cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
AAV Vectors for the Nucleolus

During the replication of wild-type adeno-associated virus (AAV), viral capsids are assembled in the nucleolus,1 and the capsid proteins interact with the nucleolar proteins nucleolin (NCL) and nucleophosmin (NPM1), possibly promoting their transport from the cytoplasm into the nucleolus.2,3 In the case of replication-incompetent AAV vectors, the nucleolus is also important because vector virions can be found inside the nucleolus soon after entering the cell, and both NCL and NPM1 are involved in this trafficking.4 The nucleolar localization of vector virions is probably responsible for the unusual preference of AAV vectors for integration within the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) repeats, which accounts for 3–8% of all nonhomologous integration events,5,6 or 10- to 30-fold more than expected based on the amount of rDNA per cell. In this issue of Molecular Therapy, two reports from the labs of Markus Grompe and Mark Kay exploit this tendency of AAV virions to localize to the nucleolus by incorporating rDNA sequences into the vector genome and transducing mouse hepatocytes with these “rDNA vectors.”7,8 This simple trick produced dramatic effects, resulting in a 30-fold increase in chromosomal integration, about one third of which occurred within the rDNA repeats.8
On the p-rank of the incidence matrix of points and hyperplanes in a finite projective geometry

Abstract The rank over GF(p), or p-rank, of the incidence matrix of points and hyperplanes in the finite projective geometry PG(t, pn) is shown to be equal to p 6 ⩾ 2 + p 3 2 − p 5 2 − ∑ j = 7 n p i This result is obtained by representing the points of the geometry by elements of the field K=GF(pn(t+1)) and by representing hyperplanes in terms of linear functionals on K expressed in terms of the trace from K to GF(pn).
Plaque assay of alfalfa looper nuclear polyhedrosis virus on the TN-368 cell line

0 Z n Plaque assays for quantification of viruses of vertebrates have been used for many years, but procedures for plaque assay of insect viruses are relatively new. This paper reports the detailed procedures for plaque assay of alfalfa looper Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcNPV) on the cabbage looper Trichoplusia ni (TN-368) cell line, and is an expansion of previously published techniques (1,2),
Spin trapping of radicals formed in gamma-irradiated methanol: Effect of the irradiation temperature from 77 K to 300 K

Abstract The neutral radicals formed in gamma-irradiated methanol were studied by spin trapping with phenyl-t-butylnitrone (PBN) in an attempt to probe the primary neutral radicals formed. In the temperature range from ≈ 157 K to 300 K both CH2OH and CH3O spin adducts are observed and their limiting ratio at high PBN concentrations is CH2OH/CH3O = 1.5 over this temperature range. Below ≈ 157 K this ratio increases exponentially with decreasing temperature with an apparent activation energy of 5.8 kJ/mole (1.4 kcal/mole); this is consistent with the finding that only CH2OH radicals are formed by gamma radiolysis at 77 K. Several possible models for the primary neutral radicals formed in gamma-irradiated methanol and their subsequent reactions as a function of irradiation temperature are discussed. It is suggested that the primary radical formation mechanisms are similar in the gas and liquid phases and become temperature dependent when molecular motion is arrested in the solid.
Geochemical distribution of hydrocarbons in sediments from mid-Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island

Abstract The concentration of hydrocarbons (saturated and aromatic) and synthetic chlorinated compounds (Chlordane, DDT, and PCBs) decreased with depth in sediment cores from mid-Narragansett Bay and reached background levels at different depths. These depths were in general agreement with those expected based on the chronological inputs of these materials to the Bay. Although the total hydrocarbons concentration decreased with depth, the biogenic n-alkanes (n-C25,27,29,31,33) showed a fairly constant concentration with depth as did the organic carbon content of these sediments. The n-alkane odd/even ratio increased with depth in the cores. Size fractionation (> 45 μm and 0.3 μm) of two core sections showed more hydrocarbons associated with the smaller size fraction in the surface section, while the lower section had approximately equal concentrations in both fractions. These trends suggest that over the time period covered by these cores the inputs of biogenic materials has remained relatively constant, while the input of anthropogenic hydrocarbons has increased dramatically during the last 100 yr. This increase is probably due to the expanded use of petroleum over this time period and subsequent chronic inputs to this estuarine environment.
Design of a Torque Controller for the Adept-2 Robot

The ability to command actuator torque is necessary to perform research into robot control. Commercial manipulators using direct-drive actuators offer high performance, but do not allow specification of actuator torque. We experimentally characterize the motors in an Adept-2 manipulator, and develop a linearizing and decoupling controller which allows torque specification. Torque ripple is 13%.
Toxic equivalency factors of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins in an ovulation model: validation of the toxic equivalency concept for one aspect of endocrine disruption.

