cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid Integration Across Tonotopy by Individual Auditory Brainstem Octopus Cells

Broadband transient sounds, such as clicks, are transduced in a traveling wave in the cochlea that spreads from base to apex. This traveling wave causes delays in the activation of auditory nerve fibers that vary systematically as a function of the tonotopy in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) in the brainstem, activating high-frequency fibers first. Octopus cells in the mammalian VCN consistently spread their dendrites across the tonotopic axis so that the tips receive input from fibers tuned to the highest frequencies. As a result, broadband transient sounds produce a somatopetal (soma-directed) sweep of activation in octopus cells’ dendrites. Low-voltage-activated potassium channels (gKL) in the dendrites and soma sharpen the sensitivity to sweep duration. Branch points in octopus cells’ dendrites show significant impedance mismatch, resulting in violation of Rall’s “3/2 power law” and shaping of sweep sensitivity. Thus, the morphology, connectivity, and membrane biophysics of octopus cells allow them to compensate for the cochlear traveling wave delay and respond to clicks with exquisite temporal precision. In the context of the time–frequency (Gabor) uncertainty principle, octopus cells can be seen to solve a general problem of encoding frequency-dispersed but temporally restricted patterns using somatopetal sweep sensitivity. Compensation for longer delays in low-frequency hearing animals, implications for downstream processing, and relationship to other systems are discussed.
Tuskegee as Sacred Rhetoric: Focal Point for the Emergent Field of African American Religion and Health

Scholars in African American religion engage the Tuskegee Syphilis Study as the focal point of the African American experience in institutional medicine. Seeking a way forward from this history and its intentional evil, the author proposes to position Tuskegee as a form of Lynch's culturally contextual sacred rhetoric to make use of its metaphoric value in the emerging field of African American religion and health. In this broader meaning-making frame, Tuskegee serves as a reminder that African American religious sensibility has long been an agential resource that counters abuse of the Black body. It also acknowledges the complex decisions facing African American clinical trial participants.
Benzyl Isothiocyanate, a constituent of cruciferous vegetables, retards the growth of BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer xenografts in vivo.

5594 We have shown previously that benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), a constituent of cruciferous vegetables, inhibits the growth of BxPC-3 human pancreatic cancer cells in culture by inducing apoptosis. Present studies were undertaken to determine the efficacy of BITC in vivo in athymic nude mice. The experimental group of animals received 6 or 12 μmol BITC by oral gavage 5 days a week, beginning the day of tumor cell implantation. Mice in control group received normal saline only. The tumors were measured with vernier calipers 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and each animal was weighed twice a week (Monday and Friday). Feeding mice with 12 μmol BITC significantly retarded the growth of BxPC-3 xenograft (P
Teaching Sport Skills Using the Skill-Themes Approach

This article describes how to teach sport skills using the skill-themes approach, an approach that may increase student interest in being physically active outside of school.
HEY1 is expressed independent of NOTCH1 and is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract Objectives Notch signaling is frequently altered in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the nature and clinical implications of this dysregulation are not well understood. We previously described an association of transcriptionally active NOTCH1 Intracellular Domain (NICD1) immunohistochemical (IHC) expression pattern with high-risk pathologic characteristics. Here we further characterize Notch signaling in HNSCC. Materials and methods IHC expression patterns and clinicopathologic associations of Notch pathway molecules were evaluated among 78 tumors with known NOTCH1 mutation status. IHC was performed for JAG1, a NOTCH1 activating ligand, and HEY1, an NICD1 transcriptional target and Notch pathway activation marker. IHC pattern and H-score (% staining × intensity) were recorded and compared to clinicopathologic characteristics and survival. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models (HR). Results JAG1 and NICD1 expression patterns were highly concordant among tumors without truncating NOTCH1 mutations (p Conclusions These findings suggest both NOTCH1-dependent and -independent HEY1 regulation, and imply a previously unrecognized prognostic role for HEY1 in HNSCC.
Art as Civil Disobedience: Allora & Calzadilla

THE USE OF ART IN PUBLIC PLACES as a means for responding to social, political, economic, and environmental injustice has a long history. In recent years, art created by everyday citizens—as well a...
Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics

This chapter examines how the tendency is perpetuated by a single-axis framework that is dominant in antidiscrimination law and that is also reflected in feminist theory and antiracist politics. It suggests that this single-axis framework erases Black women in the conceptualization, identification and remediation of race and sex discrimination by limiting inquiry to the experiences of otherwise-privileged members of the group. The chapter focuses on otherwise-privileged group members creates a distorted analysis of racism and sexism because the operative conceptions of race and sex become grounded in experiences that actually represent only a subset of a much more complex phenomenon. It argues that Black women are sometimes excluded from feminist theory and antiracist policy discourse because both are predicated on a discrete set of experiences that often does not accurately reflect the interaction of race and gender. The chapter discusses the feminist critique of rape and separate spheres ideology.
The backdoor key: a path to understanding problem hardness

