cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
“The Postilion’s Horn Sounds”: A Complementarity Approach to the Phenomenology of Sound-Consciousness?

In the phenomenology of the consciousness of internal time, Edmund Husserl has frequent recourse to sound and melody as illustrations of the processes that give rise to immanent temporal objects. In Husserl’s analysis, there is a philosophically pregnant tension between the geometrical diagrams representing multiple dimensions of immanent time and his intuition that time-points might be no more than fictions leading to absurdities. In this paper, I will address this tension in order to motivate a complementarity approach to temporal objects such as sound and melody that might illuminate the phenomenology of sound-consciousness.
A calculation of thermal degradation initiated by random scission, unsteady radical concentration

Abstract Changes in molecular weight distribution and in sample volume were calculated for thermal degradation of a polymer. The thermal degradation scheme consists of random scission initiation, depropagation and disproportionation termination reactions. An unsteady radical concentration was considered. There are two parameters, normalized zip length z/x0 and radical number per initial chain length z′x0, describing the thermal degradation scheme with an unsteady radical concentration. The effects of the initial number-average molecular weight and order of the disproportionation termination reaction on changes in molecular weight, the sample volume and polydispersity are not significant as long as these two parameters have the same value for each polymer sample. Molecular weights of a degrading sample calculated from the steady state radical concentration tend to be over-estimated and sample volumes tend to be underestimated compared to those calculated with an unsteady radical concentration. The validity of approximations used in the calculation assuming a steady state radical concentration is examined by comparing with results calculated with an unsteady radical concentration for various values of the two parameters. An unrealistically large build-up of monomer radicals is found for both calculations based on the steady state and the unsteady radical concentrations. Two special treatments of monomer radicals can dissipate the build-up of monomer radicals: (1) their immediate vaporization, or (2) an enhanced rate of the termination reaction for the monomer radicals. As a guide, the model based on an unsteady radical concentration is preferred, if the value of z′x0 exceeds 0.1.
Retention of fresh orange juice flavor and aroma in an aqueous distillate from Valencia orange juice.

Freshly squeezed Valencia orange juice, distilled at low temperature and reduced pressure, yielded an aqueous distillate with the necessary balance of volatile flavor and aroma constituents to retain the fresh juice characteristics. Flavor comparisons by an experienced sensory panel determined that orange juice reconstituted by combining the aqueous distillate with the residual juice solids had significantly more fresh juice character than reconstituted commercial frozen concentrated orange juice; commercial not pasteurized single strength orange juice (SSOJ); pasteurized SSOJ, not from concentrate; canned SSOJ, from concentrate; or aseptically packed SSOJ, from concentrate. The panel also found no significant difference in fresh juice characteristics between freshly squeezed orange juice and distillate and residual solids recombined from the same juice sample. Fifty four volatile constituents were identified from the aqueous distillate of freshly squeezed orange juice.
End-product inhibition in anaerobic fermentations

Abstract The accumulation of products in a fermentation broth inhibits the growth of producer organisms and decreases the fermentor's productivity. Studies of bacterial physiology have provided new insights into the mechanisms of end-product inhibition and these may lead to reduced manufacturing costs for fermentation products such as ethanol, butanol, acetone and lactic acid.
Cytochemical observations on the development of antibody-forming cells in popliteal lymph nodes by an improved immunoperoxidase method

Precursors of cells forming antibody to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) became detectable in lymph nodes of rats and rabbits after the sensitivity and the specificity of the previously used immunocytochemical procedure were increased. The sensitivity of the method was increased by shortening the time of fixation of the tissue from 24 h to 5 h, and by exposing the antibody in the tissue section to a higher concentration of the antigen for a longer time period than previously. The specificity of the method was enhanced by inhibiting the endogenous peroxidase activity with phenylhydrazine. Five to 8 days after the injection of the antigen, many precursors of plasma cells showed the specific reaction for the antibody in the medulla of the lymph node. Most of the precursor cells were smaller than mature plasma cells and had small, eccentrically located nuclei. The smallest of the precursor cells had the appearance of lymphocytes. From 8 days to several weeks after the injection of the antigen, mature plasma cells characterized by an intense antibody reaction coexisted in the medulla with more weakly stained precursor cells. Lymphocytes, blast cells, and transitional cells containing the specific antibody appeared in germinal centers of the cortex not earlier than 2–3 weeks after the injection of the antigen. From 2–3 weeks to several months after the injection of the antigen, a considerable number of small and medium-sized lymphocytes in the diffuse cortex and in the sinuses contained the anti-HRP antibody. In some animals, a strong antibody reaction occurred in the cytoplasm of these lymphocytes. In other animals, a relatively weak reaction was observed in the perinuclear areas and on the cell surfaces. It is suggested that these lymphocytes may be “memory cells.”
What transportation modeling needs from a GIS: a conceptual framework

