cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The influences of conifer succession, physiographic conditions and herbivory on quaking aspen regeneration after fire

Abstract Fire suppression over the last century has increased conifer expansion and dominance in aspen-conifer forests, which appears to be a driving force behind aspen decline in some areas. The primary objective of this study was to examine how increasing conifer dominance affects aspen regeneration vigor following the return of fire. The influence of physiographic features and herbivory on aspen regeneration vigor were also examined. The study was conducted in the Sanford fire complex located in the Dixie National Forest in southern Utah, USA, where more than 31,000 hectares burned in the summer of 2002. Seven years after the burn (at 66 locations) we measured aspen regeneration density and height as response variables and former stand composition and density (the burned trees were still standing), soil characteristics, slope, aspect and presence or absence of herbivory as independent variables. Aspen regeneration (root suckering) densities ranged from R 2 = −0.55) and overstory aspen density ( R 2 = + 0.50) being the most important. Average aspen suckering densities ranged from approximately 60,000 stems/hectare in what were relatively pure aspen stands (>90% aspen) to less than 5000 stems/hectare in stands where conifer abundance was greater than 90%. Soil C, N, and P showed positive correlations ( R 2 = 0.07 to 0.17) with aspen regeneration vigor, while soil texture had a relatively weak influence on sucker regeneration. Aspen regeneration densities were 15% lower on north facing aspects compared to east, west and south facing aspects with slope steepness showing no correlation with regeneration vigor. Regeneration density was significantly lower (8%) at sites with evidence of herbivory versus sites where herbivory was absent. Overall, the aspen regeneration response in the Sanford fire complex was strong despite high wildlife densities, which may be related to disturbance size. Where the maintenance of aspen is desired in the landscape we recommend promoting fire when the percentage of overstory conifer stems is greater than 80% or overstory aspen density is less than 200 overstory stems/hectare.
Determination of (±)‐1,2‐Bis(3,5‐dioxopiperazinyl) propane Plasma Levels in Rats, Rabbits, and Humans by GLC and Mass Fragmentography

Specific assay procedures were developed to measure plasma concentrations of (±)‐1,2‐bis(3,5‐dioxopiperazinyl) propane (I) by GLC using flame‐ionization detection with a sensitivity limit of 5 μg/ml and by GLC‐mass fragmentography with a sensitivity limit of 0.2 μg/ml. Applicability of the assay procedures was demonstrated in rats, rabbits, and humans. Plasma concentration‐time curves of total 14C activity and intact I were obtained in rats and rabbits following oral and intravenous administration of 14C‐I. Plasma elimination half‐lives of I in the first 2 hr following intravenous doses in rats were 40 and 45 min in two rats. Plasma levels of I were measured over 6 hr after an intravenous dose in rabbits and followed a two‐compartment open model with a terminal loglinear plasma half‐life of 85 min. Significantly higher total 14C levels compared to intact I plasma concentrations indicated rapid biotransformation in both rats and rabbits to unknown metabolites. The oral bioavailability appeared to be limited in both species relative to intravenous administration. Two patients receiving 3 g of I/m2 in tablets orally showed plasma levels of I similar to those obtained after oral doses in rats and rabbits, with peak concentrations at 2 hr after the dose (3.8 μg/ml) and with still measurable levels 12 hr after the dose (0.4 μg/ml).
Biofield Therapies for Symptom Management in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Terminally ill patients experience negative symptoms at end of life (EOL) that hinder well-being and quality of life (QOL). Current intervention strategies are not always effective or feasible. A focused literature review to evaluate the use of biofield therapies (ie, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Reiki) to manage the symptoms in EOL revealed no studies on the use these therapies, specifically in this population. Evidence from studies on relevant populations (patients with cancer, elderly patients, and patients experiencing chronic pain), which addressed the outcomes relevant to palliative and EOL care (EOLC; pain levels, changes in psychological symptoms, well-being, and QOL), supports the use of biofield therapies in relieving pain, improving QOL and well-being, and reducing psychological symptoms of stress. Further research to assess the use of biofield therapies in EOLC is clearly needed.
Debonding of a thermoelastic material from a rigid substrate at any constant speed: thermal relaxation effects

A linear isotropic thermoelastic half-space is debonded from a rigid insulated substrate at constant speed by moving shear and normal line loads. A dynamic steady state is examined, and an exact transform solution for the related problem of an insulated half-space subjected to a moving zone of specified surface displacements is obtained. Asymptotic forms are extracted that are valid near the zone edge and for high speeds, and which highlight thermal relaxation effects. They are used to derive analytical results for debonding at any constant speed. In particular, field variables on the debonded surface and the still-bonded interface are given for the sub-Rayleigh, super-Rayleigh/subsonic, lower and upper transonic, and supersonic speed ranges. The degenerate cases that arise at the three body wave speeds and at twice the rotational wave speed are also given. Calculations for the dynamic fracture energy rate and debonding zone temperature change at sub-Rayleigh speeds in 4340 steel indicate that thermal relaxation enhances energy rate, but mutes thermal response. The latter effect, however, itself decreases as the Rayleigh speed is approached.
Acute Renal Failure as a Complication in the Critically Ill Animal

