cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics analyses of radiation survivors identify radioprotective microbes and metabolites

Ionizing radiation causes acute radiation syndrome, which leads to hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, and cerebrovascular injuries. We investigated a population of mice that recovered from high-dose radiation to live normal life spans. These "elite-survivors" harbored distinct gut microbiota that developed after radiation and protected against radiation-induced damage and death in both germ-free and conventionally housed recipients. Elevated abundances of members of the bacterial taxa Lachnospiraceae and Enterococcaceae were associated with postradiation restoration of hematopoiesis and gastrointestinal repair. These bacteria were also found to be more abundant in leukemia patients undergoing radiotherapy, who also displayed milder gastrointestinal dysfunction. In our study in mice, metabolomics revealed increased fecal concentrations of microbially derived propionate and tryptophan metabolites in elite-survivors. The administration of these metabolites caused long-term radioprotection, mitigation of hematopoietic and gastrointestinal syndromes, and a reduction in proinflammatory responses.
Transparent Dual-Conductivity Membrane Composites as Current Distributors for Diffuse Electrocatalysts

Integrated photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices are commonly defined by a need to permit carrier flow between a photovoltaic (PV) element and the catalyst layer, while preventing light attenuation be...
Lithium coordination and diffusion coefficients of PEGylated ionic liquid and lithium salt blends: A molecular dynamics simulation study

Abstract PEGylated imidazolium ionic liquids are of interest because of their non-volatility, nonflammability, and unique ion transport properties attributed to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). In this work, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the interactions of Li+ in an equimolar blend of 1-(monomethoxy PEG)-2-methylimidazolium bistriflamide ([PEGmim][Tf2N]) and lithium bistriflamide (LiTf2N) salt. Analysis of the radial distribution function for Li+ showed that the oxygen atoms from the bistriflamide anion are replaced by, on average, 3.1 oxygen atoms from the PEG side groups, indicating improved solvation of the lithium salt in the PEGylated ionic liquid than in conventional alkylated ionic liquids. Li+ coordination number showed an increase in the affinity for PEG oxygen atoms when the temperature increased from 300 to 350 K. The mean square displacement (MSD) versus time data were analyzed using a combination of a power-law model, representative of the subdiffusive regime, and a linear model for the Brownian diffusion. A transition from subdiffusive to normal diffusion behavior was observed at around 10 ns for all ionic species present in the system. Contrary to the expected trend based on ion sizes, the diffusion coefficients in the linear MSD regime followed the trend [PEGmim]+ > [Tf2N]− > Li+, with the larger [PEGmim]+ exhibiting the highest diffusion coefficient. Interestingly, the mean square displacement profile, normalized by the square of the ion size represented by a characteristic radius, was similar for the cation and anion, indicating equivalent ionic displacements in the absence of an electric field. In the asymptotic limit, the ratio of the MSD of [PEGmim]+ to the MSD of [Tf2N]− was about 1.3. Diffusion coefficients of [PEGmim]+, measured using pulsed field gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, showed excellent correlation with the liquid viscosity, based on the Sutherland–Einstein equation, for both the neat ionic liquid and its blend with the lithium salt. Values of diffusion coefficients increased with temperature, consistent with an Arrhenius diffusion behavior with an activation energy of about 49 kJ mol−1 for [PEGmim][Tf2N] and 55 kJ mol−1 for [PEGmim][Tf2N] + LiTf2N.
AutoFrame: A Novel Procedure to Auto-Convert Architectural Massing Models into Structural Simulation Models to Streamline Embodied- and Operational-Carbon Assessment and Daylight Evaluation in Early Design

Sustainability and material efficiency are essential considerations in architecture. However, they are often evaluated late, absent optimization potentials inherent in architectural choices. Easy-t...
Considering Screening When There May Be Minimal Direct Benefit to the Child.

* Abbreviation: CDC — : Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A core principle of screening is that there should be a direct benefit to the patient. This restriction undervalues the impact that screening could have by not considering the population-level benefits to others, including family members, close contacts of affected individuals, and the broader community. Screening for lead poisoning offers an example of how individual screening has resulted in long-term health improvements for many by identifying and abating lead from the environment. The US Preventive Services Task Force states that the balance of information regarding the benefits and harms of screening for elevated blood lead levels is insufficient to recommend for or against it.1 However, lead screening has been associated with significant overall public health improvement. In this commentary, we identify generalizable lessons about when it might be appropriate to screen even if there may be limited direct benefit to the child being screened. Childhood blood lead testing of asymptomatic children began in the 1970s.2 Initially, most blood lead screening was done through local health departments, maternal and child health programs, and other community-based organizations, with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies. Screening was also recommended to occur within primary care and required for Medicaid-enrolled children at 1 and 2 years or by 6 years if not previously done. Regardless of setting, screening was often inconsistent. As late as 1998, only ∼20% of Medicaid-enrolled children had ever received a blood lead test.3 In addition, many children with elevated blood lead levels did not receive follow-up care.4,5 Specific … Address correspondence to Mary Jean Brown, ScD, RN, 157 Leeder Hill Dr #201, Hamden, CT 06517. E-mail: mbrown{at}hsph.harvard.edu
Anecdotes About Making a Specification Simpler

