cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Misuse of prescription stimulant medication in a sample of college students: examining differences between varsity athletes and non-athletes.

Abstract Background The misuse of prescription stimulants (MPS) has been identified as an adverse health behavior among college students. Because stimulant medication is often taken to increase focus and decrease reaction time, these substances have the potential to enhance athletic performance. However, the role that athlete status (varsity athlete vs. non-athlete) has on MPS has rarely been examined in the college student population. Objectives To examine whether there are differences in past-year MPS and MPS-related motivations between college varsity athletes and non-athletes. Methods A sample of 682 (482 non-athletes; 200 athletes) college students between the ages of 18 and 25 completed a paper-based questionnaire to assess MPS, MPS-related motivations, and other potential MPS correlates (e.g., gender, energy drink consumption, tobacco use, heavy episodic drinking). Then, we conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses to examine potential correlates of MPS, including athlete status. Finally, we examined differences in MPS-related motivations between varsity athletes and non-athletes. Results Overall, 98 (13.9%; 16.6% non-athletes v. 7.5% varsity athletes) respondents reported past-year MPS and varsity athletes were significantly less likely (p Conclusions MPS was prevalent among the sample. Varsity athletes were significantly less likely to engage in past-year MPS and were motivated to do so for different reasons.
Opportunities for Technology: Translating an Efficacious Intervention to Improve Medication Adherence Among Older Adults

We developed and tested the Multifaceted Prospective Memory Intervention (MPMI) to improve medication adherence among older adults (≥ 65 years of age) who were prescribed at least one daily medication for the control of high blood pressure. Blood pressure control is important because high blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, heart failure, retinopathy, renal disease as well as pathology in other end organs including the brain. The MPMI resulted in improvement from 57 % at baseline to 78 % adherence to the inter-dose interval post intervention, but most of these gains were lost after 5 months. The control condition started at 68 %, was stable during the intervention, but dropped to 62 % after 5 months of additional monitoring. The intervention was successful, but the effects were not sustained. Continued investigation to find ways to enhance self-management among older adults using technology is needed in order to maintain health and function.
Pharmacokinetics and distribution of minocycline in mature horses after oral administration of multiple doses and comparison with minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Minocycline holds great potential for use in horses not only for its antimicrobial effects but also for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, there are no pharmacokinetic or safety data available regarding the use of oral minocycline in horses. Objectives: To determine pharmacokinetics, safety and penetration into plasma, synovial fluid, aqueous humour (AH) and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) of minocycline after oral administration of multiple doses in horses and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of minocycline for equine pathogenic bacteria. Methods: Six horses received minocycline (4 mg/kg bwt q. 12 h for 5 doses). Thirty-three blood and 9 synovial fluid samples were collected over 96 h. Aqueous humour and CSF samples were collected 1 h after the final dose. Minocycline concentrations were measured using high pressure liquid chromatography. The MIC values of minocycline for equine bacterial isolates were determined. Results: At steady state, the mean ± s.d. peak concentration of minocycline in the plasma was 0.67 ± 0.26 µg/ml and the mean half-life was 11.48 ± 3.23 h. The highest trough synovial fluid minocycline concentration was 0.33 ± 0.12 µg/ml. The AH concentration of minocycline was 0.09 ± 0.03 µg/ml in normal eyes and 0.11 ± 0.04 µg/ml in blood aqueous barrier-disrupted eyes. The mean CSF concentration of minocycline was 0.38 ± 0.09 µg/ml. The MIC values were determined for 301 isolates. Minocycline concentrations were above the MIC50 and MIC90 for many gram-positive equine pathogens. Potential relevance: This study supports the use of orally administered minocycline at a dose of 4 mg/kg bwt every 12 h for the treatment of nonocular infections caused by susceptible (MIC≤0.25 µg/ml) organisms in horses. Further studies are required to determine the dose that would be effective for the treatment of ocular infections.
CW gray-track formation in KTP

Summary form only given. Gray track damage in KTP crystals exposed to high power visible radiation is well known. Recently, two parallel absorbing tracks on opposite sides of the pump beam (double-tracks) were found in KTP crystals subject to high average-power high-repetition-rate green laser radiation. We report on the same effect observed with CW-laser radiation. Photothermal common-path interferometry (PCI), a modification of the photothermal technique with interferometric sensitivity, was used to detect double-track formation in the early stage of its development. Two pump beams were used, IR (1064 nm) and green (532 nm or 514 nm). A crossed-beam configuration with both pump beams collinear and probe beam crossing them inside the sample made it possible to resolve bulk and surface absorption in KTP.
Impact of care settings on residents' functional and psychosocial status, physical activity and adverse events

