cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Veratridine-stimulated release of amine conjugates from centrifugal fibers in the Limulus peripheral visual system.

: Centrifugal fibers that originate in the brain and project to the Limulus peripheral visual system synthesize and store octopamine and conjugates of octopamine and tyramine. In a previous study we showed that depolarization, induced by elevating extracellular K+, stimulated a preferential release of octopamine from these fibers. Here we show that veratridine-induced depolarization stimulates a rapid, transient release of octopamine and a delayed, sustained release of amine conjugates. Veratridine-stimulated release of both octopamine and amine conjugates depends on the influx of extracellular Ca2+ and is blocked by tetrodotoxin or the absence of extracellular Na+. The depolarization-stimulated release of amine conjugates raises the possibility that these molecules serve as intercellular messengers in the Limulus peripheral visual system.
SMALL PERCUTANEOUS CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Surgically placed central venous catheters (CVC) are increasingly being replaced by percutaneous CVC (PCVC) for nutritional and fluid support of neonates. (Durand, Pediatrics, 1986) We report successful use of the same small silastic PCVC in infants and children aged 2 months to 12 9/12 years with weights between 4.4 and 21 Kilograms. Indications for use included post-operative short bowel syndrome, regional ileitis, intractable diarrhea, and meningitis. Although tiny (internal diameter 0.012 inch, outer diameter 0.025 inch) PCVC accommodated flow rates from 2-90 ml/hr and hyperalimentation fluid with concentrations of 25% Dextrose and 20% Intralipids. Analgesia was used for the procedure which was performed in the treatment room or the patient's own room. Placement (in the Subclavian vein or Right Atrium) was confirmed by chest x-ray with injection of 0.3cc of Renografin. PCVC remained in place an average of 29 days (range 5-43 days). Difficulty advancing the catheter from peripheral entry site was noted. Complications included occlusion (treated with Urokinase), dislodgement of the catheter and infection. Conclusion: PCVC is an alternative to surgically placed CVC and does not require ligation of major veins. They can be placed at the bedside, without general anesthesia, operate at high flow rates, with high viscosity fluids, and remain functional for long periods of time.
Optical Computations For A Spatially Adaptive Image Data Compression System

Optical image processing has been concentrated chiefly upon processes such as image restoration and enhancement. A very fruitful area of digital image processing has been the field of image data compression. Since an earlier demonstration of the potential for optical processing in image data compression, research has been underway to extend the repertoire of image data compression methods suitable for optical processing. In this paper we describe the most recent results, a method for image data compression which concentrates its code bits in regions where image edge activity is not pronounced.
China's agricultural reforms: The importance of private plots

Abstract Largely unexplored by post-reform economic research, pre-reform sociological and anthropological evidence indicates a strong preference among Chinese households to work in and allocate a disproportionate share of non-land inputs to individual private plots. Using various estimated Chinese and multinational agricultural production functions, this article seeks to quantify how much of the increase in China's agricultural output between 1980 and 1984 can be explained by eliminating these inefficient input allocations. Results indicate that as much as 53 percent of increased farm output may be explained by changes in input allocations. Moreover, because they involve only a reallocation of existing inputs, these results are separate from the changes in labor incentives and effort, which also characterized the agricultural reforms. Multinational agricultural production functions, however, suggest that similar results may not be realized in other formerly socialist countries.
A Participant-oriented, Research-based Approach for Design of a Biochemistry Workshop for Faculty at Undergraduate Institutions

The Molecular Genetics and Protein Structure and Function workshop is one of a series of workshops offered by the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Workshops in the Chemical Sciences. The workshop provides a hands-on introduction to current topics and techniques in molecular genetics and protein structure/function as applied to undergraduate education. This article describes a unique method for planning such a workshop, namely a participant-oriented approach including research-based lectures and experiments. This approach gives faculty from undergraduate institutions a rich perspective and practical experience in this interdisciplinary field of science, integrating aspects of both molecular biology and biochemistry. An outlook on current cutting edge techniques and the direction of future research in this field may enable the faculty participants to better prepare undergraduate students for careers in the workforce or graduate or professional programs.
The Neural Coding of Stimulus Intensity: Linking the Population Response of Mechanoreceptive Afferents with Psychophysical Behavior

How specific aspects of a stimulus are encoded at different stages of neural processing is a critical question in sensory neuroscience. In the present study, we investigated the neural code underlying the perception of stimulus intensity in the somatosensory system. We first characterized the responses of SA1 (slowly adapting type 1), RA (rapidly adapting), and PC (Pacinian) afferents of macaque monkeys to sinusoidal, diharmonic, and bandpass noise stimuli. We then had human subjects rate the perceived intensity of a subset of these stimuli. On the basis of these neurophysiological and psychophysical measurements, we evaluated a series of hypotheses about which aspect(s) of the neural activity evoked at the somatosensory periphery account for perception. We evaluated three types of neural codes. The first consisted of population codes based on the firing rate of neurons located directly under the probe. The second included population codes based on the firing rate of the entire population of active neurons. The third included codes based on the number of active afferents. We found that the response evoked in the localized population is logarithmic with stimulus amplitude (given a constant frequency composition), whereas the population response across all neurons is linear with stimulus amplitude. We conclude that stimulus intensity is best accounted for by the firing rate evoked in afferents located under or near the locus of stimulation, weighted by afferent type.
Overlapped Transmission in Wireless Ad hoc Networks