We introduce our work on the backdoor key, a concept that shows promise for characterizing problem hardness in backtracking search algorithms. The general notion of backdoors was recently introduced to explain the source of heavy-tailed behaviors in backtracking algorithms (Williams, Gomes, & Selman 2003a; 2003b). We describe empirical studies that show that the key faction, i.e., the ratio of the key size to the corresponding backdoor size, is a good predictor of problem hardness of ensembles and individual instances within an ensemble for structure domains with large key fraction.
Prospects in Wide-Gap Semiconductor Lasers

Compact blue and green semiconductor lasers will impact significantly on such technologies as optical storage and multicolor displays. The availability of a blue semiconductor laser near 450 nm, in conjunction with improvements in encoding topology and superresolution (transcending diffraction limits), is expected to increase the bit density in a compact disk by at least tenfold from that available in today’s consumer electronic equipment. Disk storage densities of up to 10 GBit/in2 are projected over the next decade, comparable to expectations with magnetic disks. Motion pictures, multimedia presentations etc will be among the direct beneficiaries for a portable medium such as the CD-ROM, linked closely to personal computer technology. Optical disk technology in general is destined for explosive growth; for example, compact terabyte data storage has been demonstrated in an optical disk “jukebox”.
Differential equations in the spectral parameter and multiphase similarity solutions

Multiphase similarity solutions were introduced by Flaschka and Newell [1] by imposing a specific type of differential equation in the spectral parameter for solutions of linear systems. The most general Schroedinger equation such that its solutions satisfy a very general kind of differential equation in the spectral parameter has been found in [2].
Navigating Social Relationships with Mentors and Peers: Comfort and Belonging among Men and Women in STEM Summer Research Programs.

Gender disparities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are well documented, yet little is known about how women and men students establish social relationships with research mentors and peers and how that shapes their experiences in STEM. We conducted a series of interviews with 17 undergraduate students from a Hispanic majority institution regarding their participation in STEM-focused summer research programs at nine universities. Differences in levels of comfort in relationships were present when comparing men and women. Women students expressed comfort in relationships with mentors who provided psychosocial mentoring, were available to answer questions, and were of the same gender; they expressed some social discomfort in informal interactions with mentors. Men students felt comfortable with mentors who provided limited guidance, little psychosocial mentoring, and opportunities for informal interactions. In terms of peer relationships, women sought out the confidence of a few similar peers, while men were comfortable with a wide variety of peers. Men’s greater comfort with social relationships seemed to reflect their affinity with the masculine-dominated culture of STEM. For women, cultivating safe spaces through relationships with supportive peers and working with same-gender faculty mentors seemed to mitigate some of the discomforting aspects of their STEM research experiences.
Early life vincristine fails to prime developing pain pathways.

Abstract Early life administration of vincristine (VNC), commonly used to treat pediatric leukemia, evokes peripheral neuropathy and mechanical pain hypersensitivity in rats that lasts into adolescence. However, the degree to which VNC-evoked neuropathic pain persists throughout adulthood has yet to be examined. It also remains unclear if pediatric VNC exposure can ‘prime’ developing nociceptive pathways and thereby exacerbate chronic pain following subsequent trauma later in life. To address these issues, rats received five total doses of VNC (60 μg/kg; or vehicle) on postnatal days (P) 11, 13, 17, 19 and 21 followed by a hindpaw surgical incision during adulthood. In addition, in order to model the clinical scenario where cancer relapse necessitates another round of chemotherapy, separate groups of rats that had been treated with VNC (or vehicle) as neonates were subsequently administered VNC as adults (five injections at 100 μg/kg). Intraepidermal nerve fiber density and baseline mechanical pain sensitivity were similar between the neonatal VNC and vehicle-treated littermate controls at 13–15 weeks of age, suggesting that the peripheral neuropathy, and resulting chronic pain, had resolved by adulthood. Importantly, there was no significant overall effect of early life VNC on the severity of post-operative pain following adult incision. Similarly, prior VNC exposure did not significantly influence the degree of mechanical pain hypersensitivity produced by adult VNC treatment. Collectively, these findings suggest that early life VNC administration does not increase the susceptibility to develop chronic pain as adults.
Adherence to a Mediterranean-style eating pattern and risk of diabetes in a U.S. prospective cohort study.

