cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Considerations in the development of a National Geophysical Data Policy

Science emerged when it became apparent that the images of the world and of environmental events, acquired through the senses and registered by the human brain in natural day-to-day experience, contained inaccuracies and subjective biases that interfered with the development of an increasingly complex society. Recognition of the need for systematic statistical verification of predictions and for unbiased reporting and recording of both successes and failures of predictions became the fundamental driving force in the development of the scientific method and scientific thought. It became apparent that in order to establish a repertoire of reliable information on cause-and-effect relationships, environmental exploration and documentation would have to be expanded from subjectively ‘relevant’ phenomena to others that bore no direct relation to, or had no effect on, the human organism. It was also realized that a merely passive, qualitative, random observation of environmental events did not yield sufficient information. Active, quantitative probing and systematically planned experimentation became a necessity; the empirical method was born. Our sensory systems needed extension to achieve higher accuracy in the acquisition of environmental information, and scientific instruments were developed to make the measurements required for a quantitative description of environmental events over a wide range of domains. Finally, it was realized that the use of exo-ontological documentation, data, and information systems (books, data repositories, computers, etc.) was essential for organizing experimental paradigms, for their statistical interpretation, for recording results, and, in general, for the development of an ‘objective truth’ about environmental events.
Mediodorsal thalamic lesions impair "reference" and "working" memory in rats.

Abstract The present experiment evaluated the ability of rats with lesions in the thalamic mediodorsal nucleus (MD) to perform a task which differentiates between “reference” and “working” memory. In this task, only four of the arms of an 8-arm radial maze were baited, and animals were to restrict their entries to arms which were baited and to avoid never-baited arms. Despite several postoperative acquisition trials, rats with MD lesions did not acquire the task to a degree comparable to control subjects. Subjects with lesions continued to enter never-baited arms (reference memory errors) and to reenter baited arms (working memory errors). Given the lack of specificity in the behavioural impairment, the reference-working memory distinction seems to be an inappropriate one for characterizing the MD lesion deficit in rats. This deficit may involve an inability to use environmental stimuli to distinguish among arms of the maze, or an alteration in motor mechanisms.
Evidence-Based Policy and Social Work in Health and Mental Health

SUMMARY Social policies, including those in healthcare, have most often been developed in response to the pressure of vested interest groups, practicalities of the day, politics, ideologies and values, habits and traditions, and resource constraints. Knowledge, including that gained through systematic research and careful reasoning, too often has entered into the policy process in a haphazard fashion overwhelmed by these other forces. Too often our most valuable resource, knowledge, has been squandered. As a consequence social policies and healthcare policies have fallen short of their potential effectiveness, especially in terms of long-term outcomes. However, with the dawn of the 21st century major global changes are occurring such that social policies must be responsive to unprecedented global threats to population health, changing demographics, increasingly constrained resources, and growing citizen demand for equitable and valued outcomes. This will require that social policies of the 21st century pl...
Effects of shock-induced defects and subsequent heat treatment on flux pinning in melt-textured YBa2Cu3O7−δ

Abstract Shock compression of melt-textured YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ (Y123) results in a nearly uniform defect density which is two to three orders of magnitude higher than unshocked melt-textured material. The crystallographic alignment of the sample relative to the shock wave is critical because slip is limited to the basal plane in Y123. In the experiments the specimens were cut so that their effective c -axis was about 30° from the shock direction. Specimens were recovered intact from high shock pressures. The superconducting order parameter is decreased in the as-shocked state due to disorder of the crystalline lattice, predominantly of the Cu-O chains. A 450°C anneal in oxygen decreases the random atomic disorder, while retaining a large defect density. The defects remaining after a 450°C anneal enhance the intragranular critical current density by a factor of two to three over the unshocked initial value, depending on temperature and applied magnetic field. This shock process could be scaled to larger sizes using chemical explosives. These results show that shock-induced defects enhance J c 's in oxygen-annealed melt-textured Y123. The maximum enhancement is expected to occur for shock pressures of about 5 GPa. Determinations of how the degree of mosaic spread and the size and distribution of Y 2 BaCuO 5 affect the distribution of defects remain to be investigated.
A systematic approach to OSL application programming

The Optimization Subroutine Library (OSL) provides powerful tools for solving mathematical programming problems, and permits the integration of these tools into larger applications. In order to access the computational power, an application must translate data between forms used in the rest of the application and the form in which the data can be manipulated by OSL. OSL does not currently offer tools to aid in this translation. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic approach for translating symbolic representations of mathematical programming problems into computer code that performs all necessary interactions with both OSL and the rest of the application.
Whistle Convergence among Allied Male Bottlenose Dolphins (Delphinidae, Tursiops sp.)

