cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complexity of the self-schema and responses to disconfirming feedback.

This study focused on complexity of the self-schema as one factor that influences people's responses to social feedback that challenges their established view of self. Complexity refers to the number of independent attributes included in the schema. A card-sorting task (Zajonc, 1960) was used to identify the high- and low-complexity groups. Subjects were given bogus feedback relevant to the targeted domain of self-knowledge, and changes in self-descriptiveness ratings and response latency times were monitored. Results suggest that high-complexity subjects were able to attend to and encode the disconfirming feedback, while low-complexity subjects responded by rejecting the feedback and reasserting positive aspects of the self. The implications of these findings for clarifying the process of self-schema updating, revision, and change are discussed.
A quantitative comparison of a position measurement system and accelerometry.

Abstract An electro-mechanical system to characterize the dynamic performance of a position measurement system was constructed. The system produced pure sine wave kinematics over the frequency range of 1–11 Hz. Synchronous measurements of the position (using infra-red light emitting diodes) and the acceleration were taken at discrete frequencies. The position signal was filtered and differentiated twice to obtain an estimated acceleration. The acceleration estimate was compared to the acceleration reading from the accelerometer, and both were compared to the theoretical acceleration. The comparison was based on extracting average features of the signal like amplitude, offset and noise. The results show that the accelerometer measurements matched the theoretical amplitude to within 1–3% over most of the range but showed significant offset drift. The acceleration estimates based on the position measurements were highly dependent on the filtering scheme, showed no significant offset but had higher levels of noise. The experimental measurements and the mathematical analysis quantitatively compared the dynamic performance of the position measurement system and the accelerometer. Such a system could be used to optimize the performance of position measurement devices, by comparing different filtering and/or differentiating schemes.
Investigation and correlation of manikin and bench-scale fire testing of clothing systems

The US Army currently has five flame/thermal protective clothing systems to provide protection for soldiers against fire hazards. The protective performance of these clothing systems against burn injuries was investigated in full-scale manikin tests. The protective performance of fabric layers of these clothing systems was also examined in bench-scale tests. In addition, air gap thicknesses and distributions of the five clothing systems were determined by using a three-dimensional laser scanning technique. In this paper, test conditions of the manikin and bench-scale tests are compared, and the test results are correlated in light of the air gap measurements. The behavior of individual sensors on the manikin with similar test conditions to those of bench-scale tests are compared with the bench-scale tests. It is found that if the air gap distribution of a clothing system is known, bench-scale tests could provide useful information for full-scale performance, especially bench-scale tests with zero air gap measurements.
In Vitro Evaluation of Variability in Systemic Arterial Pressure Changes During Closed vs Open-bridge Extracorporeal Life Support 234

Introduction: Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) is used for the support of cardiorespiratory failure. The standard ECLS circuit has a bridge between venous drainage and infusion tubing. This allows temporary dissociation of the patient from the ECLS circuit. The bridge is opened intermittently to prevent clotting (called flashing). Changes in systemic arterial pressure (SAP) due to changes in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) have been reported during flashing of the bridge which can be avoided if the bridge is kept partially open. An in vitro method is developed to study variations in SAP during closed and open-bridge ECLS.
Study of Time-Domain Techniques for Modal Parameter Identification of a Long Suspension Bridge with Dense Sensor Arrays

While numerous studies have been published concerning the application of a variety of system identification techniques in conjunction with vibration measurements from civil infrastructure systems, there is a paucity of publications addressing the influence of algorithm-specific control parameters that impact the correct and efficient application of the selected identification scheme. Furthermore, as dense sensor arrays become widely accessible in civil infrastructure applications, voluminous amounts of multichannel data streams are becoming available for processing, thus imposing new demands on identification procedures regarding high-dimensionality (in both the spatial as well as the temporal domains) requirements that may render some methods inapplicable if careful attention is not paid to practical implementation issues. This paper provides a comprehensive study of three time-domain identification algorithms applied in conjunction with the Natural Excitation Technique in order to extract the modal parameters of a newly constructed long-span bridge that was monitored, in its virgin state, over a relatively long period of time with a state-of-the-art dense sensor array. The three methods used are: the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA), the ERA with data correlations, and the least squares algorithm. One of the critical issues in the mentioned algorithms, is selection of the reference degree-of-freedom (DOF). Previous experiences have shown that one cannot rely on a single reference DOF for identification of all modes. Consequently, the aforementioned identification formulations were modified to include multiple reference DOF, simultaneously, or one at a time. An autonomous algorithm was presented to distinguish the genuine structural modes from spurious noise or computational modes. Based on some parameter studies, some useful guidelines for the selection of critical user-selectable parameters are presented.
Associative symmetry in a spatial sample-response paradigm