A Mediterranean-style eating pattern is consistently associated with a decreased diabetes risk in Mediterranean and European populations. However, results in U.S. populations are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to assess whether a Mediterranean-style eating pattern would be associated with diabetes risk in a large, nationally representative U.S. cohort of black and white men and women. Participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study prospective cohort without diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline (visit 1, 1987–1989; n = 11,991) were included (mean age 54 years, 56% female, 75% white). Alternate Mediterranean Diet scores (aMed) were calculated using the mean dietary intake self-reported at visit 1 and visit 3 (1993–1995) or visit 1 only for participants censored before visit 3. Participants were followed from visit 1 through 31 December 2016 for incident diabetes. We used Cox regression models to characterize associations of aMed (quintiles as well as per 1-point higher) with incident diabetes adjusted for energy intake, age, sex, race and study center, and education (Model 1) for all participants then stratified by race and body mass index (BMI). Model 2 included potential mediating behavioral and clinical measures associated with diabetes. Results are presented as hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Over a median follow-up of 22 years, there were 4024 incident cases of diabetes. Higher aMed scores were associated with lower diabetes risk [Model 1: 0.83 (0.73–0.94) for Q5 vs Q1 (p-trend < 0.001) and 0.96 (0.95–0.98) for 1-point higher]. Associations were stronger for black vs white participants (interaction p < 0.001) and weaker for obese vs normal BMI (interaction p < 0.01). Associations were attenuated but statistically significant in Model 2. An eating pattern high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fish, and moderate in alcohol was associated with a lower risk of diabetes in a community-based U.S. population.
On Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

The popular expectation is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will soon surpass the capacities of the human mind and Strong Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will replace the contemporary Weak A...
Reporting of demographic variables in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis

Describing demographic variables (e.g., ethnicity/race, socioeconomic status, gender/sex, age) of participants may be important for identifying relations between these variables and behavior-analytic procedures. Previous research found that demographic variables were underreported in behavior-analytic studies dealing with particular populations (e.g., children with Autism Spectrum Disorder), interventions (e.g., verbal behavior), or for a subset of demographic variables. We evaluated the extent to which studies recently published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis included descriptions of demographic variables of participants. Demographic variables were often underreported, which may limit the broader dissemination of these behavior-analytic studies and the development of culturally responsive modifications to behavioral interventions.
3 – Interactive IDL

Publisher Summary This chapter is a quick introduction to using Interactive Data Language (IDL) for interactive calculations. The goal of this chapter is to get started using IDL, entering interactive commands, and plotting graphs. The following IDL procedures and functions are used in this chapter: (1) PRINT procedure, (2) EXIT command, (3) continue executive command, (4) HELP procedure, (5) FINDGEN function, (6) LINDGEN function, (7) PLOT procedure, (8) WINDOW procedure, and (9) XSURFACE procedure. Before running IDL correctly several steps need to be followed. These include: (1) Installation and licensing of IDL. (2) Setting up the IDL environment so that the operating system cans ﬁnd the main IDL program and related ﬁles. (3) Setting up the user's personal IDL directory and optionally install the example programs and data ﬁles from this book, and (4) setting the user preferences for IDL. This chapter guides the starting up of IDL, making simple calculations, and plotting of basic one- and two-dimensional graphs.
What do our lakes mean to us? An understanding of Michigan coastline communities’ perceptions of the Great Lakes

Abstract Four of the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair serve as part of the 5261 km coastline of the State of Michigan. Understanding of the relationship between Michigan residents and these Lakes are important for the creation of messages designed to instill the desire to become better stewards of the Michigan coastline. Focus groups totaling 100 Michigan residents were held across the State to learn how residents feel about general issues facing Michigan’s coastline. The two major themes that emerged from the focus groups were issues related to the rising lake waters and the need for education on coastline awareness and stewardship. Other important themes emerged for the focus areas of the research team and its funding organization. There were differences of opinion on some of the issues between residents of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas (for example, public access was not as important an issue in the Upper Peninsula) and also for residents of Lake Michigan versus Lake Huron coastlines in the Lower Peninsula (storms are causing more damage and erosion on the Lake Michigan beaches).
A study on Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on Indian Education System with references to Maharashtra state

Abstract:- Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak poses serious concerns to Indian education systems. Efforts to contain COVID-19 prompted unscheduled closure of schools in more than 28 states and 8 union territories, for a total of 36 entities in India. The states and union territories are further subdivided into districts and smaller administrative divisions. COVID-19 school closures left over one billion learners out of school. The study investigates the impact of COVID-19 on education. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 200 respondents that consist of teachers, students, parents, and policy makers selected from two cities in Maharashtra. The collected data were analyzed using STATA. The results show that COVID-19 has adverse effects on education including, learning disruptions, and decreased access to education and research facilities, Job losses and increased student debts. The findings also show that many educators and students relied on technology to ensure continued learning online during the Coronavirus pandemic. However, online education was hindered by poor infrastructures including, network, power, inaccessibility and unavailability issues and poor digital skills. The study underscores the damaging effects of COVID-19 on education sector and the need for all educational institutions, educators, and learners to adopt technology, and improve their digital skills in trends and realities of education in Maharashtra.
Use Hopscotch to Develop Positive Attitudes Toward Programming For Elementary School Students

