cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of home-range estimation in the management of red-cockaded woodpeckers in South Carolina

Abstract I undertook a behavioral study to determine red-cockaded woodpecker ( Picoides borealis ) home-range size at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina, USA. In this location, because much of the timber was harvested in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the available habitat largely consisted of younger trees (e.g., less than 45 years old), not generally considered prime habitat for this species. From 1992 to 1995, I observed seven groups of red-cockaded woodpeckers to determine year-round home-range size. Most of the previous home-range studies on this species used the minimum convex polygon approach to estimate the size of the home range. I compared the minimum convex polygon and fixed kernel home-range estimation methods for each group. I found that the fixed kernel method gave consistently smaller estimates of home range than did the minimum convex polygon, a result directly related to the methodologies of the techniques. Mean home-range sizes for the 95% level were 56.9 ± 5.2 S.E. ha with the fixed kernel versus 91.9 ± 11.7 S.E. ha with the minimum convex polygon. Core area (50%) means were 4.5 ± 0.5 S.E. ha for the fixed kernel versus 16.7 ± 2.4 S.E. ha with the minimum convex polygon. It is recommended that future home-range studies use the fixed kernel estimator rather than the minimum convex polygon as it gives a more realistic and appropriate depiction of the area actually used by the birds within a given group. In estimating the number of groups that may be accommodated in a particular area, the mean home-range size as well as its shape need to be considered. Home-range size estimates at the Savannah River Site were similar to those obtained elsewhere in the species’ range. Red-cockaded woodpeckers, in spite of the prevalence of relatively young forest structure, did not increase their home-range size to compensate for the paucity of older, more mature pine habitat.
EFFECT OF LACK OF VISUAL STIMULUS VARIATION ON EXPLORATORY BEHAVIOR IN THE ADULT WHITE RAT

The idea that organisms often are motivated to seek external stimulation for its own intrinsic value, apart from serving any apparent biological need, is not a new one. However, present day explanations of the mechanism behind exploratory behavior are at sharp variance with one another. . Myers and Miller (6) conceive of exploratory behavior as a function of an internal drive stimulus rather than one external to the organism. As tension-reductionists, they argue that exploratory behavior is motivated by a disequilibrium within the organism and can be categorized with the primary drives of hunger, thirst, and sex. They maintain that a monotonous environment produces a tension state called "boredom" which is capable of initiating motor behavior leading to new stimuli, thereby increasing sensory variation. Boredom, as a persistent stimulus, is consequently reduced, and the behavior is reinforced. However, Harlow ( 3 ) contends that exploratory and manipulatory behaviors are functions of drives unlike the classical ones of sex, hunger, and thirst. He argues that they are not homeostatic and that their source of stimulation originates outside the organism. This stimulation initiates the behavior, sustains it, and also serves as a reward. Any resultant learning is a function of contiguity rather than drive reduction. Hence his explanation of exploratory behavior emphasizes the role of "externally elicited motives." One way of testing the foregoing hypotheses is to deprive the animal of those stimuli which are assumed to reward or establish exploratory behavior. Berlyne ( 1) reported that 10 min. of confinement had no effect on exploratory behavior in the rat. In a developmental type study, Montgomery and Zimbardo (5) found that depriving rats of stimulus variation for relatively long periods after weaning had no effect on subsequent exploratory behavior. Butler (2) discovered that short stimulus-deprivation periods served to increase exploratory behavior in the Rhesus monkey. The conflicting results reveal clearly the necessity of further investigation. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether a relatively
Design and evaluation of an LSO PET detector for breast cancer imaging

