cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural and Functional Basis of CXCL12 (Stromal Cell-derived Factor-1α) Binding to Heparin

CXCL12 (SDF-1α) and CXCR4 are critical for embryonic development and cellular migration in adults. These proteins are involved in HIV-1 infection, cancer metastasis, and WHIM disease. Sequestration and presentation of CXCL12 to CXCR4 by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is proposed to be important for receptor activation. Mutagenesis has identified CXCL12 residues that bind to heparin. However, the molecular details of this interaction have not yet been determined. Here we demonstrate that soluble heparin and heparan sulfate negatively affect CXCL12-mediated in vitro chemotaxis. We also show that a cluster of basic residues in the dimer interface is required for chemotaxis and is a target for inhibition by heparin. We present structural evidence for binding of an unsaturated heparin disaccharide to CXCL12 attained through solution NMR spectroscopy and x-ray crystallography. Increasing concentrations of the disaccharide altered the two-dimensional 1H-15N-HSQC spectra of CXCL12, which identified two clusters of residues. One cluster corresponds to β-strands in the dimer interface. The second includes the amino-terminal loop and the α-helix. In the x-ray structure two unsaturated disaccharides are present. One is in the dimer interface with direct contacts between residues His25, Lys27, and Arg41 of CXCL12 and the heparin disaccharide. The second disaccharide contacts Ala20, Arg21, Asn30, and Lys64. This is the first x-ray structure of a CXC class chemokine in complex with glycosaminoglycans. Based on the observation of two heparin binding sites, we propose a mechanism in which GAGs bind around CXCL12 dimers as they sequester and present CXCL12 to CXCR4.
Asynchronous finite-difference schemes for partial differential equations

Current trends in massively parallel computing systems suggest that the number of processing elements (PEs) used in simulations will continue to grow over time. A known problem in this context is the overhead associated with communication and/or synchronization between PEs as well as idling due to load imbalances. Simulation at extreme levels of parallelism will then require an elimination, or at least a tight control of these overheads. In this work, we present an analysis of common finite difference schemes for partial differential equations (PDEs) when no synchronization between PEs is enforced. PEs are allowed to continue computations regardless of messages status and are thus asynchronous. We show that while stability is conserved when these schemes are used asynchronously, accuracy is greatly degraded. Since message arrivals at PEs are essentially random processes, so is the behavior of the error. Within a statistical framework we show that average errors drop always to first-order regardless of the original scheme. The value of the error is found to depend on both grid spacing as well as characteristics of the computing system including number of processors and statistics of the delays. We propose new schemes that are robust to asynchrony. The analytical results are compared against numerical simulations.
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING APPROACH FOR ONLINE FREEWAY FLOW PROPAGATION ADJUSTMENT

An optimization framework for online flow propagation adjustment in a freeway context was proposed. Instead of performing local adjustment for individual links separately, the proposed framework considers the interconnectivity of links in a traffic network. In particular, dynamic behavior in the mesoscopic simulation is approximated by the finite-difference method at a macroscopic level. The proposed model seeks to minimize the deviation between simulated density and anticipated density. By taking advantage of the serial structure of a freeway, an efficient dynamic programming algorithm has been developed and tested. The experiment results compared with analytic results as the base case showed the superior performance of dynamic programming methods over the classical proportion control method. The effect of varying update intervals was also examined. The simulation results suggest that a greedy method considering the impact of inconsistency propagation achieves the best trade-off in terms of computation effort and solution quality.
The p38 MAPK Family, a Pushmi-pullyu of Skeletal Muscle Differentiation

In this issue, Gillespie et al. (Gillespie et al. 2009. J. Cell Biol. doi:10.1083/jcb.200907037) demonstrate that the mitogen-activated protein kinase isoform p38-γ plays a crucial role in blocking the premature differentiation of satellite cells, a skeletal muscle stem cell population. p38-γ puts the brakes on skeletal muscle differentiation by promoting the association of the transcription factor MyoD with the histone methyltransferase, KMT1A, which act together in a complex to repress the premature expression of the gene encoding the myogenic transcription factor Myogenin.
The role of allergy in sinusitis in adults

