cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Innovative public-private and philanthropy partnership for local food supply-chain infrastructure: Countryside Initiative of Cuyahoga Valley U.S. National Park

In the post-modernist discourse of management of agro-food technology and urban infrastructure planning, unprecedented climate change and sustainability are setting the context for producing and supplying quality local food in highly densely populated urban and suburban regions. There is a seismic shift needed for innovative public and private partnerships governing green infrastructure for local food production. This empirical multi-disciplinary case study uses business model innovation theory and green suburban infrastructure framework to examine the Countryside Conservancy Initiative start-up by Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) for managing urban farming technology and local food production and supply chain. After considering some alternate theoretical frameworks, we use a case study methodology. It is noted that despite various centralized attempts by federal and state governments to stop the decline of agriculture within CVNP, most historic food producing farms in existence since 1800s slipped into disrepair and disuse. The Countryside Initiative of CVNP was established in 1999 with an innovative 3P (public-private-philanthropic) partnership between public sector CVNP, private farms, and a not-for-profit Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy (CV-CC). This 3P partnership involved incentivizing 60-year long-term discounted leases for 13 agricultural farm lands, farm residences, and outbuildings to adopt and diffuse technological innovations for culturally intensive fruit and vegetable production, small intensive grazing operations, and small integrated crop-livestock production. Certified organic food production was encouraged, though not mandated. In this study, selection, growth and impact of family farm enterprises in the green suburban infrastructure in NEO region are investigated in the context of a busi
A moving blocker-based strategy for simultaneous megavoltage and kilovoltage scatter correction in cone-beam computed tomography image acquired during volumetric modulated arc therapy

Purpose To evaluate a moving blocker-based approach in estimating and correcting megavoltage (MV) and kilovoltage (kV) scatter contamination in kV cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) acquired during volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).
Anti–IL-17 Therapy Restricts and Reverses Late-Term Corneal Allorejection

Corneal allograft rejection has been described as a Th1-mediated process involving IFN-γ production. However, recent evidence also implicated IL-17 as being involved in acute corneal allograft responses. Our data support that IL-17 is involved in early acute corneal allograft acceptance. However, we decided to extend these studies to include a later phase of rejection in which there is a peak of IL-17 production that is >15-fold higher than that seen during acute rejection and occurs >45 d postengraftment at the onset of late-term rejection. We demonstrate that neutralizing IL-17A at this time significantly reduced corneal graft rejection. Surprisingly, when corneal grafts that are undergoing this later phase of rejection are treated with anti-IL-17A, there is a reversal of both opacity and neovascularization. Compared with the early phase of rejection, the cellular infiltrate is significantly less, with a greatly reduced presence of Gr-1(+) neutrophils and a relative increase in CD4(+) T cells and macrophages. We went on to identify that the cells expressing IL-17 were CD4(+) IL-17(+) T cells and, somewhat surprisingly, IL-17(+) F4/80(+) macrophages within the rejecting corneal allografts. Taken together, these findings describe a distinct late phase of corneal allograft rejection that is likely mediated by Th17 cells; therapeutic neutralization of IL-17A reverses this rejection. This further suggests that IL-17 might serve as an excellent therapeutic target to reduce this form of corneal allograft rejection.
Ovine and Bovine Metallothioneins: Accumulation and Depletion of Zinc in Various Tissues

The accumulation and depletion of zinc in hepatic metallothionein (MT) and the accumulation of zinc with MT in various tissues were studied in the ovine and bovine species. It took 8 weeks for the accumulation of zinc to reach a plateau level of 270 microgram in MT per gram liver when a bull was fed a diet containing 2,000 ppm zinc. The half-lives of zinc in hepatic MT were found to be 24.1 and 22.6 days when a steer and a ewe, respectively, which had been fed the basal diet with 2,000 ppm zinc were changed to the basal diet without added zinc. Although zinc accumulated with all cytosolic zinc proteins, it accumulated to the greatest extent with MT, followed by a low molecular weight (MW) compound. Zinc accumulated with this low MW compound mostly in kidney and pancreas, and this accumulation was much greater in bovine than in ovine tissues. In both lambs and cattle, excess zinc accumulated with MT in liver, kidneys, pancreas and small and large intestinal epithelia, but not with MT in heart, testes, rumen papillae, abomasum mucosa or choroid plexus (cattle) when they were fed high dietary levels of zinc.
Flights from the field and the plight of teacher education: a personal perspective

This self‐study of my role in teacher education examines events in my career, using Schwab’s deliberations on ‘the practical’ as an interpretive tool with which to broaden, burrow, and re‐story my personal experiences. Through reflecting inward and outward, backward and forward, I connect specific episodes I encountered in my career with Schwab’s explication of ‘the practical’. In the final analysis, my self‐study reveals the seeds of a small renaissance: a change not only in the way teacher education is approached in my university, but also in how I think about it and participate in it.
Intramolecular energy transfer in rhodopsin.

