cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Conceptualizing Political Consumerism: How Citizenship Norms Differentiate Boycotting from Buycotting

Most of the literature treats boycotting and buycotting — which collectively comprise political consumerism — as homogeneous acts, reflecting a single mode of behavior. However, several key differences between boycotts and buycotts suggest that the predictors of boycotting should be somewhat different from those of buycotting. In this article, I theorize that boycotting is more strongly associated with dutiful citizenship norms because it is punishment oriented and has several key features in common with electoral, interest-based politics. Buycotting, conversely, is more strongly associated with engaged citizenship norms because it is reward oriented and has more features in common with civic engagement. To test these theoretical expectations, I use original, nationally representative US survey data. The findings confirm my theoretical expectations, and they point to the role of changing citizenship norms rather than more traditional factors such as resources and psychological engagement as important in u...
Finitely valued f-modules, an addendum

In an l-group M with an appropriate operator set Ω it is shown that the Ω-value set ΓΩ(M) can be embedded in the value set Γ(M). This embedding is an isomorphism if and only if each convex l-subgroup is an Ω-subgroup. If Ω(M) has a.c.c. and M is either representable or finitely valued, then the two value sets are identical. More generally, these results hold for two related operator sets Ω1 and Ω2 and the corresponding Ω-value sets $$\Gamma _{\Omega 1} (M)$$ and $$\Gamma _{\Omega _2 } (M)$$ . If R is a unital l-ring, then each unital l-module over R is an f-module and has $$\Gamma (M) = \Gamma _R (M)$$ exactly when R is an f-ring in which 1 is a strong order unit.
The physiology and pathophysiology of gastric emptying in humans.

The past decade has witnessed an exponential growth of knowledge in the field of gastric motility. The elucidation of the clinical problems of gastric emptying is based on remarkable morphophysiolo­ gic, clinical, diagnostic, and pharmacotherapeutic advances. The concept of different anatomic areas of the stomach handling different physical phases of gastric contents has allowed new pathophysiologic insights into gastric dysmotility. New diagnostic techniques, such as myoelectric gastrography and the administration of isotope-labeled meals in which solid and liquid components are simultaneously measured by a dual isotope method, are clarifying many clinical motility disorders. The significance of these pathophysiologic and diagnostic advances has become enhanced by the advent of prokinetic thera­ peutic agents, such as metoclopramide and domperi­ done. Before the clinical problems of gastric motility are considered, the physiologic aspects must be re­ viewed. The stomach can be divided into two func­ tional compartments. The proximal stomach, corre­ sponding to the fundus and upper body of the stomach, acts as a reservoir for food. The distal stomach, which includes the lower body and an­ trum, is primarily responsible for the mixing and breakdown of solids.
Radiative Decay and Fine Structure of the 23P0 and the 23S1 States of Helium-like Krypton (Kr XXXV)

In this paper we report the measurement of the radiative lifetimes of the 23S1 and 23P0 states of the two-electron ion Kr XXXV. Our results for the 23P0 lifetime enable us to infer a value for the 23S1–23P0 energy splitting, which is sufficient precision to be sensitive to the Lamb shift. The measurement of the 23S1 lifetime in this system extends the range of lifetimes for which this transition has been measured (He I to Kr XXXV) to 4 × 1013.
Sparseness of support vector machines

Support vector machines (SVMs) construct decision functions that are linear combinations of kernel evaluations on the training set. The samples with non-vanishing coefficients are called support vectors. In this work we establish lower (asymptotical) bounds on the number of support vectors. On our way we prove several results which are of great importance for the understanding of SVMs. In particular, we describe to which "limit" SVM decision functions tend, discuss the corresponding notion of convergence and provide some results on the stability of SVMs using subdifferential calculus in the associated reproducing kernel Hilbert space.
Working set model for multithreaded programs

Knowledge of the working set of pages associated with an application provides an opportunity for effective allocation of resources in multicore multiprocessor systems. Various techniques for approximating the working set size using either simulations or program traces have been proposed. However, these techniques are very expensive, and therefore not practical for dynamically optimizing resources. To alleviate this problem, in this work, we develop a statistical model based on machine learning techniques for approximating the working set size of multithreaded programs running on multicore multiprocessor systems. The basic idea is to correlate the working set size of a program with its resource usage characteristics, such as resident set size and TLB miss rate. Through extensive experimentation with 20 multithreaded programs from SPEC OMP2012 and PARSEC on a SPARC T4-4 running Oracle Solaris 11™, we demonstrate that the model has 96% prediction accuracy and its overhead is negligible.
The Elmore Ranch and Superstition Hills earthquakes of 24 November 1987: Introduction to the special issue

