cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changes in insecticide efficacy against Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) on soybean due to larval size and plant phenology

The within-plant distribution of corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), on soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, changes with larval size and plant phenological stage. Small (instars 1 and 2) larvae on H. zea are often found within rolled leaves and flowers when each plant part is available (vegetative and flowering stages). Medium (instars 3 and 4) and large (instars 5 and 6) larvae at all plant reproductive growth stages, and small larvae when rolled leaves and flowers are not available, are found primarily on open leaves. Because both rolled leaves and flowers may protect small larvae from exposure, insecticide efficacy may be reduced in soybean fields during the vegetative or flowering stages. To ensure that any differences observed in field experiments were not due to differences in susceptibility, the relative mortality of small, medium, and large H. zea larvae fed on soybean foliage treated with insecticides was assessed in the laboratory. No significant difference between small, and medium plus large larvae (combined) was detected in one test, but mortality of small larvae was significantly higher in another test. In the field, the number of H. zea larvae on insecticide-treated and untreated soybeans was compared 1 and 7 days after application, with separate experimental designs. The relative number of small, medium, and large larvae in each treatment varied with soybean growth stage. Differences between insecticide treatments were greater for large larvae than for small larvae when soybeans were flowering. When soybeans were in the pod-forming stages, few larvae of any size were found in the insecticide-treated plots one day after application. One week after application, greater differences in larval numbers were observed for small and medium larvae on soybeans in early reproductive growth stages than for large larvae in early stages or all sizes in later stages. It was concluded that insecticide efficacy for small H. zea larvae is low on soybeans in vegetative or early flowering growth stages. Because mortality of small larvae was higher at later plant growth stages, and as mortality of small larvae fed on insecticide-treated foliage was as high as, or higher than, mortality of larger larvae, the low efficacy may be attributed to lower exposure to insecticides.
Severe trismus secondary to periosteal osteogenesis after fibula free flap maxillary reconstruction.

Background. Fibula free tissue transfer is routinely used for reconstruction of bony defects in the head and neck. During flap preparation, well-vascularized periosteum is left adjacent to the proximal vascular pedicle. It is known that periosteum can have significant osteogenic potential in the proper settings. Complications related to periosteal osteogenesis of a fibula free flap pedicle have not been previously reported. Case History. A 12-year-old girl with a history of squamous cell carcinoma of the maxilla underwent delayed fibula free flap reconstruction of a maxillary defect. The patient had severe trismus develop postoperatively and was found to have osteogenesis along the vascular pedicle. This bone formed a solid bridge from the maxilla to the mandible. Two resections were required, which included excision of the vascular pedicle, to eliminate further osteogenesis and resolve the patient's trismus. Conclusions. The potential for periosteal osteogenesis does exist with fibula free tissue transfer and can have significant consequences. Potential promoters of osteogenesis should be identified and if possible altered in certain clinical scenarios to prevent complications from new bone growth. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 25: 000–000, 2003
Deuterated target comparison for pyroelectric crystal D–D nuclear fusion experiments

Different target materials were investigated to determine which ones are favorable to increasing the theoretical neutron yield using pyroelectric crystal D–D nuclear fusion. Calculations show that deuterated polyethylene (CD2) will potentially yield the highest number of neutrons compared to the other targets investigated. However, deuterated plastic targets have been found to erode over the course of experiments.
Organic geochemistry of marine sediments in Antarctic region: Marine lipids in McMurdo Sound

Abstract The compositions of resolvable lipid components from four sediment cores (0–90 cm) of McMurdo Sound, Ross Sea, have been examined. The various lipid components occur in the following order of abundance: sterols ≈ -fatty acids > n -alcohols > n -alkanes > PAH. The data indicate that the organic matter is mainly derived from recycled kerogen mixed with modern marine input. The distribution of lipids and lignin analyses indicate that there is little recognizable higher plant debris in the sediments. The sediments contain unaltered biogenic triterpenoids, and there is no evidence for natural and/or anthropogenic petroleum influx in the region. Aeolian transport of organic carbon from the continents appears to be negligible. The dominance of labile alkenes (C 25 compounds) and hopenes and the presence of unsaturated fatty acids down to a depth of 90 cm reflect a very early diagenetic stage. The persistent cold climate has probably helped in the better preservation of these labile lipids in the water column and in the young sediments. Diploptene (17β(H),21β(H)-hop-22(29)-ene) appeats to originate from autochthonous marine productivity in McMurdo Sound.
Nonlinear interferometric vibrational imaging of biological tissue

We demonstrate imaging with the technique of nonlinear interferometric vibrational imaging (NIVI). Experimental images using this instrumentation and method have been acquired from both phantom and biological tissues. In our system, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) signals are detected by spectral interferometry, which is able to fully restore high resolution Raman spectrum on each focal spot of a sample covering multiple Raman bands using broadband pump and Stokes laser beams. Spectral-domain detection has been demonstrated and allows for a significant increase in image acquiring speed, in signal-to-noise, and in interferometric signal stability.
Periodic pulling in a driven relaxation oscillator

Periodic pulling, the incomplete entrainment of a driven, nonlinear oscillator, is observed experimentally in a relaxation oscillator for the first time. A neon-bulb relaxation oscillator is driven by a chopped, neon-resonant, laser beam. For driving frequencies just outside the range for entrainment, the signatures of periodic pulling are verified. The experimental results are qualitatively reproduced in numerical solutions of the driven van der Pol equation.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Particle generation by ultraviolet-laser ablation during surface decontamination.

