cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of acute smoking and exercise on high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and subfractions in black female smokers☆

Abstract This study investigated the effects of acute bouts of both exercise and smoking on high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol subfractions, HDL 2 -C and HDL 3 -C in black females. During two testing trials, seven subjects were exposed to either acute exercise or smoking. Treadmill exercise was performed at 70% of heart rate reserve for 15 minutes. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and 10 minutes after exercise. The smoking trial consisted of subjects smoking two cigarettes followed by 30 minutes of nonsmoking. Blood samples were taken before smoking, after each cigarette, and after two 15-minute intervals of nonsmoking. The exercise protocol resulted in a 10.8% increase in total HDL-C, primarily through an increase in the HDL 2 -C subfraction. The values returned to baseline within 10 minutes after exercise. Smoking one cigarette decreased total HDL-C by 10%. Neither subfraction was significantly effected by smoking; however, the HDL 3 -C subfraction was decreased 11% and HDL 2 -C subfraction was decreased 14.7% from resting values. The maximum reduction in HDL 3 -C subfraction occurred after the smoking of the first cigarette, while the maximum reduction in the HDL 3 -C subfraction occurred after the first 15-minute nonsmoking period. Acute cigarette smoking was associated with a decrease in total HDL-C that was maintained through 15 minutes of nonsmoking. It is suggested that the adverse effect on HDL-C by acute smoking is a significant contributor to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in black females. Results further indicate that low-intensity exercise is capable of transiently increasing the total HDL-C via an increase in the anti-atherogenic HDL 2 -C subfraction. It is suggested that frequent low-intensity exercise may favorably alter the CHD risk factor profile of black females smokers.
The effect of commercially prepared parathyroid extract on plasma and urine calcium levels in Rana pipiens.

Abstract Various doses of bovine parathyroid extract (PTE, Paroidin, Parke-Davis) were administered to normal Rana pipiens. Single doses of 10 and 30 units after a period of 2 hours, elicited a significant hypercalcemia which was sustained for 24–48 hours; 5 units caused a less-marked increase of plasma calcium which persisted for a shorter duration. Repeated injections of 5 units also induced only a slight transient hypercalcemia, which suggested that this dose level was threshold for inducing amphibian responses. Hypercalciuria occurred subsequent to treatment of frogs with 5, 10, or 30 units of parathormone, and the magnitude of increase was dose-dependent. It is suggested that amphibian bone and kidney may have individual thresholds of sensitivity to parathormone. Within this interpretation, the administration of 5 units of PTE results in low bone calcium mobilization to plasma, which would be lost by renal clearance; tubular reabsorption may not occur at threshold levels of hormone, and plasma-calcium homeostasis is maintained. Higher doses may promote not only increased calcium mobilization from bone, but also kidney reabsorption of calcium. The combined effects of increased glomerular load, bone mineral release, and tubular reabsorption would produce both hypercalcemia and hypercalciuria.
Role of nuclear rotation in dissociation of H 2 + in a short laser pulse

We revisit the problem of $\mathrm{H}_{2}{}^{+}$ in an intense, short laser pulse to investigate the role of nuclear rotation and thus gauge the validity of the more common aligned molecule approximation. For the laser parameters considered, our results show rough qualitative agreement, but not quantitative agreement. In one case, however, the aligned molecule approximation deviates even qualitatively from the more complete calculation by overestimating the importance of vibrational trapping.
1H NMR Imaging Study of Molecular Mobility in Silica-Filled, TBBS-Sulfur Vulcanized Cis-Polyisoprene

Abstract The interactions of silica in zinc-activated, sulfur-vulcanized cis-1.4 polyisoprene were characterized at the 75% cure state using 1H NMR imaging spectroscopy. Variables examined included silica loading, mixing conditions, and presence of additives, including a coupling agent and polyethylene glycol. Rheometer curves indicated a decrease in cure rate and cure state as silica was increased. 1H NMR imaging showed an increase in the T 2 relaxation times, and a decrease in the proton spin density N(H) as the filler load increases. Mixing conditions did not affect the cure rate, cure state, or the average T 2 relaxation time; however, the distribution of relaxation times broadened with poor mixing. The presence of a coupling agent increased the cure rate and cure state, as well as decreased the T 2 relaxation times as compared with samples with the same silica level, but without coupling agent. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) had slightly higher average T 2 relaxation times, and a slightly broader distribu...
Serum arginase concentrations in acute alcoholism

Abstract Serum arginase concentration was measured in 28 acutely intoxicated alcoholic males at the time of admission and one week later. Results were compared to measurement of serum LDH, SGOT, serum bilirubin values and to bromsulphalein retention. In 22 of the 28, serum arginase was significantly elevated, which was as high a percentage of abnormals as with any of the other tests of liver function. Arginase concentrations correlated better with BSP retention than with serum albumin, bilirubin, SGOT or LDH. One surprising finding was that during convalescence serum arginase rose in ten patients. This raised the interesting hypothesis that serum arginase concentrations may be related to repair as well as injury.
Serum Creatine Kinase Activity And Sensing Characteristics After Intraoperative Arrhythmia Induction Using Implantable Defibrillator Rate Sensing Leads