Abstract Irradiation of rhodopsin with ultraviolet light which is absorbed predominantly by the protein portion of the molecule results in bleaching, which follows the cis to trans isomerization of the retinylidene chromophore. Electronic excitation energy, supplied by the u.v. photons, is therefore transferred from the protein to its chromophore. On the average, about one out of every four photons absorbed by the protein causes bleaching of a molecule of visual pigment, which is to be compared with an efficiency of about two molecules of rhodopsin bleached per 3–4 photons of light absorbed directly by the chromophore.
In Vivo Expression of Major Histocompatibility Complex Molecules on Oligodendrocytes and Neurons during Viral Infection

Demyelination in multiple sclerosis and in animal models is associated with infiltrating CD8+ and CD4+ T cells. Although oligodendrocytes and axons are damaged in these diseases, the roles T cells play in the demyelination process are not completely understood. Antigen-specific CD8+ T cell lysis of target cells is dependent on interactions between the T cell receptor and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-peptide complexes on the target cell. In the normal central nervous system, expression of MHC molecules is very low but often increases during inflammation. We set out to precisely define which central nervous system cells express MHC molecules in vivo during infection with a strain of murine hepatitis virus that causes a chronic, inflammatory demyelinating disease. Using double immunofluorescence labeling, we show that during acute infection with murine hepatitis virus, MHC class I is expressed in vivo by oligodendrocytes, neurons, microglia, and endothelia, and MHC class II is expressed only by microglia. These data indicate that oligodendrocytes and neurons have the potential to present antigen to T cells and thus be damaged by direct antigen-specific interactions with CD8+ T lymphocytes.
Dielectric and thermoelastic properties of alkaline-earth fluoride crystals

An extended three-body force shell model is developed and used to make an analysis of the volume dependence of low- and high-frequency dielectric constants and thermoelastic Gruneisen parameters for CaF2, SrF2, BaF2 and PbF2 crystals. Lorentz-Lorenz and Clausius-Mossotti relations are modified in view of three-body interactions (TBI). Calculated results yield better agreement with the experimental data as compared to those obtained by previous investigators.
Further studies on possible dynorphin involvement in the ovulatory luteinizing hormone surge in the proestrous rat.

A decrease in inhibitory tone of endogenous opioid peptide on the afternoon of proestrus is one event underlying generation of the ovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge, since premature removal of this inhibitory tone (i.e., disinhibition) results in an early onset of the surge. Our laboratory demonstrated that blockade of κ-opioid receptors in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) advanced the onset of the LH surge on proestrus. Since dynorphin is the endogenous ligand for the κ-opioid receptor, the present studies examined the possible role of dynorphin in this disinhibition response. 1) Neutralization of endogenous dynorphin peptides, by push-pull perfusion of the MPOA with antibodies specific for dynorphin A1–17 or A1–8 from 1030–1355 h on proestrus, tended to prematurely advance the increase in plasma LH levels normally occurring on this day of the estrous cycle. Although this increase was not statistically significant when compared with controls, plasma LH levels in two antibody-treated rats were sufficiently elevated to cause full ovulation, a response that did not occur in controls. These data suggest that dynorphin A1–17 and A1–8 might have a role in the MPOA, although a minor one, in suppressing LH secretion early on proestrus. MPOA levels of prodynorphin mRNA decreased at 1700–1800 h on proestrus when plasma LH levels were high, compared with values at 1300–1400 h when plasma LH levels were low. This change did not occur on diestrous d 1 when there was no LH surge. 2) MPOA levels of κ-opioid receptor mRNA did not change on proestrus or diestrous d 1. These results suggest that a reduction in prodynorphin gene expression on the afternoon of proestrus may be one event involved in a possible decrease in dynorphin inhibitory tone on the ovulatory LH surge-generating signal.
Mathematics and science learning: a new conception.

Findings in cognitive science suggest new approaches to teaching in science and mathematics.
Real-time measurements of IVR versus inferences from spectral broadening data: the alkylanilines “ring + tail” system

