cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complimentarily yours: Free examination copies and textbook prices: Comment

Abstract I add the resale price to the model of Foster and Horowitz ( International Journal of Industrial Organization , 1996, 14, 85–99) and examine how the sale of complimentary examination copies affects students' total textbook costs. At schools without internal buy back programs, the resale of complimentary texts might lower the resale price so much that the mean effective cost to the average student will increase.
Parameters affecting the stability of SV40 virions during the extraction of nucleoprotein complexes

Abstract The extraction of SV40 nucleoprotein complexes from infected cell nuclei frequently results in the disruption of mature SV40 virions which then contaminate the nucleoprotein complexes (E. Garber, M. Seidman, and A. J. Levine, Virology , 90 , 305–316, 1978). The parameters that are important in maintaining SV40 virion integrity during this extraction procedure have been studied. The most important factors affecting virion stability in nuclear extracts are: (1) the ionic strength of the solution should be between 50 and 100 m M KCl, (2) chelating agents must be omitted from the nuclear extracts but can be employed in subsequent analysis, and (3) cellular factors in the nuclear extract can affect virion stability and the concentration of nuclei should be kept below 10 7 nuclei/ml of extraction buffer. Other components of the extraction buffer such as pH and protease inhibitors appear to be less important for the integrity of SV40 virions.
Body surface temperatures of jerboas (Allactaga) in uniform thermal environments

Body surface temperatures of threeAllactaga elater and oneA. hotsoni were measured by infrared radiography at ambient temperatures of 1° to 42°C. In each test the radiant temperature of environmental surfaces was the same as air temperature.
Distribution of microsomal CO-binding chromophores and EROD activity in sea anemone tissues

Our previous studies indicated that sea anemone microsomes contain cytochrome P450 (CYP) and have ethoxyresorufin O-dealkylation (EROD) activity. Other marine invertebrates have discrete organs which concentrate cytochromes P450, whereas cnidarians have evolved only to the tissue level of development. To examine the distribution of CYP in sea anemones, microsomes were prepared from the following tissue regions of two sea anemones, Anthopleura xanthogrammica: outer (heavy muscular wall), inner (imperfect and perfect mesentery, and retractor muscle), soft (digestive sac, gonads, and mesentery filaments), and tentacular (including algal/diatom symbiont). The cytochrome P450 content was distributed relatively evenly among the tissue regions. In contrast, the 418-nm CO-binding chromophore was approximately 10 times greater in the outer region than in any other region. Further, the 490-nm peak (which interferes with quantification of CYP in sea anemones) was greater in the outer region. In general, the EROD activity was comparable in the inner and soft regions and highest in the tentacles. However, the EROD results may have been complicated by the presence of the algal/diatom symbiont.
Time-dependent Dissolution of Amalgams into Saline Solution

The dissolution of mercury, silver, and copper from polished and unpolished surfaces of low- and high-copper amalgams into saline was investigated with respect to time via atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Greater amounts of mercury and silver were released from unpolished than from polished surfaces. Ion release was greatest during the first three hours after trituration of all amalgams. The rate of dissolution of ions from amalgams into saline is considered to be very low once the amalgam has set, and is probably inhibited by the formation of a surface film formed during immersion.
Low-energy electron-impact excitation of the hydrogen molecule

We present cross sections for the excitation of the two lowest (b3Σu+ and a3Σg+) triplet states of molecular hydrogen by electron impact for incident electron energies ≤ 20 eV. The cross sections are calculated using the distorted-wave approximation with the inelastic transition density obtained in the random-phase approximation. An efficient expansion technique using Gaussian basis functions allows us to avoid numerical integrations and to treat accurately the noncentral nature of the scattering process with full allowance for electron exchange. The sum of the two triplet cross sections is found to be in good agreement with the experimental cross section for dissociation of H2 into 2H. See Also: Erratum: T. N. Rescigno, C. W. McCurdy, V. McKoy, and C. F. Bender, Erratum: Low-energy electron-impact excitation of the hydrogen molecule, Phys. Rev. A 15, 2569 (1977).
The relationship of assertive behavior in women and a validated measure of irrational beliefs

Factors other than skill deficits are often associated with unassertive behavior. Assertive skills can be suppressed because of legitimate expectations of realistic negative social and self-evaluation consequences. Unrealistic or irrational expectations have also been proposed as inhibiting assertion, and assertion therapies have been implemented to alter irrational beliefs. However, the relationship between irrational beliefs and unassertiveness that is necessary for a causal interpretation has not been firmly established. The study used a validated measure of irrational beliefs and self-report and role-play measures of assertion for women. The results showed that irrational beliefs are unrelated to self-reported assertion. Roleplay measures of assertion are related to total irrational belief scores and the subscales of Demand for Approval and Dependency. The results are discussed regarding the measurement of assertion and the implications for therapeutic modification of assertion.
True Scores, Error, Reliability, and Unit of Analysis in Environment and Behavior Research