Both the geographic information system (GIS) and transportation modeling environments have seen continually developing analytic concepts and techniques. However, these developments have seldom resulted in the integration of GISs and transportation models. This paper explores the potential inherent in merging of these environments through a systematic investigation of the fundamental basis of integration. To do this, the traditional four step transportation modeling process is extended to include input and output steps. We then define functional components for GIS data handling — data management, manipulation, and analysis. The steps of modeling are matched against the list of GIS data handling functions within a matrix‐based framework. GIS functions that enhance a land‐use based urban transportation modeling process are then categorized. Conclusions are drawn and directions for future developments are discussed.
An assessment of instruction provided by library schools in on-line searching

Abstract The results of a survey of accredited library schools indicate that instruction provided in on-line searching is widespread and growing but that there is great diversity among library schools in terms of the goals and objectives of the instruction provided. The University of South Florida's new course, Atomated Information Sources and Services, is described.
Baryon number transport in a cosmic QCD phase transition

Abstract We investigate the transport of baryon number across phase boundaries in a putative first order cosmic QCD-phase transition. Two independent phenomenological models are employed to estimate the baryon penetrability at the phase boundary: chromoelectric flux tube models; and an analogy to baryon-baryon coalescence in nuclear physics. We find that neither one of these techniques can yield truly definitive estimates for baryon penetrability in the context of vacuum phase transitions in the early universe. Our estimates range from very small values for penetrability consistent with previous estimates, to larger values that could be consistent with maximal penetrability. We discuss the substantial uncertainties involved in any estimate of baryon penetrability at phase boundaries in the context of phenomenological models.
Expert knowledge elicitation for decision-making in home energy retrofits

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge elicitation strategy to elicit and compile home energy retrofit knowledge that can be incorporated into the development of an intelligent decision support system to help increase the uptake of home energy retrofits. Major problems accounting for low adoption rates despite well-established benefits are: lack of information or information in unsuitable and usable format for decision making by homeowners. Despite the important role of expert knowledge in developing such systems, its elicitation has been fraught with challenges. Design/methodology/approach – Using extensive literature review and a Delphi-dominated data collection technique, the relevant knowledge of 19 industry experts, selected based on previously developed determinants of expert knowledge and suitable for decision making was elicited and compiled. Boolean logic was used to model and represent such knowledge for use as an intelligent decision support system. Findings – A combinati...
Moiré-fringe interpolation and multiplication by fringe shifting

A simple technique of shifting the master grating to increase the sensitivity of moire measurements is proposed. Details of the technique are described and an application of multiplication by three of a 1000-lines/in. grating is given. It is believed that multiplication by five should be obtainable.
Blood Monocytes Consist of Two Principal Subsets with Distinct Migratory Properties

Peripheral blood monocytes are a heterogeneous population of circulating leukocytes. Using a murine adoptive transfer system to probe monocyte homing and differentiation in vivo, we identified two functional subsets among murine blood monocytes: a short-lived CX(3)CR1(lo)CCR2(+)Gr1(+) subset that is actively recruited to inflamed tissues and a CX(3)CR1(hi)CCR2(-)Gr1(-) subset characterized by CX(3)CR1-dependent recruitment to noninflamed tissues. Both subsets have the potential to differentiate into dendritic cells in vivo. The level of CX(3)CR1 expression also defines the two major human monocyte subsets, the CD14(+)CD16(-) and CD14(lo)CD16(+) monocytes, which share phenotype and homing potential with the mouse subsets. These findings raise the potential for novel therapeutic strategies in inflammatory diseases.
Molecular Analysis of Two Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinases from Maize

Two maize cDNAs were isolated and sequenced that had open reading frames with approximately 37% amino acid identity to mammalian pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases. Both maize kinase sequences contain the five domains with conserved signature residues typical of procaryotic two-component histidine kinases. Sequence comparisons identified six other highly conserved motifs that are proposed to be specific to pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases. In addition, specific Trp and Cys residues are also invariant in these sequences. The maize cDNAs are 1332 (PDK1) and 1602 (PDK2) nucleotides in length, encoding polypeptides with calculated molecular masses of 38,867 and 41,327 Da that share 77% amino acid identity. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis with oligonucleotide-specific primers revealed a differential expression pattern for the two isoforms. PDK1 and PDK2 were expressed in Escherichia coli with N-terminal His6 tags to facilitate purification. The recombinant proteins migrated at 44 and 48 kDa, respectively, during SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Anti-PDK1 antibodies immunoprecipitated 75% of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase activity from a maize mitochondrial matrix fraction, and recognized a matrix protein of 43 kDa. Recombinant PDK2, expressed as a fusion with the maltose-binding protein, inactivated kinase-depleted maize pyruvate dehydrogenase complex when incubated with MgATP, coincident with incorporation of 32P from [gamma-32P]ATP into the alpha subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase.
A ten-residue domain (Y11-A20) in the NH2-terminus modulates membrane association of annexin A7.

