cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overcoming encoder quantisation noise in an adaptive position controller

In digital position controllers, it is common to derive velocity information from a digital position encoder signal, thereby alleviating the requirement for a tachometer sensor. However, the effect of quantisation noise present in the position feedback may become problematic in certain applications. A technique is presented for overcoming the undesirable effects of encoder quantisation, when the digital encoder signal is used to derive the velocity feedback. The technique was developed to overcome quantisation noise problems identified during testing of an adaptive controller. As such, the technique involves on-line design of a model-based filter, utilising the plant parameters identified as part of the adaptive control process. The material presented has relevance also to non-adaptive, fixed parameter control systems.
Comparing state policy approaches to early care and education quality: A multidimensional assessment of quality rating and improvement systems and child care licensing regulations

Abstract This article compares states’ written Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS) and child care licensing regulations on their inclusion of key dimensions of early care and education (ECE) quality highlighted in prior research and theory. Using a newly developed 66-indicator policy rating index, data pertaining to ECE settings that serve 3- to 5-year-olds were gathered from the written policies of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This index was designed to provide a nuanced measure of state ECE policy by differentiating between monitoring structure and process quality in the learning environments for children and teachers. Indicators were summed into four standardized subindices, and cluster analysis was used to identify groups of states with similar policy profiles. Results indicate the existence of six state policy profiles defined primarily by variation in QRIS policies. Overall, classroom process quality is more strongly represented in QRIS than in child care licensing; only two states emphasize classroom process in both types of policy. State policy profiles vary significantly on spending on state-funded PreK, but profile membership is not significantly related to other state demographic and ECE characteristics or to extant ratings of policies governing state-funded PreK and child care licensing. By taking this multidimensional approach to rating and grouping two important state ECE policies simultaneously, nuanced variation in policy is revealed that is not captured by measures of the strength of a single policy alone. As such, this study represents a first step toward understanding specific monitoring approaches reflected in state policy as potential mechanisms for improving the quality of ECE classrooms and programs.
A Year of Living Dangerously: The Management of the Financial Crisis in 2008 '

There are many reasons to regret the decision of U.S. financial authorities to insert the government into the resolution of the investment bank Bear Stearns in March 2008. The Federal Reserve's use of its discount window built up false hope of future rescues. Paying off the uninsured creditors of Bear Stearns overcompensated them at the time and invited speculative attacks on the equity of similarly situated firms. I will argue that the market seizure after Lehman Brothers' decision to seek the protection of bankruptcy was an echo of the prior official decision to protect Bear Stearns.
Lung growth of the turkey, Meleagris gallopavo: I. Morphologic and morphometric description.

To describe lung growth qualitatively and quantitatively from prehatch to adulthood of an unselected line of turkey, a precocial a avian species, 36 male turkeys, three in each age group, were killed at 22 and 25 days of incubation, on hatch day, and at 1, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 112, and 420 days of age. Body weight and lung volume were measured. A three-level cascade sampling system was used to prepare lung tissue for morphologic and morphometric observation by light microscopy. Point and intersection counting were used to estimate volume and surface densities of lung compartments relative to lung volume. Absolute volumes and surfaces of lung compartments were calculated. Bilogarithmic regressions provided allometric equations to describe growth of the lung in three phases: (1) Tissue proliferation—explosive growth of lung volume relative to body weight and of the gas-exchange compartment within the lung. At 22 days of incubation there were few air and blood capillaries and a great deal of tissue that looked like mesenchyme between the parabronchin. Within the 6 days prior to hatch, the surface area of air capillaries increased 11-fold and of blood capillaries 27-fold, whereas the volume of interparabronchial tissue decreased 58%. (2) Equilibrated growth—from hatch day to 28 days of age, most lung compartments grew evenly with lung volume. (3) Regulated growth—from 28 days of age to adult, all lung compartments, except large vessels and exchange compartment, grew more slowly than the entire lung. Interatrial septa lengthened and their epithelial covering thinned, infundibula became more apparent, and interparabronchial connective tissue reached a minimal volume density in the adult lung.
Ectopic expression of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone and peripherin in the respiratory epithelium of mice lacking transcription factor AP-2α

Abstract The vertebrate transcription factor activator protein-2 (AP-2 α ) is involved in craniofacial morphogenesis. In the nasal placode AP-2 α expression delineates presumptive respiratory epithelia from olfactory epithelia, with AP-2 α expression restricted to the anterior region of the respiratory epithelium (absent from the olfactory epithelium) at later stages. To address the role AP-2 α plays in differentiation of cell groups in the nasal placode, the spatiotemporal expression pattern of four markers normally associated with olfactory epithelial structures was analyzed in mice lacking AP-2 α . These markers were the intermediate filament protein peripherin, the neuropeptide luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and the olfactory transcription factor Olf-1. Development of cells expressing these markers was similar in both genotypes until embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5), indicating that the main olfactory epithelium and olfactory pit formation was normal. At E13.5 in mutant mice, ectopic LHRH neurons and peripherin axons were detected in respiratory epithelial areas, areas devoid of Olf-1 and NCAM staining. Over the next few days, an increase in total nasal LHRH neurons occurred. The increase in nasal LHRH neurons could be accounted for by LHRH neurons arising and migrating out of respiratory epithelial regions on peripherin-positive fibers. These results indicate that AP-2 α is not essential for the separation of the olfactory and respiratory epithelium from the nasal placode and is consistent with AP-2 α preventing recapitulation of developmental programs within the respiratory epithelium that lead to expression of LHRH and peripherin phenotypes.
An Empirical Evaluation of Structured Argumentation Using the Toulmin Argument Formalism