With the advancement in technology and the emphasis on computer science education, there has been a strong push for more widespread programming instruction at K-12 and higher education levels. Existing research has mostly focused on students at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Little work has involved students at the elementary school age, which has been considered a critical age to cultivate an interest in programming. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of a block-based programming interface (e.g., Hopscotch) on elementary school students’ attitudes toward programming. In this study, eighteen elementary school students in 4th -5th grades participated in a programming curriculum for about seven weeks in the US. A survey on attitude toward programming was distributed before and after the curriculum, to explore the change in attitudes toward programming. Students’ perception toward the block-based programming interface (e.g., Hopscotch) was also examined after the curricular activities. Students’ activities in lessons and artifacts from the culminating project were observed. The findings indicated that elementary school students had a positive perception of programming in the block-based programming interface. Also, the block-based programming activities contributed to more positive attitudes toward programming. Implications and limitations of the study were discussed.
Trafficking in Human Beings: An International Perspective

Migration, both legal and illegal, impacts upon every nation in the world. Forms of irregular migration include human smuggling and trafficking. As serious as this world-wide problem has become - experts in government agencies and international NGOs estimate the number of women and children trafficked internationally at between 700,000 and 4 million annually (U.S. Department of State, 2002) — many countries lack trafficking legislation. In other countries where legislation exists, it is only the act of forced prostitution or sexual exploitation which constitutes trafficking offences, disregarding acts of forced labour or slavery-like practices. Government officials in a position to assist victims reject the idea of their victimisation and often view trafficked persons as illegal migrants, subjecting them to arrest and deportation.
Generating a Culture of Innovation in the United States

Throughout this book I have talked about an innovation culture within the corporate entity. But there also must be an innovation culture within the society. This chapter explores this all important topic in some detail.
Metal Complexes Which Target DNA Sites: Coupling Recognition to Reactivity

How is Nature able to recognize and access specifically one bit of information along the DNA strand? It is remarkable to consider the chemical specificity required by DNA-binding proteins and enzymes, which are able to bind a specific small sequence of bases, in the presence of the remaining genomic sequences, and having found the site of interest, carry out a complex series of reactions there. We would like to understand some of the rules which govern these specific processes. Toward that aim, we have been examining the interactions of small transition metal complexes with DNA as models for these site-specific reactions. How do variations in shape and symmetry of the metal complex as well as possible hydrogen-bonding interactions affect specific recognition of DNA sites? Does the local conformation of DNA play a role in its recognition? In order to determine where precisely along the DNA strand a given molecule is bound, it has been useful to couple reactivity to the binding moiety, usually through a metal-mediated redox reaction, which causes cleavage of the DNA strand at the bound site; this site of strand scission may then be determined (for recent reviews of DNA cleaving molecules see Barton 1986; Dervan 1986; sigman 1986). But the reactivity may also have an associated base or sequence selectivity. The resultant reaction, or DNA site targeted, then depends both on the binding characteristics and the cleavage characteristics.
Preparing for budget-based payment methodologies: global payment and episode-based payment.

Purpose of review Use of budget-based payment methodologies (capitation and episode-based bundled payment) has been demonstrated to drive value in healthcare delivery. With a focus on high-volume, high-cost surgical procedures, inclusion of anaesthesiology services in these methodologies is likely. This review provides a summary of budget-based payment methodologies and practical information necessary for anaesthesiologists to prepare for participation in these programmes. Recent findings Although few examples of anaesthesiologists' participation in these models exist, an understanding of the structure of these programmes and opportunities for participation are available. Prospective preparation in developing anaesthesiology-specific bundled payment profiles and early participation in pathway development associated with selected episodes of care are essential for successful participation as a gainsharing partner. Summary With significant opportunity to contribute to care coordination and cost management, anaesthesiology can play an important role in budget-based payment programmes and should expect to participate as full gainsharing partners. Precise costing methodologies and accurate economic modelling, along with identification of quality management and cost control opportunities, will help identify participation opportunities and appropriate payment and gainsharing agreements. Anaesthesiology-specific examples with budget-based payment models are needed to help guide increased participation in these programmes.
Disparate effects of photoprotection on ultraviolet radiation-induced immunosuppression

To be biologically relevant, UVR must be absorbed by one or more molecules (chromophores) within target tissues. Molecules of immunologic interest have included DNA, trans-urocanic acid (trans-UCA), cyclic amino acids, and unsaturated membrane lipids. Under ideal circumstances, the action spectrum for a biological response is quite similar to the absorption spectrum of a candidate molecule. This method of empiric analysis [...]
The Urologist's Guide to the Galaxy