The measurement of the reliability of one's instruments is an important aspect of any scientific undertaking. The use of standard methods for evaluating the reliability of environmental assessment measures has, however, recently come under attack by Richards and his colleagues. This article presents a general view of reliability and the analysis of multilevel data. The meaning of reliability and its usefulness to environmental assessment is discussed. It is shown that standard methods of reliability are useful. The split-sample correlation, which was proposed as an alternative to standard reliability co-efficients, is shown not to have the stated properties and cannot be recommended. The intraclass correlation is described and recommended as an alternative to the split-sample correlation. This article concludes with a discussion of the analysis of multilevel data.
Design of metal-sapphire interfaces for enhanced adhesion

Abstract The roles of defect-induced and impurity-induced changes in interfacial energy on the adhesion of metal films on sapphire substrates were studied using ion implantation. Chemical species that decrease (Cr) or increase (Ni) the interfacial free energy of iron-sapphire interfaces were implanted at the interface. Effects of irradiation-produced defects were studied by implanting iron to a similar concentration in companion iron/sapphire samples and by bombarding Cr/sapphire couples. Rutherford backscattering-channeling, Auger electron spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that only recoil mixing occurred and that the intermixed region was limited to several nanometers in thickness. Measurements using a pull test and a scratch test revealed a marked increase in adhesion for Cr implantations, a modest increase for Fe implantation, and no change for the Ni implantations. It is proposed that both chemical changes and irradiation-produced defects increase the work of adhesion by decreasing the interfacial free energy. In the Ni-implanted samples, the two effects annul each other. A role for irradiation-produced defects was confirmed by the increase in adhesion observed for ion-bombarded chromium films on sapphire. The already very low interfacial energy was further decreased by the presence of irradiation-produced defects.
Parylene peel-off arrays to probe the role of cell–cell interactions in tumour angiogenesis

Microenvironmental conditions impact tumour angiogenesis, but the role of cell–cell interactions in modulating the angiogenic capability of tumour cells is not well understood. We have microfabricated a peel-off cell-culture array (PeelArray) chip to spatiotemporally control interactions between tumour cells in a large array format and to analyse angiogenic factor secretion in response to these conditions. The PeelArray chip consists of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) treated glass coverslip coated with a parylene-C template that can be easily peeled off to selectively micropattern biomolecules and cells. We have designed the PeelArray chip to reproducibly deposit large uniform arrays of isolated single cells or isolated cell clusters on fibronectin features of defined surface areas. We have utilised this microfabricated culture system to study the secretion of angiogenic factors by tumour cells, in the presence or absence of cell–cell contact as controlled by micropatterning. Our results indicate that cell–cell interactions play a synergistic role in regulating the expression of angiogenic factors (i.e., vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] and interleukin-8 [IL-8]) in various cancer cell lines, independent of other more complex microenvironmental cues (e.g. hypoxia). Our PeelArray chip is a simple and adaptable micropatterning method that enables quantitative profiling of protein secretions and hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which cell–cell interactions regulate tumour cell behaviour and angiogenesis.
A pluralistic view of early assessment: The project spectrum approach

This is a time of unusual ferment in early education. Serious debate over how to provide quality programming for young children entering school settings continues as demands for care become more pressing (Fiske, 1986). While some educators propose the integration of 4-year-olds into public school systems (Ambach, 1985), others express misgivings about the potential downward extension of formal schooling and testing to such children (Elkind, 1986; Morado, 1986; Zigler, 1986; Zimiles, 1985). In particular, the increased use of standardized "readiness" and screening tests to determine school placement has alarmed individuals who fear that children's early experiences of becoming students will be inexorably linked with that of becoming test takers. In the wake of these policy discussions, educators and researchers have begun to reexamine how such traditional standardized tests stand
Movement-assisted sensor redeployment scheme for network lifetime increase

Sensor deployment in mobile sensor networks has received significant attention in recent years. Goals during sensor deployment include improving coverage, achieving load balance, and prolonging the network lifetime. To improve the initial deployment, one possible method is to use mobile sensors, thus allowing sensors to relocate. In this paper, we present a sensor deployment strategy in mobile sensor networks. Our goal is to improve coverage and prolong network lifetime through sensor relocation after the initial deployment. The problem in this paper is defined as Movement-assisted Sensor Positioning (MSP) for network lifetime increase problem. With the observation that the sensors closer to the sink tend to consume more energy than those farther away from the sink, we first compute the desired non-uniform sensor density in the monitored area to reduce the energy holes near the sink and to prolong network lifetime. Assuming that sensors can move only once, we then propose a centralized algorithm to relocate mobile sensors to satisfy the density requirement with minimum cost. We construct the virtual multi-flow graph and solve the sensor relocation problem using a maximum-flow minimum-cost algorithm. The improvement in network lifetime is proved both mathematically and by simulations.
Effect of propranolol on arachidonic acid metabolism by cells in culture