Functional imaging with positron emission tomography (PET) may be a promising technique in conjunction with x-ray mammography for breast cancer patient management. Conventional whole body PET scanners provide metabolic images of breast cancer patients with several shortcomings related to the general-purpose nature of these systems. In whole body scanners, the detectors are typically 20–30 cm away from the breast or axilla, reducing sensitivity, and these scanners have relatively large detector elements (> 4 mm), limiting spatial resolution. Dedicated PET systems for breast imaging aim to overcome these limitations and improve the overall diagnostic quality of the images by bringing the detectors closer to the area to be imaged, thereby improving sensitivity, and by using smaller detector elements to improve the spatial resolution. We have designed and developed a modular PET detector that is composed of a 9×9 array of 3×3×20 mm 3 lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO) scintillator crystals coupled to an optical fiber taper, which in turn is coupled to a Hamamatsu R5900-C8 position-sensitive photomultiplier tube. These detectors can be tiled together without gaps to construct large area detector arrays to form a dedicated PET breast cancer imaging system. Two complete detector modules have been built and tested. All detector elements are clearly visualized upon flood irradiation of the module. The intrinsic spatial resolution (full-width at half-maximum) was measured to be 2.26 mm (range 1.8–2.6 mm). The average energy resolution was 19.5% (range 17%–24%) at 511 keV. The coincidence time resolution was measured to be 2.4 ns. The detector efficiency for 511 keV gamma rays was 53% using a 350 keV energy threshold. These promising results support the feasibility of developing a high resolution, high sensitivity dedicated PET scanner for breast cancer applications.
Assessing Learning Processes: Useful Information for Teachers and Students

Teachers need alternative assessment techniques that they can use in the classroom to assess students' learning processes. Techniques described in this article provide teachers with tools to understand the mental processes students engage in as they read, write, and problem solve. Use of these techniques may also encourage students to become more active participants in their education. As they respond to teacher questions and probes, they are prompted to reflect on the strategies they use and learn more about themselves.
Familiarity and recognition of faces in old age.

Elderly persons exceed young adults in false recognitions of new faces. One account claims there are age-related deficits in memory for context of encounter with faces. Because of these deficits, elderly persons frequently recognize faces on the basis of perceived familiarity (i.e., resemblance to face representations in memory), which is high for some new faces. To test this context-recollection hypothesis, we had young adult and elderly subjects judge whether faces: (1) had been seen previously in a test (though no face was repeated), and (2) were subjectively familiar (though no face was famous). The elderly exceeded the young subjects inseen-before judgments (false recognitions), and only the elderly showed a positive correlation between false recognitions and subjective familiarity. In Experiment 2, this finding was extended from false recognitions to correct recognitions, supporting the view that elderly persons, compared to young adults, rely more on resemblance in recognizing faces.
Acoustic transmission and radiation analysis of adaptive shape-memory alloy reinforced laminated plates

Abstract A theoretical analysis of sound transmission/radiation of shape-memory alloy (SMA) hybrid composite panels is presented. Unlike other composite materials, SMA hybrid composite is dynamically tunable by electrical activation of the SMA fibers and has numerous active control capabilities. Two of the concepts that will be briefly described and utilized in this paper are referred to as active property tuning (APT) and active strain energy tuning (ASET). Tuning or activating the embedded shape-memory alloy fibers in conventional composite materials changes the overall stiffness of the SMA hybrid composite structure and consequently changes natural frequency and mode shapes. The sound transmission and radiation from a composite panel is related to its frequency and mode shapes. Because of the capability to change both the natural frequency and mode shapes, the acoustic characteristics of SMA hybrid composite plates can be changed as well. The directivity pattern, radiation efficiency, and transmission loss of laminated composite materials are investigated based on “composite” mode shapes in order to derive a basic understanding of the nature and authority of acoustic control by use of SMA hybrid composites.
People and Home Interiors: A Bibliography of Recent Psychological Research

An annotated bibliography is presented concerning the psychological research of people-home relationships with focus on the role of home interior in human experience of dwelling.
Profiling Religious Maturity: The Relationship of Religious Attitude Components to Religious Orientations

This study examined the relationships between religious orientation and components of religious attitudes. Religious orientation was measured using Batson, Schoenrade, and Ventis' (1993) Religious Life Inventory. Affective, cognitive, and conative components of attitudes toward religious beliefs and practices were measured using an instrument constructed for the study. Participants were undergraduate students from four educational institutions in the United States. Systematic relationships were found among the dimensions of religious orientation and the components of religious attitudes. Means and Quest orientations had very similar profiles, characterized by high Cognition scores and relatively low Affect and Conation scores. By contrast, modestly low Cognition scores and significantly high Affect and Conation scores characterized the profile of the Ends orientation. Results are discussed in terms of the concept of mature religiosity.
Anti-herpes simplex virus activity of substituted 1-hydroxyacridones.

