cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential targeting of feline photoreceptors by recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors: implications for preclinical gene therapy trials

The cat is emerging as a promising large animal model for preclinical testing of retinal dystrophy therapies, for example, by gene therapy. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating viral vector gene transfer to the feline retina. We therefore sought to study the tropism of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors for the feline outer retina. We delivered four rAAV serotypes: rAAV2/2, rAAV2/5, rAAV2/8 and rAAV2/9, each expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of a cytomegalovirus promoter, to the subretinal space in cats and, for comparison, mice. Cats were monitored for gene expression by in vivo imaging and cellular tropism was determined using immunohistochemistry. In cats, rAAV2/2, rAAV2/8 and rAAV2/9 vectors induced faster and stronger GFP expression than rAAV2/5 and all vectors transduced the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors. Unlike in mice, cone photoreceptors in the cat retina were more efficiently transduced than rod photoreceptors. In mice, rAAV2/2 only transduced the RPE whereas the other vectors also transduced rods and cones. These results highlight species differences in cellular tropism of rAAV vectors in the outer retina. We conclude that rAAV serotypes are suitable for use for retinal gene therapy in feline models, particularly when cone photoreceptors are the target cell.
Mifepristone for preinduction cervical ripening beyond 41 weeks gestation: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To compare the effect of mifepristone with placebo on cervical ripening before labor induction in prolonged pregnancies. Methods: One hundred eighty women with pregnancies beyond 41 weeks and undilated, uneffaced cervices were assigned randomly to receive mifepristone 200 mg or placebo and observed for 24 hours. We then gave intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg every 4 hours or intravenous oxytocin. We expected 60% of placebo-treated and 80% of mifepristone-treated women to deliver vaginally within 48 hours. Results: Among 180 subjects, 97 received mifepristone and 83 received placebo. The mean interval (± standard deviation [SD]) from start of induction to delivery was 2209 ± 698 minutes for mifepristone-treated subjects and 2671 ± 884 minutes for placebo-treated subjects (P < .001, log-transformed data). Twelve (13.6%) mifepristone-treated women and seven (10.8%) placebo-treated women delivered vaginally on day 1 (P = .60). After 24 hours, the median Bishop score for both groups was 3 (0–11) (P = .51). One hundred thirty-one subjects required misoprostol, 65 (67.0%) were mifepristone-treated women, and 66 (79.5%) placebo-treated women (P = .06). The median (range) oxytocin dose was 871.5 (0–22,174) mU for mifepristone-treated women and 2021.0 (0–24,750) mU for placebo-treated women (P = .02). Seventy-seven (87.5%) mifepristone-treated women and 46 (70.8%) placebo-treated women delivered vaginally 48 hours after the start of treatment (P = .01). There were nine cesareans in the mifepristone group and 18 in the placebo group (P = .02). More nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns and uterine contractile abnormalities occurred in mifepristone-treated subjects. There were no statistically significant differences in neonatal outcomes between groups. Conclusion: Mifepristone had a modest effect on cervical ripening when given 24 hours before labor induction, appearing to reduce the need for misoprostol and oxytocin compared with placebo.
Further studies on genital mycoplasms in intra-amniotic infection: Blood cultures and serologic response☆

Mycoplasma hominis is recovered significantly more often in amniotic fluid of women with intra-amniotic infection than in matched control women, but Ureaplasma urealyticum is found in 50% of amniotic fluid samples of both groups. To gain further understanding, we performed blood cultures for genital mycoplasmas and measured serologic responses by a micro enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method in women with intra-amniotic infection and in control subjects. In blood cultures of 81 women with intra-amniotic infection, M. hominis was isolated in two (2.5%) and U. urealyticum in 11 (13.6%). In 44 control blood cultures, M. hominis was not isolated, and U. urealyticum was recovered in eight (18.2%). These differences were not significant. Serologic response was determined in 86 patients. Rise in antibody to M. hominis was significantly more common in women with intra-amniotic infection and M. hominis in the amniotic fluid than in either women with intra-amniotic infection or control patients without M. hominis. For U. urealyticum antibody response was significantly more common in the intra-amniotic infection group than in control subjects, but there was no association between antibody response and isolation of this organism in amniotic fluid. When M. hominis was found in amniotic fluid or maternal blood, patients were nearly always symptomatic. The high likelihood of serologic response in these cases supports a pathogenic role of M. hominis in intra-amniotic infection. The role of U. urealyticum remains unclear.
The Deuterium abundance toward QSO 1009+2956