In wireless ad hoc networks that do not employ code-division multiple access, medium access control (MAC) protocols are used to allocate the channel to specific transmitters and receivers, typically to the exclusion of all other users within the interference ranges of the transmitters and receivers. A few authors have proposed the use of multiuser detection (MUD) or dirty paper coding (DPC) to allow transmissions in an ad hoc network to occur simultaneously, even when the transmissions cause interference to each other. However, such proposals usually assume that the MUD or interference cancellation (IC) schemes can completely excise the interference without knowing the interfering signals. We consider a more practical approach in which multiple transmissions are allowed only when the information in the interfering signal is known at the receiver and thus simpler MUD schemes can be applied. This may often occur in ad hoc networks because multihop routing causes the information that was transmitted by a node to be transmitted later by one of that node?s neighbors. We call this approach overlapped transmission. The restriction that the interference is known places some limits on when the MUD techniques can be applied. We investigate these limits for random networks with non-fading channels. We then propose a simple protocol for scheduling overlapped transmissions and investigate its performance.
Estrogen accumulation in zebra finch song control nuclei: implications for sexual differentiation and adult activation of song behavior.

In zebra finches the gonadal steroid estradiol (E2) directs the sexual differentiation of neural regions controlling song and synergizes with androgens to stimulate song in adulthood. To identify regions where E2 may act to exert these effects, steroid autoradiographic techniques were used to assess cellular accumulation of 3[H]-E2 or its metabolites within various nuclei of the zebra finch brain. In Experiment 1 we examined brains from juvenile females, still within the critical period for E2's effect on sexual differentiation. In Experiment 2 the pattern and extent of labeling in adult male brains was determined following injection of 3[H]-E2, 3[H]-testosterone, or 3[H]-dihydrotestosterone. The results suggest that, both during development and in adulthood, most song-control nuclei contain few E2-accumulating cells. In contrast, many cells densely labeled by 3[H]-E2 or its metabolites are present in the hypothalamus and in close proximity to one song-control region, the hyperstriatum ventralis pars caudalis (HVc). The distribution of these latter cells overlaps with cells that project to another song-related nucleus, Area X. Thus, in Experiment 3 fluourescent retrograde tracing and steroid autoradiographic techniques were combined to determine if E2-accumulating cells project to Area X in adult males. Although a few retrogradely labeled cells were lightly labeled by 3[H]-E2 or its metabolites, for the most part these appear to be two distinct populations of cells. The sparse accumulation of E2 in the zebra finch song system contrasts with that described in other song birds and has important implications as to the mechanism of E2 action on the developing and mature song system.
The effects of stuttering on systolic blood pressure.

Contrary to most hypotheses that suttering and anxiety are positively correlated, some evidence suggests that stuttering reduces stress. This investigation was undertaken to determine the effects o...
Serological studies of the rhabdovirus of penaeid shrimp (RPS) and its relationship to three other fish rhabdoviruses.

. The serological relationship of rhabdovirus of penaeid shrimp (RPS) to three fish rhabdoviruses was determined by plaque-reduction and neutralization kinetics techniques using polyclonal antiserum against RPS. Although RPS was found to be serologically related to Rhabdovirus carpio (RC), a Vesiculovirus type, the two viruses were clearly distinguishable from one another, RPS was unrelated to two other fish rhabdoviruses of the Lyssavirus type, infectious haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV). Under single cycle growth conditions, immunofluorescence studies showed the appearance of RPS viral antigens as early as 3h post-infection (pi). The degree of fluorescence and the number of fluorescing cells progressively increased until 24 h pi when more than 90% of the cells showed viral antigens.
Passive electrical properties and voltage dependent membrane capacitance of single skeletal muscle fibers

The passive membrane capacitance and conductance of isolated single muscle fibers were investigated using a vaseline gap method. The results obtained with this method are consistent with those obtained using the microelectrode technique. It was confirmed that the membrane capacitance of skeletal muscle consisted of a large capacitance of tubular membrane (7-10 microF/cm2) and a much smaller capacitance of surface membrane (1-2 microF/cm2). The relative time constants of these two components vary from one sample to another, resulting in one time and two time constant behaviors. Secondly, the capacitance of isolated skeletal muscle fibers was investigated during hyper- and depolarizing pulses, using the transient bridge technique with the vaseline gap method. Measurements were performed at two frequencies, i.e. 500 Hz and 20 kHz. It was found that the membrane capacitance increased by 15-20% with depolarizations. The voltage dependent membrane capacitance was not affected by the addition of tetrodotoxin in bathing solution blocking sodium current and muscle contraction. Also, blocking both Na and K current did not have an appreciable effect on the non-linear behavior of membrane capacitance. The origin of voltage dependent capacitance in muscle membrane appears to be distributed among several non-linear ionic processes such as Na and K currents and the flux of Ca and Cl ions and their accumulation.
Empirical Pseudopotential Calculation of Band Structure and Deformation Potentials of Biaxially Strained Semiconductors

