cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Negative feedback synchronizes islets of Langerhans.

Insulin is released from the pancreas in pulses with a period of ∼ 5 min. These oscillatory insulin levels are essential for proper liver utilization and perturbed pulsatility is observed in type 2 diabetes. What coordinates the many islets of Langerhans throughout the pancreas to produce unified oscillations of insulin secretion? One hypothesis is that coordination is achieved through an insulin-dependent negative feedback action of the liver onto the glucose level. This hypothesis was tested in an in vitro setting using a microfluidic system where the population response from a group of islets was input to a model of hepatic glucose uptake, which provided a negative feedback to the glucose level. This modified glucose level was then delivered back to the islet chamber where the population response was again monitored and used to update the glucose concentration delivered to the islets. We found that, with appropriate parameters for the model, oscillations in islet activity were synchronized. This approach demonstrates that rhythmic activity of a population of physically uncoupled islets can be coordinated by a downstream system that senses islet activity and supplies negative feedback. In the intact animal, the liver can play this role of the coordinator of islet activity.
The synthesis and fate of pseudorabies virus DNA in infected mammalian cells in the stationary phase of growth.

Abstract After infection with pseudorabies virus, rabbit kidney cells in the stationary phase of growth do not synthesize cellular DNA; these virus-infected cells synthesize only viral DNA. This DNA is synthesized in excess—at the end of the virus growth cycle, a maximum of approximately 20% of the total viral DNA synthesized by the infected cells is incorporated into mature virus. Viral DNA forms within the infected cells a virus precursor pool from which DNA is withdrawn in a random fashion to be integrated into the virus particles.
On the Dehalogenation Mechanism of 4-Chlorobenzoyl CoA by 4-Chlorobenzoyl CoA Dehalogenase: Insights from Study Based on the Nonenzymatic Reaction

The conversion of 4-chlorobenzoate to 4-hydroxybenzoate is carried out by first esterifying 4-chlorobenzoate by coenzyme A, and the resulting 4-chlorobenzoyl CoA serves as substrate for the 4-chlorobenzoyl CoA dehalogenase. To gain a better appreciation of the catalytic mechanism and factors controlling the catalytic efficacy of this dehalogenase, the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 4-Cl-Ph-CO-SCH3 and CH3COO- was investigated in detail in both gas phase and solution (the -CH2COO- entity of Asp145 is the enzyme nucleophile). Quantum mechanical methods (HF/6-31G*, B3LYP/6-311+G**, and PM3) were used to elucidate the gas phase reaction. The gas phase reaction profile is best described as a two-well potential surface, with the two minima corresponding to reactant-side and product-side ion−molecule complexes. There is a small overall potential energy barrier, but the free energy barrier is significant. On the HF/6-31G* potential energy surface, no minimum corresponding to the Meisenheimer ...
Combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria, cblC type. I. Clinical presentations, diagnosis and management

Combined methylmalonic acidemia and homocystinuria, cblC type, is an inborn error of intracellular cobalamin metabolism with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations that is stated to be the most common inherited disorder of cobalamin metabolism. This metabolic disease is caused by mutations in the MMACHC gene and results in impaired intracellular synthesis of adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin, cofactors for the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase enzymes. Elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine with decreased methionine production are the biochemical hallmarks of this disorder. Awareness of the diverse clinical presentations associated with cblC disease is necessary to provide a timely diagnosis, to guide management of affected individuals and to establish a framework for the future treatment of individuals detected through expanded newborn screening. This article reviews the biochemistry, clinical presentations, genotype-phenotype correlations, diagnosis and management of cblC disease.
Real Time Computer Graphics From Body Motion

This paper focuses on the recent emergence and development of real, time, computer-aided body tracking technologies and their use in combination with various computer graphics imaging techniques. The convergence of these, technologies in our research results, in an interactive display environment. in which multipde, representations of a given body motion can be displayed in real time. Specific reference, to entertainment applications is described in the development of a real time, interactive stage set in which dancers can 'draw' with their bodies as they move, through the space. of the stage or manipulate virtual elements of the set with their gestures.© (1983) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Registration of 3D cerebral vessels with 2D digital angiograms:Clinical evaluation

Rationale and Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and speed of a new, semiautomatic method of three-dimensional (3D)-two-dimensional (2D) vascular registration. This method should help guide endovascular procedures by allowing interpretion of each digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) image in terms of precreated, 3D vessel trees that contain “parent-child” connectivity information. Materials and Methods. Connected, 3D vessel trees were created from segmented magnetic resonance (MR) angiograms. Eleven total DSA images were registered with such trees by using both our method and the current standard (manual registration). The accuracy of each method was compared by using repeated-measures analysis of variance with correction for heterogeneity of variance to evaluate separation of curve pairs on the view plane. Subjective clinical comparisons of the two registration methods were evaluated with the sign test. Registration times were evaluated for both methods and also as a function of the error in the initial estimate of MR angiographic position. Results. The new registration method produced results that were numerically superior to those of manual registration ( P P Conclusion. This method is quicker than and produces results as good as or better than those of manual registration. This method should be able to calculate an initial registration matrix during endovascular embolization and adjust that matrix intermittenly with registration updates provided by automatic tracking systems.
Glutaraldehyde Cross-Linked Collagen in the Treatment of Urinary Incontinence in Children