Abstract A novel photonic decontamination method was developed for removal of pollutants from material surfaces. Such a method relies on the ability of a high-energy laser beam to ablate materials from a contaminated surface layer, thus producing airborne particles. In this paper, the authors presented the results obtained using a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) system and an aerosol particle sizer (APS). Particles generated by laser ablation from the surfaces of cement, chromium-embedded cement, and alumina were experimentally investigated. Broad particle distributions from nanometer to micrometer in size were measured. For stainless steel, virtually no particle >500 nm in aerodynamic size was detected. The generated particle number concentrations of all three of the materials were increased as the 266-nm laser fluence (millijoules per square centimeter) increased. Among the three materials tested, cement was found to be the most favorable for particle removal, alumina next, and stainless steel t...
KRAB: a partner for SRY action on chromatin.

The sex determining region Y (SRY/Sry) gene is necessary and sufficient for testis determination and differentiation in mammals. SRY/Sry encodes a putative transcription factor with a high mobility group (HMG) DNA-binding domain. The spatiotemporal regulation of Sry expression suggests that a brief action of SRY in a limited number of progenitor cells (pre-Sertoli cells) before the onset of default ovarian differentiation is sufficient to switch on testicular differentiation. Recent identification and characterization of the Kruppel-associated box only (KRAB-O) protein as an SRY-interacting protein have provided experimental evidence supporting an interesting model for SRY function. In this model, SRY recruits the KRAB-KAP1 (KRAB-associating protein 1) complex as a chromatin modulator, which provides a molecular mechanism of SRY as a transcription factor. Moreover, the sufficiency of a brief action of SRY for testis differentiation can be partly explained by the heritability of KRAB-mediated chromatin remodeling. Although it is currently uncertain whether KRAB-O is the only KRAB protein with which SRY interacts, we hypothesize that KRAB-O or yet-to-be identified KRAB-containing proteins might play various roles in sex determination and gonadal differentiation.
Flight management systems - What are they and why are they being developed?

This paper presents the motivation for developing and using flight management systems. The architecture and theoretical basis of these systems is presented and their typical operation during a flight is described. Two computer programs developed to support flight management research are used to obtain numerical results which illustrate significant potential reductions in fuel used and/or airline operating costs which can be achieved through use of flight management systems. The specific levels of savings depend on the nature of the air traffic control system in which the aircraft operates. Accordingly, results are presented both for operations in the existing air traffic control system and in an air traffic control environment with reduced restrictions on airplane operations. The capability of airplanes equipped with suitable flight management systems to operate in a time-based (4-D) environment is also discussed. Programs of the Federal Aviation Administration which may influence the operation of flight management system equipped aircraft in the evolving National Airspace System are also briefly reviewed.
Imaging current flow in lobster nerve cord using the acoustoelectric effect

Ultrasound traversing a biologic fluid or tissue generates a local change in electrical conductivity known as the acoustoelectric effect. The authors exploit this interaction to image ionic current injected into the abdominal segment of the lobster nerve cord. A pair of recording electrodes detected the acoustoelectric signal induced by pulses of focused ultrasound (1.4 or 7.5MHz). The signal was linear with injected current at 2MPa (0.7μV∕mAcm2) and pressure at 75mA∕cm2 (23μV∕MPa). Acoustoelectric imaging of biocurrents potentially enhances spatial resolution of traditional electrophysiology and merits further study as an imaging modality for neural applications.
A Cautionary Tale: Globalization and Legitimation Crisis in the Rule of Law in the United States

Globalization creates a crisis for the future of democracy in the United States. 1. U.S. law schools consistently treat international and transnational law as add-ons to the curriculum. This leaves graduates unaccustomed to the relationship between future trade and investment targeting skilled and educated regional labor pools. 2. The current Supreme Court interpretations of the federalism in the U.S. Constitution create a barrier to full democratic representation in Nation-State negotiation and foreign policy. 3. As a result of this political economy, the preservation of democracy within the United States suffers from growing disbelief in the rule of law. 4. The judicial coup by the Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore, therefore, requires both curricular reform and methodic institution of critical oppositional norms and methods to regain democratic legitimation of the rule of law.
“Do you like Doritos?”: preschoolers’ table talk during lunchtime

