cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Urge to Splurge: A Terror Management Account of Materialism and Consumer Behavior

This article presents terror management theory (TMT) as a way to understand how the human awareness of death affects materialism, conspicuous consumption, and consumer decisions. The pursuit of wealth and culturally desired commodities are hypothesized to reinforce those beliefs that function to protect people from existential anxieties. Following a brief overview of TMT and research, evidence is reviewed that explicates how intimations of mortality increase materialism as a way to enhance self-esteem and affects consumer decisions that support one's cultural worldview. Adverse consequences of materialistic and consumeristic worldviews are described and the challenges for future research to discover ways to alleviate them are considered.
A real-time assistive computer interface for users with motor disabilities

This study introduces the design of an integrated assistive real-time system developed as an alternate input device to computers that can be used by individuals with severe motor disabilities. An assistive technology device as defined by the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 is "any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities". The proposed real-time system design utilizes electromyographic (EMG) biosignals from cranial muscles and electroencephalographic (EEG) biosignals from the cerebrum's occipital lobe, which are transformed into controls for two-dimensional (2-D) cursor movement, the Left-Click (Enter) command, and an ON/OFF switch for the cursor-control functions. This HCI system classifies biosignals into "mouse" functions by applying amplitude thresholds and performing power spectral density (PSD) estimations on discrete windows of data, Spectral power summations are aggregated over several frequency bands between 8 and 500 Hz and then compared to produce the correct classification. The result is an affordable DSP-based system that, when combined with an on-screen keyboard, enables the user to fully operate a computer without using any extremities.
Evidence That the RNA Methylation and Poly(A) Polymerase Stimulatory Activities of Vaccinia Virus Protein VP39 Do Not Impinge upon One Another

Vaccinia protein VP39 has two RNA modifying activities. In monomeric form, it acts as an mRNA cap-specific 2'-O-methyltransferase, specifically modifying the ribose moiety of the first transcribed nucleotide of m7G-capped mRNA. In association with VP55, the catalytic subunit of the vaccinia poly(A) polymerase, VP39 facilitates the rapid elongation of poly(A) tails that are already greater than approximately 35 nt in length. Introducing new assays, we provide evidence that substrates for each of VP39's two activities do not detectably modulate the converse reaction and that VP39's 2'-O-methyltransferase activity is not significantly affected by its association with VP55. In an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, VP39 interacted with a short (5 nucleotide) RNA only when the latter was m7G-capped. Complexes with longer (22 nucleotide) RNAs were more stable (i.e., cap-independent) but were further stabilized by the presence of an m7G cap. An additional complex was observed at elevated RNA:protein molar ratios, indicating the presence of two RNA binding sites per VP39 molecule. Interaction at one of these sites was stabilized by the cap structure. Additional experiments indicated that RNA molecules undergoing poly(A) tail elongation by the VP55-VP39 heterodimer are not favored as cap-methylation substrates.
PREVALENCE OF COXSACKIE B VIRUS ANTIBODIES IN PATIENTS WITH JUVENILE DERMATOMYOSITIS

A number of viruses have been implicated as being the cause of various forms of myositis, including acute transient myositis, chronic polymyositis, and dermatomyositis. However, the cause of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) has remained elusive. Our study of serum samples taken within 4 months of the onset of disease in 12 children with JDM showed that 83% had detectable titers of complement-fixing (CF) antibody to 1 or more coxsackie B viral antigens. Detectable titers were found in only 25% of age-, sex-, and date-matched control sera taken from 24 patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and in 25% of serum samples taken from 2,192 "normal" children who had been hospitalized because of viral syndromes. Titers of CF antibody to coxsackie B1, B2, and B4 were positive in 58%, 50%, and 58%, respectively, of the JDM patients. In matched JRA controls, the respective values were 8%, 13%, and 8%. There were no significant antiviral titers and no significant differences in the results of tests for 13 other viral CF antigens, hepatitis B surface antigen, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae CF antigen in the JDM patient sera compared with the JRA patient sera. When titers of neutralizing antibody were determined, 58%, 58%, and 67% of the JDM patients were positive for coxsackie B2, B4, and B5, respectively, whereas 16%, 26%, and 21%, respectively, of the JRA controls were positive for the 3 antigens. These data suggest that the host response to coxsackie B virus might be related to the pathophysiology of JDM.
Presystemic metabolism of meperidine to normeperidine in normal and cirrhotic subjects

Plasma concentrations and urinary excretion of meperidine and its metabolite normeperidine were determined after intravenous and oral administration to 11 men; five men had hepatic cirrohosis and six were normal. Systemic clearance of meperidine was smaller and bioavailability and half-life greater in the cirrhotic patients than in the normal subjects. Plasma concentrations and 24-hr urinary excretion of normeperidine was lower and persistence of normeperidine in plasma longer in the patients with cirrhosis. The route of administration did not alter the fraction of normeperidine generated from meperidine. The results suggest that in patients requiring repeated meperidine dosage the drug should be taken parenterally rather than orally to allow maximal analgesia and minimal formation of normeperidine. Patients with cirrhosis may be relatively protected from normeperidine toxicity because of impaired formation, but the risk of cumulative toxicity may be greater than in normal subjects because of slower elimination of the metabolite and greater sensitivity to the effects of narcotics on the central nervous system. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1981) 30, 183–188; doi:10.1038/clpt.1981.146
Four peptide hormones' specific decrease (up to 97%) of human prostate carcinoma cells.

