cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cytokine networks in immune-mediated muscle regeneration

Abstract Mechanisms underlying early inflammation and subsequent muscle repair after injury are typically described in terms of the coordinated action of numerous waves of immune cells. It is now emerging, however, that a complex network of leukocyte- and stromal cell-derived cytokines orchestrate the early infiltration and function of pro-inflammatory leukocytes and underlies subsequent immune-mediated repair and regenerative responses. This review discusses how recently defined cytokines fit into the previously outlined cytokine networks shaping tissue damage and repair after injury. We also discuss new roles for previously well-characterized cytokines in muscle injury and repair responses. Finally, we summarize how modulation of local and systemic cytokine networks involved in muscle injury and repair by synthetic and naturally-derived biomaterials and stem cells is showing promise as a clinically applicable means to promote muscle regeneration and improve function after volumetric muscle loss and other muscle diseases.
Effect of galacto-oligosaccharide purity on water sorption and plasticization behavior.

Abstract Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) can be produced with different purity levels that were hypothesized to alter water uptake and overall stability. Two purity GOS levels (55% and 90%) in commercially available mixtures were analyzed. Water was found to plasticize GOS (more effectively in the 55% compared to 90% GOS mixture), decreasing the glass transition temperature (Tg) causing the caking of powders and collapse of the amorphous structure. The critical aw for the 55% GOS mixture was between aw 0.23 and 0.33, corresponding to 3.7 and 5.9% moisture, and for the 90% GOS the critical aw was between aw 0.43 and 0.58, corresponding to 9.7 and 13.0% moisture. Differential thermogravimetric (DTG) curves demonstrated that water was more homogenous and difficult to remove as the Tg of GOS fell below storage temperature. DTG trends suggest that this analysis may be used to predict Tg of GOS mixtures, which is influenced by GOS purity level.
Free Radicals, Dietary Antioxidants and Mechanisms in Cancer Prevention; in Vitro Studies

It is frequently stated that 90% of the incidence of cancer in a population is due to environmental factors including food consumption and life style (2,32). The definition “environmental” implies non genetic factors though clearly, genetic predisposition plays a role in determining the susceptibility of an individual to becoming a victim of the disease (40).
A high-protein diet or combination exercise training to improve metabolic health in individuals with long-standing spinal cord injury: a pilot randomized study.

We compared the effects of an 8-week iso-caloric high-protein (HP) diet versus a combined exercise regimen (Comb-Ex) in individuals with long-standing spinal cord injury (SCI). Effects on metabolic profiles, markers of inflammation, and signaling proteins associated with glucose transporter 4 (GLUT-4) translocation in muscles were evaluated. Eleven participants with SCI completed the study (HP diet: n = 5; Comb-Ex: n = 6; 46 ± 8 years; C5-T12 levels; American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A or B). The Comb-Ex regimen included upper body resistance training (RT) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced-RT for paralytic quadriceps muscles, interspersed with high-intensity (80-90% VO2 peak) arm cranking exercises 3 days/week. The HP diet included ~30% total energy as protein (carbohydrate to protein ratio <1.5, ~30% energy from fat). Oral glucose tolerance tests and muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis (VL) and deltoid muscles were performed before and after the trial. Fasting plasma glucose levels decreased in the Comb-Ex (P < 0.05) group compared to the HP-diet group. A decrease in areas under the curve for insulin and TNF-α concentrations was observed for all participants regardless of group assignment (time effect, P < 0.05). Although both groups exhibited a quantitative increase in insulin sensitivity as measured by the Matsuda Index, the change was clinically meaningful only in the HP diet group (HP diet: pre, 4.6; post, 11.6 vs. Comb-Ex: pre, 3.3; post, 4.6). No changes were observed in proteins associated with GLUT-4 translocation in VL or deltoid muscles. Our results suggest that the HP-diet and Comb-Ex regimen may improve insulin sensitivity and decrease TNF-α concentrations in individuals with SCI.
Medical Course and Complications After Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic cell transplantation can prolong lives; however, as any invasive treatment, it is associated with a variety of infectious and noninfectious complications. Patients experience a variety of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Noninfectious complications can affect immunologic, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and dermatologic organ systems, among others. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common and devastating complication, which involves multiple organs, impairs quality of life, and decreases survival. This chapter discusses various post-HCT complications and their pathophysiology, epidemiology, and treatment.
The Expression of Adipose Tissue-Derived Cardiotrophin-1 in Humans with Obesity

Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) is a gp130 cytokine that was previously characterized for its effects on cardiomyocytes and identified as a marker of heart failure. More recent studies reported elevated circulating levels of CT-1 in humans with obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, a subsequent rodent study implicated CT-1 as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and MetS. Adipose tissue (AT) is broadly acknowledged as an endocrine organ and is a substantial source of CT-1. However, no study has examined the expression of adipose-derived CT-1 in humans. We present the first analysis of CT-1 mRNA expression in subcutaneous AT and its association with clinical variables in 22 women with obesity and 15 men who were 40% overfed for 8-weeks. We observed that CT-1 expression was higher in the subcutaneous abdominal (scABD) than the femoral (scFEM) depot. Importantly, we reveal that scFEM but not scABD, CT-1 expression was negatively associated with visceral adiposity and intrahepatic lipid, while positively correlated with insulin sensitivity in obese women. Also, men with higher CT-1 levels at baseline had less of a decline in insulin sensitivity in response to overfeeding. Our data provide new knowledge on the regulation of adipose-derived CT-1 in obesity and during weight gain in response to overfeeding in humans and suggest that CT-1 may play a protective role in obesity and related disorders.
MICHAEL ADDITIONS OF FUNCTIONALIZED PHTHALIDES

Das aus dem entsprechenden Phthalid mit Lithiumdiisopropylamid in Tetrahydrofuran bei -78°C hergestellte Anion (I) reagiert mit ungesattigten Estern und Ketonen oder Acrylnitril zu den Addukten (II).
The Final Fiction: Madoff Clawback Suits and Their Implications for Capitalism in the Twenty-First Century

In December of 2008, former NASDAQ Chairman Bernard L. Madoff’s multibillion-dollar Ponzi scheme collapsed under the weight of client redemptions spurred by the financial crisis of 2007–2009. The story of Madoff’s devastating fiction seized international attention until his sentencing to 150 years. However, the Madoff Trustee’s clawback suits, which make claims on how fictitious profits should be treated—continues to be overlooked by the public and scholars. This paper argues for their significance to the very ideological bulwarking of finance capital in the twentyfirst century by providing a Marxist reading of these suits and their outcomes. The author applies insights from Capital Volumes II and III, while situating the suits and the debates surrounding their use within the cultural logic of capitalism in the twenty-first century. This logic, as shown through clawback suits, is more and more willing to consciously and brazenly embrace the obliteration of lines between Marx’s concept of fictitious capital and real capital.
Bright tongue sign in patients with late-onset Pompe disease.

Late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is an often misdiagnosed inherited myopathy for which treatment exists. We noticed a bright tongue sign on brain MRIs of two patients who were admitted to the ICU for respiratory failure of unclear origin, and who were eventually diagnosed with LOPD. This led us to systematically review brain MRIs of patients with LOPD and various other neuromuscular disorders (NMD). Chart and brain MRI review of patients with LOPD and other NMD. Abnormalities of the tongue were observed in 11/33 of the patients studied. In 10/11 patients, no comments were made with regard to the tongue abnormalities in the radiology report. Bright tongue sign was seen in 4/6 patients with LOPD and 4/28 patients with other NMD. Tongue atrophy was seen in 3/6 patients with LOPD and 6/28 patients with other NMD. Tongue abnormalities on brain MRI are common in LOPD compared to other NMD. These abnormalities are not usually reported by the radiologist. Particular attention to the tongue when reviewing brain MRIs may be an important clue for diagnosis of a patient’s muscle weakness. A larger study is suggested to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of tongue abnormalities in patients with LOPD.
Am i Pretty? 10 Tips to Designing Visually Appealing Slideware Presentations

The importance of slideware presentations at conferences remains underestimated. Although several articles in the profession focus on this topic, emphasis on aspects of design and aesthetics appears scant. Changing trends and advances in software, instructional design, and human–computer interactions demand political scientists adapt and pay greater attention to balance and harmony, learning to distinguish between design and decoration. Building on Salmond and Smith’s (2011) work, this article offers 10 tips for creating cleaner, more visually appealing, minimalist slideware presentations. In a world of smartphones and social media, audiences are accustomed to visual aids; therefore, clearly and succinctly conveying a presenter’s core argument and/or results is not only crucial but also paramount.
4. SUSTAINED REDUCTION IN RESIDENT BURNOUT: IMPACT OF AN INNOVATIVE WELLNESS ROTATION

Background Burnout, depression, and risk of suicide are pressing issues in residency programs. Novel strategies to mitigate burnout and promote resiliency are needed. Objective To reduce rates of burnout in our program at Rush University Medical Center, we initiated a multi-faceted approach featuring a Wellness Rotation in the PL-2 year, an ICU-heavy year, with PL-2s historically reporting the highest rates of burnout in our program. Our aim is to promote a resilient workforce for the well-being of our residents and their patients. We seek interventions that produce reductions in burnout that are sustained over time. Design Methods The Wellness Rotation was created for PL-2s beginning in July 2017 that includes: scheduling appointments with healthcare providers, covering for other residents with healthcare appointments, check-in with staff psychologist, Board review, self-care (exercise, meditation), and meetings with academic advisors. Clinical duties are limited to continuity clinic and coverage for co-residents with healthcare appointments. Before and after the creation of the rotation, we participated in the Pediatric Resident Burnout-Resilience Study Consortium (PRB-RSC) survey, which includes scales of stress and resilience including the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Results In 2017 (pre-intervention), 55% of Rush pediatric residents completed the PRB-RSC survey, compared to 90% in 2018 and 82% in 2019. The percent of residents experiencing burnout, defined as scoring high on the emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization scale of the MBI, fell from 59% (2017 survey) to 45% after the implementation of the Wellness/Study rotation (2018) and further decreased to 32% with its continuation (2019). Rates of burnout in PL-2 residents fell from 80% pre-intervention, to 30% in 2018 and remained at 30% in 2019. Conclusions The Rush Pediatrics Wellness Curriculum includes multiple interventions to prevent and mitigate resident burnout. This innovative model, including the Wellness/Study rotation, appears to have decreased our rate of burnout with sustained improvements over the past 2 years.
The Value of California’s Public Libraries

