cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dictyostelium discoideum: a Model Phagocyte and a Model for Host-Pathogen Interactions

Many of the proteins thought to play roles in phagocytic processes in higher eukaryotes have been analyzed in Dictyostelium discoideum through the use of directed deletion mutations. During phagocytosis of either nonpathogens or particles, internalization of the target by D. discoideum proceeds via a process that is very reminiscent of phagocytic uptake by macrophages. The original attempt to isolate D. discoideum phagocytosis-defective mutants that employed a selection strategy was one that was published more than 25 years ago, although the nature of the mutations isolated in this study has never been worked out. There are number of microbial pathogens discussed in this chapter, however, that are documented to interact with amoebae in the environment, making them attractive microorganisms to study with respect to D. discoideum. As described in the discussion of the interaction of Mycobacteria with amoebae, the resemblance of pathogenic mycobacterial species with common environmental isolates suggests that selection for virulence could be partially explained by acquiring resistance to killing by soil amoebae. The soil fungus Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic pathogen of humans that mainly causes disease in immunecompromised patients, such as those with a genetically defective immune system, organ transplant patients on immunosuppressive therapy, and individuals with human immunodeficiency virus infection. There are a number of surrogate hosts that have been used to simplify analysis of virulence factors of pathogens that attack mammalian hosts, most notably Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and Arabidopsis thaliana.
Control Representation in an EDA Assistant

To develop an initial understanding of complex data, one often begins with exploration. Exploratory data analysis (EDA) provides a set of statistical tools through which patterns in data may be extracted and examined in detail. The search space of EDA operations is enormous, too large to be explored directly in a data-driven manner. More abstract EDA procedures can be captured, however, by representations commonly used in AI planning systems. We describe an implemented planning representation for Aide, an automated EDA assistant, with a focus on control issues.
The 5-O-β-d-Galactofuranosyl-containing Exocellular Glycopeptide of Penicillium charlesii OCCURRENCE OF ETHANOLAMINE AND PARTIAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PEPTIDE PORTION AND THE CARBOHYDRATE-PEPTIDE LINKAGE

Abstract The major exocellular glycopeptide (peptidophosphogalactomannan) produced by Penicillium charlesii was shown to contain 30 to 32 amino acid residues, and serine and threonine accounted for approximately 15 residues. In addition, the glycopeptide was found to contain approximately 1 ethanolamine residue per molecule. Treatment of the glycopeptide with alkali resulted in an increase in absorbance at 241 nm with the concomitant release of peptide from monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and phosphogalactomannan. The number of seryl and threonyl residues decreased markedly following alkaline borohydride-PdCl2 treatment of the glycopeptide. This treatment also resulted in an increase in alanine and the appearance of α-aminobutyric acid after hydrolyzing the reaction mixture in 6 n HCl. In addition, treatment of the glycopeptide with alkaline NaB3H4 followed by hydrolyzing the phosphogalactomannan in 2 n HCl resulted in the formation of [3H]mannitol. We conclude that the phosphogalactomannan is attached to the peptide through O-glycosidic linkage of the terminal mannosyl residue to the hydroxyl group of serine or threonine.
Search for dark companions of K and M giants. Preliminary results for α Boo

Preliminary results are presented for Alpha Boo, encompassing selected measurements during the period from January 1979 to June 1984. Four groups of data are chosen, each group taken within an interval of up to 1.5 months, and examined the internal consistency of each set to look for short term trends. The radial velocity was found to be very consistent with a standard deviation of about + or - 50 m/s within time scales of hours, days, and weeks. No significant radial velocity changes over these periods were detected. This suggests that the stellar surface activity is confined to the level of uncertainty. Because of this consistency it was possible to take the means of the radial velocity measurements within each group and compare them to look for possible long term changes. Variations of the radial velocity of about 200 m/s were found over the span of a few years, significant at the 6 to 8 sigma level.
Metalloboranes: Their Relationships to Metal-Hydrocarbon Complexes and Clusters

Publisher Summary The hydridic character of boranes reflects the polarity of the B–H bond, whereas the Lewis acidity of boranes reflects the fact that boron possesses fewer valence electrons than valence orbitals. Metalloboranes have been classified both according to ligand behavior attributed to the borane via the requirements of the metal fragment or cluster behavior attributed to the entire metalloborane. A significant number of the compounds resulted from serendipitous routes, but it must be kept in mind that these “unusual” methods contain the seeds of future syntheses. This chapter compares and contrasts the metal–boron interaction in metalloboranes with the metal–carbon interaction in organometallic compounds containing hydrocarbon ligands. The key that unlocked the field of metallocarborane chemistry was the theoretical and practical recognition that a five-atom open face of a nido icosahedral carborane could bind a transition-metal fragment. An analogy between boranes and metal clusters has been drawn that allows information on the former to be used to provide a first-order picture of the behavior of the latter. Hydrocarbon metallo derivatives and the analogous metalloboranes can be considered as clusters based on skeletal electron counting rules. There are metalloboranes that can justifiably be described as metalligand complexes, and there are metalloboranes that can only usefully be described as clusters. The usefulness of metalloboranes in synthetic procedures has not been established, but there are indications that these compounds may well eventually be valued intermediates.
A Review of “Introduction to Rubrics: An Assessment Tool to Save Grading Time, Convey Effective Feedback and Promote Student Learning”

