cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neural network activation during a stop-signal task discriminates cocaine-dependent from non-drug-abusing men.

Cocaine dependence is defined by a loss of inhibitory control over drug-use behaviors, mirrored by measurable impairments in laboratory tasks of inhibitory control. The current study tested the hypothesis that deficits in multiple subprocesses of behavioral control are associated with reliable neural-processing alterations that define cocaine addiction. While undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 38 cocaine-dependent men and 27 healthy control men performed a stop-signal task of motor inhibition. An independent component analysis on fMRI time courses identified task-related neural networks attributed to motor, visual, cognitive and affective processes. The statistical associations of these components with five different stop-signal task conditions were selected for use in a linear discriminant analysis to define a classifier for cocaine addiction from a subsample of 26 cocaine-dependent men and 18 controls. Leave-one-out cross-validation accurately classified 89.5% (39/44; chance accuracy = 26/44 = 59.1%) of subjects with 84.6% (22/26) sensitivity and 94.4% (17/18) specificity. The remaining 12 cocaine-dependent and 9 control men formed an independent test sample, for which accuracy of the classifier was 81.9% (17/21; chance accuracy = 12/21 = 57.1%) with 75% (9/12) sensitivity and 88.9% (8/9) specificity. The cocaine addiction classification score was significantly correlated with a measure of impulsiveness as well as the duration of cocaine use for cocaine-dependent men. The results of this study support the ability of a pattern of multiple neural network alterations associated with inhibitory motor control to define a binary classifier for cocaine addiction.
The geometry effects for stress intensity factor of sandwich specimen for measuring interfacial fracture toughness

The interfacial stress intensity factors for three types of sandwich specimens: the single edge crack tensile specimen, the three point bend specimen and the four point shear specimen were obtained by the finite element analysis and compared with the asymptotic solutions. The results show that the geometric effect for mode II specimen is larger than mode I specimen. The limit curves for geometry factor equal to 1.05 were obtained to indicate the usable range of validity of the asymptotic solution.
Seismicity of the Prince William Sound Region and Its Relation to Plate Structure and the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake

We have relocated more than 11,000 earthquakes within the Prince William Sound region of southcentral Alaska where oblique subduction of the Pacific plate and Yakutat blocks beneath North America occurs at a dip angle of 3°. Subduction of the Yakutat block creates a major asperity at the subduction interface, which slipped during the 1964 Great Alaska earthquake. Comparison of relocated seismicity and stress orientations obtained from first-motion information suggests that rheological changes within the upper plate serve to concentrate seismicity. The migration of fluid from the lower plate(s), especially in the region south of the contact fault zone where underthrust sedimentary rocks lying on top of the subducted Pacific plate are pinched out by the subduction process, may also serve to concentrate seismicity. Slivers of oceanic material caught within the upper plate during past episodes of subduction could be responsible for several regions of unusually clustered seismicity (e.g., Tazlina Glacier, Knight Island regions) that appear to extend from the upper plate across the plate interface into the lower plate(s). Seismicity trends also parallel long-wavelength Bouguer gravity anomalies, suggesting an underlying relationship to density variations in the upper and lower plate(s).
Pseudomonas putida Tryptophan Synthetase

The two protein components of Pseudomonas putida tryptophan synthetase have been purified to homogeneity. Although there is general similarity between the Pseudomonas enzyme and that of the enteric bacteria, many differences were found. Components from Escherichia coli and P. putida do not stimulate each other enzymatically, and the enzymes differ in their response to monovalent cations. Serine deamination occurs best with the intact enzyme of P. putida , not with the β 2 subunit alone as in E. coli . The amino acid compositions of the α subunits differ appreciably. These findings extend earlier studies showing differences between enteric organisms and pseudomonads in the regulation and genetic organization of the enzymes of the tryptophan pathway. Images
Perception is reality: Parisian and Provençal perceptions of regional varieties of French1

Though spoken French has tended toward standardization and homogenization, stereotypes of regional language are maintained, and thrive. The present study explores speakers' perceptions of regional varieties, and relates those perceptions to linguistic security and prescriptivism in two regions: Ile de France (Paris) and Provence. Respondents from these two regions rated regional French varieties for correctness, pleasantness and difference from their own speech. The quantitative data, which is supported by interviews and a perceptual mapping task, reveals that speakers from these two regions have strikingly similar views about the region where French is most correct (Paris) and where it is most pleasant (Provence). Qualitative data from interviews and perceptual mapping show that respondent perceptions about normative language have little basis in empirical reality (i.e. language performance), but still may have a strong effect on speaker self-image.
Measuring researcher interdisciplinarity

We offer two metrics that together help gauge how interdisciplinary a body of research is. Both draw upon Web of Knowledge Subject Categories (SCs) as key units of analysis. We have assembled two substantial Web of Knowledge samples from which to determine how closely individual SCs relate to each other. “Integration” measures the extent to which a research article cites diverse SCs. “Specialization” considers the spread of SCs in which the body of research (e.g., the work of a given author in a specified time period) is published. Pilot results for a sample of researchers show a surprising degree of interdisciplinarity.
Enhancing the detection and classification of coral reef and associated benthic habitats: A hyperspectral remote sensing approach