Abstract Annexin A7 (synexin, annexin VII) is postulated to promote membrane fusion during surfactant secretion in alveolar type II cells and catecholamine secretion in adrenal chromaffin cells. Recently, we demonstrated that the 1–29 residues in the NH2-terminus could, possibly by interaction with the COOH-terminus, influence the Ca2+-dependent membrane binding, aggregation, and fusion properties of annexin A7 (A7). In this study, we further investigated this 29-residue domain by evaluating several deletion and point mutations for membrane-associated functions of A7. In comparison to A7, the mutants lacking 1–29 residues (A7Δ1–29) or 1–21 residues (A7Δ1–21), but not those lacking 1–10 residues (A7Δ1–10) or 21–29 residues (A7Δ21–29), showed diminished membrane binding. Segmental deletion of 10–20 residues (A7Δ10–20) also decreased the protein binding to membranes. The Ca2+-dependent membrane aggregation of PLV with A7Δ1–29 was maximally diminished but less so with A7Δ10–20 or A7Δ1–21 in comparison to that with A7. However, phospholipid vesicle (PVL) aggregation was unaffected with A7Δ1–10 or A7Δ21–29. The Ca2+-dependent membrane fusion of PLV was also diminished with A7Δ10–20 and A7Δ1–29, but not with A7Δ1–10. Since the mode of annexin A7 association and function with biological membranes could be different, we also evaluated these proteins for functional changes with isolated lung lamellar bodies. In comparison to A7, the binding to lamellar bodies was diminished for A7Δ1–29 and A7Δ1–21 but not for A7Δ1–10. The Ca2+-dependent fusion of isolated lamellar bodies with PLV was also diminished with A7Δ1–29, but not with A7Δ10–20 or A7Δ1–21. Taken together, our studies suggest that the 10-residue domain (Y11–A20) in the NH2-terminus modifies the phospholipid binding and aggregation properties of annexin A7. For binding and fusion of biological membranes, the 10–29-residue domain may be required although the annexin A7 properties are primarily modulated through the Y11–A20 domain.
Double-diffusive convection due to melting

Abstract A combined numerical and experimental study is reported of melting of a vertical ice layer into an ammonium chloride-water solution inside a square cavity. The governing equations are solved utilizing an algorithm which is based on curvilinear, non-orthogonal control volumes. The numerical results are successfully validated through shadowgraph, flow visualization, temperature and concentration measurements. It is found that the melting process induces temperature and concentration gradients in the initially homogeneous liquid. Due to the double-diffusive nature of the system, this results in the development of a stable concentration stratification above a layer of strongly convecting, uncontaminated liquid. It is conclusively shown that the double-diffusive convection processes cause considerable variations in the local melting rates and the interfacial temperature and concentration distributions. The heat transfer rates at the vertical walls of the cavity and the heat conduction in the solid region strongly reflect the time evolution of the double-diffusive convection phenomena induced by the melting process.
Formation of fracture ‘lances’ in glass

Abstract The development of lance-like fracture facets in glass is quantitatively investigated. Fracture lances are produced by the superposition of tensile (mode I) and anti-plane shear (mode III) loading and are formed as a result of piecewise adjustment of the crack plane to changes in the directions of the maximum principal stress at the crack tip in a plane perpendicular to the direction of crack propagation. This mechanism is verified by the correlation between the inclination of the partial fracture surface and the orientation of the principal stress axis. For lance initiation, a minimum angle of rotation is necessary. For the type of glass used in this investigation (AR-glass), this angle is found to be 5.7 × 10−2 ± 13 per cent radians, or about 3.3°.
The structure and bonding in group IV [1.1.1]Propellanes

Abstract The structures of Group IV [1.1.1]propellanes are determined using ab initio all-electron and effective core potential methods. The bonding in these systems is examined using the theory of atoms in molecules and localized molecular orbital analysis. Singlet-triplet splittings are also calculated. Comparisons with the corresponding bicyclopentanes are made. The bonding interaction between the two bridgehead atoms decreases upon descending the group. Further, the similarities in the internuclear bridgehead region between the propellanes and bicyclopentanes increase upon descending the group.
Life History of a Pine Sawfly, Neodiprion sp., at Willits, California (Hymenoptera: Diprionidae)

Neodiprion sawflies are economic pests in pine plantations in eastern and southern United States and eastern Canada. While not a serious problem in California at the present time, they will probably become so with the advent of more intensive forest management. Little is known of the species present in California. The only specific study was that concerned with the Neodiprion abietis complex on white fir in 1952 (Struble, 1957). Miscellaneous data are available from the survey records of the Pacific Southwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Berkeley.
Determinants of Male Family-Role Performance

