cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale patterning of alkyl monolayers on silicon using the atomic force microscope.

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of 1-alkenes on hydrogen-passivated silicon substrates were successfully patterned on the nanometer scale using an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe tip. Nanoshaving experiments on alkyl monolayers formed on H−Si(111) not only demonstrate the flexibility of this technique but also show that patterning with an AFM probe is a viable method for creating well-defined, nanoscale features in a monolayer matrix in a reproducible and controlled manner. Features of varying depths (2−15 nm) were created in the alkyl monolayers by controlling the applied load and the number of etching scans made at high applied loads. The patterning on these SAM films is compared with the patterning of alkyl siloxane monolayers on silicon and mica.
Elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty after acute myocardial infarction: Is later better?

Abstract We conclude that PTCA performed 4 to 10 days after AMI is safe and effective, and a delay of >10 days confers no advantage.
Gallbladder aspirate from a dog

A 7-year-old, male, castrated, Labrador Retriever with a history of pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease presented for vomiting and anorexia. Serum biochemistry findings were indicative of cholestasis, hepatocellular insult, and decreased hepatic function. Ultrasound examination showed sediment and gas within the gallbladder, and a diagnosis of emphysematous cholecystitis was made. Emergency gallbladder resection was performed. Cytologic examination of bile fluid collected at surgery showed a mixed population of bacteria (bactibilia) together with fungal organisms consistent with Cyniclomyces guttulatus (previously known as Saccharomycopsis guttulatus). Similar fungal organisms were seen on a fecal smear. Bacteria cultured were normal gastrointestinal flora, supporting ascending infection; the fungal organisms were interpreted as incidental. Histopathology of the gallbladder indicated active (suppurative) and chronic (lymphocytic) cholecystitis and sections of liver tissue had evidence of chronic liver disease. A positive liver culture indicated concurrent bacterial hepatitis or cholangiohepatitis. Despite supportive care, the dog continued to decline and was euthanized 30 days later. Necropsy results confirmed end stage liver disease, but an initiating cause was not found. This case highlights the role of bactibilia in the development of acute cholecystitis and the unique cytologic appearance of C guttulatus as an incidental finding in bile fluid.
Markers of Apoptosis Induction and Proliferation in the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Alcohol Dependence

Background Alcohol-dependent (ALC) subjects exhibit glial and neuronal pathology in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, in many patients, neurophysiological disturbances are not associated with catastrophic cell depletion despite prolonged alcohol abuse. It is still unclear how some relevant markers of a cell's propensity to degenerate or proliferate are changed in the PFC of ALC subjects without major neurological disorders. Methods Levels of pro-apoptotic caspase 8 (C8), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), direct IAP binding protein with low pI (DIABLO), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and density of cells immunoreactive for proliferation marker Ki-67 (Ki-67-IR) were measured postmortem in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of 29 subjects with alcohol dependence and 23 nonpsychiatric comparison subjects. Results Alcohol subjects had significantly higher levels of the 14 kDa C8 fragment (C8-14), an indicator of C8 activation. However, there was no change in the levels of DIABLO, XIAP, or in the DIABLO/XIAP ratio. PCNA protein level and density of Ki-67-IR cells were not significantly changed in alcoholics, although PCNA levels were increased in older ALC subjects as compared to controls. Conclusions Significant increase of a C8 activation indicator was found in alcoholism, but without significant changes in XIAP level, DIABLO/XIAP ratio, or Ki-67 labeling. These results would help to explain the absence of catastrophic cell loss in the PFC of many ALC subjects, while still being consistent with an alcoholism-related vulnerability to slow decline in glial cells and neurons in the OFC of alcoholics.
Molecular Profiling of Colon Tumors: The Search for Clinically Relevant Biomarkers of Progression, Prognosis, Therapeutics, and Predisposition

If properly translated to clinical use, our knowledge about biomarkers may lead to a more effective way of combating colorectal cancer (CRC). Biomarkers are biomolecular, genetic, or cytogenetic attributes indicative of the disease’s progression, predisposition, prognosis, or therapeutic options. For CRC, these include chromosomal instability, mutations in KRAS and TP53, loss of 18q, and elevated level of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), which are all associated with poor prognosis. The prognostic significance of 18q loss can be attributed to reduced expression of SMAD4, or DCC, although the chromosomal arm is actually heavily populated by genes whose downregulation correlate to worse survival. Potentially, identification of prognostic biomarkers can help the oncologist decide whether adjuvant chemotherapy is necessary after surgery. Testing for therapeutic biomarkers can be necessary if targeted therapeutics are being considered. The identification of highly penetrant predisposition markers (such as mutations in APC and MLH1) can be a lifesaver for carrier individuals, who would then have to undergo colonoscopy at an earlier age. Even sporadic CRCs may have some hereditary components, according to recent studies. Genome-wide association studies (using SNP arrays) showed that polymorphisms of certain genes can have subtle influence on CRC predisposition. Our own SNP array-based analysis suggested that long stretches of germline homozygosity (autozygosity), indicative of consanguinity, may also factor in CRC predisposition.
Snap-through of a shallow arch under random loading

