cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deep-sea foraminifera shell isotopes unaffected by recrystallization

Measuring isotopes preserved in the shells of ancient single-celled foraminifera—specifically, tracking two sets of isotope ratios, carbon-13 to carbon-12 and oxygen-18 to oxygen-16—is a key way that paleoceanographers reconstruct the temperature of the ancient ocean and past global carbon cycling. Foraminifera build their shells from the carbon and oxygen in the seawater, and the relative uptakes of these isotopes change with temperature.
Influence of training on sleeping heart rate following daytime exercise

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the influence of daytime exercise on heart rate during sleep. Nine, untrained male college students volunteered to participate. They cycled at 75% maximum oxygen uptake, (\(\dot V\)O2max) 30 min·day−1 for 12 weeks. The exercise duration was increased by 5 min every 4 weeks from 30 to 40 min per session. Post-training \(\dot V\)O2max[mean (SE): 48.9 (1.7) ml · kg−1 · min−1] values were significantly (P<0.01) higher than pre-training [45.5 (1.8) ml-kg−1·min−1] values. Before and after training, sleeping heart rate was assessed on two separate nights. Data were obtained during a night following 30 min of daytime cycling at 75 (6) % \(\dot V\)O2maxand on a night in which no daytime exercise was performed. A three-way repeated measures ANOVA [training status (pre-/post-training) × activity (exercise day/nonexercise day) × sleep time (18 epochs of 20 min each)] revealed a significant main effect for sleep time (P < 0.001) as well as a sleep time × training status interaction (P<0.02). No significant difference in sleeping heart rate was noted when exercise and non-exercise days were compared both before and after training. It is concluded that endurance training in these young adult men: (1) hastens the achievement of baseline heart rate during sleep, and (2) does not moderate the relationship between an acute bout of daytime exercise and sleeping heart rate.
The Role of the Neurokinin-1 Receptor in Stress-Induced Reinstatement of Alcohol and Cocaine Seeking

Neurokinin-1 receptors (NK1Rs) have been shown to mediate alcohol and opiate, but not cocaine reward in rodents. We recently reported that NK1R antagonism also blocks stress-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in rats, but it is presently unknown whether these antirelapse properties extend to other drug classes. Although some work has suggested that intracranial substance P (SP) infusion reinstates cocaine seeking following extinction, no studies have indicated a direct role for the NK1R in reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Here, we explored the effect of the NK1R antagonist L822429 on yohimbine-induced reinstatement of alcohol or cocaine seeking in Long–Evans rats. Consistent with our previous findings with footshock-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in Wistar rats, we found that L822429 attenuates yohimbine-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking, but does not affect baseline alcohol self-administration. We observed a similar suppression of yohimbine-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking by L822429, and found that Long–Evans rats exhibit greater sensitivity to NK1R antagonism than Wistar rats. Accordingly, Long–Evans rats exhibit differences in the expression of NK1Rs in some subcortical brain regions. Combined, our findings suggest that while NK1R antagonism differentially influences alcohol- and cocaine-related behavior, this receptor mediates stress-induced seeking of both drugs.
The return of the linear search problem

The linear search problem concerns a search on the real line for a point selected at random according to a given probability distribution. The search begins at zero and is made by a continuous motion with constant speed, first in one direction and then the other. The problem is to determine when it is possible to devise a “best” search plan. In former papers the best plan has been selected according to the criterion of minimum expected path length. In this paper we consider a more general, nonlinear criterion for a “best” plan and show that the substantive requirements of the earlier results are not affected by these changes.
Alternative Complex III from phototrophic bacteria and its electron acceptor auracyanin

Alternative Complex III (ACIII) is a multisubunit integral membrane protein electron transfer complex that is proposed to be an energy-conserving functional replacement for the bacterial cytochrome bc1 or b6f complexes. Clues to the structure and function of this novel complex come from its relation to other bacterial enzyme families. The ACIII complex has menaquinone: electron acceptor oxidoreductase activity and contains protein subunits with multiple Fe-S centers and c-type hemes. ACIII is found in a diverse group of bacteria, including both phototrophic and nonphototrophic taxa. In the phototrophic filamentous anoxygenic phototrophs, the electron acceptor is the small blue copper protein auracyanin instead of a soluble cytochrome. Recent work on ACIII and the copper protein auracyanin is reviewed with focus on the photosynthetic systems and potential electron transfer pathways and mechanisms. Taken together, the ACIII complexes constitute a unique system for photosynthetic electron transfer and energy conservation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Respiratory Complex III and related bc complexes.
Flow of Smoke and Hot Gases Across Horizontal Vents in Room Fires