AbstractPurpose: Prospective analysis was done to assess the efficacy of glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen in the treatment of pediatric structural urinary incontinence.Materials and Methods: A total of 40 pediatric patients (average age 12.1 years) with structural urinary incontinence received 70 glutaraldehyde cross-linked collagen injections. Of the 40 patients 25 had spina bifida, 12 had the exstrophy/epispadias complex, 2 had continent reservoirs and 1 had bilateral ureteral ectopia. Average followup was 2.1 years (range 3 months to 6.3 years), and included urodynamic evaluation and assessment of change in continence grade, daily pad use and dry interval. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaire concerning self-esteem, activity level and patient assessment of overall benefit.Results: Complete cure of incontinence was reported by 22 percent of patients, improvement by 54 percent and no change by 24 percent. There was statistically significant postoperative improvement of continence grade...
What should we do about Eduard Pernkopf's atlas?

Eduard Pernkopf created a classic anatomy atlas during World War II. He was also an ardent Nazi. Questions have been raised recently about the propriety of using an atlas created by a Nazi and illustrated by dissections of cadavers whose identities are unknown, but who could have been victims of Naz
Extracellular microelectrode sampling bias.

Abstract The antidromic response latencies of 640 pyramidal tract neurons, isolated in pericruciate cortex of the cat, were measured after stimulation of the medullary pyramids. The expected time distribution of antidromic response latencies was then calculated from published values for axon diameters in silver-stained preparations; compensation for shrinkage was not attempted. With conduction velocity assumed to be a linear function of fiber diameter, the optimum fit between the observed and expected antidromic latency distribution was calculated. The constant of proportionality had a value of 4.72, and raising each diameter value to the 2.52 power was found necessary for an optimum fit. Extracellular microelectrode sampling is proposed to be akin to “shooting fish in a barrel,” in the sense that the probability of a successful isolation is largely a function of the cross-sectional area of the axon. Other factors, such as microelectrode resistance and investigator experience and vigilance, play a lesser role. A correction vector, based on the exponent of 2.52 and on histological measurements, was derived for postcruciate tissue, and applied to a sample of 1109 orthodromically activated neurons. This application showed the effect of electrode sampling bias to be significant.
Structural effects in drug distribution: comparative pharmacokinetics of apomorphine analogues

A two compartment open model, modified to include brain as a third compartment, was found to describe the pharmacokinetics of three aporphines in mice. Data include whole animal analysis, brain analysis and evaluation of stereotypical gnawing behaviour. The relative potencies of the derivatives, based upon brain content, were found to be apomorphine = 1, norapomorphine = 0·06 and N-n-propylnorapomorphine = 0·39. The potency of the N-n-propyl analogue is less than that previously reported on an intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosage basis (1·14). The ability to distribute into the brain, based on the entire time course for drug in that compartment, appears to be N-n-propylnorapomorphine >apomorphine >norapomorphine. The values for t 1/2 in mice are 29 min for the N-n-propyl derivative, 20 min for norapomorphine and 47 min for apomorphine which was previously reported to be 8·5 min based upon the inappropriate assumption of a one compartment model. The successful pharmacokinetic analysis was combined with the evaluation of structural effects on drug distribution and its resultant influence on pharmacokinetic response for the three closely related derivatives to demonstrate the applicability of the previously described whole animal pharmacokinetic treatment (Notari, Burkman & Van Tyle, 1974).
Is the Self-Concept a Habitual Referent in Judgments of Similarity?

People typically provide higher similarity ratings in response to the question “How similar is the typical preppie to you?” than to the question “How similar are you to the typical preppie?” Observed asymmetries in comparisons of the self and person prototypes have been offered as evidence that the self-concept acts as a habitual reference point in social judgment However, such a task does not test the habitual placement of a concept in the referent position of a comparison In this study, participants judged the similarity between the self and person prototypes in response to linguistic (forced directional) queries or to spatial (nonforced) queries in which the self was positioned above or below the person concept Participants also rated pairs of familiar and unfamiliar countries in a similar manner, to replicate and extend the work of Tversky (1977) Expected asymmetries were observed in forced comparisons The self and the familiar country were seen as more similar to other people and less familiar countr...
An Apparatus for Measuring Volumes of Small Objects