5-Chloro-1,3-dihydroxyacridone, 1, is a potent and selective inhibitor of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 (HSV-1).1 Substituted 1,3-dihydroxyacridones represent a new class of nonnucleoside HSV-1 inhibitors, and biochemical studies indicate a novel mechanism of action for 1, although the target is not yet defined.2 With the goal of lead optimization, analogues of 1 were synthesized in an effort to describe the structure−activity relationships between 1 and its hypothetical binding site. Modifications of key functional groups led to the identity of several features of 1 that were important for activity. In the process, a more expedient and reliable synthesis of 1 and its analogues was developed. Analogues were evaluated against HSV-1 and HSV-2 using a viral plaque-elimination assay for viral inhibition of HSV-1 and HSV-2, and effects on replication of the host cell were also measured in order to assess a therapeutic index (TI) of selectivity. Several new analogues with significant antiviral activity were ident...
The Cost of Pediatric Stroke Acute Care in the United States

Background and Purpose—The cost of pediatric stroke care has received little attention, but the available data suggest it is expensive. To determine the cost of acute stroke, we analyzed a US natio...
Localized orbital theory and ammonia triborane

In a previous paper [J. Subotnik, Y. Shao and W. Liang, and M. Head-Gordon, J. Chem. Phys., 2004, 121, 9220], we proposed a new and efficient method for computing localized Edmiston–Ruedenberg (ER) orbitals, which are those localized orbitals that maximize self-interaction. In this paper, we improve upon our previous algorithm in two ways. First, we incorporate the resolution of the identity (RI) and atomic resolution of the identity (ARI) approximations when generating the relevant integrals, which allows for a drastic reduction in computational cost. Second, after convergence to a stationary point, we efficiently calculate the lowest mode of the Hessian matrix in order to either (i) confirm that we have found a minimum, or if not, (ii) move us away from the current saddle point. This gives our algorithm added stability. As a chemical example, in this paper, we investigate the electronic structure (including the localized orbitals) of ammonia triborane (NH3B3H7). Though ammonia triborane is a very electron-deficient compound, it forms a stable white powder which is now being investigated as a potential hydrogen storage material. In contrast to previous electronic structure predictions, our calculations show that ammonia triborane has one localized molecular orbital in the center of the electron-deficient triborane ring (much like the single molecular orbital in H3+), which gives the molecule added energetic stability. Furthermore, we believe that NH3B3H7 is the smallest stable molecule supporting such a closed, three-center BBB bond.
Resisting the urge to smoke and craving during a smoking quit attempt on varenicline: results from a pilot fMRI study

Background: Varenicline has been shown to reduce cigarette craving during a quit attempt. Objectives: Use BOLD fMRI to explore differences in smoking cue reactivity at baseline and after five weeks of varenicline smoking cessation treatment. Methods: Treatment-seeking nicotine-dependent adult smokers underwent BOLD fMRI scans with block presentation of visual smoking, neutral, and rest cues under two conditions: craving or resisting the urge to smoke at baseline and following 5 weeks of standard varenicline therapy. Data were analyzed using FMRI Expert Analysis Tool, version 5.98 of Functional Magnetic Imaging of the Brain Software Library focused on the smoking vs. neutral cue contrast at the individual and group level, Z>2.3 with cluster threshold p=0.05. Results: Twenty-one participants were scanned at baseline and 16 completed the study; 10 were abstinent at the 2nd session, confirmed with urinary cotinine. In the Crave Condition no significant differences were found between the abstinent and non-abst...
Soliloquy as self‐disclosure

