cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stimulating Opportunities for Research in Diseases of the Chest

It is with great temerity that I shall attempt to discuss the topic which has been assigned to me, for many of you could present it with greater clarity and authority. It is only the realization of the great debt that we as physicians owe to our colleagues and predecessors who have advanced the knowledge of medicine through research that encourages me to undertake the present task. The term “research” may mean many things to different men. Webster defines research as a studious inquiry, usually with critical and exhaustive investigation and experimentation, having for its aim the revision of accepted conclusions in the light of newly discovered facts. To most of us it simply means “the search for truth.” It is well to note that we live in an age of science, in fact, of adventure and science-an age when science is about to outstrip all other activities. We are fortunate indeed to be offered the privilege of joining in its pursuit. The search for truth is not granted with equal opportunity to physicians throughout the world. We in America live in a land and in a time of opportunity that we often appreciate all too little. We live in a land in which the medical profession is allowed and encouraged to investigate the unknown and bring to fruition the betterment of man, I would therefore begin with a note of gratitude and a hope that we may continue to deserve and cherish the privilege accorded us to attain these ends. Each generation has a tendency to look with envy on the generation that has just passed as having lived in a period when opportunity was most abundant and success most easy to achieve. As a young man entering the medical arena at the end of World War I, it seemed discouraging to try to improve on the knowledge possessed by such giants of medicine and surgery as Osler, Virchow, Mayo, Pasteur and their illustrious confreres. Still, the 30 years that have elapsed since have brought forth advances in medicine and surgery that stagger the imagination. To this period the term “The Golden Age of Medicine” has justly been assigned. One need but recall the discovery of the antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents which have conquered, in large measure, the infectious diseases, subjugated pulmonary tuberculosis and conquered syphilis, the scourge of man, to realize the truth of such a designation. The hope and courage that have been offered patients with diabetes, pernicious anemia and endocrine disorders by the contributions of investigators
Volume translation in equations of state as a means of accurate property estimation

Abstract Molar volumes predicted by cubic volumetric equations of state (EOS)s over a range of reduced temperatures and pressures from T r = 0.5–2.0 and P r = 0.5–10.0 were compared to reference molar volume values for water, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and the first eight normal paraffin alkanes. A similarity of molar volume residuals was observed for predictions by the Soave–Redlich–Kwong EOS, indicating that volume translation can be used to improve the accuracy of these molar volume predictions. The necessity of both density and temperature dependence in the volume translation is established; guidelines for maintaining thermodynamic consistency and a correlation for identifying the maxima in molar volume residuals are provided.
CO modulates pulmonary vascular response to acute hypoxia: relation to endothelin.

Pulmonary intralobar arteries express heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and -2 and release carbon monoxide (CO) during incubation in Krebs buffer. Acute hypoxia elicits isometric tension development (0.77 ± 0....
Nephrotoxicity of N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)succinimide metabolites in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract The experimental fungicide N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-succinimide (NDPS) has been shown to produce selective nephrotoxicity at least in part through the actions of one or more metabolites. The purpose of this study was to (1) determine the nephrotoxic potential of three known NDPS metabolites; N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinimide (NDHS), N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxysuccinamic acid (NDHSA), and N-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)malonamic acid (DMA) and (2) examine the role of renal biotransformation in NDPS-induced nephrotoxicity. In one set of experiments, male Fischer 344 rats were administered a single intraperitoneal (ip) injection of NDPS or a NDPS metabolite (0.2, 0.4, or 1.0 mmol/kg) or vehicle (sesame oil, 2.5 ml/kg) and renal function was monitored at 24 and 48 hr. Both NDHS and NDHSA administration (0.2 or 0.4 mmol/kg) resulted in nephrotoxicity similar to that produced by NDPS (0.4 or 1.0 mmol/kg). DMA administration resulted in only minor renal effects. Addition of NDPS to renal cortical slices prepared from naive Fischer 344 rats resulted in decreases in p-aminohippurate (PAH) and tetraethylammonium (TEA) accumulation at NDPS media concentrations of 10−4 and 10−5 m or greater, respectively. Pretreatment of rats with microsomal enzyme activity modifiers (phenobarbital, 3-methylcholanthrene, cobalt chloride, or piperonyl butoxide) had little effect on in vitro effects of NDPS on PAH or TEA accumulation. A pattern of PAH or TEA uptake similar to that observed for NDPS was observed in vitro with NDPS-d4, a nonnephrotoxic analog of NDPS labeled on the succinimide ring with deuterium. Of the NDPS metabolites tested in vitro for nephrotoxicity, only NDHS produced decreases in PAH and TEA accumulation similar to those produced by NDPS. These results suggest that the NDPS metabolites NDHS and NDHSA are nephrotoxic compounds. However, the role of these metabolites in NDPS-induced nephrotoxicity remains to be determined. In addition, it appears that NDPS has direct effects on renal function, but these effects do not appear to be of major toxicological significance in vivo. Direct renal bioactivation of NDPS or its known metabolites to nephrotoxic species does not appear to occur in vitro.
Epitaxial growth of high quality ZnSe and ZnSe/ZnS superlattices for optical processing

