cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Schistosoma mansoni infection in biomphalaria glabrata: alterations in heart rate and thermal tolerance in the host.

Abstract It has been demonstrated that there is a reduction of heart rate (beats/min) in nonparasitized Biomphalaria glabrata as a function of increased shell diameter. When the heart rates of noninfected B. glabrata and those of specimens infected with larval Schistosoma mansoni are compared over a period of 8 weeks post-infection, it has been determined that there is a significant increase from the 4th week on in the latter. The influence of ambient temperatures on the heart rates of infected and noninfected B. glabrata has also been studied. It has been ascertained that, with the exception of 33°C, the heart rates of infected snails are consistently greater than those of control snails within the 23–33°C range. Infected snails demonstrate a lowered higher thermal tolerance limit than uninfected ones, with 40% dying within 5 days when maintained at 33°C. Furthermore, there is a rapid decline in their heart rates prior to death. When maintained at 28°C for 10 weeks, 75% mortality has been recorded among snails each infected with 10 miracidia, while the mortality rate during the same period among identically maintained, uninfected snails is only 40%.
Islet amyloid polypeptide in pancreatic islets from type 1 diabetic subjects

Aims/hypothesis: Islet amyloid polypeptide is originally isolated as the chief constituent of amyloid deposits in type 2 diabetic islets. Islet amyloid polypeptide hyposecretion was known in type 1 diabetics and this study aimed to detect possibly reduced islet amyloid polypeptide-positive cells in type 1 diabetic islets. Results: Non-diabetic control islets showed about 60% of islet cells were insulin cells, and 60% of insulin cells were positive for IAPP. In type 1 diabetic islets, islets were generally smaller than control islets, consisting of weaker positive cells for insulin and islet amyloid polypeptide. Medium-sized islets still retained some insulin positive cells, whereas islet amyloid polypeptide positive cells were much less or even absent, but some insulin-negative cells were weakly islet amyloid polypeptide positive. An occasional extra-large islet, representing regenerating islets, consisting of more than 100 islet cells revealed less than 35% insulin and 20% islet amyloid polypeptide posit...
The tanh method for traveling wave solutions of nonlinear equations

In this work we employ the tanh method for traveling wave solutions of nonlinear equations. The study is extended to equations that do not have tanh polynomial solutions. The efficiency of the method is demonstrated by applying it for a variety of selected equations.
Use of a modified Swan-Ganz pacing catheter for measuring Pdi and diaphragmatic EMG

Measurements of pressures across the diaphragm (P di) and diaphragmatic electromyogram (EMG) have become an integral tool to study respiratory muscle fatigue. To measureP di and diaphragmatic EMG, three balloon catheter systems have to be swallowed two of these measure esophageal and gastric pressures and the third one, usually a Swan-Ganz catheter records diaphragmatic EMG. In the present study we describe how a thermodilution Swan-Ganz pacing catheter can be very simply modified to measure bothP di and diaphragm EMG. Because only one catheter has to be swallowed, subject's acceptability improves, particularly for repeated measurements in the same subject. We have used such a catheter system for more than 18 months to study respiratory muscle fatigue in man. The measurements ofP di by the modified Swan-Ganz catheter compare well with those recorded simultaneously with conventional balloons, and in vitro frequency response measurements showed that amplitude responses differed by 2% at 2 1/2 Hz. Phase responses to the esophageal and gastric balloons were linear over the range of frequencies tested.
Presence of neuropathic pain as an underlying mechanism for pain associated with cold weather in patients with sickle cell disease

Less than 20 years after Herrick described the first case, the cold was proposed as having a role in precipitating pain in sickle cell disease. Numerous publications focus on weather changes, in particular exposure to the cold, and their association with vaso-occlusive (painful) episodes. Whereas several theories have been proposed to explain the association, a plausible hypothesis based on our current understanding of the pathophysiology of pain has not been offered. We hypothesize that the pain evoked by these weather changes are allodyinic (pain with stimulus not typically painful) and hyperalgesic (heightened pain with painful stimulus) responses due to the presence of neuropathic pain. This hypothesis represents a paradigm shift in understanding, as well as explaining at least some of the pain experience in sickle cell disease, and should be the impetus to further determine the characteristics of those patients who develop allodynia and hyperalgesia to cold weather. Whereas some researchers have suggested that those with sickle cell disease may have neuropathic pain, including a report from our own ongoing study [1], it has not been well accepted nor has it been applied in understanding pain associated with sickle cell disease. The conceptual shift and new understanding is important to develop preventive strategies, apply pain therapies new to the sickle cell population, and view pain in sickle cell disease in the context of a chronic disease.
Higher Level Thinking, Writing, and Democracy Among Community College Students

In my work on the college's Committee on Multiculturalism and Ethnic Studies, I found that much of the written work done in our community college was based on lower level cognition, requiring none of the assessment or exploration that is emblematic of critical thought in a democracy. Most of the assignments asked students simply to recite information without any demand for assessments, values, or analysis of the material. Most seemed rooted in inculcation rather than creative thought. In the workshops I conducted with colleagues, I endeavored to stress the importance of transcending the simple cookie-cutter essay, urging faculty that critical thinking and even the strength of our democracy depend on our students’ ability to use information to construct new ideas and propose provocative and original theories.
Insatiable feeding evoked in rats by recurrent perfusion of neuropeptide Y in the hypothalamus.