Allergic sinus disease in adults has not been definitively established. On the other hand, sinusitis is more common in allergic individuals than control subjects. Nasal provocation studies with allergens produce clinical findings and radiographic evidence suggestive of allergic sinusitis. Studies that use single-photon emission computerized tomography do not confirm direct entry of pollens into the sinuses. Fungal sinusitis typically occurs in patients with allergic rhinitis and nasal obstruction for many years. Patients often have an elevated specific IgE and total IgE with positive skin tests to the fungus involved. The diagnosis is confirmed by computed tomographic scan or magnetic resonance imaging of the sinuses. There is no direct fungal invasion. Many patients who have chronic severe sinusitis, asthma, and frequently aspirin idiosyncrasy appear to have immunologic reactions in the sinuses (and bronchial tissue). Histologic findings of the sinus mucosa show infiltration with plasma cells and eosinophils. Immunofluorescent stains show IgE dispersed throughout the tissue possibly in plasma cells. An intense linear stain for IgD is found along the epithelial side of the basement membrane.
Managing postacute hospital care: a case for biopsychosocial needs.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether, for an identical diagnosis, patients who were transferred to apostacute care (PAC) facility had a higher biopsychosocial complexity than patients who were discharged home. Methods: This prospective study employed group comparison that included 166 patients who were consecutively admitted to an acute care internal medicine ward for acute congestive heart failure, pneumonia or exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and malaise or fall. Patients were evaluatedwithin their first48hofstay.Biomedical, functional, quality of life, and case complexity data were collected. Factors associated with a transfer to the PAC facility were identified through logistic regression modeling. Results: Fifty-eight patients (34.9%) were transferred. In the multivariate analyses, case complexity score [per point: odds ratio (OR)=1.29; 95% CI=1.18–1.41] and nursing workload (OR=1.06; 95% CI=1.01–1.12) were associated with the transfer. At a cutoff point of z33, the case complexity score predicted transfer to the PAC facility with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 84% (positive predictive value=73.0%; negative predictive value=88.4%) and correctly classified 83% of the cases. Conclusions: Biomedical characteristics alone did not differentiate patients who were transferred versus those who were discharged home, nor did it predict PAC use. This was also true for specific severity scores of cardiac failure and pneumonia as well as for the comorbidity index. Psychosocial parameters were significantly associated to this process as well as a higher nursing workload.
Effects of subsequent sentence context in auditory word recognition: Temporal and linguistic constrainst

Abstract Acoustic-phonetic ambiguity in word initial position was investigated in three experiments in which the ambiguous string was compatible with two lexical items. Perceptual/lexical ambiguities were embedded in sentences in which contextual information subsequent to the item served to bias the interpretation of the ambiguous string. Two experiments are reported that investigated temporal constraints on perceptual/lexical ambiguity resolution. The results suggest that commitment to a single lexical hypothesis occurs within a relatively small window of time. When information relevant to selection of the contextually appropriate word is not forthcoming within six syllables, commitment to a single lexical hypothesis is delayed but proceeds without benefit from sentence context. The results of Experiment 3 suggest that in addition to temporal constraints, a short independent clause promotes early commitment to a single lexical hypothesis. The findings are discussed in terms of assumptions of current auditory word recognition models.
The Hybrid Invention Generator

The Hybrid Invention Generator (HIG) is a generative artwork that enables the creation of new inventions through a computer-based hybridforming mechanism. Some 70 inventions generated by me in 3D are presented to a participant. Any device can be “mated” with any of the other inventions in the system (Fig. 1). Ten “genetic hybrids” for each “mating” inventions, including drawings, plans, photographs and movies, and we developed a series of media tests and experimental visualizations exploring the potential aesthetics of the system. The model for the functioning system was highly ambitious. It functioned as a metaphor for an even more ambitious concept, the creation of an actual Hybrid Invention Generator. A threeyear research gift from Intel was central in facilitating this process. There are few systems that enable people to brainstorm about the visualization and creation of new inventions. The HIG system produces differing kinds of results: serious, humorous, surreal—yet by interacting with a series of visualizations/conceptualizations in real time, the participant is potentially able to imagine the actual solution. Even the broad expertise of the researchers involved could not solve some of the more intrinsic research problems. Gideon May, a computer programmer and artist, was then solicited to bring the work to fruition. One of the most difficult problems to solve was developing the mechanism to form the “genetic” offspring of the initial invention models in real time. This problem proved to be non-trivial. Yet May rose to the task. Thus the Hybrid Invention Generator could only come into being through processoriented research—a collaborative interaction among artists, designers, programmers and engineers as facilitated by industry support. The Hybrid Invention Generator premiered at the Museum of New Zealand—Te Papa Tongarewa, in Wellington, 2002. It has been discussed in a variety of essays, including “OULIPO | vs | Recombinant Poetics” [1].
Winter and cardiovascular mortality

I read with interest the report by Sheth et al. [(1)][1]on seasonal variations of coronary heart disease and stroke mortality, and I would like to present a new analysis of data culled from an old Brazilian study performed in Sao Paulo, a city situated at the Tropic of Capricorn. Between January
Contraceptive Attitudes among Inner-City African American Female Adolescents: Barriers to Effective Hormonal Contraceptive Use