The influence of processing conditions, such as reagent flow ratio (f VI /f II ) and substrate temperature, on the film stoichiometry, surface morphology, and crystalline quality of MOCVD grown ZnSe films and ZnSe/ZnS superlattices (SLs) has been studied. A growth interruption procedure was developed which effectively reduced the interface roughness of ZnSe/ZnS superlattices, and hence the photoluminescence (PL) linewidth of the superlattice structures.
An Accessory Agonist Binding Site Promotes Activation of α4β2* Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors.

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α4, β2, and sometimes other subunits (α4β2* nAChRs) regulate addictive and other behavioral effects of nicotine. These nAChRs exist in several stoichiometries, typically with two high affinity acetylcholine (ACh) binding sites at the interface of α4 and β2 subunits and a fifth accessory subunit. A third low affinity ACh binding site is formed when this accessory subunit is α4 but not if it is β2. Agonists selective for the accessory ACh site, such as 3-[3-(3-pyridyl)-1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl]benzonitrile (NS9283), cannot alone activate a nAChR but can facilitate more efficient activation in combination with agonists at the canonical α4β2 sites. We therefore suggest categorizing agonists according to their site selectivity. NS9283 binds to the accessory ACh binding site; thus it is termed an accessory site-selective agonist. We expressed (α4β2)2 concatamers in Xenopus oocytes with free accessory subunits to obtain defined nAChR stoichiometries and α4/accessory subunit interfaces. We show that α2, α3, α4, and α6 accessory subunits can form binding sites for ACh and NS9283 at interfaces with α4 subunits, but β2 and β4 accessory subunits cannot. To permit selective blockage of the accessory site, α4 threonine 126 located on the minus side of α4 that contributes to the accessory site, but not the α4β2 sites, was mutated to cysteine. Alkylation of this cysteine with a thioreactive reagent blocked activity of ACh and NS9283 at the accessory site. Accessory agonist binding sites are promising drug targets. Background: In (α4β2)2α4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, there is an agonist binding site at the α4/α4 subunit interface. Results: α2, α3, and α6 accessory subunits can form an agonist site with α4. These promote activation upon agonist binding at α4/β2 agonist sites. Conclusion: Accessory subunit agonist sites greatly influence receptor function. Significance: These sites are promising drug targets.
Diet-induced hyperphagia in the rat is influenced by sex and exercise

Caloric intake is increased in rats fed a diet containing greater fat or sugar than that found in laboratory chow. Because such diet-induced hyperphagia has been studied primarily in sedentary male...
Scheduling for power reduction in a real-time system

This paper describes how, through a combination of scheduling and buffer insertion, real-time systems may be optimized for power consumption while maintaining deadlines. Beginning with simple examples (components that have no internal pipelines and in which the only design freedoms are buffer insertion and scheduling), we illustrate the effect of adjusting the time at which data are processed on power consumption. Algorithms for optimizing the energy saving are proposed for several real-time system implementations including non-pipelined and pipelined. We also discuss extension to this preliminary work including selection of alternate processing units in order to reduce power consumption while maintaining deadlines.
Shape deformations of spherical vesicles under radial pressure.

We derive the shape deformations, which occur as bifurcations from spherically symmetric vesicles, soap bubbles, and other nondissipative systems characterized by curvature elasticity (bending energy) only. A weakly nonlinear stability theory is used to obtain the lowest critical value of the control parameter (in the present case the radial pressure difference across the surface), for which nonspherical shapes can occur. The first bifurcation obtained can be of two different types, namely transcritical or subcritical, but never supercritical depending on the spontaneous curvature of the membrane, which forms the vesicle. It is shown that the well-known results of the linear stability theory are insufficient to describe the bifurcation: the actual threshold for nonspherical structures in the presence of finite-amplitude perturbations is always lower than that obtained by the linear theory; among the deformations corresponding to l=2 spherical harmonics only those with m=0 are possible; and, although these l=2, m=0 structures are the most likely ones to occur above threshold, higher harmonic structures (e.g., l=3) cannot be ruled out on the basis of a weakly nonlinear analysis.
Analysis of the correlation between endorectal MRI response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy and biochemical recurrence in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Intermediate end points are desirable to expedite the integration of neoadjuvant systemic therapy into the treatment strategy for high-risk localized prostate cancer. Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 Tesla (1.5T erMRI) response has been utilized as an end point in neoadjuvant trials but has not been correlated with clinical outcomes. METHODS Data were pooled from two trials exploring neoadjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk localized prostate cancer. Trial 1 explored docetaxel for 6 months and Trial 2 explored docetaxel plus bevacizumab for 4.5 months, both before radical prostatectomy. erMRI was done at baseline and end of chemotherapy. 1.5T erMRI response, based upon T2W sequences, was recorded. Multivariable Cox regression was undertaken to evaluate the association between clinical parameters and biochemical recurrence. RESULTS There were 53 evaluable patients in the combined analysis: 20 (33%) achieved a PSA response, 16 (27%) achieved an erMRI partial response and 24 (40%) achieved an erMRI minor response. Median follow-up was 4.2 years, and 33 of 53 evaluable (62%) patients developed biochemical recurrence. On multivariable analysis, PSA response did not correlate with biochemical recurrence (hazard ratio=0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25-1.33) and paradoxically erMRI response was associated with a significantly shorter time to biochemical recurrence (hazard ratio=2.47, 95% CI 1.00-6.13). CONCLUSIONS Response by 1.5T erMRI does not correlate with a decreased likelihood of biochemical recurrence in patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer treated with neoadjuvant docetaxel and may be associated with inferior outcomes. These data do not support the use of 1.5T erMRI response as a primary end point in neoadjuvant chemotherapy trials.
Energetics of mice in stable and unstable social conditions: Evidence of an air-borne factor affecting metabolism