The authors argue that self‐report measures and transcriptions of conversations are ineffective means of gathering data about self‐disclosure. Influenced by Kenneth Burke and Hugh Duncan, they claim that soliloquies of Shakespeare's Richard III in 3 Henry VI and Richard III as examples of self‐disclosure.
Positive Porn: Educational, Medical, and Clinical Uses

Despite its widespread use, pornography has been vilified as a symptom of personal and cultural depravity and as a cause of rape, aggression, devaluation of women, and marital dissolution. Yet in some cases there may be personal, relational, and social value to the use of sexually explicit material. In this paper, we briefly review the literature, summarizing both negative and neutral-to-positive findings, then describe specific uses of sexually explicit material in educational, clinical, and medical settings.
Interest group tactics and public sector labor relations policy

A framework for analyzing the determinants of state labor relations policies is developed using the notion of tactics. Unions and management have various tactical options, at both the state and local levels, for influencing employment outcomes. The framework explicitly recognizes those options, and thus incorporates actions, such as bringing cases to courts, which have received little attention in previous research. Consideration of local-level tactics reveals additional factors that may influence interest group incentives to seek state-level policy changes.
Identification of a New Biological Function for the Integrin αvβ3: Initiation of Fibronectin Matrix Assembly

Fibronectin matrix assembly is a complex cellular process initiated by specific fibronectin-binding cell surface receptors. Although the integrin α5β1 has been implicated in the assembly of fibrone...
Molecular changes during the activation of coagulation factor V by snake venom proteases

Thrombin activation of factor V constitutes an important feedback reaction in the regulation of coagulation. We therefore examined the details of activation of bovine factor V by two purified snake venom proteolytic enzymes, factor V-activating protease from Russell's viper venom and a platelet-aggregating enzyme, thrombocytin, fromBothrops atrox venom. The reactions were followed by changes in factor V coagulant activity, immunoelectrophoresis, and electrophoresis of radiolabeled factor V in sodium dodecylsulfate under reducing conditions. When factor V (M r 330,000) was exposed to factor V-activating protease at an enzyme-to-substrate ratio of 1:35 at 37°, cleavage occurred in 1 min, with formation of an intermediate (M r 250,000) coincident with a nine-fold activity increase. By 2 min, additional cleavage occurred, with disappearance of the intermediate and formation of two final fragments (M r 150,000 and 100,000) but no further change in coagulant activity. The concentration of these components remained unchanged from 5 to 15 min. Immunoelectrophoresis against antiserum directed against factor V confirmed cleavage of the molecule. Incubation of factor V with thrombocytin at 37° for 1 min resulted in a four-fold increase of factor V activity, with the formation of an intermediate (M r 220,000). By 2 min, a 7.5-fold activation was found, with a decline in the concentration of the intermediate; the predominant species hasM r =130,000. At 5 min the intermediate disappeared and a second, final fragment ofM r of ∼150,000 appeared without further change in coagulant activity. Immunoelectrophoresis again confirmed selective proteolysis. Thus, incubation of factor V-activating protease or thrombocytin with factor V results in different molecular alterations associated with an increase in the coagulant activity of this clotting factor.
The 3He spin analysing power of 27 MeV protons

Abstract The 3 He spin analysing power of hydrogen (protons) has been measured at a c.m. energy of 20 MeV at 14 c.m. angles from 40° to 160°. The measurement of 3 He target polarization was calibrated by measuring the 3 He spin analysing power of 4 He at an energy and angle where it was −1.00. The proton- 3 He differential elastic scattering cross section is also reported at a c.m. energy of 20.0 MeV for 36 c.m. angles from 20° to 170°.
Extraction of RNA from fresh, frozen, and lyophilized tuber and root tissues

