cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the antinociceptive response to desipramine and changes in GABAB receptor function and subunit expression in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord.

Abstract Although tricyclic antidepressants are among the drugs of choice for the treatment of neuropathic pain, their mechanism of action in this regard remains unknown. Because previous reports suggest these agents may influence γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission, and GABAB receptors are known to participate in the transmission of pain impulses, the present experiments were undertaken to examine whether the administration of desipramine alters GABAB receptor subunit expression and function in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord. For the study, rats were injected (i.p.) once daily with desipramine (15 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days, during which their thermal withdrawal threshold was monitored, and after which GABAB receptor function, and the levels of GABAB receptor subunit mRNA, were quantified in the spinal cord dorsal horn. The results indicate that 4–7 days of continuous administration of desipramine are necessary to observe a significant increase in the thermal pain threshold. Moreover, it was found that 7 days of treatment with desipramine enhances GABAB receptor function, as measured by baclofen-stimulated [ 35 S ]GTPγS binding, and increases mRNA expression for the GABAB(1a) and GABAB(2), but not GABAB(1b), subunits. These findings suggest the antinociceptive effect of desipramine is accompanied by a change in spinal cord GABAB receptor sensitivity that could be an important component in the analgesic response to this agent.
Analyzing the Option Effects of Difficult TOEFL Items with Low Biserials: Methods Developed for Use by Test Assemblers.

Several exploratory analyses of the fifths data generated by TOEFL item analyses were developed in order to evaluate the effects of options on the discriminability of difficult items, and to identify difficult items with low, unreliable biserials which have been rejected by Test Development but for which acceptable a-parameters are probably estimable. Intended for use by test assemblers subsequent to an item analysis, the methods were mainly graphical, but also included the evaluation of a distance measure and other simple statistics. An effective distracter has the property that examinees are attracted to it in inverse order of ability. To the extent that this ordering is violated for certain ability levels, localized option effects occur which can impair item discrimination as well as the fit of the IRT model. The negative impact of these effects on model fit was illustrated, and methods for analyzing them were suggested. If item writers could account for the factors underlying the interaction between ability level and option responses, it might be possible to modify options accordingly, thereby improving the measurement effectiveness of the item. Departing from the usual reliance on a single index, the approaches in these analyses included, among other things, an evaluation of the biplot generated from a correspondence analysis of the matrix of fifths information, and an analysis of the total option response configuration. Many examples of these analyses were provided. A significant limitation of the r-biserial for very difficult items which restricts the ability of test assemblers to construct tests with effective measurement properties at high score levels was illustrated. The index developed in this study to identify such items is regarded as an interim strategy until a conventional measure of item discrimination which is optimal over the entire scale of difficulty is developed, a current critical need. The implications of introducing other dimensions into the test by items with nonmonotonic response patterns due to option effects was briefly discussed. It is possible that application of the procedures developed in the study might provide a method of excercising control over the dimensionality of the measuring instrument at the practical level of item construction.
Measurements of Thermoluminescence of Glass Exposed to Light1

Glass turned violet in color due to long exposure to sunlight is thermoluminescent when heated to temperatures above 100°C. Thermoluminescence was also observed in some samples free from color while others showed no luminescence. Effects similar to those for sunlight were also observed from glasses exposed to the carbon or mercury arc and in some cases for exposures of only a few minutes. Special glasses were made from a chemically pure zinc borate glass to which was added a trace of one of the following metals: barium, calcium, strontium, magnesium, manganese, aluminum, nickel, cobalt, chromium, silver, cerium, thallium, and thorium. Each of the above was exposed to sunlight and tested for thermoluminescence, the most intensely luminescent being thorium, cerium, silver, chromium, cobalt, and manganese. The following curves were determined: growth of luminescence with time of exposure, both for sunlight and the carbon arc; effect of concentration of solute; decay of thermoluminescence and periodic changes of luminescence as dependent upon time after excitation. All light measurements were made with a polarization photometer.
S-Type Asteroids, Ordinary Chondrites, and Space Weathering: The Evidence from Galileo's Fly-bys of Gaspra and Ida