[1] Coral reefs and associated benthic habitats are heterogeneous in nature. A remote sensor designed to discriminate these environments requires a high number of narrow, properly placed bands which are not currently available in existing satellite sensors. Optical hyperspectral sensors mounted on aerial platforms seem to be appropriate for overcoming the lack of both high spectral and spatial resolution of satellite sensors. This research presents results of an innovative coral reef application by such a sensor. Using hyperspectral Airborne Imaging Spectroradiometer for Applications (AISA) Eagle data, the approach presented solves the confounding influence of water column attenuation on substrate reflectance on a per-pixel basis. The hyperspectral imagery was used in band ratio algorithms to derive water depth and water column optical properties (e.g., absorption and backscattering coefficients). The water column correction technique produced a bottom albedo image which revealed that the dark regions comprised of sea grasses and benthic algae had albedo values ≈15%, whereas sand- and coral-dominated areas had albedos >30% and ≈15–35%, respectively. The retrieved bottom albedo image was then used to classify the benthos, generating a detailed map of benthic habitats, followed by accuracy assessment.
Connections of the auditory midbrain in a teleost fish, Cyprinus carpio

Central auditory pathways were traced in Japanese carp, Cyprinus carpio, using electrophysiological mapping and HRP tract-tracing methods. Multiunit recordings made from the carp torus semicircularis, the major midbrain area for processing octavolateralis information, revealed a mediolateral segregation of auditory and lateral line sensory modalities. Iontophoretic injections of HRP were made into the medial torus to trace afferent and efferent projections of the carp auditory midbrain. Following unilateral HRP injections into the medial torus, retrogradely labeled neurons were observed within six nuclei of the carp medulla. Two octaval nuclei, the anterior octavus nucleus and descending octavus nucleus, contained HRP-filled neurons. Labeled neurons were also observed within the ipsilateral superior olive, scattered among fibers of both lateral lemnisci, and bilaterally within the medullary reticular formation. In addition, bilateral retrograde cell labeling was found within a group of Purkinje-like cells located adjacent to the IVth ventricle, just rostral to the level of the VIIIth nerve. Few labeled neurons were found within the nucleus medialis, a principal target for lateral line afferents within the medulla. At midbrain levels, retrogradely labeled neurons were observed within the contralateral torus semicircularis and the ipsilateral optic tectum. Three forebrain nuclei project to the carp auditory midbrain. Within the diencephalon, descending projections originate from the anterior tuberal nucleus, bilaterally, and from the ipsilateral central posterior thalamic nucleus. The ipsilateral caudal telencephalon also projects to the carp auditory midbrain via large multipolar neurons within area dorsalis pars centralis. Anterograde labeling of fibers and terminals revealed efferent projections of the carp auditory midbrain to the following targets: the ipsilateral superior olive, the ipsilateral medullary reticular formation, the deep layers of the optic tectum, the contralateral torus semicircularis, the anterior tuberal nucleus, and the central posterior thalamic nucleus. These results, together with recent studies of lateral line pathways in teleosts (Finger, '80, '82a), demonstrate that central auditory and lateral line pathways are anatomically distinct in the carp, at least from medullary to diencephalic levels. Furthermore, there are striking similarities in the organization of the central auditory pathways of the carp and those of amphibians and land vertebrates.
Orthogonal, convergent syntheses of dendrimers based on melamine with one or two unique surface sites for manipulation.

An orthogonal, convergent route for the introduction of substoichiometric numbers of latent surface sites into dendrimers based on melamine is used to prepare targets that display one or two Boc-protected amines on the periphery. Asymmetry is the result of the stepwise incorporation of functionalized and unfunctionalized dendrons onto the triazine cores, a highly selective process due to the different reactivities of the substituted triazines. The routes to the dendrons rely on iterative reactions of the growing dendrons with triazine cores and diamine linkers. p-Aminobenzylamine is used as a linking group to avoid functional group interconversions or protecting group manipulations. Addition of the benzylamine group to the monochlorotriazine of the dendron proceeds cleanly leaving a less reactive aniline for subsequent reaction with trichlorotriazine. The routes to these targets proceed in 5 or 6 linear steps (11 or 12 total steps) in 40% overall yield. The unique surface sites can be deprotected and subj...
Determination of the binding of polybrominated biphenyls to serum proteins by negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Abstract Negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry was used to quantify polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) congeners in protein fractions obtained by immunoprecipitation from the sera of Michigan subjects. Of the 80% PBB bound to protein, 73% was bound to apolipoprotein B and the rest to apolipoprotein A. The non-protein-bound PBB (20%) was directly extractable and is probably associated with lipids. There was no evidence of differential binding of PBB congeners to any of the serum fractions.
Hysteresis and avalanches in two-dimensional foam rheology simulations.