We present a measurement of the deuterium to hydrogen ratio (D/H) in a metal-poor absorption system at redshift z = 2.504 toward the QSO 1009+2956. We apply the new method of Burles & Tytler to robustly determine D/H in high-resolution Ly? forest spectra and include a constraint on the neutral hydrogen column density determined from the Lyman continuum optical depth in low-resolution spectra. We introduce six separate models to measure D/H and to assess the systematic dependence on the assumed underlying parameters. We find that the deuterium absorption feature contains a small amount of contamination from unrelated H I. Including the effects of the contamination, we calculate the 67% confidence interval of D/H in this absorption system, log (D/H)=-4.40 -->?0.08+0.06. This measurement agrees with the low measurement by Burles & Tytler toward Q1937-1009, and the combined value gives the best determination of primordial D/H, log (D/H) -->p=-4.47 -->?0.035+0.030 or D/H = 3.39 ? 0.25 ? 10-5. Predictions from standard big bang nucleosynthesis give the cosmological baryon-to-photon ratio, ? = 5.1 ? 0.3 ? 10-10, and the baryon density in units of the critical density, ?bh2 = 0.019 ? 0.001, where H0 = 100h km s-1 Mpc-1. The measured value of (D/H)p implies that the primordial abundances of both 4He and 7Li are high and consistent with some recent studies. Our two low measurements of primordial D/H also place strong constraints on inhomogeneous models of big bang nucleosynthesis.
Collision-induced dissociation reactions and pulsed field ionization photoelectron

This report summarized the four parts of the research study and describes the general conclusions. Individual chapters have been removed for separate processing. The chapter titles are: A study of the dissociation of CH{sub 3}SH{sup +} by collisional activation: Observation of non-statistical behavior; High resolution vacuum ultraviolet pulsed field ionization photoelectron band for OCS{sup +}(X{sup 2}{Pi}): An experimental and theoretical study; Rotationally resolved pulsed field ionization photoelectron bands of H{sub 2}{sup +} ({Chi}{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}{sub g}, v{sup +} = 0--18); and Rotationally resolved pulsed field ionization photoelectron bands of HD{sup +} ({Chi}{sup 2}{Sigma}{sup +}, v{sup +} = 0--21).
Development of anisotropic particle morphology in an isotropically transforming matrix

Abstract In the present work we consider the growth of a very dilute concentration of anisotropic particles, nucleated with random orientations, in a matrix of growing spherical particles. It is assumed that the matrix particles obey the usual JMAK kinetics. We concentrate on describing the change in anisotropic particle grain morphology as the transformation process proceeds. An eccentric shaped particle will have certain growth directions that are rapid and others that are slower. Faster growing directions impinge upon the matrix particles much sooner than slower growing directions, and this feature leads to an effective change in particle morphology as the transformation process progresses. We analyze such changes in particle morphology by deriving expressions for the probabilities that growth rays will travel a certain distance before encountering matrix particles and that the length ratio of fast-axis to slow-axis growth of the anisotropic particle will attain certain values. The changes in particle morphology are examined as a function of the relative speeds of growth of anisotropic particle growth rays to matrix particle growth rates.
Through a Glass, Darkly: Dispelling Three Common Misconceptions in Glass Science

The field of glass science is at a critical juncture. With many recent advances in theoretical glass physics, computational capabilities, and processing and characterization technology, there has surely never been a more exciting time to be a glass scientist. However, much of our current glass science education focuses on concepts that have been rejected based on a combination of rigorous theory and experimental observations. In this article, I review three common misconceptions often taught in glass science curricula, viz., the Kauzmann paradox, the divergence of supercooled liquid dynamics, and the notion of residual entropy. In each case, there is now ample experimental and theoretical evidence disproving these concepts. These topics are misleading and confusing to students in the field, and I argue that a better use of the students’ time would be to focus on building a rigorous foundation in the underlying physics, chemistry, and mathematics of glass. Such a rigorous foundation is necessary for students to be successful in the high-technology jobs of the future and to discover the next great advances in glass science and technology.
A benchtop system for evaluation of pesticide disposal by composting

Abstract A procedure for examining the feasibility of composting certain pesticides as a means for their disposal has been developed using a benchtop model compost system. This system is designed such that samples as small as 10 g can be studied, and, by using radiolabelled materials, compound transformation in compost media can be determined. Transformation of radiolabelled diazinon and chlordane has been examined using this procedure. After 3 weeks incubation under aerobic composting conditions (maximum temperature 65 °C), 21.6% of the diazinon radiolabel was recovered from the volatile organics trap. Of this, 15.1% was solvent extractable and was identified by TLC as diazinon and the hydrolysis product 2-isopropyl-7-methyl-6-hydroxypyrimidine (IMHP). This hydrolysis product was the only radiolabelled form present in solvent extracts of the compost media. Radiolabelled chlordane was recovered as the unconverted alpha and gamma forms with 49.6% volatilized and 47.8% remaining in the compost media.
Performance of the Mobility Sizing Technique Relative to Independent Diagnostics for the Characterization of Polydisperse Soot Aggregates

