cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of a GnRH agonist to suppress testosterone in wild male Hawaiian monk seals (Monachus schauinslandi).

Abstract A gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, d -Trp 6 -LHRH, was evaluated for its effectiveness in reducing circulating testosterone concentrations in wild Hawaiian monk seals ( Monachus schauinslandi ). Twenty-eight adult male seals were randomly divided into three groups: 10 were captured and treated with 7.5 mg of the GnRH agonist, 9 were captured but did not receive the agonist, and 9 were captured near the end of the study to serve as handling controls. Blood samples were taken from all 28 seals. From 14 to 58 days after initial capture, 8 of the treated seals and 8 of the untreated seals were recaptured and a second sample of blood was taken. For comparison, blood was also collected from 4 captive adult male seals during the same months as the field study. In the treated group, the agonist induced a significant decline in mean circulating testosterone concentrations, from 1.01 ng/ml (first sample) to 0.21 ng/ml (second sample, taken approximately 38 days later). In the untreated group, mean testosterone concentrations of the first and second samples were statistically indistinguishable (1.11 vs 1.16 ng/ml). The mean concentration of the untreated group (second sample) was also indistinguishable from the mean concentration of seals in the control group (1.16 vs 0.82 ng/ml). Also, mean testosterone concentration in the initial samples from the four captive seals was not statistically different from that of untreated wild seals (1.38 vs 1.11 ng/ml). These results suggest that (1) the GnRH agonist suppresses the production of testosterone in wild adult male Hawaiian monk seals, (2) a single handling of adult male seals does not affect their testosterone levels, and (3) testosterone concentrations in captive male seals appear to be consistent with concentrations in wild seals. Further evaluation of this GnRH agonist is necessary before it is used in the management of this endangered species, but these results suggest it may be a useful tool for reducing mortality of monk seals from adult male aggression related to reproduction and mating behavior.
The oriented growth of precipitates on dislocations in Al-Zn-Mg—part II. A model

Abstract A model is proposed to explain the effect on particle growth kinetics of the misorientation between the preferred growth direction of a heterogeneously-nucleated lath-like precipitate and the initial orientation of its catalyzing dislocation. Based on observations of the growth of η phase particles in the Al-Zn-Mg system (described in Part I), randomly oriented dislocations are assumed to bend to accommodate lath lengthening in order to maintain particle/dislocation contiguity. This accommodation is shown to require an increase in defect length which depends on the angle of the misorientation. The model assumes that the production of this additional dislocation length lowers the free energy change of the precipitation process, thereby slowing down particle growth kinetics at larger misorientations. The model is used to modify an existing theoretical treatment of precipitate growth on dislocations in order to allow direct comparison with experimentally measured growth behavior in Al-Zn-Mg.
Measurements of amplitude probability distributions and power of automobile ignition noise at HF

Measurements of the amplitude probability distribution (APD) of the envelope and measurements of other parameters of automobile ignition noise were made at frequencies between 24 and 30 MHz. The measurements were conducted at a quiet site where several single stationary vehicles were operated at engine speeds corresponding to idle and cruise. Measurements were also made at two distances near a freeway, for light traffic (approximately 20 vehicles per min) and for heavy traffic (approximately 45 vehicles per min). The principal instrumentation consisted of several phase-stable receivers with coherent quadrature detectors whose outputs were digitized at a rate of 200 samples per quadrature component per second and recorded on magnetic tape for computer processing. About 10 min of data (about 120 000 samples) were obtained during each measurement. The computer plotted the APD on a Rayleigh scale in dB relative to thermal noise and calculated the mean noise power available at the antenna terminals (related by a constant to the noise factor F a ) and V d --the ratio in dB of rms to average voltage. The average power of the ignition noise increases with engine r/min and V d usually decreases. Near a freeway, most of the noise is contributed by a small number of very noisy vehicles. The APD's for various situations are strikingly similar; all show that most of the noise envelope samples in a measurement are Rayleigh distributed. A small percentage of the noise samples do not follow the Rayleigh distribution, but are of higher amplitude. This percentage is higher for an engine at cruise speed than at idle speed, and higher for heavy traffic than for light traffic.
Heat generation rate measurement in a Li-ion cell at large C-rates through temperature and heat flux measurements

Abstract Understanding the rate of heat generation in a Li-ion cell is critical for safety and performance of Li-ion cells and systems. Cell performance, cycle life, and system safety all depend on temperature distribution in the cell, which, in turn, depends on heat generation rate within the cell and on heat removal rate at the cell surface. Despite the existence of a number of theoretical models to predict heat generation rate, there is not much literature on experimental measurement at high C-rates. This paper reports measurement of heat generation rate from a Li-ion cell at high discharge rates, up to 9.6C, using measurements of cell temperature and surface heat flux. As opposed to calorimetry-based approaches, this method can be applied in situ to yield measurements of heat generation rate in laboratory or field use provided that at least one a priori test is performed to measure the temperature gradient within a cell in the same ambient condition. This method is based on simultaneous determination of heat stored and heat lost from the cell through heat flux and temperature measurements. A novel method is established for measurement of the internal temperature of the cell. Heat generation measurements are shown to agree with well-established theoretical models. The effect of actively cooling the cell is briefly discussed.
Catholic Priests and the Political Order: The Political Behavior of Catholic Pastors

