cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computers in psychology: A survey of instructional applications

This paper describes the results of a survey of psychology department chairpersons and faculty concerning the use of instructional computing in undergraduate instruction. The survey summarizes characteristics of departments and faculty, past and future change in instructional computing, current instructional computing activities, and perceived needs for future development in this rapidly changing area.
The conversion of sedigraph size distributions to equivalent sub-sieve screen size distributions

Abstract In many industrial applications a major part of the data on size distributions uses screening to define size, whereas an important part of the size distribution information is determined using sub-sieve size analysis. It is necessary to have an accurate method of converting one type of data to the other. A technique is presented for conversion of Sedigraph size distribution data to equivalent screen size. The technique consists of first characterizing the material by determining the Sedigraph size distribution on a sample of the powder carefully wet-screened to lie between 270 and 400 mesh (53−38 μm) and fitting the data by a log-normal or log-logistic distribution function to give μ and σ or μ and λ values characteristic of the material. The Sedigraph size distribution of a sample of less than 400 mesh powder screened from the total sample can then be converted to an equivalent screen size distribution by a back-calculation technique, using the characteristic parameters of the material in a constrained search program. The technique is illustrated by application to data taken around an industrial grinding mill.
Accurate variational calculations of the ground 2Po(1s22s22p) and excited 2S(1s22s2p2) and 2Po(1s22s23p) states of singly ionized carbon atom.

In this article we report accurate nonrelativistic variational calculations of the ground and two excited states of C+ ion. We employ extended and well optimized basis sets of all-electron explicitly correlated Gaussians to represent the wave functions of the states. The optimization of the basis functions is performed with a procedure employing the analytic gradient of the energy with respect to the nonlinear parameters of the Gaussians. The calculations explicitly include the effects due to the finite nuclear mass. The calculated transition energies between the three states are compared to the experimentally derived values. Finally, we present expectation values of some small positive and negative powers of the interparticle distances and contact densities.
TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTIONS IN CATS FROM PARANÁ, BRAZIL: SEROPREVALENCE, TISSUE DISTRIBUTION, AND BIOLOGIC AND GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF ISOLATES

Cats are important in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii because they are the only hosts that can excrete environmentally resistant oocysts. The prevalence of T. gondii was determined in 58 domestic cats from 51 homes from Santa Isabel do Ivai, Parana State, Brazil where a water-associated outbreak of acute toxoplasmosis had occurred in humans. Antibodies to T. gondii were found with the modified agglutination test in 49 of 58 (84.4%) cats at a serum dilution of 1:20. Tissues (brain, heart, and skeletal muscle) of 54 of these cats were bioassayed in T. gondii–free, laboratory-reared cats; T. gondii oocysts were excreted by 33 cats that were fed feline tissues. Brains from these 54 cats were bioassayed in mice; T. gondii was isolated from 7. Skeletal muscles and hearts of 15 cats were also bioassayed in mice; T. gondii was isolated from skeletal muscles of 9 and hearts of 13. The results indicate that T. gondii localizes in muscle tissue more than the brains of cats. In total there were 37 T. gondii iso...
Red-based cumulus.

Observations and model simulations of cumulus clouds whose bases are tinted red when the Sun is well above the horizon are presented. Conditions for seeing red bases include (1) a red underlying surface (which may consist of dust clouds, as from haboobs) with high albedo, (2) small fractional cloud cover when the Sun is far enough below the zenith for direct sunlight to illuminate much of the surface directly below and around cloud base, (3) optically thick clouds so that the bases are dark, and (4) clouds with bases that are near enough to the observer to appear high in the sky so that the admixture of scattered light from the intervening atmosphere is minimized.
Improved membrane separations by selective chelation of metal ions in aqueous feeds

Abstract The addition of chelating agents to mixed divalent metal ions feeds significantly affects the transport of these ions through cellulosic and aromatic polyamide membranes. Depending upon the details of feed stoichiometry and pH, chelation can retard metal transport, improve the selectivity of multi-component metal separations or facilitate transport for dialytic separations. Membrane transport results are explained in terms of the inherent stabilities and physicochemical parameters of the metal-ligands. Electroneutrality criteria also contribute to the observed transport of metal ions in the presence of organic chelating agents.
Interfirm Relational Strategies and Innovation: the Role of Interfirm Relational Traits and Firm Resources

Building on relational and resource-based perspectives, this article investigates the indirect effect of interfirm relational strategies (relational proclivity and capability) on firm platform innovation, through their association with key interfirm relational traits (information flows and relational embeddedness). Given differences in firm usage and deployment of resources, the authors examine the moderating effects of two firm-level strategic levers critical to the innovation process: marketing intensity and R&D intensity. The test of this conceptual model uses primary and secondary data from 237 firms operating in high-tech industries. The results indicate that relational proclivity and capability positively influence interfirm relationship traits of information flows and relational embeddedness. These traits then have profound effects on firm platform innovation. In terms of moderation, the authors demonstrate that marketing intensity improves the ability of relational embeddedness to enhance platform innovation, whereas R&D intensity improves the ability of information flows to enhance platform innovation. The authors conclude with implications for marketing theory and practice.
Dissociation of remote bonds by overtone excitation: a model study of heavy-atom blocking