Abstract Polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDs) are structural analogues, which produce a similar spectrum of biological and toxicological responses in animals, albeit with differential potencies. Very consistent structure–activity relationships have been found for acute toxicity and some biochemical effects among these compounds. For the current experiments, the gonadotropin-primed immature female rat model was used to study the effect of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (PeCDD), and 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (HxCDD) on ovulation. Single doses of different PCDDs and their mixture were given orally to 23-day-old rats. Gonadotropin from pregnant mare's serum (PMSG) was injected (5 IU) 24 h later to induce follicular maturation. Rats were decapitated at various times after PMSG, blood was collected, and ovarian weight was measured. Serum concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E 2 ), progesterone (P 4 ), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and prolactin (PrL) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Ovulation was measured at 72 h after injection of PMSG by counting ova flushed from oviducts. PCDDs dose dependently decreased the number of ova per ovary and reduced ovarian weight gain induced by PMSG. The slopes of the dose–response curves generated by individual PCDDs and/or their mixture were similar. PMSG-induced increase in serum E 2 was enhanced on the day of expected ovulation by PCDDs; in contrast, serum P 4 and FSH were decreased at that same time point. PCDDs also altered the temporal pattern of serum E 2 , FSH, and LH but not that of PrL. Histologically the effect of all three PCDDs consisted of ova trapped in preovulatory follicles and a lack of or reduced number of corpora lutea. The results indicate that the PCDDs, tested in the present model, have the same mode of action on ovulation and the reproductive hormones, e.g., LH, FSH, P 4 and E 2 . Furthermore, the dose responses of the individual congeners are parallel to each other and also to that of their equipotent mixture, which represent a validation of the TEQ concept for one aspect of endocrine disruption, that is for inhibition of ovulation.
Taking stock of the Franks: South Asian views of Europeans and Europe, 1500–1800

This article reflects on a diverse set of materials that constitute a part of South Asian xenology in the early modern period. Partly derived from South India, and partly from the northern Indian c...
Middle School Students' Aggressive Reactions to Dating Situations

Abstract The present study investigated age differences in reactions to the perceptions of dating violence using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Focus groups were conducted to develop age and culturally appropriate questionnaires for each age group (college and middle school). The questionnaires consisted of common dating scenarios that could possibly lead to dating violence. Young adolescents and adults were asked to provide their perceptions and behavioral reactions to the dating scenarios. The study found that young adolescents, as compared with adults, were significantly more likely to perceive common dating situations negatively and respond aggressively towards the dating partner. These findings have implications for practitioners charged with preventing dating violence among adolescents.
Lung-resident memory CD8 T cells (TRM) are indispensable for optimal cross-protection against pulmonary virus infection

Previous studies have shown that some respiratory virus infections leave local populations of tissue TRM cells in the lungs which disappear as heterosubtypic immunity declines. The location of these TRM cells and their contribution to the protective CTL response have not been clearly defined. Here, fluorescence microscopy is used to show that some CD103(+) TRM cells remain embedded in the walls of the large airways long after pulmonary immunization but are absent from systemically primed mice. Viral clearance from the lungs of the locally immunized mice precedes the development of a robust Teff response in the lungs. Whereas large numbers of virus-specific CTLs collect around the bronchial tree during viral clearance, there is little involvement of the remaining lung tissue. Much larger numbers of TEM cells enter the lungs of the systemically immunized animals but do not prevent extensive viral replication or damage to the alveoli. Together, these experiments show that virus-specific antibodies and TRM cells are both required for optimal heterosubtypic immunity, whereas circulating memory CD8 T cells do not substantially alter the course of disease.
Glycosphingolipid-dependent cross-talk between glycosynapses interfacing tumor cells with their host cells: essential basis to define tumor malignancy.

Status of tumor progression (either remaining in situ, or becoming invasive/metastatic) may be defined largely by subtle interactions (‘cross-talk’) in a microenvironment formed by interfacing tumor cell and host cell membrane domains (termed ‘glycosynapses’) involved in glycosylation-dependent cell adhesion and signaling. Functional roles of tumor-associated gangliosides, organized in glycosynapses of three types of tumor cell lines, are discussed. Gangliosides function as adhesion receptors or as ‘sensors’ that can be stimulated by antibodies, with consequent activation of signal transducers leading to enhanced motility and invasiveness.
The production of convulsions by an exotoxin from Pseudomonas tabaci

Abstract The phytopathogenic bacterium, Pseudomonas tabaci , produces, in culture, an exotoxin which, when purified, causes seizures in mice and rats. The syndrome is similar to that produced by methionine sulfoximine (L-MSO). However, the toxin is at least 10-fold or more potent than is L-MSO. As the concentration of the toxin administered intraperitoneally was increased, the average time to onset of convulsions decreased from 12 hours (0.0125 mmole) to 6 min (0.25 mmole). Intracisternal administration of the toxin to rats also produced convulsions. The convulsive effect of the toxin could not be reversed by l -methionine, which did reverse the convulsive effect of L-MSO.
Challenges facing U.S. government and Department of Defense efforts in strategic communication

