cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potentiation of GABAA Currents after Mechanical Injury of Cortical Neurons

Numerous studies have implicated glutamate receptors, glutamate neurotoxicity, and hyperexcitation in the pathobiology of traumatic brain injury, yet much less is known about the effects of neurotrauma on inhibitory GABA channels of the brain. Using an in vitro cell injury model, we tested whether mild stretch injury altered the GABAA currents of cultured rat cortical neurons. The application of 1-100 μM GABA to single pyramidal neurons voltage clamped to -60 mV activated an inward current that reversed near 0 mV in solutions containing symmetrical [Cl-]. This current was inhibited by bicuculline, consistent with mediation by GABAA receptor channels. In injured neurons, 50 μM GABA elicited a peak current density of 41.2 ± 2.6 pA/pF (n = 82), which was significantly larger than in uninjured control neurons, 20.2 ± 1.7 pA/pF (n = 69, p < 0.01). The GABAA currents of injured neurons did not differ from those of control neurons in their sensitivity to GABA or their reversal potentials, suggesting that GABA cu...
Why is the NFL Concussion Litigation Settlement Agreement in Jeopardy?: Examining the NFL Concussion Litigation Mediation Sessions, Settlement Agreement and Applicable Standards of Review

In July of 2011, former NFL players and their representatives began filing lawsuits in federal courts around the country, alleging that the National Football League (NFL) breached its duties to the players by failing to take reasonable actions to protect players from the chronic risks created by concussive and subconcussive head injuries and that the NFL concealed those risks.Before the litigation could make it to trial, the NFL and former players utilized the mediation process to come to a settlement agreement. That settlement agreement, however, was denied in the preliminary approval stage. The presiding judge cited concerns about the ability of the settlement agreement to adequately compensate all of the potential claimants and asked the parties to submit documentation in support of their claims that the settlement agreement would be sufficient.This paper examines the mediation process, details of the settlement agreement and the applicable standards of review that the court must use in making a final determination on the adequacy of the agreement.
Nucleotide sequence of the streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin type B gene and relationship between the toxin and the streptococcal proteinase precursor.

Abstract The streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin (SPE) type B-encoding structural gene, speB, was subcloned from a 4.5-kilobase streptococcal DNA insert onto a 2.4-kilobase insert, which was then sequenced. Studies indicated that a 1,194-base-pair open reading frame encoded a 398-amino-acid protein. Removal of the putative signal peptide resulted in a mature protein with 371 residues (molecular weight, 40,314), which was subsequently proteolyzed to yield a 253-residue breakdown product (molecular weight, 27,588). This processing was confirmed by amino-terminal sequencing of both the 40,314-molecular-weight protein and the breakdown product. Monte Carlo analysis indicated that SPE B was relatively dissimilar to other members of the pyrogenic toxin family that also includes SPEs A and C, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and the staphylococcal enterotoxins. Comparison with the published amino acid sequence of streptococcal proteinase precursor as well as DNA hybridization experiments indicated that SPE B is a variant of this protein even though the particular gene sequenced did not encode a proteolytically active molecule.
A Systems Approach to the Provision of Social Work Services in Health Settings: PART 2

In the first part of this presentation published in the last issue, the author offered a sociological view of the hospital as an institution within the economic, political, and value systems of the community. Systems theory is the conceptual base for projecting the potential role of the social worker in the health setting. Part 2, in this issue, deals with the impediments and barriers to effective social work in hospitals as well as solution finding based on systems work in combination with direct service skills.
Laplace's Equation

Potential theory has its origins in gravitational theory and electromagnetic theory. The common element of these two is the inverse square law governing the interaction of two bodies. The concept of potential function arose as a result off the work done in moving a unit charge from one point of space to another in the presence of another charged body. A basic potential function 1/r, the reciprocal distance function, has the important property that it satisfies Laplace's equation except when r = 0. Such a function is called a harmonic function. Since the potential energy at a point due to a distribution of charge can be regarded as the sum of a large number of potential energies due to point charges, the corresponding potential function should also satisfy Laplace's equation. Applications to electromagnetic theory led to the problem of determining a harmonic function on a region having prescribed values on the boundary of the region. This problem came to be known as the Dirichlet problem. A similar problem, connected with steadystate heat distribution, asks for a harmonic function with prescribed flux or normal derivative at each point of the boundary. This problem is known as the Neumann problem. Another problem, Robin's problem, asks for a harmonic function satisfying a condition at points of the boundary which is a linear combination of prescribed values and prescribed flux.
Automatic segmentation of carcinoma in radiographs