Abstract The instability of a shallow arch subjected to random loading is investigated. The parameter of interest is the time of first snap-through (i.e., inversion). In most of this study, the loading is a stationary white-noise process with zero mean. Galerkin's method is used to discretize the equation of motion, usually with one or two modes, and Monte Carlo simulation is applied to obtain probability density functions and reliability functions, based on the gamma distribution. The paper examines the effects of the spatial distribution of the load, the load intensity, the mean load, the damping magnitude, the arch height, and the inclusion of multiple response modes. A critical load intensity for snap-through is determined. Examples of nonstationary loads modeling earthquakes are presented, and results are compared to those for the white-noise case.
Optical Properties of Energetic Materials: RDX, HMX, AP, NC/NG, and HTPB

Optical properties of RDX, HMX, AP, HTPB/IPDI and a catalyzed NC/NG propellant (N5) were obtained from 2.5 μm to 18 μm using FTIR transmission spectrometry. Scattering-corrected KBr pellet methodology was used for the crystalline materials. Absorption index (k) was measured directly and refractive index (n) was deduced using dispersion theory. At 10.600 μm the absorption coefficients were AP, 190 cm−1 (240 cm−1 at 10.6036 μm); HTPB/IPDI, 360 cm−1; N5, 510 cm−1; RDX, 2800 cm−1; and HMX, 5670 cm−1.
The Cleo III silicon vertex detector

The CLEO collaboration has embarked on an ambitious upgrade of the CLEO detector to match the upgrade of the CESR accelerator to luminosities of 2 × 10 33 cm −2 sec −1 . This will bring a factor ten improvement in the measurement of rare B decays and hence, increased sensitivity to physics at high mass scales and also the possibility of measuring CP violation. The upgrade includes a new four layer double-sided silicon detector. Each double-sided silicon wafer is 2.6 cmx 5.1 cm × 300 μ m . To maximize solid angle coverage with minimal material in the detector volume the detector chains are very long, up to 5 detectors per electronic readout channel, resulting in large series resistance and large detector capacitance. Moderate backgrounds permit the electronics to operate with a 1–3 μ s shaping time. A new front-end low noise preamplifier is being developed to maximize the signal to noise ratio, along with a modified SVX chip used for analog to digital conversion and sparsification. The detectors are connected to the electronics hybrid by a thin double sided kapton flex circuit. The length of the detector chains also requires novel mechanical support structures — CVD diamond beams axe the baseline solution. We are currently near the end of the prototype stage for all aspects for the project and will move into production by late summer. The detector will be installed in early 1998.
Abundant intracytoplasmic hemosiderin in both histiocytes and neoplastic cells: A diagnostic pitfall in fine-needle aspiration of cystic papillary renal-cell carcinoma.

Benign renal tubular cells and renal-cell carcinomas (RCC) may have intracytoplasmic hemosiderin (ICH). The RCC subtype most commonly reported to contain ICH is papillary carcinoma (PRCC). PRCC, usually a low-grade neoplasm, may be associated with cystic degeneration, hemorrhage, and presence of abundant hemosiderin-laden macrophages (HLM). We report a case of PRCC with massive ICH and HLM that created a diagnostic challenge to differentiate from a hemorrhagic cyst. Review of 14 additional nephrectomy specimens with PRCC disclosed ICH in 3 cases. All had coexisting cystic change and hemorrhage. Preoperative FNA had been performed in one of these cases, and both ICH and HLM were found. Papillary epithelial cell features, however, were well-defined in this case. PRCC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic renal lesions with hemosiderin-laden cells. Differentiation of HLM from neoplastic cells with massive ICH may be difficult, especially when epithelial fragments are scanty.
Confidentiality in qualitative research: reflections on secrets, power and agency:

This article makes a philosophical case for recharacterizing confidentiality in qualitative research from static notions of harm and privacy to one that accounts for a critical agency which exposes...
OVARIAN CANCER GENE THERAPY

Retroviral-mediated delivery of BRCA1 gene therapy (LXN-BRCA1sv, a normal splice variant form of BRCA1) was tested extensively in mouse models. It was found to be effective in reducing tumor burden and to be minimally toxic. Twelve phase I clinical trial patients with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian cancer were treated with one to three cycles of intraperitoneal vector. There was minimal toxicity, four patients developed fevers (< 102.5 degrees F) and three had sterile peritonitis, which resolved within 48 hours. The vector was found to be fairly stable in some patients at 24 hours as well as transferred into and expressed in patient tissues. Stable disease was noticed in 8 of the 12 patients, suggesting that the peritoneal cavity may be an appropriate site for gene therapy.
Membrane fluidity and chemotaxis: effects of temperature and membrane lipid composition on the swimming behavior of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli.