Abstract The metabolic rates of laboratory mice were compared in three conditions: isolated mice, mice paired together over six days (stable groups), and mice paired with strange partners daily (unstable groups). Stable pairs had 15% lower metabolic rates than either isolated or unstable pairs. In other experiments when two mice were placed in separate metabolic chambers and connected together via an air flow, the metabolic rate of the recipient in the series was 35% lower than the donor. The data suggest that a ‘factor’ produced by the donor mouse was passed via the air supply into the recipient's chamber.
Interplay of particle shape and suspension properties: a study of cube-like particles

With advances in anisotropic particle synthesis, particle shape is now a feasible parameter for tuning suspension properties. However, there is a need to determine how these newly synthesized particles affect suspension properties and a need to solve the inverse problem of inferring the particle shape from property measurements. Either way, accurate suspension property predictions are required. Towards this end, we calculated a set of dilute suspension properties for a family of cube-like particles that smoothly interpolate between spheres and cubes. Using three conceptually different methods, we numerically computed the electrical properties of particle suspensions, including the intrinsic conductivity of perfect conductors and insulators. We also considered hydrodynamic properties relevant to particle solutions including the hydrodynamic radius, the intrinsic viscosity and the intrinsic solvent diffusivity. Additionally, we determined the second osmotic virial coefficient using analytic expressions along with numerical integration. As the particles became more cube-like, we found that all of the properties investigated become more sensitive to particle shape.
The anti‐expenditure principle: Gosplan's proposals for Soviet economic reform

(1991). The anti‐expenditure principle: Gosplan's proposals for Soviet economic reform. Soviet Studies: Vol. 43, No. 5, pp. 837-857.
An interactive method for multiple-objective mathematical programming problems

An interactive method is developed for solving the general nonlinear multiple objective mathematical programming problems. The method asks the decision maker to provide partial information (local tradeoff ratios) about his utility (preference) function at each iteration. Using the information, the method generates an efficient solution and presents it to the decision maker. In so doing, the best compromise solution is sought in a finite number of iterations. This method differs from the existing feasible direction methods in that (i) it allows the decision maker to consider only efficient solutions throughout, (ii) the requirement of line search is optional, and (iii) it solves the problems with linear objective functions and linear utility function in one iteration. Using various problems selected from the literature, five line search variations of the method are tested and compared to one another. The nonexisting decision maker is simulated using three different recognition levels, and their impact on the method is also investigated.
Examining Optimal Criterion Weights in Mixed Integer Programming Approaches to the Multiple-group Classification Problem

Several mixed integer programming approaches to the multiple-group statistical classification problem are examined. Many papers have investigated conditions under which a degenerate solution occurs in linear programming approaches to the two-group discriminant problem. Very little research has been conducted in the multiple-group case. We investigate conditions under which a degenerate solution can occur in mixed integer programming approaches to the multiple-group classification problem. A multiple-group ‘minimize the sum of deviations’ model is presented. This model is similar in structure to the general single function classification model. Also, a two-goal approach to the multiple-group classification problem is discussed.
Biotemplated Superhydrophobic Surfaces for Enhanced Dropwise Condensation

The increased heat transfer achieved through dropwise condensation, as compared to filmwise condensation, has the potential to substantially impact a variety of applications including high-heat flux thermal management systems, integrated electronics cooling, and various industrial and chemical processes. Here, we report stable dropwise condensation onto biotemplated nanostructured super-hydrophobic surfaces. We have demonstrated continuous droplet coalescence and ejection at diameters of less than 20 μm and compared directly with flat hydrophobic surfaces. The self-ejection mechanism characteristic of dropwise condensation has been shown using a simple bio-nano-fabrication technique based on the self-assembly and mineralization of the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). This process is extendable to commercially relevant nanomanufacturing of both microscale electronics devices as well as large-scale large-area industrial equipment. This manufacturing flexibility is unique as compared to many other micro/nano-structured surfaces fabricated to demonstrate similar increases in condensation heat transfer.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Survey of K–3rd-Grade Teachers' Knowledge of Ear Infections and Willingness to Participate in Prevention Programs