Some structured argumentation tools employ the Toulmin argument formalism, but no research has been performed testing this formalism's effect on argument evaluation or communication. An experiment was conducted to address this need by assessing: 1) if the process of generating Toulmin structures impacted participant (re)assessment of the soundness of an argument presented in an article and 2) if other participants thought that the structured representations adequately reflected the written argument. Results were mixed. First, generating Toulmin structures did impact the assessment of argument soundness. This was noteworthy given that participants were professionals representing the population of interest and that a weak manipulation and small sample size were used in the experiment. However, the effect was limited to the article where the argument was poorly aligned with the Toulmin formalism, and second, participants reviewing these structures found them to be less sound than the argument presented in the article itself. More generally, participants did not find it easy to generate Toulmin structures. Greater perceived difficulty in structure generation (and not generation time) was significantly correlated with the amount of change in the participants' soundness ratings, suggesting the mediating role of cognitive effort on reassessment. Generated structures varied greatly. Structures that had more total elements were easier to understand and were given better soundness ratings. These findings suggest that one needs to be cautious of the claimed value of the structured argumentation tools employing the Toulmin formalism without additional empirical research, demonstrating whether and how they can be effective cognitive aids
Intermediate-coupling calculation of atomic spectra from hot plasma

An algorithm is presented for the detailed computation of the spectral lines in hot, partially ionized plasmas in local thermodynamic equilibrium. The procedure uses the wave functions and state probabilities determined from the average atom model for microscopic configuration accounting. We use intermediate coupling to include the detailed structure of the bound-bound transition arrays. The model is applied to bromine plasma under such temperature and density conditions that partially filled L shells occur.
Primitively Columellaless Pollen: A New Concept in the Evolutionary Morphology of Angiosperms

Comparative study of pollen of the ranalean complex has revealed a remarkable, hitherto unrecognized characteristic of primitive angiosperm pollen, namely, its complete lack of columellae. Pollen with such exine has been desnated atectate anid taxa in the Magnoliaceae. Degenzeriaceae, Eupomatiaceae, Annonraceae, and possibly Himantandraceae and Nymphaeaceae have pollen which is considered to be primitively columellaless.
Regulation of human placental 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase: Mechanism of stimulation of 17β-estradiol formation from estrone by 5α-dihydrotestosterone in homogenates and villi in vitro

Abstract The mechanism of stimulation of 17β-estradiol (E2) formation from estrone (E1) by 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT) in placental villi was investigated by examining; (1) if dehydroepiandrosterone (DHA) was stimulatory, (2) if NAD(P)H-generating, non-steroidal substrates stimulated E2 formation, (3) the subcellular localization of the effect, (4) if NAD(P) or NAD(P)H was required and (5) rates of 5α-DHT oxidation by villi and microsomes. Although 5α-DHT and DHA both inhibited the E2 to E1 reaction in villi and microsomes, only 5α-DHT stimulated the conversion of E1 and E2. Glucose and lactate were slightly stimulatory when compared with 5α-DHT. Stimulation of E2 formation was observed with microsomes but not with cytosol, and NAD or NADP was required. The results indicate that neither inhibition of the back reaction, E2 to E1, nor NADH or NADPH formation via the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/5-ene-3-ketosteroid isomerase reaction can account for the stimulation. It is proposed that the mechanism of stimulation involves one or more forms of membrane-bound 17β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase with NADH or NADPH formed as a product of 5α-DHT oxidation being used as the cofactor for E1 reduction. This may involve a direct transfer of reduced pyridine nucleotide between enzyme molecules without equilibration with intracellular coenzyme pools.
Thermodynamic Vent System Test in a Low Earth Orbit Simulation