The effect of membrane fluidity on the tumbling frequency, velocity, attractant response times, and viability was studied in strains of Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Lipid composition was altered (1) by varying the growth temperature, (2) by using the unsaturated fatty acid auxotroph of E. coli 30E, or (3) by growing S. typhimurium in the presence of the unsaturated fatty acid synthesis inhibitor 3-decynoyl-N-acetyl-cysteamine supplemented with elaidic or oleic acids. Velocity increased linearly with increasing observation temperature and was independent of growth temperature. Tumble frequency showed a bell-shaped dependence on temperature with the highest tumble frequency near the growth temperature. No significant differences in tumble frequency or response times were observed between cells grown on oleic or elaidic acid above or below the elaidic acid transition temperature of 30°C. E. coli strain 30E, when grown on elaidic acid, however, shows a distinct loss of viability when incubated below 30°C, which can explain the previously reported lack of chemotaxis in such cells. A three-component model including a tumble regulator as a control in chemotaxis is capable of explaining the results. Some membrane processes are critically dependent on membrane fluidity and others are not.
Loss of Phospholipid Asymmetry and Surface Exposure of Phosphatidylserine Is Required for Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells by Macrophages and Fibroblasts

Removal of apoptotic cells during tissue remodeling or resolution of inflammation is critical to the restoration of normal tissue structure and function. During apoptosis, early surface changes occur, which trigger recognition and removal by macrophages and other phagocytes. Loss of phospholipid asymmetry results in exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS), one of the surface markers recognized by macrophages. However, a number of receptors have been reported to mediate macrophage recognition of apoptotic cells, not all of which bind to phosphatidylserine. We therefore examined the role of membrane phospholipid symmetrization and PS externalization in uptake of apoptotic cells by mouse macrophages and human HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells by exposing them to cells that had undergone apoptosis without loss of phospholipid asymmetry. Neither mouse macrophages nor HT-1080 cells recognized or engulfed apoptotic targets that failed to express PS, in comparison to PS-expressing apoptotic cells. If, however, their outer leaflets were repleted with the l-, but not the d-, stereoisomer of sn-1,2-PS by liposome transfer, engulfment by both phagocytes was restored. These observations directly demonstrate that loss of phospholipid asymmetry and PS expression is required for phagocyte engulfment of apoptotic cells and imply a critical, if not obligatory, role for PS recognition in the uptake process.
Managing Collaborative Paradox: Examining Collaboration Between Head Start and the Virginia Preschool Initiative

This article examines collaboration between Head Start and the Virginia Preschool Initiative to see how collaborative challenges vary given the degree of collaborative activity between programs. Limited collaborative management research addresses how challenges can change with varying degrees of collaborative activity; this research addresses the gap. Collaborative challenges are discussed through a series of three paradoxes, with evidence of three degrees of collaborative activity: cooperation, coordination, and collaboration. Drawing on qualitative interviews, the author reports that challenges differ with varying degrees of collaborative activity and that coordination between programs produces the most challenges.
Environmentally Triggered Release of Oxygen-Reduction Inhibitors from Inherently Conducting Polymers

Abstract Background data are presented that support a concept for galvanic and ion exchange release of cathodic (oxygen reduction) corrosion inhibitors from conducting polyaniline (PANI). Such inherently conducting polymers can be potentially formulated into protective coatings for Cu-rich aluminum alloys. The results show that both reduction and ion exchange trigger the release of a species from the conducting polymer that inhibits oxygen reduction on the Cu-rich cathodic phases in the aluminum alloy. These results form the basis for a “smart” corrosion-resistant coating concept.
Age-related reproductive performance in the parental burying beetle, Nicrophorus orbicollis

Age-related improvements in reproductive performance have been explained by the selection, constraint, and restraint hypotheses (increased performance related to greater effort and a declining residual reproductive value). Using a laboratory population of the burying beetle, Nicrophorus orbicollis, 6 measures of performance were assessed. Consideration of the selection and constraint hypotheses was minimized by reducing mortality to near zero and comparing reproductive outcomes of equal-sized females with equivalent mating and breeding experience. Young and old females were provided a resource for breeding (mouse carcass) and were confronted by a potentially infanticidal intruder (young or old) after offspring were present in the nest. Younger females were more likely to experience a brood failure and were slower to oviposit eggs. Younger intruding females also were less likely to usurp a carcass from a resident female. Age, however, did not affect any measure of reproductive performance once a female had a brood. There were no differences between young and old females in the number and mass of offspring in original or replacement broods, or in the probability of successfully defending offspring against an intruder. In a follow-up experiment with smaller carcasses, there was, again, no significant difference in the ability of young and old females to defend their brood. In N. orbicollis, the reproductive restraint observed in younger females appears to inhibit the initiation but not the continuance of reproduction. The usefulness of the residual reproductive, targeted reproductive effort and the maturational limits hypotheses to explain age-related variation in reproductive performance are discussed. Key words: aging, burying beetle, contest behavior, indirect effects, maternal effects, Nicrophorus, parental care, reproductive effort, senescence. [Behav Ecol]
An agent-based approach to global uncertainty and sensitivity analysis