A strong emphasis has been made on making the healthcare system and the diagnostic procedure more efficient. In this paper, we present an automatic detection technique designed to segment out abnormalities in X-ray imagery. Utilizing the proposed algorithm allows radiologists and their assistants to more effectively sort and analyze large amount of imagery. In radiology, X-ray beams are used to detect various densities within a tissue and to display accompanying anatomical and architectural distortion. Lesion localization within fibrous or dense tissue is complicated by a lack of clear visualization as compared to tissues with an increased fat distribution. As a result, carcinoma and its associated unique patterns can often be overlooked within dense tissue. We introduce a new segmentation technique that integrates prior knowledge, such as intensity level, color distribution, texture, gradient, and shape of the region of interest taken from prior data, within segmentation framework to enhance performance of region and boundary extraction of defected tissue regions in medical imagery. Prior knowledge of the intensity of the region of interest can be extremely helpful in guiding the segmentation process, especially when the carcinoma boundaries are not well defined and when the image contains non-homogeneous intensity variations. We evaluate our algorithm by comparing our detection results to the results of the manually segmented regions of interest. Through metrics, we also illustrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the algorithm in improving the diagnostic efficiency for medical experts.
The Effects of Adding Melamine at Different Resin Synthesis Points of Low Mole Ratio Urea-Melamine-Formaldehyde (UMF) Resins

Low mole ratio urea-melamine-formaldehyde (UMF) resins synthesized with 2.5% and 5.0% melamine levels added at the beginning, middle, and end points of the first alkaline step of the typical urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin synthesis procedure were compared with typical UMF resins synthesized with melamine additions made at the final alkaline step. Various resin analysis, particleboard preparation, physical performance, and formaldehyde emission level tests were carried out. UMF resins synthesized with melamine additions at the beginning of the first alkaline step showed adequate storage lives of 2 to 3 weeks, and their particleboard bonding tests showed small but significant improvements in water soak test values, while formaldehyde content values were slightly higher in comparison with typical UMF resins. The particleboards showed adequate board strength and the formaldehyde contents were relatively low to qualify for the E1 Class of European Standards. UMF resins synthesized with melamine addition made at the middle and end of the first alkaline step were highly turbid and showed chemical structure differences and very short storage lives and the resin synthesis procedures were concluded to be of little practical value.
RISK FACTORS FOR DROPPING OUT OF A PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAM

This study compared those who completed a clinic-based parenting program to dropouts in an attempt to identify risk factors for parents not completing the program. The program, aimed at mothers at risk for child maltreatment, was offered at three Seattle, Washington health centers providing comprehensive pediatrie care to low-income families. We obtained baseline information from an intake questionnaire, the Nursing Child Assessment Teaching Scale (NCATS), and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME). Of the 172 enrollees, 124 (72%) completed the program. Univariate analyses showed that dropouts were more likely to be located at Clinic Site Three (42% vs. 10%, p < .001), teenaged (44% vs. 23%, p = .010), and African-American (56% vs. 32%, p = .010), and to have HOME scores less than 32 (57% vs. 33%, p = .023). There were no statistically significant differences between those who dropped out and those who didn't in marital status, education, referral rate to Child Protective Services prior to the start of parenting classes, or NCATS scores. Multivariate analyses showed that age less than 20 was significantly associated with dropping out when race and HOME scores were taken into account. There was significant interaction between age less than 20 and Clinic Site Three. These data suggest that program planners need to develop appropriate strategies to retain teenage mothers in parenting programs.
Global nested transaction management for ODMG-compliant multi-database systems

Object technology has received considerable attention in the re cent years for the integration of various local data sources in a multi-database system (MDBS). An object-oriented data model like ODMG-93 can serve as the canonical data model for the global layer in the MDBS. The ODMG-93 standard defines a closed nested ACID transaction model without intra-transaction parallelism. Although the nested transaction model provides special support for distributed computing enviromnents, the implications of its usage as a global transaction model for MDBS have so far not been examined. In this paper, we present a simple and practical method to implement global nested transaction management for ODMGcompliant multi-database systems. The main contribution of our work is the adaption of the ticket method to achieve global serializability for global nested transactions that conform to ODMG. Our approach is also applicable to OMG’s common object request broker architecture. We have successfully implemented our global nested transaction model within the IRO-DB multi-database system.
Experimental and thermodynamic assessment of Sn-Ag-Cu solder alloys