Accurate characterizations of particulate matter based on reliable measurement techniques are essential to monitor, regulate, and model atmospheric pollution levels, so that a unified scientific database can be achieved to guide progress in air quality and emission policies. Of particular interests are the relevant sizes of combustion-generated particulates that are typically fractal aggregates of small spherical primary particles. In this study, three independent diagnostics—mobility particle sizer, transmission electron microscopy, and laser scattering and extinction—were critically compared and evaluated for their abilities and limitations in characterizing properties of polydisperse soot populations emitted from well-defined laboratory flames. For the present experimental conditions, microscopy and optical measurements were found to agree not only with each other but also with past studies. While the mobility sizing technique could not reveal information on spherule diameters and fractal properties du...
Mechanisms of NF-κB Activation by the HTLV Type 1 Tax Protein

The Tax protein encoded by the human T cell leukemia virus type I virus (HTLV-1) activates the expression of both viral genes and cellular genes involved in T lymphocyte growth and proliferation. One of the critical cellular pathways activated by Tax is NF-κB. NF-κB is normally sequestered in the cytoplasm, bound to a family of inhibitory proteins known as I-κB. In contrast to the transient activation of the NF-κB pathway seen in response to cytokines, Tax results in constitutive nuclear levels of NF-κB. Tax activation of the NF-κB pathway is mediated by its ability to enhance the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of I-κB. The persistent activation of the NF-κB pathway by Tax is believed to be one of the major events involved in HTLV-1-mediated cellular transformation of T lymphocytes. This review summarizes data exploring the role of Tax in activating the NF-κB pathway and discusses our studies to determine the mechanism by which Tax activates the NF-κB pathway.
The availability of useful information to the right of fixation in reading

A series of experiments that examined the characteristics of useful information to the right of fixation during reading is reported. In Experiments 1 and 2, reading performance when the information available to the right of fixation was determined by a fixed number of letters was compared with reading performance when the information to the right of fixation was determined by a fixed number of words. Beyond making more letters visible, both experiments showed that preserving all of the letters of a word was of no special benefit to reading. By explicitly presenting parts of the word to the right of fixation as well as the fixated word, Experiments 3 and 4 followed up on the implication that readers utilize partial letter information from words. Both experiments showed that reading was improved by this partial information and that preserving three letters of the word to the right of fixation improved reading almost as much as presenting the entire word. The implications the results have for models of reading are discussed.
Childhood Roles and the Interpersonal Circle: A Model for ACOA Groups.

Abstract Combining childhood roles and interpersonal theory produces a schematic model that includes all adult children of alcoholics, enhances understanding of the group dynamic, and suggests specific group treatment strategies.
Emergence of orphan drugs in the United States: a quantitative assessment of the first 25 years

The 1983 US Orphan Drug Act has stimulated the development of new therapies for rare diseases. To provide the first comprehensive overview of orphan-designated products and their indications, this article quantitatively analyses the characteristics and distribution of orphan designations and approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration from 1983 to August 2008. Of the 1,892 orphan-designated products, 326 received marketing approval, representing 247 different drugs and more than 200 different diseases. About half of the approvals had occurred by 4 years after designation was granted. The most common patient population size for orphan designations and approvals was fewer than 10,000 patients, and cancer was the most common disease area. The implications of such findings for future development and marketing of therapies for rare diseases are discussed.
A predator-elicited vocalisation in the Variegated Fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti)

We document a previously undescribed vocalisation in the Variegated Fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti), the Type II song, which is given in response to the calls of a specific avian predator. We used playbacks of five species of both predators and non-predators to determine which species most commonly elicit Type II songs. Calls of Grey Butcherbirds (Cracticus torquatus) were the only stimuli to elicit Type II songs. Two other species in the genus Malurus, the Splendid Fairy-wren (M. splendens) and the Superb Fairy-wren (M. cyaneus), are also known to sing Type II songs in response to the calls of specific avian predators. In all these species, Type II songs may function as displays to conspecifics. This study highlights the possibility that predator-elicited display behaviour may be more widespread in the genus Malurus than was previously recognised.
Explaining political sophistication

Debates over the political sophistication of mass publics smolder on. The more fundamental question, however, is why people become as politically sophisticated or unsophisticated as they do. This paper develops a nonlinear simultaneous equation model to weigh explanations of three general sorts: the politicalinformation to which people are exposed, theirability to assimilate and organize such information, and theirmotivation to do so. The estimates suggest that interest and intelligence, representing motivation and ability, have major effects, but that education and media exposure, the big informational variables, do not. I consider the reasons and sketch some implications for the sophistication of mass publics, for the study of sophistication and other “variables of extent,” and for democratic theory.
The effect of obesity and position on heart rate in pregnancy

Objective: To determine the prevalence of resting sinus tachycardia among pregnant women during routine third-trimester antenatal visits, and to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and heart rate. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, pregnant women at 32-40 weeks' gestation were evaluated at routine antenatal visits between September 1996 and August 1997. Patients with medical disorders were excluded. Height, weight and pulse in both the sitting and the left lateral recumbent position were obtained. BMI was based on current weight, and those with a BMI of ≥ 30 kg/m2 were classified as obese. Sinus tachycardia was defined as a heart rate of ≥ 100 beats/min. Results: The prevalence of tachycardia was 39% (n = 93) when seated, and 29% on the left side. The corresponding rates of sinus tachycardia when seated for obese (n = 31) and non-obese (n = 62) pregnant women were 58% and 29% (relative risk 2.0, 95% confidence interval 1.2, 3.3). However, the rates of tachycardia on the left side...
Factors affecting the consumption of Sudan grass by dairy cows.