Abstract Study Objective To better understand the contraceptive attitudes of low-income, inner-city African American female adolescents. Design We conducted four focus group sessions with African American female adolescents. Setting An urban, community health clinic serving low-income patients on Chicago's south side. Participants African American female adolescents (n = 15) between 14 and 19 years of age. Interventions Focus group sessions lasting approximately 90 minutes in length were conducted using a pre-determined script with set probes and open-ended questions. Main Outcome Measures Qualitative analysis was conducted to identify major themes related to adolescents’ contraceptive attitudes. Results Six themes related to the contraceptive attitudes of these adolescents emerged: Concerns About Hormones, Concerns About Privacy, Concerns About Compliance, Limited Awareness of New Methods of Hormonal Contraception (HC), Preference for Condoms, and Acceptability of Emergency Contraception (EC). Overall, adolescents in these sessions expressed skepticism and unwillingness to use continuous methods of HC. For some adolescents, concerns about hormones, privacy, and compliance outweighed their concerns about pregnancy. Conclusion Concerns about perceived side effects and long-term health risks associated HC and privacy in obtaining contraception and reproductive health care, as well as concerns about ability to comply with daily and weekly HC regimens are common among African American female adolescents and may deter consistent HC use. Although condoms and EC appear to be highly acceptable among this group, adolescents also report a number of barriers to their consistent use. Efforts to reduce early, unintended pregnancy among African American youth should focus on addressing adolescents’ HC-related concerns, improving access to EC, and helping female adolescents effectively negotiate condom use.
Effect of Enterprise Ownership and Foreign Competition on Internet Diffusion in the Transition Economies

Using enterprise-level data from 21 low and middle income economies in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, this paper looks at factors that influence whether enterprises in these countries are connected to the Internet. The paper finds that foreign-owned enterprises are more likely to have Internet access than domestically owned enterprises and that employee-owned enterprises are less likely to have access than other domestically owned enterprises. Further, there is evidence of positive externalities from foreign investment, with foreign direct investment increasing Internet access among domestic enterprises other than the recipient firm. In particular, the paper finds evidence of ‘spillover effects’, where enterprises directly competing with foreign-owned enterprises and imports are more likely to have Internet connections than similar enterprises that compete mainly with domestically owned enterprises. The results are robust to the inclusion of country fixed effects to control for unobserved country-level characteristics that might affect Internet adoption.
Effect of the Smear and Transition Zones around Prefabricated Vertical Drains Installed in a Triangular Pattern on the Rate of Soil Consolidation

Soil disturbance caused by the installation of prefabricated vertical drains (PVDs) has a large impact on the rate of consolidation. It is essential in design to quantify this effect. In this paper, we investigate the consolidation rate of soils with PVDs installed in a triangular pattern using two-dimensional finite-element analysis with full consideration of disturbance effects. This is done by accounting for the transition zone that exists between the highly disturbed smear zone and the undisturbed zone. The hydraulic conductivity in the transition zone is assumed to increase linearly from a low value in the smear zone to the original in situ value in the undisturbed zone. The actual band shape of the PVD and hexagonal zone of influence around it are used in the analysis. In addition to soil disturbance effects, the influence on consolidation rate of the size of the smear and the transition zones, the PVD spacing, and the mandrel size and shape is also investigated. Guidelines are given for using an equivalent system, where the transition zone is replaced by an expanded smear zone producing the same effect. This equivalent-system approach allows use of existing analytical solutions that consider only the smear zone in analysis and design.
Nonlinear analysis of compressively loaded linked-plate structures

A method is presented for the geometrically nonlinear analysis of the equilibrium behavior of a general class of compressively loaded, prismatic, linked-plate structures. The semi-analytical method accounts for geometric shape imperfections, and allows the use of laminated composite plate properties. Buckling eigenfunctions are used as displacement shape functions, and the associated second-order displacement fields are incorporated. The nonlinear plate equilibrium equations are expressed in terms of the assumed displacement form, and the Galerkin method is used to obtain a set of algebraic equations which are nonlinear in the modal amplitudes and the load parameter. Buckling eigensolutions for the class of structures under consideration can be obtained from the VIPASA computer code; thus, subject to some additional restrictions in loading and plate anisotropy, structural configurations which can be analyzed with regard to buckling response by VIPASA can be analyzed with regard to geometrically nonlinear response using the new method.
PSYCHOPHARMACEUTICAL ADVERTISING STRATEGIES: EMPOWERMENT IN A PILL?