Abstract Hyperphagic-like intake of food was determined in the unrestrained rat during the sustained elevation over time of neuropeptide Y (NPY) within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and surrounding hypothalamic regions. A single guide tube was implanted stereotaxically in each of 22 rats for localized, intermittent perfusions of a CSF vehicle, nondeprotected NPY(1–36) or native NPY. Each site in the PVN of the fully sated rat was perfused repeatedly over a 5.0-h interval by means of a standard push-pull cannula system at a rate of 20 μl/min for 6.0 min in one of three concentrations: 0.2, 1.0 and 2.0 μg/min. Two perfusions of 1.0 μg/min NPY evoked an intake of 4.6±1.1 g of food over a 3.0-h period, whereas 4–7 and 8–15 perfusions of this concentration of NPY, distributed over 5.0 h, induced the sated rats to eat a total of 12.0±1.1 g and 33.2±3.0 g, respectively. During a fixed number of 10 hypothalamic perfusions distributed over 5.0 h, concentrations of 0.2 and 2.0 μg/min NPY caused a cumulative intake of food in the rats of 14.2±2.0 g and 31.7±3.3 g, respectively. Under each condition, parallel push-pull perfusions of either control solution in the same hypothalamic sites were without effect on feeding. During the 5.0-h interval of repeated perfusions, successive bouts of eating occurred with individual intakes of food reaching as high as 49.0 g, which exceeded by up to two-fold the entire daily consumption of food. However, ingestion of water was unaffected by perfusion of NPY. These results show that unlike the stimulating effects on feeding of other neuroactive factors, NPY creates a hunger which is not satiable as long as the level of NPY in the hypothalamus is chronically elevated over time. Further, should such an elevated level of hypothalamic NPY be maintained, the normal long-term regulation of caloric intake would be displaced, resulting in unremitting overeating and ultimate obesity.
The Role of Hispanic Public Administrators: A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis

Empirical data on the experiences of Hispanic administrators operating in governmental bureaucracies are reported in this study. Based on role-analysis methodology and representative bureaucracy th...
An exploratory investigation of purging disorder.

Abstract Objective Purging Disorder (PD) is an understudied pattern of behaviors within the Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) category. Such categorization may suggest that PD is not clinically significant as other eating disorders. However, evidence has suggested that PD is associated with significant impairments in psychosocial functioning and well-being. Despite the apparent clinical significance of PD, it remains to be determined if PD is distinct from other clinically significant eating disorders. The present study sought to assess the phenomenology, clinical significance, and distinctiveness of PD. Method Group scores on measures of eating pathology, body image disturbance, and psychological correlates were compared using MANOVA among a female undergraduate sample ( N = 94) meeting diagnostic criteria for PD ( n = 20), Bulimia Nervosa (BN; n = 35), restrained eating ( n = 18), and healthy controls ( n = 21). Results Overall, results indicated the PD group reported less severe symptoms than BN but more severe symptoms than controls. The PD and restraint groups were similar on most variables (including subjective binge behavior), with the exception of perfectionism and hunger. Discussion Findings support the conceptualization of PD as existing along a spectrum of bulimic spectrum disorders rather than as a distinct diagnostic category.
Multispectral confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope for retinal vessel oximetry

Scanning laser microscopy is a widely used technique in ophthalmoscopy for providing high-resolution real time images of the retina. We describe a scanning laser ophthalmoscope that acquires retinal images at four wavelengths for the purpose of measuring the oxygen saturation of blood in retinal arteries and veins. Images at all four wavelengths are obtained across a single video frame using a temporal interlacing technique. An extraction procedure then permits analysis of four monochromatic images. A technique for calculating oxygen saturation from a multi-spectral image set is presented, along with preliminary measurements. The choice of wavelengths dramatically affects the oxygen saturation calculation accuracy and we present an optimized wavelength set and the calculated oxygen saturation results. The potential applications for this technology range from the diagnosis of various ophthalmic diseases to the detection of blood loss in trauma victims.
Replacement of tyrosine residues by phenylalanine in cytochrome P450cam alters the formation of Cpd II-like species in reactions with artificial oxidants