In 29 patients (24 men, 5 woman, mean age 57 +/- 14 years) we evaluated the effect of intraoperative arrhythmia induction during implantable defibrillator (ICD) placement using alternating current (AC) applied through the epicardial rate sensing leads on acute and chronic pacing thresholds, electrogram amplitudes, slew rates and serum creatine kinase levels. In 15 patients undergoing new ICD implantation, pacing thresholds, electrogram amplitudes, slew rates, and resistances were measured before and following at least three inductions of ventricular fibrillation (VF) using AC applied through the epicardial rate sensing leads. Fourteen patients who underwent VF induction using AC through the epicardial leads during initial implant (mean time of 31 months previously) underwent ICD pulse generator replacement only with parameters measured as above before and after at least two inductions, and these compared to the values at initial implant. In all 29 patients serum creatine kinase levels were obtained before, immediately following, and at 8, 16, and 24 hours after surgery. No significant change in acute pacing threshold, electrogram amplitude, slew rate or resistance occurred. Chronically there was an expected 154% increase in pacing threshold but no significant change in electrogram amplitude or resistance. Serial serum creatine kinase and MB isoenzyme determinations demonstrated no evidence of myocardial necrosis. We conclude that intraoperative arrhythmia induction during ICD implantation using AC applied through the rate sensing leads is a safe and effective technique.
A spectrophotometric assay for biotin-binding sites of immobilized avidin

A rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric assay was developed for the measurement of biotin-binding sites of immobilized avidin. The method is based on the reaction of avidin with excess biotin followed by assay of the unbound biotin using the HABA (2-[4′-hydroxyazobenzene] benzoic acid) method. Three solids possessing variable amounts of monomeric avidin were examined; viz., succinamidopropyl-controlled-pore glass (CPG-500), crosslinked 6% beaded agarose (Sepharose-CL-6B**), and crosslinked bis-acrylamide/azlactone (3M Emphaze Biosupport Medium AB1. Results indicate that the total biotin-binding sites of monomeric avidin immobilized on CPG-500, Sepharose-CL-6B, and 3M Emphaze are 0.229, 0.093, and 0.218 µmol biotin per mL beads, respectively. Assays for exchangeable biotinbinding sites gave values greater than 90% of the total sites. The spectrophotometric HABA method described is an alternative to assays based on tracers, thus the handling of radioactive material is avoided.
School Improvement: New Involvement for Teachers:

Here's how one inner city school involved its teaching staff in developing a plan to improve the learning environment. A Building Action Plan was developed to serve as the frame work for the school improvement process.
Cultural capital theory: a study of children enrolled in rural and urban Head Start programmes

Children from different backgrounds have disparate access to cultural capital, which may influence their academic success. The purpose of this study was to examine the links between family background, home literacy experiences, and emergent literacy skills among preschoolers enrolled in Head Start programmes. The background characteristics studied included urbanicity, maternal education, ethnicity, and family size among 112 preschool children (59 rural and 53 urban, M age = 56.78 months). Findings showed that rural and urban preschoolers may have similar literacy abilities. However, when maternal education was controlled for, family background variables and components of the home literacy environment predicted emergent literacy skills differently for the two groups. Moreover, mother's active involvement and the child's own engagement in literacy seemed to play a salient role in early literacy development across groups.
Metabolic Syndrome, Obesity, and Related Risk Factors Among College Men and Women

Abstract Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to characterize the prevalence of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome (MbS) and its criteria, and nutrient intakes of college-age men and women via a large-scale screening. Participants and Methods: From August 2005 to July 2008, 2,722 subjects were recruited for the ongoing, cross-sectional Young Adult Health Risk Screening Initiative project. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and dietary data were collected. Results: Approximately one-half of men and more than one-quarter of women were overweight or obese. MbS was identified in 9.9% of men and 3.0% of women; 77% of men and 54% of women had at least 1 MbS criterion. Intakes of saturated fat, magnesium, and fiber, as well as body mass index and reported physical activity levels were related to MbS. Conclusions: Because of high rates of overweight/obesity and MbS, college-age adults are at risk for developing chronic diseases including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease
Triple-decker main group cations

The syntheses of the first main group triple-decker cations are described, namely, [(η5-C5Me5)Sn(μ-η5- C5Me5)Sn(η5-C5Me5 )][Ga(C6F5)4] and [(η6-C7H8)In(μ-η5-C 5Me5)In(η6-C7H8 )][(C6F5)3BO(H)B(C6F 5)3], both of which have been characterized by X-ray crystallography; the former was prepared by the reaction of Sn(η5-C5Me5)2 with Ga(C6F5)3, while the latter was prepared by treatment of [In(η5-C5Me5)]6 with an equimolar mixture of B(C6F5)3 and H2O·B(C6F5)3.
Severe neutropenia caused by copper deficiency in a child receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Changes in trace element concentrations in patients with uremia receiving dialysis have been investigated extensively in recent years. ~-~ The most consistently observed abnormality is an accumulation of aluminum; serum zinc and copper levels have been found to be normal, increased, or decreased. A recent report described low levels of red cell copper in adult patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis? We report an adolescent with cystinosis who became copper deficient, with neutropenia and an increased red cell transfusion requirement, several months after beginning CAPD.
Caspase-3-mediated Cleavage of Protein Kinase C θ in Induction of Apoptosis

