cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WE-D-201-02: Walk-Through of CERR Capabilities

This session is intended for researchers who need customized software tools to analyze their datasets. Publicly available software tools are designed to facilitate research by implementing many standard algorithms, but choosing one that fits a researcher’s background and project needs is a critical decision for timely and cost-effective research. Indeed while some libraries are easy to use, needing minimal investment to learn their usage, other open-source libraries are very flexible allowing development of customized algorithms but the user has to be proficient in a programing language to use its functionalities. The session will familiarize new researchers with the pros and cons of open source software libraries and applications (CERR, ITK, VTK, RTK, Plastimatch, and 3DSlicer) frequently used in talks presented at AAPM. Each speaker will give an overview of one or more of the libraries, covering its capabilities and learning curve so that listeners can choose a tool that best fits their needs. A panel discussion will be held to answer questions. Learning Objectives: 1. Familiarize the audience with the available software libraries 2. Present the pros and cons of each library in a side-by-side comparison
Evaluation of procedures to predict fat-free lean in swine carcasses.

The objectives were to develop equations for predicting fat-free lean in swine carcasses and to estimate the prediction bias that was due to genetic group, sex, and dietary lysine level. Barrows and gilts (n = 1,024) from four projects conducted by the National Pork Board were evaluated by six procedures, and their carcass fat-free lean was determined. Pigs of 16 genetic groups were fed within weight groups one of four dietary regimens that differed by 0.45% in lysine content and slaughtered at weights between 89 and 163 kg. Variables in equations included carcass weight and measures of backfat depth and LM. Fat-free lean was predicted from measures of fat and muscle depth measured with the Fat-O-Meater (FOM), Automated Ultrasonic System (AUS), and Ultrafom (UFOM) instruments, carcass 10th-rib backfat and LM area (C10R), carcass last-rib backfat (CLR), and live animal scan of backfat depth and LM area with an Aloka 500 instrument (SCAN). Equations for C10R (residual standard deviation, RSD = 2.93 kg) and SCAN (RSD = 3.06 kg) were the most precise. The RSD for AUS, FOM, and UFOM equations were 3.46, 3.57, and 3.62 kg, respectively. The least precise equation was CLR, for which the RSD was 4.04 kg. All procedures produced biased predictions for some genetic groups (P < 0.01). Fat-free lean tended to be overestimated in fatter groups and underestimated in leaner ones. The CLR, FOM, and AUS procedures overestimated fat-free lean in barrows and underestimated it in gilts (P < 0.01), but other procedures were not biased by sex. Bias due to dietary lysine level was assessed for the C10R, CLR, FOM, and SCAN procedures, and fat-free lean in pigs fed the low-lysine dietary regimen was overestimated by CLR, FOM, and SCAN (P < 0.05). Positive regressions of residuals (measured fat-free lean minus predicted fat-free lean) on measured fat-free lean were found for each procedure, ranging from 0.204 ± 0.013 kg/kg for C10R to 0.605 ± 0.049 kg/kg for UFOM, indicating that all procedures overestimated fat-free lean in fat pigs and underestimated it in lean pigs. The pigs evaluated represent the range of variation in pigs delivered to packing plants, and thus the prediction equations should have broad application within the industry. Buying systems that base fat-free lean predictions on measures of carcass fat depth and muscle depth or area will overvalue fat pigs and undervalue lean pigs.
A novel approach to deprocess highly sensitive multi-layered IC device using polyimide protective films without damaging active circuitry

Recent advancement in chip design which made it possible to achieve more functionality in a smaller package means that the silicon die design needs to be compact and multi layered. One particular case which often caused difficulty to failure analysts was the Common Mode Filter (CMF) devices packed in the multi-leads, XDFN package. The device comes with an integrated ESD protection. Differential signaling I/O's can now have both common mode filtering and ESD protection in one package which makes the device a favorite in application for protecting systems using high-speed differential ports such as USB 3.0. Sometimes, due to assembly/wafer process mis-processing, the device will fail for high resistance between the internal/external connection pins. After exhaustive experimentations in which four techniques were evaluated to deprocess the devices in order to expose the silicon die, and wires, this paper aims to explore the best method to preserve the silicon die's active circuitry which consists of an intricate copper coil interconnects, and protective polyimide films which is very critical for a successful identification of the failure mechanism that will explain the reason why the devices failed in the first place. The chosed method in the end allowed the analyst to pin point the cause of high resistance failure which was contributed by micro-gap between the upper and lower layer of copper metal interconnects.
Role of NKG2D in the induction of mouse natural killer cell exhaustion (IRC8P.473)