Background Mortality from prostate cancer remains a significant problem with current treatment(s), with an expected 30 350 deaths from prostate cancer in 2005. Long-acting natriuretic peptide, vessel dilator, kaliuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide have significant anticancer effects in breast and pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Whether these effects are specific and whether they have anticancer effects in prostate adenocarcinoma cells has not been determined. Materials and methods These peptide hormones were evaluated to determine if they have specific anticancer effects in human prostate adenocarcinomas. Results Dose–response curves revealed a significant (P < 0·05) decrease in human prostate cancer number with each tenfold increase in the concentration from 1 µM to 1000 µM (i.e. 1 mM) of these four peptide hormones. There was a 97·4%, 87%, 88% and 89% (P < 0·001 for each) decrease in prostate cancer cells secondary to vessel dilator, long-acting natriuretic peptide, kaliuretic peptide and atrial natriuretic peptide, respectively, at their 1-mM concentrations within 24 h, without any proliferation in the 3 days following this decrease. These same hormones decreased DNA synthesis from 68% to 89% (P < 0·001). When utilized with their respective antibodies their ability to decrease prostate adenocarcinoma cells or inhibit their DNA synthesis was completely blocked. Western blots revealed that for the first time natriuretic peptide receptors (NPR) A- and C- were present in prostate cancer cells. Conclusions These results indicate that these peptide hormones’ anticancer effects are specific. Furthermore, they have very potent effects of eliminating up to 97% of prostate cancer cells within 24 h of treatment.
Ages of Zircons from the Northern Cascade Mountains, Washington

Pre-Late Cretaceous crystalline rocks in the core of the Northern Cascade Mountains of Washington are predominantly heterogeneous supracrustal gneiss and schist, and dioritic, quartz dioritic, and trondhjemitic plutons and bodies of orthogneiss. Migmatite derived from plutonic and supracrustal rocks is also widespread. Isotopic age determinations of zircons indicate that, of the supracrustal gneiss and schist, the Swakane Gneiss and possibly the Skagit Gneiss may have been deposited > 1,650 m.y. ago. Alternatively, some of these rocks may be younger but were derived at least in part from a >l,650-m.y.-old source terrane. A second group of supracrustal rocks, the Younger gneissic rocks of the Holden area, includes a metavolcanic unit about 265 m.y. old. Plutonic rocks and orthogneisses comprise four main age groups: 1,452 to 2,000 m.y., pyroxene gneiss of the Yellow Aster Complex; about 460 m.y., the Turtleback Complex of the San Juan Islands and younger orthogneiss of the Yellow Aster Complex; 220 m.y., plutonic and gneissic rocks of the Marblemount belt (Marblemount Meta-Quartz Diorite, Dumbell Mountain plutons); and 92 m.y., the Eldorado Orthogneiss. Strongly metamorphosed rocks of the Chelan Complex, chiefly quartz dioritic, have zircon Pb 206 /U 238 ages ranging from 100 to 183 m.y. These ages appear to be discordant, and the Chelan Complex may represent remobilized rocks from the 220-m.y.-old Marblemount belt. Ages of metamorphic minerals, zircons from pegmatitic material associated with migmatite, and zircons from synkinematic intrusive rocks indicate two major episodes of metamorphism in the Northern Cascade terrane, one about 415 m.y. ago and the other, 60 to 90 m.y. ago. Both episodes culminated in metamorphism to amphibolite facies grade—and in the case of the older episode, metamorphism to granulite facies grade—and both resulted in extensive migmatization of pre-existing rocks.
Artrodese na coluna cervical utilizando SICAP como substituto de enxerto ósseo

OBJETIVO: Substitutos de enxerto osseo autologo foram desenvolvidos para evitar as complicacoes da retirada de enxerto osseo autologo. SiCaP (Actifuse, ApaTech EUA, Reino Unido) e um enxerto osseo composto de calcio-fosfato com um substituicao de silicato na estrutura quimica, com uma estrutura tridimensional que parece osso natural. METODOS: 19 pacientes foram submetidos a fusao ossea cervical e analisados retrospectivamente. A avaliacao radiografica e avaliacao clinica foram realizadas utilizando o questionario Neck Disability Index e a escala analoga da dor (VAS) pre- e pos-operacao. RESULTADOS: O periodo medio de acompanhamento pos-operatorio foi de 14 meses ± 5 meses (7-30 meses). 11 pacientes foram submetidos a fusao via anterior; 5 pacientes via posterior e 3 pacientes via anterior e posterior. A revisao radiografica mostrou 19/19 (100%) de fusao ossea, nenhum caso apresentou subsidencia, quebra ou soltura de material de implante ou movimento nos niveis fusionados. Nenhum exemplo de ossificacao heterotopica ou de crescimento osseo intracanal foi observado. Clinicamente, os escores medios do Neck Disability decresceram 13,3 pontos (media pre-op. de 34,5, pos-op. de 21,2, melhora de 39%), a media da VAS para dor cervical decresceu 2 pontos (2,7 pre-op para 0,7 pos-op.; melhora de 74,1%). Nao foram observadas complicacoes como infeccao, osteolise ou edema excessivo das partes moles. CONCLUSAO: Os resultados preliminares obtidos nesta serie foram encorajadores com o uso do SICaP como enxerto osseo, com solida fusao ossea obtida em todos os casos e sem formacao de ossificacao heterotopica ou crescimento de osso intracanal. SIcaP demonstra ser um substituto confiavel para o enxerto osseo autologo na coluna cervical.
Contingent and A Priori Structures in Sequential Analysis