Protein kinase C θ (PKCθ) is a member of the novel or nPKC family. A functional role for PKCθ is unknown. The present studies demonstrate that PKCθ is cleaved in the third variable region (V3) in apoptosis induced by diverse agents. PKCθ cleavage is blocked in cells that overexpress the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL or the baculovirus p35 protein. PKCθ is cleaved by Caspase-3 and by apoptotic cell lysates at a DEVD354/K site. We also show that overexpression of the cleaved kinase-active PKCθ fragment, but not full-length PKCθ or a kinase-inactive fragment, results in induction of sub-G1phase DNA, nuclear fragmentation, and lethality. These findings indicate that proteolytic cleavage of PKCθ by Caspase-3 induces events characteristic of apoptosis.
Computing trust from revision history

A new model of distributed, collaborative information evolution is emerging. As exemplified in Wikipedia, online collaborative information repositories are being generated, updated, and maintained by a large and diverse community of users. Issues concerning trust arise when content is generated and updated by diverse populations. Since these information repositories are constantly under revision, trust determination is not simply a static process. In this paper, we explore ways of utilizing the revision history of an article to assess the trustworthiness of the article. We then present an experiment where we used this revision history-based trust model to assess the trustworthiness of a chain of successive versions of articles in Wikipedia and evaluated the assessments produced by the model.
Transcriptional changes in pupal hypoderm in Drosophila melanogaster

Transcriptional changes with development of the imaginal thoracic hypoderm of Drosophila melanogaster were evaluated by studies on pulse labeling and total composition with respect to protein. Evidence presented indicates that certain glycoproteins produced by prepupal salivary glands are important for bristle development long after the salivary gland is histolyzed. Striking changes in protein synthesis with development can be correlated with major hypodermal functions such as bristle formation, chitin deposition, and a moltlike process which occurs around 52 hr after puparium formation.
Ballistic-phonon-pulse transmission through the interface between solid sapphire-liquid He II at T = 0.25 K

The sample impulse response function must be deconvolved from heat-pulse data in order to determine pulse-propagation parameters.
Quantification of left ventricular function with an automated border detection system and comparison with radionuclide ventriculography

Abstract Quantification of 2-dimensional echocardiograms with a recently developed automated border detection (ABD) system provides on-line estimtion of left ventricular (LV) function. Previous studies showed that short-axis cavity area measurements with the ABD system approximate manually traced cavity areas obtained with conventional 2-dimensional echocardiography. Further clinical validation needs a comparison of LV function between the ABD system and established methods. Fractional area change and ejection fraction measured by the ABD system were compared with ejection fraction measured by radionuclide ventriculography. Echocardiographic measurements were obtained from LV short-axis views at the level of the papillary muscles. Calculation of ejection fraction by the ABD system was based on an algorithm using a modified ellipsoid model. Forty-six patients underwent echocardiography on the same day as radionuclide ventriculography. Patients were included in the study if ≥75% of the endocardium was visualized with conventional 2-dimensional echocardiography. Twenty-seven of 46 patients (59%) had a technically adequate, conventional echocardiogram. Fractional area change with the ABD system was highly correlated with ejection fraction from radionuclide ventriculography (r = 0.92; SEE 8.4%). Ejection fraction determined by the ABD system and radionuclide ventriculography also showed a strong linear relation in the 23 patients without severe wall motion abnormality (r = 0.90; SEE 9.5%). It is concluded that LV function measurements by the ABD system and radionuclide ventriculography have a strong linear relation.
How dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase-binding protein binds dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase in the human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex.

The dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase-binding protein (E3BP) and the dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase (E2) component enzyme form the structural core of the human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex by providing the binding sites for two other component proteins, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (E3) and pyruvate dehydrogenase (E1), as well as pyruvate dehydrogenase kinases and phosphatases. Despite a high similarity between the primary structures of E3BP and E2, the E3-binding domain of human E3BP is highly specific to human E3, whereas the E1-binding domain of human E2 is highly specific to human E1. In this study, we characterized binding of human E3 to the E3-binding domain of E3BP by x-ray crystallography at 2.6-A resolution, and we used this structural information to interpret the specificity for selective binding. Two subunits of E3 form a single recognition site for the E3-binding domain of E3BP through their hydrophobic interface. The hydrophobic residues Pro133, Pro154, and Ile157 in the E3-binding domain of E3BP insert themselves into the surface of both E3 polypeptide chains. Numerous ionic and hydrogen bonds between the residues of three interacting polypeptide chains adjacent to the central hydrophobic patch add to the stability of the subcomplex. The specificity of pairing for human E3BP with E3 is interpreted from its subcomplex structure to be most likely due to conformational rigidity of the binding fragment of the E3-binding domain of E3BP and its exquisite amino acid match with the E3 target interface.
POCKET: a computer graphics method for identifying and displaying protein cavities and their surrounding amino acids