Assessing learning outcomes continues to be a focal point of discussion in higher education reform. In this age of accountability, faculty and administrators are being asked to demystify the learni...
Surface properties of autoagglutinating mesophilic aeromonads

The surface characteristics of 24 autoagglutinating (AA+) mesophilic aeromonads were investigated. One group of 16 was found to be highly related serologically by their reactive pattern against O antisera generated against three reference strains. Subsequent characterization of 11 of these isolates (group 1) indicated that they had the following properties in common: precipitation after boiling (PAB+), membership of serogroup O:11 (typing scheme of Sakazaki and Shimada), resistance to lysis by bacteriophage Aeh1, and possession of a surface layer (S layer) as determined by transmission electron microscopy. Strains not exhibiting the same serologic reactivity pattern belonged to diverse serogroups (other than O:11), were generally susceptible to lysis by Aeh1, and were S layer negative by transmission electron microscopy (group 2). Analysis of selected isolates representing both groups indicated that group 2 strains were usually more hydrophobic than group 1 isolates in several different assays; both groups, however, possessed high surface charge as determined by binding to DEAE-cellulose. Group 1 isolates were more virulent than group 2 strains tested as determined by lower 50% lethal doses for mice. On the basis of the results of the kinetics of autoagglutination in broth, relative surface hydrophobicity, uptake of Congo red, agglutination of yeast cells, and electrophoretic protein profiles of whole-cell extracts, the surface layer associated with O:11 mesophilic aeromonads appears to be distinct from that of Aeromonas salmonicida. The results suggest that a new pathogenic group of mesophilic aeromonads linked through a common AA phenotype, serogroup, and S layer cause serious infections in both humans and animals (fish).
Islamic Law States and Peaceful Resolution of Territorial Disputes

This article argues that specific characteristics of the domestic legal institutions of Islamic law states shape these states' choices of peaceful resolution methods in territorial disputes. After providing original data on the characteristics of Islamic legal structures, I systematically compare pertinent rules of international dispute resolution methods and Islamic law. I demonstrate empirically that not all Islamic law states view international settlement venues in the same way. Secular legal features, such as constitutional mentions of education, supreme court, or peaceful settlement of disputes have the power to attract these states to the most formal international venues—arbitration and adjudication. On the other hand, Islamic law states whose legal system is infused with Islamic religious precepts are attracted to less-formalized venues.
Automatic verification of finite-state concurrent systems

Logical errors in finite-state concurrent systems such as sequential circuit designs and communication protocols are an important problem for computer scientists. A research group has developed a verification method called temporal logic model checking for this class of systems. In this approach specifications are expressed in a propositional temporal logic, while circuits and protocols are modeled as state-transition systems. An efficient search procedure is used to determine automatically if a specification is satisfied by some transition system. The technique has been used to find subtle errors in a number of non-trivial examples. During the last few years, the size of the state-transition systems that can be verified by model checking techniques has increased dramatically. By representing transition relations implicitly using binary decision diagrams (BDDs), we have been able to check some examples that would have required 10/sup 20/ states with the original algorithm. Various refinements of the BDD-based techniques have pushed the state count up to 10/sup 100/. By combining model checking with various abstraction techniques, we have been able to handle even larger systems. We focus on four of the most important directions for research: use of abstraction and symmetry to achieve an even greater reduction in the size of the state-space that must be explored by this method; development of model checking techniques that can handle parameterized designs without requiring each individual instance of the design to be verified; use of partial order semantics to avoid the state explosion problem that can occur in loosely coupled systems when concurrency is modeled by interleaving; determination of appropriate models and verification techniques for circuits and protocols with real-time constraints. >
Effect of Equilibrium Relative Humidity on the Mechanical Signatures of Brittle Food Materials

Three brittle commercial bakery products (bread sticks, pretzels, and zwiebacks) were compressed after equilibration at five relative humidity levels with a computer-interfaced Universal Testing Machine. Their mechanical signatures are presented in the form of conventional force—time relationships, power spectra calculated by the fast Fourier transform, Richardson plots from which the apparent fractal dimension was calculated, and displays of the symmetrized-dot pattern (SDP) produced from the original force—time relationships. It is demonstrated that, although the original force—time relationships were irregular and irreproducible, consistent patterns and values did emerge in the transformed data. Plasticization, as a result of moisture sorption, is clearly expressed in the disappearance of the high-frequency region of the power spectrum and a drastic decrease in the magnitude of the apparent fractal dimension. The differences among the shapes of the original force—deformation curves before and after moisture sorption are also clearly evident from the SDP displays, but the sensitivity of the method needs to be established with a larger experimental data base.
Benzodiazepine receptor: heterogeneity in rabbit brain.