The primary intention was to explore the nature and content of preschoolers’ conversations during lunchtime in their classroom. Secondary goals included discovering how eating at school framed the children’s conversation and play, and the influence of gender on children’s conversations and forms of play. Participants were 65 primarily European‐American, middle‐income children (25 boys, 40 girls). Ages ranged from 36 to 71 months. Multiple observers recorded table conversations using a time sampling unit of five minutes. Simultaneous play and non‐verbal behaviour were also recorded. Findings revealed that children primarily conversed with peers and not with adults. Major conversation topics were food, family, and daily events. Child to teacher speech frequently involved requests for assistance. Girls conversed more than boys in almost all instances except in asking the teacher questions. Boys played with their food, told jokes and engaged in taboo humour and language play more than the girls did. Findings ...
PREY PREFERENCE BY A TOP PREDATOR AND THE STABILITY OF LINKED FOOD CHAINS

Recent theoretical studies have shown the potential for chaotic dynamics in simple three-species food chains. Most of these studies have focused on linear food chains, although natural food chains are seldom isolated from the surrounding food web. There is a growing awareness that food web dynamics can be strongly influenced by the behavior and movement of predators, energy, and nutrients across ecosystem and subecosystem boundaries. Motivated by observations from lakes, where the pelagic food web is often linked to the littoral food web by mobile predators, we constructed a simple model to evaluate the dynamics of two food chains linked by a top predator with prey preference. Linking the two food chains had no qualitative effect on model dynamics, although it did increase the density of the top predator. Instead, the prey preference of the top predator changed the system dynamics. We found a range of prey preferences that could eliminate chaos, dampen oscillations, and even produce point stability in a previously oscillatory system. The strength of prey preference required to produce a point attractor in a previously chaotic system was positively related to the dimension of chaos (a measure of the complexity of chaos). Our results suggest that, although chaos is possible in food webs, common processes like prey preference reduce the potential for chaos.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Exercise and Dietary Behaviors of Middle-Aged and Older Adults

BACKGROUND Differences in health behaviors may be important contributors to racial/ethnic disparities in the health status of adults. Studies to date have not compared whether there are health behavior differences in exercise and dietary behaviors among middle-age and older adults in the four largest racial/ethnic categories.
Appalachenprofil in Maryland

Die Appalachen sind etwa 300 km breit, wovon etwa die Halfte bedeckt und nur geophysikaisch oder aus Tiefbohrungen bekannt ist. Von den erreichbaren 150 km zwischen Baltimore und der Allegheny-Front gehort etwa die Halfte in das Gebiet der Tektonite. Die andere Halfte ist fast symmetrisch, etwa nach Art des Jura gefaltet, jedoch viel weniger stark zusammengeschoben.
Anisotropy-dependent circular polarization spectroscopy

Experimental and theoretical study of atomic collisions with neutral atoms, molecules, and ions is a key to understand the energy and charge transfer processes, depolarization cross sections, dynamical evolution of the state multipoles, and the accurate description of the intermediate levels of the collision complex 1‐5. Although the study of collision dynamics is not new, significant advances in techniques for laser cooling and trapping of atoms, molecules and ions has enormously increased the interest in this area of research 6,7. For example, collisions involving cold Rydberg atoms 8‐10 has been a great interest in many fields of research due to the interesting properties of these atoms in astrophysical and laboratory plasmas. Also, high-resolution photoassociation spectroscopy of ultracold molecules 11‐16 has become an important subject to accurately determine the potential curves of these molecules in atomic and molecular physics. The measurement of collisional depolarization cross section between an alkali metal and rare gas atom provides valuable information about the interaction between the two species such as relaxation rates of the electronic moments. Experimental investigations of collisional depolarization in 6p 2 P 3/2 level cesium atoms, up to now, were carried out using incoherent light sources as optical excitation 17,18. Guiry et al. 17 has experimentally studied the disorienta
Obtaining Telephone Numbers for a Rural Medicaid Population: Issues for Outreach and Research

Abstract This study examined the accuracy and costs of determining whether rural, low-income Medicaid recipients did or did not have a phone, and of obtaining phone numbers for those who did. For a random sample of 209 families, we compared phone information obtained from phone books and directory assistance with information obtained from department of social services (DSS) records. DSS records identified 51% of the sample as having phones, compared with 19%-25% for phone books and directory assistance. For identifying families as having no home phone or a phone with a number that matched the one in the DSS record, phone books or directory assistance corresponded with DSS records in 52%-57% of the sample. Using phone books or directory assistance was up to 3.2 times more costly than using DSS records. The study highlighted the need to establish policies to promote the exchange of information between social services and public health agencies and researchers.
CAN TEACHERS WRITE GOOD TRUE‐FALSE TEST ITEMS?

True-false test items are regarded with disfavor by some test specialists and test users. They are suspected of being often trivial or ambiguous and always susceptible to guessing. Ebel (1970) has argued that these faults are not inherent in the form, and need not seriously limit its usefulness. He has provided a rationale for the validity of the form in tests of educational achievement, and has shown that highly reliable test scores can be obtained from true-false tests. Others (Burmester & Olson, 1966; Frisbie, 1973) have provided evidence to support the belief that true-false items are not essentially different from multiple choice items, and that they can serve essentially the same purposes. However, it has been suggested that effective use of the form requires special talent, and that typical classroom teachers are unlikely to be able to use it effectively (Storey, 1966; Wesman, 1971). The present study was designed to shed some light on this question.
The vasodilatory effect of testosterone on renal afferent arterioles.