Summary Investigations of factors affecting the consumption of Sudan grass were made over a 6-yr. period. In each of the first 2 yr. three cows were hand-fed cut forage; whereas, in each of the remaining 4 yr. three cows were hand-fed cut forage and three cows simultaneously allowed to graze. A combination of internal and external indicators was used to determine the digestibility and intake of the grazed forage. The daily intake of green forage, by years, ranged from 100lb. in 1957 to 228lb. in 1953 for the hand-fed cows, and ranged from 119lb. in 1955 to 251lb. in 1953 for the grazing cows. The daily intake of dry matter by hand-fed cows ranged from 23.1lb. in 1957 to 35.1lb. in 1952. Each year the grazing cows consumed more forage dry matter than the hand-fed cows. The range of intake was from 25.2lb. in 1955 to 34.2lb. in 1957. This extreme variation in intake indicates rather great variation in the quantity of nutrients available for milk production. Dry matter digestibility had a range from 63.6% in 1955 to 71.3% in 1951 with hand-fed cows. The digestibility of dry matter in grazing trials, which were run simultaneously with the hand-fed trials, was always about four percentage points higher than in the hand-fed trials. A very high correlation was noted between dry matter intake and the total rainfall of the previous month (r = .985). The intake of dry matter was not significantly correlated with the dry matter content of the forage (r = .317); however, the intake of green forage was significantly correlated with forage dry matter content (r = −.855).
Causal attributions of success and failure on WISC‐R subtests by high and low achievers

Students referred by teachers for a gifted program and students referred for evaluation because of learning difficulties were asked a series of questions about their highest and lowest subtest scores on the WISC-R. Both groups tended to view Performance subtests as best, and the correlations between particular subtests perceived as best or worst and actual scores were significant. For free response attributions, no students ascribed success or failure to luck, and very few mentioned effort. High-achieving students credited ability as most responsible for their best subtest. No significant difference between the groups was found, however, when students rated the relative importance of ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck. Equal proportions of students in both groups expressed preferences for continued work on their best or worst subtest.
Use of electric probes in silane radio frequency discharges

The use of electrostatic probe techniques for measurement of the electron temperature kTe and the electron density ne in pure and BF3 doped silane radio frequency (13.56 MHz) discharges is demonstrated to be feasible even though amorphous silicon is being deposited on the probe surfaces. The required conductivity of such deposited silicon surface layers is examined and compared with the measured photoconductivity and thermally induced conductivity of amorphous silicon. An equation is derived for the double probe current–voltage (I–V) curve which includes the first order effect of ac fields and can be used to determine the electron density. During typical depositions of thin films of amorphous silicon from such discharges, values of kTe =2–2.5 eV and ne =(1–1.5)×109 cm−3 were obtained. These values are consistent with those obtained by other workers using microwave and optical techniques. In BF3 doped silane an abrupt step is observed in the Langmuir I–V curves which indicates the presence of a group of fa...
Proton and carbon lanthanide-induced shifts in aqueous alanine. Evidence for structural changes along the lanthanide series

Proton and carbon lanthanide-induced shifts are reported for aqueous alanine at pH 3. A comparison of the measured shifts with theoretical values provides evidence for changes in the coordination behavior of alanine between Tb/sup 3 +/ and DY/sup 3 +/. An apparent stability constant (K/sub 1/ = 0.7 +- 0.1 M/sup -1/) was measured for eight lanthanide ions and found insensitive to changes in alanine coordination geometry. The measured shifts are separated into their contact and pseudocontact components and the resulting corrected pseudocontact shift ratios are compared with values calculated using the axial symmetry model to deduce the dynamic alanine structures. A monodentate coordination geometry is proposed for the ions Pr/sup 3 +/ ..-->.. Tb/sup 3 +/ and a bidentate carboxyl coordination structure is evident for the ions Dy/sup 3 +/ ..-->.. Yb/sup 3 +/. The carbon shifts are dominated by polarization of unpaired spin away from the ligating oxygen(s) and mediated by a direct delocalization of spin resulting in a greater unpaired spin density at C/sub ..cap alpha../ than C/sub 0/. Although the proton shifts are primarily pseudocontact in origin, the separation method reveals a change in sign and increased magnitude of spin density at the protons on changingmore » from monodentate to bidentate coordination. This behavior may parallel known hydration sphere alterations along the lanthanide series.« less
Isomerization of geraniol and geranyl phosphate by enzymes from carrot and peppermint