Sn-rich alloys in the Sn-Ag-Cu system are being studied for their potential as Pb-free solders. Thus, the location of the ternary eutectic involving L, (Sn), Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 phases is of critical interest. Phase diagram data in the Sn-rich corner of the Sn-Ag-Cu system are measured. The ternary eutectic is confirmed to be at a composition of 3.5 wt.% Ag, 0.9 wt.% Cu at a temperature of 217.2±0.2°C (2σ). A thermodynamic calculation of the Sn-rich part of the diagram from the three constituent binary systems and the available ternary data using the CALPHAD method is conducted. The best fit to the experimental data is 3.66 wt.% Ag and 0.91 wt.% Cu at a temperature of 216.3°C. Using the thermodynamic description to obtain the enthalpy- temperature relation, the DTA signal is simulated and used to explain the difficulty of liquidus measurements in these alloys.
Diazonium salts in photochemistry. Kinetic studies of the quenching of singlet photosensitizers in anionic micelles

Abstract Aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates are efficient quenchers of excited singlets in sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles. For example, benzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate binds to the micelle with K = 5410 M −1 and the intramicellar singlet quenching takes place with k q = 2.0 × 10 8 s −1 in the case of perylene.
Theory of constructions and set in problem solving

Hierarchically organized knowledge about actions has been postulated to explain planning in problem solving. Perdix, a simulation of problem solving in geometry with schematic planning knowledge, is described. Perdix’s planning knowledge enables it to augment the problem space it is given by constructing auxiliary lines. The planning system also provides a mechanism that can result in problem solving set. Results of three experiments involving set and constructions seem consistent with the kinds of knowledge structures hypothesized in the model. Protocols given during solution of 11 geometry problems showed general agreement with the explanation of constructions and set based on planning knowledge, but they also indicated processes of human problem solving not represented in the model. Finally, the explanation of constructions is discussed in relation to the general question of ill-structured problems and creativity, and the explanation of set is discussed in relation to other phenomena in the problem solving literature, including functional fixedness.
Special 301 and Royalty Receipts from U.S. Trade Partners

Every year, the United States evaluates the protection of intellectual property rights in foreign markets in the context of its Special 301 review. U.S. trading partners that are found to provide inadequate protection are designated as priority countries. This article quantifies the increase in U.S. receipts of royalties and license fees from countries after they were designated as Special 301 priorities, using an econometric model of U.S. royalty receipts from 33 countries over the period 2001–2008. The priority designations between 2001 and 2007 are associated with a cumulative $5.4 billion increase in annual U.S. royalty receipts.
Modification of polyurethane to reduce occlusion of enteral feeding tubes

Feeding tubes are used to supply nutritional formula to immobilized patients. The most common cause for failure of enteral feeding tubes is their occlusion. The purpose of this study was to examine whether occlusion of enteral feeding tubes could be minimized using an additive. An open, intermittent enteral feeding system was simulated in the laboratory and data were collected over a period ranging from 2 to 6 days. Feeding formula was cycled through a feeding tube in either the presence or absence of simulated gastric acid in an effort to generate a reproducible occlusion. Pressures in the tube were measured frequently throughout these cycles. We observed pressure spikes with each cycle, but never a complete occlusion. Pressure spikes formed only when simulated gastric acid was mixed with the feeding solution. Large amounts of feeding formula adsorbed onto polyurethane (PU) surfaces in the presence of gastric acid. Also, this subtle change in surface chemistry significantly affected the number of pressure spikes observed. The maximum pressure required to maintain flow in the tube was reduced by about half from 2.0 psi to 0.8 psi when polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added. The addition of PVA to PU also reduced the contact angle from 83° (untreated) to ∼64° in the presence of PVA. Furthermore, when formula was added to PU in the presence of PVA the thickness of the layer that remained on the surface was almost 10 times greater in controls than on PVA-treated surfaces. These results suggest that a treatment that increases the hydrophilicity of the feeding tube may help minimize clogging. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009
Effects of food reward and frustrative nonreward during escape training

The effects of combining two different types of re in forcers were investigated during escape training. Results showed that performance followed by both shock offset and food reward was reliably superior to that followed by either shock offset or food reward alone (p<.005). When food was permanently omitted from the combination of shock offset and food (shock conditions being held constant) performance declined to a level reliably below that for shock offset alone (p <.02).
Sling-shot buckling of composite structures under thermo-mechanical loading

Abstract An overview, unification and review of the mathematical models, stability criteria and critical parameters for two types of structures, patched plates and layered shells, subjected to uniform temperature change are presented. Results of numerical simulations based on analytical solutions are presented and critical behavior is reviewed and compared. In each case, a transverse loading parameter is seen to force the system. For both types of structure, the loading parameter is dependent on both the temperature and the membrane force, and a critical membrane force and critical temperature are identified. When the corresponding critical temperature is achieved, both types of structures considered are seen to exhibit sling-shot buckling , an instability in which the structure dynamically slings from equilibrium configurations associated with deflections in one direction to those associated with deflections in the opposite sense. Conclusions are drawn and explanations are given as to the physical reasons for this phenomenon.
Natural history of left anterior descending coronary artery obstruction: Significance of location of stenoses in medically treated patients

