cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intersection theorems and their applications to Berge equilibria

Abstract In game theory, the existence of a solution is a key theoretical issue. One of the most powerful techniques, historically, has been the use of fixed point theorems. Here we explore a related theoretical treatment, the consideration of intersection of compact, convex sets. We follow the work of Ma [T.-W. Ma, On sets with convex sections, Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, 27 (1969) 413–416], who extended the earlier results of Fan [K. Fan, Applications of a theorem concerning sets with convex sections, Mathematische Annalen, 163 (1966) 189–203]. Our results utilize an intersection theorem for an indexed family of sets, finite or infinite. With this theorem, combinatorial generalization of Ma’s results are derived. Following the style of Fan and Ma, proofs and game theory applications are given and novel existence theorems for Berge and Nash equilibrium result.
University-Industry Research Collaboration

Research and development efforts made by government, private industry and universities have transformed the United States into a major power in the world in science and technology. But our commitment in R&D has slipped in the past few years. There are growing problems in the composition of the science-engineering work force as well as our productivity. Possible long-term consequences of this worsening situation are predictable. Since government reduction in research spending plus inflation are eroding potential education and research funds, University-Industry collaboration becomes a necessity for maintaining the research activities and to reverse the worsening trend. The necessity of collaboration is well recognized by industries as well as by academia. However, the implementation of university-industry collaboration is non-trivial. What universities want is research funding with freedom to spend it. What industries want is research results which can directly apply to the innovation of new and improved products and technology, plus a continuous flux of graduating young blood to inject into industries. In this talk, I will re-emphasize the crisis in our R&D with cold statistics. I will stress the need of university-industry collaboration and summarize and comment on some of the sugestions made to universities as well as to industries as examples in this type of collaboration.
Asymptotic crack tip stress, rotation pseudo-stress and dislocation fields for mixed mode I and II cracks in elastic perfectly plastic solids

Abstract Nemat-Nasser and Obata (Mech. Mater. 3 (1984) 235) have pointed out that asymptotic stress fields can be constructed around the tip of a general mixed mode I and II crack in elastic perfectly plastic solids with use of elastic sectors whose stress magnitude is below the yield stress. When elastic sectors which are below the yield stress exist the rotation pseudo-stress within an elastic sector is logarithmic singular with distance r from the crack tip. It must also be logarithmic singular within a plastic fan sector that is adjacent to an elastic sector. The areal dislocation density field within a plastic fan adjacent is, therefore, singular as ( r 0 / r )ln( r 0 / r ). To justify the existence of below yield stress elastic sectors it is necessary to show that the logarithmic singular stress field produced by the crack plane surface dislocation distribution is canceled by another logarithmic singular stress field produced by the areal dislocation distributions within the fan plastic sectors. This is done so explicitly in this paper.
In vivo upregulation of interleukin-4 is one mechanism underlying the immunoregulatory effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3).

The active form of vitamin D (1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)) is a potent immune system regulator. In vivo the oral administration of 1, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) completely prevents experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), significantly prolongs allograft survival, and prevents collagen-induced arthritis. 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) given to mice increased IL-4 protein and transcript levels. We have now tested the efficacy of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on EAE development and allograft survival in IL-4-deficient [knockout (ko)] mice. 1, 25-(OH)(2)D(3) was found to be much less effective in the absence of IL-4, suggesting that IL-4 production is a significant factor in the action of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3) on the immune system.
Effects of secondary diffractions on the stress intensity factors generated for a finite crack by a shear wave

Abstract The crack plane stresses and stress intensity factors generated by the diffraction of a plane horizontally polarized shear wave by a stationary crack of finite length are derived analytically. It is shown that unless the plane wave stress vanishes at the wavefront there is a sudden jump in the rates of change of the intensity factors upon arrival of secondary diffractions. Conditions are derived which indicate that the stress intensity factors may not in general attain their maximum values prior to the arrival of secondary diffractions, even if temporary peaks are reached during this interval. The conditions for this temporary peaking are also discussed. For an incident stress which does not change sign analytical results are obtained which explain the oscillatory behavior of the intensity factor previously noted for the step-stress wave. These observations also depend on the angle of incidence of the plane wave and are important in determining the validity of assumptions that brittle crack extension due to plane wave diffraction initiates quasi-suddenly, i.e. prior to the arrival of secondary diffractions.
Stopped-flow study of the gas-phase reactions of ozone with organic sulfides: thiirane

Abstract The autocatalytic reaction of ozone with thiirane has been studied at 296 K and 1.1 kPa (8 Torr) The specific rate of primary attack of ozone on thurane is immeasurably slow ( k 4 cm 3 mol −1 s −1 ). The major products observed are C 2 H 4 , SO 2 , H 2 CO and CO 2 . A free-radical chain mechanism is suggested to account for these observations.
Fibrin glue improves the healing of irradiated bowel anastomoses.

