cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological Identification of Pontomedullary Serotonergic Neurons in the Rat

Mason, Peggy. Physiological identification of pontomedullary serotonergic neurons in the rat. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 1087–1098, 1997. Spinal serotonin is derived entirely from bulbar sources and play...
Phasic Lung Inflation Shortens Inspiration and Respiratory Period in the Lung-Attached Neonate Rat Brain Stem Spinal Cord

In intact mammals, lung inflation during inspiration terminates inspiration (Breuer-Hering inspiratory reflex, BHI) and the presence of lung afferents increases respiratory frequency. To test whether these responses could be obtained in vitro, a neonate rat brain stem/spinal cord preparation retaining the lungs and their vagal innervation was used. It was found that 1) the BHI could be replicated in vitro, 2) phasic lung inflation during inspiration caused increased respiratory frequency with declining efficacy as inflation delay increased, and 3) increased respiratory frequency did not require inspiratory shortening.
Quality of physician communication about human papillomavirus vaccine: findings from a national survey.

Background: Improving the quality of physicians' recommendations for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is critical to addressing low coverage. Thus, we sought to describe HPV vaccine communication practices among primary care physicians. Methods: Pediatricians and family physicians ( n = 776) completed our national online survey in 2014. We assessed the quality of their HPV vaccine recommendations on strength of endorsement (i.e., saying the vaccine is important), timeliness (recommending it by ages 11–12), consistency (recommending it routinely vs. using a risk-based approach), and urgency (recommending same-day vaccination). Results: A sizeable minority of physicians reported that they do not strongly endorse HPV vaccine (27%) or deliver timely recommendations for girls (26%) or boys (39%). Many physicians (59%) used a risk-based approach to recommending HPV vaccine, and only half (51%) usually recommended same-day vaccination. Overall recommendation quality was lower among physicians who were uncomfortable talking about HPV vaccine or who believed parents did not value it. Quality was higher among physicians who began discussions by saying the child was due for HPV vaccine versus giving information or eliciting questions. Conclusion: Many physicians in our national sample reported recommending HPV vaccine inconsistently, behind schedule, or without urgency. These practices likely contribute to under-immunization among adolescents, and may convey ambivalence to parents. Impact: As one of the first studies to assess multiple aspects of recommendation quality, these findings can inform the many state and national initiatives that aim to improve communication about HPV vaccine so as to address the persistent underuse of a powerful tool for cancer prevention. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(11); 1673–9. ©2015 AACR . See related commentary by Zimet, [p. 1643][1] . This article is featured in Highlights of This Issue, [p. 1641][2] [1]: /lookup/volpage/24/1643?iss=11 [2]: /lookup/volpage/24/1641?iss=11
Can ethnic differences in men's preferences for women's body shapes contribute to ethnic differences in female adiposity?

In the United States, obesity is more common among black and Hispanic than white women. One putative cause of this difference is different cultural norms for attractiveness. Two studies assessed ethnic differences in men's perceptions of the attractiveness of females of varying sizes. In the first, 108 men recruited on the New York subway were shown sets of silhouettes depicting female bodies varying in fatness and were asked to pick the silhouette they found most attractive. They were also asked to indicate the thinnest and fattest figures they would consider dating. A measure of "latitude of acceptance" was computed as the difference between the thinnest and fattest figures considered. Results indicated no relationship between ethnicity and preference (F = 1.383, p = .257) or "latitude" (F = .102, p = .903). In Study 2, "personal advertisements" placed by 373 black, 1915 white, 110 Hispanic, and 30 Asian men from 35 newspapers and magazines were coded as: 1) thinness preferred; 2) no information on weight preference; 3) fatness preferred; or 4) states weight or looks unimportant. Results indicated a statistically significant but small association between ethnicity and preference (chi2 = 49.55, df = 9, p < .00001). Relative to white and Asian men, black and Hispanic men more frequently requested fat women, Hispanic men less frequently requested thin women, and black men more frequently stated that looks or weight did not matter. Ethnicity explained only 2.1% of the variance in preference. Thus, it seems unlikely that ethnic differences in men's preferences for women's body shapes contribute substantially to ethnic differences in female adiposity.
Personal and Household Hygiene, Environmental Contamination, and Health in Undergraduate Residence Halls in New York City, 2011

Background While several studies have documented the importance of hand washing in the university setting, the added role of environmental hygiene remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize the personal and environmental hygiene habits of college students, define the determinants of hygiene in this population, and assess the relationship between reported hygiene behaviors, environmental contamination, and health status.
Cyclic voltammetric, a.c. and d.c. polarization behavior of boron-doped CVD diamond

