cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C-reactive protein protects tumor cells from apoptosis

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 14-18, 2007; Los Angeles, CA 4378 Human C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein, and elevated levels of CRP are present in patients with infections, inflammatory diseases, necrosis such as myocardial infarction, or malignancies including multiple myeloma (MM), lymphoma, and carcinoma. We hypothesize that CRP may have a functional effect on tumor cells. The present study was undertaken in a myeloma setting to determine whether CRP might affect tumor cell growth and survival. When added to the culture of primary myeloma cells isolated from patients, CRP promoted cell proliferation and reduced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. To confirm this result, we examined the effects of CRP on myeloma cell lines under stressed conditions and showed that CRP protected myeloma cells from apoptosis induced by serum starvation or IL-6 deprivation. More importantly, CRP also protected myeloma cells from apoptosis induced by dexamethasone or melphalan, two common chemotherapy drugs for MM. The protection was significant since CRP reduced cell death by 50 to 60%, and may be clinically relevant because the results were reproduced in myeloma-SCID mouse models. Injection of CRP prior to treatment of myeloma-bearing mice with dexamethasone or melphalan significantly undermined the therapeutic effects of these chemotherapy drugs. Mice receiving CRP with dexamethasone or melphalan had significantly larger tumor burdens compared with mice treated with dexamethasone or melphalan alone, whereas treatment with CRP alone had no effects on the tumor cells. CRP protected tumor cells from apoptosis by downregulating Bax expression, inhibiting phosphorylation of Bcl-2, and upregulating phosphorylation of Bad, which led to inhibited caspase-9, caspase-3 and PARP activation induced by dexamethasone. We next examined cell surface receptors for CRP and found that CRP bound FcγRII CD32A and/or CD32C, but not CD32B. Specific siRNAs that inhibited CD32A or CD32C but not CD32B expression, and antibodies against CD32A/C that blocked receptor-ligand interaction abrogated CRP-mediated protection of cell apoptosis. These results indicate that CRP mediated its effects via activating immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing FcγRII. By binding to these receptors, CRP increased the level of phosphorylated Akt, ERK1/2, and IκBα; relocalized NFκB p65 to the nucleus; and inhibited p38 kinase activity. Inhibitors against these signaling molecules blocked the activity of these pathways and abrogated CRP-mediated protection of myeloma cell apoptosis induced by dexamethasone. Therefore, our results provide strong evidence for a novel effect of CRP on myeloma cells. This study also implicates CRP as a potential target for MM therapy.
A STATE OF COMPETITION: HOW OKLAHOMA'S CITIES TAKE THE EDGE OFF OF THE STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Oklahoma and its cities establish policies and practices to compete for businesses to grow the economy, but a survey of Oklahoma cities reveals a slight, systematic bias in city strategies that might undercut state initiatives to collaboratively focus on higher-paying jobs. Bound primarily by state law to sales-tax revenue, cities appear to target sales-tax generating businesses such as those in the retail and tourism industries- which historically produce lower paying jobs and foster direct competition as opposed to collaboration with nearby locations. The following is an updated excerpt from graduate student research conducted in 2003.
Data Analyzer Prototype Using a K Data Structure Based on the Phaneron of C. S. Peirce

Analyzing large data sets has always been a challenge. This paper describes a prototype of a data analyzer which uses a new data structure technology to organize a data set for analysis. This data structure, called a K or Knowledge Store, is not a copy of the data set but a recording of the relationships between the elements of the data set. The K data structure resides in memory and is capable of supporting all analytic functions.
The Digital Divide at Work and Home: The Discourse about Power and Underrepresented Groups in the Information Society

The information society has often been described as a meritocracy that enables a level playing field for all participants. From this perspective, individuals from underrepresented groups can make it alongside individuals of wealth and privilege. All that is necessary is education and training, perseverance, and painstaking effort. But if as some argue, it is not a level playing field, then how do various underrepresented groups cope and compete within this power structure? To find this out, a critical analysis of the responses from underrepresented groups to the dominant discourses about power and IT was carried out. A conceptual framework based upon a study of African-American men and women in low income urban communities was applied to the findings of two different studies of gender in the IT profession. The results show a consistent pattern of response across underrepresented groups. In addition, these findings suggest that positive interventions can be applied across underrepresented groups so that IT does not become simply the latest mechanism for stratifying society.
Monocytic leukemic glossitis. Report of a case.

