cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nutrient procurement strategy of a deposit-feeding estuarine neogastropod, Ilyanassa obsoleta

Categories of gut contents, crystalline style occurrence and incidence of endoparasitic infections were observed for 3571 Ilyanassa obsoleta (Say) collected from sandflat and salt marsh habitats near the mouth of Delaware Bay during the summers of 1978 and 1979. Sediment was the most frequent category of gut content, often mixed with macroalgal fragments. The gut was usually empty when sediment and/or macroalgae were absent. Presence of the crystalline style was positively related to presence of material in the gut. However, style occurrence was not significantly related to specific type of material ingested. Parasitic trematode infection was negatively related to ingestion, but did not affect occurrence of the style. We conclude that I. obsoleta probably functions as a non-selective biological ‘vacuum cleaner’, consuming a wide variety of materials from the environment, depending more upon frequency of encounter than nutritional need. This strategy, apparently unique among neogastropods, has enabled this species to successfully exploit, and become dominant in, many energyrich estuarine habitats. Moreover, it is likely that this species, by virtue of its abundance and feeding strategy, exerts a substantial biological influence on those communities in which it is abundant.
HLA‐DR Antigen on Human Trophoblast*

: To assess the presence of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) on first trimester human trophoblast cells, frozen sections of villous trophoblast and monolayer cultures of isolated cells from placental villi were prepared and exposed to a mouse monoclonal antibody directed against HLA-DR and then incubated with fluorescein-conjugated goat anti-mouse antibodies. Fluorescence microscopy demonstrated that HLA-DR antigens were present on only the small polygonal epithelioid cells of the monolayer culture. The crescentic staining pattern was consistent with widespread distribution of antigen on the cell membrane. There was no staining over giant multinucleated structures or on fibroblasts of such cell cultures. No HLA-DR was detected when this indirect immunofluorescent technique was applied to tissue sections of villous trophoblast. Existence of high concentrations of hCG in culture supernatants and coincident localization of both hCG and HLA-DR using antibodies conjugated with rhodamine or fluorescein on the polygonal epithelioid cells indicate the trophoblastic origin and expression of HLA-DR antigen under in vitro monolayer culture conditions.
Femtosecond ultraviolet autocorrelation measurements based on two-photon conductivity in fused silica.

We utilize the two-photon conductivity of a fused-silica substrate to produce a photoconductive switch for use in an intensity autocorrelator for ultraviolet ultrashort pulses. We perform measurements at 267??nm with pulse durations in the range of 110–330??fs and with energies as weak as 10??nJ.?Based on the bandgap of fused silica, this device can potentially operate in the wavelength range of 140–280??nm.
Incremental Costs Associated with Physician and Pharmacist Collaboration to Improve Blood Pressure Control

Study Objective To compare costs associated with a physician-pharmacist collaborative intervention with costs of usual care. Design Cost analysis using health care utilization and outcome data from two prospective, cluster-randomized, controlled clinical trials. Setting Eleven community-based medical offices. Patients A total of 496 patients with hypertension; 244 were in the usual care (control) group and 252 were in the intervention group. Measurements and Main Results To compare the costs, we combined cost data from the two trials. Total costs included costs of provider time, laboratory tests, and antihypertensive drugs. Provider time was calculated based on an online survey of intervention pharmacists and the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Cost parameters were taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for average wage rates, the Medicare laboratory fee schedule, and a publicly available Web site for drug prices. Total costs were adjusted for patient characteristics. Adjusted total costs were $774.90 in the intervention group and $445.75 in the control group (difference $329.16, p<0.001). In a sensitivity analysis, the difference in adjusted total costs between the two groups ranged from $224.27–515.56. The intervention cost required to have one additional patient achieve blood pressure control within 6 months was $1338.05, determined by the difference in costs divided by the difference in hypertension control rates between the groups ($329.16/24.6%). The cost over 6 months to lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure 1 mm Hg was $36.25 and $94.32, respectively. Conclusion The physician-pharmacist collaborative intervention increased not only blood pressure control but also the cost of care. Additional research, such as a cost-benefit or a cost-minimization analysis, is needed to assess whether financial savings related to reduced morbidity and mortality achieved from better blood pressure control outweigh the cost of the intervention.
Analysis of Deferent Duct Morphology in Turkeys Characterized as Low or High Semen Volume Producers

Abstract The objective of the present research was to clarify the basis for the difference in performance of turkey toms characterized as low or high semen volume producers. Variables measured included testicular weight, deferent duct semen volume, and deferent duct morphology based upon plastic casts. Three organizational patterns emerged after viewing plastic casts of deferent ducts: helical, serpentine, and randomly folded coil. The randomly folded coil was the principal pattern in deferent ducts from low and high semen volume producers alike. No difference in patterns was observed between low and high semen volume producers. Differential semen yield was attributed to a greater testicular mass along with a greater storage capacity of the deferent duct in high semen volume producers. However, deferent duct storage capacity appeared to be the predominant factor affecting semen yield.
Physiologically relevant increase in temperature causes an increase in intestinal epithelial tight junction permeability.

