cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lessons Learned In a Small Group Program For Limited Income

Abstract Obesity prevalence, dietary risk for chronic disease, and sedentary behavior are highest in those with limited income, but interventions designed for middle income segments have not worked well in limited income settings. For this reason we developed a series of eight lessons based on our experience, the literature, and three focus groups held with the target population. Three trials of this weight management program have provided insights for promotion and recruitment, as well as lesson content. Site scheduling difficulties include conflicts on days that the site is planning to be closed (such as holidays or inservices), conflict with other programs offered at the site, and assuring that those hired for transportation or child care will show. Recruiting of participants must be highly publicized (including fliers, newsletter announcements, and personal letters or telephone calls) and should occur approximately one month in advance, then again one week in advance; a reminder telephone call the evening before, to those who signed up, is helpful. Word of mouth from former participants was the most effective recruitment method. Participants were intimidated by the requirement to keep two-day food and activity records; using food recalls was more accepted. Questionnaires and activities must be adapted specifically for a low-literacy audience. Most participants did not own a cookbook and were delighted to receive a free one. Hunting seasons and inclement weather can also cause a low turnout. Program leaders must be flexible to participant's personal crises and needs. We found that 9:00 a.m. is too early to begin (11:00 a.m. or later was better). Participants required a short break every 40-45minutes. Providing a free lunch or snack for the participants was important for social development of the group. Each lesson began and ended with a group activity to encourage social support. These insights can help dietitians who are planning to do small group activities with limited income populations.
SOMATIC CELL INCOMPATIBILITY IN DIDYMIUM IRIDIS: LOCUS IDENTIFICATION AND FUNCTION

Somatic incompatibility in two strains of the myxomycete Didymium iridis is controlled by at least 13 loci: seven fusion loci and six clear-zone loci. Details on correlating loci of the Hon I strain with Pan 1 loci are given and a unified nomenclature, applicable to both strains, has been developed from data presented in this paper. Although fusion loci generally prevent fusion between different plasmodial incompatibility phenotypes, studies on individual loci have shown that a limited transient fusion may occasionally take place. Thus, the differences between the fusion and clear-zone loci are not as distinct as once thought. However, the 13 somatic incompatibility loci are still easily designated as either fusion or clear-zone loci, and no locus has thus far been found with true intermediate function. Studies on individual locus function are also discussed.
The Role (Or Not) for Numbers and Statistics in Qualitative Research: An Introduction

“Statistics in research” has been an emotional matter for me, a topic that cues a significant intellectual change that I went through about a decade after receiving my PhD. In the late 1970s and ea...
Deformation of Permian strata overlying a zone of salt dissolution and collapse in the Texas Panhandle

Brittle deformation of strata overlying salt dissolution zones has been identified in Caprock Canyons State Park, Texas Panhandle. The geometry and distribution of the structures indicate that systematic regional joints that predated dissolution collapse influenced salt dissolution. Collapse has resulted in a sequence of deformations including normal faulting, reverse faulting, folding, and veining. The sequence of structural events suggests horizontal extension prior to major collapse. It is proposed that dissolution fronts are complex features with re-entrants controlled by the locations of joint zones.
Accuracy and convergence of the p‐ and hp‐type finite element methods for the Navier‐Stokes equation

Higher-order p and hp finite element algorithms for modeling the flow of New-tonian fluids have been developed. Numerical computations in three test geometries were carried out to compare the performance of these methods to that of conventional h-type finite elements. Computations demonstrated that for solutions which are analytic everywhere in the domain of interest, p extensions exhibit an exponential rate of convergence as opposed to the characteristic linear convergence of h-type finite element procedures. Moreover, for solutions which are analytic everywhere in the domain except at a set of points, hp extensions with geometric mesh refinement based on effective error indicators (individually, the error in the energy norm, local and global deviations from mass and momentum conservation) also give rise to an exponential convergence rate. This rapid convergence of p and hp finite element formulations enables the achievement of the solution of linear Stokes problems with an order of magnitude reduction in degrees of freedom. In nonlinear problems, these computational savings are appreciated by a factor approximately equal to the number of iterations required to obtain converged solutions.
Particle—particle interaction force in a dilute gas—solid system

Abstract An experiment to measure pressure drop and solids velocities in a dilute pneumatic conveying pipe has been designed and constructed. A model based on momentum balance over particles has been developed to translate pressure drop and solids velocities data into an expression for particle—particle interaction. A correlation for particle—particle interaction with the relative velocity of 7 to 16 m/s has been developed. This correlation describes our experimental data within the 20% deviation.
Some integral operators acting on H

Let f and g be analytic on the unit disk \({\mathbb{D}}\). The integral operator T g is defined by \({ T_g f(z) = \int_0^z f(t)g'(t) \,dt, z \in \mathbb{D}}\). The problem considered is characterizing those symbols g for which T g acting on H ∞, the space of bounded analytic functions on \({\mathbb{D}}\), is bounded or compact. When the symbol is univalent, these become questions in univalent function theory. The corresponding problems for the companion operator, \({ S_g f(z)= \int_0^z f'(t)g(t) \,dt}\), acting on H ∞ are also studied.
Interaction between Polymer and Surfactant Mesophases