A method for isolating transcriptionally competent RNA from fresh, frozen, and lyophilized plant storage tissues containing high levels of starch and phenolics is described. The protocol avoids the use of guanidium salts, which often lead to the formation of a viscous gel during extraction of high starch-containing tissues, and instead uses a borate-Tris buffer in combination with high concentrations of NaCl, Na2SO3, and sodium dodecyl sulfate in the extraction medium. RNA was extracted from fresh, frozen, and lyophilized tissues of potato tubers, storage roots of sweet potato, radish, and turnip, and rhizomes of ginger. The yield of RNA from potato tubers averaged 281 microg g fresh weight(-1) and 1584 microg g dry weight(-1) from frozen and lyophilized samples, respectively. A260/A230 ratios of potato RNA extracts were 2.2 or greater, indicating minimal contamination by polyphenols and carbohydrates. Similarly, A260/A280 ratios exceeded 1.9, demonstrating minimal contamination of the RNA by tuber protein. While A260/A280 ratios of extracts from the other plant species were somewhat lower than those for potato (average = 1.56 and 1.80 for fresh and lyophilized samples, respectively), A260/A230 ratios averaged more than 2.0, and the RNA extracted from fresh and lyophilized samples of all species was intact, as demonstrated by denaturing agarose-formaldehyde gel electrophoresis. The protocol yielded RNA suitable for downstream molecular applications involving reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction from all five species. Transcriptionally competent RNA was also recovered from lyophilized potato tuber tissue stored for 6 years (ambient temperature) by a simple modification to the protocol involving extraction in cold acetone. Lyophilization can thus be used to preserve RNA in high starch- and phenolic-containing plant tissues for studies on gene expression.
The Other Dual Role: Therapist as Advocate with Transgender Clients

Much has been written about the ethical perils associated with the psychotherapist's frequent role as evaluator and recommender (or gatekeeper) of medical treatment for transgender clients. Less information is available guiding therapists when they are called to perform as advocates for their clients. This article outlines several such situations. Potential ethical snags are discussed, and examples from the presenter's case experience are offered.
Treatment of patients with cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators during radiotherapy.

Abstract Purpose To define the practical clinical guidelines that can be implemented by busy radiation oncology departments to minimize the risk of harm to patients with implanted cardiac pacemaker (ICP) and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) devices during radiotherapy. Methods and materials A literature review was conducted to identify the mechanism of potential damage to ICPs and ICDs from exposure to electromagnetic interference and/or ionizing radiation and to assess the published evidence of such device malfunction or failure. Recommendations for patient management were obtained from three major manufacturers. Eighty-seven radiation oncology facilities across the United States and Canada were contacted to determine current practice patterns; 75 centers responded. Results The published documentation of potential life-threatening malfunction of ICP and ICD devices exposed to electromagnetic interference and ionizing radiation is considerable. However, major discrepancies exist among manufacturer recommendations and wide variations are present among radiation oncology facilities regarding patient management precautions. Conclusion Precautions are necessary to minimize the risk to patients with ICP and ICD devices during radiotherapy. Practical management guidelines are presented that can be readily adopted by any busy clinical radiation oncology practice.
Radiographic abnormalities and exposure to asbestos-contaminated vermiculite in the community of Libby, Montana, USA.

Mining, handling, processing, and personal or commercial use of asbestos-contaminated vermiculite have led to widespread contamination of the Libby, Montana, area. We initiated a medical testing program in response to reports of respiratory illness in the community. The purpose of this analysis was to identify and quantify asbestos-related radiographic abnormalities among persons exposed to vermiculite in Libby and to examine associations between these outcomes and participants' self-reported exposures. A cross-sectional interview and medical testing were conducted in Libby from July through November 2000 and from July through September 2001. A total of 7,307 persons who had lived, worked, or played in Libby for at least 6 months before 31 December 1990 completed the interview. Of those, 6,668 participants > or = 18 years of age received chest radiographs to assess the prevalence of pleural and interstitial abnormalities. We observed pleural abnormalities in 17.8% of participants and interstitial abnormalities in or = 12 pathways. The factors most strongly associated with pleural abnormalities were being a former W.R. Grace worker, being older, having been a household contact of a W.R. Grace worker, and being a male. In addition to being a former W.R. Grace worker, environmental exposures and other nonoccupational risk factors were also important predictors of asbestos-related radiographic abnormalities.
Pacific Ocean intermediate and deep water circulation during the Pliocene