Mathematical notations have the power to simplify programming. Every so often some aspect of my work reminds me of this power. This can be an exciting experience and is especially gratifying as many people, including myself during the first dozen years of my programming experience, would be sceptical that mathematics had any part to play in the subordination of complexity.
Statistical Thermodynamics and Stochastic Kinetics: Elements of classical thermodynamics

Systems, properties, and states in thermodynamics A system is the part of the universe we are interested in. The rest of the universe is called surroundings. The system volume, V , is well defined and the system boundary is clearly identified with a surface. Systems are described by their mass M and energy E . Instead of using mass M , a system may be defined by the number of moles, N/N A , where N is the number of molecules and N A is Avogadro's number. There are three kinds of system in thermodynamics: Isolated systems . In these systems, there is no mass or energy exchange with the surroundings. Closed systems . In these systems, there is no mass exchange with the surroundings. Energy can flow between the system and the surroundings as heat, Q , or work, W . Heat is the transfer of energy as a result of a temperature difference. Work is the transfer of energy by any other mechanism. Open systems . In these systems, mass and energy may be exchanged with the surroundings. A thermodynamic state is a macroscopic condition of a system prescribed by specific values of thermodynamic properties.
Boolean Algebra and Combinatorial Circuits

This chapter illustrates the concepts of Boolean algebra and combinatorial circuits. Boolean algebra is a mathematical system which consists of a nonempty set S with one or more operations defined on S, and a set of axioms that the elements of S satisfy. Boolean algebra has played a central role in the design, analysis, and simplification of electronic devices, including digital computers. Boolean operators and the laws of Boolean algebra serve well in designing and simplifying electronic circuits. Through the laws of Boolean algebra, Boolean expressions can be rewritten in a standard form. This is elaborated in the chapter. The chapter then discusses combinatorial circuits, which make use of logic gates for a variety of applications in electrical engineering and electronics. A combinatorial circuit produces a unique output for every combination of input signals. The chapter also explains the concept of minimization of combinatorial circuits. The output of a combinatorial circuit can be described by a Boolean function.
Comparative analysis of in vitro oxidative degradation of poly(carbonate urethanes) for biostability screening

The resistance to oxidation and environmental stress cracking of poly(carbonate urethanes) (PCUs) has generated significant interest as potential replacements of poly(ether urethanes) in medical devices. Several in vitro models have been developed to screen segmented polyurethanes for oxidative stability. High concentrations of reactive oxygen intermediates produced by combining hydrogen peroxide and dissolved cobalt ions has frequently been used to predict long-term oxidative degradation with short-term testing. Alternatively, a 3% H₂O₂ concentration without metal ions is suggested within the ISO 10993-13 standard to simulate physiological degradation rates. A comparative analysis which evaluates the predictive capabilities of each test method has yet to be completed. To this end, we have utilized both systems to test three commercially available PCUs with low and high soft segment content: Bionate PCU and Bionate II PCUs, two materials with different soft segment chemistries, and CarboSil TSPCU, a thermoplastic silicone PCU. Bulk properties of all PCUs were retained with minor changes in molecular weight and tensile properties indicating surface oxidative degradation in the accelerated system after 36 days. Soft segment loss and surface damage were comparable to previous in vivo data. The 3% H₂O₂ method exhibited virtually no changes on the surface or in bulk properties after 12 months of treatment despite previous in vivo results. These results indicate the accelerated test method more effectively characterized the oxidative degradation profiles than the 3% H₂O₂ treatment system. The lack of bulk degradation in the 12-month study also supports the hydrolytic stability of these PCUs.
Modular control for electromagnetic aircraft launching system

This paper describes an approach to a modular control for an electromagnetic aircraft launching system (EMALS) for the aircraft carrier of the future. The purpose is to analyze the possibility of improving the control performance using efficient evaluation of switching conditions. Different options for the basic control design are discussed and as well as the way in which these options will be tested using the virtual test bed (VTB) software.
Electron Microscopy of Herpes-like Particles in Lymphoid Suspension Cultures Derived from Patients with Acute Viral (Serum) Hepatitis

Herpes-like particles in cytoplasm, lysosomes, and nuclei and 220 nm endoplasmic reticulum-associated particles were observed in lymphoblastoid cell lines from circulating leukocytes of viral hepatitis patients.
Collaborative Multisystem Channelization