ABSTRACT An important circumstance that is often encountered in enclosure fires is that of heat and mass transfer across a horizontal vent. Such vents are present in enclosed regions such as rooms in multi-leveled buildings and in ships. The transport arises due to the finite density and pressure differences that usually exist across such vents. It is important to determine the resulting flow rate and the nature of the flow, particularly whether the flow is unidirectional and the direction in which it occurs or whether it is bidirectional across the vent, since the growth and spread of the fire are dependent on these characteristics. This paper presents a study of this heat and mass transfer problem, employing air at different temperature levels to provide the buoyancy. A laser sheet is used for visualizing the flow of smoke through the vent. Quantitative results are obtained on the resulting flow rates for wide ranges of the governing variables. It is also found that transient effects are important in mo...
System-Reliability Evaluation Techniques for Complex/Large SystemsߞA Review

This paper is a review of literature related to system reliability evaluation techniques for small to large complex systems. The literature is classified according to system models and evaluation techniques. The technique(s) we recommend for each system model are indicated.
Regional Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan Trends in Annual Growth Rates of Total Personal Income and Population: 1959–1987

The annual growth rates of total personal income and population in regional metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas [of the United States] are examined for the period 1959-87 partitioned into sub periods. Statistical testing for equality of rates shows no perceptible differences in growth rates between the major categories metro and nonmetro. Further this study uses a model similar in scope to shift-share analysis to test for convergence of the growth rates within these categories. It was found that for both regional nonmetro and metro areas there was a general trend toward convergence with the exception of the 1970s decade. In that decade total population growth rates in the nonmetro areas and total income and total population growth rates in the metro areas showed significant divergences. (EXCERPT)
Albumin in monocyte function assays. Differential stimulation of superoxide or arachidonate release by calcium ionophores.

Abstract Peripheral blood monocytes release superoxide (O 2 − ) and arachidonic acid (AA) when stimulated with 12- O -tetradecanoate phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) or calcium ionophores (A23187 or ionomycin). In vitro assays of AA or O 2 − release performed in the presence of albumin failed to detect superoxide production when ionophore was used as the stimulating agent. Raising the concentration of ionophore or reducing the BSA concentration balanced one another in terms of detection of superoxide release. Binding of ionophore by albumin, which reduced the effective concentration of the stimulating agent, most likely accounted for this effect, but a small component could be attributed to calcium binding by albumin as well. These results indicate differing susceptibilities of monocyte functions to stimulation by increased intracellular Ca 2+ . Under strictly defined conditions, superoxide and arachidonate release may be assayed simultaneously. Binding of ionophores (and, by analogy, other agents) to albumin must be taken into account when determining stimulating doses for use in monocyte function assays.
A validation study of the Teacher Collaboration Assessment Survey

Although teacher collaboration is a school improvement imperative, it persists as an under-empiricized construct that has proven difficult to establish and assess with certainty. In this article, the authors present a validation study of the Teacher Collaboration Assessment Survey (TCAS). The TCAS operationalizes and measures 4 key domains of teacher collaboration: dialogue, decision making, action, and evaluation, and has been used to examine the quality of teacher teaming in district-wide comprehensive school reform efforts in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Five sources of validity evidence recommended by Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 1999) are explicated, which establish a strong argument in support of the instruments' validity. The authors discuss how educational leaders and researchers can use the TCAS for leveraging teacher collaboration for instructional innovation and student achievement, and to systematically examine teach...
Ab Initio Study of Electronic Structure of RDX Molecular Crystal

An embedded molecular cluster model is used to study the electronic structure of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine(RDX) molecular crystal. In this model, a molecular cluster describing a local region of the crystal is treated in the Hartree-Fock approximation. The embedding lattice is represented by multipoles that are determined quantum-mechanically. Cluster-lattice orthogonality is achieved by transforming canonical orbitals to orbitals which are localized on individual molecular sites by means of a self-consistent localization potential. Results for the free molecule and the perfect crystal demonstrate the domination of three N-NO2 groups on intermolecular properties. For the defective crystal, results show a significant distortion in the electronic structure caused by local deformations in the lattice that may account for the formation of hot spots.
Spectroscopic studies of polymer electrolytes based on poly(N-ethylethylenimine) and poly(N-methylethylenimine)

Abstract Poly(ethylethylenimine), PEEI, was prepared from poly(ethylenimine) by reductive alkylation with acetaldehyde. Samples of PEEI and poly(methylenimine), PMEI, complexed with LiCF 3 SO 3 were prepared and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry and FT-IR. Small differences in the room temperature spectra of the two complexes were noted; these differences were due to the presence of a CH 2 group in the side chain of PEEI. The predominant form of cation–anion interactions was a contact ion pair. As the samples were heated, a transition from ion pairs to “free” ions was observed, with most of the change occurring between 140 and 150 °C in both PEEI and PMEI complexes. Thermal cycling established that the transition was irreversible in the time frame of the cycling experiments. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy did not show any significant intensity or frequency changes in bands sensitive to cation–polymer interactions during any heating or cooling cycle.
“De Mandibulae Dysarthria” – Thinking Outside the Box