Abstract Propranolol stimulated prostaglandin synthesis in dog kidney, mouse adrenal, rat basophil leukemia, and mouse neuroblastoma cells, but not in bovine aorta smooth muscle or rat glial cells growing in culture. Culture fluids of propranolol treated rat basophil leukemia (RBL-1) cells reacted with anti-12-HETE plasma. The reactive HETE was not identified, although it was not 12-HETE. Indomethacin and aspirin, in the presence of stimulating levels of propranolol, inhibited the stimulated synthesis of the cyclooxygenase products but not the lipoxygenase products by the RBL-1 cells. Quinidine also stimulated prostaglandin synthesis in dog kidney and rat basophil leukemia cells, but not in mouse neuroblastoma, mouse adrenal, bovine aorta smooth muscle, rat glial, and rat pituitary cells and methylcholanthrene transformed mouse fibroblasts. Whereas quinine stimulated prostaglandin synthesis in the rat basophil leukemia cells, unlike quinidine it did not stimulate prostaglandin synthesis in the dog kidney cells.
A Gray code for the shelling types of the boundary of a hypercube

Abstract We consider two shellings of the boundary of the hypercube equivalent if one can be transformed into the other by an isometry of the cube. We observe that a class of indecomposable permutations, bijectively equivalent to standard double occurrence words, may be used to encode one representative from each equivalence class of the shellings of the boundary of the hypercube. These permutations thus encode the shelling types of the boundary of the hypercube. We construct an adjacent transposition Gray code for this class of permutations. This construction can be implemented in constant amortized time. Our result is a signed variant of King’s result showing that there is a transposition Gray code for indecomposable permutations.
Purification and characterization of a glutathione dependent dehydroascorbate reductase from human erythrocytes.

A GSH-dependent dehydroascorbate reductase (EC 1.8.5.1) was purified to homogeneity from human erythrocytes. The enzyme was a monomer of 32 kDa and was purified 133-fold from a crude DEAE-Sepharose fraction with a 25% yield. The reduced protein had a pI of 5.1 as judged by isoelectric focusing. Kinetic analysis gave a kcatof 316 min−1, a Kmof 0.21 mM for DHA with a kcat/Kmof 2.47 × 104M−1sec−1, and a Kmof 3.5 mM for GSH with a kcat/Kmof 1.51 × 103M−1sec−1. This is the second DHA reductase (after thioltransferase) isolated from human erythrocytes, but unlike thioltransferase, it has no thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase activity.
PEPTIDES COMPLEXED TO CYCLODEXTRIN FRAGMENT RATHER THAN DISSOCIATE WHEN SUBJECTED TO BLACKBODY INFRARED RADIATION

Blackbody infrared radiation dissociation is used to probe the fragmentation behavior of peptide−cyclodextrin complexes. Complexes formed by combining bradykinin (and some of its analogues) with permethylated β-cyclodextrin undergo peptide fragmentation rather than complex dissociation under these conditions. Activation energies and preexponential factors are obtained from Arrhenius plots constructed over a temperature range (between 323 and 440 K). The fragmentation behavior of the peptides does not differ considerably when the sites of inclusions are removed from the peptide. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to better understand the experimental observations.
Extraction of Martian valley networks from digital topography

We have developed a novel method for delineating valley networks on Mars. The valleys are inferred from digital topography by an autonomous computer algorithm as drainage networks, instead of being manually mapped from images. Individual drainage basins are precisely defined and reconstructed to restore flow continuity disrupted by craters. Drainage networks are extracted from their underlying basins using the contributing area threshold method. We demonstrate that such drainage networks coincide with mapped valley networks verifying that valley networks are indeed drainage systems. Our procedure is capable of delineating and analyzing valley networks with unparalleled speed and consistency. We have applied this method to 28 Noachian locations on Mars exhibiting prominent valley networks. All extracted networks have a planar morphology similar to that of terrestrial river networks. They are characterized by a drainage density of approx.0.1/km, low in comparison to the drainage density of terrestrial river networks. Slopes of "streams" in Martian valley networks decrease downstream at a slower rate than slopes of streams in terrestrial river networks. This analysis, based on a sizable data set of valley networks, reveals that although valley networks have some features pointing to their origin by precipitation-fed runoff erosion, their quantitative characteristics suggest that precipitation intensity and/or longevity of past pluvial climate were inadequate to develop mature drainage basins on Mars.
Bleeding predisposition assessments in tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy patients using fuzzy interquartile encoded neural networks

