cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
IoT Based Time Triggered SPE Smart Switch for AC Appliances Control

The human prime desire for ease and comfortable life is directly dependable and linked with technological advancement. The human race is eager to handover their everyday duties to machines and smart devices in order to reduce their mental/physical stress. A reasonable portion of a humans day comprises of manually controlling (activating/deactivating) electronic appliances, also keeping voltage fluctuations in consideration is a tedious chore and affects ones working efficiency. A smart, efficient, cost efficient, suggestive and dependable electronic smart switch is proposed in this research, capable of reducing daily chores, enhancing human efficiency and suggesting timings based on electricity fluctuations, hence a step towards human comfort. The proposed system consists of a smart switch with web base interface and can operate in two modes (manual and automatic). The web/application can set activation/deactivation timings along with operational voltage limits (min-max) depending upon the country selected for safety of AC appliances. If the timings set by the end-user has a failure probability more than 40%, the system suggests new schedule to its user. The proposed system achieved optimal results for tested scenarios.
Exome sequencing in children with clinically suspected maturity-onset diabetes of the young.

Objective Commercial gene panels identify pathogenic variants in as low as 27% of patients suspected to have MODY, suggesting the role of yet unidentified pathogenic variants. We sought to identify novel gene variants associated with MODY. Research design and methods We recruited 10 children with a clinical suspicion of MODY but non-diagnostic commercial MODY gene panels. We performed exome sequencing (ES) in them and their parents. Results Mean age at diabetes diagnosis was 10 (± 3.8) years. Six were females; 4 were non-Hispanic white, 5 Hispanic, and 1 Asian. Our variant prioritization analysis identified a pathogenic, de novo variant in INS (c.94G > A, p.Gly32Ser), confirmed by Sanger sequencing, in a proband who was previously diagnosed with "autoantibody-negative type 1 diabetes (T1D)" at 3 y/o. This rare variant, absent in the general population (gnomAD database), has been reported previously in neonatal diabetes. We also identified a frameshift deletion (c.2650delC, p.Gln884AsnfsTer57) in RFX6 in a child with a previous diagnosis of "autoantibody-negative T1D" at 12 y/o. The variant was inherited from the mother, who was diagnosed with "thin type 2 diabetes" at 25 y/o. Heterozygous protein-truncating variants in RFX6 gene have been recently reported in individuals with MODY. Conclusions We diagnosed two patients with MODY using ES in children initially classified as "T1D". One has a likely pathogenic novel gene variant not previously associated with MODY. We demonstrate the clinical utility of ES in patients with clinical suspicion of MODY.
Opportunities to Improve Palliative Care Delivery in Trauma Critical Illness.

Background:Despite recommendations to integrate palliative care (PC) into care for critically ill trauma patients, little is known about current PC practices in trauma care to inform opportunities ...
Atmospheric Thermodynamics: Elementary Physics and Chemistry

This textbook presents a uniquely integrated approach in linking both physics and chemistry to the study of atmospheric thermodynamics. The book explains the classical laws of thermodynamics, focuses on various fluid systems, and, recognising the increasing importance of chemistry in the meteorological and climate sciences, devotes a chapter to chemical thermodynamics which includes an overview of photochemistry. Although students are expected to have some background knowledge of calculus, general chemistry and classical physics, the book provides set-aside refresher boxes as useful reminders. It contains over 100 diagrams and graphs to supplement the discussions, and a similar number of worked examples and exercises, with solutions included at the end of the book. It is ideal for a single-semester advanced course on atmospheric thermodynamics, and will prepare students for higher-level synoptic and dynamics courses.
Non-neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction in Children

Non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction, or bladder dysfunction in children with an intact nervous system, falls under the generic term of dysfunctional elimination. This bladder dysfunction encompasses a variety of different symptom presentations whose unifying characteristic usually involves an overactive bladder or involuntary and uninhibited bladder contractions. This syndrome of dysfunctional elimination is linked to pelvic floor dysfunction which does not allow for adequate voluntary pelvic floor relaxation which then prevents complete emptying during micturition or defecation, resulting in extreme cases in urinary and fecal incontinence. The origins and most appropriate therapies for this disorder remain a matter of debate. We will present what we believe the preponderance of the evidence points to as the causes of non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction in children and methods for its most efficacious prevention and treatment.
Intelligent Software Agents for Electronic Commerce

This chapter is a survey of intelligent software agents in general and more specifically electronic commerce agents (ECAs). We begin with basic definitions and discuss the history and economic reasoning motivating the development of software agents. This is followed by a description of agent characteristics and a taxonomy showing where ECAs fit into the landscape of software agent research. How agents accomplish their goal seeking is described along with the learning and action mechanisms. Specific examples of electronic agents are given along with the economic and ethical impacts they are currently having on the market place and the potential impacts they may have in the future.
Biochemical and Clinical Characteristics and Antibiotic Susceptibility of Atypical Enterobacter cloacae

The characteristics of an atypical group of the family Enterobacteriaceae resembling Enterobacter cloacae were studied. The urinary tract was the most common source of these organisms, and most strains represented infections of secondary clinical significance. In contrast to typical Enterobacter strains, the atypical strains were highly susceptible to the cephalosporins; otherwise, there was a high degree of susceptibility to five other antibiotics and resistance to ampicillin except in very high concentration.
Landscape genetics of alpine Sierra Nevada salamanders reveal extreme population subdivision in space and time.