Our previous rapid-scanning stopped-flow studies of the reaction of substrate-free cytochrome P450cam with peracids [Spolitak et al. (2005) J Biol Chem 280:20300–20309; (2006) J Inorg Biochem 100:2034–2044] spectrally characterized compound I [ferryl iron plus a porphyrin π-cation radical (FeIV=O/Por·+)], as well as Cpd ES (FeIV=O/Tyr·). In the present studies, we report how the substitutions in Y75F, Y96F, and Y96F/Y75F P450cam variants permit the formation of a species we attribute to Cpd II (FeIV=O) in reactions with peracids and cumene hydroperoxide. These variants produce changes in hydrogen bonding patterns and increased hydrophobicity that affect the ratio of heterolytic to homolytic pathways in reactions with cumene hydroperoxide, resulting in a shift of this ratio from 84/16 for WT to 72/28 for the Y96F/Y75F double mutant. Various ways of generating the Cpd II-like species were explored, and it was possible, especially with the more hydrophobic variants, to generate large fractions of the P450cam variants as Cpd II. The Cpd II-like species is ineffective at hydroxylating camphor, but can be readily reduced by ascorbate (as well as other peroxidase substrates) to ferric P450cam, which could then bind camphor to form the high-spin heme. The difference in the spectral properties of Cpd ES and Cpd II was rationalized as possibly being due to different states of protonation.
Whole chromosome instability resulting from the synergistic effects of pRB and p53 inactivation

Whole chromosome instability (CIN) is a common feature of cancer cells and has been linked to increased tumor evolution and metastasis. Several studies have shown that the loss of the pRB tumor suppressor causes mitotic defects and chromosome mis-segregation. pRB is inactivated in many types of cancer and this raises the possibility that the loss of pRB may be a general cause of CIN in tumors. Paradoxically, retinoblastoma tumor cells have a relatively stable karyotype and currently the circumstances in which pRB inactivation causes CIN in human cancers are unclear. Here we utilize a fluorescence in situ hybridization-based approach to score numerical heterogeneity in chromosome copy number as a readout of CIN. Using this technique, we show that high levels of CIN correlate with the combined inactivation of pRB and p53 and that this association is evident in two independent panels of cancer cell lines. Retinoblastoma cell lines characteristically retain a wild-type TP53 gene, providing an opportunity to test the relevance of this functional relationship. We show that retinoblastoma cell lines display mitotic defects similar to those seen when pRB is depleted from non-transformed cells, but that the presence of wild-type p53 suppresses the accumulation of aneuploid cells. A similar synergy between pRB and p53 inactivation was observed in HCT116 cells. These results suggest that the loss of pRB promotes segregation errors, whereas loss of p53 allows tolerance and continued proliferation of the resulting, genomically unstable cancer cells. Hence, it is the cooperative effect of inactivation of both pRB and p53 tumor suppressor pathways that promotes CIN.
Experimental modulation of medullary dental pulp units by mechanical stimulation of oro-facial fields.

Abstract Extracellular recordings were made from 97 units in trigeminal nucleus caudalis of the cat which were responsive to electrical stimulation of the canine tooth pulp. Fifty of these units were also activated by non-noxious graded mechanical stimuli applied to nondental trigeminal fields. Firing characteristics in response to mechanical stimuli were similar to those seen with electrical pulp stimuli. Suppression of a pulpal response could be effected if an electrical dental pulp stimulus was preceded by a conditioning mechanical stimulus applied to the ipsilateral face at specific interstimulus values. Similarly, unit responses to a mechanical facial stimulus could be suppressed by a preceding electrical pulp conditioning stimulus. No evidence of response enhancement was seen with either stimulus combination at interstimulus intervals of 50–800 msec. The 50 pulp-mechanical units were located along the ventromedial border of trigeminal nucleus caudalis. Neurons such as those reported here might possibly provide the neural basis for psychophysical responses which have been noted to result from the interaction of noxious and non-noxious facial stimuli.
Computational study of an improved shortest path algorithm

Shortest and/or longest path analysis is a major analytical component of quantitative models used by transportation planners. The importance of shortest path analysis in all phases of transportation planning has given rise to intensive research and software development over the last three decades for solving shortest path problems. This paper presents a new hybrid solution algorithm called THRESH, which integrates the features of label setting and label correcting algorithms, yet appears to have performance characteristics that transcend both. Preliminary computational results indicate that it is substantially more efficient than the methods determined to be best by previous studies.
Photoelectron diffraction determination of the structure of ultrathin vanadium films on Cu(001)

X-ray photoelectron diffraction (XPD) and low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) have been used to study the structural properties of V thin films on Cu(001). For room-temperature growth, submonolayer coverages result in (1x1) LEED patterns that evolve to exhibit very diffuse (2x1) structure at approximately 1 monolayer coverage. We do not observe any V forward-focusing enhancements for V films that exhibit either the (1x1) or (2x1) structure, suggesting that these structures are limited to the first 1-2 vanadium layers. At coverages above 1 monolayer, the V films display complex LEED patterns characteristic of four bcc(110) domains. This structure persists to V coverages as high as 100 ML, and the LEED and XPD angular scans suggest that V in these films retain the bulk V lattice constant. These results have important ramifications for predictions of magnetic order in vanadium thin films that typically assume pseudomorphic growth. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Does Switching to Reduced Ignition Propensity Cigarettes Alter Smoking Behavior or Exposure to Tobacco Smoke Constituents