Natural Killer (NK) cells have been used as a cancer therapy against multiple cancers. Despite initial promises, NK-based immunotherapy has resulted in limited success and therefore, new approaches are needed. Our group described the induction of NK cell exhaustion (NCE) upon tumor exposure that resulted in reduced cytotoxic function associated with lower expression of several molecules such as NKG2D and the transcription factors Eomesodermin and T-bet. Here we show that NCE induced by tumor cells is MHC-I independent and is not mediated by the expression of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) on tumor cells. However, when NKG2D-deficient NK cells were exposed to tumor cells limited proliferation and higher IFNg production was observed suggesting a role for NKG2D in NCE. Moreover, NCE patters were observed at later stages of in vitro IL2-activation that were reduced in NKG2D-deficient NK cells. Interestingly, concomitant downregulation of NKG2D and upregulation of NKG2DL (MULT1, Rae-1) was also detected. Upregulation of NKGDL expression was particularly seen after the cells were acid-stripped which was shown to disrupt MHC-I-Ly49s cis-interaction complexes. NCE was also observed after prolonged in vivo IL2 stimulation that impaired NK cell maturation. In conclusion, we demonstrated a role for NKG2D in the induction of NCE that could represent a self-regulatory mechanism important in controlling NK cell activation utilized by tumor cells to prevent NK cell anti-tumor responses.
General monotone sequences and trigonometric series

In this article, we establish a norm equivalence satisfied by general monotone sequences. This is then used to show norm equivalences involving such sequences and trigonometric series with the elements of these sequences as coefficients. These equivalences generalize earlier results of Hardy and Littlewood, Askey and Wainger, Sagher, and Tikhonov.
Inhibition of Tumor Growth by Zinc Depletion of Rats

Tumors grow less rapidly when implanted into zinc-deficient rats. The objective of this study was to determine if tumor growth is also inhibited when tumors first are established and then a zinc depletion initiated. Therefore, rats with palpable mammary adenocarcinomas or with sham implants were pair-fed either a control or zinc-deficient diet for 32 days. Rats were then killed and tumors, plasma and several tissues analyzed. In three separate experiments tumor growth was inhibited 32, 35 and 35%, respectively. The extent of tumor necrosis and tumor zinc concentration were not different between control and deficient groups. However, there was a significant positive correlation between tumor zinc concentration and percent viable tumor tissue in both groups. Although zinc depletion in tumor-bearing rats resulted in a 10% loss of carcass weight, there was little effect on liver, kidney and heart weights. As a result of depletion alone, zinc concentrations decreased only in plasma and kidney. As a result of tumor growth alone, concentrations of liver zinc increased and kidney copper decreased. In plasma of tumor-bearing rats, levels of zinc decreased 40% while copper and magnesium increased 50 and 13%, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration that growth of established tumors can be retarded solely by dietary zinc depletion.
Sellarsian Behaviorism, Davidsonian Interpretivism, and First Person Authority

Roughly, behaviorist accounts of self-knowledge hold that first persons acquire knowledge of their own minds in just the same way other persons do: by means of behavioral evidence. One obvious problem for such accounts is that the fail to explain the great asymmetry between the authority of first person as opposed to other person attributions of thoughts and other mental states and events. Another is that the means of acquisition seems so different: other persons must infer my mental contents from my behavior, whereas I need not. In this paper, I articulate a specifically Sellarsian behavioristic account of our knowledge of our own and others’ minds, and defend it against these two obvious objections. I further defend it against objections from Davidson, to the effect that Sellars’ account in particular cannot properly formulate the asymmetry at issue, and that behaviorism in general cannot account for the a priori character of the asymmetry. I argue that Davidson misinterprets Sellars at key points, and also misconstrues his own explanandum: What Sellars account can explain is an asymmetry in the reliability of first and other person attributions, but this asymmetry is not a priori. What is a priori is an asymmetry in the practice of according epistemic authority to such attributions. I argue that this asymmetry is what Davidson can and does explain, by appeal to the constitutive features of radical interpretation. But accepting this explanation does not require the rejection of Sellars’ account of the way that first and other persons in fact arrive at beliefs about their mental contents. The two approaches — one descriptive and empirical, the other constitutive and ideal — are compatible.
Queuing with Two Servers Working in Shifts

This note deals with the analysis of a single-counter queuing model operated by two servers. In any busy period, only one of the servers operates the service mechanism and, at its termination, the other server replaces him. In this manner, the two servers work alternately. Some generalizations of the model are discussed briefly.
Bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration using a treat-and-extend regimen: clinical and economic impact.

Purpose To evaluate the visual outcomes, number of injections, and direct medical cost of a treat-and-extend regimen in managing neovascular age-related macular degeneration with intravitreal bevacizumab. Design Retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. Methods Seventy-four eyes of 73 patients with treatment-naive neovascular age-related macular degeneration from a single clinical practice were treated monthly with intravitreal bevacizumab until no intraretinal or subretinal fluid was observed on optical coherence tomography. The treatment intervals then were lengthened sequentially by 2 weeks until signs of exudation recurred and then were reduced accordingly to maintain an exudation-free macula. Main outcomes measured included mean change from baseline visual acuity, proportion of eyes losing fewer than 3 and gaining 3 or more Snellen visual acuity lines at 1 year of follow-up, annual mean number of injections, optical coherence tomography mean central retinal thickness change from baseline, mean maximum period of extension, adverse events, and mean direct annual medical cost. Results The mean follow-up period was 1.41 years. Mean Snellen visual acuity improved from 20/230 at baseline to 20/109 at 12 months ( P P P Conclusions Eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration experienced significant visual improvements on average when managed with intravitreal bevacizumab using a treat-and-extend regimen with fewer patient visits and injections along with lower costs compared with a fixed, monthly dosing regimen.
Can the Direction of Flow of Time Be Determined?: No method has been found, but properties of strange particles offer a new chance to explore the question.