The interaction of polymers with flexible surfactant layers may modify strongly the elasticity and fluctuations of the layers. This effect has been studied in two surfactant mesophases. Neutron Spin Echo (NSE) spectroscopy was used to probe the modification of membrane fluctuations first in the case of dilute microemulsion droplets both in the presence and absence of polymer. A second example studied more recently was hydrophobically modified polymers (polysoaps) interacting with fluctuating lamellar bilayers of a nonionic surfactant.
The signal sequence and C-terminal hydrophobic domain are required for localization of the sexual stage antigen pgs28 to the surface of P. gallinaceum ookinetes.

Abstract The Pgs28 protein is a major surface antigen of the sexual stages of Plasmodium gallinaceum — the zygotes and the ookinetes. The protein contains conserved motifs, namely an N-terminal signal sequence, four epidermal growth factor-like repeats and a C-terminal hydrophobic domain that serves as a signal for glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) — anchor modification. In this study, we define the protein motifs required for the surface localization of Pgs28 in ookinetes, using transient transfection combined with immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Pgs28 fused to the green fluorescent protein (Pgs28-GFP) is expressed in zygotes, intermediate retort forms and ookinetes. Mutational analyses of Pgs28 coding regions reveal that deletions of the signal sequence and the C-terminal domain result in intracellular retention of the fusion protein. Therefore, the signal sequence and C-terminal domain are required for cell surface localization. Additionally, the Pgs28-GFP fusion proteins are shed from the surface of live ookinetes, suggesting that Pgs28 may be involved in interactions with the cells of the mosquito midgut or during motility.
Design and Synthesis of Hydroxyapatite with Organic Modifiers for Application to Environmental Remediation

Composites of hydroxyapatite (HAP) and organic compounds have been prepared for biomedical applications. These same composites may be applicable to environmental remediation. The organic compounds used for modification include organic acids, calcium chelating agents, proteins, compounds capable of ring-opening polymerization, and hydrophobic silicon-containing molecules. The methods for modification that have been studied are co-precipitation and post-HAP particle formation. It is proposed that modified-HAP (mHAP) could have enhanced metal ion selectivities. The techniques used to synthesize mHAP are reviewed.
Causes of mechanical damage to Alabama bridge decks

Excessive damage to Alabama bridge decks that required premature bridge replacements prompted the Alabama Department of Transportation to sponsor an extensive study of the causes of severe deck damage. The mechanical causes of damage, such as the use of slender decks and heavy truck loadings, the magnitudes of service load stresses, and how progressive damage occurs were addressed. Such causes are particularly important for decks constructed in the southern United States, where damage caused by deicing salts and freeze-thaw is not as prevalent as it is in northern U.S. states. To assess the significance of these factors, five damaged decks and five reasonably undamaged decks, as controls, were investigated. Studies conducted on these bridge decks included condition surveys, weigh-in-motion surveys, finite-element analyses, and load tests. The observed damage predominantly consisted of severe transverse cracking at the top surface of the decks. Although restraint of deck shrinkage strains by girders occurred at some of the damaged decks, thus initiating cracking, damage appears to be progressive, and major factors determined from the study to contribute to damage include slender decks, lack of longitudinal reinforcement, aggregate selection, and high axle group loadings.
Temperature dependence of the photochemistry of o-methylacetophenone. A laser flash photolysis study

Abstract The rate of decay of the biradical generated in the photoenolization of o -methylacetophenone is given by log( k B /S −1 = 7.51-1630/2.3 RT , where RT is in cal mol −1 . The low A factor reflects the spin-forbidden nature of the process. The reketonization of the Z enol produced in the reaction occurs with log( k Z /S −1 = 12.46-8830/2.3 RT .
TSH and ACTH Secretion after Intrapituitary Injection of Synthetic TRF

We have compared pituitary thyrotropin (TSH) secretion in response to synthetic thyrotropin—releasing factor (TRF) injected into the anterior pituitary, the median eminence of the hypothalamus, or a peripheral vein. A stereotaxic microinjection procedure was used to inject volumes of one fxl into the pituitary or hypothalamus of pentobarbital anesthetized female rats. The McKenzie bioassay was used to measure plasma TSH. In some experiments the rats were pretreated with dexamethasone to allow simultaneous assessment of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) secretion, as indicated by fluorometric plasma corticosterone determinations. It was found that intrapituitary injections of 1.0 ng, but not 0.1 or 0.01 ng, were very effective in increasing plasma TSH concentration. In contrast, 1 ng was essentially ineffective when injected into the median eminence or a tail vein. Pretreatment with thyroxine very clearly inhibited the response to one ng of TRF in the pituitary. However, this response was not affected by dexameth...
Synthesis and study of zirconium viologen-phosphonate compounds on a polymer surfactant template and their use in photocatalytic production of hydrogen