A new interactive graphics program is described that provides a quick and simple procedure for identifying, displaying, and manipulating the indentations, cavities, or holes in a known protein structure. These regions are defined as, e.g., the xo, yo, zo values at which a test sphere of radius r can be placed without touching the centers of any protein atoms, subject to the condition that there is some x xo where the sphere does touch the protein atoms. The surfaces of these pockets are modeled using a modification of the marching cubes algorithm. This modification provides identification of each closed surface so that by "clicking" on any line of the surface, the entire surface can be selected. The surface can be displayed either as a line grid or as a solid surface. After the desired "pocket" has been selected, the amino acid residues and atoms that surround this pocket can be selected and displayed. The protein database that is input can have more than one protein "segment," allowing identification of the pockets at the interface between proteins. The use of the program is illustrated with several specific examples. The program is written in C and requires Silicon Graphics graphics routines.
Inversion of Ramberg–Osgood equation and description of hysteresis loops

Abstract The Ramberg–Osgood equation has been approximately inverted. Four orders of approximations providing progressively more accurate inversions are considered. The second order inversion is used to develop closed-form relations for stress in terms of strain and for cyclic stress in terms of cyclic strain. Explicit relations between the cyclic-strength coefficient and the cyclic strain-hardening exponent and between the cyclic strain-hardening exponent and the elastic modulus are developed. Application to nine different engineering metals shows that the proposed approximate inversion provides a powerful tool for describing stress–strain relations. Examples of hysteresis loops for a number of strain time-histories are presented. Also, it is shown that augmenting the strain time-history with fictitious strain segments to close all the hysteresis loops yields the same stress–strain relation as that obtained through the rain-flow counting method.
Effects of septal and amygdaloid lesions on discrimination, eating and drinking

Abstract Rats were given preoperative training on a visual discrimination task for which lever pressing in the presence of a cue light was continuously reinforced with food. Bilateral septal lesions increased nonreinforced responding, while bilateral amygdaloid lesions reduced responding under conditions of both reinforcement and nonreinforcement. Food intake relative to preoperative body weight increased for the septal lesioned animals. Decreased water intake relative to preoperative body weight and weight reduction were displayed by the amygdaloid lesioned rats. Possible interpretations of the results are discussed.
6-Methoxy-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-β-carboline effects on retinal serotonin

Abstract The compound 6-Methoxy-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (6-MeO-THβC) belonging to the group of hallucinogenic β-carbolines has been found to alter various aspects of serotonergic transmission in the brain. The action of 6-MeO-THβC on the newly identified 5-HT system of bovine retina was studied in vitro . The drug inhibited the high affinity uptake of [3H] 5-HT in a competitive manner and had no evident effect on the uptake of dopamine or GABA. In addition the compound increased the potassium evoked release of 5-HT from retina. Endogenous β-carbolines have been proposed to be involved in the modulation of serotonergic activity in the brain and a similar action is proposed in the retina. In addition these findings raise the possibility of retinal 5-HT system as a site of action for β-carbolines and similar hallucinogenic drugs.
Hybrid optical/electrical switching in directly connected datacenter networks

The direct-connect topology, such as xD (x=3, 4, 5, 6, etc) torus, has been pervasive in High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms and is also appearing in datacenters. This paper discusses prospects and challenges of using the direct-connect topology in HPCs and datacenters, and proposes a new hybrid optical/electrical switching architecture to solve the major challenges such as high end-to-end latencies in multi-hop routing. We developed an OpenFlow-based software defined networking testbed to control both the electrical and optical switching components in such network architecture, and conducted experiments to verify the networking performance of the hybrid optical/electrical direct-connect network. The experimental results show that the hybrid architecture can indeed reduce the network diameter and therefore the end-to-end latency. Applications which require all-to-all communications, such as MapReduce, can greatly benefit from the reduced network diameter and end-to-end latency.
The acetone a2 torsional vibration

Abstract Vibronic coupling of the a 2 torsional mode, ν 12 , to the 1 A 2 ← 1 A 1 Rydberg transition, 3p x ←n, is used to detect this mode in acetone and acetone- d 6 . The h 6 ( d 6 ) frequencies determined by ultraviolet two-photon resonant multiphoton ionization (“2R+1”) in a supersonic free jet are 77 (55)±2 cm −1 in the ground state and 70 (50)±2 cm −1 in the Rydberg state. Sequence transitions in acetone- h 6 determine 2ν 12 as 166 cm −1 in the 3p x ( 1 A 2 ) state. In acetone- d 6 , 2ν 12 is determined as 117 cm −1 in the ground state and 119 cm −1 in the 3p x ( 1 A 2 ) Rydberg state.
Dynamics of the cytoskeleton: How much does water matter?