A classical mechanical system is considered to demonstrate the nature of the problem. The difficulty of using a physical experiment to distinguish the different directions of time flow is illustrated. Experiments on the beta decay of neutrons, nonleptonic decay of the LAMBDA hyperon, and K deg decay that might reveal time variance and CPT-variance are discussed. In CPT-invariance, violation of which would permit determination of time flow, C stands for the interchange of matter and antimatter; P, for the interchange of left and right (handedness); and T, for the interchange of past and future. (D.C.W.)
The primary-goods indexation problem in Rawls's theory of justice

Rawls's Difference Principle holds that basic social institutions are just if they maximize the worst-off individual's potential welfare, which depends on the vector of amounts of “primary goods.” As Rawls recognized, the multiplicity of primary goods poses an index number problem. This paper uses the machinery of social choice to characterize the class of procedures for aggregating quantities of several primary goods into a composite ordinal index that are consistent with Rawls's analysis. Only very simple and unattractive aggregation methods in which the various primary goods play roles of radically different magnitudes are compatible with Rawls's argument.
Genetic evidence for fewer progeny and a higher percent males when Nasonia vitripennis oviposits in previously parasitized hosts

Genetically markedNasonia vitripennis females that oviposited second or third on aSarcophaga bullata pupa produced fewer progeny than those that were the first to oviposit on the host. The proportion of males in these progeny was also significantly increased (p.<0.001). Implications of these results on the evolution of hymenopterous parasites are discussed.
A distributed dynamic model for chronoamperometry, chronopotentiometry and gas starvation studies in PEM fuel cell cathode

Electrochemical systems differ significantly from conventional chemical systems. The response of voltage to changes in current and that of current to changes in voltage is much faster compared to typical transients observed in transport variables. In this work, the transient characteristics of various transport and electrochemical phenomena are studied in the PEM fuel cell cathode using a dynamic model. Model-based chronoamperometry and chronopotentiometry studies are performed to investigate the interactions among the various phenomena and the limiting mechanisms under various operating modes. The dynamic response of current to changes in voltage under chronoamperometry and that of voltage to changes in current under chronopotentiometry are found to be significantly different. Moreover, it is also observed through simulations that the dynamics in the output variables are strongly influenced by the operating cell voltage. Results from chronoamperometry studies are used to highlight the problem of oxygen starvation, which is also reflected by the magnitude of oxygen excess ratio or stoichiometric ratio. Results from step tests in chronopotentiometry studies are used to study nonlinearities in the response of voltage to changes in inputs such as, current and air flow rate.
Social Construction of Social Problems Over Time

When it comes down to it, there are few, if any, people who have not already, or who will not in the future, contribute to the world's social problems. And I am not talking about a simple condition harming society or its components. I am talking about a social problem in the way any sensible student of Blumer (1971) would do so. Something about us has already been, or will be, defined by a significant number of people or by a number of significant people (Julian, 1973) as part of a social problem. I am a woman, and as such I have been defined, categorized, agonized over, and been a subject of policy for centuries. I am a Polish immigrant to the United States, and sociologists are familiar with the problems of immigrants. Finally, I have been a child: most of this paper is devoted to the problems which children present to society. As a young girl I conformed. Cavan (1962) has pointed out that conformity is a form of deviance: in my case I was conforming to Polish norms and values while living in the United States. I am now in my middle years and grateful that I am not a man undergoing the mid-life crises of my male colleagues. I will be old someday, and part of the social problem of the elderly. I am a sociologist, and read the paper each morning with trepidation, since it looks as if sociologists might become a serious social problem -especially if Senator William Proxmire has anything to do with it. I have been married - to the same man - for 37 years, which must be labeled as some form of deviant behavior. My husband once belonged to a Polish gang in Chicago's "Buck Town," which leaves him ripe for labeling theories. ("Polish" is a label in itself, since the gang really did not care what nationality its members were as long as they fought well enough through the Italian territory on the way to the lake.) I am a parent of children whose every trouble is my fault and falls into one or another of the current problems of society at large. I am a suburbanite and an ex-urbanite, draining income from the city of Chicago and contributing to its difficulties. You, the readers, represent a multitude of other social problems. Some of you are black or Hispanic, and I do not have to tell you of all the definitions swirling around your heads; you must have had poverty in your background. Some of you have used drugs, or drank alcohol. Some of you have contributed to the problems of educational institutions in the United States by favoring prepared and interested students over basketball players and pre-med youth, and perhaps even by teaching somebody something. Most of you have had sexual relations, and you know how many different ways that can constitute a social problem. Most of us have contributed either to the population explosion or to zero growth, or to pollution, or international tension. In short, we are all part of some social problem.
Hierarchically Structured Non-PGM Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst Based on Microemulsion-Templated Silica and Pyrolyzed Iron and Cyanamide Precursors