Abstract Binding characteristics of benzodiazepine receptors were studied with synaptosomal and microsomal membranes from rabbit brain in vitro utilizing [methyl-3H]diazepam. In synaptosomal membranes, both high and low affinity binding sites were identified with the dissociation constants (Kd) of 4.92 nM and 83.8 nM, respectively. However, only the high affinity site was identified with Kd of 3.96 nM with microsomal membranes. Benzodiazepine binding sites appear to include at least two subpopulations of receptors, one with high affinity and another with low affinity binding site.
Antifouling adaptations of marine shrimp (Decapoda: Caridea): gill cleaning mechanisms and grooming of brooded embryos

Gills in the branchial chambers of caridean shrimps, as well as the brooded embryos in females, are subject to fouling by particulate debris and epizoites. Important mechanisms for cleaning the gills are brushing of the gills by the grooming or cleaning chelipeds in some species, while in others, setae from the bases of the thoracic legs brush up among the gills during movement of the limbs (epipodsetobranch complexes). Setae of cleaning chelipeds and of epipod-setobranch complexes show similar ultrastructural adaptions for scraping gill surfaces. Ablation of the cleaning chelipeds of the shrimp Heptacarpus pictus results in severe fouling of the gills in experimentals, while those of controls remain clean. Embryos brooded by female carideans are often brushed and jostled by the grooming chelipeds. In H. pictus, removal of the cleaning chelae results in heavier microbial and sediment fouling than in controls.
Radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer: Morbidity and survival in relation to weight and age

Abstract The records of 123 patients with Stage I cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic node sampling from 1981 to 1988 were reviewed to assess the risks of surgery associated with increasing weight and age. Fifty-four patients were obese (20% or more over ideal body weight) and fourteen were elderly (age 65 or older). Previous abdominal/pelvic surgery and operative time were significantly increased in the obese patients ( P P = 0.06). Medical illnesses, transfusion rates, postoperative stay, intraoperative and postoperative complications (including wound infection and separation), long-term complications, and 5-year survival rates were not significantly different in obese and nonobese women. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, any medical illness, intraoperative complications (29% vs 3%), and postoperative ileus were significantly higher ( P
Effect of wall conductances on convective magnetohydrodynamic channel flow

The problem of convective magnetohydrodynamic channel flow in a vertical channel subjected simultaneously to an axial temperature gradient and a pressure gradient is examined when the thermal and the electrical conductance of the channel walls are arbitrary. The effects of wall conductances on the flow rate and heat transfer are found and discussed. When the vertical temperature gradient is negative, which is the case of heating from below, there exists a critical Rayleigh number at which the fluid becomes unstable. The critical Rayleigh number is also found as a function of the wall conductances.
Chimeric Switches: Cell-Fate Decisions via Microrna Dependent Regulation

Many metazoan cell-fate decisions are made via circuits involving translational regulation via microRNA's. This regulation involves in general modifications of both target mRNA stability and protein production rate. The degree of non-linearity in the "dose-response" is highly variable, and depends on the number of 3'UTR binding sites. Here, we describe a recently derived model of a specific microRNA circuit involved in the epithelial-mesecnchymal transition, of importance for both embryonic development and cancer metastasis. Our results imply that the form of the regulation allows in general for a hybrid intermediate state of the network, which we identify with cells undergoing collective motility and simultaneously exhibiting partial epithelial and mesenchynal phenotypes.
Hemocompatibility of materials used in microelectromechanical systems: platelet adhesion and morphology in vitro.

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) create an opportunity for the development of smaller, cheaper, and more precise biomedical instrumentation and devices. Little is known, however, about the hemocompatibility of the materials used to fabricate these devices. Because of the potentially harmful consequences of thrombus formation, a better understanding of blood interactions with bioMEMS materials is desirable. This study is an in vitro assessment of the hemocompatibility of silicon (Si), silicon dioxide (SiO2), silicon nitride (Si3N4), low-stress silicon nitride (Si1.0N1.1), SU-8 photoresist, and parylene thin films. A polycarbonate-based polyurethane, was used as a reference material. Experiments were carried out to detect differences in platelet adhesion or morphology after contact with these materials under static conditions. Platelet adhesion on Si, Si3N4, Si1.0N1.1, and SU-8 photoresist was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than platelet adhesion on polyurethane. Adhesion on parylene and SiO2 was not significantly different from on polyurethane (P < 0.05). The median platelet area and circularity were higher on polyurethane than all other materials. Materials that showed higher levels of platelet adhesion tended to have platelets that showed less spreading, except for SiO2, where platelets exhibited relatively low adhesion and spreading. This data suggests that Si, Si3N4, Si1.0N1.1, and SU-8 photoresist may be more reactive to platelets and therefore more thrombogenic than parylene, SiO2, and polyurethane. These results may be helpful in guiding the selection of materials for use in the development of blood-contacting microelectromechanical systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 60: 283–291, 2002; DOI 10.1002/jbm.10076
Fatty acids are rapidly delivered to and extracted from membranes by methyl-β-cyclodextrin