A nationwide mail survey of Catholic priests is analyzed with respect to their political behavior in the presidential election of 2000. Priests exhibit a slight tendency to self-identify as political liberals, and a strong tendency to identify with the Democratic Party. Nevertheless, Bill Clinton won a very narrow victory over Bob Dole among priests in 1996, and George W. Bush trounced Al Gore among Catholic clergy in 2000. My analysis suggests that support for Gore was motivated by concern for hunger and poverty among Catholic priests, while support for Bush was driven primarily by priestly opposition to abortion. Political participation among priests was predicted by the importance attached to social justice concerns, and by congruence between the social and economic views of each priest and his congregation.
The effects of age on perceptual problem-solving strategies.

Abstract Witkin's Embedded Figures Test (EFT) was used to measure the changes with age in field dependence and problem-solving ability Qualitative data concerning problem-solving strategies and quantitative data were collected. EFT was administered to 12 females in each of the following decades: 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60, 70s. All subjects were moderately to well educated, healthy, and relatively active members of the community. All had at least 20/33 corrected or uncorrected vision. An interview was held with each participant after completion of the EFT. ANOVA of time scores indicated that significantly (p < 0:01) more time is needed to solve the items with an increase in age; a Tukey (a) test revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase between the 40s and 60s age groups. With an increase in age a significant (p < 0.01) decline in the number of items solved was found. Partial correlations revealed that age is the most important factor, vis-a-vis general intelligence, visual acuity, and the personality factor...
Psoriasis: current perspectives with an emphasis on treatment

An individualized treatment regimen is necessary for each patient with psoriasis because of the diverse nature of the disease. The manifestation of psoriasis, the severity and extent of the lesions, and the medical history and lifestyle of the patient are important factors that determine the selection of treatment, but in general therapies with the fewest side effects are preferred. First-line topical treatments are corticosteroids, calcipotriene, and tazarotene. If topical treatments are unsuccessful, phototherapy with ultraviolet B or photochemotherapy with psoralens plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) are the next choices. If psoriasis fails to respond to an adequate trial of topical therapy or phototherapy, systemic therapies including methotrexate, acitretin, or cyclosporin should be initiated. Because the regimens involved in systemic and phototherapy are complex and require frequent dose adjustments and specialized equipment, the patient should be referred to a dermatologist when topical therapy is not effective.
B2-mediated glucose production during carvedilol and metoprolol titration in heart failure

Background Metoprolol and carvedilol are commonly used in heart failure (HF). Previous studies in hypertension indicate worsening of insulin sensitivity with metoprolol but not with carvedilol. However in HF, their relative effects on glucose production have not been directly compared. This study compares fasting glucose and β2-mediated glucose production during metoprolol and carvedilol titration in HF patients. Methods From a previous cohort of HF subjects whose metoprolol or carvedilol were titrated to maximally tolerated doses (up to metoprolol 200mg/d or carvedilol 25mg twice daily) over 5 visits, we analyzed (1) fasting glucose and (2) glucose AUC0–180min upon a β2-agonist (terbutaline) infusion in nondiabetic individuals. Results Fasting glucose (mg/dL) in the metoprolol group (n=9) decreased from 91.1±2.6 (baseline) to 86.9±2.0 (end of titration) while it increased from 91.8±3.1 to 95.7±2.6 with carvedilol (n=6) (p=0.0273, ANCOVA for the comparison between groups). AUC0–180 (mmol/L× 180 min) upon terbutaline infusion decreased from 5.6±0.3 to 4.8±0.1 with metoprolol versus from 5.8±0.3 to 5.0±0.1 with carvedilol (p=NS). AUC0–180 for both metoprolol and carvedilol decreases as drug dosages increase (p=0.0006, repeated measures ANOVA), with a trend toward bigger reduction with metoprolol. Conclusions Metoprolol and carvedilol at clinically relevant doses do not impair fasting glucose in HF. As beta blockade increases, β2-mediated glucose production is reduced. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P54–P54; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.096
Imagining the global corporate gulag: lessons from history and criminological theory

This article explores the enabling pre‐conditions of global mass imprisonment from historical and criminological perspectives. Driven in part by Western first‐world anxieties about weakening economic supremacy, declining safety, declining standard of living, and increasing social isolation in a diaspora of strangers, this article explores the spread of penal populism beyond American shores, with a particular focus on the proliferation of privatized, for‐profit, punishment schemes. The expressive and instrumental functions of actuarial punishment schemes are noted.
Emergency medicine journal clubs.