The effects of physiologically relevant increase in temperature (37–41°C) on intestinal epithelial tight junction (TJ) barrier have not been previously studied. Additionally, the role of heat-shock...
Correlation microphone for measuring airframe noise in large-scale wind tunnels

A correlation microphone arrangement was used in the test section of the Ames 7- by 10-Foot and 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnels in an attempt to reject the reverberant and wind noise. The tests in the 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel covered a frequency range from 400 Hz to 8 kHz while the tests in the 40- by 80-foot tunnel covered the range from 31.5 to 800 Hz. Examination of the experimental data plus calculations of cross-correlations due to reflective noise indicate that the correlation microphone is effective in rejecting microphone wind noise and reverberant noise even at low frequencies, and that the low-frequency background noise monitored by the correlation microphone is reflected noise with a preferred direction from the tunnel drive system. Design studies indicate that this tunnel drive noise can be reduced substantially through suitable modification of the drive fans and acoustical treatment of the nacelles that house these fans.
Use of Trench Boxes for Worker Protection

Work in trenches can be very dangerous if workers are not provided with adequate protection against trench cave-ins. One method of providing for worker protection in trenches is with the use of trench boxes, widely used, engineered structures that permit workers to work safely in trenches. A study of the experiences of utility contractors with the use of trench boxes provided several notable findings that can help in implementing safe work practices in trenches. Most safety problems with the use of trench boxes are attributed to human error or judgment. For example, several respondents commented that workers were observed exiting from the trench boxes by walking up the backfill, a practice that exposes workers to the dangers of trench cave-ins. The importance of training was also evident in the results. Firms with better safety performance records conducted specialized training courses for their employees, and they provided more frequent training courses.
Preliminary assessment of greenhouse gas emissions for atactic polypropylene (APP) modified asphalt membrane roofs

Abstract In recent years, there has been an increased awareness about the environmental impact of buildings and construction materials with increasing regulatory pressure to reduce this impact. Properly assessing this impact is the first step towards achieving a green construction sector. Asphalt roofs are an important component of the construction sector in the United States. GaBi®, a life cycle assessment (LCA) software package, was used to evaluate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of an atactic polypropylene (APP) asphalt roofing product. Due to the complexity of the manufacturing process, an average approach where the raw materials and energy use to manufacture the product over an entire year were summed up and the results were normalized per functional unit of the product. Global warming potential (GWP) was used to evaluate the overall GHG emissions. The GHG emissions were estimated to be 75.2 kg CO2-eq per roll. The manufacturing stage was found to be responsible for a majority of the GHG emissions. Certain shortcomings in the LCA study were identified and suggestions to reduce GHG emissions were made. This study differs from previous studies on roofs in that it focuses on the environmental impact of roofing product itself, unlike previous studies that have investigated energy efficiencies or reduction of environmental impact as part of a larger study.
On the stability of plane shocks

In the analysis of shock stability reported, the disturbances are assumed to originate at an arbitrary moving point. A change in the decay mechanism is shown to result from the increasing angle of incidence between the shock and an intersecting cylindrical (or spherical) wave generated behind it. The local reflection coefficient for reflection of a pressure wave from a shock varies strongly with the angle of incidence. At small angles of incidence the reflected wave is very weak and the incident wave decays in a geometric manner.
Concurrent ifosfamide-based chemotherapy and irradiation. Analysis of treatment-related toxicity in 43 patients with sarcoma.

BACKGROUND The current study was performed to evaluate the toxicity profile of therapeutic doses of ifosfamide (IFX) given concurrently with full-dose external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in patients with soft tissue and bone sarcomas. METHODS The medical records of 43 consecutive patients with soft tissue or bone sarcomas who were treated with concurrent IFX and EBRT were reviewed. RESULTS The median patient age was 20 years. Histologies were rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 16 patients), Ewing sarcoma (n = 10 patients), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (n = 9 patients), and other soft tissue sarcomas (n = 8 patients). Thirty-one patients (72%) had localized disease, and 12 patients (28%) had synchronous local and distant disease. Treatment consisted of EBRT (median dose, 50.4 gray [Gy]) with concomitant IFX (median dose per cycle, 10.2 g/m2). All patients with Ewing sarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma received additional concurrent chemotherapy. Twenty-six patients (60%) received two or more cycles of IFX, and 17 patients (40%) were treated with one cycle of IFX and EBRT. The incidences of World Health Organization Grade 3 and Grade 4 toxicities were 29% (21 of 73 cycles) and 22% (16 of 73 cycles), respectively. Grade 4 systemic toxicities included leukopenia (n = 14 patients), neurotoxicity (suicidal ideation; n = 1 patient), and diarrhea (n = 1 patient). Confluent moist desquamation (Grade 3) occurred in nine patients in the treatment field; no patient experienced Grade 4 local toxicity. Among 14 patients who were treated preoperatively, 2 patients (14%) had a pathologic complete response, and 6 patients (43%) had a pathologic near-complete response (≥ 90% necrosis). CONCLUSIONS Local and systemic toxicities after the administration of therapeutic doses of IFX with concomitant EBRT appear comparable to those observed with either treatment alone. These results support the design of prospective studies evaluating concurrent ifosfamide and radiation therapy for patients with sarcomas. Cancer 2001;92:1550–5. © 2001 American Cancer Society.
Optical-Resolution Photoacoustic Microscopy with Improved Sensitivity and Scanning Speed

