cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lipid metabolism in cultured cells. XI. Utilization of serum triglycerides.

Utilization of serum triglycerides by cells in tissue culture has been studied in order to determine their importance as a source of cell lipids and to obtain information on the cellular mechanisms of triglyceride uptake. L strain mouse fibroblasts incorporated serum triglycerides from the growth medium, but the rates of uptake were up to 10-fold less than that of free fatty acids or monoglycerides under the same culture conditions. When cells were grown under conditions of limited supply of serum lipids, however, only about 7% of the cell lipid came from serum free fatty acids and up to 28% was provided by the serum triglycerides. The major portion of the cell lipid under these conditions was derived by de novo synthesis from glucose. Hydrolysis of exogenous triglyceride by lipases in the serum-supplemented tissue culture medium was measured and found to be inadequate to account for the rate of triglyceride utilization observed in these studies. In addition, heat treatment of the serum to inactivate lipase did not significantly affect triglyceride uptake. No excretion of lipase activity by the cells was detected. Incorporation of triglyceride labeled in the glycerol portion with 3H and the fatty acid portion with 14C was measured from untreated, heat-inactivated, or delipidized serum using both monolayers and growing cultures. The 3H:14C ratio in the isolated cellular lipids averaged over 70% of that in the original triglyceride under all conditions of culture. Furthermore, incorporation of the [3H]glycerol portion of the molecule was not diluted out by addition to the growth medium of a large excess of nonradioactive glycerol or a nonhydrolyzable monoglyceride analog. In short term uptake experiments most of the radioactivity in cell lipids was found in the triglyceride fraction, with only minor amounts in the free fatty acids. In long term growth experiments the incorporated triglyceride was converted extensively (70 to 80%) to cellular phospholipid with maintenance of the 3H:14C ratio. The results indicate that L cells in tissue culture can utilize serum triglycerides and suggest that the predominant mechanism of uptake involves the intact molecule and does not require prior hydrolysis.
Phosphoglucomutase. IV. Inactivation by beryllium ions.

Abstract Rabbit muscle phosphoglucomutase is irreversibly inhibited by Be++. In the presence of those chelators which, together with Mg++, serve to stimulate the enzyme when preincubated in the absence of substrate, 1 g atom of Be++ is bound per mole of enzyme. Other procedures which were calculated to remove unknown inhibitory ions in the isolated enzyme (ethylenediaminetetraacetate, 8-hydroxyquinoline, passage over Dowex 50) also permit Be++ inactivation. Beryllium binding, which exhibits an activation energy of 19.9 kcal, prevents phosphorylation of dephospho-enzyme and dephosphorylation of phospho-enzyme. Exposure to 4 m urea facilitates Be++ inactivation and also results in removal of bound Be++ with partial recovery of activity. Be++ similarly affects phosphoglucomutases from shark and flounder muscle, rabbit liver, and Escherichia coli but not those from Micrococcus lysodeikticus or Bacillus cereus. Flounder enzyme, which is generally unstable, is much more readily denatured by urea than is rabbit enzyme.
The Effects of Dieting on Plasma Tryptophan Concentration and Food Intake in Healthy Women

Wolfe, B. E., E. D. Metzger and C. Stollar. The effects of dieting on plasma tryptophan concentration and food intake in healthy women. Physiol Behav 61(4) 537–541, 1997.—Although many people diet, relatively few dieters are successful in maintaining weight loss. The extent to which dieting behavior might dampen satiety responses normally mediated by the neurotransmitter serotonin remains uncertain. This study tested the hypothesis that dieting behavior decreases the availability of plasma tryptophan (TRP) and the ratio of TRP to other branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) that compete for entry into the central nervous system (CNS). This effect could diminish the CNS concentration of TRP, the amino acid precursor for serotonin synthesis, thus interfering with serotonin-mediated influences on food intake. Using a fixed-order design, 15 healthy, normal-weight women were studied longitudinally during an ad lib dietary intake phase and a subsequent reduced-calorie diet phase. Physiological and behavioral measures were collected at baseline, at the end of the ad lib-intake phase, and at the end of the 4-week study diet phase. Food intake was measured by a single-item test meal. Plasma TRP and TRP:ΣBCAA significantly decreased following the study diet compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Change in TRP and TRP:ΣBCAA significantly correlated with decrease in body weight (p < 0.01). No significant relationship was observed between postdiet change in TRP or TRP:ΣBCAA ratio and postdiet change in test meal food intake, with covariation for weight loss. The observed decreases in plasma TRP and TRP:ΣBCAA extend previous reports suggesting that dieting behavior may diminish central serotonin function through a reduction in precursor availability.
Choose a Diet That Is Low in Saturated Fat and Cholesterol and Moderate in Total Fat: Subtle Changes to a Familiar Message

"Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat," issued in Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the year 2000, has an interesting and lengthy history. The first guideline, for which there was extensive scientific data to show that dietary excess increased chronic disease risk, prompted much scientific discussion and debate when implemented as dietary guidance. Three major changes in the guideline are noted since it was issued in 1980, i.e., numerical goals for dietary fats; the applicability of recommended fat intakes for all individuals > or =2 y old; and rewording to emphasize reducing saturated fat and cholesterol intakes. The shift in emphasis includes the terminology moderate fat, which replaces the phrasing low fat. National data about the food supply, the population's dietary intake, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, and nutritional status indicators (e.g., serum cholesterol levels) related to dietary fats help to monitor nutrition and health in the population. Experts consider that national data, although not without limitations, are sufficient to conclude that U.S. intakes of fats, as a proportion of energy, have decreased. The lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol are consistent with decreases in blood cholesterol levels and lower rates of coronary mortality over the past 30 years. Strategies are needed and some are suggested, to further encourage the population to achieve a dietary pattern that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat. Other suggestions are offered to improve national nutrition monitoring and surveillance related to the guideline.
Down-regulation of NF-κB signals is involved in loss of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 responsiveness

Abstract Vitamin D anti-tumor effect is often found reduced in the late stages of cancer. To uncover vitamin D resistance mechanism, we established a vitamin D-resistant human prostate cancer LNCaP cell line, LNCaP-R, by chronic exposure of cells to 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (1,25-VD). The vitamin D receptor (VDR)-mediated transcriptional activity was reduced in LNCaP-R, whereas VDR expression level and DNA-binding capacity were similar compared to parental cells (LNCaP-P). The expressions of the key factors involved in VDR transactivity, including CYP24A1 and VDR-associated proteins are all increased in LNCaP-R cells, and yet treatment with ketoconazole, P450 enzymes inhibitor, as well as trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, did not sensitize LNCaP-R cells response to vitamin D, suggesting that neither a local 1,25-VD availability, nor VDR-associated proteins are responsible for the vitamin D resistance. Interestingly, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling, which is critical for 1,25-VD/VDR activity was found reduced in LNCaP-R cells, thereby treatment with NF-κB activator, 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), can sensitize LNCaP-R vitamin D response. Together, we conclude that NF-κB signaling is critical for vitamin D sensitivity, and dysregulation of this pathway would result in vitamin D resistance and disease progression.
An atomistic study of dislocations and their mobility in a model DO22 alloy

Abstract Since basic features of the plastic behavior of intermetallic compounds are often related to the structure of dislocation cores, we investigate here the cores of [1 1 0] and ( 1 2 )[11 2 ] screw dislocations in a model D022 alloy. First the stability of planar faults on {111} and {001} planes is analyzed and possible dislocation dissociations discussed. The only glissile dislocation with a planar core is the Shockley partial 1 6 [11 2 ] bounding a superlattice intrinsic stacking fault; however, the other superpartial bounding the same fault, 1 3 [11 2 ] , is sessile. Under the applied stress an intrinsic-extrinsic stacking fault pair is generated at the latter partial and this configuration may then act as a nucleus for mechanical twinning. Such fault pairs have been observed in Ni3V. Another deformation mode in the model alloy is the slip of 〈110〉-type dislocations but since these dislocations are sessile, this requires thermal activation. The major deformation modes of Ni3V and Al3Ti are, indeed, 〈112〉 twinning and, at high temperatures, 〈001〉{111} slip.
Telemedicine for Children With Disabilities

We evaluated the efficacy of team-to-team interdisciplinary telemedicine evaluations for children with special needs in rural Iowa. A real-time cable system was connected to two public school sites and a small regional hospital from the hospitalbased Center for Disabilities and Development. Results from the treatment and control groups suggest that the telemedicine group (parents) reported consultations at least as effective as parents who received on-site evaluations. Providers (multiple professionals) were equally positive about the evaluations. Data suggest that the telemedicine evaluations were viewed as good as face-to-face consultations. Significant cost savings occurred.
Tension, compression, and bending of superelastic shape memory alloy tubes

Abstract While many uniaxial tension experiments of shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been published in the literature, relatively few experimental studies address their behavior in compression or bending, despite the prevalence of this latter deformation mode in applications. In this study, superelastic NiTi tubes from a single lot of material were characterized in tension, compression, and pure bending, which allowed us to make direct comparisons between the deformation modes for the first time. Custom built fixtures were used to overcome some long-standing experimental difficulties with performing well-controlled loading and accurate measurements during uniaxial compression (avoiding buckling) and large-rotation bending. In all experiments, the isothermal, global, mechanical responses were measured, and stereo digital image correlation (DIC) was used to measure the evolution of the strain fields on the tube's outer surface. As is characteristic of textured NiTi, our tubes exhibited significant tension–compression asymmetry in their uniaxial responses. Stress-induced transformations in tension exhibited flat force plateaus accompanied by strain localization and propagation. No such localization, however, was observed in compression, and the stress “plateaus” during compression always maintained a positive tangent modulus. While our uniaxial results are similar to the observations of previous researchers, the DIC strain measurements provided details of localized strain behavior with more clarity and allowed more quantitative measurements to be made. Consistent with the tension–compression asymmetry, our bending experiments showed a significant shift of the neutral axis towards the compression side. Furthermore, the tube exhibited strain localization on the tension side, but no localization on the compression side during bending. This is a new observation that has not been explored before. Detailed analysis of the strain distribution across the tube diameter revealed that the traditional assumption of elementary beam theory, that plane sections remain plane, does not hold. Yet when the strain was averaged over a few diameters of axial length, the tensile and compressive responses input into elementary beam theory predicted the global bending response with reasonable accuracy. While it is encouraging that a simple model could predict the moment–curvature response, we recommend that beam theory be used with caution. The averaged strain field can under/over predict local strains by as much as two-fold due to the localized deformation morphology.
Association between environmental tobacco smoke and diminished dendritic cell interleukin 10 production during infancy

