cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Managing scientific computations with a Java-based schema extension facility

Scientists using several computer programs to produce and/or analyze computational data face several challenges. They must organize the invocation of the programs. Also, they must keep track of the voluminous data being generated and/or analyzed. In addition, they must record the steps involved in the computational process for later examination. We have produced a Java-based Schema Extension Facility (JSEF) as an aid to scientists involved in the process of computational discovery. We use Java's object-oriented data model as a basis for classifying computational entities. Also, JSEF's relationship mechanism allows us to create relationships between classes. In fact, JSEF allows a series of associated programs to be classified as a single entity called an analysis strategy. In the computational process, each entity is referenced by a JSEF object. In order to drive the computation, a method is called on a JSEF object, which invokes the necessary processing. JSEF objects are stored in a database upon creation. Thus, JSEF reduces the tasks of invoking and tracking a computation and the entities involved to a single method call and subsequent querying of the database and examining the state of the JSEF objects in the query result.
Heat-shock protein induction in rat hearts. A direct correlation between the amount of heat-shock protein induced and the degree of myocardial protection.

BACKGROUNDPrevious studies have demonstrated that heat-shock treatment results in the induction of 72-kD heat-shock protein (HSP72) and a reduction of infarct size after subsequent ischemia and reperfusion.METHODS AND RESULTSTo test the hypothesis that the degree of protection from ischemic injury in heat-shocked rats correlates with the degree of prior HSP72 induction, rats pretreated with 40 degrees C, 41 degrees C, or 42 degrees C of whole-body hyperthermia followed by 24 hours of recovery and control rats (n = 6 in each group) were quantitatively assessed for the presence of myocardial HPS72 by optical densitometry of Western blots and a primary antibody that is specific for HSP72 and a tertiary antibody labeled with 125I. Although rats heat-shocked to 40 degrees C had no significant induction of myocardial HSP72, rats heat-shocked to 41 degrees C and 42 degrees C demonstrated progressively increased amounts of myocardial HSP72 compared with controls. Separate groups of rats heat-shocked to 40 degrees...
ARTIFICIAL ACTIVATION OF THE GROWTH IN VITRO OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE

The experiments have shown that extracts of tissues and tissue juices, under certain conditions, accelerate the growth in intro of the connective tissue from about three to forty times. This activating power was found in many tissues. It was much more marked, however, with the extracts of embryos, of adult spleen, and of the Rous sarcoma. The power diminished directly with the dilution of the extracts, and appeared not to apply to the tissues of a heterologous animal. The power was reduced when heated at 56° C., and removed when heated at 70° C. It was diminished markedly by filtration through a Berkefield filter and was completely suppressed by filtration through a Chamberland filter. Possibly the finding of the activating power of tissue extracts will have no immediate practical application. Nevertheless, it may be indirectly useful by leading to the discovery of some of the factors determining the growth of tissues and of the unknown laws of cell dynamics, and may ultimately throw light on the mechanism of the cicatrization of wounds.
Highly efficient inhibition of human chymase by alpha(2)-macroglobulin.

The inhibition of human chymase by the protease inhibitor alpha(2)-macroglobulin (alpha2M) was investigated. Titration of chymase hydrolytic activity with purified alpha2M showed that approximately 1 mol of alpha2M tetramer inhibits 1 mol of chymase. Inhibition was associated with cleavage of the alpha2M bait region and formation of a 200-kDa covalent complex. NH(2)-terminal sequencing of chymase-treated alpha2M revealed cleavage at bonds Phe684-Tyr685 and Tyr685-Glu686 of the bait region. alpha2M pretreated with methylamine, an inactivator of alpha2M, did not inhibit chymase. The apparent second-order rate constant for inhibition (k(ass)) was 5 x 10(6) M(-1) s(-1), making alpha2M the most efficient natural protein protease inhibitor of chymase so far described. The k(ass) value for inhibition was decreased approximately 10-fold by addition of heparin, a glycosaminoglycan produced by mast cells that binds to chymase. Heparin did not change significantly the stoichiometry of inhibition or block covalent complex formation. These results indicate that alpha2M is an important inhibitor to consider in the regulation of human chymase.
GENOTYPE-ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION AND THE EVOLUTION OF PHENOTYPIC PLASTICITY.