We report on picosecond/molecular beam studies of alkylanilines. The studies reveal important discrepancies between real-time measurements and inferences from spectral broadening data. We observe quantum recurrences and we find that the observed severe spectral congestion does not correspond to the observed coherence. The effect of mode symmetry and energy on IVR dynamics is also examined.
Reactive oxygen species, apoptosis and alte1red NGF-induced signaling in PC12 pheochromocytoma cells cultured in elevated glucose: AnIn Vitro cellular model for diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathies, affecting the autonomic, sensory, and motor peripheral nervous system, are among the most frequent complications of diabetes. The symptoms of diabetic polyneuropathies are multi-faceted; the etiology and the underlying mechanisms are as yet unclear. Clinical studies established a significant correlation between the control of the patients’ blood glucose level and the severity of the damage to the peripheral nervous system. Recentin vitro studies suggest that elevated glucose levels induced dysfunction and apoptosis in cultured cells of neuronal origin, possibly through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Based on these results, we hypothesized that elevated glucose levels impair neuronal survival and function via ROS dependent intracellular signaling pathways. In order to test this hypothesis, we cultured neural crest-derived PC12 pheochromocytoma cells under euglycemic (5 mM) and hyperglycemic (25 mM) conditions. Continuous exposure of undifferentiated PC12 cells for up to 72 h to elevated glucose induced the enhanced generation of ROS, as assessed from the increase in the cell-associated fluorescence of the ROS-sensitive fluorogenic indicator, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. In cells cultured in high glucose, both basal and secreta-gogue-stimulated catecholamine release were enhanced. Furthermore, high glucose, reduced (by ca. 30%) the rate of cell proliferation and enhanced the occurrence of apoptosis, as assessed by DNA fragmentation, TUNEL assay and the activation of an apoptosis-specific protease, caspase CCP32. Elevated glucose levels significantly attenuated nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite extension, as quanti-tated by computer-aided image analysis. Culturing PC12 cells in high glucose resulted in alterations in basal and NGF-stimulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, specifically in a switch from the neuronal survival/differentiation-associated MAPKERK to that of apoptosis/stress-associated MAPKp38and JNK. Based on our results we present a model in which the prolonged, excess formation of ROS represents a common mechanisms for hyperglycemia-induced damage to neuronal cells. We propose that this simplein vitro system might serve as an appropriate model for evaluating some of the effects of elevated glucose on cultured cells of neuronal origin.
Gender and the physiognomy of dominance and attractiveness.

Cent quarante cinq hommes et cent cinquante quatre femmes sont invites a porter des jugements relatifs: 1) au caractere de domination/soumission sociale; 2) a l'attirance physique de photographies de visages humains dont les traits peuvent etre combines grâce au systeme de portraits-robots «Smith-Wesson Identity Kit Model II»
Factors Affecting the Development of Speech, Language, and Literacy in Children With Early Cochlear Implantation

Purpose: This study investigated factors contributing to auditory, speech, language, and reading outcomes in children with prelingual deafness after 4–6 years of multichannel cochlear implant use. The analysis controlled for the effects of child, family, and implant characteristics so that educational factors most conducive to maximum implant benefit could be identified. Method: The sample included 136 8- and 9-year-old children from across the United States and Canada who were implanted by age 5 with the Nucleus 22-channel implant. Type and amount of educational intervention since implantation constituted the independent variables. The dependent variable was performance on a battery of tests of speech perception, speech production, language, and reading administered 4–6 years postimplant. Characteristics of the child, the family, and the implant itself constituted intervening variables. A series of multiple regression analyses determined the amount of variance in each outcome accounted for by the interve...
The other half of the Michaelis–Arbuzov reaction: A new synthetic route to tertiary phosphorus–carbon bond formation

Abstract A first-row transition metal assisted modification of the Michaelis–Arbuzov rearrangement has been discovered that allows the reaction to take place under ambient conditions using a mild phosphine nucleophile. This reaction has been used as a novel synthetic strategy for the assembly of P–C bonds in typically difficult to construct 3-methylpyridyl substituted phosphine and phosphonium ligands. Metal complexes of these ligands were characterized crystallographically. One of the products also contains the previously unknown pyridylFeCl 3 - species.
The effect of contiguity on growth kinetics in liquid-phase sintering

Experimental and mathematical consideration of microstructural coarsening during liquid-phase sintering has resulted in kinetic laws which define grain size to the third power as being proportional to the isothermal sintering time. Despite thoseprior efforts, the situations typical to liquid-phase sintering are poorly treated by the current models because the models assume a structure consisting of widely separated spherical grains (zero contiguity). No experiment had been completed to quantify the effect of contiguity on the growth kinetics. In order to do this, the contiguity and growth rates of tungsten grains in a liquid matrix at 1,750K were measured in sintered heavy alloys of 78,83, 88,93 and 98 wt.% Wbalanced with 70Ni-30Fe. The observed grain growth rates were compared with the theoretical predictions of the LSW theory and volume fraction modified theories. By modifying the volume fraction effect with a contiguity term, a model was produced that closely followed the experimental results.
Targeting the BLyS-APRIL signaling pathway in SLE

The B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS)-A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL) signaling pathway has an important role in the selection, maturation and survival of B cells and plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The inhibition of BLyS, a survival factor for transitional and mature B cells, has recently proven to be successful in large phase III clinical trials that led to the approval of an anti-BLyS monoclonal antibody (belimumab) for the treatment of SLE. Yet, there is currently a need to both understand better the mechanisms of action of belimumab in SLE and better define the subsets of patients that are more likely to respond to the drug.
Effect of thermal treatment on interfacial properties of β-lactoglobulin