Acute renal failure is associated with a high morbidity and mortality in the intensive care animal. The two most common causes are ischemic/reperfusion injury and insult from nephrotoxins. Damage to the renal cells (e.g., endothelial, tubular, or mesangial cells) and altered hemodynamics result in reduced glomerular blood flow, tubular backleak, tubular obstruction, and/or decreased glomerular permeability. Recognition of ARF during the initiation stage provides the optimal chance for recovery. Adequate circulatory blood volume and systemic blood pressure must be established prior to pharmacologic intervention. Once ARF is in the maintenance phase, metabolic consequences of uremia must be managed.
Update on vaccines for high-risk melanoma

The management of high-risk melanoma has historically included primary surgical resection with or without lymphadenectomy followed by an array of adjuvant options including radiation therapy or immunomodulatory therapies such as interferon-α, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and a multitude of vaccines. There has been a long-standing interest in the development of vaccines in high-risk and metastatic melanoma, and clinical trials have been ongoing for decades. Given that melanoma is identified as one of the most immunogenic solid tumors, there is continued hope that vaccine therapies will improve clinical outcomes. Despite intense interest in this field, few clinical trials to-date have demonstrated significant benefit from melanoma vaccines in high-risk disease. Several trials have even documented a detrimental effect on outcomes after vaccine administration. While the role of vaccines in the adjuvant setting of high-risk melanoma presently remains unclear, recent advances in immunotherapy for melanoma including development of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) monoclonal antibodies have demonstrated meaningful clinical responses. With further study and focus on mechanisms of immune regulation, there remains promise for the role of vaccines in combination with other immune-stimulatory agents in high-risk melanoma.
COMPARISON OF TWO TESTS OF VISUAL-MOTOR DEVELOPMENT USED TO ASSESS CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES '

Summary.-To examine the validity and sensitivity of the Test of Visual-motor Skills and the Developmental Test of Visual-motor Integration, 38 students with learning disabilities were administered each test twice over a 6-rno. period. Correlations between age-equivalents, percentile ranks, and z-scores ranged from .58 to .71, supporting the construct validity of the Test of Visual-motor Skills. However, mean scores on the Developmental Test of Visual-motor Integration were significantly higher with all three methods of reporting test results and do not support concurrent validity. Subjects made a significantly greater mean change in age-equivalent score on the Test of Visual-motor Skills, suggesting that this score is preferable for measuring change in children receiving remedial programs for visual-motor dysfunction. Professionals who provide services in the public schools frequently assess visual-motor development for the purposes of (1) detection of dysfunction, (2) determination of the need for remediation, (3) program planning, and (4) assessment of progress in response to intervention. Identification of children with visual-motor dysfunction and documentation of the efficacy of intervention requires a reliable and valid assessment that is sensitive to the change made by children receiving a remediation program. Two tests used to measure visual-motor development are the revised Developmental Test of Visual-motor Integration by Keith Beery (1982) and the more recently constructed Test of Visual-motor SkiUs by Morrison Gardner (1986). Beery (1982) presents evidence of construct and concurrent validity of the Developmental Test of Visual-motor Integration based on correlation of test scores with age, academic skill, and the Bender Visualmotor Gestalt Test. More recent studies support cross-cultural validlty (Webb & Abe, 1984; Webb, 1985) and construct validity (Breen, Carlson, & Lehman, 1985; Aylward & Schmidt, 1986; Wesson & Kispert, 1986). Gardner (1986) reports content validity for the Test of Visual-motor Skills with respect to measuring the psychological process under consideration and concurrent validity by age level with the Bender Visual-motor Gestalt Test (rs = .48 to .77) and the Developmental Test of Visual-motor Integration (rs = .25 to .76). The purpose of this study was to address the construct validity, concur
The risk of adenoid hypertrophy in children with allergic rhinitis

Background Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) may cause significant morbidity in children but its relationship to allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been studied. Objective To determine the risk factor of AH in patients with AR. Methods We studied 315 children (ages 1 to 18 years) who had AH and AR. We compared them with 315 age-matched controls who had AR alone. To identify risk factors, they were divided into four groups according to age and clinical parameters, including the prevalence of otitis media, sinusitis, lower respiratory infection, exposure to smoking, sleep disorders, use of antihistamine/decongestants, and results of allergy skin testing. Results The prevalence of upper or lower respiratory infections was higher in the group with AR and AH, but not in all age groups. A high prevalence of exposure to smoking and skin test reactivity against house dust mites were found in both groups. However, the prevalence of positive reactivity to molds was significantly higher in the group with AH and AR ( P ranged from 0.013 to P ranged from 0.0035 to 0.0001). Positive skin test reactivity to animal danders or seasonal allergens failed to predict the risk of AH. Conclusions Sensitivity to mold allergens is an important risk factor for AH in children with AR; therefore, early prevention of exposure to molds may help reduce occurrence of AH.
A search for the optimum conditions for culturing allografts before transplantation.