Background Diminished interleukin 10 (IL-10) production has been documented in children and adults with asthma and atopy. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is recognized as a risk factor for the development of childhood asthma. Objective To determine whether there is an association between ETS and dendric cell (DC) IL-10 production during infancy. Methods ETS was evaluated by questionnaire, and blood samples were obtained at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 5 months of age in 37 healthy infants. DCs were cultured and stimulated, and supernatants were assayed for IL-10 by enzyme immunoassay. Results Sixteen infants had no history of exposure to ETS, and 21 infants had a history of ETS exposure. The frequency of subjects with detectable IL-10 levels was similar in both groups at 2 weeks and 3 months but significantly different at 5 months ( P P = .03 vs 2 weeks). In contrast, in those with ETS exposure, the frequency with detectable IL-10 levels decreased during the observation period (33% at 2 weeks, 19% at 3 months; P = .02 vs 2 weeks; and 7% at 5 months; P Conclusions Our study results demonstrate an association between ETS and diminished DC IL-10 production during infancy. Future studies need to expand on these sample sizes and explore whether diminished DC IL-10 production is the mechanism by which ETS predisposes patients to the development of asthma and/or atopy.
Spatiotemporal information systems in soil and environmental sciences

This work is concerned with spatiotemporal information systems and their application in soil and environmental sciences. Issues investigated in this work include developments in the space/time modelling of natural variations, composite spatiotemporal mapping, and the incorporation of various sources of information into space/time analysis. Theoretical models, simulation examples, as well as real-world case studies are discussed. The models can process data available in a space/time context, offer valuable physical insight and produce sequential regional maps of natural variables that are considerable improvements over purely temporal or purely spatial analysis. Spatiotemporal characterization involves a multi-scale description of natural processes that reveals the effects of observation and mapping scales. The limited availability of hard data ultimately affects space/time analysis and, hence, the incorporation of soft data into the study of natural processes can be a very useful approach. In this context, it is shown that Bayesian maximum entropy analysis offers significant improvements over traditional minimum mean squared error techniques.
Controlling the Physical Properties of Random Network Based Shape Memory Polymer Foams

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are increasingly being considered for use in minimally invasive medical devices. For safe deployment of implanted devices it is important to be able to precisely control the actuation temperature of the device. In this study we report the effect of varying monomer composition on the glass transitions/actuation temperatures (Tg) of novel low density shape memory foams. The foams were based on hexamethylenediisocyanate (HDI), triethanolamine (TEA) and tetrakis (2-hydroxyl propyl) ethylenediamine (HPED), and were produced via a combination of chemical and physical blowing process. The process for post-foaming cleaning was also varied. Foams were characterized by DSC, DMA, and for shape memory. No clear trends were observed for foam samples without cleaning, and this was attributed to process chemicals acting as plasticizers. In foams cleaned via washing and/or sonication, the Tg was observed to decrease for compositions that were higher in the TEA content. Also, no change in shape memory behavior was observed for varying compositions. This work demonstrates the ability to tailor actuation transition temperature while maintaining shape memory behavior for low density foams suitable for aneurysm treatment.
Modification of standard image compression methods for correlation-based pattern recognition

Standard image compression algorithms may not perform well in compressing images for pattern recognition applications, since they aim at retaining image fidelity in terms of perceptual quality rather than preserving spectrally significant information for pattern recognition. New compression algorithms for pattern recognition are therefore investigated, which are based on the modification of the standard compression algorithms to simultaneously achieve higher compression ratio and improved pattern recognition performance. This is done by emphasizing middle and high frequencies and discarding low frequencies according to a new distortion measure for compression. The operations of denoising, edge enhancement, and compression can be integrated in the same encoding process in the proposed compression algorithms. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed compression algorithms.
Metaphysics and the interpretation of persons: Davidson on thinking and Conceptual Schemes