Hierarchically structured electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction based on iron and cyanamide were synthesized using novel templating approach that leads to hierarchy of scales of pores and particles. Microemulsion process is used to generate silica template with multimodal pore distribution, which is impregnated with metal and nitrogen precursors, to create a large surface area openly structured active electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction in both acid and alkaline media. Extensive characterization using microscopic, spectroscopic, and electrochemical methods of electrocatalysts was done to understand the final catalysts structure obtained through this novel approach and its impact on activity.
The formation of acetyl-CoA by spores of Bacillus cereus.

Abstract The presence of acetokinase and phosphotransacetylase in extracts from Bacillus cereus strain T spores is demonstrated. Evidence is presented which excluded accto-CoA-kinase mediation in the formation of acetyl-CoA from free acetate.
Amino acids in a surface sediment core of the Atlantic abyssal plain

Abstract The amino acids in a 56 cm sphincter core (K-19-4-9, Woods Hole Oceanographie Institution) from 30°N latitude, 60°W longitude—approximately 300 miles southeast of Bermuda—at a water depth of 5454m were analyzed by gas and liquid chromatography. Amino acids decreased rapidly with depth with β-alanine and γ-aminobutyric acid predominating in deeper sections. Most of the amino acids are tightly bound in the sediment and are released only upon hydrolysis with 6N HC1. Amino acids accounted for only 0.40% of total nitrogen in the non-carbonate minerals in the top 0–8 cm and 7.9 × 10 −4 percent in the bottom 48–56 cm. The remaining nitrogen is removed from the sediment by amino acid extraction.
Modeling and analysis of sustainable supply chain dynamics

This paper studies the dynamic behavior of the interaction between sustainable supply chains and environment. Environmental impact exists at each stage throughout supply chains such as resource extraction, production, distribution, repairs, and waste disposal, among others. As market and competition constantly change over time, however, supply chains interact significantly with environment, so managing supply chains sustainably is dynamic. In this paper, a mathematical model based on nonlinear dynamic system is presented to describe the dynamics of the impact of supply chains on environment while achieving sustainable supply chains. The existence and uniqueness of its solutions are proved, followed by the analysis on its equilibrium and stability. To better understand the dynamic mechanism of this proposed system, performance analysis is conducted with respect to three parameters: (a) design production capacity; (b) environmental cost; and (c) demand rate. Analytical results validate the dynamic interaction of supply chains with environment, and justify the environmental and economic significance of supply chain sustainability.
Measurement of absolute Al concentration in AlxGa1−xAs

A technique has been developed to measure the absolute Al concentration x in AlxGa1-xAs. The technique involves simultaneous measurements of the 27Al(p, γ)28Si resonant nuclear reaction and Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and comparisons with an AlAs reference sample. A detailed description of the experimental procedure is given. Samples analyzed in this study were prepared by LPE and MOVPE growth on GaAs substrates, with epitaxial layer thicknesses in the range 1–3 μm and Al concentrations in the range 0.10
Statistical aspects of the use of reference materials

Interlaboratory testing, even when coupled with careful calibrations in terms of SRM's, is a complex process. It often raises problems that only the subject-matter specialists can solve. The problems are definitely not solved by rejecting test results or laboratories.
Early Shipboard Search Radars of the U. S. Navy

Evolutionary charts and brief descriptive notes are presented on over one hundred types of shipboard search radars developed in the United States between 1936 and 1970.
The Emergence of Female Suicide Terrorists

Female suicide terrorists do not differ significantly from their male counterparts in terms of individual motivations. Although societal oppression may play a minor role in their self-recruitment to terror organizations women do not bomb themselves primarily to drive a feminist cause. Instead they act out of motivations inside conflict zones of trauma, revenge, nationalism, expression of community outrage and in non-conflict zones feelings of alienation, marginalization, negative self-identity, and a desire to act on behalf of those inside conflict zones. Groups find it to their advantage to use female bombers as they receive more media attention, increased sympathy for the terrorist cause, are able to pass security measures more easily than men, and are more dispensable because they are rarely in leadership positions.
Recovery in deformed copper and nickel single crystals

