cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Photonic Crystal Ring Resonators and Ring Resonator Circuits

We present the characteristics and applications of photonic crystal ring resonators (PCRR). Photonic crystal confinement can achieve very high cavity quality factor ring resonators. Diffraction-limited ultra-compact PCRRs are feasible due to the absence of size-dependent losses. The flexible modal properties can offer flexible design and integration schemes for either forward or backward propagating add-drop filters based on single- or dual-ring PCRRs. Hybrid-confined PCRRs also show great potential and useful characteristics. Furthermore, we report a few device and circuit configurations based on PCRRs for high-speed modulators, filters, delay lines, etc. Such PCRR structures can potentially provide a good alternative to the traditional microring resonators, as one of the key contributors to the emerging low-power nanophotonics technology.
Imaging Hybrid Photon Detectors with a Reflective Photocathode

Abstract Modern epitaxially grown photocathodes, like GaAsP, bring a very high inherent quantum efficiency, but are rather expensive due to the complicated manufacturing and mounting process. We argue that such photocathodes could be used in reflective mode, in order to avoid the risky and expensive removal of the epitaxial growth substrate. Besides that the quantum efficiency should increase considerably. In this paper we present results of the development of large imaging Hybrid Photon Detectors (HPDs), particularly designed for such reflective photocathodes.
The history and development of the human genetics society of Australasia

The Human Genetics Society of Australasia is a vibrant professional society with more than 900 members that promotes and regulates the practice of human and medical genetics in Australia and New Zealand. The growth of human genetics was stimulated by the development of diagnostic clinical cytogenetics laboratories in the early to mid 1960s. This coincided with the recognition by medical specialists, mainly pediatricians, that genetic disorders, especially inborn errors of metabolism and birth defects, were of clinical interest and potentially challenging areas for their skills. The organization of professionals in human genetics was slow to evolve. There was an early Western Australian Human Genetics Society, and the cytogenetics community had begun to meet annually from about 1966 but was coordinated by a mailing list rather than as a formal organization. In 1976, as part of the celebrations of the Centenary Year of the Adelaide Children's Hospital, a clinical genetics meeting involving several high profile international speakers and most of the senior medical geneticists in Australia and New Zealand along with the annual meeting of the loose-knit cytogeneticists group agreed that a small working group be charged with setting up a Human Genetics Society. The society was formally incorporated in South Australia in 1977.
Characteristics of cocaine block of purified cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release channels

We have examined the effects of cocaine on the SR Ca2+ release channel purified from canine cardiac muscle. Cocaine induced a flicker block of the channel from the cytoplasmic side, which resulted in an apparent reduction in the single-channel current amplitude without a marked reduction in the single-channel open probability. This block was evident only at positive holding potentials. Analysis of the block revealed that cocaine binds to a single site with an effective valence of 0.93 and an apparent dissociation constant at 0 mV (Kd(0)) of 38 mM. The kinetics of cocaine block were analyzed by amplitude distribution analysis and showed that the voltage and concentration dependence lay exclusively in the blocking reaction, whereas the unblocking reaction was independent of both voltage and concentration. Modification of the channel by ryanodine dramatically attenuated the voltage and concentration dependence of the on rates of cocaine block while diminishing the off rates to a lesser extent. In addition, ryanodine modification changed the effective valence of cocaine block to 0.52 and the Kd(0) to 110 mM, suggesting that modification of the channel results in an alteration in the binding site and its affinity for cocaine. These results suggest that cocaine block of the SR Ca2+ release channel is due to the binding at a single site within the channel pore and that modification of the channel by ryanodine leads to profound changes in the kinetics of cocaine block.
Malingering as a Dichotomous Variable: Case Report on an Insanity Defendant

Malingering in forensic contexts has garnered increased attention in recent years. As a result, the past two decades have seen the development of more than a half dozen instruments to assess response styles. Although these instruments are gaining unprecedented popularity among forensic practitioners, there is little research on how closely practitioners adhere to the published guidelines for administration or interpretation. This article provides a case study of the use of one popular instrument, the Structured Inventory of Reported Symptoms, in an insanity case. Misinterpretation of the defendant's scores contributed to the misclassification of malingering, which was used to bolster the government's case at trial. This case suggests the need for better training and more caution when using instruments to assess response styles in forensic contexts.
Limitations of How We Categorize People

Social policy researchers and policy rules and regulation writers have not taken advantage of advances in assessing ways in which social representations of ideas about people can convey alternative explanations of social life. During the past decade a growing number of scholars have considered how representational practices and the representations that are outcomes of such practices have value. Neglecting to consider representational practices has consequences including failure to mobilize and sustain alternative ideologies that reject narrow perspectives on families and communities. As evidenced by recent OMB rulings on census categories, the dominant sense of meaning of population—and hence family and community—is quite similar to the 17th century sense of people as objects of a particular category in a place from which samples can be taken for statistical measurement. However, the contrastive analysis presented in this paper points out how sustained attention to consequences of use of sets of information categories collected to enumerate population to inform social policy can still materialize. In the wake of federal welfare reform, policy makers are particularly interested in questions of benefit relative to social service delivery and community revitalization. The presentation includes lessons learned from several dozen family, youth, school and community research projects.
What for platelet factor 4