Abstract Background Urgent decisions in the Emergency Department allow for only a short history and physical examination. Objectives To highlight the risks associated with a strict application of protocols, especially in the emergency setting. Case Report An unusual case of acute dysarthria is presented. Conclusion Even in the emergency setting, thorough history-taking and physical examination remain fundamental, and it is necessary to “think outside the box.”
Prostate cancer detection using combined autofluorescence and light reflectance spectroscopy: ex vivo study of human prostates

This study was conducted to evaluate the capability of detecting prostate cancer (PCa) using auto-fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy (AFLS) and light reflectance spectroscopy (LRS). AFLS used excitation at 447 nm with four emission wavelengths (532, 562, 632, and 684 nm), where their lifetimes and weights were analyzed using a double exponent model. LRS was measured between 500 and 840 nm and analyzed by a quantitative model to determine hemoglobin concentrations and light scattering. Both AFLS and LRS were taken on n = 724 distinct locations from both prostate capsular (nc = 185) and parenchymal (np = 539) tissues, including PCa tissue, benign peripheral zone tissue and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), of fresh ex vivo radical prostatectomy specimens from 37 patients with high volume, intermediate-to-high-grade PCa (Gleason score, GS ≥7). AFLS and LRS parameters from parenchymal tissues were analyzed for statistical testing and classification. A feature selection algorithm based on multinomial logistic regression was implemented to identify critical parameters in order to classify high-grade PCa tissue. The regression model was in turn used to classify PCa tissue at the individual aggressive level of GS = 7,8,9. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and used to determine classification accuracy for each tissue type. We show that our dual-modal technique resulted in accuracies of 87.9%, 90.1%, and 85.1% for PCa classification at GS = 7, 8, 9 within parenchymal tissues, and up to 91.1%, 91.9%, and 94.3% if capsular tissues were included for detection. Possible biochemical and physiological mechanisms causing signal differences in AFLS and LRS between PCa and benign tissues were also discussed.
Generality of forming stable organic glasses by vapor deposition

Organic glasses of exceptional thermodynamic and kinetic stability have been prepared for the first time for four substances by vapor deposition in simple sublimation apparatus. This study, together with previous studies, demonstrates the generality of the phenomenon; the simple apparatus makes these interesting materials more accessible for research. Substances forming stable glasses by vapor deposition tend to undergo surface-enhanced crystal growth, suggesting both phenomena could be linked to surface mobility. Stable organic glasses are potentially useful for drug delivery, organic electronics, and thin-film technologies.
Coiled-coil based drug-free macromolecular therapeutics: In vivo efficacy

We evaluated a new concept in cancer therapy, coiled-coil mediated induction of apoptosis in Raji B cells, for treatment of human B-cell lymphoma in a preclinical animal model. The system is composed of a pair of complementary coiled-coil peptides, CCE and CCK, forming antiparallel heterodimers; Fab' fragment of the 1F5 anti-CD20 antibody; and N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer. One peptide is conjugated to the Fab' fragment (Fab'-CCE), the other is conjugated in multiple grafts to polyHPMA (CCK-P; P is the HPMA copolymer backbone). Intravenous administration of Fab'-CCE conjugate, followed by the administration of CCK-P produced long-term survivors in SCID (C.B.-17) mice bearing human B-lymphoma xenografts. The rationale of the design is the absence of low molecular weight drugs and the fact that crosslinking of CD20 at B-cell surface results in apoptosis. This approach creates a new paradigm for manipulating molecular recognition principles in the design of improved cancer treatment.
Ethics and Agency in International Organizations

The UN Secretary-General and Moral Authority: Ethics & Religion and International Leadership. By Kent J. Kille. Washington D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 2007. 384 pp., $29.95 paperback (ISBN 978-1-58901-180-9). Political Ethics and the United Nations: Dag Hammarskjold as Secretary-General. By Manuel Frohlich. New York: Routledge, 2008. 272 pp., $170.00 hardcover (ISBN: 978-0-415-44532-0). Global Accountabilities: Participation, Pluralism, and Public Ethics. By Ebrahim Alnoor, Weisband Edward. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press, 2007. 366 pp., $39.99 paperback (ISBN-13: 978-0-521-70011-5). Religious views, ethical frameworks, and normative considerations certainly impact outcomes in world politics. Still, social scientists have tended to shy away from systematic examination of the question of the role of ethics in shaping political behavior. The same cannot be said of each of the three volumes under consideration here. All these books seek to analyze the relationship between ethics and the political processes of global governance. Kent Kille's edited volume, The UN Secretary General and Moral Authority, and Manuel Frohlich's book, Political Ethics and the United Nations, both focus on the ways that personal ethics impact leadership from the office of the UN Secretary-General, and the latter book focuses more specifically on the ethics and political life of Dag Hammarskjold. The third volume, Global Accountabilities edited by Alnoor Ebrahim and Edward Weisband, takes a broader view of ethics and accountability in global governance processes and argues that such ethical accountability cannot be grounded solely in rationalist prescriptions for principal–agent relationships. As Kille acknowledges, the approach to moral agency in his volume is decidedly focused on the Secretary-Generals as individuals, rather than on the moral agency of international institutions as such. The same is true of the Frohlich volume. Thus, these books do not directly address the question of whether or not institutions themselves can have ethical and moral consequences. Indeed, the relationship between the ethics of individuals and the ethics of institutions that themselves act as agents is an important one that has received increased scholarly attention in recent years (Frost 1996; Erskine 2003). Still, these books also make a contribution to our understanding of the ethical foundations of the UN institution itself. That is because there is a sense in which the United Nations Secretary-General acts as a personification of UN ideals and principles. Consequently, the personal …
Software data news: An object-oriented hierarchical patch dynamics paradigm (HPDP) for modeling complex groundwater systems across multiple-scales