Abstract The clinical course and autopsy findings of a patient who died of the hemorrhagic complications of monocytic leukemia have been presented. The tongue lesion, a previously uninvestigated oral manifestation of leukemia, is described both grossly and microscopically. The leukemic cell infiltrates followed the pattern seen in the skin rather than that seen in the gingiva. It is suggested that laryngectomy and radiation to the oral cavity in this patient were predisposing factors in the development of the tongue lesion.
Convergence of random walks on the circle generated by an irrational rotation

Fix α ∈ [0, 1). Consider the random walk on the circle S1 which proceeds by repeatedly rotating points forward or backward, with probability 1 2 , by an angle 2πα. This paper analyzes the rate of convergence of this walk to the uniform distribution under “discrepancy” distance. The rate depends on the continued fraction properties of the number ξ = 2α. We obtain bounds for rates when ξ is any irrational, and a sharp rate when ξ is a quadratic irrational. In that case the discrepancy falls as k− 1 2 (up to constant factors), where k is the number of steps in the walk. This is the first example of a sharp rate for a discrete walk on a continuous state space. It is obtained by establishing an interesting recurrence relation for the distribution of multiples of ξ which allows for tighter bounds on terms which appear in the Erdős-Turan inequality.
Developmental response of the beneficial predator Podisus maculiventris to change in dietary ascorbic acid concentration

We report here the effects of a range of ascorbic acid concentrations (0.07, 0.3, 3.0, and 30.0 g 1- 1 ) in artificial diets on growth rates, adult weights, fecundity, and survival over two generations of the predatory stink bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). Overall, a dietary level of 3.0 g l -1 gave the shortest developmental times over two generations. The likelihood of egg hatch at one ascorbic acid concentration compared to another concentration suggested that egg hatch increased as the concentration of ascorbic acid increased from 0.07 to 3.0 g l -1 and then declined from 3.0 to 30.0 g l -1 . The combination of the maximum egg oviposition at 0.3 and 3.0 g 1- 1 , egg hatch at 3.0 g l -1 , and survival at 0.07 and 0.3 g l -1 suggests an overall superior performance at a concentration between 0.3 and 3.0 g 1 -1 . Depletion of ascorbic acid below 3.0 g l -1 or addition of ascorbic acid above 3.0 g l -1 lowered the likelihood of egg hatch, which became more pronounced in the second generation. This is consistent with previously published information for phytophagous insects.
Adeno-associated Virus Protects the Retinoblastoma Family of Proteins from Adenoviral-induced Functional Inactivation

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) is known to inhibit virally mediated oncogenic transformation. One of the early events of adenovirus (Ad) infection is the functional inactivation of cell cycle regulatory retinoblastoma (RB) family of proteins, which consists of retinoblastoma protein (pRB), p107, and p130. In an effort to understand the molecular basis of anti-oncogenic properties of AAV, we studied the effects of AAV expression on these proteins in cells infected with Ad. Western blot analysis showed that AAV interferes with the adenoviral-induced degradation and hyperphosphorylation of the pRB family of proteins in normal human fibroblasts as well as in HeLa and 293 cell lines. RNase protection assay showed enhanced expression of pocket protein gene by AAV expression. We also demonstrate that Rep proteins, the major AAV regulatory proteins, bind to E1A, the immediate early gene of Ad responsible for hyperphosphorylation and dissociation of pRB-E2F complex. This binding of AAV Rep proteins to E1A leads to decreased association between E1A and pRB leading to protection of pocket proteins from degradation, decreased expression of S phase genes and inhibition of cell cycle progression. These results suggest that the antiproliferative activity of AAV against Ad is mediated, at least in part, by effects of AAV Rep proteins on the Rb family of proteins.
In Vivo Regulation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK3β) by Serotonergic Activity in Mouse Brain

The goal of this study was to determine if serotonergic activity, which is impaired in depression, regulates the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) in mouse brain in vivo. GSK3β is inhibited by phosphorylation on serine-9 and is a target of the mood stabilizer lithium. Following administration to mice of d-fenfluramine to stimulate serotonin (5HT) release and reduce its reuptake, and clorgyline to inhibit 5HT catabolism, levels of phospho-Ser9-GSK3β were 300–400% of control levels in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. Treatment with monoamine reuptake inhibitors fluoxetine and imipramine also increased the level of phospho-Ser9-GSK3β. Using receptor selective agonists and antagonists, 5HT1A receptors were found to mediate increases, and 5HT2 receptors decreases, in phospho-Ser9-GSK3β levels. This indicates that serotonergic regulation of the phosphorylation of GSK3β is achieved by a balance between the opposing actions of these 5HT receptor subtypes. These findings demonstrate for the first time that serotonergic activity regulates the phosphorylation of GSK3β and show that this regulation occurs in mammalian brain in vivo. These results raise the possibility that impaired inhibitory control of GSK3β may occur in conditions where serotonergic activity is dysregulated, such as in mood disorders.
Mechanical Circulatory Support--a Long and Winding Road

The highly public reintroduction of the total artificial heart last year has prompted renewed interest in mechanical circulatory support systems for the treatment of end-stage heart disease.
The contribution of endoplasmic reticulum stress to liver diseases