Introduction and Objective “Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the Western Spiral arm of the Galaxy…” stone disease has affected mankind since earliest recorded history and will trouble us as we strive for the stars. Zero and microgravity are risk factors for urolithiasis, but the incidence is not yet known. Yet, the possible “century of space exploration” lies before us if payloads can be inexpensively offloaded from Earth’s surface to orbit.
The overlooked potential for social factors to improve effectiveness of brain-computer interfaces

The surge in development of brain-computer interface (BCI) devices is highly focused on the algorithms, mechanics, and neurophysics of their production (Lebedev and Nicolelis, 2006; Lebedev et al., 2011; Opris, 2013). Here I propose that capitalizing on research findings from the field of social neuroscience can enhance training and effectiveness of BCI devices. BCIs are not just about individual brains but also about brains in interaction with other brains. Learning in a social context is more effective than non-social instruction and countless neurophysiology studies have demonstrated that social interaction actually alters physiology, including changes in neuroplasticity and arousal. Importantly, social interaction also consists of emotional responses that have powerful rewarding qualities and incur reciprocal action. Interdisciplinary cooperation between social neuroscience and BCI innovation has been proposed to promote development of more effective BCIs that demonstrate adaptability during interaction (Mattout, 2012). The challenges of BCI illiteracy, or BCI inefficiency, suggests a vital need to consider all possible contributing factors to decrease the failure rate seen in up to a third of users (Vidaurre and Blankertz, 2010). Additionally, it has been suggested that BCI inefficiency can be reduced by addressing flaws in human training approaches, which have been largely neglected (Lotte et al., 2013). Therefore, the social cues and contexts a patient has when BCIs are integrated and employed should not be overlooked for their potential to improve effectiveness.
Control system reconfiguration

The problem of reconfiguring a control system to accommodate the failure of a sensor or actuator is discussed in the context of several different system configurations. First, some ground rules under which the reconfiguration algorithms are to function are established. A variety of control system configurations is then considered, and it is found that the approach to reconfiguration is obvious in some cases but not clear in others. Several possible strategies for reconfiguration, applicable to different situations, are examined.
Fate of the initial state perturbations in heavy ion collisions. II. Glauber fluctuations and sounds

Heavy-ion collisions at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) are well described by the (nearly ideal) hydrodynamics for average events. In the present paper we study initial state fluctuations appearing on an event-by-event basis and the propagation of perturbations induced by them. We found that (i) fluctuations of several of the lowest harmonics have comparable magnitudes and (ii) that at least all odd harmonics are correlated in phase, (iii) thus indicating the local nature of fluctuations. We argue that such local perturbations should be the source of the ``tiny bang,'' a pulse of sound propagating from it. We identify its two fundamental scales as (i) the ``sound horizon'' (analogous to the absolute ruler in cosmic microwave background and galaxy distributions) and (ii) the ``viscous horizon'' separating damped and undamped harmonics. We then qualitatively describe how one can determine them from the data and thus determine two fundamental parameters of the matter: the (average) speed of sound and viscosity. The rest of the paper explains how one can study mutual coherence of various harmonics. For that, one should go beyond the two-particle correlations to three (or more) particles. Mutual coherence is important for the picture of propagating sound waves.
Average complexity for linear operators over bounded domains

Abstract Suppose one wants to compare worst case and average complexities for approximation of a linear operator. In order to get a fair comparison the complexities have to be obtained for the same domain of the linear operator. In previous papers, average complexity was studied when the domain was the entire space. To avoid trivial results, worst case complexity has been studied for bounded domains, and in particular, for balls of finite radius. In this paper we study the average complexity for approximation of linear operators whose domain is a ball of finite radius q . We prove that the average complexities even for modest q and for q = +∞ are closely related. This and existing results enable us to compare the worst case and average complexities for balls of finite radius. We also analyze the average complexity for the normalized and relative errors. The paper is illustrated by integration of functions of one variable and by approximation of functions of d variables which are equipped with a Wiener measure.
Visual Inspection Techniques for Bridges and other Transportation Structures

This paper describes how visual inspection (VI) is the most basic and also the most common method by which bridges and other transportation structures are evaluated. However, although very basic in nature, the results of VI are relied on at many different decision making levels. As such, these inspections are expected to result in an accurate assessment of a bridge’s ability to meet both the safety and serviceability requirements of the traveling public, clearly an important aspect of any bridge management system.
Energy scavenging device in LTCC materials

Energy scavenging devices can use environmental vibrations to power remote devices without the need for wires or batteries. This paper discusses the use of low temperature co-fired ceramics to design and fabricate a compact, multilayer coil to power an electromagnetic energy scavenging device
Development and Establishment of Good Review Practices for Drug Products in Korea