On 24 November 1987, two significant earthquakes occurred along the southern San Jacinto fault zone and related structural elements in southern California, not far from the International Border. These two events, the Elmore Ranch earthquake (M = 6.2 at 0154 GMT) and the Superstition Hills earthquake (M = 6.6 at 1315 GMT, both moment magnitudes from Sipkin, 1989), and their aftershocks have yielded a rich harvest of geological, seismological, and engineering data pertinent to the cause and effect of earthquakes in this region, where the southern San Jacinto fault zone enters the Salton Depression from the Peninsula Ranges bordering it on the southwest (Fig. 1). This special issue of the Bulletin presents 18 geologic and seismologic investigations of these earthquakes, a collection of papers born in El Centro, California, on 8 and 9 February 1988 at a meeting attended by approximately 60 scientists interested in these earthquakes for one reason or another.
Population Screening for Prostate Cancer and Early Detection

Population screening for prostate cancer (PCa) is a very controversial and hot topic! In the first 20 years from adoption of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, some organizations supported population-based screening as PSA testing came into widespread use. However, in May 2012, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government-supported organization, issued a recommendation that PSA testing no longer be performed. In fact, this was not just a guideline against population-based screening but in using PSA in any early detection program. Updated results from the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) trial show that PSA-screened patients have a lower PCa-specific mortality that has further improved with longer follow up. The USPSTF and other organization committees do not separate the distinction between risks of PSA screening and treatment of diagnosed PCa and this muddies the water with regard to shared decision discussions. The USPSTF only considered mortality in their analyses, ignoring the burden of suffering from advanced cancer. Recent analyses of the ERSPC trial data show a lower rate of progression to metastatic disease and improved quality of life scores for the screened patient population. Furthermore, the USPSTF did not acknowledge that “active surveillance” is also a standard-of-care treatment approach. They did not make any exception to their recommendation to discourage PSA testing even for those with a familial history of PCa, nor for individuals of African ancestry and other ethnic groups with known higher PCa incidence and mortality rates. In 2013, the American Urological Association (AUA) revised their guidelines also recommending against population-based screening, but advocating for informed decision and generally recommending PSA testing every-other-year for healthy men between the ages of 55 and 69. The AUA, however, abandoned its support for a baseline “risk-stratification” PSA test for young men in the 40s age group. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology advocate for a shared decision between patients and their caregivers and do not favor blanket population-based screening. I favor joint decision making based on a patient and physician dialogue concerning the need for PSA screening. I also support the use of a baseline PSA test as a risk stratification tool. This chapter will review the PSA controversy and provide data to support rational early detection methods for PCa.
Optimal Randomized Parallel Algorithms for Computational Geometry I

We present parallel algorithms for some fundamental problems in computational geometry which have running time of $O(logn)$ using $n$ processors, with very high probability (approaching 1 as $n~ \rightarrow~ \infty$). These include planar point location, triangulation and trapezoidal decomposition. We also present optimal algorithms for 3-D maxima and two-set dominance counting by an application of integer sorting. Most of these algorithms run on CREW PRAM model and have optimal processor-time product which improve on the previously best known algorithms of Atallah and Goodrich [3] for these problems. The crux of these algorithms is a useful data structure which emulates the plane sweeping paradigm used for sequential algorithms. We extend some of the techniques used by Reischuk [22] Reif and Valiant [21] for flashsort algorithm to perform divide and conquer in a plane very efficiently leading to the improved performance by our approach.
Structure and Variability of the Individual Odor Trail in Solenopsis geminata Fabr. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)* **

1. A method to study the variability of the odor trail of an individual ant is described. 2. Four types of marks are left by workers of Solenopsis geminata laying a trail on a soot-coated glass plate: footprints, hair-, sting- and combined marks. The latter consist of both hair- and sting marks (Fig. 2). 3. The continuity of the sting trail increases with increasing starvation time of the colony, increasing quality of the food source and decreasing distance between bait and nest. 4. If the minimum food volume offered is sufficient to fill the crop of an individual forager, variations in food source size have no effect on the continuity of the sting trail. 5. The intensity of the sting marks increases with increasing continuity. 6. The results are discussed and compared to a similar system in the waggle dance of the honeybee.
Activity of ampicillin-sulbactam and oxacillin in experimental endocarditis caused by beta-lactamase-hyperproducing Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract Using a rat model of aortic valve infective endocarditis, we previously found that oxacillin was equally effective against an oxacillin-susceptible strain of Staphylococcus aureus and a beta-lactamase-hyperproducing borderline oxacillin-susceptible strain of S. aureus; also, ampicillin-sulbactam was less effective than oxacillin against both isolates and at low doses was less effective against the borderline-susceptible strain than against the fully oxacillin-susceptible strain (C. Thauvin-Eliopoulos, L. B. Rice, G. M. Eliopoulos, and R. C. Moellering, Jr., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 34:728-732, 1990). In the present study, we extended this work, using alternative treatment schedules and additional bacterial strains. Extending treatment with low doses of ampicillin-sulbactam (500 and 250 mg/kg of body weight per day, respectively) to 6.5 days resulted in equalization of effectiveness against the previously studied strains BOSSA-1 and OSSA-1 (3.75 +/- 1.61 log10 and 4.71 +/- 1.79 log10 CFU of residual viable bacteria per g, respectively). Against the borderline oxacillin-susceptible strain BOSSA-1, increasing the sulbactam dosage from 500 to 2,000 mg/kg/day while maintaining a fixed dose of ampicillin (1,000 mg/kg/day) by continuous infusion resulted in lower bacterial counts (4.93 +/- 1.84 log10 versus 3.65 +/- 1.26 log10 CFU of residual viable bacteria per g, respectively), but this difference was of only borderline significance; differences in efficacy between the low-dose and high-dose sulbactam regimens were exaggerated when intermittent intravenous administration was used (6.19 +/- 1.90 log10 versus 3.37 +/- 1.41 log10 CFU/g, respectively; P < 0.001). However, for any individual sulbactam dosage, the model of administration (continuous versus intermittent infusion) did not affect the activity of the regimen. When additional strains were used in the model, oxacillin and ampicillin-sulbactam (1,000 plus 2,000 mg/kg/day) were equally effective against both oxacillin-susceptible and borderline oxacillin-resistant strains of S. aureus. These results support the predictions that oxacillin would be clinically effective in the treatment of infections caused by borderline oxacillin-susceptible strains of S. aureus and that, except at very low doses, ampicillin-sulbactam would also be as effective against borderline-susceptible strains as against fully oxacillin-susceptible strains of S. aureus.
A Lithium-induced Conformational Change in Serotonin Transporter Alters Cocaine Binding, Ion Conductance, and Reactivity of Cys-109