Abstract The survival of mouse thyroid allografts after in vitro culture was found to be a complex interaction of the oxygen pressure, time, and temperature of culture and the pretreatment of donor mice with hydrocortisone. The best results to date have been achieved with 24-hr cultures of pretreated thyroids at 37°C and 1700 mm pO 2 . With longer cultures a paradoxical effect of reduced temperature was noted.
Simple Scripts to Produce Interactive Web‐Based Tests with Immediate Feedback: Software and Illustration

Web publication is increasingly utilized in education. This paper is written to contribute a basic yet versatile software, with illustration, for creating interactive web-based modules for tests with immediate feedback. Each module assists students in learning new material by offering “tips,” without providing answers right away, when wrong answers are chosen. The software is segmented into five program files, where the first two are subject specific while the other three are general. Being independent of web sites, the three general program files need no changes by users and are included, with ample comments, in the appendices. Beginning instructors can readily create web-based modules by directly modifying the two subject specific program files.
Organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE)

Abstract Organometallic vapor phase epitaxy (OMVPE) has emerged in this past decade as a flexible and powerful epitaxial materials synthesis technology for a wide range of compound–semiconductor materials and devices. Despite its capabilities and rapidly growing importance, OMVPE is far from being well understood: it is exceedingly complex, involving the chemically reacting flow of mixtures of organometallic, hydride and carrier-gas precursors. Recently, however, OMVPE technologies based on high-speed rotating disk reactors (RDRs) have become increasingly common. As fluid flow in these reactors is typically cylindrically symmetric and laminar, its effect on the overall epitaxial growth process is beginning to be unraveled through quantitative computer models. In addition, over the past several years, a combination of well-controlled surface science and RDR-based growth-rate measurements has led to a richer understanding of some of the critical gas and surface chemistry mechanisms underlying OMVPE. As a consequence, it is becoming increasingly possible to develop a quantitative and physically based understanding of OMVPE in particular chemical systems. In this article, we review this understanding for the important specific case of AlGaAs OMVPE in an RDR under conditions used for growing typical device heterostructures. Our goal is to use typical growth conditions as a starting point for a discussion of fundamental physical and chemical phenomena, beginning with the fluid flow through an RDR and ending with the chemical reactions on the surface. By focusing on one particularly important yet relatively simple specific case, this review differs from more comprehensive previous reviews. Viewed as a case study, though, it complements these previous reviews by illustrating the wide diversity of research that is related to OMVPE. It can also serve as a good starting point for the development and transfer of insights into other more complex cases, such as: OMVPE of materials families containing Sb, P or N species, of other devices types, and in other more complex reactor geometries.
Prediction of the Standardized Risk Ratio via Proportional Mortality Analysis

The relationship between the commonly used indirectly standardized comparative mortality indices, the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) and the standardized proportional mortality ratio (SPMR) is well known; whereas, the relationship between their less commonly used directly adjusted counterparts, the standardized risk ratio (SRR) and the recently proposed externally standardized proportional mortality ratio (SePMR) has been heretofore not developed. This paper fills this void by demonstrating the algebraic and statistical relationship between the SRR and the SePMR and showing how, under some modest assumptions, valid inferences about the SRR can be based on analysis of SePMR's. More specifically, an asymptotic prediction interval has been developed for the SePMRi which, with high probability, contains the ratio RSRRi = SRRi/SRR. The utility of the SePMRi is supported empirically using data from a recent retrospective cohort study of mineral fiber workers.
Factorizations of Pieri rules for Macdonald polynomials

We introduce a heuristic embedding of the Macdonald polynomials Pμ(x; q, t) into a family of polynomials indexed by lattice square diagrams. This embedding leads to recursions which may be viewed as a factorization of the Stanley-Macdonald (1988, 1989) Pieri rules and shed some light into their intricate nature. In this manner we can prove some conjectures concerning the coefficients Kλμ(q, t). In particular, when μ is a 2-row shape or a hook we show that the expression ∑λƒλKλμ(q, t) is a polynomial with nonnegative integer coefficients. The recursions obtained in these cases lead to a combinatorial interpretation of this polynomial as a q, t-enumerator of permutations. A new proof is also obtained of a Jacobi-Trudi identity for 2-row shapes recently obtained by Jing and Josefiak. Some examples involving more general shapes are also included.
THE DETECTION OF NON‐IMMUNE HYDROPS THROUGH SECOND‐TRIMESTER MATERNAL SERUM SCREENING

The objective was to investigate whether non-immune hydrops in euploid pregnancies is associated with alterations in the second-trimester levels of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), unconjugated oestriol (uE3), and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Ten singleton cases of fetal non-immune hydrops were identified. The aetiology and timing of onset of the earliest signs of non-immune hydrops, including polyhydramnios, in relation to maternal serum screening for Down syndrome were assessed. There was no clear relationship between the aetiology of non-immune hydrops and the analyte levels, as aetiologies varied widely. AFP levels were elevated overall (median = 1.78 MOM) and uE3 levels were unremarkable (median = 0.82 MOM). hCG levels were elevated (median = 3.53 MOM) when non-immune hydrops was present at the time of screening, but were unremarkable (median = 0.82 MOM) when the non-immune hydrops presented later. It is concluded that second-trimester non-immune hydrops is associated with elevated hCG levels.
Does metabolic syndrome mitigate weight loss in overweight Mexican American women treated for 1-year with orlistat and lifestyle modification?