Three competing hypotheses are tested regarding determinants of husband's (vs. wife's) participation in 12 selected household/child-care activities. The research utilizes interview responses of husbands, although it compares responses of both husbands and wives in a proportionate stratified area-probability sample from adjacent midwestern cities. The socialization-ideology hypothesis receives the strongest, albeit modest, support of the three hypotheses. Only marginal support is found for the relative husband/wife resources hypothesis, emphasizing professional employment of wives. No support is found for the time-availability hypothesis. Implications for the further integration of work and family roles for men are considered.
Strained-layer-superlattice technology for vertical-cavity optoelectronic modulators at near-infrared wavelengths

We present recent results on vertical Fabry-Perot cavity reflectance modulators grown using strained-layer epitaxy in the (InAlGa)As material system. Using molecular-beam epitaxy, we have successfully developed devices operating at wavelengths between 1.0 and 1.3 /spl mu/m. Our approach employs a novel combination of strained and unstrained multilayers grown in a mechanically stable configuration to reach wavelengths longer than possible with lattice-matched (AlGa)As materials. The key to successful device operation is the growth of high-quality strain-relaxed buffer layers to provide an appropriate lattice constant for subsequent growth of the active device structure. For devices operating at 1.3 /spl mu/m, we use buffer compositions graded to a final mismatch to the GaAs substrates of 2.4%. We discuss the optimization of surface smoothness of these relaxed buffers with respect to composition and growth temperature. We also investigate the dependence on growth temperature of the quality of the devices' mirror stacks and superlattice active regions. An optimized modulator structure has an rms surface roughness of 8.2 nm, corresponding to a calculated degradation in specular reflectance of only 0.4%. This device, which has a one-wavelength-thick cavity region, was designed for free-space communications applications. It has a 4 : 1 contrast ratio, exhibits a 4-dB insertion loss, and operates at a 5.5-V applied bias. >
Maternal genistein exposure mimics the effects of estrogen on mammary gland development in female mouse offspring

Human and animal data indicate that a high maternal estrogen exposure during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk among daughters. This may reflect an increase in the epithelial structures that are the sites for malignant transformation, i.e., terminal end buds (TEBs), and a reduction in epithelial differentiation in the mammary gland. Some phytoestrogens, such as genistein which is a major component in soy-based foods, and zearalenone, a mycotoxin found in agricultural products, have estrogenic effects on the reproductive system, breast and brain. The present study examined whether in utero exposure to genistein or zearalenone influences mammary gland development. Pregnant mice were injected daily with i) 20 ng estradiol (E2); ii) 20 microg genistein; iii) 2 microg zearalenone; iv) 2 microg tamoxifen (TAM), a partial estrogen receptor agonist; or v) oil-vehicle between days 15 and 20 of gestation. E2, genistein, zearalenone, and tamoxifen all increased the density of TEBs in the mammary glands. Genistein reduced, and zearalenone increased, epithelial differentiation. Zearalenone also increased epithelial density, when compared with the vehicle-controls. None of the treatments had permanent effects on circulating E2 levels. Maternal exposure to E2 accelerated body weight gain, physical maturation (eyelid opening), and puberty onset (vaginal opening) in the female offspring. Genistein and tamoxifen had similar effects on puberty onset than E2. Zearalenone caused persistent cornification of the estrus smears. These findings indicate that maternal exposure to physiological doses of genistein mimics the effects of E2 on the mammary gland and reproductive systems in the offspring. Thus, our results suggest that genistein acts as an estrogen in utero, and may increase the incidence of mammary tumors if given through a pregnant mother. The estrogenic effects of zearalenone on the mammary gland, in contrast, are probably counteracted by the permanent changes in estrus cycling.
Rapid optical method for logging dust concentration versus depth in glacial ice.

We describe the design and simulated response of a dust logger consisting of a downward-pointing phototube, ∼2 m below side-directed light-emitting diodes (LEDs), attached to a cable that can lower the device down a 3-in. (7.5-cm) borehole filled with butyl acetate. LED photons that enter the ice are scattered or absorbed by dust grains, and those that reach the phototube provide a measure of dust or volcanic ash concentration at a given depth. An increased dust concentration associated with an ancient colder climate will usually result in an increase in collected light, but may decrease collected light if air bubbles are present. Centimeter-thick volcanic ash bands can also be detected. The concept is based on six years of experience with pulsed light sources used to measure optical properties of deep Antarctic ice.
Raman scattering from phonons and magnons in antiferromagnetic Fe3BO6

Abstract Raman scattering by phonons and by magnon pairs has been observed in Fe 3 BO 6 . Of the predicted 60 Raman-active modes, 39 have been identified and classified according to their symmetries. The two-magnon band shows a strong decrease in intensity with increasing temperature, and almost vanishes close to T N = 508 K. The origin of this effect is attributed to the existence of a nearly dispersionless magnon branch.
Thermodynamic critical fields in high Tc superconductivity

