cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voluntary Exertion of the Body: A Volitional Account

The action of opening a door consists in the agent’s voluntarily exerting parts of her body — her arm and hand, let us suppose — in such a way that that action (the voluntary exertion of the body) causes the door to open. (By “voluntary” here I mean simply the opposite of “involuntary”: an exertion of the body is voluntary if and only if it is not involuntary. It is an exertion that occurs in the familiar way exertions do when they are experienced as directly controlled, whether or not they are deliberated ox freely willed or even intentional.) It is possible in principle to open a door without using any voluntary exertion to do so — conceivably a person’s brain could be so wired to a door that by merely saying mentally, “Open sesame!”, and without any exertion of her body, she could cause the door to open. There actually do occur other ways in which one can act on or with one’s body and thereby act on the surrounding world without engaging in any voluntary exertion. (For example, sexual arousal can be produced by forming appropriate mental images.) And our lives are filled with mental actions — mentally saying things, forming mental images, and the like — which, though they may affect the body, do not in themselves and in virtue of their very notion include any bodily event, whether voluntary exertion or other.
Suppose We Provoke the Enemy

To the Editor.— I would like to add another perspective on the continuing discussion of the physician's role in preparing for nuclear war. 1-3 Suppose the Soviets provided each of their emergency rooms with facilities to care for radiation casualities. Suppose every physician was trained to care for radiation injury. At another level, suppose the Soviets demonstrated an effective, realistic method for quickly relocating a large segment of their population. We would consider these to be provocative acts and adduce them as further evidence of the Soviets' intention to fight a war. Now suppose we do these types of things.
New Double-Quantum Filtering Schemes

New double-quantum filtering (DQF) schemes are theoretically developed by reformulating the equations describing the double-quantum (DQ) signal. The equations describing the second- and third-rank DQ signals are simplified by restricting the RF phases as required for DQF. The equations are then factorized into two terms representing the separate contribution to the DQ signal from the RF pulses involved in the preparation and evolution times. This allows analysis of the DQ signal of a particular DQF scheme separately for each of these times in a concise manner. By use of the reformulated equations, the conventional DQF scheme is shown to be only one of four possible DQF schemes. The three new DQF schemes offer some desirable properties over the conventional DQF scheme. In the conventional DQF scheme, the third-rank DQ signal declines rapidly to null as the flip angles of the creation and readout RF pulses deviate from 90 degrees to 54.7 degrees or 125.3 degrees. In addition, the second- and third-rank DQ signals in the conventional DQF scheme are opposite in their polarities, resulting in attenuation of the total DQ signal due to destructive interference between them. In one of three new DQF schemes, the DQ signal does not vanish at 54.7 degrees and 125.3 degrees, but varies smoothly with the same functional dependence on the RF flip angles as the second-rank DQ and triple-quantum signals. Furthermore, in two of the three new DQF schemes, the second- and third-rank DQ signals have the same polarity so that the total DQ signal may be enhanced through constructive interference between them. These features of new DQF schemes have been confirmed experimentally.
Influence of energy stores on activation of reproductive function in male golden-mantled ground squirrels

Male golden-mantled ground squirrels were captured in the field in late summer and placed on either unlimited or restricted (80% normal) food rations in the laboratory until each animal began to hibernate. At entrance into hibernation mean body mass was 274.5 g for the unlimited group and 224.5 g for the restricted group. Only six of 21 males subsequently underwent reproductive maturation during winter. Each of these six received the unlimited ration prior to hibernation, and these six included the five heaviest animals in the experiment. In addition to activating their reproductive systems, these heavier squirrels began hibernation later and ended hibernation earlier than the lighter squirrels. Squirrels that remained reproductively quiescent averaged 25.5% body mass as fat in early spring and thus were not severely limited in energy stores during winter. In another experiment a group of 13 male and female squirrels were housed together in a common outdoor enclosure in order to examine the possible relationship between reproductive condition and social standing of males. Although there appeared to be a social hierarchy among males, each male fattened substantially in fall and became reproductively active during winter. These results suggest that the level of energy stores accumulated as fat prior to hibernation in fall affects the potential of male ground squirrels to breed in spring. This dependence of reproductive development on energy stores may reflect the high energetic costs associated with breeding in males when they emerge from hibernation in spring when food availability is low.
Do “minitransplantations” have “minitoxicity”?

Comment on Diaconescu et al, page [1550][1] Reduced intensity, or nonablative, conditioning regimens have made allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation available to patients ineligible for conventional ablative regimens. The rationale behind the nonablative approach rests on the theory that the
Quantity of Ureaplasma Urealyticum in Tracheal Aspirates of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Newborns Correlates with Lung Disease

Quantity of Ureaplasma Urealyticum in Tracheal Aspirates of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Newborns Correlates with Lung Disease
Very low osmotic water permeability and membrane fluidity in isolated toad bladder granules.