Good review practices (GRP) for drug products are a system to ensure the consistency, transparency, fairness, and objectivity of the review process. To this end, the standardized guidelines on process and procedures for the review of drug products were developed for efficient conduct of the review process, and ongoing training activities were conducted to improve the expertise level of reviewers. Since the introduction of the GRP system in 2004, the Korea Food and Drug Administration has initiated various research activities to reflect the results in the review process. Major accomplishments arising from the introduction of the GRP are as follows: (1) standardized review forms for various review areas and guidelines on considerations in reviewing drug products were developed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the review process; (2) the review-related regulations were newly developed or revised and guidelines were published to ensure the consistency and fairness of the review process; (3) the procedure for disclosure of review results was developed and various data and information have been disclosed to the public to improve the transparency and reliability of the review process and results; and (4) training programs for reviewers have been developed and implemented to improve the expertise level of reviewers and ensure reliable review results. In addition, a road map for the GRP system was developed, which has been systematically executed to improve the quality of the review process and confidence in the review results.
Serum cholesterol and 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary carcinogenesis

Diet-induced changes in serum cholesterol levels and their relationship to mammary carcinogenesis initiated by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) were studied in female Sprague-Dawley rats. DMBA was given to rats subjected to 3 dietary treatments: (1) a semipurified, cholesterol-free diet (SP); (2) the same diet with 1.5% cholesterol and 0.5% bile salts added (CB); (3) diet CB, until administration of DMBA and then switched to diet SP. Tumor yield per rat was increased in rats fed diet CB, but incidence and tumor size were similar among all 3 groups. Rats maintained on diet SP alone had a higher percentage of histologically benign tumors. Hypercholesterolemia of dietary origin appears to enhance slightly chemical carcinogenesis in this model.
High repetition rate, high average power, mid-infrared laser

An optical parametric generator pumped by an amplified passively Q-switched laser at 35kHz generates 1.5W around 1.5µm. Management of thermal lensing due to residual absorption of idler beam is critical for power scalability
The effects of copper on collagen cross-linking.

Abstract Evidence in this report indicates that copper is directly involved in the process of collagen cross-linking. The bones from chicks fed copper-deficient diets became brittle and fragile. The collagen in copper-deficient bone was more easily extracted and contained less total aldehyde than corresponding controls. After chromatography on CM-cellulose columns and acrylamide gel electrophoresis, monomer or α-collagen and the cross-linked dimer, β-collagens, could be separated and quantitated. The α to β ratio of collagen from copper-deficient bone was approximately twice that of collagen from control bone, indicating a decrease in the cross-linking.
Autoantibodies to the Ro/SSA antigen are conformation dependent. I: Anti-60 kD antibodies are mainly directed to the native protein; anti-52 kD antibodies are mainly directed to the denatured protein.

Recent studies have shown that Ro/SSA autoantigen is heterogeneous and the autoanti-Ro/SSA response is correspondingly heterogeneous. There are two isoform families; the 60 kD forms and the 52 kD forms.We studied the antigenic difference between the native and denatured Ro/SSA isoforms and found that the autoanti-Ro/SSA response to the native 60 kD antigen is quite homogeneous. All anti-Ro/SSA sera recognize the native kD antigen regardless of the reactivities to the 60 kD band on the Western blot. Surprisingly, no anti-Ro/SSA sera without anti-La/SSB reacts with the native 52 kD Ro/SSA, although sera with both precipitating anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB can immunoprecipitate the native 52 kD antigen.Anti-Ro/SSA sera exist which react exclusively with the native 60 kD Ro/SSA protein (10/43. 232) while no anti-Ro/SSA sera have been found which react exclusively with the denatured 52 kD Ro/SSA antigen. In sera with anti-Ro/SSA precipitins alone, only antibody to the denatured 52 kD Ro/SSA molecule is found! I...
Forced vibrations of continuous circular arch frames

The general dynamic slope-deflection method for circular curved members of constant section vibrating inextensionally is extended to forced vibrations of continuous arch frames. The dynamic slope-deflection equations which include the effect of dynamic load are first presented. The fixed-end moments and fixed-end thrusts appearing in these equations are then derived for a dynamic concentrated load acting at any section of a curved member. A three-span circular arch frame subjected to a dynamic load is given to illustrate the application of the proposed method and to show the effects of the frequency of applied load and the central angle of the arc on the joint moments of the frame.
Stereospecific asparaginases in smooth Brucella abortus, strain 19.