Abstract Background Sex differences exist in a variety of cardiovascular and renal diseases, and testosterone may contribute to the discrepancy. Afferent arterioles (Af-Arts) are the major resistance vessels in the kidney, and they play an important role in the development of renal injury and hypertension. Objective We sought to determine the acute effect and underlying mechanism(s) of action of testosterone on Af-Arts. Methods The mRNA expression of androgen receptors (ARs) in microdissected Af-Arts was measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). An in vitro microperfusion model was used to measure the diameter of Af-Arts in mice. Nitric oxide (NO) was evaluated by an NO-sensitive fluorescent dye, 4-amino-5-methylamino-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate. Results Testosterone had no effect on microperfused Af-Arts when added to the bath. Therefore, we preconstricted the Af-Arts to approximately 30% with norepinephrine (10 –6 M); administration of testosterone (10 –9 –10 –7 M) subsequently dilated the Af-Arts in a dose-dependent manner ( P –5 M), totally blocked the testosterone (10 –8 M)-induced vasodilator effect. Mean (SEM) NO production of the Af-Art wall was increased when testosterone was added to the bath solution after norepinephrine treatment, from 278.4 (12.1) U/min to 351.2 (33.1) U/min ( P N G -nitro- l -arginine methyl ester (3 × 10 –4 M), the testosterone-induced dilatation was blunted compared with norepinephrine ( P Conclusions Testosterone dilated preconstricted mouse Af-Arts in a dose-dependent manner by activation of ARs and partially mediated by NO.
Alcohol influence on hemisphere differences and signal detection thresholds.

Six right- and six left-handed subjects were run in a repeated measures design to determine the influences of alcohol on hemiretina detection thresholds. Stimuli were presented tachistoscopically to the hemiretinae at blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) of 0, 50, and 100 mg%. The nasal hemiretinae had higher thresholds than the temporal hemiretinae and this difference was independent of alcohol. Alcohol interacted with visual field and handedness. The results showed that the highest alcohol dose (100 mg%) raised detection thresholds more for the hemifield contralateral to the subject's preferred hand than the ipsilateral hemifield. Results are discussed in terms of lateral dominance and attention.
Molecular mechanics (MM4) study of fluorinated hydrocarbons.

A molecular mechanics study of small saturated hydrocarbons (up to C-6) substituted by up to six fluorines has been carried out with the MM4 force field. A parameter set has been developed for use ...
Coherence Measurements from Two-Dimensional Binary Phase Masks: Theory and Experimental Results

A simple scheme is implemented for the measurement of spatial coherence of partially coherent fields using a two dimensional binary phase mask. Initial results indicate our methods are reliable for certain types of beams.
Negative differential flow resistance in supercritical helium

Abstract The study of helium flow instabilities occuring in large helium cooling system is important for the future development of these systems. One of these instabilities, the Lednigg instability, is caused by negative differential flow resistance. This paper discusses the conditions under which a negative differential flow resistance can occur and finds that it will not occur in single phase helium cooling systems except under certain very restricted conditions.
Behavior at the Organismal and Molecular Levels: The Case of C. elegans

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a tiny worm that has become the focus of a large number of worldwide research projects examining its genetics, development, neuroscience, and behavior. Recently several groups of investigators have begun to tie together the behavior of the organism and the underlying genes, neural circuits, and molecular processes implemented in those circuits. Behavior is quintessentially organismal--it is the organism as a whole that moves and mates--but the explanations are devised at the molecular and neurocircuit levels, and tested in populations using protocols that span many levels of aggregation. Following a brief review of the main relevant features of C. elegans, I describe some of these circuits, and then discuss two contrasting approaches in behavioral genetics and neural network analysis of the worm. Finally, I outline the rudiments of a "field and focus" explanation model using the two contrasting approaches.
A New Class of Central Nervous System Stimulants

ALTHOUGH the mesoionic compounds called sydnones have been known and studied for some time1, there have been no pharmacological studies reported on the ring system. A closer examination of the sydnone ring reveals a rough similarity to the rings of 2,4-oxazolidone (II) and 2-oxazolidone (III). These are anticonvulsants; however, if the nitrogen atoms of both are alkylated with fairly long chains, the action is often reversed, leading to a convulsant compound2. Accordingly, a series of new N-alkyl sydnones have been prepared and the pharmacology studied.
Surface Energy Analysis of Treated Graphite Fibers