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an evolutionarily conserved cell signaling pathway that is activated to regulate protein synthesis and restore homeostatic equilibrium when the cell is stressed from increased client protein load or the accumulation of unfolded or malfolded proteins. Once activated, this signaling pathway can either result in the recovery of homeostasis or can activate a cascade of events that ultimately result in cell death. The UPR/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response spectrum and its interplay with other cellular organelles play an important role in the pathogenesis of disease in secretory cells rich in ER, such as hepatocytes. Over the past 2 decades, the contribution of ER stress to various forms of liver diseases has been examined. Robust support for a contributing, as opposed to a secondary role, for ER stress response is seen in the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and cholestatic models of liver disease. The exact direction of the cause and effect relationship between modes of cell injury and ER stress remains elusive. It is apparent that a complex interplay exists between ER stress response, conditions that promote it, and those that result from it. A vicious cycle in which ER stress promotes inflammation, cell injury, and steatosis and in which steatogenesis, inflammation, and cell injury aggravate ER stress seems to be at play. It is perhaps the nature of such a vicious cycle that is the key pathophysiologic concept. Therapeutic approaches aimed at interrupting the cycle may dampen the stress response and the ensuing injury.
Potential for cell culture techniques as a wildlife management tool for screening primary repellents.

The identification of new chemical repellents for wildlife damage management is impeded by the need to perform cumbersome and expensive behavioral tests. Here, we report the development of in vitro cell culture methods to increase the speed and efficiency of repellent screening while reducing costs, as well as the number of animals necessary for research. Our methods exploit the fact that effective primary repellents depend on the stimulation of pain receptors. We cultured trigeminal nociceptors (pain receptors) from Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus, laboratory strain), white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus), coyote (Canis latrans), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and Canada goose (Branta canadensis), and then applied digital fluorescence microscopy to measure changes in intracellular calcium (an index of cellular activation) in response to applications of known and effective repellents. Capsaicin, bradykinin and acetylcholine were more effective stimuli for rat, coyote, and deer neurons than cells from chicken.
The effect of dynamic surface tension on nucleate boiling coefficients

A study was made of the effects the surface tension of aqueous solutions of surface-active agents had on the bubble-formation characteristics of these solutions. Bubbles were formed by two processes: by passing air through a horizontal orifice submerged in the solution and by nucleate boiling at an electrically heated surface. The experimental measurements taken with the air-bubble system were used to determine the nature of the surface-tension effect on air-bubble formation. This knowledge was then applied to the interpretation of boiling measurements made with the same solutions. The boiling coefficients of the Tergitol-water solution were found to vary inversely with dynamic surface tension. Boiling coefficients for Aerosol-water solutions, however, varied in a manner which could not be related to surface-tension effects.
Comparison of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II purified from control and diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP)-treated hens

Diisopropyl phosphorofluoridate (DFP) produces type I organophosphorus ester-induced delayed neurotoxicity in humans and sensitive animal species. This is accompanied by enhanced Ca2+/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaM-kinase II) activity, and [125I]calmodulin binding to CaM-kinase II in DFP-treated hen brain supernatant without increase in the enzyme quantity. We have purified CaM-kinase II from control and DFP-treated hen whole brains and compared various physical and biochemical properties. The two enzymes exhibited similar properties in many respects. However, there was a decrease in calcium-independent protein kinase II activity after autophosphorylation, and an increase in K0.5 for free calcium and calmodulin of enzyme purified from DFP-treated hen brains. This change in kinetic parameters may result in greater percentage of total CaM-kinase II present in unphosphorylated form, which is consistent with the increased autophosphorylation of CaM-kinase II and [125I]calmodulin binding in the brain supernatant of DFP-treated hens.
Utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus by primary producers in warm-core ring 82-B following deep convective mixing

Abstract Rates of utilization for NO 3 − , NH 4 + , urea, and PO 4 − by primary producers and the abundances of particulate C, N, and P were determined for the euphotic zone of warm-core ring 82-B in April and early May 1982. The ring had formed in late February, and our study took place between a period of deep convection and the formation of a stable seasonal thermocline. Deep convection enriched the surface waters with NO 3 − and PO 4 − , which remained in sufficient quantities to preclude nutrient limitation of primary production during the course of the study. Concentrations of HN 4 + and urea were always less than or equal to the limit of detection (0.03 μmol kg −1 ). The fraction of total nitrogen taken up as NO 3 − (ƒ ratio) was high (0.62–0.66) in the core region of the ring. During the course of this study, the concentration of NO 3 − decreased near the surface, allowing a NO 3 − gradient to develop, while the concentration of particulate N (PN) and the rate of N uptake increased. However, these processes were not in balance. Only about 16% of the NO 3 − based production remained in the euphotic zone. The PN:Chl a ratio was higher at the bottom of the euphotic zone than at the top. This indicates that detrital PN was being formed faster than it was exported by either sinking or mixing processes. The overall reduction in euphotic zone NO 3 − concentrations was about one third the measured consumption rate. Midway through the study a storm was apparently responsible for redistributing NO 3 − in the euphotic zone, and perhaps mixing NO 3 − up from greater depths. After that event, the mean NO 3 − uptake rate was about twice the rate of NO 3 − disappearance. Upward flux of NO 3 − associated with the relaxation of depressed density surfaces as the ring lost kinetic energy could have supplied NO 3 − at a rate equivalent to 40–110% the mean NO 3 − uptake rate for the period. The highest rates of NO 3 − uptake were observed at the end of the study, and were in excess of the calculated rates for upward flux. This may explain the increasing magnitude of NO 3 − gradients observed durinng the final few days of this study.
Long-term breast cancer survivors' symptoms and morbidity: differences by sexual orientation?