Lambert and colleagues use a cohort of genetically modified mice to demonstrate that platelet factor 4 (PF4) inhibits in vivo megakaryocytopoiesis, and thus propose a novel approach to counter chemotherapy-related thrombocytopenia. PF4, a member of the CXC family of chemokines, is the most abundant
Heterogeneity of γ‐Aminobutyric Acid/Benzodiazepine/β‐Carboline Receptor Complex in Rat Spinal Cord

: The properties of muscimol, β-carboline (BC), and benzodiazepine (BZD) binding to crude synaptic membranes were studied in the spinal cord and cerebellum of rats. In cerebellar membranes, the density of high-affinity [3H]muscimol and [3H]6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-β-carboline ([3H]BCCM) binding sites is almost identical to that of [3H]flunitrazepam ([3H]FLU) or[3H]flumazenil (Ro 15–1788; ethyl-8-fluoro-5,6-dihydro-5-methyl-6-oxo-4H-imidazo[1,5–α][1–4]benzodiazepine-3-carboxylate). In contrast to the cerebellum, the number of muscimol and BC binding sites in rat spinal cord is ∼20–25% of the number of FLU or flumazenil binding sites. Moreover, in spinal cord membranes, BC recognition site ligands displace [3H]-flumazenil bound to those sites, with low affinity and a Hill slope significantly <1; the potency of the different BCs in displacing [3H]flumazenil is 25–50-fold lower in the spinal cord than in the cerebellum. [3H]Flumazenil is not displaced from spinal cord membranes by the peripheral BZD ligand Ro 5–4864 (4′-chlorodiazepam), whereas it is displaced with low affinity and a Hill slope of < 1 (nH= 0.4) by CL 218,872 (3-methyl-6–(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1,2,4-triazolol[4,3-b]pyridazine). These data suggest that a large number of BZD binding sites in spinal cord (∼80%) are of the central-type, BZD2 subclass, whereas the BZD binding sites in cerebellum are predominately of the central-type. BZD1 subclass. In both cerebellar and spinal cord membranes, micromolar γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enhanced the binding of [3H]FLU; however, this effect is less efficacious and less potent in the spinal cord, observations indicating two possibilities: (a) that in spinal cord some of the BZD2 binding sites are not coupled to the GABAA binding sites, or (b) that they are coupled in a GABAA/BZD2 receptor complex containing a large proportion of BZD2 binding sites associated with a relatively small number of GABAA binding sites.
Activity and Connectivity of Brain Mood Regulating Circuit in Depression: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Study

Background Functional imaging studies indicate that imbalances in cortico-limbic activity and connectivity may underlie the pathophysiology of MDD. In this study, using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), we investigated differences in cortico-limbic activity and connectivity between depressed patients and healthy controls. Methods Fifteen unmedicated unipolar depressed patients and 15 matched healthy subjects underwent fMRI during which they first completed a conventional block-design activation experiment in which they were exposed to negative and neutral pictures. Next, low frequency blood oxygenation dependent (BOLD) related fluctuations (LFBF) data were acquired at rest and during steady-state exposure to neutral, positive and negative pictures. LFBF correlations were calculated between anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and limbic regions – amygdala (AMYG), pallidostriatum (PST) and medial thalamus (MTHAL) and used as a measure of cortico-limbic connectivity. Results Depressed patients had increased activation of cortical and limbic regions. At rest and during exposure to neutral, positive, and negative pictures cortico-limbic LFBF correlations were decreased in depressed patients compared to healthy subjects. Conclusions The finding of increased activation of limbic regions and decreased LFBF correlations between ACC and limbic regions is consistent with the hypothesis that decreased cortical regulation of limbic activation in response to negative stimuli may be present in depression.
A Posteriori error estimates for a discontinuous galerkin method applied to elliptic problems. Log number: R74

Abstract A posteriori error estimates for locally mass conservative methods for subsurface flow are presented. These methods are based on discontinuous approximation spaces and referred to as discontinuous Galerkin methods. In the case where penalty terms are added to the bilinear form, one obtains the nonsymmetric interior penalty Galerkin methods. In a previous work, we proved optimal rates of convergence of the methods applied to elliptic problems. Here, h adaptivity is investigated for flow problems in 2D. We derive global explicit estimators of the error in the L 2 norm and we numerically investigate an implicit indicator of the error in the energy norm. Model problems with discontinuous coefficients are considered.
Spatial localization during pursuit eye movements.