ABSTRACT Drug companies market psychopharmaceuticals as treatment for emotionally symptomatic “disorders” such as depression, social anxiety, obesity, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause. Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) television advertisements for psychopharmaceutical prescription drugs offer potential consumers—particularly women—empowerment through gendered messages that promise the sufferer increased control over her symptoms and thus her “disordered” life. By performing an in-depth, interpretive, ethnomethodological reading of 13 DTCs for psychopharmaceuticals, I identify four interrelated advertising strategies. These are (1) establishing medical legitimacy, (2) blaming and shaming, (3) use of feminist and 12-step movement rhetoric, and (4) offering validation and empowerment to women. Despite their overt empowerment messages, DTC advertisements actually reinforce the medicalization of women's emotional experiences and bodily processes, and remind the viewer of socially constructed beliefs that recovery ...
Use of reminiscence therapy in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Reminiscence therapy is an effective nursing intervention to enhance self-esteem, reduce social isolation and depression, and provide comfort in the elderly population. Nursing case managers, in any setting, who are working with the elderly population will likely encounter patients with this debilitating disease. This article describes reminiscence therapy and how it can be used in the care of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Strategies for using reminiscence therapy with patients who have Alzheimer's disease are discussed.
SEMANTIC COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

Semantic Computing is an emerging research field that has drawn much attention from both academia and industry. It addresses the derivation and matching of semantics of computational "content" where "content" may be anything including text, multimedia, hardware, network, etc. which can be mapped to many areas in Computer Science that involve analyzing and processing the intentions of humans with computational content. This paper discusses some potential applications of Semantic Computing in Computer Science.
Postnatal development of rat liver mitochondria: state 3 respiration, adenine nucleotide translocase activity, and the net accumulation of adenine nucleotides.

The postnatal maturation of respiratory activity was studied in mitochondria isolated from livers of newborn rats that had been Caeserean delivered on the 22nd day of gestation. At birth, the State 3 respiratory rate with glutamate + malate (68.1 ± 8.4 ng atoms O/min/ mg protein) was much lower than the 2,4-dinitrophenol-uncoupled rate (112.7 ± 13.3 ng atoms O/min/mg protein). During the first hour of postnatal life, the State 3 rate increased to nearly equal the uncoupled rate, which did not change significantly. The State 4 rate and ADPO ratio did not change. After 1 h postnatal, when State 3 respiration had increased 1.6-fold, the total adenine nucleotide content (ATP + ADP + AMP) had increased 1.8-fold, and adenine nucleotide translocase activity had increased 1.5-fold. However, the total adenine nucleotide content and translocase activity continued to increase between 1 and 4.5 h postnatal in parallel with each other, but long after State 3 respiration had developed maximally. The ability of newborn liver mitochondria to accumulate adenine nucleotides in relation to the maturation of State 3 respiration was studied in vitro. Mitochondria incubated with 1 mm ATP at 30 °C for 10 min doubled their total adenine nucleotide content, and this was correlated with a doubling of the State 3 respiratory rate. The net accumulation of adenine nucleotides was inhibited 76 ± 1.8% by 100 μmN-ethylmaleimide and to a lesser extent (57 ± 0.5%) by 50 μm atractyloside. It was concluded that the accumulation of intramitochondrial adenine nucleotides, via the net uptake of ATP or ADP, probably accounted for the postnatal maturation of adenine nucleotide translocase activity and State 3 respiration. The data suggested that the translocase rate varied as a function of a much greater range of intramitochondrial adenine nucleotide contents than did the overall State 3 rate. The low rate of ADP-stimulated respiration at birth may have been limited by the rate of translocase-mediated exchange of newly synthesized ATP for external ADP, and/or by the absolute size of the exchangeable internal adenine nucleotide pool, which may have been submaximal for the F1-ATPase.
Missing Links in Middle School: Developing Use of Disciplinary Relatedness in Evaluating Internet Search Results

In the “digital native” generation, internet search engines are a commonly used source of information. However, adolescents may fail to recognize relevant search results when they are related in discipline to the search topic but lack other cues. Middle school students, high school students, and adults rated simulated search results for relevance to the search topic. The search results were designed to contrast deep discipline-based relationships with lexical similarity to the search topic. Results suggest that the ability to recognize disciplinary relatedness without supporting cues may continue to develop into high school. Despite frequent search engine usage, younger adolescents may require additional support to make the most of the information available to them.
Faceted nanoparticles in a nematic liquid crystal: defect structures and potentials of mean force

We investigate the defect structures and the potentials of mean force (PMF) that arise when faceted nanoparticles, namely cubes and triangular prisms, are immersed in a nematic liquid crystal (NLC). Using a mesoscale theory for the tensor order parameter Q of the nematic, we have determined the thermodynamic stability of different orientations of one nanoparticle with respect to the far-field director n(r). A nanocube with perpendicular anchoring of the nematic at its surfaces tends to align in such a way that none of its faces is parallel or perpendicular to n(r); the most stable defect structure consists of a distorted Saturn ring with sharp bends, which covers six of the edges of the cubic particle. In contrast, a triangular nanoprism with homeotropic anchoring of the nematic at its surfaces tends to align with its long axis perpendicular to the far-field director n(r), and with one of its rectangular faces perpendicular to n(r). For such a configuration, the defect structure consists of two large disc...
An examination of specific daily living skills deficits in adults with profound intellectual disabilities