Dolphins are adept at learning new vocalizations (whistles) throughout life, an ability thus far demonstrated in few nonhuman mammals. In dolphins, this ability is well documented in captivity but poorly studied in the wild, and little is known of its role in natural social behavior. This study documents the previously unknown phenomenon of whistle convergence among habituated free-living male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.). Over a 4 yr study period, three male subjects formed an alliance, spending most of their time together and cooperating to herd females. Within individuals, whistle repertoires were more variable than expected based on previous studies, mostly performed with captive dolphins, but became less so during the course of the study. Among individuals, the distinctiveness of individual repertoires decreased such that the three males were virtually indistinguishable by the end of the study. Initially, some whistle types were shared. By the end of the study, the three males had formed a close alliance, and had all converged on one particular shared whistle form which they had rarely produced before forming the alliance. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for the prevailing 'signature whistle' hypothesis, as well as possible mechanisms and functional significance of whistle convergence among cooperating males.
Evaluation and improvement of the nutritional value of meals and student satisfaction with menu changes at an extended learning site

ABSTRACTA study was conducted at a government-funded trade/continuation school to assess student satisfaction with meals, body mass indexes, and potential food insecurity status. Seventy-four students participated in a two-part survey and plate waste study of original cafeteria meals including a modified version. Seventy-three percent of the students surveyed were overweight/obese and over half were considered food insecure. Sixty-one percent of the students reported preferring the original cafeteria meal over the modified version, the difference in consumption being only 8.5%. Many individuals with body mass indexes over 30.0, reported overconsumption possibly due to food insecurity.
A versatile, high-contrast photoscanner for the localization of human tumors with radioisotopes

Abstract Isotope scanning permits the non-traumatic localization of several types of human tumors. To obtain satisfactory visualization, a scanner must be capable of resolving small differences in isotope content between target and non-target tissues and presenting this data in a readily interpretable form. In addition, it must have sufficient flexibility to be adaptable to the variety of activity levels and target: non-target ratios encountered clinically. Since for the most part isotope scanning is a diagnostic screening procedure, the overall counting efficiency must be high so the that administered radioactivity can be kept as low as possible. A scanner meeting these needs has been constructed. The data presentation system, based upon the marked voltage dependence of the light output of a tungsten filament provides the high contrast necessary for visualizing small changes in count rate. It is possible to adjust the contrast and gain of the recording system to match the clinical requirements. A focusing collimator and large NaI crystal provide high efficiency, good resolution, and adequate depth response. This instrument has been successfully used for the localization of human tumors of the brain, liver, and thyroid.
Heat sterilization of thermally labile solutions.

A general criterion for choosing high or low temperature for sterilizing heatsensitive pharmaceutical preparations is presented. A mathematical analysis of the competing processes involved shows that the choice of temperature is largely dependent on the relative magnitudes of the heats of activation of the sterilization and the drug deterioration reactions. Results indicate, for example, that for procaine solutions, autoclaving at 120° is preferable to prolonged sterilization at 100°.
A Survey of the Coupon Collector’s Problem with Random Sample Sizes

This paper surveys the coupon collector’s waiting time problem with random sample sizes and equally likely balls. Consider an urn containing m red balls. For each draw, a random number of balls are removed from the urn. The group of removed balls is painted white and returned to the urn. Several approaches to addressing this problem are discussed, including a Markov chain approach to compute the distribution and expected value of the number of draws required for the urn to contain j white balls given that it currently contains i white balls. As a special case, E[N], the expected number of draws until all the balls are white given that all are currently red is also obtained.
Aerodynamic and Acoustic Flight Test Results for the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy

As part of the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) program, a 747SP airplane was modified to carry a 2.5 meter telescope in the aft section of the fuselage. The resulting airborne observatory allows for observations above 99 percent of the water vapor in the atmosphere. The open cavity created by the modifications had the potential to significantly affect the airplane in the areas of aerodynamics and acoustics. Several series of flight tests were conducted to clear the airplanes operating envelope for astronomical observations, planned to be performed between the altitudes of 39,000 feet and 45,000 feet. The flight tests were successfully completed. Cavity acoustics were below design limits, and the overall acoustic characteristics of the cavity were better than expected. The modification did have some effects on the stability and control of the airplane, but these effects were not significant. Airplane air data systems were not affected by the modifications. This paper describes the methods used to examine the aerodynamics and acoustic data from the flight tests and provides a discussion of the flight test results in the areas of cavity acoustics, stability and control, and air data.
Selective adsorption of low-molecular-weight halocarbons from water by montmorillonite and silica

Abstract Ten small halogenated hydrocarbons were adsorbed from aqueous solutions by montmorillonite clay and fumed silica, at halocarbon concentrations from 0.05–10 mg/liter. The compounds studied were bromodichloromethane; carbon tetrachloride; 1,1,2-trichloroethane; 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane; trichloroethene; tetrachloroethene; 1,2-dibromoethane; 1,2-dichlorobenzene; 2-bromotoluene; and 4-bromotoluene. The affinity of the adsorbents for the halocarbons was in the order citrate-bicarbonate-dithionite (CBD)-treated montmorillonite > silica > untreated montmorillonite. Of the compounds tested, tetrachloroethane and trichloroethene were adsorbed to the greatest extent by CBD-treated montmorillonite. The quantity of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethane adsorbed by CBD-treated montmorillonite was about an order of magnitude higher than the quantity of saturated or aromatic halocarbons adsorbed. The untreated montmorillonite adsorbed aromatic halocarbons and the two chloroethenes but not the saturated halocarbons. Silica adsorbed all the halocarbons tested. However, there was no apparent correlation between halocarbon molecular properties and adsorption to silica. Adsorption of tetrachloroethane and 1,2-dichlorobenzene by CBD-treated montmorillonite was irreversible, whereas adsorption of these two compounds by fumed silica was reversible. These results suggest that the adsorption of halocarbons from water by montmorillonite is a chemisorption and that by silica is a physisorption.
Learning the Alphabet