A fuzzy set theoretic methodology is described that serves as a classification preprocessing strategy for supervised feed-forward neural networks. This methodology, fuzzy interquartile encoding, determines the respective degrees to which a feature belongs to a collection of fuzzy sets that overlap at the respective quartile boundaries of the feature. These membership values are subsequently used in place of the original feature. This transformation has a normalizing effect on the feature space and is more robust to feature outliers. Its effectiveness is scrutinized using several synthetic data sets with various underlying distributions. Fuzzy interquartile encoding is shown to consistently improve the discriminatory power of the underlying classifiers. The methodology is also applied to two biomedical data sets relating to tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy patients who may or may not have had a predisposition to excessive bleeding during their operation. The features of the first data set are blood sample test results acquired from a coagulation laboratory and the class labels are one of three hemostatic defects as identified by the reference tests. The second data set consists of patient responses to queries from a bleeding tendency questionnaire. Normal and abnormal class labels were derived from a hematology expert system designed in consultation with a pediatric hematologist. Fuzzy interquartile encoding effected an 11% improvement in the classification accuracy of the underlying neural network classifier with the former data set and 18% with the latter.
Three-dimensional simultaneous absorption and scattering coefficient reconstruction for reflection geometry

In this paper, a 3D dual-mesh imaging reconstruction method is demonstrated, which can reconstruct absorption and scattering coefficients simultaneously. In the dual-mesh scheme, the total number of voxels with unknown absorption and scattering perturbations are maintained on the same order of total measurements by using a fine grid for target region and a coarse grid for background region. Certain row/column normalization has been applied to alleviate the crosstalk between the absorption coefficient and scattering coefficient, and to minimize the depth dependent problem. Experimental results of targets with different absorption and scattering contrasts have shown that accurate reconstruction of both absorption and scattering coefficients can be achieved.
Borges and Us: Exploring the Author-Translator Dynamic in Translation Workshops

AbstractThe traditional notion of the translator as someone who should remain invisible while reproducing the original and/or intentions of the author is still commonplace today in translation workshops. Although it has been radically called into question by poststructuralist theory, this type of theory often does not ‘translate’ into what students understand as the practice of the craft. The essay draws on a comparative study used with the author’s students that involved eight English versions of Jorge Luis Borges’s 1960 text ‘Borges y yo’ to indirectly introduce them to poststructuralist notions of translation, reading and authorship that can help them confront the limitations of the traditional conception of translation and assist them in developing the critical capacity to work responsibly through the complexities involved in the task of rewriting someone else’s text in another language. This activity – with its combination of close readings of the eight translations together with an analysis of the t...
A rheo-optical study of shear-thickening and structure formation in polymer solutions. Part I: Experimental

Simultaneous measurements of the optical and theological response of solutions of highly fractionated polystyrenes have been made, in-situ, to ascertain the connection between flow-induced structure formation and the phenomenon of shear-thickening. Transient and steady state viscosity, dichroism, birefringence and the associated orientation angles were measured in decalin and bromobenzene in the semi-dilute region using a couette device capable of shear rates up to 8,000 s−1. A one-to-one correlation has been found between the occurrence of maxima in the dichroism and minima in the viscosity. While the size and shape of the shear-thickening structures could not be directly determined, results suggest they are intermediate in size between a cluster of entangled chains and a completely phase-separated liquid. For solutions exhibiting shear-thinning alone, no maximum in dichroism was observed, the signal instead showed a saturation behavior at high shear rates. Birefringence was found to be insensitive to the structure formation and attributable to that of the dissolved chains or entanglement regions. The kinetics of the structuring process leading to shear-thickening are instantaneous and completely reversible and there is a concentration window, above and below which only shear-thinning occurs.
Quantifying the computational efficacy of nanocomputing channels

Information-theoretic computational efficacy measures are introduced and applied to the analysis of interacting effects of noise and structural randomness in nanocomputing channels. Two complementary measures–the computational fidelity and representational faithfulness–are shown together to quantify the efficacy with which a particular noisy computing channel implements a specified logical transformation. The statistics of these two measures, evaluated for an ensemble of nanocomputing channels with random sample-to-sample structural variations, allows quantitative characterization of the interacting effects of transient noise and structural randomness in the channel ensemble. Application of these efficacy measures is illustrated for artificial nanocomputing channels–noisy quantum-dot cellular automata arrays with random defects–although they can be used to quantify the computational efficacy of a wide variety of artificial or natural nanoscale networks with computational capabilities.
Sugar Prices and Distribution under Food Control

I. Introductory. Sugar supply and distribution in recent years, 568. — Prospects in Europe and United States in 1914–17, 570. — II. Organization of the Sugar Division of the Food Administration, 573. — Agreements with beet sugar producers, 575. — International Sugar Committee on raw sugar organized, 578. — Margin fixed for refiners, 580. — Cuban price and Louisiana price fixed, 582. — Readjustment of beet prices demanded in the West, 584. — Regulation of dealers' prices and profits, 586. — III. Criticisms of personnel, 588. — How price of sugar was kept low; complication from transportation difficulties, 589. — Conclusions, 589.
Phytophthora Species Associated with Cranberry Root Rot and Surface Irrigation Water in New Jersey.

