cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serotonin Inhibits Protein Feeding in the Blow Fly, Phormia regina (Meigen)

Serotonin is an important signaling molecule involved in the control of feeding in flies and other animals. In this study, a potential neurohemal release site for serotonin and the effects of exogenous serotonin on protein feeding were examined in the black blow fly, Phormia regina. A dense network of varicose neural processes exhibiting serotonin-like immunoreactivity was identified on the dorsal region of the thoracico-abdominal ganglion in P. regina. This dorsal region of the central nervous system is a likely site for the release of serotonin into the hemolymph. Circulating serotonin may have multiple systemic effects on fly physiology, including modulating or regulating feeding related processes and diuresis. Injections of exogenous serotonin reduced protein meal size in female flies at all doses and at all time points examined within a 24 h period relative to control and saline injected flies. Similar results were observed in serotonin-injected males at 35 min post injection. The injection of 50 μg serotonin resulted in the greatest amount of protein feeding inhibition. Serotonin injected flies also experienced greater weight loss than control or saline-injected flies during the 24 h post-injection period, possibly due to increased diuresis.
Seizure interactions between the inferior collicular cortex and the deep prepiriform cortex

Abstract In rats, electrographic seizure activity was recorded from both the inferior collicular cortex and the deep prepiriform after i.p. administration of 15 μmol/kg bicuculline, a dose which produced a variety of seizure behaviors. Electrographic spikes recorded from the deep prepiriform cortex coincided with myoclonic jerks, while both brain areas exhibited an increase in afterdischarge frequency at the onset of forelimb tonic extension. Conversely, afterdischarge activity was recorded in both brain regions, while no seizure behaviors were apparent, providing examples of dissociation between electrographic and behavioral seizure activity. However, when functional interactions were assessed, the tonic-clonic behaviors produced by kindling stimulation of the inferior collicular cortex were prevented by microinjections of procaine into the deep prepiriform cortex. Thus, a forebrain site, that has been associated with limbic seizure activity, also can modulate seizure generalization from the inferior collicular cortex into the forebrain.
Crustal neon: a striking uniformity

By combining data from a diverse suite of crustal fluid samples representing a broad geographical distribution, we have identified a well-defined nucleogenic (crustal) neon component. The neon is produced from (α, n) and (n, α) nuclear interactions involving nuclei of O, Mg, and F [1]. In the limiting case of 20Ne/22Ne = 0, the composition is: 21Ne/22Ne = 0.47 ± 0.01 and 21Ne/4He = (0.46 ± 0.08) × 10−7. A crustal O/F ratio of ∼ 110 (atomic) calculated from the 21Ne/22Ne ratio is 4–10 times less than the average crustal O/F ratio. The discrepancy can be accounted for by an enhanced O/F ratio within the ∼ 10–40 μm range of the U-Th-generated α-particles.
Optimal fleetwide emissions reductions for passenger ferries: an application of a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model for the New York-New Jersey Harbor.

Abstract Emissions from passenger ferries operating in urban harbors may contribute significantly to emissions inventories and commuter exposure to air pollution. In particular, ferries are problematic because of high emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) from primarily unregulated diesel engines. This paper explores technical solutions to reduce pollution from passenger ferries operating in the New York–New Jersey Harbor. The paper discusses and demonstrates a mixed-integer, nonlinear programming model used to identify optimal control strategies for meeting NOx and PM reduction targets for 45 privately owned commuter ferries in the harbor. Results from the model can be used by policy-makers to craft programs aimed at achieving least-cost reduction targets.
What About the Host Agency? Nonprofit Perspectives on Community- Based Student Learning and Volunteering

College student volunteerism and interest in community-based learning are on the rise. Are communities ready for them? This article examines the “supply side” of student engagement: nonprofit capac...
Anderson Lattice Description of Photoassociation in an Optical Lattice

We consider atomic mixtures of bosons and two-component fermions in an optical lattice potential. We show that if the bosons are in a Mott-insulator state with precisely one atom per lattice, the photoassociation of bosonic and fermionic atoms into heteronuclear fermionic molecules is described by the Anderson Lattice Model. We determine the ground state properties of an inhomogeneous version of that model in the strong atom-molecule coupling regime, including an additional harmonic trap potential. Various spatial structures arise from the interplay between the atom-molecule correlations and the confining potential. Perturbation theory with respect to the tunneling coupling between fermionic atoms shows that anti-ferromagnetic correlations develop around a spin-singlet core of fermionic atoms and molecules.
Tacrolimus: in vitro effects on myelopoiesis, apoptosis, and CD11b expression.