We examined the prognostic significance of an obstructive lesion in the proximal left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Five-year or longer follow-up data were examined from 311 patients with greater than 70% obstruction of the LAD treated without surgery. Mortality was compared in subsets with lesions proximal to and distal to the first septal perforating artery. Survival curves were worse in patients with proximal than with distal LAD disease (p less than 0.05); lesion location remained a significant determinant of survival when ejection fraction, age, and sex were controlled using a Cox regression model. However, when patient subsets were examined, survival with proximal LAD disease was worse than with distal obstruction only in the presence of an associated right coronary artery lesion and an ejection fraction of less than 40% (p less than 0.01). Patients with proximal LAD plus right coronary lesions had a 5-year mortality rate (34.08 +/- 8.9%) that was not significantly (p greater than 0.05) different from that of a group of 66 patients with greater than 50% narrowing of the left main coronary artery (24.02 +/- 4.3%). Thus, proximal LAD disease is more significant than is a distal lesion only in the presence of right coronary obstruction. This two-vessel combination results in a mortality rate as high as that associated with left main coronary artery obstruction.
Kinetic Mechanism of a Partial Folding Reaction. 2. Nature of the Transition State

The effects of mutations, temperature, and solvent viscosity on the bimolecular association rate constant (kon) and dissociation rate constant (koff) of the complex (RNaseS*) formed by S-peptide analogues and folded S-protein are reported. An important advantage of this system is that both kon and koff may be measured under identical strongly native conditions, and Kd for the complex may be calculated from the ratio koff/kon (preceding article). The side chains of S-peptide residues His-12 and Met-13 contribute a large fraction of the total interface with S-protein. Changing these residues, either singly or in a double mutant, destabilizes RNaseS* by up to 6 orders of magnitude, but causes no more than a 3-fold decrease in kon. Therefore, nativelike side-chain interactions between these residues and S-protein are not present in the transition state for folding. The absence of side-chain interactions in the transition state is surprising, since it has buried 55% of the total surface area that is buried upon forming RNaseS*, as estimated from the denaturant dependences of kon and koff (preceding article). The temperature dependence of the refolding rate suggests that the transition state for complex formation is stabilized by hydrophobic interactions: 66% of the change in heat capacity on forming RNaseS* occurs in the association reaction, consistent with the estimate of surface area burial from the denaturant studies. The solvent viscosity is varied to determine if the folding reaction is diffusion limited. Because kon, koff, and Kd all can be measured under the same native conditions, the viscosity effect on reaction rates can be separated from the effect of sucrose on the stability of RNaseS*. Both kon and koff are found to be inversely proportional to the solvent viscosity, indicating that the association and dissociation kinetics are diffusion controlled. The stabilizing effect of sucrose on RNaseS* appears as a reduction in koff.
Fluid Signs Being a Person the Tamil Way

Fluid Signs is the product of anthropological fieldwork carried out among Tamil-speaking villagers in a Hindu village in Southern India. Combining a richness of ethnographic detail with a challenging and innovative theoretical analysis, Daniel argues that symbolic anthropologists have yet to appreciate the multifaceted function of the sign and its role in the creation of culture. This provocative study underscores the need for Western intellectual traditions in general and anthropology in particular to deepen its discourse with South Asian cultural and religious thought.
Atrophic Creep of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium after Focal Macular Photocoagulation

To determine if enlargement of laser scars occurs in nonmyopic individuals, the authors retrospectively reviewed 126 consecutive patients with age-related macular degeneration who had been successfully treated with focal macular laser photocoagulation for subretinal neovascularization. Of the 174 laser scars in the study, 122 (70%) increased in size from 50 to 1016 microns (mean, 290 microns) as determined photographically on serial examination ranging from 2 to 81 months. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of scars which increased in size among the three laser wavelengths used. Four (3%) patients lost vision as a result of the scar extending into the fovea. Enlargement of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) atrophy after focal macular laser photocoagulation may cause significant, delayed visual loss after successful treatment of subretinal neovascularization.
Genetic and molecular genetic studies in the diagnosis of myeloid diseases.