ABSTRACT A lupine baiting technique was used to detect the presence of Phytophthora spp. in several streams, irrigation reservoirs, and drainage canals used in cranberry cultivation. P. cinnamomi was found to be widely distributed throughout the study area in the southern New Jersey Pinelands, and was present both upstream and downstream of agricultural activities. A second species, identified as P. megasperma, was more restricted in its distribution and was never isolated from a water system that did not also contain P. cinnamomi. In a survey of commercial cranberry production, 80% of the acreage represented (approximately 37% of total New Jersey production area) was exposed to one or both Phytophthora spp. through application of infested water from irrigation reservoirs. Based on the widespread distribution of P. cinnamomi, it is likely that this pathogen was introduced many years prior to its discovery on cranberry in the 1980s, which corresponded to the adoption of overhead irrigation in the crop. The...
The general problem of thermoelastic waves in anisotropic periodically laminated composites

Abstract The propagation of harmonic waves in a laminated composite consisting of an arbitrary number of layered anisotropic plates is studied. In the context of the generalized theory of thermoelasticity, each layer is allowed to have a monoclinic degree of symmetry in the thermoelastic sense. Waves are allowed to propagate along any angle from the normal to the plates, as well as along any azimuthal angle. The problem is treated analytically using a combination of linear orthogonal transformations and the transfer matrix method to reach the characteristic equation of the composite. Numerical illustrations are given in the form of dispersion and attenuation curves of different representative layering.
In Situ Fluorescence Probing of Molecular Mobility and Chemical Changes during Formation of Dip-Coated Sol−Gel Silica Thin Films

Pyranine (trisodium 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonate) and PRODAN (6-propionyl-2-(dimethylamino)naphthalene) are used as in situ fluorescence probes to monitor the molecular mobility and chemical evolution during sol−gel silica thin film deposition by the dip-coating process. Measurements are made on the evolving film as it emerges from the sol at thicknesses changing from <4 μm for the starting film to 300 nm for the final film. The thickness is monitored by interferometry. Results of the spatially resolved fluorescence depolarization for films withdrawn from a fresh sol show that the tumbling motion of both probes is retained until the final deposition stage when an extensive cross-linking silica framework forms. Intermediate probe mobility occurs at an earlier time in films pulled from an aged sol. A comparison between thin film deposition and monolith formation is made.
Electrostatic steering at acetylcholine binding sites.

The electrostatic environments near the acetylcholine binding sites on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and acetylcholinesterase were measured by diffusion-enhanced fluorescence energy transfer (DEFET) to determine the influence of long-range electrostatic interactions on ligand binding kinetics and net binding energy. Changes in DEFET from variously charged Tb3+-chelates revealed net potentials of −20 mV at the nAChR agonist sites and −14 mV at the entrance to the AChE active site, in physiological ionic strength conditions. The potential at the αδ-binding site of the nAChR was determined independently in the presence of d-tubocurarine to be −14 mV; the calculated potential at the αγ-site was approximately threefold stronger than at the αδ-site. By determining the local potential in increasing ionic strength, Debye-Huckel theory predicted that the potentials near the nAChR agonist binding sites are constituted by one to three charges in close proximity to the binding site. Examination of the binding kinetics of the fluorescent acetylcholine analog dansyl-C6-choline at ionic strengths from 12.5 to 400 mM revealed a twofold decrease in association rate. Debye-Huckel analysis of the kinetics revealed a similar charge distribution as seen by changes in the potentials. To determine whether the experimentally determined potentials are reflected by continuum electrostatics calculations, solutions to the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann equation were used to compute the potentials expected from DEFET measurements from high-resolution models of the nAChR and AChE. These calculations are in good agreement with the DEFET measurements for AChE and for the αγ-site of the nAChR. We conclude that long-range electrostatic interactions contribute −0.3 and −1 kcal/mol to the binding energy at the nAChR αδ- and αγ-sites due to an increase in association rates.
Ex Vivo Model of Cerebrospinal Fluid Outflow across Human Arachnoid Granulations

PURPOSE. The brain’s arachnoid membrane with granulations is an important biological barrier whose responsibilities include the transmission of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the regulation of pressure. Membrane disturbance may cause changes that are difficult to replicate with animal models, suggesting the need for a model using human arachnoid membrane with granulations for the study of conditions such as Alzheimer disease, hydrocephalus, and pseudotumor cerebri. The authors detail the development and validation of an ex vivo model of CSF outflow across human arachnoid granulations (AGs) as an approximation of in vivo conditions. METHODS. Human AGs were perfused at normal physiological pressure in physiological and nonphysiological directions for permeability data. Fluorescent particle perfusion with electron microscopy identified outflow pathways through the AGs. RESULTS. This human ex vivo model demonstrated in vivo properties of unidirectionality, particle transport, and ultrastructure, similar to our 2005 in vitro model. The average baseline hydraulic conductivity in the physiological direction (n 20) was 1.05 0.15 L/min/mm Hg/cm 2 compared with 0.11 0.03 L/min/mm Hg/cm 2 in the nonphysiological direction (n 3) under statistically equivalent (P 0.46) average normal physiological pressures (5.88 0.22 mm Hg and 6.14 0.23 mm Hg, respectively). CONCLUSIONS. The ex vivo model is feasible and herein demonstrated. These findings agree with in vivo CSF outflow. This model increases understanding of the clearance not only of CSF but also of metabolites through the arachnoid membrane. Additional evidence suggests, but does not yet prove, that CSF outflow may occur in a similar manner in the arachnoid membrane adjacent to the granulations, in addition to the flow through the AGs. This is a topic for further investigation. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49:4721– 4728) DOI:
TNF-α triggers rapid membrane insertion of Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptors into adult motor neurons and enhances their susceptibility to slow excitotoxic injury