Abstract Without entering the debate about exactly what strategic communication is or should be, this article enumerates challenges facing efforts to inform, influence, and persuade in pursuit of national policy objectives first for the U.S. government in general, and then specific to the Department of Defense. With the problem space thus defined, the article then offers a handful of solutions and suggestions, including requiring desired information endstates as part of commander's intent and separating efforts to manipulate and deceive from truthful efforts to inform, influence, and persuade.
Surface and bulk-passivated large area multicrystalline silicon solar cells

Abstract We have investigated the surface and bulk passivation technique on large-area multicrystalline silicon solar cells, a large open-circuit voltage has been obtained for cells oxidized to passivate the surface and hydrogen annealed after deposition of silicon nitride film on both surfaces by plasma CVD method (PSiN) to passivate the bulk. The texture surface like pyramid structure on multicrystalline silicon surface has been obtained uniformly using reactive ion etching (RIE) method. Combining these RIE method and passivation schemes, the conversion efficiency of 17.1% is obtained on 15 cm × 15 cm multicrystalline silicon solar cell. Phosphorus diffusion, BSF formation, passivation technique and contact metallization for low-cost process sequence are also described in this paper.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Risk-Factor Guided and Birth-Cohort Screening for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection in the United States

Background No consensus exists on screening to detect the estimated 2 million Americans unaware of their chronic hepatitis C infections. Advisory groups differ, recommending birth-cohort screening for baby boomers, screening only high-risk individuals, or no screening. We assessed one-time risk assessment and screening to identify previously undiagnosed 40–74 year-olds given newly available hepatitis C treatments.
Structural and Biochemical Analyses of Mycobacterium tuberculosis N-Acetylmuramyl-L-alanine Amidase Rv3717 Point to a Role in Peptidoglycan Fragment Recycling.

Peptidoglycan hydrolases are key enzymes in bacterial cell wall homeostasis. Understanding the substrate specificity and biochemical activity of peptidoglycan hydrolases in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is of special interest as it can aid in the development of new cell wall targeting therapeutics. In this study, we report biochemical and structural characterization of the mycobacterial N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanine amidase, Rv3717. The crystal structure of Rv3717 in complex with a dipeptide product shows that, compared with previously characterized peptidoglycan amidases, the enzyme contains an extra disulfide-bonded β-hairpin adjacent to the active site. The structure of two intermediates in assembly reveal that Zn(2+) binding rearranges active site residues, and disulfide formation promotes folding of the β-hairpin. Although Zn(2+) is required for hydrolysis of muramyl dipeptide, disulfide oxidation is not required for activity on this substrate. The orientation of the product in the active site suggests a role for a conserved glutamate (Glu-200) in catalysis; mutation of this residue abolishes activity. The product binds at the head of a closed tunnel, and the enzyme showed no activity on polymerized peptidoglycan. These results point to a potential role for Rv3717 in peptidoglycan fragment recycling.
Ultrasound-Guided First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Injections: Description of an In-plane, Gel Standoff Technique in a Cadaveric Study

Objective. To describe a longitudinal ultrasound-guided in-plane approach for injection into the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and assess its accuracy in a cadaveric model. Design. A prospe...
Electron transfer from acetate to the surface of MnO2 particles by a marine bacterium

Intact cells of marine pseudomonad strain BIII 88, grown in the presence of added MnSO4 (induced cells), reduced MnO2 aerobically and anaerobically with acetate. They did not reduce limonite (FeOOH) with acetate. Spectrophotometric evidence of respiratory pigments in the cell envelope and inhibition of MnO2 reduction by antimycin A and NQNO indicated that a respiratory process was involved. Stimulation of MnO2 reduction by the oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers CCCP and 2,4-DNP indicated energy conservation during the reduction. Intact cells of strain BIII 88 grown in the absence of added manganese (non-induced cells) showed marginal MnO2-reducing activity. Cell envelope fractions from induced cells prepared with a French press exhibited higher specific MnO2-reducing activity on average than those prepared by sonication. Cell envelope fractions from induced cells contained more manganese than cell envelope fractions from non-induced cells. Recombined cell fractions from induced cells were more active than recombined cell fractions from non-induced cells. MnO2 reducing activity was correlated with manganese content in cell envelope fractions. Cell envelope fractions from two cultures that do not reduce. MnO2 contained less manganese in their cell envelope fractions than similar fractions from non-induced strain BIII 88. Manganese in the cell envelope of strain BIII 88 appears to play a role in the transfer of reducing power from respiration on acetate across the cell envelope to the surface of MnO2 particles.
Boosting efficiency and accurate modeling of parametric down-conversion processes

Conversion efficiency is boosted by using tandem crystal optical parametric amplifier geometry. We have undertaken comprehensive numerical modeling of the optical systems, where the output beam for the first stage are calculated and then propagated to the second stage. As a concrete example periodically poled lithium niobate crystals are experimentally examined. The phase and amplitude information about the pump and signal beams were retrieved using the Fresnel phase retrieval method and used as input in the theory. This enabled real laboratory conditions to be modeled. Subsequently, the amplitude and phase of the complex pump and signal beam from the crystal was calculated and the results were validated by experiments. Non-collinear interactions in the second stage also yielded an efficient idler output over a broad range of temperatures. ZnGeP 2 crystals were used in the numerical simulations with first and second stage amplification. We predicted an idler energy increase by a more than a factor of 3.
Differential PPM has a higher throughput than PPM for the band-limited and average-power-limited optical channel