Background Internationally, as the number of older adults increases, different types of care settings are evolving to address the care needs of this growing group of individuals. Aims and objectives The purpose of this study was to describe and compare clinical outcomes of residents with moderate to severe cognitive impairment living in residential care facilities (RCFs) and nursing homes (NHs). Design This was a secondary data analysis that included data from two studies testing a Function-Focused Care for Cognitively Impaired (FFC-CI) Intervention. Methods A total of 96 participants were from RCFs and 103 were from NHs. Change scores over a 6-month period in RCF and NH residents were evaluated using a multivariate analysis of variance. Results Residential care facilities residents had more agitation, better function and engaged in approximately twice as much physical activity as those in NH settings at baseline. Controlling for treatment status and baseline differences, over 6 months, RCF residents showed a decrease of −22.77 ± 41.47 kilocalories used in 24 hours while those in NHs increased to a mean of 10.49 ± 33.65 kilocalories used. With regard to function, residents in RCFs declined 10.97 ± 18.35 points on the Barthel Index, while those in NHs increased 10.18 ± 19.56 points. Conclusions In this sample, NH residents were more likely to be African American, had more comorbidities, less cognitive impairment, engaged in less physical activity, were more impaired functionally and had less agitation than those in RCFs. Controlling for treatment group status and baseline differences in comorbidities, cognitive status and race, residents in RCFs declined more in terms of functional and physical activity over a 6-month period. Implications for practice Ongoing research and clinical work is needed to understand the impact of care settings on clinical outcomes.
The ontogeny of morphological defenses in Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) and loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles.

Marine turtles are large reptiles that compensate for high juvenile mortality by producing hundreds of hatchlings during a long reproductive lifespan. Most hatchlings are taken by predators during their migration to, and while resident in, the open ocean. Their survival depends upon crypticity, minimizing movement to avoid detection, and foraging efficiently to grow to a size too difficult for predators to either handle or swallow. While these behavioral antipredator tactics are known, changes in morphology accompanying growth may also improve survival prospects. These have been only superficially described in the literature. Here, we compare the similarities and differences in presumed morphological defenses of growing loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) posthatchlings, related species that differ in growth rate, timing of habitat shift (the return from oceanic to neritic locations), and size at maturity. In both species, vertebral spination and carapace widening increase disproportionally as small turtles grow, but later in ontogeny, the spines regress, sooner in ridley than in loggerhead turtles. Carapace widening occurs in both species but loggerheads are always longer than they are wide whereas in Kemp's ridley turtles, the carapace becomes as wide as long. Our analysis indicates that these changes are unrelated to when each species shifts habitat but are related to turtle size. We hypothesize that the spines function in small turtles as an early defense against gape-limited predators, but changes in body shape function throughout ontogeny—initially to make small turtles too wide to swallow and later by presenting an almost flat and hardened surface that large predators (such as a sharks) are unable to grasp. The extremely wide carapace of the Kemp's ridley may compensate for its smaller adult size (and presumed greater vulnerability) than the loggerhead. J. Morphol. 276:929–940, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating Cosmic-Ray Spectral Parameters from Simulated Detector Responses with Detector Design Implications

A simple power law model consisting of a single spectral index (alpha-1) is believed to be an adequate description of the galactic cosmic-ray (GCR) proton flux at energies below 10(exp 13) eV, with a transition at knee energy (E(sub k)) to a steeper spectral index alpha-2 > alpha-1 above E(sub k). The maximum likelihood procedure is developed for estimating these three spectral parameters of the broken power law energy spectrum from simulated detector responses. These estimates and their surrounding statistical uncertainty are being used to derive the requirements in energy resolution, calorimeter size, and energy response of a proposed sampling calorimeter for the Advanced Cosmic-ray Composition Experiment for the Space Station (ACCESS). This study thereby permits instrument developers to make important trade studies in design parameters as a function of the science objectives, which is particularly important for space-based detectors where physical parameters, such as dimension and weight, impose rigorous practical limits to the design envelope.
Nitrogen fixation by Trichodesmium spp.: An important source of new nitrogen to the tropical and subtropical North Atlantic Ocean

[1] The broad distribution and often high densities of the cyanobacterium Trichodesmium spp. in oligotrophic waters imply a substantial role for this one taxon in the oceanic N cycle of the marine tropics and subtropics. New results from 154 stations on six research cruises in the North Atlantic Ocean show depth-integrated N2 fixation by Trichodesmium spp. at many stations that equalled or exceeded the estimated vertical flux of NO3− into the euphotic zone by diapycnal mixing. Areal rates are consistent with those derived from several indirect geochemical analyses. Direct measurements of N2 fixation rates by Trichodesmium are also congruent with upper water column N budgets derived from parallel determinations of stable isotope distributions, clearly showing that N2 fixation by Trichodesmium is a major source of new nitrogen in the tropical North Atlantic. We project a conservative estimate of the annual input of new N into the tropical North Atlantic of at least 1.6 × 1012 mol N by Trichodesmium N2 fixation alone. This input can account for a substantial fraction of the N2 fixation in the North Atlantic inferred by several of the geochemical approaches.
The Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative Project

