cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative trajectories for multi-angular earth observation using science performance optimization

Distributed Space Missions (DSMs) are gaining momentum in their application to earth science missions owing to their unique ability to increase observation sampling in spatial, spectral and temporal dimensions simultaneously. This paper identifies a gap in the angular sampling abilities of traditional monolithic spacecraft and proposes to address it using small satellite clusters in formation flight. The science performance metric for the angular dimension is explored using the Bidirectional Reflectance-distribution Function (BRDF), which describes the directional variation of reflectance of a surface element. Previous studies have proposed the use of clusters of nanosatellites in formation flight, each with a VNIR imaging spectrometer, to make multi-spectral reflectance measurements of a ground target, at different zenith and azimuthal angles simultaneously. In this paper, a tradespace of formation flight geometries will be explored in order to optimize or maximize angular spread and minimize BRDF estimation errors. The simulated formation flight solutions are applied to the following case studies: Snow albedo estimation in the Arctic and vegetation in the African savannas. Results will be compared to real data from previous airborne missions (NASA's ARCTAS Campaign in 2008 and SAFARI Campaign in 2000).
Cooperative verification for sea-based cruise missiles

The problem of verifying sea-launched cruise missiles, which has the potential to undermine current intentions of the US and USSR to reduce their strategic arsenals by half, is examined. A cooperative approach could be based on a simple satellite monitoring system, which would have modest hardware problems. Verification requirements has tasks are discussed in the context of such an approach, and the problems that remain are highlighted. >
Silicon bulk micromachined vibratory gyroscope for microspacecraft

This paper reports on the design, modeling, fabrication, and characterization of a novel silicon bulk micromachined vibratory rate gyroscope and a 3-axes rotation sensing system using this new type of microgyroscopes designed for microspacecraft applications. The new microgyroscope consists of a silicon four leaf clover structure with a post attached to the center. The whole structure is suspended by four thin silicon cantilevers. This device is electrostatically actuated and detects Coriolis induced motions of the leaves capacitively. A prototype of this microgyroscope has a rotation responsivity (scale factor) of 10.4 mV/deg/sec with scale factor nonlinearity of less than 1%, and a minimum detectable noise equivalent rotation rate of 90 deg/hr, at an integration time of 1 second. The bias stability of this microgyroscope is better than 29 deg/hr. The performance of this microgyroscope is limited by the electronic circuit noise and drift. Planned improvements in the fabrication and assembly of the microgyroscope will allow the use of Q-factor amplification to increase the sensitivity of the device by at least two to three orders of magnitude. This new vibratory microgyroscope offers potential advantages of almost unlimited operational life, high performance, extremely compact size, low power operation, and low cost for inertial navigation and altitude control.
Off-site monitoring systems for predicting bank underperformance: a comparison of neural networks, discriminant analysis, and professional human judgment

This study compares the ability of discriminant analysis, neural networks, and professional human judgment methodologies in predicting commercial bank underperformance. Experience from the banking crisis of the 1980s and early 1990s suggest that improved prediction models are needed for helping prevent bank failures and promoting economic stability. Our research seeks to address this issue by exploring new prediction model techniques and comparing them to existing approaches. When comparing the predictive ability of all three models, the neural network model shows slightly better predictive ability than that of the regulators. Both the neural network model and regulators significantly outperform the benchmark discriminant analysis model's accuracy. These findings suggest that neural networks show promise as an off-site surveillance methodology. Factoring in the relative costs of the different types of misclassifications from each model also indicates that neural network models are better predictors, particularly when weighting Type I errors more heavily. Further research with neural networks in this field should yield workable models that greatly enhance the ability of regulators and bankers to identify and address weaknesses in banks before they approach failure. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensorless Control of SMA Using Seebeck Voltage

Active research of SMA has presented the measurement of thermoelectric properties as a useful and a potential tool in the study of phase transformations. The Seebeck coefficient is sensitive to the martensitic transformation behavior of SMA and can potentially be used to determine the state of Martensitic transformation of a SMA. The combination of Shape Memory Alloy having a positive Seebeck coefficient and Constantan with a negative Seebeck coefficient (−35 μV/K) is a suitable thermocouple pair to measure temperature. This relation along with the displacement characteristic provides a feasible method to determine the state of SMA at any point during Martensitic phase transformation. Future work aims at utilizing the thermoelectric relation of the SMA-Constantan thermocouple as a feedback variable in replacing external sensor.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Serum Cytosolic β-Glucosidase Activity in a Rat Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

The diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is made from a combination of clinical and radiographic findings. There are no useful screening biochemical markers of intestinal injury. The serum concentration of cytosolic beta-glucosidase (CBG), an enzyme found primarily in enterocytes, is markedly elevated in animal models of ischemia and bowel obstruction. We hypothesized that in a rat model of NEC, serum CBG activity would significantly increase before microscopic evidence of severe intestinal injury. Cohorts of 2-wk-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 10/cohort) were anesthetized and underwent laparotomy with occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Platelet-activating factor (200 microg/animal) was injected in the proximal duodenum. Serum and intestinal samples were obtained at time 0 (control) and 30, 60, and 90 min of ischemia (I) and after 90 min of I followed by 60 min of reperfusion (I/R). Histopathologic injury was categorized as either no or minimal injury or mural necrosis by two masked investigators and CBG activity was measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test and ANOVA. Only the I/R group had significantly greater mural necrosis compared with the control group (90% versus 0%, respectively, p < 0.001). In contrast, CBG activity was significantly elevated after only 90 min of I and after I/R (15.1 +/- 5.6 and 16.4 +/- 4.3 units/mL, respectively, p < 0.05). We conclude that serum CBG is elevated before transmural intestinal injury in this model and may have utility as an early marker of ischemia in patients at risk for NEC.
Complete protection against melanoma in absence of autoimmune depigmentation after rejection of melanoma cells expressing α(1,3)galactosyl epitopes

The major barrier for xenotransplantation in humans is the presence of alpha(1-3) Galactosyl epitopes (alphaGal) in xenogeneic tissue and the vast quantities of natural antibodies (Ab) produced by humans against this epitope. The binding of anti-alphaGal Ab to cells expressing alphaGal triggers a complement-mediated hyperacute rejection of target cells. The hyperacute rejection of whole cancer cells, modified to express alphaGal epitopes, could be exploited as a new cancer vaccine to treat human cancers. We tested this hypothesis in alphaGalactosyltransferase knockout (alphaGT KO) mice which, like humans, do not express alphaGal on their cell surfaces and can produce anti-alphaGal Ab. Forty-five percent of mice with preexisting anti-alphaGal Ab rejected alphaGal positive melanoma cells (B16alphaGal). These mice remained tumor-free for more than 90 days. The majority of control mice injected with B16Null, alphaGal negative cells succumbed to melanoma. The rejection of B16alphaGal induced strong long-lasting antitumor immunity against B16Null measured by the expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. In addition, mice rejecting B16alphaGal were protected against melanoma since they survived a second rechallenge with B16Null. Protected mice developed antitumor immunity in the absence of autoimmune depigmentation (vitiligo). These results show that rejection of alphaGal positive melanoma cells can efficiently boost the immune response to other tumor associated antigens present in alphaGal negative melanoma cells. This study supports the concept of a novel anticancer vaccine to treat human malignancies.
Variation of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer birefringence in normal human subjects.

PURPOSE. The retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) exhibits linear birefringence due to the oriented cylindrical structure of ganglion cell axons. The birefringence (n) depends on the density and composition of axonal organelles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of birefringence around the optic nerve head (ONH) in normal subjects. METHODS. Birefringence was calculated along circular scan paths around the ONH as n R/T, where R is RNFL retardance measured by scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) and T is RNFL thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT scans on a 3.4 mm diameter circle were obtained from 26 normal subjects aged 18 to 53 years. Scans on circles with various diameters were obtained from 17 of these subjects. RESULTS. The average reproducibility of n measured on three separate days in four subjects was 0.05 nm/m. In most subjects n varied significantly along a circular path around the ONH, with maxima in superior and inferior bundles, minima temporally and nasally, and a mean of 0.32 0.03 nm/m. n profiles on circles of different diameter were similar, suggesting that n did not vary along nerve fiber bundles. CONCLUSIONS. RNFL birefringence varies with position around the ONH. This variation may result from known structural differences among nerve fiber bundles that serve different retinal regions. Constant n along bundles is consistent with this hypothesis. Measurements of RNFL birefringence may provide a means to detect early subcellular changes in glaucoma. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2004;45:3073‐3080) DOI: 10.1167/iovs.04-0110
Folding-based electrochemical DNA sensor fabricated by “click” chemistry

Here we report a folding-based electrochemical DNA (E-DNA) sensor fabricated by Sharpless “click” chemistry; the “click” chemistry-based E-DNA sensor compares favorably to a sensor fabricated via the conventional “two-step approach”.
Outcomes after radiocarpal dislocation: a retrospective review

Background Radiocarpal dislocations are rare, high-energy injuries. High morbidity and poor functional outcomes are common. Currently, there is limited data on functional outcomes following treatment of this injury.
Long-term immigration to the United States: new approaches to measurement.