Abstract Two-dimensional eye movements were recorded while observers used ballistic arm movements to localize targets presented during smooth pursuit. Mean position of responses was 2′ arc ( SE = 3′arc ) from a target when localizations depended solely on eye position. Next, observers accurately struck an untracked target seen moving in the peripheral retina showing that eye position cues were used to compensate for retinal image motion caused by pursuit of other objects. Finally, observers used the method of adjustment to veridically set the path of a target to show that accurate localizations were not restricted to a motor task. These results show that observers are sensitive to changes in the position of the pursuing eye.
Cancer risk models: translating family history into clinical management.

In this issue, Parmigiani and colleagues tested the ability of 6 models to discriminate BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers from noncarriers. According to these researchers, no one type of model is b...
Crystallization at low temperatures as a technique in the analysis of oils

1. A rapid method for determining the saturated, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids in a 1-gram sample of fat has been described. 2. Saturated fatty acids were separated by quantitative crystallization from acetone solution at −40° C. 3. The three unsaturated acids, oleic, linoleic and linolenic, were calculated from the iodine and thiocyanogen values of the remaining liquid acids. 4. Analysis of known mixtures of fatty acids demonstrated the accuracy of the method to be approximately ±2 units percent. 5. Duplicate determinations of the fatty acid distribution in natural oils agreed within 0 to 4 units percent. 6. Data on the oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid content of 15 seed oils were presented.
Threatened fishes of the world: Poecilia latipunctata Meek, 1904 (Poeciliidae)

Common names: Tamesi molly (US), Topote del Tamesi (MX). Conservation status: Listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN based on population declines, fragmentation of populations, and decline of habitat quality. The species is federally protected by the Mexican government (SEDESOL 1994). Identification: Poecilia latipunctata is a typical molly characterized by a longitudinal stripe of discontinuous black spots midside of body. The maximum size is ~50 mm. Illustration by Debby Kaspari. Distribution: Confined to the headwaters of the Rio Tamesi (Rios Guayalejo and Mante), Tamaulipas, Mexico. It was introduced into La Media Luna, San Luis Potosi (Miller et al. 2005). Ecology: This species prefers gravelly to muddy habitats with clear, flowing water and aquatic vegetation. It also occurs in irrigation ditches with lower flow and overhanging vegetation. Poecilia latipunctata predominantly feeds on detritus and algae (Darnell 1962). It occurs sympatrically with two other molly species, P. mexicana and P. formosa, and has been documented to serve as sperm donor for gynogenetic P. formosa females (Niemeitz et al. 2002). Although phenotypically a short-fin molly, the species is closely related to the long fin clade within the mollies (Ptacek et al. 2005). Threats: The species is threatened predominantly through fragmentation of suitable habitats as well as habitat deterioration by intense agriculture and invasive species. Conservation recommendations: The species is protected by Mexican law, but no specific conservation actions have been taken to date. The current distribution and abundance of P. latipunctata should be Environ Biol Fish (2009) 85:31–32 DOI 10.1007/s10641-009-9451-1
A New Webmaster's Guide to Firewalls and Security

As more companies develop Web sites to show or sell their products online, there is a corresponding increase in attacks by those who want to maliciously damage a company's reputation or steal its resources. Securing a Web site against savvy hackers can be a daunting task for a firm's Webmaster. This article explores the threat of attack and the measures that a company can take to gain its highest level of defense.
ANOMALIES AND FERMION ZERO MODES ON STRINGS AND DOMAIN WALLS

the parity anomaly in 2n + 1 dimensions, and the Dirac index density in 2n + 2 dimensions can be understood in terms of the physics of fermion zero modes on strings and domain walls. We show that the Dirac equation possesses chiral zero modes in the presence of strings in 2n +2 dimensions (such as occur in axion theories) or domain walls in 2n + 1 dimensions. We show that the anomalies due to the chiral zero modes are exactly cancelled by anomalies due to the coupling of axion-like fields to the Dirac index density or by anomalies due to the induced topological mass term. Anomalies arise when the quantum-mechanical vacuum functional of a field theory fails to have all the symmetries of the classical lagrangian from which it is derived. Ifthe symmetry in question is a gauge symmetry associated with a dynamical gauge field, the anomaly is intolerable and must be eliminated. The usual method is direct cancellation by the addition of extra fermion species with appropriate quantum numbers. In this paper, we will show that in certain contexts involving defects (i.e. strings and domain walls), anomalies arise which may be compensated by quantum number flows in the higher-dimensional space in which the defect is embedded, rather than cancelled. This phenomenon gives a particularly simple physical interpretation of the recently discovered mathematical connection between chiral anomalies in 2n +2 dimensions, parity anomalies in 2n + l dimensions and gravitational and non-abelian anomalies in 2n dimensions [1-5]. It also suggests some interesting phenomenological possibilities for the axion strings which may have played a role in the development of density perturbations in the early universe
The effect of boron application on boron partitioning in Tristar and Benton strawberries