Because of the optimality of the pulse position modulation (PPM) technique for the infinite-bandwidth channel, it has been suggested as a technique for the bandwidth-limited channel. The use of differential pulse position modulation (dPPM) as an alternative coding scheme to PPM is proposed. In dPPM each new word begins at the end of the previous word. To avoid synchronization problems, a simple scheme that decreases the throughput of the dPPM channel but is easy to analyze is chosen. For some parameter values this restricted dPPM scheme has greater throughput (in terms of capacity and cutoff rate) than PPM. >
The structure of isobarbatene, the stable tricyclic end-point of the bazzanene-barbatene sesquiterpenes

Abstract The barbatenes (e.g. 3) and a number of other sesquiterpenes afford a novel rearrangement product on treatment with CF3CO2H. This substance, designated isobarbatene, is shown to have structure 6, the result of a bicyclo-[3.2.1]→[2.2.2]→[3.2.1] rearrangement followed by an exo Me shift and deprotonation. The structure assignment is based on spectral and chiroptical data for olefin 6 and its degradation products 8,9 and 10.
Impacts of wind waves on sediment transport in a large, shallow lake

Lake Okeechobee is a large, shallow subtropical lake, located in south Florida. Over the last several decades, Lake Okeechobee has experienced accelerated eutrophication due to excessive phosphorus loads from agricultural run-off. Recycling of phosphorus from bottom sediments through resuspension is critical to addressing eutrophication of the lake and for water quality management. The present study investigates the impacts of wind waves on sediment transport in Lake Okeechobee, using measured data and the Lake Okeechobee Environmental Model (LOEM). The LOEM was fully calibrated and verified with more than 10 years of measured data in previous studies. Analysis of the measured data indicates significant wave height (SWH) and suspended sediment concentration are closely correlated to the wind speed in the lake. The nonlinear interaction of high-frequency wind waves with relatively low-frequency currents in the boundary layer plays a key role in sediment deposition/resuspension. Without considering the effects of wind waves, the bottom shear stress can be greatly underestimated. The spatial variations of key variables for sediment modelling, including SWH, water depth, orbital velocity, current velocity, bottom shear stress and sediment concentration, are discussed. In general, the near-bottom wave velocity (and the associated bottom shear stress) is greater than or the same order of magnitude as the near-bed current velocity (and the associated bottom shear stress) in this shallow water system. Although the sediment zones of Lake Okeechobee were described in previous studies, few published papers discussed its formation mechanisms. The findings of the present study include that the multiyear averaged bottom shear stress with wind-wave effect plays a key role in forming the spatial patterns of the sediment zones. The study results are currently being used in lake management and in developing strategies for reducing phosphorus in the lake.
Therapy for Lyme arthritis: Strategies for the treatment of antibiotic-refractory arthritis

Lyme arthritis, caused by the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (1), typically causes intermittent or persistent arthritis in a few large joints, especially the knee, for several years (2). Treatment recommendations have changed over time. In the early 1980s, 3 intramuscular injections of benzathine penicillin or a 10-day course of high-dose intravenous (IV) penicillin cured only 35–55% of patients (3). In the late 1980s, treatment with IV ceftriaxone for 2 weeks was effective in 90% of patients (4,5); slightly better results were achieved with 4 weeks of therapy (6), but adverse events occurred more frequently. During the same period of time, a 4-week course of oral doxycycline or amoxicillin was also effective in 90% of patients with Lyme arthritis (7). However, joint swelling in some patients remained unresponsive to oral therapy and re-treatment with a 2-week course of IV ceftriaxone (7). To date, little information is available about therapy for such patients. One non–antibiotic-treated patient had resolution of joint swelling following hydroxychloroquine therapy (8). Sixteen of 20 patients with persistent arthritis despite antibiotic therapy experienced resolution after arthroscopic synovectomy (9). In 2000, an expert panel from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) presented guidelines for the treatment of Lyme disease (10). The panel recommended initial treatment with oral doxycycline or amoxicillin for 4 weeks for patients with Lyme arthritis and no concomitant neurologic abnormalities. Results of a cost–benefit analysis suggested that such therapy is as effective as IV therapy, is safer than IV therapy, and is considerably less expensive (11). For patients in whom arthritis is persistent despite receiving 4 weeks of oral antibiotic therapy, the panel recommended re-treatment with another 4-week course of oral antibiotics or with a 2–4-week course of IV ceftriaxone. However, in a small percentage of patients, proliferative synovitis (12,13) persists for months to several years, even after 2 months of treatment with oral antibiotics, 1 month of treatment with IV antibiotics, or both, which we have termed antibiotic-refractory (or slowly resolving) Lyme arthritis.
Active roll control for rollover prevention of heavy articulated vehicles with multiple-rollover-index minimisation

