cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recovery of T‐cell function in healthy dogs following cessation of oral cyclosporine administration

Cyclosporine is a potent immunosuppressive agent used to treat immune-mediated disorders in dogs. Secondary infections sometimes necessitate withdrawal of cyclosporine, but it is not known how long it takes for the immune system to recover after cessation of cyclosporine. Our goal was to utilize a validated RT-qPCR assay in dogs to assess recovery time of the T-cell cytokines IL-2 and IFN-γ after discontinuation of cyclosporine. Six healthy dogs were given oral cyclosporine (10 mg/kg every 12 hr) for 1 week, with samples collected for measurement of cytokine gene expression prior to treatment, and on the last day of therapy. Cyclosporine was then discontinued, and samples were collected daily for an additional 7 days. Results revealed that there was a significant difference in cytokine expression when comparing pre-treatment and immediate post-treatment values, corresponding to marked suppression of T-cell function. There was no significant difference between pre-treatment values for either cytokine when compared with any day during the recovery period. Cytokine expression, evaluated as a percentage of pre-treatment baseline samples, demonstrated progressing return of T-cell function after drug cessation, with full recovery seen in all dogs by Day 4 of the recovery period.
Blending Established and New Perspectives on Choroid Plexus-CSF Dynamics

Modern cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) physiologic investigation accelerated after World War II with the advent of radio-isotopes to quantify choroid plexus (CP) ion transport and CSF flow dynamics. Hugh Davson, Malcolm Segal, Michael Bradbury, Michael Pollay, Keasley Welch, Helen Cserr, John Pappenheimer, and colleagues, developed laboratory preparations to assess tracer uptake/release by CP and associated flow dynamics within the ventricular-brain system. This canonical research established several basic physiologic concepts: differences between CP and blood-brain barrier, CP as primary site of CSF formation, ependymal permeability, intimate CSF and brain interstitial fluid association, CSF sink action for excretion, and a quasi-lymphatic function of CSF flow/drainage to cervical lymph. Their seminal findings constitute a reliable foundation on which to build contemporary models of CP transport/CSF dynamics, including functional interaction with the newly-described glymphatic system. The 1980s–1990s provided research findings on CSF regulation by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides; also, many new pharmacologic agents were tested for controlling CSF formation. Over the past 2–3 decades, the advent/refinement of diverse immunohistochemical, neuroendocrine and molecular techniques has delineated the expression and function of basolateral and apical transporters at the blood-CSF interface. Recently, CP gene knock-out models and transcriptomic approaches have engendered specific analysis of CP transport and metabolism. Increasing attention is being paid to the CP role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke, intracranial hypertension and hydrocephalus. The physiologic impact of CP-CSF fluid generation, pressure and homeostasis on the putative glymphatic system is a promising topic. There is an increasing need to blend transport/fluid phenomena at the BCSFB with the BBB and ependymal CSF-brain interface. Integrated models that incorporate all CNS transport interfaces will provide a key impetus for advances in translational neuromedicine.
The Next Generation of Neural Networks

The most important unsolved problem with artificial neural networks is how to do unsupervised learning as effectively as the brain. There are currently two main approaches to unsupervised learning. In the first approach, exemplified by BERT and Variational Autoencoders, a deep neural network is used to reconstruct its input. This is problematic for images because the deepest layers of the network need to encode the fine details of the image. An alternative approach, introduced by Becker and Hinton in 1992, is to train two copies of a deep neural network to produce output vectors that have high mutual information when given two different crops of the same image as their inputs. This approach was designed to allow the representations to be untethered from irrelevant details of the input. The method of optimizing mutual information used by Becker and Hinton was flawed (for a subtle reason that I will explain) so Pacannaro and Hinton (2001) replaced it by a discriminative objective in which one vector representation must select a corresponding vector representation from among many alternatives. With faster hardware, contrastive learning of representations has recently become very popular and is proving to be very effective, but it suffers from a major flaw: To learn pairs of representation vectors that have N bits of mutual information we need to contrast the correct corresponding vector with about 2N incorrect alternatives. I will describe a novel and effective way of dealing with this limitation. I will also show that this leads to a simple way of implementing perceptual learning in cortex.
Predicting EPBM advance rate performance using support vector regression modeling

Abstract Earth pressure balance shield tunnel boring machines (EPBM) are widely used in tunneling practice yet the mechanics that define ground-EPBM interaction, specifically the advance rate, are not well understood. In the study presented here, machine learning techniques including feature selection, support vector regression (SVR) and partial dependence plots (PDP), were successfully applied to EPBM data to develop and explain EPBM advance rate modeling through five widely varying soil types. The geotechnical conditions were implicitly incorporated into the analysis by developing soil formation-specific SVR models. The SVR models were highly successful in capturing AR behavior, exhibiting R2 values of 0.88–0.95 when independently evaluated with test data. Automatic feature selection revealed the same EPBM parameters of notable influence on AR across all ESUs, including net thrust, cutterhead torque, foam flow rate and screw conveyor torque. The SVR models, however, revealed considerably different relationships between these key parameters and AR, indicating that the soil plays a significant role in AR behavior. PDP analysis captured the sensitivity of AR to each key parameter as a function of parameter magnitude. The PDP results show that AR is positively correlated (increasing AR with increasing parameter value) and/or negatively correlated (decreasing AR with increasing parameter value) to varying degrees as a function of parameter value, all of which is strongly soil dependent.
Does contact sport lead to despair