Background Tacrolimus is a common component of multi-drug immunosuppressive regimens that are used for the prevention of rejection in transplant recipients. Tacrolimus therapy has been associated with anemia after transplantation, and recent clinical evidence in children suggests its association with the development of neutropenia for which an alternative etiology is not apparent. Mechanisms of suspected tacrolimus-related neutropenia have not been previously elucidated. We hypothesized that this variety of neutropenia might be due to a negative effect of tacrolimus on neutrophil production and/or survival. Methods We designed in vitro studies to determine the dose-dependent effect of tacrolimus on myeloid cell production and/or apoptosis. CD34+ cells and neutrophils isolated from umbilical cord blood of term gestations were cultured with tacrolimus (0–1,000 ng/ml). To evaluate apoptosis, cells cultured for 24 hours were stained with annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate (V-FITC) and 7-amino-actinomycin D (7-AAD) and analyzed by flow cytometry. For clonal analysis, CD34+ cells cultured in cytokine-enhanced semi-solid media were scored for their myeloid/erythroid mix colony forming units (CFU-Mix) and myeloid (CFU-GM) progenitor cell contents. Results Tacrolimus induced a dose-dependent enhancement of clonogenesis and survival of CD34+ cells at clinically relevant doses. Conversely, tacrolimus had no effect on the survival of mature neutrophils or on the upregulation of CD11b in response to chemotactic stimulation. Conclusion In contrast to our initial hypothesis, we observed that tacrolimus at clinically relevant concentrations enhanced clonogenesis of neutrophil progenitors and promoted their survival. Our in vitro studies suggest that tacrolimus alone is unlikely to be a significant factor in the neutropenia observed during immunosuppressive therapy.
Aflatoxin Formation by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus in a Casein Substrate at Different pH Values

Abstract Acid curd from skimmilk was mixed with water, blended, and the pH of the mixture adjusted to 1.0 to 11.35 using HCl and NaOH, and to 1.8 to 10.7 with lactic acid and NH 4 OH. Curd was then inoculated with spore suspensions of Aspergillus flavus or Aspergillus parasiticus and held at ambient temperature for 21 days. After four days, mold growth was evident on curd at pH values between 2.73 and 5.47 (HCl-NaOH series) and between 4.20 and 7.0 (lactic acid-NH 4 OH series). Six days later, growth of mold was evident at pH values in the range of 1.70 to 9.90 (HCl-NaOH series) and 3.10 to 7.0 (lactic acid-NH 4 OH series). Growth did not appear at any additional pH values during the subsequent 11 days of incubation. Both A. flavus and A. parasiticus neutralized the strong acid and base so that after ten days the pH values of nearly all samples approached neutrality. This was also true, but in a more limited pH range, when the weak acid and base were used. Aflatoxins B 1 and G 1 were produced at all pH values where growth was initiated, with highest levels generally present after 21 days in samples which initially were at the extreme ends of the pH scale.
Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myeloid phagocytes: disease modeling and therapeutic applications

Myeloid phagocytes (neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells) have key roles in immune defense, as well as in tissue repair and remodeling. Defective or dysregulated myeloid phagocyte production or function can cause immune dysfunction, blood cell malignancies and inflammatory diseases. The tumor microenvironment can also condition myeloid phagocytes to promote tumor growth. Studies of their physiological and pathophysiological roles and the mechanisms regulating their production and function are crucial for the identification of novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we examine the use of induced pluripotent stem cells to study myeloid phagocytes in human diseases and develop future therapeutic strategies.
Objects of consciousness

Current models of visual perception typically assume that human vision estimates true properties of physical objects, properties that exist even if unperceived. However, recent studies of perceptual evolution, using evolutionary games and genetic algorithms, reveal that natural selection often drives true perceptions to extinction when they compete with perceptions tuned to fitness rather than truth: Perception guides adaptive behavior; it does not estimate a preexisting physical truth. Moreover, shifting from evolutionary biology to quantum physics, there is reason to disbelieve in preexisting physical truths: Certain interpretations of quantum theory deny that dynamical properties of physical objects have definite values when unobserved. In some of these interpretations the observer is fundamental, and wave functions are compendia of subjective probabilities, not preexisting elements of physical reality. These two considerations, from evolutionary biology and quantum physics, suggest that current models of object perception require fundamental reformulation. Here we begin such a reformulation, starting with a formal model of consciousness that we call a "conscious agent." We develop the dynamics of interacting conscious agents, and study how the perception of objects and space-time can emerge from such dynamics. We show that one particular object, the quantum free particle, has a wave function that is identical in form to the harmonic functions that characterize the asymptotic dynamics of conscious agents; particles are vibrations not of strings but of interacting conscious agents. This allows us to reinterpret physical properties such as position, momentum, and energy as properties of interacting conscious agents, rather than as preexisting physical truths. We sketch how this approach might extend to the perception of relativistic quantum objects, and to classical objects of macroscopic scale.
Oncogenic conversion of the thyroid hormone receptor by altered nuclear transport