ABSTRACT The Student Explorer Demonstration Initiative (STEDI) is a NASA funded, USRA managed pilot program consisting of three university-led projects. The program is designed to assess the effectiveness of small, low-cost space flight missions. In response to an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) for three STEDI space-flight missions, issued by USRA, 66 proposals were received. The AO called for complete missions which were to operate for up to one year in polar orbit and accomplish significant research or technology-development objectives. Total cost including spacecraft/instruments design and development, test and integration, and operation for one year in orbit could not exceed $4.16 million. Projects had to be ready for launch within two years from go-ahead. In addition, proposers had to demonstrate that there would be significant and meaningful student involvement over the course of the program. From the 66 proposals that were received, the three projects were selected for development. Herein, these three projects will be described, and some conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the pilot program will be presented.
Passive Immunization in JNPL3 Transgenic Mice Using an Array of Phospho-Tau Specific Antibodies.

Recent work from our lab and few others have strongly suggested that immunotherapy could be an effective means of preventing the development of tau accumulation in JNPL3 transgenic mice, carrying the human P301L mutation. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a variety of specific tau monoclonal antibodies in JNPL3. Starting at 3 months of age, mice were treated for 4 months with weekly intraperitoneal injections of saline or purified tau monoclonal antibodies (10mg/Kg) different in specificity for pathological tau: CP13 (pSer202), RZ3 (pThr231) and PG5 (pSer409). As expected, not all the antibodies tested showed efficacy at preventing the development of tau pathology at the described dose, with some of them even worsening the pathological scenario. Only by targeting the pSer202 epitope with CP13 was a conspicuous reduction of insoluble or soluble tau in cortex and hindbrain obtained. Here we report about the importance of screening in vivo multiple tau antibodies in order to select the antibodies to direct into future clinical studies.
Patterns of Population Growth in Peri‐Urban Accra, Ghana

Urbanization in Africa (and the wider developing world for that matter) has often been misunderstood by Western observers on the lookout for Western-style cities and suburbs. In these parts of the world, rapid urbanization has led to continuing changes in the form and shape of cities, as peri-urban zones shift swiftly from rural to urban. While some descriptions of the peri-urban zone suggest an amorphous area filled with low-income residents, others argue that the zone is highly diverse. Using population census data, spatial modeling and regression analysis, we show that urban expansion at the edge of the city of Accra, Ghana, is not amorphous and does indeed show some discernible patterns. These patterns are represented by four hypotheses tested in this study - the spreading pancake, development node, village magnet and ribbon hypotheses. While the assumption that urban growth occurs in concentric rings around a central city (represented by the spreading pancake model) holds for Accra, this pattern of growth combines with other patterns to create a still-evolving urban form in the city's peri-urban zone. These include clustering of growth around a port city, a number of old villages and along improved highways radiating from the city.
Engaging active stakeholders in implementation of community‐based conservation: Whooping crane management in Texas, USA

Engaging a variety of wildlife stakeholders in the implementation of conservation plans is an increasingly frequent activity of wildlife managers. In some cases, stakeholders develop interdependent relationships with a species being managed by the wildlife agency, usually when the species is economically important. We studied the potential for engaging stakeholders in the implementation of community-based conservation in the winter habitat of the federally endangered whooping crane (Grus americana) to better understand the relationships between stakeholders (including landowners and nongovernmental organizations) and wildlife managers when working with charismatic species that provide local economic value. In May–September 2010, we interviewed 35 Texas individuals interested in crane conservation, and then analyzed transcripts using both a priori and emergent coding techniques. We found that active stakeholders were eager to work with wildlife managers because of the charismatic and economic values they attributed to the whooping crane. We also found that these stakeholders responded positively to agency intervention for the purpose of sharing expert knowledge and providing stakeholders with standing in the dynamically complex management practices surrounding the species and ecosystem. By recognizing the interests of active stakeholders, wildlife managers can expand opportunities for positive public participation in efforts to conserve and restore endangered species populations. They can improve community relations by building on already existing positive perceptions of relationships between humans and wildlife. © 2015 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by The Wildlife Society.
Coronary hemodynamics and subendocardial perfusion distal to stenoses.