Using the free electron approximation, a real space mechanism of how magnetic fields of sufficient strength destroy the superconducting state is outlined. Using the resultant equation together with the molecular orbital model of superconductivity 1,2, the thermodynamic critical magnetic field is calculated and compared to experiment for type I elemental superconductors and type II superconductors, including high-T c superconductors. The expression for critical field compares favorably with an expression derived by Schrieffer.
Five‐Year Prospective Study of Risk Factors for Daily Smoking in Adolescence Among Early Nonsmokers and Experimenters1

Grade 7 nonsmokers and experimenters (N= 4,165) were compared on a wide range of risk factors for future smoking derived from four prominent theories and whether these factors predicted daily smoking at Grade 12. Early experimenters scored consistently higher than did early nonsmokers on risk factors for future smoking. Common predictors of Grade 12 daily smoking for both groups included early exposure to an important adult who smokes, being young for one's cohort, and weak academic bonds. For Grade 7 non-smokers, unique predictors of daily smoking included exposure to pro-smoking social influences (cigarette offers, sibling who smokes), early binge drinking, and being female. Unique predictors for early experimenters were less sharply delineated, although certain family factors appeared to be more important for this group. African Americans and His-panics were also less likely to progress from experimental to daily smoking. Results point to the importance of adapting prevention efforts to the special needs of early nonsmokers and experimenters.
Movement of nitrate through regolith covered karst terrane, northwest Arkansas

Abstract A quantitative approach was used to monitor movement of nitrate through a karst spring basin. The research follows nitrate along flow paths, from application as fertilizer, through the soil matrix, into the bedrock, and ultimately, as discharge from a spring. On the basis of data from analysis of soil cores and spring water samples, it was calculated that for the period of one year, 22,000 kg of nitrate as nitrogen was discharged from a spring with a drainage basin area of 43.85 km 2 . After application of animal waste as fertilizer, the nitrate leaches through the soil primarily as piston flow in the matrix, unless macropores are encountered. Cores collected from fertilized fields show that the nitrate moves at a rate of approximately 65 cm/year through the silt and clay loams. The cores also revealed the presence of nitrate maximums with depth that were associated with timing of fertilizer application. Soil sampling and spring monitoring suggest that the soil serves as a reservoir for nitrate. Nitrate as nitrogen concentrations in the soil range from 0.012 to 0.036 g/kg of soil, which would be equivalent to 11–106 mg of NO 3 –N/l water. After reaching the bedrock surface, nitrate enters the aquifer in fractures and solution-enlarged joints, eventually discharging from the spring. Spring discharge data indicate that 74% of the nitrate exits from the basin through the spring during baseflow conditions, and the remaining 26% is discharged as a result of rapid recharge associated with precipitation storm pulses. During precipitation events, overland flow and runoff moves primarily through macropores in the soil carrying mainly surface derived nitrate, and displaces little of the soil nitrate.
Effects of landscape on behavior of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in rural and urban habitats.

Abstract The black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) is a colonial, burrowing ground squirrel. Its historic range has been reduced during the past 200 years mostly due to agricultural practices and related disturbance. Currently, urbanization is one of the biggest threats to colonies of prairie dogs in eastern New Mexico. As cities expand, colonies contract and become increasingly fragmented. Impacts of broad-scale landscape factors and disturbance by humans on behavior of black-tailed prairie dogs are unknown. To address these impacts, we chose two landscapes in eastern New Mexico, urban and rural. In spring 2006 and autumn–winter 2006–2007, we randomly selected six sites within each type of landscape and conducted 20 5-min behavioral observations at each site. We compared behavioral time budgets using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Black-tailed prairie dogs spent significantly more time being vigilant and gave more warning calls in urban areas, but they spent significantly more time foraging in rural ...
Controversies in vascular dementia

The main controversies in the field of vascular dementia (VaD) include the nosological classification of this disorder, the definition of dementia, the differences between the different sets of diagnostic criteria, the concept of Binswanger disease, the role of vascular lesions in Alzheimer disease, and the results of cholinesterase trials in VaD. Vascular Cognitive Disorder (VCD) is the most current nosological classification for the global diagnostic category of cognitive impairment of vascular origin, ranging from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to vascular dementia. It includes specific disease entities such as poststroke VaD, CADASIL, Binswanger disease, and AD plus CVD. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is limited to cases of vascular MCI without dementia, by analogy with the concept of amnesic MCI, currently considered the earliest clinically diagnosable stage of Alzheimer disease (AD). The main problem of VaD stems from the currently accepted definition of dementia that requires memory loss as the sine qua non for the diagnosis. This may result in over-sampling of patients with AD worsened by stroke (AD+CVD). We have proposed an operational definition of dementia in VaD based on the presence of abnormal executive control function, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. This may increase the sensitivity and specificity of the NINDS-AIREIN criteria. In donepezil trials in VaD that excluded prestroke MCI, the placebo groups were different from those in AD without CVD, and in AD+CVD trials.
Abnormal serum porphyrin levels in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome with or without hepatitis C virus infection