Many surgeons are reluctant to construct a bowel anastomosis with irradiated intestine. Previous studies have demonstrated diminished tensile strength of rat small bowel anastomoses that have been irradiated intraoperatively. To determine whether fibrin glue, a known tissue adhesive, improves the healing of these anastomoses, 69 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three anastomotic groups: Group 1, sutured ileal anastomosis without radiation or fibrin glue; Group 2, irradiated sutured ileal anastomosis without fibrin glue; and Group 3, irradiated ileal anastomosis with fibrin glue added to the suture line. Groups 2 and 3 received a single dose of 2,000 R intraoperatively. At seven days, the rats were sacrificed and the anastomotic segment was tested for breaking (tensile) strength. Anastomotic collagen content was evaluated using a hydroxyproline assay. Tensile strength results demonstrated that Group 2 was significantly weaker than Groups 1 and 3 (P=0.001) and that the hydroxyproline content of Group 3 was significantly greater than that of Group 2 (P=0.015). These results show that the addition of fibrin glue to an intraoperatively irradiated small bowel anastomosis improves healing, as demonstrated by both tensile strength and hydroxyproline content studies.
Laser-depletion spectroscopy of core-excited levels of neutral rubidium.

This paper describes a new technique for obtaining level positions, linewidths, autoionizing times, and oscillator strengths of core-excited levels and transitions. A tunable laser is used to deplete the population of a radiating core-excited level, as other levels within the core-excited manifold are accessed. A saturation technique which allows the measurement of autoionizing times whose linewidth lies well beneath the combined Doppler-hyperfine profile is developed and demonstrated.
Induction of mouse retinol binding protein gene expression by cyclic AMP in Hepa 1-6 cells.

Retinol binding protein (RBP) is the primary circulating transport molecule for retinol, facilitating its transport to target tissues and influencing target cell uptake. Specific signals and molecular mechanisms that regulate RBP gene expression are poorly understood. Using the mouse hepatoma cell line (Hepa 1-6), we examined the role of cAMP in the molecular regulation of RBP. Dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) or the adenylate cyclase activator, forskolin, increased RBP mRNA levels >6-fold at 24 h. Increases in RBP mRNA were dose dependent over the range of 10 microM-1 mM for dbcAMP and 0.5-10 microM for forskolin. 8-Bromo cAMP, a nonhydrolyzable analog, over the range of 0.01-0.5 mM, increased RBP mRNA levels 9.2-fold at 24 h. Induction of RBP transcripts by analogs also resulted in a comparable increase in intracellular RBP protein. Cycloheximide (10 microgram/ml) did not prevent cAMP-mediated induction of RBP mRNA, indicating that de novo protein synthesis is not required for cAMP-mediated induction of RBP transcription. These studies demonstrate that cAMP, or agents which elevate intracellular cAMP, increase RBP transcript levels. The time course and extent of RBP mRNA induction and the resultant increase in RBP protein support the concept that cAMP regulation of RBP gene expression may be physiologically relevent. Given the ubiquitous nature of cAMP as a second messenger, and the several mechanisms by which cAMP regulates gene expression, studies are in progress to define molecular mechanisms by which cAMP regulates RBP gene expression.
Quantitative analysis of fluorinated ethylchloroformate derivatives of protein amino acids and hydrolysis products of small peptides using chemical ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract The derivatization and extraction efficiencies of 16 protein amino acids were investigated using trifluoroethanol+ethylchloroformate+pyridine as the derivatization reagents and chloroform as the solvent. The derivatization efficiencies ranged from 90% to 99% for all the amino acids studied except aspartic acid (79%). The extraction efficiencies of the derivatized amino acids using chloroform were close to 100%. In addition, the detection limits and linear dynamic ranges of trifluoroethanol ethylchloroformate (TFE-ECF) derivatives of these amino acids were studied using positive-ion chemical ionization gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The detection limits of the protein amino acids were mostly in the low femtomole range. The linear dynamic ranges of these amino acids were in the range of zero to three orders of magnitude. The GC-MS analysis of the derivatized amino acids was applied to the hydrolysis products of Equal, a sugar substitute containing aspartame and diprotin B, a tripeptide. The results demonstrate that the TFE-ECF derivatization of the hydrolysis products of small peptides followed by GC-MS analysis can be used for the identification of their amino acid composition (except arginine) and for their complete amino acid analysis.
Anchoring and Publicity Effects in Clinical Judgment.