The changes in the secondary conformation and surface hydrophobicity of β-lactoglobulin subjected to different thermal treatments were characterized at pH values of 7, 5.5 and 4 using circular dichroism (CD) and hydrophobic dye binding. Heating resulted in a decrease in α-helix content with a corresponding increase in random coil at all pH values, this change being more pronounced for small heating times. Heating also resulted in an increase in surface hydrophobicity as a result of partial denaturation, this increase being more pronounced at pH 4. Thermal treatment resulted in a shift of the spread monolayer isotherm at air–water interface to smaller area per molecule due to increased flexibility and more loop formation. Thermal treatment led to an increase in interfacial shear elasticity and viscosity of adsorbed β-lactoglobulin layer at pH 5.5 and 7. Interfacial shear elasticity, shear viscosity, stability of β-lactoglobulin stabilized emulsion and average coalescence time of a single droplet at a planar oil–water interface with adsorbed protein layer exhibited a maximum for protein subjected to 15 min heat treatment at pH 7. At pH 5.5, the interfacial shear rheological properties and average single drop coalescence time were maximum for 15 min heat treatment whereas emulsion stability was maximum for 5 min heat treatment. At pH 7, thermal treatment was found to enhance foam stability. Analysis of thin film drainage indicated that interfacial shear rheological properties do not influence thin film drainage.
Hormonal regulation of epidermal metamorphosis in vitro: Control of expression of a larval-specific cuticle gene

Fourth (penultimate) instar larval epidermis of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, was used to develop an in vitro culture system to study the hormonal control of metamorphosis at both the cellular and the molecular level. Immediate exposure to 4 x 10(-6) M 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) for more than 8 hr, followed by hormone-free medium for 24 hr, caused the formation of a new larval cuticle. By contrast, incubation in hormone-free medium for more than 24 hr prior to exposure to 20-HE allowed pupal cuticle synthesis. The cessation of expression of the larval-specific cuticular gene LCP-14 occurred rapidly in response to 20-HE during the larval molt in vitro (half-life: ca. 6 hr), even in the presence of 3 x 10(-8) M JH I. This suppression by 20-HE was prevented by cycloheximide, indicating that 20-HE does not act directly on this gene. Incubation with alpha-amanitin showed that the half-life of LCP-14 was more than 10 hr. Thus, 20-HE must both suppress gene transcription and destabilize the mRNA. LCP-14 mRNA subsequently reappeared 24 hr after exposure to hormone-free medium, indicating that suppression was temporary. By contrast, when JH and its effects were absent after preincubation in hormone-free medium for 48 hr, 20-HE caused permanent suppression of LCP-14 mRNA, since the mRNA did not reappear after removal of 20-HE. Exposure of Day 2 fifth instar larval epidermis to 3 x 10(-7) M 20-HE, which causes pupal commitment in the absence of JH I, also permanently suppressed LCP-14 gene expression.
Differences in Warm-Season, Rainstorm-Generated Stormflows For Northeastern Illinois Urbanized Basins

Precipitation, streamflow, and population data were analyzed over the 1941-1990 period to determine whether changes in stormflows and net (post- minus pre-rainstorm) stormflows, associated with warm-season large rainstorms, were similar for two urbanized northeastern Illinois basins. Warm season large rainstorms were defined as April through October rainfall events in which ≥ 5.1 cm occurred in a 48-hour period over the basin. To minimize differences associated with varying large rainstorm amounts over time, the net stormflow for each event was divided by the large rainstorm amount. This ratio, Ui, indicated that the two urbanized basins experienced significant, yet different, increases (102 percent and 49 percent) in flow amount per centimeter of rainfall from 1941-1966 to 1966-1990. Results of a regression analysis between Ui and population showed that the increase in U i per 100,000 increase in population ranged from 0.59 to 0.67 m3 s-1 per cm of rainfall for the two basins. These results demonstrate the varying degree of change that urban planners can expect in stormflows associated with large warm season rainstorms for areas undergoing urbanization.
Postmortem leucocyte culture studies in sudden infant death.

THE enigma of cot death or sudden infant death (SID) among apparently healthy children has been the subject of extensive bacteriological, virological, immunological and biochemical study1,2. In spite of reports of successful leucocyte culture of postmortem material3–5, what we report here is to our knowledge the first cytogenetic study of these deaths.
The Indo-Pakistani Arms Competition A Deductive and Statistical Analysis

The author applies to South Asia a theory of armament that he developed in the context of the superpowers' arms rivalry. The empirical findings are consistent with the results for the superpowers' case: India and Pakistan are found to have matched high levels of armaments with low levels and vice versa. Such results are analytically similar to empirical evidence on alliances showing that states, including India and Pakistan, often ally with the stronger against the weaker side. In both cases the evidence contradicts conventional wisdom on power balancing, internal and external, respectively. The authors' theory explains this otherwise anomalous phenomenon: states use strength not just as an indicator of capability but also of intentions: given the same amount of hostile behavior, weak states appear more aggressive than strong ones. Hence, if states worry about intentions more than about power, they would be attracted to stronger states precisely because of their strength, not despite it.
Degenerative and regenerative changes in central projections of glossopharyngeal and vagal sensory neurons after peripheral axotomy in cats: A structural basis for central reorganization of arterial chemoreflex pathways

