal maturation determined. The mean concentration of plasma testosterone increased from 19 ng/100 ml ± 4.4 (sem) in P1, to 71 ng/100 ml ± 19 (sem) in P2, to 248 ng/100 ml ± 46 (sem) in P3, and to 482 ng/100 ml rfc 27 (sem) in P4–5. The mean concentration of plasma FSH (LER 869–2) rose from 0.8 ng/ml ± 0.05 (sem) in P1, to 0.96 ng/ml ± 0.15 (sem) in P2, to 1.7 ng/ml ± 0.3 (sem) in P3, to 2.5 ng/ml ± 0. 5 (sem) in P4–5. The mean concentration of plasma LH (LER 960) rose from 1.1 ng/ml ± 0.06 (sem) in PI, to 1.5 ng/ml ± 0.15 (sem) in P2, to 1.6 ng/ml ± 0.07 (sem) in P3, to 1.7 ng/ml ± 0.11 (sem) in P4–5. A considerable variation in plasma hormone values was noted in P2 and P3. The testicular volume index increased from 1.7 cm2 ± 0.1 (sem) in Pi, to 4.3 cm2 ± 0.6 (sem) in P2,...
An investigation of the relationship between cognitive complexity and listener‐adapted communication

This study investigated the hypothesis that dyads composed of two cognitively complex individuals would be more successful at a communication task than would dyads composed of two individuals who are both noncomplex. Another hypothesis was that mixed dyads (one person complex, one noncomplex) would be more effective than noncomplex dyads but not as effective as complex dyads. The data supported the hypotheses. When both members of a dyad were complex or when the complex member of a mixed dyad was the person giving directions, the directions were more effective than when both members are noncomplex or when the noncomplex member of a mixed dyad was giving directions.
β-Glucanases of the yeast Kluyveromyces phaseolosporus: Partial purification and characterization

Four β -glucanases have been isolated from cell-free extracts and supernatants of lysed protoplasts of the yeast Kluyveromyces phaseolosporus after chromatography on Sephacryl S-200. β -Glucanase I was an endo- β -(1-3)-glucanase with a random action pattern upon its substrates. The main hydrolysis products from laminarin were d -glucose and laminaribiose. The K m with laminarin as substrate was 1.1 m m and the optimum pH was 4.5. The enzyme had an apparent molecular weight of 180,000, and was inhibited slightly by adenine and approximately 50% by 2.7 m m Hg 2+ . Inhibition by Hg 2+ was reversed by l -cysteine. β -Glucanase II was also an endo- β -(1-3)-glucanase, producing d -glucose and laminaribiose as hydrolysis products. The K m estimated with laminarin as substrate was 0.6 m m and the optimum pH was 6.0. Its apparent molecular weight was 45,000. The inhibitions by adenine and Hg 2+ were more pronounced than for β -glucanase I. The inhibition by Hg 2+ was reversed by l -cysteine. β -Glucanase III was a typical exo- β -glucanase similar to those described in the literature for other yeast exo- β -glucanases. It hydrolyzed laminarin, releasing only d -glucose from the nonreducing end, and was unable to hydrolyze periodate-oxidized laminarin. The enzyme has a K m value (laminarin as substrate) of 0.3 m m and a pH optimum of 6, and it rapidly hydrolyzed laminaridextrins to d -glucose. This β -glucanase was able to hydrolyze either β -(1-3) or β -(1-6) bonds. Its estimated molecular weight was 18,500. The enzyme was partially inhibited at high concentrations of adenine or Hg 2+ . Inhibition by Hg 2+ was not restored by l -cysteine. β -Glucanase IV released only d -glucose from laminarin but showed significant activity when tested on periodate-oxidized laminarin. Its molecular weight was 8700 and the optimum pH was 6.0. The K m with laminarin as substrate was 0.6 m m . The enzyme was inhibited partially by adenine and strongly by Hg 2+ . Inhibition by Hg 2+ was partially restored by l -cysteine. The intracellular β -glucanases showed the same molecular weight as those isolated from cell-free extracts. β -Glucanases I, II, and IV showed lytic activity toward yeast cell walls, and a combination of the three enzymes produced spheroplasts of K. phaseolosporus .
The Adversarial Process of Administrative Claims: The Process of Unemployment Insurance Hearings