This paper presents the application of a nominal control design algorithm for rollover prevention of heavy articulated vehicles with active anti-roll-bar control. This proposed methodology is based on an extension of linear quadratic regulator control for ‘state derivative-induced (control coupled) output regulation’ problems. For heavy articulated vehicles with multiple axles, a performance index with multiple rollover indices is proposed. The proposed methodology allows us to compare the usefulness of various control configurations (i.e. actuators at different axles of the vehicle) based on the interaction of this control configuration with vehicle dynamics. Application of this methodology to a specific heavy articulated vehicle with a tractor semi-trailer shows that a single active anti-roll-bar system at the trailer unit gives better performance than multiple-axle actuators at tractor and trailer together with the single lane change manoeuvre as the external disturbance. Thus, the proposed methodology...
A demonstration of a vision enhancement system for state patrol vehicles

In conditions of poor weather and restricted visibility, it is necessary that emergency vehicles (e.g., police, ambulance, snowplows) are still able to operate and respond to critical events in the road environment. This report presents the result of a pilot study designed to evaluate a prototype Vision Enhancement System (VES) intended for use by state patrol vehicles. For this study, visibility was artificially restricted using smoked headlight covers during nighttime driving on a closed test track. The study examined the effect of preview distance and the presence of motion cues in a Head Up Display (HUD). Driving speed and self-reported data were the dependent measures related to safety and vehicle control. Despite the lack of a valid baseline, drivers reported that they felt their driving would be safer with the system than in the (imagined) case of unassisted driving in poor visibility. As a result of the apparent improvement in safety, all officers had a positive attitude toward the system.
Antigenic determinants in human lung elastin peptides.

Elastin peptides were fractionated on a SE-Sephadex C-50 column by sequential elution with the following buffers: a) 0. 01 N acetic acid, b) linear gradient from 0. 05 N sodium acetate buffer, pH 4. 0 to 0. 4 N sodium acetate buffer, pH 4. 6, c) 0. 4 N sodium acetate buffer, pH 4. 6, d) 0. 5 N sodium hydroxide. Based on the elution profile, tubes were pooled into 12 fractions. Amino acid analysis of these fractions showed that the first 7 fractions contained mostly nonpolar peptides which lacked desmosine and isodesmosine residues. The other 5 fractions contained more polar peptides with desmosine and isodesmosine. Only polar fractions containing desmosine and isodesmosine proved to be antigenic when assayed by double immunodiffusion test. These antigenic peptide fractions were subjected to further analysis. Separation by gel filtration on Bio-Gel P-150 showed that each of the antigenic fractions consisted of at least 3 polypeptides with apparent molecular weights of 57, 000, 46, 000 and 9, 000. The two h...
Movement-Dependent Stroke Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of TMS and fMRI Evidence

Evidence indicates that experience-dependent cortical plasticity underlies post-stroke motor recovery of the impaired upper extremity. Motor skill learning in neurologically intact individuals is thought to involve the primary motor cortex, and the majority of studies in the animal literature have studied changes in the primary sensorimotor cortex with motor rehabilitation. Whether changes in engagement in the sensorimotor cortex occur in humans after stroke currently is an area of much interest. The present study conducted a meta-analysis on stroke studies examining changes in neural representations following therapy specifically targeting the upper extremity to determine if rehabilitation-related motor recovery is associated with neural plasticity in the sensorimotor cortex of the lesioned hemisphere. Twenty-eight studies investigating upper extremity neural representations (e.g., TMS, fMRI, PET, or SPECT) were identified, and 13 met inclusion criteria as upper extremity intervention training studies. Common outcome variables representing changes in the primary motor and sensorimotor cortices were used in calculating standardized effect sizes for each study. The primary fixed effects model meta-analysis revealed a large overall effect size (ES=0.84, S.D.=0.15, 95% CI=0.76-0.93). Moreover, a fail-safe analysis indicated that 42 null effect studies would be necessary to lower the overall effect size to an insignificant level. These results indicate that neural changes in the sensorimotor cortex of the lesioned hemisphere accompany functional paretic upper extremity motor gains achieved with targeted rehabilitation interventions.
Effects of tributyltin on medaka (Oryzias latipes) embryos at different stages of development