Quantifying the influence of the landscape on the genetic structure of natural populations remains an important empirical challenge, particularly for poorly studied, ecologically cryptic species. We conducted an extensive microsatellite analysis to examine the population genetics of the southern long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum sigillatum) in a naturally complex landscape. Using spatially explicit modelling, we investigated the influence of the Sierra Nevada topography on potential dispersal corridors between sampled populations. Our results indicate very high-genetic divergence among populations, high within-deme relatedness, and little evidence of recent migration or population admixture. We also discovered unexpectedly high between-year genetic differentiation (FST) for breeding sites, suggesting that breeding groups vary over localized space and time. While environmental factors associated with high-elevation montane habitats apparently play an important role in shaping population differentiation, additional, species-specific biological processes must also be operating to account for observed deviations from temporal, among-year panmixia. Our study emphasizes the population-level insights that can be gained from highdensity sampling in space and time, and the highly substructured population biology that may characterize amphibians in extreme montane habitats.
How to Score Situational Judgment Tests: A Theoretical Approach and Empirical Test

HOW TO SCORE SITUATIONAL JUDGMENT TESTS: A THEORETICAL APPROACH AND EMPERICAL TEST By Christopher E. Whelpley A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Business at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Chair: Michael A. McDaniel, Ph. D. Professor, Department of Management The purpose of this dissertation is to examine how the method used to a score situational judgment test (SJT) affects the validity of the SJT both in the presence of other predictors and as a single predictor of task performance. To this end, I compared the summed score approach of scoring SJTs with item response theory and multivariate items response theory. Using two samples and three sets of analyses, I found that the method used to score SJTs influences the validity of the test and that IRT and MIRT show promise for increasing SJT validity. However, no individual scoring method produced the highest amount of validity across all sets of analyses. In line with previous research, SJTs added incremental validity in the presence of GMA and personality and, again, the method used to score the SJT affected the incremental validity. A relative weights analysis was performed for each scoring method across all the sets of analyses showing that, depending on the scoring method, SJT score may account for more criterion variance than either GMA or personality. However, it is likely that the samples were influenced by range restriction present in the incumbent samples.
Using tensor properties of four wave mixing in semiconductor optical amplifiers for polarization independent wavelength conversion or pump suppression

Summary form only given. Wavelength conversion by four-wave mixing (FWM) in semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) has several advantages, including transparency to the modulation format and bit rate. An important feature of the intensity and polarization of the FWM wavelength-converted signal is their dependence on the polarizations of the input signal and pump waves. In this paper, we discuss the polarization properties of the FWM susceptibility /spl chi//sub ifkl/ of strained multiple quantum well SOAs and their potential for application to polarization-independent wavelength conversion and pump suppression.
When I think of you, I feel more confident about me: The relational self and self-confidence

Although much research has demonstrated the existence of relationship specific relational selves, the effects of those selves on feelings about the overall self-concept are unknown. The current research proposed that level of relational interdependent self-construal moderates the relationship between the activation of close relationship partners and self-confidence. The first study examined self-construal as a naturally occurring personality variable, whereas the second study manipulated self-construal. Both studies supported the hypothesis that those greater in relational interdependence experience greater self-confidence when close others are salient whereas those lower in relational interdependence experience lower self-confidence. The implications of the findings and linkages to past research are discussed.
Particle transport at low pressure: particle deposition in a tube with an abrupt contraction

Abstract Particle inertial deposition in a tube with an abrupt contraction was studied experimentally and numerically at low pressure. Measurements were performed for particle deposition onto an orifice plate (orifice diameter: 1.16 cm ) placed in a tube (inner diameter: 3.48 cm ). The system pressure ranged from 27 to 37 Pa (0.2– 0.28 Torr ) and the flow Reynolds number, Re, in the tube was 3.0. Spatially uniform aerosols were produced in the low-pressure environment by the method developed by Sato et al. (Aerosol Sci. Technol., 2001). The observed deposition-efficiency curve as a function of the Stokes number, Stk, is different from that obtained for Re⩾100 at atmospheric pressure (J. Aerosol Sci. 21 (1990) 29; J. Aerosol Sci. 26 (1995) 563). The difference was confirmed by numerical studies. The numerical results for Re=0.1–30 revealed that the deposition curve shifts to a larger Stokes number as the Reynolds number decreases due to flow-pattern changes near the orifice plate. An empirical deposition-efficiency curve was obtained as a function of the Stokes number, the Reynolds number, and the contraction ratio (the ratio of the tube inner diameter to the orifice diameter), R.
High-efficiency continuous-wave diode-pumped Tm:Ho:LuAG laser at 2.1 μm