Foams have unique rheological properties that range from solidlike to fluidlike. We study two-dimensional noncoarsening foams of different disorder under shear in a Monte Carlo simulation, using a driven large-$Q$ Potts model. Simulations of periodic shear on an ordered foam show several different response regimes. At small strain amplitudes, bubbles deform and recover their shapes elastically, and the macroscopic response is that of a linear elastic cellular material. For increasing strain amplitude, the energy-strain curve starts to exhibit hysteresis before any topological rearrangements occur, indicating a macroscopic viscoelastic response. When the applied strain amplitude exceeds a critical value, the yield strain, topological rearrangements occur, the foam starts to flow, and we observe macroscopic irreversibility. We find that the dynamics of topological rearrangements depend sensitively on the structural disorder. Structural disorder decreases the yield strain; sufficiently high disorder changes the macroscopic response of a foam from a viscoelastic solid to a viscoelastic fluid. This wide-ranging dynamical response and the associated history effects of foams result from avalanchelike rearrangement events. The spatiotemporal statistics of rearrangement events do not display long-range correlations for ordered foams or at low shear rates, consistent with experimental observations. As the shear rate or structural disorder increases, the topological events become more correlated and their power spectra change from that of white noise toward $1/f$ noise. Intriguingly, the power spectra of the total stored energy also exhibit this $1/f$ trend.
Changes in cardiac troponin T measurements are associated with adverse cardiac events in patients with chronic kidney disease

The purpose of this study was to determine whether long-term and short-term changes in cardiac troponin T (cTnT) were associated with adverse cardiac events (ACEs) in patients with chronic kidney disease. Long-term changes were defined as changes in cTnT between ED visits, and short-term changes were defined as changes between 2 consecutive serial cTnT measurements within an ED visit. A retrospective chart review of patients with chronic kidney disease with suspected acute coronary syndromes presenting to the ED between December 1999 and November 2003 was conducted. The primary outcome variable was an ACE which was a composite endpoint consisting of a discharge diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, revascularization, cardiac dysrhythmias, all-cause mortality, or congestive heart failure exacerbation. The primary predictor of ACE abstracted from the charts was the initial cTnT measured during each ED presentation. There were 90 patients with 397 visits enrolled in the study. Using a mixed-models analysis of variance, cTnT was higher in the ACE group than in the non-ACE group (difference in log cTnT = 0.054, 95% CI 0.006-0.101) after adjusting for age, race, sex, dialysis status, and smoking history. No other variables were found to be associated with cTnT. To evaluate the clinical significance of acute changes in cTnT, a secondary analysis was performed on 64 patients with an initial cTnT measurement above 0.10 ng/mL. For in-hospital and 30-day ACE, a short-term increase in cTnT of 0.11 ng/mL had a positive likelihood ratio of 13.3 and 11.9, respectively. Long-term and short-term increases in cTnT are associated with an ACE.
Fuel use in hawkmoth (Amphion floridensis) flight muscle: enzyme activities and flux rates.

The fuels used by the hawkmoth Amphion floridensis to power flight are determined by nectar-feeding, with fed moths using primarily carbohydrate and unfed moths using primarily fat. To investigate the metabolic pathways underlying fuel-use flexibility in this species, we measured the maximal activities of several key metabolic enzymes in the flight muscle of fed and unfed individuals, for which metabolic rates and fuel utilization had been previously determined. Hexokinase (HK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) occur at high activities and, during carbohydrate-fueled flight, are estimated to operate at fractional velocities comparable to those of exclusively carbohydrate-utilizing insects. Females exhibited higher glycolytic enzyme activities than did males, and males regulated PFK activity according to nectar feeding. Although β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD) was found at high activities, carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) was not detectable, suggesting that fatty acids may be utilized via a carnitine-independent pathway during flight. Principal component analysis revealed a tendency for the activities of citrate synthase, HK, PFK, and HOAD to be positively correlated among individuals, as well as a lesser tendency for the activities of glycolytic vs. mitochondrial enzymes to be negatively correlated with each other. However, the principal components did not correlate with variation in either oxygen consumption rate or fuel use in vivo, suggesting that variation in enzyme concentration did not determine differences among individuals in metabolic performance during flight. J. Exp. Zool. 290:108–114, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Estrogen receptor-β expression in extraabdominal fibromatoses