The purpose of this paper is to show how Californian libraries deliver value, by taking a preliminary value framework previously developed from a study of academic literature, and applying it to th...
“Watch Night” for Black Women: Reflecting on Vigilance and Repurposing Strength for Self-Care and Survival

Black women have always been vigilant. Enslavement, where they were viewed as product for profit, sustained a belief in their innate animalistic nature and contributed to the myth of a strong Black woman. However, their ability to survive the realities of slavery, and subsequent generations of ongoing racial and gendered attacks, is not the result of a mythical strength but rather a function of vigilance—an awareness of inherent risks and how to navigate them. The tradition of a “Watch Night” calls for reflection on this past and recognition of the present danger in embracing the strong Black woman myth to the detriment of health and well-being. Restorative practices to repurpose strength for self-care are necessary now to support and sustain survival in contemporary contexts.
The use of pulsed light to inactivate Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts on high-risk commodities (Cilantro, mesclun lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes)

Abstract Pulsed light (PL) is an emerging technology with potential applications in food processing. This study investigated the impact of PL treatment on the viability of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts inoculated onto cilantro, mesclun lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes. A light with pulses at wavelengths of 180–1100 nm, generated at 3 pulses/s with a pulse width of 360 μs was used. Samples were treated for 0, 10, 45, and 90 s at a working distance of 40 cm. Oocyst viability was determined using an HCT-8 cell culture infectivity assay. The maximum log reductions (log genomic copies) achieved on cilantro, mesclun lettuce, spinach, and tomato were 2.4, 4.3, 2.5, and 2.2, respectively. Significant changes in color values (CIE L*, a*, b*) were not observed in leafy greens or herbs; however, wilting was observed in samples treated longer than 10s. Significant change in the b* value for tomato treated for 90 s was observed. Pulsed light can reduce the infectivity of C. parvum oocysts on cilantro, mesclun, lettuce, spinach, and tomato and with further optimization could have potential applications in post-harvest processing of these commodities.
Metamorphosis imposes variable constraints on genome expansion

Abstract Genome size varies ∼ 100,000-fold across eukaryotes. Genome size is heavily shaped by transposable element accumulation, the dynamics of which are increasingly well understood. However, given that traits like cell size and rate of development co-vary strongly with genome size, organism-level trait evolution likely shapes genome size diversity as well. Metamorphosis — a radical transformation of morphology — has been hypothesized to impact genome size because it can be a vulnerable part of the life cycle. Thus, selection may act to limit metamorphic duration, indirectly constraining the rate of development as well as genome and cell sizes. Salamanders have large and variable genomes — 3 to 40 times that of humans — and species exhibit a range of metamorphic and non-metamorphic life histories. Using salamanders, we test the hypothesis that different types of metamorphic repatterning during the life cycle impose different constraints on genome expansion. We show that metamorphosis during which animals are unable to feed imposes the most severe constraint against genome expansion. Other types of metamorphosis that differ in energetic provisioning impose less severe constraints. More generally, our work demonstrates the utility of phylogenetic comparative methods in testing the role of constraint in shaping phenotypic evolution.
Using Angle of Arrival for Improving Indoor Localization.

In this paper, we primarily explore the improvement of single stream audio systems using Angle of Arrival calculations in both simulation and real life gathered data. We wanted to learn how to discern the direction of an audio source from gathered signal data to ultimately incorporate into a multi modal security system. We focused on the MUSIC algorithm for the estimation of the angle of arrival but briefly experimented with other techniques such as Bartlett and Capo. We were able to implement our own MUSIC algorithm on stimulated data from Cornell. In addition, we demonstrated how we are able to calculate the angle of arrival over time in a real life scene. Finally, we are able to detect the direction of arrival for two separate and simultaneous audio sources in a real life scene. Eventually, we could incorporate this tracking into a multi modal system combined with video. Overall, we are able to produce compelling results for angle of arrival calculations that could be the stepping stones for a better system to detect events in a scene.
Comparison of Two Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Outbreaks: Uganda 2000-01 and Republic of the Congo 2001-02