Although administrative hearings are not formal litigation, the process often resembles traditional adversarial adjudication. There are two parties, one has the burden of proof, both present eviden...
Lattice resolution and solution kinetics on surfaces of amino acid crystals: an atomic force microscope study

Abstract We report atomic force microscopy (AFM) results on six amino acid crystal surfaces: glycine, L-aspartic acid, L-valine, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, and L-phenylalanine. Samples were grown by slow evaporation of concentrated aqueous solutions. All samples contained crystalline areas where the AFM showed extended molecularly flat sheets (up to hundreds of nm in size) separated by steps a single molecule thick. The ordered lattice of each amino acid could be imaged on the sheets. Images revealed periodicities corresponding to bulk terminations in most cases, as well as other periodicities which probably correspond to molecular structure within the unit cell. Step motion kinetics were also imaged in situ during dissolution of L-leucine in flowing propanol. Steps oriented along the 〈010〉 direction traveled with speeds that were independent of both interstep distance and solvent flow rate for flow rates above 20 μl/s, indicating a reaction rate limited process. Orthogonal bends along the 〈001〉 direction moved at speeds one to ten times that of steps, with narrow bends moving faster than wide. We speculate that these speed differences were caused by anisotropy in reaction kinetics coupled with partially saturated boundary layers near wide bends.
Three-dimensional wireless heat mapping and security assessment using multi-rotor aerial drones

Wireless networks are well known to be at risk a variety of attacks and/or monitoring by malicious users. Much effort has been put into developing encryption and authentication protocols for these networks, yet time has shown that weaknesses are frequently found in their implementation. For this reason, many organizations conduct site surveys to measure signal strength at various locations surrounding the premises. In this paper, we show how a multi-rotor aerial drone can effectively and quickly perform a 3D site assessment. 3D site assessments, unlike traditional assessments measure signal strength at varying altitudes that might otherwise be overlooked. We demonstrate a low-cost platform that can perform these surveys and demonstrate how it can also be used in finding other security concerns such as rogue access points within an organization. We also analyze a number of ways to visualize the results.
Hormonal control of neurotransmitter choice in sympathetic neurone cultures.

Manipulation of the cellular and hormonal environment of cultures of dissociated primary neurones can be used to explore a neurone's developmental potential and to investigate the factors required for normal development. For example, developing adrenergic sympathetic neurones can be influenced to become cholinergic by both diffusible1 and membrane-bound2 factors from certain types of non-neuronal cells; when medium conditioned by incubation on heart cell cultures (CM) is placed on the neurones, they develop the ability to produce acetylcholine (ACh) and they form functional cholinergic synapses with each other3. Hormones could also contribute to the control of this transmitter choice4, and McLennan et al.5 recently reported that corticosterone treatment of whole superior cervical ganglia (SCG) greatly inhibited the cholinergic development of these ganglia in culture. It was not clear, however, whether the hormone acted directly on the neurones or indirectly via the non-neuronal cells. To study the role of hormones on this transmitter choice, I have now developed a serum-free medium (based on that of Sato and co-workers6,7) for the preparation of conditioned medium. The results obtained with this system show that glucocorticoids and epidermal growth factor (EGF) exert dramatic and antagonistic effects on the adrenergic–cholinergic transmitter choice and do so indirectly, by controlling the ability of heart cells to produce cholinergic CM.
An extracellular arabinogalactan-protein from Nicotiana tabacum