In an important cohort study of former professional soccer players from Scotland, Russell et al examined the comparative mental health outcomes of this group.1 Previous work from this group had demonstrated a higher incidence of mortality from neurodegenerative disease. Among professional European-style football players2 the risk factor for neurodegenerative disease in those with contact sport has been demonstrated, in football/soccer, and in American-style football. Several authors have poised behavioural health concerns to be a critical part of the phenotype linked to sport-related neurodegenerative disease such as traumatic encephalopathy syndrome.3 Indeed, concussions and perhaps multiple concussions, have been linked to behavioural health concerns. In this study, Russell et al did not note a higher level of hospitalisations for mental health outcomes nor did they demonstrate a higher suicide rate. These findings are …
Beam Focusing by Scattering from an Array of Scatterers on a Drone

Beamforming by scattering from an array of scatterers carried by a drone is explored. By positioning the vertical heights of the scatterers on the drone, beam focusing can be achieved in a desired direction. Various horizontal layouts of the scatterers on the drone can be used, with a “double-cross” layout used here for the case of 9 scatterers. The formation of a null in the pattern in a desired direction is also possible using optimization of the scatterer positions.
Abstract 16205: MKP-5 Deficiency Attenuates Pressure Overload-induced Cardiac Hypertrophy

Introduction: Cardiac remodeling occurs in response to pathological stimuli including chronic pressure overload, subsequently leading to heart failure. Despite considerable research efforts, the mo...
Risk to Bicyclists in a Separated Path from Left Turns across Multiple Lanes: A Case for Protected-Only Left Turns:

At signalized intersections, permitted left turns (i.e., on a green ball, after yielding) across multiple through lanes and across a separated bike lane or bike path present a threat to bicyclist s...
Determinants and Macroeconomic Impact of Remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa

The paper investigates the determinants and the macroeconomic role of remittances in sub-Saharan Africa, assembling the most comprehensive dataset available so far on remittances in the region and incorporating data on the diaspora. It finds that remittances are larger for countries with a larger diaspora or when the diaspora is located in wealthier countries, and that they behave countercyclically, consistent with a role as a shock absorber. Although the effect of remittances in growth regressions is negative, countries with well functioning domestic institutions seem nevertheless to be better at unlocking the potential for remittances to contribute to faster economic growth.
Effects of Heat Shock on Development and Actin mRNA Stability in Drosophila

Heat shock during development induces morphological defects in vertebrates and invertebrates. In mammals, heating prior to neural tube closure induces cleft palate, anencephaly, and encepholoceles. These defectseanbe prevented if embiyos arefirstmade thermotolerant (Walsh et al., 1987). In Drosophila, a variety of different defects can be induced many of which resemble mutant defects. The heat induced defects are called phenocopies because of their resemblance to mutant phenotypes. Phenocopies in Drosophila can also be prevented by thermotolerance inducing treatments (Petersen and Mitchell, 1985). There are similarities in the conditions for induction of developmental defects in Drosophila and mammals which lead us to suggest that the molecular mechanism may also be similar (Petersen, 1990). These are: 1) Most treatments which induce developmental defects also induce synthesis of heat shock proteins; 2) The type of defect induced depends on the time of treatment rather than on the environmental stress (chemical or heat); 3) The induction of a defect depends on the genetic background as well as the environmental treatment; 4) Heat induced defects can be prevented by a thermotolerance inducing treatment before the environmental insult. We are using Drosophila as a model system to study the molecular basis for thermotolerance and for the induction of defects by heat.
TU-G-207-02: Clinical Applications of X-Ray Phase Contrast Imaging: Where Do We Stand?

Last few years has witnessed the development of novel of X-ray imaging modalities, such as spectral CT, phase contrast CT, and X-ray acoustic/fluorescence/luminescence imaging. This symposium will present the recent advances of these emerging X-ray imaging modalities and update the attendees with knowledge in various related topics, including X-ray photon-counting detectors, X-ray physics underlying the emerging applications beyond the traditional X-ray imaging, image reconstruction for the novel modalities, characterization and evaluation of the systems, and their practical implications. In addition, the concept and practical aspects of X-ray activatable targeted nanoparticles for molecular X-ray imaging will be discussed in the context of X-ray fluorescence and luminescence CT. Learning Objectives: 1. Present background knowledge of various emerging X-ray imaging techniques, such as spectral CT, phase contrast CT and X-ray fluorescence/luminescence CT. 2. Discuss the practical need, technical aspects and current status of the emerging X-ray imaging modalities. 3. Describe utility and future impact of the new generation of X-ray imaging applications.
Separate effects of flooding and anaerobiosis on soil greenhouse gas emissions and redox sensitive biogeochemistry