This discussion will attempt to exploit a distinction to be drawn between con? tingent and a priori structures of illocutionary actions in the service of formulat? ing a response to the following problem: to what extent, if at all, do claims for the conventionality of any given, identified sequential arrangement of utterances arising in natural conversational interaction depend upon statistical arguments? Given that there are indefinitely many conversations going on in the world, how are serious analytical claims for the "naturalness" or "organizational priority" of specific sequential arrangements to be justified? I shall propose that two major sorts of analytical findings advanced within the sequential analysis of discourse need to be brought into clearer focus. One type of finding is concerned with the specification of empirically contingent organiza? tions of utterances for vernacularly-defined sequence-types such as "request sequences," "trouble sequences," "complaint sequences" and the like. These findings characteristically take the shape of exhibiting a local orderliness to inter (and intra-) utterance relations without strong claims for distributive scope across a set. Where such a distributive claim is advanced it is usually based upon having discovered closely similar sequential arrangements in some corpus of intuitively defined "like cases," and the warrant for the claim for conventionality is weak inductive evidence. On the other hand, by far the strongest arguments have been advanced for the more "abstract" structures which may be evident in materials of a vast variety and which do not appear to be restricted in their occurrence to vernacularly-defined sequence-types of any specific sort. Claims for their con? ventionality appear to be much stronger and relatively impervious to demands for their statistical distribution as a basis for grounding. In other words, whilst analysts may be vulnerable to the charge of weak inductive support for the generality they claim for some contingent sequential arrangements proposed to
Combinatorial signals from CD28 differentially regulate human immunodeficiency virus transcription in T cells.

Activation through the T-cell receptor and the costimulatory receptor CD28 supports efficient HIV transcription as well as reactivation of latent provirus. To characterize critical signals associated with CD28 that regulate HIV-1 transcription, we generated a library of chimeric CD28 receptors that harbored different combinations of key tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic tail, Tyr-173, Tyr-188, Tyr-191, and Tyr-200. We found that Tyr-191 and Tyr-200 induce HIV-1 transcription via the activation of NF-κB and its recruitment to the HIV-long terminal repeat. Tyr-188 modifies positive and negative signals associated with CD28. Importantly, signaling through Tyr-188, Tyr-191, and Tyr-200 is required to overcome the inhibition posed by Tyr-173. CD28 also regulates P-TEFb activity, which is necessary for HIV-1 transcription processivity, by limiting the release of P-TEFb from the HEXIM1–7SK inhibitory complex in response to T-cell receptor signaling. Our studies reveal that CD28 regulates HIV-1 provirus transcription through a complex interplay of positive and negative signals that may be manipulated to control HIV-1 transcription and replication.
Dynamic accommodative vergence components in binocular vision

Abstract Vergence eye movements are mediated by the coordinated activity of two major motor controllers with independent driving stimuli: retinal disparity and blur. Vergence eye movements produced by dynamic accommodative vergence under binocular viewing conditions support the hypothesis of independent controllers whose influences sum in motor processes, and suggest a neurological strategy which enhances stability without sacrificing movement range or dynamics.
Isolation of a highly active photosystem II preparation from Synechocystis 6803 using a histidine-tagged mutant of CP 47.

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to produce a Synechocystis mutant containing a histidine tag at the C terminus of the CP 47 protein of Photosystem II. This mutant cell line, designated HT-3, exhibited slightly above normal rates of oxygen evolution and appeared to accumulate somewhat more Photosystem II reaction centers than a control strain. A rapidly isolatable (<7 h) oxygen-evolving Photosystem II preparation was prepared from HT-3 using dodecyl-β-d-maltoside solubilization and Co2+ metal affinity chromatography. This histidine-tagged Photosystem II preparation stably evolved oxygen at a high rate (2440 μmol O2 (mg chl)−1 h−1), exhibited an α-band absorption maximum at 674 nm, and was highly enriched in a number of Photosystem II components including cytochrome c550. Fluorescence yield analysis using water or hydroxylamine as an electron donor to the Photosystem II preparation indicated that virtually all of the Photosystem II reaction centers were capable of evolving oxygen. Proteins associated with Photosystem II were highly enriched in this preparation. 3,3′,5,5′-Tetramethylbenzidine staining indicated that the histidine-tagged preparation was enriched in cytochromes c550 and b559 and depleted of cytochrome f. This result was confirmed by optical difference spectroscopy. This histidine-tagged Photosystem II preparation may be very useful for the isolation of Photosystem II preparations from mutants containing lesions in other Photosystem II proteins.
Dynamic critical behavior of the Swendsen-Wang algorithm for the three-dimensional Ising model