Я начал изучать русский язык когда мне было сорок‐пять лет. (‘I began to study Russian language when to me was forty‐five years.’) – The opening sentence of my Russian Lessons monologue. When I sta...
The endoscopic diagnosis of gastric lymphoma: Gross characteristics and histology

In a prospective study of 40 patients with gastric lymphoma, color photography and directed biopsy were performed routinely.Brush cytology was obtained in 20. When compared with a previous series, there was slight improvement in gross diagnosis, but the sole distinctive characteristic was a peculiar "volcano-like" ulcer crater noted in 9/30 patients with reticulum cell sarcoma. Directed biopsy was positive in 35/40 patients, and brush cytology in 4/20. Directed gastroscopic biopsy appears to be a highly accurate means of diagnosis in gastric lymphoma, in contrast to gross diagnosis by either roentgenography or gastroscopy.
P3HT:PCBM Bulk-Heterojunctions: Observing Interfacial and Charge Transfer States with Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy

Surface photovoltage (SPV) spectra are reported for separate films of (6,6)-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and for regioregular and regiorandom poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):PCBM bulk heterojunctions, as a function of wavelength, film thickness, thermal annealing, and substrate. In PCBM films, two photovoltage features are observed at 1.1–1.4 eV (F1) and 1.4–2.3 eV (F2), which are assigned to excitation of charge transfer states at the interface (F1) and in the bulk (F2) of the film. In BHJ films, five different photovoltage features are observed at 0.75–0.9 eV (F1), 0.9–1.3 eV (F2), 1.3–1.8 eV (F3), 1.8–2.0 eV (F4), and 2.0–2.4 eV (F5). This data can be analyzed on the basis of optical absorbance and fluorescence spectra of the films, and using SPV spectra for PCBM and P3HT only films, and for a BHJ film containing P3HT nanofibers for comparison. SPV features are assigned to states at the polymer–substrate interface (F1 and F2), the P3HT:PCBM charge transfer state (F3), the self-ionized (CT)...
Bistable Optoelectronic Devices

We present a review of optical bistability in active and passive optoelectronic devices, with particular reference to switching speeds and powers. The large resonant nonlinearities available near the bandgaps of semiconductors may be utilized to develop bistable devices operating at low powers and high speeds. Passive devices are driven by external optical sources and include nonlinear etalons, nonlinear interfaces, self-focusing configurations and electro-optic modulators with electrical feedback. Active devices include injection lasers and superluminescent amplifiers. Potential advantages of active devices include speed, gain, sensitivity and the ability to drive other devices, but complexity and high power dissipation may limit their use in applications requiring high density.
Solute-induced lattice stability as it relates to superconductivity in titanium-molybdenum alloys

Abstract As the electron/atom ratio (z) in quenched Ti-base transition-metal-binary alloys decreases below the value 5.0 [corresponding for example to Ti-Mo (50 at.%); and the pure group-V elements Nb and V], the superconducting transition temperature, Tc increases before leveling out and finally decreasing for z⪝4.4 in a competition between b.c.c. destabilization on one hand, and solution strengthening and ω-phase precipitation on the other. Finally in the martensitic regime (z⪝4.1) a “disordered-structure mechanism” leads to an anomalously “high” Tc. These effects are graphically demonstrated by the results of alloying small amounts of Al, a solid-solution strengthener, to three Ti-Mo alloys, each representing a particular regime of stability. The Tc of b.c.c. Ti-Mo (25 at.%) decreases rapidly with addition of Al, in contrast to that of Ti-Mo (10 at.%), already stabilized by copious ω-phase precipitation. The Tc of Ti-Mo (5 at.%) jumps up from an undetectable (
Airship Measurements of Hydrogen Peroxide and Related Parameters in the Marine Atmosphere Along the Western U.S. Coast

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide remains a key species of interest, in both the polluted and the unpolluted atmosphere. While many studies exist, the vertical distribution of H 2 O 2 in the marine atmosphere has never been reported. This paper reports data for gaseous H 2 O 2 , O 3 , and SO 2 and meteorological parameters measured from an airship along the Oregon and Northern California coast during June 1–28, 1994. Daytime H 2 O 2 levels ranged from 0.064 to 0.505 ppbv, with the mean value being 0.175 ± 0.077 ppbv. Typically, H 2 O 2 levels generally increase with increasing O 3 , temperature, flight altitude, and UV flux. Conversely, a strong negative correlation with relative humidity is observed. Negative correlations with SO 2 are also observed if significant concentrations are present, as in plumes. However, in a fresh plume from a fossil fuel-burning ship, nonzero H 2 O 2 concentrations persist. The vertical profile of H 2 O 2 shows a maximum that generally occurs above the top of the marine boundary layer, at an altitude up to 200–300 m above the top of the marine boundary layer.
β-Catenin regulates mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation during hepatogenesis