A thermodynamic vent system for a cryogenic nitrogen tank was tested in a vacuum chamber simulating oxygen storage in low earth orbit. The nitrogen tank was surrounded by a cryo-shroud at -40 F. The tank was insulated with two layers of multi-layer insulation. Heat transfer into cryogenic tanks causes phase change and increases tank pressure which must be controlled. A thermodynamic vent system was used to control pressure as the location of vapor is unknown in low gravity and direct venting would be wasteful. The thermodynamic vent system consists of a Joule-Thomson valve and heat exchanger installed on the inlet side of the tank mixer-pump. The combination is used to extract thermal energy from the tank fluid, reducing temperature and ullage pressure. The system was sized so that the tank mixer-pump operated a small fraction of the time to limit motor heating. Initially the mixer used sub-cooled liquid to cool the liquid-vapor interface inducing condensation and pressure reduction. Later, the thermodynamic vent system was used. Pressure cycles were performed until steady-state operation was demonstrated. Three test runs were conducted at tank fills of 97, 80, and 63 percent. Each test was begun with a boil-off test to determine heat transfer into the tank. The lower tank fills had time averaged vent rates very close to steady-state boil-off rates showing the thermodynamic vent system was nearly as efficient as direct venting in normal gravity.
Disrupting spring colonization of Colorado potato beetle to nonrotated potato fields

Overwintering Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)) were concentrated primarily within woody borders, and mortality was lower in borders than in potato fields. After overwintering, only 15–44% of live beetles were in the potato fields. In experiments with small plots, colonization of fields from woody borders was reduced ∼ 60% by a trap crop, either treated with adulticide or with beetles collected daily. Such trap crops, or simply pitfall traps to prevent colonization from woody borders, could significantly reduce early-season adult numbers and subsequent larval populations. However, success is dependent on the local densities of overwintered beetles, and the prevalence of arrestment behavior in the case of trap crops.
Secondary ion mass spectrometry: Polyatomic and molecular ion emission

Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has become a diverse tool for the study of many substances such as metals, semiconductors, inorganic compounds and organic compounds, including polymers and biomolecules. This paper discusses the formation and emission of polyatomic and molecular ions from surfaces of these materials. The mass, energy, and abundance distribution of cluster ions emitted from various solids — Van der Waals, molecular, metallic, ionic and covalent — are compared. Trends in their emission patterns are discussed in terms of a recombination or a direct emission mechanism. For example, the ion abundance of cluster ions sputtered from metals decreases monotonically with increasing cluster size due to a decreasing formation probability for large clusters. The emission from metal oxides, however, shows a broad distribution of MmO±n cluster ions whose formation can be described by both recombination and direct emission mechanisms. Covalently bonded molecules tend to eject as intact species. The emission of molecular ions is also discussed with respect to the method of ionization and the various sample preparation and matrix-assisted and derivatization procedures used. For example, the emission of molecular ions from metal surfaces is strongly influenced by the nature of the adsorption site; and matrix-assisted and derivatization procedures enhance the ionization efficiency of the analyte.
A fused [3.3.0]-neoglycoside lactone derived from glucuronic acid.

The bridged next-generation aminoglycoside (neoglycoside), 1-deoxy-1-[(methoxy)methylamino)]-2,5-di-O-triethylsilyl-β-d-glucofuranurono-γ-lactone {systematic name: (3S,3aS,5R,6R,6aS)-5-[methoxy(methyl)amino]-3,6-bis[(triethylsilyl)oxy]-2,3,3a,5,6,6a-hexahydrofuro[3,2-b]furan-2-one}, C20H41NO6Si2, was synthesized in a one-pot manner from commercially available d-glucuronic acid. This structure supports the properties associated with the anomeric effect for furanosides and can be employed to provide insight into the mechanisms by which alkoxyamine-appended natural products derive their enhanced biological activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first published crystal structure of a bicyclic neoglycoside and is the first neoglycoside to be completely and unambiguously characterized.
Reply to Dr. Rekate's comments on our article "Acute ventriculoperitoneal shunt malfunction following opening of the spinal subarachnoid space: a case series"

Dear Editor:We would like to thank Dr. Rekate for his interest in ourpaper [1]. To address Dr. Rekate’s two points we offer thefollowing:(1) The word “siphon” was used once in our abstract andwas not used in the mechanical sense but rather in acolloquial manner to simply mean to “convey, draw orpass”.(2) Each of the ventricular catheters from the patientsreported were placed in a standard position and in nopatient was intracranial pressure found to be negativebased on intraoperative testing, which is routine for allof our shunt revisions.Reference
Novel Quercetin Glycosides as Potent Anti-MRSA and Anti-VRE Agents

Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections (Threat report 2013). Vancomycin is an FDA approved antibiotic and is growing importance in the treatment of hospital infections, with particular emphasis on its value to fight against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The increasing use of vancomycin to treat infections caused by the Gram-positive MRSA in the 1970s selected for drug-resistant enterococci, less potent than staphylococci but opportunistic in the space vacated by other bacteria and in patients with compromised immune systems. The dramatic rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria over the past two decades has stressed the need for completely novel classes of antibacterial agents. This paper reports the recent patent review on the strategy for finding novel quercetinglycoside type antibacterial agents against vancomycin-resistant bacterial strains.
Monotonic Iterative Algorithms for SAR Image Restoration

