cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Climate-associated shifts in color and body size for a tropical bee pollinator

Habitat degradation and climatic changes are causing declines in bee populations, which in turn threaten wild plant reproductive success and the global food supply. We examined spatial and temporal variation in traits that may influence the way bees respond to environmental changes. For a color polymorphic species, we characterized proportions of three morphs and measured body size of individuals within sites of varying elevation over an 11-year sampling period. We found climate-associated variation in both color and body size, as well as temporal shifts in these traits that were associated with climatic conditions of sites. The proportion of bees that were red-orange increased relative to two other color morphs. Body size increased over time, and it increased more at drier sites. These results suggest that precipitation may be an important driver of trait shifts in tropical bees and motivate investigations of natural selection on color and body size due to differential climatic tolerances.
Implications: Scientific, Educational, Clinical

This chapter examines the range of roles and effects of music in higher brain function. In the field of education, piano keyboard training enhances spatial-temporal reasoning in preschool children, with this effect lasting for days and thus having enormous potential educational implications. Furthermore, this chapter investigates the neurophysiological basis of the Mozart effect in humans and other mammals. In particular, three quite startling new results are introduced. These include, Fran Rauscher's Mozart effect studies with rats, showing that rats following long-term exposure to the Mozart Sonata have enhanced spatial maze performance, which lasts at least 4 hours after the last exposure to the music. This indicates that the Mozart effect might be made into a long-term effect. Second is Mark Bodner's analysis of primate cortical higher brain function data, and finally, John Hughes' Mozart effect studies with epileptic patients. All three of these studies have major implications.
Truth maintenance systems for problem solving

Abstract : The thesis developed in this paper is that reasoning programs which take care to record the logical justifications for program beliefs can apply several powerful, but simple, domain-independent algorithms to: (1) maintain the consistency of program beliefs; (2) realize substantial search efficiencies; and (3) automatically summarize explanations of program beliefs. This report describes techniques for representing, recording, maintaining, and using justifications for beliefs. Also presented is an annotated implementation of a domain-independent program.
Terror, Culture, Politics: Rethinking 9/11 by Daniel J. Sherman and Terry Nardin, Editors: Book Reviews

Terror, Culture, Politics: Rethinking 9/11 Daniel J. Sherman and Terry Nardin, Editors. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2006. This volume is a collection of twelve essays on the psychological, cultural, and political consequences of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. The contributors are from both the humanities and the social sciences, reflecting the complexities and multiple realities of public responses to the traumatic event. The collection includes both nomothetic and idiographic analyses. As is usually the case with collections of this type, there is a great deal of unevenness in the quality of the contributions. The book originated from a conference held at the Center for 21st-century Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Reflecting the diverse interests of participants, the book is divided into two parts: Part I deals with "Image/Memory," while Part II is focused on "Ethics/Politics." The essays in the image and memory section range from the study of photography to sculpture and from comic books to landscape architecture. Several essays concern a series of controversies surrounding the process of commemoration. An essay by Patricia A. Morton focuses on the symbolism of the World Trade Center as both a document of civilization and a document of barbarism. Perspectives from Walter Benjamin and others are drawn upon to provide insights into the architectural significance of the twin towers for New York City and for the world. Laura Kurgan's essay draws on satellite photographs of New York at ground zero on 9/11 and four days later, while the essay by Susan Lurie explores the psychological and cultural significance of "falling persons" as a part of the photographic record of 9/11. Henry Jenkins made an analysis of the treatment of the terrorist attack in comic books. The themes of "Captain America sheds his Mighty Tears" and "Around Ground Zero" develop plot lines that require readers to think about reflective violence and the tendency to blame foreigners for feelings of insecurity. Kirk Savage focuses on the disaster monument as a fairly recent development. In previous centuries, public monuments were not designed to commemorate victims. Today, therapeutic monuments are designed to embrace the reality of individual suffering and to provide concrete evidence of the social continuity of the nation. In Part II of the book, on ethics and politics, two of the articles deal with "the Jihad Tradition." The article by Sohail H. Hashmi is important for showing diversity within the Islamic tradition. Most Muslims do not agree with the interpretation and use of the concept of Jihad by Al-Qaida. …
Literature Review--Faculty Participation in Online Distance Education: Barriers and Motivators.