Soils are large sources of atmospheric greenhouse gases, and both the magnitude and composition of soil gas emissions are strongly controlled by redox conditions. Though the effect of redox dynamics on greenhouse gas emissions has been well studied in flooded soils, less research has focused on redox dynamics without total soil inundation. For the latter, all that is required are soil conditions where the rate of oxygen (O2) consumption exceeds the rate of atmospheric replenishment. We investigated the effects of soil anaerobiosis, generated with and without flooding, on greenhouse gas emissions and redox-sensitive biogeochemistry. We collected a Histosol from a regularly flooded peatland pasture and an Ultisol from a humid tropical forest where soil experiences frequent low redox events. We used a factorial design of flooding and anaerobic dinitrogen (N2) headspace treatments applied to replicate soil microcosms. An N2 headspace suppressed carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 50% in both soils. Flooding, however, led to greater anaerobic CO2 emissions from the Ultisol. Methane emissions under N2 were also significantly greater with flooding in the Ultisol. Flooding led to very low N2O emissions after an initial pulse in the Histosol, while higher emission rates were maintained in control and N2 treatments. We conclude that soil greenhouse gas emissions are sensitive to the redox effects of O2 depletion as a driver of anaerobiosis and that flooding can have additional effects independent of O2 depletion. We emphasize that changes to the soil diffusive environment under flooding impacts transport of all gases, not only O2, and changes in dissolved solute availability under flooding may lead to increased mineralization of C.
Rapid Calculation of Equatorial Rotation Curves

We derive a simple, fast one-dimensional integral for the equatorial rotation curve of a thin disk with surface density Sigma(R) modeled as a spheroid with axis ratio q. The result is simpler than standard expressions even in the limit of an infinitely thin disk (q-->0).
Environmental Taxes in Developing and Transition Economies

This paper presents the theory of environmental taxation with special reference to developing countries (DC) and countries with economies in transition (TC). A review of the literature shows there exist several examples of environmental taxes being used to reduce environmentally harmful behavior. Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and China have large-scale systems of pollution taxes and other countries are also experimenting with this type of instrument, particularly to reduce water pollution. Several countries have used taxes on environmentally harmful products, such as transport fuels, to raise revenues and reduce pollution. Challenges are associated with the use of environmental taxes in developing and transition countries, but the evidence suggests that despite shortcomings these instruments are making important contributions to environmental protection and economic efficiency.
Incorporating biologically based models into assessments of risk from chemical contaminants

The general approach to assessment of risk from chemical contaminants in drinking water involves three steps: hazard identification, exposure assessment, and dose-response assessment. Traditionally, the risks to humans associated with different levels of a chemical have been derived from the toxic responses observed in animals. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that further information is needed if risks to humans are to be assessed accurately. Biologically based models help clarify the dose-response relationship and reduce uncertainty.
A study of usability-aware network trace anonymization

The publication and sharing of network trace data is a critical to the advancement of collaborative research among various entities, both in government, private sector, and academia. However, due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the data involved, entities have to employ various anonymization techniques to meet legal requirements in compliance with confidentiality policies. Nevertheless, the very composition of network trace data makes it a challenge when applying anonymization techniques. On the other hand, basic application of microdata anonymization techniques on network traces is problematic and does not deliver the necessary data usability. Therefore, as a contribution, we point out some of the ongoing challenges in the network trace anonymization. We then suggest usability-aware anonymization heuristics by employing microdata privacy techniques while giving consideration to usability of the anonymized data. Our preliminary results show that with trade-offs, it might be possible to generate anonymized network traces with enhanced usability, on a case-by-case basis using micro-data anonymization techniques.
Nd/sup 3+/ versus Yb/sup 3+/ solid-state lasers at 1 micron

Summary form only given. Yb/sup 3+/ solid-state lasers operating at 1-/spl mu/m wavelength offer some significant advantages relative to 1.06-/spl mu/m Nd/sup 3+/ solid-state lasers. These advantages include smaller quantum defect for lower heat dissipation and greater slope efficiency, simpler energy level structure for reduced parasitic effects, and longer upper state lifetimes for better utilization of diode pump sources. However, these advantages are offset by a significant disadvantage, which is quasi-three-level operation at room temperature compared with the four-level operation in Nd/sup 3+/ lasers. Additionally, Yb/sup 3+/ lasers generally have lower gain cross section than Nd/sup 3+/ lasers, which may be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the application, and generally have broader absorption features so as to relax spectral requirements of diode pump sources.
Building a cognitive map by assembling multiple path integration systems

Path integration and cognitive mapping are two of the most important mechanisms for navigation. Path integration is a primitive navigation system which computes a homing vector based on an animal's self-motion estimation, while cognitive map is an advanced spatial representation containing richer spatial information about the environment that is persistent and can be used to guide flexible navigation to multiple locations. Most theories of navigation conceptualize them as two distinctive, independent mechanisms, although the path integration system may provide useful information for the integration of cognitive maps. This paper demonstrates a fundamentally different scenario, where a cognitive map is constructed in three simple steps by assembling multiple path integrators and extending their basic features. The fact that a collection of path integration systems can be turned into a cognitive map suggests the possibility that cognitive maps may have evolved directly from the path integration system.
Fostering Insight into Personal Conceptions of the Elderly: A Simulation Exercise