Abstract This paper describes a novel system, in which colloidal platinum particles and a zirconium viologen-phosphonate material (ZrVP) are both strongly interacting with a polymer surfactant template. A method of sequential treatment and dialysis was developed to grow the metal phosphonate compound on the phosphonate groups of the polymer surfactant template. This polymer surfactant also functions as a protecting agent for platinum colloids in aqueous solution to prevent aggregation and precipitation. Monitoring the growth of ZrVP by electronic spectroscopy shows that the compound grows incrementally on the polymer surfactant template. Transmission electron microscopic study shows a blanket-like morphological feature for these templated materials. Photoreduction of viologen in these compounds leads to the formation of a stable charge separated state. Photoreduced materials are very air-sensitive. Photochemical hydrogen generation shows a 5 times higher yield of H2 than an analogous microcrystalline sample without a polymer surfactant template.
Some results of cesium‐initiated diene polymerization and copolymerization

A study of the homogeneous polymerization of isoprene and butadiene by means of alkali aromatic complexes confirmed the influence of polarity of the medium on the microstructure of the homopolymer. Cesium napthalene in tetrahydrofuran yielded a high concentration of the 1,2-adduct (29%) and 3,4-adduct (43%) in polyisoprene, but a comparatively low concentration of 1,2-structures (74.5%) in polybutadiene. Practically pure 1,2-polybutadiene was synthesized by means of Li naphthalene. A gradual decrease in the concentration of 1,2-polybutadiene structures was noted as the electropositivity of the alkali counterion increased. The influence of solvent, temperature, and molecular weight on the structure of polybutadiene was examined. Copolymerization of the isoprene–styrene monomer pair yielded block polymers. The determination of the torsional modulus–temperature spectrum afforded a simple method for distinguishing block from rando compolymers.
Participation of Diacylglycerol Kinase in Mitogenic Signal Transduction Induced by Platelet-Derived Growth Factor in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract In rat vascular smooth muscle cells, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated phosphatidic acid synthesis by activating both of the two alternative pathways, diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) and phospholipase D (PLD). Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, inhibited PLD activation but not DGK activation, the latter was inhibited selectively by R 59022. PDGF-induced DNA synthesis was partially inhibited by genistein or R 59022, but these inhibitors had no effect on phorbol ester-induced DNA synthesis. Further, the specific effects of these inhibitors on PDGF-induced DNA synthesis were additive.
An assessment of the effect of inhibitor oxidation on the response of oxidation-resistant carbon/carbon composites

The effect of oxidation on the thermomechanical response of oxidation-resistant, two-dimensional, externally coated, eight-harness satin-weave, matrix inhibited carbon/carbon laminates is investigated. A through-the-thickness finite element representation of the laminate which accounts for the presence of the external coating as well as the presence of particulate inhibitors within the matrix is developed. Results indicate that inhibitor oxidation affects the thermomechanical response of the laminate in the through-the-thickness direction. The influence of the oxidation on the in-plane response, however, appears negligible.
Anarchist Philosophy, Civic Traditions and the Culture of Arab Revolutions

An exploration of the most common theories and methods used in the ongoing Arab uprisings suggests that their roots lie in ordinary and familiar civic ethics, rather than in any conscious ideological project preceding the revolutions. This article explores the hypothesis that the revolutions have been facilitated most by long-standing traditions of self-organization that are usually ignored in scholarship of social movements as well as by organized social movements themselves. Both, after all, tend to see political mobilization as a result of either clear structures such as organizations or leaders, or as a function of explicit ideological commitments. Arguing against this way of seeing social movements and especially revolutionary processes, this paper explores the history of certain Arab civic traditions and popular propositions that possess what might be called anarchist features. These already familiar traditions and propositions came to the fore in the Arab revolutions. The article focuses on three of these broadly familiar anarchist styles of thinking and organizing that were central to the Arab revolutions: 1) the notion of the simplicity of truth; 2) the dialogic nature of the revolutionary process itself; and 3) the leaderless conception “the people.” All three features are argued to have emerged out of a merger between long-standing civic ethics and a more recent historical memory of previous revolutionary experiences.
Portable optical wavelet processor

A portable optical processor, specially designed for optical wavelet transforms for target detection, has been developed at JPL. The system architecture, engineering design and packaging are presented. A new algorithm development in wavelet filter design is discussed. Demonstration for objection detection using this new approach also is provided.
Adaptation to Low Protein and Energy Intakes

This paper focuses on two principal issues. First, what are the consequences of low dietary protein and amino acid intakes? Second, what are the physiological and social limits to restricted energy intakes? The concepts of adaptation and accommodation are presented. It is suggested that the limit of adaptation to low dietary protein is achieved at the intake level considered minimally necessary to maintain health in well-nourished subjects, as judged by nitrogen balance, stable lean body mass and absence of functional impairment. For lower protein intakes survival is prolonged via an accommodation, involving loss of lean body mass and reduced rates of protein and amino acid turnover. There is only a limited metabolic capacity for adaptation to reduced energy intakes, but variations in the level and pattern of physical activity permit a maintenance of body energy balance over a broad range of energy intakes. Where reduced physical activity to balance restricted energy intakes has adverse social, cultural a...
Transcriptional Activation by the Zinc-Finger Homeodomain Protein δEF1 in Estrogen Signaling Cascades

