cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cholinergic neurons within the rat hippocampus: Response to fimbria-fornix transection

The distribution and morphologic characteristics of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-containing neurons were studied throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the rat hippocampus and in a midline area just dorsal to the dorsal hippocampus. Peroxidase reaction product was observed with the aid of immunohistochemical methods and a high-titer polyclonal antibody against ChAT, the acetylcholine biosynthetic enzyme. ChAT-positive cells in the hippocampus were characterized by small, round or oval perikarya with two or more proximal processes. They were located within the caudal and temporal hippocampal formation, predominantly within the subiculum, in the stratum lacunosum moleculare, at the border of the stratum lacunosum moleculare and the stratum radiatum, and in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. The cells resembled in morphology the small, bipolar and multipolar neocortical ChAT-immunoreactive cells. In addition to the hippocampus, ChAT-positive neurons were observed caudally in a region just above the dorsal hippocampal commissure and rostrally in the columns of the fornix. These cells were large with an oval perikarya and darkly labeled compared to neurons in the hippocampus. They more closely resembled the ChAT-positive neurons in the midline raphe of the medial septal nucleus. Examination of the rat hippocampus 2 and 8 weeks following unilateral lesioning of the fimbria-fornix and supracallosal striae revealed a sparse innervation of ChAT-positive fibers in the hippocampus ipsilateral to the lesion. ChAT-labeled neurons in the hippocampus did not appear to sprout in response to the lesion. In contrast, ChAT-positive cells in the midline did appear to sprout into the medial dorsal subiculum and dorsal medial hippocampus. We conclude that these two populations of cells are distinct with respect to their response to hippocampal denervation and, furthermore, that this distinction may be attributed to a differential response to nerve growth factor.
Singularity theorems and the Lorentzian splitting theorem for the Bakry–Emery–Ricci tensor

Abstract We consider the Hawking–Penrose singularity theorems and the Lorentzian splitting theorem under the weaker curvature condition of nonnegative Bakry–Emery–Ricci curvature Ric f m in timelike directions. We prove that they still hold when m is finite, and when m is infinite, they hold under the additional assumption that f is bounded from above.
Thermal and mechanical cracking in bis(triisopropylsilylethnyl)pentacene thin films

Bis(triisopropylsilylethnyl) pentacene (TIPS pentacene) was synthesized to increase its solubility in common liquid solvents and, at the same time, enhance the π–π stacking between neighboring acenes in the crystallized state in comparison with unmodified pentacene. Hot-stage microscopy experiments revealed that during heating voids develop along the long axis of the TIPS pentacene films {along the [210] direction/parallel to the (120) planes} and crystals overlap along the short axis {along the [120] direction/parallel to the (210) planes}. From molecular mechanics simulations, the predominant twin boundaries of (120) and commonly observed cracking planes of (120), (120), and (210) had relatively low surface energies in comparison with planes with similar Miller indices. Organic thin-film transistors with TIPS pentacene as the active layer were fabricated, and the mobility values decreased from 0.4–1.0 cm2/V s before cracking to ∼0.2 cm2/V s after cracking. To maintain the high charge carrier mobility of TIPS pentacene devices, these cracks should be avoided. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3631–3641, 2006
Dissemination of howardula sp nematodes by adult tobacco flea beetles coleoptera chrysomelidae

A Howardula sp. nematode parasite of the tobacco flea beetle, Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer), was able to utilize the adult male to disseminate juveniles. At 27°C the mean total number of juveniles released per beetle was 369 for female beetles and 377 for males at an average rate of ca. 37 per day from both sexes. A cooler temperature retarded the onset of dissemination but did not affect the rate of release. Fifty-nine per cent of the free-living nematodes survived for 5–6 days, but none survived beyond 13 days. Seventy-nine per cent of the free-living nematodes were female.
Analysis of shape from shading techniques

Since the first shape-from-shading technique was developed by B.K.P. Horn in the early 1970s, different approaches have been continuously emerging in the past two decades. Some of them, improve existing techniques, while others are completely new approaches. However, there is no literature on, the comparison and performance analysis of these techniques. This paper provides comparison and analysis of these techniques. >
The Structural Consistency of a Six-Factor Model of Academic Self-Concept Among Culturally Diverse Preadolescents in the United States

For decades, research has indicated that preadolescents’ self-concept is comprised of subject-specific academic factors, a general academic factor, and several nonacademic factors. More recently, t...
Dissimilatory iron reduction and odor indicator abatement by biofilm communities in swine manure microcosms.