The principal constituent of the living cell is water. The role of the hydration shell and bulk H(2)O solvent is well recognized in the dynamics of isolated proteins, but the role of water in the dynamics of the integrated living cytoskeleton (CSK) remains obscure. Here we report a direct connection of dynamics of water to dynamics of the integrated CSK. The latter are known to be scale-free and to hinge upon a frequency f(0) that is roughly invariant across cell types. Although f(0) is comparable in magnitude to the rotational relaxation frequency of water (gigahertz range), the physical basis of f(0) remains unknown. Using the human airway smooth muscle cell as a model system, we show here that replacing water acutely with deuterium oxide impacts CSK dynamics in major ways, slowing CSK remodeling dynamics appreciably, and lowering f(0) by up to four orders of magnitude. Although these observations do not distinguish contributions of bulk solvent versus hydration shell, they suggest a unifying hypothesis, namely, that dynamics of integrated CSK networks are slaved in a direct fashion to fluctuations arising in intracellular water.
Vitamin D and HIV: shine a light

Over the past several years there has been growing interest in the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in both the general population and among people living with HIV infection. Vitamin D deficiency in the setting of HIV infection is likely multi-factorial with contributions from environmental factors as well as possible associations with HIV therapy. This lecture will highlight recent data on the prevalence and possible consequences of vitamin D deficiency in the setting of HIV with a focus on the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and HIV disease progression and possible metabolic and inflammatory consequences of chronic vitamin D deficiency. Finally, the talk will attempt to shine a light on areas for further investigation. Supplement: Abstracts of the Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1758-2652-13-S4-info.pdf Conference: Tenth International Congress on Drug Therapy in HIV Infection 7-11 November 2010 Glasgow, UK (Published: 8 November 2010) doi:10.1186/1758-2652-13-S4-O42 Cite this article as: Currier: Vitamin D and HIV: shine a light. Journal of the International AIDS Society 2010 13(Suppl 4):O42. Full text: PubMed Central: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3112857/
Medicated intratubal silastic spheres do not prevent pregnancy in rabbits.

Abstract Plastic or silastic spheres 1.2 – 1.3 mm in diameter were placed in the ampullae of oviducts of rabbits. Spheres remained at the ampullary-isthmic junction but failed to prevent pregnancy after artificial insemination.
Subgame perfection in ultimatum bargaining trees

Abstract In typical experiments on ultimatum bargaining, the game is described verbally and the majority of subjects deviate from subgame-perfect behavior. Proposers typically offer significantly more than the minimum possible and Responders reject “unfair” offers. In this work, we show that when the ultimatum bargaining game is presented as an abstract game tree, the vast majority of behavior is consistent with individualistic preferences and subgame-perfection. This finding raises doubts about theories that ignore the potential influence of social context and experiments that do not control for social context.
THE INFLUENCE OF OPEN AND CLOSED BELIEF SYSTEMS ON COOPERATION IN THE PRISONER'S DILEMMA*

The Rokeach Dogmatism Scale was employed to identify subjects possessing either open or closed belief systems. Forty-eight subjects were randomly selected and assigned to eight open-open, eight open-closed, and eight closed-closed pairs. The dyads then played a modified version of the Prisoner's Dilemma where they were also permitted to communicate using a predetermined list of messages. It was found that the eight open-open pairs cooperated significantly more than the other pairs in the experiment. However, results also suggest that individuals possessing open belief systems may not be able to achieve significantly greater cooperation with individuals possessing a closed belief system than two individuals both possessing closed belief systems.
Interleukin-10 production by lung macrophages in CBA xid mutant mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Summary Mice on the CBA inbred strain background expressing the well characterized mutation designated xid in the cytoplasmic signalling enzyme Bruton’s protein kinase have been previously noted to illustrate shifts in T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 immunity which is underlined by an apparent failure to produce the regulatory cytokine interleukin-10. In the current study we examined if this extended to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which also depends on Th1 immunity. Contrary to expectations, xid mice showed evidence of a transient early susceptibility to pulmonary infection, changes in macrophage morphology, and decreased activation of lung natural killer cells, while showing evidence of substantial IL-10 production and accumulation in lung lesions macrophages, but paradoxically this did not influence the course of the chronic disease. In addition, macrophages from the lungs of xid mice also expressed high levels of CD14. These observations suggest that the xid mutation in cellular signalling has much wider effects on the immune system than previously thought.
Individualization, singularization and e-ducation (between indifference and responsibility)

It is commonly supposed that acting and judging ought to rest on a community-wide, binding definition of what is right and respectable, that is, a substantial consensus. Such consensus is thought possible only when we engage shared values and criteria, when we use knowledge and abilities appropriated through education. On this view, education deals with the reproduction of consensus and, hence, with the passing on of traditions and norms. On my view, we need to question the framework in which the debate over social erosion takes place. I take a cue from remarks of Hannah Arendt and question the presupposition that acting and judging in a right way requires both common values and the appropriation of what we call ‘knowledge’ of criteria and principles. I do not suggest that ‘knowledge’ has nothing to do with acting and judging. Rather, I wish to draw attention to (Arendt's concept of) thinking as a condition for acting and judging. Here, thinking has nothing to do with knowledge or with appropriation. Rather, it has to do with living-together with somebody. Educa-tion for thinking is, then, a ‘public thinking’ which leads out of the serf and into communal responsibility. On this treatment, the educator is to be a ‘faithful guardian’ of this calling out into responsibility.
Pharmacodynamic analysis of the furosemide-probenecid interaction in man.