Abstract Wettability measurements and surface energy analysis are applied to isolate the (London-d) and (Keesom-p) polar contributions to solid-vapor surface tension γsv=γd sv + γp sv of surface treated graphite fibers. Surface treatments include metal coatings with Al, Cu, and Ni, chemically reducing heat treatments in H2 and vacuum, and films of highly chlorinated polymers such as polyhexachlorobutadiene and polychloral. This study shows that the highly polar surface properties γp sv|γsv ≃ γd sv|γsv ≃ 0.50 of commercial graphite fibers can be modified by surface treatment to display dominant dispersion character with γd sv|γsv ≃ 0.79 to 0.92 without substantial reduction in total surface energy γsv. For adsorption bonded fiber/matrix interfaces a new method of mapping the surface energy effects of an immersion phase upon the Griffith fracture energy γG is applied to define criteria for strong interfacial bonding under both air and water immersion.
Electronic structure calculations of PbTe

Abstract The full potential linearized augmented plane wave (LAPW) method was applied to study the electronic structure of the PbTe compound. Calculations of the band structure, density of states, strain energy and total energy as a function of lattice constant have been performed in the B1(NaCl) and B2(CsCl) structures. The equilibrium lattice constant, the band gap, the pressure variation of the energy gap, the bulk moduli and the elastic constants are compared with experiment and other calculations. We found that the local density approximation results in an energy gap that overestimates the experimental value, in contrast to most materials where the energy gap is underestimated. We propose a simple way to adjust the gap to the experimental value by performing a Slater–Koster fit and then varying the p on-site parameter of Pb. The inclusion of the spin–orbit coupling term in the tight-binding Hamiltonian fit is shown to produce significant changes in the band structure. With these two steps, the calculated band gap is found to be in good agreement with experiment. In the case of PbTe (CsCl) structure, our calculation finds no gap in the bands, contradicting recent experimental data.
Salt effects on peptide conformers: a dielectric study of tuftsin

Four 1-ns molecular dynamics computer simulations of tuftsin, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, are analyzed: (1) cis tuftsin in water, (2) trans tuftsin in water, (3) cis tuftsin in 1 M NaCl, and (4) trans tuftsin in 1 M NaCl. Independently of the salt concentration, the trans conformer has a higher dielectric constant than the cis conformer because the former exhibits a more widely distributed charge distribution in space. Independently of the peptide conformation, the presence of salt reduces the dielectric constants of both the peptide and the solvating water molecules because ions, on binding, restrict the motion of other atoms. In contrast to the dielectric constants, neither the peptide conformation nor the salt concentration shows a significant influence on the dielectric relaxation time of water molecules.
Quality in ethics consultations

There is an increasing need for quality in ethics consultations, though there have been significant achievements in the United States and Europe. However, fundamental concerns that place the profession in jeopardy are discussed from the perspective of the U.S. in a manner that will be helpful for other countries. The descriptive component of the essay (the first two points) explains the achievements in ethics quality (illustrated by the IntegratedEthics program of the Veterans Health Administration) and the progress on standards and competencies for ethics consultations (represented by the Core Competencies of the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities). Based on these achievements, the analytical component of the essay (the final three points) identifies and seeks to resolve three fundamental concerns (with increasing levels of importance) that compromise quality in ethics consultations: standards of quality; professionalism; and credentialing. The analysis argues for clearer standards of quality in ethics consultation and urges further professionalism by explaining the need for the following: interpreting the ASBH core competencies in a normative manner, developing a Code of Ethics, and clarifying the meaning of best practices. However, the most serious concern that threatens quality in ethics consultations is the lack of a credentialing process. This concern can be resolved effectively by developing an independent Ethics Consultation Accreditation Council to accredit and standardize graduate degree programs, fellowship experiences, and qualifying examinations. This credentialing process is indispensable if we are to strategically enhance quality in ethics consultations.
Time-Resolved FTIR Difference Spectroscopy in Combination with Specific Isotope Labeling for the Study of A1, the Secondary Electron Acceptor in Photosystem 1

A phylloquinone molecule (2-methyl, 3-phytyl, 1, 4-naphthoquinone) occupies the A(1) binding site in photosystem 1 particles from Synechocystis sp. 6803. In menB mutant photosystem 1 particles from the same species, plastoquinone-9 occupies the A(1) binding site. By incubation of menB mutant photosystem 1 particles in the presence of phylloquinone, it was shown in another study that phylloquinone will displace plastoquinone-9 in the A(1) binding site. We describe the reconstitution of unlabeled ((16)O) and (18)O-labeled phylloquinone back into the A(1) binding site in menB photosystem 1 particles. We then produce time-resolved A(1)(-)/A(1) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) difference spectra for these menB photosystem 1 particles that contain unlabeled and (18)O-labeled phylloquinone. By specifically labeling only the phylloquinone oxygen atoms we are able to identify bands in A(1)(-)/A(1) FTIR difference spectra that are due to the carbonyl (C=O) modes of neutral and reduced phylloquinone. A positive band at 1494 cm(-1) in the A(1)(-)/A(1) FTIR difference spectrum is found to downshift 14 cm(-1) and decreases in intensity on (18)O labeling. Vibrational mode frequency calculations predict that an antisymmetric vibration of both C=O groups of the phylloquinone anion should display exactly this behavior. In addition, phylloquinone that has asymmetrically hydrogen bonded carbonyl groups is also predicted to display this behavior. The positive band at 1494 cm(-1) in the A(1)(-)/A(1) FTIR difference spectrum is therefore due to the antisymmetric vibration of both C=O groups of one electron reduced phylloquinone. Part of a negative band at 1654 cm(-1) in the A(1)(-)/A(1) FTIR difference spectrum downshifts 28 cm(-1) on (18)O labeling. Again, vibrational mode frequency calculations predict this behavior for a C=O mode of neutral phylloquinone. The negative band at 1654 cm(-1) in the A(1)(-)/A(1) FTIR difference spectrum is therefore due to a C=O mode of neutral phylloquinone. More specifically, calculations on a phylloquinone model molecule with the C(4)=O group hydrogen bonded predict that the 1654 cm(-1) band is due to the non hydrogen bonded C(1)=O mode of neutral phylloquinone.
Ellipticine analogs: Oxygen and sulfur isosteres