As a class exercise, Human Development students adopted the roles of elderly individuals by designing costumes to simulate the physical constraints and appearance of advancing age. Then, while engaging in everyday activities, they observed the reactions of themselves and others to their condition and behavior. This activity allowed students to examine their personal conceptions of the elderly. Students reported that the exercise was educational and that it fostered empathy with senior adults.
Worksite Utrition Education improves Food choices of on-duty Firefighters

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME: Heart attack and stroke kill over 50% of firefighters who die on duty. Yet research on firefighters' dietary practices is virtually nonexistent. To determine the potential effects of worksite nutrition education on food choices, 38 male firefighters, between the ages of 27-50 years old, attended mandatory nutrition education taught by a Registered Dietitian. Of these, 27 completed the study. The class included information on the Food Guide Pyramid, how to read a nutrition label, and the importance of fluid consumption. A pre and post class food frequency questionaire was used to gather data. Results were compared using the paired t test. Prior to class, consumption of fluids was 60.9 ± 35.7 ounces, fruits 2.2 ± 1.5 servings/day, vegetables 2.1 ± 1.4 servings/day, grains 5.4 ± 2.7 servings/day, protein 4.7 ± 2.1 three ounce servings/day and 51.8% of fluids consumed contained caffeine. After the class, results were: fluid 65.5 ± 35.3 ounces, fruits 2.6 ± 1.5 servings/day, vegetables 3.1 ± 1.5 servings/day, grains 6.9 ± 3.0 servings/day and protein 3.0 ± 1.2 servings/day. Also, consumption of caffeine containing beverages dropped to 22.2%.Worksite nutrition education can have a positive effect on the dietary intake of on-duty firefighters.
The biological passport and doping in athletics.

The head of the French anti-doping agency (AFLD) has questioned the eff ectiveness of the biological passport to detect doping at the Tour de France, which started on July 3. A biological passport monitors an athlete’s blood and body chemistry values over time to assess whether there has been a deviation from an established baseline, thus indirectly detecting illegal manipulation. Implemented by the International Cycling Union for the 2008 cycling season and approved for widespread use by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in December, 2009, the biological passport was criticised by AFLD’s Pierre Bordry, who says cyclists consistently taking small amounts of doping substances can go undetected. Although Bordry’s comments have merit and will need to be taken into consideration as the biological passport system is modifi ed over time, the biological passport might well prove to be an improvement over the traditional method of direct detection of doping. Traditional tests have searched for direct evidence of known doping agents, but the biological passport can look for changes from baseline that might result from doping, even if the specifi c drug or tactic is unknown. Some drugs, such as erythropoietin, which increases erythrocyte production, can only be detected for a few days, but the performance benefi ts last for weeks, producing a suspicious blood profi le indicative of previous use of erythropoietin. Also, traditional tests compare concentrations of a banned substance with averages for an entire population, but the biological passport’s emphasis on many readings from an individual should make it easier to catch a doped athlete. The biological passport is a breakthrough in the antidoping fi ght, and WADA’s Athlete Biological Passport Operating Guidelines should be implemented by all anti-doping organisations. Monitoring biological variables that indirectly reveal the eff ects of doping should make it more diffi cult to take banned substances. The biological passport has already been used against elite cyclist Franco Pellizotti, who won the prestigious honour of being the best mountain climber in last year’s Tour de France, to keep him out of the Tour of Italy in May. In advance of the London 2012 Olympics, it is encouraging to see that all UK athletes will receive biological passports. The UK’s example should be followed by all countries participating in the 2012 Olympics in the eff ort to combat doping in athletics.
Etching of GaAs and InP using a hybrid microwave and radio‐frequency system

A hybrid system consisting of a multipolar electron cyclotron resonance source driven by a microwave power supply at 2.45 GHz and a radio‐frequency (rf) powered electrode at 13.56 MHz is used for the etching of GaAs and InP. Both CCl2F2 and Cl2 are used as the gas sources, and the effect of rf and microwave power, pressure, as well as flow rate on etch rate and surface morphology are evaluated. Fast etch rate up to 3.4 μm/min is obtained for GaAs. Etch rate increases with rf power and decreases with microwave power when CCl2F2 is used. Optical emission and x‐ray photoelectron measurements indicate that more C‐related compounds are generated when microwave power is on. With Cl2 addition, etch rate increases with microwave power and smoother morphology is obtained. Etching for InP yields smooth morphology at a typical rate of 50 nm/min.
Alternative conformations of the ColE1 replication primer modulate its interaction with RNA I.