We present an iterative algorithm for restoring synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images with arbitrary gaps in spatial frequency. In some SAR applications a contiguous frequency band is not recorded which results in gaps in the SAR image spectrum. These gaps manifest themselves as artifacts which degrade the quality of the associated SAR image. Maximum a posteriori (MAP) techniques allow one to compensate for these spectrum gaps but can result in a difficult high-dimensional optimization problem. By using concepts collectively known as optimization transfer or MM-algorithms, one can easily design efficient iterative algorithms that are tuned for a particular objective function and have provable convergence properties. In this paper we will review MAP-based SAR image restoration, derive an iterative algorithm that monotonically minimizes the associated objective function, and demonstrate it on actual SAR imagery.
Stimulation of cyclophosphamide-induced pulmonary microsomal lipid peroxidation by oxygen.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) causes lung toxicity in a wide variety of animals including humans. Recent reports suggest that CP increases lipid peroxide formation in the lung, and that oxygen (O2) potentiates CP-induced lung toxicity. We hypothesized that CP, or one of its toxic metabolites, acrolein, stimulates lung lipid peroxide formation in the presence of high O2 tensions. To test this, rat lung microsomes were treated in vitro with CP or acrolein in the presence of NADPH and 0–100% O2 with and without superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), dithiothreitol (DTT), and EDTA (agents which scavenge reactive O2 species and/or detoxify reactive metabolites). Lipid peroxide formation in untreated microsomes was increased 40, 39, and 37% in 60, 80 and 100% O2 respectively (P < 0.02 vs. 21% O2 air). Lipid peroxide formation in microsomes treated with CP increased 2–3-fold under 21% O2 (P < 0.05 vs. untreated under 21% O2). However, increases in lipid peroxide formation were 3–4 fold in CP treated microsomes under 40–100% O2 (P < 0.001 vs. untreated at same % O2). CP and acrolein-stimulated lipid peroxidation with and without O2 exposure was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by prior addition of SOD, GSH, DTT, or EDTA to the lung microsomal suspension. These results indicate that lipid peroxide formation increases in CP and acrolein-treated lung microsomes, and high O2 tensions stimulate CP-induced lipid peroxidation. Stimulation of CP-induced microsomal lipid peroxidation appears to be mediated by reactive O2 species or metabolites.
A specification-based approach to concurrency analysis

The behavior of a concurrent program often depends on the arbitrary interleaving of computations performed by asynchronous processes. The resulting non-determinism can lead to such phenomena as deadlock and starvation, making program development extremely difficult, and consequently making the development of tools for formal analysis highly desirable.
The Cost of Crime

The size of crime's burden informs the prioritization of crime-prevention efforts and influences our legal, political, and cultural stance toward crime. This research quantifies crime's burden with an estimate of the annual cost of crime in the United States. While most existing studies focus on particular regions, types of crime, or cost categories, the scope of this article includes the direct and indirect cost of all crime in the United States. Beyond the expenses of law enforcement, criminal justice, and victim losses, the cost of crime includes expenditures on private deterrence, the implicit cost of fear and agony, and the opportunity cost of time lost due to crime. The estimated annual cost of crime, net of transfers from victim to criminal, is $1.7 trillion.
Ultra-Long Range Surface Plasmon-Polaritons at Optical Frequencies

We will show that the propagation distance of symmetric mode surface plasmon-polaritons can be extended significantly by placing lower index of refraction dielectric layers than that of cladding on each side of the metal film.
Alcohol and Drug Use, Abuse, and Dependence in Urban Areas and Colonias of the Texas-Mexico Border

This study describes the prevalence of alcohol and drug use, abuse, and dependence among adults on the Texas-Mexico border in 2002-2003. The findings are based on survey responses from a random sample of 1,200 adults living in households in three communities: El Paso, a densely populated city in west Texas; the less dense urbanized areas of the lower Rio Grande Valley in south Texas; and rural or semirural colonias—unregulated settlements characterized by lack of basic public services—in south Texas. The findings revealed similarity in drug use across the three sites but higher rates of binge drinking and alcohol dependence in the colonias. Border alcohol and drug use appeared similar or lower than use among residents of Texas as a whole or Hispanics nationwide; however, problems of abuse and dependence appeared somewhat higher on the border.
Recent advances in the treatment of ectopic tachycardias by electrical pacing.

Abstract Cardiac pacing may be useful both prophytactically and therapeutically in the management of ectopic tachycardias. Ectopic tachycardias may be prevented by atrial or ventricular pacing for a sustained period at a rate faster than the spontaneous rate but slower than the rate of the tachycardia being suppressed. Supraventricular tachycardias, except atrial fibrillation, may be terminated by atrial or ventricular pacing for a brief period in one of three ways: (1) delivery of a single stimulus or two serial stimuli in quick succession; (2) repetitive stimulation at a rate slower than the tachycardia; or (3) repetitive stimulation (atrial only) at a rate faster than the tachycardia. Atrial pacing may slow the ventricular rate of supraventricular tachycardia resistant to all forms of therapy by (1) actually increasing the atrial rate which produces functional atrioventricular block and reduces the number of transmitted impulses to the ventricle, or (2) inducing stable atrial fibrillation with a slower average rate more easily controllable by digitalis. Aside from its relative simplicity, pacing offers certain advantages over standard d-c cardioversion for the termination of tachyarrhythmias, particularly when the latter is contraindicated as in digitalis toxicity.
Some potential‐energy relationships for isoelectronic atomic series