Abstract We present a classical-mechanical study of model systems which allow the rupture of a weak bond subsequent to excitation of overtones in remote parts of the molecule. Our models are the linear chains HCCCX and HCMCX, where M is a heavy atom and the CX bond is weak. The ensuing mode-specificities and nonstatistical behavior are strongly affected by the presence of a heavy-atom blocker.
BEHAVIOR OF THE PURPLE SHORE CRAB HEMIGRAPSUS NUDUS DANA, 1851

ABSTRACT Laboratory and field studies of Hemigrapsus nudus reveal that both sexes perform at least 15 social and 12 maintenance behaviors. Social behaviors are used during defense of food, space, and mates. These aggressive interactions usually begin after contact. Aggression in the laboratory is more variable and involves more contact than confrontations in the field. Pairs of equal-sized H. nudus behave more aggressively than pairs of unequal-sized crabs. Males display more behavior resulting in contact than females. Resident crabs defend their space against invasion by nonresident crabs. Nonresidents leave the site of an encounter more frequently than residents.
Electronic structure of alkaline-earth selenides.

The electronic band structures of MgSe, CaSe, and SrSe have been calculated by the Hartree-Fock method with correlation corrections included. Our results are compared to optical data on these rocksalt-structure insulators predicting that CaSe is a direct-gap material while both MgSe and SrSe are indirect-gap materials.
Myocardial ischemic memory imaging with molecular echocardiography

Background— Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome in patients presenting with chest discomfort is a challenge. Because acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion is associated with endothelial upregulation of leukocyte adhesion molecules, which persist even after ischemia has resolved, we hypothesized that microbubbles designed to adhere to endothelial selectins would permit echocardiographic identification of recently ischemic myocardium. Methods and Results— Lipid microbubbles (diameter, 3.3±1.7 μm) were synthesized. The selectin ligand sialyl Lewisx was conjugated to the microbubble surface (MBsLex). Control bubbles (MBCTL) bore surface Lewisx or sialyl Lewisc. Intravital microscopy of mouse cremaster muscle was performed after intravenous injection of MBsLex (n=11) or MBCTL (n=9) with or without prior intrascrotal tumor necrosis factor–α. There was greater adhesion of MBsLex to inflamed versus noninflamed endothelium (P=0.0081). Rats (n=12) underwent 15 minutes of anterior descending coronary artery occlusion...
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Clonidine for Smoking Cessation in a Primary Care Setting

Clonidine hydrochloride has been reported to reduce tobacco withdrawal symptoms and facilitate smoking cessation. We enrolled 185 subjects, 92 receiving clonidine and 93 receiving placebo, in a randomized, double-blind study of clonidine for smoking cessation in a primary care setting. Clonidine had no demonstrable effect on withdrawal (8 of 11 measures favoring placebo). At 4 weeks, 17 (18%) subjects receiving clonidine had quit compared with 13 (14%) receiving placebo (χ 2 = 0.7; 90% confidence interval of benefit from clonidine, —4% to 13%). At 4 weeks, the mean number of cigarettes smoked was 17.7 for those receiving clonidine and 17.5 for those receiving placebo ( t =0.1; 90% confidence interval of benefit from clonidine, —4.1 to 3.7 cigarettes per day). These results provide little support for a beneficial effect of clonidine on tobacco withdrawal symptoms, quitting, or smoking reduction in a primary care setting. ( JAMA . 1989;262:3011-3013)
The risk of child abuse in infants and toddlers with lower extremity injuries

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the risk of child abuse in children younger than 18 months admitted to a pediatric trauma service with lower extremity injuries. Methods An Institutional Review Board–approved retrospective case series of children admitted to a regional pediatric trauma center with lower extremity injuries from 1998 to 2002 (n = 5497) was performed. Factors analyzed included age, injuries, and injury mechanism. Results Among 5497 trauma patients, the incidence of abuse was 104 (2%) of 4942 children 18 months or older and 175(32%) of 555 children younger than 18 months (odds ratio [OR], 21.4 ± 2.9, P P P Conclusions Among children 18 months or older, abuse is an uncommon cause of lower extremity trauma. In children younger than 18 months, lower extremity injuries, particularly fractures, are highly associated with child abuse. Clinicians must thoroughly investigate lower extremity injuries in this age group.
Protozoal Diseases of Nonhuman Primates