Abstract Soil applications of boron were applied shortly before transplanting dormant strawberry plants into the field in early April. Composite samples of ‘Benton’ and ‘Tristar’ grown under soil applied B fertilizer rates of 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.5 kg/ha B were taken during June, August, and September in 1985. ‘Benton’ plants were resampled in April 1986. Tissue concentrations and dry weights were determined for up to ten plant parts. Concentrations decreased over time. Differences in B content between treatments were greatest early in the season and gradually disappeared. The amounts of boron in different plant parts were similar by September for ‘Tristar’ and in the following spring for ‘Benton’. Even though total boron content in strawberry plants could be doubled with the high boron application, little change occurred in nonleaf tissues. Approximately 90% of the additional boron in a plant resulting from soil application of B was found in the leaves. Total B content of nonleaf tissues was similar regard...
Henry B. Stallard, MD: The 1924 Paris Olympics, and Chariots of Fire

Hyla Bristow Stallard was one of the greatest middle-distance runners in British athletic history. While an English medical student, he won the bronze medal in the 1500-meter run at the 1924 Paris Olympics, immortalized in the critically acclaimed 1981 epic British film, Chariots of Fire. He later became one of the most famous ophthalmologists in the world for his pioneering work in radiation therapy of malignant eye disease. He was an inspiring role model for both athletes and physicians. As a gifted individual who enjoyed two international careers, he is worthy of great admiration and emulation.
Visions of success and achievement in recreation-related USDA Forest Service NEPA processes

Abstract The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is incorporated into the planning and decision-making culture of all natural resource agencies in the U.S. Yet, we know little about how the attitudes and internal interactions of interdisciplinary (ID) teams engaged in NEPA processes influence process outcomes. We conducted a web-based survey of 106 ID team leaders involved with environmental analyses (EA) or environmental impact statements (EIS) for projects dealing with recreation and travel management on national forests. We explore how they define success in these processes and identify factors most powerfully associated with perceptions of positive outcomes. The survey revealed a tremendous diversity in definitions of success. Strong correlations between the perceived importance of particular indicators of success and their achievement suggest that pre-conceived notions may often help to shape process outcomes. Regression analyses revealed the following factors as the best predictors of ID team leaders' perception of an “excellent outcome”: achievement of the agency mission, whether compromise had taken place between the interested parties, team satisfaction and harmony, timely process completion, and project implementation. Yet, respondents consistently ranked compromise with interested parties and team member satisfaction among the least important measures of successful NEPA processes. Results suggest that clarifying appropriate measures of success in NEPA processes across the agency could make ID team performance more consistent. The research also suggests that greater attention to ID team interactions, both internally and between teams and interested publics, could result in better outcomes.
Human immunodeficiency virus: refolding the envelope.

HIV has evolved to avoid neutralization by human antibodies. New atomic-level details reveal that such evasion involves substantial refolding of its exterior glycoprotein.
IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF COMBINATIONS AMINOGLYCOSIDES AND PENICILLINS AGAINST GROUP B STREPTOCOCCI

In recent years group B streptococci (GBS) have become one of the most common etiologic agents in neonatal infections. In vitro studies indicate that GBS are susceptible to concentrations of penicillin and ampicillin readily achievable in serum. However, fatality rates, often in excess of 50%, occur despite antibiotic therapy. Ampicillin (AMP), penicillin G (Pen G), tobramycin (TOB), kanamycin (KAN), gentamicin (GEN), and amikacin (AMI) were evaluated for their in vitro activity against GBS. Checkerboard titrations of the combination of aminoglycoside and penicillin or ampicillin were performed. Ninety percent of the fifteen isolates tested showed indifference to the aminoglycoside-ampicillin combination, whereas ten percent had an additive effect. Eighty percent of the isolates showed indifference to the aminoglycoside-penicillin combination, with twenty percent having an additive effect. No synergy or antagonism was found using the various amino-glycosides with either penicillin or ampicillin. Although synergy was not demonstrated, it appears that initial empiric combination antibiotic therapy in infants suspected of having sepsis should not compromise the outcome of those with GBS sepsis.
Coastal mine detection using the COBRA multispectral sensor

The Coastal Systems Station (CSS) at Panama City, FL is developing an airborne multispectral sensor system which flies on an unmanned aerial vehicle for detecting mines in a coastal environment. This system is called the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) system and has successfully completed preliminary developmental testing (DT-0). For this program, the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (ERIM) developed a fieldable ground station including integrated aircraft tracking, real-time sensor data analysis, and a post processor testbed for developing and evaluating mine and minefield detection algorithms. A fully adaptive multispectral Constant False Alarm Rate mine detection algorithm was implemented in the post-processor by ERIM, along with patterned and scatterable minefield detection algorithms developed by CSS. The algorithms do not require prior knowledge of mine spectral signatures and thus are ideal for detecting a wide variety of mines with unknown or changing spectral signatures. COBRA DT-0 testing has been performed on actual minefields deployed at coastal and inland test sites. Preliminary results show that the COBRA system, coupled with these algorithms, meets the required minefield detection performance goals. This paper reviews the algorithm theory and implementation, overviews the ground station design, and presents minefield detection results from actual minefield imagery collected over realistic scenes during DT-0 testing.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ion-pair effects as observed in the ESR spectra of radical cations