Relations between the total energy E, the nuclear-electronic attraction energy V/sub ne/, and the interelectronic repulsion energy V/sub ee/ are derived for isoelectronic series of atoms and ions. Using these, it is possible to determine V/sub ne/ and V/sub ee/ for the members of such series from a knowledge of just their total energies. The method is applied to the ground and first excited states of the two-electron series, and the ground states of the three- and four-electron series, and the results are discussed. 15 references.
Solid-State Absorption Spectra of Mg and MgO

Linear absorption coefficients have been determined for Mg and MgO for wavelengths from 80A to 350A. The results for Mg have indicated values range from 1.8\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{4}$ to 12\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{4}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. These values are in reasonable agreement with those extrapolated from the region of the $K$ absorption edge. Surface effects were eliminated by plotting transmission against foil thickness. MgO exhibits three absorption bands in this spectral region. These bands have been tentatively identified and discussed in relation to earlier emission data of O'Bryan and Skinner. A gap of about 4 ev is found to exist between the top filled level and the proposed conduction band.
The role of BCG in prevention of leprosy: a meta-analysis

The present meta-analysis investigates the role of BCG—a widely used yet controversial vaccine—in the prevention of leprosy. The electronic databases Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and LILACS were searched to identify studies assessing the protective effect of BCG against leprosy. We included seven experimental studies and 19 observational studies. The experimental studies demonstrated an overall protective effect of 26% (95% CI 14–37%). At 61% (95% CI 51–70%), the observational studies overestimated the protective effect. The age at vaccination did not predict the protective effect of BCG. An additional dose of BCG was more protective in the prevention of leprosy compared with a single dose. An additional dose of BCG may be warranted for contacts of leprosy patients in areas where leprosy continues to be a public-health problem.
Fundamental string solutions in open string field theories

In Witten's open cubic bosonic string field theory and Berkovits' superstring field theory we investigate solutions of the equations of motion with appropriate source terms, which correspond to Callan-Maldacena solution in Born-Infeld theory representing fundamental strings ending on the D-branes. The solutions are given in order by order manner, and we show some full order properties in the sense of {alpha}{sup '} expansion. In superstring case we show that the solution is 1/2 BPS in full order.
The relationship between grain boundary structure, defect mobility and grain boundary sink efficiency

Nanocrystalline materials have received great attention due to their potential for improved functionality and have been proposed for extreme environments where the interfaces are expected to promote radiation tolerance. However, the precise role of the interfaces in modifying defect behavior is unclear. Using long-time simulations methods, we determine the mobility of defects and defect clusters at grain boundaries in Cu. We find that mobilities vary significantly with boundary structure and cluster size, with larger clusters exhibiting reduced mobility, and that interface sink efficiency depends on the kinetics of defects within the interface via the in-boundary annihilation rate of defects. Thus, sink efficiency is a strong function of defect mobility, which depends on boundary structure, a property that evolves with time. Further, defect mobility at boundaries can be slower than in the bulk, which has general implications for the properties of polycrystalline materials. Finally, we correlate defect energetics with the volumes of atomic sites at the boundary.
Efficient and spectrally bright source of polarization-entangled photons

We demonstrate an efficient fiber-coupled source of nondegenerate polarization-entangled photons at 795 and $1609\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ using bidirectionally pumped parametric down-conversion in bulk periodically poled lithium niobate. The single-mode source has an inferred bandwidth of $50\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GHz}$ and a spectral brightness of $300\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\text{pairs}∕(\mathrm{s}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{GHz}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mW})$ of pump power that is suitable for narrowband applications such as entanglement transfer from photonic to atomic qubits.
Release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone from the Japanese quail hypothalamus in vitro.

Abstract The regulation of GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) secretion in Japanese quail was studied by maintaining excised hypothalamic slices containing the median eminence region in a continuous flow superfusion system. GnRH released into the superfusate was measured by radioimmunoassay using an antibody generated against synthetic GnRH. GnRH secretion increased in a dose-response manner when hypothalamic slices from female quail were exposed to superfusion medium containing elevated potassium ion concentrations. The potassium-induced GnRH release was found to be calcium dependent. GnRH was also increased when either 1 × 10 −6 M norepinephrine, epinephrine, or 1 × 10 −5 M of the β-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol was added to the superfusion medium. GnRH secretion from hypothalami of castrate and intact male quail was measured on Days 1, 10, and 21 of photostimulation and was elevated on Day 21. No differences were observed between the castrate and intact groups. It is concluded that GnRH is released from the quail hypothalamus in a manner analogous to mammals and that its release is subject to adrenergic stimulation.
Technological trends in clinical laboratory science.