Although protozoal infections in nonhuman primates are common, they generally cause only subclinical disease. Most of the protozoa and especially the enterics can be found in asymptomatic animals, and it is difficult to attribute disease to them even if found in sick animals. However, the potential for zoonotic and epizootic spread is significant and should be considered when handling nonhuman primates. The clinical infections in nonhuman primates most likely to require therapy are amebiasis and balantidiasis. Many other protozoal diseases, for a variety of reasons, have little clinical significance in nonhuman primates, although the clinician should be aware of them. These diseases include trypanosomiasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, prioplasmosis, giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, hepatocystosis, sarcocystosis, babesiosis, coccidiosis, troglodytella infection, and encephalitozoonosis. Good sanitation and common sense will limit to prevent zoonotic transmission or epizoonotic spread of protozoal infections. Therapy for these infections is generally palliative but medications that work well in humans or other animals are usually satisfactory for use in nonhuman primates.
APPLICATION OF THE COMPATIBILITY THEORY AND THE SOLUBILITY PARAMETER THEORY IN SBS MODIFICATION ASPHALT

ABSTRACT The effect of different base asphalts on the styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) modification had been studied in this paper and the solubility parameter theory was used to predict its modification effect. The results showed that the compatibility between the base asphalt rich in aromatics and SBS was good. The closer the polarity of the two substances, the smaller the difference of their solubility parameter, the more easily they are miscible. Therefore, the solubility parameter between the modifier SBS and the base asphalt can be used to evaluate their compatibility. To find a suitable blender (or stabilizer) based on the solubility parameter model is one of the best methods to reduce the difference of the solubility parameter between SBS and the base asphalt and decreased the isolation of SBS in the polymer–asphalt mixture.
Role perceptions: Variations by sex and roles

A Role Perception Scale utilizing a combined projective-objective methodology was developed to assess female and male perceptions of each of three single roles — work, marriage, and parent — and two combined roles — work-marriage and work-parent. Research participants were 134 college students, 88 females and 46 males. Factor analysis of the objective scale, the only part to be scored, resulted in two major orthogonal factors labeled role engagement and competition factors. Sex and role differences for each factor were analyzed using 2×5 split block analysis of variance design with repeated measures. On three out of the five single and combined roles women perceived more engagement than men. In general males perceived roles as more competitive. These sex differences and patterns identified in within-sex analyses across roles are discussed.
On the use of geometric or arithmetic mean frequency in quantum rrk theory

Abstract We discuss the applicability of the s -fold degenerate oscillator model of Kassel to real molecules, which necessarily have a spread in their vibrational frequencies.
Cell biology: Beneficial lessons from viruses.

To thwart the antimicrobial responses of their hosts, pathogens have evolved diverse mechanisms, including autophagy. Knowledge of such mechanisms has now led to a pro-autophagy peptide that may be of therapeutic value. See Article p.201 Autophagy is an essential degradation pathway that eliminates damaged proteins and organelles in cells and also protects against infection by diverse pathogens, including viruses. In this study, Beth Levine and colleagues construct a cell-permeable peptide, Tat-beclin 1, derived from part of an essential autophagy protein called beclin 1. This peptide is a potent inducer of autophagy in mammalian cells and in vivo in mice, and was effective in the clearance of several viruses including chikungunya virus, West Nile virus and HIV-1. The Tat-beclin 1 peptide binds to the Golgi-associated plant pathogenesis-related protein 1 (GAPR-1), which functions as a negative regulator of autophagy. These results suggest that this beclin 1-derived autophagy-inducing peptide has potential for the prevention and treatment of a broad range of human diseases.
The approach to constrained equations

Abstract We consider the singular perturbation of a constrained equation in three dimensions with a two-dimensional “slow” manifold, to a three-dimensional differential system with two time scales. Via a general methodology involving a reduction to one-dimensional maps, we obtain numerically a growth law which describes the transition quantitatively.
Comparing decay rates for accurate and false memories in the DRM paradigm.

Although previous studies have consistently reported different forgetting rates for true and false memory when tested with recall, studies comparing the rates of decay for true and false recognition have reported inconsistent results. The present study attempted to clarify this inconsistency by comparing forgetting rates for true and false recognition in addition to addressing methodological differences among the previous studies. Recognition of list items and critical lures was assessed at six delays (2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 min, and 2 days). A comparison of power function slopes across item type provided evidence of slope differences such that false recognition decayed more quickly than true recognition, which is inconsistent with predictions from activation/ source-monitoring and fuzzy trace theories.
The reading assistant: eye gaze triggered auditory prompting for reading remediation

We have developed a system for remedial reading instruction that uses visually controlled auditory prompting to help the user with recognition and pronunciation of words. Our underlying hypothesis is that the relatively unobtrusive assistance rendered by such a system will be more effective than previous computer aided approaches. We present a description of the design and implementation of our system and discuss a controlled study that we undertook to evaluate the usability of the Reading Assistant.
Important roles of natural history in ecology