Because little is known about morbidity and symptoms among sexual minority women with breast cancer, that is, lesbian or bisexual-identified women, and women with a preference for a woman partner, we examined differences by sexual orientation in long-term survivors’ symptoms and morbidity, considering arm morbidity, systemic therapy side effects, hypertension, and number of comorbidities. From a state cancer registry, we recruited 257 heterosexual and 69 sexual minority women (SMW) with a diagnosis of primary, nonmetastatic breast cancer. To increase the number of SMW, we used convenience recruitment methods and obtained an additional 112 SMW who fit the same eligibility criteria as the registry-derived sample. Using a telephone survey, we collected demographic and self-reported data on arm morbidity and systematic therapy side effects, using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life scale, QLQ-BR23 and a comorbidity measure developed for breast cancer survivors. Sexual orientation was more strongly associated with arm morbidity and systemic side effects than with high blood pressure and comorbidities. Sexual orientation related indirectly to systemic side effects and arm morbidity through cancer treatments and some demographic factors. Our finding that SMW respond more negatively to certain cancer treatments compared to heterosexual women suggests an opportunity to intervene with education and support for SMW breast cancer survivors for whom these life-saving treatments are necessary. Because breast cancer survivors are at risk for multiple severe and persistent symptoms, assessing such symptoms is an important aspect of survivorship care. Cultural differences in perception of symptoms, communication issues, cultural barriers to reporting of symptoms, and different cultural norms about expressing pain or impairments have been established by studies. Knowledge about differences in impairment and symptoms by sexual orientation will help providers’ efforts to provide high quality care to breast cancer survivors and may enhance cancer survivorship.
Dispersal Tendencies of Neonate Larvae of Lymantria mathura and the Asian Form of Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae)

Recently, Asian gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), infestations have been found in Oregon, Washington, and British Colombia. In at least 1 case, circumstantial evidence suggests that the introduction occurred through airborne dispersal of neonates from grain ships that had been infested in the Far Eastern ports of Russia. Egg masses of Asian gypsy moth and another lymantriid, Lymantria mathura Moore, have been intercepted on the same ships. Both species are polyphagous defoliators of trees and could easily achieve pest status if established in North America. Neonate larvae of both species are capable of airborne dispersal, although there is no information on dispersal rates, or, for L. mathura, on settling velocities. We studied dispersal rates, settling velocities and diel periodicity of dispersal for both lymantriids, so this information could be incorporated into models that predict probable extent of neonate dispersal. Dispersal rates for L. mathura exceed those of Asian and North American gypsy moths. Neonates of L. mathura weigh less and have a slower settling velocity than Asian or North American gypsy moths, which allows them to be dispersed by wind for greater distances.
Assessing the impact of inking technology in a large digital design course

Since the introduction of inking technology, computer science and engineering education has experienced a flurry of new instructional approaches. Many studies have assessed qualitative improvements over traditional classroom presentation techniques. In this paper, we present quantitative results on the improved student perception of teaching when using Classroom Presenter instead of PowerPoint for classroom presentation. We present an overview on how Classroom Presenter was used in a large undergraduate digital design course and discuss the assessment of results and their analysis. Our data shows with statistical significance that students perceive lectures with Classroom Presenter as more interesting and more adequately paced.
Intracellular mechanisms of verapamil and diltiazem action on striated muscle of the rabbit.

Skinned fibres from striated muscle were used to study the intracellular mechanisms (contractile proteins and sarcoplasmic reticulum [SR]) of action of diltiazem (DT) and verapamil (VP) on muscle contraction. Rabbit papillary muscle (PM), and the skeletal muscles adductor magnus (AM, fast-twitch) and soleus (SL, slow-twitch) were used. The muscles were skinned by homogenization and fibre bundles for PM and single fibres for AM and SL were dissected from the homogenate and mounted on photodiode force transducers. VP (0.1–3.0 mmol/l) (and to a lesser degree DT) increased Ca2+ -activated tension development of the contractile protains in PM and SL and decreased it in AM (+[4–20]%, +4%, −[14–28]%, respectively). Both drugs increased the submaximal Ca2+ -activated tension development at the order of PM = SL > AM in a dose-dependent manner. The changes of half-maximal pCa50 at 1 mmol/l VP were 0.25, 0.25, and 0.15, respectively. For Ca2+ uptake and release from the SR, VP as well as DT (0.1–3.0 mmol/l) in the uptake phase decreased caffeine-induced tension transients in a dose-dependent fashion. At 0.01–3.0 mmol/l, the drugs directly induced Ca2+ release from the SR or enhanced caffeine-induced tension transients with the exception that in PM, DT attenuated caffeine-induced tension transients. Thus, VP and DT have similar intracellular mechanisms of action in striated muscle. Both drugs induce calcium release from the SR and increase Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile proteins, and thus could be the underlying mechanisms for potentiating twitch tension, and inducing contracture in skeletal muscle.
Speech, privacy, and the power of the purse: lessons from the abortion "gag rule" case.