Abstract Replication of the ColE1 plasmid is regulated by the interaction of its primer RNA with a small countertranscript (RNA I) that acts as a repressor of functional primer formation. The interaction is dependent on the specific conformations of the complementary RNA molecules. Early in its synthesis, primer adopts an "anti-RNA I" configuration. As transcription proceeds, it is preempted by formation of an alternative domain designated stem-loop IV. This conformational transition has a significant effect on the rate of association of RNA I with the primer in vitro. Nascent primer in the "anti-RNA I" conformation (135 nucleotides) interacts with RNA I 6-fold faster than primer in the stem-loop IV conformation (241 nucleotides), and 35-fold faster than a 567 nucleotide primer precursor. We propose that a conformation-dependent "window of susceptibility" of primer to RNA I exists during primer transcription, and that altered conformations play a role in modulating the rate of functional primer formation.
Developing a culturally competent work force: An opportunity for collaboration

This article describes a collaborative project formed between three major community systems—education, health care, and the business sector—to respond to the specialized cultural needs of a growing Hispanic population in a large public health care system in Dallas, TX. Two specific strategies, short-term cultural immersion and the development of a nurse exchange program with a “sister” hospital in Mexico, assist health care personnel to learn the language and the culture of Mexico. Findings from process evaluation suggest that these initiatives are essential and beneficial to changing individual views and developing knowledge and skills. Community partnerships requiring a significant commitment to a continuum of efforts from top administrative levels to the individual level facilitate institutional responses to the challenge of developing a culturally skilled health work force.
Salt marsh vegetation change in response to tidal restriction

Vegetation change in response to restriction of the normal tidal prism of six Connecticut salt marshes is documented. Tidal flow at the study sites was restricted with tide gates and associated causeways and dikes for purposes of flood protection, mosquito control, and/or salt hay farming. One study site has been under a regime of reduced tidal flow since colonial times, while the duration of restriction at the other sites ranges from less than ten years to several decades. The data indicate that with tidal restriction there is a substantial reduction in soil water salinity, lowering of the water table level, as well as a relative drop in the marsh surface elevation. These factors are considered to favor the establishment and spread ofPhragmites australis (common reed grass) and other less salt-tolerant species, with an attendant loss ofSpartina-dominated marsh. Based on detailed vegetation mapping of the study sites, a generalized scheme is presented to describe the sequence of vegetation change from typicalSpartina- toPhragmites-dominated marshes. The restoration of thesePhragmites systems is feasible following the reintroduction of tidal flow. At several sites dominated byPhragmites, tidal flow was reintroduced after two decades of continuous restriction, resulting in a marked reduction inPhragmites height and the reestablishment of typical salt marsh vegetation along creekbanks. It is suggested that large-scale restoration efforts be initiated in order that these degraded systems once again assume their roles within the salt marsh-estuarine ecosystem.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Titanium and Zirconium Complexes Supported by a Multidentate Monoanionic [N2P2] Ligand

The coordination chemistry of titanium and zirconium complexes supported by the monoanionic multidentate ligand [N2P2] (where [N2P2] = tBuN−SiMe2N(CH2CH2PiPr2)2) is presented. The zirconium(IV) halide complex [N2P2]ZrCl3 (1) serves as a precursor to the alkyl species [N2P2]Zr(CH2SiMe3)3 (2) and [N2P2]ZrMe3 (3). The coordination behavior of the [N2P2] ligand in compound 3 is determined using NMR and X-ray diffraction data, and protonation of 3 results in the formation of the cationic species {[N2P2]ZrMe2}{B(C6H5)4} (4). The reduction of 1 in the presence of various traps leads to the isolation of ([N2P2]ZrCl)2(μ-η2:η2-N2) (5), ([N2P2]ZrCl)2(μ-Cl)2 (6), and [N2P2]ZrAr* (9). The titanium(III) halide complex [N2P2]TiCl2 (10) also serves as a precursor to alkyl and reduced species [N2P2]TiMe2 (11) and ([N2P2]TiCl)2(μ-N2) (12). Alkylation of 12 results in the formation of ([N2P2]TiCH2SiMe3)2(μ-N2) (13), and the degree of reduction of the N2 moiety in 12 and 13 is examined using X-ray crystallography and Raman s...
Perfluorierte Ionenaustauscher-Membrane von hoher chemischer und thermischer Stabilität

Ionenaustauscher-Membrane aus sulfoniertem Polytetrafluorathylen zeichnen sich durch eine ausergewohnlich grose thermische und chemische Stabilitat aus, weiterhin auch durch leichte Verarbeitbarkeit. Fur viele Anwendungsfalle fuhrt ein Aquivalentgewicht von 1150 bis 1200 zu einem gunstigen Kompromis zwischen den elektrischen und mechanischen Eigenschaften der Membran. Bei Verwendung von polaren organischen Losungsmitteln ist ein hoheres Aquivalentgewicht erforderlich. Die mechanische Festigkeit der Membran last sich durch ein Stutzgewebe vergrosern. Ihre Verwendung ist vor allem bei extremen Arbeitsbedingungen vorteilhaft.
Concurrent measurements of oxygen- and carbon-dioxide exchange during lightflecks inAlocasia macrorrhiza (L.) G. Don