Hypoxic hyperventilation in cats is a reflex normally initiated by afferent impulses originating in the carotid body and conducted to the brain stem by the carotid sinus nerves. The reflex response is abolished acutely after section of carotid sinus nerves and excision of the carotid bodies; but, chronically, there is a chemoreflex restoration which is mediated by the aortic body via the aortic depressor nerves. The restoration is associated temporally with changes in efficacy of ventilatory reflexes elicited by electrically stimulating carotid sinus and aortic depressor nerves, and these changes are postulated to reflect a central reorganization of the reflex pathways. In the present study, histological and ultrastructural techniques were used to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of the reorganization. The brain stem of the cat was examined using the Fink-Heimer silver stain to determine if degenerating axons were present following section of the carotid sinus nerve peripheral to its sensory ganglion. Degeneration was found 4-15 days postoperatively and the distribution of the axons corresponded with that reported for central projections of carotid sinus nerves labeled by transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase. The fine structure of nerve terminals in nucleus tractus solitarius was then examined with electron microscopy after cutting the vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves unilaterally peripheral to the sensory ganglia. Structural changes consistent with nerve terminal degeneration were observed 4-91 days postoperatively, and presumptive axonal sprouts were seen at 56-91 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Second International Urban EMS Conference

The major difference between the 1983 and 1984 conferences was the increased participation of EMS-system administrators in the latter program. Although there was refinement by the conferees of the previous positions, the focus of the 1984 conference moved away from purely medical issues and towards concerns about cost/benefit analysis, organization, and governance. The triad of government officials responsible for public safety, systems administrators responsible for efficiency, and physicians responsible for medical control is balanced in different ways in different jurisdictions. Nevertheless, there is continuing convergence towards international urban EMS systems that are more similar than different.
Long-term changes in gross body composition of paraplegic and quadriplegic patients.

1. The body composition of groups of 14 paraplegic and six quadriplegic patients were compared with those of groups of other chronically ill patients, judged clinically to be either ‘Weil-nourished’ or “poorly-nourished’. The spinal-cord injured patients had values of sodium space (expressed relative to body weight or lean body mass) similar to those of the poorly-nourished group, while in nine other parameters of body composition they resembled a well-nourished group of patients. The increased sodium space in the spinal-cord injured patients is consistent with erosion of their lean body mass. 2. The changes in body composition of three quadriplegic and four paraplegic patients were followed for varying lengths of time up to 51 months. Although many of the changes were significant in individual cases, there was no consistent trend in body composition. Both gains and losses of weight were observed, the largest factor in these being changes in body fat. Ten paraplegics showed a tendency to decrease their sodium space after 12 weeks of controlled dietary intake with significant changes in three cases.
Altered white matter microstructure in adolescents with major depression: a preliminary study.

Objective Major depressive disorder (MDD) occurs frequently in adolescents, but the neurobiology of depression in youth is poorly understood. Structural neuroimaging studies in both adult and pediatric populations have implicated frontolimbic neural networks in the pathophysiology of MDD. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which measures white matter (WM) microstructure, is a promising tool for examining neural connections and how they may be abnormal in MDD. Method We used two separate approaches to analyze DTI data in adolescents with MDD (n = 14) compared with healthy volunteers (n = 14). Results The first, hypothesis-driven approach was to use probabilistic tractography to delineate tracts arising from the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Adolescents with MDD demonstrated lower fractional anisotropy (FA) in the WM tract connecting subgenual ACC to amygdala in the right hemisphere. The second, exploratory approach was to conduct a voxelwise comparison of FA. This analysis revealed 10 clusters where adolescents with MDD had significantly lower (uncorrected) FA than the healthy group within WM tracts including right and left uncinate and supragenual cingulum. Conclusions These preliminary data support the hypothesis that altered WM microstructure in frontolimbic neural pathways may contribute to the pathophysiology of MDD in adolescents.
Spectra of theories and structures

We introduce the notion of a degree spectrum of a complete theory to be the set of Turing degrees that contain a copy of some model of the theory. We generate examples showing that not all degree spectra of theories are degree spectra of structures and vice-versa. To this end, we give a new necessary condition on the degree spectrum of a structure, specifically showing that the set of PA degrees and the upward closure of the set of 1-random degrees are not degree spectra of structures but are degree spectra of theories.
Dynamics of sediment and contaminant transport in the Hudson River estuary: Evidence from sediment distributions of naturally occurring radionuclides

Near surface (<10 cm) sediment distributions of234Th sampled multiple times at five locations along the axis of the Hudson Estuary from the Upper Bay of New York to Haverstraw Bay are compared with210Pb data from longer cores at the same locations. The comparison indicates that while there is little net sediment accumulation anywhere except at one location in the Upper Bay, near surface sediment in this reach of the estuary is mobile on short (months) time scales. The sediment appears to be physically mixed rather than bioturbated. Comparison of the sediment inventories of234Th with calculated water column production indicates short time scale (months) variability in234Th deposition. Some parts of the bottom have234Th inventories in excess of local production but these appear to be balanced by234Th deficient areas, resulting in a general equilibrium. Sediment inventories of Pb, Cu, and Zn normalized to210Pb show no evidence of a uniquely urban source of these metals to the lower estuary. Silver distributions in sediment indicate a possible source of silver from New York City, probably related to sewage inputs.
Decision making process in a nonpoint pollution control model