Potential mechanisms of action for the toxicity of tributyltin (TBT) were studied in the freshwater fish embryos of medaka (Oryzias latipes). Toxic concentrations of TBT have been found in estuaries and freshwater systems, presumably due to their use as biocides in boat, antifoulant paints and in industry for plastics production. Medaka embryos were exposed to a single concentration of TBT at developmental stages that corresponded to the formation of structures and/or organs which might be potential targets. Times of exposure included day 0, oviposition, day 3, completion of somite formation, and day 5, liver formation. Endpoints for evaluating toxicity were acute embryo lethality (96 h), rate of embryo development, hatching success, gross abnormalities, as well as hatchling eye diameter and number of somites. The clear chorion of medaka embryos allowed staging and in ova observations. Results showed that the acute toxicity of TBT was stage related. The 96 h LC50 (LC50: lowest concentration to cause 50% lethality in the test population) for embryos exposed on day 0 was 159 nM, which was lower than that for days 3 and 5, 360 and 340 nM, respectively. Subchronic endpoints showed that toxicity was concentration related and that embryos exposed on day 0 were more sensitive than those exposed on days 3 and 5. Lowest observable effect levels (LOELs) for hatching success were 36 nM for day 0 and 143 nM for days 3 and 5. LOELs for the combined effects of hatching success and gross abnormalities were 36 nM for day 0 and 71 nM for days 3 and 5. Developmental rate was slowed by TBT in a concentration-related manner; however, embryos treated with 36 and 71 nM were able to recover and hatch at the same time as controls. Types of gross abnormalities were similar regardless of day of exposure and consisted of tails bent at the tip, curled, and/or shortened. These abnormalities corresponded with statistically significant reductions in numbers of somites in all three age groups exposed to 71 nM (P<0.05). Although day 0 embryos were the most sensitive, the similar abnormalities for all 3 days of exposure indicated that TBT's toxicity was not due to effects on an age-dependent target but one present throughout embryo development.
Acoustic Models of Transformer Installations

Noise problems caused by transformer installations in urban situations can be avoided, ameliorated, or corrected by several measures. The application of the least costly of these measures requires in-formation which cannot be obtained easily by analytical methods. Measurements of an acoustic model of the transformer in its environment aids in the evaluation of the particular noise problem and gives design data for sound-reducing barriers.
Ignition Characteristics of Methane-Air Mixtures at Elevated Temperatures and Pressures

Lean operation of natural gas fired reciprocating engines has been the preferred mode of operation as it allows low NOx emissions and simultaneous high overall efficiencies. In such engines, the operation point is often close to where the ignition boundary and the knock limiting boundary cross-over. While knocking is, to a large extent, limited by engine design, ignition of lean-mixtures is limited by the mode of ignition. Since significant benefits can be achieved by extending the lean-ignition limits, many groups have been researching alternate ways to achieve ignition reliably. One of the methods, laser ignition, appears promising as it achieves ignition at high pressures and under lean conditions relatively easily. However, most of the current knowledge about laser ignition is based on measurements performed at room temperature. In this paper, ignition studies on methane-air mixtures under in-cylinder conditions are presented. A Rapid Compression Machine (RCM) was designed to reproduce typical in-cylinder, conditions of high temperature (∼ 490°C) and pressure (∼ 77 Bar) at the time of ignition. Experiments were performed comparing conventional coil based ignition (CDI) and laser ignition on methane-air mixtures while varying pressure and equivalence ratio systematically. It was observed that substantial gains are possible with the use of laser ignition as it extends the lean-ignition limit to the flammability limit, i.e., φ = 0.5. On the other hand, conventional CDI ignition could not ignite mixtures leaner than φ = 0.6. Also, faster combustion times and shorter ignition delays were observed in the case of laser ignition. Through scans performed for minimum required laser energies (MRE), it was noted that the measured values were substantially higher than those reported elsewhere. However, the trends of these values indicate that a laser ignition system designed for φ = 0.65 will successfully operate under all other equivalence ratios of a typical lean-burn engine.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Design and performance of a streamer chamber for use in neutral beams

Abstract A streamer chamber has recently been operated in a neutral beam at the Princeton-Pennsylvania Accelerator in an experiment to study the decay K L 0 → π + π − π 0 . Because of its extremely light construction (an average thickness of 0.2 g/cm 2 ), the chamber could be inserted directly into the neutral beam, which consisted of approximately 10 4 neutrons per K L 0 meson, without generating large numbers of background tracks due to neutron interactions. The events of interest appeared as neutral V's in the chamber and were recorded with the high multiple track efficiency and isotropic detection efficiency characteristic of the streamer mechanism. The chamber was operated in a magnetic field and the tracks were directly photographed in 90° stereo. The construction of the chamber, its operation, and properties such as spatial resolution, sensitive time, and track distortions are discussed.
Cloning, expression, and tissue distribution of the rat nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

A pcDNAI adult rat kidney complementary DNA (cDNA) library was screened using a sheep 11-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (11 beta HSD-2) probe, and the isolated clones were sequenced. The 5'-end of the cDNA was determined by 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The rat 11 beta HSD-2 cDNA is 1864 base pair (bp) long. It consists of a 5'-untranslated region of 126 bp, an open reading frame of 1203 bp, and a 3'-untranslated region of 535 bp. The predicted protein contains 400 amino acid residues, with a calculated mol wt of 43,700. The rat 11 beta HSD-2 protein sequence is 85% homologous to human 11 beta HSD-2 and 76% to sheep 11 beta HSD-2. Expression of 11 beta HSD-2 messenger RNA by Northern blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was high in kidney, distal colon, and adrenal and lower in the lung, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and midbrain. The rat 11 beta HSD-2 was transiently transfected into modified Chinese hamster ovary cells. Cells transfected with the 11 beta HSD-2 cDNA converted cort...
Family history of heart disease and cardiovascular disease risk-reducing behaviors.