A novel sampling approach to global uncertainty and sensitivity analyses of modeling results utilizing concepts from agent-based modeling is presented (Agent-Based Analysis of Global Uncertainty and Sensitivity (ABAGUS)). A plausible model parameter space is discretized and sampled by a particle swarm where the particle locations represent unique model parameter sets. Particle locations are optimized based on a model-performance metric using a standard particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Locations producing a performance metric below a specified threshold are collected. In subsequent visits to the location, a modified value of the performance metric, proportionally increased above the acceptable threshold (i.e., convexities in the response surface become concavities), is provided to the PSO algorithm. As a result, the methodology promotes a global exploration of a plausible parameter space, and discourages, but does not prevent, reinvestigation of previously explored regions. This effectively alters the strategy of the PSO algorithm from optimization to a sampling approach providing global uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. The viability of the approach is demonstrated on 2D Griewank and Rosenbrock functions. This also demonstrates the set-based approach of ABAGUS as opposed to distribution-based approaches. The practical application of the approach is demonstrated on a 3D synthetic contaminant transport case study. The evaluation of global parametric uncertainty using ABAGUS is demonstrated on model parameters defining the source location and transverse/longitudinal dispersivities. The evaluation of predictive uncertainties using ABAGUS is demonstrated for contaminant concentrations at proposed monitoring wells.
Indirect detection of lung perfusion using susceptibility-based hyperpolarized gas imaging.

Purpose To address the problem of inadequate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) encountered in lung perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by developing an indirect detection based on the strong hyperpolarized (HP) gas signal. Materials and Methods Our model is based on detecting the effects of gadolinium (Gd) flowing through lung capillaries by recording the phase of the nearby alveolar HP gas. In a HP gas 3He phantom we imaged gas phases before and after removing tubes containing paramagnetic solution away from the phantom. We also imaged HP gas phases in pig lungs before and after injection of Gd. Finally, parenchymal spin phase in excised lungs was measured as a function of Gd concentration. Results In the phantom, the differential phase map displayed a pattern characteristic of a susceptibility-induced dipole field, showing the possibility of an indirect detection. In vivo, the differential phase map showed homogeneous appearance, as expected for uniform perfusion in healthy lungs. Ex vivo, the parenchymal spin phases were shown to depend linearly on Gd concentration. Conclusion Our method should allow indirect perfusion (Q) and direct ventilation (V) to be assessed simultaneously, thus allowing for diagnosis of V/Q mismatches. The linear dependency of parenchymal spin phase vs. Gd concentration may allow for quantification of lung perfusion. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:149–155. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Tintinnopsis parva: Studies on Particle Accumulation and the Striae*

SYNOPSIS. Lorica building was studied experimentally for Tintinnopsis parva Merkle, an agglutinated tintinnid. This species incorporated either siliceous or Ca-rich particles. Evidence of agglutination was seen within 30 min after the addition of particles to cultures of the protozoa. Fully agglutinated loricae were produced by the proter; partially incrusted loricae attributed to an opisthe were also recovered. The cytoplasmic evaginations of unknown function called striae were seen in the scanning electron microscope in better relief than ever before. They may provide the mechanism whereby the enclosed capsules are brought into contact with prey organisms.
The Shrink–Wrap algorithm for the construction of the attainable region: an application of the IDEAS framework

Abstract For a specified feed and a specified set of reactions, the attainable region is the set of all reactor network outlet concentrations that can be attained by means of all feasible reactor networks. This work presents a number of novel properties of the reactor network synthesis problem and subsequently of the attainable region. These properties are employed in the development of a so called Shrink–Wrap algorithm that can be used to approximate the true attainable region to any desired level of accuracy. Examples from the literature are used to illustrate the proposed algorithm.
Large numbers hypothesis. IV - The cosmological constant and quantum physics

In standard physics quantum field theory is based on a flat vacuum space-time. This quantum field theory predicts a nonzero cosmological constant. Hence the gravitational field equations do not admit a flat vacuum space-time. This dilemma is resolved using the units covariant gravitational field equations. This paper shows that the field equations admit a flat vacuum space-time with nonzero cosmological constant if and only if the canonical LNH is valid. This allows an interpretation of the LNH phenomena in terms of a time-dependent vacuum state. If this is correct then the cosmological constant must be positive.
The possibility of a pristine lunar life

Abstract The theory of Gilvarry suggesting the former existence of a hydrosphere and atmosphere lasting several billion years on the moon after its formation, and thereby yielding a complete correlation of the dimensions of the lunar craters and circular maria, is reviewed. On this basis, the dark floors of the lunar maria represent sediments, and not lava. It is proposed to explain the dark color of the sediments as arising from carbon derived from a pristine biota. A detailed argument leading to this conclusion is presented, based on Oparin's theory of biopoesis. Two positive clues derived from direct observation of the lunar surface are pointed out, implying a former lunar life. One of these is the apparent recession of the dark material in a circular mare from the bases of the encircling mountains, and the other is the spectrographic observations of Kozyrev implying the presence of carbon on the lunar surface. If this theory is correct, it is shown that the effect of the solar wind and flare particles since the lunar hydrosphere and atmosphere dissipated is to leave elemental carbon distributed superficially and at shallow depth in the rocks of the maria. Because of the effect of cosmic rays over the ages, fossils relatively undamaged by radiation cannot be found less than about 3 to 5 m below the surface of a mare.
Fetal magnetic resonance imaging in midline malformations of the central nervous system and review of the literature