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are transcription factors whose activity is modulated by ligand binding. These receptors are at the core of complex signaling pathways and act as integrators of many cellular signals. In the last decade our understanding of NRs has greatly evolved. In particular, regulation of NR subcellular dynamics has emerged as central to their activity. Research on the subcellular distribution of the thyroid hormone receptor (TR) has revealed new dimensions in the complexity of NR regulation, and points to the possibility that NR mislocalization plays a key role in oncogenesis. For many years, TR was thought to reside exclusively in the nucleus. It is now known that TR is a dynamic protein that shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. TR is localized to the nucleus in a phosphorylated form, suggesting that compartment-specific phosphorylation mediates cross-talk between multiple cell signaling pathways. The oncoprotein v-ErbA, a viral-derived dominant negative variant of TR is actively exported to the cytoplasm by the CRM1 export receptor. Strikingly, the oncoprotein causes mislocalization of cellular TR and some of its coactivators by direct interaction. Here, we offer some perspectives on the role of subcellular trafficking in the oncogenic conversion of TR, and propose a new model for oncoprotein dominant negative activity.
Receptors for sheep erythrocytes (E) and erythrocyte‐antibody‐complement complexes (EAC) on the lymphoblasts of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Two cell-surface markers, rosette formation with sheep erythrocytes (E-rosette) as a T-cell marker and rosette formation with bovine erythrocyte-antibody-complement complex (EAC-rosette) as a B-cell marker were determined on peripheral blood lymphocytes and lymphoblasts from normal and 89 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In the majority of the patients (12/15 untreated patients and 6/11 patients in relapse), lymphoblasts exhibited neither E- nor EAC-rosette formation. Lymphoblasts from one untreated patient with mediastinal mass displayed E-(50%) and EAC-rosette formation (15%). In 3 of 11 patients in relapse, lymphoblasts displayed an increase in EAC-rosette formation with progressive disease. In the remaining patients with active disease, a small and variable proportion of lymphoblasts expressed E and/or EAC-rosette formation. In 63 patients in remission, percentages of E- and/or EAC-rosette were similar (p > 0.05) to those of control. The results indicate a wide heterogeneity with respect to expression of lymphocyte membrane markers in lymphoblasts and in normal lymphocytes in patients with active ALL.
Intraoperative use of FloSeal with adenotonsillectomy to prevent adverse postoperative outcomes in pediatric patients.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to compare postoperative complications associated with monopolar dissection adenotonsillectomy, with and without the application of FloSeal at the completion of the procedure.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary care pediatric hospital.Subjects and MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of 800 cases of adenotonsillectomy. Two cohorts of patients were identified based on whether or not FloSeal was used intraoperatively during the completion of the monopolar dissection adenotonsillectomy. Outcomes that were measured included: (1) age, (2) sex, (3) diagnosis, (4) primary hemorrhage, (5) secondary hemorrhage, (6) return to operating room, and (7) dehydration. All binomial outcomes measured were subjected to chi-square and t tests.ResultsAge and gender were similar between the 2 groups. Chronic tonsillitis was the primary indication more often in the control group; this was statistically significant. Primary hemorrhage occurred in 1 subject from ea...
Sedimentation and sediment accretion in Michigan coastal wetlands (U.S.A.)

Abstract Sediment transport and accretion rates were studied for three different types of coastal wetlands of Lake Michigan, U.S.A. A forested intradunal wetland (Cranberry Bog No. 1) near Stevensville, Michigan, displayed sediments in the form of detritus, and exported them. Very little sedimentary material entered by streamflow. These features of bottom-land wetlands were confirmed by radioisotope studies on cores, which showed low accretion rates of 210 Pb. The mass fluxes were found to range from 0.01 to 0.2 g cm −2 yr. −1 . The equivalent linear growths are 0.5–9.0 mm yr. −1 . The suspended material from this wetland entered a filling shrub—bog—lake complex known as Cranberry Bog No. 2. A considerable fraction of the incoming sediments were retained in this intradunal basin wetland. This was confirmed via radioisotope studies, with cores showing higher accretion rates than in the bottom-land wetland. The river-delta wetland at Pentwater, Michigan, had little sediment trapping ability. Large amounts of water and suspended materials entered this riverine wetland, but no annual average removal was found. Radioisotope studies of cores at selected locations within this system showed little or no accretion in stream channels, and normal accumulation of organic material in non-channel areas. No net annual effect on water quality of the streams as they discharged to Lake Michigan was found. Storm events caused no notable import or export of suspended material. Presumably the sand substrate in the vicinity of all three wetlands caused runoff events to be mediated by subsurface flow through this porous soil. These three sand-based coastal wetlands appear to have little net effect on suspended solids. The 210 Pb method proved more valuable than 137 Cs because of the small depth of occurrence of the latter isotope. Interpretation of isotope profiles required information on acid-fraction-soluble profiles. Results are expressed in terms of mass units, since compaction of cores distorts the linear accretion rate. Delayed transfers of radionuclides appear to have occurred, perhaps as a result of integration of atmospheric inputs by the watersheds. The total activities of 210 Pb and 137 Cs are well correlated, which indicates particle trapping efficiency as the primary factor for affecting accumulation of both isotopes.
Citation analysis of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta , 1951–1960