We have performed a high-precision Monte Carlo study of the dynamic critical behavior of the Swendsen-Wang algorithm for the three-dimensional Ising model at the critical point. For the dynamic critical exponents associated to the integrated autocorrelation times of the "energy-like" observables, we find z(int,N) = z(int,epsilon) = z(int,epsilon')= 0.459 +/- 0.005 +/- 0.025, where the first error bar represents statistical error (68% confidence interval) and the second error bar represents possible systematic error due to corrections to scaling (68% subjective confidence interval). For the "susceptibility-like" observables, we find z(int,M2) = z(int,S2) = 0.443 +/- 0.005 +/- 0.030. For the dynamic critical exponent associated to the exponential autocorrelation time, we find z(exp) approximate to 0.481. Our data are consistent with the Coddington-Baillie conjecture z(SW) = beta/v approximate to 0.5183, especially if it is interpreted as referring to z(exp). (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Searching for Curanderas: A Quest to Revive Chicana/o Studies

Chicana/o Studies has fallen victim to the contradictions of challenging the academic apparatus from within. In this article, I argue that Chicana/o Studies and its scholars are still struggling with the most basic issues introduced in the early 1970s. This is of grave concern because a race war is now being fought in U.S. academia and Chicana/o Studies and its scholars are losing. The heart of this analysis focuses on the possibilities of reinvigorating Chicana/o Studies by creating a new framework that emerges from the unique world-views and systems of knowledge that exist within Chicana/o communities.
Reproductive state modulates ethanol intake in rats: Effects of ovariectomy, ethanol concentration, estrous cycle and pregnancy

Abstract Intact adult female rats had a greater preference for a 4% (v/v) ethanol solution than ovariectomized (OVX) rats in a two-tube preference situation. This preference difference was not particular to the 4% concentration, but was exhibited for solutions ranging from 1–9% ethanol. OVX animals reached peak preference at weaker ethanol concentrations than did control animals, while the volume of absolute ethanol consumed by each group was highly dependent on the concentration of ethanol offered. OVX, but not intact, rats showed a strong positive correlation between alcohol preference and preference for a saccharine solution. Pregnant and lactating rats exhibited depressed preference for 4% ethanol. Preference returned to control levels following weaning. Ethanol intake and preference varied systematically over the four-day estrous cycle, being lowest on the day of proestrus.
Management by Staying Put

The idea of MBWA, or management by walking around, has been attributed over the years to quite a number of sources. (In comic book terms, it has a variety of origin stories.) Among others, the Hewl...
Central noradrenergic activity is responsible for nitroglycerin-induced cardiovascular effects in the nucleus tractus solitarii.

Abstract The studies show that unilateral microinjection of nitroglycerin (NTG) into nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) produce dose-dependent decreases in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate, but injection of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) into the area induced slight effects. Hypotensive responses to NTG injected into the NTS showed that the compound was 20 times more potent than after i.v. administration. Responses to NTG injected into the NTS were abolished in an additive fashion by either rauwolscine, anα2-adrenoceptor antagonist, or guanethidine which inhibits release of norepinephrine (NE). Injection of prazosin, anα1-adrenoceptor antagonist, into the NTS reduced the hypotensive responses of NTG, but did not alter the bradycardia induced by the drug. Tachycardic responses following i.v. administration of either NTG or SNP were attenuated by bilateral injection of rauwolscine into the NTS, whereas only hypotensive responses to i.v. NTG were reduced by the pretreatment. NTG produced a dose-dependent increase in concentrations of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine in media bathing medulla-pons, which were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. NE and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylglycol concentrations in media of incubated medulla-pons slices were simultaneously increased following higher concentrations of NTG. The results suggest that NTG in the NTS induces hypotensive and bradycardiac responses, and an increase in turnover of NE may stimulateα2-adrenoceptors and be responsible for the effects of the drug. The NTS may contribute a component of action to the cardiovascular effects of intravenous NTG. The cardiovascular responses of intravenous SNP appear to involve peripheral action.
On Quine's Contretemps of Translation