— New observations of the S-type asteroids Gaspra and Ida, especially, by the Galileo spacecraft demonstrate that a “space weathering” process operates, which modifies the reflectance spectra of fresh material to be redder, straighter, and have shallower absorption bands. The weathering process appears similar to but less potent than that observed on the Moon. It operates in the sense that it would tend to convert spectra of ordinary chondrites (OC) to having the spectral traits of S-type asteroids. These results appear to resolve the major obstacles of the long standing “S-type conundrum” about the provenance of ordinary chondrite meteorites. A wide body of recent research, which is reviewed here, builds on previous meteoritical evidence to support a new, developing consensus that the larger S-type asteroids are a diverse assortment of silicaceous assemblages, which includes the ordinary chrondite parent bodies. Recent fairly realistic laboratory simulations of space weathering processes have changed OC spectra to resemble S-type spectra. J. F. Bell's highly regarded earlier paradigm that OC parent bodies would be found only among sub-10 km main-belt asteroids has been tested by an extensive observational survey by R. Binzel and his proteges; the result is that no small, main-belt analog for the OCs has been found, not even the somewhat OC-like object Boznemcova. This article reviews the history of the S-type conundrum, which set the stage for Galileo's historic flybys. I review the findings about Gaspra and Ida, including results about their geology, their geophysical structure and probable origins, and about Ida's small moonlet, Dactyl. Density constraints on Ida set by Dactyl's orbit rule out (for Ida, at least) the classic view of S-types as metallic, stripped cores of differentiated precursor asteroids. New analysis of the Galileo spectral images of Ida is presented that provides strong evidence that space weathering occurs on Ida, and that Ida, and the Koronis family asteroids in general, are plausibly OC-like in composition. After reviewing 1990s developments on the S-type conundrum, I advocate a new perspective that the ordinary chondrite parent bodies are among the S-type asteroids, a diverse grouping that also contains other silicaceous and silicate/metal assemblages, presumably including various stony-irons and primitive achondrites represented in meteorite collections; Gaspra may be such a metal-rich assemblage.
Fear responding to 35% CO2 challenge as a vulnerability marker for later social anxiety symptoms

Abstract The majority of biological challenge studies have focused on panic disorder though there is a small literature suggesting that patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) show comparable responding. These cross-sectional studies suggest that CO 2 reactivity may be a marker of vulnerability to social anxiety. However, the nature of this association is unclear due to design limitations in this literature. The present report prospectively evaluated whether response to a 20% CO 2 challenge was predictive of later changes in social anxiety symptoms. A large non-clinical sample of young adults ( N = 404) screened for axis I disorders completed a 20% CO 2 challenge and were followed for approximately 18 months. Consistent with the vulnerability hypothesis, those showing greater reactivity to the CO 2 challenge showed increased social anxiety symptoms over time. This significant association was maintained after controlling for gender and trait anxiety. These data provide novel evidence suggesting that CO 2 sensitivity is predictive of the development of social anxiety symptoms.
Characterization of the subtypes of cell motility in ageing human skin fibroblasts

Previous studies have noted alterations in cell migration during wound healing with age. Both intracellular and extracellular factors alter cell migration. In an effort to clarify the relationship between ageing and cell motility we have utilized time-lapse videomicroscopy to quantitatively and qualitatively study the various subtypes of cell motility including membrane ruffling, lamellapodal extension and cell translocation of ageing human fibroblasts in culture. We demonstrate a global decline in all types of cell motility of human fibroblasts with increasing donor age. Furthermore, we demonstrate that this decrease in cell motility with ageing is independent of chemotactic gradients.
Thermomechanical buckling of delaminated composite laminates

A thermomechanical buckling analysis of multilayered laminates with (across-the-width) strip delaminations is conducted on the basis of anisotropic thermoelasticity of the constituent layers and the Kirchhoff Love hypothesis of the classical laminate theory. With the assumption of generalized plane deformation, the present analysis yields exact, closed-form solutions of the delamination model under in-plane compression and shear loads and a temperature load that may vary arbitrarily in the thickness direction. A characteristic equation is obtained for the thermal and mechanical load parameters associated with the states of bifurcation. This equation reveals explicitly the effects of various geometrical, material and load parameters on the buckling of the delaminated plate. The solutions of the characteristic equation indicate that a moderate temperature gradient in the thickness direction may drastically reduce the axial bifurcation load.
Monotonicity, convexity, and other qualitative psychophysical laws

Abstract General methods are described for directly testing qualitative psychophysical laws, such as monotonicity and convexity. These methods consist of estimating lower and higher orders of derivatives and procedures for verifying qualitative laws involving these derivatives. The quantitative power law hypothesis is compared for goodness of fit with the qualitative hypothesis that the psychophysical function is monotone and convex, in application to bisection brightness data. Other topics include discussion of a possible topological formulation of the distinction between qualitative and quantitative laws; the search for psychophysical invariants; and the failure of qualitative laws such as convexity to conform to Luce's invariance-theoretic principles of theory construction.
The Professional Researcher as Change Agent in the Government-Performance Movement.