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a well-established second line imaging modality in identifying complex pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS), especially when ultrasound (US) findings are equivocal. It may enable an early and precise diagnosis, which is essential in terms of management of pregnancy and pre-, peri- and postnatal care. We present three cases with rare complex midline malformations of the CNS, diagnosed prenatally by fetal MRI. Two cases revealed holoprosencephaly; one case demonstrated rhombencephalosynapsis. In addition, we reviewed the literature and provide a summary of recent findings regarding cerebral midline development and discuss the advantages of fetal MRI.
Dame unise, feminist maiden who fares well with the patriarchy: Jessica Amanda Salmonson's ‘the prodigal daughter’ and the emerging tradition in feminist speculative fiction

Abstract In her discussion of recent feminist utopias, Joanna Russ notes that the authors have likely read one another and that their ‘works form a remarkably coherent group in their presentation of feminist concerns and the feminist analyses which are central to these concerns’ (Russ, 1981: 71). My essay further explores the emerging tradition in feminist speculative fiction. It notes the common elements connecting three novels—Anne McCaffrey's Dragonsong (1976), Suzy McKee Charnas' Motherlines (1978), and Elizabeth A. Lynn's The Northern Girl (1980)—and analyses Jessica Amanda Salmonson's ‘The prodigal daughter’ (1981) in terms of its relationship to these connections. References to Louise Bernikow's Among Women (1980) link these feminist imaginative works to feminist reality, reality which is more closely adhered to by Salmonson than by the authors of the novels. While the novels' feminist protagonists succeed in isolation from the patriarchy, Salmonson's feminist hero, Dame Unise, succeeds because she is able to cooperate with a patriarch. Positive images of patriarchy are absent from the novels; Salmonson's story emphasizes such positive images.
Role of Regional Anesthesia in Orthopedic Trauma

Regional anesthesia plays a key role in the treatment of patients with orthopedic trauma. Trauma-induced pain can be in multiple locations, severe, and can predispose the patient to other morbidities. Additional complications as a result of the overdependence on opioids as a primary pain therapy that can be minimized or avoided with the use of regional anesthesia. Both neuraxial and peripheral regional techniques in patients with orthopedic trauma should be incorporated into the patient care plan and recognized as an essential therapeutic intervention in the overall treatment of this unique patient population.
Newton-Raphson and EM Algorithms for Linear Mixed-Effects Models for Repeated-Measures Data

Abstract We develop an efficient and effective implementation of the Newton—Raphson (NR) algorithm for estimating the parameters in mixed-effects models for repeated-measures data. We formulate the derivatives for both maximum likelihood and restricted maximum likelihood estimation and propose improvements to the algorithm discussed by Jennrich and Schluchter (1986) to speed convergence and ensure a positive-definite covariance matrix for the random effects at each iteration. We use matrix decompositions to develop efficient and computationally stable implementations of both the NR algorithm and an EM algorithm (Laird and Ware 1982) for this model. We compare the two methods (EM vs. NR) in terms of computational order and performance on two sample data sets and conclude that in most situations a well-implemented NR algorithm is preferable to the EM algorithm or EM algorithm with Aitken's acceleration. The term repeated measures refers to experimental designs where there are several individuals and several...
Identification of N-Linked Glycoproteins in Human Saliva by Glycoprotein Capture and Mass Spectrometry

Glycoproteins make up a major and important part of the salivary proteome and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the oral cavity. Because changes in the physiological state of a person are reflected as changes in the glycoproteome composition, mapping the salivary glycoproteome will provide insights into various processes in the body. Salivary glycoproteins were identified by the hydrazide coupling and release method. In this approach, glycoproteins were coupled onto a hydrazide resin, the proteins were then digested and formerly N-glycosylated peptides were selectively released with the enzyme PNGase F and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Employing this method, coupled with in-solution isoelectric focusing separation as an additional means for pre-fractionation, we identified 84 formerly N-glycosylated peptides from 45 unique N-glycoproteins. Of these, 16 glycoproteins have not been reported previously in saliva. In addition, we identified 44 new sites of N-linked glycosylation on the proteins.
Song matching in the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina): A function of song dissimilarity

Abstract We presented captive male wood thrushes with recordings of natural and synthesized songs of varying similarity to their own songs. Having repertoires of several different song types, the birds could answer with either a song of the same type (i.e. match) or a different type. The results indicate that matching is a graded function of song dissimilarity: the more similar the stimulus song is to the bird's own song of the same type, the less it is matched.
New system of disk electrophoresis using large acrylamide gels