Distance education is a medium of teaching and learning that has grown significantly in the past 10 years as indicated by the number of higher education institutions that offer courses and/or full degree programs via distance learning. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) (1999), the number of degree-granting higher education institutions offering distance education courses increased from 33 percent in 1995 to 44 percent in 1997-98. More specifically, the use of computer-based technologies has increased from 22 percent in 1995 to 60 percent in 1997-98.
Application of new experimental and garnet Margules data to the garnet-biotite geothermometer

Garnet-biotite experiments now exist from Ferry and Spear (1978, FS), Perchuk and Lavrent’eva (1983, PL), and Gessmann et al. (1997, GE). Recent garnet Margules parameters exist from Berman and Aranovich (1996, BA), Ganguly et al. (1996, GA), and Mukhopadhyay et al. (1997, MU). A comparison of ΔGmix plots for garnet binaries shows similarity among models with some significant differences. In all, 20 garnet-biotite geothermometers were retrieved from the various data using a modified form of the approach of Holdaway et al. (1997, HO) such that experimental vs. calculated values of T , in °C, were regressed stepwise to a line with intercept of zero and slope of one, maximizing r2. All tests assumed the GA model for garnet MnMg and the HO Fe3+ correction and Δ W BioTi . The experimental combinations (sets) were: (1) GE + FS with GE values of VIAlBio in FS; (2) PL + FS with GE VIAlBio in FS; (3) PL + FS with GE VIAlBio in FS, increasing W GrMnMg by 5 kJ; (4) PL + FS with no VIAlBio in FS, increasing W GrMnMg by 5 kJ; (5) PL + FS with 0.10 VIAlBio in FS, increasing W GrMnMg by 5 kJ; (6) PL + FS + GE with 0.10 VIAlBio in FS, increasing W GrMnMg by 5 kJ. Models are designated by a number for the experimental set and letters to designate the above garnet model, e.g., 5BA. Experimental sets vary in maximum r2 as follows: (1) 0.892–0.896; (2) 0.943–0.956; (3) 0.943–0.955; (4) 0.980–0.982; (5) 0.980–0.983; and (6) 0.939–0.944. Application to the HO Maine biotite-garnet data gives the following sequence of increasing quality from experimental sets: 1 < 2 < 3 < 6 < 4 ≅ 5. The various garnet models show only small differences in r2 and in quality with the Maine data base. For all 20 models, average T (°C) for the Maine M3 staurolite zone varies between 554(15) and 588(13). The best models appear to be 5BA, 5GA, and 5MU, which allow for 0.10 VIAl in FS biotite. A model based on an average of the three garnet Margules models, 5AV, has some justification and provides a slight improvement. Model 5AV gives (in J) Δ G ex = 40198 – 7.80 T; W BioFeMg = 22998 – 17.40 T ; Δ W Al Bio = 245559 – 280.31 T , and Maine M3 average staurolite zone T = 571(12) °C. The high quality of sets based mainly on PL experiments (2–5 above) results in part from their experimental P of 6 kbar. The results suggest that FS biotite contained only minor VIAl. The wide ranges of derived exchange and biotite Margules parameters, which provide reasonable calibrations, indicate that while accuracy in parameters is important, consistency is even more important. These geothermometers (5BA, 5GA, 5MU, 5AV) are available on PC disk. I recommend geothermometer 5AV.
Use of Robotics in Colon and Rectal Surgery

The pace of innovation in the field of surgery continues to accelerate. As new technologies are developed in combination with industry and clinicians, specialized patient care improves. In the field of colon and rectal surgery, robotic systems offer clinicians many alternative ways to care for patients. From having the ability to round remotely to improved visualization and dissection in the operating room, robotic assistance can greatly benefit clinical outcomes. Although the field of robotics in surgery is still in its infancy, many groups are actively investigating technologies that will assist clinicians in caring for their patients. As these technologies evolve, surgeons will continue to find new and innovative ways to utilize the systems for improved patient care and comfort.
Thematic Minireview Series on Antibacterial Natural Products: New Tricks for Old Dogs

Abstract Not only have antibacterial natural products been an important source of life-saving medicines in the 20th century, but they also have played a pivotal role in the growth of biological chemistry as a discipline. In particular, polyketide and peptide natural products have been extremely rich sources of antibacterial agents that modulate essential microbiological functions, such as nucleic acid and protein biosynthesis, or the integrity of the cell envelope. Using four examples from these two antibiotic superfamilies, this series of minireviews illustrates how natural products are continuing to present fundamental and translational challenges at the chemistry-biology interface. The choice of molecules is based on a common theme -- in each case, important recent discoveries have set the stage for a deeper understanding of general principles associated with antibiotic biosynthesis and modes of action.
Reintroducing Prediction to Explanation

Although prediction has been largely absent from discussions of explanation for the past 40 years, theories of explanation can gain much from a reintroduction. I review the history that divorced prediction from explanation, examine the proliferation of models of explanation that followed, and argue that accounts of explanation have been impoverished by the neglect of prediction. Instead of a revival of the symmetry thesis, I suggest that explanation should be understood as a cognitive tool that assists us in generating new predictions. This view of explanation and prediction clarifies what makes an explanation scientific and why inference to the best explanation makes sense in science.
An iterative method for generalized nonlinear complementarity problems

An iterative method for solving generalized nonlinear complementarity problems (Ref. 1) involving stronglyK-copositive operators is introduced. Conditions are presented which guarantee the convergence of the method; in addition, the sequence of iterates is used to prove the existence of a solution to the problem under conditions not included in the previous study. Separate consideration is given to the generalized linear complementarity problem.
Trafficking of APC from liver allografts of Flt3L-treated donors: augmentation of potent allostimulatory cells in recipient lymphoid tissue is associated with a switch from tolerance to rejection