Objective: To ascertain the status of journal club within emergency medicine (EM) residency programs and to describe 3 currently used formats. Methods: The directors of U.S. Residency Review Committee for Emergency Medicine (RRC-EM)-approved residency programs were surveyed to determine the features of their programs' journal clubs. Responses to 3 questions assessing the degree of satisfaction (5-item scales from very good to very poor) with the “current format,” “resident participation,” and “faculty participation” from the survey were grouped according to the program director's impressions of resident and faculty “enjoyment” (2 3-item scales) and whether the journal club is a “success” (3-item scale) to develop an overall satisfaction index. Three journal club formats currently in use at EM residencies are described in detail. Results: Of the 101 directors surveyed, 91 (90%) responded. The respondents' overall satisfaction index was highest when the journal club was held in the evening (p < 0.008) or at a faculty member's home (p < 0.0004). The format of the journal club (e.g., by topic, with a statistical focus, with a research design focus, or as a clinical practice update) was not associated with the overall satisfaction index. Conclusion: Journal clubs associated with EM residencies vary in format and perceived success. The 3 representative journal clubs illustrate different format options.
Interparental Conflict Styles and Youth Problem Behaviors: A Two-Sample Replication Study

We examine the association between interparental conflict and youth internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors. Youth perceptions of three interparental conflict variables are studied: frequency of disagreement, parents' use of an overt conflict style, and parents' use of a covert conflict style. Data are from two samples of youth from Tennessee and Utah. Interparental conflict variables account for over 20% of the variance in youth problem behaviors, and hostile conflict styles are more strongly associated with problem behavior than is the frequency of disagreement. The results are fairly consistent for sons and daughters, preadolescent and early adolescent youth, youth in nondivorced and divorced (mother-custody) families, poor and less-poor youth, and Mormon and non-Mormon youth.
Systemic arterial collateral esophageal indentations in pseudotruncus arteriosus

Barium esophagrams were obtained in two patients with respiratory problems whose underlying congenital heart disease was pseudotruncus arteriousus type I. The esophagrams revealed vascular indentations on the esophagus, one posteriorly, and the other anteriorly. Both types of indentations were secondary to aorto-pulmonary communicating arteries from the descending aorta.
IgE levels are the same in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and control subjects when stratified by allergy skin test results and rhinitis types

Background Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has an uncertain pathogenesis. Allergies have been suggested as one cause. Objective The aim of this study was to compare serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E in CFS and control subjects to determine whether IgE levels were elevated in CFS. This would be suggestive of increased atopy in CFS. Methods IgE was measured by quantitative ELISA (sandwich) immunoassay in 95 CFS and 109 non-CFS control subjects. Subjects were classified by positive or negative allergy skin tests (AST) and rhinitis questionnaires (rhinitis score, RhSc) into four rhinitis types: nonallergic rhinitis (NAR with positive RhSc and negative AST); allergic rhinitis (AR with positive AST and RhSc); atopic/no rhinitis (AST positive/RhSc negative); and nonatopic/no rhinitis (both AST and RhSc negative) subjects. Results IgE was not significantly different between control (128 ± 18 IU/mL, mean ± SEM) and CFS (133 ± 43 IU/mL) groups, or between control and CFS groups classified into the four rhinitis types. IgE was significantly higher in subjects with positive AST whether or not they had positive RhSc or CFS symptoms. Conclusions Elevated IgE and positive AST indicate allergen sensitization, but are not necessarily indicators of symptomatic allergic diseases. There was no association between IgE levels and CFS, indicating that atopy was probably not more prevalent in CFS. Therefore, TH2-lymphocyte and IgE-mast cell mechanisms are unlikely causes of CFS.
Intravenous epoprostenol sodium does not increase hepatic microsomal enzyme activity in rats

Previous studies have indicated that epoprostenol may increase hepatic microsomal enzyme activity both in animals and humans. However, interpretation of the results of these studies may be confounded by the route of epoprostenol administration or small sample sizes. The primary objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of epoprostenol (given as a continuous intravenous infusion) on hepatic microsomal enzyme activity in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (220-290 g) received infusions of either vehicle (glycine buffer, 1 mL/hr) or 0.2 microgram/kg/min epoprostenol through a jugular vein cannula for 24 hr or 7 days. At the end of the infusion, a 25 mg/kg i.v. bolus of antipyrine was administered and blood samples were collected over 6 hr. Serum antipyrine concentrations were determined by HPLC. Twenty-four hr post-infusion, hepatic microsomes were prepared, and cytochrome P-450 content was determined by difference spectroscopy. Cytochrome P-450 content and antipyrine clearance values determined from serum antipyrine concentration-time profiles were not significantly different between treatment groups. Antipyrine clearance [mean (SD)] in the 24-hr vehicle-treated group was 3.68 (0.49) mL/min/kg versus 4.35 (1.1)mL/min/kg in the epoprostenol-treated group. In the 7-day vehicle-treated rats, antipyrine clearance was 5.43 (1.0) mL/min/kg compared to 4.68 (0.61) mL/min/kg in epoprostenol-treated rats. A statistically significant effect of infusion duration was observed in the control group, i.e., antipyrine clearance in rats treated with vehicle for 7 days was significantly greater than that observed in rats treated with vehicle for 24 hr. However, the increase was less than 50%. These data suggest that when epoprostenol is administered as an intravenous infusion to rats, no significant alterations in hepatic microsomal enzyme activity occur. Based on these data, long term changes in hepatic metabolism in response to chronic epoprostenol administration are not expected.
Transient responses of geometrically nonlinear laminated composite shell structures