BACKGROUND Early experiments using ligand-binding assays demonstrated the presence of estrogen receptor (ER) in fibromatoses. These findings were not confirmed by later studies using immunohistochemical analysis. METHODS To verify the expression of ERs in fibromatosis as well as to clarify the inconsistency between radioligand and early immunohistochemical studies, the authors examined a series of 40 extraabdominal fibromatoses using antibodies raised against ERβ. RESULTS All 40 cases of extraabdominal fibromatosis were at least focally positive for ERβ. Thirty-three of 40 (83%) displayed 3+ (>50%) expression, 5 of 40 (12%) were 2+ (11–50%), and 2 of 40 (5%) cases showed 1+ (<10%) expression. All cases were negative for ERα. CONCLUSIONS Although extraabdominal fibromatosis does not express ERα, there appears to be nearly uniform expression of ERβ. This finding clarifies discrepancies in the literature regarding estrogen expression in fibromatosis, and provides a biological mechanism for the action of antiestrogenic compounds in the treatment of fibromatosis. Estrogen antagonists may have a role in the treatment of refractory or recurrent extraabdominal fibromatoses. Cancer 2006. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Negotiating the Inquiry Question: A Comparison of Whole Class and Small Group Strategies in Grade Five Science Classrooms

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of two strategies for negotiating the question for exploration during science inquiry on student achievement and teachers' perceptions. The study is set in the context of the Science Writing Heuristic. The first strategy (small group) consisted of each group of four students negotiating a question for inquiry with the teacher while the second strategy (whole class) consisted of the entire class negotiating a single question for inquiry with the teacher. The study utilized a mixed-method approach. A quasi-experimental repeated measures design was used to determine the effect of strategy on student achievement and semi-structured teacher interviews were used to probe the question of teacher perceptions of the two strategies. Teacher observations were conducted using the Reformed Teaching Observation Protocol (RTOP) to check for variation in implementation of the two strategies. Iowa Test of Basic Skills Science (ITBSS) (2005 and 2006) and teacher/researcher developed unit exams (pre and post) were used as student achievement measures. No statistically significant differences were found among students in the two treatment groups on the ITBSS or unit exams. RTOP observations suggest that teacher implementation was consistent across the two treatment strategies. Teachers disclosed personal preferences for the two strategies, indicating the whole class treatment was easier to manage (at least at the beginning of the school year) as students gained experience with science inquiry and the associated increased responsibility. Possible mechanisms linking the two strategies, negotiated questions, and student outcomes are discussed.
Coalescence time for a small drop or bubble at a fluid-fluid interface

When a small drop or bubble is driven through a liquid phase to a fluid-fluid interface, a thin liquid film which forms between them drains, until an instability forms and coalescence occurs. Lin and Slattery (1982b) developed a hydrodynamic theory for the first portion of this coalescence process: the drainage of the thin liquid film which occurs while it is sufficiently thick that the effects of London-van der Waals forces and electrostatic forces can be ignored. Here we extend their theory to include the effects of the London-van der Waals forces. To simplify the analysis, we follow the suggestion of Buevich and Lipkina (1975, 1978) in developing an expression for the rate of thinning at the rim or barrier ring of the draining film. A linear stability analysis permits us to determie the coalescence time or the elapsed time between the formation of a dimpled film and its rupture at the rim. For comparison, this same linear stability analysis is applied to the thinning equations developed by MacKay and Mason (1963) for the plane parallel disc model and by Hodgson and Woods (1969) for the cylindrical drop model. For all three models, our linear stability estimate for the coalescence time tc is in better agreement with the available experimental data than is the elapsed time t∞ between the formation of a dimpled film and its drainage to zero thickness at the rim in the absence of instabilities.
Effect of excipients on PLGA film degradation and the stability of an incorporated peptide

The effect of pH modifying excipients on the chemical stability of a model peptide (VYPNGA) and the degradation of poly(dl-lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) was studied in PLGA films under accelerated storage conditions. pH modifiers included a basic amine (proton sponge), a basic salt (magnesium hydroxide) and two pH buffers (ammonium acetate and magnesium acetate). Changes in film pH were monitored using (13)C NMR, peptide degradation products were quantified by LC/MS/MS and PLGA degradation was analyzed by TGA, DSC and SEC. Inclusion of pH modifiers had little impact on PLGA degradation. The proton sponge affected an initial decrease in pH but reduced peptide deamidation and chain cleavage relative to an unbuffered control. Magnesium hydroxide produced an initial increase in pH but also showed increased peptide deamidation. Ammonium acetate decreased pH and increased peptide chain cleavage, presumably due to increased PLGA hydrolysis. Magnesium acetate buffer increased the initial pH but resulted in increased peptide loss. The extent of peptide acylation increased in all formulations, most notably in the proton sponge modified films. The effectiveness of pH modifiers in PLGA formulations under storage conditions is dependant on both the mechanism of pH alteration and the peptide degradation reaction of interest.
Role of cell proliferation in regenerative and neoplastic disease

DNA replication does not have 100% fidelity. Consequently, a chemical can increase the risk of cancer either by directly damaging DNA (genotoxic) or by increasing the number of cell replications, or both. Increased cell proliferation can be produced by increasing cell births (by direct mitogenesis or regeneration following toxicity), or decreasing cell deaths (by inhibiting apoptosis or differentiation). Cell proliferation can affect the dose-response curve for genotoxic carcinogens and is the basis for carcinogenicity by nongenotoxic agents. Bladder carcinogens will be used to illustrate these mechanisms, and their implications with respect to human risk assessment will be presented.
Patterns of Withdrawal and Avoidance in Developmentally Disabled Adolescents