Background Understanding the pathways regulating mesenchymal progenitor cell fate during hepatogenesis may provide insight into postnatal liver injury or liver bioengineering. While β-Catenin has been implicated in the proliferation of fetal hepatic epithelial progenitor cells, its role in mesenchymal precursors during hepatogenesis has not been established. Materials and Methods We used a murine model of conditional deletion of β-Catenin in mesenchyme using the Dermo1 locus ( β-Catenin Dermo1 ) to characterize the role of β-Catenin in liver mesenchyme during hepatogenesis. Results Lineage tracing using a LacZ reporter indicates that both hepatic stellate cells and pericytes derive from mesenchymal Dermo1 expressing precursor cells. Compared to control littermate livers, β-Catenin Dermo1 embryonic livers are smaller and filled with dilated sinusoids. While the fraction of mesenchymally-derived cells in β - Catenin Dermo1 embryos is unchanged compared to littermate controls, there is an increase in the expression of the mesenchymal markers, DESMIN, α-SMA, and extracellular deposition of COLLAGEN type I, particularly concentrated around dilated sinusoids. Analysis of the endothelial cell compartment in β-Catenin Dermo1 / Flk1 lacZ embryos revealed a marked reorganization of the intrahepatic vasculature. Analysis of various markers for the endodermally-derived hepatoblast population revealed marked alterations in the spatial expression pattern of pan-cytokeratin but not E-cadherin, or albumin. β-Catenin Dermo1 phenocopies mesenchymal deletion of Pitx2, a known regulator of hepatic mesenchymal differentiation both during both organogenesis and postnatal injury. Conclusions Our data implicate mesenchymal β-Catenin signaling pathway in the differentiation of liver mesenchymal progenitor cells during organogenesis, possibly via Pitx2. Hepatic mesenchymal β-Catenin signaling, in turn, modulates the development of both endothelium and endodermally-derived hepatoblasts, presumably via other downstream paracrine pathways.
Rapid alteration of thalamocortical axon morphology follows peripheral damage in the neonatal rat

Abstract The effect of day of birth (postnatal day 0; P0) infraorbital nerve section on the morphology of individual thalamocortical axons in rat somatosensory cortex was examined on P3. Thalamic fibers were labeled in fixed brains with the carbocyanine dye 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate, and individual photo-converted thalamocortical fibers were reconstructed. In normal animals on P3, axon arbor terminal formation within layer IV has commenced and terminal arbor width is comparable to that of a cortical "barrel." After infraorbital nerve section, the average width of thalamocortical terminal arbors is significantly greater than is the average arbor width of normal rats of the same age; however, neither the number of branches per terminal arbor nor total arbor length differs between groups. These observations suggest that the role of the periphery in guiding terminal arbor formation is exerted both very rapidly and at the level of the single thalamic axon. Further, these results indicate a close association between individual axon terminal arbor morphology and pattern formation in the rat somatosensory cortex.
Input, movement and exchange of organic matter within a subtropical coastal black water river‐flood plain system

SUMMARY. 1. Inputs, movements and exchanges of particulate organic matter were measured on two contrasting floodplains of the Ogeechee River, Georgia, U.S.A. A model, which incorporated measurements of standing crop, respiration, litterfall, inundation, and litter processing rates, was used to estimate annual exchanges of organic matter between the river and floodplains. 2. Annual litterfall was higher on the East floodplain than on the lower elevation West floodplain (902 v. 784 g ash-free-dry-mass [AFDM] m−2). 3. Experiments with tagged leaves and sticks demonstrated that litter was readily displaced during floods. The distance and direction of displacement varied within and between floodplains but tended to be higher closer to the river and was generally parallel to the river. 4. The model indicated that both floodplains lost organic matter to the river. The lower elevation floodplain (East) lost more organic matter to the river (208 g AFDM m−2 year−1) than did the higher elevation (West) floodplain (79g AFDM m−2 year−1). 5. Inputs of organic matter from the floodplain to the river exceeded the amount of litterfall typically entering heavily forested high gradient headwater streams (5.5 v. 0.4-0.6 kg AFDM m−2 year−1). 6. Floodplain organic matter inputs may exert a greater influence upon structure and function within these streams than do upstream inputs or primary production. Consequently, current conceptualizations of stream structure and function need to be modified to account for the effects of floodplain inputs on stream channel processes within large, low-gradient rivers.
Steroid hormones and the brain: cellular mechanisms underlying neural and behavioral plasticity.

Abstract (1) Steroid hormone action on brain is discussed as an example of environmentally-directed neural plasticity. (2) Current research is summarized for three systems in studying this topic: (a) glucocorticoids and the hippocampus; (b) estrogens and progestins and the hypothalamus; (c) androgens and the syrinx in songbirds.
Helix-coil transition in heterogeneous DNA.