This paper is concerned with the prediction of geometrically large nonlinear responses of laminated composite shell structures under transient excitations by employing the hybrid strain-based flat triangular laminated composite shell finite element introduced here. Large deformation of finite strain and finite rotation are considered. The finite element has eighteen degrees-of-freedom which encompass the important drilling degree of freedom at every node. It is hinged on the first-order shear deformable lamination theory. Various laminated composite shell structures have been studied and for brevity only two are presented here. The introduced element is very accurate and efficient. Shear locking has not appeared in the results obtained thus far. There is no zero energy mode detected in the problems studied. It was observed that the element can represent correctly the six rigid body modes when the structure is not constrained. The important issue of the effect of exploitation of structural symmetry on the accuracy of the computed response is also addressed. It was found that in general, for large nonlinear dynamic responses the full laminated composite structural system has to be discretized and considered in the computations if accurate results are required.
Study of photoconductivity and holographic current in rare-earth-doped Y 3 Sc 2 Ga 3 O 12 laser crystals

The photoconductivity and holographic current have been studied in Er-, Tm-, and Ho-doped Y3Sc2Ga3O12 laser crystals under visible and infrared excitation. Kinetics and spectroscopic studies have shown that photoconductivity is linearly proportional to the concentration of excited 4f states. The holographic current was described with a model accounting for the energy transfer between the rare-earth and ligand electronic shells, ionization, recombination, and the diffusion and drift currents in the conduction band. The dependence of the holographic current on the modulation frequency, grating vector, etc. were used to determine the carriers’ diffusion length and the screening length in Er-doped crystals.
Further characterization of the protein factor required by certain pleuropneumonia-like organisms for growth in vitro.

Abstract A protein growth factor required by pleuropneumonia-like organisms for growth in vitro can be separated into a partially purified fraction (fraction B). This is composed of two electrophoretically distinct components. Chromatographic separation of these components on alumina columns yielded further purified products, only one of which (fraction B-II) is required by the strains of pleuropneumonia-like organisms tested. The amino acid content and the nature of the low-molecular-weight protein are described.
"Keep it simple": older African Americans' preferences for a health literacy intervention in HIV management.

Purpose Health literacy is lower in minorities and older adults, and has been associated with nonadherence to medications, treatment, and care in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Likewise, African Americans with HIV are more likely to be nonadherent to their HIV medications, less likely to keep their clinic appointments related to HIV treatment and care, and more likely to die during hospitalizations than their ethnic counterparts. The present study explored the preferences of older African Americans with HIV for a health literacy intervention to promote HIV management.
Small bowel motility assessment with magnetic resonance imaging

Purpose To assess primarily the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a tool to monitor small bowel peristaltic motion and secondarily to validate this technique by demonstrating drug-induced motility changes. Materials and Methods After a standardized oral preparation of Ispaghula husk (Metamucil®) and meglumine gadoterate (Gd-DOTA; Dotarem®), 10 volunteers underwent dynamic MRI using a two-dimensional turbofast field echo (TFE) sequence with a slice repetition time of 500 msec. Intraluminal cross-sectional caliber changes over time were assessed allowing quantification of the peristaltic frequencies and amplitudes of the small gut on various regions of interest. Pharmacologically induced alterations of the peristaltic motion after spasmolytics and gastrokinetic motion enhancers were investigated. Results Small bowel diameter measurement resulted in a peristalsis of 10.96 (SD = ±2.51) waves per minute, oscillating regularly with mean amplitudes of 6.65 mm (SD = ±1.15 mm). Peristaltic frequency in normal individuals is consistent with that observed with other techniques. Intravenous administration of scopolamine butylbromide (= hyoscine butylbromide/Buscopan®) resulted in small bowel paralysis within 21.3 seconds (SD = ±2.8 seconds). Prokinetic effect of intravenous metoclopramide (Paspertin®) after Buscopan paralysis was tested in one volunteer, characterized by a slow recovery of peristalsis, which propagated from the proximal to the distal segments and enhanced contraction amplitudes. Conclusion Dynamic MRI allows observing and quantifying small bowel peristalsis, characterizing motion patterns, and monitoring the effects of interfering factors such as drugs. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:370–375. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
U.S. interstate labor force migration: an analysis of trends net exchanges and migration subsystems