Purpose Ear infections are prevalent in kindergarten through 3rd-grade (K–3rd) children and can affect their performance at school. Chewing gum, when administered by parents and teachers, can help prevent ear infections in children. This pilot study surveyed K–3rd-grade teachers in the Santa Barbara School Districts to assess their knowledge about ear infections and their willingness to participate in ear infection prevention programs. Method A 37-item questionnaire was developed and was e-mailed to a convenience sample of 112 teachers in February 2010. Results Response rate was 26%; 29 teachers responded. Most respondents were experienced females ≥36 years of age who said that their education provided no information about ear infections. Less than half said that they knew signs of ear infections or that ear infections could be prevented, but more than half believed that ear infections could hinder children’s development and quality of life. All of the schools and almost all of the teachers did not permit...
Earth surface evaporative process: A case study from the Great Lakes region of the United States based on deuterium excess in precipitation

Abstract The “deuterium excess” parameter in rain, defined as d = δD − 8δ18O, is a powerful geophysical tool which can be used to estimate secondary processes that influence atmospheric vapor content in the evaporation-condensation cycle in nature. The d-excess has been calculated, based on the systematic analysis of the stable oxygen and hydrogen isotope ratios, in precipitation samples from Kalamazoo, southwest Michigan. The results show that moisture derived from the evaporation of Lake Michigan contributes between 9–16% during the summer months to the atmospheric vapor load in the region. Admittedly, this estimate is an upper value since in our model we have assumed that transpiration from leaf surfaces is minimal compared to the evaporation from Lake Michigan. It is therefore obvious that large freshwater systems need to be regarded as a potentially significant source of atmospheric vapor load. Isotopic investigations such as this will enable to attain quantitative estimates of this important aspect, a knowledge of which, will enhance the usefulness of or perhaps even be essential in calculations based on many atmospheric circulation models.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pelvic abscesses in a female after gynecologic pelvic surgery

Pelvic abscesses occurring after gynecologic pelvic surgery are uncommon. We describe the case of a woman who, after undergoing such a procedure, was found to have pelvic abscesses infected with methicillin-resistant Staphyloccocus aureus. The purpose of this report is to raise awareness of a life-threatening complication of gynecologic pelvic surgery.
CHARGE EXCHANGE AND EXCITATION IN H+HE2+ AND HE++H+ COLLISIONS USING SINGLE- AND MULTICHANNEL PERTURBED-STATIONARY-STATE PROPAGATORS

Our recently formulated (preceding paper, PP I) semiclassical perturbed-stationary-state single- and multichannel propagators are applied to study the collisions of He[sup 2+] on H(1[ital s]) and H[sup +] on He[sup +](1[ital s]), including as many as 45 molecular adiabatic states unmodified by an electron translation factor. In the energy range below the collisional ionization threshold, a multichannel eikonal propagator with 45 states reproduces the total charge-exchange cross sections---a feat that a single-channel theory cannot accomplish, as convergence with respect to the basis size indicates conclusively. In this region of negligible ionization, the 45-state multichannel cross sections are also in reasonably good agreement with other semiclassical calculations that employ either atomic or molecular basis functions modified by translation factors. Regarding level-selective cross sections, however, our results and previous translation-factor-based predictions are far apart. The multichannel propagator yields higher cross sections for transfer into excited states whose participation is artificially attenuated in the other models by the translation factor. In light of our findings, we discuss recent experimental measurements of uv emission induced in collisions of hydrogen and [alpha] particles and suggest an interpretation that invokes optical interference to explain the observed Balmer-[alpha] cross sections and, perhaps, also the slightly low radiative-quenchingmore » yield of the product metastable helium ion.« less
Unmasking the perky effect: spatial extent of image interference on visual acuity.

We have previously argued that visual mental images are not substitutable for visual percepts, because the interfering effects of visual stimuli such as line maskers on visual targets differ markedly in their properties from the interfering effects of visual images (the ‘Perky effect’). Imagery interference occurs over a much wider temporal and spatial extent than masking, and unlike masking, image interference is insensitive to relative orientation. The lack of substitutability is theoretically interesting because the Perky effect can be compared meaningfully to real-line masking in that both types of interference are visual, not due to optical factors (accommodative blur or poor fixation) or to high-level factors (attentional distraction, demand characteristics, or effects of uncertainty). In this report, however, we question our earlier position that spatial extents of interference are markedly different: when images and real lines are matched in contrast, which was not done previously, their interference effects have very similar spatial extents. These data add weight to the view that spatial properties of images and percepts are similar in respect to extent. Along with the wider temporal extent and the insensitivity to orientation, the new results remain compatible with our older hypothesis that to create a clear mental image in a region of visual space, incoming signals from the eye must be suppressed (Craver-Lemley & Reeves, 1992). We have pursued this idea in this report using ‘unmasking’, in which adding elements to the visual image in the region beyond the zone of suppression reduces the Perky effect.
Current practice and perception of screening for medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease.