We present a new approach for enhancing spectrum efficiency by means of multisystem spectrum channelization. The proposed approach incorporates impact between spectrum channelization and exploiting channel state information at transmitter (CSIT). We create disparities in accuracy of CSIT for different systems through frame offsets between the systems such that the time segments of the best CSIT accuracy for different systems are disjoint. We assign more spectrum resources to each system during its duration of best CSIT accuracy. This yields systematic and periodic changing of spectrum boundaries (in contrast to the fixed boundaries of the existing approach) while providing better CSIT accuracy level and larger degrees of freedom in resource allocation and hence higher spectrum efficiency for each system. We formulate the given collaborative multisystem channelization problem, derive the analytical performance metrics (postscheduling average data rate under time-varying CSIT accuracy for several schedulers), and develop the optimally channelized resource maps of the systems. In the basic form, the proposed channelization is designed offline once. We also generalize it into adaptive channelization to accommodate disparities of traffic demands for different systems. Analytical and simulation results corroborate substantial performance gains of the proposed scheme over the existing approach.
The preparation, characterization, and selected charge transfer properties of some anthracene functionalized polyesters

Novel anthracene backboned polyesters were successfully prepared by the melt condensation polymerization of anthracene 9,10-diacetic acid dimethyl ester using titanium (IV) n-butoxide as catalyst. Monomer and polymer structures were identified by a variety of methods. The melt polymerizations were carefully controlled to give low molecular weight polyesters soluble in chloroform. 1H-NMR was used to determine the degree of polymerization and number-average molecular weight for each of the polyesters. Analysis of the 3-5 ppm spectral region contained the necessary resonances for the interpretation. Spectral results show . Higher molecular weight polymers can also be prepared but chloroform solubility is lost. Thermal studies reveal the Tg of these materials varies from 50–60°C depending upon the aliphatic segment of the polymer. Decomposition temperatures in the range of 400–500°C were observed. Charge transfer complexes of these polymers were also studied. Ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy indicates these polyesters are good electron donating systems. Complexation with tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (chloranil) have absorption maxima at approximately 662 nm. Absorption studies also reveal perturbations do exist in the polymer complexes suggesting the possibility of polymer effects. The emission spectra of these materials also confirms that fact.
Flashback, Blow Out, Emissions, and Turbulent Displacement Flame Speed Measurements in a Hydrogen and Methane Fired Low-Swirl Injector at Elevated Pressures and Temperatures

This paper reports on a work in progress study measuring flashback, blow out, emissions and turbulent displacement flame speeds in a low swirl injector operated at elevated pressures and inlet temperatures with hydrogen and methane based fuels in an optically accessible combustor rig. The goal is to extend the knowledge of low-swirl flames at conditions relevant to gas turbine engines. Testing was conducted at pressures ranging from 3 to 6 atm, inlet temperatures from 290 to 600K, and inlet bulk velocities from 20 to 60 m/s for natural gas and a 90%/10% by volume hydrogen/methane blend. Blow out limits for natural gas were found to be independent of pressure and inlet temperature but weakly dependent on velocity. Flashback limits for hydrogen were found to be independent of inlet temperature but strongly dependent on velocity and pressure. Local displacement turbulent flame speeds for methane were measured and appear to coincide with atmospheric pressure data in the literature. NOx emissions for both fuels were found to be exponentially dependent upon firing temperature, but emissions for the high hydrogen content flames were consistently higher than natural gas flames.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Progressive accumulation of activity on scrotal scintigraphy in early incarcerated inguinal hernia.

The authors describe a patient with acute scrotum secondary to incarcerated indirect inguinal hernia (IIH). A testicular scan obtained shortly after onset of pain demonstrated progressively increasing tracer accumulation in the affected scrotum. Blood pooling within engorged veins of the incarcerate
On the variability of dissolved oxygen and apparent oxygen utilization content for the upper world ocean: 1955 to 1998

exchange between the atmosphere and the ocean. We show that the basin-scale content variability in O2, AOU, and heat in this layer is characterized by relatively small linear trends superimposed on large decadal fluctuations. The magnitudes of the O2 and AOU trends are dependent on the starting and ending time periods chosen as reference endpoints indicating that the trends for one time period should not be extrapolated to other time periods. The observations indicate also that there is no obvious O2-to-heat content relation which unambiguously relates the trends in O2 content to the trends in heat content for all time periods. We hypothesize that both physical and biochemical processes which affect the upper-ocean O2 content vary in time and space.
Modified Raoult's law including the solvent structural constant and solute solvation; Aqueous sodium chloride solutions, 25 to 300°C; Other electrolytes and urea, 25°C

The form of Raoult's law is modified to express the activity of water [a(H2O)] for aqueous electrolyte solutions by the mole fraction of a free (nonsolvating) solvent structural unit raised to the reciprocal power of the solvent structural constant. Relatively close agreement with experiment, is obtained for a(H2O) of aqueous sodium chloride solutions up to 300°C and nearly saturated concentrations, and of other aqueous electrolyte solutions at 25°C. In an example for aqueous-organic systems, a(H2O) for urea solutions at 25°C is described with an average deviation of 0.09% for molalities from 0 to 20m (54.6 wt%) by using the necessary (universal) structural constant and a single solvation parameter.
A family systems approach to case management in a rural community setting