We improved the sensitivity and the scanning speed of optical-resolution (3.8 µm in transverse direction) photoacoustic microscopy by 11.4 dB and 3 fold, respectively. Ex vivo and in vivo investigations are provided.
CONSCIOUSNESS AND REALITY: THE CHICANO MOVEMENT AND CHICANO/ANGLO MUTUAL STEREOTYPY

Fishman (1956) has suggested that since stereotypes serve group relations functions, changes in stereotypy should follow changes in target groups, subject groups, or in the relationships between subjects and targets. To investigate this we examine the stereotypes and self‐images of Chicanos and Anglos, drawn from three time periods around the social ferment of the 1960s and the development of the Chicano movement: 1963, 1967–8 and 1971. We expect that the images both Anglos and Chicanos have of Chicanos will improve, while the images both have of Anglos will deteriorate. Several measures of stereotypy indicate such a change. In the earliest sample, Chicanos are perceived negatively, and Anglos are perceived positively, by members of both groups. By the last period Anglos are perceived less favourably and Chicanos are perceived more favourably. While the actual images of the two groups vary, the overall valance of the images converges toward a theoretical “neutral” point. We discuss whether this convergence will be maintained.
Preservation of Mammalian Cells in a Chemically Defined Medium and Dimethylsulfoxide

Three established mammalian cell lines (cat kidney, L, and HeLa cells), grown in suspension in a protein-free, chemically defined medium, were stored under liquid nitrogen in the defined medium fortified with 4 and 8 percent dimethylsulfoxide. After storage for 1 month the recovery viability was 86 percent, and cells showed normal growth upon reinoculation into the defined growth medium.
EFFECTS OF CONTINUOUS INFUSION OF FENTANYL CITRATE (FC) ON CSF AND CEREBROVASCULAR PROSTANOID CONCENTRATIONS IN NEWBORN PIGLETS. † 1370

FC is most commonly used for routine, ongoing analgesia and sedation in newborns exposed to repeated pain and prolonged stress in the NICU. The hypothesis that FC exert effects on cerebrovascular prostaglandins was determined in 14 newborn pigs (1-3 days old), treated with either: a loading dose of FC (30 μg/kg i.v.) over 15 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion of FC (10 μg/kg/hr) for 6 hours (n=6); or 5% dextrose at 6 mg/kg/minute (placebo group, n=8). CSF from the cisterna magna was collected at 0 (pre-dose) and 6 hrs, and blood from the sagittal sinus vein was collected at 0 (pre-dose), 0.5, 2, 4 & 6 hrs during infusion for measurements of PGE2, 6-keto PGF1α and TXB2, by enzyme immunoassay. Our data show that in the FC group, CSF levels of PGE2 fell by 75% (p<0.001), and CSF levels of 6-ketoPGF1α and TXB2 increased by 150% and 80%, respectively, at 6 hrs of infusion. In addition, sagittal sinus plasma 6-keto PGF1α and TXB2 increased substantially at 0.5 hr and 2 hrs, with negligible effect on PGE2 levels. Values are mean±SD(pg/ml). *p<0.01, **p<0.001. We speculate that such marked changes in the levels of cerebrovascular prostanoids may contribute to adverse neurophysiologic effects, in newborns treated with FC.Table
NMR study of Q-speciation and connectivity in K2O–SiO2 glasses with high silica content

The structure of binary potassium silicate glasses with SiO2 content ranging between 76.0 and 97.6 mol% has been studied with 29Si and 17O NMR spectroscopy. Besides the Q3 species, two broadly different types of Q4 species have been identified in the 29Si MAS NMR spectra of glasses with >83.5 mol% SiO2. These species correspond to Q4 connected to one or more Q3 nearest neighbors and Q4 with only Q4 nearest neighbors, and are denoted as Q4–3 and Q4–4, respectively. The compositional variation of the concentration of Q4–3 species implies a statistically random distribution of Q3 and Q4 species in these glasses. Such a silicate network with random connectivity between Q3 and Q4 species is shown to be consistent with the strongly non-linear compositional variation of the transport properties of binary alkali silicate glasses with high silica content.
Use of data collected at cessation of lactation to predict incidence of sole ulcers and white line disease during the subsequent lactation in dairy cows