Symmetry has been difficult to observe in nonhumans mainly because they seem to perceive stimuli as a conjunction of visual, spatial, and temporal characteristics. When such characteristics are controlled, symmetry does emerge in nonhumans (cf. Frank and Wasserman, 2005; Urcuioli, 2008). Recently, however, Garcia and Benjumea (2006) reported symmetry in pigeons without controlling for temporal order. The present experiments explored their paradigm and the ingredients for their success. Experiments 1 and 2 sought to replicate their findings and to examine different symmetry measures. We found evidence for symmetry using non-reinforced choice probe tests, a latency-based test, and a reinforced consistent versus inconsistent manipulation. Experiment 3 adapted their procedure to successive matching to evaluate their contention that a choice between at least two comparisons is necessary for symmetry to emerge. Contrary to their prediction, symmetry was observed following go/no-go training. Our results confirm Garcia and Benjumea's findings, extend them to other test and training procedures, and once again demonstrate symmetry in the absence of language.
Memristor-based synapse design and training scheme for neuromorphic computing architecture

Memristors have been rediscovered recently and then gained increasing attentions. Their unique properties, such as high density, nonvolatility, and recording historic behavior of current (or voltage) profile, have inspired the creation of memristor-based neuromorphic computing architecture. Rather than the existing crossbar-based neuron network designs, we focus on memristor-based synapse and the corresponding training circuit to mimic the real biological system. In this paper, first, the basic synapse design is presented. On top of it, we will discuss the training sharing scheme and explore design implication on multi-synapse neuron system. Energy saving method such as self-training is also investigated.
An exploratory study of the accessibility of state government Web sites

This paper focuses on Web accessibility. Relevant legislation and judicial decisions are reviewed, and prior empirical research is presented. This study presents the results from the Web accessibility analysis of the home pages of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. It found that twenty-nine percent of the home pages do not meet the requirements for Conformance Level A Web accessibility. Only one state meets Conformance Level AA standards, which are the minimum standards recommended for Web accessibility, and no state meets Conformance Level AAA standards. This paper also discusses how to address common accessibility problems.
Testing short-range migration of microbial methane as a hydrate formation mechanism: Results from Andaman Sea and Kumano Basin drill sites and global implications

Abstract Methane gas hydrates in marine sediments often concentrate in coarse-grained layers surrounded by fine-grained marine muds that are hydrate-free. Methane in these hydrate deposits is typically microbial, and must have migrated from its source as the coarse-grained sediments contain little or no organic matter. In “long-range” migration, fluid flow through permeable layers transports methane from deeper sources into the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ). In “short-range” migration, microbial methane is generated within the GHSZ in fine-grained sediments, where small pore sizes inhibit hydrate formation. Dissolved methane can then diffuse into adjacent sand layers, where pore size does not restrict hydrate formation and hydrates can accumulate. Short-range migration has been used to explain hydrate accumulations in sand layers observed in drill sites on the northern Cascadia margin and in the Gulf of Mexico. Here we test the feasibility of short-range migration in two additional locations, where gas hydrates have been found in coarse-grained volcanic ash layers (Site NGHP-01-17, Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean) and turbidite sand beds (Site IODP-C0002, Kumano forearc basin, Nankai Trough, western Pacific). We apply reaction–transport modeling to calculate dissolved methane concentration and gas hydrate amounts resulting from microbial methane generated within the GHSZ. Model results show that short-range migration of microbial methane can explain the overall amounts of methane hydrate observed at the two sites. Short-range migration has been shown to be feasible in diverse margin environments and is likely to be a widespread methane transport mechanism in gas hydrate systems. It only requires a small amount of organic carbon and sediment sequences consisting of thin coarse-grained layers that can concentrate microbial methane generated within thick fine-grained sediment beds; these conditions are common along continental margins around the globe.
Vehicle characteristics associated with LATCH use and correct use in real-world child restraint installations.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to determine if vehicle features associated with LATCH ease-of-use in laboratory studies with volunteers predict LATCH use and misuse in real-world child restraint installations. METHOD: Vehicle characteristics were extracted from prior surveys of more than 100 top-selling 2010-13 vehicles. Use and correct use of LATCH was determined from records of more than 14,000 child restraint installations in these vehicles that were inspected by child passenger safety technicians at Safe Kids car seat checkup events during 2010-12. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between vehicle features and use and correct use of lower anchors and top tethers, controlling for other relevant installation features. RESULTS: Lower anchors were more likely to be used and correctly used when the clearance angle around them was greater than 54°, the force required to attach them to the lower anchors was less than 178N, and their depth within the seat bight was less than 4cm. Restraints were more likely to be attached correctly when installed with the lower anchors than with the seat belt. After controlling for lower anchor use and other installation features, the likelihood of tether use and correct use in installations of forward-facing restraints was significantly higher when there was no hardware present that could potentially be confused with the tether anchor or when the tether anchor was located on the rear deck, which is typical in sedans. CONCLUSIONS: There is converging evidence from laboratory studies with volunteers and real-world child restraint installations that vehicle features are associated with correct LATCH use. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Vehicle designs that improve the ease of installing child restraints with LATCH could improve LATCH use rates and reduce child restraint misuse. Language: en
Contrasting effects of increased thirst and septal ablations on DRL responding in rats