Abstract Objective: This article will review the adbancements and new developments being made in (1) adbanced computers, (2) microtechnology, (3) adbanced immunodiagnostics, (4) neural networks, and (5) molecular biology. The influence of these technologies and their products on clinical laboratories is also discussed. Conclusion: Significant evolutionary and revolutionary technological changes are occurring in a number of scientific and engineering disciplines that impact the medical profession. As a consequence of this era of rapid change, the discipline of Clinical Laboratory Science is undergoing a “technological explosion” which is having a significant and profound effect on how clinical laboratories of today and tomorrow are and will be staffed, equipped, and operated.
Prolactin and growth hormone cells in the human hypophysis: a study with immunoenzyme histochemistry and differential staining.

Growth hormone and prolactin cells were immunostained in human hypophyses with antibody against rat growth hormone or prolactin and the peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex. Growth hormone cells were round and, in normal pituitaries, arranged in sizable groups. Prolactin cells occurred singly and were less numerous; they were often extensively branched. Only a few prolactin cells stained with carmoisine. Incubation of the antibody with an excess of the appropriate antigen greatly diminished or abolished immunostaining; absorption of anti-prolactin with growth hormone often enhanced it.
Nonlethal sec71-1 and sec72-1 mutations eliminate proteins associated with the Sec63p-BiP complex from S. cerevisiae.

Abstract The sec71-1 and sec72-1 mutations were identified by a genetic assay that monitored membrane protein integration into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The mutations inhibited integration of various chimeric membrane proteins and translocation of a subset of water soluble proteins. In this paper we show that SEC71 encodes the 31.5-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein (p31.5) and SEC72 encodes the 23-kDa protein (p23) of the Sec63p-BiP complex. SEC71 is therefore identical to SEC66 (HSS1), which was previously shown to encode p31.5. DNA sequence analyses reveal that sec71-1 cells contain a nonsense mutation that removes approximately two-thirds of the cytoplasmic C-terminal domain of p31.5. The sec72-1 mutation shifts the reading frame of the gene encoding p23. Unexpectedly, the sec71-1 mutant lacks p31.5 and p23. Neither mutation is lethal, although sec71-1 cells exhibit a growth defect at 37 degrees C. These results show that p31.5 and p23 are important for the trafficking of a subset of proteins to the ER membrane.
Analogy, evaluation, and moral disagreement

L'A. analyse le role decisif que joue le raisonnement par analogies dans le processus rationnel d'application de principes universaux dans le concret, et de principes moraux en particulier. S'ensuit une etude qui souligne notamment le role de l'ethicien qui doit developper de nouvelles analogies pour ouvrir l'horizon ethique
Segmentation and quantitative analysis of the living tumor cells using large-scale digital cell analysis system

The specific goal of our research is to develop automated methods for quantitative analysis of tumor cells from microscopic images. By segmenting living tumor cells, cell behavior under stress can be studied. Therefore, accurate acquisition and analysis of microscope images from living cell cultures are of utmost importance. If cell behavior can be studied through their life span, cell motility and shape changes can be quantified and analyzed in relation with the severity of induced stress. Consequently, cell responses to the environment can be quantitatively analyzed. The Large Scale Digital Cell Analysis System developed at the University of Iowa provides a capability for real-time cell image acquisition. In the work presented here, feasibility of fully automated living tumor cell segmentation is demonstrated allowing future quantitative cell studies. An automated method for identification of the cell boundaries in microscopy images is presented.
Early and chronic stress and their relation to breast cancer.

Background. The study examined the role of parental death and chronic depression with severe episodes in aecting risk of breast cancer. This avenue of research is in accord with oncology findings, which suggests that causative factors of breast cancer occur and develop over a period of 20 years or longer. Methods. Participants consisted of 1213 women in the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area study surveyed in 1980 and followed through 1994‐1995. They were assessed for depressive and anxious disorders, paternal death in childhood and relatively recent adverse life events prior to cancer hospitalization. Results. In the course of the study, 29 women were hospitalized for breast cancer and 10 died of breast cancer. The psychosocial variables that predicted increased risk of breast cancer were maternal death in childhood (OR fl 2‐56, P ! 0‐001) and chronic depression with severe episodes (OR fl 14‐0, P ! 0‐001). Neither relatively recent life events nor other depressive and anxiety disorders were associated with increased risk. Maternal death and chronic depression with severe episodes were reported to have occurred at least 20 years prior to breast cancer hospitalization. Conclusions. Maternal death and chronic and severe depression occurred at least 20 years prior to breast cancer hospitalization and could have been involved in the causation or facilitation of cancer development. The authors suggest that meta-analysis of other prospective studies are needed to create larger groups of individuals with these stresses to confidently establish these variables as risk factors.
The production and release to the atmosphere of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (methyl chloroform)