Many factors contribute to the severity of viral epidemics. Two outbreaks of Ebola, one in Uganda and one in the Republic of the Congo, were compared to assess their impact on social and political environment and the impact of viral strain on identification and containment of disease. The outbreaks were similar in many respects, allowing comparison of factors such as duration of outbreak, number affected and mortality. Both outbreaks were the first reported in the region and occurred during the same time of year. Both affected nations had the same access to international resources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and other aid groups willing to assist and provide financial support/resources. Data for this study was gathered from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the WHO’s published data on the outbreaks in Uganda and Republic of Congo in 2000 and 2001, respectively. The results demonstrate that the percent of the population infected, percent mortality, length of outbreak and virulence of the Ebola strain were all greater in the Republic of Congo outbreak, arguably due to differences in the social and political climate. The general response to the Ugandan outbreak was more rapid and more effective. Although different strains of the Ebola virus caused the outbreaks, mortality rates were high for both the Ebola-Zaire and Ebola-Sudan strains. Both outbreaks had decreased mortality rates compared to initial predictions. It is argued that the data from the Republic of the Congo outbreak was artificially low due to reporting bias and changes in outbreak parameters, resulting in a greater reported mortality. Indeed, prompt, organized and monitored infection control protocols are imperative to limit the morbidity and mortality of this disease, as seen in both the Uganda and the Republic of the Congo outbreaks.
Communication Between Schools Nurses and Health Care Providers on Students with Asthma: An Integrative Review.

School-based asthma programs have been proven to lessen the burden of pediatric asthma. There is a lack of successful care coordination between school nurses and primary care providers. This review...
Connecting and disconnecting: Experiences of people with opioid use disorder in intensive outpatient treatment.

Abstract Introduction Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a public health crisis affecting 2 million Americans. Approximately 80% of people with OUD do not receive treatment, and attrition rates in treatment programs are as high as 80%. Previous research has shown intensive outpatient treatment (IOT) has positive outcomes, but enrollment and retention in programs are problematic. To improve outcomes and increase engagement, more information is needed about how persons experience IOT programs. The purpose of this study is to describe processes that people with OUD undergo as they participate in IOT programs. Methods The research team conducted a constructivist grounded theory study in IOT programs at two adult academic health centers within a large Midwest health care system. Study staff conducted interviews with 14 persons to elicit narratives about their experiences in the IOT programs. The team transcribed and analyzed interviews using a four-step process consistent with grounded theory methods. Results Participants described the process of connecting and disconnecting as central to their IOT experience. The process included eight stages: (1) connecting with drugs, (2) disconnecting from everyday life, (3) connecting with the IOT program, (4) connecting with others in the IOT program, (5) disconnecting from drugs, (6) reconnecting with others, (7) reconnecting with self, and (8) disconnecting from the IOT program. Conclusions Connections with the IOT program, other patients, and IOT staff are central to beginning sobriety. Findings indicate that clinicians should foster connections and provide a multi-dimensional experience that enables patients to begin recovery.
Allosteric supramolecular coordination constructs.

Coordination chemistry is regularly used to generate supramolecular constructs with unique environments around embedded components to affect their intrinsic properties. In certain cases, it can also be used to effect changes in supramolecular structure reminiscent of those that occur within stimuli-responsive biological structures, such as allosteric enzymes. Indeed, among a handful of general strategies for synthesizing such supramolecular systems, the weak-link approach (WLA) uniquely allows one to toggle the frameworks’ structural state post-assembly via simple reactions involving hemilabile ligands and transition metal centers. This synthetic strategy, when combined with dynamic ligand sorting processes, represents one of the few sets of general reactions in inorganic chemistry that allow one to synthesize spatially defined, stimuli-responsive, and multi-component frameworks in high to quantitative yields and with remarkable functional group tolerance. The WLA has thus yielded a variety of functional ...
Differential regulation of cardiac expression of IL-6 and TNF-α by A2- and A3-adenosine receptors

The proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 have been implicated in the development of congestive heart failure. Adenosine inhibits the expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in macrophages. We determined the effect of adenosine on cytokine expression in rat cardiomyocytes and trabecular muscles obtained from patients with cardiomyopathy. In myocytes, adenosine suppressed TNF-alpha mRNA by 40% (P < 0.05) and induced a 4.7-fold increase in IL-6 mRNA (P < 0.05) with a twofold increase in IL-6 protein release (P < 0.001). The effect on TNF-alpha could be replicated by A2 agonist. The effect on IL-6 could be replicated by A3 agonist, but not by A1 and A2 agonists, and was completely suppressed by A3 antagonist. In human trabecular muscles, A2 agonist suppressed TNF-alpha mRNA by 60% (P < 0.05), but adenosine had no effect on IL-6. In the failing heart, IL-6 was immunolocalized to inflammatory cells. Thus A2 and A3 receptors differentially regulate cardiac expression of TNF-alpha and IL-6. Rat cardiomyocytes and the failing human heart respond differently to adenosine.
Minimum Cross-Entropy Approximation for Modeling of Highly Intertwining Data Sets at Subclass Levels