The disk electrophoretic method has been modified to use gels of 22-mm. diameter. A gel tube base was designed to produce a gel with a convex base, and a special buffer cell was provided. With the future goal of preparative electrophoresis, a quenched fluorescence technique was developed which locates the major protein zones without dyeing. A transverse destainer was designed for rapid removal of unbound dye from stained protein patterns.
The route to success – pathway qualifications for a career in veterinary nursing

ABSTRACT:Central Qualifications has recently announced that the newly developed pre-veterinary nursing qualifications - the Diploma for Veterinary Nursing Assistants and Diploma in Animal Nursing – are now available for delivery. The author explains the development of the Level 2 qualifications as providing a seamless pathway to veterinary nursing.
Variability of kokanee and rainbow trout food habits, distribution, and population dynamics, in an ultraoligotrophic lake with no manipulative management

Crater Lake is a unique environment to evaluate the ecology of introduced kokanee and rainbow trout because of its otherwise pristine state, low productivity, absence of manipulative management, and lack of lotic systems for fish spawning. Between 1986 and 2004, kokanee displayed a great deal of variation in population demographics with a pattern that reoccurred in about 10 years. We believe that the reoccurring pattern resulted from density dependent growth, and associated changes in reproduction and abundance, driven by prey resource limitation that resulted from low lake productivity exacerbated by prey consumption when kokanee were abundant. Kokanee fed primarily on small-bodied prey from the mid-water column; whereas rainbow trout fed on large-bodied prey from the benthos and lake surface. Cladoceran zooplankton abundance may be regulated by kokanee. And kokanee growth and reproductive success may be influenced by the availability of Daphnia pulicaria, which was absent in zooplankton samples collected annually from 1990 to 1995, and after 1999. Distribution and diel migration of kokanee varied over the duration of the study and appeared to be most closely associated with prey availability, maximization of bioenergetic efficiency, and fish density. Rainbow trout were less abundant than were kokanee and exhibited less variation in population demographics, distribution, and food habits. There is some evidence that the population dynamics of rainbow trout were in-part related to the availability of kokanee as prey.
Age-adjusted threshold values for reduced REM latency in unipolar depression using ROC analysis.

Abstract To determine an age-adjusted, clinically meaningful depressive diathesis, we have implemented Receiver Operator Characteristic(ROC) analysis for mean rapid eye movement (REM) latency in patients with unipolar depression. Depressed patients were compared with age-matched normal control subjects. Sensitivity and specificity estimates were calculated for selected threshold values on the ROC curves as well as for the Research Diagnostic Criteria endogenous/nonendogenous subtype. The mean REM latency value of 65.0–66.0 min was most sensitive and specific for depressed patients aged 35–72. The threshold value of 70.0 min appeared optimally sensitive and specific for depressed patients aged 20–34. There was no effect of age on REM latency in the normal control sample. Among depressed patients there was an effect of age but this was clearly observable only in nonendogenous depressed patients.
Iodine and Algae in Sedimentary Rocks Associated with Iodine-Rich Brines

Neutron activation analyses of iodine and uranium in Paleozoic sedimentary rocks from the northern Oklahoma platform of the Anadarko basin show 0.9 to 12.3 ppm I and 0.07 to 8.7 ppm U. The samples were taken from strata in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, where anomalously high concentrations of iodine were found in associated subsurface brines. Micropaleontological examinations reveal algal strands in the more iodine-rich rocks.
Performance of the SLC polarized electron source with high polarization

For the 1992 operating cycle of the SLAC Linear Collider (SLC), the polarized electron source (PES) during its maiden run successfully met the pulse intensity and overall efficiency requirements of the SLC. However, the polarization of the bulk GaAs cathode was low (/spl sim/27%) and the pulse-to-pulse stability was marginal. We have shown that adequate charge for the SLC can be extracted from a strained layer cathode having P/sub espl sim/80% even though the quantum efficiency (QE) is >
Aspects of the theory of resonant photoconductivity in a grid-gated double-quantum-well FET in a parallel magnetic field and transport through long organic molecules

This paper presents a summary of research recently carried out by our "Quantum Electron Physics and Technology" group at Stevens Institute. Focusing first on resonant behavior of the photoconductivity of a grid - gated double-quantum-well (DQW) FET subject to THz radiation in a parallel magnetic field, we have analyzed several aspects of the involved physics, (I), (II), (III) below. We have also analyzed (IV) electron transport through long organic molecules.
Miniature antenna based on magnetoelectric composites

The design and characterisation of a miniaturised 100 MHz antenna based on magnetoelectric (ME) composites are discussed. Ferrite–ferroelectric composites with high and equal permeability μr and permittivity ɛr have been synthesised and used as the substrate for a microstrip antenna. The composite also facilitates impedance matching to free space. A sample of nickel zinc ferrite and bismuth strontium titanate prepared by ceramic processing and with μr=ɛr has been used. Scattering parameter data indicates an antenna miniaturisation factor of 7–10 at 100 MHz, in agreement with theory.
Inhibitors of RecA Activity Discovered by High-Throughput Screening: Cell-Permeable Small Molecules Attenuate the SOS Response in Escherichia coli