Abstract The results of an audited survey of production and use for methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane) for the years 1970–1988 are presented.
The Comparative Effectiveness of Portable Video Modeling vs. Traditional Video Modeling Interventions with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Newly developed technologies are being incorporated into treatments for children with autism but there is only limited research examining how this affects child outcomes. In the present study, a multiple baseline design across children and an adapted alternating treatments design within child were used to compare the effectiveness of video modeling interventions implemented on the iPad® to video modeling interventions implemented on the traditionally used television. Two targets were selected for each child and behaviors were randomly assigned to a treatment condition. Target behaviors were acquired and these behavior changes were found to be socially valid across treatment conditions. Four of the children required slightly more treatment sessions to acquire behaviors targeted on the iPad®. Generalization and maintenance were slightly higher following video modeling on the iPad®, but differences were inconsistent and unlikely to result in meaningfully different outcomes. These findings indicate that video modeling on the iPad® does not result in improved child progress compared to traditional video modeling procedures. Additional research is needed to further examine the impact of using portable handheld devices when implementing video modeling interventions.
The human factors of sport -- a review

The present review concerns certain Human Factors aspects of sport activities. Particular emphasis is given to evaluating experimental work in which the relationship between equipment design and performance capability has been examined. The criterion for inclusion in the current synthesis was the use of a cognitive or behavioral measure as a dependent variable in an empirical investigation. Although this excludes studies reporting physiological parameters, it is not to say such work may not form an important element of any future review. Where possible research was grouped according to some common theme or topic. In addition, the potential benefits of a cohesive study of Human Factors in sport are briefly outlined. Language: en
Elastic anisotropy effect on indentation-induced thin film interfacial delamination

Abstract Effect of elastic anisotropy on indentation-induced thin film interfacial delamination, especially, at the initiation and early growth stage, is examined. The indentation load is modeled as a constant pressure over an expanding semi-spherical cavity. The delamination process is approached by a cohesive zone model. The rest of the problem is formulated within the general anisotropic elasticity theory, and solved numerically by the boundary element method employing a special Green’s function for multilayers. The material system of a Cu(0 0 1) film on a Si(0 0 1) substrate is studied as an example. The interfacial damage initiation and crack development under indentation are captured in the simulation. By comparing the predictions with the materials being modeled as isotropic and as anisotropic (of the cubic symmetry as they are), it is shown that the elastic anisotropy of the copper film plays a significant role in determining the delamination pattern. In the isotropic model, the delamination crack fronts are circular reflecting the problem axisymmetry. In contrast, crack fronts are square with rounded corners in the anisotropic case. This significant difference necessitates a three-dimensional anisotropic stress analysis of the indentation-induced delamination of strongly anisotropic films.
EXACERBATED MECHANICAL ALLODYNIA IN RATS WITH DEPRESSION-LIKE BEHAVIOR

Although a clinical connection between pain and depression has long been recognized, how these two conditions interact remains unclear. Here we report that both mechanical allodynia and depression-like behavior were significantly exacerbated after peripheral nerve injury in Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, a genetic variation of Wistar rats with demonstrable depression-like behavior. Administration of melatonin into the anterior cingular cortex contralateral to peripheral nerve injury prevented the exacerbation of mechanical allodynia with a concurrent improvement of depression-like behavior in WKY rats. Moreover, there was a lower plasma melatonin concentration and a lower melatonin receptor expression in the anterior cingular cortex in WKY rats than in Wistar rats. These results suggest that there exists a reciprocal relationship between mechanical allodynia and depression-like behavior and the melatoninergic system in the anterior cingular cortex might play an important role in the interaction between pain and depression.
Extraction of Fibrillar and Sarcoplasmic Proteins of Turkey Musclea

SUMMARY Protein extraction and fractionation was carried out on samples of breast and leg muscles of turkey males 11–32 weeks old. Nitrogen determinations were made on the total, extractable, coagulable, actomyosin, myosin, and sarcoplasmic protein fractions. These components respectively contained 4.27, 2.57, 1.96, 0.53, 0.09, and 1.36 g nitrogen per 100 g of muscle (wet weight). Nitrogen values were higher for light muscle than for dark muscle. Muscle samples were taken from 21–36-week-old turkey males both before and after 48 hr at 5–10°C. Results showed a 4.9% decrease in total nitrogen and a 3.4% increase in non-protein nitrogen. Amounts of protein fractions were compared between birds of three age groups. Birds within the 25–32-week-old group gave highest values for all fractions estimated with the exception of total nitrogen. Turkeys ranging in age from 21–26 weeks gave the highest values for this component. Extractable, coagulable, and nonprotein values increased with increasing age; the 11-week-old turkeys gave the lowest values.
Blisters of the fingertips: A variant of bullous dermatosis of hemodialysis

Recurrent, deep, painful, noninflammatory blisters on the volar fingertips proved to be a variant of bullous dermatosis of hemodialysis.
Osh Proteins Regulate Phosphoinositide Metabolism at ER-Plasma Membrane Contact Sites