The electronic band structure of relaxed and biaxially strained Si, Ge, III-V semiconductors (GaAs, GaSb, InAs, InSb, InP) and their alloys (In x Ga 1-x As, In x Ga 1-x Sb) on different interface orientations, (001), (110) and (111), is calculated using the nonlocal empirical pseudopotential method (EPM) with spin-orbit interaction using cubic spline interpolations of the atomic form factors. For III-V alloys, the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) is employed to calculate the band gap bowing parameters. Calculated results such as band gap (direct and indirect), band gap bowing parameters, and deformation potentials are fitted to the experimental data when available. Deformation potentials are determined using linear deformation potential theory when the small biaxial strain (in-plane) is present.
Addition polyimide adhesives containing various end groups

Addition polyimode oligomers have been synthesized from 3,3 prime, 4,4 prime-benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and 3,3 prime-methylenedianiline using a variety of latent crosslinking groups as end-caps. The nominal 1300 molecular weight imide prepolymers were isolated and characterized for solubility in amide, chlorinated and ether solvents, melt-flow and cure properties, glass transition temperature, and thermal stability on heating in an air atmosphere. Adhesive strengths of the polyimides were obtained both at ambient and elevated temperatures before and after aging at 232 C. Properties of the novel addition polyimides were compared to a known nadic end-capped adhesive, LARC-13.
Planning or disaster

Is your computer system sitting comfortably? You may think so, but it may pay to think again. The author points to the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
In situ vitrification demonstration for the stabilization of buried wastes at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Abstract A demonstration of In Situ Vitrification (ISV) technology for the stabilization of radioactively contaminated soil sites at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) was successfully completed during July 1987. This demonstration is the first application of the ISV process not performed at the Hanford Site, where the technology was developed and patented for the U.S. Department of Energy by Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL). The joint ORNL-PNL pilot-scale demonstration was performed on a 3/8-scale trench (2 m deep × 1 m wide × 10 m long) that was constructed to simulate a typical seepage trench used for liquid low-level radioactive waste disposal at ORNL from 1951 to 1966. In the ISV process, electrodes are inserted around a volume of contaminated soil, power is applied to the electrodes, and the entire mass is melted from the surface of the soil down through the contaminated zone, thus making a glassy-to-microcrystalline waste form that incorporates the contaminants. Gases produced during the melting are collected, treated, monitored, and released through an off-gas process trailer. In the ORNL demonstration, a 25,000-kg mass of melted rock approximately 1.2 m thick × 2.1 m wide × 4.9 m long was formed during 110 h of operation that consumed approximately 29 MWh of power. Data obtained on the operational performance of the test and waste-form durability will be used to assess the feasibility of applying the ISV technology to an actual waste trench.
Organic matter in central California radiation fogs.

Organic matter was studied in radiation fogs in the San Joaquin Valley of California during the California Regional Particulate Air Quality Study (CRPAQS). Total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations ranged from 2 to 40 ppm of C. While most organic carbon was found in solution as dissolved organic carbon (DOC), 23% on average was not dissolved inside the fog drops. We observe a clear variation of organic matter concentration with droplet size. TOC concentrations in small fog drops (<17 μm) were a factor of 3, on average, higher than TOC concentrations in larger drops. As much as half of the dissolved organic matter was determined to have a molecular weight higher than 500 Da. Deposition fluxes of organic matter in fog drops were high (0.5−4.3 μg of C m-2 min-1), indicating the importance of fog processing as a vector for removal of organic matter from the atmosphere. Deposition velocities of organic matter, however, were usually found to be lower than deposition velocities for fogwater, consistent with the ...
SNM-DAT: Simulation of a heterogeneous network for nuclear border security

Abstract We approach the problem of detecting Special Nuclear Material (SNM) smuggling across open borders by modeling a heterogeneous sensor network using an agent-based simulation. Our simulation SNM Data Analysis Tool (SNM-DAT) combines fixed seismic, metal, and radiation detectors with a mobile gamma spectrometer. Decision making within the simulation determines threat levels by combined signatures. The spectrometer is a limited-availability asset, and is only deployed for substantial threats. “Crossers” can be benign or carrying shielded SNM. Signatures and sensors are physics based, allowing us to model realistic sensor networks. The heterogeneous network provides great gains in detection efficiency compared to a radiation-only system. We can improve the simulation through better sensor and terrain models, additional signatures, and crossers that mimic actual trans-border traffic. We expect further gains in our ability to design sensor networks as we learn the emergent properties of heterogeneous detection, and potential adversary responses.
Transactions section: A graphical analysis of the voltage and current wave forms of controlled rectifier circuits