Abstract The rich geography and complex temporal trends of U.S. interstate labor force migration are portrayed. The most commonly reported net migration statistics hide multi-faceted patterns of state-to-state exchange. Maps depicting net migration balances show that much population redistribution has been taking place counter to the popularly conceived Frostbelt-to-Sunbelt flow. Significant net migration exchange takes place within each of the major regions of the U.S. as well as between them. Principal component analyses carried out on gross state-to-state flow tables for 1960–1965, 1965–1970, and 1970–1975 suggest the existence of a set of remarkably stable migration subsystems, despite the heralded net migration turnarounds in nonmetropolitan-to-metropolitan and south-to-north patterns of flow.
Determinacy of degenerate equilibria with linear part x'=y , y'= 0 using MACSYMA

A MACSYMA program is presented which implements Takens's method for proving determinacy of a flow in the neighborhood of an equilibrium point by successive blowup transformations. The program is applied to nonlinear systems with linear part x'= y, y'= 0, and an examination of the pattern of the results reveals an infinite sequence of determinacy theorems. The results are applied to the behavior of van der Pol's equation at infinity.
The subunits and structural ribonucleic acids of Jensen sarcoma ribosomes.

Abstract 1. 1. The molecular weights of the Jensen sarcoma ribosome and its large subunit, calculated from their sedimentation and diffusion coefficients, are 4.3·106 and 2.7·106 respectively. The molecular weights of the ribosomal RNA's, calculated from their sedimentation coefficients and intrinsic viscosities, are 1.64·106 and 0.67·106 respectively. Thus these ribosomes appear to dissociate into two subunits, of approximately two thirds and one third, each containing one strand of structural RNA that makes up half its mass. 2. The large subunit exists in a variety of states whose sedimentation coefficients decrease from 57 S to 30 S as cations are removed. These changes have been attributed to changes in conformation. 3. The small subunit has been found in two forms: 33 S when magnesium is present and 29 S in its absence.
Study of the Mechanism of Electron-Transfer Quenching by Boron−Nitrogen Adducts in Fluorescent Sensors

The mechanism of the change in fluorescence quenching by the amine in boronic acid-based carbohydrate sensor molecules has been explored using density functional theory (DFT). The geometric constra...
Thyroid in the treatment of short stature

Therapeutic trials with thyroid were undertaken in ten short children, despite the absence of clinical or laboratory evidence of hypothyroidism, on the premise that response to treatment is the ultimate criterion of thyroid status. Eight of the ten experienced an acceleration of growth; this may be interpreted as reflecting a placebo effect or it is possible that thyroid function tests may not identify all children who would respond to treatment.
Essential versus alternative foods of insect predators: benefits of a mixed diet

Although many predatory insects appear to be opportunistic generalists in their selection of prey, only a subset of prey species may in fact serve as "essential foods" capable of supporting immature growth and adult reproduction. It has been suggested that other, "alternative foods" serve only to maintain the predator when essential foods are not available, but little research has evaluated the significance of a mixed diet of essential and alternative foods for predator growth or reproduction. Here we test the general hypothesis that although alternative prey may be inadequate to support reproduction when consumed alone by adult predators, consumption of such prey may enhance the predator's reproductive output when the predator also has access to essential prey. We compared egg production by two aphidophagous lady beetles, Coccinella septempunctata and C. transversoguttata, provided with diets of aphids (essential prey) and weevils (alternative prey). As predicted, female predators produced greater numbers of eggs when a diet of pea aphids in limited number was supplemented by alfalfa weevil larvae. The predators laid no eggs when provided only with weevils or only with sugar. But once aphids were added to the diet, females of C. transversoguttata (but not C. septempunctata) laid eggs in greater numbers when they had fed previously on weevils than on sugar. Females of both species also produced eggs in modest numbers when provided with both weevils in excess and sugar, but this diet supported a lower rate of egg production than did a diet of weevils in excess plus a limited number of aphids. Although C. septempunctata has a longer history of association with the alfalfa weevil than does C. transversoguttata, the former species was not more effective in exploiting this alternative prey in support of reproduction. The tendency of generalist predators such as adult lady beetles to consume alternative as well as essential prey probably enhances considerably their ability to capitalize on short-lived and scattered opportunities as they seek out suitable sites in which to reproduce.
Accurate determination of breast cancer size: The role of histopathology and imaging

Summary One critical role played by the pathologist in contemporary breast cancer management is that of providing accurate tumour measurements for staging and prognosis. Numerous factors have the potential to affect the final pathologist-recorded tumour size including diligence in measurement, tumour histology and growth pattern, tissue fixation and processing, prior biopsy and prior therapy. The pathologist should strive to provide three-dimensional tumour measurements in 0.1cm increments from the gross specimen and then confirm these measurements microscopically whenever possible. In the era of breast conservation and emerging ablative therapies, the pathologist should also be familiar with the size-determining capability of various breast imaging techniques and their correlation with pathology. In determining final dimension, the pathologist is in a favourable position to verify or modify the size of a breast tumour based on the sum of information from all pathology specimens and, if appropriate, to correlate size with the patient's imaging studies.
Boundaries of right-angled Coxeter groups with manifold nerves