We performed detailed biophysical studies of transfer of long-chain fatty acids (FAs) from methyl-β-CD (MBCD) to model membranes (egg-PC vesicles) and cells and the extraction of FA from membranes by MBCD. We used i) fluorescein phosphatidylethanolamine to detect transfer of FA anions arriving in the outer membrane leaflet; ii) entrapped pH dyes to measure pH changes after FA diffusion (flip-flop) across the lipid bilayer; and iii) soluble fluorescent-labeled FA binding protein to measure the concentration of unbound FA in water. FA dissociated from MBCD, bound to the membrane, and underwent flip-flop within milliseconds. In the presence of vesicles, MBCD maintained the aqueous concentration of unbound FA at low levels comparable to those measured with albumin. In studies with cells, addition of oleic acid (OA) complexed with MBCD yielded rapid (seconds) dose-dependent OA transport into 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and HepG2 cells. MBCD extracted OA from cells and model membranes rapidly at concentrations exceeding those required for OA delivery but much lower than concentrations commonly used for extracting cholesterol. Compared with albumin, MBCD can transfer its entire FA load and is less likely to extract cell nutrients and to introduce impurities.
Spirituality in multicultural caregivers of persons with dementia.

This qualitative study examined spirituality in a multicultural group of caregivers of persons with dementia. The work was based upon earlier focus groups that centered on general outreach to African-American caregivers. While initial questions focused on caregiving experiences, service needs, and barriers to service use, caregivers spontaneously shared their experiences concerning spirituality and caregiving. In an effort to respond to these comments and embrace a more expanded outreach approach, successive focus groups specifically addressed questions about spirituality and caregiving. Using semi-structured questionnaires, three focus groups with existing community-based groups were conducted (N = 43). Four major categories emerged from the data: teachers of the faith; the role of faith in one's life; benefits of spirituality; and the caregiver, the care-receiver and the caregiving experience. These major categories were integrated into a spiritual model for the caregiver and the caregiving experience. ...
Endothelium-derived Vasoactive Factors and Regulation of the Cerebral Circulation

ABSTRACTVASOACTIVE FACTORS PRODUCED and released by endothelium exert a powerful influence on vascular tone in the cerebral circulation. Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), which has been identified as nitric oxide (NO) or an NO-containing compound, is produced under basal conditions in cere
Approximation of Transient 1D Conduction in a Finite Domain Using Parametric Fractional Derivatives

A solution to the problem of transient one-dimensional heat conduction in a finite domain is developed through the use of parametric fractional derivatives. The heat diffusion equation is rewritten as anomalous diffusion, and both analytical and numerical solutions for the evolution of the dimensionless temperature profile are obtained. For large slab thicknesses, the results using fractional order derivatives match the semi-infinite domain solution for Fourier numbers, F o ∈ [0, 1/16]. For thinner slabs, the fractional order solution matches the results obtained using the integral transform method and Green's function solution for finite domains. A correlation is obtained to display the variation of the fractional order p as a function of dimensionless time (F o ) and slab thickness (ξ) at the boundary ξ=0.
Underdevelopment in a North African Tribe: Toward a Psychology of Peripheral Social Orders

This paper reconceptualizes the “psychology of modernization” in light of the fact that many Third World societies are underdeveloping rather than developing. It draws on postcolonial research by North African social scientists and the author's ethnographic and life-narrative research in the Moroccan pre-Sahara to describe a traditional society that is not “becoming modern,” but “becoming peripheral.” In this society there is a provisional-made-permanent character of its household-based, clientelistic social relations. Three social psychological fields derive from these social relations and define the dimensions along which this society—and perhaps peripheral orders in general—differ from core, industrialized societies: the familial, the persecutory, and the defensive dimensions. These differences may obtain between core and peripheral sectors within the developed nations as well.
Measuring coaching: behavioral and skill-based managerial coaching scales

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is two-fold: to identify the reliability and content validity of two popular managerial coaching scales – the Ellinger Behavioral Scale and the Park Skills-based Scale – to determine the extent to which the construct, coaching, is more accurately measured as a behavioral construct or a skill-based construct from the perspective of the coach, and from that of his or her direct reports using a single data set. Design/methodology/approach – This research utilized survey research which tested the reliability and validity of two existing coaching scales. Analyses included correlation matrices, principle axis factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Findings – Results of this research indicate that neither scale is perfectly reliable and valid. However, given the results of the analysis, the authors recommend the Park scale for leaders and the Ellinger scale for team members. Research limitations/implications – This research indicates that investment in valid scales...
Perceived influence of different information sources on the decision-making of internal medicine house staff and faculty