The United Nations has recommended the measurement of types of international migration using demographic criteria including length of stay and purpose of travel. Information systems at the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) have the potential to provide a basis for documenting these demographic characteristics in particular length of stay of temporary migrants to the United States. This article analyzes these characteristics of selected categories of nonimmigrant aliens. The results of the analysis are used to produce series of estimates of alien immigration that conform more closely to the U.N. recommended definitions and better represent demographic concepts of long-term immigration. A strategy for measuring emigration of aliens from the United States using INS information systems is also described. (EXCERPT)
Systematic Overuse of Healthcare Services: A Conceptual Model

A perfect storm of factors influences the overuse of healthcare services in the USA. Considerable attention has been placed on geographic variation in utilization; however, empiric data has shown that geographic variation in utilization is not associated with overuse. While there has been renewed interest in overuse in recent years, much of the focus has been on the overuse of individual procedures. In this paper we argue that overuse should be thought of as a widespread and pervasive phenomenon that we coin as systematic overuse. While not directly observable (i.e., a latent phenomenon), we suggest that systematic overuse could be identified by tracking a portfolio of overused procedures. Such a portfolio would reflect systematic overuse if it is associated with higher healthcare costs and no health benefit (including worse health outcomes) across a healthcare system. In this report we define and conceptualize systematic overuse and illustrate how it can be identified and validated via a simple empirical example using several Choosing Wisely indicators. The concept of systematic overuse requires further development and empirical verification, and this paper provides an important first step, a conceptual framework, to that end.
Conformationally and Configurationally Stabilized Benzaldoxime

The unusual behavior of syn-o-trifluoromethylbenzal-doxime is noted. The data collected are consistent with the interpretation that an interaction occurs between the electron pair on the oxime nitrogen and the o-trifluoromethyl group.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of 5-Acyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyrroles and Related Heterocycles via Intramolecular 2-Propylidene-1,3-bis(silane)−Acylnitrilium Ion Cyclizations†

2-Propylidene-1,3-bis(silane)s have been shown to be highly effective terminators in heteroannulations initiated by C-acylnitrilium ions. These cyclizations proceed under exceedingly mild reaction conditions with good to excellent levels of substrate-derived stereocontrol to provide the corresponding Δ1-pyrrolines possessing a functionalizable allylsilane moiety. Sequential reduction/N-tosylation of these products leads to the stereoselective formation of cis-pyrrolidine derivatives.
Growth differences in subgroups of varying longevities in a laboratory population of the male annual cyprinodont fish, Nothobranchius guentheri (Peters)

Summary Growth was studied in the sexually mature, male annual cyprinodont fish, Nothobranchius guentheri. Beginning at 8 months of age, each fish was isolated and its weight and length followed throughout the lifespan. Short-lived fish were initially longer, and ceased growing sooner than their long-lived counterparts. When the population was divided into early-and late-maturing fish, growth kinetics between the 2 subpopulations were also different. In all the subpopulations there was a positive correlation of growth cessation and length of life. The appearance of subpopulations of differing growth histories and longevities may provide model systems for studying aspects of the aging process.
Connector-induced offsets in optical fiber powermeters

We discuss issues related to calibration of optical fiber powermeters. The power readings may vary when using various types of fiber connectors, or even the same type of connectors made by different vendors. We study the connector effects by calibrating four types of optical fiber powermeters using six different fiber connectors from four vendors at three wavelengths. We found variations of as much as 12% due to the different reflection properties of the detector windows, connectors, and detectors. We also compared connector measurement results with the data obtained by using open beams.
Inhibition of the serum-dependent, amiloride-sensitive sodium transport pathway in human fibroblasts by extracellular divalent cations.

Sodium influx in serum-deprived human fibroblasts in a nominally Ca-free, Mg-free medium is significantly higher (17.8 ± 1.9 μmole/g prot/min) than that measured in a medium containing 1.8 mM Ca and 1 mM Mg (10.9 ± 0.7 μmole/g prot/min), and is stimulated dramatically (44.1 ± 6.1 μmole/g prot/min) by the addition of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), suggesting that an enhanced influx of Ca ions is not a necessary condition for serum activation of the amiloride-sensitive Na influx pathway. The addition of 2 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to serum-deprived cells in a low Ca, low Mg medium also results in a dramatic stimulation of Na influx (40.4 ± 3.7 μmole/g prot/min), while the addition of EDTA to cells assayed in a low Ca, low Mg medium in the presence of FBS has no significant effect on Na influx (45.3 ± 4.1 μmole/g prot/min). Thus, the stimulatory effects of FBS and EDTA are not additive. Kinetic analysis in the presence of varying amiloride concentrations indicate that the EDTA-stimulated Na influx occurs via the amiloride-sensitive Na pathway. The activation of Na influx in cells rinsed free of Ca and Mg Can be readily reversed by the addition of Ca or Mg to the assay medium. The Ca concentration required to give 50% inhibition of Na influx is 52 ± 7.6 μM (n = 3) for cells assayed in serum-free medium and 272 ± 29 μM (n = 3) for cells assayed in the presence of 10% FBS. At physiological Ca concentrations (1.8 mM) the Na influx is maximally inhibited by Ca both in the presence and absence of serum. Since Na influx in 1.8 mM Ca medium is 2.5-fold higher in the presence of serum than in its absence, these data suggest that the serum-induced change in the K, for Ca modulation of the amiloride-sensitive Na transport pathway is not sufficient to explain the serum stimulation of Na influx in human fibroblats.
Short-term learning in conformational analysis