Animal waste odors arising from products of anaerobic microbial metabolism create community relations problems for livestock producers. We investigated a novel approach to swine waste odor reduction: the addition of FeCl3, a commonly used coagulant in municipal wastewater treatment, to stimulate degradation of odorous compounds by dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria (DIRB). Two hypotheses were tested: (i) FeCl3 is an effective source of redox-active ferric iron (Fe3+) for dissimilatory reduction by bacteria indigenous to swine manure, and (ii) dissimilatory iron reduction results in significant degradation of odorous compounds within 7 days. Our results demonstrated that Fe3+ from FeCl3 was reduced biologically as well as chemically in laboratory microcosms prepared with prefiltered swine manure slurry and limestone gravel, which provided pH buffering and a substrate for microbial biofilm development. Addition of a 1-g liter−1 equivalent concentration of Fe3+ from FeCl3, but not from presynthesized ferrihydrite, caused initial, rapid solids flocculation, chemical Fe3+ reduction, and Eh increase, followed by a 2-day lag period. Between 2 and 6 days of incubation, increases in Fe2+ concentrations were accompanied by significant reductions in concentrations of volatile fatty acids used as odor indicators. Increases in Fe2+ concentrations between 2 and 6 days did not occur in FeCl3-treated microcosms that were sterilized by gamma irradiation or amended with NaN3, a respiratory inhibitor. DNA sequences obtained from rRNA gene amplicons of bacterial communities in FeCl3-treated microcosms were closely related to Desulfitobacterium spp., which are known representatives of DIRB. Use of iron respiration to abate wastewater odors warrants further investigation.
Physical Modeling of Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Single- and Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube Interconnects

Equivalent circuit models are presented for the resistance of single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNs) that capture various electron-phonon scattering mechanisms as well as changes in the number of conduction channels as a function of temperature. For single- and few-wall nanotubes, the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) is always positive and increases with length. It reaches 1/(T-200 K) for lengths much larger than the electron mean free path, where T is the temperature in kelvin. For MWCNs with large diameters (>20 nm), TCR varies from -1/T to +0.66/(T-200 K) as the length varies from zero to very large values
Optically controlled collisions of biological objects to evaluate potent polyvalent inhibitors of virus-cell adhesion

Background: The biochemical and biomechanical determinants of adhesion between two biological objects following a collision are complex, and may vary from one system to another. We wished to develop an assay in which all the relevant factors, including the components of the solution, the relative orientation and the relative collision velocity, are under the user’s control. Results: A new assay is described in which two mesoscale particles are caused to collide using two independently controlled optical tweezers (optically controlled collision, OPTCOL). This assay enables precise examination of the probability of adhesion under biologically relevant conditions. The OPTCOL assay was used to evaluate the probability of adhesion of a single erythrocyte to a single virus-coated microsphere, in the absence and presence of a sialic acidbearing inhibitor. Inhibition constants for the most effective inhibitors could not be measured using other types of assays. The best inhibitor prevented attachment 50 o/, of the time at a sialic acid concentration of 35 pmolI-l; it is the most potent known inhibitor of attachment of influenza virus to erythrocytes. Conclusions: OPTCOL is a versatile new bioassay for studying dynamic interactions in biochemistry. It offers an approach to investigating interactions between moving biological objects that is both quantitative and interpretable. The simplicity of the OPTCOL technique suggests broad applicability to the study of adhesion of mesoscale (1-l 00 pm) objects in the areas of cell biology, microbiology, medicinal chemistry, and biophysics.
Application of invariant imbedding to the solution of partial differential equations by the continuous-space discrete-time method

The continuous-space discrete-time (CSDT) method of solving initial-boundary value problems for partial differential equations leads to two-point boundary-value problems for a system of ordinary differential equations. In order to solve such problems on an analog computer it is necessary to find an algorithm which expresses the desired solution in terms of initial-value problems. Various methods for accomplishing this are discussed in a recent survey article by Vichnevetsky.
α-5,6-Dimethylbenzimidazole adenine dinucleotide (α-DAD), a putative new intermediate of coenzyme B12 biosynthesis in Salmonella typhimurium

The CobT enzyme of Salmonella typhimurium was shown in vitro to have NAD+-dependent ADPribosyltransferase activity. The CobT enzyme transferred the ADPribosyl moiety of NAD+ onto 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMB) yielding a new dinucleotide, namely α-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole adenine dinucleotide (α-DAD), whose identity was established by mass spectrometry. The N 1-(α-d-ribosyl)-5,6-dimethylbenzimidazoyl moiety (α-ribazole) of α-DAD was incorporated into adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) by cell-free extracts of S. typhimurium, indicating that α-DAD served as an intermediate of AdoCbl biosynthesis. The rate of transfer of the ADPribosyl moiety was slower than the rate of transfer of the phosphoribosyl moiety of nicotinate mononucleotide (NaMN) to DMB. The CobT enzyme displayed a low K m for NaMN (0·51 mM) relative to the one for NAD+ (9 mM); nicotinate adenine dinucleotide (NaAD) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) also served as substrates for CobT. In spite of the high K m of CobT for NAD+, the latter is proposed to be a relevant physiological substrate of CobT, given that the intracellular concentrations of NaMN, NMN and NaAD in actively growing S. typhimurium are undetectable. Evidence shows that extracts of S. typhimurium contain an as-yet unidentified dinucleotide pyrophosphatase that can cleave α-DAD into α-ribazole-5′-P and AMP; α-ribazole-5′-P can then enter the AdoCbl biosynthetic pathway.
The Anticoagulants of Choice for Platelet Transfusions