Specific patterns of withdrawal and avoidance that can be distinguished from Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Childhood Schizophrenia occur in developmentally disabled adolescents. In a study of 113 such adolescents seen for psychiatric problems, 19 cases of patterns of withdrawal were noted. These included: avoidant disorder, 13; schizoid disorder, 3; adjustment disorder with withdrawal, 3. The cases are presented and distinguished from one another and from PDD, Childhood Schizophrenia, and depressive disorders. Demographically, these 19 cases are similar to the total group of 113 developmentally disabled adolescents. Therapeutic interventions are discussed.
Second Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the WAIS-III:

According to Vernon's structure-of-intellect paradigm, abilities can be conceptualized as a hierarchy, with a factor of general intelligence at the top of the hierarchy, and successively more specific abilities toward the bottom. This paradigm has proven useful for interpreting a number of Wechsler intelligence scales. However, most of the research with this paradigm has used exploratory factor analysis, and the validity of the paradigm for the newest Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III) has yet to be evaluated. The present study examined the WAIS-III using second-order confirmatory factor analysis, which is a more appropriate analytic tool when specific hypotheses are tested. Using the standardization sample for the WAIS-III (N = 2,450), support was found for the hierarchical factor structure with a second-order factor of general intelligence and four first-order factors of Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, Working Memory, and Processing Speed.
Expanding views of presynaptic terminals: new findings from Caenorhabditis elegans

The unique ability of chemical synapses to transmit information relies on the structural organization of presynaptic terminals. Empowered by forward genetics, research using Caenorhabditis elegans has continued to make pivotal contributions to discover conserved regulators and pathways for presynaptic development. Recent advances in microscopy have begun to pave the path for linking molecular dynamics with subsynaptic structures. Studies using diverse reporters for synapses further broaden the landscape of regulatory mechanisms underlying presynaptic differentiation. The identification of novel regulators at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels raises new questions for understanding synapse formation at the genomic scale.
Germ-line stem cells call the shots

Abstract In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans , developmental biologists find that tissues derived from embryonic germ-line progenitor cells regulate reproductive costs. New work from the laboratory of Cynthia Kenyon demonstrates that signals that reduce adult survival are mediated by a small set of progenitor descendants, the germ-line stem cells, and by their interaction with components of the endocrine system. Caenorhabditis elegans is now providing a new way of understanding the mechanisms of tradeoffs between reproduction and ageing.
“Where I’m From” and belonging: A multimodal, cosmopolitan perspective on arts and inquiry:

The paper draws upon a year-long practitioner inquiry with adolescents who conducted auto-ethnographies as part of a research course in their urban public high school. Through ethnographic data col...
INTESTINAL ABSORPTION OF D-GLUCOSE (IN VITRO) IN HAMSTER: EFFECTS OF A LARGE DOSE OF RESERPINE.

Effect of large dose of reserpine given intraperitoneally on intestinal absorption of D- glucose /in vitro/ in hamsters
Magnetic oscillations of critical current in intrinsic Josephson-junction stacks

A key phenomenon related to the Josephson effect is oscillations of the different properties of superconducting tunneling junctions with magnetic field. We consider magnetic oscillations of the critical current in stacks of intrinsic Josephson junctions, which are realized in mesas fabricated from layered high-temperature superconductors. The oscillation behavior is very different from the case of a single junction. Depending on the stack lateral size, oscillations may have either the period of half a flux quantum per junction (wide-stack regime) or one flux quantum per junction (narrow-stack regime). We study in detail the crossover between these two regimes. The typical size separating the regimes is proportional to the magnetic field, meaning that the crossover can be driven by the magnetic field. In the narrow-stack regime the lattice structure experiences a periodic series of phase transitions between aligned rectangular configurations and triangular configurations. Triangular configurations in this regime are realized only in narrow regions near magnetic-field values corresponding to an integer number of flux quanta per junction.
Rorty or Kierkegaard: Social Amelioration, Truth and the Ground of Cornel West’s Normative Commitments

This article examines the work of Cornel West as a resource for public theology. Inspired by the prophetic biblical tradition, he seeks to uphold ethical commitments to social amelioration in order to ‘let suffering speak’. However, uncertainty about the capacity of his work to serve in this way is rooted in questions about the competing sources grounding his thought. When evincing the influence of Richard Rorty’s neo-pragmatism he fails to give expression to a realist account of truth. Yet such an account is necessary to uphold a robust commitment to amelioration. His work is on surer ground and serves better as a resource for public theology when it gives expression to a Kierkegaardian realism. Such a position, which affirms the socially mediated nature of truth claims while upholding their aspiration to refer to reality, solicits a ‘renunciative’ understanding of theology that is open to social suffering and seeks its amelioration.
CMP-dependent phosphatidylinositol:myo-inositol exchange activity in isolated nerve-endings