Certain metaphysical and epistemological presuppositions are shown to play a role in the defense of Davidson's claims that an empirically constructed theory of truth provides an adequate theory of meaning for any natural language. Dadivson puts forward demonstrative arguments in favor of these presuppositions in ‘On the Very Idea of a Conceptual Scheme’, ‘Thought and Talk’, and ‘The Method of Truth in Metaphysics’. These arguments are examined and found to include controversial and dubitable assumptions as premises. It is then suggested that both these controversial assumptions and Davidson's metaphysical and epistemological presuppositions can be partially defended, however, by dialectical, interpretive, and historical arguments that elucidate the nature of persons.
Religion, Nationalism, and Transnational Civil Society in the Eritrean Diaspora

This article examines the emergence and significance of religion among Eritreans in the United States as a basis for building community in diaspora, reconfiguring nationalist identity, and constituting transnational civil society. It argues three related points: that religious identity and gatherings help mitigate against fractured political identities that have weakened secular diaspora associations; that practicing Eritrean identity through religion challenges the hegemonic power of the Eritrean state to transnationally control diaspora communities and dictate national identity; and that the very incipience of religious bodies as transnational avenues provides Eritreans in diaspora with an autonomous space to resist the state's totalizing demands. Through a critical ethnographic investigation of religious identity and church bodies in Eritrea and one United States diaspora community, the article shows that uneven transnational networks between the United States and Eritrea create new spaces for politica...
Thalamic and corticocortical connections of the second somatic sensory area of the mouse

Thalamic and corticocortical connections of the second somatic sensory area (SII) in the mouse cerebral cortex were investigated by means of the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase. Focal injections of the enzyme were made in physiologically determined locations within the parietal cortex. Results show that SII receives substantial inputs from topographically appropriate regions within the ipsilateral ventrobasal nucleus and from the ipsilateral posterior group. The limb representation, which was previously found to be responsive to auditory stimulation, received inputs also from the medial division of the medial geniculate body. The SII face representation, which is largely unresponsive to auditory stimuli, received little or no input from the medial geniculate body. SII injections yielded retrograde labeling in the topographically appropriate region in the first somatic sensory area (SI), and SI injections retrogradely labeled cells in SII in a pattern consistent with previous electrophysiological maps. Homotypical regions within SI and SII therefore appear to be reciprocally interconnected. SII also receives inputs from the ipsilateral motor cortex and from contralateral SI and SII. Finally, injections into the SI paw but not face regions yielded retrograde labeling in the thalamic ventrolateral nucleus. Thus, the distal limb representations in SI and SII each receive inputs from a third major relay nucleus (i.e., medial geniculate to SII, ventrolateral nucleus to SI) whereas the face representations do not. These results indicate a close functional interrelationship between homotypical areas in SI and SII, though the two areas differ in several important respects. It is proposed that SII in mice may complement the function of SI by helping to define the overall sensory context in which detailed tactile discriminations are made.
Effect of formamidines on 5-hydroxytryptamine uptake and biogenic amine levels in rat platelets

Abstract Uptake of radioactive 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) by platelets from rats treated intraperitoneally with the insecticide/acaricide chlordimeform (CDF) at 25 mg/kg was not significantly influenced at 1 h; however, uptake of this amine by platelets from rats treated with its N -monodemethyl metabolite (DMC) at the same dosage was significantly inhibited (37%). Two reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic systems with electrochemical detection were developed with a capacity to separate 11 biogenic amines and related compounds. Only 5-HT, norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were consistently detected in platelets and plasma samples. At 1 h and/or 24 h postinjection, CDF effected significant decreases in platelet levels of 5-HT, NE, and DA and plasma levels of 5-HT, whereas platelet and plasma levels of DOPAC were significantly increased. DMC effected significant decreases in both platelet and plasma levels of 5-HT. These in vivo studies confirmed previous in vitro experiments which demonstrated that formamidines inhibited uptake of 5-HT by platelets and released endogenous stores of amines from platelets.
ENDOTOXIN PRETREATMENT IN VIVO INCREASES THE MITOCHONDRIAL RESPIRATORY CAPACITY IN RAT HEPATOCYTES

Abstract Administration of sublethal doses of endotoxin produces tolerance to subsequent oxidative stress in diverse animal models. Although endotoxin induces antioxidant enzymes, particularly manganous superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD), the phenomenon of tolerance remains incompletely understood. Previously I determined that endotoxin treatment in rats increased lung mitochondrial respiration-dependent (i.e., independent of Mn-SOD) scavenging of superoxide anion. Because nonenzymatic scavenging of superoxide anion correlates with the mitochondrial membrane energy gradient, I hypothesized that endotoxin increases the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Endotoxin treatment (500 μg/kg intraperitoneally 48 h earlier) increased the hepatocyte mitochondrial transmembrane potential as determined by two separate methods: the intramitochondrial sequestration of triphenylmethylphosphonium (electrical potential or ΔΨ) and the fluorescence intensity of the hepatocyte mitochondria when stained with rhodamine-123 andexamined by confocal microscopy. These findings suggest that endotoxin treatment increased the total mitochondrial membrane potential per hepatocyte. In parallel, endotoxin treatment increased the fluorescence intensity of hepatocyte mitochondria after staining with 10-N-nonyl-acridine orange, a dye that binds to the mitochondrial inner membrane independently of the transmembrane potential. This suggests that an increase in mitochondrial inner membrane mass is responsible for the net increase in inner membrane potential per cell following endotoxin pretreatment. These findings complement previous studies in which endotoxin treatment increased the mitochondrial-specific antioxidant Mn-SOD and support the more recent finding that endotoxin treatment also increased nonenzymatic scavenging of superoxide by lung mitochondria. Taken together, these observations suggest that mitochondrial biogenesis, and the subsequent increase in both enzymatic and nonenzymatic scavenging of superoxide anion, is a central feature of endotoxin-mediated tolerance to oxidative stress.
Nitrogen source and earthworm abundance affected runoff volume and nutrient loss in a tilled-corn agroecosystem