Natural history information is important for deciding the appropriateness of apparently proven theore­ tical models in particular cases, for interpreting controlled field experiments, for determining the ecological impor­ tance of individual species and the invasive potential of introduced species, for ground­truthing the extrinsic vari­ ables of ecological theory to evolutionary processes, for resolving unwarranted controversies into appropriate in­ terpretations for different species, and for more effective and reliable management of resources. Manuscripts with natural history information are commonly devalued by reviewers of journals for functional and applied ecology, although they are still the foundation of journals for re­ gional and evolutionary ecology. Gordon Orians conclud­ ed in 1962 that both functional ecology and evolu tionary ecology are valid and useful, and it would be a mistake to construct ecological theory exclusively on either.
Improving Public Health Preparedness: Strengthening Biosurveillance Systems for Enhanced Situational Awareness

The North Carolina Institute for Public Health, in collaboration with CDC and the Public Health Informatics Institute, developed a set of core requirements for the development and maintenance of electronic biosurveillance systems to achieve situational awareness. The three-stage research process included a literature review, interviews with key informants in the biosurveillance field, and a multi-day workshop attended by surveillance experts across the United States Best practices, innovations, and lessons learned were leveraged to identify the minimum capabilities of effective biosurveillance systems, with the goal of achieving preparedness for natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or hazards during mass gatherings.
Need for Cognition and Affective Orientation as Predictors of Sales Performance: An Investigation of Main and Interaction Effects

Two constructs—need for cognition (NFC) and affective orientation (AO)—might be helpful in explaining and ultimately predicting two measures of sales performance: a self-rated behavioral measure and an objective sales measure. Specifically, we hypothesize (1) a positive relationship between NFC and sales performance; (2) a positive relationship between AO and sales performance; and (3) a positive interaction effect between NFC and AO on sales performance. The results of this study revealed both NFC and AO correlated with self-rated behavioral performance but only NFC correlated with both performance measures; suggesting that need for cognition may be the more influential of the two for sales organizations concerned with selling behaviors as well as sales outcomes. The hypothesized interaction effect was not supported.
Prevalence and Predictors of Surveillance Cameras in Law Enforcement: The Importance of Stakeholders and Community Factors

Using data from more than 2,500 law enforcement agencies, the goal of this study was to identify predictors of advanced surveillance technologies. The findings suggest that the adoption of modern surveillance cameras is neither uniform nor comprehensive and that the adoption process is ongoing with agency officials implementing and discontinuing technologies over time. Most important, stakeholders both inside and outside the organization have the greatest influence on the adoption process, and cameras in vehicles and mobile devices are most prevalent in improvised communities. As cameras become smaller and less expensive, they have the potential to democratize surveillance and equalize the relationship between the police and the public during encounters. However, the democratization effect will only occur if implementation is widespread and all segments of the community have an equal voice in the process. The research findings suggest that significant progress still needs to be made in these areas.
Behavioral Assessment of Drug Addiction: Strategies and Issues in Research and Treatment

Techniques employed in the behavioral assessment of drug addiction are critically reviewed. While preliminary investigations suggest the utility of behavior therapy with this problem, results shoul...
Vision with a scanning laser display: comparison of flicker sensitivity to a CRT

Abstract Laser scanning displays allow for large depth-of-focus, reduced optical aberrations, and high luminance. However, scanned laser light images have no phosphor persistence. Psychophysical tests with a 3-color laser display showed that flicker thresholds were nearly equal with a laser display relative to the CRT when both were matched in luminance, resolution, frame rate, and similar chromaticity. The threshold ratio was 1.14 (range 0.7–1.6). Differences in flicker sensitivity between displays were significantly related to the absolute energy at the cornea irrespective of the subjective luminance match. Flicker sensitivity was not enhanced by a laser scanning display without image persistence.
The United States national volcanic ash operations plan for aviation

Volcanic-ash clouds are a known hazard to aviation, requiring that aircraft be warned away from ash-contaminated airspace. The exposure of aviation to potential hazards from volcanoes in the United States is significant. In support of existing interagency operations to detect and track volcanic-ash clouds, the United States has prepared a National Volcanic Ash Operations Plan for Aviation to strengthen the warning process in its airspace. The US National Plan documents the responsibilities, communication protocols, and prescribed hazard messages of the Federal Aviation Administration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Geological Survey, and Air Force Weather Agency. The plan introduces a new message format, a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation, to provide clear, concise information about volcanic activity, including precursory unrest, to air-traffic controllers (for use in Notices to Airmen) and other aviation users. The plan is online at http://www.ofcm.gov/p35-nvaopa/pdf/FCM-P35-2007-NVAOPA.pdf. While the plan provides general operational practices, it remains the responsibility of the federal agencies involved to implement the described procedures through orders, directives, etc. Since the plan mirrors global guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organization, it also provides an example that could be adapted by other countries.
Optical diffusion tomography of the exercising human forearm

Using a time-domain optical diffusion tomography system, we have reconstructed axial images of the human forearm during exercise. The regions of muscle activation in the optical images correspond anatomically with those in T2-weighted MRI.
The metastasis-promoting roles of tumor-associated immune cells