Abstract An extracellular arabinogalactan-protein was obtained from suspension-cultured tobacco cells. It seemed to be a homogeneous preparation from the results of gel-filtration, ultracentrifugation and disc gel electrophoresis. Its MW was estimated to be 2.24 × 10 5 and its sedimentation coefficient ( S 20,w ) was calculated to be 5.07 S. It consisted of arabinose (40.0%), galactose (36.2%), rhamnose (0.8 %), glucuronic acid (10.0 %), glucosamine (0.2 %), galactosamine (0.1%) and protein (5.5 %). The sugar moiety appeared to be a typical arabino-3,6-galactan. A d -glucuronic acid residue was present as the non-reducing terminal group and was attached to C(O)-6 of a d -galactosyl residue by β-linkage.
Brain activation during neurocognitive testing using functional near-infrared spectroscopy in patients following concussion compared to healthy controls

There is no accepted clinical imaging modality for concussion, and current imaging modalities including fMRI, DTI, and PET are expensive and inaccessible to most clinics/patients. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive, portable, and low-cost imaging modality that can measure brain activity. The purpose of this study was to compare brain activity as measured by fNIRS in concussed and age-matched controls during the performance of cognitive tasks from a computerized neurocognitive test battery. Participants included nine currently symptomatic patients aged 18–45 years with a recent (15–45 days) sport-related concussion and five age-matched healthy controls. The participants completed a computerized neurocognitive test battery while wearing the fNIRS unit. Our results demonstrated reduced brain activation in the concussed subject group during word memory, (spatial) design memory, digit-symbol substitution (symbol match), and working memory (X’s and O’s) tasks. Behavioral performance (percent-correct and reaction time respectively) was lower for concussed participants on the word memory, design memory, and symbol match tasks than controls. The results of this preliminary study suggest that fNIRS could be a useful, portable assessment tool to assess reduced brain activation and augment current approaches to assessment and management of patients following concussion.
Experiential Learning in an Undergraduate Course in Group Communication and Decision Making

The innovative structure of an undergraduate course on communication and decision making in small groups, based on the framework of Kolb’s experiential learning theory, is described. The course involves doing in-class exercises that replicate published research about a given topic. Exercises involve completion of a group task, the manipulation of variables, and collection and analysis of data. Following each exercise, the students read the original research and other relevant materials. In the subsequent class, the students are debriefed through an examination of the class data and a discussion of the reading materials and potential practical applications. This sequence of experiment replication and discussion is repeated with a different exercise each week. The in-class activities are supplemented with written analysis assignments. Variations on the basic course module and other course components are described, and factors guiding design choices are discussed. Evidence of student learning relevant to cou...
Alice Henry: The Power of Pen and Voice: The Life of an Australian-American Labor Reformer

Introduction 1. 'Childhood in a new country': the early years, 1857-1884 2. 'The sistership of womanhood': an international feminist 1884-1905 3. 'Suffragizing the labour movement': working for the W.T.U.L. 1906-1910 4. 'Not mere philanthropy': editing Life and Labor 1911-1915 5. 'The Trade Union Woman': feminism and industrial legislation 1915-1920 6. 'Tapping the untouched possibilities': educating women for industrial democracy 1920-1926 7. 'Letters and a common past': the numbing defeat of old age 1927-1943 Epilogue.
Classroom sociomathematical norms for proof presentation in undergraduate in abstract algebra

Abstract This paper is a case study of the teaching of an undergraduate abstract algebra course with a particular focus on the manner in which the students presented proofs and the class engaged in a subsequent discussion of those proofs that included validating the work. This study describes norms for classroom work that include a set of norms that the presenter of a proof was responsible for enacting, including only using previously agreed upon results, as well as a separate set that the audience was to enact related to developing their understanding of the presented proof and validating the work. The study suggests that the students developed a sense of communal and individual responsibility for contributing to growing the body of mathematical knowledge known by the class, with an implied responsibility for knowing the already developed mathematics. Moreover, the behaviors that norms prompted the students to engage were those that literature suggests leads to increased comprehension of proofs.
Assessment of WRF/Chem to simulate sub–Arctic boundary layer characteristics during low solar irradiation using radiosonde, SODAR, and surface data