Abstract Boron-doped polycrystalline diamond films have been deposited over a molybdenum substrate by the microwave plasma CVD process using a methane and hydrogen gas mixture at a pressure of 35.7 Torr. Boron doping of diamond has been achieved in situ by using a solid boron source while growing diamond in the CVD process. The a.c. impedance of boron-doped diamond films in 0.5 M NaCl solution has been determined and compared with the results obtained with a molybdenum substrate. Capacitance, solution resistance, and polarization resistance (corrosion rate) have been determined using the experimental data plotted in Nyquist and Bode formats. D.C. polarization techniques such as linear and Tafel polarization have been used to evaluate the doped diamond coated molybdenum and molybdenum for corrosion resistance characteristics in terms of charge-transfer coefficients and corrosion rate. Cyclic voltammetry has been used to evaluate the molybdenum, platinum, and doped and undoped diamond coated molybdenum materials in 0.5 M NaCl solution. We have observed two time constants with a doped diamond electrode / solution interface. Solution resistance was found to be constant irrespective of the electrode in the same electrolyte solution.
HF-induced radar backscatter

Abstract This paper provides an overview of six poster presentations contributed to the Open Symposium on Active Experiments in Space Plasmas at the XXIst General Assembly of URSI. The six poster presentations deal with HF ionospheric modification and are primarily experimental in nature. Topics covered include the excitation of 140 MHz plasma lines in the F-region above the Tromso HF facility, the production of HF-induced geomagnetic field-aligned irregularities at auroral latitudes and mid-latitudes, and the generation of HF-induced horizontally stratified irregularities in the mid-latitude F-region.
Feasibility of More Frequent Reporting: A Field Study Informed Survey of In‐Company Accounting and IT Professionals

Technological advances have facilitated the ability of management to report finer sets of information in narrower time intervals (Kogan et al. 1999). Real‐time reports are crucial for managerial decision making at all levels in a firm. The economic and technological feasibility of more frequent reporting has received increasing attention from the accounting profession and regulatory authorities. We attempt to shed light on the feasibility and receptiveness at the company level of more frequent financial reporting via a field study and a survey. Three publicly traded firms participated in our field study. The findings of our field study helped guide us in the development of our survey instrument. We used the survey instrument to examine our research questions. Our study expands the literature by (1) examining in‐company accounting professionals' receptiveness toward availability of income statement or balance sheet accounts to external users on a more frequent basis than quarterly, (2) exploring factors (i...
Frequency modulation of three-terminal Gunn devices by optical means

The three-terminal Gunn device first reported by Petzinger et al. has been frequency modulated by shining light either on the n-type gallium arsenide or the p-n junction of the device. Different sensitivities are achieved in those two modes of operation. While the device was oscillating in the bias-circuit mode at about 500 MHz, frequency variations linearly dependent on the intensity of the light have been observed in both modes of operation. The maximum shifts about 2 percent of the oscillating frequency, has been measured at a light intensity of 25 mW/cm2and when light was directed only on the n-type gallium arsenide. Higher-frequency shifts have been observed in the nonlinear region. The device has demonstrated capability of detecting very short light pulses, ∼ 50 ns, generated by GaAs laser.
Remark on plutonium disproportionation reactions

Abstract The course of a plutonium disproportionation reaction can be approximated by a succession of equilibrium valence state arrangements whose acidities are intermediate between the final solution acidity and the acidity for which the initial oxidation state configuration would have represented equilibrium.
Some aspects of band-limited signal extrapolation: Models, discrete approximations, and noise

We present some theoretical results on the band-limited signal extrapolation problem. In Section I we describe four basic models for the extrapolation problem. These models are useful in understanding the relationship between the continuous extrapolation problem and some discrete algorithms given in [1] and [2]. One of these models was shown to approximate the continuous band-limited extrapolation problem [3]. Another model is obtained when the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) is used to implement the well-known iterative algorithm given in [4] and [5] which was designed for solving the continuous extrapolation problem; in Section II this model is related to the continuous model by means of an interesting approximation theorem. Also, an important conjecture is presented. Section III shows some approximation results. Specifically, we prove that some discrete-discrete and discrete-continuous extrapolations of noisy signals converge to solutions of a certain continuous-continuous noisy extrapolation problem when the noise η is bounded by a known number, max \eta(x)| leq \epsilon . This convergence is obtained by using normal families of entire functions in ¢nand some other complex analysis tools. We also show that the extrapolation problem is very sensitive to noise even in cases where only small amounts of extrapolation are desired. This result indicates that in the presence of noise, extrapolation techniques should be used judiciously in order to obtain reasonable results.
Swing and a miss or inside-the-park home run: which fate awaits high-intensity exercise training?