Livers transplanted across major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barriers in mice are normally accepted without recipient immune suppression, and induce a state of functional tolerance. However, markedly increasing functional dendritic cells (DC) in the ‘passenger leucocyte’ population by donor pretreatment with the hematopoietic growth factor Flt3-ligand (Flt3L;10 μg/day for 10 days) results in acute allograft rejection. In this study, molecular, immunohistochemical and flow cytometric analysis of donor cell traffick into recipient lymphoid tissue 24 h after liver transplantation (C57BL/10 [H2b]→C3H [H2k]) was performed. In addition, the capacity of donor-derived cells in these tissues to stimulate host T cell proliferation was examined. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed increases in donor genomic DNA in both thymi and spleens of mice given livers from Flt3L-treated donors compared to controls. Donor MHC class II+ (IAb+) cells in spleens were strikingly elevated (10-fold) in the former group. Two-colour flow cytometry revealed a similar increase in donor-derived H2-Kb+/I-Ab+ cells, and in the incidence of donor leucocytes expressing CD40, CD80, and CD86. CD11c+ DC comprised not, vert, similar40% of the I-Ab+ cells in spleens of mice given livers from Flt3L-treated donors. These changes were associated with the presence, in spleens, of potent allostimulatory activity for naive recipient strain T cells, that was not observed in normal liver recipients. Elicitation of allograft rejection, associated with enhanced trafficking of stimulatory donor antigen-presenting cells (APC), in particular DC, suggests that normal liver graft survival and tolerance induction may be linked to failure/counter-regulation of APC-driven stimulation of effective anti-donor T cell responses.
An Improved Hydraulic Sampler for Obtaining Undisturbed Sediment Cores

ABSTRACT Improvements to a portable hydraulic coring device are described that make acquiring undisturbed cores of terrestrial sedimentary sequences both easier and faster.
Mechanization Takes Command: A Contribution to Anonymous History

Sigfried GiedionUniversity of Minnesota Press, 2013(Oxford University Press, 1948)608 pages, 524 black-and-white photos$29.95 (softcover)Strolling through the typical American grocery store, we exp...
Deconvolution of infrared spectra beyond the Doppler limit.

It is shown that the deconvolution method of Van Cittert can be used reliably to enhance the effective spectral resolution by a factor of ∼3 with data that exhibit a high SNR (∼103) and in which base line variations have been eliminated. Deconvolution of a Doppler-limited spectrum of C6H6 measured on a difference-frequency laser system yielded linewidths of ∼1.2 × 10−3 cm−1 (compared with the Doppler width of 3.6 × 10−3 cm−1 at 203 K). Extensive reliability tests of the deconvolution technique have been performed.
Absolute Infrared Intensities of the Fundamental Absorption Bands in Solid CO2 and N2O

Absolute infrared intensities of the fundamental vibrations of CO2 and N2O have been measured in polycrystalline solid films. The path length has been measured by observing interference fringes. In contrast with CS2, the results for the solid phase do not agree exactly with those predicted from the gas phase values, using only the simple ``field‐effect'' correction. In particular the intensity in the solid is less than that in the gas phase for v1 and v3 of N2O and for v3 of CO2, whereas the ``field‐effect'' predicts an increase in intensity. However, the observed changes in intensity are relatively small. The predicted frequency shifts also do not agree with the observed values, indicating that other effects are important. Bond moment parameters are presented. The bond moment μ is the same as in the gas phase, but the derivative, ∂μ/∂r, decreases by about 25%. Some incomplete studies of the intensities in mixed crystals of N2O and CO2 are presented.
Impaired spatial learning and hyperactivity in developing rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a frequent medical condition and is associated with cognitive impairments in adults and with hyperactivity and decreased school performance in children. In an adult rodent model, intermittent hypoxia (IH), such as occurs in OSA, is associated with neurodegenerative changes in the hippocampus and cortex and with spatial learning deficits. Because a unique developmental window of neural vulnerability to IH is present, we hypothesized that exposure to IH throughout the vulnerable ages would result in increased behavioral impairments in the juvenile rat. Rat pups were therefore exposed to either room air or IH beginning at postnatal (PN) d 10 until PN d 30. Learning and memory were assessed via a standard place-training version of the Morris water maze beginning at PN d 25. Locomotor activity was assessed on PN d 29 and 30. Pups exposed to IH displayed significant spatial learning impairments, and exposed male rats but not female rats displayed increased locomotor activity in the open field. Collectively, these findings indicate that exposure to IH at an age that corresponds to the peak incidence of OSA in children induces substantial learning impairment and gender-dependent behavioral hyperactivity in the juvenile rat. We postulate that this novel experimental model may allow for future exploration of mechanisms underlying the neurobehavioral deficits of children with OSA.
Absolute fluorine atom concentrations in RIE and ECR CF4 plasmas measured by actinometry