In this paper, we present an object-oriented hierarchical patch dynamics paradigm (HPDP) for modeling complex groundwater systems across multiple-scales - one that has the potential to significantly alleviate the infamous ''curse-of-dimensionality'' and the associated computational bottlenecks. The HPDP takes advantage of hierarchy theory, divides and conquers complexities, and decouples scale-dependent dynamics hierarchically. The object-oriented HPDP represents a generalization of the ''telescopic-mesh-refinement'' (TMR) techniques, providing dynamic model coupling, visual interactive steering, and freeing the modelers from the impractical task of having to interact offline and iteratively with potentially large numbers of modeling patches. The HPDP provides a valuable tool for understanding scale-dependent processes and for practical groundwater investigations. We illustrate the effectiveness of the HPDP and its potential for multi-scale groundwater modeling using an example.
The Context/Comparison Model of Social Influence: Mechanisms, Structure, and Linkages that Underlie Indirect Attitude Change

This chapter details the development of the context/comparison model, applied to the analysis of indirect minority influence. The model assumes that minorities generally cannot affect strongly established beliefs. When ingroup, however, the persuasive minority evokes leniency in its message targets. While change is resisted, the ingroup minority's message is elaborated, and the minority itself is not derogated. Such a pattern introduces an imbalance into the attitude structure, and beliefs proximate to the focal attitude may be affected. Research involving norm formation and established attitudes yields results consistent with these expectations, and highlights the cognitive underpinnings of such indirect changes.
Engaging Students in Earthquakes via Real-Time Data and Decisions

The topic of earthquakes appears in virtually all introductory undergraduate geoscience courses. Most students entering these courses already have some knowledge of earthquakes and why they occur, but that knowledge often derives from the most recent event in the news and can therefore be biased toward the most destructive earthquakes ( 1 ). In addition, students arrive at college with misconceptions ( 2 , 3 ), perhaps picked up from erroneous or poorly presented media coverage. These misconceptions can go unchecked or even be reinforced by introductory textbooks, most of which contain errors and oversimplifications about earthquake processes ( 3 , 4 ).
Vaccination with inactivated or live-attenuated chimeric PCV1-2 results in decreased viremia in challenge-exposed pigs and may reduce transmission of PCV2.

The objectives were to determine transmissibility of PCV2 to naive contact pigs 140 days after infection of resident pigs and the benefit of vaccination with live-attenuated or inactivated chimeric PCV2 vaccines on chronic PCV2 infection. Twelve 6-week old PCV2 naive pigs were randomly divided into four groups of three pigs: negative controls, positive controls, and pigs vaccinated with either a live-attenuated or inactivated chimeric PCV1-2 vaccine. All animals were bled weekly and tested for anti-PCV2 antibodies and PCV2 and PCV1-2 DNA and all groups except negative controls were challenged at 10 weeks. Two pigs vaccinated with the live PCV2 vaccine were PCV1-2 viremic at a single observation point. Both vaccine regimens induced an anti-PCV2 antibody response which was detected sooner and reached a higher level with the commercial inactivated vaccine. Both vaccines significantly decreased the concentration and duration of PCV2 viremia compared to the positive controls. PCV2 DNA was detected in lymphoid tissues of 1/3 pigs in the live-attenuated vaccine group and 3/3 positive control pigs. Three, 2-week old, PCV2 naive contact pigs were comingled with each group at 168 days post-vaccination or 140 days post-challenge. After seven days of co-housing, the resident pigs were removed and the contact pigs remained for six weeks. Evidence of chimeric PCV1-2 vaccine or PCV2 challenge virus transmission to naive contact pigs was lacking in all groups. The results of this study suggest that 140-day closure of a small pig population in a controlled environment may result in stabilization and elimination of PCV2.
Chandra LETG higher-order diffraction efficiencies

Accurate calibration of the Chandra Low Energy Transmission Grating (LETG) higher-order (|m|>1) diffraction efficiencies is vital for proper analysis of spectra obtained with the LETG's primary detector, the HRC-S, which lacks the energy resolution to distinguish different orders. Pre-flight ground calibration of the LETG was necessarily limited to sampling a relatively small subset of spectral orders and wavelengths, and virtually no higher-order data are available in the critical region between 6 and 10 a. In this paper, we describe an analysis of diffraction efficiencies based on in-flight data obtained using the LETG's secondary detector, the ACIS-S. Using ACIS, the relative efficiency of each order can be studied out to |mλ| ~ 80 a, which is nearly one-half of the LETG/HRC-S wavelength coverage. We find that the current models match our results well but can be improved, particularly for the even orders just longward of the Au-M edge at 6 a.
Effects of pH and detergent on the kinetic and electrochemical properties of the purified cytochrome d terminal oxidase complex of Escherichia coli.