Introduction: Since 2004, several jurisdictions have mandated that cigarettes show reduced ignition propensity (RIP) in laboratory testing. RIP cigarettes may limit fires caused by smoldering cigarettes, reducing fire-related deaths and injury. However, some evidence suggests that RIP cigarettes emit more carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and smokers may alter their smoking patterns in response to RIP cigarettes. Both of these could increase smokers’ exposures to harmful constituents in cigarettes.
Envelope Proteins of the CsmB/CsmF and CsmC/CsmD Motif Families Influence the Size, Shape, and Composition of Chlorosomes in Chlorobaculum tepidum

The chlorosome envelope of Chlorobaculum tepidum contains 10 proteins that belong to four structural motif families. A previous mutational study (N.-U. Frigaard, H. Li, K. J. Milks, and D. A. Bryant, J. Bacteriol. 186:646-653, 2004) suggested that some of these proteins might have redundant functions. Six multilocus mutants were constructed to test the effects of eliminating the proteins of the CsmC/CsmD and CsmB/CsmF motif families, and the resulting strains were characterized physiologically and biochemically. Mutants lacking all proteins of either motif family still assembled functional chlorosomes, and as measured by growth rates of the mutant strains, light harvesting was affected only at the lowest light intensities tested (9 and 32 μmol photons m−2 s−1). The size, composition, and biogenesis of the mutant chlorosomes differed from those of wild-type chlorosomes. Mutants lacking proteins of the CsmC/CsmD motif family produced smaller chlorosomes than did the wild type, and the Qy absorbance maximum for the bacteriochlorophyll c aggregates in these chlorosomes was strongly blueshifted. Conversely, the chlorosomes of mutants lacking proteins of the CsmB/CsmF motif family were larger than wild-type chlorosomes, and the Qy absorption for their bacteriochlorophyll c aggregates was redshifted. When CsmH was eliminated in addition to other proteins of either motif family, chlorosomes had smaller diameters. These data show that the chlorosome envelope proteins of the CsmB/CsmF and CsmC/CsmD families play important roles in determining chlorosome size as well as the assembly and supramolecular organization of the bacteriochlorophyll c aggregates within the chlorosome.
Evolution of the parton dihadron fragmentation functions

Quark and gluon parton dihadron fragmentation functions and their evolution are studied in the process of ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ annihilation. We provide definitions of such dihadron fragmentation functions in terms of parton matrix elements and derive the momentum sum rules and their connection to single hadron fragmentation functions. We parametrize results from the Lund Monte Carlo model JETSET as the initial conditions for the parton dihadron fragmentation functions at the scale ${Q}_{0}^{2}=2\text{ }\text{ }{\mathrm{GeV}}^{2}$. The evolution equations for the quark and gluon fragmentation functions are solved numerically and the results at different higher scales ${Q}^{2}$ agree well with JETSET results. The importance of the input from the single fragmentation functions is pointed out.
Feature selection for low error rate OCR

Abstract A scheme suitable for selection of features for OCR systems has been developed. This scheme has been successfully applied to several type fonts resulting in systems which recognize upper and lower case alphanumerics with less than one error per 10 000 processed characters. Data based on a large number of test characters is collected and formatted to provide a basis for the actual selection of features. The error rate for the resulting recognition systems is then verified. Considerable portions of this process have been automated, while retaining adequate opportunity for the OCR systems designer to control and influence the selection process.
Surface nonlinear optical spectroscopy

Abstract One of Professor Eli Burstein's latest research interests is briefly reviewed and discussed.
Anion exchange separation of tin, antimony and tellurium

Abstract Tracer quantities of tin(IV), antimony(V) and tellurium(IV) are separated on Dowex-1 anion exchange resin in 0.1 M oxalic acid. followed by 1 M sulfuric acid.
Slope of forward elastic π + p scattering from 4.4 to 6.0 GeV/c

Angular distributions for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}p$ were measured for 13 incident-pion momenta from 4.4 to 6.0 GeV/c and for $\ensuremath{-}t$ less than \ensuremath{\sim}0.1 ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$. This experiment was performed at the Zero Gradient Synchrotron of Argonne National Laboratory, where a focusing magnetic spectrometer and a scintillation-counter hodoscope were used. In fitting the angular distributions the strong-interaction contribution was parameterized by an exponential form exp($\mathrm{bt}$); the Coulomb interference was also included. The resulting values of the slope parameter for $|t|l\ensuremath{\sim}0.1$ ${(\mathrm{G}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}/\mathit{c})}^{2}$ are presented for each incident beam momentum.
Effects of fescue Festuca arundinacea and/or clover Trifolium repens debris and fescue leaf leachate on clover as modified by ozone and Rhizoctonia solani☆