A bibliometric analysis of the field of geochemistry was begun with a citation analysis of the first ten years of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 1951–1960, the first English language geochemistry journal. Journal articles dominated the citation field with approximately 75% of the citations, followed by books and continuations. English language citations dominate by 1960 with 75% with a corresponding decrease in German language citations. Citations to the geologic literature dominate and increase with time from 40% to 58%. Citations of Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta grow from 2 to 357 citations within ten years. Self citations are consistent at about 10%. The trends visible within this small sample of geochemical literature will possibly continue and strengthen with increasing data years. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Unexpected side effects of inline substitution: a case study

The structure of a program can encode implicit information that changes both the shape and speed of the generated code. Interprocedural transformations like inlining often discard such information; using interprocedural data-flow information as a basis for optimization can have the same effect.In the course of a study on inline substitution with commercial FORTRAN compilers, we encountered unexpected performance problems in one of the programs. This paper describes the specific problem that we encountered, explores its origins, and examines the ability of several analytical techniques to help the compiler avoid similar problems.
When astrocytes signal, kainate receptors respond.

For most of the last century, one of the major dogmas of neuroscience has been that the brain is composed of two major cell types: neurons, which perform all of the interesting functions required for cognition, and glia, which perform the essential but humble job of keeping the neurons healthy. However, the last decade has seen a slow but steady erosion of this neuron-centric view. First, it was found that neuronal activity can generate glial calcium responses (1–3); more recently, glia have been found to reciprocate and affect neuronal activity (4–6) through mechanisms that are poorly understood. Much of the available evidence indicates that glial activation leads to calcium-dependent glutamate release (4, 6–8), raising the intriguing possibility that glia can drive neuronal activity through some kind of glutamatergic transmission. In this issue of PNAS, Liu et al. (9) show that astrocytes in the hippocampus can cause γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release from interneurons through activation of the kainate subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor. One of the major obstacles in examining glia–neuron interactions is that few methods can be used to selectively activate glia without also activating neurons. To circumvent this problem, Liu et al. loaded astrocytes in area CA1 of the hippocampus with caged calcium. They then used focal photolysis to uncage and selectively increase astrocytic calcium levels, which they monitored by using calcium imaging. They simultaneously recorded the responses of neighboring GABAergic interneurons by conventional patch–clamp recording. After photolysis, astrocytic calcium levels were increased, and a coincident flurry of GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) were recorded …
Integrating Social Services and Social Change: Lessons From an Immigrant Worker Center

Social workers have long grappled with the tension between social services and social action. Drawing on a qualitative case study, this article examines how a new type of community organization (immigrant worker centers) is navigating this tension. While attempting to maintain an organizing focus, the Great Lakes Worker Center also provided direct services to its members, undocumented immigrants and their families. Analysis suggests that like settlement houses, today’s worker centers demonstrate the synergy between services and action. Current conditions, particularly for vulnerable populations, favor this hybrid approach to community practice that acknowledges individual needs while also pressing for social change.
Visualization of cation diffusion at the TiO2 interface in dye sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells (DSPEC)

Time-resolved, UV-vis spectroscopic measurements of Li+ diffusion in mesoscopic TiO2 photoanodes were conducted in dye sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cells (DSPECs) under operating conditions. In these experiments the spectral response of TiO2 derivatized with [Ru(bpy)2(4,4′-((HO)2PO)2bpy)]2+ (RuP, where bpy is 2,2′-bipyridine, (4,4′-((HO)2PO)2bpy) is [2,2′-bipyridine]-4,4′-diphosphonic acid) arises from electric field (Stark) effects on the metal-to-ligand-charge transfer (MLCT) absorption spectrum of RuP, which is screened by cation intercalation. These results verify that Li+ diffusion is coupled to electron injection and to electron recombination/extraction at the TiO2 interface. Li+ doping levels depend on the competition between dynamics of its intercalation and electron recombination/transport. For a DSPEC operating in aqueous solution at pH 4.5, the observed rate constants for Li+ intercalation and release were 0.22 s−1 and 0.014 s−1, respectively. Both processes were considerably slower in the more viscous solvent propylene carbonate with Li+ release rate constants <2 × 10−4 s−1. Accumulation of Li+ under these conditions shifts conduction band/trap states to less negative potentials, increasing electron lifetime in TiO2.
Cell Proliferation in Epithelial and Lympho-hematopoietic Tissues of Cyclostomes

The cyclostomes, hagfishes and lamprey, represent modern agnathans, the most primitive vertebrates. They are therefore of special interest from the phylogenetic view point with regard to proliferative activities of epithelial and of lympho-hematopoietic tissues. The animals, kept in aquaria at 15 C, were given 1.0 μCi of 3H-thymidine per gram of body weight intramuscularly, killed 2 hr later, different organs prepared for autoradiograms using the liquid emulsion technique, and the labeling indices determined. In peripheral blood, cell proliferation occurred mainly in the hemocytoblast group of cells in both species. Both lympho-hematopoietic cells and epithelial cells proliferated in the lamprey, although at a relatively low rate, perhaps attributable to senescence. In the hagfish, blood-forming and epithelial cells were rapidly proliferating, with the dramatic exception of intestinal epithelium, where the proliferative activity was extremely low. This Finding may well explain the documented high resistance of hagfishes to irradiation and alkylating agents, in contrast to the lamprey, which is approximately as sensitive to these agents as most advanced vertebrates.
WE‐D‐210A‐01: Design and Development of An Advanced PET System Built From Semiconductor Detectors