Abstract The inter-response time distributions generated by 23 1 2 hr and 71 1 2 hr water deprived sham operated rats and 23 1 2 hr water deprived septal lesioned rats were compared on a DRL 22 sec schedule of water reinforcement. The results showed that septal ablations and increased thirst have markedly different effects on the IRT distributions generated by this schedule. These findings support the hypothesis that deficits in response inhibition associated with septal lesions result from the removal of the normal inhibitory influences mediated by this region.
Neurectasy : the short history of therapeutic nerve stretching and suspension

Prompted by Billroth's experience, Von Nussbaum performed the 1st premeditated, therapeutic nerve stretching. The positive results of this stretching (of the brachial plexus) kindled considerable enthusiasm, and nerve stretching (or neurectasy as it was sometimes called) rapidly became a popular treatment. Precise techniques varied, but the usual approach required surgical exposure and freeing up a short length of the nerve
Development of a Highly Sensitive, High-Throughput, Mass Spectrometry-Based Assay for Rat Procollagen Type-I N-Terminal Propeptide (PINP) To Measure Bone Formation Activity

Type-I procollagen aminoterminal propeptide (PINP) is a useful biomarker for bone formation activity that is used to monitor treatment of bone disorders including osteoporosis. Studies with human patients under long-term therapy for osteoporosis by daily injection of parathyroid hormone (PTH) demonstrated that the circulating level of PINP at 3 months of treatment, measured by radioimmunoassay, was a good predictor for bone mineral density (BMD) at 18 months. It is important to have PINP assays for other species to elucidate processes of bone formation and for the development of new therapeutic options that can enhance bone formation activity. Currently, only a human PINP radioimmunoassay is commercially available for clinical use, which may not be cross reactive with PINP from other species. For example, rat PINP has little amino acid sequence homology to human PINP. Therefore, we developed a new, highly sensitive, high-throughput mass spectrometry-based assay for PINP from rat plasma or serum that does not rely on antibody reagents. Circulating levels of PINP showed age-dependent changes in rats. Prednisolone treatment, which is known to retard bone formation activity, led to a significant decrease in PINP, whereas PTH treatment dose-dependently increased PINP. The throughput of the assay parallels that of most antibody-based assays so that it can handle a large number of samples that are generated from preclinical animal studies. PINP in rats may serve as a biomarker for bone formation activity, and this assay could be instrumental in studying bone physiology in rat experimental models.
Selection of mitotic Chinese hamster ovary cells from microcarriers. Cell cycle-dependent induction of mutation by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine and ethyl methanesulfonate.

Abstract Large quantities of mitotic cells may be collected by mitotic detachment from a population of Chinese hamster ovary cells growing on positively charged dextran microcarriers in suspension culture. Exponentially growing cells are treated for 2.5 h with colcemid and mitotic cells are detached from the microcarriers by increasing the stirring speed. A yield of 4–6% of the total population is obtained and, of the cells collected, 85–95% are arrested in metaphase. Using this means to synchronize cells we have determined the cells cycle dependence of the toxic and mutagenic effects of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BUdR) and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Mutation was measured at two independent loci resistance to 6-thioguanine and resistance to ouabain. Both mutagens were more toxic during S phase as compared to G1 or G2 or mitosis. BUdR induced significant mutation only during S phase. The maximum induction of 6-thioguanine resistance was observed in cultures treated 10 h after plating of mitotic cells (2 h into S phase), while the maximum induction of ouabain resistance was observed cultures treated 10–12 h after plating of mitotic cells (2–4 h into S phase). EMS induced significant mutation at all points in the cell cycle. Mutation induction reached a minimum during S phase by the magnitude of difference between any two points in the cell cycle was found to be less than two-fold.
Aggregate Degradation Testing by Gyratory Testing Machine

The Gyratory Testing Machine (GTM) equipped with an air roller was used to investigate the dry and wet degradation of six aggregates. Three gradings similar to those for the Los Angeles (LA) abrasion test were evaluated in the GTM by using 25, 50, 100, and 200 revolutions. The test data indicated substantial differences in gradation of the aggregates after testing. Type and initial size of the aggregate influenced the amount and characteristics of degradation. Regression analyses of the data resulted in the development of GTM degradation prediction equations using the LA abrasion loss. The most important goal for the GTM test results was to define gradation and the effect of moisture, instead of using only a relative indicator such as LA abrasion loss. Four aggregate blends were tested in the GTM to simulate degradation produced in handling and processing of aggregate through a drum mixer and drum dryer. These test results duplicated some of the gradations obtained after the material had passed through the drum.
Perceptual degradation due to signal alteration: implications for auditory pattern processing