To determine the extent to which different sources of information are perceived to influence common medical decisions, 10 interns, 22 senior residents and 9 faculty general internists rated the degree of influence of house staff, general internists, subspecialists, conferences, journal reading and past experience on their decisions concerning primary prevention (vaccination), secondary prevention (screening) and drug therapy. Analysis of variance of their questionnaire data supports the following conclusions: physicians at different stages of training rely on different sources of information; as physicians advance in training the influence of generalists wanes while that of subspecialists increases; subspecialists and past experience are perceived as primarily affecting therapeutic decisions; primary prevention appears least subject to influence by prevailing information sources; and the preference for reading begins early and increases as physicians advance in training. These data suggest that designing effective medical education requires considering the level of the physician's training and the nature of the medical decision.
Desorption behavior of surfactant mixtures at the alumina-water interface

The desorption behavior of cationic-nonionic surfactant mixtures, tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride (TTAC) and pentadecylethoxylated nonyl phenol (NP-15), at the alumina-water interface was studied. It has been found that while nonionic NP-15 itself does not adsorb at alumina-water interface, it will do so with cationic TTAC preadsorbed at the interface. During the desorption process, however, the presence of NP-15 in the system was discovered to cause desorption of TTAC. This is attributed to changes in equilibrium among surfactant monomers, mixed micelles, hemimicelles, and solloids upon the addition of NP-15: The cationic TTAC species at the interface is solubilized in NP-15 rich micelles in the bulk and perturb the equilibrium. This in turn is proposed to cause the desorption of NP-15 significant. The desorption behavior in the mixed surfactant system depends on the mixing ratio of surfactants in the mixtures. In nonionic NP-15 rich mixtures, negative hysteresis is observed for the desorption of both TTAC and NP-15. In cationic TTAC rich mixtures, the effect of NP-15 on the desorption of TTAC is limited and the desorption of TTAC is similar to that in single TTAC system; in this case some positive hysteresis is observed for both TTAC and NP-15.
A reexamination of the cosmological bound to the number of neutrino flavors

Abstract The predictions of the light element abundances produced primordially in the standard hot big bang cosmological model with three species of light neutrinos ( N ν =3) is consistent with current observational data. If additional species of light neutrinos exist, additional 4 He is produced primordially; consistency with observations of 4 He leads to an upper bound to N ν which depends on the neutron half-life ( τ 1 2 ), the nucleon-to-photon ratio (or, equivalently, the primordial abundances of deuterium and helium-3) and the primordial mass fraction of 4 He ( Y p ). The bounds to these quantities are reexamined and N ν ⩽4.0 is reconfirmed.
Geologic constraints on the existence and distribution of West Antarctic subglacial volcanism

[1] Strong and abundant magnetic anomalies imaged beneath the West Antarctic Ice Sheet by aerogeophysical surveys have been interpreted as evidence of widespread Late Cenozoic basaltic volcanism, perhaps even a large igneous province. Petrological and geochemical composition of subglacial sediment samples from West Antarctica supports crustal provenance and does not provide positive evidence for the existence of the proposed mafic Late Cenozoic large igneous province. The only two identified basaltic pebbles, out of a total of >500 examined pebbles, are of Mesozoic to Cambrian age. We conjecture that the subglacial large igneous province does not exist or is blanketed by an at least Miocene age sedimentary drape.
In vivo pharmacological effects of dihydro-β-erythroidine, a nicotinic antagonist, in mice

The comparative in vivo pharmacology of mecamylamine and dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DH beta E) in mice was studied. Modulation of the behavioral effects (antinociception, hypomotility, motor impairment and hypothermia) of nicotine in mice by DH beta E and mecamylamine were carried out. After SC administration, DH beta E and mecamylamine were nearly equipotent in blocking nicotine's effects except for antinociception, in which mecamylamine was clearly more potent. Intrathecal injection of DH beta E was also effective in blocking the antinociceptive effect of nicotine. In vivo interaction of DH beta E with calcium and calcium channels, involved in the central actions of nicotine, showed that intrathecal administration of DH beta E failed to reduce the antinociception induced by diverse drugs which increase intracellular calcium such as thapsigargin, (+/-)-BAYK 8644 and calcium, indicating that this antagonist does not affect calcium-dependent mechanisms involved in antinociception. On the other hand, mecamylamine blocked the antinociceptive effect of the calcium modulatory drugs, suggesting that it may be acting on calcium-dependent mechanisms involved in the intracellular signaling process. We conclude that DH beta E, a nicotinic neuromuscular antagonist, is able to block some of the central actions of nicotine after systemic and intrathecal administration. The mechanism of blockade is different from that of mecamylamine, a classical ganglionic antagonist, and may involve a direct action of DH beta E on nicotine receptor.
Conservation and Feed Value of Low-Moisture Orchardgrass Stored in Gas-Tight and Bunker Silos