A simulated rainfall event was used to determine the influence of different N sources and earthworm density on surface hydrology and quality of runoff in a tilled-corn cropping system. N was added to spring-disked, continuous-corn plots as chopped legume, manure, or NH4NO3. Earthworm populations were manipulated in fertility treatments by reductions, additions, or left as ambient populations. We found that runoff volume and the NH4+ and NO3– concentration of runoff were greater in inorganic treatments, compared with the organic N sources. Sediment load, and its total C and total N components were lower in manure treatments than chopped legume and inorganic N treatments. Although earthworm manipulations did not affect runoff volume, more sediment and sediment-associated C and N were lost from the reduction earthworm treatment, compared to the ambient treatment. Multiple regression models showed that surface hydrology and sediment flux were associated with incorporated residue levels, earthworm population, macropore and midden density. Our results indicate that water, nutrient and soil conservation could be improved by the use of organic N fertility sources and that earthworm impact varies with earthworm population, species composition, and incorporated residue level.
Heating-induced glass-glass and glass-liquid transformations in computer simulations of water

Water exists in at least two families of glassy states, broadly categorized as the low-density (LDA) and high-density amorphous ice (HDA). Remarkably, LDA and HDA can be reversibly interconverted via appropriate thermodynamic paths, such as isothermal compression and isobaric heating, exhibiting first-order-like phase transitions. We perform out-of-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of glassy water using the ST2 model to study the evolution of LDA and HDA upon isobaric heating. Depending on pressure, glass-to-glass, glass-to-crystal, glass-to-vapor, as well as glass-to-liquid transformations are found. Specifically, heating LDA results in the following transformations, with increasing heating pressures: (i) LDA-to-vapor (sublimation), (ii) LDA-to-liquid (glass transition), (iii) LDA-to-HDA-to-liquid, (iv) LDA-to-HDA-to-liquid-to-crystal, and (v) LDA-to-HDA-to-crystal. Similarly, heating HDA results in the following transformations, with decreasing heating pressures: (a) HDA-to-crystal, (b) HDA-to-liquid-to-crystal, (c) HDA-to-liquid (glass transition), (d) HDA-to-LDA-to-liquid, and (e) HDA-to-LDA-to-vapor. A more complex sequence may be possible using lower heating rates. For each of these transformations, we determine the corresponding transformation temperature as function of pressure, and provide a P-T "phase diagram" for glassy water based on isobaric heating. Our results for isobaric heating dovetail with the LDA-HDA transformations reported for ST2 glassy water based on isothermal compression/decompression processes [Chiu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 184504 (2013)]. The resulting phase diagram is consistent with the liquid-liquid phase transition hypothesis. At the same time, the glass phase diagram is sensitive to sample preparation, such as heating or compression rates. Interestingly, at least for the rates explored, our results suggest that the LDA-to-liquid (HDA-to-liquid) and LDA-to-HDA (HDA-to-LDA) transformation lines on heating are related, both being associated with the limit of kinetic stability of LDA (HDA).
Reply to S. Fred Singer

In a recent issue of Eos, S. Fred Singer [1999a] misrepresents our research on climate change detection.We comment below on two specific issues that Singer raises. Other scientific inaccuracies in Singer's contributions to Eos [Singer, 1999a,b] have already been addressed by Keller [1999].
Fractionation and partial characterization of toxic components of timber rattlesnake venom.