As we bask in the fading glow of the 2012 Summer Olympics games, it seems apropos to discuss the clinical application of an exercise training regimen that was systematically applied to elite athletes nearly 80 years ago. Then, Drs Woldemar Gerschler and Herbert Reindel, a professor of physical education and a physician, used the scientific method to develop the basic principles of what is referred to today as high-intensity interval training (HIIT).1 The use of HIIT, which consists of a series of repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise intervals alternated with periods of low- to moderate-intensity recovery, remains a mainstay in the training regimen of many of today's athletes, regardless of whether they are our youth participating in middle school track or seasoned veterans competing for Olympic Gold. Article see p 1436 However, given the many recently published small-sample studies that incorporated HIIT in patients with stable metabolic or cardiovascular disease, one cannot help but think that this exercise regimen might also represent a potentially new approach to patient care. Truth be told, HIIT was evaluated in the clinical setting in patients with chronic heart failure >25 years ago.2 Although the duration of the work and recovery periods can vary from one study to another, a common model for HIIT prescribes 4 to 5 work bouts of 3 to 4 minutes each, during which exercise intensity is set as high as 85% to 90% of heart rate reserve: (peak heart rate−resting heart rate)× 0.9+resting heart rate (the Figure). Interspersed among these higher-intensity bouts are recovery bouts of similar duration, prescribed at 60% to 70% of heart rate reserve. This approach to exercise training stands in stark contrast to today's guideline-based method of moderate continuous training (MCT),3,4 which maintains exercise intensity between 60% and 80% of heart …
Deregulation of AKT inactivation and FKHR dephosphorylation as a mechanism for tumorigenesis in a mouse mammary carcinoma model

Abstract To study breast cancer progression, we utilized two related transgenic mouse models of mammary carcinoma (termed Met and Db). Met tumors are highly invasive with 100% pulmonary metastases, whereas Db tumors, possessing a mutation abrogating PI3K recruitment, exhibit fewer metastases without signs of invasion. The purpose of our study was to determine the role of PI3K effectors in modulating apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Met and Db tumors and cell lines were examined both pathologically and biochemically. Immunoblot analysis was used to study levels of endogenous PI3K effectors. Cell proliferation assays were employed to study responses to PI3K inhibitors, with apoptosis assessed by DAPI staining. FKHR activity was reinstated by retroviral expression of an Akt phosphorylation site mutant. Despite a genetic defect in PI3K, Db cells exhibited persistent phosphorylation of downstream effectors, particularly Akt and FKHR (rendering it inactive), an effect which was not responsive to PI3K inhibitors. A deficiency of protein phosphatase 2A in Db cells was found to be the basis for this aberration. Restoration of FKHR activity restored susceptibility of Db cells to PI3K mediated apoptosis. Our findings demonstrate the acquisition of a novel compensatory mechanism downstream from PI3K that augments cell survival despite apoptotic pressures. Restoration of FKHR activity by retroviral expression of an Akt phosphorylation site-specific FKHR mutant in Db cells confirmed that this pathway figures prominently in the survival of the Db tumor model. In summary, our data suggest that Db tumor cells overcome the PyV-mT PI3K recruitment defect via alternative mechanisms leading to PI3K activation combined with the augmentation of anti-apoptotic PI3K signaling through dysregulation of the mechanisms involved in Akt inactivation and FKHR dephosphorylation.
Multi-Atlas Segmentation for Abdominal Organs with Gaussian Mixture Models.

Abdominal organ segmentation with clinically acquired computed tomography (CT) is drawing increasing interest in the medical imaging community. Gaussian mixture models (GMM) have been extensively used through medical segmentation, most notably in the brain for cerebrospinal fluid / gray matter / white matter differentiation. Because abdominal CT exhibit strong localized intensity characteristics, GMM have recently been incorporated in multi-stage abdominal segmentation algorithms. In the context of variable abdominal anatomy and rich algorithms, it is difficult to assess the marginal contribution of GMM. Herein, we characterize the efficacy of an a posteriori framework that integrates GMM of organ-wise intensity likelihood with spatial priors from multiple target-specific registered labels. In our study, we first manually labeled 100 CT images. Then, we assigned 40 images to use as training data for constructing target-specific spatial priors and intensity likelihoods. The remaining 60 images were evaluated as test targets for segmenting 12 abdominal organs. The overlap between the true and the automatic segmentations was measured by Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). A median improvement of 145% was achieved by integrating the GMM intensity likelihood against the specific spatial prior. The proposed framework opens the opportunities for abdominal organ segmentation by efficiently using both the spatial and appearance information from the atlases, and creates a benchmark for large-scale automatic abdominal segmentation.
Quasi-linear gradients for capillary liquid chromatography with mass and tandem mass spectrometry.