Abstract The utility of gas-tight and plastic-sealed bunkers for storage of orchardgrass was directly compared in two years. Poor drying weather in Year One resulted in a filling period of eight days. Average moisture content at storage was 52%. Extended exposure in the bunker silo contributed to an unsatisfactory 72% dry matter recovery, but the sealed silo was readily adapted to the long filling period. In the second year filling occupied four days and moisture content averaged 72%. Bunker and gas-tight silo dry matter recoveries were 91 and 93%, respectively. Chemical quality and dairy cow response differences related to type of silo were minor each year. Protein digestibility by sheep was somewhat lower each year in silage from the gas-tight silo. It appeared that rapid storage is of prime importance to efficient preservation in bunker silos; hence, they may be incompatible with attaining a consistently low moisture content in forage stored during inclement weather.
Investigating the design of a nano space solar power satellite

This work explores the development of a Nano Space Solar Power Satellite (NSSPS). The NSSPS will be restricted to a maximum of 50 kg and with a linear dimension of 50×50×60 cm. This work will investigate fitting a power generation system, Microwave Wireless Power Transmission (MWPT) system, and other required satellite subsystems (communications, attitude determination and control, sensors and bus, onboard computing, guidance and navigation, and propulsion) within the aforementioned restrictions. The challenge is to design the NSSPS optimally in order to generate and transmit a meaningful amount of power for future space-to-space MWPT demonstrations.
Enhancement of Clearances by Activated Charcoal in an in Vitro Model of Peritoneal Dialysis

The use of sorbents in dialysate to increase solute clearances in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was investigated. With in vitro simulations of CAPD, the kinetics of irreversible binding of creatinine to activated charcoal were assessed. Cellulose dialyzer fibers were submerged in two liters of dialysate for 3-8 hour exchanges. Perfusate was pumped single pass through the fibers. Commercial dialy-sates with 1.5%. and 4.25% dextrose as an osmotic agent were controls. Experimental exchanges contained either large or small particles of activated charcoal. Unencapsulated and collodion encapsulated large particles were also studied. From the perfusate side, creatinine, clearance and mass transfer were determined; dialysate/perfusate ratios (D/P) of free creatinine concentrations were assessed. We found that incorporation of small unencapsulated particles of activated charcoal would double both clearance and mass transfer of creatinine. It also maintained D/P values less than 0.6 even up to 8 ...
Jeffrey C. Alexander et les dix ans du programme fort en sociologie culturelle

L’article retrace l’evolution de l’oeuvre theorique de Jeffrey C. Alexander depuis l’apparition du strong program dans la sociologie culturelle a la fin des annees 1990 jusqu’a sa transformation en cultural pragmatics aujourd’hui. L’analyse propose d’abord de voir comment Alexander promeut l’autonomie du sens et de la culture; entre autres a travers le concept de texte et une certaine reprise des traditions semantique et semiotique en sociologie. A ce propos, l’influence de Durkheim est plusieurs fois soulignee. On cherche ensuite a montrer comment le tournant performatif renforce le programme fort en venant le redoubler d’une nouvelle theorie de l’action. Les societes contemporaines sont ritual-like selon Alexander, elles ne sont plus exactement fusionnelles sans pour autant etre insignifiantes ou completement rationalisees. Dans un tel contexte, les acteurs sociaux n’ont d’autre choix que de chercher a reconnecter les elements de leurs performances : auditoire, fond culturel, mise en scene, moyen symbolique, etc. Enfin, l’article se tourne vers quelques exemples plus concrets illustrant cette logique; les performances des mouvements sociaux a l’interieur d’une societe civile binaire, d’une part, la question des traumatismes culturels, de l’autre. Ces etudes tendent a demontrer que le modele theorique de Jeffrey C. Alexander allie le culturel et le politique sans pour autant etre exactement capable de franchir le seuil d’une theorie critique.
More on “Generational Ideas” (A Rejoinder to Ian Westbury and Handel Kashope Wright)

The net outcome of a good discussion is the advancement of understanding. When Socrates asked his students far-reaching questions (such as What is virtue? or What is justice?), he knew what he was doing. He was basically finding a way to have a conversation about something meaningful. But the key to his conversations was not in identifying any certain answers (who could know what virtue is?), but in experiencing the varied responses being offered and challenged. To Socrates, the knowing was in doing the knowing. The trip, as it were, had a destination that could never be found, so it was the trip that really mattered. Christopher Phillip's (2004) wonderful Six Questions of Socrates, which puts a modern face on the Socratic dialogue, is a reminder of the gains to be had from the Socratic conversation. For those who have not read it yet, I highly recommend it. But good discussion is easier said than done, because traveling through a conversation can get bumpy and uncomfortable, and to extend the metaphor, even end in wreckage. Those of us in the curriculum field know this well because much of the curriculum dialogue over the past decade has left many of us wounded, walking away from a steaming pile of ruin.
Lightness constancy: connectionist architecture for controlling sensitivity