Abstract We compared distal coronary hemodynamics and regional myocardial perfusion in anesthetized dogs in the presence of a single or two coronary artery stenoses in series. After application of either a single or two stenoses on the left anterior descending coronary artery, regional myocardial blood flow was measured with radioactive microspheres. Moderate degrees of single-vessel stenosis (no change in resting coronary blood flow but reduction in reactive hyperemic response of 70%) resulted in no significant change in regional myocardial perfusion at rest despite a pressure drop across the stenosis of 24 ± 3 mm Hg. When two such stenoses were applied in series, there was a 91% decrease in reactive hyperemia, a significant reduction in resting diastolic coronary blood flow and a 51 ± 7 mm Hg pressure drop across the two stenoses. Alone, each stenosis produced no change in regional myocardial perfusion; however, together the two stenoses resulted in a significant decrease in subendocardial blood flow and a redistribution of transmural perfusion within the ischemic zone favoring the subepicardium (endo/epi from 0.95 ± 0.03 to 0.72 ± 0.03). The results indicate that whereas resting subendocardial perfusion is not significantly affected by moderate degrees of a single coronary artery stenosis, multiple stenoses of the same severity may dramatically reduce subendocardial perfusion.
Pilot-scale evaluation of blending desalinated seawater into a distribution system

A pilot-scale pipe loop test was conducted to evaluate the effects of desalinated seawater on corrosion, lead release, disinfectant decay, and formation of disinfection by-products in the distribution system. Results indicated that the desalinated blend water did not increase corrosion of unlined cast-iron pipes, coated cement-lined pipes, or copper pipes. However, aluminum release from uncoated cement-lined pipes was increased. The blend water also increased lead release from leaded solder. These results agreed with the predictions from corrosion indexes and earlier bench-scale testing. Orthophosphate (1 mg/L) added to mitigate lead release was ineffective. Adding phosphate increased bacterial growth in unlined cast-iron pipes and solder. Although chloramine decay was increased by desalinated water, this effect can be managed by controlling bromide levels and either reboosting or preforming chloramine. Desalinated blend water did not increase biological activity. In addition, the blend water decreased the formation of total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids as expected but increased nitrosodimethylamine for unknown reasons.
Rising Infant Mortality in Delaware: An Examination of Racial Differences in Secular Trends

Objectives: Recent increases in the Delaware Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) have been attributed to a rise in the mortality of very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants born to mothers of higher socioeconomic status. This study examines whether the determinants of infant mortality trends in Delaware vary by race. Methods: Linked birth/infant death cohort files for the two periods 1993–1997 and 1998–2002 were used to evaluate the determinants of infant mortality trends separately for White and Black racial groups. Kitagawa analyses determined the components of race-specific infant mortality trends attributable to changes in both the birthweight distribution and birthweight-specific mortality rates. Maternal characteristics were examined to identify factors associated with IMR changes. Results: Between the two time periods, infant mortality increased 23% among White infants and 17% among Black infants. For both races, the infant mortality increase was explained by increases in the incidence and mortality of VLBW infants, specifically below <500 grams for Blacks and <1,000 grams for Whites. The increased incidence of VLBW deliveries was statistically significant only among Whites, almost 40% of which was explained by an increase in multiple births. For both Whites and Blacks, the increase in VLBW mortality occurred mainly among births to more traditionally advantaged women who were twenty or older, at least high school educated, married, privately insured, had received first trimester prenatal care, and those who delivered multiple births. Conclusions: These findings suggest that conventional strategies of increasing access to prenatal care among disadvantaged women may be insufficient to reverse recent IMR increases in Delaware, irrespective of race. Future efforts should focus on understanding the causes of the increased infant mortality associated with higher socioeconomic status, including changes in assisted reproductive technology utilization, maternal health status, and obstetric practice.
Spaces of unintended consequences: The Ground Safety Zone in Kosovo

In the spring of 1999 NATO conducted a 79-day air campaign against Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro) to force that country to cease the ethnic cleansing of Kosovar Albanians and to force the withdrawal of Yugoslavian forces from the province. In June of 1999 a NATO led military force (KFOR or Kosovo Force) entered Kosovo to reestablish a safe and secure environment. Shortly thereafter ethnic Albanian armed extremists groups launched an insurgency in the neighboring Presevo Valley of Southern Serbia in a bid to join the predominantly ethnic Albanian population of that area with Kosovo. The rebels used the five-kilometer wide Ground Safety Zone, established by NATO, as a sanctuary from which to attack Serb police and military units. NATO and KFOR found themselves in the predicament of having to halt this insurgency while maintaining the peace in Kosovo. This paper provides a case study in applied political geography that examines the unintended consequences of creating an uncontrolled political and security space in the midst of a zone of conflict. Additionally, this paper will present a revised application of the concept of Peace Geography for the Post Cold War Era. Peace Geography involves the elements of association, disassociation, and isolation. These elements proved to be critical in bringing the Presevo Valley Insurrection to a peaceful conclusion, and this revised and updated peace geography shows great promise for future peacekeeping operations.
Solid-state 13C NMR of liquid crystalline polyesters: Variations in morphology, alignment, and dynamics within a homologous series

The local ordering, morphology, and dynamics of aromatic cores and flexible alkyl spacers were analyzed for a homologous series of main-chain polymeric liquid crystals. 13C NMR experiments showed that the nematic ordering achieved by these synthetic polymers was retained into the solid state if their quenchings occur while remaining within the strong NMR magnetic field. The degree of orientation in the resulting glasses was investigated by variable-angle NMR experiments and found to differ between polymers with an even number of methylene units in the flexible spacer vs those with an odd number. To further discern at a molecular level the nature of these differences, the structures of these polyesters were examined by high-resolution solid-state 13C NMR. It was found that while the odd-chained series displayed a conformational annealing upon aligning, even-chained polymers were generally in all-trans conformations both for as-synthesized and for aligned samples. Variable-temperature 1D and 2D NMR experime...
Examination of newly synthesized DNA in Escherichia coli.