Objective—To develop a parsimonious statistical model to predict incidence of lameness in the subsequent lactation by use of data collected at cessation of lactation in dairy cows. Animals—574 cows. Procedures—At cessation of lactation during hoof trimming, body condition score (BCS), visual locomotion score, digital cushion thickness (DCT), and digital lesions were assessed. Results—140 (24%) cows were treated for claw horn disruption lesions (CHDLs) at cessation of lactation (114 with sole ulcers [pododermatitis circumscripta] and 26 with white line disease). The BCS was highly associated with DCT. Cows with CHDLs at cessation of lactation had significantly lower DCT, compared with other cows. All 3 logistic regression models predicted the incidence of CHDLs in the subsequent lactation with good accuracy; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.76, 0.76, and 0.77 for the first, second, and third logistic regression models, respectively. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—Evaluat...
Hypothyroidism and phenytoin.

Excerpt To the editor: The recent report of Kushnir and associates (1), which describes the case of a patient who developed hypothyroidism during phenytoin intoxication, is of interest and should a...
Mechanisms of avian population decline and species loss in tropical forest fragments

Even large fragments of tropical forest lose bird species over time. The speed of disappearance and permanence of these losses depend on a variety of factors, but the pattern of species loss appears more universal. We still do not understand the degree to which different mechanisms lead to population declines and local extinction in fragmented tropical landscapes. We review data currently available to evaluate three of the leading hypotheses, which include altered community dynamics producing mesopredator release and indirect effects of elevated herbivore populations; sensitivity of forest birds to altered microclimatic conditions in fragments, and the constraint of poor dispersal ability that reduces connectivity in fragmented landscapes. We find that all three mechanisms require additional study and suggest steps to be taken in future studies.
Thin films of block copolymer blends for enhanced performance of acoustic wave-based chemical sensors.

The performance of quartz crystal oscillator-based volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors has been enhanced by using coatings made from poly(styrene-block-ethylene-co-butylene-block-styrene) block copolymers blended with resins and homopolymers. Enhanced performance is characterized by a wider operational temperature range (−10 to +50 °C) over which the sensors displayed, concurrently, an analyte sensitivity of >0.2 Hz/ppm toluene, minimal energy loss (resistance <120 Ω), and response times of <20 min (time required to reach 90% of full response). Atomic force microscopy images are consistent with a process in which the additive associates with the polystyrene portions of the microphase-separated block copolymer. This association reinforces the rigidity of the polystyrene network while allowing the rapid uptake of VOCs by the softer polyethylene/butylene phase.
Reproductive longevity and fecundity associated with nonannual spawning in cui-ui

Abstract The cui-ui Chasmistes cujus, a long-lived (40 years or more) and highly fecund catostomid, is often prevented from spawning in drought years. We studied the effect of cui-ui age on egg viability and the effect of nonannual spawning on fecundity in relation to length, age, and growth rate. Egg hatching and survival of swim-up larvae were examined for the offspring of first-time spawners, intermediate-aged females, and old females. Fecundity was tested for three growth categories (fast, intermediate, and slow) in years that were sufficiently wet to allow fish to spawn in the Truckee River and after dry years when fish did not spawn because of river inaccessibility. Females in the fast-growth category were first-time spawners, those in the middle-growth category were young to middle aged, and those in the slow-growth category were middle aged to old. Females up to 44 years of age still had viable eggs and a reproductive life of at least 29 years. Fecundity was greater after no-spawn years (dry year)...
Direct power-frequency electric field effects on mammalian endocrine tissue

A number of studies have investigated the in vivo biological effects of power-frequency electric fields (EF). Direct effects of EF on mammalian tissues, however, have rarely been reported. We now report that a 60-Hz EF can directly enhance the steridogenic response of superfused rat adrenocortical tissue. The EF did not influence basal steroidogenic activity, however the corticosterone response to 10 mU of ACTH was almost doubled by an unperturbed 1000 kV/m EF during the initial 2 hr of exposure and was enhanced fourfold by 5.5 to 7 hr of exposure with a 10 kV/m EF. Other EF intensities (e.g., 5 and 100 kV/m) were without effect at these times. Turning the 1000 kV/m EF on and off at 30-min intervals did not influence the initial enhanced steroidogenic response but did cause an additional two- to threefold elevation in the response following 5.5–7 hr of exposure. It is not clear what EF exposure parameters or mechanisms were primarily responsible for these bioeffects, but it appears that direct exposure of mammalian endocrine tissue to a 60-Hz EF is capable of significantly influencing important cellular processes.
Plasma fusion code coupling using scalable I/O services and scientific workflows