Consider the hapless linguist made notorious by chapter II of W. V. 0. Quine's Word and Object,' who hears a native cry 'gavagai!' when a rabbit hops past, formulates various and subtly different hypotheses about the meaning of the exclamation, and is left forever in the darkso the tale goes-as to which variant is correct. The predicament Quine calls 'indeterminacy of radical translation' can be far more extreme than that, for the contretemps with 'gavagai!' occurs at the beginning of the linguist's stay, and Quine claims that at the end of his2 stay, when all possible data has been collected, the linguist must still be vastly uncertain about the correctness of his entire system of correlations, for 'there can be no doubt that rival systems of analytical hypotheses can fit the totality of speech behaviour to perfection, and can fit the totality of dispositions to speech behavior as well, and still specify mutually incompatible translations of countless sentences insusceptible of independent control' (ibid. p. 72). Quine saw that he would be accused of postulating 'a distinction without a difference' (p. 26), of lapsing into meaninglessness. My complaint is not quite that; I will charge him with some fundamental confusions about meaning and a perspective on cross-cultural understanding that is sadly skewed by scientific concerns. First, Quine's portrayal of the alternatives to translating 'gavagai' as 'rabbit' betrays a passion for exactness that only someone familiar with metaphysical hairsplitting in our own language could manifest.
Role of Substrate Dynamics in Protein Prenylation Reactions

ConspectusThe role dynamics plays in proteins is of intense contemporary interest. Fundamental insights into how dynamics affects reactivity and product distributions will facilitate the design of novel catalysts that can produce high quality compounds that can be employed, for example, as fuels and life saving drugs.We have used molecular dynamics (MD) methods and combined quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) methods to study a series of proteins either whose substrates are too far away from the catalytic center or whose experimentally resolved substrate binding modes cannot explain the observed product distribution. In particular, we describe studies of farnesyl transferase (FTase) where the farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) substrate is ∼8 A from the zinc-bound peptide in the active site of FTase. Using MD and QM/MM studies, we explain how the FPP substrate spans the gulf between it and the active site, and we have elucidated the nature of the transition state (TS) and offered an alternate explan...
Isolated and unexplained dilation of the common bile duct on computed tomography scanscans

Isolated dilation of common bile duct (CBD) with normal sized pancreatic duct and without identifiable stones or mass lesion (unexplained) is frequently encountered by computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. We studied the final diagnoses in these patients and tried to elucidate factors that can predict a malignant etiology. This is a retrospective analysis of prospective database from a University based clinical practice (2002- 2008). We included 107 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for evaluation of isolated and unexplained CBD dilation noted on contrast computed tomography scans. EUS examination was performed using a radial echoendoscope followed by a linear echoechoendoscope, if a focal mass lesion was identified. Fine-needle aspirates were assessed immediately by an attending cytopathologist. Main outcome measurements included i) prevalence of neoplasms, CBD stones and chronic pancreatitis and ii) performance characteristics of EUS/EUS-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). A malignant neoplasm was found in 16 patients (14.9%) of the study subjects, all with obstructive jaundice (ObJ). Six patients had CBD stones; three with ObJ and three with abnormal liver function tests. EUS findings suggestive of chronic pancreatitis were identified in 27 patients. EUSFNA had 97.3% accuracy (94.1% in subset with ObJ) with a sensitivity of 81.2% and specificity of 100% for diagnosing malignancy. Presence of ObJ and older patient age were only significant predictors of malignancy in our cohort. Amongst patients with isolated and unexplained dilation of CBD, the risk of malignancy is significantly higher in older patients presenting with ObJ. EUS-FNA can diagnose malignancy in these patients with high accuracy besides identifying other potential etiologies including missed CBD stones and chronic pancreatitis.
NON-RIGID REGISTRATION AND CORRESPONDENCE FINDING IN MEDICAL IMAGE ANALYSIS USING MULTIPLE-LAYER FLEXIBLE MESH TEMPLATE MATCHING

In this paper we present a novel technique for non-rigid medical image registration and correspondence finding based on a multiple-layer flexible mesh template matching technique. A statistical anatomical model is built in the form of a tetrahedral mesh, which incorporates both shape and density properties of the anatomical structure. After the affine transformation and global deformation of the model are computed by optimizing an energy function, a multiple-layer flexible mesh template matching is applied to find the vertex correspondence and achieve local deformation. The multiple-layer structure of the template can be used to describe different scale of anatomical features; furthermore, the template matching is flexible which makes the correspondence finding robust. A leave-one-out validation has been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of our method.
Identified neurons and the future of neuroethology

Ethologists have, in effect, opened up a vast area for physiological study by drawing attention to fixed action patterns and other stereotyped forms of instinctive behavior and by implying common physiological mechanisms underlying common behaviors in related species. Examples of such behavior in invertebrates are considered, to establish guidelines as to which behaviors may most profitably be studied by comparative neurophysiologists. These include: escape swimming and other locomotor patterns, and courtship behavior. The chosen forms should be ones in which there is a good prospect of recording intracellularly from the central neurons involved in the behavior. These neurons must be ones that can be identified individually if the biophysical events that cause the behaviors are to be described in critically acceptable terms. It is desirable that both genetic and developmental research be combined with the behavioral and physiological studies. Advantages and disadvantages of various types of invertebrates are compared, and it is concluded that a large insect offers the best overall prospects for neuroethology.
Safety and pharmacokinetic trial of docetaxel plus an Astragalus-based herbal formula for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Purpose To study a commonly used Astragalus-based herbal formula previously found effective in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in patients with NSCLC.
Endopeptidase 24.11 activity in the human prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PPC-1