We are in the process of building a high performance positron emission tomography(PET)system for small animal research using a semiconductordetector material known as cadmiumzinc telluride (CZT). If successful, this system will enable substantial improvements in the ability to detect, visualize, and quantify molecular‐based signatures of disease in vivo using PET. Unlike nearly all other PETsystem designs, which use scintillation detector technology, CZT directly collects electron‐hole pairs created from the absorption of a 511 keV annihilation photon. This approach has advantages both in terms of construction as well as performance of high resolution PETsystems that we will describe in this presentation. We will also present other unusual features of the system design, results of detector spatial, energy, and temporal resolution measurements performed in the laboratory, image reconstruction strategies, as well as predicted systemphoton sensitivity, noise‐equivalent count rate, and reconstructedspatial resolution performance results obtained using Monte Carlo simulation studies.
A Specific Soluble Substance Involved in Nephrotoxic Nephritis.

SummaryA specific soluble substance which will combine with the nephrotoxic antibody of anti—rat kidney serum was obtained in solution. The material was liberated into solution by digesting rat kidney with trypsin at pH 8. This substance was assayed by its ability to absorb antibodies from nephrotoxic serum. It protected a total of 24 rats without failure. Control experiments excluded trypsin activity as being the protective substance. Further characterization should be possible now that this specific material has been obtained in solution.
Effects of Carbon Fillers in Thermally Conductive Polypropylene Based Resins

The thermal conductivity of insulating polymers can be increased by adding conductive fillers. One potential market for these thermally conductive resins is for fuel cell bipolar plates. In this study, varying amounts of three different carbon fillers (carbon black, synthetic graphite particles, and carbon nanotubes) were added to polypropylene. The effects of single fillers and combinations of the different fillers were studied via a factorial design. Each single filler caused a statistically significant increase in composite through-plane thermal conductivity at the 95% confidence level, with synthetic graphite causing the largest increase. All of the composites containing combinations of the different fillers caused a statistically significant increase in composite through-plane thermal conductivity. It is possible that thermally conductive pathways are formed that ‘link’ these carbon fillers, which results in increased composite thermal conductivity. Composites containing 80 wt% synthetic graphite had an in-plane thermal conductivity of 28.0 W/m·K, which is desired for bipolar plates (>20 W/m·K). POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrophysiologic and cyclic AMP changes in axon-transected frog spinal roots

Abstract Transection of a lumbar spinal nerve in the frog produces a disruption of spinal reflexes, a decrease in spinal nerve conduction velocity proximal to the lesion, and alterations in axonal cyclic AMP concentration. Conduction velocity decreases to 85% of control within 7 days of axon transection, and reaches a value 65% of control by 21 days. Monosynaptic spinal reflexes, initiated by either the descending lateral column (LC) pathway or intact lumbar dorsal roots (DRs), show a progressive increase in latency and a decrease in amplitude beginning 17 days postaxotomy. The disruption of reflex pathways continues in nonregenerating systems, but reflexes are restored to normal if regeneration occurs. The predominantly somatic terminations of the LC recover earlier than the predominantly axodendritic synapses of the DR. The signal(s) which initiates these axotomy-induced alterations in neuronal function remains to be identified. The cyclic AMP concentrations of normal and axon-transected spinal roots were measured to determine if cyclic nucleotides could play a role in this communication system. Cyclic AMP increased transiently in spinal roots 6 to 7 days after spinal nerve transection, then returned to control values and eventually began to decline 21 days postaxotomy. With the onset of regeneration, ventral root cyclic AMP concentration returned to control levels, but dorsal root concentration remained depressed. This disassociation between dorsal and ventral roots may reflect a preferential distribution of axonally transported materials into the peripheral process of the sensory axon.
Direct Mail and Information Diffusion Family Planning

Informal information diffusion including discussions with friends relatives and spouses plays an important role in the success of family planning programs. This study examines the effects of direct mailing on knowledge opinion leadership and diffusion. Information about local birth control clinics the pill IUD and other contraceptive methods was sent to a random half of a total sample of 300 welfare mothers in the summer of 1972. 3 weeks later in-depth interviews were conducted with the entire sample. The direct mailing appeared to have 2 of its 3 intended effects. It increased knowledge of family planning among those receiving the literature and more than doubled participation in the diffusion process. It had no effect on self-concept as an opinion leader. Correlation analysis of the whole sample showed that direct mailing opinion leadership and knowledge are all reliable independent predictors of diffusion. Among those receiving the mailing knowledge appears to be the better predictor of diffusion; among the others opinion leadership appears to be better. In both groups opinion leadership and knowledge are associated with each other.
Complementary visualization and sonification of multidimensional data