In order to understand the complex physics of mother nature, physicist often use many approximations to understand one area of physics and then write a simulation to reduce these equations to ones that can be solved on a computer. Different approximations lead to different equations that model different physics, which can often lead to a completely different simulation code. As computers become more powerful, scientists can either write one simulation that models all of the physics or they produce several codes each for different portions of the physics and then 'couple' these codes together. In this paper, we concentrate on the latter, where we look at our code coupling approach for modeling a full device fusion reactor. There are many approaches to code coupling. Our first approach was using Kepler workflows to loosely couple three codes via files (memory-to-disk-to-memory coupling). This paper describes our new approach moving towards using memory-to-memory data exchange to allow for a tighter coupling. Our approach focuses on a method which brings together scientific workflows along with staging I/O methods for code coupling. Staging methods use additional compute nodes to perform additional tasks such as data analysis, visualization, and NxM transfers for code coupling. In order to transparently allow application scientist to switch from memory to memory coupling to memory to disk to memory coupling, we have been developing a framework that can switch between these two I/O methods and then automate other workflow tasks. Our hybrid approach allows application scientist to easily switch between in-memory coupling and file-based coupling on-the-fly, which aids debugging these complex configurations.
Maintenance Levels of Protein and Energy and the Effect of Egg Production Upon Feed Consumption of Laying Hens

Abstract Hy-Line 934 F pullets 28 weeks old were individually caged and fed nine different 120 g. diets containing all combinations of 10, 13 and 16 g. of protein and 200, 250 and 300 kcal. of metabolizable energy in two experiments. The first experiment included normal and ovariectomized pullets under uncontrolled environmental temperature. The second experiment included normal and progesterone injected pullets under controlled environmental temperature. Feed consumption was measured and the protein and energy intakes were calculated. Both experiments ran for 28 weeks. Average production was 0.189, 0.086 and 0.74 eggs per hen per day for the ovariectomized, progesterone injected and normal hens, respectively. Body weight gain was 0.66, 0.69 and 1.14 g. per hen per day for the respective treatments. Feed intake levels were significantly different at each energy level. There was no significant effect of protein upon feed intake. Egg production for normal and “non-laying” hens increased significantly with each increase in dietary protein. Average protein intakes as low as 6.0 g. per day and energy intakes as low as 144 kcal. M.E. in 50 g. of feed (300 kcal. diets with sand and solka-floc removed) were adequate for hens adjusted to zero egg production. Except for the influence of varied dietary energy levels, these estimates compare reasonably well with calculated projections using partition equations derived by Titus (1928) and Brody et al. (1938).
Increased activity of respiratory enzymes from photosynthetically grown Rhodopseudomonas capsulata in response to small amounts of oxygen

Assays were performed on the components of the respiratory chain enzyme complex and the citric acid cycle enzyme α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.4.2) from membrane preparations of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata grown in continuous culture. Cells were grown photoheterotrophically then switched to a chemoheterotrophic growth mode. NADH-and succinate-dependent oxygen uptake activities and cytochrome c oxidase (EC 1.9.3.1) activity were 5–6-fold higher in chemotrophically grown cells. The activities of NADH dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.99.3) and succinate dehydrogenase (EC 1.3.99.1) did not differ greatly between the two growth modes, and it is suggested that in respiratory chain electron flow the cytochrome c oxidase segment catalyses the rate limiting step. In addition, a 5-fold increase in α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activity was observed after the transition from a phototrophic to chemotrophic growth mode. Oxidase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activities increased 3–4-fold in phototrophically growing cultures exposed to a low partial pressure of oxygen (50 Pa; 1 atmosphere = 1.013×105 Pa). The data suggest that this small amount of oxygen exerts a significant effect on aerobic bioenergetic enzymes, even during phototrophic growth of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata.
The Role of Interplanetary Scattering in Western Hemisphere Large Solar Energetic Particle Events

Using high-sensitivity instruments on the ACE spacecraft, we have examined the intensities of O and Fe in 14 large solar energetic particle events whose parent activity was in the solar western hemisphere. Sampling the intensities at low (~273 keV nucleon to the -1) and high (~12 MeV nucleon to the -1) energies, we find that at the same kinetic energy per nucleon, the Fe/O ratio decreases with time, as has been reported previously. This behavior is seen in more than 70% of the cases during the rise to maximum intensity and continues in most cases into the decay phase. We find that for most events if we compare the Fe intensity with the O intensity at a higher kinetic energy per nucleon, the two time-intensity profiles are strikingly similar. Examining alternate scenarios that could produce this behavior, we conclude that for events showing this behavior the most likely explanation is that the Fe and O share similar injection profiles near the Sun, and that scattering in the interplanetary medium dominates the profiles observed at 1 AU.
Simultaneous Multisection Pulmonary Angiography: An Experimental and Clinical Study