Abstract New benthic foraminiferal stable isotopic records of northeast Pacific intermediate water (ODP Site 1014, 1177 m) and mid-depth water (ODP Site 1018, 2476 m) were compared to isotopic records of deep water in the tropical Pacific (ODP Site 849, 3851 m) for the reconstruction of vertical profiles of nutrient and physical properties from the Early Pliocene to the Early Pleistocene (approx. 5–1.4 Ma). Our data indicate that, for the entire interval, there was enhanced north Pacific intermediate water ventilation relative to today, and a similar to modern circulation pattern with northward flowing Pacific Bottom Water (PBW) beneath its southward flowing return flow. However, the core of maximally aged return flow resided as deep as ∼2500 m (as compared to ∼1500 m today), probably due to the strengthened intermediate water flow. Less apparent aging of deep water along its path before 2.7 Ma indicates that thermohaline overturning may have been more rapid in the warm period of the Early Pliocene. In addition, prior to 2.7 Ma, foraminiferal oxygen isotopic values at mid-depth sites are higher than at deep sites (a reversed vertical gradient relative to today) in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. We suggest that NADW was warmer and more saline than today and that it influenced mid-depth waters throughout the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Enhanced Pliocene formation of warmer/saltier intermediate water in the north Pacific, and deep water in the north Atlantic, may have been a result of higher than modern high/mid-latitude sea surface temperatures, evaporation, and salinity.
The interaction of phytoplankton, zooplankton and currents from 15 months of continuous data in the Mid-Atlantic Bight

Abstract Fifteen months of data from an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and three fluorometers obtained during the SEEP-II program in the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight provide a unique view of the seasonal progression of zooplankton and phytoplankton biomass and their responses to physical forcing. Phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass records were highly variable with a continuum of energy at all frequencies and substantial interannual variation. The zooplankton and phytoplankton spring blooms were coincident; that is, the spring increase in zooplankton biomass did not lag behind that of phytoplankton. The spring bloms were not the dominant events of the records, however; the largest fluctuations were linked to current fluctuations, although not always in the same manner. The seasonal succession of zooplankton and phytoplankton species, together with changes in stratification, led to significant differences in the vertical distribution of biomass and its response to physical forcing. There was about a factor of two difference in the maximum zooplankton biomass between two successive springs, while there was no difference in the phytoplankton blooms. Coherence between the phytoplankton, zooplankton and currents were all low. While individual events usually could be ascribed to along- or cross-shelf advective processes, the apparent extreme variability in horizontal biological gradients makes generalizations, aside from those on seasonal time scales, impossible from a single location. Examination of spring bloom data from two successive springs shows a fairly typical relation between primary and secondary production. Thus, the net daily chlorophyll increases ranged from 2.5 to 7.5%, and zooplankton daily ingestion was estimated at 30–55% of primary production, while 38–67% of the daily production was lost to micro-zooplankton, bacteria and the benthos. Zooplankton daily lossed were estimated to be between 25 and 33%. Time-scale estimates for phytoplankton increases agree with incubation values; however, those for zooplankton were much shorter than their reproduction rate, indicating active aggregation behavior.
Eye irritation as a biological indicator of photochemical reactions in the atmosphere

Abstract Studies involving the quantitation of eye irritation produced by experimental exposure of humans to synthetic atmospheres are discussed. The principal methods used are panel measurements of intensity, threshold, or response delay. Advantages and difficulties of each method are reviewed, as well as characteristics of the data generated and appropriate means of manipulating the data. Evidence regarding the possible chemical identity of irritants in photochemical smog is discussed, leading to the conclusion that not all observed eye irritation is accounted for by additive effect of formaldehyde, acrolein, and peroxyacyl nitrates. Implications of the findings for air pollution control policies are considered. As one of the undesirable manifestations of photochemical smog, eye irritation has been the subject of a number of studies in recent years. This article reviews several of these studies with particular reference to those aspects relevant to air pollution research and air pollution control policy.
Unnecessary repeat Clostridium difficile PCR testing in hospitalized adults with C. difficile-negative diarrhea.