Oxygen and CO2 exchange were measured concurrently in leaves of shade-grownAlocasia macrorrhiza (L.) G. Don during lightflecks consisting of short periods of high photon flux density (PFD) superimposed on a low-PFD background illumination. Oxygen exchange was measured with a zirconium-oxide ceramic cell in an atmosphere containing 1 600 μbar O2 and 350 μbar CO2. Following an increase in PFD from 10 to 500 μmol photons·m-2·s-1, O2 evolution immediately increased to a maximum rate that was about twice as high as the highest CO2-exchange rates that were observed. Oxygen evolution then decreased over the next 5–10 s to rates equal to the much more slowly increasing rates of CO2 uptake. When the PFD was decreased at the end of a lightfleck, O2 evolution decreased nearly instantaneously to the low-PFD rate while CO2 fixation continued at an elevated rate for about 20 s. When PFD during the lightfleck was at a level that was limiting for steady-state CO2 exchange, then the O2-evolution rate was constant during the lightfleck. This observed pattern of O2 evolution during lightflecks indicated that the maximum rate of electron transport exceeded the maximum rate of CO2 fixation in these leaves. In noninduced leaves, rates of O2 evolution for the first fraction of a second were about as high as rates in fully induced leaves, indicating that O2 evolution and the electron-transport chain are not directly affected by the leaf's induction state. Severalfold differences between induced and noninduced leaves in O2 evolution during a lightfleck were seen for lightflecks longer than a few seconds where the rate of O2 evolution appeared to be limited by the utilization of reducing power in CO2 fixation.
Olefin‐Polymerisation mit Übergangsmetall‐Katalysatoren

Wesen und Mechanismus der Polymerisations-Katalyse an Ubergangsmetallen werden untersucht. Besondere Betonung liegt dabei auf gemeinsamen Merkmalen fur die verschiedenartigsten Systeme. Als wesentlich werden die Metall/Kohlenstoff-Bindung sowie die fur die Anlagerung des Monomeren notwendige Koordinationslucke erkannt. Daruber hinaus wird auf die Bedeutung der ubrigen Liganden des Ubergangsmetalls sowie auf die Moglichkeit, uber diese Liganden auf den katalytischen Prozes Einflus zu nehmen, hingewiesen. Die an den ubersichtlicheren homogenen Systemen gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden auf die technisch wichtigeren heterogenen Katalysatoren ubertragen und die Ursachen fur Stereoselektivitat kurz besprochen.
Perception of facial expression and facial identity in subjects with social developmental disorders

Background: It has been hypothesized that the social dysfunction in social developmental disorders (SDDs), such as autism, Asperger disorder, and the socioemotional processing disorder, impairs the acquisition of normal face-processing skills. The authors investigated whether this purported perceptual deficit was generalized to both facial expression and facial identity or whether these different types of facial perception were dissociated in SDDs. Methods: They studied 26 adults with a variety of SDD diagnoses, assessing their ability to discriminate famous from anonymous faces, their perception of emotional expression from facial and nonfacial cues, and the relationship between these abilities. They also compared the performance of two defined subgroups of subjects with SDDs on expression analysis: one with normal and one with impaired recognition of facial identity. Results: While perception of facial expression was related to the perception of nonfacial expression, the perception of facial identity was not related to either facial or nonfacial expression. Likewise, subjects with SDDs with impaired facial identity processing perceived facial expression as well as those with normal facial identity processing. Conclusion: The processing of facial identity and that of facial expression are dissociable in social developmental disorders. Deficits in perceiving facial expression may be related to emotional processing more than face processing. Dissociations between the perception of facial identity and facial emotion are consistent with current cognitive models of face processing. The results argue against hypotheses that the social dysfunction in social developmental disorder causes a generalized failure to acquire face-processing skills.
Exploring the Influence of Stock–Recruitment Relationships and Environmental Variables on Black Bass and Crappie Recruitment Dynamics in Missouri Reservoirs

Abstract Large reservoirs provide important sport fisheries, but managing these fisheries is difficult because of the multiple biological and environmental variables that interact to shape them. Understanding how sport fish recruitment responds to parental stock and environmental influences would improve our management capabilities. We compiled long-term datasets for 15 Missouri reservoirs and used them to examine the influence of parental stock abundance and a suite of environmental variables on the recruitment of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides, Spotted Bass M. punctulatus, White Crappie Pomoxis annularis, and Black Crappie P. nigromaculatus. Comparisons of log-linear, Ricker, and Beverton–Holt stock–recruit models revealed that the log-linear model was the most parsimonious for Largemouth Bass, White Crappie, and Black Crappie, but the Ricker model was best for Spotted Bass. However, stock–recruit models alone explained less than 13% of the variation in Largemouth Bass, Spotted Bass, and White Cr...
A synthetic lipid A analog, B464, provides significant protection against the cardiopulmonary derangements in porcine Gram-negative sepsis