While some researchers have investigated daily living skills deficits in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) as a whole, research on specific daily living skills in a profound ID population is limited. Two hundred and four adults with profound ID residing in two large developmental centers in the southeast portion of the United States were studied. Data were collected on these individuals' daily living skills, utilizing the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Three dependent t-tests were conducted comparing the proportion of items endorsed by informants on each of the three subdomains of daily living skills on the VABS (personal, domestic, and community). A significantly larger proportion of Personal Subdomain items were endorsed compared to Domestic or Community Subdomain items. Additionally, participants exhibited a significantly larger proportion of Domestic Skills Subdomain items compared to Community Skills Subdomain items which is consistent with theoretical models suggesting that institutional living may curb broader community skill sets. No gender differences were found in daily living skills. Lastly, individuals between the ages 30 and 39 exhibited significantly more Personal Subdomain skills than individuals who were 60 or older, while participants between the ages 30 and 39 exhibited significantly more Domestic Subdomain skills than individuals between the ages 60 and 69.
Genetic approaches to understanding the pathophysiology of complex human traits

Genetic approaches to understanding the pathophysiology of complex human traits. Genetic approaches to understanding the pathophysiology of complex human traits, for example, hypertension, can complement physiologic analyses and are likely to improve our ability to treat or prevent the disease. A particularly useful approach is to perform linkage analysis with candidate genes using intermediate phenotypes. This has proven successful so far in identifying two genes involved in hypertension. The first was a fusion gene mutation which linked the regulatory region of the 11B-hydroxylase gene to the coding sequence for the protein of aldosterone synthetase. This mutant gene is responsible for the condition glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism (GRA). The intermediate phe-notype used was increased levels of the adrenal steroids 18-oxo and hydroxycortisol. The gene for GRA was identified using a pedigree approach. It is likely, to identify other genes in hypertension, that the most appropriate population to be affected would be sib pairs, that is, sibling pairs who both have hypertension. In a recent study the angiotensinogen gene also was linked to hypertension in individuals who had severe or early onset hypertension. In addition, a variant of the angiotensinogen gene, substitution of threonine rather than methionine at codon 235, was specifically associated with hypertension. In a separate study, the T235 homozygote of the angiotensinogen gene was associated with the non-modulating intermediate phenotype of essential hypertension. Since converting enzyme inhibitors appear to correct the specific defect underlying the elevated blood pressure in non-modulators, identification of the gene potentially associated with non-modulation raises the strong possibility that genetic screening will allow for more specific therapy.
Translating pieces of words

Translation for cross-language information retrieval need not be word-based. We show that character n-grams in one language can be 'translated' into character n-grams of another language. We demonstrate that such translations produce retrieval results on par with, and often exceeding, those of word-based and stem-based translation.
Cell population kinetics in tadpole limb epidermis during thyroxine-induced, spontaneous, and prolactin-inhibited metamorphosis.

Abstract Immersion of Rana pipiens tadpoles in 30 μg/liter thyroxine for 1 to 4 days revealed a sequence of changes in basal epidermal cell labeling index and growth fraction different at Stages III to IV than at Stages IX to XI. Little stage specificity was shown, however, in thyroxine-induced changes in cell cycle parameters, which included fluctuations in the duration of the S phase and increase in the length of G 1 + 1 2 M . Similar cell cycle changes occurred in spontaneous metamorphic climax. Prolactin treatment of Stages V to VI tadpoles (10 μg/day for 15 days) showed that prolactin, like thyroxine, affects cell proliferation in the limb epidermis primarily by controlling the size of the proliferative pool. Prolactin-thyroxine antagonism was indicated when G 2 + 1 2 M lengthened after prolactin treatment whereas this phase shortened in some instances when thyroxine was administered.
The effect of resting potential on the electrical activity of canine cardiac Purkinje fibers exposed to Na-free solution or to ouabain.

Canine cardiac Purkinje fibers exposed to Na-free solution containing 128 mM tetraethylammonium chloride and 16.2 mM Ca range from being spontaneously active to being quiescent and almost inexcitable according to the level of the resting potential. Quiescent fibers can become “spontaneously” active during the passage of a long depolarizing pulse and the rate of activity is increased with increased depolarization. Fibers already active show increased frequency of activity during passage of depolarizing pulses and show inhibition of activity when hyperpolarized. Fibers exposed to normal Tyrode's solution containing 0.125 mg/L of ouabain show two types of spontaneous activity. When the resting potential is about −90 mV ouabain-poisoned fibers show diastolic depolarization and rhythmicity of the kind characteristic of normal Purkinje fibers. If the resting potential is about −50 mV spontaneous activity also is seen, the action potentials have, however, very slow upstrokes and occur wholly in the range in which the rapid Na-dependent upstroke is inactivated. Current pulses can switch the fiber from either form of activity to the other.
A Novel Metamaterial Structure with High Dielectric Resonators

Wave propagation in a novel metamaterial structure with high dielectric resonators embedded periodically in a low dielectric material is simulated. We demonstrate by simulation that this structure without any metal is a double negative material.
Medial thickness of coronary arteries as a correlate of atherosclerosis.