When a passage is alternately presented to the right and left ears over headphones, perceptual processing is disrupted under certain conditions: When the signal alternation rate is approximately 3-4 cps, intelligibility is greatly reduced. Experiment 1 demonstrated that contrary to previous theorizing, the effect is not mediated by the disruption of syllabic units. Experiment 2 explored the generality of the perceptual degradation by testing perception of simple piano melodies. The basic effect holds for these complex auditory patterns. The final experiment tested a source-effect explanation of the phenomenon by using 3 signal locations (right, middle, and left) rather than 2. The degree of disruption depends on the likelihood that sounds are assigned to different sources. Together, the experiments help to account for the strikingly selective breakdown in perceptual processing and speak to the issues of perceptual units, domain specificity, and auditory source assignment. Language: en
Cutaneous innervation: form and function.

It is useful for dermatologists to know about the innervation of the skin because dysfunction of cutaneous neurons can cause symptoms—such as itching, pain, and paresthesias—that are evaluated by dermatologists. We review the innervation of the skin and update readers about recent neuroscientific discoveries.
The HgS/Hg2Br2-Based Bromide Ion-Selective Electrode

Abstract Near-parallel efforts in our laboratories and those of I. Sekerka and J.F. Lechner of the Canada Center for Inland Waters have resulted in the development of a new bromide ion-selective electrode having an active membrane which is composed of a mixture of HgS and Hg2Br2. We report here on the response mechanism of this electrode, and also differences between our results and those of the above workers regarding interferences, pH dependency, and selectivity constants for this electrode.
Experts are born, then made: Combining prospective and retrospective longitudinal data shows that cognitive ability matters

Does cognitive ability matter in the development of expertise in educational and occupational domains? Study 1 reviewed prospective longitudinal data from the top 1% in ability within two cohorts of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY; Total N = 1975) and examined four cohorts of a stratified random sample of America's population (Project Talent; Total N = 1536) to see whether ability differences at a younger age made a difference in the attainment of a higher percentage of educational degrees and specifically doctorates (e.g., JDs, MDs, or PhDs) at a later age. Compared to the general population, the top 1% in ability earned a much higher percentage of educational degrees at each level. And even within the top 1% of ability, ability differences made a difference in obtaining a doctorate degree. Study 2 reviewed retrospective longitudinal data from five groups of America's elite (Total N = 2254)—Fortune 500 CEOs, federal judges, billionaires, Senators, and members of the House of Representatives—to determine what percentage of each group was in the top 1% of general ability at a younger age. A large percentage of individuals within each of these areas of occupational expertise were found to be inthe top 1% of ability. By combining multiple samples of both prospective and retrospective longitudinal data, cognitive ability was found to matter in the acquisition of educational and occupational expertise.
Correlating water extraction to viscosity variations of injection grouts

Abstract Cementitious grouts injected by vacuum pressure techniques are expected to loose part of the free mixing water with direct consequences on fluidity and penetrability. A new set-up was developed to enable simultaneous assessment of water extracted due to vacuuming and real-time viscosity changes occurring over several minutes of time. A slotted four-bladed vane was used to prevent migration of cement particles away from the center and enable the vane to remain in contact with new material during motion. Test results have shown that the extraction of water decreases fluidity (i.e., flow time) and increases viscosity, mostly due to increased internal friction within the solid particles. Grouts prepared with low water-to-cement ratio and containing moderate to high concentrations of viscosity-modifying admixtures yielded adequate water retentivity with minor variations in viscosity. “Injectability boxes” are proposed to simplify product development and predict variations in grout viscosity during vacuuming.
Flow chemography — the future of chemical education?

References 1 L. C. Eggebrecht, Interfacing to the IBM Personal Computer, Howard W. Sams & Co., Indianapolis, IN, 1983. 2 Microsystems Components Handbook: Microprocessors Volume I, Intel Literature, Santa Clara, CA, 1986. 3 RTZ-8001815 User’s Manual, Analog Devices, Norwood, MA, 1987. 4 MOS Microprocessors and Peripherals Data Book, Advanced Microdevices, Sunnyvale, CA, i987. 5 P. M. Wiegand, K. K. Trischan and S. R. Crouch, Anal. Znstrum., 14 (1985) 127.
A mathematical model of a concurrent vehicle development system: estimating lead time

A model is developed which interrelates within a dynamic framework the concepts of lead time, life cycle and vehicle program content for the General Motors concurrent new vehicle development system. Model validation was carried out using data on historical programs.
Mahatma Gandhi the Journalist