The transcription factor δEF1 is a key player in estrogen-signaling cascades in vertebrates. In this pathway, estrogen induces the expression of the gene encoding δEF1, and then δEF1 activates transcription of downstream targets. Yet, the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional activation by δ EF1 have remained obscure. Furthermore, most work has concentrated on the capacity of δEF1 to repress gene expression, rather than its ability to activate transcription. To investigate this activation potential in an endogenous signaling pathway, we characterized ovalbumin (Ov) gene induction by δEF1. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrate that δEF1 binds to the 5′ flanking region of the Ov gene at two sites, one at -810 to -806 and one at -152 to -148 with respect to the start point of transcription. Correspondingly, these sites are required for induction by estrogen or by δEF1 in transfection experiments. Furthermore, the activation potential of δEF1 is not restricted to the chick homolog, as the human ZEB and the ...
Reaction of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) with manganese dioxide: kinetics, products, and pathways.

Birnessite (δ-MnO2) is a naturally occurring soil and sediment component that has been shown to oxidize organic compounds containing phenolic or aniline moieties. In this study, for the first time we explored the oxidation reaction of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), the most heavily used brominated flame retardant, with MnO2. TBBPA rapidly dissipated from the reaction solution and the process was accompanied by the dissolution of Mn2+. Dissipation of 50% of TBBPA occurred in less than 5 min in a system (pH 4.5) containing 625 μM MnO2 and 3.50 μM TBBPA at 21 °C, and the removal further increased to as high as 90% when the reaction was prolonged to 60 min. Analysis of initial reaction kinetics showed that the reaction orders with respect to TBBPA, MnO2, and H+ were 1.0, 0.8, and 0.25, respectively. Higher initial concentrations of TBBPA and MnO2 both enhanced the reaction. In addition, reaction rates increased as pH decreased. A retarded first-order model was found to closely describe the long-term reaction ...
Integrating IS Security with Knowledge Management: Are We Doing Enough?

Knowledge management focuses on capturing and sharing knowledge. Because of this, KM researchers tend to focus on issues related to knowledge capture, storage, and sharing. However, because knowledge is valuable, it is a target needing to be protected. This paper posits that KM researchers and practitioners also need to think about security and explores how important security skills are to KM practitioners and researchers. A literature review was performed to determine how much attention is paid by KM researchers to knowledge security. Additionally, 50 KM job postings were examined from the spring of 2013 to determine if security skills are considered important by those hiring KM practitioners. Additionally, 38 job postings were examined from the summer of 2014 to determine if required skills changed based on the Target breech. Finally, a survey was prepared for exploring security attitudes of KM practitioners as an area of future research.
Cytogenetic abnormalities in ataxia telangiectasia with T-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract A 48-year-old woman with ataxia telangiectasia developed a T-lymphocyte variant of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Eight years earlier she had a D-group translocation in her lymphocytes. Current cytogenetic evaluation demonstrated a tandem duplication of two chromosomes #14 in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated lymphocytes which contained 44 chromosomes and a karyotype of 44, XX, −14, −20, 6q−, 12p−, t(14;14) (q31;q12) with a majority of cells also having an isochromosome of the long arms of chromosome #8. A 14/14 translocation appears to be associated with the development of a T-lymphocyte form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia in ataxia telangiectasia.
A note on pairs of matrices with rank one commutator

If Aand Bare n× nmatrices over an algebraically closed field with rank (AB– BA) < 1, then Aand Acan be put in upper triangular form simultaneously. It is also shown that the set of such pairs of ma...
Photoneutron Cross section of Oxygen and Aluminum

The absolute ( gamma ,n) cross sections of aluminum and oxygen have been measured using bremsstrahlung from a 70-Mev synchrotron. The O/sup 16/( gamma ,n) and Al/sup 27/( gamma ,n) cross sections are plotted to 30 Mev and compared with the resultants of Gaussian curves used to synthesize the cross sections. The values of the parameters of the Gaussian curves used to synthesize the cross sections are tabulated. Theoretical values of the energy at which the maximum cross section occurs (E/sub m/), the dipole absorption strength, and the width at half maximum of the Gaussian curve are given for O/sup 16/ and values of E/sub m/ from a total absorption experiment are given for Al/sup 27/. (H.D.R.)
Growth and foraging consequences of facultative paedomorphosis in the tiger salamander,Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum

Facultative paedomorphosis in salamanders occurs when larvae respond to varying environmental conditions by either metamorphosing into terrestrial metamorphic adults or retaining their larval morphology to become sexually mature paedomorphic adults. Several hypotheses have been proposed for the evolutionary maintenance of this environmentally induced dimorphism, but few data are available to assess them adequately. We studied a montane population of the tiger salamander,Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum, and measured the adult growth rate and body condition across three growing seasons to assess the relative costs and benefits of each morph. Metamorphic adults grew more than paedomorphic adults in terms of snout—vent length across years and in weight within years. Dietary analyses and foraging experiments revealed some of the proximate factors that may underlie these differential growth patterns. Across all prey, metamorphs had significantly higher biomass and calories per stomach sample than paedomorphs. Metamorphic diets primarily consisted of the fairy shrimpBranchinecta coloradensis, whereas paedomorphic diets contained a variety of benthic and terrestrial invertebrates. Foraging experiments revealed that both morphs are more successful at capturing fairy shrimp relative to other prey types and both show high electivity toward this prey. However, fairy shrimp occurred only in non-permanent ponds and thus are inaccessible to paedomorphs, which can survive only in permanent ponds. Paedomorphs also experience higher levels of intraspecific competition with large larvae in permanent ponds than metamorphs do in non-permanent ponds. Thus, metamorphs obtain a growth advantage over paedomorphs by foraging in non-permanent ponds that contain fairy shrimp and have reduced intraspecific competition. These results suggest that paedomorphs should have decreased fitness relative to metamorphs, primarily because metamorphs can move into the best habitats for growth. The net fitness effect of morph-specific differences in dispersal depend on whether there are trade-offs with other life history traits. Nonetheless, because the relative benefit of metamorph dispersal will change with environmental conditions in permanent ponds and the surrounding habitat, the relative fitness payoff to each morph should track changes in the environment. Thus, facultative paedomorphosis may be maintained in part by variable, environmentally-specific fitness payoffs to each morph.
Prospective electrocardiogram-gated delayed enhanced multidetector computed tomography accurately quantifies infarct size and reduces radiation exposure.

Objectives This study sought to determine whether low-dose, prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated delayed contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (DCE-MDCT) can accurately delineate the extent of myocardial infarction (MI) compared with retrospective ECG-gated DCE-MDCT. Background For defining the location and extent of MI, DCE-MDCT compares well with delayed enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance. However, the addition of a delayed scan requires additional radiation exposure to patients. MDCT protocols using prospective ECG gating can substantially reduce effective radiation dose exposure, but these protocols have not yet been applied to infarct imaging. Methods Ten porcine models of acute MI were imaged 10 days after MI using prospective and retrospective ECG-gated DCE-MDCT (64-slice) 10 min after a 90-ml contrast bolus. The MDCT images were analyzed using a semiautomated computed tomography density (CTD) threshold technique. Infarct size, signal-to-noise (SNR) ratios, contrast-to-noise (CNR) ratios, and image quality metrics were compared between the 2 ECG-gating techniques. Results Infarct volume measurements obtained by both methods were strongly correlated (R = 0.93, p Conclusions Prospective ECG-gated DCE-MDCT accurately assesses infarct size compared with retrospective ECG-gated DCE-MDCT imaging. Although infarct SNR and CNR were significantly higher for the retrospective gated protocol, prospective ECG-gated DCE-MDCT provides high-resolution imaging of MI, while substantially lowering the radiation dose.
Junctional ectopic tachycardia in children: Electrocardiography, electrophysiology and pharmacologic response

Abstract Junctional tachycardia due to an automatic ectopic focus occurs in children in one of two clinical settings: (1) in the immediate postoperative period after surgery, near the atrioventricular (A-V) junction, and (2) spontaneously, causing chronic supraventricular tachycardia. In the surface electrocardiogram, Junctional ectopic tachycardia appears as a narrow QRS tachycardia with A-V dissociation. This study evaluated four children, including two sisters, with Junctional ectopic tachycardia; intracardiac electrophysiologic recordings were performed in three of them. In each child, ventricular depolarization was preceded by a His bundle potential and a normal H-V interval. Neither overdrive pacing nor programmed premature stimulation of the atria or the ventricles influenced the tachycardia. Digoxin failed to alter the tachycardia, but alleviated congestive heart failure in all four patients. Propranolol slowed the rate of tachycardia in two patients, as did reserpine and phenytoin in one patient each. Chlorpromazine resulted in sinus rhythm in one patient. Quinidine and lidocaine were ineffective. Two patients died, one from low cardiac output associated with uncontrolled tachycardia, the other suddenly and unexpectedly while receiving digoxin and propranolol. The third patient's tachycardia regressed after repair of a ventricular septal defect. She has had sinus rhythm for 9 months without medication. The tachycardia of the fourth patient is uncontrolled despite treatment with digoxin, propranolol and phenytoin. On the basis of this study, acute treatment of Junctional ectopic tachycardia is recommended in the immediate postoperative period with intravenous propranolol (with a ventricular pacemaker available to treat bradycardia) and long-term treatment with oral digoxin plus either propranolol, phenytoin or Chlorpromazine.
Deactivation of N2A 3Σu+molecules in the aurora☆