Osmotic water permeability of the apical membrane of toad urinary epithelium is increased greatly by vasopressin (VP) and is associated with exocytic addition of granules and aggrephores at the apical surface. To determine the physiological role of granule exocytosis, we measured the osmotic water permeability and membrane fluidity of isolated granules, surface membranes and microsomes prepared from toad bladder in the presence and absence of VP.P f was measured by stopped-flow light scattering and membrane fluidity was examined by diphenylhexatriene (DPH) fluorescence anisotropy. In response to a 75mm inward sucrose gradient, granule size decreased with a single exponential time constant of 2.3±0.1 sec (sem, seven preparations, 23°C), corresponding to aP f of 5×10−4 cm/sec; the activation energy (E a ) forP f was 17.6±0.8 kcal/mole. Under the same conditions, the volume of surface membrane vesicles decreased biexponentially with time constants of 0.13 and 1.9 sec; the fast component comprised ≈ 70% of the signal. Granule, surface membrane and microsome time constants were unaffected by VP. However, in surface membranes, there was a small decrease (6±2%) in the fraction of surface membranes with fast time constant. DPH anisotropies were 0.253 (granules), 0.224 (surface membrane fluidity is remarkably lower than that of surface and microsomal membranes, and (4) rapid water transport occurs in surface membrane vesicles. The unique physical properties of the granule suggests that apical exocytic addition of granule membrane may be responsible for the low water permeability of the unstimulated apical membrane.
Topographically directed self-assembly of goldnanoparticles

We present a simple and facile strategy for the formation and placement of two-dimensional nanoparticle arrays by spin-coating of polystyrene-modified gold nanoparticles onto lithographically patterned substrates.
N body spatial Parabolic orbits asymptotic to collinear central configurations

An orbit for the Newtonian n body problem is called Parabolic when all the mutual distances between particles approach infinity while the velocities tend to zero as time t goes to infinity. The asymptotic growth rate for these mutual distances turns out to be constant multiples of t raised to the 2/3 power (or to the power 2/(p + 1) for the inverse p central force law, 1 < p < 3) [ 111. Indeed, when the position vectors are scaled by dividing by t213, or by the square root of the moment of inertia, then the scaled position vectors tend to the set of central configurations. (A central configuration is formed whenever for all the particles a fixed constant multiple of the mass times the position vector is equal to the corresponding force vector.) It turns out that central configurations can be identified with the critical point set of a certain function. Then, the configurations are classified as being either degenerate or nondegenerate to correspond with the classification of the critical point of this function. Should the central configuration be nondegenerate, as is known to be the case for collinear central configurations, the equilateral triangle configuration for the three body problem, and the equilateral tetrahedron configuration for the four body problem, then the limiting configuration of a given motion must be unique. (For a discussion of central configurations, see [ 15, Chap. 5; 8; 121). This uniqueness follows by combining two facts. First, the nondegeneracy implies that the orbit of the central configuration by the W(3) action must be isolated in the set of all central configurations. (The SO(3) action on configuration space is rotation about the center of mass of the system.) Secondly, there can be no rotation of the limiting configuration in the sense of motion along the SO(3) action on configuration space. (See [ 71 for the planar three body problem and [ 13 ] for the general case. The lack of
Don’t Touch the Button

Opening a copy of The Mathematical Intelligenceryou may ask yourself uneasily, “What is this anyway—a mathematical journal, or what?” Or you may ask, “Where am I?” Or even “Who am I?” This sense of disorientation is at its most acute when you open to Colin Adams’s column. Relax. Breathe regularly. It’s mathematical, it’s a humor column, and it may even be harmless.
Filtration of ASTA: a weak convergence approach

Abstract Consider a stochastic process (X,A), where X represents the evolution of a system over time, and A is an associated point process that has stationary independent increments. Suppose we are interested in estimating the time average frequency of the process X being in a set of states. Often it is more convenient to have a sampling procedure for estimating the time average based on averaging the observed values of X(Tn) (Tn being a point of A) over a long period of time: the event average of the process. In this paper we examine the situation when the two procedures—event averaging and time averaging—produce the same estimate (the ASTA property: Arrivals See Time Averages). We prove a result stronger than ASTA. Under a lack-of-anticipation assumption we prove that the point process, A, restricted to any set of states, has the same probabilistic structure as the original point process. In particular, if the original point process is Poisson the new point process is still Poisson with the same parameter as the original point process. We develop our results in the more general setting of a stochastic process (X,A), that is, a process with an imbedded cumulative process, A={A(t),t⩾0}, which is assumed to be a Levy process with non-decreasing sample paths. This framework allows for modeling fluid processes, as well as compound Poisson processes with non-integer increments. First, we state the result in discrete time; the discrete-time result is then extended to the continuous-time case using limiting arguments and weak-convergence theory. As a corollary we give a proof of ASTA under weak conditions and a simple, intuitive proof of (Poisson Arrivals See Time Averages) under the standard conditions. The results are useful in queueing and statistical sampling theory.
Most of the G1 period in hamster cells is eliminated by lengthening the S period