An apparatus for measuring volumes of small objects such as tissue blocks is described. The apparatus measures volumes by fluid displacement and consists of a micropipette adapted to fit the mouth of an Erleiuneyer flask, a Luer adaptor fused to the side of the flask, and a glass syringe. When assembled with fluid enclosed, the fluid rises to a low level in the micropipette. Withdrawal of fluid into the syringe lowers the fluid level below the mouth of the flask. The micropipette is raised, the object to be measured is placed in the flask, and the micropipette is joined to the flask again. Fluid returned to the flask from the syringe rises to a higher level in the micropipette. The difference between the two fluid levels equals the volume of the object measured.This apparatus gives reproducible measurements and can be calibrated for absolute volume determination. It is inexpensive to construct and easy to use.
Take Intelligent Risk and Optimize Decision Based on Time, Available Resources and Risk Tolerance Limits

In real-time environment, data usually has a lifespan associated with it. The semantics and the importance of the data depend on the time when data is utilized. Hence, the process of getting a consensus data from a group of replicated units must not take longer time than the lifespan of the data. However, in real environment, every unit, faulty or non-faulty, may encounter delays when processing and sending their data which inevitably increases the time of acquiring a consensus. The latency for obtaining a valid data hence depends not only on the time when individual replicas make their votes, but also on the accuracy and credibility of the votes. Thus, a new metric, i.e. a credibility function, needs to be taken into account when evaluating expected time and deciding upon data replications. This paper presents analytical solutions for the expected time when dependable data can be obtained under different voting schemes. We show that if not all replicas are truthful, increasing replication does not reduce the time for obtaining valid results. When different types of resources are used to ensure the quality of the data, we show that the allocation of the resource plays an important role in satisfying both data availability and consistency constraints. We further demonstrate that when point-based constraints may be intrinsically impossible to satisfy, a more general interval-based constraint can be used to obtain statistical solutions
The Effect of Information Format and Performance Pattern on Performance Appraisal Judgments in a Computerized Performance Monitoring Context1

This paper examines how the presentation of computer-monitored performance information affects performance judgments. Two factors were examined: the performance pattern and the information format. In a computer simulation, subjects were responsible for evaluating the performance of a computer-monitored typist. They were assigned to one of three format conditions: a periodic, delayed, or summarized format. The pattern of the typist's performance was also varied: It either improved, worsened, or remained about the same during the simulation. Results indicate that performance pattern affected subjects' ratings of overall performance, performance quality, and performance consistency. Both factors influenced ratings of future performance and recall of specific performance information. Implications of these results for performance appraisals and computerized performance monitoring systems are discussed.
Individual Differences in Response to Early Interventions in Reading: The Lingering Problem of Treatment Resisters

The goal of many recent intervention studies has been to examine the conditions that must be in place for all children to acquire adequate reading skills. Although the ultimate goal of reading instruction is to help children acquire the skills necessary to comprehend text, an important subgoal for early reading instruction is to teach children to identify words accurately on the printed page. Five recent studies of methods to prevent reading difficulties were examined in light of the goal that every child should acquire adequate word reading skills during early elementary school. It was estimated that our best current methods, if applied broadly, would leave anywhere from 2% to 6% of children with inadequate word reading skills in the first and second grades. Several broad characteristics of these "treatment resisters" are identified, and the implications of these findings for future research are discussed.
MutSα Binds to and Promotes Synapsis of Transcriptionally Activated Immunoglobulin Switch Regions

Immunoglobulin class switch recombination joins a new constant (C) region to the rearranged and expressed heavy chain variable (VDJ) region in antigen-activated B cells (Figure 1A) (reviewed in [1, 2]). Switch recombination is activated by transcription of intronic, G-rich and repetitive switch (S) regions and produces junctions that are heterogeneous in sequence and position in the S regions. Switch recombination depends upon the B cell-specific cytidine deaminase, AID, and conserved DNA repair factors, including the mismatch repair heterodimer, MutSalpha (MSH2/MSH6). In mice, ablation of Msh2 or Msh6, but not Msh3, decreases levels of switch recombination and diminishes heterogeneity of switch junctions [3-7]. Here, we demonstrate that MSH2 associates with transcribed S regions in primary murine B cells activated for switch recombination. Electron microscopic imaging reveals that MutSalpha binds in vitro to DNA structures formed within transcribed S regions and mediates their synapsis. MutSalpha binds with high affinity to G4 DNA formed upon transcription of the S regions and also binds to U.G mismatches, initial products of DNA deamination by AID. These results suggest that MutSalpha interacts with the S regions in switching B cells to promote DNA synapsis and recombination.
The cartilage black line sign: an unexpected MRI appearance of deep cartilage fissuring in three patients

Many patterns of cartilage signal anomalies have been described in the knee since the advent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). With the now widespread use of preoperative MRI, some of these anomalies have proven to represent true pathology, while others have been shown to be normal variants or artifacts at arthroscopy. We describe three patients with an MR cartilage abnormality, not previously illustrated in the literature, consisting of a thin dark signal line on T2-weighted imaging, oriented perpendicular to the plane of imaging. This aberration proved to represent a deep cartilage cleft at arthroscopy (two patients) and at CT arthrography (one patient). Such full thickness fissures are generally considered to have the opposite appearance, that of fluid signal intensity on T2-weighted images.
Low-pressure synthesis of tetragonal Sr2CuO3 + χ from a single-source hydroxometallate precursor