Case management has proven to be an effective mechanism in assisting clients to seek and receive health care in the most appropriate setting. A family systems approach has been added to the case management program in a Midwestern rural community to encourage greater client and family participation in developing solutions to health care problems. Clients and families become more autonomous decision-makers and authors of change.
Role of concentration-dependent plasma protein binding in disopyramide disposition

Plasma disopyramide concentration-time data and plasma protein binding measurements were obtained in 12 patients requiring disopyramide for suppression of their cardiac arrhythmias. The fraction of disopyramide unbound to plasma proteins varies from approximately 0.19 to 0.46 over the therapeutic range of total plasma concentrations (2–8 mg/liter). Data from single and multiple intravenous doses were analyzed using two models based on the hypothesis either that clearance is independent of the total disopyramide plasma concentration (total clearance model) or that clearance is independent of the concentration of disopyramide unbound to plasma proteins (free clearance model). This analysis indicates that only the free clearance model satisfactorily describes the data as a linear system. Using the free clearance model and data obtained from single doses, multiple intravenous infusions were designed for each patient which would rapidly attain and maintain predetermined plasma disopyramide concentrations. The calculated and observed disopyramide concentrations were in close agreement. In the 12 patients studied, at any given total disopyramide plasma concentration, there was an approximately twofold range in the fraction of disopyramide unbound to plasma proteins. Mean plasma protein binding data are therefore of little value in a given patient for predicting free disopyramide concentrations from measurements of total disopyramide concentration. Difficulties in the clinical management of patients receiving disopyramide, resulting from the nonlinear disposition of the usually measured total disopyramide concentrations, are discussed.
Semiconductor superlattices as terahertz generators.

Avoiding any truncation of the Hamiltonian for independent electrons in both ideal and imperfect superlattices subject to a uniform electric field, we show that dipole radiation in the terahertz range should be detectable for many members of the GaAs/Al[sub [ital x]]Ga[sub 1[minus][ital x]]As system. The radiation can be attributed to periodic Bloch oscillations in the case of ideal superlattices, and to almost-periodic oscillations, with the dominant frequencies on the order of the Bloch frequency, in the case of imperfect superlattices.
Continuous dependence of the scattering amplitude on the surface of an obstacle

Let D j , j=1, 2, be two bounded domains (obstacles) in R n , n≥ 2, with the boundaries Γ j . Let A j be the scattering amplitude corresponding to D j . The Dirichlet boundary condition is assumed on Γ j . A formula is derived for A:=A 1 -A 2 . This formula is used for a derivation or the estimate or |A 1 -A 2 | in terms of the distance d(Γ 1 , Γ 2 ) between Γ 1 and Γ 2 . Ir d(Γ 1 , Γ 2 )≤e, then |A|≤ce, where c is a positive constant which depends on Γ 1 and Γ 2 provided that one or the boundaries is or C 1,λ class, 0<λ<1, and the other one is a polyhedron which approximates the first one. The results are useful, in particular, for boundary elements method or solving scattering problems
Post interaural neural net-based vowel recognition

Interaural head related transfer functions are used to process speech signatures prior to neural net based recognition. Data representing the head related transfer function (HRTF) of a dummy has been collected at MIT and made available on the Internet. This data is used to pre-process vowel signatures to mimic the effects of human ear on speech perception. Signatures representing various vowels of the English language are then presented to a multilayer perceptron trained using the back propagation algorithm for recognition purposes. The focus in this paper is to assess the effects of human interaural system on vowel recognition performance particularly when using a classification system that mimics the human brain such as a neural net.
Factor VIII A3 domain substitution N1922S results in hemophilia A due to domain-specific misfolding and hyposecretion of functional protein

A point mutation leading to amino acid substitution N1922S in the A3 domain of factor VIII (fVIII) results in moderate to severe hemophilia A. A heterologous expression system comparing N1922S-fVIII and wild-type fVIII (wt-fVIII) demonstrated similar specific coagulant activities but poor secretion of N1922S-fVIII. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that intracellular levels of N1922S-fVIII were similar to those of wt-fVIII. The specific activity of intracellular N1922S-fVIII was 10% of that of wt-fVIII, indicating the presence of large amounts of a nonfunctional N1922S-fVIII–folding intermediate. wt-fVIII colocalized with both endoplasmic reticulum (ER)– and Golgi-resident proteins. In contrast, N1922S-fVIII colocalized only with ER-resident proteins, indicating a block in transit from the ER to the Golgi. A panel of conformation-dependent monoclonal antibodies was used to determine native or nonnative folding of N1922S-fVIII. Intracellular N1922S-fVIII but not secreted N1922S-fVIII displayed abnormal folding in the A3 and C1 domains, indicating that the A1, A2, and C2 domains fold independently into antigenically intact tertiary structures, but that folding is stalled in the mutant A3 and its contiguous C1 domain. In summary, the N1922S substitution results in poor secretion of a functional protein, and the domain-specific defect in folding and intracellular trafficking of N1922S-fVIII is a novel mechanism for secretion defects leading to hemophilia A.
Aortic valvular disease in active patients: overcoming diagnostic and management challenges.