Extrapolation from the literature of social-cognitive bias suggested testing anchoring and publicity effects in clinicians' (N = 46) successive judgments of detailed interview notes, five per case. If anchoring occurs, Ss' estimates of a client's pathology and prognosis at the final judgment point would be related differentially to the time (early/late) that they had received salient, pathognomonic case material. The publicity effect would be a tendency toward more conservative estimates on the part of Ss who are asked to justify their ratings in writing. Results among an experienced sample of clinicians indicated significant anchoring in one case but not the other, which suggests a clinical bias to disregard pathognomonic data about a client who is seen initially as less disturbed. Public justification was related neither to Ss' ratings, to reported confidence in their ratings, nor differentially by case. Implications and limitations are suggested.
Role of type I interferons in inflammasome activation, cell death, and disease during microbial infection

Interferons (IFNs) were discovered over a half-century ago as antiviral factors. The role of type I IFNs has been studied in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic microbial infections. Deregulated type I IFN production results in a damaging cascade of cell death, inflammation, and immunological host responses that can lead to tissue injury and disease progression. Here, we summarize the role of type I IFNs in the regulation of cell death and disease during different microbial infections, ranging from viruses and bacteria to fungal pathogens. Understanding the specific mechanisms driving type I IFN-mediated cell death and disease could aid in the development of targeted therapies.
The role of IL-1 in the pathogenesis of heart disease

Interleukin (IL)-1 consists of two distinct ligands, IL-1α and IL-1β, with indistinguishable biological activities that signal through the IL-1 type I receptor (IL-1RI). A naturally occurring IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) binds to IL-1RI without initiating signal transduction and prevents IL-1 signaling, competitively inhibiting IL-1-mediated responses. Emerging evidence suggests that the balance between IL-1 agonists and antagonists plays an essential role in a variety of cardiovascular conditions. IL-1 may play a role in atherothrombotic disease by promoting the formation of atheromatous lesions, enhancing vascular inflammation, and triggering plaque destabilization. Following myocardial infarction, IL-1 critically regulates the inflammatory response and is involved in the development of adverse remodeling by enhancing expression of matrix metalloproteinases. IL-1 signaling may also be an essential mediator in the pathogenesis of heart failure by suppressing cardiac contractility, promoting myocardial hypertrophy, and inducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. The present review summarizes current available data showing the significant role of IL-1 signaling in heart disease and raising the possibility that IL-1 inhibitors (such as anakinra, a nonglycosylated recombinant human IL-1Ra) may be clinically useful agents in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions.
On Estimating a Survival Curve Subject to a Uniform Stochastic Ordering Constraint

Abstract If F and G are cumulative distribution functions on [0, ∞) governing the lifetimes of specific systems under study, and if F and G are their corresponding survival functions, then F is said to be uniformly stochastically smaller than G, denoted by F 0}). When F and G are absolutely continuous, F (+) G is equivalent to the assumption that the corresponding failure rates are ordered. The applicability of the notion of uniform stochastic ordering in reliability and life testing is discussed. Given that a random sample X 1, …, X n of lifetimes has been obtained from F, where F is assumed to satisfy the uniform stochastic ordering constraint F (+) G), where G is fixed and known, the problem of estimating F is addressed. It has been shown elsewhere that the method of nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation fails to provide consistent estimators in this type of ...
Eastern North Pacific Tropical Cyclones of 1985

Abstract A summary of the 1985 season is presented. Included are season statistics, storm tracks and comparisons with activity in recent year.
The challenge of mechanism-based modeling in risk assessment for neurobehavioral end points.

The mathematical form for a dose-time-response model is ideally not just a convenience for summarizing or fitting a particular data set--it represents a hypothesis. The more this hypothesis reflect...
Preliminary results obtained with a No-Label, Homogeneous, Optical Immunoassay for Human Immunoglobulin G

Abstract A novel optical immunoassay system was developed and tested using human IgG as a model antigen. Following adsorption of antiserum to the surface of an optical waveguide, the immobilised antibody was then reacted with a solution containing antigen. The reaction was detected utilising the evanescent wave component of a light beam totally internally reflected within the waveguide. The growing antigeh-antibody layer resulted in an increase of scattered light which was monitored kinetically. Individual measurements were completed within 5 minutes and the resultant dose response curve had a sensitivity limit of approximately 10 nmol/L.
Mapping electrostatic interactions in macromolecular associations.

Abstract In the association of electron transfer proteins, electrostatics has been proposed to play a role in maintaining the stability and specificity of the biomolecular complexes formed. An excellent model system is the interaction between mammalian cytochrome b 5 and cytochrome c , in which the X-ray structures of the individual components reveal a complementary asymmetry of charges surrounding their respective redox centers. Determining the exact extent of the electrostatic interactions and identifying the specific residues involved in the formation of the electron transfer complex has proved more elusive. We report herein the utilization of high-pressure techniques, together with site-directed mutagenesis, to provide a map of the interaction domains in biomolecular complex formation. The application of high pressure disrupts macromolecular associations since dissociation of the complex results in a decreased volume of the system due to the solvation of charges that had been previously sequestered in the interface region and force solvation of hydrophobic surfaces. Site-directed mutagenesis of a totally synthetic gene for rat liver cytochrome b 5 , which expresses this mammalian protein in Escherichia coli as a hemecontaining soluble component, was used to selectively alter negatively charged residues of cytochrome b 5 to neutral amide side-chains. We have demonstrated that the interaction domain of cytochrome b 5 with cytochrome c can be mapped from a comparison of dissociation volumes of these modified cytochrome b 5 -cytochrome c complexes with the native complex. Using these techniques we can specifically investigate the role of particular residues in the equilibrium association of these two electron transfer proteins. Single-point mutations in the interaction domain give nearly identical effects on the measured dissociation volumes, yet removal of acidic residues outside the recognition surface yield volumes similar to wild-type protein. Multiple mutations in the proposed protein-protein interaction site are found to allow greater solvent-accessibility of the interface as reflected in a diminution in the volume changes on subsequent charge removal. This is indicative that the interprotein salt-bridges in this complex provide a mechanism for a greater exclusion of solvent from the interfacial domain of the complex, resulting in a more stable association.
Understanding Cultural Beliefs in Families of Somali Children with Diabetes in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.