Oxaellipticine has been synthesized from 1,4-dimethyldibenzofuran, by converting it to the 2-aldehyde, forming the Schiff's base with aminoacetaldehyde diethyl acetal, and cyclizing this with 105%superphosphoric acid. Alternatively, tetrahydrodimethyldibenzofuran was formylated mainly at the 3-position, and the 3-(2-nitrovinyl) derivative of the 3-aldehyde, by hydride reduction, then Bischler-Napieralski cyclization of the 3-(2-formamidoethyl) derivative, afforded hexahydrooxaellipticine, which could be aromatized only in poor yield. Isooxaellipticine, the pyrido-A' positional isomer, was similarly prepared from the nitrovinyl derivative of 1,4-dimethyl-2-dibenzofurancarboxaldehyde, through cyclization of the formamidoethyl intermediate and aromatization of the dihydro product. Likewise, isothiaellipticine was obtained from 1,4-dimethyl-2-dibenzothiophenecarboxaldehyde.
MO-G-BRE-06: Metrics of Success: Measuring Participation and Attitudes Related to Near-Miss Incident Learning Systems

Purpose: Interest in incident learning systems (ILS) for improving safety and quality in radiation oncology is growing, as evidenced by the upcoming release of the national ILS. However, an institution implementing such a system would benefit from quantitative metrics to evaluate performance and impact. We developed metrics to measure volume of reporting, severity of reported incidents, and changes in staff attitudes over time from implementation of our institutional ILS. Methods: We analyzed 2023 incidents from our departmental ILS from 2/2012–2/2014. Incidents were prospectively assigned a near-miss severity index (NMSI) at multidisciplinary review to evaluate the potential for error ranging from 0 to 4 (no harm to critical). Total incidents reported, unique users reporting, and average NMSI were evaluated over time. Additionally, departmental safety attitudes were assessed through a 26 point survey adapted from the AHRQ Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture before, 12 months, and 24 months after implementation of the incident learning system. Results: Participation in the ILS increased as demonstrated by total reports (approximately 2.12 additional reports/month) and unique users reporting (0.51 additional users reporting/month). Also, the average NMSI of reports trended lower over time, significantly decreasing after 12 months of reporting (p<0.001) but with no significant changemore » at months 18 or 24. In survey data significant improvements were noted in many dimensions, including perceived barriers to reporting incidents such as concern of embarrassment (37% to 18%; p=0.02) as well as knowledge of what incidents to report, how to report them, and confidence that these reports were used to improve safety processes. Conclusion: Over a two-year period, our departmental ILS was used more frequently, incidents became less severe, and staff confidence in the system improved. The metrics used here may be useful for other institutions seeking to create or evaluate their own incident learning systems.« less
Localization accuracy of track-before-detect search strategies for distributed sensor networks

The localization accuracy of a track-before-detect search for a target moving across a distributed sensor field is examined in this paper. The localization accuracy of the search is defined in terms of the area of intersection of the spatial-temporal sensor coverage regions, as seen from the perspective of the target. The expected value and variance of this area are derived for sensors distributed randomly according to an arbitrary distribution function. These expressions provide an important design objective for use in the planning of distributed sensor fields. Several examples are provided that experimentally validate the analytical results.
Properties of single-walled carbon nanotube-based aerogels as a function of nanotube loading

Abstract Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of low-density single-walled carbon nanotube-based aerogels (SWNT-CA). Aerogels with varying nanotube loading (0–55 wt.%) and density (20–350 mg cm −3 ) were fabricated and characterized by four-probe method, electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and nitrogen porosimetry. Several properties of the SWNT-CAs were highly dependent upon nanotube loading. At nanotube loadings of 55 wt.%, shrinkage of the aerogel monoliths during carbonization and drying was almost completely eliminated. Electrical conductivities are improved by an order of magnitude for the SWNT-CA (55 wt.% nanotubes) compared to those of foams without nanotubes. Surface areas as high as 184 m 2 g −1 were achieved for SWNT-CAs with greater than 20 wt.% nanotube loading.
Aldosterone antagonism improves endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation in heart failure via upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase production.