Pharmacodynamic analysis of the furosemide-probenecid interaction in man. Probenecid pretreatment in man increased the overall response to furosemide in contrast to animal studies in which probenecid decreased response by inhibiting proximal renal tubular secretion of furosemide to its active site. We administered i.v. 40mg of furosemide to eight normal volunteers with and without probenecid pretreatment and measured serum and urinary furosemide concentrations by high performance liquid chromatography to determine the mechanism of probenecid's effect. Probenecid pretreatment significantly increased serum furosemide concentration. Urinary furosemide excretion rate paralleled urinary sodium excretion rate; both were initially decreased but were later increased by probenecid pretreatment. Probenecid pretreatment decreased renal and nonrenal clearance of furosemide (1.04 ± 0.31 vs. 0.29 ± 0.06 ml/kg/min, P Analyse pharmacodynamique de l'interaction furosemide-probenecide chez l'homme. Le pre-traitement par le probenecide chez l'homme augmente la reponse globale au furosemide par opposition aux etudes chez l'animal ou le probenecide diminue cette reponse en inhibant la secretion tubulaire proximale de furosemide. Nous avons administre i.v. 40mg de furosemide par voie a huit volontaires normaux, avec ou sans pre-traitement par le probenecide, et mesure les concentrations de furosemide seriques et urinaires par chromatographie liquide a haute resolution afin d'etudier le mecanisme de l'effet du probenecide. Le pre-traitement par le probenecide augmente significativement la concentration serique de furosemide. L'excretion urinaire de furosemide est parallele a l'excretion urinaire de sodium. Ces deux dernieres sont initialement diminuees mais ulterieurement augmentees par le pre-traitement au moyen de probenecide. Le pre-traitement par le probenecide diminue les clearances renale et non-renale du furosemide (1,04 ± 0,31 vs. 0,29 ± 0,06 ml/kg/min, P
TH‐C‐203‐03: Safety Considerations Concerning the Scheduling of Emergency Off Switch Tests

Purpose: Some states require that emergency off systems (EOSs) of accelerators be tested at exactly three month intervals. However EOS tests performed at three calendar month intervals i.e. at any day of within the respective month when the test is due would be more practical. In this work we compute the relative difference in safety by comparing the likelihood of patient injury due to a failed EOS in each of the two test schedules. Method and Materials: Based on over 120 machine years without failure of an EOS at our institution and an anecdotal report by an experienced service engineer who observed one failure during his 30+ years of work we make the conservative assumption of an average of one EOS failure every 100 years. Similar considerations suggest one occasion every 100 years when the EOS is needed for patient safety. We use statistical methods to compute the expected time per year that an EOS is non‐functional in each test schedule and the expected likelihood of patient injury due to a failed EOS when it is needed. Results: Based on those assumptions the EOS will be non‐functional an average of 0.505 and 0.454 days when it is tested respectively every three month and every three calendar month. The respective risk to patients is one event every 71600 years and one every 79500 years corresponding to an 11% difference. Conclusion: We recommend that state regulations be changed so that EOS tests are required every third calendar month rather than at exact three month intervals. The increased risk to patients would be insignificant while greatly reducing the physics/engineering resources required for the tests.
Pregnancy and emerging diseases.

We thank Ms. Anker for describing some of the surveillance challenges during the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic and for supporting the idea that during an infectious disease outbreak or public health emergency, pregnant women are a population deserving special consideration. We also understand and appreciate the challenges she describes in systematically identifying and reporting pregnancies during a public health emergency response such as occurred with SARS. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, we have recognized that it is critical that pregnancy information be collected systematically as part of the medical intake process. This can be accomplished by asking a simple, short question about pregnancy status (i.e.,“Are you or do you think you could be pregnant?”) as women are being evaluated and processed as part of an emergency response plan. Urine pregnancy testing may be used to verify pregnancy status for women who are unsure (2). Besides helping tailor the provision of healthcare in these settings, pregnancy status information should also be used to track pregnancy outcomes.
Self-refining games using player analytics

Data-driven simulation demands good training data drawn from a vast space of possible simulations. While fully sampling these large spaces is infeasible, we observe that in practical applications, such as gameplay, users explore only a vanishingly small subset of the dynamical state space. In this paper we present a sampling approach that takes advantage of this observation by concentrating precomputation around the states that users are most likely to encounter. We demonstrate our technique in a prototype self-refining game whose dynamics improve with play, ultimately providing realistically rendered, rich fluid dynamics in real time on a mobile device. Our results show that our analytics-driven training approach yields lower model error and fewer visual artifacts than a heuristic training strategy.
THE OLDER COLLEGE STUDENT AS VIEWED BY YOUNGER PEERS