Although academic and professional publications give the impression that performance measurement is a growing government practice, in actuality the use of this technology is not as deep or as widespread as it may appear. Even when performance measures are used, governments rarely integrate them into planning, budget, personnel, and other management processes. Most professional researchers located primarily in academic institutions, but also in research and government organizations, approach performance measurement as though governmental officials, elected or otherwise, are already sold on its usefulness. Instead, they need to function as “change agents,” using a variety of strategies to gain acceptance and understanding of the strengths and limitations of performance measurement. This article draws on the authors’ experiences with the Community Benchmarks Program of the Maxwell School in Onondaga County and a review of the current literature. It suggests guidelines for professional researchers who want to increase the use of performance measures by governments at all levels.
Acute and Chronic Ethanol Consumption Effects on the Immunolabeling of Gq/11α Subunit Protein and Phospholipase C Isozymes in the Rat Brain

The goal of this investigation was to examine whether postreceptor sites [Gq/11 protein and phospholipase C (PLC) isozymes] of the phosphoinositide signal transduction system are involved in neuroadaptational mechanisms in the brain during chronic ethanol consumption. It was observed that acute ethanol treatment has no effect on the immunolabeling of PLC-beta 1, -gamma 1, and -delta 1 and the alpha subunit of Gq/11 protein in the rat cortex as determined by western blotting using specific monoclonal antibodies. On the other hand, chronic ethanol consumption (15 days) resulted in a significant decrease in the immunolabeling of PLC-beta 1, whereas under identical conditions, the immunolabeling of PLC-gamma 1 and -delta 1 isozymes was not significantly altered. The decreased immunolabeling of PLC-beta 1 during chronic ethanol consumption was not altered by 24 h of withdrawal after 15 days of ethanol consumption. The immunolabeling of the alpha subunit of Gq/11 protein was significantly decreased after 15 days of ethanol consumption but had returned to normal levels after 24 h of ethanol withdrawal. Also, chronic ethanol treatment resulted in a significant decrease in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-specific PLC activity, which remained the same after 24 h of ethanol withdrawal. These results suggest that decreased PLC activity during ethanol consumption and its withdrawal may be due to decreased protein levels of the Gq/11 protein-coupled PLC-beta 1 isozyme but not the PLC-gamma 1 or -delta 1 isozyme in the rat cortex. It is possible that changes in the protein levels of the Gq/11 protein-coupled PLC-beta 1 isozyme and in PLC activity in the brain may be involved in the cellular adaptation to chronic ethanol exposure.
SPECTRAL PROPERTIES OF CHLOROPHYLL a MONOLAYERS: MONOLAYERS OF CHLOROPHYLL a AND PHEOPHYTIN AT A GAS-WATER INTERFACE†

Abstract— Surface and spectral properties of chlorophyll a monolayers were studied at a nitrogen-water interface. Direct spectral analysis of Chl monolayers indicated that compression results in a heterogenous mixture of Chl species. Fourth derivative and difference spectra showed the presence of minor bands at 692, 726 and 748 nm. The state of compression determines the quantity and type of spectral species formed. A Chl monolayer on an acid subphase results in the formation of a long wavelength absorbing species (705 nm) similar to that of pheophytin. The half-band width, optical density/monolayer, and extinction coefficients of Chl monolayers are given. It is concluded that in the monolayer the formation of various aggregated species of Chl can be induced.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 246–266(even)

Abstract Experimental data pertaining to the nuclear structure of nuclei with even mass numbers A=246 through A=266 have been compiled and evaluated (the odd-A mass chains, A=245 through A=263, are currently being revised for publication). In many cases where data are lacking, systematics developed by 72El21 and 81Sc06 were used to obtain the needed values. Particularly useful are the systematic trends of T1/2(α) versus E(α), Q(α) versus neutron number and the α's HF's for favored bands. The systematics of low-lying Nilsson levels were used in numerous Jπ assignments. Jπ are from “adopted levels” unless stated otherwise. Jπ for g.s. bands in even-even nuclei are assigned on the basis of the level energies.
Concentration of platelet units into small volumes.

To determine the best procedure for concentrating platelets in a smaller volume after storage, we studied platelet loss after concentration at various centrifugation g forces for various times. In vitro studies demonstrated the need to let platelets sit for 1 hour prior to resuspension by gentle kneading. 500 × g gave unacceptable results. Losses were minimal at 1500 × g for 7 minutes, 2000 × g for 10 minutes and 5000 × g for 6 minutes. Reinfusion of 51 Cr-labeled platelets into normal volunteers after concentration at both 2000 × g for 10 minutes and 5000 × g for 6 minutes showed normal viability. Numbers and viability of platelets stored up to 5 days in 50 ml plasma and then concentrated in 10 ml plasma after centrifugation at 1500 × g for 7 minutes, 2000 × g for 10 minutes or 5000 × g for 6 minutes should be clinically acceptable.
Hematopoietic growth factors in cancer

The family of colony stimulating factors and interleukins influence all aspects of hematopoietic cell proliferation and differentiation. In most instances these hematopoietic growth factors have overlapping, pleiotropic effects and frequently regulate early progenitor cell proliferation and mature cell function. Currently, seven of these factors are in clinical trial: erythropoietin for treatment of anephric anemia, IL-2 in conjunction with LAC therapy, and IL-1, IL-3, G-CSF, GM-CSF, and M-CSF for stimulation of myelopoiesis and granulocyte-macrophage function after chemotherapy, irradiation, or bone marrow transplantation in patients with cancer. G-CSF and GM-CSF have also proved effective in treatment of congenital and idiopathic neutropenias and have had some efficacy in treatment of myeloid leukemias, myelodysplastic disorders, aplastic anemia, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
A simple method for removing aluminum from adenosine-5'-triphosphate.