Describe cultural beliefs related to diabetes in Minnesota Somali children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), and compare their diabetes control to that of non-Somali children with diabetes. A cross-sectional study involving Somali children ≤19 years with T1D at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. A survey was administered to parents of all participants and to children aged ≥12 years. Data were collected by history and from the medical record. Twenty-five Somali children participated, with 24 parent–child pairs (2 siblings). Mean participant age was 12.2 ± 5.2 (36 % female). Seventy-one percent of parents indicated the child was “the same as before” other than having to do diabetes cares. Families were coping well, and the child was not treated differently than siblings. Performance of routine cares was described as the hardest part about having diabetes, but this was not related to traditional culture or religion. One notable exception was difficulty performing carbohydrate counting on Somali foods. Respondents were appreciative of the education provided by the diabetes team. Less than 10 % used herbal supplements in addition to insulin. Mean HbA1c in Somali children was higher than the overall pediatric clinic average, 9.5 ± 1.6 % versus 8.8 ± 1.6 (p = 0.01). The difference was largely due to adolescent patients. The majority of Somali families cope well with diabetes and have a positive attitude towards the diabetes education. Glycemic control in adolescents is worse than in non-Somali peers. There is a need for culture-specific dietary instruction materials.
An Infrared Measurement Technique for the Assessment of Electromagnetic Coupling

A non-destructive, non-perturbing infrared measurement technique is under development to observe the effects of electromagnetic coupling of energy to the interior of complicated geometrical structures. The applications, advantages, and disadvantages of this new infrared technology are discussed.
Microstructure of a SiC/Ti-15-3 composite

A continuous SiC-fiber-reinforced titanium (Ti-15V-3Cr-3Sn-3A1) composite was metallographically examined. Several methods for examining composite materials were investigated and documented. Polishing techniques for this material are described. An interference layering method was developed to reveal the structure of the fiber, the reaction zone, and various phases within the matrix. Microprobe and TEM analyses were performed on the fiber-matrix interface. Detailed descriptions of the fiber distribution and the microstructure of the fiber and matrix are presented.
How to prove representation-independent independence results

Abstract A true assertion about the input-output behavior of a Turing machine M may be independent of (i.e., impossible to prove in) a theory T because the computational behavior of M is particularly opaque, or because the function or set computed by M is inherently subtle. The latter sorts of representation-independent independence results are more satisfying. For π2 assertions, the best-known techniques for proving independence yield representation-independent results as a matter of course. This paper illustrates current understanding of unprovability for π2 assertions by demonstrating that very weak conditions on classes of sets S and R guarantee that there exists a set L0 e R - S such that L0 is not probably infinite (hence, not provably nonregular, nondeterministics, noncontext-free, not in P, etc.). Under slightly stronger conditions, such L0's may be found within every L e R - S.
Integrated Terahertz Biophotonics: Terahertz Spectroscopy of Proteins in Microfluidic Devices

We measure the absorption spectrum of bovine serum albumin in aqueous solutions at terahertz frequencies using microfluidic channels. The data agrees well with previous results and demonstrates the feasibility of terahertz biosensing in microfluidic devices.
Experimental determination of the H(n=3) density matrix for 80-keV H+ on He.

The density matrix is determined for H(n=3) atoms produced in axially symmetric electron-transfer collisions of 80-keV protons on helium. In the experiment axial or transverse electric fields with respect to the proton beam are applied to the collision region. The intensity and polarization of Balmer-\ensuremath{\alpha} radiation emitted by the H(n=3) atoms are measured as a function of the strength of the external electric field. Detailed analysis of the measured optical signals, taking into account the time evolution of the H(n=3) atoms in the applied electric field, makes it possible to extract the complete density matrix of the H(n=3) atoms at the moment of their formation, averaged over all impact parameters. Significant improvements in the experimental technique and in the data analysis associated with the fit of the density matrix to the optical signals have eliminated systematic effects that were present in our previous work [Phys. Rev. A 33, 276 (1986)].The improvements in the apparatus are as follows: application of electric fields using electrodes with a simple geometry for the axial and transverse orientations that allows accurate calculation of the spatial variation of the electric field inside the collision chamber; use of high-quality optical elements and a rotatable, single-unit design for the polarimeter; automated gas handling for background subtraction; and full computer control of the electric fields, polarimeter, gas handling, and data acquisition. The analysis incorporates the following improvements: hyperfine structure of the H(n=3) manifold; cascade from the H(n=4) manifold; nonuniform detection efficiency over the viewing region; and modeling of the nonuniform electric fields, the nonuniform gas density, and the exponential decrease of the proton beam current in the gas cell due to electron transfer. With these improvements the results from axial electric field measurements are in good agreement with results obtained independently from transverse electric fields. Moreover, the extracted density-matrix elements are found to be within their physically meaningful bounds. The major results from 80-keV collisions are that the H(n=3) density matrix has an average coherence of 81%\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1%, an electric dipole moment of 3.50\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.09 a.u., and a first-order moment of the electron current density distribution 〈(L\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${\mathrm{A})}_{z}$,s〉 of -0.13\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02 a.u. Results from a recent calculation show qualitative agreement with the experiment.
A Dual-RF-Plasma Approach for Controlling the Graphitic Order and Diameters of Vertically-Aligned Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes

Plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) is a unique technique for growing vertically-aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes (VA-MWNTs) at controllable tube densities. This technique is of considerable importance for low temperature growth of VA-MWNTs at desired locations. However, the graphitic order of these MWNTs is inferior to those grown by laser ablation, arc discharge, and thermal CVD techniques. Previously, these VA-MWNTs were grown by a one-plasma approach (DC, microwave etc), either for gas decomposition or substrate biasing. Here, we describe a dual-RF plasma enhanced CVD (dual-RF-PECVD) technique that offers unique capability for controlling the graphitic order and diameters of VA-MWNTs.
Distribution of acid hydrolases in guinea pig skeletal muscle.

Abstract The activity of five acid hydrolases was determined in the homogenates of skeletal muscle consisting of predominantly fast-twitch red, fast-twitch white or slow-twitch intermediate fibers in normal guinea pigs. The specific activities of arylsulfatase A, β-acetylglucosaminidase, β-galactosidase, acid cathepsin and acid phosphatase were found to be highest in the slow-twitch intermediate, medium in the fast-twitch red and lowest in the fast-twitch white fibers. These data provide additional biochemical characteristics of the various types of fibers which constitute guinea pig skeletal muscle.
High-luminosity single carbon stars in stellar and galactic evolution

In the solar neighborhood, approximately half of all intermediate mass main sequence stars with initially between 1 and about 5 M⊙become carbon stars with luminosities near 104 L⊙ for typically less than 106 years. These high luminosity carbon stars lose mass at rates nearly always in excess of 10−7 M⊙ yr−1 and sometimes in excess of 10−5 M⊙ yr−1. Locally, close to half of the mass returned into the interstellar medium by intermediate mass stars before they become white dwarfs is during the carbon star phase. A much greater fraction of lower metallicity stars become carbon-rich before they evolve into planetary nebulae than do higher metallicity stars; therefore, carbon stars are much more importan t in the outer than in the inner Galaxy.
Whale of a crowd: Quantifying the effectiveness of crowd-sourced serious games

In this paper we analyze several Crowd-Sourced Serious Games (CSSGs), a new genre focused on advancing widely respected causes such as social equality and science. We observe that the general effectiveness of these games has remained largely unknown. Existing performance analyses have been limited to documenting experiences with individual systems. More importantly, existing game analytics approaches are designed for games that provide personal experience and entertainment. In contrast, CSSGs attract participants by evoking their sense of social responsibility and sympathy for others. Intuitively, social awareness and sympathy alone may not result in the same level of consistent participation as personal achievement, or fun. Consequently, the success of a CSSG may be more tightly linked to the contributions of few highly-dedicated players (whales).
Uncovering biases in high throughput screens of G-protein coupled receptors.

Abstract The ability of high throughput membrane binding assays to detect ligands for G-protein coupled receptors was examined using mathematical models. Membrane assay models were developed using the extended ternary complex model (Samama et al. , 1993) as a basis. Ligand binding to whole cells was modeled by adding a G-protein activation step. Results show that inverse agonists bind more slowly and with a lower affinity to receptors in the membrane binding assay than to receptors in whole cells, causing the membrane assay to miss pharmaceutically important inverse agonists. Assay modifications to allow detection of inverse agonists are discussed. Finally, kinetic binding data are shown to provide information about ligand efficacy. This work demonstrates the utility of mathematical modeling in detecting biases in drug-screening assay, and also in suggesting techniques to correct those biases.
Climate and land use: Forgive us our carbon debts

Sugar cane ethanol replaces fossil fuels, but changes in soil carbon could offset some of the benefit. Now, a study shows minor loss of soil carbon when pastures and croplands are converted to cane, but larger losses when converting native savannahs.
The Passive Voice and Social Values in Science

This article claims that two social values in science—falsifiability of science and cooperation among scientists—determine use of passives in scientific communication. Scientists do not always develop valid theories, so scientific experiments must be amenable to being repeated and found invalid. This requires that the experiments must not be discrete events. Science is also a cooperative enterprise. As an integral part of science, scientific writing employs more passives than actives to focus on materials, methods, figures, processes, tables, concepts, etc. Use of passives to focus on the physical world helps de-emphasize discreteness of scientific experiments. Besides, it also helps remove personal qualifications of observing experimental results. Finally, it enhances cooperation among working scientists by providing a common knowledge base of scientific work—things and objects. Looked at in this way, the passive voice in scientific writing represents professional practices of science instead of personal...
Introduction to special issue in memorial of John R. Z. Abela: Etiology and Intervention in Youth Depression.