Abstract The observed shifts in the proton hyperfine coupling constants due to ion-pair formation in five different radical cation systems is compared to that expected if the effect is due to an electrostatic perturbation of the ring system (Reddoch-McClelland model). The sign of the shift is as predicted in all cases; the numerical values agree within an order of magnitude.
Female sexuality after spinal cord injury

A questionnaire investigating women's perception of sexuality and sexual behavior after spinal cord injury was mailed to all 74 women followed by the Central Pennsylvania Spinal Cord Injury Program. 37% responded. (After spinal cord injury, women rated sex as being 26% less important to them, but also felt 23% less satisfied with their sexual lives.) 52% were able to achieve an orgasm after their injury, but half of the women who experienced orgasm felt it was different after spinal cord injury. The biggest perceived change after spinal cord injury was perceived attractiveness of their bodies. Women rated their bodies as being only half as attractive after their injury as before. Female sexuality remains a vastly underresearched area in spinal cord injury, and much more data is needed to counsel women about sex after their injury. All members of the rehabilitation team need to be comfortable addressing issues of sexuality with their patients.
Using digital strategies to manage print collections more efficiently: a case study

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to document the use of digital strategies in managing print collections more efficiently in a small research institution.Design/methodology/approach – This is a case study which documents a four prong strategy that was used to manage collections as diverse as nineteenth century photographs, early twentieth century regional art, faculty conference papers, church history and student engaged learning initiatives.Findings – It takes several years to build critical mass. Patience, partnerships and creativity are essential. Timing is often crucial. Changing the culture is necessary. A university mandate is required.Originality/value – Sharing best practices is crucial in our profession. Although each institution is unique, we all have things we can learn from each other and tweak or adapt to our own environment. The important lessons here are in breaking down the digital projects into samplers and engaging users, donors and collectors to promote and support the work.
BRIDGING CRIMINAL CAREERS, THEORY, AND POLICY THROUGH LATENT VARIABLE MODELS OF INDIVIDUAL OFFENDING*

Our goal is to build bridges between theoretical criminology, the study of criminal careers, and policy-relevant research. Insights from the criminal career and propensity positions lead us to seek (1) a comprehensive means of incorporating theoretical variables in research on criminal careers, (2) statistical models that yield meaningful projections relevant to public policy issues, and (3) methods for comparing findings for different measures of offending. We present a conceptual framework accomplishing this by applying the general linear model to the study of crime and criminal careers. This framework differentiates the elements of (1) a curvilinear function linking the scale of the linear model and the scale of the measure of offending, (2) a probabilistic relationship between a latent tendency to offend and the measure of offending, (3) a probability distribution of individual differences on the latent dimension, and (4) relationships among repeated observations for the same individual. We describe numerous versions of the general linear model that do not require special statistical expertise and are appropriate for the full range of measures of offending. We conclude by addressing strategies for comparing results across measures.
Atrial natriuretic factor binding to its receptor is dependent on chloride concentration: A possible feedback-control mechanism in renal salt regulation.

Abstract —Although considerable evidence indicates a role for atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in renal salt regulation, other studies have found a lack of natriuretic response to high-plasma ANF under certain physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The mechanism for this apparent insensitivity to ANF is unknown. In the present study, it was found that ANF binding to its receptor requires the presence of chloride and occurs in a chloride concentration–dependent manner. ANF binding was measured using the purified recombinant hormone-binding domain of the ANF receptor in the presence of 0.1 mol/L NaCl or other selected salt. High specific binding was detected in the presence of NaCl, KCl, or NH4Cl. However, binding was undetectable when the salt was replaced with NaHCO3, CH3COONa, or CH3COONH4, indicating that binding requires the presence of chloride. Chloride dependence was also found with the native receptor in bovine adrenocortical membrane preparations. ANF binding to the recombinant protein was chloride concentration–dependent over a range from 0.05 to 10 mmol/L, and a half-maximum binding was attained at ≈0.6 mmol/L equivalent chloride concentration. Competitive-binding assays at several fixed concentrations of NaCl showed that lowering chloride concentration caused a decrease in maximum binding but did not alter K d values, suggesting that a loss of chloride turns off ANF binding rather than reducing affinity for ANF. Saturation-binding studies showed that excess ANF cannot overcome loss of binding caused by low chloride. Chloride-dependent ANF-receptor binding may function as a feedback-control mechanism regulating the ANF-receptor action and, hence, renal sodium excretion.
The unusual nature of root formation in molar teeth of the laboratory rat.