Abstract Commercial preparations of ATP are contaminated with aluminum, a potent inhibitor of both brain and yeast hexokinase at neutral pH (Womack, F. C., and Colowick, S. P. (1979) Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 76, 5080–5084 and Solheim, L. P., and Fromm, H. J. (1980) Biochemistry, in press). In an effort to remove this ion, we have developed an extraction procedure that eliminates more than 99% of the contaminant with no loss of nucleotide. The method involves repeated extractions of the nucleotide solution with 8-hydroxyquinoline in chloroform, followed by one extraction at higher pH, that removes the final 10% of the aluminum contaminant that seems to be sequestered in a slowly dissociating complex and is unavailable to the 8-hydroxyquinoline at low pH.
Correlation of hippocampal theta activity and movement during slow-wave sleep in cats.

Hippocampal EEG, muscle tonus, and body movement were recorded during slow-wave sleep (SWS) in adult cats. A consistent correlation was seen between body movement and a change in the hippocampal EEG from large amplitude irregular activity (LIA) to theta activity. Occasionally synchronization of the hippocampal waveform also accompanied changes in muscle tonus in the absence of movement. These results are discussed in terms of recent theories of the significance of the theta rhythm and its possible implications in hippocampal function.
Quality Measures for Palliative Care in Patients With Cancer: A Systematic Review

Within quality measures for palliative care, there is often a focus on symptoms and adverse effects of therapy; little attention is given to other aspects of suffering observed in patients with advanced cancer, such as psychological and social distress.
Expression of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor on monocytes from patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: effect of glatiramer acetate (copolymer 1).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system in which peripheral blood monocytes play an important role. We have previously reported that patients with chronic progressive MS (CPMS) have significantly increased numbers of circulating monocytes which express the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR). In the present study, we examined the expression of uPAR on monocytes in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) not currently participating in a clinical trial and in patients with RRMS who were enrolled in a double-blind multicenter clinical trial designed to examine the effect of glatiramer acetate (copolymer 1; Copaxone) on relapsing disease. Patients with CPMS have sustained high levels of circulating uPAR-positive (uPAR+) monocytes. In comparison, patients with RRMS displayed variable levels of circulating uPAR+ monocytes. Mean values for uPAR in patients with RRMS were above those seen for controls but were not as high as those observed for patients with secondary progressive MS. Patients with RRMS in the clinical trial also had variable levels of monocyte uPAR. However, patients in the treatment group displayed lower levels following 2 years of treatment. In both placebo-treated and glatiramer acetate-treated patients, the percentage of circulating uPAR+ monocytes, as well as the density of uPAR expressed per cell (mean linear fluorescence intensity), increased just prior to the onset of a clinically documented exacerbation. Values fell dramatically with the development of clinical symptoms. uPAR levels in all groups correlated with both clinical activity and severity. Results indicate that monocyte activation is impatient in MS and that glatiramer acetate may have a significant effect on monocyte activation in patients with RRMS.
“Getting Gut-Level” Punishment, Gender, and Therapeutic Governance

Using ethnographic data gathered at a mandated, community-based drug treatment program for women offenders, this article analyzes how gendered notions of the self and of autonomy shape penal governance. This study examines how psychological models of women's deviance, racialized visions of motherhood, and therapeutic techniques of the self come into tension with expectations of responsible, autonomous citizenship. The program prioritized therapeutic ways of governing its clients over those that emphasized economic self-reliance, rational decision making, and normalizing gender. This is because staff attributed criminal and addictive behaviors to women's inadequate self-understanding and lack of emotional autonomy in personal relations. Staff discouraged women's motherhood and paid labor because they saw these external obligations as a threat to women's autonomous selfhood. This research complicates claims that contemporary forms of penal treatment manage offenders through rational incentives and personal ...
Ten Years after A Major Malfunction...: Reflections on “The Challenger Syndrome”

This article reviews the insights gleaned frommore than 10 years of instruction and lead ership/organizational development consulting with the Challenger case study. Little known facts about the ca...
Promises and challenges of fluorescence cystoscopy

Abstract Introduction Fluorescence based photodynamic diagnostic (PDD) techniques have been developed to improve detection and treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The goal of this article is to evaluate the promises and challenges of blue light cystoscopy. Methods The literature was reviewed regarding articles pertaining to fluorescent cystoscopy and blue light cystoscopy (BLC). Results Blue light cystoscopy improves detection of bladder cancer tumors especially CIS. Randomized trials have demonstrated a reduction of recurrences. BLC has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treatment of NMIBC of varying risk. The main obstacle to BLC will be adoption by urologists. Purchase cost of capital equipment may impact usage especially if adopted for outpatient clinics. Conclusions BLC has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in treatment of NMIBC of varying risk. The reduction of recurrences and yet unproven but potential reduction in progression should be viewed favorably by urologists and patients. The main obstacle to BLC will be adoption by urologists who can put pressure on hospitals to acquire the capital equipment and who will seek the training to become proficient in using the technology. Patient demand for the technology may also help increase availability. Finally, the companies involved with BLC need to support trials that will demonstrate reduction in progression and that will answer the practical issues regarding usage in proximity to BCG and repeated usage.
Dynamics using the Wigner distribution