A method for learning short-term rules of conformational analysis is introduced. The technique works by discovering problems during the building of a conformation in Cartesian coordinate space, and builds an abstract critic suitable for reasoning in abstract symbolic space. The methods not only afford speed increases ranging from 1.0- to 2.3-fold in WIZARD (analysis completed in 100% to 43% of original run time), but can be modified to provide similar increases in other programs that use "template joining" and distance geometry. These methods also provide the basis for a long-term learning project.
Genetic control of reproductive cell differentiation in Volvox

It is 100 years since August Weismann (1889) first suggested that Volvox might be the ideal organism in which to study the differentiation of germ and soma. But it was not until Richard Starr described the life history of V. carteri forma nagariensis (Fig. 1) exactly 80 years later (Starr, 1969) that material suitable for genetic analysis of germ-soma differentiation in Volvox became available to biologists1. Within a year of his description of normal development in this organism, Starr demonstrated its developmental-genetic potential by describing a number of Mendelian mutations that caused modified patterns of reproductive and/or somatic cell development (Starr, 1970). Huskey and his associates made substantial advances in the isolation and study of such mutants (e.g., Sessoms and Huskey, 1973; Huskey and Griffin, 1979, Callahan and Huskey, 1980), and succeeded in placing them on a preliminary map of the Volvox genome (Huskey et al, 1979). Currently, we are attempting to extend the pioneering studies of Starr and Huskey by saturating the genome with mutations that cause a breakdown of the germ-soma dichotomy, in hopes of eventually defining all of the major loci whose actions are required to establish the complete division of labor between somatic and reproductive cells that characterizes this species.
Through the substrate, backside thermal measurements on active semiconductor devices using near IR thermoreflectance

Topside, thermal imaging on micro-devices using visible wavelength thermoreflectance has previously been demonstrated with sub-micron spatial and 100 mK temperature resolution. Now, by using a laser with a wavelength that is transparent to the substrate, the temperature of active semiconductor devices can be measured from the backside, through the substrate, using the same thermoreflectance technique. Point measurements on Si/SiGe based thin film micro-coolers grown on silicon substrates are performed using a 1310 nm laser. Temperature resolution better than 100mK has been achieved through a 200 /spl mu/m substrate. Preliminary thermal images are also presented.
Interhemispheric Acute Subdural Hematoma: A Computed Tomographic Manifestation of Child Abuse by Shaking

Parieto-occipital interhemispheric acute subdural hematomas (IASH) were found in 17 (61%) of 28 abused children examined by computed tomography, presenting with neurologic symptoms. CT demonstration of IASH correlated with injury due to severe shaking, the presence of retinal hemorrhages, and the absence of the stigmata of battering. Subsequent computed tomographic examination in these patients demonstrated infarction in 50%, and cerebral atrophy in 100%.
Perceived Causes of Physical Assault in Heterosexual Dating Relationships

Two studies investigated college students' perceptions of causes of violence in heterosexual dating relationships. Study 1 examined 107 participants' written causal explanations for dating violence. The second study focused on 70 students' ratings of cause in 15 scenarios ending with the man hitting the woman. Relationship and communication problems were primary causes when dating violence was presented in a concrete situation, whereas power and gender socialization were primary causes when presented as a social problem. Participants acknowledge power as an important cause, which suggests feminist structural frameworks in which relationship violence is embedded may lead to more effective prevention education.
Substance use associated with short sleep duration in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Study Objectives To examine the association between substance use and short sleep duration in individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, depressive type (SADD). Design Cross-sectional, retrospective study. Setting Urban, suburban, and rural centers across the United States. Participants 2,462 consented, adult individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, depressive type (SADD). Participants included inpatients in acute or chronic care settings as well as outpatients and residents in community dwellings. Measurements Substance use was assessed with 10 questions adopted from well-validated measures (e.g., CAGE questionnaire) for alcohol, marijuana, and illicit drugs. Short sleep duration was defined as <6 hr of self-reported sleep per night. Results Close to 100% of our sample used nicotine while 83% used substances other than nicotine. More importantly, there was a significant association between substance use and short sleep duration. Interestingly, this association was strongest among African–Americans with schizophrenia or SADD. Conclusions Because psychiatric medications often target chemical receptors involved with both sleep and substance use, understanding the association between short sleep duration and substance use in individuals with schizophrenia and SADD is important. Given that the majority of premature deaths in individuals with psychotic illness are due to medical conditions associated with modifiable risk factors, prospective studies designed to examine the effect of short sleep duration on behaviors like substance use should be undertaken. Finally, analyzing genetic and environmental data in a future study might help illuminate the strong association found between short sleep duration and substance use in African–Americans with schizophrenia and SADD. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Moving beyond a legal‐centric approach to managing workplace romances: organizationally sensible recommendations for HR leaders