Studies of spatial variation in the environment have primarily focused on how genetic variation can be maintained. Many one-locus genetic models have addressed this issue, but, for several reasons, these models are not directly applicable to quantitative (polygenic) traits. One reason is that for continuously varying characters, the evolution of the mean phenotype expressed in different environments (the norm of reaction) is also of interest. Our quantitative genetic models describe the evolution of phenotypic response to the environment, also known as phenotypic plasticity (Gause, 1947), and illustrate how the norm of reaction (Schmalhausen, 1949) can be shaped by selection. These models utilize the statistical relationship which exists between genotype-environment interaction and genetic correlation to describe evolution of the mean phenotype under soft and hard selection in coarse-grained environments. Just as genetic correlations among characters within a single environment can constrain the response to simultaneous selection, so can a genetic correlation between states of a character which are expressed in two environments. Unless the genetic correlation across environments is ± 1, polygenic variation is exhausted, or there is a cost to plasticity, panmictic populations under a bivariate fitness function will eventually attain the optimum mean phenotype for a given character in each environment. However, very high positive or negative correlations can substantially slow the rate of evolution and may produce temporary maladaptation in one environment before the optimum joint phenotype is finally attained. Evolutionary trajectories under hard and soft selection can differ: in hard selection, the environments with the highest initial mean fitness contribute most individuals to the mating pool. In both hard and soft selection, evolution toward the optimum in a rare environment is much slower than it is in a common one. A subdivided population model reveals that migration restriction can facilitate local adaptation. However, unless there is no migration or one of the special cases discussed for panmictic populations holds, no geographical variation in the norm of reaction will be maintained at equilibrium. Implications of these results for the interpretation of spatial patterns of phenotypic variation in natural populations are discussed.
Community action on water pollution

Actions to improve local water or air quality are likely to combine collective benefits with specific costs. This suggests that the variations among communities in their actions to improve water quality will involve opposition from industries bearing the specific costs. The use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-funded matching grants for sewerage construction by large U.S. cities varies inversely with the imputed opposition from polluting industries. Use also increases with assessed need and with the extent of certain resources, including the credit rating. Matching grants funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are not likely to have such specific costs, and imputed opposition does not affect their distribution. When location and the growth rate are controlled, use of restrictions and surcharges on industrial wastes increases with imputed opposition. It is possible that industries influence the specific regulations. Alternative explanations of the statistical relationship between opposition and EPA grant use are discussed.
Cardiovascular and respiratory actions of U50,488H in the unanaesthetized ovine foetus

In an effort to evaluate the feasibility of κ-opioid receptor agonists for use in pregnancy, we have investigated the actions of U50,488H (trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]benzeneacetamide) on cardiovascular and respiratory control in the unanaesthetized ovine foetus. Intravenous administration of U50,488H (1.0 mg/kg) to the foetus resulted in an immediate increase in foetal blood pressure (P < 0.0001) and heart rate (P < 0.0001) which lasted 15 min, followed by a prolonged loss of heart rate variability for up to 3 h. There was also a significant suppression of foetal breathing movements for 2–3 h (P < 0.008). Pretreatment with naloxone (12 mg/h) completely blocked the hypertensive and tachycardiac response to U50,488H, but was unable to prevent the loss of variation in heart rate or respiratory depression. These data suggest that U50,488H can exert direct cardiovascular and respiratory actions in the ovine foetus via both opioid and non-opioid mechanisms. The naloxone-insensitive suppression of foetal breathing would severely limit the use of U50,488H as an obstetrical analgesic.
Influence of specialty and clinical experience on treatment sequencing in the multimodal management of soft tissue extremity sarcoma.

Purpose Although multimodal management of extremity soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is the standard of care, considerable variation exists in the sequencing of radiotherapy (RT) or chemotherapy (CT). Our goal was to identify factors responsible for this variation.
Blind deconvolution in optical diffusion tomography

We use blind deconvolution methods in optical diffusion tomography to reconstruct images of objects imbedded in or located behind turbid media from continuous-wave measurements of the scattered light transmitted through the media. In particular, we use a blind deconvolution imaging algorithm to determine both a deblurred image of the object and the depth of the object inside the turbid medium. Preliminary results indicate that blind deconvolution produces better reconstructions than can be obtained using backpropagation techniques. Moreover, it does so without requiring prior knowledge of the characteristics of the turbid medium or of what the blur-free target should look like: important advances over backpropagation.
Sleep recordings in the laboratory and home: a comparative analysis.

All-night sleep recordings were obtained for 8 subjects who slept for 3 consecutive nights in a standard sleep laboratory and for 3 consecutive nights at home. The order of recording locations was counterbalanced across subjects. No first night effects were found in either location. Subjects' sleep in the two locations was highly correlated, with nonsignificant correlations occurring on only four variables (Number of Stage 1 Arousals, Minutes of Stage 1 Sleep, Latency to First REM, and number of REM periods). Significant differences between mean values were found on four variables: Minutes of Stage 3 Sleep, Percent of Stage 2 Sleep, Percent of Stage 3 Sleep, and Number of REM periods. Variances on Total Sleep Time and Latency to Sleep Onset were greater in the laboratory than at home. Generalizability theory was used to generate estimates of the degree to which each experimental factor (subjects, occasions, and raters) influenced observed score variance in each location. There was less between and within-subject variability at home on Total Sleep Time, Latency to Sleep Onset, and Stages 1 and 2 Sleep. Minutes Awake after Sleep Onset, Number of Arousals, and REM Sleep were less variable in the laboratory than at home. Taken together, these data suggest strong relationships between estimates of sleep parameters obtained in the two locations. But recordings in different locations may yield different values on some variables for groups of persons and for some individuals within those groups.
Wear of diamond dresser in laser assisted truing and dressing of vitrified CBN wheels