Abstract Greatly enhanced manganese-dependent phosphatidylinositol: myo-inositol exchange activity was observed when isolated, intact nerve-endings were incubated with the nucleotide, CMP, suggesting that the enzyme, CDP-diglyceride: inositol phosphatidyl transferase, catalyzes this exchange. CMP, at 10 μM, produced as much myo-[2-3H]inositol incorporation into phosphatidylinositol as did 1 mM. This CMP-stimulated exchange activity may reside on the plasma membrane.
Iron(II) PARACEST MRI Contrast Agents

The first examples of Fe(II) PARACEST magnetic resonance contrast agents are reported (PARACEST = paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer). The iron(II) complexes contain a macrocyclic ligand, either 1,4,7-tris(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L1) or 1,4,7-tris[(5-amino-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)methyl]-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L2). The macrocycles bind Fe(II) in aqueous solution with formation constants of log K = 13.5 and 19.2, respectively, and maintain the Fe(II) state in the presence of air. These complexes each contain six exchangeable protons for CEST which are amide protons in [Fe(L1)]2+ or amino protons in [Fe(L2)]2+. The CEST peak for the [Fe(L1)]2+ amide protons is at 69 ppm downfield of the bulk water resonance whereas the CEST peak for the [Fe(L2)]2+ amine protons is at 6 ppm downfield of bulk water. CEST imaging using a MRI scanner shows that the CEST effect can be observed in solutions containing low millimolar concentrations of complex at neutral pH, 100 mM NaCl, 20 mM buffer ...
Phosphate administration increases both size and number of parathyroid cells in adult rats

Phosphate administration increases both parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion and parathyroid size in rats, but the relative contribution of hypertrophy and hyperplasia is unknown. Accordingly, we reexamined parathyroid histology in a previously published experiment [6], quantitatively rather than qualitatively. Ninety female Long-Evans rats were divided into six groups; three were given a normal deit, and three a high phosphate diet (Ca/P 1:7). One group from each arm was killed after 1, 2, and 3 months. Quantitative microscopy was performed on the parathyroid section with the largest area from each animal, without knowledge of its experimental status. Total gland area and total number of cell profiles did not change significantly in the control rats, but increased progressively in the phosphate-loaded rats. At 3 months, the difference was + 194% for gland area and + 151% for profile number (P<0.0001), much more than could be accounted for by suppression of apoptosis. Mean nuclear profile area and mean cell profile area (including associated connective tissue as well as cytoplasm) were both significantly increased at 1 month (P<0.0001). The differences persisted, but their magnitudes (about +16%) did not change further. This time course was consistent with the morphologic expression of increased PTH secretory activity. We conclude that phosphate administration to adult rats increases both size and number of parathyroid cells, the latter due to increased cell proliferation. Phosphate-stimulated parathyroid growth could be due to either hypocalcemia or decreased calcitriol production; increased cell division may also be linked to increased hormone secretion, regardless of its cause. The relative importance of these different mechanisms remains to be determined.
Comparison of an electronically collimated system and a mechanical cone-beam system for imaging single photons

The sensitivity performance of an electronically collimated system (ECS) for imaging single-photon emitters was compared to a cone-beam mechanically collimated system (CCS). An analytical study indicates a factor of 62 gain in the counting sensitivity of the ECS at 140 keV for a 25-cm-diameter sphere. After accounting for the extra noise introduced in the ECS due to count multiplexing, comparative computer simulated studies of noise propagation in the tomographic reconstruction from cone-beam projections for both systems indicate that the ECS can achieve the same signal-to-noise ratio as the CCS in less than 10% of the counting time. >
Wingrove parameter - A new turbulence metric

This article discusses the development of a real-time turbulence metric called the Wingrove parameter. This metric is proportional to the turbulent kinetic energy of the vertical wind. It is computed from digital flight data recorder information after the application of a numerical filter to eliminate gust scales that do not contribute to aircraft turbulence. Preliminary results from this study show that the Wingrove parameter is able to eliminate long nonturbulent wave motions and to distinguish true atmospheric turbulence from maneuvering. There are some averaging problems because of the intermittent nature of turbulence events, and some simple procedures for eliminating them are presented. From these preliminary results it is concluded that the Wingrove parameter provides a substantial foundation for the development of a standardized, quantitative, real-tune turbulence metric.
Japanese entrepreneurs and corporate managers: A comparison