A new method is described to study dynamical systems characterized by linear ordinary differential equations. The method is aimed at studying the time-varying properties of the resulting solution of the differential equation. In contrast to the standard methods where one solves the differential equation and then uses a time-frequency distribution, for example the Wigner distribution, to ascertain the time-frequency properties of the solution we show that one can obtain a differential equation for the Wigner distribution of the solution. We discuss a number of advantages for doing so.
Optimization of Dish Solar Collectors

Methods for optimizing parabolic dish solar collectors and the consequent effects of various optical, thermal, mechanical, and cost variables are examined. The most important performance optimization is adjusting the receiver aperture to maximize collector efficiency. Other parameters that can be adjusted to optimize efficiency include focal length, and, if a heat engine is used, the receiver temperature. The efficiency maxima associated with focal length and receiver temperature are relatively broad; it may, accordingly, be desirable to design somewhat away from the maxima. Performance optimization is sensitive to the slope and specularity errors of the concentrator. Other optical and thermal variables affecting optimization are the reflectance and blocking factor of the concentrator, the absorptance and losses of the receiver, and, if a heat engine is used, the shape of the engine efficiency versus temperature curve. Performance may sometimes be improved by use of an additional optical element (a secondary concentrator) or a receiver window if the errors of the primary concentrator are large or the receiver temperature is high. Previously announced in STAR as N83-19224
Characterization of Total Plasma Glycosaminoglycan Levels in Healthy Volunteers Following Oral Administration of a Novel Antithrombotic Odiparcil With Aspirin or Enoxaparin

Odiparcil is a novel, orally active beta-d-thioxyloside analog with antithrombotic activity associated with a reduced risk of adverse bleeding events. Its unique mechanism of action is postulated by means of an elevation in circulating endogenous chondroitin sulfate-related glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) levels. The purpose of these 2 separate clinical studies was to evaluate plasma GAG levels in healthy subjects administered odiparcil with either aspirin (ASA) or enoxaparin. Clinical plasma samples were processed and analyzed using validated HPLC bioassays that indirectly estimate GAG levels based on the simultaneous detection of the chondroitin disaccharide derivatives. The concomitant administration of odiparcil with or without ASA resulted in a significant elevation in GAG levels over baseline for both treatment groups. In the other clinical study, the concomitant administration of odiparcil with or without enoxaparin displayed significant increases in plasma DeltaDi-OS, DeltaDi-4S, and total disaccharide levels versus control group. Neither plasma GAG levels nor odiparcil plasma levels were correlated with a rise in hepatic transaminases, an adverse drug event observed in several subjects; and plasma odiparcil levels were indirectly correlated with plasma GAG levels. These clinical studies were proof of concept of preclinical rat studies indicating that chronic odiparcil treatment elevates endogenous GAG levels in human subjects.
Lesions of conduction tissue complicating aortic valvular replacement.

A pathologic study of the cardiac conduction system was performed in 57 patients who died within 30 days after aortic valvular replacement Histologically, there were old and recent lesions present in 34 (60 percent) and 43 (75 percent) of the patients, respectively. Old lesions did not show meaningful correlation with preoperative electrocardiograms. Although nontraumatic recent lesions were rarely the cause of postoperative abnormal cardiac conduction, traumatic lesions were frequently associated with loss of sinus mechanism. The main cause of trauma to the major cardiac conduction tissue was injury by sutures. The short membranous septum predisposed to injury, while the configuration of the left ventricular outflow tract was not a significant factor in injury. Traumatic lesions of the cardiac conduction tissue were more common in subjects with bicuspid than tricuspid aortic valves.
Invariant-Strengthened Elimination of Dependent State Elements

This work presents a technology-independent synthesis optimization that is effective in reducing the total number of state elements of a design. It works by identifying and eliminating dependent state elements which may be expressed as functions of other registers. For scalability, we rely exclusively on SAT- based analysis in this process. To enable optimal identification of all dependent state elements, we integrate an inductive invariant generation framework. We introduce numerous techniques to heuristically enhance the reduction potential of our method, and experiments confirm that our approach is scalable and is able to reduce state element count by 12% on average in large industrial designs, even after other aggressive optimizations such as min- register retiming have been applied. The method is effective in simplifying later verification efforts.
Temporal changes in taxonomic and functional diversity of fish assemblages downstream from mountaintop mining