The cellular cementum phase of root formation in molar teeth of Sprague-Dawley rats was studied in thin sections for transmission electron microscopy. Once cellular cementum formation is established, cells of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath are embedded en masse between cementum and dentine at the advancing root edge. This developmental event is coincident with an alteration in the rates of formation of cementum and dentine; cellular cementum coming both to precede and to be of greater bulk than dentine at the advancing root edge. This mode of root formation does not seem to have been described for other mammals and should be taken into account in studies utilizing rat molar periodontium. Despite the unusual fate of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, there is evidence of morphological continuity between epithelial sheath and dental sac compartments prior to cementogenesis. The possible roles of epithelial root sheath and of occlusal function in cellular cementum formation are discussed.
MWIR continuous zoom with large zoom range

Multiple fields of view are achieved by two methods. The system can have optical groups that flip in and out to change the field of view, and/or optical groups that move axially to change the field of view. For flip in systems, the fields of view are discreet and they may have greatly different fields of view. A zoom system can have a continuous change in the field of view, but is often limited in the field of view range that can be achieved. Corning Incorporated has developed a thermal imaging zoom system with greater than 30X zoom range. With a solid fundamental design and appropriate selection of moving group focal lengths, the zoom system provides continuous changes in the field of view from the narrow field of view to the wide field of view. Corning accomplished this result in a short package with just two moving groups. The system is for the MWIR band.
Ribozyme-catalysed amino-acid transfer reactions

The 'RNA world' hypothesis proposes an early stage in the evolution of life in which both genomic and catalytic functions were fulfilled by RNA. The evolution of RNA-catalysed protein synthesis would have been a necessary step in the transition from such an RNA world to modern protein-dominated biology. For this to have been possible, RNA must be capable of catalysing amide-bond formation using acylated carrier RNA substrates as amino-acid donors. We have used in vitro selection and evolution to isolate ribozymes with acyl transferase activity from a pool of random RNA sequences. One of these acyl transferases with a 5'-amino group transfers an amino acid to itself in a reaction that we propose to be analogous to peptidyl transfer on the ribosome.
Changes in retail energy prices and the consumer price index

Abstract Household energy use patterns and retail energy price trends for electicity, gas, oil and coal, and gasoline are examined for the period 1950–74. The major results of this examination are listed below. 1. 1. Households directly use about one-third of the Nation's total energy: 22% in their homes and 13% in their autiomobiles. In 1974, American households spent $70 billion on the 25 QBtu of fuel they consumed directly. 2. 2. The Consumer Price Indices for fuels showed sizable changes between 1950 and 1974. Electricity prices (“real prices, not “nominal” prices) declined 27% between 1950 and 1970 and then climbed 9% between 1970 and 1974. Gas prices increased 9% during the 1950s, declined 15% during the 1960s, and rose 4% between 1970 and 1974. Oil and coal prices remained nearly constant between 1950 and 1965; between 1965 and 1972 prices declined 5%; since then prices increased more then 50%. Gasoline prices remained nearly constant between 1950 and 1965; the next seven years saw a 14% decline followed by a 26% increase between 1972 and 1974. 3. 3. The energy price changes proposed by President Ford in January 1975 would, if implemented, increase the Comsumer Price Index by about 1.3% due to direct impacts and another 0.9% due to indirect impacts—a total increase of 2.2%.
Canavirgella banfieldii Needlecast of Pinus strobus in Michigan.

In the winter of 1995 to 1996, browning and dieback of the 1995 needle complement of Pinus strobus L., resembling needlecast caused by Canavirgella banfieldii Merrill et al. (1), was observed in Antrim County, MI. (Needle dieback = distal portions of the needles die, but short basal segments remain living and diseased needles remain attached until normal shedding of the entire complement.) Affected needles at that time had not developed ascomata, but bore spent pycnidia resembling those of C. banfieldii. About 25% of the symptomatic needles collected on 7 June 1996 bore hysterothecia of C. banfieldii in various stages of development. On wetting about 8% of these opened and released mature ascospores. Voucher specimens are in BPI and PACMA. Heretofore, C. banfieldii has been known from western North Carolina to central New York, northern Vermont, and central and eastern Maine. This is the first report of this pathogen in the Lake States, a significant extension of its known distribution, and substantiates ...
Game2Learn: building CS1 learning games for retention

This paper presents Game2Learn, an innovative project designed to leverage games in retaining students in computer science (CS). In our two-pronged approach, students in integrative final-year capstone courses and summer research experiences develop games to teach computer science, which, in turn, will be used to improve introductory computing courses. Our successful model for summer undergraduate research and capstone projects engages students in solving the computing retention problem, allows them to quickly create games, and instructs students in user- and learner-centered design and research methods. Results show that this method of building games to teach engages students at multiple levels, inspiring newer students that one day their homework may all be games, and encouraging advanced students to continue on into graduate studies in computing.
Primary inoculation tuberculosis

A case of primary inoculation tuberculosis of the finger is described, in which Mantoux test conversion reverted after prompt surgical and medical treatment. The pathology of primary inoculation tuberculosis is reviewed briefly, and the rationale for excision of the early tuberculous lesion is discussed.
Random chain scission of polystyrene in electron irradiated solution