Two Chinese hamster cell lines, G1+-1 and CHO, have been grown in the presence of low concentrations of hydroxyurea to determine how a slowing DNA synthesis (i.e., a lengthening of the S period) affects the length of the G1 period. Hydroxyurea concentrations of approximately 10 microM do not alter the generation times of these cell lines but do cause increases in S with corresponding decreases in G1. In both cell lines, 10 microM hydroxyurea reduces G1 to an absolute value of 1 hr, which represents decreases of 70% (G1+-1) and 60% (CHO) from control values. Higher concentrations of hydroxyurea increase the generation times and lengths of S for both cell lines but do not reduce G1 below the minimum value of 1 hr. These observations indicate that the majority of G1 is expendable and most of G1 therefore cannot contain specific events required for the initiation of DNA synthesis. This result supports the hypothesis that G1 is a portion of the cell growth cycle but not of the chromosome cycle.
Identifying the skull effects to the inertial cavitation threshold of microbubbles in a vessel phantom

The exact mechanism behind the blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening using Focused Ultrasound (FUS) and microbubbles remains unknown. Here, the effects of the murine skull on the pressure threshold of inertial cavitation were investigated using a passive cavitation detector (PCD) in conjunction with B-mode imaging. A cylindrical vessel with a 610-μm diameter inside a polyacrylamide gel was generated to simulate large blood vessels. Definity® (Lantheus Medical Imaging, MA, USA) microbubbles with a 2.5×107 bubbles/mL were injected into the channel before sonication (frequency: 1.525 MHz; pulse length: 100 cycles; PRF: 10 Hz; sonication duration: 2 s) through an excised mouse skull. A cylindrically focused hydrophone, confocal with the FUS transducer, acted as a PCD to identify the threshold. A 7.5 MHz linear array with the field-of-view perpendicular to the axial length of the FUS beam was also used to image the occurrence of bubble fragmentation. The broadband spectral response acquired by our PCD and the B-mode images identified the occurrence and location of the inertial cavitation, respectively. Findings indicated that the peak-rarefactional pressure threshold was approximately equal to 0.45 MPa at the presence or the absence of the skull. Mouse skulls did not affect the pressure threshold of inertial cavitation. The broadband response could be captured through the murine skull, so the same PCD setup can be used in future in vivo applications.
Functional characterization of T7 and T8 of human apolipoprotein (a).

Abstract Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], a risk factor for coronary artery disease, is a LDL-like particle with apolipoprotein (a) [apo(a)] covalently linked to apolipoprotein B (apoB). Apo(a) has many repeats of kringle 4-like domain, classified as type 1 through type 10 (T1–T10). Deletion analysis was performed to define the functional modules of human apo(a). We found that T7 has an affinity for cell surfaces and is required for Lp(a) formation. Cell surface binding was inhibited by l -proline, K I = 4.7 ± 3.6 mM (n=3). We also found that T8 has an affinity for subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM binding was inhibited modestly by l -proline (K I = 6.1 ± 1.9 mM, n=3), and more effectively by l -lysine (K I = 2.7 ± 1.0 mM, n=3) and its analogue, 6-aminohexanoic acid (K I = 0.35 ± 0.13 mM, n=3). These data point to T7 and T8 as important functional modules of apo(a).
Groove Effects on Thrust Washer Lubrication

A numerical model was developed to investigate the effects of groove geometry on the hydrodynamic lubrication mechanism of thrust washers. In order to achieve the objectives the isothermal, time-dependent, polar-coordinate Reynolds equation, including the cavitation and centrifugal effects, was solved numerically to determine the pressure distribution for various groove geometries and operating conditions. The polar coordinate Reynolds equation was discretized using the control volume finite difference approach. The results indicate that thrust washers are capable of supporting a significant amount of load with proper groove geometries. Design curves were generated for load support and other operating parameters as a function of each of the groove geometrical parameters (i.e., depth, width, number of grooves, and shape) as well as the operating conditions so that thrust washers performance can be predicted and optimized.
Interrogating p-values

Abstract This article is a discussion of a paper by Greg Francis for a special issue edited by E.J. Wagenmakers.
Adapting the CHEMTAX Method for Assessing Phytoplankton Taxonomic Composition in Southeastern U.S. Estuaries

CHEMTAX is a matrix factorization program used to derive taxonomic structure of phytoplankton from photosynthetic pigment vitios. The program was originally developed from and applied to the analysis of oceanic phytoplankton assemblages. We found that application of the original CHEMTAX reference matrix to southeastern United States estuarine systems produced inaccurate results, as verified by microscopy. Modification of the matrix, based primarily on the pigment ratios of 33 estuarine isolates, improved the predictive capabilities of CHEMTAX for our samples. Limitations of the method included an overstimation of diatom biomass (due to the inability to differentiate diatoms from taxa with chloroplasts derived from diatom endosymbionts, notably some dinoflagellates) and a tendency to exclude some raphidophyte species. In complement with microscopic verification, the method was shown to improve assessment of phytoplankton taxonomic composition.
Electron microscopy in determining the etiology of kidney allograft dysfunction.