The goal of this article is to encourage human resource (HR) leaders to think more strategically about managing workplace romances. The traditional legal-centric management approach focuses on minimizing risks of workplace romances. We advocate embedding the legal-centric approach within a broader and more strategic organizationally sensible approach that provides a balanced focus on minimizing risks and maximizing rewards of workplace romances. Drawing from the empirical workplace romance literature, we derive a set of organizationally sensible best-practice recommendations that HR leaders can adopt to manage risks and rewards of romantic relationships in organizations. Implementing our more strategic recommendations should provide the added benefit of elevating HR professionals' roles as organizational leaders. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A numerical recipe for accurate image reconstruction from discrete orthogonal moments

Recursive procedures used for sequential calculations of polynomial basis coefficients in discrete orthogonal moments produce unreliable results for high moment orders as a result of error accumulation. This paper demonstrates accurate reconstruction of arbitrary-size images using full-order (orders as large as the image size) Tchebichef and Krawtchouk moments by calculating polynomial coefficients directly from their definition formulas in hypergeometric functions and by creating lookup tables of these coefficients off-line. An arbitrary precision calculator is used to achieve greater numerical range and precision than is possible with software using standard 64-bit IEEE floating-point arithmetic. This reconstruction scheme is content and noise independent.
A Novel Tel1/ATM N-Terminal Motif, TAN, Is Essential for Telomere Length Maintenance and a DNA Damage Response

Tel1/ATM, a conserved phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase (PIKK), acts in the response to DNA damage and regulates telomere maintenance. PIKK family members share an extended N-terminal region of low sequence homology. Sequence alignment of the N terminus of Tel1/ATM orthologs revealed a conserved, novel motif we term TAN (for Tel1/ATM N-terminal motif). Point mutations in conserved residues of the TAN motif resulted in telomere shortening, and its deletion caused the same short telomere phenotype as complete deletion of Tel1 did. Overexpressing Tel1 TAN mutants did not rescue telomere shortening. The TAN motif was also essential for the function of Tel1 in the response to DNA damage, as TAN-deleted Tel1 was indistinguishable from the complete lack of Tel1 in causing reduced viability and signaling through Rad53 upon DNA damage. Strikingly, TAN deletion reduced recruitment of Tel1 to a double-strand DNA break. Together, these results define a conserved sequence motif within an otherwise poorly defined region of the Tel1/ATM kinase family proteins that is essential for normal Tel1 function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
A MAJOR GENETIC LOCUS AFFECTING RESISTANCE TO INFECTION WITH MURINE LEUKEMIA VIRUSES I. TISSUE CULTURE STUDIES OF NATURALLY OCCURRING VIRUSES

Previous studies have indicated that all naturally occurring murine leukemia viruses propagate significantly more efficiently on embryo cells of either NIH Swiss or BALB/c mice. Studies of the plaquing efficiency of representative viruses on embryo cells of various inbred and hybrid mice indicate that the pattern of sensitivity of the cells is genetically determined. All of 23 strains tested were found to resemble either NIH Swiss (N-type) or BALB/c (B-type) with respect to plaquing efficiency of these viruses. Virus growth on embryo cells derived from (N-type x B-type)F1 hybrids indicated dominance of resistance to both types of viruses. Backcross hybrid studies indicated that a single locus is the primary determinant of the host-range patterns observed. This locus has no effect on growth of certain laboratory-passaged leukemia viruses which propagate equally well on embryo cells of all mouse strains, F1, and backcross hybrids. Though other genetic and nongenetic factors influence viral growth or expression in vitro and in vivo, the genetic locus described appears of major significance in the biology of murine leukemia.
The influence of humic acids derived from earthworm-processed organic wastes on plant growth.