In Rust v. Sullivan 59 U.S.L.W. 4451 (1991) the US Supreme Court ruled that neither the privacy interests of family planning clients nor the 1st Amendment interests of their counselors prevented the government from banning all discussion of abortions in federally funded family planning clinics. In doing so the Court also reaffirmed its view that the state and federal legislatures have virtually unlimited discretion in limiting or conditioning social welfare programs a view having even greater long-term implications for American health policy than the implications of Rust for the constitutional protection of abortion. Rust upheld the Department of Health and Human Services 1988 directive prohibiting the use of any funds from Title X of the Public Health Service Act (authorizing family planning programs) in programs where abortion is a method of family planning. This means that a clinician may lawfully respond to a clients inquiry about abortion only with a denial that abortion is an option. Thus while allowing women the constitutional protection to chose an abortion the Court has allowed the legislature to freely use the power of the purse to discourage or prevent the choice of abortion. Rusts greatest impact may well be in its acceptance of the enormous power wielded by the government over funded activities especially in health policy. Justice Rehnquist believes there is not constitutional right to health welfare or any other government benefit; the legislative branches of the government cannot be required by judicial interpretation of the Constitution to provide any particular benefit or service to anyone. Even when the government chooses to fund a particular benefit it is free to condition that benefit with virtually no judicially enforceable limits on that discretion.
Phosphorylation by the Varicella-Zoster Virus ORF47 Protein Serine Kinase Determines whether Endocytosed Viral gE Traffics to the trans-Golgi Network or Recycles to the Cell Membrane

Like all alphaherpesviruses, varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection proceeds by both cell-cell spread and virion production. Virions are enveloped within vacuoles located near the trans-Golgi network (TGN), while in cell-cell spread, surface glycoproteins fuse cells into syncytia. In this report, we delineate a potential role for serine/threonine phosphorylation of the cytoplasmic tail of the predominant VZV glycoprotein, gE, in these processes. The fact that VZV gE (formerly called gpI) is phosphorylated has been documented (E. A. Montalvo and C. Grose, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:8967-8971, 1986), although respective roles of viral and cellular protein kinases have never been delineated. VZV ORF47 is a viral serine protein kinase that recognized a consensus sequence similar to that of casein kinase II (CKII). During open reading frame 47 (ORF47)-specific in vitro kinase assays, ORF47 phosphorylated four residues in the cytoplasmic tail of VZV gE (S593, S595, T596, and T598), thus modifying the known phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 1 domain. CKII phosphorylated gE predominantly on the two threonine residues. In wild-type-virus-infected cells, where ORF47-mediated phosphorylation predominated, gE endocytosed and relocalized to the TGN. In cells infected with a VZV ORF47-null mutant, internalized VZV gE recycled to the plasma membrane and did not localize to the TGN. The mutant virus also formed larger syncytia than the wild-type virus, linking CKII-mediated gE phosphorylation with increased cell-cell spread. Thus, ORF47 and CKII behaved as "team players" in the phosphorylation of VZV gE. Taken together, the results showed that phosphorylation of VZV gE by ORF47 or CKII determined whether VZV infection proceeded toward a pathway likely involved with either virion production or cell-cell spread.
Doing interface ecology: the practice of metadisciplinary

The interface can be modeled as a an ecosystem: connected, dynamic, and characterized by relationships. The model is predicated on a process of working with the interface as a border zone between heterogeneous systems of representation. This paper uses sensation, embodiment, and semiotics to initiate this process, by addressing the range of systems of representation that are involved in its own production. This presence of the theorist is found to create a self-referential metastructure.As an alternative to the beneficial but ad hoc assemblages of multi-, inter-, and trans-disciplinary approaches, the ecosystems approach establishes that meshing of systems of representation is an inherent property of interface phenomena. The meshing process causes elements from the involved representational systems to recombine, forming hybrids. Recombinant information is a structural formula for creating new knowledge, which can be invoked for that purpose, intentionally.Theorists are part of the environment that they theorize about. The products of theorizing are information artifacts that are also part of the environment. They themselves function as interfaces. The term "metadisciplinary" is developed to describe the inherent and self-referential nature of this structure. The structure of metadisciplinarity connects theory and practice. This stands in direct contrast with studies approaches, such as performance studies, which is separate from theater practice.
Biocompatibility of materials for total joint replacement