Abstract Recent rocket observations of the N2 V-K (Vegard-Kaplan) system in the aurora have been reinterpreted using an atmospheric model based on mass spectrometer measurements in an aurora of similar intensity at the same time of year. In contrast to the original interpretation, we find that population by cascade from the C3Πu and B3Πg states in the A3Σu+v=0,1 levels, as calculated using recently measured electron excitation cross sections, accurately accounts for the observed relative emission rates (IV-K/12PG0.0). In addition there is no need to change the production rate of A 3 Σ u + molecules relative to that of C3Πuv=0 as a function of altitude in order to fit the profile of the deactivation probability to the atmospheric model. Quenching of A 3 Σ u+ molecules at high altitudes is dominated by atomic oxygen. The rate constants for the v=0 and v=1 levels are 8 × 10−11 cm3 sec−1 and 1.7 × 10−10 cm3 sec−1 respectively, as determined using the model atmosphere mentioned above. Recent observations with a helium cooled mass spectrometer suggest that conventional mass spectrometer measurements tend to underestimate the atomic oxygen relative concentration. The rate coefficients may therefore be too large by as much as a factor of 3. Below 130 Km we find that it is possible to account for the deactivation in bright auroras by invoking large nitric oxide concentrations, similar to those recently observed mass spectrometrically and using a rate constant of 8 × 10−11 cm3 sec−1 for both the v=1 levels. This rate constant is very nearly the same as that measured in the laboratory (7 × 10−11 cm3 sec−1). Molecular oxygen appears not to play a significant role in deactivating the lower A 3 Σ u+ levels.
Desoxyribonuclease activity of sera of man and some other species

Abstract 1. 1. A large number of human sera were studied for desoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity. 2. 2. A wide range of activities was found in the sera of normal persons and of patients with infectious, malignant, and “metabolic” diseases. 3. 3. Mg ++ activation, heat lability, and inhibition by electrolytes of human serum DNase was confirmed. 4. 4. Sera of other species (dog, rat, cat, mouse, hamster, chicken, rabbit, guinea pig, cow, horse, and sheep) were studied. The cat was found to have approximately 100 times the serum DNase activity of normal human sera. Most of the other species also displayed higher serum DNase activities than did man, but considerably less than the cat. 5. 5. No significant differences in DNase activity were detected among sera from normal persons and from patients with infectious, malignant, or miscellaneous diseases. Observations in hepatic disease and lupus erythematosus represent special cases, and have not been included in this series.
Stochastic Model for Real and Simulated Neurophysiological Behavior

Meaningful factor analysis and algebraic operations during stimulation, learning, and discrimination experiments have been performed on averaged evoked potential responses, suggesting that, at least under some circumstances, the signal space of average evoked potentials is linear. Alternatively, the "behavior" of simulated neural nets is defined as the observation of an average over an ensemble of the trajectories of solutions of interconnected nonlinear dynamical systems. This behavior is a mathematical counterpart of the physiological macropotential observations. In this paper, a mathematical model corresponding to the ensemble average over an unconnected set of statistically distributed linear elements suggests duplication of both the simulated neural net and the neurophysiological findings. In contrast with the simulated neural network, the statistical properties of this model are amenable to analysis. The model suggests experiments of the prediction and control of multidiscrimination experiments in cats and provokes questions on the significance of the specification of detail in different levels on the structural hierarchy of the brain.
Tryptophan metabolites from young human lenses and the photooxidation of ascorbic acid by UVA light.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there are UVA light-responsive sensitizers in young human lenses capable of initiating the oxidation of ascorbic acid in the absence of oxygen. METHODS: Lens homogenates were fractionated, and low-molecular-weight (LMW) components were separated from the proteins by filtration through a 3000-MWt cutoff filter. Aliquots of each fraction were assayed for sensitizer activity by UVA irradiation (337-nm cutoff filter) with 0.1 mM ascorbic acid, measuring ascorbate oxidation by loss of absorbance at 265 nm. Two major peaks were isolated from a human lens water-soluble (WS)-LMW fraction on a reversed-phase column and were identified by mass spectrometry. RESULTS: All human lens fractions oxidized ascorbate when irradiated by UVA light. Most of the sensitizer activity in young human lenses was in the LMW fractions. An action spectrum for the WS-LMW fraction from human lens showed activity throughout the UVA region. Assays with and without oxygen showed little or no difference in ascorbate oxidized, arguing for a direct transfer of an electron in a so-called type 1 reaction. A human lens WS-LMW fraction contained two major peaks of activity. The greater peak was identified as 3-hydroxykynurenine glucoside (3OHKG) by mass spectrometry and its absorption spectrum, whereas the lesser peak was identified as 4-(2-amino-3-hydroxyphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid glucoside (AHBG). The activities were 1.1 and 2.8 nmol of ascorbate oxidized in 30 minutes/nmol 3OHKG and AHBG, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The filter compounds present in human lenses can absorb UVA light and cause the oxidation of ascorbic acid in the presence and absence of oxygen, possibly initiating the glycation of lens proteins.
Automated Laser Seeker Performance Evaluation System (ALSPES)