The short (0-20S) “Okazaki” fragments seen upon pulse-labeling E. coli (thy +, deo +) with 3H-thymidine are actually composed of three types of DNA fragments: (1) true replication intermediates, (2) post-replication repair fragments (such as those which arise subsequent to the removal of misincorporated uracil), and (3) chromosomal fragments. Our experiments show that the number of pulse-labeled fragments decreases slightly with the introduction of the ung-1 mutation into E. coli K-12 (dut +, thyl +, polA +), and that there are fewer fragments found in E. coli B/r than in E. coli K-12 ung-1. This suggests that while some fraction of pulse-labeled fragments may be due to repair, this fraction can vary among different strains; moreover, the majority of fragments appear to be replication intermediates. Selfhybridization (reannealing) of pulse-labeled fragments from E. coli B/r show that these fragments are asymmetric with respect to the strand origin and with respect to their size: the smaller (3-8S) fragments come from only one of the parental strands, whereas the larger (13-20S) fragments are synthesized equally from both parental strands. We interpret our results to mean that replication can be discontinuous on both strands but asymmetric with respect to both the size of the fragments and the size of the discontinuous region on the two strands.
Applications of amorphous wire

Abstract In-water-quenched amorphous magnetic metal wire has been available for a decade. In this time, the unique properties of the wire have created many new uses, especially in the field of electronic devices and sensors. Because of the near-ideal mechanical properties of amorphous metal, the wire can be die drawn to various wire diameters which can be much smaller than is possible with polycrystalline magnetic materials. Diameters of any value from the as-cast value of about 135 μm down to 10 μm are available. Also the wire can be used in applications where mechanical strength as well as unique magnetic characteristics are needed. Since magnetic metals are typically magnetostrictive, changing the chemical composition of the amorphous wire can be used to change the magnetostriction which, in combination with residual or applied stress, provides yet another opportunity to tailor the magnetic character to the device needs. Flux reversal lies at the heart of all electronic devices since the ultimate output is always a voltage to interact with the other electronic elements. Wire can have a longitudinal flux change or a circumferential flux change or a combination of two. The most curious, although not necessarily the most useful, is the re-entrant longitudinal reversal found in magnetostrictive as-cast and die-drawn tension-annealed wire. Re-entrant reversal takes the same time and hence generates the same voltage essentially independent of the drive field amplitude or frequency within the range of electromechanical devices. It is useful for tachometers where the frequency changes or security sensors where the drive field changes over a wide range. Since the reversal mechanism involves a magnetic domain wall propagating along the wire, distance sensors are also possible. By twisting the magnetostrictive wire, the longitudinal flux can be coupled to the circumferential flux which links the wire itself. This Matteucci effect allows the sensor to be driven or the output voltage observed between each end of the wire, providing a great convenience and flexibility for some types of devices. The ability to drive the reversal using a current through the wire is also popular with non-magnetostrictive wires. Here, the sharp and predictable demagnetizing effects resulting from the wire geometry make the wire attractive for electronic device applications such as the data tablet, miniature chokes and transformers.
Treatment with the Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis Inhibitor 4-Methylumbelliferone Suppresses SEB-Induced Lung Inflammation

Exposure to bacterial superantigens, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), can lead to the induction of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS). To date, there are no known effective treatments for SEB-induced inflammation. In the current study we investigated the potential use of the hyaluronic acid synthase inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) on staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) induced acute lung inflammation. Culturing SEB-activated immune cells with 4-MU led to reduced proliferation, reduced cytokine production as well as an increase in apoptosis when compared to untreated cells. Treatment of mice with 4-MU led to protection from SEB-induced lung injury. Specifically, 4-MU treatment led to a reduction in SEB-induced HA levels, reduction in lung permeability, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Taken together, these results suggest that use of 4-MU to target hyaluronic acid production may be an effective treatment for the inflammatory response following exposure to SEB.
Inherited and Developmental Corneal Disorders

The cornea is one of the rare transparent tissues in nature. Its clarity and curvature are essential for clear and precise vision. This clarity may be adversely affected by a number of congenital and developmental conditions. It is important to recognize these defects early in order to prevent amblyopia, and, in many cases, to rule out congenital glaucoma or associated congenital or developmental disorders. Early treatment of corneal disorders may prevent permanent visual loss and can facilitate early visual rehabilitation.
Dietary lead: effects on hepatic fatty acid composition in chicks.