Aims To investigate the effects of a pharmacotherapy (orlistat) plus lifestyle management (OLM) intervention on weight loss in Mexican American women with and without metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: One hundred and seven female participants aged 21–65 years and of Mexican origin were randomized to either OLM or a wait-list control group (WLC) for one year. The lifestyle interventions were tailored to exhibit features of the Mexican culture. Within each group, subjects with MS were compared to those without MS to assess whether its presence mitigates weight loss. Risk factors for MS also were assessed. Results: Participants with MS in the OLM group experienced significant decreases in weight and body mass index (BMI) as compared to participants without MS. Participants with MS in the OLM group and who completed the study lost 9.3±7.5 kg (20.5±16.5 lb) as compared to participants with MS in the WLC group, who only lost 0.2±3.1 kg (0.4±6.8 lb). Further, participants with MS in the OLM group who completed the study experienced a 3.1±3.9 kg/m2 decrease in BMI whereas participants with MS in the WLC group only experienced a 0.1±1.2 kg/m2 decrease in BMI. No changes in other MS risk factors were significant. Conclusions: Patients with MS experienced significant weight loss and decreases in BMI as a result of a lifestyle and pharmacotherapy intervention.
Delayed myelosuppression with acute exposure to hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) and environmental degradation product hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) in rats.

Abstract Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), a widely used munitions compound, and hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX), its N-nitroso product of anaerobic microbial nitroreduction, are contaminants of military sites. Previous studies have shown MNX to be the most acutely toxic among the nitroreduced degradation products of RDX and to cause mild anemia at high dose. The present study compares hematotoxicity with acute oral exposure to MNX with parent RDX. Both RDX and MNX caused a modest decrease in blood hemoglobin and ~ 50% loss of granulocytes (NOAELs = 47 mg/kg) in female Sprague–Dawley rats observed 14 days post-exposure. We explored the possibility that blood cell loss observed after 14 days was delayed in onset because of toxicity to bone marrow (BM) progenitors. RDX and MNX decreased granulocyte/macrophage-colony forming cells (GM-CFCs) at 14, but not 7, days (NOAELs = 24 mg/kg). The earliest observed time at which MNX decreased GM-CFCs was 10 days post-exposure. RDX and MNX likewise decreased BM burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU-Es) at 14, but not 7, days. Granulocyte–erythrocyte–monocyte–megakaryocyte (GEMM)-CFCs were unaffected by RDX and MNX at 7 days suggesting precursor depletion did not account for GM-CFC and BFU-E loss. MNX added to the culture media was without effect on GM-CFC formation indicating no direct inhibition. Flow cytometry showed no differential loss of BM multilineage progenitors (Thy1.1+) or erythroid (CD71+) precursors with MNX suggesting myeloid and erythroid lineages were comparably affected. Collectively, these data indicate that acute exposure to both RDX and MNX caused delayed suppression of myelo- and erythropoiesis with subsequent decrease of peripheral granulocytes and erythrocytes.
The origins of volatile oxidation products in the thermal degradation of polypropylene, identified by selective isotopic labeling

Making use of polypropylene samples that are selectively labeled with carbon-13 at each of the three unique positions within the repeating unit, we are conducting mass spectral analyses of the volatile organic oxidation products that are produced when the polymer is subjected to elevated temperature in the presence of air. By examination of both the parent and fragmentation ion peaks in the mass spectrum, we are able to identify the positioning of the C-13 labels within the volatile compounds, and thereby map each compound onto its site of origin from within the macromolecular structure of polypropylene. Most of the organic oxidation products are remarkably specific in terms of their genesis from the polymer. The structural results are discussed in terms of the oxidation chemistry of the macromolecule.
Systematics, Biogeography, and Conservation of Jerdon's Courser Rhinoptilus bitorquatus

A cladistic analysis of Jerdon's Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) and eight allied taxa supports the validity of the Afro-Asian genus Rhinoptilus and indicates that the sister-species of the Indian relict bitorquatus is the Three-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus cinctus) of eastern Africa.The present distribution of these two sister forms is evidence for a former biotic link between peninsular India and the savanna habitats of eastern Africa. This distributional trend is corroborated by an additional list of forty-three species or sister-species pairs that exhibit this Afro-Indian pattern. We believe that these data support the notion that there once existed an Afro-Indian fauna that inhabited what was probably a continuous belt of savanna from southern Africa to southern India.The recovery plan for the critically-endangered Jerdon's Courser should include attempts to develop a captive population of R. cinctus, which could then be used to rear eggs taken from wild populations of bitorquatus. Captive breeding, in concert with local education and efforts to expand protected areas of prime habitat, offers the most promising integrated strategy for the species' recovery.
Responsive space: Concept analysis and theoretical framework