Abstract Sonic extracts of smooth Brucella abortus, strain 19, possess two asparagine deamidases, one specifically hydrolyzing the l -isomer of asparagine and one hydrolyzing the d -isomer. l -Asparaginase is labile to repeated freezing and thawing, whereas d -asparaginase is stable to this treatment. Both enzymes appear to be sulfhydryl-type enzymes. No readily dissociable metal-ion cofactors have been found for either enzyme. d -Asparaginase is active over a wide pH range while l -asparaginase activity increases sharply at pH 8.0. The enzymes have been separated by fractional precipitation with acetic acid. Substrate saturation curves for the two enzymes are different.
Changes in metabolic and structural diversity of a soil bacterial community in response to cadmium toxicity

Cadmium toxicity reduces the species diversity of soil microbial communities and their ability to metabolize different carbon substrates. However, it is not yet clear whether there is a relationship between loss of species diversity and the metabolic rates at which different substrates are used. In this research, the ability of a soil microbial community to metabolize 31 C substrates was examined using Biolog Ecoplates amended with Cd over a range of concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20, 50 μg ml−1). After 48 h growth, the bacterial communities that were produced on ten of the substrates were characterized in relation to their 16S rDNA profiles by PCR denaturing-gradient gel electrophoresis. Results showed that both the microbial growth rates and the numbers of substrates that were used were reduced with increasing Cd concentration. When examined across all substrates, approximately 30% of the 16S rDNA bands representing different bacterial species were eliminated by 5 μg Cd ml−1. However, there was considerable variation in the bacterial community responses with different C substrates. Both cluster analysis and discriminant analysis indicated that the bacterial community structures could be grouped into sensitive, moderately sensitive, and Cd-resistant communities.
Parametric interaction in electron beam waves&#8212;A system function characterization

In this paper we develop a technique for characterizing parametric interaction in electron beam waves in terms of a system transfer function. We consider systems in which the parametric interaction is described by a matrix equation of the form (∂/∂t + u o ∂/∂ z )a = -iH a where a is a state vector of the system and H is the matrix characterizing the interaction. Solutions in the time domain can be expressed in the form a(z, t) = M(z, t) a(O, t - z/u o ) where M (a matrix) is called the system function in the time domain. Solutions in the frequency domain can be expressed in the form â(z, ω) = ∫ M(z, ω - ω')â(O, ω')dω' where â(z, ω) is the Fourier transform of a(z, t) and M(z, ω) is the transform of M(z, t). Solutions for parametric interaction in transverse beam waves are worked out for two cases: In Case I we derive the well-known result that describes the behavior of a single pump wave, electron beam parametric amplifier. In Case II we consider a parametric interaction involving two pump waves in which an infinite number of frequencies are parametrically coupled.
Grain Yield Performance and Stability of Cultivar Blends vs. Component Cultivars of Hard Winter Wheat in Nebraska

In diverse growing environments, cultivar blends of hard winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) are considered as an option over pure cultivars for maintaining grain yield and reducing risk to producers. The objectives of this research were to evaluate the grain yield between blends and their component cultivars over several locations in Nebraska and to compare blend grain yield stability. Two separate experiments of six three-cultivar blends and their component cultivars tested in a total of 30 environments and three two-cultivar blends and their component cultivars tested in a total of 20 environments were grown in replicated randomized block designs. All component cultivars and cultivar blends (referred to as lines, hereafter) were evaluated for mean grain yield performance and stability. 'Pronghorn'-'Goodstreak'-'Buckskin' was the sole cultivar blend that significantly increased grain yield when compared with the average of its component cultivars. The grain yield advantage for the mean average cultivar blends varied from 2.2% lower to 1.9% higher with overall advantage of 0.4% yield increase for all the nine cultivar blends. Cultivar blends of 'Millennium'-'Wesley'-'Wahoo', Millennium-'Halt'-Wahoo, and Millennium-'Alliance'-Wahoo were the most stable lines using regression estimates for stability. When compared with the average of component cultivars, cultivar blends were more stable over different environments with little or no reduction in grain yield.
Intensity and angle-of-arrival effects on microwave propagation caused by atmospheric turbulence

Atmospheric turbulence has been shown to cause measurable effects on the propagation of microwave and millimeter-wave signals. Although these effects are not as strong as those encountered at visible wavelengths because of their variation as f7/6, where f is frequency, the contribution of the humidity structure function CQ 2 makes these effects significant for many applications. In this paper we present results of calculations and measurements of the effects of atmospheric turbulence on millimeter wave signals at 117, 140, 173, and 230 GHz as well as calculations and measurements of these effects at 10 GHz. The agreement between theoretical and measured values is considered good for this type experiment.
Pulsed High-Pressure Liquid Injection of Biological Molecules into Supersonic Beam/Mass Spectrometry with Resonant Two-Photon Ionization Detection:

Pulsed high-pressure liquid injection is used as a means of introducing thermally labile biological species into a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS) system. The analyte species are then ionized by resonant two-photon ionization (R2PI) in the near ultraviolet. This method serves as a means of producing soft ionization or extensive fragmentation on the basis of the laser power and wavelength, without physical separation of the analyte from the effluent jet expansion. In addition, the pulsed liquid injection method allows introduction of the sample in methanol at 80°C without the extensive clustering that normally occurs in continuous expansions unless much higher temperature is utilized. With the use of this method the R2PI of catecholamines and indoleamines, as well as their metabolites, is studied in a TOFMS. The ability to obtain some spectral selectivity from jet expansions of liquid methanol is also demonstrated.
Fluorescent microscopic technique for viewing fungi in soil and its application to studies of a fusarium-suppressive soil