Abstract Inactivation of serotonin transporter (SERT) expressed in HeLa cells by [2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl]methanethiosulfonate (MTSET) occurred much more readily when Na+ in the reaction medium was replaced with Li+. This did not result from a protective effect of Na+ but rather from a Li+-specific increase in the reactivity of Cys-109 in the first external loop of the transporter. Li+ alone of the alkali cations caused this increase in reactivity. Replacing Na+ withN-methyl-d-glucamine (NMDG+) did not reduce the affinity of cocaine for SERT, as measured by displacement of a high affinity cocaine analog, but replacement of Na+ with Li+ led to a 2-fold increase in theK D for cocaine. The addition of either cocaine or serotonin (5-HT) protected SERT against MTSET inactivation. When SERT was expressed in Xenopus oocytes, inward currents were elicited by superfusing the cell with 5-HT (in the presence of Na+) or by replacing Na+ with Li+but not NMDG+. MTSET treatment of oocytes in Li+ but not in Na+ decreased both 5-HT and Li+ induced currents, although 5-HT-induced currents were inhibited to a greater extent. Na+ antagonized the effects of Li+ on both inactivation and current. These results are consistent with Li+ inducing a conformational change that exposes Cys-109, decreases cocaine affinity, and increases the uncoupled inward current.
Differential thermal tolerance and energetic trajectories during ontogeny in porcelain crabs, genus Petrolisthes

Abstract Thermal tolerance limits of marine intertidal zone organisms are elevated compared to subtidal species, but are typically just slightly higher than maximal habitat temperatures. The small thermal safety margins maintained by intertidal zone organisms suggest that high thermal tolerance is associated with a physiological cost. If true, we hypothesize that species that transition between intertidal zone and planktonic habitats during ontogeny, will adjust their thermal tolerance accordingly to capitalize upon potential energy savings while in a thermally benign habitat. We tested this hypothesis in porcelain crabs that transition between the thermally stressful, intertidal zone as embryos, to the thermally benign pelagic zone as larvae, and back at settlement. We found the more thermally tolerant, mid-intertidal zone species, Petrolisthes cinctipes , and the less thermally tolerant, subtidal zone species, Petrolisthes manimacilis, exhibited reduced thermal tolerance (LT 50 ) in the transition from embryos to larvae. This was associated with an increased oxygen consumption rate in both species, though P. cinctipes exhibited a significantly greater increase in oxygen consumption. P. cinctipes also showed an increase in thermal tolerance in settled juveniles compared to pelagic zoea I larvae, resulting in an overall V-shaped thermal tolerance relationship during ontogeny, while in P. manimaculis thermal tolerance was significantly lower in juveniles compared to zoea I. In neither species were these changes (zoea I to juvenile) associated with a significant change in metabolism. While embryos and juveniles of P. cinctipes have thermal tolerance limits near intertidal habitat thermal maxima (∼32.5 °C), all three life-history stages in P. manimaculis (especially embryos and larvae) exhibit considerable thermal safety margins. The mechanisms underlying this “excess” thermal tolerance in P. manimacilis embryos are unknown, but suggest that patterns of thermal tolerance in early life history stages are species-specific.
Competitive N uptake between rice and weedy rice