Abstract Customers’ needs are dynamic and evolve in response to unfolding environmental uncertainties. The ability of a company or an industry to address these changing customers’ needs in a timely and cost-effective way is a measure of its responsiveness. In the space industry, a systemic discrepancy exists between the time constants associated with the change of customers’ needs, and the response time of the industry in delivering on-orbit solutions to these needs. There are important penalties associated with such delays, and space responsiveness is recognized as a strategic imperative in commercial competitive and military environments. In this paper, we provide a critical assessment of the literature on responsive space and introduce a new multi-disciplinary framework for thinking about and addressing issues of space responsiveness. Our framework advocates three levels of responsiveness: a global industry-wide responsiveness, a local stakeholder responsiveness, and an interactive or inter-stakeholder responsiveness. We introduce and motivate the use of “responsiveness maps” for multiple stakeholders. We then identify “levers of responsiveness”: technical spacecraft- and launch-centric, as well as “soft” levers (e.g., acquisition policies) for improving the responsiveness of the space industry. Finally, we propose a series of research questions to aggressively tackle problems associated with space responsiveness.
The effects of pesticide exposure on ultraviolet-B radiation avoidance behavior in tadpoles

Abstract Effects of contaminants on behavior may have important consequences on wildlife populations because behaviors such as predation, predator avoidance, reproduction, and social interaction can affect population dynamics. As a common environmental stressor, ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation causes various deleterious effects and some aquatic organisms actively avoid UVB radiation in water. However, the extent to which environmental contaminants can impair UVB avoidance has not been evaluated, which may cause greater UVB exposure and toxicity. In the present study, we used Xenopus laevis tadpoles to determine if acute exposure to sublethal concentrations of agricultural chemicals can alter tadpole response to UVB radiation. We exposed tadpoles to four pesticides (malathion, endosulfan, α-cypermethrin, and chlorothalonil) for 96 h. At the end of the exposure, tadpoles were transferred to tanks divided into UVB and no-UVB areas. We observed tadpoles for 30 min and recorded time spent in the UVB area. We compared the proportion of time tadpoles spent in the UVB area among different concentrations for each pesticide. There was no significant difference between FETAX control and solvent control tadpoles. When combined, control tadpoles spent less than half of the time in the UVB area indicating that X. laevis tadpoles exhibit UVB avoidance behavior. Tadpoles exposed to 5 μg/L endosulfan spent significantly more time under UVB than control tadpoles. Other pesticides had no effect on tadpole UVB avoidance behavior. Our results suggest that some neurotoxic pesticides can affect UVB avoidance in larval amphibians, which may increase their exposure and subsequently the risk of UVB-induced damage. The present study highlights the importance of examining the interaction between two stressors that co-occur across broad spatial scales and to consider behavioral alteration when evaluating the risk of pesticides to amphibians.
The ultrastructure of meiospores of coleochaete pulvinata charophyceae

In view of the relative importance of reproductive cell ultrastructure in phylogenetic and systematic studies of green algae, we investigated the fine structure of germinating zygotes and meiospores of Coleochaete pulvinata Braun. Meiospores have a flagellar apparatus very similar to that of zoospores and spermatozoids of the same species. Meiospores differ from zoospores and spermatozoids of C. pulvinata in having pyramidal body scales similar to those present on zoospores of C. scutata. Meiospores of C. pulvinata had as many as twice the number of spline microtubules as zoospores, and four times the number present in splines of spermatozoids of the same species. Developing meiospores of C.pulvinata, like those of other Coleochaete species, are individually surrounded by chamber walls. These differed from vegetative cell walls in lacking plasmodesmata. Moreover, the chamber walls in germinating zygotes of C.pulvinata stained a cobalt blue color with resorcinal blue, and fluoresced yellow in the presence of aniline blue, thus exhibiting the staining characteristics of callose. In location, morphology and presence of callose, chamberwalls resemble “special walls” of land plants, they may represent a charophycean spore development preadaptation useful in the evolution of walled spores characteristic of land
Some Remarks on Gold Treatment of Photographic Silver Halide Emulsions

Earlier attempts of various investigators to increase the sensitivity of photographic emulsions by addition of colloidal silver, silver sulfide, or gold are reviewed. Koslowsky’s discovery of the effect of certain gold complex salts as powerful sensitizers is described and a possible mechanism of the effect discussed. The importance of this effect for the manufacture of modern high speed and fine grain film as well as special x-ray emulsions is indicated.
Ada training evaluation and recommendation

This paper documents the Ada training experiences and recommendations of the Gamma Ray Observatory dynamics simulator Ada development team. A two month Ada training program for software developers is recommended which stresses the importance of teaching design methodologies early, as well as the use of certain training aids such as videotaped lectures and computer-aided instruction. Furthermore, a separate training program for managers is recommended, so that they may gain a better understanding of modified review products and resource allocation associated with Ada projects.
An in vitro bioassay for leukocytic endogenous mediator(s) using cultured rat hepatocytes.

Primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes were used to assay for the presence of leukocytic endogenous mediator(s) (LEM), a neutrophil derived protein(s) capable of stimulating the synthesis of acute-phase plasma proteins when injected into rats. In the presence of physiological concentrations of dexamethasone (40 nM), the hepatocytes secreted a variety of plasma proteins as demonstrated by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. The addition of LEM to hepatocytes increased the secretion of several acute-phase related plasma proteins, including fibrinogen and hepatoglobin, and decreased albumin secretion. These results mimic the acute-phase response observed in the intact animal. Fibrinogen secretion was used as a quantitative marker for determining LEM activity. The rate of fibrinogen secretion depended upon both the concentration of dexamethasone and LEM present during a given 24-h assay period. One unit of LEM activity is defined as that concentration of LEM capable of producing a 50% maximal stimulation of fibrinogen secretion.
The (forgotten) Sixties in Mexico

by Elaine Carey, Albuquerque, NM, University of New Mexico Press, 2005, 254 pp., US$24.95 (paperback), ISBN 978‐0‐826‐335456 by Gerardo Estrada, Mexico, Plaza Janes, 2004, 302 pp., US$15.09 (paperb...
Frequency methodology for evaluating urban and highway storm-water quality control infiltration BMPs.

Time domain continuous simulation models using simple or detailed process models are routinely used to analyze storm-water control options. The interest in decentralized controls has generated the need to develop tools that can evaluate performance when response times are very short and may even be shorter than the available precipitation data. The effect of storage is much less in infiltration based systems so simpler frequency domain approaches can be useful. A simple, but reasonably reliable, model has been developed on the basis of system response time and frequency analysis using long-term precipitation data. In the model, the performance of a storm-water management facility is related to the loading rate of storm water onto the facility. Performance is estimated using long-term precipitation data, catchment information, and storm-water management facility specification. The developed frequency model provides a simple and relatively accurate way to estimate the overall performance of infiltration bes...
Policy transfers between governments: The case of administrative reforms

Administrative reform has been a very common activity of governments in almost all industrialised democracies, including those in Western Europe. The frequent contacts among these governments, and the presence of organisations such as the OECD that are spreading the reforms, might be expected to produce widespread diffusion of administrative innovations. That diffusion is not, however, as widespread as might have been expected and there are marked differences among countries as well as among types of reform. Using Boolean algebra, this article analyses the correlates of the diffusion of reform among European countries and the implications of that diffusion for public administration in these countries.
Turkey Plasma Thyroid Hormone and Prolactin Concentrations Throughout an Egg Laying Cycle and in Relation to Photorefractoriness

Plasma concentrations of thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and prolactin were determined weekly through an egg laying cycle induced with 30 wk of 14 h light:10 h dark. Egg production, primary remige molting, and occurrence of photorefractoriness were monitored. Hens were assigned to one of two groups; those that exhibited photorefractoriness (PR) and those that remained photosensitive (PS). Weekly plasma T4 concentrations relative to the time of initiation of photostimulation did not differ between PR and PS groups; concentrations peaked prior to the onset of egg production, were lowest during peak egg production, and increased between Weeks 6 and 30 of photostimulation. Plasma T4 levels of PR hens peaked 3 wk prior to the onset of photorefractoriness. Plasma T3 concentrations of PS and PR hens were similar until increases occurred in PR hens at the onset of photorefractoriness. Plasma prolactin levels in PS and PR hens increased after photostimulation, declined sooner in PR hens, and were generally greater in PS than PR hens during the last 20 wk of the study. Mean time of onset of photorefractoriness in PR hens was 23.0 wk (range = 18 to 28 wk) after initiation of photostimulation. Egg production of PS hens was greater than that of PR hens after 20 wk of photostimulation, and PR hens molted a greater number of primary remiges than PS hens. Results indicated that 1) elevated plasma T4 may be involved in development of photorefractoriness in turkey hens, 2) increases in plasma T3 may be involved in gonadal regression and molting, and 3) elevated plasma prolactin was associated with persistence of photosensitivity.
Pharmacokinetic characterization of an RNA aptamer against osteopontin and demonstration of in vivo efficacy in reversing growth of human breast cancer cells

Background We report pharmacokinetic (PK) data, evaluation of modifications for increased stability, evaluation for cellular uptake, and mediation of regression of breast cancer for the aptamer OPN-R3. Methods The OPN-R3 aptamer was assessed for PK data in vivo with additional comparison of IV and subcutaneous dosing. Five aptamer variants were generated by differential 2′-O-methylation for comparison with parent. OPN-R3-Cy3 was incubated with MDA-MB231 cells and cellular uptake evaluated under confocal microscopy. Mice were treated with OPN-R3, mutant, or saline 3 weeks after inoculation with MDA-MB231 cells and tumor size was evaluated. Results OPN-R3 PK data were: t1/2 7.76 hours, Tmax 3 hours, Cmax 13.2 mmol/L, mean residence time 9 hours, AUC (0–t) 161.9 mmol/hr/L, and Kd 57.2 nmol/L. The half-life was higher when given intravenously versus subcutaneously (E1/2 7.93 vs 0.74 hours). The 2′ methylation of all available bases increased unmodified aptamer stability and affinity (t1/2 6.2 hours; Kd 520 nmol/L), but this did not improve on parent aptamer (t1/2 7.78 hours, Kd 18 nmol/L). The aptamer remained extracellular. OPN-R3 caused regression of tumor to levels seen at 1 week after tumor inoculation. Conclusion We show the efficacy of OPN-R3 for reversing growth of breast cancer cells with adequate PK stability for clinical application.
Zolmitriptan : a 5-HT1B/D agonist, alcohol, and aggression in mice