A study was made of the recovery of Cr51-labeled platelets transfused to normal recipients using various anticoagulant solutions. With ethylenediamine-tetra-acetate (EDTA) recoveries averaged 27 per cent (range 15% to 35%). With ACD (N.I.H. formula A) recoveries averaged 37 per cent (range 34% to 41%). With a citrate solution containing additional acid so as to reduce the pH of platelet-rich plasma to 6.5 before concentration of cells, recoveries averaged 62 per cent (range 37% to 81%). Platelet clumping, usually a problem when platelets are concentrated in citrate, was prevented at pH 6.5. It is suggested that a citrate solution containing sufficient acid to buffer platelet-rich plasma at pH 6.5 will increase the effectiveness of platelet concentrates.
Improving extraction efficiency of III-nitride LEDs using in situ silane treatment

We demonstrated a novel cost-effective approach to improve extraction efficiency of III-nitride LEDs, Photoluminescence measurement showed a factor of two improvement in extraction efficiency. Electroluminescence under CW injection was also shown.
Design and development of steel breakaway posts

The current generation of NCHRP Report 350-compliant guardrail terminals all use wooden breakaway posts in the terminal section. The first two end posts are typically breakaway cable terminal posts inserted into steel foundation tubes that are joined with a ground strut to provide the anchorage capacity. Wood is readily available and inexpensive, but it also has many drawbacks. The quality of the wood and the associated breaking forces vary widely. The strength of a wooden post is affected by many factors, including post size, ring density, knot location and size, cracks and checks, species, and moisture content. Results are presented of an effort to design and develop steel breakaway posts for guardrail terminals. The breakaway steel post system described has been successfully tested for use in a tangent terminal. The post exhibited consistent strength for redirection impacts and failed at very low loads during head-on impacts. The breakaway steel post actually improved the redirective performance of the...
Characterizing Recurrent Positive Selection at Fast-Evolving Genes in Drosophila miranda and Drosophila pseudoobscura

Characterizing the distribution of selection coefficients in natural populations remains a central challenge in evolutionary biology. We resequenced a subset of 19 fast-evolving protein-coding genes in the sister species Drosophila miranda and D. pseudoobscura and their flanking regions to characterize the spatial footprint left by recurrent and recent selection. Consistent with previous findings, fast-evolving genes and their flanking regions show reduced levels of neutral diversity compared with randomly chosen genes, as expected under recurrent selection models. Applying a variety of statistical tests designed for the detection of selection at different evolutionary timescales, we attempt to characterize parameters of adaptive evolution. In D. miranda, fast-evolving genes generally show evidence of increased rates of adaptive evolution relative to random genes, whereas this pattern is somewhat less pronounced in D. pseudoobscura. Our results suggest that fast-evolving genes are not characterized by significantly different selection coefficients but rather a shift in the distribution of the rate of fixation.
Genes associated with opening and senescence of Mirabilis jalapa flowers

A modest ethylene climacteric accompanies flower senescence in Mirabilis jalapa L., and exogenous ethylene accelerates the process. However, inhibitors of ethylene action and synthesis have little effect on the life-span of these ephemeral flowers. Treatment with a-amanitin, an inhibitor of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis, substantially delays the onset of senescence. This effect falls linearly between 7 h and 8 h after the start of flower opening. Subtractive hybridization was used to isolate transcripts that were up- and down-regulated during this critical period. Eighty-two up-regulated and 65 down-regulated transcripts were isolated. The genes identified encode homologues of a range of transcription factors, and of proteins involved in protein turnover and degradation. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine expression patterns of these genes during flower opening and senescence. Genes that were identified as being down-regulated during senescence showed a common pattern of very high expression during floral opening. These genes included a homologue of CCA1, a ‘clock’ gene identified in Arabidopsis thaliana and an aspartyl protease. Up-regulated genes commonly showed a pattern of increase during the critical period (4–9 h after opening), and some showed very strong up-regulation. For example, the abundance of transcripts encoding a RING zinc finger protein increased >40 000 fold during the critical period.
Consequence of Intermittent Exposure to Moisture and Salt Fog on the High‐Temperature Fatigue Durability of Several Ceramic‐Matrix Composites