CONTROLLED rectifiers, either thyratron-tube or ignitron-tube equipments, are becoming more and more frequently used to obtain regulated sources of d-c from an a-c supply, both for d-c power requirements and for control purposes.
Binding of beta-alanine, dopamine, and dopa 1-C-14 by normal, ebony, and dark Drosophila melanogaster cuticles☆

Abstract When injected into the haemocoeles of normal, ebony, and normal-dark variagated newly emerged adults of Drosophila melanogaster , beta-alanine 1- 14 C and dopamine 1- 14 C are rapidly bound to normal cuticles. But, whereas binding of beta-alanine 1- 14 C is virtually completely inhibited in ebony and other dark cuticles, such binding of dopamine 1- 14 C is only slightly inhibited. Dopa carboxyl- 14 C is only slightly bound, with little difference between normal and dark cuticles. Binding of dopamine 1- 14 C is not inhibited by killing the cuticular epidermis with ethanol, a procedure which completely inhibits binding of the other two substances ( in vitro ). Lack of a direct relationship between beta-alanine and dopamine binding rates is discussed.
Influence of gluconic acid on thermal processing requirements for canned whole peeled tomatoes

Methods of detecting the activities of endogenous tomato pectin esterase and polygalacturonase were developed and used to measure heat resistance parameters for enzymes in tomato homogenates. Addition of 0.44% gluconic acid reduced heat resistance of pectin esterase which is responsible for gel formation in canned whole peeled tomatoes. However, heat inactivation of tomato polygalacturonase, which is responsible for general degradation of texture/consistency in tomato products, was not significantly affected by addition of up to 1.65% by wt gluconic acid. Pectic enzymes in canned whole peeled tomatoes packed in juice in 303 × 406 cans were inactivated in 35 min at 98.9 and 101.7°C, 26 min at 110.0°C or 25 min at 118.3°C.
Bilateral Superior Oblique Muscle Palsy Associated With Apert’s Syndrome

Eleven children had Apert's syndrome and bilateral superior oblique muscle palsy. Of seven patients who underwent surgical exploration of the superior oblique muscle area, five had no superior oblique tendon in either eye and two had only a small fibrous band as a remnant in each eye. All 11 patients had a significant horizontal deviation in primary gaze and downgaze, in addition to a vertical imbalance. The findings led to the conclusion that all patients with craniofacial anomalies, especially those with Apert's syndrome, should be examined for the presence of vertical muscle palsies and particularly bilateral superior oblique muscle palsy.
Two-photon optogenetics of dendritic spines and neural circuits

Using the red shifted opsin C1V1T and simple raster-scanning illumination, this work shows two-photon optogenetic stimulation of single cells, dendrites and spines. The method is also applied to map synaptic circuits in mouse brain slices and, using holographic photostimulation, for the simultaneous activation of two neurons located in different planes. Also online, Prakash et al. present a collection of opsins for two-photon excitation, inhibition and bistable control of neuronal activity in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate a two-photon optogenetic method that generates action potentials in neurons with single-cell precision, using the red-shifted opsin C1V1T. We applied the method to optically map synaptic circuits in mouse neocortical brain slices and to activate small dendritic regions and individual spines. Using a spatial light modulator, we split the laser beam onto several neurons and performed simultaneous optogenetic activation of selected neurons in three dimensions.
A quantum Monte Carlo study of zinc-porphyrin: Vertical excitation between the singlet ground state and the lowest-lying singlet excited state

Abstract We have calculated the vertical excitation energy between the singlet ground state ( 1 1 A g ) and the lowest-lying singlet excited state ( 1 1 E u ) of Zn-porphyrin employing the fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo technique. The determinantal parts of trial wave functions were constructed using results from Configuration Interaction and time-dependent Density Functional Theory.
A tabu search approach for the single machine mean tardiness problem

In this paper, a tabu search approach is proposed for solving the single machine mean tardiness scheduling problem. Simulation experiment results obtained from the tabu search approach and three other heuristics are compared. Although computation time is increased, the results indicate that the proposed approach provides a much better solution than the other three approaches.
Analysis and application of Fourier transform spectroscopy in atmospheric remote sensing

An analysis method for Fourier transform spectroscopy is summarized with applications to various types of distortion in atmospheric absorption spectra. This analysis method includes the fast Fourier transform method for simulating the interferometric spectrum and the nonlinear least-squares method for retrieving the information from a measured spectrum. It is shown that spectral distortions can be simulated quite well and that the correct information can be retrieved from a distorted spectrum by this analysis technique.
The relationships among clinician delay of diagnosis of breast cancer and tumor size, nodal status, and stage.