Human endopeptidase 24.11 (EP) occurs in greatest abundance on terminally differentiated prostate cells; thus, loss of EP could mark dedifferentiation of prostate epithelium. To identify laboratory models that would permit continuous work on the biochemistry and hormonal regulation of EP, we examined the well-differentiated LNCaP and poorly differentiated PPC-1 human prostate cancer cell lines. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that LNCaP secretes electron-dense material that resembles the particulate matter of seminal plasma, which is associated with endopeptidase activity. LNCaP medium contained EP activity while PPC-1 medium did not. Whether the apparent deletion of EP from the PPC-1 cell line is characteristic of poorly differentiated prostate adenocarcinoma is not yet clear. However, it may be relevant to the carcinogenic process that EP can limit growth of lung small carcinomas by inactivating cell growth-promoting bombesin-like peptides. Because bombesin has been identified in aggressive human prostate cancers, loss of EP in PPC-1 could represent a necessary step in transformation to aggressive phenotype. The combination of LNCaP and PPC-1, which offers well-differentiated and poorly differentiated cancer phenotypes, appears well suited to studying the relevance of EP in prostate cancer biology.
Limits to the Cassiopeia A 44Ti Line Flux and Constraints on the Ejecta Energy and the Compact Source

Two long observations of the Cas A supernova remnant were made by the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer in 1996 and 1997 to search for hard X-ray line emission at 67.9 and 78.4 keV from the decay of 44Ti formed during the supernova event. Continuum flux was detected up to 100 keV, but the 44Ti lines were not detected. The 90% confidence upper limit to the line flux is 3.6 × 10-5 photons cm-2 s-1. This is consistent with the recent BeppoSAX detection and with the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory/Imaging Compton Telescope (CGRO/COMPTEL) detection of the companion transition line flux for 44Sc decay. The mean BeppoSAX-COMPTEL flux indicates that 1.5 ± 0.3 × 10-4 M☉ of 44Ti was produced in the supernova explosion. On the basis of recent theoretical calculations and optical observations suggesting a WN Wolf-Rayet progenitor with an initial mass of ≥25 M☉, the observed 44Ti yield implies that the Cas A supernova ejecta energy was ~2 × 1051 ergs, and as a result a neutron star was formed, rather than a black hole. We suggest that Cas A is possibly in the early stages of the anomalous X-ray pulsar/soft gamma-ray repeater (AXP/SGR) scenario in which the pushback disk has yet to form, and when the disk does form, the accretion will increase the luminosity to that of present-day AXP/SGRs, and pulsed emission will commence.
Significant CD4, CD8, and CD19 lymphopenia in peripheral blood of sarcoidosis patients correlates with severe disease manifestations.

Background Sarcoidosis is a poorly understood chronic inflammatory condition. Infiltration of affected organs by lymphocytes is characteristic of sarcoidosis, however previous reports suggest that circulating lymphocyte counts are low in some patients with the disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood in a cohort of sarcoidosis patients to determine the prevalence, severity, and clinical features associated with lymphopenia in major lymphocyte subsets.
Effects of tolazoline hydrochloride (priscoline) on circulatory dynamics of patients with pulmonary hypertension

Abstract The acute effects of intravenous administration of tolazoline hydrochloride on the cardiovascular dynamics have been studied in 10 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension, all but 1 associated with congenital heart disease. Five patients had ventricular septal defects, 2 patent ductus arteriosus, 2 atrial septal defect, and 1 had no demonstrable cardiac lesion. Pulmonary and systemic pressures and pulmonary blood flow were measured in all patients; and in 3 cases with left-to-right shunt simultaneous systemic blood flow measurement was obtained by insertion of a second cardiac catheter into the right atrium. Systemic vascular effects of tolazoline were manifested by flushing of the skin, rise in measured skin temperature, increase in digital blood flow, and decrease in calculated systemic vascular resistance. Pulmonary vascular resistance was not significantly affected in 9 patients. In 1 patient there was a moderate reduction of pulmonary resistance, with an increase in left-to-right shunt through a ventricular septal defect. The effectiveness of tolazoline in reducing pulmonary vascular resistance as observed by other investigators could not be corroborated in our patients. The possibility is considered that the elevated pulmonary vascular resistance associated with congenital heart disease is due to organic changes, whereas in other diseases vascular spasm may have a significant role.
Auditory evoked heart rate responses in pigtailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina) raised in isolation

Heart rate (HR) responses evoked by 1 sec of 85-dB white noise were studied in 12 1-year-old pigtailed macaques, 6 of which were raised in social isolation and 6 with mothers and peers. Tests were given for 5 days, with 25 trials each day. Although baseline HR did not differ between groups, the pattern of change from baseline was not the same. Isolates showed only HR acceleration, returning to baseline within 10-11 sec of stimulus onset. Socially reared monkeys had a 10- to 11-sec biphasic response of acceleration followed by deceleration, with subsequent return to baseline. The same group difference in HR pattern occurred when subjects were tested with a less intense 65-dB stimulus. These findings were discussed in terms of activity, emotionality, and autonomic regulatory functions. It was concluded that early rearing experiences may affect later physiological processes involving autonomic nervous system balance. This conclusion was related to observations of persistent individual differences in HR by human children classified as inhibited.
Simulating the production potential and net energy yield of maize-ethanol in the southeastern USA