Fatigue behavior of four ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) was documented at 1000°C, and a fifth composite was documented at 1200°C. Additional fatigue specimens were cycled for set blocks of cycles, removed from the fatigue machine, and exposed in a cyclic corrosion tester for 24 h with a fog of deionized water and a fog of deionized water containing 0.05 wt% NaCl. BN-fiber-coated Nicalon/SiNC and Nicalon/ Al 2 O 3 experienced a pronounced decrease in fatigue life (∼86%) with salt fog exposure. Nicalon/C experienced rapid loss of the SiC exterior seal coat and a 30% decrease in life with salt fog exposure. Nextel610/AS and Nextel720/Al 2 O 3 demonstrated no loss in fatigue performance or retained strength with water or salt fog exposure. Changes to the constituents of Nicalon/SiNC were evaluated to determine if they influenced moisture sensitivity. BN fiber coatings, BN or BN/SiC, alternate matrix prepreg, and matrix filler type had no influence on improving moisture resistance. Direct exposure to moisture fog produced accelerated rates of degradation in the BN fiber coating and greatly decreased fatigue durability.
The single‐crystal NMR experiment: An experimentalist's guide: Part II: Data analysis and assignment of symmetry‐related tensors

Explicit expressions needed for the extraction of the chemical shielding tensor from the angle-dependent chemical shifts are derived for orthogonal and off-angle probe experiments. Assignment of symmetry-related chemical shielding tensors via 1) a semi-empirical method and 2) angle-dependent line-widths due to heteronuclear dipolar couplings are discussed.
Delay Prediction for Intelligent Routing in Wireless Networks Using Neural Networks

Research on wireless routing protocols have been striving to achieve two important but contradicting goals: adaptability to the dynamic network conditions and efficient routing information diffusion. A possible approach to solve this issue is through intelligent use of the nodes' past experiences of the network traffic conditions and making predictions on the future network traffic conditions based on the experiences. Delay is a typical routing metric. In this paper, we present a scheme for predicting mean per-packet one-hop delays using neural network approaches. The predicted one-hop delays are then used by the nodes to participate in routing information diffusion. By experiments, we prove the feasibility of predicting mean delays as a time series using either tapped-delay-line Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) network or tapped-delay-line Radial Basis Function (RBF) network. Two types of inputs for prediction are used: a) the mean delay time series itself only, b) the mean delay time series together with the corresponding traffic loads. The advantages and limitations of these neural network approaches are discussed.
Performance and Yield Benefits of Quasi-Planar Bulk CMOS Technology for 6-T SRAM at the 22-nm Node

The performance and threshold voltage variability of quasi-planar bulk MOSFETs are compared against those of conventional bulk MOSFETs, via three-dimensional (3-D) device simulations with gate line-edge roughness and atomistic doping profiles, at 25 nm gate length. The nominal performance of six transistor (6-T) SRAM cells is studied via 3-D simulation of full cell structures. Compact (analytical) modeling is used to estimate SRAM cell yields. As compared to conventional bulk CMOS technology, quasi-planar bulk CMOS technology provides for enhanced SRAM cell performance and yield, and hence facilitates reductions in cell area and operating voltage. It also enables a notchless 6-T SRAM cell design which is advantageous for improved lithographic printability and either smaller area or lower standby power, and is projected to achieve 6-sigma cell yields at operating voltages down to ~0.8 V.
Financial Cooperation with North Korea: Modalities and Risks

It is well-known that the North Korea n economy has experienced a catastrophic decline over the past 20 years and will need massive foreign investment and aid if it is to shift onto a higher growth path. Economic assistance and expanded trade and investment have been promised in the multilateral setting of the Six-Party Talks , including North Korea’s ultimate entry into international financial institutions. China has also continued to extend substantial assistance to North Korea, and both trade and investment between China and the North have grown dramatically (Haggard and Noland 2008).
Starvation-Survival in Haloarchaea