Objective: To define the contributions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus infections to the development of porphyria cutanea tarda. Design: Analysis of serum porphyrin levels in a cohort of 167 subjects. Serum samples were divided into 4 groups corresponding to the status of HIV and hepatitis C virus infections: positive-positive, positive-negative, negative-positive, and negative-negative. Settings: Serum samples positive for HIV were obtained from the serum bank of an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-HIV research center, and HIV-negative samples were obtained from a regional blood center. Main Outcome Measures: Spectrofluorometric measurement of serum porphyrin levels. Results: The median values of porphyrin were 2.31 nmol/L (interquartile range [difference between the 25th and 75th percentiles]: 4.55) in the positive-positive group, 1.99 nmol/L (interquartile range: 1.63) in the positive-negative group, 1.31 nmol/L (interquartile range: 1.58) in the negative-positive group, and 1.14 nmol/L (interquartile range: 0.92) in the negative-negative group. The fluorescence emission spectra of samples with elevated porphyrin levels were identical with that reported for porphyria cutanea tarda. Elevated porphyrin levels were significantly associated with HIV infection ( P P =.03). Infection with hepatitis C virus was also associated with an elevation in porphyrin levels, although the increase was not statistically significant ( P =.16). Porphyrin levels in patients positive for HIV were not correlated with serum urea nitrogen or creatinine levels. None of the patients had symptomatic porphyria cutanea tarda. Conclusions: Factors associated with increased serum porphyrin levels included HIV infection, elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, and, to a lesser extent, hepatitis C virus infection. These findings suggest that patients with the above risk factors are potentially predisposed to the development of symptomatic porphyria cutanea tarda on further exposure to hepatotoxic agents. Arch Dermatol. 1996;132:906-910
Venous angioplasty for “CCSVI” in multiple sclerosis: Ending a therapeutic misadventure

In 1889, Charcot described the results of “suspension therapy” for tabes dorsalis and other diseases.1 The procedure entailed suspending patients from a harness attached to their chin and occiput for several minutes. The goal was to stretch the spinal cord, presumably to improve circulation. Charcot described several patients with tabes dorsalis whose symptoms improved following the treatment. However, the therapy was often painful, one patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) developed paraplegia after 2 treatments, and there were other serious side effects, including death by strangulation. Despite his initial enthusiasm for the treatment, Charcot eventually abandoned suspension therapy, displaying the wisdom to recognize a treatment that did not result in sustained benefit and carried serious risks.
Current treatment of rectal cancer: The watch-and-wait method. Are we there yet?

Abstract Surgery remains the standard treatment of rectal carcinoma, with the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiation for locally advanced rectal carcinoma significantly decreasing local recurrence rates, as well as providing tumor downstaging. In those patients who exhibit complete pathological response, the question of the benefit of surgical resection and the utility of a ‘wait-and-see' approach has been raised. However, the variability in determining a true pathological complete response, as well as the inability to accurately stage the nodes, argues against a non-operative approach. Many small series have attempted to evaluate a non-operative approach in patients considered pathological complete responders; however, these series are not well designed. In addition, adequate follow-up is limited. Thus, the inability to adequately select true pathological responders and the risk of leaving nodal disease behind outweighs the benefit of a non-operative approach. The use of an observational approach is not justified until further well-designed prospective trials are performed.
Diamond devices made of epitaxial diamond films

Abstract In order to improve the characteristics of diamond metal semiconductor field-effect transistors (MESFETs), a new structure having a non-doped layer between the gate electrode and the boron-doped layer was fabricated using selective epitaxial growth. The gate electrode was made of aluminum and the source and drain electrodes were made of tungsten. This FET was found to have a tendency toward drain current saturation at room temperature and to operate at 300°C.
Influence of D-1 receptor system on the D-2 receptor-mediated hypothermic response in mice

The hypothermia induced by apomorphine, a mixed dopamine (DA) agonist in male Swiss-Webster mice, was not blocked by the selective D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 but was completely blocked by the selective D-2 antagonists haloperidol, sulpiride and YM-09151-2. The selective D-1 agonist SKF 38393 did not elicit hypothermic response but the selective D-2 agonist quinpirole caused a marked lowering of rectal temperature. D-2 antagonists blocked this response to quinpirole. SCH 23390 enhanced and SKF 38393 attenuated the hypothermia induced by quinpirole. Ineffective doses of haloperidol and SKF 38393, when given together, completely blocked the effect of quinpirole. It was concluded that hypothermia is a D-2 receptor mediated response but modulated by the D-1 receptor system. In another series of experiments the influence of neuroleptics and antidepressants on the hypothermic effect of apomorphine and quinpirole was investigated. The hypothermic effect of a low dose (1 mg/kg) of apomorphine was blocked by the D-2 receptor antagonists, but not by classical antidepressants. However, the response to a high dose (10 mg/kg) of apomorphine was blocked by both classical antidepressants and D-2 antagonists (except haloperidol). These drugs did not show similar effect on quinpirole-induced hypothermia. It is clear that the hypothermic response, especially that of quinpirole, is not a suitable model for testing either neuroleptics or antidepressants.
Staying Afloat in an Information-Age Sea Change