Continuous Wave (CW) laser action has been observed from a Ho:Tm:LuAG rod at 2.1 μm pumped by a diode laser at 785 nm in the temperature range of 77–200 K. The maximum power observed was 1.38 W at an incident power of 4 W at a crystal temperature of 77 K. The optical-to-optical conversion efficiency was observed to be 35.6% at a threshold power of 0.2 W with a 95% output coupling mirror.
Sequential machines realized by group representations

Abstract Well-known results yield a decomposition of a sequential machine into permutation and reset machines. This paper presents a methodology for the realization of the permutation machines; this methodology involves group representation theory. In the worst case, any permutation machine can be realized by a set of matrices multiplied modulo three. Bounds on the dimensions of these matrices are given. It is further shown that realization can always be performed over roots of unity, and that appropriate fields for realization can be found by solving a very simple equation.
A definition and some results for distributed system observability

The measurement problem in distributed system feedback is posed as an observability question. Sensor location and the information content of the resulting signals relative to a partial differential equation model are the primary questions. A new definition of observability is introduced which allows the specification of the space-time domain where the system is observable. The definition is also applied to the problem of observing a particular set of solution modes. Observability results are given for particular classes of equations. Examples indicate a rationale for using the results in selecting measurement locations in distributed systems.
Characterization of a Novel Schizosaccharomyces pombe Multidrug Resistance Transporter Conferring Brefeldin A Resistance

Brefeldin A disrupts protein secretion and causes the redistribution of the Golgi complex to endoplasmic reticulum in both mammalian cells and wild type Schizosaccharomyces pombe. We have previously isolated six different genes that, when present in multiple copies, confer brefeldin A resistance to wild type S. pombe. Here we present the characterization of one of these genes, hba2, which encodes a novel S. pombe protein that shares significant sequence similarity to members of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of transport proteins. Examination of hba2 expression determined that this gene is overexpressed in mutant strains resistant to brefeldin A due to mutations in the negative regulator crm1(bar1) gene or the bar2 gene. The increase of hba2 expression was independent of the pap1 transcription factor which is repressed by wild type crm1. These results suggest that crm1 negatively regulates multiple transcription factors including one that modulates hba2 transcription.
Endothelium-Derived Hyperpolarizing Factor: Characterization as a Cytochrome P450 1A-Linked Metabolite of Arachidonic Acid in Perfused Rat Mesenteric Prearteriolar Bed☆

Abstract The isolatedperfused rat mesenteric bed releases endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) in response to acetylcholine (ACh) or histamine. I propose that EDHF released in the mesenteric vascular bed is a cytochrome P450 (CYP)-linked, arachidonate metabolite. In the presence of nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and indomethacin, injections of ACh (0.001 to 10 nmol) or histamine (0.1 to 1,000 nmol) elicited transient, dose-dependent dilation of cirazoline (an α1-adrenoceptor selective agonist) preconstricted mesenteric beds. The L-NAME-resistant responses to ACh or histamine were insensitive to tetrodotoxin (1 μmol/L), thus negating its neuronal origin, but were profoundly attenuated by a K+ channel inhibitor tetrabutylammonium (0.5 mmol/L). 7-Ethoxyresorufin (a selective and competitive blocker of CYP 1A isozyme) blunted ACh and histamine mediated EDHF responses but did not alter vasodilation initiated through K+ channel activation by either cromakalim or NS-1619, or through the nitric oxide-cGMP pathway (sodium nitroprusside). Clotrimazole, an imidazole that inhibits CYP by binding to the heme moiety, attenuated ACh, histamine, and cromakalim but not sodium nitroprusside-mediated vasodilator responses. Other CYP isozyme selective inhibitors, such as metyrapone (CYP 2B), 7-pentoxyresorufin (CYP 2B1), sulfaphenazole (CYP 2C/3A), and 17-octadecynoic acid (4A-linked ω-hydroxylase inhibitor), did not alter ACh or histamine-induced EDHF response. The EDHF-mediated dilations initiated by ACh and histamine, as well as KATP activation by cromakalim, were blocked by mepacrine, a nonselective phospholipase A2 inhibitor. Mepacrine did not alter KCa activation by compound NS-1619. I conclude that 1) the isolated perfused rat mesenteric prearteriolar bed releases in response to ACh and histamine, an EDHF that causes vasodilation through K+ channel activation; 2) the EDHF is most likely a CYP-derived arachidonate product; 3) CYP 1A is well suited as the isozyme responsible for EDHF production in this vascular bed; and 4) PLA2 appears to mediate the release of the precursor arachidonic acid.
On the boundary between laboratory ‘givens’ and laboratory ‘tangibles’