Cell-free extracts from carrot and peppermint catalysed enzymatic trans-cis isomerization of geraniol and geranyl phosphate to nerol and neryl phosphate, respectively, in the presence of a flavin, a thiol or sulfide and light. Partial reduction of the flavin prior to incubation allowed the reaction to proceed in the absence of light. The reaction was reversible with the equilibrium favoring geraniol and geranyl phosphate.
The academic opportunity gap: how racism and stereotypes disrupt the education of African American undergraduates

Using Critical Race Theory as a framework, this article reveals how racism and stereotypes obstruct the academic success of black students. Through the use of focus groups, African American undergraduates from a large California State University campus, share the ways in which campus racism impacts their achievement potential as well as their behavior and emotional well-being. The results of the study illuminate how research on the difference in black–white grade performance must begin to examine the role of racism, and the way in which it constricts the academic opportunities afforded to African American undergraduates.
Studies on the Antithrombin and Heparin Co-factor Activities of a Fraction Adsorbed from Plasma by Aluminum Hydroxide

A chemical method has been devised for the quantitative determination of plasma antithrombin. A concentrate of antithrombin has been prepared from plasma. It also contains heparin cofactor activity. The two distinct activities could not be separated and may quite possibly be the properties of a single substance. When the concentrate is combined with heparin the capacity of the concentrate to destroy thrombin is not increased but there is interference with the thrombin fibrinogen interaction. In a mixture of the concentrate and thrombin there is simultaneous destruction of antithrombin, and thrombin activities. Small amounts of the concentrate significantly prolong the clotting time of blood.
Employment Outcomes: Health Factors and Role of the Physical Therapist

The purpose of this study is to determine which factors associated with health, physical activity, and body weight are related to the employment status of individuals with spinal cord injury. The participants (N = 728) were a minimum of 18 years of age and at least 2 years post injury. All data were collected by self-report using the Life Situation Questionnaire-Revised. Perceptions of general health, lifestyle, and endurance, as well as several factors associated with activity tolerance, were significantly associated with employment status. These findings suggest that physical therapists play a role in promoting better employment outcomes.
An update on feline infectious peritonitis: Diagnostics and therapeutics

This review is concerned with what has been learned about feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) diagnostics and therapeutics since the publication of an extensive overview of literature covering the period 1963–2009. Although progress has been made in both areas, obtaining a definitive diagnosis of FIP remains a problem for those veterinarians and/or cat owners who require absolute certainty. This review will cover both indirect and direct diagnostic tests for the disease and will emphasize their limitations, as well as their specificity and sensitivity. There is still no effective treatment for FIP, although there are both claims that such therapies exist and glimmers of hope coming from new therapies that are under research. FIP has also been identified in wild felids and FIP-like disease is now a growing problem among pet ferrets.
Effect of Nano-Size Silica Abrasives in Chemical Mechanical Polishing of Copper

The effect of nano-size silica abrasives in chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) of copper is studied in order to reduce mechanical stresses during polishing, which may minimize defects such as surface scratches, copper peeling, dishing and erosion. In order to achieve low stress polishing of copper while maintaining removal rate efficiency, the formation of chemically modified surface layer, which can be mechanically removed by small size and low hardness abrasives, is critical. Complexing agents play an important role in the formation of a removable surface layer in the presence of the oxidizer, which is responsible for oxide formation, and the inhibitor, which passivates the surface. A new removal mechanism is proposed by correlating results of surface roughness after polishing with removal and etch rates. The effects of large silica and alumina abrasives, ranging from 200-1000 nm in diameter, are also studied to compare the different removal mechanisms.
TEMPERATURE AS A PREDETERMINING FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AVENA SATIVA.

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Substituent Effects on the Acidity of Weak Acids. 1. Bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-carboxylic Acids and Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1-carboxylic Acids

The acidities of 3- and 4-substituted bicyclooctane-1-carboxylic acids and 3-substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1-carboxylic acids have been calculated at the MP2/6-311++G** theoretical level. There is good agreement between the calculated and observed gas-phase acidities. The acidities of the 4-substituted bicyclooctane acids were found to be linearly dependent on the C−X bond dipoles, as expected from a field effect. The substituents had a negligible effect on the electron density at C1. The difference in acidity between 4-chlorobicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1-carboxylic acid and the parent acid (6.2 kcal/mol) is reproduced by the Kirkwood−Westheimer treatment of substituent effects on acidity, but only if the bicyclooctane ring is given an effective dielectric constant of unity. The acidities of the 3-substituted bicyclooctane acids are linearly related to the corresponding 4-substituted acids with a slope of 0.9. The acidities of the 3-substituted bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane-1-carboxylic acids are linearly related to...
Singlet sensitization of the norbornadiene rearrangement: excitation energy cascade potentially involving triplet exciplexes