This is a preliminary experimental and clinical evaluation of simultaneous multisection laminography during pulmonary angiography employing a book cassette. In cases of emboli involving the hilar vessels and in instances of emboli involving the small pulmonary arteries, accurate assessment of intraluminal obstruction and vascular deformity may be difficult in conventional serial angiographic studies, because of superimposition of confusing air and vascular shadows. To define these vessels more accurately, the conventional pulmonary angiogram is followed by a second injection in which the suspected area is examined by films obtained with a laminographic book cassette. Timing of the injection is determined by the study of the preliminary serial studies. Illustrations of the technic in experimental animals and in clinical instances are presented. The advantages in the evaluation of opacified vessels in multiple planes outweighs the liability of the reduced definition of multisection laminography and affords a more accurate delineation of the vascular structures.
Academic Assessment of Children and Youth with Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorders-Not Otherwise Specified, and High-Functioning Autism:

As many children and youth with Asperger Syndrome (AS) are placed in general education settings, assessing their academic skills has become a necessary component in providing educational services. Despite the increasing prevalence of this disability, no systematic academic assessment methods have been found that provide a comprehensive understanding of the academic strengths and concerns of individuals with AS. This article introduces some approaches that educational practitioners can use, while emphasizing the need for a comprehensive assessment system involving both formal and informal assessment methods as a part of educational interventions.
The Use of Oxytocin in Personality Disorders: Rationale and Current Status

Impaired interpersonal functioning is a core feature of borderline, schizotypal, and avoidant personality disorders characterized by abnormal social information processing; however, pharmacologic treatments targeting social cognition are currently lacking. Oxytocin is a novel treatment for social cognitive abnormalities that has yielded promising preliminary results in the autism spectrum, social anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Here, we describe the main components of social cognition and review the biology of the oxytocinergic system and the hypothesized models and mechanisms through which exogenous oxytocin modulates social cognition. We then review the studies on the effect of oxytocin administration on social cognition and their application to the treatment of personality disorders. We also review the preliminary evidence supporting the use of oxytocin as an adjunct to non-pharmacologic interventions. Finally, we describe the main challenges that need to be addressed to be able to use oxytocin effectively in clinical populations.
The effect of sewage effluent on the population density and size of the clam Parvilucina tenuisculpta

Abstract Changes in the population density and size of the clam Parvilucina tenuisculpta were related to municipal waste effluent (in particular, organic nitrogen concentration) off the coast of Palos Verdes, California. Average clam size increased as sediment organic nitrogen concentration increased, but population density increased until organic nitrogen concentration reached a critical level when population density decreased dramatically. These effects were explained in terms of increased available nutrition (in the form of sediment organic nitrogen pollutants) enhancing both population and individual size growth. However, when a critical concentration of organic decomposition products was reached, population density decreased due to the toxicity of the released compounds. It is suggested that Parvilucina tenuisculpta would make a good bioindicator of organic enrichment pollution.
Influence of constant and changing temperatures on locomotor activity of adult western corn rootworms (Diabrotica virgifera) in the laboratory.

An actograph was used to determine diel locomotor periodicity and influence of constant and changing temperatures on adult western corn rootworm ( Diabrotica virgifera LeConte) locomotor activity in the laboratory. Diel periodic fluctuations in activity occurred with reduced activity from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and a high level of activity from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Maximum activity for males and females occurred at 23°–25° and 25°–27°C, respectively, with negligible activity for both sexes at 10° and 40°C. Males were generally more active than females, especially in the maximum activity temperature range. Female activity exceeded male activity at high temperature ranges. Decreasing temperature conditions increased activity levels over constant-temperature comparisons at low temperatures for both male and female beetles.
How the clock sees the light.

A new study in Nature finds that the retinal pathway transducing lighting information to the circadian clock is anatomically wholly independent of the visual pathways.
Evaluating the Quality of the Residential Environment

This paper attempts to measure systematically the extent of blight in a single metropolitan area. Using a sample of individual dwelling units, the paper first describes a method of quantifying some previously neglected aspects of residential quality and demonstrates that they are highly valued by urban households. Secondly, it illustrates the feasibility of generalizing these quality measurements of sample dwellings to all city blocks using widely available explanatory variables. The analysis finds strong inferential evidence of an important, but elusive, relationship among the level of public services provided to particular dwelling units (police protection and schools), measures of residential quality, and the market's valuation of these units. The models described in this paper relate to an important range of urban renewal questions. For example, they can be used to obtain lower bound estimates of the potential benefits of urban renewal programs.
Detecting deception in the brain: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy study of neural correlates of intentional deception

Little is known about the neurological underpinnings of deliberate deception. Recent advances in the detection of deception have examined brain responses during experimental deception protocols. A consensus has begun to emerge across the handful of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies that have examined deception implicating areas of the dorsolateral and inferior prefrontal cortex as active during deliberate deception. The purpose of the current study was to determine the utility of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIR), a neuroimaging technique that allows reasonable ecological utility, for the detection of deception. Using a modified version of the Guilty Knowledge Task, participants attempted to conceal the identity of a playing card they were holding while dorsolateral and inferior frontal cortices were monitored with fNIR. The results revealed increased activation in bilateral inferior frontal gyri (BA 47/45) and middle frontal gyri (BA 46/10) when participants were lying. The results provide evidence that inferior and middle prefrontal cortical areas are associated at least some forms of deliberate deception. fNIR has the potential to provide a field-deployable brain-based method for the detection of deception.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
How not to derive ‘ought’ from ‘is’