Abstract Weedy rice, red rice ( Oryza sativa L.), is a serious problem in rice-producing areas of the southern U.S. and various regions worldwide. It competes for production inputs, increases weed control cost, reduces yield and grain quality, and could eliminate economic returns. Research was conducted to compare: (i) the relative efficiencies of rice and weedy rice in recovering fertilizer N under a competitive condition, (ii) the accumulation and partitioning of N by rice and weedy rice, and (iii) the N use efficiency of rice and weedy rice. Experiments were conducted in 1999 and 2000 at the Rice Research and Extension Center, Stuttgart, Arkansas, USA. Experimental units were arranged in a split–split plot design with N rate (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g m −2 ) as mainplot, plant type (rice and weedy rice) as subplot, and type of shoot tissue (lower leaf, leaf sheath, top leaf, and panicle) as the sub-subplot. ‘Drew’ rice and strawhull weedy rice were drill-seeded in alternate rows. At 26–27 days after planting, metal collars were driven into the soil to establish two microplots per treatment. Urea labeled with 15 N was applied to dry soil in the microplots immediately before permanent flood. Data were collected at panicle initiation (PI) and 2 weeks after heading (WAH). Regardless of growth stage, Drew rice and weedy rice produced equivalent shoot biomass when no fertilizer N was added. At PI, both plant types showed a quadratic response to fertilizer N with respect to biomass production. However, where the response to N was positive, weedy rice accumulated 42 g shoot biomass g −1 of added N whereas shoot biomass accumulation for Drew was 33 g g −1 of added N. Overall, weedy rice accumulated more biomass than rice upon addition of N fertilizer. The difference in shoot biomass production between Drew and weedy rice became larger as the growing season progressed. At 2 WAH, weedy rice continued to produce more biomass at the highest N rate, but Drew did not respond substantially to added N. Weedy rice had more culm biomass (55% of total) than Drew (48%). Lower leaves constituted 16–19% of total shoot biomass, flag leaf 6%, and panicles comprised the rest for both plant types. In general, weedy rice accumulated more N, responded to higher N rates, accumulated more N in the panicles, and had a higher N use efficiency (for biomass production) than Drew rice. Weedy rice can accumulate 63% of fertilizer N, 2 WAH. We conclude that weedy rice responds to higher N rates, takes up more N, and has higher N use efficiency for biomass production than rice. Whenever a rice field is heavily infested with weedy rice, controlling weedy rice should be the priority. Otherwise, fertilizer N application (which is more expensive than weedy rice control) is not profitable.
A new high-pressure optical membrane module for direct observation of seawater RO membrane fouling and cleaning

A new high-pressure optical membrane module was developed to enable direct visual observation of bacterial deposition onto reverse osmosis (RO) membranes under practical seawater desalination operating conditions. The new optical membrane module withstands pressures up to 8.3 MPa (1200 psi) while allowing high transmission of UV and visible light. Computational fluid dynamic analyses of the optical module suggest practically relevant cross-flow hydrodynamic conditions exist through the viewing area of the optical window. Bacterial deposition rates and patterns were investigated for a live marine bacterium on two commercial seawater RO membranes operated at different permeate fluxes both with and without a commercial feed spacer present in the flow channel. These proof-of-concept results suggest the new device may prove valuable for laboratory studies designed to elucidate the effects of seawater RO membrane system parameters (e.g., permeate flux, cross-flow, membrane properties, spacer designs, etc.) on bacterial adhesion and removal. Future extensions of this innovation may include studies of novel seawater RO membrane materials, optimization of membrane cleaning, or using the device as an ex situ fouling detector at a full-scale seawater desalination plant.
Severity of cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease affects list learning using the California verbal learning test (CVLT)

Impairment in list learning is considered a primary symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet there are no published reports examining the relationship between list learning and severity of cognitive impairment. We gave nine-item and 16-item versions of the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT; Delis et al., 1987), a standardized shopping list assessment of memory, to 24 AD patients (mean age = 76.2 +/- 8.1; mean years of education = 13.8 +/- 2.4), who were stratified into four groups based on MMSE scores (mean = 16.0 +/- 5.6). ANOVAs revealed severity effects for total list learning (p < 0.001), the first trial (p < 0.001), the last trial (p < 0.001) and short- and long-delay recall measures. Most of these differences seemed due to floor effects. For example, the modal number of words recalled after a delay was 0 by subjects with MMSE scores below 21. Severity of cognitive impairment was associated with the proportion of intrusions such that the most severely demented subjects gave almost entirely intrusion responses. Surprisingly, list length did not significantly affect any of the free recall measures. Our results suggest that list learning and recall seem to be lost relatively early in AD. Measures of list recall like the CVLT may not be useful in tracking severity of cognitive impairment over time.
Size Distribution of Firms, Cournot, and Optimal Taxation

Tax laws and administrations often treat different size firms differently. There is, however, little research on the consequences. As modeled here, oligopolists with different efficiencies determine the size distribution of firms. A government that maximizes a weighted sum of consumer surplus, profits, and tax receipts can tax firms with different efficiencies differently and provides a reference point for other, more restricted differential tax systems. Taxes include a specific sales tax, an ad valorem sales tax, and a profits tax with imperfect deductibility of capital cost, and a combination of the last two. In general there is a pattern of tax rates by efficiency of firm. It is heavily dependent on the social valuation of tax receipts. Analytic and simulation results are provided. When both ad valorem taxes and the imperfect profits tax are combined, simulations suggest that the former rate is higher and the latter rate is lower for relatively inefficient firms.
INFLUENCE OF IRRADIATION, SOIL WATER POTENTIAL, AND LEAF TEMPERATURE ON LEAF MORPHOLOGY OF A DESERT BROADLEAF, ENCELIA FARINOSA GRAY (COMPOSITAE)