IN BRIEF: Valvular heart disease in physically active patients can present a diagnostic challenge, because adaptations to exercise may mimic abnormalities. Electrocardiograms may be used to follow asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic athletes but are not very useful for those with valve disorders. Moderate-to-severe aortic insufficiency requires careful follow-up and periodic echocardiograms to monitor changes. Athletes with mild aortic stenosis can participate in all sports if they are asymptomatic and have a normal exercise response. Those with moderate disease should be restricted to sports with low static and dynamic requirements. Symptoms of severe aortic stenosis include exercise-induced syncope, angina, heart attack, and, rarely, sudden death; these athletes should not compete and should have aortic valve replacement.
What can we do about the unnecessary diversity of notation for syntactic definitions

The population of programming languages is steadily growing, and there is no end of this growth in sight. Many language definitions appear in journals, many are found in technical reports, and perhaps an even greater number remains confined to proprietory circles. After frequent exposure to these definitions, one cannot fail to notice the lack of “common denominators.” The only widely accepted fact is that the language structure is defined by a syntax. But even notation for syntactic description eludes any commonly agreed standard form, although the underlying ancestor is invariably the Backus-Naur Form of the Algol 60 report. As variations are often only slight, they become annoying for their very lack of an apparent motivation.
THE ORIGINS OF NAVAJO SETTLEMENT PATTERNS

ABSTRACT Navajo population dispersal and socioterritorial units appear to derive from Northern Hunter practices. Navajo nuclear families occupy a hogan or house and its immediate surroundings. Larger socioterritorial units are: 1) homestead groups, typically consisting of matrilocal extended families which cooperatively utilize territories and whose hogans are loosely clustered into “camps” 2) resident lineages, made up of related extended families occupying adjacent territories; and 3) communities, which are probably the contemporary equivalent of historic bands or semibands, and which include a number of homestead-group or resident-lineage territories. These groupings are similar to those of the Navajo's Canadian and Southwestern linguistic relatives but contrast with the Navajo's Puebloan neighbors'practices. Various transhumant seasonal migration patterns occur among the Navajo according to local differences in land-use capabilities, especially for farming versus for grazing. The short-term mobility a...
IRS1Ser307 phosphorylation does not mediate mTORC1-induced insulin resistance

Increased mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity has been suggested to play important roles in development of insulin resistance in obesity. mTORC1 hyperactivity also increases endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which in turn contributes to development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Increased IRS1 phosphorylation at Ser307 in vitro is correlated with mTORC1- and ER stress-induced insulin resistance. This phosphorylation site correlates strongly with impaired insulin receptor signaling in diabetic mice and humans. In contrast, evidence from knock-in mice suggests that phosphorylation of IRS1 at Ser307 is actually required to maintain insulin sensitivity. To study the involvement of IRS1Ser307 phosphorylation in mTORC1-mediated glucose intolerance and insulin sensitivity in vivo, we investigated the effects of liver specific TSC1 depletion in IRS1Ser307Ala mice and controls. Our results demonstrate that blockade of IRS1Ser307 phosphorylation in vivo does not prevent mTORC1-mediated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance.
Processing of pro-hormone precursor proteins

Peptide-hormones and other biologically active peptides are synthesized as higher molecular weight precursor proteins (pro-proteins) which must undergo post-translational modification to yield the bioactive peptide(s). These post-translational enzymatic events include limited endoproteolysis and may include other modifications of the generated peptide such as limited exopeptidase digestion, N-terminal acetylation, C-terminal amidation, and formation of N-terminal pyroglutamyl residues (pyrrolation). The secretory vesicle hypothesis, one of the major hypotheses regarding processing, states that the initial endoproteolytic event occurs upon formation of the secretory vesicle (or granule) or within the secretory vesicle from which the bioactive peptides are released. Two different endoproteinases which are likely to be physiologically relevant processing enzymes of pro-atrial natriuretic factor and pro-gonadotropin releasing hormone precursor protein, respectively, have recently been discovered in our laboratory and are discussed as model enzymes in the context of this hypothesis. The results indicate that the precursor protein and its complement of processing enzymes are co-packaged into the secretory granule. Evidence is presented to support the idea that the specific sequence and conformation (secondary structural features) of the processing recognition site within the precursor protein likely contribute in large part to the basis for limited endoproteolysis. In the pro-hormones studied, the recognition site is an extended sequence of five to seven residues which likely exists as a beta-turn at the surface of the precursor protein. By extending our results to appropriate protein sequences in the National Biomedical Research Foundation database, we are suggesting that in addition to the doublet of basic amino acids, the primary processing recognition site in pro-hormone precursor proteins often contains a monobasic amino acid or a strongly polar residue (Glu or Asp) in close sequence proximity to the doublet of basic residues.
Training Issues in Family Therapy