This special issue is devoted to the scientific legacy of John R. Z. Abela, Ph.D. (we refer to him as John throughout). John was a prodigious, influential scholar and a consummate gentleman (see Gi...
Bell-Vol High Volume Sampler

Abstract Maintenance of a constant flow rate has been a long-standing problem with hi-vol samplers used to collect ambient aerosol. Numerous types of commercially available flow controllers are currently in use. A passive flow controller has now been developed that operates without external power or electrical circuits, and, when coupled with an AC inductive motor and cyclone blower, effectively controls flow rate between 100 and 1500 L/min. The flow controller described here controls mass flow rate rather than motor speed - the method used in commercially available hot wire anemometer electronic flow controllers - by continuously applying pressure to the outlet air stream. Thus, the controller is unaffected by such problems as brush wear and line voltage variations that are common to hi-vol samplers. In operation, the pressure drop across any constant flow resistance, such as an orifice, elbow, or length of tubing in conjunction with a diaphragm, functions as a servo mechanism to maintain a constant drop...
On the cancellation of the T ln T in the exchange energy at low temperature

Abstract Using an effective action treatment of the electron gas at low temperature, we show explicitly that the T ln T behavior of the exchange energy is simply due to an ambiguous application of the Hartree-Fock approximation at finite temperature in a many-body problem. A new set of diagrams must be added in order for the approximation to be consistent. At zero temperature this new contribution vanishes.
Portable Conductivity Meter for Detecting Abnormal Milk

Abstract A hand-held conductivity meter was designed for cow-side detection of abnormal milk. Each instrument contains a single flow cell and four sealed push-button switches to select individual quarters. The instrument can be configured for examining Holstein or Jersey type milk by adjusting tube length. Each quarter reading is displayed immediately on a liquid crystal digital display and is comparable with other quarter readings. Milk samples from 626 individual quarters (162 cows) were collected from two Holstein and two Jersey herds and tested with the hand-held conductivity meter. Samples also were analyzed for somatic cells, fat, protein, lactose, pH, total bacterial count, and predominant bacterial groups. The correlation between conductivity and lactose was largest and negative. Somatic cell count, protein, and pH were positively correlated with conductivity. Correlations of conductivity were the highest in the herd with largest incidence of abnormal milk. The meter classified correctly more quarters with abnormal milk than any measure in discriminant analysis when quarters were classified into presence or absence of abnormal milk.
Carnitine and acylcarnitine levels of human peripheral blood lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes

Abstract Lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes are essential to host defense, yet little is known about their metabolic requirements. To determine the involvement of carnitine in the intermediary metabolism of these cells, the amounts of free carnitine and individual acylcarnitines were determined for human peripheral blood lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes. Lymphocytes from healthy young adults contain 79 ± 6 and 56 ± 5 nmol/10 9 cells total and free carnitine, respectively, showing a 29% acylation. When expressed per mg cell protein, they contain 3.41 ± 0.54 nmol total and 2.44 ± 0.40 nmol free carnitine. By comparison, phagocytes contained approximately 4-fold more total carnitine per cell (301 nmol/10 9 cells) and had a much higher level of acylation (69%). Acetylcarnitine was the predominant acylcarnitine in both lymphocytes (15.4 nmol/10 9 cells) and phagocytes (98.3 nmol/10 9 cells) accounting for 72–73% of total acylcarnitines. Long-chain acylcarnitines constituted 3–4% of total acylcarnitines. These data suggest that carnitine is involved in the metabolism of both short and long-chain acyl-CoAs within lymphocytes and phagocytes, but its specific roles in these two cell types have not been determined.
A use of spline data techniques with optimization programs

Spline data techniques for error elimination in trajectory optimization to offer improvement over linear interpolation scheme
Hodgkin's disease of the thymus.

A tumor of the thymus gland characterized by a polymorphic infiltrate similar or identical to Hodgkin's disease has often been diagnosed as granulomatous thymoma. This report describes three such cases. Both the clinical course and the morphologic changes suggest that these patients have nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease in which diagnostic Reed-Sternberg cells are present but extremely sparse. The chance of extrathoracic involvement is extremely high in comparison with all other types of thymomas. For prognostic and therapeutic purposes, these cases should be designated as “Hodgkin's disease of the thymus” and not “granulomatous” thymoma.
Export of species to islands from sources of differing maturity