Interpretation of multi-dimensional complex data usually involves extracting the relationship between several variables. This is typically done with an interactive visual system . Iugh resolution volumetric data imaging, color, animation, and multiple views are effective tools for data interpretation. Sound can provide an additional and complementary perceptual channel. This presentation focuses on the use of sound with a multi-dimensional imaging system to facilitate the interactive interpretation of complex data. Our methods and system are presented with data from a simulation which computes electron density, hole density, and potential throughout the volume of a three-dimensional semiconductor. The spatial changes and relationships of the three scalar fields are the object of study. Normally the field relations would he examined through multiple visualizations. here, sound is used to augment the visualization by permitting a user to visually concentrate on one field, while listening to the other. Two of the three scalar fields from the simulation arc selected for interpretation and visualized. The 3-dimensional vector gradient of one of them is sonified at a selected focal point within the semiconductor solid. As the current focus i interactively moved through the solid, the representative sound is altered accordingly. The sonification is composed such that local minima and maxima of one of the fields can he found without looking at it.
Can a temporal processing deficit account for dyslexia

In this comment, we argue that although Farmer and Klein (1995) have provided a valuable review relating deficits in nonreading tasks and dyslexia, their basic claim that a “temporal processing deficit” is one possible cause of dyslexia is somewhat vague. We argue that “temporal processing deficit” is never clearly defined. Furthermore, we question some of their assumptions concerning an auditory temporal processing deficit related to dyslexia, and we present arguments and data that seem inconsistent with their claims regarding how a visual temporal processing deficit would manifest itself in dyslexic readers. While we agree that some dyslexics have visual problems, we conclude that problems with reading caused by the visual mechanisms that Farmer and Klein postulate are quite rare.
Low δ18O magma, Isle of Skye, Scotland: Evidence from zircons

Abstract Zircons in Tertiary granitic rocks from the Isle of Skye, Scotland were resistant to measurable oxygen isotope exchange during intense hydrothermal activity in the subvolcanic environment. Five granite bodies from the Western Red Hills complex were investigated; four have 18O(Zrc) = 4.1 ± 0.2%o (VSMOW) while the fifth, which intruded before major cauldron subsidence, is 2‰ lower. Zircons from Lewisian gneiss are visually and isotopically distinct indicating that zircons in the granite are not xenocrysts from the Lewisian basement. Analysis of different magnetic and size fractions of zircon shows no significant correlation to δ18O supporting the conclusion that these values represent the true magmatic compositions and that the Western Red Hills granites intruded as low δ18O magmas with a whole rock δ18O ≤ 6.0‰. Quartz separates from four granites are close to the calculated magmatic values in δ18O, but in the fifth, values are 5‰ lower indicating variable exchange of quartz with low δ18O heated meteoric waters. These results might be explained by magmatic interaction with hydrothermally altered crust early in the evolution of the granites, before crystallization of zircon, followed by interaction with later hydrothermal fluids. Alternatively, independent evidence for low δ18O mafic magmatism in NW Scotland suggests the presence of large quantities of low δ18O subducted ocean crust in the subcontinental lithosphere that could contaminate or be the source of low δ18O mantle-derived melts.
Structural and electronic factors that influence oxygen affinities: a spectroscopic comparison of ferrous and cobaltous oxymyoglobin.

Various structural and electronic factors that result in similar rates of oxygen association (kon) and differing rates of oxygen dissociation (koff) for ferrous (FeMb) and cobaltous (CoMb) myoglobin have been investigated. Similar values for kon indicate similar barriers to oxygen binding for CoMb and FeMb. Through optical spectroscopy, we have found that the stable quantum yields of photolysis for CoMbO2 (0.55 +/- 0.05) and FeMbO2 (0.50 +/- 0.05) at 10 K are the same. The X-ray absorption near edge spectra (XANES) of CoMb and FeMb reveal similar metal-heme displacements for the deoxy, oxy, and low temperature photoproduct states of CoMb and FeMb. Thus, similar barriers to ligand binding, indicated by similar kon's and photoproduct yields for CoMb and FeMb, correlate with the metal-heme displacements for the oxy, deoxy, and low temperature photoproduct states of CoMb and FeMb. Lower values of koff for FeMbO2 versus CoMbO2 imply different barriers to oxygen release for the two species. X-ray edge positions of CoMb and FeMb indicate a substantial transfer of electron density from the metal to the ligand upon oxygenation. The distribution of electron density throughout the M-O-O moiety differs for CoMbO2 and FeMbO2. Resonance Raman spectroscopy has demonstrated that the Co-O bond is weaker when compared to Fe-O [Tsubaki, M., & Yu, N. T. (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A. 78, 3581]. We have used photolyzed/unphotolyzed Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) difference spectra of CoMb16O2, CoMb18O2, FeMb16O2, and FeMb18O2 to show that the dioxygen stretching frequency, v(O-O), in CoMbO2 (approximately 1138 cm-1) is higher than FeMbO2 (approximately 1131 cm-1). The dioxygen stretching frequency in CoMbO2 is closer to that of heme protein models lacking a hydrogen bond to the distal histidine, suggesting that formation of the hydrogen bond in FeMbO2 provides a greater effect on the distribution of electron density throughout the Fe-O-O... HN moiety, potentially stabilizing a more ionic Fe-O-O bond. These findings demonstrate important electrostatic differences in the distal environments of CoMbO2 and FeMbO2, resulting in different barriers to oxygen release.
“Imageless” Spatial and Temporal Rules Can Be Tested and Refined by Constructing Vivid Visual and Auditory Images