A simple yet biologically plausible neuronal architecture that can account for the phenomenon of lightness constancy is explored. The model uses a hierarchical structure of overlapping operators at multiple levels of resolution. All operators have receptive fields organized concentrically into two antagonistic zones of center and surround. This C/S organization allows the computing structure to adaptively adjust the thresholds without prior knowledge of the intensity distribution. The principal idea here is to have larger operators set the thresholds for smaller ones. Local and global averages are used to shift IR curves. The architecture is based on the simple principles of convergence, divergence, and inhibition. The result is a computationally robust, regular structure, which can simplify implementation in VLSI. >
Vibrational excitation in some four-center transition states.

Substitution rates for homogeneous deuterium- hydrogen exchange reactions controlled by vibrational excitation
Imaging P2X4 Receptor Lateral Mobility in Microglia: REGULATION BY CALCIUM AND p38 MAPK*

ATP-gated ionotropic P2X4 receptors are up-regulated in activated microglia and are critical for the development of neuropathic pain, a microglia-associated disorder. However, the nature of how plasma membrane P2X4 receptors are regulated in microglia is not fully understood. We used single-molecule imaging to track quantum dot-labeled P2X4 receptors to explore P2X4 receptor mobility in the processes of resting and activated microglia. We find that plasma membrane P2X4 receptor lateral mobility in resting microglial processes is largely random, consisting of mobile and slowly mobile receptors. Moreover, lateral mobility is P2X subunit- and cell-specific, increased in an ATP activation and calcium-dependent manner, and enhanced in activated microglia by the p38 MAPK pathway that selectively regulates slowly mobile receptors. Thus, our data indicate that P2X4 receptors are dynamically regulated mobile ATP sensors, sampling more of the plasma membrane in response to ATP and during the activated state of microglia that is associated with nervous system dysfunction.
A three-state Markov chain model for speech dynamics and related statistical multiplexer delay performance

Abstract The emergence of the Integrated Services Digital Networks has prompted extensive studies of Statistical Multiplexers, whose performance is measured in terms of queueing delay. In this paper, we present a method for the determination of the queue length probability density function in a Statistical Multiplexer. The model that we use for the description of the speech dynamics is a three-state Markov chain with two different types of silence , yielding exponentially distributed active periods and hyper-exponentially distributed silence periods. We consider both the case where the traffic is constituted of voice packets only and that where we are in the presence of a mixed voice/data traffic. In the latter case, we give two methods of computation for different service models, considering both exponentially distributed and deterministic service times. Numerical results are presented finally that show the importance of the use of a three-state Markov chain model for the description of the speech dynamics rather than that of a too simple two-state Markov chain. We also give numerical results that compare the behaviors of the queue for different values of the capacity of the output link and for different values of the data load.
Photomorphogenesis in Sinningia speciosa, cv. Queen Victoria II. Stem Elongation: Interaction of a Phytochrome Controlled Process and a Red-requiring, Energy Dependent Reaction.

When Sinningia plants were grown with fluorescent light of photosynthetic intensity for 8 hours each day, stems became abnormally elongated when the P(FR) level was lowered by far red light given during the last half of several consecutive nights. However, plants were even taller if the source also emitted red light. Elongation was independent of the red/far red energy ratio if it was lower than one, but dependent upon irradiance at all values tested.Elongation of plants irradiated by a well filtered far red source was presumed to be limited by a shortage of respiratory substrate. Enhancement by radiation shorter than 700 mmu was attributed to promotion of processes leading to increased substrate supply. Protochlorophyllide was regarded as the primary photoreceptor. Its photoreduction promoted chlorophyll synthesis which, in turn, increased photosynthetic capacity and thus substrate supply.
Delayed neurotoxicity from long-term low-level topical administration of leptophos to the comb of hens

Abstract The production of delayed neurotoxicity in hens following percutaneous administration of leptophos [O-(4-bromo-2,5-dichlorophenyl) O-methyl phenylphosphonothioate] has been investigated. By applying a solution of the insecticide in acetone to the comb, seven groups of three laying hens were given daily a single percutaneous dose of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 mg/kg of leptophos for 183–323 days. All hens given 0.5–20 mg/kg developed ataxia. The group of hens given a daily dose of 0.1 mg/kg of leptophos showed no abnormalities in gait or behavior. The severity of the clinical condition depended on the size of the daily applied dose. The “latent period” and “total administered dose” before onset of ataxia depended on the daily topically applied dose. The most consistent histopathological changes were degeneration of myelin and axons in spinal cords of intoxicated birds. The severity of change was greatest in hens receiving the highest doses. While plasma cholinesterase was inhibited in all treated birds, plasma acid phosphatase activity was significantly increased. The present investigation shows that long-term low-dose applicaton of leptophos to the comb produced delayed neurotoxicity in hens similar to that reported for the oral administration of this compound.
Tutor evaluation of problem‐based learning in behavioral sciences courses