Author(s): Trindade, Arvind J; Morisky, Donald E; Ehrlich, Adam C; Tinsley, Andrew; Ullman, Thomas A | Abstract: BackgroundAdherence to medication in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) improves outcomes. Current practices of screening for adherence to IBD medications are unknown. The goal of this study was to determine current practice and perception of screening for medication adherence among US-based gastroenterologists.MethodsA survey was mailed electronically to gastroenterologists whose electronic-mail address was listed in the American College of Gastroenterology database. Physicians who cared for IBD patients were invited to answer.ResultsAbout 6830 surveys were sent to gastroenterologists nationwide, and 395 physicians who cared for IBD patients completed the survey. The true response rate is unknown, as the number of physicians caring for IBD patients in the database is unknown. About 77% (n = 303) of physicians who responded stated they screen for adherence to medication. Of the 77% of physicians who screened for adherence, only 19% (n = 58) use accepted measures of screening for adherence (pill counts, prescription refill rates, or adherence surveys). The remaining 81% used patient interview to screen for adherence, a measure considered least accepted to determine adherence, as it overestimates adherence. The average number of IBD patients observed in 1 week had no statistical significance in predilection for screening (P = 0.82). Private practice physicians (P = 0.05), younger physicians (P = 0.03), and physicians with fewer years of experience (P = 0.02) all were more likely to screen. About 95% of responders thought determining a low adherer to medicine was important because an intervention can increase adherence.ConclusionsThe majority of gastroenterologists surveyed recognize that adherence to medication is important and improves outcomes. The majority of physicians in this study are screening for nonadherence in IBD, but are not using accepted measures for adherence detection. If this study truly reflects the majority of physicians nationwide, changing the way physicians screen for adherence, may detect more low adherers to medication.
Free vibrations of a thick spinning annular disk with distributed masses at the outer edge

This paper deals with the free vibration problem of a spinning annular disk with uniformly distributed masses attached to its outer edge. Mindlin's transverse shear deformation and rotary inertia terms are included in the eigenvalue formulation. The natural frequencies of the disk are computed by the Rayleigh-Ritz technique for the combination of boundary conditions with constraints at the inner edge and free at the outer boundary. The numerical results illustrating the effect of changing thickness for different values of edge masses have been presented in a non-dimensional form.
Expanding the quality paradigm for contemporary realignment: an ethics perspective

Despite considerable change in the context and environment in which business transactions are conducted today, prevailing views on quality have remained relatively static. This paper provides a new perspective on quality and serves as a call for the expansion of the quality paradigm in business research, teaching, and practice so as to better align it with the environment of today. It expands the conceptualisation of quality in the context of provider-customer transactions along supply chains and presents unethical conduct as a fundamentally critical aspect of quality and customer satisfaction. Specifically, it examines the effects of unethical conduct on the quality of customer experience, creation of value, and competitiveness. It develops a framework for assessing the detrimental impact of deceitful business conduct by providers and accordingly formulates summative propositions. New and useful managerial insights are offered on how the challenges posed by unethical conduct can be effectively met. A scale for measuring deceitful practices is developed with the suggestion that it be used in association with a deceit index to determine the quality of a customer’s total experience. Future research directions are also identified.
Requirements for West Nile Virus (–)- and (+)-Strand Subgenomic RNA Synthesis in Vitro by the Viral RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase Expressed in Escherichia coli

RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) of the Flaviviridae family catalyze replication of positive (+)- strand viral RNA through synthesis of minus (-)-and progeny (+)-strand RNAs. West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne member, is a rapidly re-emerging human pathogen in the United States since its first outbreak in 1999. To study the replication of the WNV RNA in vitro, an assay is described here that utilizes the WNV RdRP and subgenomic (-)- and (+)-strand template RNAs containing 5'- and 3'-terminal regions (TR) with the conserved sequence elements. Our results show that both 5'- and 3'-TRs of the (+)-strand RNA template including the wild type cyclization (CYC) motifs are important for RNA synthesis. However, the 3'-TR of the (-)-strand RNA template alone is sufficient for RNA synthesis. Mutational analysis of the CYC motifs revealed that the (+)-strand 5'-CYC motif is critical for (-)-strand RNA synthesis but neither the (-)-strand 5'- nor 3'-CYC motif is important for the (+)-strand RNA synthesis. Moreover, the 5'-cap inhibits the (-)-strand RNA synthesis from the 3' fold-back structure of (+)-strand RNA template without affecting the de novo synthesis of RNA. These results support a model that "cyclization" of the viral RNA play a role for (-)-strand RNA synthesis but not for (+)-strand RNA synthesis.
Convergence rate and termination of asynchronous iterative algorithms