Abstract The interest in producing ethanol from maize has increased during recent years. However, the potential for maize-ethanol production is restricted to the extent of the feedstock production and the feedstock collection radius around an ethanol processing plant. The harvested acreage of maize in Alabama, Florida and Georgia has varied from 115,000 ha to 1.4 million ha during the last 50 years. One basic criterion for a sustainable production of renewable bio-ethanol is a positive net energy yield (NEY), i.e. more energy must be produced than the non-renewable energy that is used in the energy production chain, including the feedstock production and transportation and the biofuel processing. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential to produce renewable energy the form of maize-ethanol in a region with typical southeastern USA maize cropping conditions. Two maize production acreages, which represent current and historical large acreages, and two feedstock collection radii of 100 and 200 km around an ethanol plant in southwest Georgia were evaluated. Maize growth and yield were simulated with the Cropping System Model (CSM)-CERES-Maize model to account for climate and soil variability. The simulations included weather data for 68 years. The potential ethanol production and NEY were calculated based on the simulated yields and energy requirements for the production. The ethanol production potential was 30–40 times greater for the large production acreage than for the small acreage. The average NEY across all simulated years was positive for all evaluated production acreages and collection radii. However, it was negative for the large production acreage under certain weather conditions. This study showed the potential to provide for an increase in renewable ethanol production from maize in the southeastern USA to meet the demand of the ethanol processing infrastructure.
Intestinal absorption of Ca-45 and Sr-85 as affected by the alkaline earths and pH.

SummaryUsing an in vivo perfusion technic the absorption of Sr-85 and Ca-45 from the small intestine of the rat was observed to be influenced by the alkaline earths and pH. Addition of calcium or beryllium to the perfusate reduced Ca-45 absorption more than Sr-85 absorption. Magnesium and barium had a greater effect on Sr-85 than on Ca-45, while strontium reduced absorption of Ca-45 and Sr-85 to the same extent. Extremes in pH tended to increase the ratio of Sr-85 to Ca-45 absorption.The technical assistance of Mrs. Joan Hess is gratefully acknowledged.
A paradox in equipment replacement under technological improvement

It is commonly assumed that an acceleration in technological improvement should result in a more rapid introduction of new technology. Under a simple technological change model of a constant factor improvement in equipment costs per period, we show that, paradoxically, the effect is to optimally delay the introduction of new technology.
Defect formation in a-Si:H.

The bulk chemical processes responsible for defect equilibria in hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) are examined. Thermodynamic analyses of the corresponding chemical reactions are shown to account quantitatively for the observed defect-state-energy distribution and dependence of the defect concentration on temperature and Fermi energy. The dependence of a-Si:H defect properties on growth conditions is addressed.
Reduction of Rayleigh Losses in a High G-Loaded Ultra Compact Combustor

There is a current need to reduce turbine engine system size and weight. An Ultra Compact Combustor (UCC) is a system that attempts to accomplish this by integrating the compressor, combustor, and turbine stages. The main feature of this system is a high gravity-loaded combustor that burns the fuel in the circumferential direction around a hybrid vane row. One consequence of this design is that the UCC needs the combustion process to complete within the vane passage. A second issue is that combining the compressor and turbine results in large flow swirl and high Mach number in the core flow. Combined, these two issues lead to the potential for high Rayleigh losses for this design. This investigation used MATLAB to develop an area ruling inside the passage that allowed the flow to slow to a reasonable Mach number during the heat release process and then accelerate to the desired turbine rotor inlet Mach once combustion has finished. Results showed that it was possible to reduce Rayleigh losses in this manner, but equilibrium between Rayleigh losses and aerodynamic losses must be met. This model was incorporated into a design of a test rig. Reductions of more than 5% in Rayleigh losses in the experimental rig are expected.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Seedling Growth and Chilling Stress Effects on Photosynthesis in Chilling-Sensitive and Chilling-Tolerant Cultivars of Zea mays

Summary Distinct differences were observed between chilling-sensitive (CS) and chilling-tolerant (CT) maize cultivars with respect to early seedling growth strategies and response to chilling at 5 °C. The CT cultivar exhibited more rapid emergence and growth rates and an earlier depletion of seed reserves. During early growth, both cultivars partitioned more biomass to their roots ( ~ 57 %) than to their leaves or stems. Following depletion of seed reserves, the CT cultivar increased its partitioning to the leaves (40 % of new biomass). Prior to short-term chilling, both cultivars had identical net photosynthetic and relative growth rates. The chilling-induced decrease in photosynthesis per unit leaf area was twice as large in the CS cultivar as in the CT cultivar. These decreases were not accompanied by changes in leaf chlorophyll content and could not be primarily attributed to stomatal limitations. Analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence suggested that photoinhibition did not occur in either cultivar and that decreased photosynthesis in the CS cultivar resulted from inhibition of the dark reactions. Stress responses were reversed within 48 h after return to control conditions in both cultivars.
Residual strain distribution in bent composite boiler tubes