Group versus individual supervision, the family therapy training model, videotape as a training method, and training paraprofessionals in a traditional academic setting are discussed from the authors' experience in conducting a family therapy training program. Editor.
Interest and deferred consumption in the rat

Under a baseline condition, thirsty rats put water on account by licking an empty spout for a fixed number of licks at a water spout. Under interest-bearing conditions, they could enlarge this account by waiting longer than they did in baseline to make the first lick at the water spout (lick latency), or the next lick in a series of water licks (interlick interval). The account grew at two different interest rates, 15% and 25% of the remainder. The rats deferred consumption by increasing the interlick interval in response to the 15% interest rate, but not the 25% rate. Interest had no effect on latency. We interpret the results in terms of (1) the concept of target saving, and (2) a substitution effect that discourages, and an income effect that encourages, present consumption. The results have implications for the study of self-control.
Space Communications Requirements of the Department of Defense

Military requirements for space communications are described in terms of general needs rather than specific applications. Communications to meet these needs may be divided into communications to, from, and among objects in space. The functions of these communications are command, tracking, and data transmission, the major considerations affecting each function being briefly described. Communications by means of objects in space, which is of most interest here, is comprised of systems utilizing either passive or active relay objects. The latter systems may be delayed retransmission types or real time repeaters, both of which may have military application.
Scaffold-Free Tissue Engineering: Organization of the Tissue Cytoskeleton and Its Effects on Tissue Shape

Work described herein characterizes tissues formed using scaffold-free, non-adherent systems and investigates their utility in modular approaches to tissue engineering. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that all tissues formed using scaffold-free, non-adherent systems organize tissue cortical cytoskeletons that appear to be under tension. Tension in these tissues was also evident when modules (spheroids) were used to generate larger tissues. Real-time analysis of spheroid fusion in unconstrained systems illustrated modular motion that is compatible with alterations in tensions, due to the process of disassembly/reassembly of the cortical cytoskeletons required for module fusion. Additionally, tissues generated from modules placed within constrained linear molds, which restrict modular motion, deformed upon release from molds. That tissue deformation is due in full or in part to imbalanced cortical actin cytoskeleton tensions resulting from the constraints imposed by mold systems is suggested from our finding that treatment of forming tissues with Y-27632, a selective inhibitor of ROCK phosphorylation, reduced tissue deformation. Our studies suggest that the deformation of scaffold-free tissues due to tensions mediated via the tissue cortical cytoskeleton represents a major and underappreciated challenge to modular tissue engineering.
Additivity of amino acid digestibility in corn and soybean meal for broiler chickens and White Pekin ducks

A total of 256 broiler chickens and 208 White Pekin ducks were used in a 5-d trial to test additivity of the apparent (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in corn and soybean meal (SBM). A nitrogen-free diet was used for standardization of apparent digestibility. Two diets contained corn or SBM as the sole source of CP and AA. Another diet was prepared by mixing corn and SBM. Chromic oxide was included as an indigestible marker. Birds received a standard starter diet from d 1 to 21 and thereafter the 4 experimental diets for 5 d in a randomized complete block design. On d 26, digesta from the distal section of the ileum was collected. To test additivity of digestibility values, the difference between measured values in mixed diet and predicted values calculated with measured values in individual ingredients was examined. The estimated basal endogenous losses of N and AA were higher in ducks compared with broilers (P < 0.05). Regardless of species, the calculated proportion of basal endogenous losses of CP and AA in calculating SID was higher (P < 0.01) in corn than that in SBM. The measured AID of His, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Glu, Pro, and Tyr in mixed diets for broilers were higher than predicted values (P < 0.05), whereas measured and predicted SID did not differ except for Cys. For ducks, the differences between the measured and predicted AID were significant (P < 0.05) for CP and all AA except for 8 AA (Arg, Ile, Thr, Val, Asp, Gly, Pro, and Tyr). Similar to the result from broiler study, there was no difference between the predicted and measured SID of CP and all AA except for Cys. The results showed that AID of some AA for corn and SBM were not additive in the mixed diet, but SID values were additive irrespective of the ingredients and species used. Moreover, extent of difference between measured and predicted values in ducks were higher than that in broilers.
Stomatal responsiveness to changing light intensityincreases rain-use efficiency of below-crown vegetation in tropical savannas

Abstract To test the effects of shade on understorey herbaceous productivity in tropical savannas, water relations of important grass species that either grow primarily under tree crowns or in open grasslands were studied in Tsavo National Park, Kenya. The relationship of stomatal conductance to light intensity was investigated under well-watered conditions; and the relationship of stomatal conductance to light intensity, vapor pressure deficit, and leaf water potential was studied during a period of decreasing soil moisture. Below-crown species were more responsive to reductions in light intensity than open-grassland species, with stomatal conductance of below-crown species declining linearly with reductions in light intensity. Conductance of open-grassland species was relatively unchanged at all except the lowest light levels. Below-crown species therefore reduced their water loss when shaded, conserving soil water for later growth. Open-grassland species appeared to be more efficient than below-crown species at extracting water from dry soils under full-sun conditions.
Uncertainties in system analysis: Probabilistic versus nonprobabilistic theories

Abstract The theory of evidence and the theory of possibility have been suggested as possible alternatives to probability theory in safety analyses of engineering systems. This paper discusses three issues: (1) how formal probability theory has been relaxed to develop these nonprobabilistic models; (2) how degrees of belief are expressed in probabilistic and nonprobabilistic theories; and (3) the degree to which these nonprobabilistic models can be applied to system analysis in terms of their capability to combine knowledge.
Scatter component and its effect on virtual source and electron beam quality.