Abstract Background Biopsy of the transplanted kidney serves a definitive role in elucidating the possible causes of allograft dysfunction. At our transplant clinic we have observed that electron microscopy (EM) does not usually refine the findings initially disclosed by light microscopy with direct immunofluorescence (LM). Methods We studied whether EM results differ from or add to LM results. We compared the reports of 65 allograft biopsies performed on 60 patients over 82 consecutive weeks. We classified biopsy interpretations by 15 possible diagnoses and categorically by glomerular versus nonglomerular disease. We determined agreement between LM and EM reports by Cohen's kappa statistic, and applied the McNemar test to determine whether EM interpretation yielded significantly more glomerular diagnoses on the same biopsy samples. Results There was strong agreement (kappa, 0.94: 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–1.00), between the EM- and LM-based interpretations. EM did not detect more glomerular disease than LM (discordance rate, 4.6%: 95% CI, −1.92% to 4.62%: P = .25). EM did not add to the diagnosis of rejection. EM described 3 additional cases of transplant glomerulopathy, but did not lead in a change in management of kidney allograft dysfunction. Conclusion Electron microscopy, used routinely, does not add to light microscopy in the evaluation of kidney transplant dysfunction.
Increasing student interest in STEM via the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby

This paper will explore a project associated with the National Science Foundation STEM GK-12 Program at Drexel University titled “Catalyzing STEM Education via the NAE Grand Challenges” (http://www.engineeringchallenges.org) that serves to address the need for more STEM educated workers. Specifically, the Drexel NSF STEM GK-12 program pairs ten College of Engineering graduate students (Fellows) with ten School District of Philadelphia high school teachers to help introduce engineering concepts to high school students through the context of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Grand Challenges. This work in progress explores a high school vehicle design project as part of the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby (KKSD) facilitated by a fellow/teacher partnership at Central High School, an urban school in Philadelphia comprised of 40% underrepresented groups in the STEM fields. A unique feature of the project is that students from the D3 Design Technology course were grouped in an interdisciplinary team with other students from World History and Sculpture classes to develop a vehicle based on the structure of a bicycle.
Microtubules in Plant Morphogenesis: Role of the Cortical Array

INTRODUCTION . . .... . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . ......... . . .... . .. . .. ..... 153 CELLULAR PATIERNING IN GROWING PLANT ORGANS ........ 154 THE B IOPHYSICS OF PLANT CELL GROWTH AND THE ROLE OF THE CELL WALL ..... .... 156 CYTOKINESIS ..... . ........ ...... .. . ......... ... ...... ....... 157 HOW DOES THE CELL ALIGN CORTICAL MTs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Aligllment of Cortical MTs ill Ullperturbed Cells . . .. .. . . . ...... .. .. . ... ..... 158 Structure of the Cortical MT Array. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 MT BEHAVIOR WITHIN THE CORTICAL ARRA Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160 How Might the Cell COlllrol the Stability of Cortical MTs? . . .. .. . 161 MT Organizing Celllers ill the Cortical Array .... . ..... ... ... . ....... ...... . 163 THE POSITIONING OF CORTICAL MTs IS A CONSERV A TIVE PROCESS ... ... 164 How are Cortical MTs Repositiolled? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 HOW ARE CORTICAL MTs SPATIALLY ALIGNED? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Evidence that a Chemical Signal is Involved in Providing Spatial Information to Orient Cortical MTs . . ......... 166 Evidence that all Electrical Field is Involved in Providing SpatialIllformation to Orient Cortical MTs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167 Evidence that a Biophysical Force is Involved in the Orientation of Cortical MTs . . 168 MTs, THE PM, AND THE CELL WALL AS A FUNCTIONAL CONTINUUM . ... . 169 CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES 174
Synthesis and evaluation of [O‐methyl‐11C]4‐[3‐[4‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐ piperazin‐1‐yl]propoxy]‐4‐aza‐tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec‐8‐ene‐3,5‐dione as a 5‐HT1A receptor agonist PET ligand

4-[3-[4-(2-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propoxy]-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]dec-8-ene-3,5-dione (4), a potent and selective 5-HT1A agonist, was labeled by 11C-methylation of the corresponding desmethyl analogue 3 with 11C-methyl triflate. The precursor molecule 3 was synthesized from commercially available endo-N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide in two steps with an overall yield of 40%. Radiosynthesis of 11C-4 was achieved in 35 min in 20±5% yield (n=6) at the end of synthesis with a specific activity of 2600±250 Ci/mmol. In vivo positron emission tomography (PET) studies in baboon revealed rapid uptake of the tracer into the brain. However, lack of specific binding indicates that 11C-4 is not useful as a 5-HT1A agonist PET ligand for clinical studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lifestyle factors and cancer of the pancreas: A hypothetical mechanism

The interaction of a genetically determined protease inhibitor, the enzymes whose functions are modified by that inhibitor and lifestyle factors, such as cigarette smoking, high lipid diet and alcohol consumption, are considered key factors in a proposed protease-antiprotease imbalance mechanism for pancreatic oncogenesis. Epidemiologic and experimental laboratory evidence in support of the mechanism is presented along with a discussion of suggested research initiatives to further test the hypothesis.
Isolation, enumeration, and host range of marine Bdellovibrios.