From the 4-part Procedure/Observations/Data/Analysis structure of a laboratory report (generalized from Italian, Chinese and US sources), we distill a fifth flavor, the givens, whose flip side is the freedoms or tangibles of an experiment. (Stated in terms of computer science, we are trying to find inputs and outputs, but these turn out to be surprisingly vague in chemistry.) Then, in the service of a white-boxing ethos (which sounds less severe than ‘anti black-boxing’), we establish a movable boundary between givens and tangibles, with implications for ‘ontological attitudes’ and for the future of chemistry. Next, in revisiting a 2002 exchange between Schummer and Laszlo, which might be paraphrased as the chemist-as-philosopher versus chemist-as-artisan, we apply a second kind of sliding scale which seems to harmonize the discussion. Finally, on a possibly quixotic note, we look briefly at a third kind of sliding scale, now aimed squarely at ontology itself. For illustrative purposes, we adopt an atomocentric viewpoint (as distinct from atomistic), and assign it the provisional name ‘Fuzzy CH4 Ontology’.
Extraction of Trivalent Metals and Separation of Binary Mixtures of Metals Using Winsor II Microemulsion Systems

Abstract We present experimental results for the extraction of a trivalent metal ion, chromium, into a water-in-oil microemulsion of Aerosol-OT. We show that it is possible to enhance the aqueous metal ion concentrations to a large extent by using suitable microemulsions as the extractant. The enhancement observed for trivalent metal ions is greater than for bivalent metal ions. The extraction process is successfully modeled by a simple electrostatic model. We also present experimental results on anion distributions in Winsor III systems and show that the microemulsion extraction process effectively separates the anions and cations in one step. Experimental results with a mixture of bivalent copper and trivalent iron solutions show that higher charge cations are preferentially extracted over the bivalent cation.
Nursing and Academic Mergers of the Health Sciences: A Critique

Abstract This article explores the current trend in which the discipline of nursing and other health sciences are merged within a single academic unit in higher education. To date little has been written in the professional literature about the institutions that have engaged in these types of “mergers,” even though they appear to be increasing in occurrence. Since these realignments have the potential to affect the continuing development of academic nursing, attention from the nursing community is warranted. A description of unique dimensions of academic mergers is presented with attention to faculty governance, academic freedom, and tenure. The frame of reference for the exploration uses the goals and expectations from realignments that have been extrapolated from the business literature and reports from health care organizations that have merged. Specifically, academic mergers are presumed to accomplish the following goals: 1. Foster shared resources in terms of faculty talents and content expertise. 2. Consolidate a campus approach to clinical education programming. 3. Increase opportunities for interdisciplinary health professions education. 4. Create a unified and integrated approach to development activities. 5. Coordinate efforts to provide sufficient space for the health sciences. Directions for future exploration and some recommendations for schools of nursing in the throes of merger efforts are offered.
Solar-powered blackbody-pumped lasers

A concept for a solar-powered laser is presented which utilizes an intermediate blackbody cavity to provide a uniform optical pumping environment for the lasant, typically CO or C02 or possibly a solid state laser medium. High power cw blackbody- pumped lasers with efficiencies on the order of 20% or more are feasible. The physical basis of this idea is reviewed. Small scale experiments using a high temperature oven as the optical pump have been carried out with gas laser mixtures. Detailed calculations showing a potential efficiency of 35% for blackbody pumped Nd:YAG system are discussed.
The game of elevenses

It is becoming increasingly diffi cult to develop programming assignments for which the students cannot fi nd implementations on-line. This article describes a fairly simple game for which at the moment this is not the case. It is a card game based on scoring face cards and pairs of non-face cards totaling eleven.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) Protein Suppresses Adenoma-to-carcinoma Transition in Apcmin/+ Mice via Regulation of Snail-1 (SNAI) Protein Stability

STAT3 was recently reported to suppress tumor invasion in Apcmin/+ mice. We investigated the mechanisms by which STAT3 inhibits intestinal epithelial tumors using Apcmin/+/Stat3IEC-KO mice (intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-specific deletion of STAT3 in the Apcmin/+ background) to determine the role of STAT3 in carcinogenesis in vivo as well as colorectal cancer cell lines in vitro. To inhibit invasion of IEC tumors, STAT3 functions as a molecular adaptor rather than a transcription factor. Accordingly, the tumors in Apcmin/+/Stat3IEC-KO mice undergo adenoma-to-carcinoma transition and acquire an invasive phenotype. Similarly, STAT3 knockdown in a colorectal cell line enhances IEC invasion. We demonstrate that STAT3 down-regulates SNAI (Snail-1) expression levels and hence suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, STAT3 facilitates glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3β-mediated degradation of SNAI by regulating phosphorylation of GSK3β. Our data identified a new role for STAT3 in the adenoma-to-carcinoma sequence of intestinal tumors.
Rationale for growth hormone therapy in children with chronic kidney disease

Growth retardation is a common complication in children with chronic kidney disease. Treatable causes of growth retardation in these patients include renal osteodystrophy, metabolic acidosis, and inadequate nutritional intake. In addition, disturbances in the growth hormone-insulinlike growth factor I axis are a major cause of decreased growth. Administration of recombinant human growth hormone can overcome this problem, allowing catch-up growth and achievement of normal or improved adult height.
The observation of filaments in liquid argon

Abstract Filaments and self-phase modulation have been observed in liquid argon. It is estimated that the Kerr effect nonlinearity arises from electronic distortion and molecular redistribution.
MC4R neurons weigh in differently.