Abstract A nonpoint pollution control approach is suggested when: (i) there is no one-to-one correspondence between emission and ambient levels of the pollutant because of the effect of random variables, and (ii) the emissions of several polluters may affect the ambient levels and it is not possible to separate their contributions. The approach is relevant for all dispersed pollution problems where monitoring difficulties and uncertainty are present. The model offered in this paper is based on the premise that government can influence but not fully control the response of economic agents, who behave according to their own criteria when given policy signals set by the government. Their responses, however, may or may not be desirable outcomes for the policy makers. Therefore, any attempt to model policy implications must consider two inter-connected objectives: those of the policy maker and those of the economic agents influenced by policy. Thus, a policy based on a tax/subsidy scheme will indirectly lead the polluting firm(s) to the point of optimal abatement, fulfilling both the regulator's and firm's objectives. The regulator's policy instruments are considered to be exogenous variables by polluting firms, while polluting firms» objectives and related sets of constaints are considered to be behavioral constraints by the regulator. Multi-level mathematical programming is the methodology suggested for practical studies. The structure of the nonpoint pollution control model and multi-level programming are built on similar premises. A well-established microeconomics theory lies behind this model, and its obvious link to multi-level programming methodology, which has been proven in applied work in some other scientific areas, and promises good results in future at a practical level.
AN EVALUATION OF PERCEIVED ITEM-DIFFICULTY SEQUENCING IN ACADEMIC TESTING

Summary. In order to evaluate a method for deriving subjective item-difficulty values and to assess the effects of subjective item-difficulty sequencing in academic testing, 142 introductory psychology students and nine introductory psychology instructors scaled 210 multiple-choice examination questions on the subjective difficulty students would experience when attempting to solve an item. Item arrangements, hard-to-easy (H-E), easy-to-hard (E-H), and random (R) were constructed using perceived item-difficulty values and randomly distributed the following semester as a final examination to 133 introductory psychology students. Prior to the final examination the Achievement Anxiety Test was administered. To assess the effects of item sequencing on the examinee a situational measure of test-taking anxiety was taken along with test evaluation information and performance data. Results suggested that (1) test constructors should consider the effects of subjective item-difficulty sequencing on the examinee's test evaluation as providing the only empirical justification for advocating that items be sequenced E-H, and (2) measurement of the test content factor is contaminated by test-taking anxiety to a greater degree under the R and E-H sequence formats than under the H-E format.
8-methoxypsoralen-dna adducts in patients treated with 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet a light

Abstract The combination of 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) plus ultraviolet A light (320–400 nm), termed PUVA, is used in the treatment of psoriasis, a hyperproliferative disease of the skin. This treatment results in the formation of specific 8-MOP adducts with cellular DNA. We have previously developed monoclonal antibodies which recognize these 8-MOP photoadducts. We now report the use of these antibodies in an indirect immunofluorescence technique to study human skin biopsies. Nuclei in 3 of 5 skin biopsies from psoriasis patients undergoing PUVA therapy were positive for adducts. The presence of adducts by immunofluorescence did not correlate with plasma levels of 8-MOP. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, used to determine whether 8-MOP photoadducts could be detected in DNA isolated from the lymphocytes of psoriasis patients after PUVA therapy, were negative.
Effects of pyrus species and related genera rootstocks on mineral uptake in ‘Bartlett’ pear 1

Abstract Variability of leaf element content of ‘Bartlett’ Pear growing on 15 different pyrus species and related genera rootstocks was not great and did not vary appreciably from that expected from intraspecific rootstocks under the soil and environmental conditions of the experiment. The genetics of the scion seemed to be the determinant in leaf element content of the scion, although it is possible that under greater acidic or basic soil ph conditions than the 6.1 ph of the experiment, the root‐stocks could have more or less of an effect. The data also suggested that nutrient passage through the graft union was unrelated to the degree of compatability between rootstock and scion in pear.
Role of excess electrons on the stability of metal-cluster hydrides

Total energies and equilibrium geometries of negatively charged metal clusters containing hydrogen (Li{sub {ital n}}H{sub {ital m}}{sup {minus}} and YH{sub {ital m}}{sup {minus}}) have been calculated using the self-consistent molecular-orbital theory. The results indicate that the maximum hydrogen content of a cluster can be increased by adding electrons to the cluster. This enhanced stability of anionic cluster hydrides is found to be due to the preference of hydrogen to remain in an anionic'' form.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction of 1,2-diethoxyethane hydroperoxide with ozone

The kinetics and products of the reaction of 1,2-diethoxyethane hydroperoxide with ozone in CCl4 solution at 9 and 22°C have been studied. A reaction mechanism is proposed.
Vitamin E treatment of experimental glomerular disease in rats.