Thirteen strains of Bdellovibrio were isolated from sea water off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii. Electron microscopic examination of the isolates indicated that all had a single, sheathed, polar flagellum with a diameter of 24–27 nm. Determination of host range on species of marine bacteria (Beneckea, Photobacterium, Alteromonas, Pseudomonas, and Alcaligenes) as well as terrestrial species (Escherichia, Salmonella, Aerobacter, Aeromonas, Vibrio, and Pseudomonas) indicated that the marine bdellovibrios were able to parasitize 17–32 species out of a total of 42 tested. In general, bacteria of marine origin were better hosts than terrestrial strains; Vibrio cholerae, Aeromonas formicans, and Salmonella typhimurium were, however, lysed by some strains of Bdellovibrio at a rate and intensity comparable to the marine hosts. A numerical analysis of the host range indicated that on the basis of this property the 13 strains of Bdellovibrio could be subdivided into three groups. Three HI strains were isolated from one group and were found to have a moles % GC content in their DNA of 38.6 moles %, different from that of any described terrestrial species. The moles % GC content of a HI strain from another group was 43.5. All of the marine isolates required 75–100 mM sodium chloride for plaque formation and the optimum was 125–150 mM. The requirement for sodium could not be replaced by potassium. HI strains grew only in media in which sodium was present and failed to grow in media in which this ion was replaced by equimolar amounts of potassium. Enumeration studies indicated that the coastal waters of Oahu, Hawaii, had about 121–194 bdellovibrios per liter of sea water. The results of this study suggested that the marine bdellovibrios differed from terrestrial isolates in a number of properties which were a reflection of their marine habitat.
Recombinant Protein Expression in High Cell Density Fed-Batch Cultures of Escherichia Coli

Whereas cell concentrations of 5-10 grams dry cell weight per liter (gDCW/l) are typical of batch cultures, fed-batch techniques can be used to achieve concentrations greater than 50 gDCW/l. Feeding strategies for fed-batch cultures include feed-back control as well as pre-determined feeding profiles. The volumetric yield of recombinant products can be improved by controlling the specific growth rate and the substrate concentration. Furthermore, inhibitory by-product formation can be minimized in fed-batch cultures. This review focuses on the use of fed-batch techniques to produce recombinant products in Escherichia coli. The modes of nutrient feeding that have been employed are discussed, and the factors important in attaining high cell concentrations as well as high specific yields of recombinant product are described.
Standard metabolic rate of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren: effects of temperature, mass, and caste.

Abstract Standard metabolic rates of S. invicta workers, males, female alates, larvae and pupae were determined using closed-system respirometry. V O 2 (ml h−1) of all castes and life stages scaled with temperature and mass. Differences between castes and life stages are discussed in light of their different life histories and the different functions of these stages within the colony. Workers, female alates, male alates, larvae and pupae had mass-specific V O 2 (ml O2 g wet weight−1 h−1, corrected to 25°C) of 0.404±0.023, 0.316±0.010, 0.674±0.024, 0.291±0.020, and 0.227±0.015 (mean±SE), respectively. Measurement of CO2 and O2 made possible the examination of temperature and mass effects on respiratory quotient (RQ), as well as accurate transformation of O2 consumption to metabolic rate (μW) for comparison with other ant species. Mass-specific metabolic rates of S. invicta females and workers compare favorably with data from 17 other ant species, but metabolic rates of males (177%) and pupae (42%) fall above and below predicted rates, respectively. Several equations relating temperature and mass to V O 2 are presented.
Inhibition of mouse mammary ductal morphogenesis and down-regulation of the EGF receptor by epidermal growth factor