Food intake and energy expenditure were thought to be simultaneously controlled by the same group of neurons, but now new evidence shows that they are independently regulated by an anatomically distinct set of melanocortin neurons.
Maine's Baitworm Fisheries: Resources at Risk?

Two species of polychaetous annelids are dug for sale as bait from intertidal mudflats of Maine. This effort generatesnearly $3.5 million in annual revenue and comprises over 90% of the baitworm fisheries in the U.S. The two species are (1) sandworms or clamworms, Nereis virens (family Nereididae) and (2) bloodworms or beakworms, Glycera dibranchiata (family Glyceridae). Numbers of baitworm diggers licensed annually in Maine have increased from 449 in 1948 to a maximum of 1,455 in 1974 and decreased since then to 801 in 1991. Sandworm landings increased from the late 1940s until the early 1960s when they leveled off. They fluctuated between 300,000 and 400,000 lbs landed annually for the next 20 years. Between 1982 and 1991, the sandworm landings ranged between 179,000 (1990) and 380,000 (1982) lbs landed per year. Bloodworm landings were at a maximum between 1960 and 1976, ranging between 140,000 and 215,000 lbs landed annually. After a sharp decline in the bloodworm fishery in the late 1970s, annual landings ranged between 102,000 (1988) and 168,000 (1982) lbs. Reasons for the fluctuations and recent decreases in landings remain unexplained. Some data suggest that market demand limits the baitworm landings for both species, while others imply that overharvesting, at least for bloodworms, may be a problem for these resources.
The function and representation of concepts

Machery has usefully organized the vast heterogeneity in conceptual representation. However, we believe his argument is too narrow in tacitly assuming that concepts are comprised of only prototypes, exemplars, and theories, and also that its eliminative aspect is too strong. We examine two exceptions to Machery's representational taxonomy before considering whether doing without concepts is a good idea.
Inside the MNC: Structuring of Ownership of Firm-Specific Advantages

This study examines how multinational corporations (MNCs) organize internal ownership of their firm-specific advantages (FSAs). FSAs are the proprietary assets that provide the firm with a competitive advantage. In contrast to the assumption that FSAs are a public good within the firm, MNCs allocate economic ownership of their FSAs to affiliates and/or the parent within the firm. The MNC entities that own the FSAs internally contract or license them to other MNC entities. We identify four different ways in which MNCs choose to structure internal ownership of FSAs. Drawing on property rights theory, we argue that these structures are important in creating incentives and facilitating coordination within the firm. The results suggest that MNCs with independent and easily codifiable FSAs, such as trademarks, are more likely to use ownership structures that provide market-like incentives. In contrast, MNCs with knowledge-intensive, tacit FSAs are more likely to use ownership structures that facilitate knowledg...
State of water and electrolytes in mammalian cells during maturation and differentiation

The state of water and electrolytes was examined (1) in the rat erythroblastic leukemic cell, as a model of a maturing erythrocyte; (2) in the mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cell during the cell cycle as a model of the uninhibited proliferating cell; and (3) in a clonal population of proliferating and differentiating precursor cells cultured from the bone marrow of the rat. Methods used were phenomenological and included assessments of the volumes of osmotically active water, content of K+, Na+, and Cl−, volumes of distribution for Na+, urea, and ethylene glycol, and the thermodynamics of transport of water and solutes into and out of the cell. The erythroblastic leukemic cell provided evidence for compartments of osmotically active and inactive water and solute. The synchronized ascites tumor cell indicated that these compartments varied during the cell cycle. Membrane function as defined by its permeability to water also varied during the cell cycle. When proliferating cells matured, changes in membrane permeability to water and to nonelectrolytes also correlated with successive stages of differentiation.
Oestrogen receptor-β expression in melanocytic lesions

Melanomas rarely occur before puberty, have a higher death rate for males, and tend to be more invasive during pregnancy. Prior to the discovery of a second oestrogen receptor (ERbeta), studies with the initial oestrogen receptor, ERalpha, showed no obvious role for oestrogen in the pathophysiology of benign or malignant melanocytic lesions. To investigate the specific immunostaining patterns of ERalpha and ERbeta, benign nevocytic nevi, dysplastic nevi with mild, moderate and severe cytological atypia, lentigo malignas and melanomas of varying depth (Clark) and thickness (Breslow) were studied. ERbeta but not ERalpha was the predominant oestrogen receptor we found in all types of benign and malignant melanocytic lesions. The most intense ERbeta immunostaining was seen in melanocytes in dysplastic nevi with severe cytological atypia and in lentigo malignas. ERbeta expression levels also correlated with the malignant tumor microenvironment; i.e., melanocytes in proximity with keratinocytes>deeper dermal melanocytes in contact with stroma>minimally invasive melanomas>Clark Level III/IV or thick melanomas (Breslow). Discovery that ERbeta expression varies in relation to the tumor microenvironment and increasing depth of invasion suggests its possible usefulness as a surrogate marker for neoplasia and prognosis in malignant melanoma.
Direct modulation by Ca 2+ –calmodulin of cyclic nucleotide-activated channel of rat olfactory receptor neurons