The attitudes that 509 university students under 28 years of age held toward their age peers and toward students over 35 years of age were studied. Students were drawn from various departments or colleges. Statistical analysis shows that students below 28 years of age rate students over .35 years of age a little more favorably than the younger students rate their own age peers.
Accurate Minkowski sum approximation of polyhedral models

We present an algorithm to approximate the 3D Minkowski sum of polyhedral objects. Our algorithm decomposes the polyhedral objects into convex pieces, generates pairwise convex Minkowski sums and computes their union. We approximate the union by generating a voxel grid, computing signed distance on the grid points and performing isosurface extraction from the distance field. The accuracy of the algorithm is mainly governed by the resolution of the underlying volumetric grid. Insufficient resolution can result in unwanted handles or disconnected components in the approximation. We use an adaptive subdivision algorithm that overcomes these problems by generating a volumetric grid at an appropriate resolution. We guarantee that our approximation has the same topology as the exact Minkowski sum. We also provide a two-sided Hausdorff distance bound on the approximation. Our algorithm is relatively simple to implement and works well on complex models. We have used it for exact 3D translation motion planning, offset computation, mathematical morphological operations and bounded-error penetration depth estimation.
Assessment of factors impacting cervical cancer screening among low-income women living with HIV-AIDS

Very little is currently known about factors impacting the prevalence of cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV-AIDS (WLHA). To better understand this issue, we surveyed low-income, medically underserved women receiving subsidized gynecologic care through an integrated HIV clinic. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 209 women who self-identified as HIV positive. A total of 179 subjects (85.7%) reported having had a Pap test in the last three years. The majority of WLHA (95%) knew that the Pap test screens for cervical cancer. However, overall knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors, such as multiple sexual partners or sex with a man with multiple partners, was low (43% and 35%, respectively). Unscreened women were younger and more likely to be single with multiple current sexual partners. In multivariable analyses, the only factors associated with Pap testing were a woman's perception that her partner wants her to receive regular screening (aOR 4.64; 95% CI: 1.15-23.76; p = .04), number of clinic visits during the past year (aOR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.05-1.94; p = .04) and knowledge that the need for a Pap test does not depend on whether or not a woman is experiencing vaginal bleeding (aOR 6.52, 95% CI: 1.04-49.71; p = .05). We conclude that support from male partners in addition to effective contact with the health system and knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors influence Pap utilization among low-income WLHA. Future measures to improve the care for this population should increase knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and encourage social support for cervical cancer screening among WLHA.
Control of Male Gametophyte Development

In a previous review of male gametophyte development ([McCormick, 1993][1]), it was noted that the two areas posed by [Mascarenhas (1975)][2] as fruitful areas for future research were the following. What are the differences in the two cytoplasms that determine the different cell fates of the
Adaptive evolution in the SRZ chemoreceptor families of Caenorhabditis elegans and Caenorhabditis briggsae

We investigated the possibility of positive selection acting on members of the putative seven-pass chemoreceptor superfamily in Caenorhabditis elegans, which comprises ≈1,300 genes encoding seven-pass G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Using a maximum-likelihood approach, we conducted statistical tests for evidence of codon sites where the ratio of nonsynonymous substitutions per nonsynonymous site to synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (dN/dS) was >1. Evidence for positive selection was found only for the srz family, about which virtually nothing specific is known. We extended the annotation of the srz gene family, establishing gene models for 60 srz genes in C. elegans and 28 srz genes in Caenorhabditis briggsae. dN/dS ratios varied dramatically in different regions of the SRZ proteins, peaking in predicted extracellular regions. These regions included 23 sites where evidence of positive selection was highly significant, corresponding remarkably well with regions implicated in ligand binding in other GPCR family members. We interpret these results as indicating that the srz family is under positive selection, probably driven by ligand binding.
Fuzzy manual control of multi-robot system with built-in swarm behavior

Swarm robotics is a decentralized control architecture, where global behavior emerges as a result of local interactions between neighboring robots. The deficiency of the swarm behavior model is the stochastic nature of movement patterns, which reduces its applicability, when precise maneuvering is needed. This paper alleviates this problem by introducing fuzzy manual control of a multi-robot system utilizing the swarm behavior model. The built-in swarm behavior controls low level tasks such as formation keeping and obstacle avoidance. A fuzzy controller works as an intelligent mechanism for tuning the manual control signal received by the robots. The main advantages of the presented algorithm are: 1) deliberating the operator from low level maneuvering tasks; 2) single operator control of multi-robot group; 3) robustness, flexibility and scalability. The presented architecture was implemented and tested in a simulation environment. The introduced system can significantly improve the performance of search and rescue operations as well as exploration of dangerous environments.
Genetic Interaction Landscape Reveals Critical Requirements for Schizosaccharomyces pombe Brc1 in DNA Damage Response Mutants