The clinical use of total joint prostheses demands absolute biocompatibility of the materials employed. The purpose of this experiment was the bioassay of some materials considered as possible candidates for use in total joint prostheses as load-bearing members or as wear-resistant surfaces. Some materials already in use were also tested. 316L stainless steel was used as a control. The materials were implanted as a standardized rod and in particulate form. An average of 12 samples per material were implanted in soft tissue for six months and a total of 145 rabbits were used in this study. Twenty-five materials including metals, polymers, and ceramics were tested in solid and powdered form. A semiquantitative evaluation of local tissue reaction and a study of organs was performed. Polymers and metallic materials showed in general a mild tissue reaction. Ceramics, which some authors describe as the best tolerated materials, elicited variable tissue responses. Some of these (glass–ceramics) presented very poor tissue tolerance. The least reactive, titanium oxide, titanium aluminate, and aluminum oxide, presented a degree of tissue reaction comparable to that of corrosion resistant metals, but not superior to them. Moderate reactivity was the general rule for particulate materials except for the Pyroceram glass–ceramics, polyimides, and Teflon. Ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene in particulate form elicited a rather cellular tissue response, a fact to be considered when projecting long-term results in total joint arthroplasty. No pathological changes compatible with systemic toxicity by materials tested were observed in the study of the organs.
Phase separation behaviour in blends of isotactic polypropylene and ethylene— propylene diene terpolymer

Miscibility and phase separation behaviour in blends of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM, ethylene content 70%) have been examined by means of depolarized light scattering, polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical methods. A cloud point phase diagram was established by means of light scattering after eliminating the influence of iPP crystal melting on liquid-liquid phase separation of iPP/EPDM blends. A lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was observed above the crystallization temperature, but below the melting temperature of iPP. This LCST is thermally reversible, so long as crystallization does not occur in its vicinity. The coupling between the crystal melting and liquid-liquid phase separation has been examined. Crystallization-induced phase separation and morphology development during crystallization of iPP have been investigated.
Dependence of body growth on thyroid activity in turtles

We surgically thyroidectomized (Tx) or sham-operated hatchling slider turtles—Trachemys (Pseudemys) scripta—and measured their growth (mass and carapace length) for 5 to 7 months. Autopsy at the end of the experiments revealed that up to 30% of the thyroidectomized animals had regenerated thyroid follicles (thyroids had few but enlarged follicles). Therefore, we segregated thyroidectomized turtles a posteriori into two groups: those with observable thyroid tissue at autopsy, greater than 3 ng/ml plasma thyroxine (T4), and normal plasma T4 binding capacity were designated partial Tx (PTx), and others with no observable thyroid tissue, less than 3 ng/ml plasma T4, and low plasma T4 binding capacity were designated Tx. Growth rate was significantly reduced 6–8 weeks after thyroidectomy in the Tx animals; length-specific growth rate was affected sooner than mass-specific growth rate. Growth of Tx animals continued to diverge from sham turtles through the end of the experiment; PTx animals did not differ from shams at any time. In a second experiment growth rate was reduced in Tx turtles maintained under both varibale (14L:10D, thermal gradient of 19 to 40°C) and constant (constant light and temperature—30°C) environmental conditions (i.e., reduced growth rate was probably not related to a thermoregulatory dysfunction). However, all animals maintained under the constant conditions stopped growing after 3 months, whereas turtles kept under varibale conditions continued to grow to the end of the experiment (4.5 months). Thyroxine (T4) replacement therapy of long-term Tx turtles restored growth after 6 weeks. Plasma thyrotropin (TSH) was greatly elevated in Tx turtles (301 ± 48.7 ng/ml) and at low to nondetectable levels in controls (⩾ 1 ng/ml). T4 replacement therapy was effective in reducing TSH levels in Tx turtles. Plasma T4 and TSH concentrations showed the expected inverse relationship. However, although PTx animals had elevated plasma T4 levels that were in the lower range of the sham controls (PTx: 36.6 ± 8.2 vs. 112.7 ± 17.1 ng/ml in sham), their plasma TSH was also significantly elevated (36.5 ± 9.3 ng/ml vs. 0.8 ± 0.2 ng/ml in sham). These results demonstrate the requirement of an intact thyroid gland for normal growth of turtles, and provide the first direct evidence for a role for the thyroid in body growth of a reptile. They also reveal that the set-point for the feedback between the thyroid and pituitary secretion can be altered by perturbation of thyroid activity.
Regulatory mutants of the deo regulon in Salmonella typhimurium.