Abstract All abstract reflection groups act geometrically on non-positively curved geodesic spaces. Their natural space at infinity, consisting of (bifurcating) infinite geodesic rays emanating from a fixed base point, is called a boundary of the group. We will present a condition on right-angled Coxeter groups under which they have topologically homogeneous boundaries. The condition is that they have a nerve which is a connected closed orientable PL manifold. In the event that the group is generated by the reflections of one of Davis’ exotic open contractible n-manifolds (n⩾4), the group will have a boundary which is a homogeneous cohomology manifold. This group boundary can then be used to equivariantly Z-compactify the Davis manifold. If the compactified manifold is doubled along the group boundary, one obtains a sphere if n⩾5. The system of reflections extends naturally to this sphere and can be augmented by a reflection whose fixed point set is the group boundary. It will be shown that the fixed point set of each extended original reflection on the thus formed sphere is a tame codimension-one sphere.
Solar rotation: Direct evidence from prominences for a westward wind

Hα and K-line spectra of quiescent prominences, taken with the slit placed normal to the limb, commonly reveal a gas streaming (5–50 km/s) that is peculiar to the upper edge of these objects. On the average this streaming is uni-directional and consistent with a hypothetical east-west wind.
On the definition of Geoarchaeology

Two variations of the integration of geology and archaeology have been proposed in the literature—archaeological geology and geoarchaeology. However, there is no agreement among practitioners as to the legitimacy of the distinctions that have been made. This disagreement suggests that the objectives and assumptions of this interdisciplinary field have not been adequately discussed among its practitioners. The published definitions of both of these subfields emphasize their geological and historical aspects rather than their anthropological and processual aspects. A comparison with zooarchaeology and paleoethnobotany suggests that the significance of geoarchaeology to anthropological archaeology has been slighted. This results from a failure to recognize the symbolic character of humans' interaction with their geologic environment. An attempt is made here to clarify the distinction between archaeological geology and geoarchaeology and to define objectives for the latter subfield that have anthropological significance.
Elastic surface waves guided by the edge of a slit

Abstract Surface waves propagating along the free surface of a homogeneous, isotropic, linearly elastic half-space, are shown to have the property that the normal displacement component at the free surface is governed by a reduced wave equation. This suggests a “membrane analogy”, and a corresponding family of surface waves. Of particular interest is a three-dimensional surface wave, whose displacement components in the sagittal plane vary linearly with the co-ordinate normal to that plane, while the displacement component in the direction normal to the sagittal plane is uniform in that direction. This new wave arises when surface waves propagate along the free surfaces of a semi-infinite slit, parallel to the edge of the slit, with the classical Rayleigh wave velocity. It is also shown that a semi-infinite slit cannot support surface waves which decay with the distance from the edge of the slit.
Mitral valve prolapse and thromboembolic disease in pregnancy: a case report

Mitral valve prolapse is usually a benign condition, however, serious complications have been reported to be associated with it. A report of retinal artery occlusion associated with mitral valve prolapse and pregnancy is presented.
Comparisons and Contrasts in Host-Foraging Strategies of Two Larval Parasitoids with Different Degrees of Host Specificity

In theory, the degree of specificity of the signals a parasitoid species needs to successfully locate its host correlates with its level of specialization. We examined this question by comparing the foraging strategies of two parasitoids that differ in their host ranges. In wind-tunnel experiments, we investigated how systemically released herbivore-induced volatiles were used by the generalist parasitoid,Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson) and the specialist,Microplitis croceipes (Cresson). We determined the relative influence of these volatiles as compared to other signals emitted in the host orientation of the two parasitoids. Both the generalist and the specialist parasitoid strongly preferredSpodoptera exigua (Hubner) leaf-induced systemic plants over undamaged plants when no other information was available. When wasps were given a choice between leaf-induced and undamaged plants carrying other plant- or host-related materials, the responses differed for the two species.C. marginiventris appeared to cue primarily on recent damage volatiles, whereasM. croceipes appeared to cue primarily on host frass volatiles. However, recent damage on previously leaf-induced plants, was strongly preferred to recent damage on plants previously damaged by both species. When plants were induced at the squares byHelicoverpa zea (Boddie), onlyM. croceipes exhibited a preference for these plants over undamaged plants. The adaptive significance of the behaviors as related to dietary specializations of the parasitoids is discussed.
Genetic transduction in freshwater ecosystems