The broadening of a helix–coil transition due to base pair heterogeneity is calculated on the basis of a cumulant perturbation expansion in the quasi-grand ensemble. In this ensemble the fictitious, homogeneous chain, to which the perturbation is referred, automatically decreases its correlation length as the heterogeneity increases. This “renormalization” seems to stabilize the perturbation expansion, in view of the good agreement between the present results and the exact theory of a heterogeneous polypeptide helix–coil transition. For the DNA model in which ring entropy is included, the transitions is found to be extremely narrow for an infinite random chain with conventional parameters. A tentative reconciliation of this result with contradictory calculations of some other workers is offered on the basis of end effects, coarse graining, or approximation to the ring entropy. An application of the new method to DNA with a non-random base pair distribution requires evaluation of the correlation function between molecular states (helix or coil), at different sites of the reference chain. The evaluation is reduced to quadrature, but numerical calculations have been made only for the random chain.
Sternohyoid muscle fatigue properties of dy/dy dystrophic mice, an animal model of merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy.

Humans with merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy have both sucking problems during infancy and sleep-disordered breathing during childhood. We hypothesized that merosin-deficient pharyngeal muscles fatigue faster than normal muscles. This was tested in vitro using sternohyoid muscle from an animal model of this disease, the dy/dy dystrophic mouse. Isometric twitch contraction and half-relaxation times were similar for dy/dy and normal sternohyoid. However, rate of force loss during repetitive 25-Hz train stimulation was markedly diminished in dystrophic compared with normal sternohyoid muscle. Furthermore, force potentiation, which occurred during the early portion of the fatigue-inducing stimulation, had a longer duration in dystrophic compared with normal muscle (approximately 60 versus 20 s). As a result of these two processes, at the end of 2 min of stimulation, force of dystrophic muscle had decreased by 8 ± 5% and that of normal muscle by 69 ± 4% (p < 0.0001). The potassium-channel blocker, 3,4-diaminopyridine, increased force of dy/dy sternohyoid muscle during twitch and 25-Hz contractions by 148 ± 20% (p < 0.00001) and 109 ± 18% (p < 0.00002), respectively. During repetitive 25-Hz stimulation, force of 3,4-diaminopyridine-treated dystrophic muscle remained significantly higher than that of untreated muscle, despite the early force potentiation being eliminated and fatigue being accelerated. Thus, merosin deficiency reduces fatigue and prolongs the duration of force potentiation. The latter alterations may partially preserve the integrity of upper airway muscle function, without which the severity of pharyngeal complications (feeding problems, sleep-related respiratory dysfunction) might be even more pronounced in the human merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophies.
Mechanism of surface microcracking of matrix in glass-reinforced polyester by artificial weathering

The first stage in the deterioration of glass-fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) composites, fibre prominence, has been reported. The mechanism of the second stage, surface microcracking, is now described. Under controlled conditions GRP sheets were subjected to cyclic variation of moisture and temperature and to radiation. It is proposed that surface microcracking takes place under the combined action of radiation-induced tensile stresses in the surface region and physically-induced stress-fatigue. Tensile stresses in the surface region are caused by shrinkage of the matrix that results from cross-linking induced by the ultra-violet portion of radiation. Stress fatigue is imposed on the composite system by physically-induced alternating stresses produced by cyclic variation of temperature and, probably, moisture resulting from thermal and moisture gradients and inhomogeneities. Stress-fatigue probably plays a dominant role in microcracking induced by artificial weathering, whereas radiation-induced stresses in the surface region are more important in microcracking occurring in outdoor weathering.
Antibacterial activities and modes of action of vancomycin and related glycopeptides.

Vancomycin (21) is produced by Amycolatopsis orientalis (18) (previously designated Nocardia orientalis and Streptomyces orientalis). The antibiotic has been marketed for the past 30 years and continues to be marketed, as the hydrochloride salt, to treat deep-seated gram-positive bacterial infections. It is the drug of choice for infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, especially those caused by strains resistant to methicillin. Vancomycin is bactericidal to most gram-positive organisms, but gram-negative organisms are resistant. Vancomycin is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and the antibiotic is used to treat enterocolitis, especially that caused by Clostridium difficile
Effect of pre-treatment with dichloroacetic or trichloroacetic acid in drinking water on the pharmacokinetics of a subsequent challenge dose in B6C3F1 mice.