Olfactory receptor neurons depolarize in response to odorant stimulation of their sensory cilia. One transduction mechanism involves a G-protein-mediated increase in adenylate cyclase activity, raising the internal cyclic AMP concentration to open a cyclic nucleotide-activated cation channel on the plasma membrane. An influx of Ca2+ through this channel, which is permeable to both monovalent and divalent cations, triggers olfactory adaptation. Previous work has indicated that at least part of this Ca(2+)-mediated adaptation resides in the channel itself, but the mechanism remains unclear and controversial. Here we use the cloned channel from rat expressed in a cell line and the native channel from rat olfactory receptor cells to show that Ca2+ reduces the apparent affinity of the channel for cAMP by up to 20-fold in the presence of calmodulin, an abundant protein in olfactory cilia. This decrease in apparent affinity appears to involve a direct interaction between Ca(2+)-calmodulin and the channel, and it can reduce the activation of the channel by cAMP by up to a few hundred-fold, suggesting that it may be a key component of the Ca(2+)-triggered olfactory adaptation.
Differential expression of InlB and ActA in Listeria monocytogenes in selective and nonselective enrichment broths.

Aim: To investigate the effect of selective and nonselective media on the expression of ActA and InlB proteins in Listeria monocytogenes. Methods and Results: Polyclonal antibodies to InlB and ActA were used in western blotting to determine the effect of selective (BLEB, UVM, and FB) or nonselective (BHI and LB) enrichment broths or hotdog exudates. Of the 13 L. monocytogenes serotypes tested, 11 and 12 serotypes showed a strong InlB expression in brain heart infusion (BHI) and Luria-Bertani (LB), respectively, while only seven and one serotypes showed a strong ActA expression in these two respective broths, and others showed a weaker or no expression. On the contrary, in selective broths, expression of InlB was either very weak or undetectable. However, ActA expression was stronger in 12 serotypes when grown in buffered Listeria enrichment broth (BLEB), 11 in University of Vermont medium (UVM), and 10 in Fraser broth (FB). When tested in hotdog exudates, InlB and ActA were detected in serotypes grown at 37°C but not at 4°C. Transmission electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mRNA analysis further supported these observations. Conclusion: Overall, selective enrichment broths promote ActA while nonselective broths promote InlB expression. Significance and Impact of the study: As commonly recommended enrichment broths show differential InlB and ActA expression, proper media must be selected to avoid false results during antibody-based detection of L. monocytogenes.
A Model of Cooperative Finance: Reply

Jones's comment raises an important question: Which objective function should we economists use in studying cooperative financial structure? Perhaps we do not have enough data to provide a reliable answer now. There exists a voluminous literature in which economists have debated the nature of the proprietary firm's objective functions. See Auster and Silver, Herendeen and Schechter, and Palmer, and references cited therein. Also, see Barnett, Blake, and McCarl; Harper and Eastman; Patrick, Blake, and Whittaker; and Wise and Brannen for empirical studies of goals of farm operators; and Ladd for an empirical study of cooperative objectives. Until we know cooperative members' goals and the goals that they want their cooperatives to achieve, our choice of cooperative objective function must be a tentative one. We do have a small semantic quibble with Jones's penultimate sentence. He writes that our model "seems to yield illogical results." It would have been more accurate to say "counterintuitive" than "illogical." Our results were the logical implications of our assumptions. Jones has proposed an alternative model for studying cooperative financial structure. He contrasted his objective function with ours by describing ours as measuring "accounting profit" whereas his measures "economic profit." Jones demonstrated the difference in the objective functions in his table 1. A word of caution is in order concerning the table in Jones's paper. These results were computed using our maximizing values for s, LT, and
Improved procedures for controlling the voltage gradient and temperature during electrophoresis in submerged horizontal slab gels

The accuracy of electrophoretic mobility (μ) determinations made by electrophoresis in gels is limited by the accuracy of the control of voltage gradient and temperature. To improve the accuracy of μ determinations during electrophoresis in horizontal slab gels, apparatuses have been built and procedures have been developed for improved control of the voltage gradient and temperature during electrophoresis. Temperature is controlled ± 0.2–0.3°C and voltage gradient is controlled ± 1–2%.
Process monitoring through wafer-level spatial variation decomposition