Abstract Background Altering the renin-angiotensin aldosterone system improve mortality in heart failure (HF) in part through an improvement in nitric oxide (NO)-mediated endothelial function. This study examined if spironolactone affects endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and NO-mediated vasorelaxation in HF. Methods and Results Rats with HF after coronary artery ligation were treated with spironolactone for 4 weeks. Rats with HF had a decrease ( P P −8 M acetylcholine that was abolished with N G -monomethyl-L-arginine. The eNOS levels were decreased ( P Conclusion Spironolactone prevents the decrease in eNOS in the LV and aorta and improves NO-dependent vasorelaxation, suggesting that one potential mechanism of spironolactone is an improvement in vasoreactivity mediated though an increase in NO.
CONCERNING ADENOMATA ORIGINATING FROM THE ISLANDS OF LANGERHANS

Small encapsulated tumors of the size of peas, or even smaller, are occasionally found in the pancreas. These tumors are benign, and have a structure similar in all respects to that of an hypertrophied island of Langerhans. The distinctions between adenomata and forms of regenerative hypertrophy, sometimes so difficult to make in the breast, prostate, liver, and other organs, is not easily drawn in the present case. The fact that one may encounter all gradations in the size of islands, from that of the normal island to that of the tumors, suggests that it is more reasonable to consider such tumors merely as hypertrophied islands rather than as adenomata originating from islands.
Behavioral characteristics of vasopressin-deficient rats (Brattleboro strain).

A group of vasopressin-deficient rats (Brattleboro strain—DI) and a group of normal Long-Evans rats were successively evaluated on visual discrimination. olfactory discrimination, delayed alternation at short and long intertrial intervals (ITIs), approach-avoidance conflict in a straight runway, and open-field behavior. It was found that DI rats adapted more slowly than normal rats in the T-maze, in the straight runway, and they were slower to emerge into the open field. The DI rats were impaired relative to normal animals on the discrimination tasks (visual and olfactory), but they were not impaired on delayed alternation (at least for short ITIs). DI rats also showed better retention of the punishment effect in the approach-avoidance conflict test than normal animals. It is suggested that DI rats have defective reference-memory mechanisms, fairly intact working-memory processes and altered adaptability (timidity or cautiousness).
The importance of glutamate, glycine, and γ-aminobutyric acid transport and regulation in manganese, mercury and lead neurotoxicity

Historically, amino acids were studied in the context of their importance in protein synthesis. In the 1950s, the focus of research shifted as amino acids were recognized as putative neurotransmitters. Today, many amino acids are considered important neurochemicals. Although many amino acids play a role in neurotransmission, glutamate (Glu), glycine (Gly), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are among the more prevalent and better understood. Glu, the major excitatory neurotransmitter, and Gly and GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitters, in the central nervous system, are known to be tightly regulated. Prolonged exposure to environmental toxicants, such as manganese (Mn), mercury (Hg), or lead (Pb), however, can lead to dysregulation of these neurochemicals and subsequent neurotoxicity. While the ability of these metals to disrupt the regulation of Glu, Gly and GABA have been studied, few articles have examined the collective role of these amino acids in the respective metal's mechanism of toxicity. For each of the neurotransmitters above, we will provide a brief synopsis of their regulatory function, including the importance of transport and re-uptake in maintaining their optimal function. Additionally, the review will address the hypothesis that aberrant homeostasis of any of these amino acids, or a combination of the three, plays a role in the neurotoxicity of Mn, Hg, or Pb.
The Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project (EPGP) informatics platform

Background The Epilepsy Phenome/Genome Project (EPGP) is a large-scale, multi-institutional, collaborative network of 27 epilepsy centers throughout the U.S., Australia, and Argentina, with the objective of collecting detailed phenotypic and genetic data on a large number of epilepsy participants. The goals of EPGP are (1) to perform detailed phenotyping on 3750 participants with specific forms of non-acquired epilepsy and 1500 parents without epilepsy, (2) to obtain DNA samples on these individuals, and (3) to ultimately genotype the samples in order to discover novel genes that cause epilepsy. To carry out the project, a reliable and robust informatics platform was needed for standardized electronic data collection and storage, data quality review, and phenotypic analysis involving cases from multiple sites.
A new model for regulation of sodium transport in high resistance epithelia