Scientific and technological advances, occurring with increasing frequency, allow for exciting opportunities for multidisciplinary research but may be accompanied by unintended consequences for kinesiology. These advances require depth of knowledge in subdisciplines and place pressures on kinesiology departments to hire experts with grants in hand, ready to direct or participate in multidisciplinary research projects on our field's central topic: physical activity. However, we have already observed that large proportions of nonkinesiologists in a department can change the culture of the department, the physical activity research focus, and even the name. Alternatively, departments can use technological advances such as Web 2.0 and “wiki science” to build multidisciplinary research teams with members from other disciplines across the campus or the world.
46,XX patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Initial assignment as male, reassigned female

Six 46,XX patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) presented with genital ambiguity, five so severe that initial gender assignment was male. Once diagnosis was realized, parents were involved in evaluation and chose sex re-assignment as female. To date, these girls and their parents all indicate satisfaction with their decision for a female sex of rearing. The girls have a female gender identity with behavior characteristics known for females with CAH. Thus, while outcome is satisfactory, it is realized that for most, expression of sexual orientation and adult life adjustments have not yet occurred.
Still I Rise: Youth Caught Between the Worlds of Schools and Prisons

The US has one of the most inequitably funded school systems and the largest prison population in the industrialized world. These two factors help to construct what is known as the school to prison pipeline. The past 30 years has included punitive policies within schools and the criminal justice system that have resulted in a disproportionate number of Latino and African–American youth being suspended from school, dropping out, and/or incarcerated. In this article, the lived experiences of incarcerated youth framed by institutional policies within prisons and schools are discussed. In total, fifteen interviews with incarcerated youth who spontaneously discussed drug trafficking were analyzed using criminological theory. A key theme for many youth was how a lack of educational opportunity and success shifted their focus to attaining economic opportunities through drug trafficking. Policy implications are discussed relating to school and corrections funding along with the costs to society.
Hydrogenated amorphous silicon thin-film transistor arrays fabricated by digital lithography

A jet-printed digital-lithographic method, in place of conventional photolithography, was used to fabricate 64 /spl times/ 64 pixel (300 /spl mu/m pitch) matrix addressing thin-film transistor (TFT) arrays. The average hydrogenated amorphous silicon TFT device within an array had a threshold voltage of /spl sim/3.5 V, carrier mobility of 0.7 cm/sup 2//V/spl middot/s, subthreshold slope of 0.76 V/decade, and an on/off ratio of 10/sup 8/.
Attenuation of reperfusion injury with probucol in the heterotopic rat cardiac isograft

Abstract Background We tested the hypothesis that pretreatment with the antioxidant probucol attenuates reperfusion-induced diastolic abnormalities in the heterotopic rat cardiac isograft. Methods American Cancer Institute rats ( n = 48) were divided into 6 groups. Hearts were arrested by coronary perfusion with 3 ml 4° C University of Wisconsin solution at 60 mmHg. Eighteen donor hearts were divided into 3 groups of 6 and arrested either 1 hour after intraperitoneal injection of 3 ml oil with (Prob Tx) or without (Oil Tx) probucol (300 mg/kg) or without injection (Ctrl Tx). After a 90 minute storage period, abdominal isografting was performed with a total ischemic time of 2 hours. Following 15 minutes of blood reperfusion, donor hearts were rearrested and excised. Recipients' native hearts (NH, n = 18) were also arrested. Two additional groups with (Prob NR, n = 6) and without (Ctrl NR, n = 6) probucol pretreatment were arrested and subjected to 2 hours of ischemia without reperfusion. Postmortem LV pressure-volume curves and myocardial water content (MWC) were measured. Results At each pressure interval normalized LV volume (LVV) was significantly greater for Prob Tx than Oil Tx or Ctrl Tx. All isograft groups had significantly lower LVV at all pressure intervals and higher MWC than non-transplanted hearts. Conclusions Pretreatment with probucol attenuates reperfusion-induced decreases in LVV in the heterotopic rat heart isograft model. Probucol, which is orally active in humans, merits further study for its potential to improve myocardial protection during cardiac surgery.
Universality and diversity of the protein folding scenarios:a comprehensive analysis with the aid of a lattice model