Abstract Scattered electrons from the accelerator components and applicator walls and their effect on the virtual source off and on the central axis have been studied for electron beams from a 20 MeV linear accelerator. Measurements were done with and without one of four commercially available fixed applicators of 5 × 5, 10 × 10, 15 × 15, and 20 × 20 cm 2 . The effects of various settings of primary collimator jaws were studied. This approach allows for a first order discrimination of scatter from the various components in the system. The results of this study clearly indicate that the scatter contribution is significant. The effect of the scatter distribution decreases with increased beam energy, and significantly increases with the distance from the central axis. It is a major contributor near the edges of the field. In addition, scattered electrons affect the depth dose characteristics of these beams. The most significant changes in beam quality are observed in the surface to depth of maximum region while the extrapolated range is not significantly affected.
Nonlinear waves in a rate-sensitive, elastoplastic material

Discussion of two classes of closed form solutions of one-dimensional, unsteady motion of a rate-sensitive elastoplastic material. One class of these solutions is self-similar and is deduced from the invariant theorems of continuous groups of transformations. The second class of solutions is obtained by searching for one-dimensional wave motions with constant speeds of propagation. Applications of these solutions to unsteady motions behind propagating discontinuities are considered.
Event-related potential correlates of interference effects on recognition memory.

The question of interference (how new learning affects previously acquired knowledge and vice versa) is a central theoretical issue in episodic memory research, but very few human neuroimaging studies have addressed this question. Here, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to test the predictions of the complementary learning systems (CLS) model regarding how list strength manipulations (strengthening some, but not all, items on a study list) affect recognition memory. Our analysis focused on the FN400 old-new effect, a hypothesized ERP correlate of familiarity-based recognition, and the parietal old-new effect, a hypothesized ERP correlate of recollection-based recognition. As is predicted by the CLS model, increasing list strength selectively reduced the ERP correlate of recollection-based discrimination, leaving the ERP correlate of familiarity-based discrimination intact. In a second experiment, we obtained converging evidence for the CLS model’s predictions, using a remember/know test: Increasing list strength reduced recollection-based discrimination but did not reduce familiarity-based discrimination.
Discrimination of restrictions upon auditory sequentially encoded information: Block parity

Finite-state sequences were generated bya digital computer, converted to interval-coded pulse sequences, and transduced to sound by means of earphones. Within each block of B successive intervals, (B − 1) intervals were randomly selected and the Bth interval was selected to achieve a fixed parity sum over the block. Discriminability among the sequences—as measured by interstate interval thresholds-reflects both the specific form and the extent of the sequential restrictions introduced by parity. Parity restrictions upon interval-coded sequences may bediscriminable through modification of distributions of runs.
Comparative analysis of strawberry total phenolics via Fast Blue BB vs. Folin–Ciocalteu: Assay interference by ascorbic acid

Unblemished fully ripe fruit from five day-neutral strawberry cultivars were harvested on two separate dates and evaluated for ascorbic acid (AsA), fruit sugars, and phenolic composition. Individual phenolics were determined by HPLC, and total phenolics by Folin–Ciocalteu (F–C) and by a ‘new’ assay: Fast Blue BB (FBBB), which detects phenolics directly. FBBB reported an average 2.9-fold greater concentration of total phenolics than F–C, had a significant correlation (r=0.80; P=0.001) with total phenolics via HPLC and did not interact with AsA or sugars, whereas F–C, an indirect detection assay for total phenolics, appeared to under-report total phenolic concentrations, had no significant correlation (r=0.20) with total phenolics via HPLC or with sugars, but had a significant correlation (r=0.64; P=0.05) with total AsA. Results from this study indicated that previous studies of strawberry fruit, using the standard indirect F–C assay, have greatly underestimated the total phenolics content and that this assay should be replaced in future studies by the FBBB assay.
Nonlinear optical absorption and fluorescence of phosphine-substituted bithiophenes in the violet-blue spectral region