Export of species from sources (epicenters) of differing ages and complexities was examined using laboratory microcosms. Polyurethane foam (PF) artificial substrates were colonized by protozoans for different time periods in a small pond. Substrates were returned to the laboratory and used as epicenters for protozoan colonization of barren PF ‘islands’ in initially sterile microcosms. Islands were exposed to epicenters for either 24 h or continuously for 28 d. Islands from pairs of microcosms exposed to epicenters of identical ages were sampled on 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 46 d after initial epicenter exposure. Colonization parameters were estimated by fitting numbers of colonizing species to the MacArthur-Wilson equilibrium model. Islands exposed continuously to epicenters were colonized by significantly more species than those exposed for only 24 h. Islands exposed to immature, species poor epicenters were colonized by a greater proportion of the source community than those exposed to more mature, species rich epicenters. All islands were depauperate compared to epicenters except those exposed to the most immature (1 d old) epicenter. Colonization continued at a reduced rate in spite of the absence of the epicenter. Results from communities with rapid species turnover and rapidly reproducing species suggest that the continuous presence of a species source is less important for colonization of a new habitat. Dispersal of potential colonists occurs rapidly in these communities. Less mature communities dominated by pioneer forms are more effective at producing colonists than more mature communities.
Overexpression of 12-lipoxygenase and cardiac fibroblast hypertrophy

Leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (12-LO) catalyzes the conversion of arachidonic acid (C20:4) to 12-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, which in turn reduces to 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (12-HETE) by glutathione peroxidase. Results of studies in vascular smooth muscle and in adrenal glomerulosa cells have supported the concept that 12-LO is an important mediator of angiotensin II (Ang II) action. Studies also indicate that 12-HETE is a potent growth-promoting factor and facilitates proliferation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) fibroblast cells overexpressing the Ang II AT1a receptor (CHO-AT1a cells). However, until recently, the role of 12-LO in cardiac cells had not been explored. Cardiac fibroblasts are a major source of matrix proteins, which can lead directly to extracellular matrix deposition and cardiac fibrosis. To elucidate the role of the 12-LO pathway in fibroblast cell growth, 12-LO cDNA was stably transfected into fetal rat cardiac fibroblasts. The cells overexpressing 12-LO showed an increase in cell protein content and enlargement in cell size with a slowing of cell division rate. Furthermore, the cells overexpressing 12-LO showed increases in fibronectin and collagen deposition compared with mock-transfected cells. These features are most consistent with cellular hypertrophy instead of proliferation. It is proposed that cardiac fibroblast cells overexpressing 12-LO retain the characteristics of fibroblasts, but with additional features of myocytes that have the function of showing cell hypertrophy. These results provide the basis for proposing the hypothesis that enhanced 12-LO expression or activity could play a role in pathogenic cardiac enlargement.
Online and offline interactions in online communities

Online communities, while primarily enacted through technology-mediated environments, can also include offline meetings between members, promoting interactivity and community building. This study explores the offline interactions of online community members and its subsequent impact on online participation. We argue that offline interactions have a counterintuitive impact on online participation. Although these offline interactions strengthen relationships, these relationships undermine the community's sustainability in terms of site participation. Participation has been defined as contribution of content to the online community. A multi-method analysis technique using content analysis, qualitative interviews, and server level quantitative data of users in Everything2.com supports our claim.
Effect of growth rate on elevated temperature plastic flow androom temperature fracture toughness of directionally solidified NiAl-31Cr-3Mo

Abstract The eutectic system Ni-33A1-31Cr-3Mo was directionally solidified at rates ranging from 7.6 to 508 mm/h. Samples were examined for microstructure and alloy chemistry, compression tested at 1200 and 1300 K, and subjected to room temperature fracture toughness measurements. Lamellar eutectic grains were formed at 12.7 mm/h; however, cellular structures with a radial eutectic pattern developed at faster growth rates. Elevated temperature compression testing between 10−4 to 10−7 s−1 did not reveal an optimum growth condition, nor did any single growth condition result in a significant fracture toughness advantage. The mechanical behavior, taken together, suggests that Ni-33A1-31Cr-3Mo grown at rates from 25.4 to 254 mm/h will have nominally equivalent properties
Synthesis of the spirocyclic center of fredericamycin a by phenoxy-enoxy radical coupling

Abstract Ferricyanide oxidation of the dianions of phenolic β-diketones 2 effects intramolecular phenoxy-enoxy radical coupling to form spiro systems derived from C-C bond formation para or ortho to the phenolic oxygen.
Electrochemical studies on rhenium in fused LiCl-KCl eutectic

Abstract Potentiometric and polarographic studies were carried out on Re(IV) and ReO4− in the LiCl-KCl eutectic at 450–550°C. The reversible apparent standard potential of the Re(IV)/Re(0) couple here is −0·389 + (5·6 x 10−4) (t − 450) V vs the standard Pt(II)/Pt(0) reference. Rhenium metal can be electrodeposited from these melts, but potentials exceeding about −1 V result in predeposition of Li(0) which partly dissolves in the rhenium. Anodic dissolution of rhenium metal produces Re(IV) and Re(III); the latter disproportionates at once to Re(IV) and Re(0). This reaction will support only low current densities. Re(IV) is stable indefinitely in the melt, but addition of K2ReCl6 to the melt involves some decomposition to metal during the dissolution process. ReO4− can be reduced to Re(0) in the eutectic at −1·2 V with high current efficiency. Stable intermediate oxidation states were not observed.
Is the Casino Economy Creating Jobs