The rapid wear of diamond dressers in truing and dressing of vitrified CBN wheels remains an unsolved problem, and significantly affects the grinding performance of dressed wheels. Through combining laser-induced thermal effects into the process, laser assisted truing and dressing opened a new avenue for reducing the wear rates of diamond dressers. In this study a systematical investigation on the wear properties of diamond dressers in the novel laser assisted truing and dressing has been conducted, including (1) a theoretical analysis of some underlying items in the process of laser irradiation, (2) an experimental investigation of wear rates in the laser assisted truing and dressing, and (3) influences of the HAZ (heat affected zone) left by the last pass of laser assisted dressing. Experimental results show that the wear ratios of diamond dressers in the laser assisted dressing depend on laser power, depth of cut, and feed rate. Moreover, the heating history also has some impact on the wear ratios of diamond dressers.
Balanotaeniidae fam. n. and Balanotaenia newguinensis sp. n. (Cestoidea; Caryophyllidea) from Tandanus (Siluriformes: Plotosidae) in New Guinea

Balanotaenia newguinensis sp. n. is described from Tandanus brevidorsalis from Papua New Guinea. It differs from B. bancrofti from Australia primarily in being much smaller, having the testes and vitellaria beginning at the same level, and in having the gonopore posterior to the ovarian commissure. On the basis of this new species and B. bancrofti a new family of the order Caryophyllidea is described. Unlike any of the other three families the vitellaria and testes are in the cortical parenchyma. Drawings of the new species, comparative muscle distribution within all families of the Caryophyllidea, and photographs of the inner longitudinal muscles of B. bancrofti complement the description.
Probing conformational changes of human serum albumin due to unsaturated fatty acid binding by chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry.

Mass spectrometry with chemical cross-linking was used to probe the conformational changes of HSA (human serum albumin) in solution on interaction with monounsaturated OA (oleic acid) or polyunsaturated AA (arachidonic acid) or DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Fatty acid-free or -bound HSA was modified with lysine-specific cross-linkers and digested with trypsin. Cross-linked peptides were analysed by nano-electrospray ionization MS to localize the sites of cross-linking. Our data indicated that a local conformational change involving movement of the side chains of Lys-402 of subdomain IIIA or Lys-541 of subdomain IIIB occurred upon binding of all three fatty acids. Our data also indicated that the side chains of Lys-205 (IIA) and Lys-466 (IIIA) moved closer towards each other upon binding AA or DHA, but not OA, suggesting that the conformations of HSA when bound to mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids are distinctively different. While these observations agreed with previous X-ray crystallographic studies, the distances between e-amino groups of most cross-linked lysine pairs were shorter than the crystal structure predicted, possibly reflecting a discrepancy between the solution and crystal structures. This method can serve as a useful complement to X-ray crystallography, particularly in probing the structure of a protein in solution.
How Do Patients Determine That Their Metered-Dose Inhaler Is Empty?

Study objective: To evaluate how patients determined that pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) canisters were empty and to measure pMDI depletion under different circumstances in the laboratory. Setting: Most of the study was performed in a university research laboratory. Participants: Fifty consecutive patients attending the Brenner Children's Hospital Asthma Center were initially questioned regarding pMDI use, and they demonstrated their use of the inhaler. Measurements and results: Of the 50 children and parents questioned, 74% did not know how many actuations were in their canisters, and all used their pMDI until they could not longer “hear” the medication when actuating. Only half shook the canister before actuating. In the laboratory, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) canisters typically had 86% more actuations than the nominal dose, and hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) canisters had 52% more. Canister flotation was ineffective in identifying when a pMDI was depleted, and water obstructed the valve opening 27% of the time. For CFC inhalers, shaking the pMDI before firing increased the number of actuations per canister (p = 0.009 [vs not shaking]), but this was not true for HFA inhalers. Conclusions: If patients are not taught to recognize when a pMDI is empty, they may continue to use the medication for up to twice the intended duration. Until accurate dose counters are added to pMDIs, counting the number of doses administered is the only accurate method with which to tell when the canister should be discarded.
Promoting Long-Term Dietary Fat Intake Reduction Using the Stages of Change Model