The Advanced Sensors Directorate of the Army Missile Command's Research, Development, and Engineering Center (RDE while multiple lasers aimed at the seeker test the false target rejection capability of the seeker. The following tests can be performed on the seeker from a computerized test console: spin-up time, scan pattern, threshold sensitivity, AGC calibration, transfer function, static track rate error, guidance noise, gimbal angle linearity, dynamic boresight shift, correlation/decorrelation logic, last pulse logic (false target discrimination), field-of-view, frequency response, guidance noise vs energy, and gyro drift. The 15 characterization tests can be accomplished in approximately 4 hours using this computerized facility. The ALSPES has identified several design abnormalities in laser seekers, resulting in corrective actions that have increased system performance and reliability.
The Third-Person Perception as Social Judgment An Exploration of Social Distance and Uncertainty in Perceived Effects of Political Attack Ads

Although numerous studies have shown the third-person perception, explanation of why and how self-other perceptual gaps occur remains underdeveloped. Conceiving message-effect perceptions as a form of social judgment under varying degrees of uncertainty, this study attempts to demonstrate the responsiveness of the perceptual gap to information on message effectiveness and to explicate the uncertainty-reduction interpretation of social distance corollary. Analyzing data from a survey and an experiment, this study finds that credible information on overall message ineffectiveness leads to reductions in estimated effects of the messages on both self and various others and in self-other perceptual gaps when the other is most distant from self. Consistent with the uncertainty reduction argument, the self-other perceptual gaps are related to perceived similarity of the others and vary in response to labels of the others that cue different degrees of similarity with self. Directions for future studies and practi...
Spinal cord myelin is vulnerable to decompression

Spinal cord white matter is the major site of tissue damage resulting from decompression sickness (DCS or “the bends”). Damage is thought to result from bubble nucleation within the tissue. Why DCS occurs predominantly in the spinal cord and not in the brain is not known; neither is the exact pathological mechanism by which the spinal cord is damaged, nor how multiple sclerosis (MS)-like symptoms may ensue. To investigate the molecular basis of white matter damage, we subjected myelinated mouse tissues to varying durations of decompression, and then after recompression to one atmosphere, examined them for changes in myelin structure and composition. X-ray diffraction showed that the myelin period in spinal cord decreased by 4%, whereas those of optic and sciatic nerves were stable. The change in period was accompanied by a change in membrane bilayer profile—i.e., relative to control, the width of the bilayer decreased by ∼6 A, whereas the interbilayer spaces each increased by ∼3 A. The changes in electron density levels suggested a redistribution of matter from the interbilayer spaces into the lipid headgroup layers. By contrast with these structural changes, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) revealed no noticeable change in myelin composition—i.e., there was no release of myelin-specific proteins or lipids. Our findings indicate that spinal cord myelin has an inherent structural vulnerability that may facilitate the targeting of this tissue during pressure changes.
A case study of back pain and renal cell carcinoma

Objective Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 3% of adult malignancy and 95% of neoplasms arising from the kidney. One third of the patients have metastatic disease at the time of presentation and are asymptomatic with the diagnosis being made incidentally from a radiologic study obtained for other reasons. Typically, skeletal metastases are purely lytic. It is common for cases of back pain to be managed in chiropractic clinics. The diagnosis of metastatic disease is to be considered as a differential, especially in an aging population.
Asymptotic clipping noise distribution and its impact on M-ary QAM transmission over optical fiber

Performance analysis for a hybrid subcarrier-multiplexed (SCM) AM/QAM transmission over an optical fiber is presented. It is shown that the bit-error-rate (BER) of M-ary QAM in such hybrid systems can be significantly affected due to occasional laser "clipping" of the SCM signal. Here we analytically determine the asymptotic distribution of the clipping noise by modeling it as a Poisson impulse train. The BER of M-ary QAM is then evaluated in terms of optical modulation indices of M-ary QAM and AM signals which in turn specify signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), impulsive index (clipping index) of the clipping noise, and power ratio of the Gaussian noise to the clipping noise. Numerical examples are given and compared with experimental data with reasonably good agreement for small SNR's. The results have application for estimating the BER's of digital signals for SCM analog/digital transmission over an optical fiber and for employing appropriate error correction codes and/or optimum receiver design for such environments. >
Abundance of fishes associated with a petroleum platform as measured with dual-beam hydroacoustics

Stationary dual-beam hydroacoustics was used to measure the density of fishes associated with a petroleum platform in the northern Gulf of Mexico from January 1991 through May 1992. Mean monthly fish densities ranged from 0.19-0.41 fish m −3 . Density varied significantly with platform side, month, and depth. Fish densities were significantly higher adjacent to the platform and decreased to background levels at distances greater than 16 m. Approximately 1990 to 28 100 fish were associated with the platform depending on month.
On String Replacement Exponentiation

The string replacement (SR) method was recently proposed as a method for exponentiation a^e in a group G. The canonical k-SR method operates by replacing a run of i ones in a binary exponent, 0<i≤k, with i-1 zeroes followed by the single digit b=2^i-1. After recoding, it was shown in [5] that the expected weight of e tends to n/4 for n-bit exponents. In this paper we show that the canonical k-SR recoding process can be described as a regular language and then use generating functions to derive the exact probability distribution of recoded exponent weights. We also show that the canonical 2-SR recoding produces weight distributions very similar to (optimal) signed-digit recodings, but no group inversions are required.
Investigation of InAs/GaAs quantum-dot infrared photodetector with In0.5Ga0.5P dark current blocking layer