Abstract Background The objective of this study was to determine the impact of delay of diagnosis by clinicians on breast cancer prognostic factors and survival. Methods The medical records of patients whose breast cancer diagnosis was delayed by clinicians were reviewed. Data collected included primary tumor diameter, number of positive lymph nodes, tumor grade, pathologic stage, length of diagnostic delay, and follow-up status. Data were analyzed for correlations between prognostic factors and length of delay. The Fisher exact test was used to correlate delay and stage with survival. Results Forty patients had delays from 3 to 36 months. There were no significant correlations between delay and natural log of primary tumor diameter ( r = −.16, P = .33), number of positive lymph nodes ( r = .22, P = .90), tumor grade ( R = −.16, P = .36), or pathologic stage ( R = −.09, P = .59). A higher stage correlated with decreased survival ( P = .03), but delay did not. Conclusions Clinician diagnostic delays of up to 36 months did not correlate with worsening prognostic factors or with survival rates.
The Perils Of Symmetry

The limitations on the performance of a reversible lens are analysed by mock ray tracing. To al the design of reversible lenses is a theme marred by false notes. Maxwell proved proved that "it is impossible, by means of any combination of reflections and refractions, to produce a perfect image of an object at two different distances, unless the instrument be a telescope," a telescope which must have unit angular magnification. T. Smith 2 as well as Herzberger3 found flaws in Maxwell's proof, but showed that his results were correct. Maxwell's proof does not depend on the symmetries of the system; lenses with particular symmetries were studied in detail by Buchdahl. He also comes to the conclusion that a lens such as the conference lens cannot be free from aberrations. From a practical standpoint this is not the end of the matter. How serious are the imperfections? The residual aberrations might be smaller than the unavoidable diffraction effects and therefore of no consequence. To the best of our knowledge the existing literature does not provide numerical estimates for the best image quality that can be realized. In this paper we begin to address this question; we show how a judicious mixture of analytic and computational techniques reduces the complexity of the problem to a manageable size. It turns out that for the conference lens the theoretical limitations are inconsequential as long as we allow the distortion to be large. If, however, the lens specifications are made more demanding, the fundamental restrictions become at times a serious matter, as we shall show by an example. One approach to the calculation of the residual aberrations is a frontal attack by algebraic methods in the style of Smith and Buchdahl. This method has the advantage that the relations between the aberrations and the design parameters can be expressed in analytical form. However, it usually remains unclear how far the series expansions should be extended, and the amount of algebra required is formidable because we must not only determine the unavoidable aberrations, but also balance them as best we can by choosing the optimum values for other aberrations that we do have under our control. We have chosen an alternative technique, mock ray tracing, 5 which consists of tracing rays through a lens specified by one of its eikonal functions rather than by its curvatures, thicknesses, and indices. As the physical symmetries of a lens can be easily translated into mathematical symmetries of the eikonal, this method is well suited to the problem at hand.
On the theory of wind-driven ocean circulation

Abstract The theory of steady wind-driven circulation in a barotropic closed ocean basin is examined with respect to some simple assumptions concerning small effects of eddy transfer of momentum. The problem of circulation with small local eddy momentum transfer to the ocean bottom is dealt with in detail. It is shown that the oceanic consists of slow geostrophic westward transport, which dominates the Sverdrup transport in the major part of the basin. The circulation is completed by strong inertial currents along the western, northern, and eastern boundary of the basin. Good agreement of the results of this analysis is obtained with exact numerical results of Veronis (1966). Some limitations imposed on the gyre by small lateral eddy transfer of momentum are also discussed.
Mindfulness meditation in clinical practice

The practice of mindfulness is increasingly being integrated into contemporary clinical psychology. Based in Buddhist philosophy and subsequently integrated into Western health care in the contexts of psychotherapy and stress management, mindfulness meditation is evolving as a systematic clinical intervention. This article describes stress-reduction applications of mindfulness meditation predominantly in medical settings, as originally conceived and developed by Kabat-Zinn and colleagues. It describes process factors associated with the time-limited, group-based formal favored by this model, and presents in tabular form results of both early and more recent outcome studies.
Calculated displacement damage by neutrons in InSb

Displacement damage in InSb is calculated for 1MeV and 14MeV incident neutrons. Ranges and energy deposition profiles are calculated with the E-DEP-1 computer code and combined with published neutron cross sections to obtain atomic displacement rates and range distributions. The damage ratio of 14MeV to 1MeV neutrons is estimated as close to unity. Comparison results are presented for Si. Experimental verification for unity damage ratio is given.
Yield and Protein Response of Wheat Cultivars to Polymer‐Coated Urea and Urea