The static recovery behaviour of copper and nickel single crystals deformed in multiple slip was investigated in mechanical tests and in HVEM in situ annealing experiments. Recovery of Type I, as previously identified in aluminium was observed in both its microscopic and macroscopic features: a sharpening of the cell-wall structure without a change in substructure scale, correlated with a short transient in the strain-hardening behaviour during retesting. The substructure development with increasing recovery time and temperature is similar to that during dynamic recovery, i.e. with increasing strain in a continuous test. After longer recovery times or at higher annealing temperatures, the specimens recrystallize; after larger strains, they recrystallize dynamically. An intermediate stage akin to the Type II recovery found in aluminium was never observed, either in its macroscopic manifestation of a long reloading transient, or as a general coarsening of the subgrain structure. Examples of local sub-boundary mobility and dissolution were, however, seen in situations close to static or dynamic recrystallization. It is concluded that the fluctuations occurring during subgrain coarsening are stable in aluminium, leading to Type II recovery and extended steady-state deformation, but unstable in copper and nickel, leading to static or dynamic recrystallization.
EXPERIMENTAL TYPHUS INFECTION IN THE EASTERN COTTON RAT (SIGMODON HISPIDUS HISPIDUS)

1. The course of typhus infection in cotton rats has been described, and a relationship between the dose administered and the time of death has been demonstrated. 2. Rather incomplete pathological studies indicated that typhus in the cotton rat is an acute infection primarily involving mesothelial tissue, and tissues of mesothelial origin. Depending somewhat upon the route of infection, rickettsiae were most easily demonstrated in smears from liver, brain, and pericardial and peritoneal exudates. By subinoculation into the yolk sacs of fertile eggs, rickettsiae were readily isolated from these sources and, with rather less facility, from blood. 3. Although relatively large numbers of rickettsiae were found necessary to produce lethal infections, the susceptibility of the cotton rat as measured by the development of an immunizing infection proved to be very high. The supporting data suggest that cotton rats might be suitable for the isolation of new strains. 4. Contrary to the earlier report (1), age was not found to influence markedly the susceptibility of the cotton rat to lethal infection with any of the strains studied. 5. Comparative studies indicated that cotton rats were just as susceptible to murine infection as white mice and more susceptible to Breinl infection than the latter animal. The susceptibility of cotton rats and of guinea pigs to Breinl infection was found to be about the same. Comparative studies in these animals were not made with other strains. 6. No toxic activity of rickettsial suspensions could be demonstrated for cotton rats, although suspensions of infected cotton rat livers were shown to be toxic for mice. 7. A method has been described by which three strains of Rickettsia prowazeki were carried in serial intracardial passage as fatal infections for cotton rats. No evidence was obtained that prolongation of such passage increased the virulence of the strains for the rats. 8. Cotton rats surviving typhus infection were shown to be solidly immune to reinfection with homologous virus and to possess nearly complete immunity to rickettsiae of heterologous immunologic character. Sera from recovered rats, furthermore, were shown to possess neutralizing, complement-fixing, and antitoxic antibodies but no agglutinins for proteus OX19. 9. The technique of a serum neutralization test in cotton rats has been described in which the test antigen consists of suspensions of infected cotton rat livers. By this technique neutralizing antibody was demonstrated in human, rabbit, guinea pig, and cotton rat sera. Although some degree of cross-neutralization could be shown, serum titers against homologous antigen were uniformly greater than against comparable doses of antigen of heterologous immune nature.
Evaluation of Crohn's disease using half-fourier RARE and gadolinium-enhanced SGE sequences: initial results.

Abstract To assess the bowel changes in Crohn’s disease, 11 consecutive patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study using T 2 -weighted half-Fourier rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) and gadolinium-enhanced standard and fat suppressed spoiled gradient echo (SGE) sequences. Comparison was made between MR findings of disease extent, severity, and complications and clinical data, endoscopic findings and/or surgical specimens in all patients. We found that the half-Fourier RARE images showed bowel wall thickening, dilatation of bowel and bowel obstruction well in all patients, however severity of bowel disease could not be determined as the signal intensity of diseased bowel was comparable to normal bowel in 10/11 patients. Gadolinium-enhanced fat suppressed SGE demonstrated variations of mural enhancement that correlated well with extent of disease severity in 10/11 patients. Complications such as intraperitoneal (i.p.) abscess (2 patients), gastric outlet obstruction (1 patient), bowel obstruction (2 patients), and fistula formation (3 patient), were accurately shown. We conclude that T 2 -weighted half-Fourier RARE and gadolinium-enhanced fat suppressed SGE sequences are complementary techniques that possess different imaging features that are of value for assessing bowel changes in Crohn’s disease.
Central Adiposity and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Police Officers

Given the associations between obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD), we evaluated a related but less well-established association between waist circumference and brachial artery reactivity (BAR), a functional measurement of subclinical CVD, where lower levels indicate dysfunction. Regression models examined trends in mean BAR across waist circumference tertiles in police officers, a high-stress occupational group with increased risk for CVD. Mean BAR decreased across increasing waist tertiles among men, but not women, and this association was stronger among officers who consumed more alcohol. Larger waist circumference may be associated with lower BAR, providing an opportunity for intervention prior to disease development.
Simultaneous measurement of light-scattering properties and particle size distribution for aerosols : Application to ammonium sulfate and quartz aerosol particles