Laboratory experiments were performed to evaluate observed seasonal changes in leaf morphology of the desert perennial shrub, Encelia farinosa Gray. Plants were grown under low or high conditions of photosynthetically active irradiation, soil water potential (4PsoiI), and leaf temperature (8 different experimental regimes). The relative growth rate, leaf water vapor conductance, leaf water potential, and leaf length were all greater for the high TslI regimes, the largest leaves occurring at low irradiation. High irradiation during growth led to thicker leaves with a higher internal to external leaf area ratio (Ames/A); low Tso"' tended to increase AII5/A somewhat. High irradiation also led to decreased absorptance to solar irradiation caused by increased pubescence. High leaf temperature during development resulted in slightly smaller, thicker leaves with higher Alel/A. Thus, irradiation appeared to have its major influence on leaf thickness, Ames/A, and absorptance. with a secondary effect on leaf length; ISOil affected primarily leaf length, growth rate, and water status, and secondarily Ases/A. Results are discussed with regard to recent ecophysiological studies on the observed seasonal changes in leaf morphology of E. farinosa.
A new model for semiconductor laser high frequency performance based on Fermi energies

The small signal dynamic behavior of the semiconductor laser is considered in the context of a new model for the static characteristics. The analysis is performed in terms of quasi Fermi energies and the stimulated emission lifetime and analytic expressions for the differential gain are obtained. The model is corroborated by detailed comparison with small signal dynamic measurements of SCH lasers. The effects of gain compression are represented through the temperature dependence of the refractive index, which shows up in the photon lifetime. With this approach the gain compression factor can be derived in closed form. The analysis is performed for the quantum well alone and then the effects of transport are added through the transfer function for conduction in the confining barrier regions. In a separate analysis the transfer function has been derived as a simple time constant RC. The K factor is derived to be consistent with previous work and the bandwidth of the peak response is derived in closed form, illustrating clearly the effects of transport.
What the Child Neurologist Should Know at the Conclusion of Training: History Taking, Examination, and Formulation (and a Few Other Generalizations)

Taking of neurological history, performance of neurological examination, and the employment of these sets of information to properly formulate a neurological question constitute the most fundamantal skills of the neurologist. Intelligent facility with these skills must be required of every child neurologist at the completion of training. They will subsequently be refined upon the basis of experience and wider knowledge of neurology and neuroscience which will improve upon the initial level of facility. There are other habits of mind and approach that must also be expected to have been awakened and refined by the time that formal training has been completed.
SU‐FF‐T‐612: Developing a Treatment Planning Framework for Using Non‐Coplanar Non‐Isocentric Beams to Improve Plan Quality

Purpose: Historically, coplanar isocentric techniques gained popularity due to the ease of patient setup and treatment delivery. A new class of remote‐controlled robotic couches (e.g., Treago, Siemens) that are being introduced for linac‐based radiotherapy will make possible rapid and accurate couch translations and rotations between treatment fields and will open door for efficient delivery of non‐coplanar beams. In addition, treatments at extended distance can be easily introduced to achieve some non‐coplanar beam angles not possible with the isocentric setup because of a collision. We propose a framework for treatment planning employing non‐coplanar non‐isocentric beams to be delivered in conjunction with a robotic couch. Method and Materials: In the proposed algorithm, the design of a treatment plan will start with the selection of optimal beam orientations by varying gantry angle and couch angle and position based on a geometrical relationship between target(s) and organs at risk. A rank order list of candidate beam angles will be created. The candidate beams will be checked for possible gantry‐couch and gantry‐patient collisions. In most cases, a wide range of robotic couch translations will allow treatments at extended distance, which will greatly reduce the number of infeasible beam orientations. Finally, inverse treatment planning will be performed based on a physical or biological cost function using the highest ranked deliverable beams. Results: Once the proposed framework is implemented, we will quantify dosimetric gains and identify tumor sites most likely to benefit. The proposed approach is expected to take advantage of Cyberknife‐like angular flexibility with the added benefit of intensity modulation at each beam angle. Conclusion: It is hypothesized that for certain tumor sites a considerable improvement in plan quality can be achieved through the use of non‐coplanar nonisocentric treatments. General strategy for implementing such a treatment approach using a robotic couch has been proposed.
Carcinogenic activity associated with halogenated acetones and acroleins in the mouse skin assay