Backgound: The role of intermediates in protein folding has been a matter of great controversy. Although it was widely believed that intermediates play a key role in minimizing the search problem associated with the Levinthal paradox, experimental evidence has been accumulating that small proteins fold fast without any detectable intermediates. Results We study the thermodynamics and kinetics of folding using a simple lattice model. Two folding sequences obtained by the design procedure exhibit different folding scenarios. The first sequence folds fast to the native state and does not exhibit any populated intermediates during folding. In contrast, the second sequence folds much slower, often being trapped in misfolded low-energy conformations. However, a small fraction of folding molecules for the second sequence fold on a fast track avoiding misfolded traps. In equilibrium at the same temperature the second sequence has a highly populated intermediate with structure similar to that of the kinetics intermediate. Conclusion Our analysis suggests that intermediates may often destabilize native conformations and derail the folding process leading it to traps. Less-optimized sequences fold via parallel pathways involving misfolded intermediates. A better designed sequence is more stable in the native state and folds fast without intermediates in a two-state process.
Minimal Effects of an Invasive Flowering Shrub on the Pollinator Community of Native Forbs

Biological invasions can strongly influence species interactions such as pollination. Most of the documented effects of exotic plant species on plant-pollinator interactions have been observational studies using single pairs of native and exotic plants, and have focused on dominant exotic plant species. We know little about how exotic plants alter interactions in entire communities of plants and pollinators, especially at low to medium invader densities. In this study, we began to address these gaps by experimentally removing the flowers of a showy invasive shrub, Rosa multiflora, and evaluating its effects on the frequency, richness, and composition of bee visitors to co-flowering native plants. We found that while R. multiflora increased plot-level richness of bee visitors to co-flowering native plant species at some sites, its presence had no significant effects on bee visitation rate, visitor richness, bee community composition, or abundance overall. In addition, we found that compared to co-flowering natives, R. multiflora was a generalist plant that primarily received visits from generalist bee species shared with native plant species. Our results suggest that exotic plants such as R. multiflora may facilitate native plant pollination in a community context by attracting a more diverse assemblage of pollinators, but have limited and idiosyncratic effects on the resident plant-pollinator network in general.
Managing search complexity in linguistic geometry

This paper is a new step in the development of linguistic geometry. This formal theory is intended to discover and generalize the inner properties of human expert heuristics, which have been successful in a certain class of complex control systems, and apply them to different systems. In this paper, we investigate heuristics extracted in the form of hierarchical networks of planning paths of autonomous agents. Employing linguistic geometry tools the dynamic hierarchy of networks is represented as a hierarchy of formal attribute languages. The main ideas of this methodology are shown in the paper on two pilot examples of the solution of complex optimization problems. The first example is a problem of strategic planning for the air combat, in which concurrent actions of four vehicles are simulated as serial interleaving moves. The second example is a problem of strategic planning for the space comb of eight autonomous vehicles (with interleaving moves) that requires generation of the search tree of the depth 25 with the branching factor 30. This is beyond the capabilities of modern and conceivable future computers (employing conventional approaches). In both examples the linguistic geometry tools showed deep and highly selective searches in comparison with conventional search algorithms. For the first example a sketch of the proof of optimality of the solution is considered.
A novel serine/proline-rich domain in combination with a transmembrane domain is required for the insertion of AtTic40 into the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts

AtTic40 is part of the chloroplastic protein import apparatus that is anchored in the inner envelope membrane by a single N-terminal transmembrane domain, and has a topology in which the bulk of the C-terminal domain is oriented toward the stroma. The targeting of AtTic40 to the inner envelope membrane involves two steps. Using an in vitro import assay, we showed that the sorting of AtTic40 requires a bipartite transit peptide, which was first cleaved by the stromal processing peptidase (SPP), thus generating a soluble AtTic40 stromal intermediate (iAtTic40). iAtTic40 was further processed by a second unknown peptidase, which generates its mature form (mAtTic40). Using deletion mutants, we identified a sequence motif N-terminal of the transmembrane domain that was essential for reinsertion of iAtTic40 into the inner envelope membrane. We have designated this region a serine/proline-rich (S/P-rich) domain and present a model describing its role in the targeting of AtTic40 to the inner envelope membrane.
Verbal learning and memory impairment in adult civilians following penetrating missile wounds

Verbal memory and learning patterns, as measured by the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), following penetrating head injury (PHI) from gunshot wounds were studied in 10 acutely injured patients (mean age 25-3 years) at a mean of 21 months post-injury. Primary impairment was found on measures of free recall of new verbal information which appeared to be related to deficits in organisational and retrieval functions: (1) the group's learning characteristics were marked by disorganization and an underutilization of active learning strategies; (2) rate of acquisition also appeared to be mildly decreased; (3) nevertheless, the PHI group did not show severe disruption in all aspects of learning and memory. In fact, the group showed a relatively intact capacity to store new information in memory.