Kraft recovery boilers are typically constructed of carbon steel boiler tubes clad with a corrosion resistant layer, and these composite tubes are bent and welded together to form air port panels which enable the combustion air to enter the boiler. In this paper, the through-thickness residual strain in the carbon steel layer of non-heat-treated and heat-treated composite bent tubes were measured by neutron diffraction techniques and modeled by finite element modeling. The results can be used to optimize material selection and manufacturing processes to prevent stress corrosion and corrosion fatigue cracking in the boiler tubes.
Some Principles of Postpositivistic Philosophy of Science

In recent years there has been a great deal of methodological debate among educational researchers, theoreticians, and practitioners concerning issues such as relativism raised by the so-called “new,” “Kuhnian” or “postpositivistic” philosophy of science. The intensity of this debate notwithstanding, the fundamental principles and their relations that comprise the postpositivistic view have not always been carefully spelled out. Some of the principles discussed will include (a) the problem of confirmation, (b) the underdetermination of theory by logic, (c) the underdetermination of theory by experience, (d) the Quine-Duhem thesis, (e) the theory-ladenness of experience, and (f) the incommensurability of theories. No attempt will be made to evaluate these principles. However, those who are prepared to accept all of these will be hard pressed to avoid the dangers of relativism. I will argue that these dangers, if they exist, may be lessened if not eliminated by practicing the pragmatic virtues of epistemolo...
Comparative Assessment of Structural Equation Modeling and Multiple Regression Research Methodologies: E-commerce Context

Abstract Structural equation modeling (SEM) is a powerful statistical technique that establishes measurement models and structural models. On the other hand, multiple regression (MR) is considered a sophisticated and well-developed modeling approach to data analysis with a history of more than 100 years. This paper empirically compares SEM and MR by testing a model of commitment in a B-to-C e-commerce travel context, shedding light on applications of these two popular methods in tourism research. The findings indicate that only two significant relationships are justified by MR. In comparison, SEM results reveal more statistically significant relationships after the “best-fitting” measurement model with model D being the “best-fitting” model. The findings support some key empirical limitations of MR as a widely used statistical technique in the tourism research.
Does smoking marijuana increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Marijuana is the second most commonly smoked substance worldwide after tobacco.[1][1] The constituents of marijuana smoke are qualitatively and, to a large extent, quantitatively similar to those of tobacco smoke, with the exceptions of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), found only in marijuana, and
Evidence of an association between use of anti-microbial agents in food animals and anti-microbial resistance among bacteria isolated from humans and the human health consequences of such resistance

Several lines of evidence indicate that the use of anti-microbial agents in food animals is associated with anti-microbial resistance among bacteria isolated from humans. The use of anti-microbial agents in food animals is most clearly associated with anti-microbial resistance among Salmonella and Campylobacter isolated from humans, but also appears likely among enterococci, Escherichia coli and other bacteria. Evidence is also accumulating that the anti-microbial resistance among bacteria isolated from humans could be the result of using anti-microbial agents in food animals and is leading to human health consequences. These human health consequences include: (i) infections that would not have otherwise occurred and (ii) increased frequency of treatment failures and increased severity of infection. Increased severity of infection includes longer duration of illness, increased frequency of bloodstream infections, increased hospitalization and increased mortality. Continued work and research efforts will provide more evidence to explain the connection between the use of anti-microbial agents in food animals and anti-microbial-resistant infections in humans. One particular focus, which would solidify this connection, is to understand the factors that dictate spread of resistance determinants, especially resistant genes. With continued efforts on the part of the medical, veterinary and public health community, such research may contribute to more precise guidelines on the use of anti-microbials in food animals.
Radiation therapy for prostate cancer

Objectives: To review the advances in radiation therapy for prostate cancer and the nursing care of patients with prostate cancer. Data Sources: Peer-reviewed journal articles, including research studies and review articles. Conclusions: Radiation therapy is used to cure early stage prostate cancer, control locally advanced disease, and effectively palliate symptoms of metastasis. The three forms of treatment used include external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and radiopharmaceutical treatments. Implications for Nursing Practice: Nursing care of patients receiving radiation therapy for prostate cancer includes managing the symptoms associated with the disease and treatment, educating patients and families about self-care measures, and providing support throughout the course of the disease.
13C Hyperfine Interactions in t-(13CH)x Studied by Electron Spin echoes

Abstract Electron Spin Echo (ESE) experiments have been performed on 9956 l3C-enriched trans-(CH)x. Strong modulation 1s observed In the envelope traced by the decay of the spin echoes. This modulation arises from the interaction of the paramagnetic defect with 13C nuclei. The electron-nuclear hyperfine coupling may be determined by Fourier transformation of the time domain signal. At 6K we find a maximum hyperfine coupling of 1.75 Mhz.