Abstract Clover Trifolium repens and tall fescue Festuca arundinacea plants were exposed to ozone and inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani separately and in combination to investigate ozone / R. solani interactions on clover and tall fescue biomass, in the presence of clover and/or tall fescue debris or fescue leaf leachate. Ozone reduced biomass in clover. Rhizoctonia solani alone reduced clover biomass but the amount of this reduction was significantly greater in the presence of a single acute O 3 exposure. In the presence of multiple O 3 exposures the synergistic effect on clover biomass disappeared and the stress from R. solani was lost. The effects of O 3 and R. solani were not as pronounced on fescue as they were on clover. The debris treatments increased biomass of both clover and fescue, but the magnitude of change depended on the debris type. Leachate from fescue modified the effects of R. solani and O 3 , but debris from clover and/or fescue did not. Clover plants treated with R. solani and O 3 had less biomass than control plants when stressed by leachate from fescue, but significantly greater biomass in the presence of leachate from O 3 -treated fescue leaves.
Abstract PR8: Network modeling of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in liver cancer metastasis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer death in the world and its incidence is rising in the United States. Over 90% of cancer deaths occur due to tumor metastasis. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental process hijacked by cancer cells to leave the primary tumor site and establish distant metastases. Cells undergoing EMT lose cell-cell adhesion properties and change cell morphology in order to migrate into the blood stream. Loss of expression of E-cadherin, a cell adhesion protein, is considered the hallmark of EMT, and molecular analyses have revealed complex signaling pathways regulating E-cadherin expression. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/C-met receptor axis is a major EMT inducer and is dysregulated in 40% of HCC. TGF-beta signaling, another important EMT inducer, is dysregulated in 20% of HCC. To systematically understand signaling components that regulate HCC metastasis, we constructed an EMT network (74 nodes, 143 edges) by integrating the signaling pathways involved in developmental EMT and known dysregulations in metastatic HCC. This network was subsequently translated into a predictive, discrete, dynamic model. Using HGF and TGF-beta1 as our EMT inducers and E-cadherin expression as our EMT marker, we reveal that the EMT process, although robust, appears to be targetable through inhibition of a small subset of critical (EMT “driver”) nodes. Our model suggests the following: 1) A critical eight-node transcriptional network that is downstream of major growth signals is necessary for EMT induction. 2) Cross-talk with TGF-beta and Notch signaling pathways exists and coordinated inhibition of both pathways will inhibit HGF-induced EMT. 3) Of the 135 nodes that did not block EMT transmission (termed “passenger” nodes), when combined with other EMT “passengers,” 11 combination knockouts were able to inhibit transmission of the EMT signal. 5) Analysis of the states in the basin of attraction of the “EMT negative” steady states has revealed a critical subnetwork (a strongly connected component of the larger EMT network) for EMT transmission. Initial testing has revealed that Snail1 inhibition blocks TGF-Beta1 induced EMT. Further predictions for nodes that inhibit EMT are currently being tested with a novel in vitro EMT screen. These results reveal network modeling as an important tool for identifying critical mediators in biological processes. Furthermore, we propose network modeling as a tool for rational drug targeting of disease pathways, specifically in liver cancer metastasis. This proffered talk is also presented as Poster A12. Citation Format: Steven N. Steinway, Hien Dang, Wei Ding, Carl B. Rountree, Reka Albert. Network modeling of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in liver cancer metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chemical Systems Biology: Assembling and Interrogating Computational Models of the Cancer Cell by Chemical Perturbations; 2012 Jun 27-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(13 Suppl):Abstract nr PR8.
Experimental investigation of the utility of data structure and E-R diagrams in database query

We empirically tested several graphical forms of database documentation to determine their utility in the performance of database queries. The data structure diagram and the entiry-relationship diagram were shown to be helpful in performing queries on a relational database.
Full‐scale technology demonstration of a polyethylene encapsulation process for radioactive, hazardous, and mixed wastes

Abstract A full‐scale technology demonstration of a polyethylene encapsulation process, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Development, was held at the Environmental and Waste Technology Center at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) in September 1994 [1]. Polyethylene encapsulation has been developed and tested at BNL as an alternative solidification technology for improved treatment of low‐level radioactive (LLW), hazardous, and mixed wastes. Although originally developed for treatment of DOE‐generated wastes through waste management and environmental restoration activities, polyethylene encapsulation has application within the commercial sector. A fully equipped, production‐scale system, capable of processing over 900 kg/hr (2,000 lb/hr), has been installed at BNL. The demonstration covered all facets of the integrated processing system including pre‐treatment of aqueous wastes, precise feed metering, extrusion processing, on‐line quality control monitoring, and proce...
Polyurethanes with long fluorinated side chains

Copolymer triols were prepared from propylene oxide and glycidyl (α,α,ω-trihydrododecafluoroheptyl) ether or pentadecafluoroheptylepoxyethane. Cationic polymerization was used and block copolymers were obtained in the molecular weight range of 1,000 to 3,000. These copolymer triols were reacted with an 80/20 mixture of 2,4-/2,6-tolylene diisocyanate, giving polyurethanes with the same polymer backbone as the conventional polyurethanes based on polyoxypropylene triols and tolylene diisocyanate. It was found that these polyurethanes, containing between 0% and 45% fluorine, showed increasing adhesion to anodized aluminum with increasing urea bond content of the polymer. However, the fluorine content did not show the expected effect on adhesion. Isothermal gravimetric analysis showed that the heat stability of the fluorourethanes was lower than for conventional urethanes on a weight basis, only because the segments split off in heat degradation were heavier for the fluorourethane. This phenomenon might possibly also apply to urethanes with a fluorinated backbone. On a mole basis fluorourethanes might be as stable as nonfluorourethanes. It was also found that the thermostability, as measured by weight loss, increased with an increasing degree of crosslink density in the polymers.
Evidence for discrete-state processing in recognition memory