Abstract As coronary arteries grow older, they tend to acquire fibroplastic intimal thickenings. Those aging arteries that manifest the greatest fibroplasia are typically the ones that acquire atherosclerotic plaques with necrotic cores (YesA arteries); this is especially so if foam cell infiltration is also extensive. The present study finds that thicker media also distinguishes YesA from NoA specimens. Coronary arteries obtained at autopsy from males and females in eight populations, 16 groups altogether, were evaluated histologically for the YesA characteristics: intimal fibroplasia, foam cell infiltration, and medial thickness. The rankings of the 16 groups at ages 15–29 years persisted significantly into ages 30–69 years when looking at intimal fibroplasia, but not at foam cell infiltration. Medial thickness also yielded youthful population rankings that persisted into older groups, and the rankings were similar to those based on fibroplasia. Virtually all important correlations were obscured if intima:media ratios were employed, because the top and bottom numbers in the ratio typically move in parallel with each other across the meaningful group comparisons, thereby canceling each other.
INDOMETHACIN-INDUCED ALTERATIONS IN CORTICOSTEROID AND PROSTAGLANDIN RELEASE BY ISOLATED ADRENOCORTICAL CELLS OF THE CAT

1 The effects of purported prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors on steroid and prostaglandin (E and F) release from trypsin-dispersed cat adrenocortical cells were investigated. 2 Low indomethacin concentrations potentiated adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH)-evoked prostaglandin and steroid release, whereas higher concentrations depressed both responses to ACTH. The steroidogenic response to exogenous prostaglandin E2 was not markedly altered over a wide range of indomethacin concentrations. 3 Indomethacin enhanced basal steroid release but did not enhance basal prostaglandin E or F release. 4 5,8,11,14-Eicosatetraynoic acid (ETA) elicited a concentration-dependent inhibition of ACTH-induced steroid release, but had little effect on prostaglandin E2-induced steroid release. A high concentration of ETA inhibited prostaglandin E and F release. 5 These data are discussed in relation to the concept that prostaglandins provide a critical link in ACTH-induced corticosteroidogenesis.
Drop interval flowmeter for low flow rate measurement.

Description et evaluation d'un debitmetre permettant la mesure de debit sanguin dans les explorations de la microcirculation. L'appareil est applique a la mesure du debit sanguin musculaire chez le chien
Disentangling the role of linear transition dipole in band-edge emission from single CdSe/ZnS quantum dots: Combined linear anisotropy and defocused emission pattern imaging

Combined linear anisotropy and defocused wide-field fluorescence imaging of individual CdSe/ZnS quantum dots reveal an unambiguous contribution of a linear transition dipole polarized along the hexagonal (c-) symmetry axis of the nanocrystal which grows with increasing tilt angle of the c-axis with respect to the surface normal. These results offer some insights into quantum dot luminescence polarization dynamics, and provide a basis for unambiguously assigning the two Euler angles describing the c-axis orientation from defocused emission patterns for multidipole systems.
A sensitive radioimmunoassay for detecting products translated from cloned DNA fragments.

Abstract A simple and sensitive radioimmunoassay using E. coli β-galactosidase as a model protein has been developed for the detection of specific translation products of foreign gene fragments cloned into plasmid or phage vectors. This immunoassay is based upon the coupling to an insoluble matrix of F(ab)′ 2 fragments derived from the specific antiserum by pepsin digestion. The in situ analysis of phage plaques or of bacterial colonies is performed by overlaying the phage plaques or lysed bacterial colonies with a cellulose filter to which F(ab)′ 2 fragments have been chemically coupled. The antigen bound to the filter is detected by subsequent incubations with undigested antiserum and with 125 I-labeled Staphylococcus aureus protein A followed by autoradiography. By coupling the F(ab)′ 2 fragments to the wells of a plastic microtiter plate, liquid cultures can be analyzed quantitatively for the presence of antigen, making possible the analysis of heterogeneous cultures by sib selection. The detection threshold of the microtiter plate assay for liquid culture is shown to be 8 molecules, or about 1 molecule of β-galactosidase per cell. The in situ immunoassay for bacterial colonies, which permits examination of about 1000 clones per plate, can easily detect microcolonies producing about 10 molecules of β-galactosidase per cell, while the in situ phage plaque assay, also capable of screening about 1000 plaques per plate, is even more sensitive, detecting 7 molecules per bacteriophage plaque.
THE BENEFITS OF BREAST FEEDING ON THE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS OF PREMATURE INFANTS AND THEIR MOTHERS 1627A

THE BENEFITS OF BREAST FEEDING ON THE SOCIAL INTERACTIONS OF PREMATURE INFANTS AND THEIR MOTHERS 1627A
Mesoscopic modeling for nucleic acid chain dynamics.