To date, the formal evaluation of problem‐based learning (PBL) has relied more heavily on student opinions than on faculty opinions. The present study was designed to help correct this imbalance by surveying the faculty and students of three social and behavioral sciences courses that included case‐based PBL segments. Respondents rated the experimental PBL segments in comparison with the regular‐course discussion‐group sessions. The numerical ratings and qualitative comments suggested that the faculty and students were significantly positive about the PBL segments in comparison with those parts of the course that were taught by more traditional methods and that this was because the PBL format increased student motivation and helped focus discussions. The data further suggested that the faculty and student ratings tended to parallel each other and that the faculty, compared to the students, were significantly more positive about the PBL segments. Both the ratings and the qualitative comments suggested that...
The inhibitory effect of alkylureas and alkylamides on the gelation of hemoglobin S.

Abstract Analysis of the inhibition of gelation of deoxyhemoglobin S by the alkylureas and alkylamides, based on multiple equilibria formulation of the interactions of the inhibiting reagent and protein, is described and applied to minimum gelling concentration and saturation-solubility measurements in the presence of these inhibitors. Our principal expression which describes the influence of a given inhibiting reagent on the hemoglobin activity at the critical gelling concentration, (a) D = (a) W exp (N′K B [D] has been used to predict the parameters expected of a given inhibitor, and also to provide information concerning the nature and the number of amino acids at the areas of contact of the hemoglobin tetramers that form the microtubular fibers of the gel phase of deoxyhemoglobin S. In this expression N′ represents the effective number of amino acid sites per hemoglobin tetramer or the pregelation unit that enters the gelation reaction, K B is the interaction constant characterizing the interaction between the average amino acid and the inhibiting reagent, and [D] is the concentration of the inhibiting reagent. The analysis of our data includes correction for non-ideality. Our calculated gelling concentrations and saturation-solubilities are in good accord with the experimental data obtained with the various alkylureas and amides of increasing hydrophobicity or hydrocarbon content, demonstrating the utility of such analysis for the rational design of pharmacologically significant new reagents. In this regard it is to be noted that the interaction parameter, K B , used to predict the effectiveness of a given reagent is evaluated by assuming additivity of the group values of the chemical constituents of the reagent. Analysis of our data obtained as a function of concentration of several ureas (ethyl-, propyl-, butyl-, and n- pentylurea) gave N′ estimates in the neighborhood of 80–100, suggesting that a substantial fraction of the surface groups of hemoglobin must be removed from contact with solvent in the course of the polymerization reaction that leads to the formation hemoglobin S gels.
Matric Potential of Several Plant Tissues and Biocolloids

The pressure membrane apparatus was used to study the matric potential (imbibition pressure or moisture tension) of plant tissues and of several organic colloidal preparations.The moisture release curves of aqueous 2% agar, 12% gelatin, and filter paper were smooth parabolic curves between matric potentials of -0.1 and -15 bars. When logarithms of the matric potentials were plotted against logarithms of the moisture content, the data yielded straight lines for agar and filter paper.Slices of fresh tissue lost little water after 2 days in the apparatus at maximum pressure of 15 bars. Osmotic forces in conjunction with cell membranes are able to retain moisture against pressure of this magnitude. After the cells were disrupted by freezing and thawing, up to 90% of the original moisture was removed by a 15 bar pressure, with lesser amounts removed at lower pressures. The results gave a parabolic relationship, and straight lines could be fitted to log-log plots of data from potato tuber and young asparagus stem slices. Sections from the tips of asparagus stems held less moisture at all matric potentials than more basal sections.The method permits the study of the matric potential of tissues independently of the osmotic potential. As measured, however, the matric potential is a composite of matric potentials of colloidal substances in the protoplasm and cell walls after disruption of cells by freezing and mixing of the contents. The value is therefore only an approximation of the matric potentials occurring in the living tissues.
Neurosurgical invasive techniques for cancer pain: A pain specialist’s view

Neurosurgical techniques for management of cancer pain can be divided into two categories: reconstructive and ablative. For patients with pain from spinal metastatic disease, the newer surgical methods of anterior decompression and stabilization provide reliable pain control while preventing serious neurologic progression. Minimally invasive techniques for vertebral stabilization, such as vertebroplasty, may also effectively relieve pain from spinal metastases associated with low morbidity. Traditionally, stereotactic and functional neurosurgical techniques have been used to produce selective lesions in neuroanatomic pathways that mediate pain. Improvements in pharmacologic therapy, including treatment with intraspinal opioids, have led to a marked reduction in the use of ablative stereotactic methods. Nevertheless, cordotomy and certain other selectively destructive procedures still have a role in the management of patients with unremitting cancer pain. Technological developments in methods of lesion production could lead to the increased use of these methods.