AWAHARLAL Nehru once called Gandhiji a 'very un usual and effective journalist.' There are many essays and books depicting various facets of the eventful life of the Mahatma, but not any on his journalistic activity, though all through his life he had been intimately connected, in South Africa or India, with journals. As in many other national activities during his life-time, there was a perceptible Gandhian impact on journalism in India. His biggest contribution in that field was particularly in three spheres: (1) coming of age of the vernacular press through his initiative; (2) encouraging publication of news and views on village and village life; and (3) opening the new vista of rural life for portrayal by contemporary authors in their novels.
What nurse faculty have to say about clinical grading

Clinical grading is one approach to assure that future nurses have the knowledge and skills to provide safe patient care. The phenomenon being explored for this study was the experience of clinical grading for clinical nurse faculty. Through the use of a qualitative phenomenological method, the lived experience of grading nursing student clinical performance for experienced clinical nurse faculty in prelicensure programs is described. Recommendations for future research and implications for nursing are identified.
Designing specific protein–protein interactions using computation, experimental library screening, or integrated methods

Given the importance of protein-protein interactions for nearly all biological processes, the design of protein affinity reagents for use in research, diagnosis or therapy is an important endeavor. Engineered proteins would ideally have high specificities for their intended targets, but achieving interaction specificity by design can be challenging. There are two major approaches to protein design or redesign. Most commonly, proteins and peptides are engineered using experimental library screening and/or in vitro evolution. An alternative approach involves using protein structure and computational modeling to rationally choose sequences predicted to have desirable properties. Computational design has successfully produced novel proteins with enhanced stability, desired interactions and enzymatic function. Here we review the strengths and limitations of experimental library screening and computational structure-based design, giving examples where these methods have been applied to designing protein interaction specificity. We highlight recent studies that demonstrate strategies for combining computational modeling with library screening. The computational methods provide focused libraries predicted to be enriched in sequences with the properties of interest. Such integrated approaches represent a promising way to increase the efficiency of protein design and to engineer complex functionality such as interaction specificity.
Antiyeast Activity in the Marine ENVIRONMENT1 1. Ecological Considerations

The antiyeast activity of variously trcatcd marine pelagic plankton samples, sponges and alcyonarians has been surveyed Soil, clinical, and marine Psezldomonas sp., as well as 87 other bacteria (nine genera) isolated from an intertidal tube-dwelling amphipod complex, also were examined for antiyeast activity. Activity against species of Rhoclotoruln, C~yptococcus and Candida, commonly found in marine environments, was noted in representatives of all assayed material. Numbers of bacteria and yeasts in a natural amphipod community were enumerated over an 11-month period. The general significance of antiyeast activity in marine microenvironments is discussed in terms of yeast-bacteria associations of possible rclevancc to the natural biological control of yeasts in marine habitats,
Experimental discrimination between the effective photon model of intensity-dependent photon energy and the intensity-independent models

Abstract A photoelectric effect experiment has been performed in order to reveal the possible presence of higher-than-normal energy photons at 4.89 eV in a 3 mW low-intensity He-Ne laser beam, according to three recently advanced models of geometry-dependent, intensity-independent enhanced energy photon production. The experimental results yield a probability of less than ∼ 10 -9 for the presence of 4.89 eV photons in that beam. Some considerations on the predictions of the intensity-dependent theories of electron emission, namely the effective-photon theory and multiphoton theory, are presented.
Nanoporous silica colloidal films with molecular transport gated by aptamers responsive to small molecules

We report the preparation of colloidal nanoporous silica films whose function mimics thatof protein channels in gating the transport of small molecules across a cell membrane. Spe-cifically, we report a means of controlling the molecular flux through colloidal nanoporesthat employ aptamer oligonucleotides binding to a specific organic small molecule (co-caine). These biomacromolecules have been introduced onto the nanopore surface by at-taching pre-made oligonucleotides to the activated nanopore surface. The aptamers changetheir conformation in response to the binding events, and thus alter the free volume of thecolloidal nanopores available for molecular transport.Keywords: Silica; Nanopore; Membranes; Aptamers; Cocaine; Surface chemistry; Colloids;Nanopores; Electrodes.
Relative costs and statistical power in the extreme groups approach

The relationship between variables in applied and experimental research is often investigated by the use of extreme (i.e., upper and lower) groups. Recent analytical work has provided an extreme groups procedure that is more powerful than the standard correlational approach for all values of the correlation and extreme group size. The present article provides procedures to optimize power by determining the relative number of subjects to use in each of two stages of data collection given a fixed testing budget.
Use of collinear and double o(2,1) variables for single-particle spectra

Various different sets of variables used for single-particle inclusive experiments are grouped into two general types. The first type specifies momenta in collinear frames; and the other, double $O(2,1)$ variables, specifies momenta in the rest frame of the produced particle. Advantages of each set of variables are briefly mentioned. Useful relations, exact as well as asymptotic, between various sets are provided.
Small angle neutron and X-ray scattering by poly(methyl methacrylate) chains