Tumor metastasis is driven not only by the accumulation of intrinsic alterations in malignant cells, but also by the interactions of cancer cells with various stromal cell components of the tumor microenvironment. In particular, inflammation and infiltration of the tumor tissue by host immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells, have been shown to support tumor growth in addition to invasion and metastasis. Each step of tumor development, from initiation through metastatic spread, is promoted by communication between tumor and immune cells via the secretion of cytokines, growth factors, and proteases that remodel the tumor microenvironment. Invasion and metastasis require neovascularization, breakdown of the basement membrane, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix for tumor cell invasion and extravasation into the blood and lymphatic vessels. The subsequent dissemination of tumor cells to distant organ sites necessitates a treacherous journey through the vasculature, which is fostered by close association with platelets and macrophages. Additionally, the establishment of the pre-metastatic niche and specific metastasis organ tropism is fostered by neutrophils and bone marrow-derived hematopoietic immune progenitor cells and other inflammatory cytokines derived from tumor and immune cells, which alter the local environment of the tissue to promote adhesion of circulating tumor cells. This review focuses on the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells recruited to the tumor microenvironment and examines the factors allowing these cells to promote each stage of metastasis.
KPC-Toolbox: best recipes toward automatization of workload fitting

We present the KPC-Toolbox, a set of MATLAB scripts for fitting workload traces into Markovian Arrival Processes (MAPs) in an automatic way. Given that the MAP parameterization space can be very large, we focus on first determining the order of the smallest MAP that can fit the trace well using the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Having determined the order of the target MAP, the KPC-Toolbox automatically derives a MAP that captures accurately the moments and temporal dependence of the trace. We present experiments showing the effectiveness of the KPC-Toolbox in fitting traces that are well-documented in the literature as very challenging ones to fit.
Improving Wetland Policy Through Amelioration of Adverse Effects on Local Economies

An input-output model was used to estimate changes in expenditure and income flows due to restoring drained wetlands in North Dakota. Results indicate a payment in addition to the amount paid to the landowner may be necessary to make local economies as well off after restoration as before.
Dynamic Fault Diagnosis of Combinational and Sequential Circuits on Reconfigurable Hardware

This article describes an emulation-based method for locating stuck-at faults in combinational and synchronous sequential circuits. The method is based on automatically designing a circuit which implements a closest-match fault location algorithm specialized for the circuit under diagnosis (CUD). This method allows designers to perform dynamic fault location of stuck-at faults in large circuits, and eliminates the need for large storage required by a software-based fault dictionary. In fact, the approach is a pure hardware solution to fault diagnosis. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method in terms of hardware resources and diagnosis time by experimenting with ISCAS85 and ISCAS89 circuits. The emulation-based diagnosis method speeds up the diagnosis process by an order of magnitude compared to the software-based fault diagnosis. This speed-up is important, especially, when the on-line diagnosis of safety---critical systems is of concern.
Caliper Effect on Borehole Coupling

The mechanism of low-frequency Borehole Coupling from the literature is here applied to a borehole of non-uniform radius. It is noted that in addition to the pressure signal in a fluid-filled borehole coincident with the passage of an external plane compressional wave, there are waves created at any change in radius which arrive later as coherent noise. This is illustrated first with a single step-change in radius. An example using the caliper log from an oil well shows that these delayed waves create a noise train of substantial amplitude relative to the direct compressional wave. It is pointed out that a down-hole pressure source will radiate a noise train due to caliper changes which will follow the direct compressional wave with exactly the same waveform as that encountered in Borehole Coupling.
Rigid Internal Fixation of the Sternum in Postoperative Mediastinitis

Objective: The current standard treatment of mediastinitis following median sternotomy is radical sternal debridement and obliteration of anterior mediastinal dead space with muscle or omental flaps. This report describes and reviews our experiences with a new technique of sternal salvage based on osseous quantitative bacteriologic assessment and rigid fixation in patents with postoperative mediastinitis. Design: A retrospective review of 29 patients treated with sternal rigid internal fixation. Setting: Two tertiary care academic medical centers in Chicago, Ill, and Ann Arbor, Mich. Patients: Patients with postoperative mediastinitis following median sternotomy who underwent rigid internal fixation of retained sternum. Intervention: Following debridement, quantitative bacteriologic assessment and sternal vascularity were assessed. Sternal segments with good vascularity and in bacteriologic balance were anatomically reduced and rigidly fixed to each other with titanium miniplates in 24 patients with postoperative mediastinitis. Five of the 29 patients, at high risk for mediastinitis, underwent rigid internal fixation immediately after their cardiac procedure. Main Outcome Measures: Resolution of infection, wounds remaining closed, and stable sternums. Results: Bony union was obtained in 27 (93%) of 29 patients. The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 5 to 84 days, with a mean stay of 17 days and a median stay of 7 days. Length of stay was directly related to pulmonary function, which correlated with preoperative intubation status. Conclusions: Radical sternal debridement may not be necessary in all patients with postoperative mediastinitis following median sternotomy. Sternal salvage can safely and reliably be performed with a combination of clinical assessment of vascularity and osseous quantitative bacteriologic assessment. Anatomic reduction of the viable sternal segments is possible even in severely osteoporotic bone. (Arch Surg. 1994;129:489-493)
Requirements for molting of the crochet epidermis of the tobacco hornworm larva in vivo and in vitro