Abstract Dichloroacetate (DCA) and trichloroacetate (TCA) are prominent by-products of chlorination of drinking water. Both chemicals have been shown to be hepatic carcinogens in mice. Prior work has demonstrated that DCA inhibits its own metabolism in rats and humans. This study focuses on the effect of prior administration of DCA or TCA in drinking water on the pharmacokinetics of a subsequent challenge dose of DCA or TCA in male B6C3F1 mice. Mice were provided with DCA or TCA in their drinking water at 2 g/l for 14 days and then challenged with a 100 mg/kg i.v. (non-labeled) or gavage ( 14 C-labeled) dose of DCA or TCA. The challenge dose was administered after 16 h fasting and removal of the haloacetate pre-treatment. The haloacetate blood concentration–time profile and the disposition of 14 C were characterized and compared with controls. The effect of pre-treatment on the in vitro metabolism of DCA in hepatic S9 was also evaluated. Pre-treatment with DCA caused a significant increase in the blood concentration–time profiles of the challenge dose of DCA. No effect on the blood concentration–time profile of DCA was observed after pre-treatment with TCA. Pre-treatment with TCA had no effect on subsequent doses of DCA. Pre-treatment with DCA did not have a significant effect on the formation of 14 CO 2 from radiolabeled DCA. In vitro experiments with liver S9 from DCA-pre-treated mice demonstrated that DCA inhibits it own metabolism. These results indicate that DCA metabolism in mice is also susceptible to inhibition by prior treatment with DCA, however the impact on clearance is less marked in mice than in F344 rats. In contrast, the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of TCA is not affected by pre-treatment with either DCA or TCA.
Caffeine reverses the cytotoxic and cell kinetic effects of Novantrone(mitoxantrone)

. Caffeine is known to potentiate the cytotoxicity of a variety of DNA damaging agents presumably by reducing the ability of the cells to repair potentially lethal lesions. However, in the present study we observe that 5 mM caffeine reverses the cell kinetic and cytotoxic effects of the intercalating drug Novantrone (mitoxantrone) on L1210, HL-60 and CHO cells. Novantrone alone, at a concentration of 20–30 ng/ml, given to cultures for 1 h, inhibits cell growth by about 50% and causes cells to accumulate in S and G2 phase and to enter a higher DNA ploidy level. Treatment of these cell lines with 5 mM caffeine alone for 1 h has a minimal effect on cell proliferation; suppression of cell growth varies from 5 to 10%. Exposure of cells to Novantrone for 1 h in the presence of caffeine results in a significant reduction of the Novantrone effects; the cell growth rate is partially restored (e.g. caffeine reduces suppression of L1210 cell growth from 48 to 83% of control) and in each of the cell lines studied, the Novantrone-induced cell accumulation in S and G2 is abolished. Combined treatment with caffeine and Novantrone also increases the clono-genicity of CHO cells 8·5 times over that seen in cultures treated with Novantrone alone. In contrast to the combined treatment with caffeine + Novantrone, pretreatment of cells with caffeine provides no protection. Likewise, post-treatment with caffeine provides little reversal of growth inhibition and G2 cell accumulation, especially if the post-treatment is delayed in time. The present data, in conjunction with evidence in the literature that caffeine protects cells against the cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin, suggest that caffeine may play a more general role in protecting cells against planar aromatic molecules such as intercalating agents.
Cyanide scavengers: kinetics of the reactions of cyanide with a water soluble cobalt(III) porphyrin.

The equilibrium and kinetic aspects of the interaction of cyanide with a model anticyanide drug cobalt(III)-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin [Co-P] were studied at 25 °C, I = 0.1 (NaNO3). At the physiologic pH of 7.4, 1.9 ± 0.1 mol of cyanide were rapidly bound per molecule of Co-P. The dissociation constant of cyanide from Co-P(H2O) (CN) was <10−12, and the formation constant of Co-P(CN)2 from Co-P(H2O)(CN) and CN− was 3.5 × 106. From pH 4 to 10.5, the kinetics of mono-cyano Co-P formation were first order in cyanide and porphyrin, with the following specific rate constants (units M−1 s−1): Co-P(H2O)2/CN− 3.1 × 102; Co-P(H2O) (OH)/CN−, 2.4 × 103; Co-P(OH)2/CN−, 5.1 × 101and Co-P(H20)/HCN, 3.1 × 10−3. At pH 7.4, a second cyanide molecule adds more rapidly than the first: Co-P(H2O)(CN)/CN−, 3 × 104 M−1 s−1. It is concluded that low molecular weight water soluble cobalt(III) porphyrins might be used as effectively and at lower dose levels than hydroxocobalamin (B12b), a known in vivo anticyanide agent.
Substantia nigra dopamine neurons: separate populations project to neostriatum and allocortex

Abstract Analysis of the dopamine (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra, pars compacta using fluorescence histochemistry, the Golgi method and retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase indicates the presence of two distinct populations of neurons. DA neurons located dorsally in the nigra have horizontally oriented dendrites and project principally to allocortical regions of the basal forebrain. Ventrally located DA neurons have dendrites extending into pars reticulata and project principally to neostriatum. These observations suggest that the nigral DA neurons should be viewed as two separate groups, both anatomically and functionally.
AMPA autoreceptors fill the gap in olfactory temporal coding.