We consider iterative algorithms of the form x := ƒ(x), executed by a parallel or distributed computing system. We focus on asynchronous implementations whereby each processor iterates on a different component of x, at its own pace, using the most recently received (but possibly outdated) information on the remaining components of x. We provide results on the convergence rate of such algorithms and make a comparison with the convergence rate of the corresponding synchronous methods in which the computation proceeds in phases. We also present results on how to terminate asynchronous iterations in finite time with an approximate solution of the computational problem under consideration.
Distribution of monosynaptic Ia excitatory post‐synaptic potentials in the motor nucleus of the cat semitendinosus muscle.

Evidence is presented for a lack of localization of monosynaptic Ia excitatory post-synaptic potentials (e.p.s.p.s) in the motor nucleus supplying the atypical cat hind limb muscle semitendinosus, which has anatomically distinct in-series compartments. Recordings were made from dorsal root filaments containing functionally isolated Ia, spindle group II and Ib axons from the proximal and distal compartments of semitendinosus. Twitch of either of these in-series compartments resulted in accelerated discharge of Ia and spindle group II fibres in the other compartment. Ib fibres of either compartment showed an in-series response to twitch of a single compartment which was weaker than twitch of the whole muscle, a finding which was consistent with the diminished force produced by twitch of either compartment alone. In addition, intracellular recordings were made from semitendinosus motoneurones in anaesthetized low-spinal cats during electrical stimulation of the nerve branches to proximal semitendinosus and distal semitendinosus. Comparison of proximal semitendinosus and distal semitendinosus motoneurones failed to reveal any difference between the two cell groups with respect to the average Ia e.p.s.p. amplitude produced by either the proximal or distal semitendinosus nerve branch. However, e.p.s.p.s due to stimulation of distal semitendinosus were approximately 65% larger, on average, than those due to stimulation of proximal semitendinosus in either motoneurone group. Analysis of cell location along the rostro-caudal axis of the spinal cord indicated that the proximal and distal semitendinosus cell groups are largely co-extensive. Recordings of volleys in the proximal and distal semitendinosus nerve branches in response to stimulation of the L6, L7 and S1 dorsal roots showed that group I afferents from the proximal semitendinosus compartment tend to have a more rostral entry point to the spinal cord than do distal semitendinosus afferents. E.p.s.p. amplitude in either cell group due to stimulation of either nerve branch showed little dependence on cell location in the spinal cord. The results are discussed with respect to the relation between muscle function and the distribution of monosynaptic Ia connexions.
High density lipoproteins from bovine plasma and follicular fluid do not possess a high affinity for glycosaminoglycans

Possible interactions between glycosaminoglycans and high density lipoproteins (HDL) in plasma and follicular fluid were examined. Total lipoproteins (d less than 1.21 g/ml) were obtained from plasma of five Holstein cows by ultracentrifugation and fractionated by gel filtration. Every other fraction from the HDL peak or fractions corresponding to the base and ascending portion of the HDL peak were composited and applied to a heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography column. Elution profiles from both composites showed a peak that did not bind to the column that contained HDL devoid of apolipoprotein-E as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and silver staining and immunoblot analysis. Elution of lipoproteins from the ascending portion of the HDL peak resulted in a second minor peak eluting at 0.35 M NaCl, which was low density lipoprotein (LDL) contamination. Lipoproteins (d less than 1.21 g/ml) isolated from follicular fluid obtained from small, medium or large follicles also were subjected to heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Two peaks were observed, one corresponding to the lipoprotein that did not bind to the column, the other eluted at 0.5 M NaCl and accounted for less than 2% of the protein applied. The second peak did not contain apolipoprotein-E or LDL. Bovine follicular fluid glycosaminoglycans (GAG) were isolated and subjected to HDL-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Less than 2% of the total GAG bound to the HDL column. Therefore, HDL in bovine specimens did not interact appreciably with heparin or GAG isolated from follicular fluid.
Proteomic approaches to studying protein tyrosine phosphatases

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) constitute a large family of enzymes that play key roles in cell signaling. Deregulation of PTP activity results in aberrant tyrosine phosphorylation, which has been linked to the etiology of several human diseases, including cancer. Since phosphate removal by the PTPs can both enhance and antagonize cellular signaling, it is essential to elucidate the physiological context in which PTPs operate. Two powerful proteomic approaches have been developed to rapidly establish the exact functional roles for every PTP, both in normal cellular physiology and in pathogenic conditions. In the first, an affinity-based substrate-trapping approach has been employed for PTP substrate identification. Identification and characterization of specific PTP-substrate interactions will associate functions with PTP as well as implicate PTP to specific signaling pathways. In the second, a number of activity-based PTP probes have been developed that can provide a direct readout of the functional state of the PTPs in complex proteomes. The ability to profile the entire PTP family on the basis of changes in their activity is expected to yield new functional insights into pathways regulated by the PTPs and contribute to the discovery of PTPs as novel therapeutic targets. Effective application of these proteomic techniques will accelerate the functional characterization of PTPs, thereby facilitating our understanding of PTPs in cell signaling and in diseases.
The regulation of hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase activity through transfer of PRPP by metabolic cooperation.