Rationale: Zolmitriptan is an anti-migraine agent with action at 5-HT1B/D receptors. It penetrates into the central nervous system and, like other 5-HT1B/D agonists, its pharmacotherapeutic profile may include significant anti-aggressive effects. Objectives: To examine whether zolmitriptan has potential anti-aggressive effects by studying two kinds of aggressive behavior in mice – species-typical and aggression under the influence of alcohol. A second objective was to study whether pre- or post-synaptic receptors mediate these anti-aggressive effects. Methods: Initially, the anti-aggressive effects of zolmitriptan were studied in male CFW mice during 5-min resident–intruder confrontations. To confirm the 5-HT1B receptor as a critical site of action for the anti-aggressive effects, the zolmitriptan dose–effect determinations were repeated after pretreatment with GR 127935 (10 mg/kg, i.p.). In further experiments, mice were treated concurrently with alcohol (1.0 g/kg, p.o.) and zolmitriptan (1–30 mg/kg, i.p.) in order to compare the effects of this agonist on species-typical and alcohol-heightened aggression. Finally, mice were infused with the neurotoxin 5,7-DHT (10 µg) into the raphe area to eliminate somatodendritic and presynaptic autoreceptors. The anti-aggressive effects of zolmitriptan (17 mg/kg, i.p.) or CP-94,253 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were assessed 10 days after the lesion, and levels of 5-HT and 5-HIAA were measured in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Results: Zolmitriptan exerted behaviorally specific anti-aggressive effects. The reduction in aggression was antagonized by GR 127935, indicated by a rightward shift in the dose–effect curves of zolmitriptan, showing the specificity for the 5-HT1B receptors. Zolmitriptan also decreased alcohol-heightened aggression with equal efficacy. The anti-aggressive effects of CP-94,253 and zolmitriptan remained unaltered by 5,7-DHT lesions that depleted cortical and hippocampal 5-HT by 60–80%. Conclusions: Zolmitriptan proved to be an effective and behaviorally specific anti-aggressive agent in situations that engender moderate and alcohol-heightened levels of aggression. These effects are potentially due to activation of post-synaptic 5-HT1B/D receptors.
Far infrared spectrum, conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, vibrational assignment, and ab initio calculations of 2-chloro-3-fluoropropene

The far infrared spectrum (375 to 30 cm−1) of gaseous 2-chloro-3-fluoropropene, CH2=C(CH2F)CI, has been recorded at a resolution of 0.10 cm−1. The fundamental asymmetric torsional mode is observed at 117.5 cm−1 with ten excited states falling to low frequency for thes-cis (fluorine atom eclipsing the double bond) conformer. For the higher energy gauche conformer, the asymmetric torsion is estimated to be at 94 cm−1. From these data the asymmetric torsional potential function has been calculated. The potential function coefficients are calculated to be in cm−1):V1=803±21,V2=−94±21,V3= 1025±10,V4=95±10, andV6=2±1, with an enthalpy difference between the more stables-cis and gauche conformera of 550±100 cm−1 (1.57±0.29 kcal/mol). This function gives values of 1227±50cm−1(3.51±0.14kcal/mol), 1266±200 cm−1 (3.62±0.57 kcal/mol), and 665±100 cm−1 (1.90±0.29 kcal/mol), for thes-cis to gauche, gauche to gauche, and gauche tos-cis barriers, respectively. From the relative intensities of the Raman lines of the gas at 652 cm−1 (gauche) and 731 cm−1 (s-cis) as a function temperature, the enthalpy difference is found to be 565±96 cm−1 (1.62±0.27 kcal/mol). However, the more polar gauche conformer remains in the crystalline solid. The Raman spectrum of the gas has been recorded from 3500 to 70 cm−1 and, utilizing these data and the previously reported infrared data, a complete vibrational analysis is proposed for both conformers. The conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, fundamental vibrational frequencies, and structural parameters that have been determined experimentally are compared to those obtained from ab initio Hartree-Fock gradient calculations employing both the 3–21 G* and 6–31G* basis sets and to the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
The Semilattice of Annihilator Classes in a Reduced Commutative Ring

Let R be a reduced commutative ring with 1 ≠ 0. Let R E be the set of equivalence classes for the equivalence relation on R given by x ∼ y if and only if ann R (x) = ann R (y). Then R E is a (meet) semilattice with respect to the order [x] ≤ [y] if and only if ann R (y) ⊆ ann R (x). In this paper, we investigate when R E is a lattice and relate this to when R is weakly complemented or satisfies the annihilator condition. We also consider when R is a (meet) semilattice with respect to the Abian order defined by x ≤ y if and only if xy = x 2.
Bax Can Antagonize Bcl-XL during Etoposide and Cisplatin-induced Cell Death Independently of Its Heterodimerization with Bcl-XL