The study of fungal propagules in soil by conventional light microscopy and staining precedures is difficult due to failure to detect propagules obscured by soil particles. Fluorescence microscopy has been used to view fungal spores in soil (Eren and Pramer, 1967: Tsao, 1970) but treatment and staining of the spores with a fluorescent brightener (FB) was required before their addition to soil. Darken (1964) demonstrated that FB increased the germination of fungal spores and, thus, such treatment could substantially alter subsequent fungal development in soil. We describe a simple technique for staining fungal propagules that, unlike the earlier methods, allows the spores to germinate in soil without the influence of FB. The usefulness of our technique was demonstrated by comparing germination of Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht f. sp. hi (Bolley) Snyd. and Hans. chlamydospores in Fusarium wiltconducive and -suppressive soils with and without iron chelates. We previously suggested (Scher and Baker, 1983) that addition of the chelate ethylenediamine di-ohydroxyphenyl-acetic acid (EDDHA) to conducive soil induced suppressiveness to Fusarium wilt diseases because of the high iron-binding ability of EDDHA, which rendered iron unavailable to the pathogen (Kloepper et al., 1980). In contrast, addition of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) to suppressive soil nullified suppressiveness by releasing loosely-held iron and thereby making iron more available to the pathogen (Kloepper ef al., 1980; Scher and Baker, 1983). F. oxysporum f. sp. lini was grown on potato dextrose agar for 1 week. Conidia and hyphae were scraped from the surface of the agar, homogenized with water in a Waring Blendor (Model 501 I, Waring Products, New Hartford, CT) for 5 min and sieved (< I mm). Ten ml were mixed into each of three 50 g samples of Fusarium wilt-conducive (Colorado sandy loam) and -suppressive (Salinas Valley, California sandy loam) soils. In some treatments, the chelates EDDHA, EDTA, or their ferric complexes, were added (I mg g-t). The soil was air dried for 2 weeks, moistened with IO ml water 50 gg’ soil and air dried for 2 weeks. At this time most of the hyphal fragments and conidia had lysed or converted to chlamydospores. This procedure resulted in approximately IO6 Fusarium propagules gg’ soil. To study chlamydospore germination, 0.2 g soil subsamples were placed in wells in a plastic multi-well tissue-culture plate. Chlamydospores were stimulated to germinate by the addition of 0.1 ml of an aqueous 0.1% glucose, 0.1% asparagine solution to each subsample (Smith and Snyder, 1971). After 16 h at 25°C chlamydospores were stained for viewing by the addition to each subsample of 0.1 ml of a 0.3%
Clinical Behavior of Acoustic Tumors: A Flow Cytometric Analysis

• Objective. —Recently, nonsurgical treatment of acoustic tumors has been advocated as an alternative to surgical resection. Because of the relatively short follow-up in reported series of radiation-treated acoustic tumors, the lack of growth of some tumors may merely reflect the variable biologic growth potential of these tumors and not the result of treatment. DNA flow cytometry has been used to predict biologic activity in other solid tumors. It is applied in this study to assess the variability of growth potential in a typical acoustic tumor population and to determine whether relationships exist between flow cytometric data and clinical characteristics of acoustic tumors. Design. —DNA flow cytometry techniques were used to evaluate formalin—fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue previously obtained from patients who were surgically treated for acoustic neuromas. Relationships between flow cytometry data and historical data were also statistically evaluated. Setting. —Tissue samples were from patients of a large private otologic practice. Patients. —Subjects were a convenience sample of 49 patients (26 female and 23 male) with a mean age of 59 years who had undergone surgical removal of an acoustic neuroma. None of the patients had other stigmata of neurofibromatosis or tumor recurrence. All tissue specimens were pathologically confirmed acoustic neuromas, with a range in tumor size from 1 to 6 cm. Main Outcome Measures. —The measures included DNA ploidy and S-phase fraction. Historical data included age, sex, size of tumor, presenting symptom, and symptom duration. Results. —All 49 tumors showed a diploid distribution, with S-phase values ranging from 1.07% to 20.74% (mean±SD, 6.30±4.24). The ploidy and S-phase data compare favorably with previously published data in which fresh tissue was used. There were no statistically significant relationships between S-phase value and historical data. Conclusions. —The wide range of S-phase values is consistent with a large variation in tumor growth potential and suggests caution in interpreting the results of radiation treatment of acoustic tumors when follow-up is relatively short. ( Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1993;119:269-271)