Abstract Valence isomerization of dimethyl bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta-2,5-dien-2,3-dicarboxylate is induced on quenching the fluorescence of a variety of sensitizers. Quantum efficiencies for rearrangement depend on the triplet energy of of the sensitizer.
Item Selection Using an Average Growth Approximation of Target Information Functions

The derivations of several item selection algorithms for use in fitting test items to target information functions (IFS) are described. These algorithms circumvent iterative solutions by using the criteria of moving averages of the distance to a target IF and by simultaneously considering an entire range of ability points used to condition the IFS. The algorithms were tested by generating six forms of an ACT math test, each fit to an existing target test, including content-designated item sub sets. The results indicate that the algorithms pro vided reliable fit to the target in terms of item parameters, test information functions, and expected score distributions.
Supersymmetric particles and the ΔI = 12 rule

Abstract We consider the contributions of new particles in supersymmetric theories to the nonleptonic decays of strange particles. We find that for a wide class of models the dominant new contribution is from purely ΔI = 1 2 penguinlike diagrams involving gluinos and scalar quarks. Detailed calculations suggest that these super-penguins are smaller in magnitude than the ordinary penguins unless the gluinos and scalar quarks are light (e.g. 1 GeV and 30 GeV, respectively), but there are significant uncertainties associated with higher order QCD effects.
Determination of hydroxyl number of polyoxyalkylene ethers by reaction with toluene diisocyanate

A new method for hydroxyl analysis is described in which excess toluene diisocyanate is reacted with a hydroxy compound, preferably in the presence of a catalyst, and the unreacted isocyanate is determined with dibutylamine reagent. The method is particularly applicable to polyethers intended for urethane foam preparation. It is rapid, is accurate, and has the added advantage of including such impurities as would be expected to consume isocyanate during a foam preparation.
Interfacial Aggregation of Bovine Serum Albumin Related to Crystallization Conditions Studied by Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) was used to examine adsorption and interfacial aggregation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from solvent conditions that are known to promote BSA crystallization. In the absence of a crystallizing agent (thermodynamically good solvent conditions), adsorption from a 0.1 mg/mL BSA solution in 50 mM phosphate buffer, pH 6.2, 25°C, results in formation of not more than monolayer protein films on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. However, in the presence of ammonium sulfate, which is used as an agent to crystallize BSA, adsorption yields a relatively thick multilayer protein film. The interfacial aggregation is sensitive to hydrophobicity of the substrate as well as to the prehistory of adsorption. A hydrophilic substrate promotes formation of thicker protein films than a hydrophobic one. For example, in the presence of 2.13 M ammonium sulfate, BSA adsorption during approximately 10 h yields approximately a 20-monolayer film on the quartz surface, in contrast to a 6-7 monolayer film on the hydrophobic surface. Rates of multilayer adsorption and desorption and the ultimate thickness of the multilayer protein film critically depend on the concentration of crystallizing agent. The rates correlate with the osmotic second virial coefficient, B22, which has been shown to be a predictor for protein crystallization. In the range of B22 values known as a "crystallization slot," the multilayer adsorption demonstrates a uniform rate of film growth. Noncrystallizing solvents do not exhibit this feature. The TIRF technique can be used to investigate molecular mechanisms of crystal growth and growth cessation as well as epitaxial and pseudoepitaxial growth using protein crystals grown at or attached to the surface. TIRF provides a sensitive and powerful tool to probe in situ and in real time the interactions of dissolved protein with a growing protein solid phase. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Copyright 1997Academic Press
Photochemical Remediation of Tetrachloroethylene: Reactor Design, Construction, and Preliminary Results

A custom designed pilot-scale photochemical remediation reactor is constructed for remediation of vapor-phase volatile organic halocarbons (VOHs), particularly chlorinated hydrocarbons such as PCE (tetrachloroethylene). Ultraviolet (UV) light, when emitted at an effective absorption frequency, cleaves a VOH’s carbon-chloride bond, transforming harmful contaminants to harmless products. The stainless steel reactor is of tubular-shape with an inner diameter of 32 cm and a length of 105 cm. The net volume of the reactor is approximately 73.7 L. Three stainless steel baffles are welded inside the reactor to create a well-mixed vapor phase and uniform UV contact time. Special low-pressure mercury amalgam UV lamps (Heraeus, Inc., Duluth, Ga.) are used as the photoenergy source. Two independent vapor-phase PCE destruction experiments are conducted using different influent contaminant concentrations. Both experiments show a PCE destruction efficiency of over 99%.
Dehydroascorbate Reductase Affects Leaf Growth, Development, and Function