Discount payments associated with low grain protein concentration in hard red spring wheat (HRSW, Triticum aestivum L.) in recent years has increased interest for using controlled-release N fertilizers to increase protein concentration while maintaining optimal grain yields. Field experiments were conducted during 6 site-years in Minnesota from 2007 to 2009 to examine effects of a polymer-coated urea (PCU, Environmentally Smart Nitrogen [ESN], Agrium Inc., Calgary, AB, Canada) and non-coated urea on grain yields and protein concentrations of two HRSW cultivars, Alsen and Knudson, that vary in grain yield and protein concentration potentials. Polymer-coated urea and urea were applied in spring at six rates that supplied 0 to 110 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2007 and 0 to 168 kg N ha⁻¹ in 2008 and 2009. Because of genetic differences, Knudson produced greater grain yield than Alsen in environments (site-years), which were cooler and drier early in the growing season and the yield differences between the two cultivars increased with increasing N rates. In the same environment, PCU decreased grain yield compared with urea, which could be related to a reduced N release early in the growing season. Compared with urea, higher N (at Zadoks scale 85) and protein concentrations (at Zadoks scale 92) with PCU were observed due to increased N availability later during the growing season. To increase wheat protein concentrations from using PCU, future studies should evaluate different mixtures of PCU and urea.
Optimal beams for propagation through random media.

The problem of maximizing the intensity that is transferred from a transmitter aperture to a receiver aperture is considered in which the propagation medium is random. Two optimization criteria are considered: maximal expected intensity transfer and minimal scintillation index. The beam that maximizes the expected intensity is shown to be fully coherent. Its coherent mode is determined as the principal eigenfunction for a kernel that is determined through the second-order moments of the propagation Green’s function. The beam that minimizes the scintillation index is shown to be partially coherent in general, with its coherent modes determined by minimizing a quadratic form that has nonlinear dependence on the coherent-mode fields, and on the second- and fourth-order moments of the propagation Green’s function.
The conserved serine-threonine-serine motif of the carnitine acyltransferases is involved in carnitine binding and transition-state stabilization: a site-directed mutagenesis study.

Abstract There has been speculation that the carnitine acyltransferase reaction mechanism may involve the formation of an acyl-serine intermediate. A serine–threonine–serine (STS) motif that is conserved throughout the carnitine acyltransferase family, and is present also in the choline acetyltransferases, contains the only two conserved serines. The functional role of this motif in carnitine octanoyltransferase was probed by using a site-directed mutagenesis strategy to generate all seven possible alanine substitutions: single, double and triple mutants. Kinetic analyses of these mutant enzymes demonstrated that the STS motif is not essential for catalysis, thereby excluding an acyl-serine intermediate from the reaction mechanism. The kinetic analyses support, however, substantial roles for the STS motif in carnitine binding and transition-state stabilization.
A Normal Mode Solution for Low-Frequency Bottom-Refracted Wave Propagation

A normal mode solution for low-frequency bottom-sediment-refracted wave propagation is formulated for use with a normal mode method of solving the Helmholtz wave equation to describe the underwater sound field for a fixed point source in a plane multilayered medium. The approach utilizes a factorization of the Wronskian of Green's function which enables sediment reflecting and refracting modes to be summed independently. The sensitivity of propagation loss to the nature of mode interaction with the bottom is investigated for multiple frequencies in a sample environment, and results are compared to measurements of 100-Hz bottom returns in the Caribbean Basin.
Purification and properties of a cruciform DNA binding protein from Ustilago maydis

A DNA binding protein with an Mr of 11000 was purified fromUstilago maydis. Its solubility in acid, amino acid composition, and mobility during gel electrophoresis are reminiscent of properties observed for the high mobility group nonhistone chromosomal proteins. The protein recognizes cruciform DNA made from oligonucleotides and also binds preferentially to a plasmid containing an extruded cruciform.
UNCINARIASIS IN NORTHERN FUR SEAL AND CALIFORNIA SEA LION PUPS FROM CALIFORNIA

Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) (n = 25) and California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) (n = 53) pups, found dead on rookeries on San Miguel Island (California, USA), were examined for adult Uncinaria spp. Prevalence of these nematodes was 96% in fur seal pups and 100% in sea lion pups. Mean intensity of Uncinaria spp. per infected pup was 643 in fur seals and 1,284 in sea lions. Eggs of Uncinaria spp. from dead sea lion pups underwent embryonation in an incubator; development to the free-living third stage larva occurred within the egg. This study provided some specific information on hookworm infections in northern fur seal and California sea lion pups on San Miguel Island. High prevalence rate of Uncinaria spp. in both species of pinnipeds was documented and much higher numbers (2X) of hookworms were present in sea lion than fur seal pups.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Tissue Inhibitors in the Developing Neonatal Mouse Uterus