Abstract Synthesis of the tetragonal “high-pressure” form of Sr 2 CuO 3+χ at 370°C in 1 atm oxygen from a copper hydroxometallate precursor, Sr 2 Cu(OH) 6 is reported. Results of thermogravimetric analysis, and in-situ X-ray diffraction on the thermal decomposition of the precursor are described. The as-synthesized tetragonal material is nonsuperconducting and is irreversibly converted to the orthorhombic phase by heating at 450°C in 1 atm O 2 .
Photoelectrolysis using linear arrays of chemically modified semitransparent electrodes

Abstract Chemical modification of semitransparent electrodes with various dye molecules allows photoassisted electrolysis to occur with visible wavelength excitation and without an optically dense solution of the dye adjacent to the electrode. Linear, multi-electrode stacks of the semitransparent electrodes allow for more efficient capture of light normally lost by transmission. A ratio of photocurrent to photon flux ( n c n p ) of ca. 1–2% is possible for certain dye modified electrode stacks, when used in the photoassisted oxidation of hydroquinone. Stacks of electrodes with more than one bound dye allow for the use of more of the visible wavelength spectrum than with a single dye.
Tripolar system for transvenous atrioventricular pacing.

A ventricular inhibited unipolar pacing system in a case of so-called pacemaker syndrome was successfully converted into an atrioventricular sequential system without replacing the ventricular lead.
AN INVESTIGATION OF STOP PLACE OF ARTICULATION AS A FUNCTION OF SYLLABLE POSITION : A LOCUS EQUATION PERSPECTIVE

Locus equations were employed to phonetically describe stop place categories as a function of syllable-initial, -medial, and -final position. Ten speakers, five male and five female, produced a total of 2700 CVC and 4500 VCV utterances that were acoustically analyzed to obtain F2 onset, F2 vowel, and F2 offset frequencies for locus equation regression analyses. In general, degree of coarticulation, as indexed by locus equation slope, was reduced for post-vocalic (VC) stops relative to pre-vocalic stops (pooled data from initial and medial positions), but significant differences were observed as a function of stop consonant. All stops showed significantly reduced R2 values and increased standard errors of estimate for VC relative to CV productions. Separability of stop place categories in a higher-order slope X y-intercept acoustic space also diminished for VC vs CV stop productions. The degradation of classic locus equation form (high correlation and linearity) for VC relative to CV productions was attributed to greater articulatory precision in the production of pre-vocalic compared to post-vocalic stops. This greater articulatory precision was interpreted as reflecting a greater need to normalize vowel context-induced variability of the F2 transition for syllable onset relative to final stops. The decline in acoustic lawfulness of syllable-final stops is discussed in terms of coarticulatory interactions and expected perceptual correlates.
Differences between Male and Female Students' Confidence, Anxiety, and Attitude toward Learning Jazz Improvisation

The purpose of this study was to examine the gender differences in the social-psychological constructs of confidence, anxiety, and attitude as they relate to jazz improvisation participation. Three subscales of the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Survey (1976) were modified for this task, and surveys (N = 332) were given to students of various ages participating in jazz programs. Returned surveys (N = 137, 41 % return rate, 83 men, 54 women) were analyzed using a MANOYA design with gender, school level, and instrument choice as the independent variables. A main effect was found for gender, and a subanalysis revealed significant differences between men and women on all three dependent variables confidence, anxiety, and attitude at the level of p < .05. Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficients were. 93 for confidence, .93 for anxiety, and .88 for attitude. Results suggest that social-psychological issues are influencing female participation in jazz improvisation.
Personality and drug use: Reciprocal effects across four years

In this paper, the controversy regarding whether attitudes predict behaviour or vice versa, is extended to question the personality and behaviour relationship. The present study examined the reciprocal influence of personality on drug use and drug use on personality from late adolescence to young adulthood using a structural modeling approach. Participants (n = 654) in this longitudinal study completed questionnaires which assessed multiple indicators for latent constructs of alcohol, cannabis, and hard drug use and also for the personality constructs of conscientiousness, extraversion, self-esteem, and social conformity. A series of cross-lagged latent-variable structural models were used to examine the across-time relationships between each pair of drug use and personality constructs separately by sex. More evidence was found for an impact of early personality traits affecting later substance use, rather than for the reverse. Particularly strong effects were noted between early social conformity and less alcohol and hard drug use in young adulthood. Gender differences are also discussed.
Brachial artery injury after cardiac catheterization