Main-chain scission was the predominant effect when dilute solutions of three linear polystyrenes in 1-methylnaphthalene and polybenzyl oligomer received up to 2000 megaroentgen of 1.5-MeV electrons. Values of energy per scission were independent of dose and of the same magnitude as literature values in dioxane and benzene solutions when compared at the same dose rate. In all cases as irradiation progressed, Mw/Mn approached a value of 2 and Mz/Mw approached a value of 1.5 characteristic of a random distribution. Starting from one initial distribution, random numbers were used to simulate random chain scission. A 500 MR (megaroentgen) distribution calculated in this manner matched the experimental distribution after a 500 MR irradiation.
A SIMPLIFIED METHOD OF DETERMINING THE DRY VOLUME OF CLAY BRIQUETTES

The dry volumes of clay briquettes for use in a draw trial burn are determined by dividing the dry weight by the bulk specific gravity. This method eliminates saturation of the test pieces with kerosene.
How to detect activated coagulation

Summary Studies employing activation peptide assays indicate that a biochemical imbalance between procoagulant and anticoagulant mechanisms can be detected in the blood of patients prior to developing thrombosis and that coagulation activation is suppressed by oral anticoagulant therapy. Properly designed prospective studies will be required to evaluate whether these assays will improve our ability to identify individuals destined to develop a clinically relevant hypercoagulable state. It also remains to be determined whether such assays can pinpoint patients most likely to benefit from prolonged anticoagulant therapy or provide a better means for determining the optimal amount of drug to administer.
Platelet-derived growth factor and mesangial cells

Growth factors and cytokines such as the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) have the potential to mediate many biologic responses of glomerular cells, particularly mesangial cells [1]. Peptide growth factors including PDGF possess diverse biologic properties highly relevant to glomerular pathology [2]. Biologic effects of PDGF may include promotion of hypertrophy and proliferation, regulation of matrix metabolism, vasoactive properties, regulation of immune-inflammatory responses such as chemotaxis, activation or deactivation of inflammatory cells, and a role in development and differentiation.
Rabbi Hayyim of Volozhin's Non-Messianic Vision of the Present and Future

Recent studies have characterized R. Hayyim of Volozhin (1749–1821) as actively preparing for the messianic redemption. Contrary to this, I maintain that R. Hayyim was concerned with the immediate potential of the world in the context of historical time (divre ha-yamim), rather than with a world-to-come, in the context of messianic time (aharit ha-yamim). To R. Hayyim, the existence of the cosmos and the stability of a dynamic life-giving universe are fraught with contingency because of the interdependent organic naturality shared by man and world. This contingency is constant, placing man's conduct as the central determinant of the world's future. R. Hayyim's theory and practice attest to a concern for the immanent and transcendent aspects of this world and for the meanings of our everyday experienced relationship to its variegated pragmata.
Effects of maternal strain on ethanol responses in reciprocal F1 C57BL/6J and DBA/2J hybrid mice

Variations in maternal behavior, either occurring naturally or in response to experimental manipulations, have been shown to exert long-lasting consequences on offspring behavior and physiology. Despite previous research examining the effects of developmental manipulations on drug-related phenotypes, few studies have specifically investigated the influence of strain-based differences in maternal behavior on drug responses in mice. The current experiments used reciprocal F1 hybrids of two inbred mouse strains (i.e. DBA/2J and C57BL/6J) that differ in both ethanol (EtOH) responses and maternal behavior to assess the effects of maternal environment on EtOH-related phenotypes. Male and female DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice and their reciprocal F1 hybrids reared by either DBA/2J or C57BL/6J dams were tested in adulthood for EtOH intake (choice, forced), EtOH-induced hypothermia, EtOH-induced activity and EtOH-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice showed differences on all EtOH responses. Consistent with previous reports that maternal strain can influence EtOH intake, F1 hybrids reared by C57BL/6J dams consumed more EtOH during forced exposure than did F1 hybrids reared by DBA/2J dams. Maternal strain also influenced EtOH-induced hypothermic responses in F1 hybrids, producing differences in hybrid mice that paralleled those of the inbred strains. In contrast, maternal strain did not influence EtOH-induced activity or CPP in hybrid mice. The current findings indicate that maternal environment may contribute to variance in EtOH-induced hypothermia and EtOH intake, although effects on EtOH intake appear to be dependent upon the type of EtOH exposure.
Characterization and regulation by protein kinase C of renal glomerular atrial natriuretic peptide receptor-coupled guanylate cyclase

Summary The nature and regulation of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)-sensitive guanylate cyclase in rat renal glomerular membranes was examined. By affinity crosslinking techniques, three bands with apparent molecular masses of 180, 130 and 64 kDa were specifically labeled with [125I]ANP. A specific antibody to the 180 kDa membrane guanylate cyclase of rat adrenocortical carcinoma recognized a 180 kDa band on Western blot analysis of solubilized, GTP-affinity purified glomerular membrane proteins. The same antibody completely inhibited ANP-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity in glomerular membrane fractions. Partially purified protein kinase C inhibited ANP-stimulated guanylate cyclase activity in glomerular membrane fractions. It is concluded that a 180 kDa ANP-sensitive guanylate cyclase is present in glomerular membranes, and that this enzyme is inhibited directly by protein kinase C.
Mechanical properties of CdTe