Gradient elution, capillary liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was performed with linear, static gradients constructed by laminar flowing ten, 1.5 microL volume steps of decreasing organic concentration into tubing of small internal diameter. Sample loading, gradient formation, and sample elution were accomplished entirely by means of a commercially available micro-autosampler and single-syringe drive pump. The procedure was simple, fast, stable, and reproducible. Essentially linear gradients were produced without the use of additional valves, mixers, pumps or software. It took less than 10 minutes to form a gradient and less than 30 minutes to construct the set of individual buffer vials. The gradients were shown to be stable to storage. One hour after forming, peak retention times were reproduced to +/-0.5%. Long-term retention time reproducibility was found to vary by +/-2%. Chromatographic resolution was comparable or superior to that obtained by gradient elution with conventional dynamic mixing and split flow. The procedure was adapted with a 'peak parking' method which extended the time for generating peptide fragmentation data up to 10 minutes per peptide with the triple quadruple mass spectrometer. Using this technique, collision data were collected at the 25 femtomole level on nine of ten tryptic peptides in a single run.
Scaling Aspects of the Kinetics of Thermally Induced Phase Separation in Bisphenol A Polycarbonate/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends

Phase separation in blends of bisphenol A polycarbonate and poly(methyl methacrylate), PC/PMMA, is investigated on the microscopic scale by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM). This technique allows the visualization of the early stages of phase separation with greater accuracy, relative to optical techniques. In comparison to previous data, the AFM-determined demixion vs composition curve appears to be shifted to lower temperatures. Starting from homogeneous thin films, we then follow the thermally induced spinodal decomposition process of 50/50 blends and characterize the morphological changes as a function of demixion time and annealing temperature. We present a quantitative investigation of the growth of the dispersed phase, based on a statistical power spectral density analysis of the AFM data. The interest of this method is to provide information on the growth mechanism, by establishing the scaling relationships between the topographic roughness (which is due to phase separation), the length scal...
Using the discrete dipole approximation and holographic microscopy to measure rotational dynamics of non-spherical colloidal particles

Abstract We present a new, high-speed technique to track the three-dimensional translation and rotation of non-spherical colloidal particles. We capture digital holograms of micrometer-scale silica rods and sub-micrometer-scale Janus particles freely diffusing in water, and then fit numerical scattering models based on the discrete dipole approximation to the measured holograms. This inverse-scattering approach allows us to extract the position and orientation of the particles as a function of time, along with static parameters including the size, shape, and refractive index. The best-fit sizes and refractive indices of both particles agree well with expected values. The technique is able to track the center of mass of the rod to a precision of 35 nm and its orientation to a precision of 1.5°, comparable to or better than the precision of other 3D diffusion measurements on non-spherical particles. Furthermore, the measured translational and rotational diffusion coefficients for the silica rods agree with hydrodynamic predictions for a spherocylinder to within 0.3%. We also show that although the Janus particles have only weak optical asymmetry, the technique can track their 2D translation and azimuthal rotation over a depth of field of several micrometers, yielding independent measurements of the effective hydrodynamic radius that agree to within 0.2%. The internal and external consistency of these measurements validate the technique. Because the discrete dipole approximation can model scattering from arbitrarily shaped particles, our technique could be used in a range of applications, including particle tracking, microrheology, and fundamental studies of colloidal self-assembly or microbial motion.
A study of the coat proteins of bacteriophage ∅X174

Abstract Three protein components associated with purified ∅X174 particles have been separated by means of preparative paper electrophoresis in formic acid. These components, here called α, β, and γ, constitute approximately 15–20%, 50–60%, and less than 3%, respectively, of the mass of the purified bacteriophage particles. α, β, and γ differ in their amino acid composition and tryptic peptide pattern. N-terminals methionine and serine were detected in the coat proteins of bacteriophage ∅X174, in a molar ratio of methionine:serine = 1:3. The N-terminal amino acid of protein α has been found to be methionine.
In vivo, on-line monitoring of molecular response to photodynamic therapy: molecular imaging of vascular endothelial growth factor

Cytokines are important messengers in cell-to-cell communications that regulate vital cellular and physiological processes, and play an important role in defining the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment response in various diseases. Although current ex vivo biochemical assays for cytokine quantitation are useful, their capabilities for studying dynamic cytokine expression in living systems are limited. Optical molecular imaging technology can help probe the spatiotemporal dynamics of cytokine expression in vivo and in real-time. We developed an in vivo optical molecular imaging strategy for monitoring one of these cytokines, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). With the imaging strategy, changes in tumoral VEGF concentration following cobalt chloride treatment and photodynamic therapy (PDT) were monitored. This was the first systematic study to test the feasibility of VEGF-targeted molecular imaging, and can potentially set the basis for online monitoring of cytokines that will help develop effective tools for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning and monitoring.
The Impact of an E-Portfolio Program in a Music Education Curriculum

The electronic portfolio (e-portfolio) program at the Pennsylvania State University, initiated to assist students find employment upon graduation, quickly evolved into a 4-year sequential process f...
Zonal centrifugation of mammalian DNA.