Abstract The venom of the timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus horridus, has been separated into five distinct fractions using diethylaminoethyl cellulose ion-exchange chromatography with elution by an increasing sodium acetate gradient and pH adjustment. Three of these five fractions are lethal and hemorrhage-inducing in mice and also have the ability to catalyze the hydrolysis of hide powder. Of these three, one (fraction Ia) is not retained by the diethylaminoethyl cellulose. This fraction has been further separated into five fractions (A, B, C, D and E) by ion-exchange chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose. Two distinct lethal activities are apparent in these five fractions. The most basic of these (fraction E) appears to contain only a single protein component of mol. wt 17,000 ± 1000 as determined by SDS gel electrophoresis. In mice it is lethal with paralysis of limbs and respiratory distress apparent prior to death. It has none of the hemorrhagic or enzymatic activities of the whole venom. The other lethal activity is present mainly in fraction B. It consists of, at least, seven protein components and contains the phosphodiesterase and hemorrhagic activities of fraction Ia. It also contains a very weak hide powder hydrolyzing activity. The location of a number of previously reported activities among the various fractions obtained from the two types of chromatographies has been determined.
THE VALIDITY AND USE OF THE FAMILY‐OF‐ORIGIN SCALE

This study explores the Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS) with regard to its validity and potential use. Subjects included 100 adults currently in psychotherapy, 100 who were not, 32 who previously had sought treatment, and 41 college students. Between-group comparisons, correlations with both the 16PF and a scale of authoritarianism, factor analyses of both the patient and nonpatient FOS responses, and a review of patient feedback revealed several significant results. The FOS differentiates between patients and nonpatients, but it measures only one general factor and delivers little information. Therefore, it has little value as a research instrument, but it may be a useful adjunct to psychotherapy in individual cases.
Raman scattering from potassium iodide near the melting point

Abstract We have measured the Raman spectrum of potassium iodide in the crystalline phase at high temperatures, and in the melt. As temperature increases the various second order features in the low temperature spectra coalesce into a broad feature, which persists into the melt. A smooth, quasi-exponential wing also appears in the melt. Thus, the spectrum is structurally similar to those found in solid electrolytes and silver halide melts. Possible interpretations of the spectrum are indicated.
The indeterminate lung scan: Its characteristics and its association with pulmonary embolism

In an unselected series of patients whose only perfusion abnormalities on lung scan matched abnormalities on chest radiograph, the prevalence of pulmonary embolism ranged from 8 to 15%. These estimates depended upon whether only angiographic and autopsy-proven diagnoses were allowed or whether clinical diagnoses were also considered correct. Physical findings and laboratory data, in general, did not contribute to an elucidation of the cause of an indeterminate lung scan. Several radiographic findings with associated perfusion abnormalities (atelectasis alone, multiple infiltrates, bilateral effusions) were not seen in patients with pulmonary embolism. The probability of pulmonary embolism in patients with subsegmental defects alone and matching radiographic findings is about 9%; angiography in these patients would require that nearly two-thirds of the initial patient population undergo this procedure. Patients with larger defects (segmental or lobar) had a higher probability for pulmonary embolism (20–30%) and in these patients angiography is recommended.
Understanding Students with Learning Difficulties: How Do They Learn?

Why does learning come so naturally for some students and yet is so onerous for others? Why do some students need constant reminders while others get on task right away? Why is it that some student...
Patterns in spatial point locations: Local indicators of spatial association in a minefield with clutter

The problem of detecting a minefield in the presence of clutter can be abstracted to that of detecting a spatial pattern within a set of point locations. The point locations are superpositions of several patterns, one of which corresponds to mines. In contrast to previous articles that take a formal, model-based approach, this article proposes a statistical methodology that is distinctly exploratory. Each point location is considered separately, and its contributions to a global measure of spatial distances between locations are featured. Different patterns and unusual points can be more easily identified on the new scale. Both minefield data and simulated point patterns demonstrate the power of the method. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Naval Research Logistics 48:333–347, 2001
Electrochemical intercalation of lithium into polypyrrole/silver vanadium oxide composite used for lithium primary batteries

Hybrid composites of polypyrrole (PPy) and silver vanadium oxide (SVO) used for lithium primary batteries were chemically synthesized by an oxidative polymerization of pyrrole monomer on the SVO surface in an acidic medium. The composite electrode exhibited higher discharge capacity and better rate capability as compared with the pristine SVO electrode. The improvement in electrochemical performance of the composite electrode was due to PPy which accommodates lithium ions and also enhances the SVO utilization. Chronoamperometric and ac-impedance measurements indicated that lithium intercalation proceeds under the mixed control by interfacial charge transfer and diffusion. The enhanced SVO utilization in the composite electrode results from a facilitated kinetics of interfacial charge transfer in the presence of PPy.
Global Social Movements in Global Governance

Global social movements (GSMs) are networks that collaborate across borders to advance thematically similar agendas throughout the world and in doing so have become powerful actors in global governance. While some scholars argue that GSMs contribute to democracy in the global arena, others insist GSMs have their own representational shortcomings. Both sets of scholars examine the general ways in which GSMs organize members, aggregate interests, and distribute power and resources. However, such features may not be uniform across GSMs. This article argues that in order to assess the affect of GSMs on global governance, scholars must analyze the representational attributes of individual GSMs. The article offers such a framework, using the case of the fair trade movement. The key insight offered is that a small number of institutions sometimes become dominant in a diverse movement, framing the movement to the public in a particular way, and exercising disproportionate influence within the movement. By evaluat...
A content-aware block placement algorithm for reducing PRAM storage bit writes