Abstract Several chlorinated acetones have been indentified in drinking water and these, as well as a number of chlorinated acroleins, are produced by chlorination of humic acid solutions. Many of these chlorinated compounds and the brominated acrolein analog were positive in the Ames Assay in the laboratory. To determine if carcinogenic activity was associated with these chemicals the following acetone derivatives: monochloro (MCA); 1,1-dichloro (1,1-DCA), 1,3-dichloro (1,3-DCA), 1,1,1-trichloro (1,1,1-TCA), 1,1,3-trichloro (1,1,3-TCA), and substituted acroleins: 2-chloro (CAC), 3,3-dichloro (DCAC), 2,3,3-trichloro (TCAC) and 2-bromo (BAC), were applied topically to SENCAR mice (25, 30, or 40/group) at the following dose levels: 50 mg/kg (MCA and 1,1,3-TCA); 50, 75 and 100 mg/kg (1,3-DCA); 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg (CAC, DCAC, and TCAC); 200 and 300 mg/kg (BAC); and 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg (1,1-DCA, and 1,1,1-TCA). Doses were applied six times over a 2-week period in 0.2 ml ethanol per application. 1,3-DCA was also tested with single doses of 37.5, 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg in 0.2 ml ethanol. Control animals received 0.2 ml ethanol per application as a single dose or multiple doses to match corresponding studies. Two weeks after the final dose, 1.0 μg TPA in 0.2 ml acetone was applied three times weekly for 20 weeks. After 24 weeks the percentage of animals with tumors for dose groups above were: MCA (8); 1,1,3-TCA (10); 1,3-DCA, multiple doses (48, 45, 32); CAC (30, 28, 38); DCAC (3, 0, 0); TCAC (10, 5, 0); BAC (54, 43); 1,1-DCA (0, 5, 0); 1,1,1-TCA (10, 5, 0); 1,3-DCA, single doses (47, 47, 63, 20); controls (12 - Table 3, 9 - Table 4 average). These data show that 1,3-DCA, CAC and BAC, when applied topically, initiate tumors in the mouse skin. These chemicals administered orally in a 2% emulphor solution, at doses described in Table 3, did not initiate tumors in the mouse skin.
Abstract 4543: Uptake of18F-FDOPA analogue3H-L-DOPA is mediated by large neutral amino acid transporter LAT1 in human glioblastoma

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL INTRODUCTION: The L-Type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) transports large neutral amino acids across the plasma membrane in a variety of cells. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with the amino acid tracer 6-18F-fluoro-L-dopa (18F-FDOPA) provides useful histological information in human gliomas in addition to providing better localizing information then CT or MRI alone. This study is the first to correlate LAT1 expression with uptake of the 18F-FDOPA analog, 3H-L-DOPA in human glioblastomas. METHODS: Endogenous expression of LAT1 was evaluated in two established glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cell lines and three primary GBM xenografts using Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Uptake of FDOPA was assessed in vitro using 3H-L-DOPA as an analog to 18F-FDOPA. Knockdown of LAT1 expression was achieved by lentiviral expression of anti-LAT1 shRNA in GBM lines with high LAT1 expression. The effect of LAT1 knockdown on 3H-L-DOPA uptake was then quantified. RESULTS: Results from Western blotting and qRT-PCR demonstrate that LAT1 is variably expressed in GBM. Levels of 3H-L-DOPA uptake were directly related to LAT1 expression (p<0.001) across the 5 lines. Knockdown of LAT1 was achieved in T98 cells (knockdown efficiency = 82.8%) and xenograft GBM 28 (knockdown efficiency = 73.7%) as confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Knockdown of LAT1 reduced 3H-L-DOPA uptake by 57.2% (p<0.0001) in T98 and 52.1% in GBM 28 (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of 3H-L-DOPA uptake being driven by LAT1 in human GBM. Our findings suggest LAT1 as a transporter of 18F-FDOPA in GBM. Additional studies are underway to correlate LAT1 expression with PET 18F-FDOPA uptake in patients with GBM. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4543. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-4543
Acute renal and hepatic effects induced by 3-haloanilines in the fischer 344 rat

Haloanilines are commonly used as chemical intermediates in the manufacture of a wide range of products. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vivo nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic potentials of the 3-haloanilines. The in vitro effects of the 3-haloanilines on renal function were also examined. In the in vivo experiments, male Fischer 344 rats (four rats/group) were administered a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of an aniline hydrochloride (1.0 or 1.25 mmol kg-1) or vehicle. Renal and hepatic function were monitored at 24 and/or 48 h post-treatment. None of the 3-haloanilines were potent nephrotoxicants at either dose level. The greatest effects on renal function were observed following administration of 3-chloroaniline at a dose of 1.25 mmol kg-1 (oliguria, glucosuria, hematuria, decreased p-aminohippurate accumulation by renal cortical slices and increased blood urea nitrogen concentration). 3-Chloroaniline also was the only aniline compound to increase plasma ALT/GPT activity at 48 h. In the in vitro experiments, the ability of an aniline (10(-5) - 10(-3) M) to decrease organic ion accumulation in renal cortical slices from untreated rats was examined. The decreasing order of in vitro nephrotoxic potential was 3-iodoaniline > 3-bromoaniline > 3-chloroaniline > aniline > 3-fluoroaniline. These results indicate that the 3-haloanilines are not potent nephrotoxicants or hepatotoxicants at sublethal doses. In addition, the reasons why the 3-haloanilines have different orders of nephrotoxic potential in vivo and in vitro are not clear at this time.
Provider Impact on Survival Outcomes in the Management of Malignant Disease