Abstract The nonlinear optical absorptions of two 5,5′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-2,2′-bithiophene derivatives, Ph 2 (X)P(C 4 H 2 S) 2 P(X)Ph 2 (X = O, 1 ; S, 2 ), have been investigated by direct transmission measurement with both picosecond and nanosecond laser pulses from 420 nm to 480 nm. Saturated dichloromethane solutions of 1 and 2 exhibit strong nonlinear optical absorptions in this violet-blue spectral region with that of 2 being stronger at all wavelengths. In the picosecond regime, at 420 nm, the transmittance rapidly falls to 50% when the incident fluence is 0.22 J/cm 2 for 1 and 0.11 J/cm 2 for 2 . Two-photon absorption appears to be the primary mechanism for this nonlinear absorption. The two-photon absorption coefficients β for 1 (2.1 cm/GW) and 2 (4.4 cm/GM) were obtained by fitting the measurement of transmittance as the function of incident beam intensity at 420 nm. These β values are comparable with some of the best results obtained for organic materials in the green, red and infrared spectral region. Both compounds also show fluorescence with an emission peak at 390 nm for 1 and 400 nm for 2 . The fluorescence of 1 is considerably stronger than is that of 2 . The combination of the wide band gap and strong fluorescence emission of 1 makes it a promising candidate as a host material for blue organic light emitting diodes.
Characteristics of a galactose-binding hemagglutinin (lectin) from hemolymph of Spodoptera exigua larvae.

Hemolymph from Spodopteraexigua larvae agglutinates rabbit and human 0 erythrocytes. The agglutinin appears to be naturally occurring i.e., injury (by injection) or injection of larvae with fungal cells does not induce an increase in titer of hemolymph samples. Hemagglutinin activity is destroyed by heat or EDTA, and galactosidic carbohydrates inhibit agglutination of both red blood cell types. The agglutinin was purified by affinity chromatography using an Affi-Gel ® ovalbumin column. Binding to the column is calcium (cation) dependent. SDS gel electrophoresis shows that the agglutinin is a minor component of whole hemolymph represented by two bands with molecular weights of 30,500 and 31,000 daltons. Fluorescence microscopy using rhodamine-labeled agglutinin indicates that the agglutinin binds to fungal cell wall surfaces known to have galactose residues (e.g., Paecilomycesochraceus), and that binding is specifically inhibited by galactose. There is no specific binding to fungal walls known to lack galactose residues (e.g., Paecilomycesochraceus, Nomuraearileyi). The agglutinin may be involved in the immune response of the insect e.g., by opsonization of microbial (fungal) surfaces which render the invading cells more susceptible to phagocytosis or agglutination.
Some New Aspects of Cyclotron Resonance in Copper

The development of improved techniques has made possible a new series of cyclotron resonance experiments on Cu which gives more accurate and extended information on electron cyclotron masses. New orbits which have been observed and measured include a limiting point orbit, orbits extending through three and four Brillouin zones, orbits whose centers are neither at the center nor edge of the zone, and orbits observed with the magnetic field tipped at large angles (up to 80\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}) with respect to the crystal surface. The neck orbit has been observed and measured with the field along the [111] direction. The cyclotron mass ratio for this orbit is 0.46. Certain discrepancies and puzzling aspects of earlier data have been clarified and the present data are in excellent accord with de Haas-van Alphen and magnetoacoustic data on the geometry of the Fermi surface. The principal cause of difficulties in the former experiments has been shown to be some perturbations of the absorption spectra of cyclotron resonance when the applied magnetic field is tipped as little as a fraction of a degree with respect to the metal surface. These effects are responsible for the phase shifts in the cyclotron resonance series reported earlier, as well as for the rapid changes in measured cyclotron masses which occurred in certain regions of field orientation. Although these effects are not understood in all details, their principal causes are fairly clear, and the effects can be avoided by maintaining the field accurately parallel to the sample surface.
Emigration Dynamics In The Arab Region

This paper describes the four research monographs on emigration that were presented at the December 1995 Regional Workshop in the Arab Region. The workshop was an exchange of views and discussion of policy implications of emigration. Monographs were presented by Dr. Mayar Farrag on emigration in Egypt Professor Nadji Safir on migration in the Maghreb Dr. Setenay Shami on emigration dynamics in Jordan and Dr. Lynn Evans on behalf of Dr. Ivy Papps on migration in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Dr. Farrag identified three periods of migration. During the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s migrants were officially encouraged by Egypt to fill education positions. During the 1970s many migrants left for the oil-producing countries on a temporary basis. Since the mid-1980s the influences on Egyptian migration have been the economic recession and oil prices in the Gulf states the completion of infrastructure projects in most Gulf states and the replacement of foreign labor with nationals. Dr. Farrag recommended improving the migrants skills in English and technology in order to maintain a dominant flow of temporary migrants to the Gulf region. Professor Safir reported that persons from the Maghreb region (Tunisia Algeria and Morocco) migrated to France before independence and subsequently to West Germany and the Benelux countries. Algeria had the highest migration potential and Morocco had the highest migration. Morocco had established networks in destination countries high population growth rates and high unemployment. Maghreb countries are receiving migrants from the south. Professor Safir recommended regional integration. Dr. Shami separated step migration from stepwise migration which complicates push-pull theories. Dr. Papps argued that use of foreign labor may not be the best option for development and that sending countries should be more aware of skill needs in GCC countries.