In the tobacco hornworm,Manduca sexta, the epidermis which underlies the larval crochets is the first tissue to become independent of the prothoracic glands (PG) in a larval molt. In each successive larval molt, crochet forming cells increase in size, form hooks at their distal ends and, finally, secrete cuticle. This paper examines the endocrine requirements for competence to molt and describes parallel cultures in vivo and in vitro to define the hormonal control of crochet molting. When implanted into a fourth instar host larva prior to initiation of the last larval molt, competent crochet epidermis molted, forming crochets synchronously with its host. In the fourth instar, competence to form crochets is attained slowly during the first two days following ecdysis from the third instar. During the feeding phase of the fifth (last) instar, the crochet epidermis remains competent to molt (to form an extra “sixth instar” set of crochets) until the larva attains a weight of about 4.5 gm. Then, concurrent with the decline in the titer of juvenile hormone (JH) in the hemolymph, competence to form crochets declines. A similar loss of competence did not occur when fourth instar crochet epidermis was exposed to a declining JH titer by culture in either fourth instar isolated abdomens for 72 h or in fifth instar host larvae between 4 and 7 gm. Responses of crochet epidermis cultured in vitro also were examined. Competent fourth instar crochet epidermis formed crochets following 3–6 h exposure to ecdysone in vitro. Six ×10−7M β-ecdysone was required for 50% response, whereas a 10–50-fold higher concentration of α-ecdysone was necessary. Although formation of morphologically complete crochets in vitro proceeded with similar time course to that in situ, no molt-induced growth occurred in vitro. When crochet epidermis was exposed to ecdysone in vitro immediately after explantation, exogenous JH was not required for molting. But when tissue was first cultured for 72 h without hormones, subsequent molting in vitro could not be elicited, although molting still could occur when the tissue subsequently was implanted into a fourth instar host. Exposure to corpora allata or to JH during the 72 h of culture in vivo partially prevented the loss in capacity to respond to ecdysone in vitro, suggesting that JH may be one factor involved directly or indirectly in maintenance of tissue responsiveness.
Detection of clonal T-cell receptor gamma gene rearrangements using fluorescent-based PCR and automated high-resolution capillary electrophoresis.

Background: Analysis of T-cell receptor γ (TCRγ) gene rearrangements by PCR is a powerful tool for detecting clonal T-cell populations for the diagnosis of lymphoid neoplasms. We report a method for TCRγ PCR analysis using capillary electrophoresis (CE).
Targeting EGFR and sonic hedgehog pathways for locally advanced eyelid and periocular carcinomas

For patients with metastatic or locally advanced eyelid and periocular carcinoma not amenable to surgical excision, targeted therapies have shown efficacy with better tolerability compared to cytotoxic chemotherapy. Overexpression of epithelial growth factor receptor was found in squamous cell carcinomas. Vismodegib targets the mutation in the hedgehog pathway identified in basal cell carcinoma and basal cell nevus syndrome. Targeted therapies provide a novel and potentially effective treatment alternative for patients with eyelid carcinoma not amendable for surgery, including those with metastatic, locally advanced disease, advanced age, and significant comorbidities. High cost, need for long-term treatment, and toxicity are relative limitations.
Optimization of wind field retrieval procedures

We study the formulation of the problem to retrieve wind fields from radar data. Our formulation allows us to consider the retrieved wind fields as a function of radar locations. We examine the properties of this function with the objective of determining ''best'' locations for observations. Problems are then posed to determine radar locations to minimize certain criteria involving retrieval errors over a class of test wind fields. A numerical study is presented illustrating the theory developed.
Kinetics and temperature dependence of exposure of endocytosed material to proteolytic enzymes and low pH: evidence for a maturation model for the formation of lysosomes.

The temperature dependence of acidification of internalized dextran by Swiss 3T3 cells was determined using dual fluorescence flow cytometry. Essentially no acidification was observed at 11°C; acidification was limited to pH 6–6.5 at temperatures between 13°C and 17°C. In contrast, a rapid drop to pH 6–6.5 followed by acidification to pH 5–5.5 was observed at temperatures above 19°C. These results confirm the biphasic nature of the acidification process (J. Cell Biol. (1984) 98:1757–1762). The timing of exposure of material internalized by fluid-phase endocytosis to lysosomal enzymes was determined for Swiss 3T3 cells by using a fluorogenic substrate specific for Cathepsin B. Hydrolysis of the substrate, as measured by both fluorometry and flow cytometry, began within minutes of its addition to cells at 37°C, and was inhibited by coincubation with leupeptin, a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme, or by weak bases, which raise the pH of acidic compartments. At temperatures between 13° and 21°C, the rate of hydrolysis was reduced to 31–44% of that at 37°C. Thus, in contrast to previous reports, exposure of endocytosed material to at least one lysosomal enzyme is not inhibited below 20°C; the reduction in hydrolysis rate may be explained by the temperature effects on the efficiency of the enzyme. The results for acidification and proteolysis are consistent with, but do not prove, a maturation model for the formation of lysosomes. We suggest that at lower temperatures, part of the maturation involving recycling and/or concentration of the contents of the endosome is inhibited. This causes the endosome to remain as a mildly acidic, low-density organelle containing lysosomal enzymes.
Theoretical analysis of resonance Raman scattering in ethylene