The phenomenon of antibiotic resistance has created a need for the development of novel antibiotic classes with nonclassical cellular targets. Unfortunately, target-based drug discovery against proteins considered essential for in vitro bacterial viability has yielded few new therapeutic classes of antibiotics. Targeting the large proportion of genes considered nonessential that have yet to be explored by high-throughput screening, for example, RecA, can complement these efforts. Recent evidence suggests that RecA-controlled processes are responsible for tolerance to antibiotic chemotherapy and are involved in pathways that ultimately lead to full-fledged antibiotic resistance. Therefore inhibitors of RecA may serve as therapeutic adjuvants in combination chemotherapy of bacterial infectious diseases. Toward the goal of validating RecA as a novel target in the chemotherapy of bacterial infections, the authors have screened 35,780 small molecules against RecA. In total, 80 small molecules were identified as primary hits and could be clustered in 6 distinct chemotype clades. The most potent class of hits was further examined, and 1 member compound was found to inhibit RecA-mediated strand exchange and prevent ciprofloxacin-induced SOS expression in Escherichia coli. This compound represents the first small molecule demonstrating an ability to inhibit the bacterial SOS response in live bacterial cell cultures.
Controlling the Orientation of Nanowrinkles and Nanofolds by Patterning Strain in a Thin Skin Layer on a Polymer Substrate

We describe herein how to control the orientation of polymer nanowrinkles and nanofolds with large amplitudes. Nanowrinkles were created by chemically treating thermoplastic polystyrene sheets to form a thin skin layer and then heating the substrate to relieve strain. By manipulating the strain globally and locally in the skin layer, we could tune whether wrinkles or folds formed, as well as the distances over which these structures could be produced. This unique materials system provided access to high strain regimes, which enabled mechanisms behind the spontaneous formation of complex structures to be explored.
High-performance and scalable MPI over InfiniBand with reduced memory usage: an in-depth performance analysis

InfiniBand is an emerging HPC interconnect being deployed in very large scale clusters, with even larger InfiniBand-based clusters expected to be deployed in the near future. The Message Passing Interface (MPI) is the programming model of choice for scientific applications running on these largescale clusters. Thus, it is very critical for the MPI implementation used to be based on a scalable and high-performance design. We analyze the performance and scalability aspects of MVAPICH, a popular open-source MPI implementation on InfiniBand, from an application standpoint. We analyze the performance and memory requirements of the MPI library while executing several wellknown applications and benchmarks, such as NAS, SuperLU, NAMD, and HPL on a 64-node Infini- Band cluster. Our analysis reveals that latest design of MVAPICH requires an order of magnitude less internal MPI memory (average per process) and yet delivers the best possible performance. Further, we observe that for these benchmarks and applications evaluated, the internal memory requirement of MVAPICH remains nearly constant at around 5-10 MB as the number of processes increase, indicating that the MVAPICH design is highly scalable.
A Stack-Slicing Algorithm for Multi-Core Model Checking

The broad availability of multi-core chips on standard desktop PCs provides strong motivation for the development of new algorithms for logic model checkers that can take advantage of the additional processing power. With a steady increase in the number of available processing cores, we would like the performance of a model checker to increase as well - ideally linearly. The new trend implies a change of focus away from cluster computers towards shared memory systems. In this paper we discuss the multi-core algorithms that are in development for the SPIN model checker.
Identification and quantification of urinary benzo[a]pyrene and its metabolites from asphalt fume exposed mice by microflow LC coupled to hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Prolonged, extensive exposure to asphalt fume has been associated with several adverse health effects. Inhaled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from asphalt fume exposure have been suspected of inducing such effects. In this study, a bioanalytical method was proposed and evaluated to identify and quantify benzo[a]pyrene and its hydroxy-metabolites. This method is based on coupling a microflow liquid chromatography (LC) to a hybrid quadrupole orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOFMS). In the experiment, thirty-two B6C3F1 mice were exposed to asphalt fume in a whole body inhalation chamber for 10 days (4 h day−1) and twelve other mice were used as controls. The asphalt fume was generated at 180 °C and the concentrations in the animal exposure chamber ranged 175–182 mg m−3. Benzo[a]pyrene and its metabolites of 3-hydroxybenzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol(±), benzo[a]pyrene-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide(±), and benzo[a]pyrene-7,8,9,10-tetrahydrotetrol(±) in the urine of asphalt fume exposed mice were identified and found at 3.18 ng 100 mL−1, 31.36 ng 100 mL−1, 11.56 ng 100 mL−1, 54.92 ng 100 mL−1, and 45.23 ng 100 mL−1 respectively. The results revealed that the urinary benzo[a]pyrene and its hydroxy-metabolites from exposed mice were at significantly higher levels (p < 0.001) than those from the control groups. Compared with several other technologies such as HPLC-UV and HPLC-fluorescence, the new method is more sensitive and selective, and it can also provide additional useful information on the structures of the metabolites. Hence, this method can be used to perform the assessment and to study the mechanisms of the adverse health effects. The fragmentation patterns established in this study can also be used to identify and quantify PAH metabolites in other biological fluids.
Stereospecific Permeability of Rat Blood-Brain Barrier to Lactic Acid