In our revolutionary information technology era where “data” regarding a bewildering number of subjects is quickly available to anyone with an internet connection, it should come as no surprise that patients and their families, and others with an intense interest in the area (e.g., employers, third party payers, etc.) would have an ever increasing desire to learn more about individual providers and health care teams or institutions before deciding where indicated medical care will be delivered. Considering the seriousness of a diagnosis of a malignant condition, it is surely understood why questions of provider experience and documented outcomes (for both an individual provider and institution) would be highly appropriate. Further, there will be little (if any) disagreement with the statement that from a cancer patient’s perspective, the primary (although certainly not only) goal of cancer treatment will be to cure the illness (if possible), or at least to extend survival to a meaningful degree (an endpoint, in the opinion of this commentator, that should be defined by the patient). As a result, it is again not surprising that one of the most commonly asked questions of providers and their institutions by prospective cancer patients and their families is the “survival outcomes” in the particular clinical setting. The specific issue to be addressed in this commentary is the actual role individual oncologists can realistically play in favorably impacting survival. And a critical extension of this question is how can that impact be objectively measured and reported?
Tocopherol functions in photosynthetic organisms

During the past decade, the genes required for tocopherol (vitamin E) synthesis in plants and cyanobacteria have been identified. A series of mutants in which specific pathway steps are disrupted have been generated, providing new insights into tocopherol functions in photosynthetic organisms. Tocopherols are essential for controlling non-enzymatic lipid peroxidation during seed dormancy and seedling germination. Their absence results in elevated levels of malondialdehyde and phytoprostanes, and in inappropriate activation of plant defense responses. Surprisingly, tocopherol deficiency in mature leaves has limited consequences under most abiotic stresses, including high intensity light stress. The cell wall development of phloem transfer cells under cold conditions is, however, severely impaired in mature leaves of tocopherol-deficient mutants, indicating that tocopherols are required for proper adaptation of phloem loading at low temperatures.
The molecular structure of aqueous Hg(II)-EDTA as determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

The widespread presence and persistence of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in aquatic environments can lead to the formation of metal–EDTA complexes that influence metal bioavailability and mobility. Recently, the Hg(II)-EDTA complex was observed to slightly promote the biouptake of Hg(II) to the bacterium Escherichia coli and to undergo a relatively quick ligand exchange reaction with thiols at the bacterial cell membrane. The reactivity of a metal complex depends on its molecular structure; however, the molecular structure of aqueous Hg(II)-EDTA has yet to be reported. Here, we use X-ray absorption spectroscopy to determine the molecular structure of aqueous Hg(II)-EDTA. Our results suggest that aqueous Hg(II)-EDTA displays distorted octahedral geometry with one water molecule in the coordination sphere.
Intense Convection Observed by NASA ER-2 in Hurricane Emily (2005)

Abstract On 17 July, intense convection in the eyewall of Hurricane Emily (2005) was observed by the high-altitude (∼20 km) NASA ER-2 aircraft. Analysis of this convection is undertaken using downward-looking radar, passive microwave radiometer, electric field mills, and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-11 (GOES-11) rapid-scan infrared imagery. Radar data show convection reaching more than 17 km, with reflectivity more than 40 dBZ and estimated updraft speeds greater than 20 m s−1 at ∼14-km altitude. All of the passive microwave frequencies (10, 19, 37, and 85 GHz) experienced scattering by large ice particles. Large electric fields with dozens of lightning flashes were recorded. Because of safety concerns arising from difficulties with the first two transects, the flight plan was modified to avoid passing above the eyewall again. These observations occurred 8–10 h after Emily’s peak 929-hPa intensity, with central pressures from reconnaissance aircraft having risen to 943 hPa immediately...
Now you See them, Now you don't! – Population Crashes of Established Introduced Species

Substantial populations of invasive non-indigenous species occasionally collapse dramatically. Although disease is often invoked, the causes are rarely studied experimentally and/or quantitatively, and some collapses remain quite mysterious. The widespread invasive snail Achatina fulica and pondweed Elodea canadensis appear to be characterized by rapid expansion followed by rapid decline. For the former species, disease may be the proximal cause of the collapse, while repeated collapse of the latter species is unexplained. Several other widely cited collapses of introduced species may simply be temporary lows during a more or less regular boom-and-bust cycle. However, on a restricted site (such as a small island), a boom-or-bust cycle may be impossible and recovery may never ensue; local extinction may even occur. In several instances, apparently spontaneous crashes were in fact probably caused by subsequently introduced competitors. Except for the few species in which spontaneous collapse has been repeatedly observed, the possibility of such an event is unwarranted as a potential rationale for a do-nothing approach to management. For such species, even if a crash ultimately occurs, the species may already have caused persistent ecological damage.
Inner acrosomal membrane of mammalian spermatozoa: Its properties and possible functions in fertilization