Vitamin E treatment of experimental glomerular disease in rats Background Kidney mesangial cells (MCs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are closely related in terms of origin, microscopic anatomy, histochemistry, and contractility. This relationship suggests a similarity between kidney glomerular sclerosis and atherosclerosis. Vitamin E appears beneficial in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease and it also inhibits the proliferation of VSMCs in vitro. Thus, we investigated the effect of vitamin E on glomerular sclerosis and MC-proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN) in two rat models of glomerular disease. Methods A remnant kidney rat model accelerated with hyperlipidemia was used to examine progressive glomerular sclerosis leading to chronic renal failure. A rat model of MC-proliferative GN was induced by the intravenous administration of absorbed rabbit anti-rat thymocyte serum (ATS). Results In the remnant kidney rat model, dietary supplementation with vitamin E (500 IU dl -α-tocopheryl acetate/kg) and cholesterol (2%) significantly inhibited glomerular sclerosis and macrophage infiltration in glomeruli relative to controls receiving basal and cholesterol-supplemented diets. In the ATS-induced GN model, glomerular cell proliferation (principally MCs) was lower in rats fed diets supplemented with vitamin E (1000 IU dl -α-tocopheryl acetate/kg) compared with controls fed the basal diet only. Although the degree of glomerular macrophage infiltration was similar in both groups, fewer proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells were observed in the vitamin E group, suggesting that MC proliferation was suppressed via the inhibition of intracellular transduction. Conclusions Supplemental dietary vitamin E suppresses MC proliferation and glomerular sclerosis in models of glomerular disease in rats. This action of vitamin E in experimental nephritis suggests the value of clinical trials testing the potential benefit of vitamin E in chronic GN patients.
Concerns of College Students Regarding Business Ethics

Although some attention has been devoted to assessing the attitudes and concerns of businesspeople toward ethics, relatively little attention has focused on the attitudes and concerns of tomorrow's business leaders, today's college students. In this investigation a national sample was utilized to study college students' attitudes toward business ethics, with the results being analyzed by academic classification, academic major, and sex. Results of the investigation indicate that college students are currently somewhat concerned about business ethics in general, and that female students in particular are more concerned about ethical issues than are their male counterparts.
Parent-provider communication in family day care homes

This paper explores the relationship between licensed family day care home providers and the parents of the children in their care. Of specific interest are their daily communication and each group's perceptions of the relationship. The perspectives of both parents and providers are illuminated through open-ended interviews and on-site observations of their daily interactions. This study suggests that there may be little communication between providers and parents focused on the children's ongoing experiences and development in these day care homes, despite both groups' expressed beliefs in the importance of such communication. Even so, parents expressed complete satisfaction with their children's caregivers, although providers' feelings were more negative toward parents. These contradictions are discussed.
“Molecular gene”: Interpretation in the Right Context

How to interpret the “molecular gene” concept is discussed in this paper. I argue that the architecture of biological systems is hierarchical and multi-layered, exhibiting striking similarities to that of modern computers. Multiple layers exist between the genotype and system level property, the phenotype. This architectural complexity gives rise to the intrinsic complexity of the genotype-phenotype relationships. The notion of a gene being for a phenotypic trait or traits lacks adequate consideration of this complexity and has limitations in explaining the genotype-phenotype relationships. I explore ways toward an integrative interpretation of the gene in the context of multi-layered biological systems. A gene, I argue, should be interpreted as a functional unit that is responsible for the trans-generation passage of the capacity to dynamically produce a biochemical activity or biochemical activities. At the molecular level, a gene is a genetic unit, a stretch of DNA sequence, which dictates the behavior and the dynamic production of the encoded cellular component(s). Embedded in a gene’s quadruple DNA code are the regulatory signals, such as those for RNA splicing and/or editing, as well as for transcription factor binding. A regulatory signal can be recognized by the gene expression machinery in one state, but not in another. The confusion caused by RNA splicing, editing, and a gene’s selective tissue distribution pattern is addressed. Instead of a context-dependent definition of the gene, I argue for the view that it is the same gene displaying multiple meanings, subject to differential interpretation by the cellular machinery in different states. In other words, the same gene gives rise to different products and expression levels under different conditions.
Influence of solvent polarity and proticity on the photochemical properties of norfloxacin.