EGF, initially demonstrated to be a potent mitogen for a variety of cell types, has more recently been shown to inhibit proliferation of several cell lines. Few studies, however, have addressed the effects of EGF on growth and morphogenesis of tissues in vivo, particularly with regard to EGF as a possible inhibitor. We now demonstrate that EGF treatment of vigorously growing mammary ducts, administered directly to the glands by slow release plastic implants, inhibited normal ductal growth. Inhibition was restricted to the region around the implant and untreated glands in the same animal were normal, indicating direct effects of EGF. EGF-treated end buds were smaller and demonstrated reduced levels of DNA synthesis, although remnants of a stem (cap) cell layer persisted. Full inhibition of growth occurred within 3 days of implantation and required extended exposure to EGF, since treatment of 5 hr or less had no effect on ductal growth. At the lower inhibitory doses tested, growth resumed within 8 days, indicating reversibility of inhibition. No lobuloalveolar or hyperplastic response was seen. 125I-EGF autoradiography revealed that ductal growth inhibition was preceded by the disappearance of EGF receptors located in the cap cell layer of the end bud epithelium and in stromal cells adjacent to the buds. These results, in conjunction with our previous evidence demonstrating the growth-stimulatory effect by EGF on nonproliferating mammary ducts, suggest a growth regulatory role for EGF in mouse mammary ductal morphogenesis.
Effect of topical capsaicin on the cutaneous responses to inflammatory mediators and to antigen in man.

Abstract Topical capsaicin pretreatment is known to deplete cutaneous sensory nerves of neuropeptides. We have assessed the effect of topical capsaicin pretreatment on the responses to intradermal injections of histamine and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in six normal subjects, and of prostaglandin E 2 , histamine, and antigen in 10 atopic subjects. Capsaicin pretreatment caused significant inhibition of the immediate flare response to histamine in both normal (19.8 ± 2.6 to 7.3 ± 2.9 cm 2 at 5 minutes; p 2 at 5 minutes; p 2 at 5 minutes after injection ( p 2 or antigen in atopic subjects. The acute wheal responses to all stimuli were unchanged, as was the late-phase response to antigen. These results support the hypothesis that the cutaneous vasodilator effect of histamine and PAF may be mediated by a local axon reflex involving the release of neuropeptides from sensory nerves. A consistent effect of capsaicin pretreatment on the flare response induced by endogenous mediators released during a cutaneous IgE-mediated response was not observed. Increases in microvascular permeability and the late-phase response to antigen are independent of neuropeptide release from cutaneous nerves.
A common value auction model with endogenous entry and information acquisition

Much of the auction literature assumes both a fixed number of bidders and a fixed information setting. This sidesteps the important and often costly decisions a potential bidder must make prior to an auction: Should I enter and, if I do, what level of resources should I expend evaluating the good prior to bidding? We answer these questions for a stylized information model of a common value auction. The expected selling price is shown to be the expected value of the good minus the expected aggregate entry and information costs of the bidders. Thus, the seller indirectly pays for these costs to the bidders. There are auctions where the seller seemingly restricts the bidders' information expenditures. While this restriction does influence the entry decision, we demonstrate that the overall effect can be to improve the selling price. Finally, the probability of entry and the chosen accuracy of the information are never more in the second-price auction than in the first-price auction, and the seller prefers the second-price auction.
On coresets for k-means and k-median clustering

In this paper, we show the existence of small coresets for the problems of computing k-median and k-means clustering for points in low dimension. In other words, we show that given a point set P in Rd, one can compute a weighted set S ⊆ P, of size O(k e-d log n), such that one can compute the k-median/means clustering on S instead of on P, and get an (1+e)-approximation. As a result, we improve the fastest known algorithms for (1+e)-approximate k-means and k-median. Our algorithms have linear running time for a fixed k and e. In addition, we can maintain the (1+e)-approximate k-median or k-means clustering of a stream when points are being only inserted, using polylogarithmic space and update time.
Indocyanine green-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles: preparation, physicochemical characterization and in vitro release

Abstract Purpose: The objective of this study is to develop indocyanine green (ICG)-loaded biodegradable nanoparticles by using biodegradable polymer, poly( dl -lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Method: PLGA nanoparticles entrapping ICG were prepared by a modified spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method. To optimize the nanoparticle formulation, the influence of formulation parameters such as types of ICG, amount of ICG and the polymer were investigated. The ICG entrapment in nanoparticles, nanoparticle size and zeta potential were determined. The surface characterization was performed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the release of ICG from nanoparticles was determined. Results: All PLGA nanoparticle formulations were found to have the mean diameter within the range of 300–410 nm with polydispersity index (PI) within the range of 0.01–0.06. Indocyanine green showed more efficient entrapment as compared to indocyanine green sodium iodide salt. All indocyanine green-loaded nanoparticle formulations were found to have almost similar ICG content of nanoparticles and showed increase in ICG entrapment with increase in the amount of polymer. The ICG entrapment reached 74% when ICG: PLGA weight ratio in the formulation reached 1:800. AFM images indicated that the nanoparticles were almost spherical in shape and had numerous pores on their surfaces. The release pattern consisted of two phases, with initial exponential phase releasing about 78% of ICG (within 8 h) followed by a slow phase releasing about 2% of ICG (within next 16 h). Conclusions: ICG-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared and the formulation was optimized. The increase in amount of polymer in formulation leads to higher ICG entrapment. Nanoparticles formed were spherical and had porous surfaces and exhibited the characteristic release pattern of a monolithic matrix based system.
Maximal inequalities for partial sums of independent random vectors with multi dimensional time parameters