Monitoring the semiconductor manufacturing process and understanding the various sources of variation and their repercussions is a crucial capability. Indeed, identifying the root-cause of device failures, enhancing yield of future production through improvement of the manufacturing environment, and providing feedback to the designer toward development of design techniques that minimize failure rate rely on such a capability. To this end, we introduce a spatial decomposition method for breaking down the variation of a wafer to its spatial constituents, based on a small number of measurements sampled across the wafer. We demonstrate that by leveraging domain-specific knowledge and by using as constituents dynamically learned, interpretable basis functions, the ability of the proposed method to accurately identify the sources of variation is drastically improved, as compared to existing approaches. We then illustrate the utility of the proposed spatial variation decomposition method in (i) identifying the main contributor to yield variation, (ii) predicting the actual yield of a wafer, and (iii) clustering wafers for production planning and abnormal wafer identification purposes. Results are reported on industrial data from high-volume manufacturing, confirming the ability of the proposed method to provide great insight regarding the sources of variation in the semiconductor manufacturing process.
Damsels in distress: A review of the conservation status of Hawaiian Megalagrion damselflies (Odonata: Coenagrionidae)

1. The damselfly genus Megalagrion as presently interpreted contains 23 species and 5 sub-species, all confined to the Hawaiian Islands. Based on current surveys, 23 of these 28 taxa are still extant, although two lowland species, M. xanthomelas and M. pactficum, appear to be extirpated from certain islands that formerly constituted portions of their original ranges. 2. Of the five taxa not yet rediscovered, three (M. williamsoni, M. amaurodytum fallax and M. amaurodytum waianaeanum) are of questionable taxonomic validity, and the remaining two (M. jugorum and M. molokaiense) are rare and ecologically specialized species that do not occur near the typical aquatic damselfly habitats most frequently surveyed by collectors. 3. The current major threats to Megalagrion species are competition and predation from introduced fish, frog and invertebrate species, and physical destruction of habitats, particularly on the island of Oahu.
Images and afterimages of sinusoidal gratings.

Abstract To measure the contrast sensitivity function for afterimages, sinusoidal gratings of various contrasts and spatial frequencies were presented briefly to observers, who were asked to report the presence or absence of a primary image, a positive afterimage, and a negative afterimage. It proved possible for subjects consistently to distinguish between primary images and positive afterimages, suggesting that stimulus offset is signalled independently of perceived structure. At low spatial frequencies, negative afterimages were more detectable than positive afterimages, whereas at higher spatial frequencies, the reverse was true. This suggests that positive and negative afterimages are mediated by neural channels with different spatial characteristics.
Elucidation of aliphatic structures in low-rank coals with ruthenium tetroxide oxidations☆

Abstract The oxidation of low-rank coals with ruthenium tetroxide was investigated with the objective of elucidating the aliphatic bridging groups and hydroaromatic groups present in the organic structure. The reaction was carried out in a two-phase system with a phase transfer catalyst. An accurate quantitative method was developed for the analysis of the carboxylic acid products. Six of the products were determined by isotope dilution with standard acids followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of methyl esters prepared from the acid mixture. A suite of low-rank coals were oxidized in this system and product yields were compared. Higher yields of the aliphatic acids were obtained from the higher-rank subbituminous coals. A series of lithotypes of Beulah lignite were oxidized. The yields of the aliphatic acids obtained from lithotypes were in the order: vitrain > durain > fusain, and aromatic acids were obtained from the lithotypes in the opposite order. A method was developed to distinguish whether the aliphatic acids originated from hydroaromatic or bridging groups. A prior-dehydrogenation experiment resulted in a 50% change in the amount of succinic acid obtained in the oxidation but very little change in the amount of adipic acid. This finding implies that half of the succinic acid originates from hydroaromatics and half from bridging groups, whereas very little of the adipic acid results from hydroaromatic groups.
Diflunisal-induced maternal anemia as a cause of teratogenicity in rabbits.

Diflunisal [5-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-salicylic acid] is a new analgesic antiinflammatory drug that, when administered orally to rabbits at 40 and 60 mg/kg/day, caused terata, most commonly axial skeletal defects. These same dosage levels also caused a severe maternal hemolytic anemia following a dramatic decrease in erythrocyte ATP levels. The teratogenicity, anemia, and depletion of ATP were unique to the rabbit among species examined. To test the possible causality between the teratogenic effects and anemia induced by diflunisal, a single dose of 180 mg/kg diflunisal was administered to rabbits on gestation day 5. This treatment produced an anemia that persisted through gestation day 15 in addition to causing the characteristic axial skeletal defects. Since diflunisal was cleared from maternal blood before gestation day 9, the critical day for induction of similar axial skeletal defects by hypoxia, the skeletal malformations probably resulted from maternal hypoxia secondary to anemia and not from a direct and specific effect of the drug on the embryo. In addition, we observed that the diflunisal level in the embryo was less than 5% of the peak maternal blood level probably as a result of high plasma protein binding of diflunisal in the maternal blood (>98%). This relatively low placental transfer may explain the lack of diflunisal teratogenicity in rats and mice compared to aspirin which crosses the placenta more readily. These studies demonstrate that a species that exhibits unusually severe drug-specific maternotoxicity is probably an unsuitable model for the prediction of the teratogenic potential of that drug in humans.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TYPE OF PENILE ABNORMALITY AND PENILE VASCULAR STATUS IN PATIENTS WITH PEYRONIE'S DISEASE