Many of the cardiopulmonary derangements associated with Gram-negative sepsis result from the activation of monocytes and macrophages by endotoxin with the resultant release of humoral mediators such as TNFα. Lipid A has been shown to retain the majority of endotoxin toxicity, however lipid A from nontoxic organisms has been shown, in vitro, to antagonize the action of other toxic endotoxin species. We examined the effects of a synthetic analog of lipid A (B464), on the evolution of hemodynamic derangements and acute lung injury following experimental Gram-negative sepsis. Anesthetized, ventilated swine were made septic with a 1 h intravenous infusion of live Pseudomonas aeruginosa and studied for 5 h. A treatment group received a bolus of B464 (100 μg/kg) prior to sepsis and a 1 h infusion (100 μg/kg/h) during the P. aeruginosa induction. A control group received simply 0.9% saline. All animals were studied for 5 h. B464 treatment failed to alter septic pulmonary hypertension or the decline in cardiac ou...
The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf Act

This paper examines the need for comprehensive legislation for the EEZ which is consistent with the Law of the Sea Treaty and reviews a recent legislative proposal which addresses many of the problems associated with existing policies.
Catch us if you can

Tumours have ways of evading the body's immune system. A surprising example involves a mechanism that at first sight would seem to have the opposite effect and improve immune responsiveness.
Evaluation of ventricular septal defects in horses using two‐dimensional and Doppler echocardiography

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) were diagnosed in 27 horses; in 26 affected horses systolic murmurs were detected over both sides of the chest. Holodiastolic decrescendo murmurs were also detected in 5 horses. Standardbreds and Arabian horses were over-represented, while Thoroughbred horses were under-represented, when compared to the hospital population (P or = 4 m/s. Two-dimensional (2-D) and Doppler echocardiography is useful in assessing the haemodynamic significance of VSDs in horses and can be used to help formulate a prognosis for life and performance.
Trichinella spiralis: altered expression of muscle proteins in trichinosis.

Abstract Mammalian muscle undergoes significant alterations morphologically, ultrastructurally, and biochemically following infection by Trichinella spiralis larvae. To investigate this host/parasite relationship in more detail, a new method to isolate T. spiralis -infected cells (nurse cells) in preparative quantities was developed. Nurse cells isolated by sequential protease treatments contain larvae and retain many of the characteristics of those in situ . When analyzed by SDS-PAGE, a wide range of proteins detected in nurse cells were not apparent in muscle by the methods employed. Proteins associated with the nurse cell capsule and organellar fractions appear to account for most of the dominant nurse cell proteins. In contrast, most major muscle proteins were either reduced in abundance or undetectable in nurse cells. The myofibrillar proteins myosin heavy chain, α-actin, and α- and β-tropomyosin were identified using antibody reagents and two-dimensional PAGE analysis. None of these proteins were detectable in nurse cells and except for β-tropomyosin, the relative abundance of these proteins was a minimum 100-fold lower compared to muscle. The data indicate that the reduction of muscle products in the nurse cell is much greater than previously reported. The inability to detect myofibrillar proteins raises the possibility that the nurse cell is not blocked in a regenerating muscle phenotype as previously suggested. Availability of isolated nurse cells in large quantity should facilitate resolution of this and other issues regarding the T. spiralis /skeletal muscle relationship.
Modeling of the Influence of Transverse Cracking on Chloride Penetration into Concrete

Abstract Concrete service life models have proliferated in recent years due to increased interest in designing infrastructure elements with at least a 75-year service life, along with greater emphasis on life-cycle costing. While existing models consider a variety of concrete material and environmental factors, at varying levels of complexity, in predicting the time until the onset of chloride-induced corrosion of the steel reinforcement, the influence of cracking is generally beyond their current scope. This paper presents a preliminary strategy for examining the influence of transverse cracking on chloride ion penetration into concrete that includes a graphical approach for adjusting the predicted service life provided by current models to reflect this influence. Comparison to experimental data for saturated concretes indicates that the contributions of binding of the chloride ions by the cement paste play a significant role in slowing the ingress of chlorides and should be accounted for in any modeling efforts.
A five-octave microwave thin-film amplifier

The application of scattering parameters, computer-aided design and thin-film IC techniques in the design of a 0.1-2 GHz high-gain, 40-mW wideband amplifier will be discussed.
Resolution enhancement in single-shot imaging using simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics (SMASH)

Spatial resolution in single-shot imaging is limited by signal attenuation due to relaxation of transverse magnetization. This effect can be reduced by minimizing acquisition times through the use of short interecho spacings. However, the minimum interecho spacing is constrained by limits on gradient switching rates, radiofrequency (RF) power deposition and RF pulse length. Recently, simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics (SMASH) has been introduced as a method to acquire magnetic resonance images at increased speeds using a reduced number of phase-encoding gradient steps by extracting spatial information contained in an RF coil array. In this study, it is shown that SMASH can be used to reduce the effects of relaxation, resulting in single-shot images with increased spatial resolution without increasing imaging time. After a brief theoretical discussion, two strategies to reduce signal attenuation and increase spatial resolution in single-shot imaging are introduced and their performance is evaluated in phantom studies. In vivo single-shot echoplanar imaging (EPI), BURST, and half-Fourier single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE) images are then presented demonstrating the practical implementation of these resolution enhancement strategies. Images acquired with SMASH show increased spatial resolution and improved image quality when compared with images obtained with the conventional acquisitions. The general principles presented for imaging with SMASH can also be applied to other partially parallel imaging techniques.
ADPLL design parameters determinations through noise modeling