We obtain upper and lower bounds on the distribution of the partial sums constructed from a multi-dimensional array of independent random vectors. These bounds include, among others, generalizations of some of the well known classical inequalities such as the converse Kolmogorov and the Skorokhod-Ottaviani maximal inequalities.
On Crop Height Estimation with UAVs

Remote sensing by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is changing the way agriculture operates by increasing the spatial-temporal resolution of data collection. Micro-UAVs have the potential to further improve and enrich the data collected by operating close to the crops, enabling the collection of higher spatio-temporal resolution data. In this paper, we present a UAV-mounted measurement system that utilizes a laser scanner to compute crop heights, a critical indicator of crop health. The system filters, transforms, and analyzes the cluttered range data in real-time to determine the distance to the ground and to the top of the crops. We assess the system in an indoor testbed and in a corn field. Our findings indicate that despite the dense canopy and highly variable sensor readings, we can precisely fly over crops and measure its height to within 5cm of measurements gathered using current measurement technology.
On a simple variational analysis of small finite deformations of prismatical beams

We derive a seventh order system of one-dimensional equations for finite deformations of prismatical beams including the effect of warping stiffness. The analysis is patterned after the classical derivation of finite-deflection plate theory, supplemented by an explicit consideration of transverse shear deformation. A problem of axially uniform stretching and twisting is considered as an illustration.
Cytogenetic findings in congenital leukemia: case report and review of the literature.

Abstract The cytogenetic findings in a five-week-old female infant with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are reported. Markers 11q− and 19p+ were observed and considered to be due to an interstitial deletion of segment 11q13 to 11q23 of chromosome #11 and an insertion of this segment into the terminal region of the short arm of #19. Previously published banded cases of leukemic infants under one year of age have been summarized. A review of the data in these 29 case suggests that the appearance of a normal karyotype in acute leukemia of infants (≤ 1 year old) is much less common than in other categories of acute leukemia. Fourteen out of 29 cases (48%) had chromosomal abnormalities involving 11q. Seven of eight ALL cases had aberrations with a breakpoint at 11q22–23; six cases had t(4;11), one case had a del(11q) and ins(19p), and another had a t(1;22;4). All of three AMMoL cases had translocations involving the long arm of #11. The percentage of patients with t(4;11) and certain translocations involving 11q in infants with ALL or AMMoL, respectively, is higher than that seen in ALL and AMMoL in general. Eleven out of 12 cases (92%) of infant acute leukemias with chromosomal abnormalities involving 11q22–23 were five months old or less.
Effects of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation on shock-induced fighting

Abstract The effects of REM sleep deprivation on shock-induced fighting behavior in rats were studied in three experiments. The experimental animals were selectively deprived of REM sleep by maintaining them on a small pedestal surrounded by water. One control group was maintained under similar conditions except that REM sleep was permitted to occur, while a second control group was conventionally housed. Fighting behavior was elicited by administering a train of brief electric shock pulses at five intensities to pairs of rats. In Experiment 1, fighting behavior was studied before, during, and after REM sleep deprivation. Experiment 2 replicated the first study except that fighting was not studied during the treatment period. REM sleep deprived animals showed dramatic increases in fighting frequency which persisted even after prolonged sleep recovery. In Experiment 3, the experimental group had a history of four previous cycles of REM sleep deprivation and recovery before fighting behavior was studied. The animals previously deprived of REM sleep fought significantly more than their controls. In Experiments 4 and 5 the adrenocortical stress response was examined in REM sleep deprived and control animals. Results indicated statistically significant but small changes in plasma corticosterone levels as a result of REM sleep deprivation.
Protein conformation and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

Abstract The structure of a series of proteins has been investigated by circular dichroism, fluorescence and visible spectroscopy as well as by differential scanning calorimetry under reversed-phase high-performance liqid chromatography elution conditions. These studies show that 1-propanol, a typical eluent, induces a reversible conformational change in proteins to an apparently ordered, helical form This structural transition occurs in the range of propanol concentrations that produces elution of a particular protein. The possible relationship between this conformational change and protein elution is considered.
Multicolor ICCG methods for vector computers

This paper considers the incomplete Choleski conjugate gradient method for symmetric positive definite linear systems. The goal is to obtain implementations of this method suitable for vector computers which require long vectors for efficiency. This is achieved by a multicoloring strategy which allows efficient solution of the triangular systems of the preconditioning as well as efficient matrix vector multiplication. Numerical results are given for three model problems on a CYBER 205.
Cell-based therapies in Parkinson’s disease

The possibility of using stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease has excited physicians and patients alike. However, after many encouraging open-label studies of fetal cell transplantation for Parkinson’s disease, three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies found no net benefit. In addition, patients in two of the studies developed dyskinesias that persisted despite reductions in medication. To realize the promise of stem cells, research has been undertaken to understand and overcome the dual problems of unpredictable benefit and troublesome dyskinesias after dopaminergic cell transplantation.
Ethnic community involvement, entrepreneurial social capital, and business performance