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: To describe the long-term effectiveness of a Stages of Change-based nutrition education program designed to lower dietary fat intake. Programs based on the Stages of Change Model may help nutrition educators better facilitate long term behavior change. The Stages of Change Model describes behavior change as a progression through five distinct stages of change (i.e., precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance) and includes intervention techniques that promote movement through the stages. Unlike traditional programs that use the same techniques with everyone, the Stages of Change Model matches the techniques, referred to as processes, to the particular stage a person is in. Preliminary work with the model indicates that it may be more successful than traditional programs in promoting long term behavior change. The purpose of this study was to determine the long term effectiveness of a Stage of Change-based nutrition program designed to lower dietary fat intake of students enrolled in an undergraduate nutrition course (experimental group N=38, control group N=30). The experimental group students participated in 11 15-minute weekly lessons. Students in both groups completed a fat intake inventory at the study pre-test and post-test, as well as one year from the start of the study. Between the pre- and post-test, the experimental group lowered its fat intake significantly (p≤0.05) and, for the 24 students who returned the one year questionnaire, this significant change was maintained. Those in the control group reduced their fat slightly, but this reduction did not reach significance (p≤0.05). Additionally, one year later, the 17 control-group students who returned the questionnaire reported a mean fat intake that was higher than at the study post-test. The findings of this study indicate that Stage of Change-based programs can help people reduce fat intake on a long-term basis.
Growth and Structure of Combustion Aerosols: Fumed Silica

A model is presented for kinetic growth processes in flames, based on neutron, X-ray, and light-scattering data on commercial fumed silica powders. The model and data are consistent with the existence of fractally rough primary particles aggregated into highly ramified clusters. By mapping onto kinetic models, four processes are identified that determine the structure of the powders: kinetic nucleation, ballistic polymerization, sintering, and diffusion-limited aggregation.
Variation in Local-Scale Edge Effects: Mechanisms and landscape Context

Ecological processes neat" habitat edges often differ from processes away fromedges. Yet, the generality of "edge effects" has been hotly debated because results vary tremendously. To understand the factors responsible for this variation, we described nest predation and cowbird distribution patterns in forest edge and forest core habitats on 36 randomly selected plots in three states in the midwestern United States. We tested four hypotheses that may explain the variation and mechanisms responsible for edge effects - among the 36 plots: (1) the landscape context, (2) the local predator community, (3) the local bird (host-prey) community, and (4) the nest site microhabitat structure. We used artificial nests baited with quail and clay eggs to determine nest predation patterns and " predators and used point count surveys to determine cowbird and host abundance in forest edge and forest core habitats. Raccoons, Opossums, canids, and birds accounted for most predation of artificial nests. Neither local host abundance nor mean nest concealment of artificial nests significantly •influenced nest predation rates in habitat edge or in habitat core. Nest predation was sig- nificantly greater in highly fragmented landscapes than in unfragmented landscapes and was significantly higher in edge habitats than in core habitats. However, detection of edge effects varied, depending upon landscape type. Higher predation rates in edge habitats were detected in highly and moderately fragmented landscapes, but not in unfragmented land- , , s.capes. Both mammalian and avian predator groups contributed to higher predation rates along edges in highly and moderately fragmented landscapes. ,Cowbird abundance was significantly related to host abundance, but the effect of hosts varied depending upon habitat type. In edge habitats, cowbird abundance was negatively associated with host abundance in all three landscapes studied. By contrast, cowbird abun- dance was positively associated with host abundance in core habitats. Once the effects of host abundance were removed, cowbird abundance in core habitat was greater in highly fragmented landscapes than in moderately and unfragmented landscapes, but did not differ between the latter two. In edge habitat, cowbird abundance did not differ between land- scapes, but abundance in edges tended to be highest in the highly fragmented landscape and lowest in the unfragmented landscape. Cowbird abundance did not vary between edge and core habitat in any of the landscapes studied. We suggest that the first approximation to predicting the impact of agricultural or permanently managed edges on forest songbird reproductive success is to assess habitat characteristics at the landscape scale. Given geographic location, local factors such as host abundance and predator composition should be assessed.
Analysis of hydroperoxide-induced tyrosyl radicals and lipoxygenase activity in aspirin-treated human prostaglandin H synthase-2.

A hydroperoxide-induced tyrosyl radical has been proposed as a key cyclooxygenase intermediate for the “basal” isoform of prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS-1). In the present study with the “inducible” isoform (PGHS-2), hydroperoxide was also found to generate a radical in high yield, a wide singlet at g = 2.0058 (29 G peak to trough). Reaction of PGHS-2 with a tyrosine-modifying reagent, tetranitromethane (TNM), resulted in cyclooxygenase inactivation and a much narrower radical EPR signal (22 G peak to trough). Addition of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, nimesulide, similarly resulted in a narrow PGHS-2 radical. In PGHS-1, cyclooxygenase inhibition by tyrosine nitration with TNM or by active site ligands leads to generation of a narrow EPR instead of a wide EPR, with both signals originating from authentic tyrosyl radicals, indicating that the hydroperoxide-induced radicals in PGHS-2 are also tyrosyl radicals. Treatment of PGHS-2 with aspirin (acetyl salicylic acid, ASA) was previously shown to result in acety...
Anti-insulin receptor serum mimics the developmental role of insulin in mouse mammary explants.