To gain a deeper insight into cellular processes such as transcription and translation, one needs to uncover the mechanisms controlling the configurational changes of nucleic acids. As a step toward this aim, we present here a mesoscopic-level computational model that provides a new window into nucleic acid dynamics. We model a single-stranded nucleic as a polymer chain whose monomers are the nucleosides. Each monomer comprises a bead representing the sugar molecule and a pin representing the base. The bead-pin complex can rotate about the backbone of the chain. We consider pairwise stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions. We use a modified Monte Carlo dynamics that splits the dynamics into translational bead motion and rotational pin motion. By performing a number of tests, we first show that our model is physically sound. We then focus on a study of the kinetics of a DNA hairpin—a single-stranded molecule comprising two complementary segments joined by a noncomplementary loop—studied experimentally. We find that results from our simulations agree with experimental observations, demonstrating that our model is a suitable tool for the investigation of the hybridization of single strands.
Not just a wink and smile: an analysis of user-defined success in online dating

This study examines the publically available stories of self-identified successful couples that met using the online dating services Match.com, eHarmony, or OkCupid. We enumerate four main findings; 1) the distribution of relationship status (Dating, Engaged, Married) varies among websites, 2) approximately half of all stories explicitly thank the service they used, 3) the locations of successful couples from Match.com and eHarmony are not statistically different when analyzed at a regional level, and 4) while the distribution of these couples follows general population trends, there are low population density islands where many self-identified successful couples live. These findings, coupled with a review of the existing literature, establish the context for future research into the technological and societal contexts in which online dating exists. This research has broad impacts of informing the design and development of online dating websites and other information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as social networking sites.
Total noise and nonclassical states

The total noise of a field state is a measure of the fluctuations of the field amplitude. It is a minimum for coherent states. As the behavior of a state becomes more nonclassical, its total noise increases. This is shown first for several specific types of nonclassical states, among them squeezed and sub-Poissonian states. These results are generalized by using nonclassical distance to measure how nonclassical a field state is. A lower bound for the total noise is derived that is an increasing function of nonclassical distance. From it one can conclude that highly nonclassical states have large amplitude fluctuations.
The Community of Inquiry Framework Meets the SOLO Taxonomy: A Process-Product Model of Online Learning.

This paper presents both a conceptual and empirical investigation of teaching and learning in online courses. Employing both the Community of Inquiry framework (CoI) and the Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) taxonomy, two complete online courses were examined for the quality of both collaborative learning processes and learning outcomes. The study examines evidence beyond learner reported satisfaction and learning, instead measuring both learning inputs and outcomes. Analysis of input includes quantitative content analysis of discussions using the CoI framework. Analysis of outcomes looks at both the quality of student learning artifacts such as case studies using the SOLO taxonomy as well as instructor‐assigned grades of specific related assignments. Results suggest that understanding of online instructional effort, processes, and learning outcomes can be improved through this more comprehensive, conceptually driven approach.
Symbolic grouping versus simple cell models

The apparent line-like structure in dot patterns derives substantially from the orientation defined by pairings of adjacent dots. Two alternative models have been proposed for making these pairings, one in which the individual dots are treated as discrete grouping tokens, and the second in which the pairing orientation derives from spatial summation by simple cell receptive fields. Contradictory evidence has been found both directly in support of, and directly against, both models. Much of the debate about these two models has hinged on the degree of linearity of summation expected in the simple cell model. Recent neurophysiological evidence changes the balance of the debate, invalidating certain earlier arguments based on linearity and providing a novel way of showing that simple cells do indeed play a major, but not necessarily exclusive, role in dot groupings.
Great Problems of Mathematics: A Course Based on Original Sources