Ascorbic acid (Asc) is a major antioxidant in plants that detoxifies reactive oxygen species (ROS) and maintains photosynthetic function. Expression of dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), responsible for regenerating Asc from an oxidized state, regulates the cellular Asc redox state, which in turn affects cell responsiveness and tolerance to environmental ROS. Because of its role in Asc recycling, we examined whether DHAR is important for plant growth. Suppression of DHAR expression resulted in a preferential loss of chlorophyll a, a lower steady state of Rubisco as measured by the amount of the large subunit of Rubisco (RbcL), and a lower rate of CO 2 assimilation. As a consequence, a slower rate of leaf expansion and reduced foliar dry weight were observed. In addition, an accelerated rate of loss of chlorophyll, RbcL, light-harvesting complex II, and photosynthetic functioning was observed in mature leaves, resulting in premature leaf aging. Reduced growth rate as measured by plant height and leaf number was consistent with the DHAR-mediated reduction of photosynthetic function. Increasing DHAR expression maintained higher levels of chlorophyll, RbcL, light-harvesting complex II, and photosynthetic functioning, resulting in delayed leaf aging. The effect of DHAR expression on leaf aging inversely correlated with the level of lipid peroxidation, indicating that DHAR functions to protect against ROS-mediated damage. These observations support the conclusion that through its Asc recycling function, DHAR affects the level of foliar ROS and photosynthetic activity during leaf development and as a consequence, influences the rate of plant growth and leaf aging.
TRANSITIONAL-TENSILE FRACTURE PROPAGATION : A STATUS REPORT

Abstract One model for the development of hybrid shear fractures is transitional–tensile fracture propagation, a process described as the in-plane propagation of a crack subject to a shear traction while held open by a tensile normal stress. Presumably, such propagation leads to a brittle structure that is the hybrid of a joint and a shear fracture. Crack–seal veins with oblique fibers are possible candidates. While these veins clearly show shear offset, this is not conclusive evidence that a shear traction was present at the time of initial crack propagation. Many recent structural geology textbooks use a parabolic Coulomb–Mohr failure envelope to explain the mechanics of transitional–tensile fracturing. However, the laboratory experiments cited as demonstrating transitional–tensile behavior fail to produce the fracture orientation predicted by a parabolic failure envelope. Additional attempts at verification include field examples of conjugate joint sets with small acute angles, but these conjugate joints form neither simultaneously nor in the stress field required by the transitional–tensile model. Finally, linear elastic fracture mechanics provides strong theoretical grounds for rejecting the notion that individual cracks propagate in their own plane when subject to a shear traction. These observations suggest that transitional–tensile fracture propagation is unlikely to occur in homogeneous, isotropic rock, and that it is not explained by a parabolic Coulomb–Mohr failure envelope as several recent structural geology textbooks have suggested.
Vocal Sight-Reading Assessment Technological Advances, Student Perceptions, and Instructional Implications

This study investigated choral singers’ comfort level using computer technology for vocal sight-reading assessment. High school choral singers (N = 138) attending a summer music camp completed a co...
Age dependent changes in myosin ATPase activity in the myocardium of spontaneously hypertensive rats

Male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and age matched Wistar Kyoto normoten-sive (WKY) rats of 5 weeks, 16 weeks, and 52 weeks of age were used to determine whether duration of hypertension has any effect on contractile protein ATPase and myosin isoenzyme distribution. Myofibrils, actomyosin, and myosin were isolated from the left ventricles of WKY rats and SHR and assayed for myosin ATPase activity and myosin isoenzyme distribution. Myofibrillar ATPase activity was assayed at various free [Ca++] ranging from 10−7 to 10−5 mol·litre−1. Ca++ stimulated actomyosin ATPase activity was determined at several Ca++ concentrations both at low ionic strength, which favours actin-myosin interaction, and at high ionic strength, which diminishes actin interaction with myosin. Purified myosin ATPase activity was assayed in the presence of K+-EDTA and in the presence of several concentrations of Ca+ +. Actin activated myosin ATPase activity was assayed using 26 μmol·litre−1 skeletal muscle actin. Under all these assay conditions no differences were observed in the contractile protein ATPase activity between SHR and WKY rats in any age group. On the other hand, in both SHR and WKY rats the contractile protein ATPase activity under all assay conditions was significantly decreased in 52 week old rats compared with 5 week old rats. The predominant myosin isoenzyme was Vi in 5 week and 16 week old WKY rats and SHR. In 52 week old WKY rats and SHR, however, significant amounts of isoenzymes V2 and V3 were present along with V1. Percentage distribution of V1, V2, V3 isoenzymes calculated from densitometric scans of gels did not show any differences between WKY rats and SHR in any age group. These results suggest that neither myosin ATPase activity nor myosin isoenzyme distribution is altered in the moderately hypertrophied left ventricles of SHR. Moreover, the data indicate that the myocardium of SHR, despite the persistence of pressure overload, undergoes a similar decrease in myosin ATPase activity and an increase in myosin isoenzyme V3 to age matched normotensive WKY rats.
INFLUENCE OF PREY AVAILABILITY AND INDUCED HOST-PLANT RESISTANCE ON OMNIVORY BY WESTERN FLOWER THRIPS