Excitotoxicity (caused by over-activation of glutamate receptors) and inflammation both contribute to motor neuron (MN) damage in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other diseases of the spinal cord. Microglial and astrocytic activation in these conditions results in release of inflammatory mediators, including the cytokine, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). TNF-α has complex effects on neurons, one of which is to trigger rapid membrane insertion of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) type glutamate receptors, and in some cases, specific insertion of GluA2 lacking, Ca(2+) permeable AMPA receptors (Ca-perm AMPAr). In the present study, we use a histochemical stain based upon kainate stimulated uptake of cobalt ions ("Co(2+) labeling") to provide the first direct demonstration of the presence of substantial numbers of Ca-perm AMPAr in ventral horn MNs of adult rats under basal conditions. We further find that TNF-α exposure causes a rapid increase in the numbers of these receptors, via a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase A (PKA) dependent mechanism. Finally, to assess the relevance of TNF-α to slow excitotoxic MN injury, we made use of organotypic spinal cord slice cultures. Co(2+) labeling revealed that MNs in these cultures possess Ca-perm AMPAr. Addition of either a low level of TNF-α, or of the glutamate uptake blocker, trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (PDC) to the cultures for 48 h resulted in little MN injury. However, when combined, TNF-α+PDC caused considerable MN degeneration, which was blocked by the AMPA/kainate receptor blocker, 2,3-Dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo (F) quinoxaline (NBQX), or the Ca-perm AMPAr selective blocker, 1-naphthyl acetylspermine (NASPM). Thus, these data support the idea that prolonged TNF-α elevation, as may be induced by glial activation, acts in part by increasing the numbers of Ca-perm AMPAr on MNs to enhance injurious excitotoxic effects of deficient astrocytic glutamate transport.
The effect of usage situation on Korean consumers' brand evaluation: The moderating role of self-monitoring

The objective of this research is to test the theoretical conceptualizations of the self – the malleable self-concept – by examining the interplay of brand personality and social situation in determining brand preference and evaluation. This research also aims to assess the moderating influence of self-monitoring in the relationship. Two experimental studies were conducted in Korea. Findings suggest that the congruency of brand personality traits and social situations leads to a more positive brand attitude. This research also supported theory-based interactions in which situation congruity was enhanced for high versus low self-monitors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiative dielectronic recombination and correlated processes

A new quasi-resonant radiative dielectronic recombination (RDR) process is formulated as an off-shell extension of the dielectronic recombination. It is an electron-ion recombination process in which dielectronic-excitation capture is accompanied by simultaneous radiation emission, and can occur at all continuum energies of the electron being captured. The RDR can be the dominant mode of recombination at off-resonance energy regions, and may provide an important distortion correction to the direct recombination. The distinct signature of the RDR is the quasi-discrete low energy x-rays emitted during the capture, shifted down in energy by the excitation energies of the core electrons. The analog of the RDR must also take place in the ion-atom collisions, as radiative transfer excitation (XTE). Evaluation of the RDR cross section is difficult because of the correlated nature of the transition operator, but detailed qualitative discussions of the RDR are presented. A crude estimate of the cross section is obtained and compared with the other recombination modes. The radiative Auger effect is roughly an inverse of RDR, and the charge dependence of its cross section is improved, using a correlated vertex.
Thrombophilias and Adverse Outcomes of Pregnancy — What Should a Clinician Do?

Approximately 1 to 5 percent of pregnant women have serious complications of pregnancy, such as severe preeclampsia, abruptio placentae, intrauterine fetal death, or severe fetal growth retardation...
Modeling cell concentration in complex media

A model that continuously predicts the concentration of microorganisms in complex medium fermentations is suggested. The model uses carbon dioxide evolution as its primary input and assumes that respiration activity can be differentiated into growth-related and maintenance-related functions. This model can be programmed on computer-coupled vessels and used to standardize on a physiological fermentation inoculum transfer time. The cell concentration estimate can also be used to calculate specific growth rate and can be combined with additional monitored information to calculate other important fermentation parameters such as specific oxygen uptake.
The choices people make: the types of buddy icons people select for self-presentation online