We study the problem of how to accurately model the data sets that contain a number of highly intertwining sets in terms of their spatial distributions. Applying the Minimum Cross-Entropy minimization technique, the data sets are placed into a minimum number of subclass clusters according to their high intraclass and low interclass similarities. The method leads to a derivation of the probability density functions for the data sets at the subclass levels. These functions then, in combination, serve as an approximation to the underlying functions that describe the statistical features of each data set.
Of Microbes, Medicine, and Ecology

Rene Dubos, Friend of the Good Earth . Microbiologist, Medical Scientist, Environmentalist. By Carol L. Moberg . American Society for Microbiology, Washington, DC, 2005. 292 pp. $29.95. ISBN 1-55581-340-2. The author discusses Dubos's life and science in the context of microbiology, ecology, medicine, and environmentalism.
The differential diagnosis of CD8-positive ("type D") lymphomatoid papulosis.

Background Cutaneous CD8(+) CD30(+) lymphoproliferative lesions are difficult to classify and encompass entities that follow a benign course to overt lymphoma. In order to identify histopathologic criteria for lesions in this spectrum, a series of such cases was reviewed. Methods Twenty-eight biopsies from 27 patients with CD8(+) CD30(+) cutaneous lymphoid proliferations were evaluated. Results Seventeen cases were classified as lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) 'type D', eight as cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (C-ALCL) and two as CD8(+) mycosis fungoides (MF) with CD30 expression. Features of LyP included spongiosis and/or parakeratosis (90%), epidermotropism by large lymphocytes (90%), with (80%) or without (10%) small lymphocytes; wedge-shaped infiltrate (70%) with perivascular (100%) and interstitial (80%) pattern; and relative uniformity of CD30(+) large atypical cells (90%). C-ALCL was characterized by ulceration (63%), epidermotropism restricted to small lymphocytes (100%), marked density (63%) and pleomorphism (62%) of CD30(+) large atypical cells, and at least focal extension of infiltrate to subcutaneous tissue (88%). CD8(+) CD30(+) MF had vacuolar interface change and a lichenoid pattern (100%). Conclusions We concur with previous authors that distinction of CD8(+) LyP from lymphoma in its differential diagnosis is difficult based on histopathology alone. Nonetheless, we propose that certain histopathologic clues may be helpful in this differential diagnosis.
Bounded arithmetic and computational complexity

A survey of certain characterizations of complexity classes in an algebraic, machine-independent manner is presented, together with some applications to weak theories of arithmetic and higher-order functionals. Function algebras are examined, and hierarchies are defined. Bounded arithmetic theories are presented. >
Neurulation and the cortical tractor model for epithelial folding.

We present here a new model for epithelial morphogenesis, which we call the ‘cortical tractor model’. This model assumes that the motile activities of epithelial cells are similar to those of mesenchymal cells, with the added constraint that the cells in an epithelial sheet remain attached at their apical circumference. In particular, we assert that there is a time-averaged motion of cortical cytoplasm which flows from the basal and lateral surfaces to the apical region. This cortical flow carries with it membrane and adhesive structures that are inserted basally and resorbed apically. Thus the apical seal that characterizes epithelial sheets is a dynamic structure: it is continuously created by the cortical flow which piles up components near where they are recycled in the apical region. By use of mechanical analyses and computer simulations we demonstrate that the cortical tractor motion can reproduce a variety of epithelial motions, including columnarization (placode formation), imagination and rolling. It also provides a mechanism for driving active cell rearrangements within an epithelial sheet, while maintaining the integrity of the apical seal. Active repacking of epithelial cells appears to drive a number of morphogenetic processes. Neurulation in amphibians provides an example of a process in which all four of the above morphogenetic movements appear to play a role. Here we reexamine the process of neurulation in amphibians in light of the cortical tractor model, and find that it provides an integrated view of this important morphogenetic process.
Two Squamous Cell Carcinomas not Associated with Humoral Hypercalcemia Produce a Potent Bone Resorption-Stimulating Factor which is Interleukin-1α