Abstract The intensity of radiation scattering by poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains is computed as a function of scattering angle over the range 0 4π λ) sin ( υ 2 ) A −1 , on the basis of a realistic rotational isomeric state model. The scattering functions Fx(μ), corresponding to Iμ2, are developed for chains of x units in terms of the even moments 〈r2pij〉 of the separation distance between pairs of the monomer units i and j. Whereas the theoretical scattering function Fx(μ) for isotactic PMMA increases monotonically with μ, for predominantly syndiotactic PMMA it exhibits a maximum at μ ≈ 0.05 A −1 . This is in agreement with experimental results on small angle neutron and X-ray scattering by PMMA (in bulk and in solution, respectively). The appearance of the maximum in Fx(μ), heretofore considered anomalous, is shown to be a direct consequence of the preference of racemic diads of PMMA for the trans, trans conformation and of the inequality of the skeletal bond angles at CH2 and at the doubly substituted Cα.
Changes in the Extent of Microtubule Assembly Can Regulate Initiation of DNA Synthesis

We have shown that MT depolymerization by colchicine and other drugs is sufficient to initiate DNA synthesis in serum-free cultures of embryonic fibroblasts and that stabilization of MTs with taxol inhibits this initiation. Growth factors and oncogenic DNA viruses also initiate DNA synthesis by a taxol-sensitive mechanism that appears to require MT depolymerization or rearrangements. Because we have shown that microtubule heterogeneity exists within single fibroblastic cells, we have carried out a series of experiments to determine the extent of microtubule disruption necessary to initiate DNA synthesis. We have compared the effects of various concentrations of colchicine and taxol on initiation of DNA synthesis with their effects on cytoplasmic MT complexes as visualized by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitated by direct binding of radiolabeled monoclonal antibody to cytoskeletons. The opposing effects of these drugs on MTs shows that there is a correlation between the extent of MT depolymerization and initiation of DNA synthesis. Initiation of DNA synthesis by colchicine in the presence of taxol is half-maximal when taxol and colchicine are added to cultures at a ratio of about 13 to 1. At this drug ratio, taxol stabilizes MTs near the nucleus, but MTs near the cell periphery are depolymerized. Maximal inhibition of DNA synthesis by taxol occurs only at taxol to colchicine ratios where MTs extend throughout the cytoplasm to the cell periphery. Thus, depolymerization of a small fraction of total MTs, particularly those near the periphery, may be sufficient to initiate proliferative events.
Food-grade sorghum varieties and production considerations: a review

Abstract Sorghum has been grown as a food crop for many centuries in Africa and India. Food-grade sorghum is becoming an increasingly important crop in the developed world, especially as a cereal grain option for people with celiac disease. The highest quality sorghum flours and food products are produced using grain from food-grade sorghum varieties. Food-grade sorghum varieties differ from conventional varieties in several key traits. The objective of this review article is to describe and summarize these differences and important considerations for food-grade sorghum production.
Magnetic multi‐domain resonance in single crystal ferrite platelets

We have observed ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) on single crystal platelets of Zn and Co substituted M‐type hexagonal ferrites. FMR was observed with both swept field and swept frequency measurements. The results were compared, and agreed well, with calculations of resonance frequencies based on periodic arrays of stripes and bubble domains. In addition to the resonance parameters necessary to describe the results in the magnetically saturated regime, our calculations take into account the wall energy, which results in a field dependence of the domain spacing, which in turn strongly affects the resonances near saturating fields.
2MASS 22344161+4041387AB: A WIDE, YOUNG, ACCRETING, LOW-MASS BINARY IN THE LkHα233 GROUP*