This paper presents a methodology to determine all-digital phase-locked loop (ADPLL) circuit variables based on required design specifications, including output phase noise, fractional spur and locking time. An analytical model is developed to characterize the effects of different noise sources on ADPLL output phase noise and fractional spur. Applying the proposed noise model, circuit variables in ADPLL can be properly selected to meet phase noise, fractional spur and locking time requirements. For model validation, we collect ADPLL circuit designs published in recent literatures and perform model analysis. The analysis results and hardware measurements obtain good agreements.
Testing and analysis for lifetime prediction of crystalline silicon PV modules undergoing degradation by system voltage stress

Acceleration factors are calculated for crystalline silicon photovoltaic modules under system voltage stress by comparing the module power during degradation outdoors with that in accelerated testing at three temperatures and 85% relative humidity. A lognormal analysis is applied to the accelerated lifetime test data, considering failure at 80% of the initial module power. Activation energy of 0.73 eV for the rate of failure is determined for the chamber testing at constant relative humidity, and the probability of module failure at an arbitrary temperature is predicted. To obtain statistical data for multiple modules over the course of degradation in situ of the test chamber, dark I–V measurements are obtained and transformed using superposition, which is found to be well suited for rapid and quantitative evaluation of potential-induced degradation. It is determined that shunt resistance measurements alone do not represent the extent of power degradation. This is explained with a two-diode model analysis that shows an increasing second diode recombination current and ideality factor as the degradation in module power progresses. Failure modes of the modules stressed outdoors are examined and compared with those stressed in accelerated tests.
Arthropod parasites of passerine birds from South Bass Island, Ohio

The parasitic arthropods of North American passerine birds have been the object of numerous faunistic studies. Seldom, however, have the birds from a well-defined area been investigated intensively. In Ohio, the mallophagan fauna was surveyed by Peters (1928, Ohio J. Sci. 28 : 215–28; 1933, Bird-Banding 4 : 68–75; 1936, Bird-Banding 7 : 9–27) and Geist (1931, Ohio J. Sci. 31 : 505–09). The arthropod fauna of Red-wing Blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) in central Ohio was investigated by Spory (1965, Ohio J. Sci. 65 : 49–59). More recently, the arthropod parasites of the Brown-headed Cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) in Ohio were surveyed by Cooper & Troutman (1974, J. Med. Ent. 11 : 233) and those of the Common Grackle ( Quiscalus quiscula versicolor ) in Ohio by Cooper, Madden & Crites (1975, J. Med. Ent. 12 : 262). This report is concerned with the incidence of parasitic arthropods collected from passerine birds which form a mixed flock association during the spring and summer months on South Bass Island, Ottawa County, Ohio.
Site-Specific Fluorescent Labeling of Nascent Proteins on the Translating Ribosome

As newly synthesized proteins emerge from the ribosome, they interact with a variety of cotranslational cellular machineries that facilitate their proper folding, maturation, and localization. These interactions are essential for proper function of the cell, and the ability to study these events is crucial to understanding cellular protein biogenesis. To this end, we have developed a highly efficient method to generate ribosomenascent chain complexes (RNCs) site-specifically labeled with a fluorescent dye on the nascent polypeptide. The fluorescent RNC provides real-time, quantitative information on its cotranslational interaction with the signal recognition particle and will be a valuable tool in elucidating the role of the translating ribosome in numerous biochemical pathways.
Treatment of histoplasmosis.

Histoplasmosis is an endemic mycosis, which is most prevalent in the Ohio and Mississippi valleys of North America. The causative organism is a dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasmosis can present as a self-limited disease or cause life-threatening diseases resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality. Treatment is appropriate in patients with diffuse acute pulmonary infection, chronic pulmonary infection, mediastinal granuloma causing obstruction of important structures, or disseminated infection. Other chronic forms of disease such as fibrosing mediastinitis and broncholithiasis are unresponsive to pharmacologic treatment. Options for therapy include amphotericin B or one of its lipid formulations, and ketoconazole, itraconazole, or fluconazole. Recently, newer antifungal agents have been evaluated in animals models of histoplasmosis. Of these, a new triazole, posaconazole (SCH56592) appears most promising. Generally, amphotericin B or one of the lipid formulations is recommended as initial treatment in patients with more extensive diseases, felt to be ill enough to require hospitalization, and itraconazole for those who have milder illness, or to complete treatment after patients respond to amphotericin B. The role of intravenous formulation of itraconazole for severe histoplasmosis is unknown because studies comparing it with amphotericin B have not been conducted.
Effects of pathologic stage on the learning curve for radical prostatectomy: evidence that recurrence in organ-confined cancer is largely related to inadequate surgical technique.

Objectives We previously demonstrated that there is a learning curve for open radical prostatectomy. We sought to determine whether the effects of the learning curve are modified by pathologic stage.