Recent studies claiming to revive ancient microorganisms trapped in fluid inclusions in halite have warranted an investigation of long-term microbial persistence. While starvation-survival is widely reported for bacteria, it is less well known for halophilic archaea—microorganisms likely to be trapped in ancient salt crystals. To better understand microbial survival in fluid inclusions in ancient evaporites, laboratory experiments were designed to simulate growth of halophilic archaea under media-rich conditions, complete nutrient deprivation, and a controlled substrate condition (glycerol-rich) and record their responses. Haloarchaea used for this work included Hbt. salinarum and isolate DV582A-1 (genus Haloterrigena) sub-cultured from 34 kyear Death Valley salt. Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1 reacted to nutrient limitation with morphological and population changes. Starved populations increased and most cells converted from rods to small cocci within 56 days of nutrient deprivation. The exact timing of starvation adaptations and the physical transformations differed between species, populations of the same species, and cells of the same population. This is the first study to report the timing of starvation strategies for Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1. The morphological states in these experiments may allow differentiation between cells trapped with adequate nutrients (represented here by early stages in nutrient-rich media) from cells trapped without nutrients (represented here by experimental starvation) in ancient salt. The hypothesis that glycerol, leaked from Dunaliella, provides nutrients for the survival of haloarchaea trapped in fluid inclusions in ancient halite, is also tested. Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1 were exposed to a mixture of lysed and intact Dunaliella for 56 days. The ability of these organisms to utilize glycerol from Dunaliella cells was assessed by documenting population growth, cell length, and cell morphology. Hbt. salinarum and DV582A-1 experienced size reductions and shape transitions from rods to cocci. In the short-term, these trends more closely resembled the response of these organisms to starvation conditions than to nutrient-rich media. Results from this experiment reproduced the physical state of cells (small cocci) in ancient halite where prokaryotes co-exist with single-celled algae. We conclude that glycerol is not the limiting factor in the survival of haloarchaea for thousands of years in fluid inclusions in halite.
Differentiating paroxysmal from persistent atrial fibrillation: long-term electrocardiographic monitoring is mightier than the clinician.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice. In caring for a patient with AF, a clinician must establish the pattern of arrhythmia, determine associated symptoms, and assess for underlying comorbidities in order to define a short- and long-term
Immunogenicity of a Prefusion HIV-1 Envelope Trimer in Complex with a Quaternary-Structure-Specific Antibody

ABSTRACT The HIV-1 envelope trimer (Env) is the target of broadly neutralizing antibodies and is being explored as a vaccine candidate to elicit protective antibodies. One of the most promising antigenic and structural mimics of HIV-1 Env is the SOSIP.664-stabilized soluble trimer from the clade A strain BG505, which is preferentially recognized by broadly neutralizing antibodies. Trimer immunization elicits high-titer neutralization of the autologous tier 2 BG505 strain; however, breadth is limited, and substantial interest has focused on understanding and improving trimer immunogenicity. We sought to improve the antigenic specificity of BG505 SOSIP.664 by reducing recognition of the variable loop 3 (V3) region, which elicits only weakly neutralizing antibodies. To stabilize the trimer in its prefusion closed conformation, we complexed trimeric BG505 SOSIP.664 with the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of PGT145, a broadly neutralizing quaternary-structure-specific antibody. Compared to the ligand-free trimer, the PGT145 Fab-BG505 SOSIP.664 complex displayed increased melting temperature stability and reduced V3 recognition. In guinea pigs, immunization with the PGT145 Fab-BG505 SOSIP.664 complex elicited ∼100-fold lower V3-directed binding and neutralization titers than those obtained with ligand-free BG505 SOSIP.664. Both complexed and ligand-free BG505 SOSIP.664 elicited comparable neutralization of the autologous BG505 virus, and in both cases, BG505 neutralization mapped to the outer domain of gp120 for some guinea pigs. Our results indicate that it is possible to reduce immune recognition of the V3 region of the trimer while maintaining the antigenic profile needed to induce autologous neutralizing antibodies. These data suggest that appropriate modifications of trimer immunogens could further focus the immune response on key neutralization epitopes. IMPORTANCE HIV-1 Env trimers have been proposed as preferred HIV-1 vaccine immunogens. One version, BG505 SOSIP.664, a soluble stabilized trimer, was recently shown to elicit high-titer autologous neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in rabbits. Here we compared two immunogens: the ligand-free BG505 SOSIP.664 trimer and the same trimer bound to the antigen-binding fragment (Fab) of the PGT145 antibody, a broadly neutralizing antibody which recognizes the trimer at its membrane-distal apex. We hypothesized that the Fab-bound complex would stabilize BG505 SOSIP.664 in its prefusion closed conformation and limit reactivity to weakly neutralizing antibodies targeting the variable loop 3 (V3) region. In guinea pigs, the Fab-complexed trimer induced 100-fold lower responses to the V3 region, while both ligand-free and Fab-complexed trimers elicited similar levels of autologous NAbs. Our findings demonstrate the potential to reduce “off-target” immunogenicity while maintaining the capacity to generate autologous NAbs.
Building content dictionaries for geometric algebra in OpenMath format

This paper describes the development of Content Dictionaries for Geometric Algebra in OpenMath format. Geometric Algebra is useful in mathematical physics and computer science as well. The fundamental Content Dictionaries for Geometric Algebra has been established in OpenMath format. They are able to be transformed and then displayed in Firefox for instance. After modifying the original OpenMath stylesheets, these Content Dictionaries are more readable and understandable by providing extra features such as external references and graphics. This research leads to the study of various scientific fields in accessibilities and capabilities through the internet.
Effect of human neutrophil proteases on ex vivo small airway function