We have measured the absolute fluorine atom concentrations in electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) and reactive ion etching (RIE) plasmas by optimizing the actinometry technique. The major difference between this work and conventional actinometry is that the Ar concentration measurements were performed by a residual gas analyser (RGA). The emission intensities of F (7037 AA) and Ar (7504 AA) were simultaneously measured by an optical multichannel analyser (OMA) and the Ar concentration by a RGA. The F atom concentration at the wafer stage in the CF4 ECR plasma was measured to be (0.4 to 4)*1012 cm-3, the microwave power from 500 to 900 W, pressure from 0.5 (3.7 sccm) to 3.5 mTorr (58 sccm), and a fixed RF bias voltage of -50 V. The F atom concentration of the CF4 ECR plasma was four times larger in the source region than in the downstream region. The F atom concentration of the CF4 RIE plasma for pressures from 13 to 82 mTorr was measured as (0.8 to 4.2)*1013 cm-3, for a CF4 flow rate of 20 sccm, and power inputs from 250 to 1500 W. The F atom concentration was larger in the RIE etcher than in the ECR etcher, but the F atom production efficiency was eight times larger in the ECR etcher than in the RIE etcher for the same power level. In spite of the possibility of a factor two discrepancy in the measurements from absolute values because of the uncertainty in the absolute values of the cross sections, this technique provides a relatively simple and consistent reproducible measurement of F atom concentration to compare operation of the two types of etchers, which is reproducible to +or-10%. We further explored the actinometry for vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) emission region by using F (955 AA) and Ar (1048 AA). A similar trend of F atom concentration was found as for the visible actinometry, but the absolute value of fluorine atom concentration was typically 15% larger for the VUV actinometry.
Kinetic role of nonnative species in the folding of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor.

Abstract We have shown previously that during the oxidative folding of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor only intermediates with native disulfide bonds are well populated. Nevertheless, these studies also confirmed the earlier conclusion [Creighton, T. E. (1977) J. Mol. Biol. 113, 275-293] that the rate-limiting transition in the kinetically preferred route for folding involves intramolecular disulfide bond rearrangements. Consequently, intermediates with nonnative disulfide bonds must form transiently during folding. Two specific nonnative species, denoted [30-51; 5-14] and [30-51; 5-38], in which numbers indicate residues participating in a disulfide bond, can be detected at low levels in kinetic folding experiments with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor. By working with purified reversibly trapped intermediates, the role of these two nonnative species has been examined directly. These species are found to be in relatively rapid exchange with each other and with an initially formed native two-disulfide intermediate [30-51; 14-38]. Thus, the low abundance of the two nonnative species detected in kinetic folding experiments reflects primarily their low thermodynamic stability as compared to this native intermediate. To a small extent, these nonnative species form the productive native intermediate [30-51; 5-55], which is the immediate precursor to the native protein. However, an equal amount of [5-55; 14-38], a nonproductive dead-end intermediate, is also produced. Thus, the nonnative species detected during the folding of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor are not committed to forming the productive native intermediate, nor do they serve to direct folding specifically toward a productive route.
On basis-exchange properties for matroids

Abstract We give a counterexample to a conjecture by Wild about binary matroids. We connect two equivalent lines of research in matroid theory: a simple type of basis-exchange property and restrictions on the cardinalities of intersections of circuits and cocircuits. Finally, we characterize direct sums of series-parallel networks by a simple basis-exchange property.
The virus susceptibility of skin-derived fibroblasts from families with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

We have studied the growth of eight different viruses on skin fibroblasts from three families each having one or more diabetic members and appropriate controls. The haplotypes of all of the family members had been previously characterized. In addition, we havc investigated the growth of mumps virus on the lymphoblast cultures from four families of the same type. Our results show no difference between the growth of these viruses in cells derived from juvenile diabetics and cells derived from nondiabetic siblings and parents even when the haplotypes were identical. Howcver, we noted a striking rcsistance of human skin fibroblast cultures from both normal and diabetic individuals to Coxsackie H virus infection.
Optical properties of silver/gold nanostructures fabricated by shadowing growth and their sensing applications

Various Ag and Au nanostructured films such as Ag nanoparticle (NP) films, Au NP films, and Au NP/TiO2/Au NP sandwich structures are fabricated by oblique angle deposition (OAD) and glancing angle deposition (GLAD) methods. Their optical absorbance properties and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) have been studied systematically for samples prepared at different deposition conditions. Under the same deposition conditions, the Ag or Au NP substrates produced by GLAD method are more uniform and reproducible. The LSPR wavelength of Ag or Au NP substrates can be easily tuned by changing the film thickness, the deposition angle, and the coating of dielectric layer. The ability of the nanoparticle films as a chemical and biological biosensor has been explored by sensing the biomolecule NeutrAvidin and the bacterium Salmonella. Those NP films are very sensitive to chemical detection but are insensitive for bacteria detection. Based on Mie theory and effective medium theory, this is due to the small contact area between the nanoparticle and the bacteria, and the short range interaction of the local electric field. Our results demonstrate that shadowing based growth is a very versatile fabrication technique to produce reproducible and finetuned LSPR substrates.
Spontaneous rickets in the wild arctic fox Alopex lagopus