AbstractMountaintop mining (MTM) affects chemical, physical, and hydrological properties of receiving streams, but the long-term consequences for fish-assemblage structure and function are poorly understood. We sampled stream fish assemblages using electrofishing techniques in MTM exposure sites and reference sites within the Guyandotte River basin, USA, during 2010–2011. We calculated indices of taxonomic diversity (species richness, abundance, Shannon diversity) and functional diversity (functional richness, functional evenness, functional divergence) to compare exposure and reference assemblages between seasons (spring and autumn) and across years (1999–2011). We based temporal comparisons on 2 sites that were sampled during 1999–2001 by Stauffer and Ferreri (2002). Exposure assemblages had lower taxonomic and functional diversity than reference assemblages or simulated assemblages that accounted for random variation. Differences in taxonomic composition between reference and exposure assemblages were ...
Integer multiplication with overflow detection or saturation

High-speed multiplication is frequently used in general-purpose and application-specific computer systems. These systems often support integer multiplication, where two n-bit integers are multiplied to produce a 2n-bit product. To prevent growth in word length, processors typically return the n least significant bits of the product and a flag that indicates whether or not overflow has occurred. Alternatively, some processors saturate results that overflow to the most positive or most negative representable number. This paper presents efficient methods for performing unsigned or two's complement integer multiplication with overflow detection or saturation. These methods have significantly less area and delay than conventional methods for integer multiplication with overflow detection or saturation.
Systems for Strategic Learning

An important decision support system component is machine learning/data mining. Classical machine learning methods implicitly assume that attributes of instances under classification do not change to acquire a positive classification. However, in many situations these instances represent people or organizations that can proactively seek to alter their characteristics to gain a positive classification. We argue that the learning mechanism should take this possible strategic learning into consideration during the induction process. We call this strategic learning. In this paper we define this concept, summarize related research, and present a number of future research areas.
Outer Membrane Protein Folding and Topology from a Computational Transfer Free Energy Scale.

Knowledge of the transfer free energy of amino acids from aqueous solution to a lipid bilayer is essential for understanding membrane protein folding and for predicting membrane protein structure. Here we report a computational approach that can calculate the folding free energy of the transmembrane region of outer membrane β-barrel proteins (OMPs) by combining an empirical energy function with a reduced discrete state space model. We quantitatively analyzed the transfer free energies of 20 amino acid residues at the center of the lipid bilayer of OmpLA. Our results are in excellent agreement with the experimentally derived hydrophobicity scales. We further exhaustively calculated the transfer free energies of 20 amino acids at all positions in the TM region of OmpLA. We found that the asymmetry of the Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane as well as the TM residues of an OMP determine its functional fold in vivo. Our results suggest that the folding process of an OMP is driven by the lipid-facing residu...
Final State Distributions of Methyl Photoproducts from the Photooxidation of Acetone on TiO2(110)

The UV photooxidation of acetone on a reduced TiO2(110) surface was investigated using a combination of photodesorption and thermal desorption measurements and pump–probe laser detection of gas-phase products. In agreement with earlier studies, acetone adsorbed on TiO2 does not undergo a UV photoreaction unless codosed with molecular oxygen. The only gas-phase photoproducts are methyl radicals originating from fragmentation of the active acetone surface species and photodesorbed molecular oxygen. Postirradiation TPD measurements show that acetate is the primary surface product remaining after photooxidation. The dependence of the methyl radical formation rate on oxygen and thermal pretreatment of the TiO2 surface is consistent with the formation of an acetone–oxygen (diolate) complex involving adsorbed acetone and oxygen adatoms. Pump-delayed-probe laser techniques were used to measure the velocity and translational energy distributions of methyl radicals resulting from fragmentation of the acetone diolat...
COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY. LYMPH NODES IN THE AMPHIBIAN, BUFO MARINUS.

SummaryEncapsulated nodes of lymphoid tissue have been demonstrated in the upper thorax, neck and axilla of the amphibian, Bujo marinus. The nodes phagocytize India ink and form antibody to bovine serum albumin. The anatomical and functional characteristics of these lymph nodes indicate that they are comparable to lymph nodes of mammals.
Effects of Bacterial Contamination on Gamma-Irradiated and Nonirradiated Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Seven-day-old larvae of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) were gamma-irradiated with 5.0 or 7.5 krad and subsequently reared on bacteria-free or bacteria-contaminated diet. Bacterial contamination adversely affected almost all parameters tested including larval mortality, pupal weights, larval and pupal deformities, egg production, and egg hatch. Life span and mating competitiveness of survivors were not affected by bacterial contamination. Production losses of H. zea due to bacterial contamination varied with bacterial species. Pseudomonas maltophilia Hugh &; Ryschenkow and Bacillus subtilis (Ehrenberg) Cohn caused the highest losses, and Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani &; Chalmers and Leuconostoc mesenteroides (Tsenkovskii) van Tieghem caused the lowest losses. Mortality and reduced fecundity due to irradiation were additive to mortality and reduced fecundity caused by bacteria, but interaction between bacteria and irradiation was not significant in any of the tests.
Economic Injury Levels to Field Corn from Slug (Stylommatophora: Agrolimacidae) Feeding