Small airways are the main site of airflow obstruction in COPD. Neutrophils are implicated in COPD pathophysiology via the activity of their released products, including proteases, which damage airway tissue. We studied the effects of activated neutrophil supernatants on small airway function in rat precision-cut lung slices (PCLS) using videomicroscopy. PCLS were incubated overnight in fMLP-stimulated neutrophil supernatants from non-smokers (NS), smokers (S) and COPD patients (C), and contraction to carbachol (CCh) assessed. Supernatant levels of MMP-8, -9, neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. Compared with untreated (UT) airways, airway maximal contraction (at 10µM CCh) was significantly reduced after incubation in supernatants (UT 80±4; NS 56±10; S 40±11; C 52±7%, n=6-10, p<0.01). Airway reopening after CCh washout was significantly augmented in airways incubated in neutrophil supernatants, compared with UT airways (UT 18±8; NS 157±25; S 186±68; C 171±79% difference in contraction (10µM CCh vs. post-washout), n=4, p<0.05). There was a significant decrease in baseline airway patency after incubation in COPD neutrophil supernatants, compared with UT airways (10±5 vs . 40±7% decrease in patency, n=8-10, p<0.01). Maximal contraction correlated with supernatant \[NE\] (r=-0.5, n=46, p<0.001) and \[active MMP-9\] (r=-0.6, n=27, p<0.001), whilst airway reopening correlated with \[NE\] (r=0.6, n=11). Hence, activated neutrophil supernatants reduce maximal contraction, augment reopening, and decrease baseline patency of small airways, possibly due to proteolytic action. Thus, increased numbers of neutrophils in COPD may contribute to the airway dysfunction characteristic of the disease.
Does the Relation between Executive Compensation and Firm Size Explain the Large Takeovers of the 1980s

Jensen (1986), among others, suggests that executives may increase firm size beyond the optimum because executive compensation relates positively to firm size. We test this hypothesis by (i) analyzing changes in executive compensation around large acquisitions, and (ii) by comparing executive compensation of firms that undertake large acquisitions to a sample of industry and size matched (non-acquiring) firms. For firms undertaking large acquisitions we find an increase in cash compensation, but no increase in total compensation, in the post acquisition years. This result may be partially attributable to the presence of a positive "compensation-size" relation for the acquiror, but not for the control sample, in the pre- acquisition years. Overall, our results provide partial evidence that executive compensation considerations may have induced managers to undertake large acquisitions in the 1980s.
Formative Assessment in High School Chemistry Teaching: Investigating the Alignment of Teachers’ Goals with Their Items

A 2011 report by the Department of Education states that understanding how teachers use results from formative assessments to guide their practice is necessary to improve instruction. Chemistry teachers have goals for items in their formative assessments, but the degree of alignment between what is assessed by these items and the teachers' goals has not previously been investigated. This understanding of teachers’ goal-setting will identify strengths and limitations in their formative assessment processes. In this qualitative project, we have characterized this alignment of assessment items with learning objectives with data collected from 19 high school chemistry teachers from 10 states. These teachers participated in semi-structured interviews describing their goals and use of a teacher-developed formative assessment they had administered to their classes. The teachers provided 41 items which were analyzed for this study. To evaluate the content knowledge and skills required for successful completion of...
Contemporary Electronic Mailing List Use by Health Educators: A Content Analysis of HEDIR Messages.

Abstract The International E-Mail Directory of Health Educators (http://www.hedir.siu.edu), or HEDIR, is an electronic mailing list specifically developed to facilitate communication among health education professionals worldwide. The study objectives were to characterize the nature of HEDIR messages and assess how well HEDIR is meeting members' communication needs. Researchers developed a 126-item checklist to conduct a content analysis of HEDIR messages. Checklist sections included sender information; message format; exchange of ideas; unsolicited provision of information; topical information; and professional development. Two independent pilot studies established content and face validity, and the interrater reliability of the instrument, using pi coefficient, was computed for each item. Analysis was performed on 794 HEDIR messages, from January 1 to June 7, 2001, printed from the HEDIR Web site. Message senders were of either sex, and the majority were university educators (33.8%). Unsolicited provisi...
An Evaluation of the Flora Adjacent to Wine Grape Vineyards for the Presence of Alternative Host Plants of Grapevine red blotch-associated virus

Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV) is a recently discovered virus of concern to wine grape production in North America. While the vector of this virus is unknown, other elements of virus epidemiology are essential to develop guidelines for the management of the virus as well as to assist in the search for its vector. The objective of this study was to evaluate vegetation within and surrounding GRBaV-infected vineyards to identify potential virus reservoirs that may serve as sources of inoculum. In this study, 13 plant species were sampled throughout the year and were tested for the presence of GRBaV. Of the 13 species tested, two species, Rubus armeniacus and wild grapes (Vitis californica × V. vinifera), tested positive by quantitative PCR. Of these two species, only wild grapes were determined to be a true host. This study documents the first time GRBaV has been confirmed in an alternative host or in a species outside of a commercial vineyard and suggests that a mechanism exists by which GRBaV moves between plant species that is not human-mediated. The precise role that wild grapes play in the epidemiology of GRBaV remains unknown.
Critical relaxation of short range correlations in the mixed crystal Rb1-x(ND4)x D2PO4