Stimulating problems are at the heart of many great advances in mathematics. In fact, whole subjects owe their existence to a single problem which resisted solution. Nevertheless, we tend to present only polished theories, devoid of both the motivating problems and the long road to their solution. As a consequence, we deprive our students of both an example of the process by which mathematics is created and of the central problems which fueled its development. A more motivating approach could, for example, begin a discussion of infinite sets with Galileo's observation that there are as many integers as there are perfect squares. This observation seems as paradoxical to today's students as it did to Galileo. Its ingeniously simple resolution (through a better definition of "size") is a tremendous educational experience, an example of the kind of education which the German logician Heinrich Scholz characterized as "that which remains after we have forgotten everything we learned". We have designed a lower division honors course aimed at giving students the "big picture". In the course we examine the evolution of selected great problems from five mathematical subjects. Crucial to achieving this goal is the use of original sources to demonstrate the fundamental ideas developed for solving these problems. Studying original sources allows students truly to appreciate the progress achieved through time in the clarity and sophistication of concepts and techniques, and also reveals how progress is repeatedly stifled by certain ways of thinking until some quantum leap ushers in a new era. In addition to allowing a firsthand look at the mathematical mindscape of the time, no other method would show so clearly the evolution of mathematical rigor and the conception of what constitutes an acceptable proof. Thus most homework assignments focus on gaps and difficult points in the original texts. Since mathematics is not created in a social vacuum, we supplement the mathematical content with cultural, biographical, and mathematical history, as well as a variety of prose readings, ranging from Plato's dialogue Socrates and the Slave Boy to modern writings such as an excerpt on "Mathematics and the End of the World" from [8]. They form the basis of regular class discussions. Two good sources for such readings are [11, 18]. To encourage student involvement, the discussions are led by one or two students, and everybody is expected to contribute. As the finale, each student gives a short presentation of a research paper written on a topic of his or her choice. Our course serves as an "Introduction to Mathematics," drawing good students to the subject. It attracts students from remarkably diverse disciplines, serving as a general education course for some while acting as a springboard to further mathematics for others. Here are our mathematical themes and original sources.
Chromatographic purification of soluble elastin

An improved method for extraction and purification of soluble elastin from aortas of copper-deficient swine has been devised. It depends upon the use of both acidic and neutral protease inhibitors during preparation. Collagen is first precipitated with acetic acid. A two-step separation and purification of elastin from the collagen-free extract is based on absorption of the acidic proteins on DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration through agarose. The protein recovered is homogeneous by gel electrophoresis. It has the molecular weight (75,000) and amino acid composition of the soluble elastin from the same source prepared by repeated coacervation.
Hydrocarbon geochemistry of hydrothermally generated petroleum from Escanaba trough, offshore Californi U.S.A.

Abstract In 1986, three samples of sulfide-rich sediments, impregnated with hydrothermally derived, asphaltic petroleum, were recovered in a dredge and by submersible from Escanaba Trough, the sediment-covered, southern end of the Gorda Ridge spreading axis, offshore northern California. The molecular distributions of hydrocarbons in the two pyrrhotite-rich samples recovered by submersible are similar and compare well the hydrocarbon composition of the first pyrrhotite-rich samples containing petroleum discovered at a 1985 dredge site about 30 km to the south of the site of the submersible dive. In contrast, the 1986 dredge sample, composed of a polymetallic assemblage of sulfides, containes petroleum in which the distribution of hydrocarbons indicates a slightly higher of maturity relative to the other samples. The observation that petroleum of variable composition occurs with metallic sulfides at two and probably more distinct site indicates that petroleum generation may be a common process in the hydrothermally active Escanaba Trough.
Color-tunable pixels and lasers using vacuum-deposited organic thin films

We review recent results form two types of small molecule organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). For flat panel display applications, we have developed a novel OLED pixel in which the R, G and B emission layers are vertically stacked to provide a simple fabrication process, minimum pixel size, and maximum fill factor. In separate experiments, we have worked towards achieving electrically- pumped organic lasers by demonstrating low-threshold lasing in an optically-pumped thin film double heterostructure consisting entirely of organic semiconducting materials.
Turn-off characteristics of p-n-p-n devices

Abstract The turn-off characteristics of p-n-p-n devices are investigated and a general turn-off criterion is established. It is found that the voltage across center junction of a p-n-p-n device at the onset of turn-off is not zero as assumed by previous investigators, but the junction is forward biased. Experimental results of the gain and junction voltages at turn-off agree closely with those predicted theoretically.
Designing Interdisciplinary Instruction: Exploring Disciplinary and Conceptual Differences as a Resource.

This article presents a “telling case” of an interdisciplinary, team-teaching experience that explores how participants eschewed ethnocentricism of their fields of study in order to learn from each other, while providing instruction to students and analysing data collected from the class (a graduate course on literature and pedagogy). Through the process, the participants (a professor of English education and a professor of literature) ground the perspectives of literary interpretation in their field of study and languaculture, and developed a conceptual framework that guided their interactions and analysis of the discursive actions of the class. An ethnographic perspective served as the conceptual frame and informed how the participants observed, described, and developed claims about classroom interactions. Through this study, the participants answer calls for more examples of how faculty in higher education engage in interdisciplinary teaching and research and the need for faculty to develop conceptual ...