Normal and rachitic, skeletally immature arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus) were subjected to physical examination, roentgenographic studies, and in some cases histologic studies. The involved animals had active rickets coupled with antecedent normal diaphyseal bone formation. Evaluation of all the long bones showed highly variable manifestations of the disease, which undoubtedly reflect different rates of physeal endochondral transformation and metaphyseal remodeling. Histologic examination showed distinct patterns of widening of the physes and variable osteodystrophy in the trabecular and cortical bone of the metaphyses and epiphyseal ossification centers. These aforementioned factors certainly would necessitate different regional calcium needs and, therefore, different regional responses to the most rapid deficiency. The physes involved in the most rapid growth rates of this period showed the most widening of the growth plate, and the most dystrophic changes in the metaphysis. Skeletal injuries, including metaphyseal fractures and slow-down of longitudinal growth (particularly in the ulna) were also evident. Because of apparent dietary differences in the affected and normal fox kits, this juvenile-onset disease was presumed due to calcium-deficient intake following weaning. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of spontaneously occurring rickets in a wild animal in its nautral habitat. There are several possible mechanisms for the variable widening of the physis and the loss of bone mineralization in these fox kits: calcium-deficient diet, binding of calcium in the bowel by high phosphorus intake, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and vitamin A toxicity.
The production and purification of specific anti-soybean agglutinin antibody by affinity chromatography.

Abstract Modifications of previously reported procedures to purify soybean agglutinin were used to prepare a protein from soybean meal which agglutinated Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. This agglutination was inhibited by concentration of N- acetyl- D -galactosamine as low as 5 · 10−7 M. The purity of the final product was assussessed by polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis in both sodium dodecyl sulfate and Trisglycine systems. The purified soybean agglutinin was strongly immunogenic in rabbits, yielding high titer antisera. Specific rabbit anti-soybean agglutinin γ-globulin was isolated utilizing a soybean agglutinin Sepharose affinity column. This interaction of soybean agglutinin and antibody was not inhibited by N- acetyl- D -galactosamine .
Targeted supervised toothbrushing reduces caries increment

Design Randomised Controlled Trial Intervention Supervised toothbrushing on schooldays with 1000 ppm fluoride toothpaste with toothpaste and brushes supplied for home use one class in each school was allocated to intervention and compared to a within-school control over a 2-year period. Dental examinations were performed by a single-blinded examiner at 6-monthly intervals. Outcome measure Visual examinations of caries at D1 level (all visible cavitated and non-cavitated lesions in enamel and dentine). Approximal and occlusal surfaces were also examined using Fibre-optic transillumination (FOTI). Results 86% of those examined at baseline completed study. At baseline children in both groups had similar levels of oral cleanliness; however, children from the more deprived areas had poorer levels of cleanliness. There was no significant difference between the groups in the caries increment in the deciduous teeth after 2 years. Dental immaturity had a significant effect on subsequent caries development. After 2 years there was a significantly less caries in the permanent molars in the intervention group, with 32% fewer D1 lesions (95% CI 4–60%) and 56% fewer D3 lesions (95% CI 13–101%). Conclusions A targeted supervised toothbrushing programme with support for home use resulted in a significant reduction in caries increment.
The effect of a dielectric core and embedding medium on the polarizability of metallic nanoshells

Using the time dependent density functional method we investigate the effects of a dielectric core and a dielectric embedding medium on the optical properties of metallic nanoshells. The polarizability is shown to be strongly influenced by the presence of the dielectric which induces additional screening charges that need to be included self-consistently. We show that the energies of the dipolar plasmon resonances depend strongly on the dielectric constant of the core or embedding medium. The results compare very well with classical Mie scattering theory calculations.
Three‐Dimensional CAD Use in Interior Design Education and Practice

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of the project was to compare the current use of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) by practicing interior designers with what is being taught in interior design programs in colleges and universities. Information on the current state of computer use by both groups also was gathered. RESEARCH DESIGN: A survey of interior design educators and practitioners was completed using two questionnaires. The first was mailed to 300 Interior Design Educators Council (DEC) corporate members. The second was mailed to 300 International Interior Design Association (IIDA) members. A response rate of 34|X% and 40|X% respectively was achieved. ANALYSIS: Frequencies of responses were compared to determine similarities between the two groups. KEY FINDINGS: Educators responded that 96|X% of their students used two-dimensional (2D) CAD software to complete all or part of their assigned projects, while 70|X% of practitioners responded that they regularly used 2D software. Sixty-five percent of educators taught students how to produce 3D objects and wireframe perspectives using CAD software while 49|X% of practitioners created 3D wireframes. Forty percent of educators and 35|X% of practitioners created computer-rendered scenes that included the addition of materials and lights. Eighty-three percent of educators and 78|X% of practitioners believed that computer-rendered perspectives were an important communication tool between interior designers and clients. Eighty-nine percent of educators and 74|X% of practitioners felt that experience with 3D CAD made students more marketable within the profession. CONCLUSION: The majority of students appear to be adequately prepared in 2D CAD. Educators should continue educating in 3D CAD software as it appears to be a design tool valued by practitioners as well as educators.
A comparison of a persulfate digestion and the Kjeldahl procedure for determination of total nitrogen in freshwater samples