The cytochrome d terminal oxidase complex is one of the two terminal oxidases in the aerobic respiratory chain of Escherichia coli. In this paper, effects of pH and detergent on the electrochemical and kinetic properties of the enzyme are investigated. There are two significant conclusions. (1) The oxidation-reduction midpoint potential of the cytochrome b-558 component is sensitive to the detergent used to solubilize the complex. In particular, it is shown that octylglucoside and cholate cause a large decrease in the midpoint potential of cytochrome b-558, while they also result in the reversible inactivation of the oxidase. (2) The midpoint potentials of the cytochrome b-558, a1 and d components are sensitive to pH. More acidic solutions result in stabilizing the reduced forms of the redox-active groups, i.e., raising their midpoint potentials. This may be significant in view of the fact that it has been demonstrated that this enzyme catalyzes an electrogenic reaction and appears to function as a proton pump.
Effects of variation in perfusion rates and of perfusion models in computational models of radio frequency tumor ablation

Purpose: Finite element method (FEM) models are commonly used to simulate radio frequency (RF) tumor ablation. Prior FEM models of RF ablation have either ignored the temperature dependent effect of microvascular perfusion, or implemented the effect using simplified algorithms to reduce computational complexity. In this FEM modeling study, the authors compared the effect of different microvascular perfusion algorithms on ablation zone dimensions with two commercial RF electrodes in hepatic tissue. They also examine the effect of tissue type and inter-patient variation of perfusion on ablation zone dimensions. Methods and Materials: The authors created FEM models of an internally cooled and multi-tined expandable electrode. RF voltage was applied to both electrodes (for 12 or 15 min, respectively) such that the maximum temperature in the model was 105 °C. Temperature dependent microvascular perfusion was implemented using three previously reported methodologies: cessation above 60 °C, a standard first-order Arrhenius model with decreasing perfusion with increasing degree of vascular stasis, and an Arrhenius model that included the effects of increasing perfusion at the ablation zone boundary due to hyperemia. To examine the effects of interpatient variation, simulations were performed with base line and ±1 standard deviation values of perfusion. The base line perfusion was also varied to simulate the difference between normal and cirrhotic liver tissue. Results: The ablation zone volumes with the cessation above 60 °C perfusion algorithm and with the more complex Arrhenius model were up to 70% and 25% smaller, respectively, compared to the standard Arrhenius model. Ablation zone volumes were up to ∼175% and ∼100% different between the simulations where −1 and +1 standard deviation values of perfusion were used in normal and cirrhotic liver tissue, respectively. Conclusions: The choice of microvascular perfusion algorithm has significant effects on final ablation zone dimensions in FEM models of RF ablation. The authors also found that both interpatient variation in base line tissue perfusion and the reduction in perfusion due to cirrhosis have considerable effect on ablation zone dimensions.
False‐positive infectious mononucleosis spot test in lymphoma

Two patients were recently evaluated for lymphadenopathy. In the diagnostic work-up, a positive infectious mononucleosis spot test was obtained on each patient indicating the presence of horse red cell agglutinins in the blood. This information was somewhat misleading initially as to the etiology of the lymphadenopathy. Subsequent biopsy demonstrated Hodgkin's disease, nodular sclerosing type, in one patient and malignant lymphoma, poorly differentiated lymphocytic type, in the other patient. The experience with these two patients demonstrates that a false-positive mono spot test may occur in malignant lymphoma. In patients with clinical lymphoreticular disease not typical of infectious mononucleosis, a positive spot test should be viewed with caution, and further evaluation and follow-up carried out. EB virus antibody studies indicated that both patients had past infection with EB virus.
A modified technique allowing interactive ultrasound-guided three-dimensional transperineal prostate implantation