Background: Family history is an important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. Preventive behaviors, including lifestyle modifications, can attenuate CVD risk. We studied the association between family history–based heart disease (HD) risk and CVD risk-reducing behaviors. Methods: Using data from the 2001 Healthstyles survey, we compared frequencies of CVD risk-reducing behaviors among adults without known CVD in categories defined by family history– based HD risk. We classified respondents’ HD risk as average (no first-degree relatives with HD), moderate (one relative), or high ( two relatives). Behaviors studied included lifestyle modifications, cholesterol measurement, and aspirin use. Results: Of 3383 respondents without known CVD, 28% were classified as being at moderate risk and 15% as being at high risk for HD based on family history. Adjusted odds ratios indicated that moderate- and high-risk respondents were more likely to report having cholesterol measured within the previous 5 years (OR 1.39, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.16–1.67 and 1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.64, respectively), and aspirin use to reduce CVD risk (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.23–1.79 and 1.67, 95% CI 1.33–2.09, respectively) than average-risk respondents. Conclusion: Almost one half of respondents reported a family history of HD. Aspirin use and cholesterol measurement (i.e., behaviors that health-care providers might suggest) were more likely to be reported by moderate- and high-risk respondents than were lifestyle changes. Family history merits further investigation as a public health tool to identify persons with increased HD risk who might benefit from enhanced prevention strategies. Genet Med 2004:6(3):153–158.
Sexual dimorphism in the regulation of caloric intake and body weight of rats fed different diets.

Abstract Female, androgenized female (AF), and male rats were given access to 1 of 3 diets—chow (C), high-dextrose (D-chow:dextrose, 2:1), and high-fat (F-chow:Crisco, 2:1) for 2 months. Caloric intake (CI), water intake, and body weights were monitored daily. Responses to gonadectomy and a single injection of estradiol benzoate (EB) were also studied. For females, F- and C-fed rats had comparable CI's, whereas D-fed rats chronically ate much less. For males, F-fed rats overate, whereas C- and D-fed rats had comparable CI's. The pattern of CI of AF rats fed the 3 diets was intermediate between that of males and females. Male rats were less responsive to the anorexic effects of EB than were the other two groups, and the F-diet potentiated the anorexic effects of EB in all three groups. Results are discussed in terms of a sex difference in the hypothalamic regulation of feeding behavior which is modulated by gonadal hormones.
Local adaptation limits lifetime reproductive success of dispersers in a wild salmon metapopulation.

Population dynamics depends on the interaction of dispersal and local adaptation, yet empirical evidence showing the role of these processes is scarce. Here, Peterson et al. show that in a wild population of salmon, gene flow is limited by selection against immigrants rather than by barriers to dispersal.
Two-neutron transfer in Pt nuclei and the structure of 200 Pt

The $^{194,196,198}\mathrm{Pt}(t,p)$ reactions have been measured with 17 MeV tritons on enriched and natural Pt targets. The level structure of $^{200}\mathrm{Pt}$ is probed for the first time, and several new excited ${\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ states have been identified in $^{196,198,200}\mathrm{Pt}$. Systematics in level structure of $^{192\ensuremath{-}200}\mathrm{Pt}$ are fairly constant, although there is evidence that $^{198,200}\mathrm{Pt}$ are becoming more vibrational in structure, with the $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-unstable shape of the lighter Pt nuclides becoming more oblate-like. Systematics of $L=4$ strengths are considered and can be qualitatively understood. The ($t,p$) strengths measured in the present study are combined with earlier $\mathrm{Pt}(p,t)$ and $\mathrm{Os}(t,p)$ measurements and compared with the systematics of two-neutron transfer strengths predicted by the interacting boson approximation, schematic, boson expansion, and pairing vibration models.NUCLEAR REACTIONS $^{194,196,198}\mathrm{Pt}(t,p)$, $E=17$ MeV; enriched targets; measured energy levels, $\ensuremath{\sigma}(\ensuremath{\theta})$ in $^{196,198,200}\mathrm{Pt}$; DWBA.NUCLEAR STRUCTURE $L=4$ transitions, interacting boson approximation model, schematic model, boson expansion technique, pairing vibration model.
A scripting language to help the blind to program visually

Computer programming, a career path that has been accessible to the blind, has changed in recent years as more systems use graphical user interfaces. These changes make it more difficult for the blind to work productively as programmers. Visual Basic, a RAD programming language that stores forms in text format, requires a great deal of information to be specified. A scripting language is introduced which simplifies the task and allows blind programmers to specify forms in a much simpler fashion. An example and a formal grammar are included.
Primary, Secondary, and Emotional Control Across Adulthood