Abstract A number of growth factors can maintain hormonally-responsive epithelium in murine mammary explants as well as insulin, but only insulin can promote the synthesis of casein and α-lactalbumin, in the presence of glucocorticoid and prolactin. Anti-insulin receptor serum can elicit these effects of insulin on milk protein gene expression. The anti-serum is unique in its ability to mimic the developmental role of insulin in murine mammary epithelium.
L'écriture de L'Histoire et la Représentation du Passé

Le probleme de la representation du passe ne commence pas avec l'histoire mais avec la memoire qui a le privilege de la reconnaissance intuitive et directe des images gardees de l'impression en nous de la marque du passe, avec toutes les difficultes liees a la fiabilite relative de la memoire. Le probleme chemine a travers tous les stades de l'operation historiographique : temoignage et archive, — explication/ comprehension —, representation narrative et rhetorique au niveau du texte final de l'historien. Entre la memoire et l'histoire, l'ordre de priorite reste indecidable.
The road to the Israeli‐Moroccan rapprochement

Morocco's relations with Israel are noted for their moderation and cordiality. With the exception of former Tunisia's President Habib Bourguiba, who called upon the Arab states to come to terms with Israel, King Hassan II was the only Arab head of state that favoured negotiations with the Jewish State. But unlike any other leader in the region, he agreed to meet Israeli leaders in an attempt to find a solution to the Arab‐Israeli conflict. Observers and commentators on Middle Eastern affairs had often argued that Arab countries, which do not share common borders with Israel, tend to be hostile, because they have little to lose by doing so. As a country situated far from the focus of the Arab‐Israeli conflict, Morocco was an exception to this rule. What were the reasons for such a conciliatory attitude on Morocco's part and why did Hassan decide to embark on such a dangerous course of action, which exposed him to intense criticism from the Arab world, are some of the questions, which this essay attempts to...
Simultaneous bilateral neck dissection.

The presence of bilateral cervical nodal metastases secondary to intraoral, laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma was once thought to make the condition inoperable and “incurable”. It was also stated that the mortality from bilateral neck dissection would most likely exceed the number of patients cured by this procedure. We have a number of patients who had and tolerated it well, with a few surviving even for three and five years. We wish to report the morbidity, mortality and cure rate with simultaneous bilateral neck dissection in patients who had this procedure. From January 1960 to December 1975, 61 simultaneous bilateral neck dissections were performed as a part of oral, laryngeal or hypopharyngeal resections. Fifty-three patients had a classical bilateral radical neck dissection while in six patients one of the internal jugular veins and in two patients both of these veins were preserved. Six out of 61 (9%) patients had received radiation therapy previously. Nodal clearance was done in all the patients. Six out of 61 (8%) patients died within one month, three of whom never regained consciousness and died within 48 hours of the procedure. Sixty-three percent (39/55) of patients developed immediate postoperative facial swelling and wound infection. Thirty-six percent (22/55) had orocutaneous fistulae; of these, 11% (7/55) had carotid artery blowouts. Sixteen percent (10/55) of patients had significant pulmonary complication. The percentage of patients who were free of disease at 6 months, 1 year, 1 1/2 years, 3 years, and 5 years following the procedure was 54% (26/48), 37% (18/48), 29% (14/48), 20% (10/48) and 12.5% (6/48), respectively. It appears from the present study that although bilateral neck dissection has a high postoperative morbidity and mortality rate, it can effectively control the disease in a significant number of patients with a 20% three-year and 12.5% five-year cure rate.
Equality Within Difference: The Story of Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam

Few modern crises draw as much attention, create such intense confusion, and fuel so many myths as does the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Permeating all these dimensions, however, is the fundamental struggle between two peoples, two distinct histories, and two colliding identities. It is this confrontation between identities that a small village in Israel has set out to address. Neve Shalom/Wahat al-Salam, which means “Oasis of Peace” in Hebrew and Arabic, respectively, is located on a barren hilltop between Israel proper and the West Bank, almost equidistant from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Its sole purpose for existence is to disprove the persistent modern myth that Arabs and Jews cannot live together in harmony.
Unravelling the link between knowledge integration and new product timeliness

Abstract This paper examines the impact of knowledge integration on new product timeliness in Chinese high technology firms. The results show that the knowledge integration–new product timeliness connection is contingent on managerial factors (reward system and top management support) and product-based competencies (technical skills adequacy and marketing fit). The findings suggest that reward system, top management support and technical skills moderate the relationship between knowledge integration and new product timeliness. The implications for Chinese high technology firms and further research have been discussed.
Housekeeping products: the choice is yours.