Some effects of humic acids, formed during the breakdown of organic wastes by earthworms (vermicomposting), on plant growth were evaluated. In the first experiment, humic acids were extracted from pig manure vermicompost using the classic alkali/acid fractionation procedure and mixed with a soilless container medium (Metro-Mix 360), to provide a range of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg of humate per kg of dry weight of container medium, and tomato seedlings were grown in the mixtures. In the second experiment, humates extracted from pig manure and food wastes vermicomposts were mixed with vermiculite to provide a range of 0, 50, 125, 250, 500, 1000, and 4000 mg of humate per kg of dry weight of the container medium, and cucumber seedlings were grown in the mixtures. Both tomato and cucumber seedlings were watered daily with a solution containing all nutrients required to ensure that any differences in growth responses were not nutrient-mediated. The incorporation of both types of vermicompostderived humic acids, into either type of soilless plant growth media, increased the growth of tomato and cucumber plants significantly, in terms of plant heights, leaf areas, shoot and root dry weights. Plant growth increased with increasing concentrations of humic acids incorporated into the medium up to a certain proportion, but this differed according to the plant species, the source of the vermicompost, and the nature of the container medium. Plant growth tended to be increased by treatments of the plants with 50–500 mg/kg humic acids, but often decreased significantly when the concentrations of humic acids derived in the container medium exceeded 500– 1000 mg/kg. These growth responses were most probably due to hormone-like activity of humic acids from the vermicomposts or could have been due to plant growth hormones adsorbed onto the humates. 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The effect of bond strength and loading rate on the conditions governing the attainment of intersonic crack growth along interfaces

Dynamic crack growth along a bimaterial interface under impact shear loading is analyzed numerically. The material on each side of the bond line is characterized by an isotropic hyperelastic constitutive relation. A cohesive surface constitutive relation is also specified that relates the tractions and displacement jumps across the bond line and that allows for the creation of new free surface. The resistance to crack initiation and the crack speed history are predicted without invoking any additional failure criterion. Full finite strain transient analyses are carried out. A plane strain model of the configuration used in experiments of Rosakis and co-workers is analyzed. Calculations are carried out for parameters characterizing a steel-PMMA bimaterial. For a sufficiently low impact velocity, the crack speed increases smoothly to the PMMA Rayleigh wave speed, whereas above a sharply defined transition impact velocity, the crack speed reaches a value somewhat less than the PMMA dilational wave speed. This high speed crack growth is associated with multiple crack face contact, separated by discrete micro-crack like openings behind the main shear crack. The calculations reproduce, at least qualitatively, the type of crack speed histories and crack tip fields seen in the experiments. They are also consistent with optical observations of finite multi-site contact occurring at intersonic crack speeds.
Effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy on coronary heart disease events after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Despite several observational studies, 1–3 no clinical trial has evaluated the effect of hormone therapy on percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) outcomes in matched populations randomized to hormones or placebo. We compared the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) events after PTCA among women who previously had been randomly assigned to hormone therapy and placebo in the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS).  The design, methods, and primary results of HERS have been previously published. 4,5 Briefl y, HERS participants were postmenopausal women aged 80 years with established CHD who had not had a hysterectomy. Inclusion criteria were prior myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), PTCA, or angiographic evidence of a 50% diameter narrowing of 1 major coronary artery. Exclusion criteria were a recent CHD event, New York Heart Association class IV or severe class III congestive heart failure, serum triglyceride levels 300 mg/ dl, recent use of any hormone therapy, uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes, a disease (other than CHD) judged likely to be fatal within 4 years, or prior intolerance to hormone therapy. At the initiation of the HERS, participants were randomly assigned to receive a single identical tablet containing either conjugated equine estrogen 0.625 mg and medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg or placebo. During the HERS, 357 patients underwent PCTA and constituted the study population. These patients were followed subsequently to ascertain their rate for subsequent CHD events. Demographic characteristics, health history, CHD risk factors, medication use, educational level, and quality of life were assessed at baseline. Baseline levels of fasting total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein (a) were determined by the Lipoprotein Analytical Laboratory at Johns Hopkins Hospital (Baltimore, Maryland). Follow-up time for this analysis began at the time of the initial PTCA and concluded at the closeout of the HERS. All suspected outcome events were classifi ed independently by 2 physician reviewers who were unaware of treatment assignment. Discordant classifi cations were resolved in discussions between the reviewers.
Inexpensive position sensitive detector block for 40 mm diameter PMT using quadrant sharing configuration