We have used thermal neutron scattering to investigate the possible dynamical origin of the short range correlations being typical for the glass phase of the mixed crystals Rb1−x(ND4)xD2PO4. A quasielastic spectrum has been found for these correlations on top of a very broad spectrum associated with local correlations. The temperature dependence of these spectra together with their elastic components has been determined with an energy resolution of 0.14 meV. A common freezing temperature of about 100 K is observed below which the spatial correlations stop to increase and the scattering becomes elastic within the instrumental time scale.
Evidence that the antigen of autologous immune complex glomerulonephritis of rats is a mannose- or glucose-containing glycoprotein.

SummaryChemical nature of the brush border antigen (BBAg) of the autologous immune complex glomerulonephritis (AIC) of rats was investigated by a histochemical method utilizing indirect immunofluorescence. Fresh frozen rat kidney sections, a specific antibody to BBAg (BBAb), purified lectins (concanavalin A, Ricin II, wheat germ hemagglutinin) and a specific sugar, α-methyl-D-mannopyranoside were used. The reaction of the specific antibody BBAb to its antigen BBAg on tissue sections was blocked by concanavalin A but not be Ricin II and wheat germ agglutinin. This blockade was reversed by α-methyl-D-mannopyranoside. These results suggest that the antigen of AIC of rats is a mannose or glucose containing glycoprotein.Identification of the chemical nature of the antigen of AIC is of considerable importance because AIC has a striking clinical, histological, and immunohistological similarity to the idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis in humans.This work was supported by research grants from The Kidney Fou...
Preface to the Special Issue on Parallel Distributed Processing and Neural Networks

This and the next issue of Computer Music Journal are largely given over to music research of a nature that is difficult to classify but which can be labeled variously as parallel distributed processing, connectionism, and neural networks. While there are distinctions that can be drawn among these subjects, it is what they share in common-their promise for music research-that warrants attention here. These disciplines model cognitive phenomena using massively interconnected communications among a number of simple processing elements, called artificial neural networks. This approach is well suited to many problems in music, as will be made clear below and in the following articles.
Revised Temporal Trends of Persistent Organic Pollutant Concentrations in Air around the Great Lakes

The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and several chlorinated insecticides in air have been measured every 12 days since 1991 at several sites on the shores of the North American Great Lakes. We give here the geometric mean concentrations for each of these compounds for each year and at each site. In most cases, these concentrations have been measured in both the vapor and particle phases; if concentrations were available for both phases, the two concentrations were summed, and those data are presented here. Assuming a first-order rate model for these data, we have calculated the time it takes for the concentrations to decrease by half. For most compounds, the halving times are the same for the vapor phase and for the vapor and particle phase concentrations summed together. The halving times are generally not distinguishable among the sites. Overall, the observed halving times are 8–15 years, except for that of lindane, which is disappearing with a halvin...
The action of digitonin on rat liver mitochondria. Phospholipid content

1. The amount and types of phospholipid and the fatty acid composition of the various phospholipids were examined in intact rat liver mitochondria, in mitochondria devoid of their outer membrane (preparation A) and in very small pieces derived from the disruption of the inner-membrane complexes (preparation B). The latter two preparations were obtained by digitonin treatment and carry out oxidative phosphorylation. 2. The ratio μg.atoms of phospholipid P/mg. of protein was 0·163 for intact mitochondria, decreased to 0·118 on removal of the outer membrane and increased markedly to 0·292 on disruption of the inner-membrane complex. 3. Examination of the various types of phospholipid present showed that the molar proportions cardiolipin:phosphatidylcholine:phosphatidylethanolamine were approx. 1:6:6 for intact mitochondria and 1:3:3 for preparations A and B. 4. There was a correlation between the recovery of cardiolipin and adenosine triphosphatase activity in the conversion of intact mitochondria into preparations A and B. 5. The fatty acid contents of the various types of phospholipid purified by thin-layer chromatography were identical in all three preparations. Our results show a considerably higher content of arachidonic acid and lower content of oleic acid for phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol than have previously been reported for mitochondrial phospholipids.
SOME FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE PLASMA LIPOPROTEIN 1H NMR SPECTRA OF NORMAL AND CANCER PATIENTS : AN ONCOLIPID TEST ?