Conditioned medium (CM) from two squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, SCC-9 and SCC-13, stimulated bone resorption in neonatal mouse calvariae in organ culture. Enhanced bone resorption induced by CM was associated with an increased production of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) by the calvariae. Complete inhibition of stimulated PGE2 synthesis by indomethacin only partially inhibited bone resorption-stimulating activity (BRSA) in the CM. Neither SCC-9 nor SCC-13 CM stimulated cAMP production in rat osteosarcoma cells (ROS 17/2.8). The BRSA in CM was completely inhibited by an antibody to interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha). Fractionation of SCC-9 CM by gel filtration and HPLC ion exchange chromatography revealed a single peak of BRSA and PGE2 synthesis-stimulating activity at 17-20K (termed SCMII). In mouse calvariae, SCMII increased medium Ca2+ and PGE2 in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations from 20 ng protein/ml to a maximum of 500 ng protein/ml. Preincubation of SCMII with antibody to IL-1 alpha completely inhibited SCMII-induced bone resorption. SCMII also enhanced thymocyte proliferation with activity that was equivalent to 353 U/ml IL-1. Antibodies to IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor had no effect on SCMII-induced bone resorption. Using specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha was measured in high concentrations in both crude and partially purified fractions of SCC-9 and SCC-13 CM. In contrast, IL-1 beta was either undetectable or present in amounts below those that stimulate bone resorption. In addition, SCMII did not enhance cAMP production in bone cells. We conclude that the BRSA produced by the two squamous cell carcinoma cell lines SCC-9 and SCC-13 is IL-1 alpha.
Effects of group task pressure on perceptions of email and face-to-face communication effectiveness

This paper adds to a growing group systems literature in the area of task-technology fit by investigating effects of group task pressure on perceptions of media effectiveness. A quasi-experiment was conducted using long-term participants in low-and high-level group task pressure treatments. Following treatment, participants rated email and face-to-face communication effectiveness on four task dimensions based on the well-known McGrath group task circumplex. Significant effects were found between treatments and among task dimensions, suggesting a number of implications for both practice and research.
Optical frequency dispersion near ferroelectric relaxor phase transition in lead barium niobate crystal

Temperature dependent birefringence and optical refractive indices of PBN (Pb 1−x Ba x Nb 2 O 6 ) crystal (1 − x = 0.57) were measured in several optical wavelengths (λ = 694 nm, 633 nm, 535 nm, and 450 nm) to understand the optical frequency dependency of ferroelectric phase transitions in relaxor ferroelectric crystals of tungsten bronze structure. Local polarization is verified to be dynamically activated by thermal process and probed effectively by suitable wavelength of light. An optical isotropic point, as function of temperature and light frequency, is reported at which the crystal's standing birefringence is fully compensated by polarization. A modified single oscillator model is used to calculate the index of refraction in the ferroelectric phase. The deviation temperature from the single oscillator model is reported to be significant marking the crossover from macroscopic to microscopic polarization. A new parameter, optical Curie temperature region, defined by the temperature difference between...
Relationship of Plant Phenology to Corn Yield Loss Resulting from Western Corn Rootworm (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Larval Injury, Nitrogen Deficiency, and High Plant Density

Relationships among stresses caused by nitrogen deficiency, high plant population levels, and western corn rootworm (WCR) ( Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) injury and their effects on phenological development and grain yield of corn ( Zea mays L.) were determined in a 2-yr field study. WCR infestation did not significantly affect silk development in 1984, although yields were 88.8 and 80.6% of those of the control at densities of 600 and 1,200 eggs per 30.5-cm row, respectively. Effects from root injury appeared to be compounded by moisture-stressed conditions in 1985, and asynchrony between tassel and silk development resulted in increased plant barrenness. Grain yields in 1985 were 80.2 and 55.6% of those of undamaged plants at the 600- and 1,200-egg infestation levels. Evidence from plant density by rootworm interaction on silking interval, barrenness, and yields suggests that the corn plant can tolerate a certain amount of root damage when plant densities are low. A significant nitrogen by rootworm interaction on grain yields provided evidence that root injury interferes with nitrogen uptake. The disruption of phenology of the injured corn plants appeared to be the result of decreased plant turgor resulting from WCR feeding.
Motility protein interactions in the bacterial flagellar motor

Abstract Five proteins (MotA, MotB, FliG, FliM, and FliN) have been implicated in energizing flagellar rotation in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. One model for flagellar function envisions that MotA and MotB comprise the stator of a rotary motor and that FliG, FliM, and FliN are part of the rotor. MotA probably functions as a transmembrane proton channel, and MotB has been proposed to anchor MotA to the peptidoglycan of the cell wall. To study interactions between the Mot proteins themselves and between them and other components of the flagellar motor, we attempted to isolate extragenic suppressors of 13 dominant or partially dominant motB missense mutations. Four of these yielded suppressors, which exhibited widely varying efficiencies of suppression. The pattern of suppression was partially alleles-specific, but no suppressor seriously impaired motility in a motB+ strain. Of 20 suppressors from the original selection, 15 were characterized by DNA sequencing. Fourteen of these cause single amino acid changes in MotA. Thirteen alter residues in, or directly adjacent to, the putative periplasmic loops of MotA, and the remaining one alters a residue in the middle of the fourth predicted transmembrane helix of MotA. We conclude that the MotA and MotB proteins form a complex and that their interaction directly involves or is strongly influenced by the periplasmic loops of MotA. The 15th suppressor from the original selection and 2 motB suppressors identified during a subsequent search cause single amino acid substitutions in FliG. This finding suggests that the postulated Mot-protein complex may be in close proximity to FliG at the stator-rotor interface of the flagellar motor.
Mysteries of metals in metalloenzymes.