Abstract An apparatus for measuring the scattering phase function and linear polarization of aerosol particles has been developed. The apparatus uses an elliptical mirror and CCD camera to image the full angular scattering range simultaneously. An in-line aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) in the particle flow stream provides for the simultaneous measurement of the aerosol particle size distribution. This apparatus allows for a comparison of measured optical properties with theoretical model calculations based on the measured aerosol size distribution. The system was calibrated and tested using monodisperse polystyrene latex (PSL) spheres and with ammonium sulfate (AS) aerosol. We have also used the apparatus for measuring the scattering phase function and linear polarization for light scattering from irregular quartz aerosol particles. Our results show that Mie theory substantially overestimates the backscattering cross-section for quartz particles in the size parameter range X ∼2–4, in agreement with previous experimental work and theoretical modeling studies. We also present a normalized synthetic phase function for quartz dust aerosol in the accumulation mode size range (0.1–2.0 μm).
The pituitary gonadotropic activity of stalk sectioned male rats.

THERE is general disagreement in the literature on the effect that infundibular stalk section has on the activity of the anterior lobe of the pituitary as expressed in changes of endocrine organs normally maintained by pituitary tropic hormones (see reviews by Harris, 1948; Fried-good, 1950). In previous communications (Greep and Barrnett, 1951; Barmett and Greep, 1950) we have shown that panhypopituitarism, varying in severity, occurred in female rats after stalk section, as indicated by hypofunotion of the ovaries, adrenals and thyroids. Fibrotic scarring and changes in cellular morphology appeared in the pituitary glands of these animals. The possibility was advanced that the endocrine hypofunction encountered in tliese experiments could be attributed to anemic infarction of the pituitary, since transection of the stalk interrupted the major blood supply and there was no subsequent regeneration of the stalk vessels. The present work extends to the male rat studies on the effects of stalk section on the...
Synthesis and structures of bis(dithiolene)molybdenum complexes related to the active sites of the DMSO reductase enzyme family.

Structural analogues of the reduced (Mo(IV)) sites of members of the DMSO reductase family of molybdoenzymes are sought. These sites usually contain two pterin−dithiolene cofactor ligands and one protein-based ligand. Reaction of [Mo(MeCN)3(CO)3] and [Ni(S2C2R2)2] affords the trigonal prismatic complexes [Mo(CO)2(S2C2R2)2] (R = Me (1), Ph (2)), which by carbonyl substitution serve as useful precursors to a variety of bis(dithiolene)molybdenum(IV,V) complexes. Reaction of 1 with Et4NOH yields [MoO(S2C2Me2)2]2- (3), which is readily oxidized to [MoO(S2C2Me2)2]1- (4). The hindered arene oxide ligands ArO- afford the square pyramidal complexes [Mo(OAr)(S2C2R2)2]1- (5, 6). The ligands PhQ- afford the trigonal prismatic monocarbonyls [Mo(CO)(QPh)(S2C2Me2)2]1- (Q = S (8), Se (12)) while the bulky ligand ArS- forms square pyramidal [Mo(SAr)(S2C2R2)2]1- (9, 10). In contrast, reactions with ArSe- result in [Mo(CO)(SeAr)(S2C2R2)2]1- (14, 15), which have not been successfully decarbonylated. Other compounds prepared ...
Dopamnine‐Immunoreactive axon varicosities form nonrandom contacts with GABA‐immunoreactive neurons of rat medial prefrontal cortex

Recent postmortem studies have suggested that reduced γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic activity in limbic cortex may be one component to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This hypothesis has underscored the importance of knowing whether midbrain dopamine afferents interact extensively enough with inhibitory interneurons to suggest a direct functional relationship. Toward this end, a double immunofluorescence approach combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy has been used to localize dopamine and GABA simultaneously in rat medial prefrontal cortex. The results confirm studies from other laboratories showing a rich network of dopamine-immunoreactive fibers forming a gradient across the cortical laminae, with deeper layers having the highest density. When viewed with oil immersion optics, dopamine-immunoreactive fibers were frequently found to be in close apposition with GABA-immunoreactive cell bodies. The percentage of GABA-containing neurons showing such contacts was highest in layer VI (65%) and progressively decreased toward layer I (9%). Varicose regions of the dopamine fibers were typically present at the point of contact with a GABA-immunoreactive cell body. Using an immunoperoxidase technique to localize dopamine fibers and cresyl violet staining to visualize neurons simultaneously, two separate statistical analyses were performed to assess whether the frequency of contacts between dopamine fibers and cell bodies in general may be due to random effects. In layer VI, a high percentage of both pyramidal and nonpyramidal neurons were found to be in contact with dopamine varicosities (71% and 76%, respectively), but these were not significantly different from that observed for GABA-containing cells (65%) in double-immunofluorescence specimens. A Chi-square statistical test was used to compare the observed and predicted number of varicosities forming cell body contacts. This analysis indicated that the percentage of dopamine varicosities (30%) that form appositions with cell bodies is much greater than would be expected if these appositions were due to random effects (15%). Moreover, using an estimate of intensity for a stationary Poisson process, it was again found that random effects can not account for these interactions (P = 0.01). Taken together with earlier electron microscopic studies from other laboratories, the present findings support the idea that GABAergic interneurons have extensive interactions with dopamine varicosities. While these interactions are not unique to GABAergic cell bodies, they suggest that inhibitory interneurons can play a direct role in mediating the effects of midbrain dopamine afferents in rat medial prefrontal cortex. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Creative and Critical Thinking Through Academic Controversy