Abstract Precision and accuracy of the persulfate and Kjeldahl determinations of total nitrogen were assessed on 20 standards of known nitrogen concentrations and samples collected from a variety of aquatic habitats. The persulfate method was more precise than the Kjeldahl method for both sets of samples; accuracy and recovery of nitrogen from the samples were the same. Persulfate determinations should find wide application in laboratories analyzing freshwater samples for total nitrogen.
Viscoelastic properties of human mesenchymally-derived stem cells and primary osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes.

The mechanical properties of single cells play important roles in regulating cell-matrix interactions, potentially influencing the process of mechanotransduction. Recent studies also suggest that cellular mechanical properties may provide novel biological markers, or “biomarkers,” of cell phenotype, reflecting specific changes that occur with disease, differentiation, or cellular transformation. Of particular interest in recent years has been the identification of such biomarkers that can be used to determine specific phenotypic characteristics of stem cells that separate them from primary, differentiated cells. The goal of this study was to determine the elastic and viscoelastic properties of three primary cell types of mesenchymal lineage (chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes) and to test the hypothesis that primary differentiated cells exhibit distinct mechanical properties compared to adult stem cells (adipose-derived or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells). In an adherent, spread configuration, chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes all exhibited significantly different mechanical properties, with osteoblasts being stiffer than chondrocytes and both being stiffer than adipocytes. Adipose-derived and mesenchymal stem cells exhibited similar properties to each other, but were mechanically distinct from primary cells, particularly when comparing a ratio of elastic to relaxed moduli. These findings will help more accurately model the cellular mechanical environment in mesenchymal tissues, which could assist in describing injury thresholds and disease progression or even determining the influence of mechanical loading for tissue engineering efforts. Furthermore, the identification of mechanical properties distinct to stem cells could result in more successful sorting procedures to enrich multipotent progenitor cell populations.
Promoting Intergenerational Practice

Abstract The current assumption that we can generate manpower to serve the elderly by strengthening gerontological curricula fails to give adequate attention to intergenerational approaches. Through a Roundtable at a national conference, the authors interviewed practitioners involved in providing intergenerational services and confirmed their value in meeting unmet needs, especially when family is unavailable. Intergenerational experiential opportunities are necessary to overcome stereotypes that students have of the elderly, as part of the infusion of curricula.
Variation among populations of the sailfin molly in the rate of concurrent multiple paternity and its implications for mating-system evolution

We examined patterns of concurrent multiple mating in a live-bearing poeciliid fish, the sailfin molly (Poecilia latipinna). We tested whether the probability of multiple paternity was related to female body size or fertility and whether the rate of multiple paternity varied among four populations that differed in their distributions of female body size and fertility. We analyzed data on mother and offspring genotypes for three polymorphic allozymes by three techniques, including a maximum-likelihood estimator that accounts for sampling error in both parental and offspring allele frequencies. The estimated rate of multiple paternity varied between 0.09 and 0.85, and the rate in one population varied seasonally between 0.33 (spring) and 0.85 (autumn). The variation in these rates was not associated with variation in body-size distributions among populations but was closely associated with variation in size-specific fertility: populations with greater variation in female fertility had higher multiple-paternity rates. Within two populations, logistic regression revealed that individual females of larger body size and greater size-specific fertility were more likely to carry multiply sired broods. This result is consistent with observations made in one of the populations 5 years earlier. In general, the results strongly suggest that the mating system varies markedly among conspecific populations of sailfin mollies and that larger, more fertile females are the objects of intermale competition.
The size and the cistronic origin of defective vesicular stomatitis virus particle RNAs in relation to homotypic and heterotypic interference.