A novel InAs/GaAs quantum-dot infrared photodetector with an In/sub 0.5/Ga/sub 0.5/P dark current blocking layer for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) detection has been developed in this work. Very low dark current densities were obtained at V/sub b/ = - 0.5 V (10/sup -10/ A/cm/sup -2/) and V/sub b/ = + 0.5 V (10/sup -11/ A/cm/sup -2/) at 77 K. Normal incident responsivity up to 90 K was observed in this device. The background limited performance (BLIP) detectivity (D*/sub BLIP/) was found to be 3.36 /spl times/ 10/sup 9/ cm-Hz/sup 1/2//W at /spl lambda//sub p/ = 12.2 /spl mu/m with a corresponding responsivity of 55 mA/W at V/sub b/ = - 1.7 V and T = 77 K.
Taming psoriatic keratinocytes--PTHs' uses go up another notch.

The native parathyroid hormone (PTH) and several of its N-terminal adenylyl cyclase-activating fragments and their analogs have become the star stimulators of bone growth for treating osteoporosis, accelerating fracture healing, and strengthening the anchorage of prosthetic bone implants and one of them (Lilly's Forteo-recombinant hPTH-(1-34) has recently arrived in the clinic. But something entirely different has been lurking in the background---the ability of the adenylyl cyclase stimulating hPTH-(1-34) to calm hyperproliferating keratinocytes and reduce psoriatic lesions. By contrast PTH-(7-34) which cannot stimulate adenylyl cyclase actually stimulates keratinocyte proliferation. Normal keratinocytes make PTHrP after they lift off the basal lamina and have stopped cycling. But they have an unconventional PTH/PTHrP receptorr which is not coupled to adenylyl cyclase. Psoriatic keratinocytes do not make PTHrP and have only a broken-down, proliferation-limiting terminal differentiation-driving Notch-Notch ligand mechanism. Putting these and other facts together produces a possible picture of an exogenously applied adenylyl cyclase-activating PTH pinch hitting for the missing PTHrP and restoring normal keratinocyte proliferative activity epidermal structure by stimulating dermal fibroblasts which do have the conventional adenylyl cyclasse-linked PTHR1 and in response directly or indirectly restore the overlying basal keratinocytes' Notch-Notch ligand terminal differentiation-driving mechanism and consequently a normal epidermal structure.
Properties of Soda Aluminosilicate Glasses: V, Low-Temperature Viscosities*

The low-temperature viscosities of two series of sodium aluminosilicate glasses were measured by the fiber elongation method. The results suggested that a modification of the Day and Rindone structural model for sodium aluminosilicate glasses was necessary. The modified model suggests that additional (AlO½)− groups form at Al/Na ratios >1.
The effect of hormone replacement therapy on CYP3A activity.

Background The effect of menopause and hormone replacement therapy on hepatic and intestinal wall CYP3A activity is poorly defined. This study was therefore designed to determine the effect of menopause and estrogen replacement therapy on hepatic and intestinal CYP3A activity with a specific CYP3A substrate, midazolam. Methods Twelve young women (27 ± 5 years), 10 elderly women receiving estrogen replacement therapy (71 ± 6 years), and 14 elderly women not receiving estrogen replacement therapy (71 ± 5 years) received simultaneous intravenous (0.05 mg/kg over 30 minutes) and oral (3 to 4 mg of a stable isotope, 15N3-midazolam) doses of midazolam. Serum and urine samples were assayed for midazolam, 15N3-midazolam, and metabolites by use of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results No significant (P > .05) differences were observed in systemic clearance and oral clearance between the three groups. Likewise, no differences were observed in oral, hepatic, or intestinal availability. A significant correlation was observed between oral and intestinal availability and not hepatic availability. Conclusion Neither menopause nor menopause with estrogen replacement therapy altered intestinal or hepatic CYP3A activity relative to that in a control group of young women. (Clin Pharmacol Ther 2000;68:412-7.) Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2000) 68, 412–417; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2000.110560
Natural Theology and the Concept of Perfection In Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz

One of the hallmarks of the early modern rationalists was their confidence that a great deal of metaphysics could be done by purely a priori reasoning. They thought so at least partly because they inherited via Descartes Anselm's confidence that the existence of God could be established by purely a priori reasoning in an ontological argument. They also inherited a Thomistic and scholastic confidence that the concept of God as supremely perfect being, if subjected to serious and deep analysis, would yield sound doctrine. Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz all three took it that they had in their stock of ideas an idea of God sufficiently clear and detailed that a little analytic work could produce real metaphysical results, not only about God himself, but also about the universe in which they found themselves (for Spinoza, these turned out to be the same thing). Though they start with what purport to be ideas of the same God, they get radically different results in their analyses.