ConspectusNatural metalloenzymes are often the most proficient catalysts in terms of their activity, selectivity, and ability to operate at mild conditions. However, metalloenzymes are occasionally surprising in their selection of catalytic metals, and in their responses to metal substitution. Indeed, from the isolated standpoint of producing the best catalyst, a chemist designing from first-principles would likely choose a different metal. For example, some enzymes employ a redox active metal where a simple Lewis acid is needed. Such are several hydrolases. In other cases, substitution of a non-native metal leads to radical improvements in reactivity. For example, histone deacetylase 8 naturally operates with Zn2+ in the active site but becomes much more active with Fe2+. For β-lactamases, the replacement of the native Zn2+ with Ni2+ was suggested to lead to higher activity as predicted computationally. There are also intriguing cases, such as Fe2+- and Mn2+-dependent ribonucleotide reductases and W4+- a...
Somnolence, recovery and hyposomnia following ventro-medial diencephalic lesions in the rat

Abstract 1. 1. The disturbances in sleep and wakefulness that follow large posterior hypothalamic and subthalamic lesions were assessed in fourteen rats. 2. 2. The analysis of the time course of the lesion effects showed that disturbances in sleep and wakefulness exhibited a consistent pattern that could be divided into the following four successive stages: (a) Hyperactivity, lasting from 4 to 8 h, and consisting of relentless locomotion with desynchronized EEG activity, commenced immediately after the lesions (made through chronically implanted electrodes). (b) Somnolence, a sleep-like state, lasted from 1 to 4 days. During an initial continuous phase of somnolence there were occasional bursts of muscle activity but the EEG remained synchronized. During the second portion, the interrupted phase of somnolence, there were brief spontaneous arousals accompanied by EEG desynchronization. (c) Recovery from somnolence was gradual, but complete, in every animal which survived more than 8 days, including some animals with lesions that completely destroyed the medial half of the caudal diencephalon. However, a deficit in locomotor activity during wakefulness persisted for months. (d) Hyposomnia, subnormal amounts of sleep, followed recovery from somnolence in most animals. A 10–50% reduction in sleep persisted at least 4 months after the lesions. 3. 3. Active sleep was completely suppressed during the continuous phase of somnolence. This state reappeared, in greatly reduced amounts, at the time when brief arousal was also observed. The proportion of active sleep returned to normal during recovery with a time course similar to the recovery of wakefulness. Rare episodes of neck muscle atonia without accompanying EEG desynchronization were observed only during the continuous phase of somnolence. 4. 4. Analysis of sleep patterns and arousal thresholds after partial recovery from somnolence suggested that the lesions of the diencephalic reticular area released quiet sleep mechanisms and inhibited initiation of wakefulness and active sleep.
A Bayesian Algorithm for Determining Optimal Single Sample Acceptance Plans for Product Attributes

The Bayesian algorithm presented in this paper provides a generalized procedure for determining the minimum cost sample size n* and acceptance number c* for single sample attribute acceptance plans. The algorithm is applicable to a broad range of acceptance sampling problems, assuming only that the distributions of product quality are discrete, and that the sampling cost is either a linear or strictly convex function of the sample size. Experimental results are presented that compare the solution quality and the computational requirements of this algorithm with three types of previously reported procedures: 1 Bayesian decision tree methods, 2 analytic approximation methods, and 3 direct search techniques. The results indicate that the algorithm produces the optimal solution with minimal computational requirements over a wide range of acceptance sampling problem types.
Estimating the Effect of Changes in Criterion Score Reliability on the Power of the F Test of Equality of Means

This article presents a simple, computer-assisted method of determining the extent to which increases in reliability increase the power of the F test of equality of means. The method uses a derived formula that relates the changes in the reliability coefficient to changes in the noncentrality of the relevant F distribution. A readily available computer applet translates the noncentrality parameter into the power value of the F test.
Review of results of airway obstruction surgery in the dog

In a recent series of papers (Harvey, 1982a–e; Harvey & Goldschmidt, 1982; Harvey & O'Brien, 1982a–c; Harvey, 1983a, b), several aspects of airway obstruction surgery in dogs were examined in detail, including results of all airway procedures performed during a 10-year period at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. This paper summarizes the results of those studies.
Experimental test of the de Broglie guided-wave theory for photons.