Abstract Data from a Doppler SOund Detection And Ranging (SODAR) device, twice–daily radiosondes, 33 surface meteorological and four aerosol sites were used to assess the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model inline coupled with a chemistry package (WRF/Chem) to capture atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) characteristics in Interior Alaska during low solar irradiation (11–01–2005 to 02–28–2006). Biases determined based on all available data from the 33 sites over the entire episode are 1.6 K, 1.8 K, 1.85 m/s, –5 o , and 1.2 hPa for temperature, dewpoint temperature, wind–speed, wind–direction, and sea–level pressure, respectively. The SODAR–data reveal that WRF/Chem over/under–estimates wind–speed in the lower (upper) atmospheric boundary layer. WRF/Chem captures the frequency of low–level jets well, but overestimates the strength of moderate low–level jets. Data from the four aerosol sites suggest large underestimation of PM 10 , and NO 3 at the remote sites and PM 2.5 at the polluted site. Difficulty in capturing the temporal evolution of aerosol concentrations coincides with difficulty in capturing sudden temperature changes, underestimation of inversion–strengths and timing of frontal passages. Errors in PM 2.5 concentrations strongly relate to temperature errors.
Long-term continuous exposure of guinea pigs to sulfur dioxide.

Three groups of guinea pigs were exposed to 0.13, 1.01, and 5.72 ppm for 12 months. Pulmonary function measurements including tidal volume, respiratory rate, minute volume, dynamic compliance, pulmonary flow resistance, and carbon monoxide uptake indicated that no detrimental changes could be attributed to sulfur dioxide. Hematology and clinical chemistry measurements were normal, and body weight, growth, and survival were not adversely affected. Microscopic examination of the lung and trachea revealed that the group exposed to 5.72 ppm had a lower incidence and severity of spontaneous disease normally present in those animals after a period of 52 weeks. Microscopic examination of the liver revealed alterations in the animals exposed to 5.72 ppm which were characterized by an increase in the size of the hepatocytes accompanied by cytoplasmic vacuolation.
Parallel midbrain microcircuits perform independent temporal transformations.

The capacity to select the most important information and suppress distracting information is crucial for survival. The midbrain contains a network critical for the selection of the strongest stimulus for gaze and attention. In avians, the optic tectum (OT; called the superior colliculus in mammals) and the GABAergic nucleus isthmi pars magnocellularis (Imc) cooperate in the selection process. In the chicken, OT layer 10, located in intermediate layers, responds to afferent input with gamma periodicity (25–75 Hz), measured at the level of individual neurons and the local field potential. In contrast, Imc neurons, which receive excitatory input from layer 10 neurons, respond with tonic, unusually high discharge rates (>150 spikes/s). In this study, we reveal the source of this high-rate inhibitory activity: layer 10 neurons that project to the Imc possess specialized biophysical properties that enable them to transform afferent drive into high firing rates (∼130 spikes/s), whereas neighboring layer 10 neurons, which project elsewhere, transform afferent drive into lower-frequency, periodic discharge patterns. Thus, the intermediate layers of the OT contain parallel, intercalated microcircuits that generate different temporal patterns of activity linked to the functions of their respective downstream targets.
The Reality of Reference: Responsibilities and Competencies for Current Reference Librarians

Academic reference services face great challenges as they cope with the pace of technological change, competition from other information service providers, and tight budgets. In fact, some critics suggest that reference services are no longer relevant or necessary as more information moves online. This study examines a nationwide survey that reveals that reference librarians are indeed engaged in a wide variety of activities requiring a range of competencies and skills. Results of this study suggest that reference services are not dying but are evolving, with most academic reference librarians engaged in multifunction positions involving both traditional and nontraditional reference activities.
Distance perception from motion parallax and ground contact

Meng and Sedgwick (2001, 2002) found that the perceived distance of an object in a stationary scene was determined by the position at which it contacted the ground in the image, or by nested contact relations among intermediate surfaces. Three experiments investigated whether motion parallax would allow observers to determine the distance of a floating object without intermediate contact relations. The displays consisted of one or more computer-generated textured cylinders inserted into a motion picture or still image of an actual 3-D scene. In the motion displays, both the cylinders and the scene translated horizontally. Judged distance for a single cylinder floating above the ground was determined primarily by the location at which the object contacted the ground in the projected image (“optical contact”), but was altered in the direction indicated by motion parallax. When more than one cylinder was present and observers were asked to judge the distance of the top cylinder, judged distance moved closer ...
A novel pretargeting method for measuring antibody internalization in tumor cells.