Two of the steps in Mr Searle’s derivation1 are from: (3) Jones placed himself under (undertook) an obligation to pay Smith five dollars, to: (4) Jones is under an obligation to pay Smith five dollars, and from that to: (5) Jones ought to pay Smith five dollars.
S4 mutations alter gating currents of Shaker K channels

Activation of voltage-dependent channels involves charge-moving conformational changes of the voltage sensor that can be detected as gating currents. In Shaker K channels, the S4 sequence comprises at least part of the voltage sensor. We have measured gating currents in three S4 mutants: R368Q, R377K, and R371Q. R368Q enhances the separation of two components of charge movement and greatly reduces the valence of one component. R377K partially uncouples charge movement from channel opening. In contrast, the gating currents of R371Q resemble those of the control. Two other S4 mutations, R377Q and K374Q, make proteins that are not properly processed and transported to the cell surface and thereby eliminate the gating current. To explain the effects of R368Q, we hypothesize that R368 is part of a salt bridge that is broken early in activation. Subsequently, the S4 segment undergoes a conformational change, and, after a final, relatively voltage-independent step, the channel opens.
Simplified design method for litz wire

A simplified approach to choosing number and diameter of strands in litz wire is presented. Compared to previous analyses, the method is easier to use. The parameters needed are only the skin depth at the frequency of operation, the number of turns, the breadth of the core window, and a constant from a table provided in the paper. In addition, guidance is provided on litz wire construction - how many strands or sub-bundles to combine at each twisting operation. The maximum number of strands to combine in the first twisting operation is given by a simple formula requiring only the skin depth and strand diameter. Different constructions are compared experimentally.
Proposed Hydrogeomorphic Classification for Wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic Region, USA

We propose a regional classification for wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic region, USA. It combines functional characteristics recognized by the hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach with the established classification of the National Wetland Inventory (NWI). The HGM approach supplements the NWI classification by recognizing the importance of geomorphic setting, water sources, and flow dynamics that are key to functioning wetlands. Both NWI and HGM share at their highest levels the Marine, Estuarine, and Lacustrine classes. This classification departs from the NWI system by subdividing the Palustrine system into HGM classes of Slope, Depression, and Flat. Further, the Riverine class expands to include associated Palustrine wetlands, thus recognizing the interdependency between channel and floodplain. Deepwater habitats of NWI are not included because they differ functionally. Mid-Atlantic regional subclasses recognize two subclasses each for Flat, Slope, and Marine Tidal Fringe; three subclasses for Depression; four subclasses for Lacustrine Fringe and Estuarine Tidal Fringe, and five subclasses for Riverine. Taking a similar approach in other geographic regions will better characterize wetlands for assessment and restoration. This approach was applied successfully during a regional wetlands condition assessment. We encourage additional testing by others to confirm its utility in the region.
Novel strategies for the treatment of sepsis

The history of therapeutic interventions in clinical trials for sepsis has been referred to as the "graveyard for pharmaceutical companies." That is now set to change, as research provides hope for new approaches that will be therapeutically effective in humans with sepsis.
Effects of an electric field on the photodetachment of H

Abstract A detailed comparison is made of the theoretical photodetachment cross sections of H - in an electric field. It is found that, in contrast to the oscillatory structure of the cross section for photons polarized parallel to the applied field, the cross section for photons polarized perpendicular to the applied field is close to the smooth zero-field cross section. However, due to quantum tunneling, the threshold law is modified. A physical picture similar to that developed for atoms in a magnetic field explains the strong polarization dependence satisfactorily.
Modification of the mass momentum energy relation due to nonlocal discrete time quantum effects

By taking the square root of the usual energy mass momentum relation and replacing the time derivative by a discrete time difference in the energy operator, we calculate the corrections to the relationE= = √p2c2+m2c4 due to discrete-time effects for a free particle.
Protein profile of aging and its retardation by caloric restriction in neural retina

Aging is a slow, gradual deterioration process of an organism. The only experimental intervention, which can reliably retard aging and age-related degenerative diseases, is dietary caloric restriction (CR). To gain insight into the mechanism of CR intervention, we have investigated the protein profile of aging and its retardation by CR in the neural retina of Brown Norway (BN) rats using the comprehensive proteomic approach. We found that the intensities of 18 proteins decreased significantly with age. CR intervention can completely prevent seven of them, and partially protect eight of them, from such age-related declines. The major protein targets protected by CR intervention appear to be glycolytic enzymes and molecular chaperones. These data are the first to suggest that CR may retard the age-related degeneration of retina by maintaining sufficient glucose metabolism, by ensuring proper protein folding, and/or by preventing protein denaturation in the neural retina.
Temperature and Pressure Measurements in a Hot Cascade With Film Cooled Endwalls and Airfoils