A method is described for isolating mutants which are constitutive for thymidine phosphorylase. The mutants isolated are also constitutive for all of the enzymes of the deo regulon and are unlinked to the deo genes suggesting that they have a defect in a regulatory gene. We have designated this regulatory gene deo R.
Structure-metabolism relationships (SMR) for the prediction of health hazards by the Environmental Protection Agency. II. Application to teratogenicity and other toxic effects caused by aliphatic acids.

(1986). Structure-Metabolism Relationships (SMR) for the Prediction of Health Hazards by the Environmental Protection Agency. II. Application to Teratogenicity and Other Toxic Effects Caused by Aliphatic Acids. Drug Metabolism Reviews: Vol. 17, No. 3-4, pp. 187-220.
Technology, industry, and the question of national policy

Abstract This paper examines the need for national legislation to guide technological development in the United States. It describes the breadth to which federal governmental policy already affects U.S. industrial growth and the ways this involvement inhibits the U.S. productive capacity. Two contributing factors, problems at the government—industry interface and failures in the U.S. educational system, are discussed. It is concluded that the U.S. has already, through copious legislation and bureaucratic excesses, diluted the strength of its technological and industrial growth. It is also concluded that the college of technology, a relatively new institution in the U.S. educational system, is the correct source of guidance for technological and industrial development.
EXPERIMENTAL NEPHRITIS IN THE FROG : I. THE ANATOMICAL EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE.

1. The damage produced by corrosive sublimate, potassium bichromate and uranium nitrate in the frog's kidney is described. 2. The morphological lesions consist of evidences of tubular damage, such as regressive changes in the epithelium, and of damage to the glomeruli ranging from increase in their permeability to gross damage of and hemorrhage from the tuft. 3. The point is emphasized that these lesions differ in their degree rather than in their nature from those found in the mammalian kidney after the administration of the same poisons. 4. The frog's kidney is exceptionally well suited therefore for the study of lesions which though present are masked in the complexities of structure and function of the mammalian kidney.
High-capacity thin film lithium batteries with sulfide solid electrolytes

Abstract Thin film batteries with amorphous sulfide-based solid electrolytes were investigated. The interfacial resistance of the battery has been drastically reduced by inserting a very thin LiNbO 3 layer between the LiCoO 2 cathode and solid electrolyte. The cycle performance of the battery is affected by the composition of the Li 2 S–P 2 S 5 solid electrolyte. From XPS analysis, it is suggested that the electrochemical stability of the solid electrolyte changes as the composition of the solid electrolyte changes. Thin film batteries have shown both high capacity and good cycle performance with a solid electrolyte of suitable composition and silicon thin layer at the anode interface. Finally, a capacity of 400 μAh cm −2 at 500 cycles has been achieved with a 9.1 μm-thick cathode.
Lot sizing and machining economics: the multi-item, multi-stage cost minimization case

This paper presents models for multi-item, multi-stage machining systems. The first model presented extends the manufacturing lead time expression developed for single-item, single-stage machining systems to multi-item, multi-stage machining systems through the introduction of the appropriate auxiliary variables. Application of Little's law to the manufacturing lead time expression results in the development of a lot sizing model. Then, the lot-size value minimizing inventory costs is derived analytically. Finally a model is presented for the simultaneous determination of the optimal cutting speed and lot-size values. It is shown that the total cost function is dominated by its machining cost component. Based on this property, an efficient search technique is developed for quickly locating the optimal cutting-speed-lot-size point in machining systems constrained by the time allocated to processing an item on a machine. Computational experience with the algorithm verifies its quick convergence (after only ...
Considerations for Reliable Calculation of 77Se Chemical Shifts

The theoretical chemical shifts of a large series of selenium compounds have been calculated using GIAO-MP2 and -DFT methods in several basis sets. Reliable chemical shifts are calculated for many compounds, especially with the mPW1PW91 exchange-correlation functional and either a triple-ζ basis set (tzvp: 13% mean absolute error) or a limited RECP set chosen for practical applications on complex molecules (BSL: 11.8% mean absolute error). Molecules with three-center-four-electron bonding or low-lying n→π* states require additional diffuse functions and nonperturbative methods, respectively, but terminal selenium anions cannot be calculated reliably in the gas phase due to the neglect of solvation. When these cases are excluded, the mean absolute error decreases from 16.5% to 8.9% in GIAO-MP2/BSL but only slightly for DFT methods.
Effects of Perceived Organizational Factors on Role Stress-Job Attitude Relationships

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of two per-ceived organizational indicants-psychological climate and percep-tions of the management control system-on the often-studied rela-tionships of role conflict and ambiguity with job satisfaction and intentions to change jobs. Based on a cross-sectional survey of 423 marketing professionals, it was determined that these two perceived organizationalfactors predominantly accountedfor the shared varia-bility inherent in the relationships considered and in certain instances resulted in a change in the direction of the correlation. In particular, the relationships of role conflict and ambiguity with pay and promo-tion satisfaction and with turnover intentions were the most heavily af-fected ones. The relationships of role ambiguity with overall satisfac-tion and with work itself were also affected. Falsification analyses revealed that the findings hold across various sample segments and that role perceptions and job attitudes are directly tied to perc...
Lipid composition of subcellular particles of sea urchin eggs Strongylocentrotus intermedius