Phase-change random access memory (PRAM) is a promising storage-class memory technology that has the potential to replace flash memory and DRAM in many applications. Because individual cells in a PRAM can be written independently, only data cells whose current values differ from the corresponding bits in a write request need to be updated. Furthermore, when a block write request is received, the PRAM may contain many free blocks that are available for overwriting, and these free blocks will generally have different contents. For this reason, the number of bit programming operations required to write new data to the PRAM (and consequently power consumption and write bandwidth) depends on the location that is chosen to be overwritten. This paper describes a block placement algorithm for reducing PRAM bit writes based on the idea of indexing free blocks using a content-based signature; computing the signature value of a new block of data to be written allows a free block with similar contents to be located quickly. While the benefit that can be realized by the use of any block placement algorithm is heavily dependent on the workload, our evaluation results show that block placement using content-based signatures is able to reduce the number of PRAM bit programming operations by as much as an order of magnitude.
Measurement of the relative sign of neutron and proton transition matrix elements of the 2+ states in 30Si

Abstract Measurement of the inelastic alpha scattering cross sections for the first two 2 + states in 30 Si shows unambigously that the relative sign of the neutron and proton transition matrix elements for both 2 + states are positive. For the first 2 + state, this is consistent with its collective nature. For the second 2 + state, the result is consistent with recent lifetime measurements for the corresponding transition in 30 P but is in contradiction with the prediction of shell-model calculations.
Paleoenvironmental and biostratigraphic significance of siliceous microfossils of the Permo-Triassic Redding Section, Eastern Klamath Mountains, California

Abstract Permo-Triassic rocks of the Redding Section, Eastern Klamath Mountains represent a vertical succession from a shallow water carbonate environment of the McCloud Limestone to a deeper water environment of the Pit Formation. This resulted from an episode of subsidence which started in the Early Permian and continued through the Middle Triassic. Subsidence is demonstrated by the existence of a set of progressively deepening lithofacies in Dekkas and basal Pit cherts. Dekkas cherts are hematitic with abundant sponge spicules and radiolarians indicative of highly oxygenated waters in full communication with oceanic circulation. Basal Pit cherts are pyritic, spicule-poor and fine grained, indicative of poorer circulation and greater depths. Extensive pyritic black shales of the Pit and Modin Formations overlie the basal Pit cherts and correspond to a restriction of circulation resulting in the stagnation of bottom water and the development of anoxic conditions. Normal marine circulation returned briefly in the Late Triassic as evidenced by the Hosselkus Limestone, a fossiliferous micritic limestone containing abundant marine fauna, including radiolarians. Radiolarians recovered from Dekkas cherts are sufficiently well preserved to yield an age of early Guadalupian, based on Albaillellid fauna. This fauna was calibrated with a fusulinid fauna collected 7 km south in the lower section of the same member. One new genus and three new species are described.
Loss of distal 11q is associated with DNA repair deficiency and reduced sensitivity to ionizing radiation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

About 45% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are characterized by amplification of chromosomal band 11q13. This amplification occurs by a breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle mechanism. The first step in the BFB cycle involves breakage and loss of distal 11q, from FRA11F (11q14.2) to 11qter. Consequently, numerous genes, including three critical genes involved in the DNA damage response pathway, MRE11A, ATM, and H2AFX are lost in the step preceding 11q13 amplification. We hypothesized that this partial loss of genes on distal 11q may lead to a diminished DNA damage response in HNSCC. Characterization of HNSCC using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed concurrent partial loss of MRE11A, ATM, and H2AFX in all four cell lines with 11q13 amplification and in four of seven cell lines without 11q13 amplification. Quantitative microsatellite analysis and loss of heterozygosity studies confirmed the distal 11q loss. FISH evaluation of a small series of HNSCC, ovarian, and breast cancers confirmed the presence of 11q loss in at least 60% of these tumors. All cell lines with distal 11q loss exhibited a diminished DNA damage response, as measured by a decrease in the size and number of γ-H2AX foci and increased chromosomal instability following treatment with ionizing radiation. In conclusion, loss of distal 11q results in a defective DNA damage response in HNSCC. Distal 11q loss was also unexpectedly associated with reduced sensitivity to ionizing radiation. Although the literature attributes the poor prognosis in HNSCC to 11q13 gene amplification, our results suggest that distal 11q deletions may be an equally significant factor. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Optimized energy management for large organizations utilizing an on-site PHEV fleet, storage devices and renewable electricity generation

This paper focuses on the daily electricity management problem for organizations with a large number of employees working within a relatively small geographic location. The organization manages its electric grid including limited on-site energy generation facilities, energy storage facilities, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) charging stations installed in the parking lots. A mixed integer linear program (MILP) is modeled and implemented to assist the organization in determining the temporal allocation of available resources that will minimize energy costs. We consider two cost compensation strategies for PHEV owners: (1) cost equivalent battery replacement reimbursement for utilizing vehicle to grid (V2G) services from PHEVs; (2) gasoline equivalent cost for undercharging of PHEV batteries. Our case study, based on the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) campus, produced encouraging results and substantiates the importance of controlled PHEV fleet charging as opposed to uncontrolled charging methods. We further established the importance of realizing V2G capabilities provided by PHEVs in terms of significantly reducing energy costs for the organization.
Coherently generated of vortex superpositions in Bose-Einstein Condensates and their applications