Recent approval by CMS (former HCFA) for reimbursement of PET scans used in certain cases of diagnostic oncology, and the rapid grow of the PET market that this approval has generated (100% increase in year 2000) creates the need for more affordable dedicated PET scanners. The objective of the work presented here is the development of a position sensitive block with the same detector area (40 mm /spl times/ 40 mm) and number of crystals, (8/spl times/8) of the block of a commercial camera using the photomultiplier quadrant sharing technique (PQS). This block is coupled to four single-anode 40 mm diameter PMTs and each PMT is sheared by four block detectors. Significant savings come from the number of PMTs required which are only 25% of what otherwise would be necessary to build a comparable commercial camera. Due to unused photocathode area left by a PQS array of square blocks in a detector module, a rectangular (extended) block was developed. This block maximizes use of the PMT sensitive area and minimizes gap size between modules. It was only necessary to develop the extended block because a symmetric square block uses same type of partitions like those controlling light distribution along the short side of the rectangular one. White paint masks applied with accurate templates and airbrush were fine-tuned for every pair of adjacent crystals. Crystal decoding presents good separation uniformly distributed over the two-dimensional decoding map of the block. Composite energy spectrum of all 64 crystals shows a prominent photopeak (39% energy resolution) and relatively small Compton edge. It indicates that the block has a very uniform light collection for all crystals. It is expected that the image resolution using this type of block be comparable to the resolution of commercial cameras, because we clearly decode the same number and size of crystals.
Functional Features of TonB Energy Transduction Systems of Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen that causes severe nosocomial infections. Strain ATCC 19606(T) utilizes the siderophore acinetobactin to acquire iron under iron-limiting conditions encountered in the host. Accordingly, the genome of this strain has three tonB genes encoding proteins for energy transduction functions needed for the active transport of nutrients, including iron, through the outer membrane. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that these tonB genes, which are present in the genomes of all sequenced A. baumannii strains, were acquired from different sources. Two of these genes occur as components of tonB-exbB-exbD operons and one as a monocistronic copy; all are actively transcribed in ATCC 19606(T). The abilities of components of these TonB systems to complement the growth defect of Escherichia coli W3110 mutants KP1344 (tonB) and RA1051 (exbBD) under iron-chelated conditions further support the roles of these TonB systems in iron acquisition. Mutagenesis analysis of ATCC 19606(T) tonB1 (subscripted numbers represent different copies of genes or proteins) and tonB2 supports this hypothesis: their inactivation results in growth defects in iron-chelated media, without affecting acinetobactin biosynthesis or the production of the acinetobactin outer membrane receptor protein BauA. In vivo assays using Galleria mellonella show that each TonB protein is involved in, but not essential for, bacterial virulence in this infection model. Furthermore, we observed that TonB2 plays a role in the ability of bacteria to bind to fibronectin and to adhere to A549 cells by uncharacterized mechanisms. Taken together, these results indicate that A. baumannii ATCC 19606(T) produces three independent TonB proteins, which appear to provide the energy-transducing functions needed for iron acquisition and cellular processes that play a role in the virulence of this pathogen.
Observations and Techniques for Maturation, Spawning, and Larval Rearing of the Yellowtail Snapper Ocyurus chrysurus

.— This paper describes current techniques used at our laboratory for the controlled spawning, maturation and larval rearing of the yellowtail snapper. Juvenile yellowtail snapper were obtained from Florida and transferred to the Fisheries and Mariculture Laboratory in July 1990. Temperature and photoperiod manipulation resulted in precocial spawning in 1991, with sustained successive spawning beginning in February 1992. Average weekly spawning from 1992–1994 was 308,000 and 247,000 eggs/tank, with fertilization rates of 46.1 % and 32.5% for fish maintained in two separate spawning tanks. Observations on spawning activity from 1995 to 1996, during which a decreasing trend in egg and larval quality was observed, imply a possible problem with broodstock nutrition. Evaluation of feeding regimes during this period indicated a shift to a high (almost exclusively) usage of fresh squid and a reduction in fish and shrimp. Returning to a feeding regime of alternating feedings of fresh fish, squid. and shrimp have yielded improved spawning and egg quality. Larval rearing techniques using live and prepared feeds has resulted in an overall survival of 3% from egg to advanced juvenile. Growout of first generation (F1) juveniles yielded a marketable size (1 1b) fish in 25 mo. Spawning of F1 fish hegan in 1998. larval rearing and grow out of F2 fish are currently underway. Results demonstrate that yellowtail snapper culture is technically feasible; however. further research to develop species specific culture techniques will be required before the culture potential of this species can be accurately evaluated.
Hormone Measures in Finger-Prick Blood Spot Samples: New Field Methods for Reproductive Endocrinology

Comparative endocrine studies have notably advanced understanding of ecological factors that contribute to variation in human reproductive function. Such research has relied on methodological advances that permit hormone determinations in samples that are easily and safely collected, stored, and transported, most recently on measurement of steroids in saliva. This report seeks to further expand the scope of endocrine research by demonstrating the value of blood spot samples collected by finger prick. As a sampling strategy, finger-prick blood spot collection offers the advantages of short collection time, low invasiveness, repeatability, absence of postcollection processing, low biohazard risk, and ease of sample storage and transport. We document good sample stability and present sensitive assay methods for a range of steroids and proteins (FSH, LH, PRL, T, E2, DHEAS, androstenedione, cortisol, SHGB) in blood spots that require sample volumes of 3-12 microliters and display good reliability, specificity, precision, accuracy, and convertibility of results to plasma/serum equivalent concentrations. Laboratory evaluation was augmented by a feasibility study at a remote site in Papua New Guinea that confirmed validity and stability of blood spot collections under field conditions. Research applications of blood spot sampling are illustrated with a series of studies, including cross-sectional surveys for developmental and life span endocrinology, a longitudinal, population-based developmental epidemiologic study of puberty, and serial sampling in a dynamic study of neuroendocrine response to suckling. We conclude that the sampling features and wide range of measurable biomolecules of blood spots do constitute a methodological advance for endocrine research.
Two distinct apolipoprotein B alleles in mice generated by a single ‘in-out’ targeting