A two-photon interference experiment has been carried out, based on an idea recently proposed by Croca, Garuccio, Lepore, and Moreira. The experiment is designed to test a prediction of the de Broglie guided-wave theory, according to which the waves have a physical reality in addition to yielding photon detection probabilities. The results clearly contradict the de Broglie theory, but are consistent with conventional quantum mechanics.
The ionization constant of nitric acid at high temperatures from solubilities of calcium sulfate in HNO3H2O, 100–350°C; activity coefficients and thermodynamic functions

Abstract Solubilities of calcium sulfate have been determined in aqueous nitric acid solutions to high molalities at temperatures from 100 to 350°C. Equations were developed for obtaining ionization quotients ( Q n ) of nitric acid from the solubilities with the use of second ionization constants of sulfuric acid and solubility product constants of calcium sulfate together with their activity coefficients. By Debye-Huckel extrapolations of Q n ionization constants ( K n , molal units) of nitric acid were obtained. These constants agreed with earlier values from raman spectra [Krawetz (1955) at 0, 25, and 50°C] and electrical conductance [Noyes et al. (1907) at 218 and 306°C]. Uncertainties, however, in K n at 350°C may have resulted from reversible decomposition of the acid or hydrolysis of Ca 2+ . Values of K n ′ (molar units) decrease from 45 at 0°C to about 0·003 at 350°C, which is 3–5 times lower than ionization constants of 1-1 salts at 350°C. The equation for the variation of K n ′ with temperature of Young et al. (1959) is substantiated, and thermodynamic functions are calculated. Activity coefficients for both CaSO 4 and HNO 3 equilibria are obtainable from the results. These activity coefficients may be used to calculate solubilities of CaSO 4 in other high-temperature mixed electrolyte systems. The dominant species present in the system studied are presented for both low and high temperatures.
Tunable Ferroelectric Filters for Software Defined Tactical Radios

Tunable filters are critical size, weight, power, and cost (SWAP-C) enabling components for military radios: Joint Tactical Radios (JTRS), Weapons Data Link (WDL), Tactical Target Networking Technology (TTNT), and cognitive radios. The ability to tune (center frequency, bandwidth) and reconfigure (bandpass, notch) filters dynamically in the system allows agile communications. In this paper we will present experimental results on tunable radio frequency (RF) filters using low loss thin film high dielectric constant Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) ceramics. The circuit design, simulation, and experimental results on 2-pole and 3-pole lumped circuit filters will be presented from VHF to L-band frequency ranges. Results will be shown on three tunable filters: 137-225 MHz, 450-750 MHz, and 1500-2000 MHz. These filters met all the critical performance specifications such as insertion loss ≪ 3 dB, return loss ≪ -15 dB, frequency tunability of 1.7:1, and input intercept point of +35 dBm for an operating bias voltage of 0-10V DC. These filters also exhibited the following features compared to PIN diode switched capacitor filters: Parts count reduction: 3X, Area Reduction: 4X, Power Reduction: ≫ 10X, and Assembly/Tuning Labor Reduction: »10X.
Generalized ellipsometry and the 4 × 4 matrix formalism

Abstract The 4 × 4 matrix formalism described by Berreman and others provides a method of determining the reflection and transmission properties of general stratified anisotropic materials. This formalism, when combined with the work of Azzam and Bashara and others on generalized ellipsometry, can be used to predict the extinction settings of a nulling ellipsometer for reflection of light from virtually any type of film covered surface provided that the surface is flat and that any films are uniform. In the present work the 4 × 4 matrix formalism is reviewed and combined with the equations necessary to predict the null settings of an ellipsometer. Examples of the application of these calculations to an optically active surface and a biaxial surface are also presented.
Knowledge translation in job development: strategies for involving families.

Background Although United States employment policies have increased support for people with disabilities working in community settings, the unemployment rate for this population remains very high, particularly for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Research shows that job developers (direct support professionals who assist people with disabilities to secure, maintain, and advance in employment) are critical to achieving quality employment outcomes. However, the extent to which job developers use practices that are considered promising in their field (such as engaging families) is not well known. Methods This brief report summarizes findings from a qualitative study about the extent to which job developers use the recommended promising practices when working with individuals and family members. Results Qualitative analysis identified the following themes among job developers: factors affecting family involvement, perceptions of family involvement, and the influence of expectation on strategies. Conclusions The field of job development faces a challenge common to many professions: translating research on best practices to those who need this knowledge the most and can use it to greatest effect. Future research should address how community rehabilitation providers (CRPs) communicate about and instill best practices, including effective family engagement, within their organizations.
The effect of tripelennamine alone in combination with opiates to produce antinociception in mice

Antinociception (ANTI) was assessed in male CD-1 mice by a modification of Haffner's tail clamp procedure. Studies revealed that tripelennamine (Tp) alone produced antinociception (ANTI) in mice and also caused potentiation when combined with morphine (M) or nalbuphene (NB). Naloxone (Nx) only partially blocked the effect of Tp, but fully blocked M. Although atropine (At) had no intrinsic ANTI activity, it enhanced that of Tp but not M. Histamine (Hm) had no intrinsic ANTI activity, nor did it interact with either Tp or M. The partial abolition of Tp ANTI, in contrast to complete blockade of M effects with Nx, appears to indicate that Tp can stimulate the opiate receptor as well as another receptor for ANTI at a different locus. The combination of Tp with various opiates may have considerable abuse potential.