Sac1 phosphoinositide (PI) phosphatases are essential regulators of PI-signaling networks. Yeast Sac1, an integral endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane protein, controls PI4P levels at the ER, Golgi, and plasma membrane (PM). Whether Sac1 can act in trans and turn over PI4P at the Golgi and PM from the ER remains a paradox. We find that Sac1-mediated PI4P metabolism requires the oxysterol-binding homology (Osh) proteins. The PH domain-containing family member, Osh3, localizes to PM/ER membrane contact sites dependent upon PM PI4P levels. We reconstitute Osh protein-stimulated Sac1 PI phosphatase activity in vitro. We also show that the ER membrane VAP proteins, Scs2/Scs22, control PM PI4P levels and Sac1 activity in vitro. We propose that Osh3 functions at ER/PM contact sites as both a sensor of PM PI4P and an activator of the ER Sac1 phosphatase. Our findings further suggest that the conserved Osh proteins control PI metabolism at additional membrane contact sites.
Superoxometal-catalyzed co-oxidation of alcohols and nitrous acid with molecular oxygen

Abstract A superoxochromium(III) ion, Cr aq OO 2+ , acts as a catalyst for the co-oxidation of alcohols and nitrous acid with molecular oxygen according to the stoichiometry: CH 3 OH+HNO 2 +O 2 →CH 2 O + NO 3 − + H 2 O+H + . The kinetics are second order in [HNO 2 ] and independent of the concentrations of the superoxochromium catalyst, substrate, and O 2 . The proposed mechanism features the disproportionation of HNO 2 to NO and NO 2 , both of which react rapidly with Cr aq OO 2+ . The Cr aq OO 2+ /NO reaction generates another equivalent of NO 2 and a mole of Cr aq O 2+ , the active oxidant. The two-electron oxidation of the alcohol by Cr aq O 2+ produces Cr aq 2+ , which reacts rapidly with O 2 to regenerate the catalyst, Cr aq OO 2+ . The NO 2 /Cr aq OO 2+ reaction yields the peroxynitrato complex, Cr aq OONO 2 2+ , in a dead-end equilibrium process that has no effect on the catalytic reaction. The disproportionation of NO 2 yields the final nitrogen-containing product, NO 3 − , and regenerates an equivalent of HNO 2 . Under a fixed set of conditions, the relative catalytic efficiency (CE) of Cr aq OO 2+ decreases as its concentration increases owing to the competition between O 2 and Cr aq OO 2+ for the intermediate Cr aq 2+ .
Effect of benzene on rat liver polyribosomes.

Abstract The effect(s) of benzene on rat liver polyribosomes was studied. The data show that administration of benzene to rats intraperitoneally resulted in disaggregation of liver polyribosomes, accumulation of ribosomal monomer-dimers and appearance of an intermediate, previously absent, ribosomal peak. The protein synthetic capacity of disaggregated liver polyribosomes as measured by the incorporation of L -[ 3 H]-phenylalanine in vitro was significantly impaired (>50 per cent) but the poly U-directed polymerization of L -[ 3 H]-phenylalanine was not affected. Protein synthetic tests with polyribosomes and pH 5·1 enzyme fractions from benzene-treated and untreated animals showed that treatment with benzene in vivo did not affect the pH 5·1 enzyme fraction. Further, other experiments showed that the incorporation of labeled ribonucleic acid precursors into liver polyribosomes during treatment with benzene was considerably impaired while incorporation into total liver ribonucleic acid and the size of the acidsoluble fraction radioactive label pool were not affected. These results are discussed in terms of benzene action at the molecular level.
Short‐term climatic trends affect the temporal variability of macroinvertebrates in California ‘Mediterranean’ streams

Summary 1. Long-term studies in ecology are essential for understanding natural variability and in interpreting responses to disturbances and human perturbations. We assessed the long-term variability, stability and persistence of macroinvertebrate communities by analysing data from three regions in northern California with a mediterranean-climate. During the study period, precipitation either increased or decreased, and extreme drought events occurred in each region. 2. Temporal trends in precipitation resulted in shifts from ‘dry-year’ communities, dominated by taxa adapted to no or low flow, to ‘wet-year’ communities dominated by taxa adapted to high flows. The abundance of chironomid larvae was an important driver of community change. Directional change in community composition occurred at all sites and was correlated with precipitation patterns, with more dramatic change occurring in smaller streams. 3. All communities exhibited high to moderate persistence (defined by the presence/absence of a species) and moderate to low stability (defined by changes in abundance) over the study period. Stability and persistence were correlated with climatic variation (precipitation and El Nino Southern Oscillation) and stream size. Stability and persistence increased as a result of drought in small streams (first-order) but decreased in larger streams (second- and third-order). Communities from the dry season were less stable than those from the wet-season. 4. This study demonstrates the importance of long-term studies in capturing the effects of and recovery from rare events, such as the prolonged and extreme droughts considered here.