A novel pretargeting method has been developed to quantitate antibody cellular internalization. In this study, the antibody was conjugated with a phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (MORF) specific for the complementary MORF (cMORF) as effector. Half the tumor cells were incubated with the MORF-antibody (pretargeting group) and the other half with the same MORF-antibody at the same concentration but radiolabeled (direct targeting group). After incubation, the same dosage of radiolabeled cMORF is added to the wells of pretargeting group. The radioactivity of the direct targeting cells represents the sum of both internalized and cell surface bound antibodies while the radioactivity of the pretargeting cells is due only to surface bound antibodies since the radiolabeled cMORF does not penetrate the cell surface. Therefore the difference in radioactivity accumulation between pretargeting and direct targeting provides the internalized fraction. In this example, the internalization of a MORF conjugated anti-PMSA antibody 3C6 in LNCaP cells was examined and the average cell surface residence time was determined as 2 h. This method of measuring antibody internalization is directly applicable to pretargeting applications but can be a universal alternative to the conventional acid-wash method with the advantage of leaving the cell membrane undamaged.
Statistical properties of distance estimators

Estimating the distance between two points is of fundamental concern. This paper investigates some statistical properties of three estimators of the distance between two points on a plane. The results of several theoretical comparisons of the performance of the estimators assuming a large sample size are given. Also given is the comparison of the performance of the estimators using simulation when the sample size is small. These comparisons suggest that the estimator of choice is not the most “natural” estimator in this situation. Although the discussion is given in the framework of the plane, the results are readily extended to high dimensional spaces.
Preservice Teachers' Perceptions of Using Hypermedia and Video To Examine the Nature of Literacy Instruction.

We examined students' perceptions of media, specifically videos and a hypermedia learning environment, the Reading Classroom Explorer (rce), when placed in an existing preservice literacy methods course. Participant interviews and course papers indicated that these media (a) enrich classroom learning by providing images of progressive literacy teaching learned in coursework, (b) provide opportunities - unconstrained by school-day hours or geographic location - to observe, reflect on, and analyze practice, and (c) expand students' internship experience by providing multiple approaches to literacy instruction. Students reported that hypermedia (rce) allowed them to easily revisit video and analyze activities across school sites, but they were more comfortable with and liked the context provided by videos. Limitations of the media and future contexts of use are discussed.
Another VCP interactor: NF is enough

Inclusion body myopathy with Paget disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) is a multisystem degenerative disorder caused by mutations in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene. How missense mutations in this abundant, ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional protein lead to the degeneration of disparate tissues is unclear. VCP participates in diverse cellular functions by associating with an expanding collection of substrates and cofactors that dictate its functionality. In this issue of the JCI, Wang and colleagues have further expanded the VCP interactome by identifying neurofibromin-1 (NF1) as a novel VCP interactor in the CNS. IBMPFD-associated mutations disrupt binding of VCP to NF1, resulting in reduced synaptogenesis. Thus, aberrant interactions between VCP and NF1 may explain the dementia phenotype and cognitive delay observed in patients with IBMPFD and neurofibromatosis type 1.
Examination of the Relationship between Community Support and Tobacco Control Activities as a Part of Youth Empowerment Programs

Through the American Legacy Foundation's Statewide Youth Movement Against Tobacco Use (SYMATU), programs aimed at empowering youths to take action against tobacco use were funded. It is believed that the activities these groups undertake result in changes at the community level. This article examines the relationships between community support of tobacco control and the number and types of tobacco control-related activities these local youth groups conduct. Regression analyses examine the influence that different levels and sources of community support have on the quantity and focus of a group's activities. The influences of community support are briefly explored to understand if certain group characteristics have an impact on the quantity or sources of support for tobacco control. A deeper understanding of the importance and impact of community support will help groups understand the need for building community support networks and how these networks can assist them with implementation of program activities.
Barbiturate-induced changes in transmitter release independent of terminal spike configuration in the frog neuromuscular junction.