Abstract The ability of various DI † particles generated by the Indiana serotype of VSV to interfere heterotypically with New Jersey VSV infections in baby hamster kidney cells (BHK-21) and mouse L cells was investigated. All DI particles, with the exception of one (HR), exhibited no heterotypic interference in L cells and approximately 1 to 10% in BHK cells as compared to homotypic interference. In contrast, the HR DI particle interfered to the same extent with infections of both VSV serotypes in both cell lines. Annealing experiments with viral messenger RNAs showed only the HR DI particle RNA to contain sequences complementary to the 13 S to 18 S mRNA population. All other particle RNAs contained nucleotide sequences corresponding to a portion of the 30 S mRNA. Complementarity between How DI particle RNA and 13 S to 18 S mRNAs, observed by Leamnson & Reichmann (1974), was due to impurities. The following conclusions were drawn from these results. 1. (1) The HR DI particle RNA is unique functionally (heterotypic interference) and structurally (complementarity to 13 S to 18 S mRNA). 2. (2) The ability to interfere heterotypically is not entirely a function of the DI particle RNA size, since three other RNAs of a comparable size to HR DI particle RNA did not exhibit this property. This ability seems to be due to nucleotide sequences originating from the 13 S to 18 S mRNA cistrons. 3. (3) The extent of a residual ability to interfere heterotypically by DI particles other than HR seems to be cell-line-dependent. Based on these conclusions and previous reports in the literature (Leamnson & Reichmann, 1974; Stamminger & Lazzarini, 1974; Roy & Bishop, 1972), a revised map of DI particle RNAs relative to viral cistronic regions is proposed. The map invokes a fixed generation point for all DI particle RNAs (except HR) near the 5′ terminus of the viral RNA, which is postulated to be the 30 S mRNA domain. Sequences of the shorter DI particle RNAs are contained in the sequences of the longer particles. The HR DI RNA has no overlapping nucleotide sequences with the other DI particle RNAs, although a structurally similar replicase recognition sequence can not be excluded. The significance of this model in relation to the origin and interfering ability of DI particles is discussed.
The entropia virtual machine for desktop grids

Desktop distributed computing allows companies to exploit the idle cycles on pervasive desktop PC systems to increase the available computing power by orders of magnitude (10x - 1000x). Applications are submitted, distributed, and run on a grid of desktop PCs. Since the applications may be malformed, or malicious, the key challenges for a desktop grid are how to 1) prevent the distributed computing application from unwarranted access or modification of data and files on the desktop PC, 2) control the distributed computing application's resource usage and behavior as it runs on the desktop PC, and 3) provide protection for the distributed application's program and its data. In this paper we describe the Entropia Virtual Machine, and the solutions it embodies for each of these challenges.
Fluorescence Excitation Spectra of the b̃1B1 ← ã1A1 2n0 (n = 18-23) Bands of CD2

Abstract Some 100 transitions in the six b 1 B 1 ← a 1 A 1 2 n ( n = 18-23) bands in the fluorescence excitation spectrum of CD 2 have been assigned. Stimulated emission pumping through the b 1 B 1 ← a 1 A 1 2 22 3 band confirmed the assignment for the laser-induced fluorescence transitions. Approximate rotational constants and vibrational term values for the a (0, 0, 0) and (0, 3, 0) and the b (0, 18, 0), (0, 20, 0), and (0, 22, 0) levels have been determined.
Descriptive analysis of instantaneous left atrial volume—with special reference to left atrial function

Abstract Instantaneous left atrial volume was determined in five calves by electrical integration of left atrial differential flow (pulmonary vein flow less mitral valve flow). Volume changes were classified and compared to previously described mitral valve flow phases. With the onset of left ventricular isovolumic contraction, the left atrium began to fill. There was an initial rapid filling period, followed by a slower but steady increase in volume. With reversal of the atrioventricular gradient, there was an initial decrease in left atrial volume. This decrease then reached a plateau, during which the left atrium remained isovolumic. With atrial contraction there was a further decrease in left atrial volume. Left atrial function (reservoir, pump, or conduit) was evaluated using an algorithm to emphasize major changes. Reservoir function occurred mainly during ventricular systole, but was also seen during diastole. Pump function occurred only during ventricular diastole and could be further divided into passive and active components. The passive component contributed the majority of blood transfer from the atrium into the ventricle. Active atrial contraction provided only 13% of the stroke volume but under the conditions of normal sinus rhythms occurred at the most sensitive point of ventricular filling. Conduit function was seen during ventricular diastole, was inversely related to the reservoir and pump functions, and thus produced a rate of ventricular filling smoother than expected and permitted a maximal transfer of blood from the left atrium into the ventricle.
Plasma Pentraxin 3 Levels Do Not Predict Coronary Events but Reflect Metabolic Disorders in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease in the CARE Trial

Chronic inflammation closely associates with obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis. Evidence indicates that the immunomodulator pentraxin 3 (PTX3) may serve as a biomarker of these cardiometabolic disorders, but whether PTX3 predicts cardiovascular complications is unknown. We examined the association of plasma PTX3 levels with recurrent coronary events via a prospective, nested, case-control design in the CARE trial. Among 4159 patients who had a prior myocardial infarction 3 to 20 months before enrollment and also had total cholesterol levels <240 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol levels between 115 and 175 mg/dL, we measured plasma PTX3 levels at baseline by high-sensitivity ELISA in 413 cases with recurrent myocardial infarction or coronary death during a 5-year follow-up period, and in 366 sex- and age-matched controls. Cases with recurrent coronary events and controls had similar PTX3 levels, and PTX3 did not predict recurrent coronary events — a finding that contrasts with that of C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in this cohort. We then associated PTX3 levels with metabolic disorders. Low plasma PTX3 levels correlated with high body-mass index, waist circumference, and triglycerides; and with low HDL cholesterol. Overall, PTX3 levels correlated inversely with the number of metabolic syndrome components. PTX3 levels also correlated inversely with apoCIII and tissue plasminogen activator, but did not associate with CRP. Although the study further links low PTX3 levels with various features associated with metabolic syndrome, the results do not indicate that PTX3 can predict recurrent coronary events among MI survivors.
Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Content Associated with Colloids and Suspended Particulates from the Mississippi River and Some of Its Tributaries