We provide evidence that recognition memory is mediated by a detect-or-guess mental-state model without recourse to concepts of latent-strength or multiple-memory systems. We assess performance in a two-alternative forced-choice recognition memory task with confidence ratings. The key manipulation is that sometimes participants are asked which of two new items is old, and the resulting confidence distribution is unambiguously interpreted as arising from a guessing state. The confidence ratings for other conditions are seemingly the resultant of mixing this stable guessing state with an additional stable detect state. Formal model comparison supports this observation, and an analysis of associated response times reveals a mixture signature as well.
Mosquito ribosomal protein rpL31 resembles rat rpL34: cDNA and deduced amino acid sequence.

Abstract An Aedes albopictus ribosomal protein rpL31 cDNA was sequenced, and found to encode a protein with homology to rat rpL34. The 544 bp mosquito cDNA contained an ATG start site, three in-frame termination codons, and an AATAAA polyadenylation signal. Mosquito rpL31 had a mass of 15 137 Da, a pI of 12.39 and contained 14.5% Arg and 14.5% Lys. PCR analyses with genomic DNA suggested the presence of a large intron near the 5′-end of the gene.
Topological Approaches to Search and Matching in Massive Data Sets

We begin with pervasive ultrametricity due to high dimensionality and/or spatial sparsity. How extent or degree of ultrametricity can be quantified leads us to the discussion of varied practical cases when ultrametricity can be partially or locally present in data. We show how the ultrametricity can be assessed in time series signals. An aspect of importance here is that to draw benefit from this perspective the data may need to be recoded. Such data recoding can also be powerful in proximity searching, as we will show, where the data is embedded globally and not locally in an ultrametric space.
Electropolymerization of 2-methacryloyloxy(ethyl) acetoacetate on aluminum using a novel initiation method

Electropolymerization has been used as a method to form polymers on graphite fibers and metals. Most of the previous studies have involved either the use of sulfuric acid as an initiator or direct reduction or oxidation of monomers to form the polymers. In this article, α-bromoisobutyronitrile (BrIBN) was used as a new electrochemical initiator to form polymer coatings on an aluminum cathode. The reduction of BrIBN on a glassy carbon electrode was examined using cyclic voltammetery. It was found that BrIBN could be reduced to isobutyronitrile radicals at potentials below the reduction potential of water. The reduction behavior of BrIBN was found to be similar in aqueous, semiaqueous, and nonaqueous solutions. 2-Methacryloyloxy(ethyl) acetoacetate was then electropolymerized on aluminum using the BrIBN as the initiator and lithium perchlorate as a supporting electrolyte. Defect-free coatings were formed at half-cell potentials of less than −1.20 V. The effect of various process variables on the polymerization kinetics under potentiostatic conditions is reported. The coating thickness increased with polymerization time, monomer concentration, and initiator concentration. A strong dependence of thickness on monomer concentration was observed. As expected, there was weak dependence on the initiator concentration. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 71: 1665–1675, 1999
Design, construction and performance of one-dimensional lead foil parallel plate and fan-beam collimators for gamma ray imaging

Precise manufacturing of lead foil collimators for gamma-ray imaging is critical to obtain acceptable resolution, sensitivity and uniformity. Actual fabrication poses numerous technical challenges because of the mechanical characteristics of lead foil and the requirement to maintain 50 μm tolerances or better over large areas. This paper describes the materials and techniques used to construct precision one-dimensional parallel and converging slice collimators for a full-ring SPECT imaging system. The methods devised are generally applicable in the construction of similar gamma-ray or X-ray lead foil collimators. Materials used include lead foil with 2% antimony and 0.5% tin, a machinable rigid polymethacrylimide foam and thin film adhesive. A carefully controlled fabrication process was developed to maximize the uniformity of the collimator slices. Sheets of precise thickness foam, adhesive and lead foil were precut and bonded using a heated press. A specially designed vacuum chuck was used for cutting and shaping the slices. Tolerances on foam thickness could be held to 50 μm. Finished slices were stacked together on a surface plate with precut adhesive film placed between each slice. A completed stack of finished slices was heated to bond the entire collimator. Three collimators have been constructed to date. Two are parallel plate collimators, one designed for 140 keV 99mTc gamma rays and one designed for 511 keV annihilation radiation. The third is a converging collimator with 2 : 1 magnification designed for imaging 131I. The measured uniformity and resolution are in good agreement with the design objectives and reflect the variance in the material dimensions. The uniformity varied from 5% standard deviation for the 99mTc collimator to 14% standard deviation for the 131I collimator. The intrinsic resolution varied from 8.5 mm FWHM for the 99mTc parallel collimator to 1.9 mm FWHM for the 131I collimator. The sensitivity of the 99mTc collimator is comparable to current dual head SPECT cameras with LEAP collimators, 670 cpm/μCi. The sensitivity of the 131I converging and 511 keV parallel collimators are an order of magnitude less than that of the 99mTc collimator.
Experimental and analytical determinations of the mechanical impedance response of animals to vertical vibration.