During a 3-year period, 12,158 cardiac catheterizations were performed via the brachial artery. During this same period, 106 patients were operated on for complications of brachial artery injury and/or thrombosis, an incidence of 0.9%. The indication for the cardiac catheterization was coronary artery disease in almost 92% of the patients. Early (less than 4 days) brachial artery repair was done in 90% of the patients. The operative findings were thrombosis (91%), intimal injury (54%), stenosis (13%), laceration and/or perforation (11%), and atherosclerotic plaque (6%). Because of vessel injury, localized resection was done in two thirds of the patients. Vascular continuity was obtained with axial reanastomosis in 45 patients and interposition vein graft in 26 patients. Primary lateral repair was performed in 23 patients (22%). Ninety-five percent (101 patients) had initial excellent results. Of the five patients who required reoperation, flow was restored in four patients. Thus, 99% of patients had restoration of a patent brachial artery. Contributing factors for brachial artery complications are "redo" catheterization, prolonged catheterization time, catheter change, brachial artery atherosclerosis, improper arteriotomy closure, experience of cardiologist, female patient, and failure to use heparin. Because of the unpredictability of ischemic symptoms occurring after brachial artery thrombosis, the need for bypass graft surgery when delayed, and the good results with early surgical intervention, early exploration of brachial artery complications after cardiac catheterization and appropriate repair are recommended.
Impact of executive function deficits in youth with bipolar I disorder: a controlled study.

Abstract Although psychometrically-defined executive function deficits (EFDs) and ecologically valid functional outcomes have been documented among youth with bipolar I (BP-I) disorder, little is known about their association. We hypothesized that EFDs would be associated with significant ecologically valid impairments beyond those predicted by having BP-I disorder. Youth with BP-I disorder were ascertained from psychiatric clinics and community sources. We defined EFDs as having at least two out of eight EF measures impaired from a battery of six tests. Significantly more youth with BP-I disorder had EFDs than controls (45% versus 17%). Comparisons were made between controls without EFDs ( N =81), controls with EFDs ( N =17), BP-I youth without EFDs ( N =76), and BP-I youth with EFDs ( N =62). EFDs were associated with an increased risk for placement in a special class and a decrease in academic achievement (WRAT-3 reading and arithmetic). EFDs in BP-I subjects were associated with an increased risk for speech/language disorder (as assessed in the K-SADS-E) relative to BP-I subjects without EFDs. Youth with BP-I disorder and EFDs are at high risk for significant impairments in academic functioning.
A Layout Estimation Algorithm for RTL Datapaths

This paper presents a fast and efficient algorithm to estimate the area cost of a given RTL datapath. This is achieved by considering the physical length of components (provided by a component library) and connections data (given by the datapath description) within an actual layout model and using analytical formulas in a constructive algorithm. Our layout estimator uses a non-probabilistic basis to estimate the overall cost of a datapath structure. It can estimate the overall layout with emphasis on area minimization, or can be adapted to delay minimization depending on the user request. Layout area is estimated for Standard-Cell and Full-custom layout methodologies at the RT level.
Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor preserves mesenteric microcirculatory blood flow and protects against intestinal injury in rats subjected to hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation

Background The gut is highly susceptible to injury after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HS/R) because of progressive mesenteric hypoperfusion. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) on mesenteric microcirculatory blood flow and intestinal injury in rats subjected to HS/R. Methods HS/R was induced in adult rats, with some rats receiving HB-EGF (600 μg/kg) IV at the onset of resuscitation (HS/R+HB-EGF) and others receiving vehicle only (HS/R). FITC-dextran was administered intra-arterially to evaluate mesenteric microcirculation, and intestinal damage and restitution were evaluated histologically. Data were expressed as mean ± SE, with P Results Microcirculatory blood flow was significantly reduced 1 hour after HS/R. HS/R+HB-EGF rats had significantly increased microcirculatory flow compared with HS/R rats at 1 hour (4.5 ± 0.43 vs 2.64 ± 0.46, P Conclusions HB-EGF significantly improved postresuscitation microcirculatory blood flow in rats subjected to HS/R, associated with significantly decreased intestinal damage and increased restitution. These results suggest that HB-EGF may be a useful therapeutic agent that improves intestinal blood flow in patients with intestinal injury secondary to hemorrhagic shock.
Active-site histidines in recombinant cyanobacterial ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase examined by site-directed mutagenesis.

The functions of His291, His295 and His324 at the active-site of recombinant A. nidulans ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/ oxygenase have been explored by site-directed mutagenesis. Replacement of His291 by K or R resulted in unassembled proteins, while its replacement by E, Q or N resulted in assembled but inactive proteins. These results are in accord with a metal ion-binding role of this residue in the activated ternary complex by analogy to x-ray crystallographic analyses of tobacco and spinach enzymes.
Comparative Investigation of Sequentially Extracted Phosphorus Fractions in a Sandy Loam Soil and a Swine Manure