Abstract 1. 1. Nuclei, mitochondria, yolk granules and microsomes isolated from unfertilized eggs of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus intermedius were studied for lipid composition. 2. 2. All membrane structures studied possessed a specific lipid composition. Considerable differences were detected in the contents of lipids, phospholipids, individual lipid classes and phosphatidylethanolamine-plasmalogen. 3. 3. Polar and neutral lipids of the subcellular particles contained a large amount of unsaturated, mainly polyene fatty acids. Considerable quantitative differences were observed in fatty acid distribution (16:0, 18:0, 20:4 and 20:5) over the organelles. 4. 4. The results obtained were compared with recent data on the lipid composition of subcellular particles of the cells in various animals.
Fermi surface properties of CeSn3 and related compounds

Abstract The Fermi surface properties of the coherent and incoherent forms of the dense Kondo and mixed valence models for anomalous Ce compounds are examined. Experimental Fermi surface data for CeSn 3 and its isostructrural, non-4f analog LaSn 3 are presented and found to be consistent with either a coherent mixed valence or Kondo lattice interpretation. For CeSn 3 , one electron band calculations of the Fermi surface geometry are in good agreement with experiment, but the calculated effective masses are too low.
Simulation of hydraulic seals

AbstractThree mixed lubrication models of a reciprocating hydraulic rod seal are described: a steady-state elastic model, a transient elastic model, and a transient viscoelastic model. These models are used to simulate a U-cup rod seal utilized in an injection moulding application. Results characterizing the leakage and friction force, as well as the detailed behaviour of the sealing zone, are presented.
Approximation ofMH q r -class functions by Haar polynomials

The paper deals with approximations of functions with bounded mixed difference by Haar polynomials. Approximations of the following two different types are studied: the classical best approximation by Haar polynomials with indices lying in hyperbolic crosses and the bestm-term approximation by Haar polynomials.
An Aiibi Witness' Influence on Mock Jurors' Verdicts1

The impact of alibi testimony on juror decision making is not yet clear because it has been examined empirically infrequently. This study was designed to determine the impact of alibi witness' testimony, the impact of an alibi witness with a relationship in comparison to one without a relationship to the defendant, and the impact of an eyewitness' confidence on juror decision making. Results indicated that mock jurors acquit a defendant more often when an alibi witness with no relationship to the defendant testified on his behalf. Participants did not believe an alibi witness who had a relationship with the defendant even though the witness was not a family member. Implications for these results are discussed.
Image-driven population analysis through mixture modeling

Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab, MIT, Cambridge, MA We present a novel, image-driven population analysis framework, called iCluster. iCluster processes a large set of images to determine a partitioning of the population based on image similarities, while establishing a dense spatial correspondence across individuals and computing the templates that represent each subpopulation. In experiments, we show that an image-driven partitioning of a large population reveals age effects on neuroanatomy and correlates with mental health.
Hair cell types and distributions in the otolithic and auditory organs of the bullfrog

Abstract Based on surface morphology, 6 hair cell types have been identified on the sensory epithelia of the bullfrog otolithic and auditory organs. One of these types apparently is the morphogenetic precursor of vibrational and auditory hair cells. Another type, with a kinocilium several times as long as the longest stereocilia, apparently mediates gravistatic sensitivity. A third type, with a bulbed kinocilium no longer than the longest stereocilia, apparently mediates vibrational and auditory sensitivities. The other types may serve a variety of functions, depending on their location. One suggested function is that of an anchor for the gelatinous superstructure.
The Frequency Response of Smooth Muscle Stiffness during Ca2+-Activated Contraction

Abstract To investigate the mechanism of smooth muscle contraction, the frequency response of the muscle stiffness of single β -escin permeabilized smooth muscle cells in the relaxed state was studied. Also, the response was continuously monitored for 3min from the beginning of the exchange of relaxing solution to activating solution, and then at 5-min intervals for up to 20min. The frequency response (30Hz bandwidth, 0.33Hz (or 0.2Hz) resolution) was calculated from the Fourier-transformed force and length sampled during a 3-s (or 5-s) constant-amplitude length perturbation of increasing-frequency (1–32Hz) sine waves. In the relaxed state, a large negative phase angle was observed, which suggests the existence of attached energy generating cross-bridges. As the activation progressed, the muscle stiffness and phase angle steadily increased; these increases gradually extended to higher frequencies, and reached a steady state by 100s after activation or ∼40s after stiffness began to increase. The results suggest that a fixed distribution of cross-bridge states was reached after 40s of Ca 2+ activation and the cross-bridge cycling rate did not change during the period of force maintenance.