What happened to the good jobs at casinos? The recession took its toll, insecurity is on the rise, and reforms akin to old-style Taylorism are in vogue. It's a case study of work changes across the United States.
Putative Quorum-Sensing Regulator BlxR of Brucella melitensis Regulates Virulence Factors Including the Type IV Secretion System and Flagella

Brucella melitensis is an intracellular pathogen that establishes a replicative niche within macrophages. While the intracellular lifestyle of Brucella is poorly understood and few virulence factors have been identified, components of a quorum-sensing pathway in Brucella have recently been identified. The LuxR-type regulatory protein, VjbR, and an N-acylhomoserine lactone signaling molecule are both involved in regulating expression of the virB-encoded type IV secretion system. We have identified a second LuxR-type regulatory protein (BlxR) in Brucella. Microarray analysis of a blxR mutant suggests that BlxR regulates the expression of a number of genes, including those encoding the type IV secretion system and flagella. Confirming these results, deletion of blxR in B. melitensis reduced the transcriptional activities of promoters for the virB operon, flagellar genes, and another putative virulence factor gene, bopA. Furthermore, our data suggested that both BlxR and VjbR are positively autoregulated and cross-regulate the expression of each other. The blxR deletion strain exhibited reduced growth in macrophages, similar to that observed for a vjbR deletion strain. However, unlike the vjbR deletion, the blxR deletion did not fully attenuate virulence in mice. More strikingly, bioluminescent imaging revealed that dissemination of the blxR mutant was similar to that of wild-type B. melitensis, while the vjbR mutant was defective for systemic spread in IRF-1(-/-) mice, suggesting that these regulators are not functionally redundant but that they converge in a common pathway regulating bacterial processes.
The Papanicolaou smear: An insensitive case-finding procedure

Abstract The number of women with an abnormal Papanicolaou smear in the period from June 1972, through June 1973, was found to be equally distributed between those newly screened and those with prior normal annual Papanicolaou smears. The reason for this unusual one-to-one ratio are discussed; it is re-emphasized that in a high-risk, sexually active population at least an annual Papanicolaou smear should be done regardless of the number and interval of prior negative reports.
INSTRUMENTAL SINGLE AND DOUBLE COMPRESSION TESTS TO PREDICT SENSORY TEXTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF FOODS

Twenty four commercial food samples were evaluated by a professionally trained descriptive panel who profiled hardness, springiness, fracturability, cohesiveness, cohesiveness of mass and chewiness in the test samples. Instrumental evaluation was carried out using both single and double compression tests with the TAX-T2 Texture Analyzer and a probe consisting of a set of dentures (B.I.T.E. masterII). Multiple instrumental parameters were extracted from the force-deformation curves of single and double compression tests and used for predicting sensory attributes using Partial Least Squares Regression. Relative Ability of Prediction (RAP), the equivalent of an R2 taking into account the unexplained variation of the sensory data, were calculated to evaluate the models'predictive quality. Hardness (RAP=0.84), cohesiveness (RAP=0.72), and fracturability (RAP=0.85) were somewhat accurately predicted, while springiness (RAP=0.52), cohesiveness of mass (RAP=0.34), and chewiness (RAP=0.25) were unsatisfactorily predicted using a single compression test. Even though the test methods used differed significantly from traditional TPA testing, a double compression test did not offer significant improvements over the single compression test for the prediction of textural characteristics, except for the attributes springiness (RAP=0.79) and cohesiveness of mass (RAP=0.49).
Hyphal chain formation in Candida albicans: Cdc28-Hgc1 phosphorylation of Efg1 represses cell separation genes.

Cell chain formation is a characteristic of filamentous growth in fungi. How it is regulated developmentally in multimorphic fungi is not known. In Candida albicans, degradation of septa during yeast growth is accomplished by enzymes encoded by Ace2 activated genes expressed in G1. We found that phosphorylation of a conserved developmental regulator, Efg1, by the cyclin-dependent kinase Cdc28-Hgc1 (hypha-specific G1 cyclin) downregulates Ace2 target genes during hyphal growth in G1. A strain containing a threonine-to-alanine mutation at a conserved Cdc28 phosphorylation site of Efg1 displays a loss of hypha-specific repression of these genes and impaired cell chain formation, mimicking the hgc1 deletion, whereas a strain containing the threonine to aspartic acid mutation leads to a downregulation of these genes and cell chain formation during yeast growth. Furthermore, the phosphomimic mutation can suppress cell separation defects of hgc1. Efg1 also displays preferential association with Ace2 target gene promoters during hyphal growth. We show that convergent regulation of Ace2 and Efg1 defines the transcriptional program of cell chain formation.