Measurements of endwall and vane cooling effectiveness are reported in a pressurized hot cascade consisting of a natural-gas-fired combustor and film-cooled guide-vanes and endwall. The experiments are performed for operating conditions that are more realistic than typical low-speed cascade studies. Measurements are reported for a maximum pressure ratio (Po,∞ /Ps ) of 2, combustor exit temperature of 750 °F (399 °C), blowing ratios in the range of 1–2, and coolant to freestream density ratio (DR) of around 2. Results reported include pressure ratios, surface temperature ratios and cooling effectiveness along the endwall and airfoil surfaces. Cooling effectiveness (non-dimensional surface temperature) values in the range of 0.2–0.3 are generally observed along the endwall with poorer coverage in the vicinity of the suction surface.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Incorporation of Two Oxygens from 18O2 in the Epoxyquinone from the Dihydroxyacetanilide Epoxidase Reaction: Evidence for a Dioxygenase Mechanism

Dihydroxyacetanilide, 4, is oxidized to the 5R,6S-epoxyquinone, 3, by dihydroxyacetanilide epoxidase-I (DHAE I) from Streptomyces LL-C10037, without the assistance of an organic cofactor. 13C NMR analysis revealed that in the presence of 18O2 a full equivalent of 18O is incorporated at the epoxide. However, control reactions revealed the rapid exchange of the C-4 carbonyl with H218O. By coupling the DHAE I reaction with 2-acetamido-5,6-epoxy-1,4-benzoquinone oxidoreductase (AEBQOR I) from the same organism, NADP, and an NADPH regeneration system based on glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the epoxyquinol LL-C10037α, 1, was produced with ∼20% incorporation of a second 18O atom at the C-4 alcohol. Therefore, DHAE I is a dioxygenase with an epoxidation mechanism essentially the same as has been observed for the dihydrovitamin K epoxidation occurring during the mammalian vitamin K-dependent glutamate carboxylase reaction.
Punt and schnurri regulate a somatically derived signal that restricts proliferation of committed progenitors in the germline

To identify regulators of stem cell lineages, we are focusing on spermatogenesis in Drosophila. In spermatogenesis, each germline stem cell divides asymmetrically, renewing itself and producing a transiently amplifying daughter, which divides four times. By screening for mutants in which daughter cells fail to stop dividing, we find that the TGF-beta signal transducers schnurri and punt are required to limit transient amplification of germ cells. Mosaic analysis demonstrates that punt and schnurri act within somatic cyst cells that surround germ cells, rather than in germ cells. Thus, a cyst-cell-derived signal restricts germ cell proliferation and this signal is initiated by input from a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. Thus, a signal relay regulates progression through the germline stem cell lineage.
Realization of 3D Isotropic Negative Index Materials using Massively Parallel and Manufacturable Microfabrication and Micromachining Technology

In this paper, we present a method to realize a three dimensional (3D) homogeneous and isotropic negative index materials (3D-NIMs) fabricated using a low cost and massively parallel manufacturable microfabrication and microassembly technique. The construction of self-assembled 3D-NIM array was realized through two dimensional (2-D) planar microfabrication techniques exploiting the as-deposited residual stress imbalance between a bi-layer consisting of e-beam evaporated metal (650nm of chromium) and a structural layer of 500nm of low stress silicon nitride deposited by LPCVD on a silicon substrate. A periodic continuation of a single rectangular unit cell consisting of split-ring resonators (SRR) and wires were fabricated to generate a 3D assembly by orienting them along all three Cartesian axes. The thin chromium and silicon nitride bi-layer is formed as hinges. The strain mismatch between the two layers curls the structural layer (flap) containing the SRR upwards. The self-assembled out-of-plane angular position depends on the thickness and material composing the bi-layer. This built-in stress-actuated assembly method is suitable for applications requiring a thin dielectric layer for the SRR. The split-ring resonators and other structures are created on the membrane which is then assembled into the 3-D configuration.
Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Psychosocial Correlates of Adolescent Life Satisfaction Reports

The internal consistency, one-year stability, and cross-sectional and longitudinal correlates of a global life satisfaction measure, the Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS: Huebner, 1991a), were investigated. The SLSS and Behavior Assessment System for Children-Self-Report-Adolescent Form (BASC: Reynolds & Kamphaus, 1992) were both administered to a sample of high school students on two occasions separated by one year. Alpha coefficients indicated adequate internal consistency for research purposes. The one-year test-retest coefficient suggested moderate stability of adolescent reports. Cross-sectional and longitudinal patterns of correlations between the SLSS and BASC Adaptive and Clinical measures were consistent with expectations for the most part and suggested that SLSS scores have meaningful relations with important mental health variables. It was concluded that greater attention should be devoted to the study of life satisfaction in children and youth.