Arbor Acre broiler chicks were fed diets containing 0, 500, 750, 1000, 2000, or 4000 ppm lead (as Pb acetate · 3 H2O) from day-old through 21 days of age. There were 8 groups of 10 male chicks per lead level. Eight chicks from each dietary lead level were killed at 21 days, and hepatic fatty acid composition was determined for each chick by gas-liquid chromatography. Increasing dietary lead levels decreased the concentrations of 16:1 and 18:1 fatty acids (first No. = No. carbons; second No. = No. double bonds) and increased the concentrations of 18:0 and 20:4. The concentration of 18:2 fatty acids did not differ significantly from control values for any level of lead. However, the ratio 18:220:4 declined from a control value of 3.3 to approximately 2 for all lead treatments. The ratio of saturated/monoenoic fatty acids increased with dietary lead levels above 1000 ppm. In a second experiment 10 male broiler chicks per treatment were fed either a control diet or the control diet plus 2000 ppm lead, 60 ppm cadmium, 500 ppm mercury, or 10 ppm selenium (as Pb acetate · 3 H2O, CdSO4, HgCl2, or Na2SeO3, respectively) for 21 days. Six chicks from each group were killed at 21 days, and hepatic fatty acid composition was determined for each chick. In comparison to control, the ratio 18:220:4 was lowered by lead but unaffected by cadmium, mercury, and selenium. The data suggest that lead may increase tissue peroxidation (as noted by other workers) via a relative increase of 20:4 fatty acid and that a decrease of hepatic ratio 18:220:4 may be a specific sign of lead toxicity.
Field-evolved resistance to Bt maize by western corn rootworm.

Background Crops engineered to produce insecticidal toxins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are planted on millions of hectares annually, reducing the use of conventional insecticides and suppressing pests. However, the evolution of resistance could cut short these benefits. A primary pest targeted by Bt maize in the United States is the western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).
Alteration of electron-electron interaction effects in metal-insulator-metal trilayers

We have studied electron-electron interaction effects in Sb films which were part of Al/SiO/Sb trilayer structures. The Al film was designed to act as a "ground plane", and was separated from the Sb by an insulating layer of SiO, which was as thin as ≈ 60 A, and contained no pinholes or shorts, so that the Sb and Al layers were electrically isolated. By comparing the behavior of these Sb films with similar films deposited on glass substrates (i.e. Sb films which were not located near any other conducting layers) we have observed that electron-electron interaction effects are modified by the presence of the Al ground plane. The contribution of electron-electron interactions to the conductance of the Sb film is suppressed in the trilayer samples, while the electron-electron scattering rate appears to be somewhat enhanced.
Lidar system for investigation of aerosols and cirrus clouds near the equator

The rationale and justification for aerosol and cirrus cloud observations in the equatorial region of the central Pacific are presented. The development of a small, fully automatic lidar system, powered by wind and solar energy, is discussed.
Consequences of direct versus indirect activation of epidermal growth factor receptor in intestinal epithelial cells are dictated by protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B.

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an integral regulator of many cellular functions. EGFR also acts as a central conduit for extracellular signals involving direct activation of the receptor by EGFR ligands or indirect activation by G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-stimulated transactivation of the EGFR. We have previously shown that EGFR negatively regulates epithelial chloride secretion as a result of transforming growth factor-α-mediated EGFR transactivation in response to muscarinic GPCR activation. Here we show that direct activation of the EGFR by EGFR ligands produces a different pattern of EGFR tyrosine phosphorylation and downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase recruitment than GPCR-stimulated transactivation of the EGFR occurring via paracrine EGFR ligand release. Moreover, we demonstrate that this differential signaling and its consequences depend on protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B activity. Thus protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B governs differential recruitment of signaling pathways involved in EGFR regulation of epithelial ion transport. Our findings furthermore establish how divergent signaling outcomes can arise from the activation of a single receptor.
Magnetic Observation of Anion Binding in Iron Coordination Complexes: Toward Spin-Switching Chemosensors

Many spin-crossover complexes exhibit high sensitivity to small environmental changes. Here, we demonstrate proof-of-concept exploitation of this property to report anion binding events in solution. Dichloromethane solutions of the cationic receptor complex [Fe(H2bip)3](BPh4)2 (bip = 2,2′-bi-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine) (1) undergo subtle color changes at room temperature when interrogated by anions capable of hydrogen bonding interactions. Significantly, at −40 °C, these secondary binding interactions cause a change from a high- to low-spin state that is qualitatively linked to the strength of the host−guest interaction. The anion recognition property is combined with spin-state switching in a synergistic fashion and offers the possibility of using magnetometry to report host−guest interactions.
Immune response suppression by an inhibitor in normal and immune mouse serum.