We present methods for optical excitation of coherent superpositions of vortices in Bose-Einstein Condensates through coupling with orbital angular momentum of light. We discussion applications to quantum information, gyroscopy and generation of Schrodinger Cat states.
Addendum to a multiple-precision division algorithm

In [1] Mifsud presented a generalized division algorithm for positive integral operands. The uniqueness of the method was advertised as causing each trial cipher in the quotient to be either equal to or one greater than its final replacement. The method of describing the algorithm was intended to stress the simple mathematical facts that were the basis of the algorithm. However, some difficulty arises with the programming and implementation of the algorithm. Article [1] addressed itself to the calculation of the trial cipher by using the first two digits of the partial dividend (step 6); i.e. it formed [pr+1pr/dr], with pr+1
Characterization of Generalized Haar Spaces

We say that a subsetGofC0(T,Rk) is rotation-invariant if {Qg:g?G{=Gfor anyk×korthogonal matrixQ. LetGbe a rotation-invariant finite-dimensional subspace ofC0(T,Rk) on a connected, locally compact, metric spaceT. We prove thatGis a generalized Haar subspace if and only ifPG(f) is strongly unique of order 2 wheneverPG(f) is a singleton.
Interpellet delay and meal patterns in the rat

Rats typically eat in short discrete meal periods separated by long intermeal intervals. The present study measured meal patterns and total intake of food and water when the rate of access to food pellets within the meal was reduced by delaying the time between pellet deliveries. In contrast to studies that reduce the caloric density of food, simple interpellet delay produced a marked reduction in meal size at the shorter (32 sec or less) interpellet delays. However, longer delays (up to 128 sec) produced no further change in average meal size. The results suggest that meal size is determined (1) by a positive feedback component with a relatively short decay time probably based on gustatory stimulation from feeding, and (2) by a negative feedback component capable of integrating total intake across delays of up to 1 hour. Increasing the delay between pellets appeared to interfere with the positive feedback component, but not with the negative feedback component.
Does inflation affect stock prices

Incorporating demand and supply factors, this article investigates the relationship between inflation and stock prices, in a capital gains tax regime in USA. Based on annual data, the results show that inflation has a negative impact on stock prices.
Sustained CD4+ T cell-driven lymphopenia without a compensatory IL-7/IL-15 response among high-grade glioma patients treated with radiation and temozolomide

Prolonged lymphopenia correlating with decreased survival commonly occurs among glioma patients undergoing radiation therapy (RT) and temozolomide (TMZ) treatment. To better understand the pathophysiology of this phenomenon, we prospectively monitored serum cytokine levels and lymphocyte subsets in 15 high-grade glioma patients undergoing combined radiation and TMZ (referred to as RT/TMZ) treatment. Sufficient data for analysis were acquired from 11 of the patients initially enrolled. Lymphocyte phenotyping data were obtained using cytofluorometric analysis and serum cytokine levels were measured using the a multiplex bead-based assays. Total lymphocyte counts (TLCs) were > 1000 cells per μL peripheral blood in 10/11 patients at baseline, but dropped significantly after treatment. Specifically, after RT/TMZ therapy, the TLCs were found to be 1000 cells/μL in the remaining 2 patients. Among residual mononuclear blood cells, we observed a proportional drop in B and CD4+ T cells but not in CD8+ T lymphocytes. Natural killer cells remained to near-to-baseline levels and there was a transient and slight (insignificant) increase in regulatory T cells (Tregs). The circulating levels of IL-7 and IL-15 remained low despite marked drops in both the total and CD4+ T lymphocyte counts. Thus, patients with malignant glioma undergoing RT/TMZ treatment exhibit a marked decline in TLCs, affecting both CD4+ T cells and B lymphocytes, in the absence of a compensatory increase in interleukin-7 levels. The failure to mount an appropriate homeostatic cytokine response may be responsible for the prolonged lymphopenia frequently observed in these patients.
Just how unethical is American business

Abstract This study of reports in the business news between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2005 found that as of 1999, 40 corporations in the Fortune 100 had committed behaviors that can be considered unethical. The behaviors of concern included three types of fraud (accounting, securities, and consumer), discriminatory practices, undisclosed executive pay, antitrust activities, patent infringement, and other violations of the law. Based on the “unacceptability” of the misdeeds committed, this article ranks the 40 firms into three categories. Further, it uses the research on business ethics and the behaviors of executives, boards of directors, and even government officials to suggest why these unethical behaviors were allowed to happen. Finally, it concludes with recommendations for improving business behavior, and suggests important roles for future business leaders and the broader American public.