We have developed a method of relating changes in hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRTase) activity to the rate of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP) synthesis in isolated cell lines and in co-cultures of different cell lines. Using this approach, we have determined the response of the HGPRTase activity of communication-competent and communication-incompetent cells to changes in PRPP content. The HGPRTase activity of HGPRT+ communication-competent NS cells responds to changes of their own PRPP level, as well as to changes of the PRPP level of HGPRT− cells with which they are co-cultured. In contrast, the HGPRTase activity of the HGPRT+, but communication-incompetent L929 cells responds to changes of their own PRPP content but not to changes of the PRPP content of the cocultured HGPRT− cells. These and other experiments show that PRPP is freely exchangeable between communication-competent cells and that the intracellular activity of HGPRTase in one cell can be regulated by changes in the levels of its substrate in another cell through metabolic cooperation. The results also indicate that HGPRTase normally functions at a small fraction of its total activity, and that this can be greatly increased by raising the intracellular PRPP levels. Furthermore, it is found that when communication-competent cells establish intercellular communication, they share a common pool of PRPP and of purine nucleotides. This approach can be used as the basis of a biochemical method for the quantitation of metabolic cooperation between cells.
Horizontality as a function of sex and academic major.

A paper-and-pencil Piagetian water-level task was administered to 250 undergraduate students within 5 college majors: engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, business, and language arts. An...
Platelet MAO Activity: Relationships to Clinical and Psychometric Variables

Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity was measured in a group of hospitalized male psychiatric patients. The findings of this study confirm previous reports of: (1) reduced platelet MAO activity in patients with auditory hallucinations, (2) reduced platelet MAO activity in patients with alcoholism, and (3) a positive correlation between platelet MAO activity and a psychometric index of social introversion.
Schlumpftreffen II: Total Immersion Weekend New Jersey Style.

The New Jersey Chapter of the AATG conducted its second Total Immersion Weekend for students of German for the purpose of providing these students with a total German environment. All activities, including hiking, singing, dancing, arts and crafts, and various sports sessions, were conducted in German. Every teacher from the fifteen participating high schools was allowed to bring only five students, and was involved not only in planning the weekend but also in conducting at least one workshop. Detailed evaluation forms filled out at the end of the purely-for-fun German weekend proved that everyone involved found the experience truly worthwhile and exciting.
The relationship between the Gabor elementary function and a stochastic model of the inter-spike interval distribution in the responses of visual cortex neurons

In a previously reported study (Berger et al. 1990) we analyzed distributions of interspike intervals recorded extracellularly from cat visual cortex under four stimulus conditions. Stimuli were gratings differing in orientation and spatial frequency. The probability density function of first passage time for a random walk with drift process, which is defined by its barrier height and drift coefficient, was used to characterize the generating process of axonal discharge under resting and stimulus conditions. Drift coefficient and barrier height were derived from the sample mean and standard deviation of the measured inter-spike intervals. For cells with simple receptive fields, variations in spatial frequency produced changes only in drift coefficient. Variations in barrier height were produced only by changes in orientation of the stimulus. Currently, the method used to analyze these data was implemented in a simulation which displayed the relationship between the interval distribution of impulses, the random walk which represents the time series characteristic of the spike train model and the Gabor filter function which represents the geometry of the receptive field process.
Deletion of the endothelin-A receptor gene within the developing mandible

Signaling from the endothelin-A (Ednra) receptor is responsible for initiating multiple signaling pathways within neural crest cells (NCCs). Loss of this initiation is presumably the basis for the craniofacial defects observed in Ednra−/− embryos. However, it is not known whether continued Ednra signaling in NCC derivatives is required for subsequent development of the lower jaw. To address this question, mice containing loxP recombination sequences flanking a portion of the Ednra gene were bred with transgenic mice that express Cre recombinase under control of a Dlx5/6 enhancer element. We find that while Ednra gene inactivation within the mandibular arch of these Ednra conditional knockout embryos is detectable by embryonic day (E) 10.5, mandibular arch-specific gene expression is normal, as is overall mandible development. These results suggest that while Ednra receptor signaling is crucial for early NCC patterning, subsequent Ednra signaling is not essential for mandible bone development.
Oxytalan fibers: identification of the same fiber by light and electron microscopy.