We report the discovery of a young, 016 binary, 2M2234+4041AB, found as the result of a Keck laser guide star adaptive optics imaging survey of young field ultracool dwarfs. Spatially resolved near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy indicate that the luminosity and temperature ratios of the system are near unity. From optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, we determine a composite spectral type of M6 for the system. Gravity-sensitive spectral features in the spectra of 2M2234+4041AB are best matched to those of young objects (~1 Myr old). A comparison of the T eff and age of 2M2234+4041AB to evolutionary models indicates that the mass of each component is 0.10+0.075 –0.04 M ☉. Emission lines of Hα in the composite optical spectrum of the system and Brγ in spatially resolved near-IR spectra of the two components indicate that the system is actively accreting. Both components of the system have IR excesses, indicating that they both harbor circumstellar disks. Though 2M2234+4041AB was originally identified as a young field dwarf, it lies 15 from the well-studied Herbig Ae/Be star, LkHα233. The distance to LkHα233 is typically assumed to be 880 pc. It is unlikely that 2M2234+4041AB could be this distant, as it would then be more luminous than any known Taurus objects of similar spectral type. We re-evaluate the distance to the LkHα233 group and find a value of 325+72 –50 pc, based on the Hipparcos distance to a nearby B3-type group member (HD 213976). 2M2234+4041AB is the first low-mass star to be potentially associated with the LkHα233 group. At a distance of 325 pc, its projected physical separation is 51 AU, making it one of the growing number of wide, low-mass binaries found in young star-forming regions.
Normal levels of lymphotoxin secretion by freshly isolated and refrigerated human peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Abstract Lymphocytes obtained by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation of leukocytes from 40 blood bank donors were incubated at 106 cells/ml for 24 h with 5 μg phytohemagglutinin/ml serum-free RPMI 1640 medium and secreted 34 ± 6 U lymphotoxin/ml and 52 ± 29 U interferon/ml. Addition of 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) or acid-citrate-dextrose treated autologous plasma (AP) augmented lymphotoxin secretion 2-fold and interferon secretion 6–8-fold. Lymphotoxin alone was secreted in 39% of serum free cultures. Both lymphotoxin and interferon were secreted in the presence of FBS or AP. Lymphocytes refrigerated at 4°C for 18 h secreted upon serum-free culture similar levels of lymphotoxin as fresh cells but cultures secreting lymphotoxin alone increased from 39 to 77%. Lymphotoxin secretion by refrigerated lymphocytes was similar in the presence or absence of FBS or AP. Interferon secretion by refrigerated lymphocytes in the presence of FBS or AP, however, increased 30–40-fold approaching levels produced by freshly isolated cells and indicating that the modulatory effects of refrigeration, FBS, and AP affected interferon not lymphotoxin secretion. The levels of lymphotoxin and interferon secreted by lymphocyte populations producing both lymphokines, furthermore, varied independently of one another providing additional evidence for the dissociability of their secretion yet possible dependence of interferon upon lymphotoxin secretion. The ability to reliably quantitate lymphotoxin secretion using refrigerated lymphocytes permits transport of lymphocytes to laboratories performing quantitative bioassay of the lymphokine. This should facilitate further evaluation of the presence and role of lymphotoxin in immunopathological and other disease states.
The laminar distribution of retinal fibers in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat: A new interpretation

The cell laminae of the lateral geniculate nucleus have been studied in relation to the retinogeniculate degeneration shown by the Nauta method. In agreement with previous accounts laminae A and A1 have been shown to receive contralateral and homolateral inputs respectively. However, ventral to lamina A1 three laminae have been defined. Lamina “C” contains large cells and receives coarse contralateral fibers, lamina “C1” contains smaller cells and receives fine homolateral fibers, while lamina “C2,” which consists of small cells next to the optic tract contains many fibers passing through to other laminae but shows no particular concentration of pericellular degeneration. The precise relationship between fiber degeneration and cytoarchitectonic borders can be seen only in Nauta sections that have been counterstained by a Nissl method. Such material provides no evidence of any zone where homolateral and contralateral fibers overlap. Between laminae A and A1, and A1 and C there are narrow, relatively cell free zones, which, in many parts of the nucleus, receive no significant retinogeniculate input. The fiber degeneration appears earliest in the peripheral parts of laminea A and A1, the homolateral degeneration slightly preceding the contralateral degeneration on the third day. The degeneration in the central parts of these laminae appears about 24 hours later and is never as dense. The fine fibers in lamina C1 do not show degeneration clearly until the sixth day.
Period-3 Motions to Chaos in a Softening Duffing Oscillator

In this paper, period-3 motions to chaos in the periodically forced, softening Duffing oscillator are investigated analytically. The analytical solutions for period-3 and period-6 motions are appro...
A model of memory contention in a paging machine

This paper is concerned with certain aspects of contention for main memory resources in a multiprogrammed computer system operating under demand paging. In the model presented, the number of page-frames of main memory allocated to a problem program varies in time. These changes in memory configuration are represented explicitly in the model, CPU requirements and page exception characteristics of program material being described statistically. Expressions for the distribution of the number of page-frames allocated to an executing program, the long run expected fraction of a program's execution time in a given number of page-frames, and the average execution interval of the multi-programmed load are obtained. It is pointed out heuristically and demonstrated numerically that an increase is obtainable in the average execution interval of the multiprogrammed load over that resulting from equal fixed partitioning of main memory.
Conditional Conservatism and the Value Relevance of Accounting Earnings: An International Study

Abstract Using a sample consisting of firms from 20 countries, we investigate whether conditional conservatism affects the value relevance of accounting earnings. We find that the association of conditional conservatism with the value relevance of accounting earnings depends on the country-specific level of accrual intensity. That is, in countries with higher accrual intensity, conditional conservatism is positively associated with the value relevance of earnings. We find that this effect is incremental to that of shareholder protection on the value relevance of accounting earnings documented in Hung (Journal of Accounting and Economics, 30, pp. 401–420, 2001). The results are consistent with conditional conservatism serving as an efficient contracting role to reduce managers' opportunistic behavior in the use of accruals. However, our results also indicate that the benefits of conditional conservatism are contextual and are lost in countries with lower accrual intensity.
A remark on the scattering of BPS monopoles