Abstract A modified alkaline sucrose gradient technique for the fractionation of single-stranded mammalian DNA has been developed. The method involves the use of a reorienting gradient zonal centrifugation system of large sample zone capacity. The data obtained support the concept that the DNA in mammalian chromosomes exists as a linked array of subunits (10).
Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of three dyphylline preparations

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of 3 oral dyphylline preparations, solution (S), regular (R) and sustained release (SR), were studied in 8 healthy subjects (mean age 25 years). A single dose of each preparation, 20 mg·kg−1, was given at one week intervals and multiple serum samples obtained over 24 h. Drug levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. No adverse effects were found. The dyphylline half-life for the solution was 2.16±0.18 h and for the tablet 2.59±0.56 h. The mean clearance rate for S was 13.6±1.7 h−1 and volume of distribution 43.0±3.91. Peak concentration (Cmax, µg·ml−1), time of peak (Tmax, h), area under the curve (AUC, µg·ml−1·h) and relative bioavailability (RB, %), were determined for three preparations: The data confirm the short half-life of dyphylline, demonstrate a lack of toxicity for the 20 mg·kg−1 dose and establish bioequivalence for the products studied.
Self-construction of complex forms in a simple chemical system

Abstract We observed spontaneous formation of very complex structures, measurable on the centimeter and millimeter scales, in a simple dual-component inorganic chemical system. The diffusion, convection, and chemical reactions self-organize in space and time and produce domes, multi-arms, or more complex structures with different spatial organization depending on the concentration of reagents in the aqueous environment into which the ‘seed’ is immersed.
The stability of the triangular Lagrangian points for commensurability of order two

The two variable expansion method is used to show that the triangular equilibrium points in the planar restricted problem of three bodies are unstable at µ=µ2=0.024293.... It is also shown that even though the equilibrium points are stable for µ≈µ2 finite motions in the neighborhood of the equilibrium points may be unstable.
Sedative options for fish research: a brief review with new data on sedation of warm-, cool-, and coldwater fishes and recommendations for the drug approval process

The absence of a suitable sedative allowing treated fish to be released immediately after recovery constrains research and poses a risk to fish and those handling them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s reliance on multi-taxon datasets represents a major hurdle in the approval process. Experiments were conducted with twelve freshwater taxa to assess time to induction and recovery of fish sedated with different doses of AQUI-S 20E (10 % eugenol), Benzoak (20 % benzocaine), or MS-222 (99.5 % tricaine methanesulfonate) administered under various conditions. A retrospective analysis was conducted to determine whether sedative dose, water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, and fish length or weight contributed to variation in induction and recovery times. A subsequent experiment with eugenol was conducted to further assess time to sedation as a function of water temperature and sedative dose. Generally, higher doses and warmer temperatures were associated with faster inductions. Warmer temperatures were also associated with more rapid recoveries, however, high doses tended to delay recovery. Positive relationships linking estimated respiration rates and times to induction and recovery suggest the effects of temperature and body size on sedation timing may be a function of oxygen consumption. Collectively, our results demonstrated that the response of fish to chemical sedatives is primarily a function of sedative dose and water temperature, and, to a lesser extent, fish size and dissolved oxygen, not taxonomic classification. Accordingly, we suggest that as much information could be gained from a single taxon evaluated under different conditions as experiments involving multiple fishes. We recommend those establishing data requirements for fish drug approvals review these findings and consider alternative experimental designs as means of addressing regulatory requirements more efficiently and with greater rigor.
Atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations of lipid membranes

In the past few years there have been dozens of reports of atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations of lipid membranes. Regarding recent methodological developments, it is now generally accepted that there are advantages to doing membrane simulations at constant pressure, but there is also a debate on whether the external pressure should be isotropic or whether tension should be applied in the plane of the bilayer. Also, it has become clear that serious artifacts can be introduced into computer simulations if all electrostatic interactions are not taken into account. Simulations can now faithfully reproduce many known aspects of the structures of gel and liquid crystal phase bilayers, and simulators have begun to include cholesterol and proteins in membrane simulations. There is some disagreement between simulations on the details of the bilayer/water interface, and there has not been enough effort to analyze the dynamics afforded by simulations.
A clinical review of seventeen patients with ovarian dysgerminoma

This is a retrospective evaluation of 17 patients with the diagnosis of ovarian dysgerminoma who were treated at the University of Iowa Hospitals from January 1938, to December 1976. Not a single patient was lost to follow-up. The majority of patients were between 11 to 30 years old. Seven patients died with disease, 3 during the 1st year, 3 during the 2nd year and 1 during the 4th year after diagnosis. In this series we have 10 patients with no evidence of disease (NED). The duration of follow-up of that group is from 51 months to 444 months with a median of 102 months. Postoperative radiation therapy is a valuable adjuvant to surgical treatment for dysgerminoma.
Multilevel coarse graining and nano-pattern discovery in many particle stochastic systems