Postnatal development of the mouse uterus involves differentiation and development of the endometrial glands as well as the myometrium. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in extracellular matrix breakdown and morphogenesis of many epitheliomesenchymal organs. As a first step to understanding their roles in postnatal mouse uterine development, MMPs and TIMPs found to be expressed in the neonatal mouse uterus by microarray analysis were localized by in situ hybridization. The MMP-2 mRNA was detected only in the uterine stroma, whereas the MMP-10 mRNA was present only in the uterine epithelium from Postnatal Day (PND) 3 to PND 9. All other MMPs (MMP-11, MMP-14, and MMP-23) as well as TIMP-1, TIMP-2, and TIMP-3 were detected in both epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium, but not in the myometrium. Uterine extracts were then analyzed by gelatin and casein gel zymography to detect active gelatinases and stromelysins, respectively. Five major gelatinase bands of activity were detected and inhibited by the MMP inhibitors, EDTA or 1,10-phenanthroline, but not by PMSF, a serine protease inhibitor. Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 proteins in the uterus. Immunoreactive MMP-9 protein was detected only in the endometrial stroma, whereas immunoreactive MMP-2 protein was detected in both the stroma and epithelium of the uterus. Casein zymography detected three major bands of activity (;54, 63, and 80 kDa) that were inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor, PMSF, but not by the MMP inhibitors, EDTA or 1,10-phenanthroline, suggesting that they were serine proteases. These results support the hypothesis that MMPs and TIMPs regulate postnatal development of the mouse uterus. developmental biology, female reproductive tract, uterus
The road to all-optical networks

This paper discusses the future of all-optical networks. The paper summarizes some of the major developments since optical fibers were commercially deployed. The paper then discusses the drivers for all-optical networks, mainly to increase the switching capacity. After that, the paper looks at the main challenges facing all-optical networks: optical buffering, optical switching, and optical wavelength-conversion. The paper also discusses the key solutions to address these challenges. Finally, the paper sheds the light on the different types of all-optical networks and concludes by a summary.
NATURE OF RENAL ESCAPE FROM THE SODIUM-RETAINING EFFECT OF ALDOSTERONE IN PRIMARY ALDOSTERONISM AND IN NORMAL SUBJECTS.

Six patients with primary aldosteronism have been subjected to a series of standardized saline infusion tests and various indices have been studied in an attempt to clarify the mechanism of renal escape. Similar studies have been made in 5 normal control subjects who have been tested under 4 experimental situations: a) while consuming 10 mEq of dietary sodium per day, b) while consuming 180 mEq of sodium per day, c) 24 hr after the onset of administration of d-aldosterone while on the high intake of sodium, and d) 5–7 days after the onset of administration of aldosterone, while on the high intake of sodium, when escape had fully developed. The maximum mean rate of sodium excretion in response to the intravenous saline load (UNsV) in the control subjects was decreased below base line at the end of the first day of administration of aldosterone. It was significantly increased above base-line values after escape had developed and while aldosterone was still being given. UNaV was even higher in patients with ...
Cognitive predictors of resistiveness in dementia patients.

Resistiveness to physical care among patients with dementia is a common and burdensome problem. Forty-nine nursing home residents with dementia were administered the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) and the Royall Executive Interview (EXIT), a specific test of frontal-subcortical function. Nurses rated resistiveness on every shift for 3 days. Correlation with resistiveness ratings was stronger for the EXIT (r=0. 73) than for the MMSE (r=−0.46); logistic modeling found the EXIT to be a strong independent predictor of resistiveness. Executive dysfunction as measured by the EXIT is a major determinant of resistiveness to care in long-term care residents with dementia, possibly as a result of such patients' tendency toward inertia.
Life and Action

Michael Thompson, Life and Action, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2008, pp. vi + 223, US$39.95 (hardcover). Michael Thompson's Life and Action is among the most creative and iconoclastic ...
Description of Spring Emergence by the Colorado Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), in New Jersey

Six sets of cumulative spring emergence data from caged Leptinotarsa decemlineata were fit by a logistic curve in an effort to predict emergence relative to accumulated heat. In general, fitting of each data set gave the same result, so the data were pooled and fit by: Y = 100[1 + exp(−0.7991 – 0.0234X)]−10.62. ( X = accumulated degreedays at base temperature 9.88°C.)Mean overwintering depth in loam soils was between 7.6 and 12.7 cm, and mean survivorship increased with increasing depth.
For better nutrition

1. In our experience information concerning proper diet was insufficient appreciably to improve the level of nutrition among clinic patients. In addition, definite instructions concerning what food to eat and at what times to eat were necessary to achieve this result. 2. It is suggested that a definite dietary regimen be prescribed in the present campaign to better the national nutrition in addition to the general information now being disseminated by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council. 3. It is also suggested that considerable aid may be obtained by the use of medical out-patient departments of hospitals throughout the land as propagators of proper instructions concerning diet for patients and their families.
LIMITS ON NON-NEWTONIAN GRAVITY AND HYPOTHETICAL FORCES FROM MEASUREMENTS OF THE CASIMIR FORCE

Modern unification theories that seek to unify gravity with the other fundamental forces predict a host of new particles outside the standard model. Many also invoke extra dimensions. Both of these effects lead to deviations from Newtonian gravity. For sub micron distance between two bodies, the Casimir force far exceeds the gravitational force. Thus both understanding and using the Casimir force is very important for checking the relevance of these unification theories. In particular, measurements of the Casimir force has allowed one to set some of the strongest constraints for corresponding distance regions. This paper summarizes the techniques used to measure the Casimir force and some of the limits that follow from them.
Induction of renin release by exogenous prostaglandins in hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism.