Genetic—particularly cytogenetic—analysis is almost routine now in the evaluation of patients with myeloid diseases. Although the findings from such studies are not contributory in all cases, in many instances they can be integrated with morphology, cytochemical features, and immunophenotypic studies to confirm a diagnosis, help resolve a difficult differential diagnosis, recognize disease subsets, or identify pathways involved in the pathogeneses of the disease process. The first series of cases in the Workshop illustrated the use of genetic information in the diagnosis of the myeloid disorders. The cases demonstrated how the results of genetic and molecular-genetic testing can be integrated into patient evaluation, and also aptly illustrated that the findings have varying degrees of significance, ranging from important and sometimes critical to the diagnosis to noncontributory and of little significance. The cases also illustrated some advantages and limitations of the different techniques for acquiring genetic information, including banded chromosome analysis, metaphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), interphase FISH (Figs 1, 2, and 3), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based studies. Finally, these cases served to raise some specific issues regarding how the molecular-genetic information is obtained and incorporated into the final pathologic diagnosis.
Homogeneous Freezing of Concentrated Aqueous Nitric Acid Solutions at Polar Stratospheric Temperatures

The freezing behavior of aqueous nitric acid solutions was investigated in order to elucidate the formation mechanism of solid polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). Drops with composition ranging from 40 to 60 wt % HNO3 were prepared and their phase transitions were monitored with an optical microscope. Homogeneous nucleation rates of nitric acid dihydrate (JNAD) and nitric acid trihydrate (JNAT) at temperatures between 175 and 195 K were estimated from the data. Classical nucleation theory was used to parametrize the results into simple equations to calculate JNAT and JNAD for different temperatures and concentrations of the liquid. The nucleation rate of the nitric acid hydrates was found to depend predominantly on the saturation ratio of the liquid with respect to the solid: higher saturation ratios correspond to higher nucleation rates. Both NAD and NAT can preferentially nucleate in binary nitric acid solutions, depending on the temperature and the composition of the liquid; also, NAD appears to cataly...
Distance distortions in children's cognitive maps: an examination of the information storage model.

Abstract Second graders (mean age = 78), fourth graders (mean age = 98), and sixth graders (mean age = 11-11) walked two paths located in and around their school. Children in the Unsegmented condition estimated the distance and time taken to walk a path that was relatively undifferentiated in terms of the number of qualitatively different areas of the school through which it passed. Children in the Segmented condition made the same estimates for a path that went through different areas (segments) of the school (i.e., cafeteria, hall, vestibule, and outside the building). Children at all three grade levels estimated that the distance traversed in the Segmented condition was longer than the distance in the Unsegmented condition. This difference was not significant on the time measure. It was concluded that (1) paths with a large number of segments are perceived as being longer than paths of the same length with fewer segments, (2) distances along paths with few segments are underestimated, (3) distances along paths with many segments may be overestimated as a function of developmental level, and (4) only younger children may have used time to estimate distance.
Structure of the Electrical Double Layer in High-Temperature Superconductors. Origin of the Dip in the Double-Layer Capacitance near the Superconducting Transition

A theory of the electrical double layer in high-temperature superconductors is developed in the context of a modified Ginzburg−Landau equation. Potential and excess charge distributions inside the ...
Global error estimation and the backward differentiation formulas

The way in which global error estimates might be used to control global error is discussed. Various global error estimation techniques are surveyed with special attention to defect correction in the discrete realm (or ''difference correction'') and to those techniques that use a continuous approximation to the solution. The problems of stiffness and rapidly varying stepsize is discussed for global error estimation for the BDFs and an unusual solution proposed.
Quenching of rotationally excited CO in cold and ultracold collisions with H, He and H2

The study of molecular inelastic collision processes at cold and ultracold temperatures is of considerable interest as schemes are currently being developed to efficiently cool and trap neutral polar molecules. In this work, quantum-mechanical scattering calculations are presented for the quenching of rotationally excited CO due to collisions with H, He and H2 for collision energies between 10−5 and 10 cm−1. The calculations were performed using the close-coupling approach and the coupled-states approximation. Cross sections for the quenching of the j = 1–10, 20, 30 and 40 levels of CO are presented and mechanism and trends of energy transfer in these systems are discussed.
A three-dimensional biomechanical model of hip musculature

Abstract Musculoskeletal data suitable for use in biomechanical analyses of hip function are presented. These data were obtained by marking the approximate locations of hip muscle attachment points on the bony pelvis and right femur of an adult, male, dry bone specimen. The coordinates of these points and certain bony landmarks were measured in a convenient laboratory reference frame and transformed to standardized reference frames embedded in the pelvis and femur. A straight line model is used to represent hip muscle force effects, and two applications of the model are cited. The validity of the model was established by examining the interactions between elastic strings joining the muscle attachment points on a connected pelvis and femur, for a variety of hip configurations. Model accuracy is limited both by the approximations associated with all straight line muscle models, and by the method used to include two-joint muscles in the model.
Hydrogeologic Factors in Problems of Contamination in Arid Landsa