Slugs are important corn pests, but little is known about how their feeding on corn seedlings affects grain yields. Individual corn plants were infested with juvenile slugs, Deroceras reticulatum (Mueller), at four densities at the following three stages of growth: before seedling emergence and at the two- and four-leaf stage. Feeding injury to corn seedlings by slugs was scored visually for leaf area loss. Yield of roots, stalks, and grain ( Y ) was regressed against maximum injury estimates ( X ). Considerable plant mortality resulted from the highest slug density (50/0.1 m2) in 1989. Therefore, lower initial densities (up to 20/0.1 m2) were used in the following 2 yr to study the effects of sublethal injury. Less plant mortality resulted from the lower initial slug densities used in 1990 and 1991. A significant linear relationship between yield of grain and maximum leaf injury occurred in 1989. A quadratic regression equation best described significant losses in grain yield from slug feeding in the combined years of 1990 and 1991. The linear and quadratic equations were used to establish economic injury levels (EILs) relative to the cost of slug control and the value of the corn crop. EILs ranged from 2 to 20% defoliation by slugs in 1989, which was a warm, wet season. EILs ranged from 39 to 59% defoliation by slugs in the combined years 1990-1991, which was characterized as cool and dry in 1990 and warm and dry in 1991.
Serotonin transport and fluidity in plasma membrane vesicles: effect of hyperoxia

Plasma membrane vesicles were prepared from porcine pulmonary artery endothelial cells by a dextran-polyethylene glycol two-phase system. Specific carrier-mediated transport of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) into the vesicles was examined. Transport required a Na+ gradient (out greater than in) across the membrane, and accumulated 5-HT rapidly effluxed out of the vesicles when the ionophore gramicidin was added. Transport was inhibited by the antidepressant imipramine. 5-HT transport into plasma membrane vesicles appeared saturable and exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Km 7.4 microM, maximal velocity 217 pmol.min-1.mg membrane protein-1). A 24-h exposure to 95% O2 at 1 atmosphere absolute resulted in a 21% decrease (P less than 0.05) in specific 5-HT transport by plasma membrane vesicles. Hyperoxia also caused a significant (P less than 0.01) decrease in plasma membrane fluidity, as measured with the fluorescence probe 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene. These results indicate that pulmonary artery endothelial cell plasma membrane vesicles provide a good model for studying 5-HT transport activity in vitro. Hyperoxia affects plasma membrane fluidity and 5-HT transport in pulmonary artery endothelial cells, suggesting a possible cause-and-effect relationship between the two.
Catlow Twine basketry in the western Great Basin: Use and reuse in the archaeological record

Abstract The Great Basin is home to many rockshelters and caves where perishable materials are often well-preserved. These materials including textiles such as baskets, bags, mats, nets, and sandals, all of which provide significant information prehistoric human lifeways in this region. Catlow Twine basketry, which was manufactured for over ∼9000 cal years B.P., is a unique basketry type and provides valuable information about human activities in the western Great Basin. These activities include, burial practices, caching, and possibly trade. The context in which Catlow Twine is found archaeologically demonstrates its durability and value to people who occupied this region, and the diachronic changes in its distribution and frequencies could represent shifting cultural boundaries in the northern and western Great Basin over the past ∼9000 years.
Cloacal Exstrophy: 18-Year Survival of Untreated Case

A patient is described who was 18 years old and attending high school when initially treated for cloacal exstrophy. The history, embryology and treatment of cloacal exstrophy are discussed, emphasizing that this congenital anomaly is compatible with a useful and happy life.
Unique Regulatory Mechanisms for the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Cycle

The cell cycle in pluripotent human embryonic stem cells is governed by unique mechanisms that support unrestricted proliferation and competency for endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal differentiation. The abbreviated G1 period with retention of uncompromised fidelity for genetic and epigenetic mechanisms operative in control of proliferation support competency for expansion of the pluripotent cell population that is fundamental for initial stages of development. Regulatory events during the G1 period of the pluripotent cell cycle are decisive for the transition from pluripotency to lineage commitment. Recent findings indicate that a G2 cell cycle pause is present in both endodermal and mesodermal lineage cells, and is obligatory for differentiation to endoderm. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1254-1257, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adaptive correlation techniques for spread spectrum communication systems

Spread spectrum communication systems can require significant computation to perform initial acquisition, searching across time and frequency to accurately detect and lock onto the desired signal. This initial acquisition problem is exacerbated in deeply spread non-binary signals lacking cyclostationary features or repetitive codes, leading to a desire for less computationally intensive approaches. This paper introduces adaptive correlation methods that employ iterative Bayesian estimation techniques to reduce the expected computational load of signal acquisition, yet still achieve desired detection probabilities. Improvements to the adaptive correlator technique are identified, permitting flexibility in the correlation search windows, making it configurable for different applications like GNSS, DSSS communications, and noise-like chaotic spread spectrum signals. This paper presents analytical predictions of adaptive correlator performance, validated by measured FPGA hardware results achieving savings of 80% over brute-force serial time-domain acquisition searches.
Effect of time of application of potassium gibberellate on duster development of 'Zinfandel' grapes