In this work we propose a hierarchy of Markov chain Monte Carlo methods for sampling equilibrium properties of stochastic lattice systems with competing short and long range interactions. Each Monte Carlo step is composed by two or more sub-steps efficiently coupling coarse and finer state spaces. The method can be designed to sample the exact or controlled-error approximations of the target distribution, providing information on levels of different resolutions, as well as at the microscopic level. In both strategies the method achieves significant reduction of the computational cost compared to conventional Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Applications in phase transition and pattern formation problems confirm the efficiency of the proposed methods.
The Development of a Shared Interdisciplinary Intelligent Mechatronics Laboratory

This paper describes experience in developing an interdisciplinary mechatronics laboratory and success in using the lab to support academic instruction. It emphasizes the strategies and procedures that were important in creating an interdisciplinary laboratory in a traditional discipline-oriented academic institution. The strategies address objectives, acquisition and allocation of funding, and exploiting the existing infrastructure. Procedures such as the formation of a managing body and support for staff are also an important aspect of successful interdisciplinary laboratory development. The specific use of the lab is illustrated by two case studies, and its various benefits are discussed.
Angular distributions of electrons photoemitted from chemisorbed atoms

Abstract A theory which describes the angular distributions of electrons photo-emitted from chemisorbed atoms is presented. Due to hole delocalization and preferential orientation, interference effects due to emission from various centers in a molecule do not average out, as they do in gas phase photoionization and much more structural information pertaining to chemisorption bonds is contained in such measurements.
Better Optimization of Long-Term Monitoring Networks

Optimization of long-term monitoring (LTM) networks has changed from a focus on adding information and data, in order to better characterize groundwater plumes, to an emphasis on identifying and removing statistical redundancy, so as to minimize long-term costs. An optimal system is defined as one with a minor loss of information, but a large gain in cost savings. Better optimization strategies offer improvements in 1) measuring both costs and the accuracy of baseline estimates, 2) choosing optimal subsets of the existing data, and 3) flexibility and adaptability of the optimization scheme. Examples of such improvements are shown using the Geostatistical Temporal-Spatial algorithm (GTS).
Consistency of Lunar Orbiter residuals with trajectory and local gravity effects.

Residuals from earth based coherent two way radio Doppler data from Lunar Orbiter three orders of magnitude larger than observations from spacecraft
Approximate solution to the Gel'Fand-Levitan equation

An approximate solution to the Gel'Fand-Levitan Equation is given for the case where G(r, s) can be approximated by an N^t^h rank separable function. It is necessary both to show that K(r, s) is N^t^h rank of G(r, s) and to introduce a new orthogonal set.
DNA-mediated assembly of iron platinum (FePt) nanoparticles

Nanocomposite materials consisting of FePt nanoparticles and DNA were constructed via DNA-mediated “bricks and mortar” self-assembly. Electrostatic interaction between the cationic nanoparticles and the DNA through surface recognition led to the formation of extended composite aggregates. These DNA-assembled aggregates feature increased interparticle spacing arising from the DNA “mortar”. The enhanced structure and increased spacing in the bio-nanocomposite assembly was found to alter the magnetic properties of the assemblies, as demonstrated by a 54 K change in blocking temperature (TB).
On the Removal of the Effect of Horizontal Fluxes In Two‐Aircraft Measurements of Cloud Absorption

Cloud absorption inferred from the difference between the net fluxes measured by stacked aircraft below and above clouds is strongly affected by the uncertainties due to cloud horizontal inhomogeneity. the simplest way to get rid of these uncertainties is to perform grand averages over flight legs; if flight legs are long enough, grand averaging may lead to a reliable estimate of cloud absorption. However, the amount of information on ‘true’ cloud absorption returned from such an expensive measurement program will be very limited-often one number per flight leg. This paper contains a discussion on how to enhance the harvest of true absorption data using two related methods: (a) subtraction and (b) conditional sampling. Both methods assume that, simultaneously with broadband measurements, some narrow non-absorbing-band net flux measurements are also available. Both methods are related to Ackerman-Cox type corrections, where subtracting fluxes in a transparent spectral band from those in an absorbing band partially removes the radiative effects of horizontal inhomogeneity and allows the recovery of spatially resolved cloud absorption. the output of the two methods is different: while the subtraction method provides a contiguous record of recovered cloud absorption, the conditional sampling method yields a discrete set of data points where the vertical net flux divergence reliably estimates true cloud absorption.
Relationship Between Peer Orientation and Achievement in Cooperative Learning-Based Research Methodology Courses