The ideal hydrologic system in arid lands includes a recharge area in mountains and a discharge area in lowlands, a system modified in nature by geologic and physiographic factors. Population and agricultural activity concentrates in valleys, usually in zones of ground-water discharge. Most water-supply, contamination and disposal problems arise from this combination of features. The suitability of hydrogeologic units for any function of operations involving water supply or waste disposal depends primarily on their position within the hydrologic system and secondarily on physical properties. For example, at the Nevada Test Site the ground-water flow system is used to good advantage, whereas at Las Vegas, 70 miles away, the methods of disposal practiced are in direct conflict with the system.
Synthetic phosphopeptide from rhodopsin sequence induces retinal arrestin binding to photoactivated unphosphorylated rhodopsin

A synthetic heptaphosphopeptide comprising the fully phosphorylated carboxyl terminal phosphorylation region of bovine rhodopsin, residues 330-348, was found to induce a conformational change in bovine arrestin. This caused an alteration of the pattern of limited proteolysis of arrestin similar to that induced by binding phosphorylated rhodopsin or heparin. Unlike heparin, the phosphopeptide also induced light-activated binding of arrestin to both unphosphorylated rhodopsin in disk membranes as well as to endoproteinase Asp-N-treated rhodopsin (des 330-348). These findings suggest that one function of phosphorylation of rhodopsin is to activate arrestin which can then bind to other regions of the surface of the photoactivated rhodopsin.
A quantitative analysis of excluded‐site effects for highly cooperative binding systems

Binding isotherms can provide quantitive information regarding the stability of a molecular complex. Theorectical studies in recent years have been directed to systems in which a single ligand can exclude more than one polymer site (excluded-site effect). This system has minium of thre parameters to describe the binding data: the intrinsic binding constant, B; the remote-neighbor cooperative paramaters, σq and the number of excluded sites, q. It is suggested in the present communication that precise values for these three parameters can be obtained by utilizing the characteristics of two forms of data representation: θ vs ln m and θ/m vs θ, where θ is the degree of saturation (0⩽θ⩽1) and m is the molality of free ligand. The matrix generation method is used to obtain empirical equations relating the midpoint location and slope at the midpoint of the θ vs ln m plot to the three molecular parameters. A modified Scatchard theory is also presented for highly cooperative systems, which results in an expression relaing the maximum in the θ/m vs θ plot to the molecular parameters σq and q, thus providing the third equation for the three unknown parameters. The novel method f analysis is illustrated with the AMP-poly(L-arginine) and oligocytidylate–T7 DNA sstems.
Least Restrictive Environments and Parent-Child Rights A Paradox

The Massachusetts law which was a model for PL 94-142 has not served as intended. About half the decisions under the law result in a child being placed in a more restrictive situation.
GEOCHEMISTRY OF HYPABYSSAL ROCKS OF THE MIDCONTINENT RIFT SYSTEM IN MINNESOTA, AND IMPLICATIONS FOR A KEWEENAWAN MAGMATIC FAMILY TREE

The hypabyssal rocks associated with the Keweenawan (1.1 Ga) Midcontinent Rift along the Minnesota shore of Lake Superior are a distinct suite within the rock associations of this region. These rocks are found predominantly as ophitic diabase dikes and sills of various sizes, ranging from a few meters to several hundred meters across. Chilled margins were sampled and analyzed by neutron activation analysis and microprobe fused-bead techniques for bulk chemistry. Mineral compositions were obtained by electron microprobe. Variations in composition were found that are consistent with fractionation. Major-element modeling of fractionation indicates that the majority of the hypabyssal rocks formed at moderate pressures ({approximately}6 kbar), although a number show evidence of fractionation at near-surface levels, and some deeper ({approximately}10 kbar). Resorption features seen in plagioclase phenocrysts are evidence for magmatic evolution at varying levels in the crust. It is possible to relate the varied hypabyssal rocks to a single primary parent through polybaric fractionation. This parent is a high-Al primitive olivine tholeiite--a magma composition common among the volcanic rocks associated with the Midcontinent Rift. Trace-element modeling with this same parent composition yields results consistent with the formation of some hypabyssal rocks as products of a periodically tapped and replenished, constantlymore » fractionating magma chamber, which can decouple the behavior of major and trace elements.« less
Eurasian Natural Gas: Significance and Recent Developments

A noted American specialist on the economies of Russia and major republics of the former Soviet Union explores and discusses the natural gas resources of Central Eurasia and the political and economic issues raised by their general inaccessibility. Central to these issues are the international pipelines required to bring this increasingly important energy source to meet growing world demand, and their intimate connection to the security of all the nations involved. The author explains why they are complicated by the growing, yet still largely potential, competition from a world LNG market driven by new technologies, and hence natural gas sources, outside of Central Eurasia. Each of the major actors in this arena—from the producer states and their national energy companies to the high-income consuming states with an increasing demand for natural gas—are pursuing frequently conflicting strategies to ensure their energy supplies and income security. Addressing the major developments thoroughly, the paper foc...
Sandia National Laboratories Validation Workshop: Structural dynamics application☆