Abstract This paper presents some preliminary findings from a psychological study of entrepreneurial phenomena in Japan. A questionnaire was developed to identify two major ways in which entrepreneurs were different from managers of large corporations. First, the perceived difference between the entrepreneurs and managers was measured to create a Personal Difference Index (PDI). Second, the perceived difference between the entrepreneurs' firms and a typical large firm was measured to develop a Corporate Difference Index (CDI). The primary finding was that among the entrepreneurs, both PDIs and CDIs were much stronger than those of the corporate managers surveyed. Factor analysis of the questionnaire items were conducted and four factors relating to perceived differences between respondent and corporate managers were found: degree to which individuals prefer an entrepreneurial versus consensus decision style; degree to which the respondent prefers extrinsic over intrinsic rewards; degree to which the respondent prefers a commercially oriented over a functionally oriented structure; and degree to which the respondent prefers growth over security of firm. Entrepreneurs were found to have significantly higher preferences for entrepreneurial decision style, extrinsic rewards and a growth orientation. Four factors reflecting the perceived differences between respondent's firm and a typical firm were also assigned: degree to which decision processes are individualistic as opposed to following due process; degree of access to a supportive infrastructure; degree of technology management competence; and relative access to networks. Entrepreneurs felt that their firms rated higher on individualistic decision processes, had superior access to a supportive infrastructure, and had lower technological capabilities.
Control of methemoglobin formation in stroma-free hemoglobin solutions.

Abstract Stroma-free hemoglobin solution has been studied as a temporary red cell substitute. It is usually infused at a 6–8 g% concentration so as to be isooncotic with plasma. As a result of this, its O2-carrying capacity is significantly reduced as compared to whole blood. Additional loss of O2 carrying capacity can be prevented by lowering the rate of methemoglobin formation. This study tested the efficacy of the reduced forms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) in minimizing methemoglobin formation in vivo during total exchange transfusion in baboons. Thirteen adult baboons underwent total exchange transfusion to a hematocrit of 2%. Seven animals received the hemoglobin solution with the reduced cofactors (NADH and NADPH). The plasma methemoglobin levels at the end of the exchange was 10% in the animals receiving the hemoglobin solution with the added cofactors, and 19% in the animals receiving the solution without the cofactors. We conclude that the addition of the reduced cofactors significantly lowers the plasma methemoglobin levels.
A pictorial view of the physical activity socialization of young adolescents outside of school

Childhood obesity prevention has fallen short of anticipated impact. Therefore, intervention programs need to be redirected to other potential settings to increase youth physical activity. This qualitative study, using autodriven interview techniques, was conducted to identify out-of-school settings that youth perceive as important for physical activity. Sixty-six children took photographs involving their physical activity involvement. A subsample completed follow-up focus groups. Salient themes included types of physical activities related to free play, fitness, organized sports, and chores. Most photographs included multiple children of similar age and were taken outdoors. Data suggest children associate chores with physical activity and engage in fitness-related activities. In addition, friends and family, the outdoors, and importantly, the home emerged as natural intervention components that may prove useful towards decreasing the physical inactivity and obesity of youth.
Immunoaffinity purification of calpastatin and calpastatin constructs.

Abstract It has been difficult to purify calpastatin without using a step involving heating to 90–100 °C. Preparations of calpastatin obtained after heating often contain several polypeptides that have been ascribed to proteolytic degradation. Because calpastatin is highly susceptible to proteolytic degradation and several different calpastatin isoforms can be produced by using different start sites of transcription/translation and/or alternative splicing from the single calpastatin gene, it is not clear whether the different polypeptides observed in purified calpastatin preparations are proteolytic fragments or calpastatin isoforms. It would be useful, therefore, to have a method for purifying calpastatin that does not involve heating. At low ionic strength, calpastatin from skeletal muscle extracts binds quantitatively to an immunoaffinity column made by coupling a monoclonal antibody (MAb) to the C-terminal end of calpastatin (epitope between amino acids 707 and 786) to agarose; the bound calpastatin can be eluted at pH 2.5. The C-terminal end of the calpastatin polypeptide was used because the known isoforms of calpastatin all contain domain IV. The eluted calpastatin, which retains all its calpain inhibitory activity, consists largely of a 125 kDa polypeptide (70%), and several smaller polypeptides that are labeled with a MAb to calpastatin. Expressed calpastatin constructs representing the full-length XL–IV calpastatin and domains L–IV, II–IV, III–IV, and IV also bind to the immunoaffinity column and can be purified. The immunoaffinity column is especially useful for purifying calpastatin from small tissue samples in a single step.
Miniature sensor cell for gaseous and aerosol air pollutants

A miniature cell with built-in radiation source can be brought in such mode of operation, when alternating field is applied across its electrodes, that provides the conditions in which reactant ions are barely reaching the electrodes. When a compound with a high proton affinity is present in the sensor, the effective mobility of ions created in various ion-molecule reactions is lowered, causing a decrease in the ionic current. The effective decrease of the current is measured at the output of the electrometer/integrator.
Pulmonary activity on labeled leukocyte images: physiologic, pathologic, and imaging correlation.