Although creative controversy often occurs naturally within cooperative learning groups, it may be considerably enhanced when teachers structure academic controversies. This involves dividing a cooperative group into two pairs and assigning them opposing positions. The pairs then develop their position, present it to the other pair, listen to the opposing position, engage in a discussion in which they attempt to refute the other side and rebut attacks on their position, reverse perspectives and present the other position, and then drop all advocacy and seek a synthesis that takes both perspectives and positions into account. It is vital for citizens to seek reasoned judgment on the complex problems facing our society. Especially important is educating individuals to solve problems for which different points of view can plausibly be developed. To do so individuals must enter empathetically into the arguments of both sides of the issue and ensure that the strongest possible case is made for each side, and a...
The behavioural components of sexual selection in the milkweed beetle tetraopes tetraophthalmus

Abstract Body-size-specific variation in male mating success has been demonstrated in the milkweed beetle, Tetraopes tetraophthalmus by several authors. This study attempts to identify the behavioural components of this variable mating success and partition them into intrasexual and intersexual selective events. In laboratory studies, no evidence was found for an intersexual component of mate selection; neither female choice nor a variable propensity of males to mate. In both laboratory and field studies, however, male-male fighting was shown to play a large role in determining the mating success of individuals. Body-size-related variation in mating success results, in part, as a consequence of the high probability that the larger of two interacting males will deny the smaller male access to any nearby females.
The sodium iodide symporter (NIS): Regulation and approaches to targeting for cancer therapeutics

Expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) is required for efficient iodide uptake in thyroid and lactating breast. Since most differentiated thyroid cancer expresses NIS, β-emitting radioactive iodide is routinely utilized to target remnant thyroid cancer and metastasis after total thyroidectomy. Stimulation of NIS expression by high levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone is necessary to achieve radioiodide uptake into thyroid cancer that is sufficient for therapy. The majority of breast cancer also expresses NIS, but at a low level insufficient for radioiodine therapy. Retinoic acid is a potent NIS inducer in some breast cancer cells. NIS is also modestly expressed in some non-thyroidal tissues, including salivary glands, lacrimal glands and stomach. Selective induction of iodide uptake is required to target tumors with radioiodide. Iodide uptake in mammalian cells is dependent on the level of NIS gene expression, but also successful translocation of NIS to the cell membrane and correct insertion. The regulatory mechanisms of NIS expression and membrane insertion are regulated by signal transduction pathways that differ by tissue. Differential regulation of NIS confers selective induction of functional NIS in thyroid cancer cells, as well as some breast cancer cells, leading to more efficient radioiodide therapy for thyroid cancer and a new strategy for breast cancer therapy. The potential for systemic radioiodide treatment of a range of other cancers, that do not express endogenous NIS, has been demonstrated in models with tumor-selective introduction of exogenous NIS.
Comparison of the mutant frequencies and mutation spectra of three non-genotoxic carcinogens, oxazepam, phenobarbital, and Wyeth 14,643, at the λcII locus in Big Blue® transgenic mice

Oxazepam (OX), a widely used benzodiazepine anxiolytic, phenobarbital (PHE), a drug used for convulsive disorders, and Wyeth 14,643 (WY; [4-chloro-6-(2,3-xylidino)-2-pyrimidinylthio]acetic acid), a hypolipidemic agent, are all hepatocarcinogenic in B6C3F1 mice. They have been classified as "non-genotoxic" carcinogens since they are non-DNA reactive in in vitro assays and are either negative or weakly positive in Salmonella typhimurium (Ames assay). Male B6C3F1 Big Blue(R) transgenic mice were fed 2500 ppm of OX or PHE or 500 ppm of WY in their diet, while a control group of mice received diet alone for 180 days. The mutant frequency (MF) of cII in the control mice, after correction for clonality, was 6.2 +/- 2.8 x 10(-5). The MF values for mice fed OX, PHE, and WY were 10.0 +/- 3.6 x 10(-5) (P C:G transversions (17 vs 1.6%) and the higher incidence of A:T>T:A transversions (3.4 vs 9.5%). Prior to correction for clonal expansion, each treated group exhibited a high incidence of frameshift mutations at the homopolymeric run of guanines at bp 179-184 (OX 21%, PHE 21%, WY 16% of the total mutations); this was not the case with the control group (6%). Even after clonal correction, more than 10% of the mutations were frameshifts in the treated mice, while 5% were frameshifts in the control mice. Despite this hypersensitive region of the gene, our findings suggest that the cII locus is less sensitive than the lacI locus to mutation induction by non-DNA reactive carcinogens.
Testosterone and innate immune function inversely covary in a wild population of breeding Dark-Eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis)