Abstract The mechanical impedance of sitting, unanesthetized rhesus monkeys and dogs is determined for vertical, sinusoidal vibration. The animals were briefly (30 sec) exposed at discrete frequencies from 2 to 30 Hz at acceleration amplitudes of 0·5 and 1·0 g . The experimental data were applied to a two-mass, single-degree-of-freedom model to determine the whole body coefficients of elasticity and damping as a function of frequency and body mass. The coefficients were obtained for each test at each frequency by requiring the impedance of the model to match that measured from the animals. A part of the model is an empirical equation defining the ratio of non-reactive to reactive animal mass as a function of vibration frequency and intensity. The impedance response of the model for the monkey and also that for the dog closely matched the experimental results throughout the 2–30 Hz range at 0·5 and also at 1·0 g .
Monte Carlo Simulations of Small Sulfuric Acid-Water Clusters †

Effective atom−atom potentials are developed for binary sulfuric acid−water clusters and applied in a Bennett Metropolis Monte Carlo calculation to determine free energy differences for small neighboring sized clusters of fixed composition at 298 K. The atom−atom pair potentials consist of Lennard-Jones short-range and Coulombic long-range terms and assume rigid SO42δ- with two unconstrained Hδ+ and rigid H2O molecules interacting via revised central force (RSL2) potentials. The potential parameters are determined from both ab initio studies and tests of the potential using the statistical mechanical formalism for binary cluster size distributions. In the potential tests, fixed composition free energy differences, δfkm,m, for [H2O]km[H2SO4]m clusters are plotted versus (km + m)-1/3, and the resulting slope and intercept (in the large cluster regime) are used to extract model dependent binary liquid surface tension and partial vapor pressures at 298 K. The potential parameters are adjusted to obtain approx...
Muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists and allosteric modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia.

Muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (mAChRs and nAChRs) are emerging as important targets for the development of novel treatments for the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Preclinical and early proof-of-concept clinical studies have provided strong evidence that activators of specific mAChR (M1 and M4) and nAChR (α7 and α2β4) subtypes are effective in animal models of antipsychotic-like activity and/or cognitive enhancement, and in the treatment of positive and cognitive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. While early attempts to develop selective mAChR and nAChR agonists provided important preliminary findings, these compounds have ultimately failed in clinical development due to a lack of true subtype selectivity and subsequent dose-limiting adverse effects. In recent years, there have been major advances in the discovery of highly selective activators for the different mAChR and nAChR subtypes with suitable properties for optimization as potential candidates for clinical trials. One novel strategy has been to identify ligands that activate a specific receptor subtype through actions at sites that are distinct from the highly conserved ACh-binding site, termed allosteric sites. These allosteric activators, both allosteric agonists and positive allosteric modulators, of mAChR and nAChR subtypes demonstrate unique mechanisms of action and high selectivity in vivo, and may provide innovative treatment strategies for schizophrenia.
Interaction of cytochrome c with cardiolipin: an infrared spectroscopic study

Abstract The interactions of cytochrome c (cyt c ) with cardiolipin, a major anionic phospholipid of mitochondrial membranes, and dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), have been compared by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The Fourier self-deconvoluted IR spectra of the lipid carbonyl groups indicate that both cyt c 3+ and c 2+ perturb and/or dehydrate the interfacial region of cardiolipin bilayers. Only a slight perturbation, if any, is observed in the interfacial region of DOPG bilayers. However, the phosphate head region of DOPG is perturbed by cyt c 3+ , which was not detected in cardiolipin. The results suggest that cytochrome c in both redox states can partially penetrate into cardiolipin but not into DOPG bilayers. The interaction of cyt c with cardiolipin and DOPG is mainly hydrophobic and electrostatic, respectively. The Fourier self-deconvoluted IR spectra in the amide I region reveal that ca. 10% of the cyt c 3+ α-helix unfolds to random coil upon binding to cardiolipin bilayers. However, only very slight secondary structural changes, if any, were detected when cyt c 3+ binds to DOPG bilayers.
Effect of spin-flip scattering on current-in-plane giant magnetoresistance

We use Boltzmann's equation to study the effect of spin-flip scattering on the current-in-plane giant magnetoresistance (GMR). When the spin-flip scattering is in the paramagnetic spacer layer, the GMR is suppressed. When the spin-flip scattering is only in the ferromagnetic layers, the GMR due to bulk-spin-scattering anisotropy is suppressed, while the GMR due to surface-spin-scattering anisotropy is selectively enhanced and can actually lead to an increase in the GMR. For spin diffusion lengths comparable to the mean free path in the ferromagnetic layers, the GMR is due almost exclusively to surface scattering.
Contractile reserve of dysfunctional myocardium after revascularization: A dobutamine stress echocardiography study