CONTROL mechanisms responsible for determining the intensity and duration of the immune response have been studied extensively. Jerne1 and Uhr and Moller2 described the phenomenon of feedback inhibition whereby the production of a 7S class of antibodies terminates the formation of antibodies with the same specificity. An immunosuppressive effect has also been observed in antigenic competition, in which the administration of one antigen results in a reduced response to a subsequently administered second antigen3. Recently, several investigations have focused on the mechanism of antigenic competition4,5. A humoral rather than cellular mechanism is generally believed to be responsible for this phenomenon4–6, but attempts to identify the humoral mediator have been unsuccessful. We have also searched for a humoral substance responsible for the immunosuppressive effect in antigenic competition and found in the sera of adult untreated mice an immunosuppressive agent whose concentration was substantially increased after antigenic stimulation.
Activity of pulmonary surfactant protein-D (SP-D) in vivo is dependent on oligomeric structure.

Pulmonary surfactant protein-D (SP-D) is a member of the collectin family of C-type lectins that is synthesized in many tissues including respiratory epithelial cells in the lung. SP-D is assembled predominantly as dodecamers consisting of four homotrimeric subunits each. Association of these subunits is stabilized by interchain disulfide bonds involving two conserved amino-terminal cysteine residues (Cys-15 and Cys-20). Mutant recombinant rat SP-D lacking these residues (RrSP-Dser15/20) is secreted in cell culture as trimeric subunits rather than as dodecamers. In this study, transgenic mice that express this mutant were generated to elucidate the functional importance of SP-D oligomerization in vivo. Expression of RrSP-Dser15/20 failed to correct the pulmonary phospholipid accumulation and emphysema characteristic of SP-D null (mSP-D−/−) mice. Expression of high concentrations of the mutant protein in wild-type mice reduced the abundance of disulfide cross-linked oligomers of endogenous SP-D in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and demonstrated a phenotype that partially overlapped with that of the SP-D−/− mice; the animals developed emphysema and foamy macrophages without the associated abnormalities in alveolar phospholipids typical of SP-D−/− mice. Development of foamy macrophages in SP-D-deficient mice is not secondary to the increased abundance of surfactant phospholipids. Disulfide cross-linked SP-D oligomers are required for the regulation of surfactant phospholipid homeostasis and the prevention of emphysema and foamy macrophagesin vivo.
Degradation and detoxification of the wood preservatives creosote and pentachlorophenol in water by the photo-Fenton reaction

Abstract Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and the organic compounds in creosote often contaminate groundwater at wood preserving facilities. Since many of these compounds are toxic, effective water treatment technologies must be identified. In laboratory scale experiments saturated aqueous solutions of creosote and PCP were treated by the photo-assisted Fenton reaction, Fe3+/H2O2/UV ([Fe3+]=1 mM, [H2O2]=10 mM, 1.4×10−3 M hν min−1 black lamp ultraviolet light (UV), pH=2.75 and 25°C). The disappearance of 37 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), O, N and S-heterocyclic aromatic compounds and phenolic compounds and their mineralization products were monitored during a 180 min reaction period. Substantial (>90%) transformation of all compounds except a few 4- and 5-ring PAHs was achieved in 5 min, with more extensive transformation occurring thereafter. The reactivity followed the order: 2 ring PAHs>heterocyclics>phenolics>3 ring PAHs>4–5 ring PAHs. Complete dechlorination of PCP required only 10–20 min. Within 180 min the total organic carbon concentration declined by about 80% and added 9-14C-phenanthrene or 4,5,9,10-14C-pyrene were mineralized by 93% and 35%, respectively. About 33% of the organic nitrogen was converted to a 2:1 mole ratio of NH4+ and HNO3 and trace amounts of HNO2. An undetermined yield of sulfate was also generated. The acute toxicity of the treated solution to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) was nearly eliminated and the acute toxicity to daphnia (Daphnia pulex) was reduced. These results demonstrate the efficacy of Fe3+/H2O2/UV for removing creosote and PCP in water.
A probability of fuzzy events approach to validating expert systems in a multiple agent environment

Abstract A critical process in the development and implementation of an expert system is validation of that expert system. There has been substantial research on techniques for validation; however, there has been little analysis of how much validation to do, or how to integrate the multiple agent nature of validation into the validation process. This paper develops a model that employs a probability of fuzzy events model of the process to determine how much validation should be done in a multiple agent setting. An example is given to illustrate the use of the model.
Differential Stability of State and Trait Self-Regulation in Academic Performance