Abstract Purpose : Ultrsound-guided transperineal prostate implantation is a new technique for performing permanent isotope implants of the prostate. The details of the technique are presented to demonstrate its ability to place radioactive seeds three-dimensionally within the prostate gland to achieve uniform dose distribution without the need for complicated preplanning. Methods and Materials : An accurate measurement of the prostate volume is made using biplanar transrectal ultrasound. The total activity to be implanted is derived from a look-up table based on prostate volume. The basic plan is to implant 60–70% of the total activity in the peripheray of the gland and the remaining activity in the interior of the gland. The ultrasound transducer provides visualization of the prostate through transverse, longitudinal and oblique cuts and allows for accurate placement of implant needles, approximately 1 cm apart. In addition, these needles can be moved through teh prostate under constant visualization, thus allowing for precise seed placement. Results : The setup of the transrectal ultrasound device as well as prostate volume measurements are performed in 10 to 15 min. The actual placement of the needles and seed implantation takes 1 to 1.5 h to perform. Postimplantation dosimetric evaluation is performed using orthogonal x-ray films and 3 mm thick CT slices taken at 3 mm intervals. This evaluation has confirmed accurate seed placement within the prostate gland. Conclusion : Interactive ultrasound guided transperineal prostate implantation is a fast and accurate method of performing permanent radioactive isotope prostate implants.
Sampling Populations of Tabanus quinquetvittaus about Horses in New Jersey, with Notes on the Identity and Ecology

Tabanus quinquevittatus Wiedemann was collected about horses on a farm near an extensive breeding area. Thirty-one animal-trap collections took 500 females (mean 16.1; range 1-59). The temporal distribution of this species based on catches from this trap was right- skewed, catches rising abruptly to a peak in mid-July and then declining sharply to small numbers in August and September. T. quinquevittatus entered barns and vehicles readily and fed primarily on the backs of animals. This horse fly probably inhabits farms both as an adult and as an immature. The identity of T. quinquevittatus , and related members of the T. nigrovittatus-quinquevittatus complex, is discussed to clarify the taxonomy of the group.
Two Mutant RecA Proteins Possessing pH-dependent Strand Exchange Activity Exhibit pH-dependent Presynaptic Filament Formation

Abstract In previous studies it was shown that the mutant RecA proteins, [G160N]RecA and [H163A]RecA, are unable to catalyze ATP-dependent DNA strand exchanges at pH 7·5, but are active at pH 6·0 to 6·8. Here, we have used electron microscopy to follow the assembly of these mutant proteins onto single-stranded DNA at pH 7·5 and pH 6·2. In the absence of ATP, the filaments formed by the mutant proteins were similar to those formed by the wild-type protein, at both pH 7·5 and pH 6·2. In the presence of ATP, however, the filaments formed by the wild-type protein at pH 7·5 were extended and were stable in the presence of saturating SSB protein, whereas the filaments formed by the mutant proteins were shorter and unstable in the presence of SSB protein. At pH 6·2, in contrast, the filaments formed by the mutant proteins in the presence of ATP were of the same contour length as the wild-type RecA protein filaments and were stable in the presence of SSB protein. In the presence of the non-hydrolyzable ATP analog, ATPγS, and SSB protein, the mutant proteins formed full-length filaments at pH 7·5 that had a helical periodicity identical with that of the wild-type filaments (and characteristic of the strand exchange-active open conformational state); if SSB protein was omitted, the mutant protein filaments still exhibited the open helical periodicity, but were shorter and of highly variable length, presumably because of an improper threading of the ssDNA into the mutant filament. To account for these results, we propose that: (1) the mutant proteins are unable to isomerize efficiently to the open conformational state at pH 7·5 in the presence of ATP, but are able to do so in the presence of ATPγS; this indicates that the mechanistic defect is related to ATP hydrolysis rather than ATP binding; and (2) the mutant proteins are able to isomerize to the open conformational state in the presence of ATP at pH 6·2, indicating that protonation of the mutant filaments is sufficient to relieve the mechanistic deficiency.
Lead alkali apatites without hexad anion: The crystal structure of Pb8K2(PO4)6

Abstract The crystal structure of Pb8K2(PO4)6 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystals are hexagonal, space group P6 3 m , with a = 9.827(1) and c = 7.304(1) A. The structure was refined to a final R = 0.034 for 551 observed reflections. The structure is that of apatite, A6B4(XO4)6Y2 with the hexad anion site Y completely vancant. The 6h sites are occupied by Pb alone whereas the 4f sites contain equal amounts of Pb and K. A short PbO distance of 2.24 A indicates a covalent bond which may account for the incorporation of lead into bone mineral. The presence of lone pairs of electrons from the lead atoms in the vicinity of the hexad site may explain why this site remains empty.
Cardiac adenylate cyclase, cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and lactate dehydrogenase in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Abstract To understand altered physiological responses of hypertrophied spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) myocardium to beta-adrenergic receptor stimulation in vivo , myocardial tissues from SHR, normotensive Wistar (NR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were analyzed for adenylate cyclase, phosphodiesterase and lactic dehydrogenase. While WKY left ventricular adenylate cyclase activity exceeded that of SHR at low (1 and 5 μM) norepinephrine concentrations, there were no further differences. Norepinephrine stimulation of NR and SHR left ventricular adenylate cyclase was the same. In all rat strains similar responses of adenylate cyclase to glucagon were observed. Cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity of whole left ventricular homogenates were not significantly different in NR, WKY or SHR when assayed at either 1 mM or μM cyclic AMP. While it was not possible to entirely explain previous hemodynamic findings in vivo on the basis of abnormal cAMP-related enzyme activities, certain other interstrain enzymatic differences were observed. The hypertrophied SHR left ventricle contained higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and an altered isozymic composition as compared to both normotensive strains. These changes may indicate a shift in glycolytic enzyme needs as also seen with artificially produced cardiac hypertrophy. In all rat strains the right ventricular wall has less norepinephrine-stimulatable adenylate cyclase activity and more cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase activity than the left ventricle. These results demonstrate differences in cyclic AMP-related activities between the ventricles and increased LDH activity in the hypertrophied SHR left ventricle.
SU-FF-T-397: Temporal Variation of Characteristic Curves of EDR2 Film Used for IMRT Quality Assurance