Abstract Recently observed resonance Raman spectra of ethylene, generated by excitation in the region of the valence and first Rydberg transitions, are analyzed theoretically. The analysis is based on model calculations involving three modes: CC stretching (ν 2 ), CH 2 scissoring (ν 3 ) and torsion (ν 4 ). Explicit results are reported for resonance with the first Rydberg transition for which an improved torsional potential is derived from available absorption spectra. The contribution due to resonance with the valence state, for which no experimental potentials are available, is estimated on the basis of model calculations for a 90° twist reported earlier. The activity of the fundamentals, overtones and combination tones of ν 2 and ν 3 can be accounted for if normal coordinate rotation between these modes is included. The Franck—Condon principle applied to torsional potentials explains the observed activity of even-quantum overtones of ν 4 . In addition, we show that the fundamental and odd-quantum overtones of ν 4 can be induced by vibronic coupling of the valence state with the second Rydberg state. Such Raman bands are actually observed but were incorrectly attributed to hot bands. Vibronic coupling between the valence state and the first Rydberg state can induce the ν 8 fundamental, corresponding to the CH 2 pyramidalization. A resonance Raman band, previously assigned to a hot-band transition, is reassigned to the ν 8 fundamental.
The Insulin-sensitizers Troglitazone And Rosiglitazone Alter Lipid Bilayer Properties

Thiazolidinediones are widely used to treat hyperglycemia in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Three thiazolinediones - troglitazone (Resulin), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and pioglitazone (Actos) - have been marketed; troglitazone was subsequently withdrawn due to hepatotoxicity. The thiazolidinediones are selective peroxizome-proliferator receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonists and they increase insulin sensitivity. They also have been found to have anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and cardiovascular effects, but PPARγ activation alone does not account for all their actions. All three derivatives, with troglitazone being the most potent, modulate L-type calcium and delayed-rectifier potassium Kv1.3 channels by a seemingly PPARγ-independent mechanism. This could result from the adsorption of amphiphilic molecules to the membrane, which can alter bilayer properties such as thickness, intrinsic curvature and elastic moduli, and thus membrane protein function. We therefore set out to determine whether the amphiphilic troglitazone and rosiglitazone alter lipid bilayer properties. Using gramicidin channels as probes, where we monitor the changes in channel lifetime and rate of appearance, we tested and compared the effects of troglitazone and rosiglitazone on channels of different lengths in DOPC bilayers. Troglitazone or rosiglitazone did not alter gramicidin channel conductances, suggesting that direct interactions are not involved. In contrast, the lifetimes of both channels increased with similar relative changes for both the shorter and the longer channels. Consistent with their effects on calcium and potassium channels troglitazone is more potent than rosiglitazone. Our results show that both troglitazone and rosiglitazone affect bulk membrane properties at the concentrations where they modulate other ion channels.
The influence of hydration on the conformation of lysozyme studied by solid‐state 13C‐nmr spectroscopy

13C proton decoupled cross-polarization magic-angle spinning nmr spectra of lysozyme are reported as a function of hydration. Increases in hydration level enhance the resolution of the spectra, particularly in the aliphatic region, but has no significant effect on either the rotating frame proton spin–lattice relaxation time or the cross-relaxation time. The enhancement in spectral resolution with hydration is attributed to a decrease in the distribution of isotropic chemical shifts, which reflects a decrease in the distribution of conformational states sampled by the protein. Changes in the distribution of isotropic chemical shifts occur after the addition of water to the charged groups as coverage of the polar side chains and peptide groups takes place. The onset of this behavior occurs at a hydration level of about, 0.1–0.2 g water/g protein and is largely complete at about 0.3 g water/g protein, the same hydration range where changes in the heat capacity are observed. That hydrogen exchange of buried protons can occur at hydration levels significantly lower than those at which changes in the distribution of conformational states are first observed suggests that some motions that mediate exchange are already present in the dry protein. The preservation of efficient dipolar coupling indicates that the conformational rearrangements that do-occur on hydration are small and do not involve any significant overall expansion of free volume or weakening of interactions that would increase the reorientational freedom of protein groups. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transfer of Krull Dimension, Lying-Over, and Going-Down to the Fixed Ring