For years, Infection Control Practitioners have been asked to identify the “ultimate” hospital::: disinfectant. Health care personnel seem to want a multipurpose product; one that can he used for handwashing for, instrument disinfection and for cleaning the commode. Simply stated, there is not one product that call successfully do all three. Antiseptic solutions, which are approved by the Food and Drug Administration are for use on skin (ie, handwashing and skirt preparation whereas disinfectants are for use in the inanimate environment and are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. There are two classifications of' disinfectants housekeeping disinfectants and instrument disinfectants. Housekeeping disinfectants are generally low-level disinfectants, and quartenary ammonium compounds or phenol-based solutions are the most common. Instrument disinfectants are high-level disinfectants such as glutaraldehydes and chlorine dioxide.
A novel and selective 5-HT2 receptor agonist with ocular hypotensive activity: (S)-(+)-1-(2-aminopropyl)-8,9-dihydropyrano[3,2-e]indole.

Serotonin 5-HT2 receptor agonists have recently been shown to be effective in lowering intraocular pressure in nonhuman primates and represent a potential new class of antiglaucoma agents. As part of an effort to identify new selective agonists at this receptor, we have found that (S)-(+)-1-(2-aminopropyl)-8,9-dihydropyrano[3,2-e]indole (AL-37350A, 11) has high affinity and selectivity (>1000-fold) for the 5-HT2 receptor relative to other 5-HT receptors. More specifically, 11 is a potent agonist at the 5-HT2A receptor (EC50 = 28.6 nM, Emax = 103%) that is comparable to serotonin. Evaluation of 11 in conscious ocular hypertensive cynomolgus monkeys showed this compound to be efficacious in reducing intraocular pressure (13.1 mmHg, −37%). Thus, 11 is a potent full agonist with selectivity for the 5-HT2 receptor and is anticipated to serve as a useful tool in exploring the role of the 5-HT2 receptor and its effector system in controlling intraocular pressure.
Second-moment calculations

Abstract We report a systematic procedure for reliable determination of second moments of wide-line NMR spectra. The procedure includes a technique for improvement of signal-to-noise ratio of the absorption lines beyond that obtained by signal averaging.
THE HORMONAL CONTROL OF ORGAN FORMATION IN CALLUS OF MEDICAGO SATIVA L. CULTURED IN VITRO

Organogenesis in alfalfa callus (Medicago sativa L. cv. 'Regen S') has been obtained by the transfer of callus from an induction medium containing growth regulators to a regeneration medium lacking growth regulators. The transfer of callus from induction medium containing high levels of 2,4-D and low levels of kinetin to regeneration medium resulted in the formation of shoots. Conversely, the transfer of callus from induction medium containing low levels of 2,4-D and high levels of kinetin resulted in the formation of roots. The pattern of organogenesis on regeneration medium was modified by the nutritional composition of that medium. When Blaydes medium supplemented with inositol and yeast extract was employed as regeneration medium, root organogenesis was inhibited. Root organogenesis was not inhibited by either Shenk and Hildebrandt medium or Gamborg's B5 medium. Shoot formation occurred on all of these media. A survey of the in vitro organ-forming capacity of 14 genotypic clones from the cv. 'Regen S' was conducted. The capacity to form organs differed quantitatively among the clones analyzed. A more detailed analysis of a highly responsive clone (RA3) and a poorly responsive clone (RA5) revealed no significant qualitative difference in their organogenic responses. THE regeneration of shoots from in vitro cultures
Synthesis and photoproperties of a substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine-N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer conjugate

In cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT), improved efficiency of photosensitizer delivery to tumors may be obtained by binding them to targetable water soluble polymeric carriers. However, attachment of photosensitizers to Macromolecular carriers may alter their spectral and photosensitizing properties. In this study, a new monosubstituted phthalocyanine derivative, N -glycyl zinc(II) 4,9,16,23-tetraaminophthalocyanine (G-TAPC-Zn) was synthesized by the reaction of zinc(II) 4,9,16,23-tetraaminophthalocyanine (TAPC-Zn) with N-tert -butoxycarbonyl-glycine N' -hydroxybenzotriazole ester followed by deprotection of the tert -butoxycarbonyl (BOC) group. G-TAPC-Zn contains an aliphatic amino group suitable for attachment to water soluble polymeric carriers. By aminolysis of a polymeric precursor, an N -(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer containing oligopeptide (GFLG) side-chains terminated in p -nitrophenyl ester groups, with G-TAPC-Zn a polymeric derivative of the latter (P-GFLGG-TAPC-Zn) was synthesized. Spectral data indicated that in aqueous solutions P-GFLGG-TAPC-Zn formed aggregates. The degree of aggregation decreased with increasing concentration of detergents or organic solvents in buffer solutions. Consequently, the release of the drug from carrier catalyzed by thiol proteinases, papain or cathepsin B, took place only in the presence of detergents or organic solvents, i.e., under conditions with a lower probability of aggregate formation. Binding of G-TAPC-Zn to HPMA copolymers decreased the quantum yield of singlet oxygen generation from 0.24 to 0.063 and significantly increased its resistance to photobleaching.
Automated Software Verification & Validation: An Emerging Approach for Ground Operations