SUMMARY 1. Lateral genetic exchange is a profound consequence of the co-existence of viruses (bacteriophages) and bacteria in freshwater ecosystems. Transduction is distinct from other mechanisms of genetic exchange because it is driven by potentially lethal agents external to the donor and recipient cells. Therefore, transduction is reputed to be a major driving force behind the diversity in natural populations and communities of bacteria. 2. Both generalized transduction (where every segment of the donor’s genome has equal chance of being transferred to a recipient cell) and specialized transduction (where certain donor gene sequences are transferred at higher frequencies than others based on their proximity to the integration site of the transducing bacteriophage genome) have been demonstrated for various freshwater bacteria. However, these genetic exchange events occur at frequencies that vary widely, from 10 )2 to 10 )10 transductants per recipient, depending on the influence of various physical, chemical and biotic environmental factors on the outcome of phage–host encounters. Methodological constraints limit the interpretation of results from early studies of transduction in freshwaters because those studies introduced exogenous organisms in microcosms and excluded, to different extents, naturally occurring environmental conditions and their variability. 3. To assist the design and extrapolation of empirical observations, mathematical models including application of Group Theory are useful to estimate boundaries of the impact of transduction in generating and maintaining microbial diversity in freshwater. These theoretical excursions generate hypotheses and questions that can only be answered through refinement of current empirical estimates of transduction frequency, polarity of gene mobilization, bacteriophage host ranges, and the influence of gradients in environmental parameters that characterize freshwater ecosystems.
A consideration of the role of gas/particle partitioning in the deposition of nicotine and other tobacco smoke compounds in the respiratory tract.

Tobacco smoke is an aerosol that contains both gaseous and suspended particulate material (PM). The particles are largely liquid droplets containing a wide variety of condensed organic compounds. Each compound in the smoke will partition between the gas and PM phases and will always seek a state of gas/particle equilibrium. When tobacco smoke is inhaled, a compound such as nicotine can deposit in the respiratory tract (RT) by four different mechanisms: (1) direct gas deposition (DGD) of the portion of the compound that is initially in the gas phase of the inhaled smoke; (2) evaporative gas deposition (EGD) of PM-phase compound by evaporation to the gas phase, then deposition; (3) particle deposition, evaporation from the deposited particle, then deposition from the gas phase (PDE); and (4) particle deposition with diffusion (PDD) into RT tissue. Three of the mechanisms (DGD, EGD, and PDE) involve volatilization from the PM phase. The relative importance of all the mechanisms is therefore greatly affected...
Mating Response to Visual Stimulus in the Male Codling Moth

Male codling moths, Laspeyresia pomonella (L.), were tested to determine if visual stimulus contributed to copulatory response. One group of males had their antennae excised and eyes covered with opaque paint; a 2nd group had their antennae excised; a 3rd group had their eyes covered; and a 4th group that was unaltered in any way. Percentage matings for the treatment groups were 19, 45, and 60, respectively, compared with 87% for the control. The difference between the treatment groups and the control was significant. Vision and other factors contribute to copulatory response in male codling moths.
Abnormalities of the Duo/Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1/p21-activated kinase 1 pathway drive myosin light chain phosphorylation in frontal cortex in schizophrenia.

Background Recent studies on GTPases have suggested that reduced Duo and cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) transcript expression is involved in dendritic spine loss in schizophrenia. In murine models, Duo and Cdc42 phosphorylate p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1), which modifies the activity of regulatory myosin light chain (MLC) and cofilin by altering their phosphorylation. Therefore, we hypothesized that in schizophrenia abnormal Duo and Cdc42 expression result in changes in MLC and/or cofilin phosphorylation, which might alter actin cytoskeleton dynamics underlying dendritic spine maintenance. Methods We performed Western blot protein expression analysis in postmortem brains from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and a comparison group. We focused our studies in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC; n = 33 comparison group; n = 36 schizophrenia) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC; n = 29 comparison group; n = 35 schizophrenia). Results In both ACC and DLPFC, we found a reduction of Duo expression and PAK1 phosphorylation in schizophrenia. Cdc42 protein expression was decreased in ACC but not in DLPFC. In ACC, we observed decreased PAK1 phosphorylation and increased MLC phosphorylation (pMLC), whereas in DLPFC pMLC remained unchanged. Conclusions These data suggest a novel mechanism that might underlie dendritic spine loss in schizophrenia. The increase in pMLC seen in ACC might be associated with dendritic spine shrinkage. The lack of an effect on pMLC in DLPFC suggests that in schizophrenia PAK1 downstream pathways are differentially affected in these cortical areas.
Appraising options to reduce shallow groundwater tables and enhance flow conditions over regional scales in an irrigated alluvial aquifer system