. The same oxytalan fibers in periodontal membranes of rats were demonstrated by both light and electron microscopy. These observations confirm that structures previously identified as oxytalan fibers are, in fact, oxytalan fibers. The structure of oxytalan fibers as revealed by electron microscopy differs from elastic, collagen, and reticular fibers.
Decision support for “messy” problems

Abstract Problems that are non-quantitative and not bound to a narrow knowledge domain have been served unsatisfactorily by decision support and expert systems. Alternative techniques that address this type of problem are explained here using two key concepts: problem type dependent process support and domain related knowledge. Process support refers to the program steps and the data items useful in finding the solution. Domain related knowledge is knowledge drawn from a specific domain, yet through abstraction applicable to a wider range of problems. Results of preliminary empirical analyses suggest that both concepts are useful.
The influence of hydrocortisone (HC) on differentiation of adipose tissue is dependent on fetal age.

Elevated serum hydrocortisone (HC) levels are associated with larger fat cells and elevated levels of Iipogenic and associated enzymes in late term pig fetuses from genetically obese dams. We have investigated the influence of HC status per se on these and other adipose tissue traits by chronically treating pig fetuses hypophysectomized (hypox) on day 70 with HC between either day 70 and 90 or 90 and 105 of gestation. Treatment with HC during both periods increased serum HC levels (P<.05) and increased fat cell size (P<.05) in the perirenal (PERI) and subcutaneous (SQ) depots, but failed to influence body weights, insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin levels. Quantitative analysis of sections of PERI and SQ adipose tissue indicated that HC increased lipoprotein lipase (LPL), esterase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities. The degree of esterase and G6PDH, but not LPL response to HC, was greater during the 90- to 105-day period than during the earlier period. HC significantly increased lipid accretion only in the SQ depot between 90 and 105 days. Overall, HC significantly augmented hypox-induced alterations in cellular and metabolic traits of developing adipose tissue. The general increase in fat cell size (21%) with moderate (SQ-105d) or no (PERI-90, 105d; SQ-90d) increase in lipid accretion indicates that HC either did not influence or decreased apparent fat cell number. Regardless, these data indicate that changes in serum HC per se may account for adipose tissue traits that characterize fetuses from genetically obese dams.
Phosphoinositide Kinase-3 Status Associated With Presence or Absence of Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Purpose To investigate phosphoinositide kinase-3 (PI3K) activation in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV) status in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods and Materials Gene expression microarray data were analyzed to determine differentially expressed genes between HPV(+) and HPV(−) HNSCC. PIK3CA gene expression was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in seven HPV(+) and seven HPV(−) primary HNSCCs. PIK3CA mutation status in three HPV(+) and nine HPV(−) cell lines was determined by polymerase chain reaction amplification of hot spot exons (1, 9, 20) followed by direct sequencing. Results PIK3CA was overexpressed in HPV(+)-associated HNSCC compared with the expression in HPV(−) HNSCC. Activation of PIK3CA by mutation was found in 1 of the 12 tested HNSCC cell lines. Conclusion Activation of PI3K by mutation of PIK3CA is rare in HNSCC cell lines and was not found in three HPV(+) cell lines. One mechanism by which HPV-associated HNSCC might activate PI3K is increased expression of PIK3CA.
Visualizing Protein-DNA Interactions at the Single-Molecule Level

Recent advancements in single-molecule methods have allowed researchers to directly observe proteins acting on their DNA targets in real-time. Single-molecule imaging of protein-DNA interactions permits detection of the dynamic behavior of individual complexes that otherwise would be obscured in ensemble experiments. The kinetics of these processes can be monitored directly, permitting identification of unique subpopulations or novel reaction intermediates. Innovative techniques have been developed to isolate and manipulate individual DNA or protein molecules, and to visualize their interactions. The actions of proteins that have been visualized include: duplex DNA unwinding, DNA degradation, DNA packaging, translocation on DNA, sliding, superhelical twisting, and DNA bending, extension, and condensation. These single-molecule studies have provided new insights into nearly all aspects of DNA metabolism. Here we focus primarily on recent advances in fluorescence imaging and mechanical detection of individual protein-DNA complexes, with emphasis on selected proteins involved in DNA recombination: DNA helicases, DNA translocases, and DNA strand exchange proteins.
Rational pharmacotherapy for Alzheimer's disease

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is commonly encountered by physicians in all specialties. The anticholinesterase inhibitors tacrine and donepezil are FDA-approved to treat the disease, and many more agents are being studied. Such agents may reverse the underlying disease process, salvage injured neurons, prevent amplification of neuronal death, or replace neurotransmitter loss after cell death occurs. This article presents a rational framework for understanding at which step in the neurodegenerative sequence various agents act. A discussion of the noncognitive symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and available treatment options for these ensues, followed by the presentation of a framework for providing comprehensive care consisting of treatment of the disease and its symptoms, as well support for the patient and family/caregiver.