A new study uncovers a possible mechanism, involving gap junctions and AMPA autoreceptors, to promote near-synchronous activity in mitral cells of the mammalian olfactory bulb.
Endocytosis of nerve growth factor by ‘differentiated’ PC12 cells studied by quantitative ultrastructural autoradiography

The endocytosis of [125I]nerve growth factor (NGF) by rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC12 line), previously exposed to the growth factor (‘differentiated’ or ‘primed’ cells), was studied by ultrastructural quantitative autoradiography. Cells previously grown in the presence of NGF were incubated at 37 °C with [125I]NGF for periods of up to 24 h. Under these culture conditions, PC12 cells have a rich network of neurites. At the commencement of the experiment, after incubation of cells with [125I]NGF for 1 min at room temperature, the plasma membranes of perikarya and processes showed similar levels of labeling by [125I]NGF of0.186 ± 0.03grains/μm and0.152 ± 0.013grains/μm respectively. The density of grains per micron of plasma membrane of perikarya reached a plateau between 15 min to 2 h of incubation of cells at 37 °C with [125I]NGF (0.58 ± 0.15grains/μm and0.65 ± 0.18grains/μm, respectively). The endocytosis of [125I]NGF in perikarya of cells incubated for 6 h at 37 °C was studied by the ‘mask’ analysis method of Salpeter et al.22. At this time, the greatest amount of endocytosis was observed, corresponding to 28.4% of total grain counts. The following optimized computed source densities, or relative specific activities± standard errors of measurement (S.E.M.), were obtained: plasma membrane,16.52 ± 0.86; multivesicular bodies,9.58 ± 2.84; endosomes,5.00 ± 0.97; smooth vesicles and tubules,1.66 ± 0.38; lysosomes,1.13 ± 0.20; mitochondria,0.46 ± 0.10; nuclear membranes or envelopes,0.32 ± 0.14; nuclei,0.06 ± 0.01; the Golgi apparatus,0.08 ± 0.06; and other cytoplasmic elements0.07 ± 0.03. Our findings indicate that smooth vesicles and tubules, endosomes, multivesicular bodies and lysosomes are part of the pathway(s) of endocytosis of NGF, while all other cytoplasmic and nuclear elements, including the nuclear membrane, are not. The heavy plasma membrane labeling of NGF and the relatively low degree of its endocytosis are consistent with the hypothesis that the NGF action is mediated through plasma membrane activated second messenger(s).
Effect of hypothalamic lesion localization and size on metabolic alterations in weanling rat adipose tissue.

Small electrolytic lesions were placed bilaterally in the ventromedial hypothalamus of weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate the effect of lesion size and extent on changes in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism previously reported in this model of experimental obesity. Two experiments were performed. In one experiment, both small, single-focus lesions of the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN) and larger lesions consisting of an antero-posterior sequence of three confluent electrolytic foci extending throughout the length of the VMN were found to result in increased glucose-U-C14 oxidation and increased incorporation of this metabolite into epididymal-fat-pad lipid. However, only the triple-focus lesions produced decreased palmitate-l-C14 oxidation and increased lipid percent wet weight. In a second experiment, the effects of single-focus lesions were compared with those produced by a series of three confluent lesions placed along a vertical electrode track so as to destroy more of the dorsal region of the VMN and part of the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. In a third group of rats, three electrolytic foci were aligned in the mediolateral direction so as to involve the full width of the VMN and the area lateral to this nucleus. All types of lesions in the last two experiments resulted in changes comparable in nature and magnitude to those produced by the single- and triple-focus lesions in the first experiment. The findings indicate that the hypothalamic locus that must be destroyed bilaterally in order to produce the metabolic alterations in the “Weanling VMN Syndrome” is confined to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus.
Estimations of Cloud Optical Thickness from Ground-Based Measurements of Incoming Solar Radiation in the Arctic

Abstract A technique for evaluation of cloud optical thickness (plant-parallel, homogeneous layer) from ground-based measurements of incoming solar irradiance using a simple radiation model is introduced. The sensitivities of downward and upward fluxes of shortwave irradiance to surface albedo and the equivalent radius of cloud drops are analyzed. We show that the incoming solar irradiance at the surface during overcast conditions depends primarily on cloud optical thickness and surface albedo. The feasibility of using the integral shortwave albedo of the snow surface for shortwave flux determination is demonstrated. Cloud optical thickness (τ), derived from hourly mean values of incoming and reflected solar irradiance measured at the surface during April-August 1988 at Barrow, Alaska, is presented. The statistical characteristics of τ are provided on a mouth-by-month basis. These show that cloud optical properties vary significantly throughout the season, reflecting the varying physical properties of the...
Strain-based multiaxial fatigue damage modelling

A new multiaxial fatigue damage model named characteristic plane approach is proposed in this paper, in which the strain components are used to correlate with the fatigue damage. The characteristic plane is defined as a material plane on which the complex three-dimensional (3D) fatigue problem can be approximated using the plane strain components. Compared with most available critical plane-based models for multiaxial fatigue problem, the physical basis of the characteristic plane does not rely on the observations of the fatigue crack in the proposed model. The cracking information is not required for multiaxial fatigue analysis, and the proposed model can automatically adapt for different failure modes, such as shear or tensile-dominated failure. Mean stress effect is also included in the proposed model by a correction factor. The life predictions of the proposed fatigue damage model under constant amplitude loading are compared with a wide range of metal fatigue results in the literature.
A Proficiency-Based Skills Training Curriculum for the SAGES Surgical Training For Endoscopic Proficiency (STEP) Program