Summary Some of the world’s key agricultural production systems face big challenges to both water quantity and quality due to shallow groundwater that results from long-term intensive irrigation, namely waterlogging and salinity, water losses, and environmental problems. This paper focuses on water quantity issues, presenting finite-difference groundwater models developed to describe shallow water table levels, non-beneficial groundwater consumptive use, and return flows to streams across two regions within an irrigated alluvial river valley in southeastern Colorado, USA. The models are calibrated and applied to simulate current baseline conditions in the alluvial aquifer system and to examine actions for potentially improving these conditions. The models provide a detailed description of regional-scale subsurface unsaturated and saturated flow processes, thereby enabling detailed spatiotemporal description of groundwater levels, recharge to infiltration ratios, partitioning of ET originating from the unsaturated and saturated zones, and groundwater flows, among other variables. Hybrid automated and manual calibration of the models is achieved using extensive observations of groundwater hydraulic head, groundwater return flow to streams, aquifer stratigraphy, canal seepage, total evapotranspiration, the portion of evapotranspiration supplied by upflux from the shallow water table, and irrigation flows. Baseline results from the two regional-scale models are compared to model predictions under variations of four alternative management schemes: (1) reduced seepage from earthen canals, (2) reduced irrigation applications, (3) rotational lease fallowing (irrigation water leased to municipalities, resulting in temporary dry-up of fields), and (4) combinations of these. The potential for increasing the average water table depth by up to 1.1 and 0.7 m in the two respective modeled regions, thereby reducing the threat of waterlogging and lowering non-beneficial consumptive use from adjacent fallow and naturally-vegetated lands, is demonstrated for the alternative management intervention scenarios considered. Net annual average savings of up to about 9.9 million m3 (8000 ac ft) and 2.3 million m3 (1900 ac ft) of non-beneficial groundwater consumptive use is demonstrated for the study periods in each of the two respective study regions. Alternative water management interventions achieve varying degrees of benefits in each of the two regions, suggesting a need to adopt region-specific interventions and avoid a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Impacts of the considered interventions on return flows to the river were predicted to be significant, highlighting the need for flow augmentation to comply with an interstate river compact and portending beneficial impacts on solute loading.
Modeling as craft

Toy boats, automobiles, and planesare models that entertain and delight us inchildhood. As we grow, we might availourselves of more advanced models that aretruer to life--more real and engaging.Interactive computer games provide evengreater flexibility, while lacking in tactilefeedback and the sort of physical immersionwe expect from every day experience. Modelsthat are used in simulation for buildingsoftware and dynamic systems can be equallyas immersive, with a variety of aestheticfeatures. For example, a factory floor modelcan achieve high degrees of realism using 2Dand 3D visualization.The factory floor, like the model plane, isiconic in representation. It is a scale model.But what of the more mathematical models,including software? The structures in thesemodels, unlike with the iconic nature of scalemodeling, employ symbolic relations whereone object refers to another withoutnecessarily resembling it. We discuss aresearch project, with examples, to show thatone can retain the abstraction and rigorexpected from mathematical structure, whilesimultaneously achieving the benefits of thesort of aesthetics, styles, and engagement thatwe experience with physical models andcomputer games.
Chromosomal Damage in Human Leukocytes Induced by Lysergic Acid Diethylamide

Addition of lysergic acid diethylamide to cultured human leukocytes resulted in a marked increase of chromosomal abnormalities. The distribution of chromosome breaks deviated significantly from random, with an accumulation of aberrations in chromosome No. 1. Cytogenetic investigation of a patient extensively treated with this drug over a 4-year period for paranoid schizophrenia showed a similar increase in chromosomal damage.
Distance recovery of 3D objects from stereo images using Hough transform

This paper examines recovering the depth of an object from two stereo images by correlating matching feature points. The principle concern of this paper is to demonstrate one method of feature point extraction. The orientation of the two viewers with respect to each other is fixed, this allows us to make use of the epipolar constraint for depth recovery. The methodology for extracting feature points from each image are: perform edge detection on each original image; use the Hough transform to identify the lines which define the image; label feature points as the intersections of lines where the intersection is a valid point in the edge detected image. The above method was very accurate with respect to recovering the depth of input images which were in certain orientations. However, the algorithm was too sensitive to error in the Hough transform space to allow for consistent evaluation of depth for all orientations.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Evidence for increased protease activity secreted from cultured fibroblasts from patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Abnormal polyanion metabolism in cultured fibroblasts from patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) was studied by incubating normal and PXE fibroblasts in culture medium containing 35SO4 for 96 hr and measuring differences in secreted 35SO4-labelled proteoglycans (35S-PG). PXE medium contained less high molecular weight (MW) 35S-PG and more low MW 35S-labelled molecules than normal medium. Addition of diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP), a serine protease inhibitor, to the media after the 96 hr incubation resulted in no change in the MW distribution of 35SO4-labelled molecules in normal media. However, DFP treated PXE medium contained significantly more high MW 35S-PG than either untreated PXE medium or DFP treated normal medium.High MW 35S-PG was isolated from PXE fibroblast culture medium and incubated with serum free medium from either normal or PXE fibroblast cultures. There was significantly more degradation of this 35S-PG to low MW 35S-labelled molecules by PXE medium than by normal medium.32P-DFP...