Abstract A new three barrier, four compartment model for sodium transport in high resistance urinary epithelia is presented. This model provides a unified and simplified mechanistic explanation for sodium transport and its quantitative regulation. Sodium enters the epithelial cell by passive diffusion. Active extrusion occurs across the lateral cell membrane into the lateral intercellular space (LICS). Sodium movement from the LICS into the serosal compartment is not free and unobstructed as in the models for low resistance epithelia, but rather occurs through a regulatory channel of the LICS passing through desmosomes and the basilar slit. The exact configuration of this regulatory channel controls the rate of sodium movement from the LICS into the serosal compartment. Thus, the configuration of the regulatory channel controls the afterload on the sodium pump and thus ultimately controls the rate of transepithelial sodium transport. Antidiuretic hormone could act by increasing the effective width of this regulatory channel by contraction of intracellular microtubules or microfilaments. Present theories for regulation of transepithelial sodium transport in high resistance eipithelia invoke a regulatory barrier at the apical cell membrane or at the active sodium pump located in the basolateral cell membrane. The hypothetical model presented here invokes a new alternative: regulation of the active pump rate by the sodium concentration in the LICS serving as an afterload on the pump; sodium escape from the LICS into the serosal compartment thus becomes the regulatory step for transepithelial transport.
Excited-state protonation kinetics of coumarin 102

Abstract The rate constant for protonation of the electronically excited state of coumarin 102 in water has been determined to be (1,4 × 0.4) × 10 10 mol −1 s −1 using picosecond spectroscopy. The laser pH jump technique is shown to be suitable for rapidly decreasing, as well as increasing, solution pH.
Competitive benchmarking for fleet cost management

The objective of this research is to develop competitive benchmarking strategies for private fleet management to increase the cost efficiency of operating the fleet. Concepts and procedures of benchmarking developed in the literature are reviewed first. This is followed by the development of a benchmarking procedure specifically for private fleet cost control and management. An illustrative example using data from a local company is then given to demonstrate the use of this procedure.
Coding processes in preselected and constrained movements: effect of vision.

Abstract Three experiments were conducted in which visual information was manipulated either at the endpoint or during preselected, subject defined and constrained, experimenter-defined movements. In Experiments 1 and 2 the subject's task was to reproduce the movement in the absence of vision. Augmenting the terminal location of the criterion movement with vision had no differential effect on reproduction in Experiment 1, although preselected movement accuracy was significantly superior to constrained. Providing vision throughout the criterion movement in Experiment 2 not only failed to improve the accuracy of constrained movements but decreased reproduction performance in preselected movements. In Experiment 3 procedures were adopted to control the allocation of the subjects' attention during the criterion movement. The subjects reproduced by vision alone, movement alone, or with both visual and movement information available. When subjects were informed of the modality of reproduction prior to criterion presentation, they were able to ignore concurrent input from vision and attend to movement information. In the absence of precues visual information was spontaneously attended. The data were interpreted as contrary to closed-loop assumptions that additional information necessarily enhances the strength of a motor memory representation. Rather, they can be accommodated in terms of Posner, Nissen and Klein's (1976) theoretical account of visual dominance and serve to illustrate the importance of selective attention effects in movement coding.
THE DINOFLAGELLATE PELLICULAR WALL LAYER AND ITS OCCURRENCE IN THE DIVISION PYRRHOPHYTA1

Forty-five species of dinoflagellates were surveyed for the presence of a pellicular layer in the amphiesma or cell covering. Such a layer was found in 15 of the 20 genera studied. Half the pellicles tested were resistant to acetolysis and may contain a sporopollenin-like material similar to that of some dinoflagellate cyst walk. Most organisms which formed pellicles were capable of reinforcing this layer with cellulose. Pellicles of Heterocapsa niei (Loeblich) Morrill & Loeblich and Scrippsiella trochoidea (Stein) Loeblich were studied with the electron microscope. Evidence is presented indicating that dividing cells of S. trochoidea from new walls while still enclosed in the parental pellicular layer.
Frankfurters extended with wheat germ protein : Sensory properties and consumer response

In this study, 103 consumers evaluated the sensory acceptance of frankfurters extended with wheat germ protein flour (WGPF). Consumers as a whole did not perceive any differences in the attributes of appearance, flavor, texture, and overall acceptance. However, samples with WGPF were scored lower for intensities of hot dog flavor and spiciness. Perception of intensities of attributes varied depending on age, frequency of consumption, and whether the consumer was male or female. WGPF did not influence the overall acceptance of the product. A trained panel found a difference in smoky flavor due to treatment and a weak difference in smoky aroma and flavor due to storage. Trends suggested an effect due to increasing levels of WGPF on aroma and flavor of frankfurters.
Geochemistry of the volatile elements on Venus

Abstract A detailed study is made of the chemistry of the volatile elements on Venus. It is concluded that the dominant cloud-forming species in the atmosphere are compounds of mercury: Hg2Br2, Hg2I2, HgS, Hg, and Hg2Cl2 clouds are predicted. The first three of these are identified with the cloud layers discovered by Rasool in his analysis of the Mariner V occultation data, and Hg2Cl2 and Hg are identified as the materials responsible for the “visible cloud layer” near the 240°K level. A number of other proposed cloud constituents are critically discussed. The implications of such a cloud structure with respect to the composition of the upper and lower atmosphere are described, and it is shown that COS, HBr, NH3, and HI must be essentially absent from the observable portion of the atmosphere. HBr may be abundant in the lower atmosphere, and it is suggested that species other than CO2 may be responsible for the attenuation of radar signals of λ ⋍ 3 cm by the atmosphere.