Sequential fractionation is one of the most common methods used to investigate phosphorus (P) forms in soils. The strategy can be used for evaluating bioavailability of soil P and for investigating the relationship between soil P transformation and soil development. Recently, the strategy of sequential fractionation has been used to investigate manure and compost P and their changes after application to soils. However, the physico-chemical characteristics of animal manure may differ from those of soils. Evaluation is therefore needed to determine if sequentially extracted P forms based on soil studies are applicable for manure. In this study we fractionated P in a sandy loam soil and a swine (Sus scrofa) manure with H2O, 0.5 M NaHCO3, 0.1 M NaOH, and 1.0 M HCl. The P distribution in soil was 0.2% H2O-extractable, 11% NaHCO3-extractable, 58% NaOH-extractable, 14% HCl-extractable, and 16% residual P. In contrast, P distribution in swine manure was 48% H2O-extractable, 19% NaHCO3-extractable, 18% NaOH-extrac...
Reflections on resource-based learning environments: continuing the exploration of opportunities and obstacles

The digital age has led to several changes in the nature of information resources. The very nature of the media and the ubiquitous presence of enabling technologies in classrooms, libraries, homes, businesses and communities have assisted with propelling the transformation. The implications of this change for education have been somewhat nebulous. While some recognise the promise for teaching and learning in the digital age, the methods and strategies used remain largely unchanged. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for thinking about the design of learning environments based on a resource-based model. Firstly, I present examples to frame Resource-Based Learning Environments (RBLEs) from different contexts. A description of the underlying infrastructure of RBLEs follows. Secondly, I discuss of how RBLEs can open opportunities within a learning environment, regardless of the context followed by some obstacles that can hinder RBLE implementation. Finally, suggestions for implementation and future research are provided.
Psychological scaling of adjective orders

Do violations of implicit adjective-ordering rules affect scalings of grammaticalness? Subjects ranked sentences containing one of six different orders of three prenominal adjective classes, using a multiple rank ordering procedure. The scale values were consistent with expectations based upon the assumption that S s integrate a pragmatic communication constraint and a semantic-grammatical rule.
Snowball morphology and SEM analysis of pedogenic gypsum, southern New Mexico, U.S.A.

Abstract Late Quaternary soils in southern New Mexico support previous work that suggested pedogenic gypsum accumulates in successive stages as a function of time, similar to pedogenic carbonate. However, gypsum also occurs as small (0·5–1 mm), powdery spheres that we term snowball morphology. The snowball morphology represents one of the initial stages of pedogenic gypsum development. Scanning electron microscope analyses indicate that soil microorganisms and organic material may play a crucial role in the development of this morphology. However, no trends were found in the crystal habits of gypsum suggesting the snowball morphology forms in a dynamic environment.
A Systolic Architecture For High-Speed Two-Dimensional Convolutions In Finite-Field Arithmetic

A two-dimensional linear-convolution algorithm is presented which couples the efficiency of the polynomial transform convolution-algorithm with the parallelism of finite-field arithmetic. This algorithm requires fewer arithmetic operations than most two-dimensional convolution algorithms, and possesses a structure which facilitates systolic architectures. Forming the polynomial transform in a finite field allows large numbers to be broken into small residues, each of which may be processed in parallel. A systolic architecture is described which may be used to evaluate two-dimensional convolutions in 0(N) processor cycles. This architecture is comprised of engagement processors, to form the polynomial transform, and pipelined processors, to form the polynomial product.
Effects of Straight Chain Alcohols on Specific Isoforms of Adenylyl Cyclase

Background: Our previous studies showed that the activity of adenylyl cyclase (AC) was enhanced by pharmacologically relevant concentrations of ethanol, that this enhancing effect of ethanol on AC activity was AC isoform specific, and that the alcohol cutoff effect for n-alkanol potentiation of AC activity was also AC isoform specific. Therefore, we hypothesized that within the cyclic AMP-generating system, AC is the target of ethanol’s action and that alcohols interact directly with the AC molecules. To characterize the interaction between alcohols and AC proteins, the effects of a series of straight chain alcohols would be very valuable in understanding alcohol action at the molecular level. To our knowledge, straight chain alcohols other than n-alkanols and 1,Ω-diols have not been used extensively to study alcohol effects on the activity of AC or other proteins important in the alcohol research field. Methods: The effects of a series of straight chain alcohols on D1A dopamine receptor-stimulated activity of AC isoforms type 6, 7, and 9 (AC6, AC7, and AC9) were examined in transfected Hela cells by a cAMP accumulation assay. Results: In general, all 3 AC isoforms responded to a series of straight chain alcohols in a similar manner. The order of responsiveness is as follows: monoalcohol > diol > triol and tetraol. Within monoalcohols, 1-alcohols had larger effects than 2-alcohols. Two of 3 stereoisomers of 2,3-butanediol, [D-(-)-2,3-butanediol and meso-2,3-butanediol] showed similar enhancing effects on all 3 AC isoforms. However, the third stereoisomer, L-(+)-2,3-butanediol, inhibited AC7 activity, while it stimulated AC6 and AC9. Conclusion: The number and the position of hydroxyl groups in straight chain alcohols play an important role in the magnitude of the enhancement on AC activity. Regardless of AC isoforms, the most effective of the straight chain alcohols seems to be the 1-alcohol (n-alkanol) for a given chain length. We found that one of the stereoisomers of 2,3-butanediol had opposite effects on AC activity depending on the AC isoform. Overall, the results are consistent with the hypotheses and demonstrate that a series of straight chain alcohols can be a valuable tool to study AC-alcohol interactions.
An 800 million-year detrital zircon record of continental amalgamation: Tarim basin, NW China