Abstract ‘In-out’ gene targeting using a hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) minigene was applied to generate two new alleles in the gene (Apob) coding for apolipoprotein B (apo B) in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. Homologous integration of the targeting vector during the 'in step' disrupted the Apob gene leading to an allele encoding apo B81, having a 19% carboxylterminal truncation. All six targeted cells obtained had more than one insert at the locus, and the chromosomal target sequence in four of them was changed during the recombination. These results suggest that concatenation of the targeting vector prior to insertion was needed to generate sufficient gene product to yield the HPRT+ phenotype, and that recombination between the concatenated DNA and endogenous DNA was a gene replacement more frequently than a simple insertion. The ‘out step’ recombination event which occurs between sequences duplicated in the ‘in step’, was planned to replace the sequences encoding the putative LDL receptor-binding domains of apo B100 with sequences encoding human β-globin peptides (designated apo B100-β). 6-Thioguanine (6-TG) resistant colonies were obtained from all the 'in-step' cell lines tested at frequencies of 10−5 to 10−4 but the frequency of physical loss of the HPRT sequences accompanied by retention of the modified Apob sequence was variable, indicating that mechanisms other than a simple excision are responsible for the generation of 6-TG resistance. Mice from the 'in-step' produce apo B81 and display characteristics of familial hypobetalipoproteinemia; some homozygotes develop hydrocephaly or exencephaly. Mice from the ‘out-step’ produce apo B100-β and secrete lipoprotein particles containing the modified protein; their phenotypic changes are subtle, suggesting the lack of the putative LDL receptor-binding domains is not sufficient to increase the steady-state level of apo B100-β particles above that of apo B100 particles in control mice.
CHEMOATTRACTANT SIGNALING IN DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM

▪ Abstract Dictyostelium is an accessible organism for studies of signaling via chemoattractant receptors. Chemoattractant-mediated signaling events and components are reviewed and presented as a series of connected modules, including excitation, inhibition, G protein–independent responses, early gene expression, inositol lipids, PH domain-containing proteins, cyclic AMP signaling, polarization acquisition, actin polymerization, and cortical myosin. The network incorporates information from biochemical, genetic, and cell biological experiments carried out on living cells. The modules and connections represent current understanding, and future information is expected to modify and build upon this structure.
The effects of the putative confession and parent suggestion on children's disclosure of a minor transgression

Purpose This study examined the effects of the putative confession (telling the child that an adult ‘told me everything that happened and he wants you to tell the truth’) on children's disclosure of a minor transgression after having been questioned by their parents in a suggestive or non-suggestive manner. Methods Children (N = 188; 4–7-year-olds) played with a confederate, and while doing so, for half of the children, toys broke. Parents then questioned their children about what occurred, and half of the parents were given additional scripted suggestive questions. Finally, children completed a mock forensic investigative interview. Results Children given the putative confession were 1.6 times more likely in free recall to disclose truthfully that toys had broken. Among children who failed to disclose during free recall, those who received the putative confession were 1.9 times more likely when asked yes/no questions to disclose true breakage. The putative confession did not decrease accuracy, and children who received the putative confession were 2.6 times less likely to report false toy play. Parent suggestion did not adversely affect the efficacy of the putative confession. Conclusions The current study demonstrates that children are often quite reticent to disclose transgressions and that the putative confession is a promising avenue for increasing children's comfort with disclosing and minimizing their tendency to report false details, even in the face of suggestive questioning by parents.
Polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolism related genes and risk of multiple sclerosis

The extent to which potential genetic determinants of vitamin D levels may be related to multiple sclerosis (MS) risk has not been thoroughly explored. The objective of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms in VDR, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, CYP2R1 and DBP are associated with the risk of MS and whether these variants may modify associations between environmental or dietary vitamin D on MS risk.A nested case-control study was conducted in two, large cohorts of US nurses, including 214 MS cases and 428 age-matched controls. Conditional logistic regression models were used to calculate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and to assess the significance of gene—environment interactions. No associations were observed for any of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VDR, CYP27B1, CYP24A1, CYP2R1 or DBP (p > 0.05 for all). The authors did observe an interaction (p = 0.04) between dietary intake of vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor FokI polymorphism on MS risk. The protective effec...