'Zinfandel' grapevines were sprayed with KGA3 at 10 ppm when shoots were about 12, 25, or 50 cm long, or at bloom (50% calyptra fall). On 13 subsequent dates (April 29 to June 10), and at fruit maturity, various parameters were measured. Early applications of KGA3 increased shoot length, but by June 1 there were no differences among treatments. The first 3 treatments caused rapid increases in cluster length, but by June 10 lengths were not significantly different from the controls. Development of the basal lateral followed a similar trend. Pedicel length increased rapidly as a result of treatment, and on June 10 all treated pedicels were longer than those of the controls. At maturity, berries sprayed at the first 3 stages were smaller than control berries. The cessation of growth in length occurred first in clusters, followed by pedicels, laterals, and shoots, respectively. Einflus des Anwendungszeitpunktes von Kalium-Gibberellat auf die Traubenentwicklung von Reben der Sorte Zinfandel Reben der Sorte Zinfandel wurden mit 10 ppm Kalium-Gibberellat bespruht, und zwar wenn die Triebe 12, 25 oder 50 cm lang waren, oder wenn 50% der Blutenkappchen abgefallen waren. An 13 verschiedenen Daten (29. April bis 10. Juni) sowie zur Beerenreife wurden mehrere Parameter ermittelt. Fruhzeitige Anwendungen forderten das Langenwachstum der Triebe; bis zum 1. Juni waren die Unterschiede zwischen den Varianten jedoch wieder ausgeglichen. Die ersten drei Behandlungen hatten ein schnelleres Langenwachstum der Trauben zur Folge; bis zum 10. Juni waren aber auch diese Unterschiede gegenuber den Kontrollen nicht mehr signifikant. Die Entwicklung der basalen Geiztriebe verlief ahnlich. Die Beerenstiele wuchsen nach Behandlung schneller und waren am 10. Juni durchweg langer als die der Kontrolle. Bei der Reife waren die in den ersten drei Wachstumsphasen bespruhten Beeren kleiner als die Kontrollbeeren. Der Wachstumsstillstand trat zuerst bei den Trauben, dann bei den Beeerenstielen, den Geiztrieben und zuletzt bei den Trieben auf.
Intensifying a semi-arid dryland crop rotation by replacing fallow with pea

Abstract Increasing dryland cropping system intensity in the semi-arid central Great Plains by reducing frequency of fallow can add diversity to cropping systems and decrease erosion potential. However elimination of the periodic fallow phase has been shown to reduce yields of subsequent crops in this region. The objective of this experiment was to determine how productivity of a 4-yr WCMF rotation [wheat (W, Triticum aestivum L.); corn (C, Zea mays L.); proso millet (M, Panicum miliaceum L.); fallow (F)] was affected when the fallow phase was replaced with pea (P, Pisum sativum L.). The effect of this intensification of the WCMF rotation on the available soil water content at planting, the water use, and the yield of each crop, and on total system productivity and net income was quantified by analyzing data over a 20-yr period from a long-term crop rotation experiment at Akron, CO. Large year-to-year variations were found for available soil water at planting, water use, and yield for all four crops. Pea water use resulted in significant reductions in available soil water at planting, water use, and yield for wheat and corn, but had little effect on those quantities in the millet crop. Total production on a seed mass basis was not different between the WCMF and WCMP rotations, but system net income for the WCMP rotation was 32% lower than for WCMF. Intensification of the WCMF rotation by replacing the fallow phase with pea production could be recommended as an alternative production method if pea seed costs and nitrogen fertilizer applied to the subsequent wheat crop can be reduced.
Single Molecule Catch and Release: Potential-Dependent Plasmid DNA Adsorption along Chemically Graded Electrode Surfaces

Single molecule detection methods were employed to study the potential dependent adsorption and desorption of dye labeled plasmid DNA along chemical gradients prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. Gradients were formed over silica-base-layer-coated ITO surfaces by exposing them in a directional fashion to aminopropyltrimethoxysilane from the vapor phase. Sessile drop water contact angle measurements, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to verify that a gradient was formed and to characterize its wettability, thickness, and composition as a function of position. The gradient-coated ITO electrode served as both the working electrode and a window into the electrochemical cell used to manipulate DNA adsorption. For single molecule studies, the electrochemical cell was filled with buffer solution containing YOYO-1-labeled plasmid DNA. Fluorescence videos acquired along the gradients depicted clear position-, potential-, and pH-dependent variations in DNA adsorpti...
Numerical Simulations of the F-16XL at Flight-Test Conditions Using Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulation

The F-16XL flight-test data have been used for many years in the Cranked-Arrow Wing Aerodynamics Program International series as a challenging test case for numerical prediction of military aircraf...