This article specifies a virtual structural dynamic subsystem and some systems, as well as mathematical models that approximately simulate them. The purpose is to define a setting for model validations conceived by participants in the Sandia National Laboratories Validation Workshop. Some broad guidelines for the model validations are set, as well as a regulatory requirement to be satisfied by the target system. Participants are directed to present techniques for subsystem model validation, to analytically predict whether or not the regulatory requirement will be met, and to estimate the likelihood of accuracy of the prediction.
A retrospective study of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL) in a professional population, 1958-1971.

Abstract A retrospective 12-year investigation of 1,788 professional school students from the schools of medicine, veterinary medicine, dental medicine, nursing, and dental hygiene was conducted by the mailed distribution of questionnaires requesting information on current and prior disease history of recurrent herpes labialis (RHL). Because of changes in address, death, loss of married names, and unwillingness to participate in the investigation, only 683 proband subjects were available for the follow-up study. The data suggested a trend toward a decrease in the prevalence and severity of RHL during the interval of study: only slightly more than one fifth (23.9 per cent) of the proband population of the present study experienced RHL as compared with almost two fifths (39.6 per cent) at the time when they were students.
Three-Dimensional Rectangular Duct Code with Application to Impedance Eduction

A zero flow, fully three-dimensional, variable impedance, rectangular duct aeroacoustics code that spans the frequency spectrum of interest in duct liner research is developed. The governing equations and boundary conditions in the duct are solved numerically using the finite element methodology. The methodology makes use of a state-of-the-art, sparse equation solver to obtain the capability to study high-frequency sound waves that may require millions of grid points for resolution. Noise suppression levels predicted from the code are in excellent agreement with those obtained from mode theory. The single-processor performance of the solver, relative to that of the more commonly used band solver, increases with frequency. At a frequency of 17 kHz, the band solver is 4.25 times slower and consumes 2.5 times more memory than the fully sparse equation solver. The duct aeroacoustics code is combined with an optimization algorithm and used successfully to educe the impedance spectrum of a ceramic liner. The primary problem with using the methodology to perform optimization studies at frequencies above 14 kHz is excessive central processor unit time. The results support the recommendation that research be directed toward exploitation of the multiprocessor capability of the solver to further reduce central processor unit time.
A dose-response curve for Yusho syndrome

Analysis of rice oil consumption by a subgroup of yusho patients and recent measurements on the composition of the oil they consumed suggest that the median dose (ED50) of polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) causing "severe" symptoms was about 68 micrograms/kg body mass (range: 45-104 micrograms/kg.) (The oil consumption was estimated ex post facto in a 1968 survey of the group's eating and cooking habits.) While most authorities now agree that the PCDFs present in the contaminated rice oil caused the yusho syndrome, this ED50 estimate is rendered somewhat uncertain by the fact that cocontaminant polychloroquaterphenyls (PCQs) and -biphenyls (PCBs), both present at about 100 times greater concentration, may either augment or diminish the PCDF toxicity by an unknown amount. Nevertheless, the ED50 value quoted is consistent with what is known about the dose-response for induction of chloracne by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzodioxin (TCDD). This finding implies that single doses of about 1/2 microgram PCDF/kg body wt will cause no adverse effects in humans. Using Poiger's estimate of the clearance rate for TCDD in humans (t 1/2 = approximately 2100 days) as a measure of the time to equilibrium for chronic ingestion, we conclude that a daily intake of 1.50 X 10(-4) micrograms PCDF/kg body mass (150 pg/kg/day) would cause no adverse effects and would represent a health-conservative basis for environmental standards. This value exceeds by 50 to 100 times the estimated present intake by North Americans of PCDFs from environmental sources (ca. 1-3 pg/kg/day).
Depatriarchalizing in Biblical Interpretation