Abstract Extracellular microelectrodes were used to record the external end-plate potentials and terminal action potentials in frog neuromuscular junctions in the presence and absence of phenobarbital (0.1–0.5 m m ). Concentrations of phenobarbital which significantly increased the mean number of quanta of transmitter released by a presynaptic impulse ( m value) had no observable effect on the configuration of the presynaptic action potential. It is concluded that the barbiturate-induced increase in transmitter release is not the result of prolongation of the terminal action potential.
Aminoacylation of RNA minihelices: implications for tRNA synthetase structural design and evolution.

AbstractThe genetic code is based on the aminoacylation of tRNA with amino acids catalyzed by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. The synthetases are constructed from discrete domains and all synthetases possess a core catalytic domain that catalyzes amino acid activation, binds the acceptor stem of tRNA, and transfers the amino acid to tRNA. Fused to the core domain are additional domains that mediate RNA interactions distal to the acceptor stem. Several synthetases catalyze the aminoacylation of RNA oligonucleotide substrates that recreate only the tRNA acceptor stems. In one case, a relatively small catalytic domain catalyzes the aminoacylation of these substrates independent of the rest of the protein. Thus, the active site domain may represent a primordial synthetase in which polypeptide insertions that mediate RNA acceptor stem interactions are tightly integrated with determinants for aminoacyl adenylate synthesis. The relationship between nucleotide sequences in small RNA oligonucleotides and the speci...
Ventricular arrhythmias in patients treated with methadone for opioid dependence

Over the last decade, there has been a significant rise in reported cases of methadone induced QT prolongation (QTP) and Torsades de Pointes (TdP) in patients treated for opioid dependence. Optimal management of these patients is challenging. We report a case series of 12 consecutive patients admitted to our institution with methadone-induced QTP and ventricular arrhythmias. All patients survived the presenting arrhythmia. Successful transition to buprenorphine was accomplished in three patients. QT interval normalized and none of these patients had recurrent arrhythmias. Methadone dose was reduced in five patients with improvement of QT interval and resolution of arrhythmia. Four patients, including two with ICDs, refused or did not tolerate a reduction in their methadone dose. Ventricular arrhythmias in patients on methadone are an uncommon but important problem. Buprenorphine, a partial µ-opiate–receptor agonist and a κ-opiate–receptor antagonist does not cause QTP or TdP. Buprenorphine is a useful and effective alternative to methadone in a select group of patients, including those with documented ventricular arrhythmias on methadone. Pacemakers or defibrillators should be reserved for patients who have failed buprenorphine or a reduced methadone dose.
Securing recipiency in workplace meetings: Multimodal practices:

As multiparty interactions with single courses of coordinated action, workplace meetings place particular interactional demands on participants who are not primary speakers (e.g. not chairs) as the...
The Safety of Controlled Hypotension for Shoulder Arthroscopy in the Beach-Chair Position

Background: The safety of controlled hypotension during arthroscopic shoulder procedures with the patient in the beach-chair position is controversial. Current practice for the management of intraoperative blood pressure is derived from expert opinion among anesthesiologists, but there is a paucity of clinical data validating their practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of controlled hypotension on cerebral perfusion with use of continuous electroencephalographic monitoring in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the beach-chair position. Methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients who had undergone shoulder arthroscopy in the beach-chair position were enrolled prospectively in this study. All patients underwent preoperative blood pressure measurements, assignment of an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, and a preoperative and postoperative neurological and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The target systolic blood pressure for all patients was 90 to 100 mm Hg during surgery. Continuous intraoperative monitoring was performed with standard ASA monitors and a ten-lead portable electroencephalography monitor. Real-time electroencephalographic monitoring was performed by an attending-level neurophysiologist. Results: All patients violated at least one recommended limit for blood pressure reduction. The average decrease in systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure from baseline was 36% and 42%, respectively. Three patients demonstrated ischemic changes on electroencephalography that resolved with an increase in blood pressure. No adverse neurological sequelae were observed in any patient on the basis of the MMSE. Conclusions: This study provides the first prospective data on global cerebral perfusion during shoulder arthroscopy in the beach-chair position with use of controlled hypotension. Our study suggests that patients may be able to safely tolerate a reduction in blood pressure greater than current recommendations. In the future, intraoperative cerebral monitoring may play a role in preventing neurological injury in patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the beach-chair position.
Compartmental Analysis of Resting and Activated Pulmonary Natural Killer Cells