Suspended material samples were collected at 16 sites along the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries during July−August 1991, October−November 1991, and April−May 1992, and separated into colloid and particulate fractions to determine the organic carbon content of these two fractions of suspended material. Sample collection involved centrifugation to isolate the suspended particulate fraction and ultrafiltration to isolate the colloid fraction. For the first time, particulate and colloid concentrations and organic carbon and nitrogen content were investigated along the entire reach of the Mississippi River from above Minneapolis, Minnesota, to below New Orleans, Louisiana. Organic carbon content of the colloid (15.2 percent) was much higher than organic carbon content of the particulate material (4.8 percent). Carbon/nitrogen ratios of colloid and particulate phases were more similar to ratios for microorganisms than to ratios for soils, humic materials, or plants.
A Comparison of Soybean Oils and Soybean Oil Meals in Chick Rations Containing Distillers’ Dried Solubles

Abstract SYNOLD (1942) has reported a choline deficiency in a corn and soybean oil meal ration containing distillers’ dried solubles as a vitamin supplement. It was suggested that the method of processing might affect the choline content or availability. Choline had previously been shown by Jukes (1940, 1941) to be an anti-perotic and growth-promoting factor for chicks. Berry and associates (1943a) reported choline to be a limiting factor in chick rations containing approximately one-third soybean oil meal, but containing no animal protein supplements. Later Berry and associates (1943b) conducted experiments comparing soybean oils and oil meals produced by expeller and solvent processes. However, the rations used were different from the original rations of Synnold (1942) in that whey solubles was used as a vitamin supplement instead of distillers’ solubles. Therefore, additional experiments were conducted in which the vitamin supplement was distillers’ dried solubles, and the experiments were extended to include a . . .
Residents' perception of a novel end-of-rotation evaluation method.

Rationale and Objectives With the advent of the new core and certifying examinations, a need has arisen to restructure learning and assessment to better reflect the emphasis on continuous learning throughout residency. We developed a multiparametric end-of-rotation (EOR) evaluation tool to assess medical knowledge, oral presentation, and written communication skills administered to the residents at the end of each core subspecialty rotation. The benefit of continual assessment is obvious from a program perspective; the purpose of this article is to evaluate the residents' perception of the process. Materials and Methods All residents (n = 31, 28 postgraduate years two through five and 3 postgraduate year one) participate in the mandatory EOR evaluation as a required component of the residency program. After receiving Institutional Review Board approval, informed consent was obtained from the residents wishing to participate in quarterly 16-question online surveys assessing their experience. Each survey consists of 15 questions with Likert scale responses (1 through 5 from strongly disagree to strongly agree) and one free text answer. Data are collected quarterly, starting in September 2011. Results Overall, the residents' response has been positive. The new evaluation method is felt to be more meaningful than (average 3.9, standard deviation 0.9) and is favored by the residents over the traditional competency-based evaluation (average 4.0, standard deviation 1.0). However, residents retain neutral attitudes regarding preparation for boards or changes in study habits (average score 3.6, standard deviation 0.9 and 3.6, and standard deviation 1.1, respectively). Conclusion Residents rate the EOR evaluation experience positively, although they do not report changes in study habits or increased preparedness for the new certifying examination.
Modulation of T-cell function by gliomas

Patients with primary intracranial tumors (gliomas) exhibit a profound decrease in immunity, the mechanism of which has, until recently, remained obscure. Here Thomas Roszman, Lucinda Elliott and William Brooks reveal that T cells obtained from these patients exhibit defects in interleukin 2 secretion and in expression of the high-affinity IL-2 receptor and they discuss the role played by immunosuppressive factors produced by gliomas in inducing these defects.
The response of two sea-urchins to the sea-star Marthasterias glacialis (L.) and other stimuli

Abstract Experiments and observations were carried out to study the reactions of the sea-urchins Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis and Psammechinus miliaris to various biotic and abiotic stimuli. The sea-star Marthasterias glacialis elicits a typical running response in Strongylocentrotus whereas Psammechinus defends itself with the aid of its poisonous globiferous pedicellariae. The two sea-urchins exhibit similar behaviour, however, when subjected to mechanical stimuli or to stimuli by animals which do not feed on them.
Permeability, Its Measurement and Value

The distinction between permeability and porosity is drawn, and the need for this is emphasized. The importance to the oil industry of securing reliable permeability data is demonstrated. Testing of permeability is discussed and a standard method is suggested.