The fluoroquinolone antibacterial norfloxacin (NF) is a moderate photosensitizer of singlet molecular oxygen (1O2). We have studied photosensitization by NF as a function of medium polarity and proticity in solvent mixtures. We have used 1,4-dioxane and propylene carbonate mixtures to keep proticity constant while modulating polarity, and water/D2O and ethylene carbonate mixtures to alter proticity without large changes in polarity. The absorption spectrum of NF was little affected by solvent changes, as compared to the fluorescence spectrum that exhibited as much as a 50 nm blue-shift, e.g. 1,4-dioxane versus D2O. The quantum yield of NF fluorescence saturated at an almost 10 times higher value (approximately 0.14) when proticity was increased by added water, up to 0.2 mol fraction, to ethylene carbonate. Less pronounced, the increasing polarity in 1,4-dioxane/propylene carbonate mixtures affected the fluorescence yield much less. Norfloxacin produces 1O2 and is able to quench 1O2. The rate constant for 1O2 quenching is 4.5 x 10(7) M-1 s-1 in propylene carbonate but decreases ca four times in D2O. The quantum yield of 1O2 photogeneration was also up to five times higher in solvents that were both protic and polar than vice versa. Our data show that NF is more photochemically active in an environment that is both protic and polar. This suggests the involvement of polar excited state(s) and possible proton/hydrogen transfer during photoexcitation. Similar processes may initiate the phototoxic response reported in some patients treated with the fluoroquinolone drugs. The phototoxicity of NF and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics may strongly depend on their localization in hydrophilic or hydrophobic cell/tissue regions.
Parasitic Beechdrops (Epifagus virginiana): A Possible Ant-Pollinated Plant

Abstract Epifagus virginiana (Beechdrop) is an annual flowering plant that parasitizes Fagus grandifolia (American Beech) roots. The pollination biology of the chasmogamous flowers of E. virginiana is unknown. In September 2011–2012, we observed insect visitors to E. virginiana flowers. Insect visitors included Bombus impatiens, Crematogaster spp., and Prenolepis imparis, but were dominated by P. imparis (over 96% of insect visits). In September 2012, we captured ants (Crematogaster and P. imparis) on E. virginiana flowers in three different areas found in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont physiographic provinces. With the use of 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), we tested E. virginiana pollen from flowers and ant integuments for viability. We observed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the viability of pollen taken directly from E. virginiana flowers and pollen removed from the ants. Our data suggests that ants can be playing an important role in the pollination of E. virginiana.
Discovery of novel peptidic dopamine transporter ligands by screening a positional scanning combinatorial hexapeptide library.

The acute reinforcing effects of cocaine are thought by some to result from cocaine binding to the dopamine (DA) transporter, which inhibits DA uptake and increases synaptic DA levels in the mesolimbic system. Other data suggest that neurotransmitters other than DA contribute to cocaine reinforcement and addiction. These considerations illustrate the need to have additional research tools with which to test the “DA hypothesis.” One strategy is to identify drugs which bind to the DA transporter (DAT ligands) but which do not inhibit DA uptake as effectively as cocaine. The purpose of the present study was to identify members of a novel structural class of DAT ligands and to characterize their interactions at the DA transporter. A positional scanning hexapeptide D-amino acid library was screened for inhibition of [125I]RTI-55 binding to rat caudate DA transporters. Based on the results, 12 peptides were synthesized. All 12 peptides inhibited [125I]RTI-55 binding to DA transporters with IC50 values, which ranged from 1.8 μM to 12 μM. The two most potent peptides (TPI-669–1 and TPI-669–4) were prepared in larger quantities and were characterized further for activity at the DAT and 5-HT transporter. Both peptides inhibited DA and 5-HT uptake and transporter binding with IC50/Ki values in the low micromolar range. In vivo microdialysis studies demonstrated that both peptides increase extracellular DA and 5-HT in the nucleus accumbens of rats. These data demonstrate that peptides can function as inhibitors of biogenic amine transport. Future work will focus on developing more potent and selective peptides. Synapse 33:239–246, 1999. Published 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Pharmacy students' attitudes toward geriatric nursing home patients.

Objective. To determine the attitudes of second-year pharmacy students toward older people in general and geriatric patients in particular after attending an Early Pharmacy Practice Experiences 2 course. Methods. One hundred forty-four second-year pharmacy students completed the Geriatrics Knowledge Test and Attitudes Survey between 2008 and 2010. Results. On 11 of 14 items, most students had a favorable opinion of older people and providing geriatric care (mean > 3.0 on a 5-point scale). For example, students believed that treatment of chronically ill elderly patients is not hopeless ( 4.2 ± 1.0) and that most older people are pleasant to be with ( 3.8 ± 1.0). Gender, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, having children, and rural or non-rural upbringing were not related to the students’ attitudes for most items. Conclusion. Although the majority of second-year pharmacy students had favorable attitudes toward older people and geriatric care, the lack of research in this area suggests that further studies are needed.
Jet quenching in high energy heavy ion collisions by QCD synchrotronlike radiation

We consider synchrotronlike radiation in QCD by generalizing Schwinger's treatment of quantum synchrotron radiation in QED to the case of a constant chromomagnetic field. We suggest a novel mechanism for jet quenching in heavy ion collisions, whereby high-${p}_{t}$ partons get depleted through strong (classical) color fields. The latter are encountered in the color glass condensate or in the form of expanding shells of exploding sphalerons. Unlike bremsstrahlung radiation through multiple soft rescattering, synchrotron radiation converts a jet into a wide shower of soft gluons. We estimate the energy loss through this mechanism and suggest that it contributes significantly to the unexpectedly strong jet quenching observed at BNL RHIC.