Conflicting reports exist regarding the activity of natural killer (NK) cells in resting lung. We speculated that use of cells from differing lung compartments in past studies might have contributed to these discrepancies. To address this issue, a compartmental analysis of relative NK activity of airspace (bronchoalveolar lavage) cells versus interstitial lung cells was conducted in guinea pigs. Non-pulmonary (spleen) cells were also assayed for NK activity. For assays, cells were obtained from each compartment in the same host, then assayed concomitantly using a chromium release assay with the tumor target cell line, K562. Virtually identical NK cell activity was demonstrated by cells derived from airspaces and lung interstitium. This activity was significantly less (p < 0.05) than that of spleen cells, and its expression required periods of effector:target cell contact which were considerably longer (16 hr) than those needed for spleen cells (4 hr). Further experiments documented the capacity for augmen...
Raman Scattering In II-VI Semiconductor Alloys And Superlattices

Raman scattering is a powerful tool for the investigation of II-VI compounds. In particular, scattering by longitudinal optical (LO) phonons shows very strong resonances associated with the increased ionicity and reduced screening in these materials as compared with III-V and group IV semiconductors. In alloys of II-VI compounds, resonance Raman scattering by LO phonons can be used for electronic band structure studies, including the determination of critical points and their broadening. More recently, the fabrication of II-VI superlattices has received much attention. These systems, which range from narrow gap superlattices to wide gap structures, cover an impressive range of possible technological applications. They pose new problems such as interdiffusion, strain distribution, band offsets, interband transition energies, etc. Raman scattering can be used to address all these questions. In this paper, I illustrate the applications of Raman scattering by reviewing resonance experiments on HgCdTe alloys and more recent Raman work on CdTe-ZnTe superlattices.
Escherichia coli Purine Repressor: Key Residues for the Allosteric Transition between Active and Inactive Conformations and for Interdomain Signaling†

The Escherichia coli purine repressor, PurR, exists in an equilibrium between open and closed conformations. Binding of a corepressor, hypoxanthine or guanine, shifts the allosteric equilibrium in favor of the closed conformation and increases the operator DNA binding affinity by 40-fold compared to aporepressor. Glu70 and Trp147 PurR mutations were isolated which perturb the allosteric equilibrium. Three lines of evidence indicate that the allosteric equilibrium of E70A and W147A aporepressors was shifted toward the closed conformation. First, compared to wild-type PurR, these mutant repressors had a 10-30-fold higher corepressor binding affinity. Second, the mutant aporepressors bound to operator DNA with an affinity that is characteristic of the wild-type PurR holorepressor. Third, binding of guanine to wild-type PurR resulted in a near-UV circular dichroism spectral change at 297-305 nm that is attributed to the closed conformation. The circular dichroism spectrum of the E70A aporepressor at 297-305 nm was that expected for the closed conformation, and it was not appreciably altered by corepressor binding. Mutational analysis was used to identify an Arg115-Ser46' interdomain intersubunit hydrogen bond that is necessary for transmitting the allosteric transition in the corepressor binding domain to the DNA binding domain. R115A and S46G PurR mutants were defective in DNA binding in vitro and repressor function in vivo although corepressor binding was identical to the wild type. These results establish that the hydrogen bond between the side chain NH2 of Arg115 and the main chain CO of Ser46' plays a critical role in interdomain signaling.