Abstract The capability of the relationship between peer orientation and achievement to remain in research methodology courses when cooperative learning techniques are introduced was investigated. Participants comprised 159 students enrolled in 7 sections of a graduate-level research methodology course at a southern university over 2 semesters. The students, who were administered a learning-style instrument, were enrolled in sections in which cooperative-learning groups were formed to undertake the major course requirements. Findings revealed a small but statistically significant relationship between peer orientation and achievement; students who were more oriented toward cooperative learning attained lower levels of achievement than did those who did not have an orientation toward cooperative learning. Further research is warranted.
Outcomes after Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in Those ≥80 Years of Age: Recent Veterans Affairs Experience

During fiscal years 91-95, 6260 patients underwent 6269 abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repairs in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Those > or =80 years old comprised 3.7% (n = 231) of the patients. A total of 5833 patients underwent repair of nonruptured AAA: mortality was 4.1% (228/5627) in those or =80 years old (p or =80 was independently associated with higher mortality (odds ratio 1.834:1, 95% bounds 1.117-3.012). Octogenarian status (defined as > or =80 years of age), however, had a less important association with in-hospital death than did surgical complications of the heart or genitourinary tract, postoperative hemorrhage, septicemia, respiratory insufficiency, myocardial infarction (MI), acute renal failure, surgical complications of the central nervous system (CNS), aneurysm rupture, postoperative shock, or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), in ascending order of importance. Only 5.9% (n = 25) of the 427 patients undergoing repair of ruptured AAA were > or =80 years old. In those > or =80 undergoing repair of ruptured aneurysms, mortality was 48% which did not differ from the 45% mortality in those or =80 years (p or =80 undergoing AAA repair was longer being 22.3 +/- 14.8 days versus 18.3 +/- 13.2 days for younger patients (p or =80 years of age. Severity of illness, however, was also greater for octogenarians. Patient Management Category (PMC) software defined illness severity was 4.06 +/- 1.22 in octogenarians versus 3.84 +/- 1.13 for those younger (p or =80 was independently associated with increased mortality, selected elderly patients could benefit from AAA repair.
Thermochemical Cycle of a Mixed Metal Oxide for Augmentation of Thermal Energy Storage in Solid Particles

Abstract Solid particle heat transfer and storage media have been shown to be able to operate at temperatures >1000 °C in concentrated solar power (CSP) applications, much higher than the operational limit of 600 °C for current state-of-the-art molten nitrate salt heat transfer fluid. Solid particles can be endothermically reduced by direct exposure to concentrated solar energy, thus absorbing and storing thermal energy beyond that possible with sensible heating alone. The particles can then be oxidized exothermically at a later time, releasing the stored chemical heat and effectively augmenting the thermal energy storage capacity of the solid particles. A mixed metal oxide spinel material that reduces in the temperature range of interest (1000-1200 °C) has been examined for applicability to this thermochemical energy storage concept. A description of this application, prospective materials, and details of the thermochemical cycle are presented. The heats of reduction and oxidation for the thermochemical cycle have been determined for various operating conditions to evaluate the amount of thermal energy that may be stored. Various possible implementations of this augmented storage concept are considered, and alternate means of controlling the thermochemical cycle are explored.
Observations on the mechanism of copper damage in chlorella.

Addition of excess copper to nongrowing cells of a normal, green Chlorella caused a reduction in total pigments and a blue shift of chlorophyll absorption, concurrent with the inhibition of photosynthesis. Chlorophylless yellow and white mutant strains of the same alga showed a rise in nonspecific absorption (i.e., change in light scatter) within 5 to 10 minutes after the addition of CuSO(4); concomitantly a lowering of packed cell volume and a rise in respiration occurred. Glutathione prevented all copper-induced changes, whereas MnCl(2) protected only partially. Selective inhibition of some responses to copper was observed when O(2) was absent or an antioxidant present.
Cytodifferentiation, but not Resolution, of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma:

A 5-year-old white male with no significant past medical history presented with urinary retention. Computed tomographic (CT) scan showed an intrapelvic mass, 7.1 5.9 4.7 cm, lying posterior and inferior to the bladder. Needle biopsy of the mass showed a cellular tumor with a heterogeneous cell population consisting of small round blue cells, rhabdomyoblasts with long eosinophilic cytoplasmic tails, and occasional spindle cells in a myxoid background. This appearance, along with strongly positive immunostaining for muscle-specific actin, desmin, and Myo D is consistent with the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient was begun on an appropriate chemotherapy regimen, and was discharged once his urinary retention symptoms subsided. Periodic CT scans of the pelvis revealed that the mass was decreasing significantly in size. Eight months after the initial diagnosis, the mass had shrunk to 3.3 3.1 cm. Needle biopsy at this time showed maturing rhabdomyoblasts admixed with dense fibrous connective tissue and skeletal muscle. There was no evidence of the immature component that comprised the original pretreatment biopsy specimen. This case presents several unique aspects of pediatric tumor pathology, the first of which is the concept of rhabdomyosarcoma as a type of embryonic tumor. Embryonic tumors derive from a specific tissue in embryonic, fetal, or early postnatal development, while that tissue is still immature [1]. Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, for instance, is most common before the age of 5 years and develops from primitive mesenchyme having a myogenic tendency [2]. Thus, underlying pathogenesis of embryonic tumors is fundamentally different from acquired adult tumors in that embryonic tumors develop before any significant exposure to environmental carcinogenic substances occurs. Instead, embryonic tumors arise
Natural gas processing with PRISM® separators