In this computerized study, research participants completed both Marks' (1973) Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire and Kunzendorf's (1979) Vividness of Auditory Imagery Questionnaire and, immediately thereafter, completed either a visuo-spatial rule-development exercise or an audio-temporal rule-development exercise. During the visuo-spatial exercise, participants were administered 20 four-alternative quizzes regarding the schematic rules of 3-point perspective (3PP) and, between quizzes, were instructed to figure out the rules by constructing visual images that serve to test their developing schema. During the audio-temporal exercise, participants were administered 24 two-alternative quizzes regarding artificial grammatical rules and, between quizzes, were instructed to figure out the rules by generating auditory images that serve to test their developing grammar. Across 83 participants in the visuo-spatial rule-development exercise, greater development of 3PP rules correlated significantly with gr...
The diisopropylcarbodiimide/ 1-hydroxy-7-azabenzotriazole system: Segment coupling and stepwise peptide assembly

Abstract For a group of model peptide segments, coupling reactions carried out via solution or solid phase techniques have demonstrated the advantages of the system DIC HOAt over DIC HOBt and in addition for systems involving other selected carbodiimides and substituted HOBt derivatives bearing electron-withdrawing substituents. Very little, if any, loss of configuration occurred in DCM regardless of the additive used, although the relative order of efficiency was similar in solvents such as DMF in which more extensive epimerization resulted. In application of DIC HOAt to stepwise peptide assembly by solid phase techniques, it was found that the hindered pyridine base collidine enhanced the step involying preactivation of the carboxylic acid residue in contrast to the normal situation in which bases such as DIEA, NMM, or non-hindered pyridine bases inhibit this step. These results led to development of a stepwise procedure for peptide assembly in which collidine is added to enhance activation and subsequently DIEA is added to enhance coupling.
Rates of predation on mammals by gombe chimpanzees, 1972–1975

Rates of chimpanzee predation on mammals are calculated using data on 75 kills recorded during focal observation in Gombe National Park, Tanzania, from January 1972 to April 1975. The chimpanzees were members of two study communities (Kanyawara, or Northern, and Kahama, or Southern, community), and were observed as focal individuals for 14,583 hr by more than 30 researchers and field assistants working in pairs. The rate of predation by females was too low to allow reasonable estimates. For males, the mean rate of killing during the study period was 0.31 kills per male per 100 hr (N = 17 males), or 4.65 kills per 100 hr in the two communities. In contrast to results from Mahale Mountains, there was no difference in predation rate between wet and dry seasons. However, predation rates varied over time, increasing by four times between the first three and last four seasons of the sample period. In an average year the 15 adult and subadult male chimpanzees are calculated to have killed 204 prey per year in an area of 16 km z, varying be- tween 99 and 420 prey per year in periods of low and high predation rate. Red colobus were the most frequent prey, followed by bushpig and bushbuck. Predation rates varied greatly on different prey species, and were not related to either the proportion of time spent within 200 m of male chimpanzees, or to their population densities. In relation to encounter rates and population density, baboons, blue monkeys, and redtail monkeys were killed at a fraction of the rate of red colobus monkeys, which suffered severe mortality from chimpanzee predation. Predation on bushpig and bushbuck also appears to have been high in relation to population density. The amount of food provided by predation is estimated to have averaged 600 kg per year for chimpanzees in the two communities (totalling 14-17 adult or subadult males, 18-20 adult of subadult females, and about 19 infants or juveniles). This suggests that adult males consumed around 25 kg of meat per year, although any average figure undoubtedly masks considerable individual variation. Present data suggest that chimpanzees in Gombe and Tai National Park, Ivory Coast, prey on mammals at rates higher than other populations.
The log-dynamic brain: how skewed distributions affect network operations

Many physiological and anatomical parameters in the brain have a skewed distribution. Buzsaki and Mizuseki propose that this reflects a fundamental aspect of brain organization — namely, a network in which a minority of neurons does most of the work all of the time.
On Initiating "A New Order of Things" A Reply to Schwartz

The author refutes Schwartz's thesis that "political correctness" (PC) stems from a narcissistic, unconscious desire to substitute unconditional love for objective standards of performance. The author argues that "objective" assessment is not achievable; that supporters of PC seek standards based on more inclusive criteria, not the abdication of standards; and that Schwartz's dichotomized "biparental" model for universities excludes other sources of support and standards available to students.
A two frequency, separated oscillatory field technique for multiple quantum transitions