Accurate interpretation of labeled leukocyte images requires knowledge of pulmonary labeled leukocyte uptake: its prevalence and patterns and its correlation with technical, physiologic, and pathologic conditions as well as with other imaging findings. Images obtained shortly after injection of labeled cells are characterized by diffuse pulmonary activity, which decreases over time, until about 4 hours after injection when it becomes indistinguishable from background activity, remaining constant thereafter. Focal pulmonary uptake that is segmental or lobar in appearance is most often associated with bacterial pneumonia. Focal pulmonary uptake that is not segmental or lobar results from technical problems during labeling or reinfusion and is not usually associated with infection. Diffuse pulmonary uptake on images obtained more than 4 hours after reinjection of labeled cells is associated with a variety of pathologic conditions, some of the more common being opportunistic infection, radiation pneumonitis, ...
Paper: Petri net performance modeling of a modified mesh-connected parallel computer

A new message-passing computer architecture called the modified mesh-connected parallel computer (MMCPC) is proposed and studied. The MMCPC is designed to be a general-purpose parallel architecture suitable for wafer scale integration. Stochastic Petri nets (SPN) are used to model the behavior of the MMCPC. Both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional SPN models of the MMCPC are presented.
Promoting Student Autonomy through the Use of the European Language Portfolio

The European Language Portfolio (ELP) is a document launched by the Council of Europe in 2001 which consists of three sections: the Passport, the Language Biography, and the Dossier. It has two complementary functions: a pedagogic function (helping students to reflect on their learning and objectives) and a reporting function (providing a record of their language skills in terms of the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference). The author has coordinated trials of the ELP in two adult language schools in northern Spain. Following a preparatory training period, the project was carried out for a year. A number of problems were detected and solutions for them were found mainly through the use of IT: a web-based resource centre was created, where over 50 ELP-oriented activities and a list of FAQs was uploaded. In addition, students were encouraged to use e-Portfolios and ‘Europass’ as well as the online ‘Dialang’ test to help them in the self-assessment process. With the help of IT resources, the ELP has proved to be extremely useful as a pedagogical rather than a reporting tool. It has raised student awareness about the language learning process and its implications and has promoted learner autonomy to a very high degree.
Video summary of D.R.O.P. the Durable Reconnaissance and Observation Platform

This video introduces a small, new reconnaissance robot that can climb concrete surfaces up to 85° at a rate of 25cm*s−1, make rapid horizontal to vertical transitions, carry an audio/visual payload, and survive impacts from 3m. The robot can travel over 45 cm*s−1 on flat ground, and turn in place. The Durable Reconnaissance and Observation Platform, D.R.O.P., is manufactured using a combination of selective laser sintering (SLS) and shape deposition manufacturing (SDM) techniques. The enabling feature of DROP is the use of microspines in a rotary configuration, increasing climbing and walking speed over previous microspine-based robots by more than 5x. The robot uses a 180mAh LiPo battery, Baby Orangutan microprocessor, and two brushed DC motors.
Making trade-offs: a probabilistic and context-sensitive model of choice behavior.

The stochastic difference model assumes that decision makers trade normalized attribute value differences when making choices. The model is stochastic, with choice probabilities depending on the normalized difference variable, d, and a decision threshold, delta. The decision threshold indexes a person's sensitivity to attribute value differences and is a free estimated parameter of the model. Depending on the choice context, a person may be more or less sensitive to attribute value differences, and hence delta may be used to measure context effects. With proportional difference used as the normalization, the proportional difference model (PD) was tested with 9 data sets, including published data (e.g., J. L. Myers, M. M. Suydam, & B. Gambino, 1965; A. Tversky, 1969). The model accounted for individual and group data well and described violations of stochastic dominance, independence, and weak and strong stochastic transitivity.
Motivation, participation, and preference: a multi-segmentation approach of the Australian nature travel market.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a typology of nature travelers based on their motivations, activity participation, and destination preferences. A secondary analysis from the Pleasure Travel Market Survey for Australia (1994) was used. The results indicated that the proposed ‘motivation-participation-preference’ multi-segmentation bases could classify Australian nature travel market into six segments. They were ‘Physical Challenge Seekers,’ ‘Family Vacationers,’ ‘Culture & Entertainment Seekers,’ ‘Nature Tourists,’ ‘Escape & Relax Vacationers,’ and ‘Indifferent Travelers.’ Travelers among groups exhibited significant differences in terms of their so-ciodemographics, trip-related characteristics, and travel philosophies. Implications of the findings are discussed.
X-ray diffraction study of imperfections in epitaxial silicon on sapphire

Abstract The crystallographic perfection of a sapphire substrate crystal and an epitaxially grown silicon film on such a substrate have been examined in reflection by X-ray diffraction topography with a double crystal diffractometer. The X-ray reflection profile of both the substrate and the deposited silicon film are very broad and have about the same width. This broadness can be attributed to orientation fluctuations of well-defined subcrystals in the substrate, but by comparing X-ray topographs of the substrate and the deposited film, an imperfection density so high that is masked any subcrystal boundaries was found in the expitaxially grown film.
Indicator models in social mobility tables

Abstract Mobility tables are often used in order to study trends and changes in social structures. A class of log linear models is proposed that uses indicator variables much in the way dummy variables are coded in multiple linear regression. A virtue of these models is the relative ease with which maximum likelihood parameter estimates can be computed. Several models for mobility tables are gathered from the literature. One such mobility table is analyzed at length.