Gas separating membranes offer the natural gas processing industry an alternative to absorption processes for gas treating facilities.
Interpretation of the conductivity of micelles and other electrolytes dissolved in a concentrated salt solution

Abstract The change in the total electric conductivity produced by the addition of a small amount of a solute to a concentrated salt solution is analyzed in terms of the effects of the accompanying changes in volume, ionic strength, and viscosity upon the conductivity of the salt as well as the contribution of the additive itself. The net change in conductivity produced by the addition of an electrolyte may be negative. Experiments with simple salts permit the evaluation of the necessary parameters. Those with nonionic micelles confirm the prediction that large added particles affect the concentrated salt as “obstructions” rather than as viscosity increasers. These results have been used to explain the previously reported anomalous behavior of ionic micelles of sodium decyl and dodecyl sulfates in the presence of sodium chloride up to 1 M concentration.
IR Studies of NH3, Pyridine, CO, and NO Adsorbed on Transition Metal Oxides

Abstract Chemisorption of small molecules is often used as a probe for By probing the surface properties of transition metal oxides. the interaction of molecules with the surface, information is often obtained on the oxidation state, the coordination symmetry, the degree of coordination unsaturation of the surface cations, the acid-base properties of the surface hydroxyl groups, and the presence and the nature of surface Lewis acid and B rosnsted acid sites. This information is deduced from experimental measurements of the adsorption isotherms, the heats of adsorption, the thermal desorption spectra, and the vibrational spectra of the adsorbate. Until recently, when high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy became available, vibrational spectra were obtained with infrared spectroscopy. Laser Raman spectroscopy has seldom been used because of the low Raman scattering cross section of most molecules.
Molecular characterization of a serine/threonine kinase in the DiGeorge minimal critical region

Abstract The majority of patients with DiGeorge, velocardiofacial or conotruncal anomaly facial syndromes share a common genetic etiology, deletion of chromosomal region 22q11.2. This report describes a computational approach toward the identification and molecular characterization of a newly identified serine/threonine kinase from the minimal critical deleted region (MDGCR). A cosmid contig of the minimal critical region has been assembled and sequenced in its entirety. Database searches and computer analysis of one cosmid (111f11) for coding sequences identified two regions with high similarity to the mouse serine/threonine kinase, Tsk1 . Our investigations demonstrate that one of these regions contains a testis-specific gene that undergoes differential splicing, while the other region is most likely a pseudogene. Northern blot analysis and cDNA cloning demonstrate that there is alternate processing of the 3′ UTR without altering the conserved kinase domains within the open reading frame. Serine/threonine kinases can play a regulatory role and have been found to be expressed during early embryogenesis. Based on its position in the MDGCR and possible function, the gene reported here is a candidate for the features seen in the 22q11 deletion syndrome.
Bibliography of literature pertaining to stuttering in elementary-school children

Abstract This bibliography consists of clinical, experimental, and theoretical papers pertaining to the stuttering problems of children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Instability in short-run adjustments to purchasing power parity: results for selected Latin American countries

According to the theory of purchasing power parity (PPP), there is a tendency toward equalization of different countries' price levels in common-currency terms. However, even assuming that a long-run PPP relationship exists, its relevance for policy makers in less developed countries (LDCs) will depend not only on the average speed of adjustment toward this relationship but also on the variability of such short-run adjustments. We present evidence of extreme volatility in adjustments toward PPP for four Latin American countries, based on time-varying-parameter estimates of error-correction models.
Normal serum calcium levels in albino mice. II. A detailed evaluation of sexual differences.

Abstract 1. 1. Normal male and female serum calcium levels were analyzed with the use of two different bleeding techniques. 2. 2. When serum calcium was analyzed in blood samples obtained from the orbital venous plexus, female mice exhibited a consistently higher mean serum calcium level (10.12±0.18, 10.00±0.24 and 9.46±0.42 mg/100 ml) than their male counterpart (9.00±0.19, 9.96±0.21 and 8.86±0.26 mg/100 ml). 3. 3. Blood drawn by cardiac puncture was not homogenous enough to allow detection of minor differences between the experimental groups (females: 8.26±0.16 and 9.34±0.30 mg/100 ml; males: 8.17±0.18 and 9.52±0.49 mg/100 ml). 4. 4. Female mice appear to be more efficient than males in the overall regulation of serum calcium.