Theory predicts that the balance of nutritional needs, food availability, and the quality of particular food items are important factors in the feeding decisions of om- nivorous animals. In this study we investigate factors that affect the feeding decisions of an omnivorous thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) that eats both animal prey and plant foliage. In the presence of prey (mite eggs), adult and larval thrips consumed nearly half the amount of plant tissue as did thrips without prey. We manipulated host-plant quality by exposing plants to spider mite feeding. In the absence of prey, systemically induced plant responses following herbivory reduced the amount of feeding by thrips compared to that on uninduced control plants. In the presence of prey, induced responses caused a shift in the feeding preferences of thrips: thrips consumed half the amount of plant material and twice the number of prey on induced plants as did thrips on uninduced control plants. Our findings are relevant to understanding the complex factors that shape food-web interactions in nature. Variation in host-plant quality and availability of prey can exert a strong influence on the feeding preferences of omnivores. In addition, induced resistance may be a partic- ularly useful biological-control strategy because it reduces herbivorous pest populations directly, and indirectly by causing a shift toward predation in naturally occurring omnivores.
Implications of racial and gender differences in patterns of adolescent risk behavior for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

RESULTS: Among 16 clusters, the two defined by the lowest risk behaviors (sexual abstinence and little or no substance use) comprised 47% of adolescents; fewer than 1% in these groups reported ever having received an STD diagnosis. The next largest cluster—characterized by sexual activity (on average, with one lifetime partner) and infrequent substance use—contained 15% of participants but nearly one-third of adolescent with STDs. Blacks were more likely than whites to be in this group. Black males also were more likely than white males to be in three small clusters characterized by high-risk sexual behaviors (i.e., having had sex with a male or with at least 14 partners, or for drugs or money). Black females generally were the least likely to be in high-risk behavior clusters but the most likely to report STDs. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents’ risk behavior patterns vary by race and gender, and do not necessarily correlate with their STD prevalence. Further investigation of adolescents’ partners and sexual networks is needed. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2004, 36(6):239‐247
Erythrocyte flow device

The device presented is an erythrocyte flow device. The micro capillary flow in the device will be viewed in order to better understand in vivo capillary flow of erythrocytes. Of particular interest are the differences in flow between normal erythrocytes and erythrocytes taken from subjects under shock. The device will be used to monitor the flexion, aggregation, and adhesion of normal and shocked blood. As the studies advance the device will be used to also monitor the same effects when blood is treated by methods designed to lessen the effects of shock, and to ascertain an effective treatment for hypovolemic and septic shock.
A Taxonomy for Time-Varying Immersions in Periodic Internal-Model Control

Summary. In extending the solvability of the output regulation problem to encompass more general classes of time-varying exogenous systems, various non-equivalent definitions of observability play a crucial role in the definition and properties of immersion mappings establishing the so-called “internal model property.” This paper proposes a classification of the immersion mappings based on the underlying observability property, and describes the connections between different canonical realizations of internal models that fully exploit such properties for robust and adaptive output regulation design in periodic systems.
Molecular mechanisms of taste transduction

Taste transduction is a specialized form of signal transduction by which taste recep- tor cells (TRCs) encode at the cellular level information about chemical substances encoun- tered in the oral environment (so-called tastants). Bitter and sweet taste transduction path- ways convert chemical information into a cellular second messenger code utilizing cyclic nucleotides, inositol trisphosphate, and/or diacyl glycerol. These messengers are components of signaling cascades that lead to TRC depolarization and Ca ++ release. Bitter and sweet taste transduction pathways typically utilize taste-specific or taste-selective seven transmembrane- helix receptors, G proteins, effector enzymes, second messengers, and ion channels. The structural and chemical diversity of tastants has led to the need for multiple transduction mechanisms. Through molecular cloning and data mining, many of the receptors, G proteins, and effector enzymes involved in transducing responses to bitter and sweet compounds are now known. New insights into taste transduction and taste coding underlying sweet and bit- ter taste qualities have been gained from molecular cloning of the transduction elements, bio- chemical elucidation of the transduction pathways, electrophysiological analysis of the func- tion of taste cell ion channels, and behavioral analysis of transgenic and knockout models.
Predicting psychological mindedness from personality style and attachment security.

The aim of this study was to increase the construct validity of the Psychological Mindedness Scale (PM Scale) by investigating its relationship to well-established measures of personality style (NEO Five-Factor Inventory) and attachment security (Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment). Personality and attachment variables functioned as differential predictors of psychological mindedness (PM). Openness to Experience emerged as the best predictor of PM, followed by Extraversion, Neuroticism (inversely related to PM), and Attachment to Peers. Neither Attachment to Mother nor Attachment to Father predicted PM. The results of this study indicate that PM is related positively to healthy, rather than pathological, personal and interpersonal constructs. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 59: 163–172, 2003.