Software is an increasingly critical component in aerospace systems, and automated software testing technologies that use formal methods are emerging as a new type of ground data system for verifying and validating software changes. With each change made to software for use in operational settings, there is the opportunity for new bugs to be introduced that can cause potentially catastrophic results. This research has evolved two formal method approaches for automated software verification and validation model checking and static analysis, with extensions of the approaches for multiple languages including Java, C and C++. The research is removing the barriers to routine use of formal methods to gain high assurance for human-rated space missions. These methods have been used on control software for a variety of mission critical systems including guidance, navigation and control (GN&C) subsystems, and for various projects such as the NASA Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV).
PTSD as Aftermath for Bullied LGBT Adolescents: The Case for Comprehensive Assessment

There is overwhelming research that demonstrates a positive correlation between various forms of adolescent bullying and subsequent and serious psychological repercussions such as anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and attempt as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; D’Augelli et al., 2005; Herek & Garnets, 2007; Mustanski, Garofalo, & Emerson, 2010). This study examines a particularly vulnerable adolescent and young adult population: lesbian, gay, and transgendered adolescents who have been bullied (Herek & Garnets, 2006). This study (n = 23) identifies which forms of bullying are more likely to manifest in subsequent symptoms of PTSD. Although there are numerous confounding variables, there are statistically significant findings that demonstrate which forms of bullying are more psychologically treacherous, and employing the PTSD checklist–civilian version (PCL) screening instrument, we learned who and what conditions might predict PTSD in our clients. Clinical implications for comprehensive P...
Inhibition of a Demand Pacemaker by Electrosurgery

A case of intermittent asystole due to suppression of the output of a Medtronic 5942 demand pacemaker by a Bovie electrocautery used during prostatic surgery is reported. Despite the claims of the manufacturer, the physician should be aware of this potential hazard. Recommendations are made for minimizing the incidence and risk of this complication.
Variation in ephippial buoyancy in Daphnia pulicaria

Summary 1. Freshwater zooplankton often produce diapausing eggs to survive environmental stress. The diapausing eggs of Daphnia (Crustacea, Cladocera) are encased in an ephippium that either floats at the surface or sinks to the sediment. These two types of ephippia may represent different strategies between spatial (floaters) and temporal (sinkers) dispersal of offspring. 2. We observed floating and sinking characteristics of ephippia obtained from eight lakes. We then conducted an experiment with 26 Daphnia pulicaria clones obtained from six of these lakes and observed the production of buoyant and non-buoyant ephippia under high and low food conditions. 3. Ephippia were more often non-buoyant than buoyant both from females caught in nature and those reared in the laboratory. The experiment revealed that each clone was able to produce both types of ephippia, but that there was considerable among-clone variation in the percentage of non-buoyant ephippia produced. 4. We conclude that production of non-buoyant versus buoyant ephippia may be driven by both genetic and environmental factors.
Domain growth and surface roughening in Monte Carlo simulations of A 0.5 B 0.5 film growth

Using Monte Carlo simulations of a simple model of ${A}_{0.5}{B}_{0.5}$ film growth in 2+1 dimensions, we have calculated domain size, long-range order in each layer $\mathit{l},$ and surface fluctuations to examine the dynamic relation between surface-induced domain growth and growth-induced surface roughening. At early stages, small clusters of ordered domains grow due to short-range order fluctuations and then coalesce. A partially ordered layer acts as a template for further ordering in the next layer. At late times specific patterns of the domains emerge by coarsening processes. The mean square domain size ${R}^{2}(l)$ shows a linear dependence on the layer number l for small l and saturates after ${l}_{s}\ensuremath{\sim}{L}^{{z}_{R}}$ with domain growth exponent ${z}_{R}=2.02.$ In the asymptotic regime, the final morphology of the film is determined by the Laplacian term $\ensuremath{\nu}{\ensuremath{\nabla}}^{2}h$ in the continuum growth equation with roughness exponent $\ensuremath{\zeta}=0$ and dynamic exponent $z=2.$
The Reliability and Validity of an Instrument for the Assessment of Computer Attitudes

As computer-related programs are introduced into school curricula, it is helpful to evaluate teacher attitudes toward computer use which may affect the success of such programs. Involving 114 teachers enrolled in microcomputer staff development courses, this study was concerned with the reliability, the factorial validity, and the differential validity of the Computer Attitude Scale and its four subscales (Computer Anxiety, Computer Confidence, Computer Liking, and Computer Usefulness). This instrument was found to be reliable in measuring teachers' attitudes toward computers and effective in differentiating among teachers with different amounts of computer experience.
Aiding the Decision Maker - A Decision Process Model