Abstract Objectives. We sought to investigate the effects of revascularization on the contractile reserve of dysfunctional myocardium. Background. The improvement in dysfunctional but viable myocardium after revascularization is frequently less than expected from the amount of contractile reserve detected on dobutamine stress echocardiography. The fate of the contractile reserve, when it does not result in an adequate contractile recovery, is unknown. Methods. Basal contraction and contractile reserve of infarct zones were assessed by dobutamine stress echocardiography in 21 postinfarction male patients before and >3 months after revascularization (30 infarct zones; mean ± SD left ventricular ejection fraction 35 ± 8%). An infarct zone wall motion score index (WMSI) was calculated. Results. Before revascularization, contractile reserve was present in 14 infarct zones (12 patients) and absent in 16 (9 patients). After revascularization, ejection fraction increased by 5 ± 4% (p Conclusions. After revascularization, contractile reserve is maintained or even increases in viable infarct zones that do not recover as expected. It may also develop in some infarct zones judged not to be viable before revascularization. This increased contractile reserve may play a role in the functional improvement of patients after revascularization.
Surface mineralogy of Martian low-albedo regions from MGS-TES data: Implications for upper crustal evolution and surface alteration

[1] Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES) data are used to derive the modal mineralogy of spectrally distinct Martian low-albedo regions and to identify spatial trends in mineralogic assemblages. Results from this work are consistent with the major results of previous spectroscopic studies: (1) Plagioclase and clinopyroxene are the dominant minerals of most southern highlands regions, (2) the northern plains exhibit the lowest pyroxene abundance within Martian low-albedo regions, and (3) the highest concentrations of high-silica phase(s) are found in the northern plains, Solis Planum and a few southern high-latitude regions. Low-albedo regions may be classified into four units on the basis of relative abundances of plagioclase, pyroxene, and high-silica phase(s). Unit distributions between ±45° latitude exhibit moderate correlation with distinct provinces (e.g., Syrtis Major, Aonium Sinus) defined by large-scale morphology, elevation, and to some extent, surface age, suggesting that the spectral and compositional differences between these units are more strongly controlled by original bedrock mineralogy than by surface-atmosphere interactions and alteration. Syrtis Major exhibits a difference in mineralogy from the surrounding highlands suggesting a differing degree of fractional crystallization, assimilation, or source region composition. Areas with thick crust near the Tharsis Plateau exhibit lower abundances of olivine and greater plagioclase/pyroxene ratios than surrounding highland terrains, suggesting that magmas in this region may have undergone increased olivine fractionation. Regions where surface alteration is more likely to be the primary control on observed spectral signatures are the high-latitude areas (>45°), where globally, surfaces dominated by high-silica phase(s) are most commonly found.
Effect of Conditioning Variables on Impeller Power in Anionic Conditioning of Phosphate Slurries

Abstract The trends that promote anionic reagent adsorption and subsequent flotation were examined in a statistically designed study in an effort to determine their effect on reagent mixing during anionic conditioning on a bench scale. The impeller power was measured during conditioning, and a statistical model was developed to correlate impeller power to the various conditioning variables examined. It was observed that the impeller power was significantly affected by the conditioning variables. A range of solids loading and agitation speeds exists in which the classical power number-Reynolds number correlation was found to hold true. The impeller power was found to be influenced by the conditioning time, indicating a time-dependent variation in rheological properties of the phosphate feed slurry. It was suggested that the impeller power drawn during conditioning was an indication of the extent of mixing of the collector with the particles, which contributes to the reagentization of the phosphate particle...
Progress towards whispering gallery mode resonator based spectroscopy in mid-infrared

We present studies of using high Q whispering gallery mode resonators in Mid-IR laser spectroscopy. Several crystalline materials have high transparency in Mid-IR wavelength region and can be made into high Q optical resonators. We report recent measurements of Q values of greater than 1x108 in the wavelength region longer than 3 μm using one of these materials, Magnesium Fluoride (MgF2). These resonators are being used for cavity ring-down measurements, optical frequency comb generation, and their applications in Mid-IR spectroscopy
The Early Years of Language, Speech, and Hearing Services in U.S. Schools

Purpose This article focuses on various aspects of the beginnings of speech therapy offerings in America’s public schools. It traces the pioneering professionals and significant milestones associated with diagnostic and therapy practices during the late 19th and early 20th century. The aim is to uncover the neglected history of public school speech therapy practices and to show how the practices of yesterday compare with those of today. Method Historical documents were analyzed to discover the key contributors and locations of the first public school speech-pathology programs. The analysis also traces the populations that were served and the professional training of the early practitioners, as well as their therapy and service delivery practices. Conclusions Between 1895 and 1921, most of the major cities in the United States had hired their first speech clinicians. Between 1921 and 1930, many cities expanded their programs and were hiring supervisors to coordinate these services. These early clinicians c...
Recurrent pyogenic granuloma with satellitosis

The development of recurrent pyogenic granulomas as multiple satellite lesions is rare and often associated with trauma or treatment of the primary lesion. At least 34 cases of such lesions after various treatment modalities have been reported, but none occurred in conjunction with laser therapy. We report a case of recurrent pyogenic granuloma with satellite lesions that developed after carbon-dioxide laser excision of a previously recurrent lesion.