Brc1, which was first identified as a high-copy, allele-specific suppressor of a mutation impairing the Smc5-Smc6 holocomplex in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, protects genome integrity during normal DNA replication and when cells are exposed to toxic compounds that stall or collapse replication forks. The C-terminal tandem BRCT (BRCA1 C-terminus) domain of fission yeast Brc1 docks with phosphorylated histone H2A (γH2A)-marked chromatin formed by ATR/Rad3 checkpoint kinase at arrested and damaged replication forks; however, how Brc1 functions in relation to other genome protection modules remains unclear. Here, an epistatic mini-array profile reveals critical requirements for Brc1 in mutants that are defective in multiple DNA damage response pathways, including checkpoint signaling by Rad3-Rad26/ATR-ATRIP kinase, DNA repair by Smc5-Smc6 holocomplex, replication fork stabilization by Mrc1/claspin and Swi1-Swi3/Timeless-Tipin, and control of ubiquitin-regulated proteolysis by the COP9 signalosome (CSN). Exogenous genotoxins enhance these negative genetic interactions. Rad52 and RPA foci are increased in CSN-defective cells, and loss of γH2A increases genotoxin sensitivity, indicating a critical role for the γH2A-Brc1 module in stabilizing replication forks in CSN-defective cells. A negative genetic interaction with the Nse6 subunit of Smc5-Smc6 holocomplex indicates that the DNA repair functions of Brc1 and Smc5-Smc6 holocomplex are at least partially independent. Rtt107, the Brc1 homolog in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has a very different pattern of genetic interactions, indicating evolutionary divergence of functions and DNA damage responses.
Timing System Control Software in the SLC

A new timing system1 that allows precision (~1-2 ns) control of the trigger times of klystrons, beam position monitors, and other devices on a pulse-to-pulse basis at up to 360 Hz is in operation in the first third of the SLAC linear accelerator. The control software is divided between a central host VAX and local Intel 8086-based microprocessor clusters. Facilities exist to set up and adjust the timing of devices or groups of devices independently for beam pulses having different destinations and purposes, which are run in an interlaced fashion during normal machine operation. Upgrading of the system is currently underway, using a new version of the Programmable Delay Unit CAMAC module to allow pipelining of timing information for three machine pulses. An overview of the current state of the system is presented in this paper, with an emphasis on software control.
Streptomycin in the Treatment of Miliary and Meningeal Tuberculosis Based on a Study of 30 Cases

1)Streptomycin seems effective in the treatment of uncomplicated cases of miliary tuberculosis. This could be accounted for by the small size of the individual tubercle which may permit the drug to readily penetrate throughout the lesion in therapeutic concentration and to come in direct contact with all the organisms, a condition which probably does not exist where larger areas of caseation are present. 2)Streptomycin did not prevent the development of tuberculous meningitis in patients while they were under treatment with the same drug for other tuberculous conditions. 3)It seems possible that the main obstacles to successful therapy of tuberculous meningitis may be: (a) a factor in the brain, presumably, yet unidentified, which has the property of inhibiting streptomycin and thus rendering it ineffective; and (b) the relative inability of streptomycin to penetrate the larger caseous foci. 4)Until a more effective antibacterial agent against tuberculosis may be discovered, efforts will undoubtedly be continued to identify the streptomycin inhibiting factor in the brain, and to find means of combating it. Further search is also indicated for some means of more effectively carrying the therapeutic agent into the caseous masses. 5)Our experiences thus far lead us to believe that higher doses of streptomycin would probably not materially improve the results in tuberculous meningitis and in combined miliary and meningeal tuberculosis. It does not seem likely that the streptomycin inhibiting factor in the brain and the conditions which seem to prevent the drug from entering the caseo-necrotic mass in therapeutic concentration, could be overcome with relative safety by sheer volume of this antibiotic.
Downstream regulation of CO2 emissions in California's electricity sector

This paper examines the implications of alternative forms of cap-and-trade regulations on the California electricity market. Specific focus is given to the implementation of a downstream form of regulation known as the first-deliverer policy. Under this policy, importers (i.e., first-deliverers) of electricity into California are responsible for the emissions associated with the power plants from which the power originated, even if those plants are physically located outside of California. We find that, absent strict non-economic barriers to changing import patterns, such policies are extremely vulnerable to reshuffling of import resources. The net impact implies that the first-deliverer policies will be only marginally more effective than a conventional source-based regulation.
The Functional Heterogeneity of Macrophages

Macrophages are morphologically and functionally diverse. As a group, they comprise cells that play vital roles in homeostasis (Berlin and Berk, 1975) and in host defense reactions against foreign materials, microbial agents (Nelson, 1969; Nathan et al., 1980), and, possibly, neoplasms (Adams and Snyderman, 1979). These activities, as well as their accessory cell functions in immune responses differ widely from one anatomical site to another and, in many cases, within the same population.