Despite an increasing capability for automating various tasks there continues to be a requirement for man to serve as the decision element in many complex systems. The complexity and far-reaching consequences of many decisions impels a concern for improving decision-making perforrnance in man-machine systems. In this paper current knowledge regarding human decision behaviour and methods for aiding this behaviour are briefly reviewed. A tentative, conceptual model of an idealized process of decision making is presented. This model, which is based on both empirical and theoretical research, contains three phases. These are (1) problem recognition, (2) problem diagnosis, and (3) action selection. The model is intended primarily to provide a guide to system designers in structuring decision tasks and a framework for organizing knowledge about decision-making behaviour.
Improving energy efficiency of personal sensing applications with heterogeneous multi-processors

The availability of multiple sensors on mobile devices offers a significant new capability to enable rich user and context aware applications. Many of these applications run in the background to continuously sense user context. However, running these applications on mobile devices can impose a significant stress on the battery life, and the use of supplementary low-power processors has been proposed on mobile devices for continuous background activities. In this paper, we experimentally and analytically investigate the design considerations that arise in the efficient use of the low power processor and provide a thorough understanding of the problem space. We answer fundamental questions such as which segments of the application are most efficient to be hosted on the low power processor, and how to select an appropriate low power processor. We discuss our measurements, analysis, and results using multiple low power processors and existing phone platforms.
Estimating the state of a Markov chain over a noisy communication channel: A bound and an encoder

We consider the problem of estimating the state of a Markov chain after N time units, when observed over a noisy communication channel. Specifically, a Markov chain is observed by an encoder. The encoder communicates with a decoder over the noisy communication channel. The past channel outputs are available causally to the encoder. The objective of the encoder is to maximize the mutual information between the state of the Markov chain after N time units, and the vector of channel outputs for N time units.
Information theory at multiple time-scales: the case of scheduling

In this paper, we make the case for a deeper understanding of time-variations in sources and channels at multiple time-scales. The case is made using packet scheduling over noisy channels, where packets from a bursty source are scheduled over a wireless channel to achieve a desired objective (power reduction, fairness etc.). Focusing our attention on minimal power scheduling with delay constraints, we show the following two claims. First, we show that scheduling is equivalent to a low-pass filter and present the optimal robust scheduler, which performs time water-filling over finite time horizons. Second, scheduling over Gaussian channels can be interpreted as lossy source compression, where the timing information of the packets is compressed with delay as distortion. Both results bring out connections with well known information theory concepts, motivating further study of multiple time-scales in wireless system design.
On toxic tort cases

This letter to the editor refers to an article by Brannigan et al. regarding their comments on the use of statistical significance testing in toxic torts. The author of the letter wishes to clarify a term used in the Brannigan paper. The authors state (Brannigan et al.) Relative risk' is defined to be the probability that a given injury was caused by the exposure. The author of this letter corrects the Brannigan statement: The true unknown relative risk is the risk of injury in the exposed relative to that in the unexposed -- a quantity that may only be estimated from epidemiologic studies using either the ratio of disease rates in exposed versus unexposed populations or using the odds ratio. 3 refs.
Identification of a new regulator in Streptococcus pneumoniae linking quorum sensing to competence for genetic transformation.

Competence for genetic transformation in Streptococcus pneumoniae is regulated by a quorum-sensing system encoded by two genetic loci, comCDE and comAB. Additional competence-specific operons, cilA, cilB, cilC, cilD, cilE, cinA-recA, coiA, and cfl, involved in the DNA uptake process and recombination, share an unusual consensus sequence at −10 and −25 in the promoter, which is absent from the promoters of comAB and comCDE. This pattern suggests that a factor regulating transcription of these transformation machinery genes but not involved with comCDE and comAB expression might be an alternative sigma factor. A search for such a global transcriptional regulator was begun by purifying pneumococcal RNA polymerase holoenzyme. In preparations from competent pneumococcal cultures a protein which seemed to be responsible for cilA transcription in vitro was identified. The corresponding gene was identified and found to be present in two copies, designated comX1 and comX2, located adjacent to two of the repeated rRNA operons. Expression of transformation machinery operons, such as cilA, cilD, cilE, and cfl, but not that of the quorum-sensing operons comAB and comCDE, was shown to depend on comX, while comX expression depended on ComE but not on ComX itself. We conclude that the factor is a competence-specific global transcription modulator which links quorum-sensing information transduced to ComE to competence and propose that it acts as an alternate sigma factor. We also report that comAB and comCDE are not sufficient for shutoff of competence-stimulating peptide-induced gene expression nor for the subsequent refractory period, suggesting that these phenomena depend on one or more ComX-dependent genes.
The Consequences of Prenatal Substance Use for the Developing Fetus, Newborn, and Young Child

Although substance use has been a worldwide problem at all levels of society since ancient times, recent attention has been focused on the use of legal and illegal substances by the pregnant woman. Almost all drugs taken by the pregnant woman are known to cross the placenta and have some effect on the fetus. This article reviews the effects of the drugs most frequently used by pregnant women in the United States—nicotine, alcohol, marijuana, opiates, and cocaine—on the fetus and neonate; when possible, information regarding long-term medical problems is included. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]