Ethnic or immigrant social networks tend to influence the type of business that an ethnic entrepreneur starts, as well as the success or failure of the business. In this paper, we develop a theoretical model that proposes that ethnic community involvement influences the configuration of ethnic community-based entrepreneurial social capital which, in turn, influences ethnic business performance. In addition, the relationship between ethnic community-based social capital and business performance is proposed to be moderated by two micro-level constructs – entrepreneur characteristics (education level, business experience, and language fluency) and business characteristics (age and ownership) – as well as by two macro-level constructs, ethnic community characteristics (community social capital and community resources) and societal forces (economic, political, legal/regulatory, and industry). This model can help promote a better understanding of ethnic enterprises and make a contribution to the development of improved approaches for the promotion and growth of such businesses.
Antisocial behavior and alcoholism: a behavioral genetic perspective on comorbidity.

Abstract Similar to many domains in the psychopathology literature, overlap and covariation between antisocial behavior (ASB) and alcohol dependence (AD) are oft documented but little understood. Although the relation between ASB and AD is reliably found and of substantial magnitude, it is not possible given the extant research to discriminate among alternative causal models that could give rise to this relation (e.g., ASB→AD, AD→ASB, reciprocal causation between ASB and AD, common causes of ASB and AD). In our opinion, true comorbidity among disorders can only be demonstrated and understood in the context of considerable knowledge regarding the disorders' underlying causes (viz., pathology and etiology). In this article, we present a number of behavior genetic models that may be useful for illuminating the causes of comorbidity among two or more disorders, as well as for understanding the etiology of each disorder individually. Using these behavior genetic approaches, psychopathology researchers can directly test alternative models for the comorbidity among disorders, as well as estimate the magnitude of different etiological factors (i.e., genetic and environmental influences) on comorbidity. Although not a panacea and somewhat demanding technically, behavior genetic approaches can shed new light on the comorbidity among disorders.
Animal models of traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity both in civilian life and on the battlefield worldwide. Survivors of TBI frequently experience long-term disabling changes in cognition, sensorimotor function and personality. Over the past three decades, animal models have been developed to replicate the various aspects of human TBI, to better understand the underlying pathophysiology and to explore potential treatments. Nevertheless, promising neuroprotective drugs that were identified as being effective in animal TBI models have all failed in Phase II or Phase III clinical trials. This failure in clinical translation of preclinical studies highlights a compelling need to revisit the current status of animal models of TBI and therapeutic strategies.
Lyme borreliosis (Lyme disease): interactions of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato with human (and other mammalian) hosts

In the twenty years since its description, Lyme disease has evolved from being a curiosity in three small communities on the east bank of the Connecticut River to the most common vector-borne disease in the U.S. and Germany, and a worldwide concern. In this short time, the aetiologic agent has been identified and grown, the clinical syndromes due to this agent have been delineated, seroconfirmatory tests developed, effective therapeutic regimens determined, a vaccine found safe and effective, and the epidemiology and ecology understood sufficiently to establish avoidance and prevention strategies. However, the mechanisms whereby the aetiologic agent, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato actually causes tissue damage/dysfunction remain to be defined. The following represents a review of some proposed immunopathogenic mechanisms with a focus on possible autoimmunity.
BRST operator on a Riemann surface

Abstract We discuss construction of the BRST operator for the bosonic closed string theory on an arbitrary Riemann surface of genus g >1. Using the BRST operator we prove the decoupling of the bosonic spurious physical states in general.
Biogeochemistry: Drought and tropical soil emissions

Past research implied that positive feedback might exist between climate change and greenhouse-gas emissions from soil. A study finds that drought-induced declines in such emissions from tropical forests could counter climate change.
A new range statistic for comparisons of several exponential location parameters

Abstract : Given k independent exponential populations with unknown and possibly unequal location parameters, with a common but unknown scale parameter, a complete random sample of common size n is drawn from each population. Based on these k samples, this paper proposes a new range statistic for comparing these exponential location parameters by a set of simultaneous confidence intervals. Upper percentage points are given, and the power function is also studied. Other applications in multiple range testing and in ranking and selection problems are noted. (Author)
Collection of aerosol particles by fabric filters in an electrostatic field

Abstract The deposition of uncharged aerosols on charged fibers perpendicular to the air stream in a homogeneous electrical field is analytically investigated. The simple theoretical model of a filter studied in this work consists of evenly arranged layers of equidistant parallel cylinders of infinite length normal to the flow direction. The critical trajectories of the particles are calculated by numerically solving the differential equation for the particle trajectories. The calculated values of the deposition coefficient are compared with the results of previous investigations. The influence of various dimensionless parameters on deposition is discussed.