Sedimentary provenance studies based on detrital zircon ages have proved to be a powerful tool for elucidating detailed patterns of erosion and sediment dispersal on and adjacent to the continents. This approach is commonly used to examine processes that occur over discrete intervals of geologic time, but it can also be used to address fundamental questions concerning the longer-term evolution of the continental crust. Central Asia, for example, consists of a Palaeozoic accretionary collage that contrasts with the cratonal cores of continents such as North America, which were fully consolidated during the Proterozoic. Detrital zircon provenance may thus provide important insights on the comparative evolution of these distinctly different styles of continental growth. The Tarim sedimentary basin is interpreted to be underlain by a micro-continental block that accreted to central Asia during the late Palaeozoic. Detrital zircon in pre-Permian strata of the northern Tarim basin includes Precambrian grains de...
Reggeon--Reggeon-particle vertex and Feynman graphs

The analytic properties of Feynman graphs are used to suggest the singularity structure of the Reggeon-Reggeon-particle vertex.
THE GROWTH OF BACTERIOPHAGE

1. An anti-Escherichia coli phage has been isolated and its behavior studied. 2. A plaque counting method for this phage is described, and shown to give a number of plaques which is proportional to the phage concentration. The number of plaques is shown to be independent of agar concentration, temperature of plate incubation, and concentration of the suspension of plating bacteria. 3. The efficiency of plating, i.e. the probability of plaque formation by a phage particle, depends somewhat on the culture of bacteria used for plating, and averages around 0.4. 4. Methods are described to avoid the inactivation of phage by substances in the fresh lysates. 5. The growth of phage can be divided into three periods: adsorption of the phage on the bacterium, growth upon or within the bacterium (latent period), and the release of the phage (burst). 6. The rate of adsorption of phage was found to be proportional to the concentration of phage and to the concentration of bacteria. The rate constant ka is 1.2 x 10–9 cm.8/min. at 15°C. and 1.9 x 10–9 cm.8/min. at 25°. 7. The average latent period varies with the temperature in the same way as the division period of the bacteria. 8. The latent period before a burst of individual infected bacteria varies under constant conditions between a minimal value and about twice this value. 9. The average latent period and the average burst size are neither increased nor decreased by a fourfold infection of the bacteria with phage. 10. The average burst size is independent of the temperature, and is about 60 phage particles per bacterium. 11. The individual bursts vary in size from a few particles to about 200. The same variability is found when the early bursts are measured separately, and when all the bursts are measured at a late time.
Genograms in a multicultural perspective

Abstract Genograms are family-tree diagrams that record information about family members and their relationships over at least three generations. They provide a quick gestalt of complex family patterns, stimulate clinical hypotheses linking the clinical problem to the family context, and track the evolution of the presenting problem and family relationships over time. The present article outlines and demonstrates with briefcase examples how genograms can be used in a multicultural (MC) context.
Comparison of Au Catalysts Supported on Mesoporous Titania and Silica: Investigation of Au Particle Size Effects and Metal-Support Interactions

Au catalysts supported on mesoporous silica and titania supports were synthesized and tested for the oxidation of CO. Two approaches were used to prepare the silica-supported catalysts utilizing complexing triamine ligands which resulted in mesoporous silica with wormhole and hexagonal structures. The use of triamine ligands is the key for the formation of uniformly sized 2–3 nm Au nanoparticles in the silica pores. On mesoporous titania, high gold dispersions were obtained without the need of a functional ligand. Au supported on titania exhibited a much higher activity for CO oxidation, even though the Au particle sizes were essentially identical on the titania and the wormhole silica supports. The results suggest that the presence of 2–3 nm particle size alone is not sufficient to achieve high activity in CO oxidation. Instead, the support may influence the activity through other possible ways including stabilization of active sub-nanometer particles, formation of active oxygen-containing reactant intermediates (such as hydroxyls or O2−), or stabilization of optimal Au structures.
Applied force during vitreoretinal microsurgery with handheld instruments

Applied force was measured in vivo during vitreoretinal surgery in rabbits, in three types of task: membrane peeling, vessel puncture/cannulation, and vessel dissection. Quantitative results are presented and compared with similar measurements taken in vitro in a porcine retina, in which no scleral interaction is present.
Numerical comparisons of a modified rayleigh approach with other rough surface EM scattering solutions