The inner acrosomal membrane (IAM) develops during the spermatid stage of differentiation as that portion of the Golgi-derived acrosome granule that tightly associates with the condensing sperm nucleus. In some mammalian species, an electron-dense proteinaceous material accumulates between the IAM and the nuclear envelope, collectively comprising the "perforatorium." Evidence, including its partial purification and its structural resistance to detergents and sonication, suggests that the IAM is an unusually resiliant membrane. Dense paracrystalline arrays of intramembranous particles, a lack of lectin-mediated receptor modulation, and its lack of participation in sperm-egg fusion suggest that the IAM lacks the same degree of fluidity as the egg surface plasmalemma. Observations using monoclonal antibodies, however, suggest that some specific antigenic modulations may be possible within the IAM. Its structural rigidity is of obvious mechanical value during sperm penetration through the zone pellucida. An additional role as a scaffold for putative zona lysin material remains controversial. Biochemical evidence suggests that acrosin, for example, is not entirely soluble and that some remains sperm-associated, depending on the conditions of acrosome disruption. Nevertheless, morphological studies do not agree on acrosin's specific localization to the IAM. Currently there is only very limited information concerning the localization of the other acrosomal enzymes to the IAM. Another possible role for the IAM in some species may be in recognizing the zona pellucida. Evidence for this derives from the observation that fucoidin, a fucose heteropolysaccharide, inhibits guinea pig sperm-zona binding, and bound fucoidin can be localized to the IAM and equatorial regions of the living acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Finally, the IAM may have a role in early recognition/adhesion with the colemma.
Instrumentalism, Parsimony, and the Akaike Framework

Abstract Akaike’s framework for thinking about model selection in terms of the goal of predictive accuracy and his criterion for model selection have important philosophical implications. Scientists often test models whose truth values they already know, and they often decline to reject models that they know full well are false. Instrumentalism helps explain this pervasive feature of scientific practice, and Akaike’s framework helps provide instrumentalism with the epistemology it needs. Akaike’s criterion for model selection also throws light on the role of parsimony considerations in hypothesis evaluation. I explain the basic ideas behind Akaike’s framework and criterion; several biological examples, including the use of maximum likelihood methods in phylogenetic inference, are considered.
Contact lens management of aniseikonia and photophobia induced by trauma.

Purpose To describe a case of a contact lens fitting to relieve aniseikonia and photophobia resulting from trauma. Methods A 61-year-old man suffered a blunt injury to his left eye resulting in glaucoma and a traumatic cataract with a fixed pupil and iris defects. A vitrectomy, lensectomy, and iris repair were performed leaving him with significant anisometropia. Results The patient was fitted with a prosthetic contact lens. Conclusions Contact lenses can provide significant visual improvement in cases of aniseikonia and photophobia.
Driven nonequilibrium lattice systems with shifted periodic boundary conditions

We present the first study of a driven nonequilibrium lattice system in the two-phase region, withshifted periodic boundary conditions, forcing steps into the interface. When the shift corresponds to small angles with respect to the driving field, we find nonanalytic behavior in the (internal) energy of the system, supporting numerical evidence that interface roughness is suppressed by the field. For larger shifts, the competition between the driving field and the boundary induces the breakup of a single strip with tilted interfaces into many narrower strips with aligned interfaces. The size and temperature dependences of the critical angles of such breakup transitions are studied.
The Significance of Pleural Effusions as Indicating the Presence of Abdominal Disease

1) In all cases of pleurisy with effusion the etiological factor of an abdominal lesion must be considered. 2) Small amounts of fluid may be present in either pleural cavity, and may be demonstrable only by physical signs and exploratory aspiration. 3) In a group of abdominal and thoracic taps, using a size 16 to 18 gauge 1½ to 2 inch needle, straight or short bevel, we have had no untoward reactions, either local or general. 4) Five to ten cc. of fluid are adequate to demonstrate the presence of pathological cells. 5) The importance of the presence of fluid in the thoracic cavity with a nonmalignant mass in the abdomen must be emphasized. 6) The x-ray may show only a haziness at either base which is difficult to distinguish between a small amount of fluid, atelectasis, or pulmonary congestion, and aspiration may be the only method of proving the presence of effusion. 7) It is exceedingly rare for an inflammatory lesion in the chest to pass downwards through the diaphragm and involve the abdominal cavity. 8) We have presented a case of a Meigs' syndrome. 9) The increasing number of returned veterans with amebiasis involving the liver makes it necessary for us to remember it as an etiological factor of pleural effusion. 10) The gastroenterologist must carefully examine the thoracic cavity in many diseases involving the abdominal organs.
The Changing Face of Pediatric Toxicology: Streamlining Complexities Into Simplicities

The specialty of medical toxicology has matured rapidly in the last 20 years, in parallel with many other medical specialties such as critical care and ahead of other even newer specialties such as sleep medicine. These specialty disciplines have developed further subspecialties to address either single disease conditions or single cohorts of patients such as pediatric toxicology. One might justify this increasing “super specialization” by our desire and public demand to improve the quality of health care that we deliver to patients with multiple and complicated disease processes that we once could not diagnose, evaluate, and/or manage successfully. It has also occurred as a result of and further contributes to an escalating complex health care system in our country. This complexity is characterized by new technologies, myriads of new medications including biologic agents, unique treatment devices, and sophisticated computerized learning and working environments, all of which have contributed to significant cost increases. It is unclear how long this country can sustain these rising costs, which are certainly a major rationale for President Obama's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as part of his health care reform strategy.