Abstract We have developed a new two frequency technique to apply Ramsey's method of separated oscillatory fields to multiple quantum transitions, and have applied it to observing the 3S-3D double quantum transition in atomic hydrogen.
Porous Biodegradable Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cage Design and Fabrication Using Integrated Global-Local Topology Optimization With Laser Sintering

Biodegradable cages have received increasing attention for their use in spinal procedures involving interbody fusion to resolve complications associated with the use of nondegradable cages, such as stress shielding and long-term foreign body reaction. However, the relatively weak initial material strength compared to permanent materials and subsequent reduction due to degradation may be problematic. To design a porous biodegradable interbody fusion cage for a preclinical large animal study that can withstand physiological loads while possessing sufficient interconnected porosity for bony bridging and fusion, we developed a multiscale topology optimization technique. Topology optimization at the macroscopic scale provides optimal structural layout that ensures mechanical strength, while optimally designed microstructures, which replace the macroscopic material layout, ensure maximum permeability. Optimally designed cages were fabricated using solid, freeform fabrication of poly(e-caprolactone) mixed with hydroxyapatite. Compression tests revealed that the yield strength of optimized fusion cages was two times that of typical human lumbar spine loads. Computational analysis further confirmed the mechanical integrity within the human lumbar spine, although the pore structure locally underwent higher stress than yield stress. This optimization technique may be utilized to balance the complex requirements of load-bearing, stress shielding, and interconnected porosity when using biodegradable materials for fusion cages.
The molecular weight distribution and oligomers of sodium hydroxide hydrolyzed poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Methanolic sodium hydroxide reacted more quickly than aqueous sodium hydroxide with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Larger amounts of low molecular weight deposits were formed at the product surface after the former treatment, also indicating the severity of this attack. The molecular weight distribution, obtained by gel permeation chromatography for the product of methanolic NaOH hydrolysis, had a population with 2400 peak molecular weight, which was not present on the chromatograph of the aqueous sodium hydroxide hydrolyzed product. This population is hypothesized to have been crystalline material. Extraction and analysis by high performance liquid chromatography of the low molecular weight products on the surface and in the bulk of the hydrolyzed PET samples, in comparison to controls, revealed the presence of more oligomeric species after hydrolysis. Also, more oligomeric species were present in the bulk extract of the methanolic sodium hydroxide hydrolyzed sample than in the aqueous NaOH hydrolyzed product.
NIST-Sponsored Interlaboratory Comparison of Polystyrene Molecular Mass Distribution Obtained by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: Statistical Analysis

The method of preparation and methods of analysis of a narrow distribution polystyrene of ∼7 ku used in an interlaboratory comparison of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) of synthetic polymers is described. Size exclusion chromatography was used to measure the polystyrene sample variability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF-MS were used to analyze end groups on the polymer. The polystyrene was analyzed by MALDI-TOF-MS and classical methods of polymer characterization. The number (Mn) and mass (Mw) average of the molecular mass distribution (MMD) determined by the classical methods (light scattering and NMR) were compared with those obtained by MALDI-TOF-MS. Agreement between classical methods to obtain the moments of the MMD and the MALDI is found to be good overall. However, all the experimental values obtained by MALDI fell below the classical values. A discussion of why these values are lower is included. We discuss the stat...
Selective Anterior Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy and Frontal Lobe Dementia: A Clinicopathologic Correlation

A 77 year old white male with a frontal lobe type of dementia was found to have at autopsy extensive deposition of amyloid in the leptomeningeal blood vessels of the frontal lobe, and to a much lesser degree in the parietal lobe and hippocampus. The temporal and occipital lobes where almost free of amyloid. Parenchymal blood vessels were much less affected. Other striking features included cortical gliosis in the frontal lobe, and the scarcity of amyloid plaques. Neurofibrillary tangles were very rarely encountered in the hippocampus. The dementia could not be fully explained on the basis of Alzheimer's disease, alcohol-related damages or cerebral infarctions. The selective frontal amyloid angiopathy and gliosis may have been related to the dementia.
Staged concurrent program analysis

Concurrent program verification is challenging because it involves exploring a large number of possible thread interleavings together with complex sequential reasoning. As a result, concurrent program verifiers resort to bi-modal reasoning, which alternates between reasoning over intra-thread (sequential) semantics and inter-thread (concurrent) semantics. Such reasoning often involves repeated intra-thread reasoning for exploring each interleaving (inter-thread reasoning) and leads to inefficiency. In this paper, we present a new two-stage analysis which completely separates intra- and inter-thread reasoning. The first stage uses sequential program semantics to obtain a precise summary of each thread in terms of the global accesses made by the thread. The second stage performs inter-thread reasoning by composing these thread-modular summaries using the notion of sequential consistency. Assertion violations and other concurrency errors are then checked in this composition with the help of an off-the-shelf SMT solver. We have implemented our approach in the FUSION framework for checking concurrent C programs shows that avoiding redundant bi-modal reasoning makes the analysis more scalable.