Routine IMRT QA is often performed using radiographic film in combination with a film analysis software package. In addition to differences in film batches, various factors could affect the film developing process such as temperature, transport rate, or replenishment rate. The conversion of the degree of blackening of the film, as measured by optical density, to dose is achieved by applying a sensitometric, or characteristic curve, to the film; thus converting it to a dose map. These curves need to be constructed at the beginning of the start of film IMRT QA. In order to account for processing variations, and film batch differences, our practice is to expose a single reference film to a known dose at the time of each IMRT QA and adjust the “baseline” film sensitometric curve accordingly; in effect assuming that the shape of the curve remains unchanged and it is only shifted by a fixed amount to a higher or lower dose. The validity of this assumption and the degree to which film processing can affect it are investigated here. We have analyzed the sensitometric curves and reference films used for adjusting the curves at two institutions over a three‐year period. Our data show that sensitometrically‐derived doses from the reference films vary from the delivered doses by up to 17% in one institution and 12% in another. Analysis of curves generated for different film batches, or over time, shows that this method of scaling the dose to shift the sensitometric curve results in an acceptable match when curves for the same film type are compared, validating our simple QA technique. Other factors, such as a good processor QA, may affect the results.
Item priority in free recall

In multiple-trial free recall there is a tendency for newly learned items, i.e., items recalled for the first time, to be recalled prior to those which had recalled on previous trials (old items). Two mechanisms have been offered to account for this effect, (a) a subject strategy to recall new items first and (b) the operation of a serial-position bias in favor of “new” items. These explanations were contrasted in this study by comparing priority effects obtained under a condition that produces a strong position bias (0-sec delay between presentation and recall) with one that results in a greatly reduced bias (30-sec delay). Two groups (0 and 30 sec) learned two successive lists of words for four trials each. The results supported the positionbias explanation since significant priority effects were only obtained for the 0-sec group.
Trends, Implications, and Responses to Global IT Sourcing: A Field Study

AbstractDespite the furor surrounding the offshoring phenomenon, there is little empirical research examining global IT sourcing (GITS) and its potential impacts on the individual, the organization, and society. This article presents the results of a study of the perceived direction of GITS in the United States and its implications for business. Based on information collected from structured interviews with senior information systems executives at ten medium to large corporations in the region, the study specifically examines their perceptions of offshoring trend, its implications for the IT workforce, and steps that must be taken to remain competitive in the global marketplace. Nine of the ten company executives interviewed indicated a slow but steady growth in the level of such offshore engagements and an increasing commitment to strategic partnerships with global information service providers. The primary drivers of offshoring partnerships were cost, access to expertise, and domestic headcount stabiliz...
Distortions of fluorescence yield X-ray absorption spectra due to sample thickness

Abstract Absorption spectra measured by detection of fluorescence yield are subject to distortion, i.e. deviation from the Beer–Lambert Law, if the absorbing samples are not thin compared to the absorption length of the species of interest. The nature of this distortion is discussed here in detail, as exemplified by X-ray absorption spectra. The measurement of this type of spectrum requires the determination of multiple values of the absorption coefficient, and the amplitudes as well as positions of features must be reported accurately. An analytical expression for fluorescence yield is fully derived from the Beer–Lambert Law for samples of arbitrary thickness and composition. A simple graphical method is used to highlight the distortion effect on X-ray absorption spectra. ‘Self absorption’ is not a factor in these spectra since fluorescence occurs at a fixed energy below the absorption edge, in a region where samples are generally transparent to their own fluorescence.
Effect of the fraction of the root system supplied with p on p uptake and growth characteristics of wheat roots