new. In this context I propose to examine interactions between the Hebrew Scriptures and the Women's Liberation Movement. I am aware of the risks. Some claim that the task is impossible and ill-advised. The two phenomena have nothing to say to each other. As far as the East is from the West, so far are they separated. To attempt to relate them is to prostitute them. Others aver that the Bible and the Women's Movement are enemies. "Patriarchy has God on its side," declares Kate Millett, introducing her sexually-oriented discussion of the Fall. She maintains that this myth is "designed as it is expressly in order to blame all this world's discomfort on the female."' Making a similar point from within the Christian faith, Mary Daly writes of "the malignant view of the man-woman relationship which the androcentric myth itself inadvertently 'reveals' and perpetuates."2 For her this story belongs to a patriarchal religion oppressive to women. It is superfluous to document patriarchy in Scripture.3 Yahweh is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as well as of Jesus and Paul. The legal codes of Israel treat women primarily as chattel. Qoheleth condemns her "whose heart is snares and nets and whose hands are fetters," concluding that although a few men may seek the meaning of existence, "a woman among all these I have not found" (7:23-29). In spite of his eschatology, Paul considers women subordinate to their husbands,4 and, even worse, I Timothy makes woman responsible for sin in the world (2:11-15).Considerable evidence indicts the Bible as a document of male supremacy. Attempts to acquit it by tokens such as Deborah, Huldah, Ruth, or Mary and Martha only reinforce the case.
Effects of moderate zinc deficiency on cognitive performance in young adult rats

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to establish a dietary zinc level which approximates a moderate deficiency in the young adult rat and to determine if a concurrent zinc deficiency affects cognitive performance. Male rats were fed varying levels of zinc in diet throughout a 17-day period. The lowest dietary level that depressed serum and bone zinc without influencing food consumption or body weight gains was observed to be 5.8 μg Zn/g diet. Young adult rats maintained on either a zinc adequate (24.4 μg Zn/g) or low-zinc (5.3 μg Zn/g) diet were tested in a modified Skinner Box involving tests of visual, auditory, association, and discrimination learning. No differences were observed in the visual discrimination performance of the zinc deficient animals when compared with control counterparts. Deficits in the ability to transfer a learned association between visual and auditory stimuli were observed, however, in the deficient group during the transfer test phase. The latter performed better during the final auditory discrimination task in transferring a learned food-relevant cue.
Mathematical modelling of dynamics and control in metabolic networks. IV. Local stability analysis of single biochemical control loops.

The objective of the study presented herein is to describe the dynamic behavior of a single biochemical control loop, a simple system but an important element of metabolic networks. This loop is a self-regulated sequence of reactions that converts an initial substrate (S) into a final product (P). It consists of three basic elements: (1) a regulated reaction, where the concentration of P controls the flux (I) into the system. This element serves as the control element in the feedback circuit. (2) a sequence of unregulated reactions that leads to the formation of P. This process is to be regulated so that the production rate of P meets a desired target. (3) a process (R) that removes P from the loop to another part of the metabolic network. A mathematical description is formulated that consists of two differential equations and two unspecified functions that represent the reaction rates of I and R. This description is scaled to clarify functional dependence and to attempt a separation of genetic and process determined parameters. The global dynamic behavior of the model is assessed qualitatively by examining the occurrence of static and dynamic bifurcations, multiple steady states or sustained oscillations respectively, via local stability analysis. General criteria for both types of bifurcations are developed without specifying the functional form of I and R, but explicitly accounting for the kinetic properties of the reaction chain. A particularly simple criterion is found for static bifurcations which can appear only for loops with positive feedback, i.e. when the regulated reaction is activated by P. This criterion only contains the properties of I and R. The criteria for dynamic bifurcations, which occur when the feedback interaction is inhibitory, are more complex. These depend strongly on the properties of the reaction chain, and oscillations are favored if the dynamic operator describing the reaction sequence is of high order or if it contains time delays.
A light and electron microscopic study of the normal and the degenerating corticospinal tract in the rat.

Motor and adjacent cortex of the right hemisphere was removed from 30 adult male rats and the animals were sacrificed at intervals between 1 and 360 days thereafter. Primary fixation was by perfusion with buffered 4% paraformaldehyde followed by preparation of blocks from the medulla and the mid-cervical region for light and electron microscopy by conventional methods. The normal pyramidal tract contained approximately 100,000 myelinated fibers at the level of the medulla, with 89–99% of these fibers under 3.7 μ in diameter and 29–43% less than 1.0 μ. Shrinkage in the degenerating tract occurred gradually and progressively from the third day on and amounted to 70% in the medulla and 72% in the mid-cervical region by 260 days. In the degenerating tract, throughout the entire period of degeneration, no mitotic figures or positively phagocytic cells were noted and there was no numerical increase or decrease in neuroglia or blood vessels. The rows of interfascicular oligodendrocytes were not altered in any manner except that adjacent rows became close together due to shrinkage. The degenerating fibers were replaced by astrocytic processes oriented in a longitudinal direction. The neuroglia displayed no observable role in the breakdown or removal of the degenerating fibers. Numerous alterations in the fine structure of axoplasm and myelin previously reported by others were confirmed.