Abstract Differential stability of state and trait self-regulation in academic performance was investigated in two areas with 153 participants enrolled in educational psychology (Psychology) courses and 127 participants taking courses related to research method (Method). The structural model supported the hypothesis regarding differential stability of individual differences for state and trait constructs over a 3-month interval—trait self-regulation was more stable over time. However, the students in the Method area showed higher stability in state self-regulation than those in the Psychology area. The students in both areas thought that they were more actively engaged in self-regulatory activities in the testing situations (state) than in generally perceived task-oriented situations (trait). The significant direct effect of trait self-regulation on state self-regulation within each testing occasion suggests that stability in state self-regulation may be partly mediated by stability in trait self-regulati...
Search for ternary fragmentation in the reaction 856 MeV 98Mo+51V: kinematic probing of intermediate-mass-fragment emissions

Abstract A new technique has been applied to coincidence measurements between fission fragments (FF) and intermediate mass fragments (IMF) emitted from the composite system 149 65 Tb at an excitation energy of 224 MeV. The method permits simultaneous observation of IMF emissions along and normal to the FF separation axes. For the integrated total of 0.10± 0.02 IMF emitted per fission, we find no significant correlation with FF direction, suggesting that IMFs associated with fission reactions are predominantly emitted from the system prior to fission.
The effect of prior whole blood transfusion on subsequent granulocyte support in leukopenic dogs.

The present studies were undertaken to evaluate the effect of prior transfusions on the response to subsequent granulocyte support in leukopenic dogs. Ten separate experiments were carried out. Each study included three dogs. One dog served as an unrelated granulocyte donor for two recipients rendered leukopenic (average: 373/μd) by a single I.V. dose of 40 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide. One recipient was transfused with 100 ml whole blood from the donor fourteen and seven days prior to cyclophosphamide administration. Granulocytes obtained by filtration leukapheresis were given on days five and six following cyclophosphamide. Granulocyte increments, per cent recovery one hour posttransfusion, presence of preformed cytotoxic antibodies, and survival time of the dogs were measured. Granulocyte transfusions averaged 5.4 times 108 cells per kg recipient body weight. Three of ten previously transfused recipients had positive cytotoxic crossmatches. Mean one-hour increments for previously transfused dogs averaged 106/μl with 2.4 per cent recovery, versus 624/μl with 8.7 per cent recovery for controls (p < .01). Duration of survival for control animals was significantly increased over dogs with prior transfusions (p < .05). Gram-negative sepsis occurred in five previously transfused dogs and in one of the control animals. Two prior blood transfusions effectively sensitized recipients against subsequent granulocyte support. In most instances such sensitization was not detectable by cytotoxic crossmatching. Sensitization was associated with shortened survival and an increased incidence of sepsis.
Glycogen synthesis, storage and transport mechanisms in the yolk-sac membrane of the chick embryo.

This paper deals with the relationship of structure and function in the yolk-sac membrane (YSM), a living "way station" between yolk and embryo of the chick. Through its parenchyma (entoderm) cells all yolk substances, either unchanged or enzymatically transformed into simpler metabolites, are transported to the blood of the growing embryo, wherein they are preeminently utilized as building blocks. Since glycogen must be derived from yolk and is readily visualized in entodermal cells (glycogenic cells of Claude Bernard) of the YSM it was chosen as a marker of functional activity.By a combination of methods of cytochemistry, radioautography and electron microscopy, glycogen localization in the entodermal cells and probable mode of glucose transport into the blood has been investigated during the middle third of embryonic life. The principal findings are: (1) Tritiated glucose injected into the yolk sac is incorporated into glycogen granules in the cytoplasm of entodermal cells. The labeled glycogen granules are arranged in circles about yolk spheres ("perilipid pattern") and in basal concentrations next to the plasma membrane ("basal pattern"). These patterns are identical to those obtained by the periodic acid Schiff test. (2) In electron micrographs glycogen commonly appears as tiny packets of rosettes typically disposed in the cytoplasmic matrix between the yolk spheres but not within them. Differences in patterns of glycogen-organelle organization between apex and base of the entodermal cell suggest a state of flux of glycogen in an apical-basal direction, to wit-from initial synthesis and deposition of glycogen in the apical cytoplasm, to an area rich in glycogen deposits associated with agranular ER, to a basal area of glycogen, ready for breakdown into glucose and transport to blood.Between the glycogen of the basal cytoplasm and the blood of the venous capillary is an ultrastructural complex of perivascular spaces and cell surface membranes having micropinocytic vesicles that are seemingly adapted for the transport of glucose or other metabolites to the blood as well as for the exchange of substances between the entodermal cells and the embryo. As to the mode of uptake of yolk substances from the yolk sac into the entodermal cells, it has been established for the first time thatwhole yolk spheres of different kinds are engulfed by the coalescence of the edge of a cup-shaped fold of the plasma membrane. Pinocytic vesicles of the cell surface membrane seem to provide devices for the uptake of soluble yolk substances.
Complex networks: Synchrony and your morning coffee

Networks as complex as national power grids must be stable enough to maintain synchrony in order to function. Understanding how this stability is achieved forms the focus of a new study that holds promise for improving grid performance.