Let G be a group acting via ring automorphisms on a commutative unital ring R. If Spec(R) has no infinite antichains and either R a domain or G finitely generated, then R G ⊆ R has the lying-over property. If R is semiquasilocal and dim(R) = 0, then dim(R G ) = 0. If 1 ≤ d ≤ ∞, new examples are given such that d = dim(R) ≠ dim(R G ) < ∞. If G is locally finite on R, then R G ⊆ R satisfies universally going-down. Consequently, if G is locally finite, the S-domain, strong S-domain and universally strong S-domain properties descend from R to R G . If R is a domain, then G is locally finite on R ⇔ R is integral over R G . One cannot delete the “domain” hypothesis.
Lack of dextromethorphan interaction with P-glycoprotein

Background The analgesic anti-NMDA effect of dextromethorphan (DEM) might result mainly from a central action of unchanged DEM rather than from its more active metabolite dextrorphan (DOR). This could be related to a weaker interaction of DEM with the efflux drug transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gP) as compared with that of DOR. Aim We studied the involvement of P-gP in the transepithelial transport of DEM and DOR. Methods We used the human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayer model. Bidirectional transport of 1, 5 and 10 μM DEM across the Caco-2 monolayers was investigated in the presence and absence of the P-gP inhibitor verapamil (100μM). DEM quantitation was performed using HPLC. Results We found that: i) DEM showed no statistically significant differential transport rates between the basolateral-to-apical (B-A) and apical-to-basolateral (A-B) directions at 5 and 10μM (apparent permeability coefficient Papp: 17 vs 16.10−6 and 29 vs 31.10−6 cm/s respectively). However, at 1μM, the rate of transport A-B was greater (Papp: 5 vs 7.10−6 cm/s); ii) B-A transport of DEM was not affected by verapamil (Papp: 5 vs 5.10−6; 17 vs 16.10−6 and 29 vs 30.10−6 cm/s); iii) The transepithelial transport of DEM was concentration-dependant. Conclusion The data indicate that DEM is not a P-glycoprotein substrate at therapeutic concentrations and that the mechanism of diffusion is passive. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P10–P10; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.039
Heart failure with a normal ejection fraction: is it really a disorder of diastolic function?

A large proportion of patients who present with symptoms of heart failure have a left ventricular ejection fraction within the normal range.1 Although some have postulated that ventricular systolic function is impaired,2 most investigators have concluded that the fundamental abnormality in these patients is a disorder of diastolic (rather than systolic) function,3–5 and in fact, these patients are frequently referred to as having diastolic heart failure. The use of such a term is troublesome, however, because it presumes that we understand the mechanisms leading to this disorder and therefore can justify the substitution of a mechanistic term for a descriptive phrase. A less presumptuous approach is to refer to these patients as having heart failure with a normal ejection fraction (HFNEF), a descriptive approach that makes no assumptions about our knowledge about the pathophysiology of this disorder. See p 714 Do most patients with heart failure and a normal ejection fraction have diastolic dysfunction? Patients with HFNEF are generally elderly women who have associated hypertension, diabetes, and/or coronary artery disease.6 These comorbid conditions have been linked to myocardial hypertrophy, ischemia, and/or interstitial fibrosis, each of which can prolong relaxation and increase passive myocardial stiffness.7 However, the coexistence of disorders known to affect these aspects of diastole is not sufficient to establish that diastolic dysfunction is the cause of heart failure when it occurs in patients with a normal ejection fraction. To determine that an abnormality of diastolic function is the cause of the patient’s symptoms, we need to demonstrate the existence of such a derangement and determine that it is sufficient to limit exercise tolerance. What kind of diastolic abnormalities can cause symptoms of heart failure? The sequestration of calcium and cross-bridge uncoupling after the end of systole are responsible for the active process of …
The microwave spectrum of methyl chlorodifluoroacetate: Methyl internal rotation and chlorine nuclear electric quadrupole coupling

Abstract A chirped pulse microwave spectrometer has been used to record microwave spectra of the 35 Cl and 37 Cl isotopologues of methyl chlorodifluoroacetate, CClF 2 C( O)OCH 3 , between 8 GHz and 16 GHz. The target compound was spectroscopically examined as it participated in a supersonic expansion of argon. Only one conformer was observed. The rotational spectra were recorded with sufficient resolution to observe (i) splittings due to the internal rotation of the methyl group, and (ii) splittings from the coupling of the chlorine quadrupolar nucleus. A total of 785 transitions have had quantum numbers assigned. Analysis of the spectra observed has produced an experimental barrier to the methyl group internal rotation, V 3 , of 370(2) cm −1 . It is noted that this barrier is a little lower than that determined for methyl acetate [ V 3 = 425 cm −1 , J. Sheridan, W. Bossert and A. Bauder, J. Mol. Spectrosc., 80 (1980) 1–11], and this is rationalized through a comparison of molecular structures. Lastly, all components of both the 35 Cl and 37 Cl chlorine nuclear electric quadrupolar coupling tensor have been determined.