Introduction Introduction The surgical training for endoscopic proficiency program is a collaborative project between Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and Olympus America Inc. dedicated to providing flexible endoscopy training to surgery residency programs. Currently it lacks models for proficiency-based training. This study developed 2 novel flexible endoscopy simulators, purchased a third, and established face and content validity as well as proficiency metrics for all 3. Methods Three simulators were tested—a foam and cardboard upper gastrointestinal tract model, a commercially available colonoscopy model (CM-15, Olympus, Japan), and an endoscopic targeting model created from the Operation Game (Hasbro). Time and errors for the performance of 12 expert surgical endoscopists on each model were used to calculate proficiency scores. Face validity and content validity were established through posttest questionnaires using a 5-point Likert scale. Results Experts had a mean of 8 years of endoscopic practice (range: 1-24 y). Among them, 83% teach residents or fellows using simulation. Most perform more than 50 upper endoscopies (51 to >500) and 100 colonoscopies (101 to >500) per year. The average time for completing the upper gastrointestinal tract model with correct identification of all targets was 133 ± 56 seconds. Complete navigation of the colonoscopy model averaged 325 ± 156 seconds. Proper orientation and targeting using the Operation Game model averaged 273 ± 109 seconds with 3 errors. Conclusions This study proves face and content validity for 3 physical flexible endoscopy simulators that can be used to train upper and lower endoscopy as well as instrument targeting. It also establishes expert proficiency metrics that can be used by trainees for structured rehearsal. These relatively inexpensive models will be incorporated into the surgical training for endoscopic proficiency curriculum.
Sensitivity, Noise and Resolution

In this chapter we will develop models for calculating the noise, sensitivity and resolution of arbitrary piezoresistive sensors. Sensor resolution is defined as the smallest signal that can be reliably detected. The minimum detectable signal without averaging multiple trials is commonly equated to the root mean square (RMS) noise of the measurand according to $$\begin{aligned} {\mathrm {Resolution}} = \frac{V_\mathrm{noise}}{S} \nonumber \end{aligned}$$ where \(V_{\text {noise}}\) is the RMS voltage noise and \(S\) is the voltage-referred sensitivity with respect to the measurand (e.g. force, displacement or pressure) of the sensor.
The influence of trap type and cover status on capture rates of pocket gophers in California

Abstract Population reduction through trapping is among the most common techniques used to mitigate damage caused by pocket gophers in a variety of crops. A new trap called the Gophinator was recently developed that combined many positive attributes of previous pocket gopher traps. Because efficacy data for this trap was lacking, we compared capture rates of this trap to the Macabee trap, the most commonly used pocket gopher trap in the western U.S. We also addressed factors that may influence the efficacy of traps such as cover status of the trap set, season, gender, and weight of the captured pocket gopher. We found the Gophinator trap was more efficacious than the Macabee, likely due to its superior ability to capture larger pocket gophers, which could increase the efficacy of pocket gopher control programs throughout North America. Covered trap sets resulted in greater capture rates during late spring–early summer but not during autumn. However, covered trap sets required more time to implement and did not result in a greater number of captures for an 8-h workday trapping period. If efficacy is paramount, trap sets should be covered during late spring–early summer, but when time is a constraining factor, trap sets left uncovered will be most efficient. Covering trap sets in autumn provided no tangible benefits.
Water Reclamation for Remote Environments: an Ecologically Sound Approach

[Abstract] The objective of this paper is to explore the provision of clean, safe and healthy water to people living and/or working in extreme or remote environments by efficiently recycling waste water in a cost-effective and ecologically sound manner. Efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly methods for reclaiming or regenerating used waste water to high standards of purity must employ low cost, low energy processes, and locally available resources, just as the earth itself does. The methodologies so developed will advance the goals of exploring the near-earth solar system, but just as importantly, they will also minimize adverse impacts on the local environment by reducing the use of scarce resources, minimizing waste products, and recycling water along with other so-called waste products. As well as protecting and preserving the extraterrestrial environments of the Moon and Mars, these methodologies might be employed around the earth within small remote communities (such as arctic bases, underwater research facilities, earth-orbiting stations, humanitarian aid outposts or developing indigenous societies) lacking adequate water purification technologies. These applications would certainly help in advancing existing and new technologies associated with human exploration, while at the same time improving upon the quality of life through the provision of safe and clean drinking and bathing water to both spaceand earth-based peoples.
Comparison of Normal and High-Oil Corns for Turkeys

Abstract Normal (NC) and high-oil (HOC) corns were compared in isocaloric diets of growing turkeys during 6 to 21 wk of age. Body weight (BW) fell behind with HOC during 6 to 15 wk, possibly due to the higher animal fat levels with NC diets. At 21 wk BW of turkeys fed NC and HOC were similar. HOC resulted in reduced breast yield and abdominal fat (P