Abstract Thermal and mechanical stresses are thought to play an important part in the formation and multiplication of dislocations during the directional solidification of CdTe. To evaluate the effects of stress on crystal quality, it is necessary to know the mechanical properties of CdTe at all temperatures that a growing ingot would experience. In this context, we have determined the stress-strain behavior and the critical resolved shear stress (CRSS) of CdTe from 300 to 1353 K. Single crystal CdTe specimens, oriented along the axis, were uniaxially compressed at a strain rate of 10−4 s−1 at different temperatures. B2O3 was used as an encapsulant to prevent evaporation of CdTe at temperatures of 773 K or above. The CRSS decreased rapidly with increasing temperature up to 400 K, was nearly constant between 400 and 800 K, and decreased again beyond 800 K. The CRSS ranged from 5 MPa at 300 K to about 0.2 MPa at 1353 K. The shear modulus ranged from approximately 100 MPa at 300 K to 30 MPa at 1353 K. B2O3 did not appear to affect the onset of plastic deformation. The apparent shear modulus values were lower with the use of B2O3. In a related work, we studied in situ the effect of applied stress on tensile specimens of Si, Si-doped GaAs and CdTe crystals by synchrotron X-ray topography. Results indicate that defects, believed to be dislocations, began to move and multiply in Si-doped GaAs and Si crystals at stresses that were approximately 0.3 to 0.6 times the CRSS calculated from an engineering stress-strain diagram. Dislocation motion could not be observed in CdTe due to the poor resolution of the topographs of CdTe samples.
Award Program Recognizes Efforts to Protect Geoscience Data

A new award program could help spur increased preservation and sharing of geoscience research data, including “dark data” that may not be properly indexed and archived for easy access and retrieval.
High‐dose chemotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation for the treatment of small cell lung carcinoma

Fourteen patients with untreated small cell bronchogenic carcinoma were treated initially with 2 chemotherapy courses of cyclophosphamide (1.5 g/m2 days 1-3), 4-dimethyl epipodophylloxtin (200 mg/m2 days 1-3), vincristine (1.5 mg/m2 days 1 and 3), and with Adriamycin (80 mg/m2 day 1) in 8 patients and without Adriamycin in 6 patients. To modify hematopoietic toxicity from these high doses of chemotherapy, autologous marrow collected and frozen before storage was thawed and infused after each of these high-dose therapies. After this therapy patients received prophylactic brain irradiation (3000 rad), 4 courses of usual doses of these same drugs and then 5000 rad chest irradiation if there was still evidence of disease (PR) or randomized to radiation if in complete remission (CR). Response rate was high, with 54% CR and 46% PR, a total of 100%. However, a median response duration of 41 weeks and median survival of 56 weeks, are similar to other chemotherapy programs. Toxicity was mild except for cardiac arrhythmias when Adriamycin was included. The reasons for no therapeutic increment are discussed.
Ileofemoral Malperfusion Complicating Type A Dissection: Revascularization Prevents Renal Failure

We report four cases of lower extremity malperfusion complicating acute type A dissection. Two patients were treated with acute type A dissection repair, followed by axillobifemoral bypass grafting when malperfusion persisted after aortic replacement and required dialysis. Two patients were managed with lower extremity revascularization procedures before acute type A dissection repair and had preserved renal function. Lower extremity revascularization before cardiopulmonary bypass minimizes ischemia and allows for controlled limb reperfusion under hypothermic conditions compared with delayed normothermic reperfusion when performed after acute type A dissection repair. This strategy may increase limb function salvage and decrease the incidence of dialysis after acute type A dissection repair in patients presenting with lower extremity malperfusion.
Serum cholesterol reduction with tamoxifen.

The serum cholesterol levels of 123 consecutively and newly diagnosed women with Stage I and II breast cancer taking tamoxifen were compared with a control group of 81 consecutively newly diagnosed women with Stage I and II breast cancer who were not taking a hormonal treatment or supplement. Other factors that were evaluated were age, menopausal status, tumor size, weight, height, Quetelet index, and smoking and alcohol intake history. The mean cholesterol change in patients on tamoxifen (34.2 ± 3.6 mg/dl) was significantly greater than controls (1.0 ± 4.1 mg/dl) (P<0.001). Serum cholesterol fell by more than 10 mg/dl in 72.9% of women on tamoxifen vs. 35.1% of controls and by more than 40 mg/dl in 39.9% of women on tamoxifen vs. 12.6% of controls. Multivariate analysis revealed that tamoxifen administration (P<0.0001), initial cholesterol level (P = 0.001), and age (P = 0.04) were significant factors in producing a decrease in serum cholesterol. The administration of tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy to women with newly diagnosed breast cancer resulted in a significant fall in serum cholesterol. This effect of tamoxifen on the serum cholesterol may prove to be an additional benefit in the form of reduced cardiovascular risk in these women.