Blood and whole brain 14C and 32P activities were determined in hepatectomized rats one, two, five and ten minutes after intravenous (I.V.) injection of 14C-labeled L-lactate or D-lactate and 32P-labeled rat red blood cells. Whole brain homogenate 14C was corrected for blood 14C and chemically partitioned into 14C-lactate, 14CO2 and other 14C compounds. In controls, lactate was replaced with 14C-D-glucose and 125l-antipyrine. At one minute postinjection, whole brain 14C expressed as percent of total injected 14C activity and as percent of the antipyrine value were: antipyrine 1.78% (100%); D-glucose 1.45% (81%); L-lactate 0.36% (20%); and D-lactate 0.13% (7%). One minute after L-lactate injection, brain 14C was 74% lactate, 5% CO2 and 21% other compounds. Preloading rats with cold racemic Na-lactate reduced L-lactate uptake to 0.14% of the injectate (8% of antipyrine), and reduced D-Iactate uptake to 0.09% (= 5% of antipyrine). At two, five and ten minutes, brain contained more 14C with larger fractions m...
MIGRATORY PATTERNS OF THE Ly SUBSETS OF T LYMPHOCYTES IN THE MOUSE

In the preceeding paper by Gastkemper, Wubbena and Nieuwenhaus the requirement for adequate T cell ‘help’ in germinal center formation in the rat was illustrated (1). In the present short communication we describe briefly the results of a study of the tissues of B mice selectively reconstituted with Lyt-1 (helper) or Lyt-23 (suppressor) cell sets and demonstrate that germinal center formation appears to be related to selective reconstitution with Lyt-1, helper cells. In addition, we examine the distribution of radiolabeled Lyt-1 on Lyt-23 cells in intact syngeneic recipients.
Influence of ocular light scatter on the eye’s optical performance

Psychophysical experiments, with a new paradigm but in broad conformity with classical results on glare, were used to estimate the scattering in the eye. Combining the data with those from a companion experiment [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 12, 1411-1416 (1995)] using objective double-pass measurements of the retinal image in the same subjects permitted a synthesis of the complete point-spread function. Results were obtained on two young subjects and one older one with more prominent scatter but normal visual acuity. This permitted the derivation of performance parameters of the eyes, such as the Strehl ratio and cumulative light functions. When the scattering was more prominent, we were able to characterize performance losses that manifested themselves in changes in absolute and contrast detection thresholds.
On prediction and the power transformation family

SUMMARY The power transformation family is often used for transforming to a normal linear model. The variance of the regression parameter estimators can be much larger when the transformation parameter is unknown and must be estimated, compared to when the transformation parameter is known. We consider prediction of future untransformed observations when the data can be transformed to a linear model. When the transformation must be estimated, the prediction error is not much larger than when the parameter is known.
From the Island of the Blue Dolphins: A Unique Nineteenth-Century Cache Feature From San Nicolas Island, California

ABSTRACT A cache feature salvaged from an eroding sea cliff on San Nicolas Island produced two redwood boxes containing more than 200 artifacts of Nicoleno, Native Alaskan, and Euro-American origin. Outside the boxes were four asphaltum-coated baskets, abalone shells, a sandstone dish, and a hafted stone knife. The boxes, made from split redwood planks, contained a variety of artifacts and numerous unmodified bones and teeth from marine mammals, fish, birds, and large land mammals. Nicoleno-style artifacts include 11 knives with redwood handles and stone blades, stone projectile points, steatite ornaments and effigies, a carved stone pipe, abraders and burnishing stones, bird bone whistles, bone and shell pendants, abalone shell dishes, and two unusual barbed shell fishhooks. Artifacts of Native Alaskan style include four bone toggling harpoons, two unilaterally barbed bone harpoon heads, bone harpoon fore-shafts, a ground slate blade, and an adze blade. Objects of Euro-American origin or materials includ...
A Tamper-Resistant Programming Language System

An important and recurring security scenario involves the need to carry out trusted computations in the context of untrusted environments. It is shown how a tamper-resistant interpreter for a programming language-currently Lisp 1.5-combined with the use of a secure coprocessor can address this problem. This solution executes the interpreter on the secure coprocessor while the code and data of the program reside in the larger memory of an associated untrusted host. This allows the coprocessor to utilize the host's memory without fear of tampering even by a hostile host. This approach has several advantages including ease of use, and the ability to provide tamper-resistance for any program that can be constructed using the language. The language approach enabled the development of two novel mechanisms for implementing tamper resistance. These mechanisms provide alternatives to pure Merkle hash trees. Simulated relative performance of the various mechanisms is provided and shows the relative merits of each mechanism.