Abstract An understanding of the phosphorus, P, uptake characteristics of plant roots is important for developing practices that improve P fertilizer efficiency. Phosphorus uptake by plant roots is influenced by plant root properties and solution P level. Since little information about the nutrient uptake characteristics of spring wheat (Triticum vulgare L.) roots is available, this research was undertaken with wheat to determine the relation between the proportion of the roots supplied with P on P influx and root growth characteristics. An experiment was conducted with wheat plants grown in solution culture in a controlled climate chamber. Phosphorus uptake kinetics were measured on 30‐day‐old wheat using split‐root experiments. Supplying P to only part of the root system resulted in lower plant P concentration and higher Imax(maximum influx) by the roots. The Imax value of wheat roots was much lower than corn (Zea mays L.) and soybeans (Glycine max L.), but the values of Km (the solution P concentration...
A tris-pyrazolylborate ligand with hemilabile O-donor groups. Examples of η3, η5, η6 and bridging modes of bonding to Li+, Na+, K+, Tl+ and Ca2+ ions

A tris-pyrazolylborate ligand bearing ether appendages is shown to be a potential hemilabile ligand based on NMR studies and structural characterization of its η3, η5, η6, and μ-binding modes in coordination with Li+, Na+, K+, Tl+, and Ca2+ ions.
Cartilage Metabolism during Growth Retardation following Irradiation of the Head of the Neonatal Rat

The heads of 2-day-old male and female rats were irradiated with a single dose of 600 rads X irradiation, a dose which is known to stunt body weight, tibial length, and tail length, in order to ascertain its effect on synthesis by cartilage of sulfated proteoglycans, DNA, chondroprotein, and collagen as determined by utilization of (/sup 35/S)sulfate, (Me-/sup 3/-H)thymidine, (1-/sup 14/C)leucine, and (3,4-/sup 3/H)proline, respectively. Data have been collected at 20-21, 23, 41-45, and 70-71 days of age. In comparison to controls, growth in body weight, tibial length, and tail length was significantly retarded in irradiated rats of both sexes. Although slow catch-up growth was observed with respect to tail length in both sexes and tibial length in females, a significant deficit in body weight in irradiated rats in both sexes remained at 70-71 days. Cartilage metabolism as evidenced by incorporation of the labeled substances showed no significant disturbance just prior to weaning (20-21 days) or after completion of the principal growth surge (70-71 days). Reduced sulfate and thymidine incorporation attributable to a brief period of undernutrition associated with weaning occurred in head-irradiated rats immediately following weaning (23 days). Increased isotope incorporation occurred at 41-45 days of age in cartilagemore » of irradiated rats incubated with labeled sulfate, leucine, and proline; it did not increase with labeled thymidine. We conclude that neonatal head irradiation slows the rate of growth through the age of most rapid postnatal growth in normal rats. The pattern of cartilage metabolism during this time can be the result either of stimulation by a factor other than somatomedin, or selective inhibition of cartilage thymidine incorporation acting in combination with somatomedin.« less
Further investigations of the interactions of antipsychotics with the (−)2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) discriminative stimulus

Stimulus control induced by (-)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (DOM) is believed to be mediated by agonism at 5-HT2A receptors. We hypothesized that blockade of (-) DOM-induced stimulus control may thus prove useful in the pre-clinical characterization of novel antipsychotic agents by providing an in vivo index of antagonism at that receptor. A previous study (Fiorella et al., 1995a) observed no antagonism by typical agents such as haloperidol and thioridazine, partial antagonism by the atypical agent, clozapine, and full antagonism by risperidone, a second atypical antipsychotic. The present investigation extends these observations to include seven additional drugs: SCH 23390, sulpiride, amperozide, melperone, octoclothepin, tiospirone and ritanserin. Of the drugs tested in rats in which (-) DOM-induced stimulus control had reliably been established, only tiospirone and ritanserin produced complete antagonism of the (-) DOM stimulus. Intermediate levels of antagonism were observed following treatment with amperozide, melperone, and octoclothepin. Finally, SCH 23390 and sulpiride yielded no evidence of antagonistic activity in (-) DOM-trained animals. Because clozapine and risperidone are both classified as atypical antipsychotics yet yield different degrees of antagonism of (-) DOM-induced stimulus control, we tested the substitution of risperidone for clozapine in rats trained with clozapine as a discriminative stimulus. No significant substitution was observed. In conclusion it appears that complete or partial antagonism of the (-) DOM stimulus serves as an effective pre-clinical means of identifying antipsychotics with significant 5-HT2A antagonist properties. However, the failure of risperidone to substitute for clozapine in pigeons (Hoenicke et al., 1992) and in rats (present study) suggests that despite their shared 5-HT2A antagonist properties, clozapine and risperidone differ with respect to their stimulus effects.
Integrative Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A Preliminary Investigation.

This study is a preliminary investigation of an integrative treatment aimed atimproving the efficacy of cognitive therapy (CT) for depression. The devel-opment of the treatment protocol was based on process findings, whichsuggested that strategies used in CT to resolve alliance ruptures may actuallyexacerbate problems in the therapeutic relationship. The protocol integrates,within the traditional CT treatment manual, procedures to repair allianceruptures that are derived from or consistent with humanistic and interper-sonal therapies. Although conducted by inexperienced therapists, the inte-grative treatment led to greater improvement than a waiting-list condition.The results also compare favorably to previous findings for CT.