Abstract Selected factors have been evaluated in order to determine their influences on the plasma lipoprotein proton NMR spectra of normal and cancer patients. The variables were donor's diet (fasting/non-fasting), temperature and time of sample storage, processing procedure, centrifugation speed, and water pre-saturation time. Plasma samples from fasting individuals that were placed immediately on ice, spun at 1,000 and 3,000 g for 15 minutes, and the proton NMR spectrum acquired with the Carr-Purcell Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence, using a two-second water pre-saturation time, consistently gave reproducible results. Resonances attributed to lactate were minimized under these processing conditions. Centrifugation speed and pre-saturation time did not affect the average line width; however, donor fasting state, processing temperature, and storage time did alter the line width. Most important, blood chemistry analysis revealed an inverse correlation between triglyceride levels and average methyl and methylene line widths. Thus, these factors alone caution against the indiscriminate use of proton NMR spectra to differentiate plasma from normal and cancer patients.
Biobehavioral Sciences: An Emerging Research Agenda

As we learn more about the current burden of illness in our society, the importance of behavioral factors for health becomes increasingly apparent. The concept of stress is a useful unifying framework for research on problems of vital significance, that current difficulties can be resolved and that efforts to enrich stress research are warranted. The Institute of Medicine Stress Study is highlighted.
Structured Diagnostic Interviews

The clinical interview is essential to the process of assessing the child. Regardless of theoretical orientation, all mental health professionals rely on this data-gathering procedure. The prominence of the interview is well deserved; it provides for the most comprehensive assessment of the child’s emotional and behavioral functioning relative to any other clinical method. Whether assessing children with conduct problems, attentional difficulties, or—the focus of this volume, children with phobic and anxiety disorders—the interview is invaluable for eliciting information about various facets of the child’s problem behaviors.
Overview of Conventional Fluorescence Photomicrography

In an age of digital imaging, photographic film still provides a viable and effective means for recording fluorescence images by photomicrography. To maximize the quality of results that are obtained, a photographic emulsion with sufficient sensitivity for the low light level characteristic of Immunofluorescence must be selected, exposures adjusted for reciprocity failure, and modern, high numerical aperture objective lenses employed to produce the brightest possible image. Mounting media that reduce the effects of photobleaching on fluorochromes also help to maintain image brightness, and so reduce exposure times. Digital scanning of film-based micrographs provides the convenience of utilizing image processing software to adjust image density and contrast, and to produce quality prints.
Selecting an ornamental pepper banker plant for Amblyseius swirskii in floriculture crops

Preference of phytoseiid mite, Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) was assessed on four cultivars of ornamental pepper banker plant candidates; Red Missile (RM), Masquerade (MA), Explosive Ember (EE) and Black Pearl (BP) for potential control of pestiferous insects in floriculture. Significant differences in cultivar preference by A. swirskii was observed in choice experiments whether the test was pre- (with pollen) or during bloom. Overall, female mites laid more eggs when pollen was provided as a food source. The number of tuft domatia per cultivar leaf appeared to positively influence host preference in the choice plant tests pre-bloom. In addition, cultivar RM had the highest mean number ± SEM of tuft domatia per leaf (5.1 ± 0.3) and motiles per plant (4.0 ± 1.2), followed by MA, EE and BP. In choice tests on blooming plants, A. swirskii showed preference for both cultivars RM and MA compared to EE. These experiments indicated that the number of tuft domatia and availability of pollen can influence the host preference of A. swirskii for an ornamental pepper banker plant cultivar. Results from this study will help growers, researchers, educators and extension personnel in understanding the plant phenology promoting adoption of suitable banker plants for managing greenhouse and landscape insect pests.
Incorporating ecosystem services into environmental management of deep-seabed mining

Abstract Accelerated exploration of minerals in the deep sea over the past decade has raised the likelihood that commercial mining of the deep seabed will commence in the near future. Environmental concerns create a growing urgency for development of environmental regulations under commercial exploitation. Here, we consider an ecosystem services approach to the environmental policy and management of deep-sea mineral resources. Ecosystem services link the environment and human well-being, and can help improve sustainability and stewardship of the deep sea by providing a quantitative basis for decision-making. This paper briefly reviews ecosystem services provided by habitats targeted for deep-seabed mining (hydrothermal vents, seamounts, nodule provinces, and phosphate-rich margins), and presents practical steps to incorporate ecosystem services into deep-seabed mining regulation. The linkages and translation between ecosystem structure, ecological function (including supporting services), and ecosystem services are highlighted as generating human benefits. We consider criteria for identifying which ecosystem services are vulnerable to potential mining impacts, the role of ecological functions in providing ecosystem services, development of ecosystem service indicators, valuation of ecosystem services, and implementation of ecosystem services concepts. The first three steps put ecosystem services into a deep-seabed mining context; the last two steps help to incorporate ecosystem services into a management and decision-making framework. Phases of environmental planning discussed in the context of ecosystem services include conducting strategic environmental assessments, collecting baseline data, monitoring, establishing marine protected areas, assessing cumulative impacts, identifying thresholds and triggers, and creating an environmental damage compensation regime. We also identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed in order to operationalize ecosystem services concepts in deep-seabed mining regulation and propose potential tools to fill them.