Abstract A deficiency in renal prostaglandin synthesis has been proposed as the cause of the syndrome of hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism. To determine if renin release could be stimulated by pharmacologic infusions of PGA 1 , we infused PGA 1 0.075 to 0.60 μg/kg/min to nine patients with the syndrome. Total renal PGE production as measured by urinary PGE excretion was normal (650 ± 169 vs 400 ± 55 ng/24hr in normal subjects). Renin (PRA) was markedly depressed in all patients despite stimulation with upright posture and furosemide (1.0 ± 0.4 vs 9.3 ± 0.7 ng/ml/hr, p 1 induced an increase in renin similar to that of normal subjects. PRA increased to a lesser degree in two other patients and plasma aldosterone slightly increased. Five showed no response. Infusions of nitroprusside in doses and duration that mimicked the hypotensive effects of PGA 1 failed to increase PRA or aldosterone. The data suggest that total renal PGE production is normal in patients with the syndrome of hyporeninemic hypoaldosteronism. Although orthostasis, furosemide and nitroprusside do not increase renin, prostaglandin A 1 infusion appears to be a potent stimulus to renin release in some of the patients.
Environmental influences on diethyl phthalate biodegradation kinetics

The effects of temperature, dissolved oxygen level, and diethyl phthalate (DEP) concentration on the rates of DEP biodegradation have been investigated in shake flask and fermenter experiments, using aerobic and facultatively aerobic microorganisms. The aerobic strain followed Monod growth kinetics, and was negatively affected by temperatures lower than 25 °C and dissolved oxygen levels lower than 0.8 mg/L, whereas the specific DEP-degrading activity of the facultative strain was substrate inhibited under anaerobic conditions, higher at 15°C than 25°C under aerobic conditions, and unaffected by the dissolved oxygen level. Studies were also carried out in soil columns to identify additional factors that might be important for modeling DEP biodegradation.
The Cappadocian Fathers and Civic Patriotism

In a recent article I argued that the famous Cappadocian Fathers of the fourth century were by birth members of the eastern empire's municipal aristocracy, the so-called curial class. Libanius of Antioch, himself born of a curial family, indicates that this social class was characterized by three traditional values: civic patriotism, devotion to Greek paideia and a strong sense of the importance of family ties and tradition. The purpose of the present essay is to focus on the first and most important component of the threcfold “curial ideal” —that is, civic patriotism — and to investigate the extent to which this value of the social circles to which the Fathers belonged influenced their thought and action as clerics. Although Gregory of Nyssa, the youngest of the Cappadocian Fathers, was not at all immune to the influence of other curial values, our sources reveal little effect of civic patriotism upon his clerical activity. Therefore our study will concentrate on the older Cappadocians, Bishop Gregory the Elder of Nazianzus, his son Bishop Gregory of Nazianzus and Bishop Basil of Caesarea.
Echocardiographic evaluation of cardiac function and drug effects in acute myocardial infarction.

: The hemodynamic evaluation of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) usually is performed by invasive methods. A prospective echocardiographic study was conducted on 23 AMI patients to determine the feasibility of this technique in evaluating hemodynamics and in measuring the effect of drugs on left ventricular performance. The results showed that: 1) reproducible measurements of left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic dimensions can be obtained by echocardiography, and 2) echocardiography can be used in the assessment of the effect of drugs in AMI. As echocardiography is a simple noninvasive procedure, it is well suited for conducting longitudinal studies in patients outside the coronary care unit and in ambulatory AMI patients.
Trade-off between BCG vaccination and the ability to detect and treat latent tuberculosis

Policies regarding the use of the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine for tuberculosis vary greatly throughout the international community. In several countries, consideration of discontinuing universal vaccination programs is currently under way. The arguments against mass vaccination are that the effectiveness of BCG in preventing tuberculosis is uncertain and that BCG vaccination can interfere with the detection and treatment of latent tuberculosis. In this work, we pose a dynamical systems model for the population-level dynamics of tuberculosis in order to study the trade-off which occurs between vaccination and detection/treatment of latent tuberculosis. We assume that latent infection in vaccinated individuals is completely undetectable. For the case of a country with very low levels of tuberculosis, we establish analytic thresholds, via stability analysis and the basic reproductive number, which determine the optimal vaccination policy, given the effectiveness of the vaccine and the detection/treatment rate of latent tuberculosis. The results of this work suggest that it is unlikely that a country detects and treats latent tuberculosis at a high enough rate to justify the discontinuation of mass vaccination from this perspective.
Capillary confinement of cryogenens for refrigeration and liquid control in space - I theory

Abstract The confinement and control of cryogens in varying gravitational environments can theoretically be accomplished by surface tension forces in a porous matrix. We have studied the problems associated with the capillary confinement technique for condensation, retention, and evaporation of a confined liquid cryogen, our motivating interest being the design and development of a zero gravity He 3 refrigerator. Preliminary experiments support the feasibility of the containment concept of refrigeration as outlined here.