Schulz and Heckhausen (1996) have recently formulated a theory of successful aging that centers on perceptions of control as a major theme in the developmental process. They suggest primary control is a universal phenomenon and that people will strive for primary control over secondary control. Secondary control mechanisms, on the other hand, may serve to mediate losses in primary control. This study evaluates the relationship between primary and secondary control among 327 men and women, by administering a general sense of control scale and an emotion control measure with four sub-scales. Consistent with previous research, both age and gender differences were found in primary and secondary control. The results of this study provide support for the theory of emotional selectivity which postulates that as people age they are more able to regulate their emotions, thereby directing energies at increasing secondary control mechanisms (Carstensen, 1986).
Comparative Literature as Textual Anthropology

In his article, "Comparative Literature as Textual Anthropology," Antony Tatlow proposes textual anthropology as a critic's approach in the comparative study of literature. If anthropology is "behavioural hermeneutics" (Clifford Geertz) with the implication of self-reflexivity, the anthropologist will be disposed to fashion in the object of attention what is neglected and that can therefore be described as the unconscious of his/her own culture. In an application of his framework, Tatlow relates totemic and utopian thought through the use of animal signs. In his article, Tatlow shows how cultural demands both fashion the ethnographer-critic and select the perspectives he/she must transcend. As auto-anthropologist, the artist "invents," instead of "describing," the Other. Tatlow discusses in his application of textual anthropology in comparative literature Gauguin and Brecht and shows how Levi-Strauss enables us to understand Brecht's response to Daoism and Buddhism as energised by the repressions in what we call the social or cultural unconscious. Antony Tatlow, "Comparative Literature as Textual Anthropology" page 2 of 7 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 2.4 (2000):
Oligoclonal immunoglobulins in the sera of healthy subjects at risk for AIDS.

Analysis of serum samples from 68 healthy subjects seropositive for HTLV-III antibodies was performed by high-resolution zone electrophoresis. A high incidence of oligoclonal immunoglobulin bands was detected in the sera of these subjects compared with absence of these bands in the sera of healthy seronegative controls. Identification of the immunoglobulin bands by immunofixation revealed a single heavy chain IgG, single κ and mixed κ and λ light chains. The presence or absence of oligoclonal immunoglobulin bands, determined by zone electrophoresis in serum samples from healthy subjects who have been exposed to HTLV-III, may prove to be a useful biochemical marker for following the course of infection and for determining a prognosis.
Kinetic composition locking on faceted alloy surfaces

Abstract The interplay of material transport kinetics and singular features associated with facets on surfaces leads to evolution behavior that is remarkably different from that of unfaceted surfaces. Alloy surfaces, in particular, demonstrate rich dynamics arising from the strong coupling of composition to morphology. The initial stages of relaxation of an unfaceted alloy surface are marked by kinetic decomposition of the alloy at the surface due to differing mobilities of the constituent species – at long relaxation times the surface returns to the equilibrium composition. In stark contrast, a faceted alloy surface undergoes kinetic decomposition and stays permanently locked at a non-equilibrium profile throughout relaxation. We present numerical simulations that demonstrate this unexpected behavior and provide an analytical model that elucidates the underlying physics. We show that the extent of kinetic segregation varies inversely with feature size and directly with the difference in diffusivities of the alloy constituents. Additionally, we provide scaling laws for relaxation of alloy surfaces in various kinetic regimes.
What Should Children Read in School

I have glanced at the development of reading material from the days of the hornbook to the textbook of the present period. I have observed that the authors of the more recent readers substantially agree upon interest as a quality which should guide them in selecting reading matter; but that they do not agree either among themselves or?what is more serious?with the children as to what is interesting. I have also noted the increas ing dominance of the literary ideal in connection with reading material; but I have questioned the sufficiency of this ideal. As actually put into practice I have even questioned its appro priateness; and I have advanced the view that, since reading material is valuable because of its usefulness in teaching chil dren how to read, literature has no more inherent right to preempt the pages of our reading books than has geography, history, or science. The further consideration of what children should read in school is closely related to a consideration of methods of teach ing reading, especially methods of teaching silent reading. Such methods, it has been pointed out, must address themselves to the development of speed and comprehension?especially the latter. In most school systems, pupils begin the use of books by the middle of the first school year, and thus it is very early in the child's educational career that the question of selecting the right kind of reading matter confronts us. Remembering that our largest task, as we now conceive it, has to do with silent reading rather than with oral reading, and that in teaching silent reading we wish to develop rate and com prehension, let us in the light of these facts examine some first reader selections. These are taken practically at random from a pile of first readers in common use. Each one of them represents all the reading matter on a page of one of these books. 109
Communication: Active-space decomposition for molecular dimers

We have developed an active-space decomposition strategy for molecular dimers that allows for the efficient computation of the dimer's complete-active-space wavefunction while only constructing the monomers’ active-space wavefunctions. Dimer states are formed from linear combinations of direct products of localized orthogonal monomer states and Hamiltonian matrix elements are computed directly without explicitly constructing the product space. This decomposition is potentially exact in the limit where a full set of monomer states is included. The adiabatic states are then found by diagonalizing the dimer Hamiltonian matrix. We demonstrate the convergence of our method to a complete-active-space calculation of the full dimer with two test cases: the benzene and naphthalene dimers.