Abstract It is shown that the classical dynamics of several slowly moving monopoles corresponds to a geodesic motion in the manifold of exact, static multi-monopole configurations.
Role of reactive oxygen species in low level light therapy

This review will focus on the role of reactive oxygen species in the cellular and tissue effects of low level light therapy (LLLT). Coincidentally with the increase in electron transport and in ATP, there has also been observed by intracellular fluorescent probes and electron spin resonance an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical. ROS scavengers, antioxidants and ROS quenchers block many LLLT processes. It has been proposed that light between 400-500- nm may produce ROS by a photosensitization process involving flavins, while longer wavelengths may directly produce ROS from the mitochondria. Several redox-sensitive transcription factors are known such as NF-kB and AP1, that are able to initiate transcription of genes involved in protective responses to oxidative stress. It may be the case that LLLT can be pro-oxidant in the short-term, but anti-oxidant in the long-term.
Predator protection versus rapid growth in a montane leaf beetle

Adults and larvae of Chrysomela aenicollis (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) feed on foliage of Salix species (Salicaceae) between 2,400-3,400 m above sea level in the eastcentral Sierra Nevada mountains of California. We predicted that (1) cold climatic conditions would be a more frequent source of mortality at higher elevations, (2) mildweather agents of mortality such as predation should be more severe at lower elevations, and (3) populations of C. aenicollis would be adapted to the local selective regime at each elevation. We tested these predictions in 1984 and 1985 by transferring over 6,000 eggs and larvae within and between two sites at 2,810 and 3,240 m elevation above sea level. During mild summer weather at both sites, survivorship on Salix branches isolated by a barrier of sticky resin was similar to that on control branches, and we concluded that aerial predators were the primary cause of mortality. At least one major predator, a solitary wasp (Symmorphus sp., Hymenoptera: Eumenidae), was specifically associated with C. aenicollis at the lower site, where beetle mortality was highest. At both sites in 1984 and 1985, larvae originating from the lower site remained in aggregations and survived more frequently than larvae from the upper site, suggesting that they are better defended against predators. During a storm with cold weather late in the 1984 season, larvae and pupae died more frequently at the upper site, and there was a marginally significant trend (P<0.1) for the lower site individuals to die more frequently than upper site larvae during the cold storm. Upper site larvae grew approximately 10% faster than lower site larvae at the lower site and under controlled conditions in the laboratory. These findings indicate that upper and lower site populations were adapted to the local selective regime, which suggest how populations of montane phytopagous insects may adapt to changing elevations.
Topographical differences in the physiological response of canne airway smooth muscle

The resting membrane potential (Em), electrical and contractile response were studied in three anatomically separate areas of trachealis muscle and also in bronchial muscle (2nd generation) isolated from mongrel dogs. These responses were studied before and after administration of a single dose of histamine, serotonin, carbachol and prostaglandin F2α. A cross-sectional area of airway smooth muscle in each preparation was directly assessed from the histological sections. These values were used to evaluate isometric tension (in g/mm2). It was found that (1) cross-sectional area of airway smooth muscle varies with location; (2) resting membrane potential of airway smooth muscle from upper, middle and lower portions of dog trachea was similar, i.e., −60.4±0.8, −60.2±0.4 and −60.8±0.9 mV, significantly higher (P < 0.01), than the membrane potential observed in the trachealis muscle; (4) both contractile and electrical changes after single doses of histamine and serotonin administration showed a vertical gradient response. The ;argest contractile and electrical responses to these two agents were found in preparations from the lower portion of trachea and the smallest response was observed in upper tracheal preparations; (5) contractile responses after a single dose of carbachol and PGF2α, when expressed as isometric tension also showed vertical gradient. In contrast, membrane potential changes after carbachol and prostaglandin F2α were similar in all three types of tracheal segments. Airway smooth muscle of the 2nd generation of brochi showed large responses after single doses of histamine, carbachol and prostaglandin F2α but the response after serotonin was smaller than that seen in the lower trachea.
Mechanisms of Cache Decision Making in Fox Squirrels (Sciurus Niger)

The cache decisions of scatter-hoarding animals are influenced by a number of factors, including satiety, food quality, number of competitors, and the risk of predation and pilferage. However, it is unknown how animals assess these variables. We investigated this process experimentally in free-ranging fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) by measuring the effects of nut characteristics and social context on nut-handling behavior and subsequent cache decisions. We found that a behavior involved in nut handling, the head flick, was correlated with nut quality, shell presence, the decision to cache rather than eat the nut, and the time and energy spent caching. In contrast, a 2nd nut-handling behavior, the paw maneuver, was correlated with the social context but not the cache decision, and may instead reflect a response to social competition. Our results suggest that fox squirrels assess nut quality using overt, observable nut-handling behaviors. The experimental study of these behaviors can help us understand how animals use information about food and the social context to make adaptive food-storing decisions.