People are adapting their self-presentation strategies to utilize both online and offline communication in their interactions with strangers, co-workers, family, and friends. One way people communicate online is through the use of instant messaging, which includes the use of graphical representations of people called buddy icons. This project presents the results of a survey of the buddy icons 93 participants were currently using in their instant messaging interactions. It examines the extent to which self-presentation theory (Goffman 1959) can explain the choices people are making about how to self-present elements of their identity online. The icons were categorized and users were asked why they choose them as well as when and whether they change them with different interaction partners. Results show that male users select different categories of buddy icons than females but that most users select buddy icons that are human like, low on photorealism, and consistent with their biological sex. Users also reported that they rarely change their icons and that they selected human buddy icons when they want to increase social presence.
Behavioral Indicators of Transformational Leadership in the College Classroom

The purpose of this study was to identify which instructor communication behaviors students believe promote transformational leadership (i.e., charisma, individualized consideration, and intellectual stimulation) in the college classroom. Participants were 166 undergraduate students who wrote three narratives describing behaviors their instructors engaged in that created perceptions of transformational leadership according to Bass's (1985) operationalization. Results of a content analysis (in rank order for each dimension) revealed that (a) charisma was communicated through teacher confirmation, nonverbal immediacy, humor, caring, availability, content relevance, verbal immediacy, attitude homophily, equality, and self-disclosure; (b) individualized consideration was communicated through teacher availability, individualized feedback, verbal immediacy, personalized content, conveying interest, special considerations, student history, and encouraging participation; and (c) intellectual stimulation was commu...
Efficacy of concurrent cetuximab vs. 5-fluorouracil/carboplatin or high-dose cisplatin with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for locally-advanced head and neck cancer (LAHNSCC).

Summary Objectives We previously reported inferior outcomes for locally-advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LAHNSCC) patients treated with concurrent cetuximab vs. high-dose cisplatin with intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Prior to FDA approval of cetuximab for LAHNSCC, non-cisplatin eligible patients at our institution received 5-fluorouracil (5FU)/carboplatin. We sought to compare concurrent cetuximab vs. 5FU/carboplatin vs. high-dose cisplatin with IMRT for LAHNSCC. Materials and methods Retrospective review was performed for LAHNSCC patients treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center from 11/02 to 04/08 with concurrent cetuximab ( n = 49), 5FU/carboplatin ( n = 52), or cisplatin ( n = 259) and IMRT. Overall survival (OS), locoregional failure (LRF), distant metastasis-free survival, and late toxicity were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. OS analysis was confirmed by propensity score adjustment. Results Treatment groups were similar with regard to primary tumor site, overall stage, and alcohol and tobacco history. Cetuximab and 5FU/carboplatin patients were older, with lower performance status, more comorbidities, higher T classification, and worse renal function. On multivariate analysis, compared with cisplatin and 5FU/carboplatin, cetuximab was associated with inferior 4-year OS (86.9% vs. 70.2% vs. 40.9%; P P Conclusions Although 5FU/carboplatin patients were sicker and experienced greater toxicity than cisplatin patients, no significant difference was found in all endpoints. In contrast, despite similar pretreatment characteristics, outcomes for cetuximab vs. 5FU/carboplatin were significantly worse. We feel that caution should be used with routine use of cetuximab in the management of LAHNSCC.
A "Virtual SONET" routing architecture for ad hoc networks in environmental monitoring and emergency management

Ad hoc networks have increasing come into use for emergency management both as aid to detect the occurrence of a disaster and as a means to communicate in the aftermath of one. The use of sensor networks, a category of ad hoc networks, for environmental sensing can allow planning well ahead of a disaster's occurrence. The authors propose a routing architecture for sensors used in emergency management with the goal of reducing route maintenance overhead traffic while also providing fault tolerance for node failures and battery life savings. This work-in-progress architecture uses a zonal routing scheme utilizing a virtual ring mechanism for routing within each zone and identifies multiple gateway nodes connecting zones for traffic flows between zones.
Rivastigmine: an open-label, observational study of safety and effectiveness in treating patients with Alzheimer's disease for up to 5 years

Rivastigmine, a butyl- and acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, is approved for symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Data supporting the safety and efficacy of second-generation cholinesterase inhibitors, such as rivastigmine, are available for treatment up to 1 year, with limited data up to 2 1/2 years. The purpose of this report is to present safety and effectiveness data for rivastigmine therapy in patients with mild to moderately severe AD receiving treatment for up to 5 years. An observational approach was used to study 37 patients with originally mild to moderate AD receiving rivastigmine as a therapy for AD in an open-label extension (ENA713, B352 Study Group, 1998). The initial trial demonstrated rivastigmine was well-tolerated and effective in terms of cognition, global functioning and activities of daily living. In this open label extension, high-dose rivastigmine therapy was safe and well tolerated over a 5-year period. Two thirds of the participants still enrolled at week 234 were in the original high-dose rivastigmine group during the double-blind phase, suggesting that early therapy may confer some benefit in delaying long-term progression of symptoms. Long-term cholinesterase inhibition therapy with rivastigmine was well tolerated, with no dropouts due to adverse effects past the initial titration period. Early initiation of treatment, with titration to high-dose therapy, may have an advantage in delaying progression of the illness.
Evaluation of collagen as a retainer for autogenous cancellous bone used in repair of full thickness cortical bone defects.