Summary 1Innate immunity refers to the non-specific components of the primary immune response, which act broadly to destroy pathogens. Effective innate immune responses may save an individual the energetic costs associated with activating subsequent specific immune responses. 2Testosterone can suppress immune function in vitro and in vivo. Most studies examining testosterone's effects on immunity have focused on experimentally elevated testosterone and acquired immune responses (e.g. humoral and cell-mediated responses to foreign antigens). Few studies have investigated the relationship between endogenous levels of testosterone and innate immunity. 3In a wild breeding population of Dark-Eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis Linnaeus), we asked whether endogenous levels of testosterone measured at several points during the breeding season covaried with two components of innate immunity: total levels of non-specific immunoglobulin-G (IgG), and complement levels. 4Testosterone levels were significantly negatively correlated with both total IgG and complement activity. Both immune measures were also positively correlated with body mass. Taken together with experimental results from the same species, these results suggest that elevated testosterone levels may compromise innate as well as acquired immune function.
Physical and combustion characteristics of pellet fuel from cotton gin by-products produced by select processing treatments

Agricultural plant wastes when properly processed into useful commodities can become an economic asset. It has been estimated that over 2.04 million Mg of cotton by-products are generated each year in the United States. On average, disposal of these byproducts costs the cotton gin approximately $ 1.65 (U.S.) per Mg. One means of changing a financial liability into a potential revenue generator is to process the by-products into renewable, compact pellet-type fuel that can be used at the site or transported to the consumer. Furnace and water heaters that can burn pelletized plant materials have become popular and their safety, low pollution, and reasonable operational costs have been demonstrated. Also, the drastic increases in the price of liquified fuel and its uncertain supply place a premium for finding and using alternate, low-cost, cellulose-based fuels. The objectives of our study were to fabricate pellet fuel from cotton gin by-products using select processing techniques, determine its physical properties, and measure the emissions when fired in a commercial pellet stove used for residential heating. By-products from two cotton gins were collected and processed into fuel pellets. A total of seven different pellet fuels were evaluated, six from cotton gin by-products and one from wood. The treatments resulted from using different material streams from the ginning process as well as varying quantities of starch and/or crude cottonseed oil during the fuel pellet manufacturing process. The fuel pellet density from the various treatments ranged from 488 to 678 kg/m 3 . The various treatments were burned in a conventional pellet stove (four replications) and the gaseous and particulate emissions measured. The average calorific value of the pellets ranged from 17.9 to 20.9 MJ/kg (HHV). The ash content for the various treatments ranged from a low of 4.88% to a high of 9.75%. The sodium content indicated concentration ranges from 91 to 282 ppm depending on the treatment. The emissions from the cotton gin by-product pellets were higher than for a premium grade wood pellet. The emissions measured during testing were CO, NO, NO2 ,S O 2, and particulates. The pellet stove was setup following the manufacturer’s recommendation to burn wood pellets, but was not adjusted for the cotton gin fuel pellets. By utilizing various additives and processing techniques, cotton gin by-products could be used to manufacture a pellet fuel that has commercial potential. However, work remains to minimize the ash content and determine the optimal settings for maximizing combustion.
Concentration-modulation electron-beam devices

Electron-beam devices are considered in which a form of concentration modulation, as defined by Gabor, is utilized. In the devices described here a scalloped electron beam is produced by a combination of crossed electric fields and a magnetic field, and strikes a collector after passing through a fixed aperture (cf. Fig. 1). The points of minimum width of the scalloped beam are "images" of the cathode which are reproduced along the longitudinal axis of the system by virtue of the cyclotron motion of the electrons. The application of an additional alternating electric field, parallel to the fixed electric field, causes a periodic variation in the longitudinal position of the cathode images, giving rise to an alternating component in the current which reaches the collector. Concentration modulation is compared with other modulation methods. Transit-time limitations are evaluated and possible applications are considered, including frequency multiplication at microwave frequencies. The use of the concentration-modulation technique in modulating a high-density electron beam at audio frequencies in an experimental system is described.
Small volume bead assay for ovalbumin with electrochemical detection

A bead based sandwich enzyme immunoassay coupled to electrochemical detection for ovalbumin has been developed. The enzyme label alkaline phosphatase was used to convert the substrate 4-aminophenyl phosphate to electroactive product 4-aminophenol. The detection was done in a microdrop by continuously monitoring the enzyme turnover with a rotating disk electrode. This reduces dilution of the enzyme product, a key to achieving low detection limits. The assay developed has a detection limit of 0.1 ng ml−1. Assay sensitivity in complex matrices such as food and serum was compared.
Role of lunar atmospheric tides in thermosphere density

Half a million objects, including debris, satellites, and the International Space Station, orbit Earth in the thermosphere, the largest layer of the planet's atmosphere. To predict the orbits—and potential collisions—of all this stuff, scientists must forecast the weather in the thermosphere. To help develop a more comprehensive and nuanced model of this weather, Zhang et al. explored the role that lunar atmospheric tides play in the density of thermosphere air.