ABSTRACTPurpose: We evaluated penile vascular status using penile duplex Doppler ultrasound (PDDU) according to the type of abnormality in men with Peyronie's disease (PD).Materials and Methods: A total of 523 patients with PD were evaluated retrospectively. Each patient underwent PDDU following injections of 10 to 15 μg prostaglandin E1 intracavernously with accompanying visual sexual stimulation to evaluate penile blood flow. Abnormalities were divided into 7 groups. Objective evaluation of penile curvature was done with a protractor during maximum erection. Specific criteria were used to categorize patients into varying definitions of vascular status. The results were compared statistically among groups.Results: Mean patient age ± SEM was 54.2 ± 1.5 years. The most frequently noted type of curvature was dorsal (43.5% of cases), followed by lateral (24.8%). Mean peak systolic velocity in the ventrolateral group was the highest, while the lowest peak systolic velocity was noted in the hourglass abnormali...
Stepwise aggregation, compaction, and differentiation of uncompacted F9 cells.

To study the relationship between compaction and differentiation in aggregates of F9 embryonal carcinoma cells, a subline was developed which grows mostly uncompacted in monolayer culture in medium containing a low concentration of calcium (about 0.05 mM). When these cells were trypsinized and cultured in suspension in the same medium, they formed loose, open aggregates, which failed to differentiate into embryoid bodies after exposure to 10 nM retinoic acid, confirming the requirement of compaction for differentiation. If, after culture for 3 days, the uncompacted F9 aggregates were exposed to additional calcium (4 mM), all compacted within an hour. The number of days necessary for aggregates to acquire this ability to compact rapidly was reduced if the monolayer of cells from which the aggregates were derived had been exposed to additional calcium to cause compaction for several days prior to trypsinization and aggregation. Next, treatment of the compacted F9 aggregates with 10 nM retinoic acid was followed by differentiation into embryoid bodies. The number of days required for this was also reduced if the aggregates were formed from previously compacted cells, presumably because compaction of the aggregates occured sooner. The acceleration in compaction and differentiation in aggregates formed from previously compacted cells suggests that some of the proteins important for compaction, which are synthesized in a monolayer of compacted cells, persist through trypsinization and are carried over from monolayer to aggregates. Alternatively, an inhibitor of compaction is decreased in the compacted monolayer. Thus, the process of compaction in its entirety, including its relationship to subsequent differentiation, cannot be studied in aggregates formed from F9 cells grown as usual in the compacted state in monolayer culture. This work provides an alternative system in which aggregation, compaction, and differentiation of F9 cells can be made to occur in stepwise fashion and can be examined separately.
Chaos, cycles, and schwarzian derivatives for families of asymmetric maps

We define dynamical systems of families of asymmetric maps on the unit interval. The asymmetric maps are derived by conjugation with Bernoulli Shifts, tent maps, logistic maps, and logistic shift maps. These maps are asymmetric Bernoulli Shifts, asymmetric tent maps, asymmetric logistic maps, and asymmetric logistic shift maps. We prove that these dynamical systems are chaotic and we compute invariant densities and Lyapunov exponents. We investigate properties of the Schwarzian derivatives in these families of functions.
Computer-based methodology laboratories: 1. An undergraduate course in experimental psychology

At West Virginia University, microcomputers are used in the laboratory sections of a conventional undergraduate course on research methods in psychology. IBM-compatible computers and QuickBasic programs are used to duplicate the functions of equipment that is less reliable and, taken collectively, more expensive—equipment such as stimulus projectors, pursuit rotors, timers, and mirror tracing stands. The computer systems increase the speed and efficiency of data collection, reduce errors of procedure and measurement, and implement numerous steps to standardize procedures and limit extraneous influences. As a consequence, uncontrolled variability is minimized, and the opportunity for meaningful research outcomes is maximized. The laboratory can be expanded with software alone, without the expense of additional hardware.
Neonatal Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis Presenting as Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Pulmonary artery thrombosis in neonates occurs rarely. This report describes the case of a term infant with a pulmonary artery thrombosis presenting as persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. The risk factors identified in the case included maternal diabetes and heterozygous factor V Leiden deficiency. The pulmonary thrombus was successfully treated with percutaneous catheter-based embolectomy.
Packed column supercritical fluid chromatography-mass spectroscopy: A review

Abstract The literature is reviewed with regard to packed column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled directly with mass spectrometry (MS) using either analytical scale or microbore columns that have typically been used for liquid chromatography analysis. Efforts with direct fluid introduction, moving belt interface, thermospray, particle beam, and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization have been discussed. No longer should SFC be a last resort technique but it should be exercised to its full advantage, especially when coupled to MS. With continual advances in commercially available instrumentation, sample assay by SFC-MS should become routine and rugged.