A modification of the classical Rayleigh technique utilizing the fast Fourier transform (FFT) is developed for electromagnetic scattering and is referred to as the Rayleigh-FFT approach. Numerical scattering results from a sinusoidal surface are compared with calculations obtained by a Rayleigh perturbation approach, physical optics, and a rigorous integral equation method. These comparisons together with self-consistent error criteria are used to define the circumstances under which the Rayleigh-FFT approach is valid. For perfectly conducting sinusoidal surfaces, the method is valid at normal incidence when the maximum surface slope is less than about 0.6 ( \lsim 31\deg ) but no limit on surface height is apparent. Slope restrictions are explained by the inherent Rayleigh error since maximum errors occur in surface troughs as expected. The Rayleigh-FFT approach is increasingly reliable, for a given geometry, when the rough half-space tends toward dielectric from perfectly conducting. Perturbation solutions to Rayleigh's technique are shown to be extremely limited. Physical optics is valid when the minimum radius of curvature of the surface is greater than a wavelength. The Rayleigh-FFT method has been extended to obtain valid scattering results from arbitrary irregular periodic structures composed of a rough layer over a rough half-space.
Predictors of Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress and Depression in Family Members After Patient Death in the ICU

Background Patients' deaths in the ICU have been associated with a high burden of psychologic symptoms in families. This study identifies characteristics associated with psychologic symptoms in family members. Methods Families of patients dying in the ICU or within 30 h of ICU discharge in 11 hospitals previously participated in a randomized trial. In the current study, we assessed these families for symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression with follow-up surveys. Outcomes included validated measures of PTSD (PTSD Checklist) and depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire) symptoms. Predictors included family member mental-health history, involvement in decision making, and demographics. Results Surveys were completed by 226 families. Response rate was 46% in the original randomized trial and 82% in this study. Prevalence (95% CI) of PTSD and depressive symptoms were 14.0% (9.7%–19.3%) and 18.4% (13.5%–24.1%), respectively. Family characteristics associated with increased symptoms included: female gender (PTSD, P = .020; depression, P = .005), knowing the patient for a shorter duration (PTSD, P = .003; depression, P = .040), and discordance between family members' preferences for decision making and their actual decision-making roles (PTSD, P = .005; depression, P = .049). Depressive symptoms were also associated with lower educational level ( P = .002). Families with psychologic symptoms were more likely to report that access to a counselor (PTSD, P P = .003) and information about spiritual services might have been helpful while the patient was in the ICU (PTSD, P = .024; depression, P = .029). Conclusions Families demonstrated a high prevalence of psychologic symptoms after a death in the ICU. Characteristics associated with symptoms may help target interventions to reduce these symptoms. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov; Identifier: NCT00685893.
Increasing electronic display information content: an introduction

This paper is an introduction to a group of eighteen papers on electronic display research and development within IBM. Displays in the computer industry and some of the directions display research is taking are discussed. A motivation for the IBM work on increasing the spatial resolution and image content of various liquid crystal displays is offered. Finally, the significant progress in IBM's display technology over the last decade is discussed.
Born seismograms using coupled free oscillations: the effects of strong coupling and anisotropy

SUMMARY We have developed an expression for the first-order Born waveform perturbation for long-period seismic records on an aspherical earth, using an anelastic monopole reference model. We have derived both an explicitly anelastic first-order Born term u’(r, t) and an approximate, but much simpler, expression in which quasi-degenerate modal coupling is represented by secular terms in the time domain. We designate this expression the ‘strong’ Born approximation to identify the presence of ‘strong’ quasi-degenerate coupling. Earlier applications of Born theory to surface wave seismograms have typically neglected the coupling between different modal dispersion branches. The strong Born approximation is linear in the aspherical model, but the secular terms restrict its accuracy to ‘short’ times after event onset, typically fewer than 10 hr. Additional accuracy can be gained by treating the self-coupling of isolated multiplets explicitly by formally summing the Born series using a projection of the aspherical operator 2” onto the multiplet in question. We call this the ‘stronger’ Born approximation, which is a non-linear functional of the aspherical model. The stronger Born approximation is similar to, but formally less accurate than, the subspace projection algorithm. We verified the accuracy of synthetic seismograms calculated with the ‘strong’ and ‘stronger’ Born approximations against Galerkin coupled-mode synthetics using a zonally symmetric, weakly anisotropic upper mantle model. The Born seismograms replicate successfully the ‘quasi-Love’ waveforms that diagnose spheroidal-toroidal coupling, suggesting that the strong Born approximation is adequate to model the interaction of free-oscillation coupling partners that are closely spaced in the frequency domain, at least for short records. We performed a waveform inversion test using three-component synthetic seismograms from 297 source-receiver pairs. Once spheroidal-toroidal coupling is incorporated in the inverse formulation, the waveform perturbations associated with the anisotropic parameters are clearly distinct from waveform perturbations associated with the isotropic parameters. Although the model space used in this experiment is highly restricted compared to the real Earth, these results suggest that the trade off between anisotropy and isotropic lateral structure may be less problematic in a fully-coupled waveform inversion than in a tomographic inversion of surface wave phase delays.