Bax, a member of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, has been shown to promote apoptosis while other members of the family, including Bcl-XL and Bcl-2, inhibit cell death induced by a variety of stimuli. The mechanism by which Bax promotes cell death is poorly understood. In the present report, we assessed the ability of Bax to antagonize the death repressor activity of Bcl-XL during chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in the lymphoid cell line, FL5.12. Expression of wild-type Bax countered the repressor activity of Bcl-XL against cell death mediated by VP-16 and cisplatin. We performed site-directed mutagenesis of the BH1, BH2, and BH3 homology regions in Bax to determine the ability of wild-type and mutant Bax to heterodimerize with Bcl-XL and to antagonize the protective effect of Bcl-XL against chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Bax proteins expressing alanine substitutions of the highly conserved amino acids glycine 108 in BH1, tryptophan 151 and 158 in BH2, and glycine 67 and aspartic acid 68 in BH3 retained their ability to promote chemotherapy-induced cell death that was inhibited by Bcl-XL and to form heterodimers with Bcl-XL. Bax proteins containing deletions of the most highly conserved amino acids in BH1 (Delta102-112) and BH2 (Delta151-159) maintained the ability of Bax to antagonize the death repressor activity of Bcl-XL and to associate with Bcl-XL. However, Bax with BH3 deleted did not form heterodimers with Bcl-XL, but retained its ability to counter the death repressor activity of Bcl-XL. These results demonstrate that the conserved BH3, but not BH1 or BH2, homology region of Bax is necessary for its interaction with Bcl-XL in mammalian cells. Furthermore, our results indicate that Bax does not require BH1, BH2, BH3, or heterodimerization with Bcl-XL to counter the death repressor activity of Bcl-XL. Therefore, Bax can antagonize Bcl-XL during VP-16 and, in a lesser degree, during cisplatin-induced cell death independent of its heterodimerization with Bcl-XL.
Metal-Insulator Transition of VO2 . A XANES Investigation of the O K Edge of VO2

We have studied the metal-insulator (MI) transition in VO 2 with angle resolved x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Above T MI the oxygen K near edge structure shows two resolved peaks, the intensities of which do not change if the polarization vector E is rotated within the rutile (ab) plane, but vary by a factor of two when E is rotated in the (ac) plane. Below T MI we observe a third peak, which shows strong angular dependence: it vanishes for E ⊥ c rut and is largest for E ∥ c rut , confirming earlier suggestions that this peak is due to the so called d∥ band. We find analogous features in the M 2 and T phases of Cr doped VO 2 . From comparisons of these spectra we conclude that shifts in the d∥ board between the insulating and metallic phase are primarily due to the effect of correlations and the other shifts to the formation of dimers; tilting of the dimers plays only a minor role.
Peer review of research abstracts.

Application of a rating theory model to reviews of abstracts submitted to an international research conference resulted in good fit with the data and detection of significant interreviewer differences in reviewer stringency. Computation of calibrated ratings (i.e., those from which reviewer differences had been removed) permitted selection of abstracts that reflected more accurately the true quality of each abstract without regard to who happened to have reviewed it and thus enhanced both the validity and reliability of the peer review process.
A general equation for aerosol aspiration by thin-walled sampling probes in calm and moving air

Abstract When measuring coarse aerosols, particle aspiration from the atmosphere to the inlet face has a significant effect on the overall sampling efficiency of the inlet. In applying predictive equations to calculate the aspiration efficiency, past practice has required that the user decide between sampling from a calm air environment or one where there is significant air motion in a given direction. Many occupational and environmental air environments, however, are weakly disturbed with air motions that do not fall into either category. To bridge this gap, a universal equation has been developed for sharp-edged tubular inlets. The new model considers the inertial and gravitational effects in calm air and low-velocity flows at various inlet orientations. At high wind velocities, the inertial effect becomes dominant. Sample calculations with the new model compare well with experimental data.
Uptake of nitrogenous nutrients by phytoplankton in a barrier Island estuary: Great South Bay, New York

The uptake of urea, nitrate and ammonium by phytoplankton was measured using 15N isotopes over a one-year period in Great South Bay, a shallow coastal lagoon. The bay is a unique environment for the study of nutrient uptake since ambient concentrations of NO3− NH4+ and urea remain relatively high through the year, and phytoplankton are probably never nutrient limited. Urea nitrogen averaged 52% of the total assimilated, while ammonium represented 33% and nitrate 13%. High rates of ammonium uptake occurred only at low urea concentrations (ca< 1-μg-atom urea l−1). Over the sampling period urea was present in relatively high concentrations, averaging 5·35 μg-atom N l−1, while means for ammonium and nitrate averaged 1·94 and 0·65 μg-atom N l−1, respectively. Total N uptake measured with 15N averaged about 3·3 times the calculated (from elemental ratios and 14C productivity measurements) N needs of the phytoplankton population. Highest nitrogen uptake occurred in the summer and coincided with the primary production maximum.