A commercially available collagen sponge acting as a cylindrical retainer containing autogenous cancellous bone graft was proposed for treatment of full thickness cortical defects in dogs. Three groups of three dogs each were subjected to removal of at least 1.5 cm of the tibial diaphyses. All tibias were stabilized with bilateral external fixators. Group 1 received collagen surrounding an autogenous cancellous bone graft. Group 2 received collagen and group 3 received no treatment of the ostectomy site. The collagen sponge appeared to allow vascularization of the bone graft as evidenced by new bone formation and was resorbed by 3 months after implantation. Radiographic, histomor-phologic, and histomorphometric evaluation at 3 months after surgery showed a greater per cent of bone in the ostectomy site in group 1.
Multiplicity in randomised trials II: subgroup and interim analyses

Subgroup analyses can pose serious multiplicity concerns. By testing enough subgroups, a false-positive result will probably emerge by chance alone. Investigators might undertake many analyses but only report the significant effects, distorting the medical literature. In general, we discourage subgroup analyses. However, if they are necessary, researchers should do statistical tests of interaction, rather than analyse every separate subgroup. Investigators cannot avoid interim analyses when data monitoring is indicated. However, repeatedly testing at every interim raises multiplicity concerns, and not accounting for multiplicity escalates the false-positive error. Statistical stopping methods must be used. The O'Brien-Fleming and Peto group sequential stopping methods are easily implemented and preserve the intended alpha level and power. Both adopt stringent criteria (low nominal p values) during the interim analyses. Implementing a trial under these stopping rules resembles a conventional trial, with the exception that it can be terminated early should a treatment prove greatly superior. Investigators and readers, however, need to grasp that the estimated treatment effects are prone to exaggeration, a random high, with early stopping.
Optimal sequences, power control, and user capacity of synchronous CDMA systems with linear MMSE multiuser receivers

There has been intense effort in the past decade to develop multiuser receiver structures which mitigate interference between users in spread-spectrum systems. While much of this research is performed at the physical layer, the appropriate power control and choice of signature sequences in conjunction with multiuser receivers and the resulting network user capacity is not well understood. In this paper we will focus on a single cell and consider both the uplink and downlink scenarios and assume a synchronous CDMA (S-CDMA) system. We characterize the user capacity of a single cell with the optimal linear receiver (MMSE receiver). The user capacity of the system is the maximum number of users per unit processing gain admissible in the system such that each user has its quality-of-service (QoS) requirement (expressed in terms of its desired signal-to-interference ratio) met. This characterization allows one to describe the user capacity through a simple effective bandwidth characterization: users are allowed in the system if and only if the sum of their effective bandwidths is less than the processing gain of the system. The effective bandwidth of each user is a simple monotonic function of its QoS requirement. We identify the optimal signature sequences and power control strategies so that the users meet their QoS requirement. The optimality is in the sense of minimizing the sum of allocated powers. It turns out that with this optimal allocation of signature sequences and powers, the linear MMSE receiver is just the corresponding matched filter for each user. We also characterize the effect of transmit power constraints on the user capacity.
Matching pursuit filter design

A method has been devised of using localized information to detect objects with varying signatures without prior segmentation. The detection is performed by a new class of nonlinear filters called matching pursuit filters, which are trained on multiple examples of the object of interest. Matching pursuit filters are designed through a generalization of the matching pursuit algorithm that allows for the simultaneous decomposition of multiple images. The matching pursuit algorithm decomposes a signal into an adapted linear combination of wavelets. There are two implementations of the matching pursuit filter design algorithm. The first implementation detects objects by correlating an image with a kernel designed by the decomposition of an observation of the object of interest. The second method directly compares the coefficients of the decomposition of the training set with coefficients produced by the decomposition of an observed image. The algorithm has been used for detecting features on human faces, identifying faces and searching for man-made objects in infrared imagery.
Homoconjugated 4-aminopyridine salts: influence of anions on network topology

The homoconjugated 4-aminopyridinium cation, (4-AP)2H, has been examined as a tecton for hydrogen bonded networks. The reaction of 4-aminopyridinium with ½ equivalent of NH4X (X = Cl, Br, BF4 or PF6) produced [(4-AP)2H]X salts, which were characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. All four compounds crystallized with 4-connected, uninodal hydrogen bond network topologies. The BF4 and PF6 salts formed interpenetrated SrAl2 and diamond networks, respectively. Both halide salts displayed an unprecedented non-interpenetrated, self-catenated network topology.