The aim of this study was to determine the extent and associated costs of repeat Clostridium difficile stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays in patients with initially negative PCRs. C. difficile stool PCRs were done on adult hospitalized patients with diarrhea. The number/time course of repeat PCRs on initially negative PCR patients was determined. Of 5,027 C. difficile stool PCRs, 814 (16.2 %) were positive and 4,213 (83.8 %) were negative. Ninety-seven of the initially PCR-negative patients had >2 repeat tests 1–59 days after the initial negative stool PCR. Repeat negative PCR testing rarely resulted in a subsequent positive result (0.05 %). The unnecessary costs of 97 repeat PCRs was $32,658.00. Many of these patients were originally given empiric oral anti-C. difficile therapy, in spite of repeatedly negative PCRs.
Brain stem pathways, cortical modulation, and habituation of the acoustic startle response.

Rats with bilateral lesions in the inferior colliculi, superior colliculi, anterior (mesencephalic) reticular formation, or posterior (pontine) reticular formation, in addition to sham-operated animals, were studied to determine the effects of damage to these sites on short-term (within sessions) or long-term (across days) habituation of the acoustic startle response. Lesions placed in posterior reticular formation reduced short-term habituation, while damage to other structures had little effect. Damage to the inferior colliculi, anterior reticular formation, and posterior reticular formation reduced or abolished long-term habituation. In addition, damage to the inferior colliculi abolished the acoustic startle response for 2 to 3 days postoperatively, but full recovery of the response was evident by 4-days postoperative recovery. Startle response amplitude was related to the anterior-posterior placement of reticular formation lesions. More posteriorly placed lesions reduced or abolished the startle response. These results suggest that the reticular formation may underlie short-term habituation of the acoustic startle response and that the normal pathway of this response involves information relayed to reticular formation via the inferior colliculi. However, parallel pathways from lower auditory relay appear to exist since complete recovery of the acoustic startle occurs within 4 days following removal of the inferior colliculi. Rats with lesions in the frontal poles, dorsal hippocampus and overlying parietal cortex, parietal cortex alone, or auditory cortex were studied to determine the effects of damage to these areas on short-term or long-term habituation of the acoustic startle response. With the exception of parietal cortical control lesions, all subjects showed some impairment of long-term habituation following cortical damage. Short-term habituation was unaffected by any of the lesions. The results are compared to previous reports of the effects of damage to cortex and the brain stem.
Self-Assembled Monolayers on Polymer Surfaces: Kinetics, Functionalization, and Photopatterning

Monolayers of bifunctional bolaamphiphiles were self-assembled on a polymeric substrate (spin-coated film of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)). Various features of the novel bifunctional, well-ordered, and relatively stiff monolayer and the subsequent reactions of the exposed benzoyl azide groups were investigated. The characterization of the monolayers and the kinetics of self-assembly was determined via reflection−absorption infrared spectroscopy and ellipsometry. Atomic force microscopy and ellipsometry were used to measure roughness and thickness, respectively. From molecular modeling and ellipsometry, the bolaaphiphiles in the monolayers were found to be inclined at an angle of about 68° to the normal. In addition, the monomolecular layers appeared to be fairly crystalline. Serial functionalization of the exposed benzoyl azide groups with dansyl-cadaverine in the liquid phase followed by propylamine in the gas phase illustrated a stable, dense, well-ordered, two-dimensional monomolecular layer of bolaa...
A Contemporary Snapshot of Policewomen Attitudes

Historically, women have been unwelcome in male-dominated police cultures; despite the gains acquired over many tumultuous years, policewomen continue to face significant obstacles. Men officers often promote the subordination of policewomen, and, because of this, some degree of emotional deterioration among women officers would be understandable. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of such a hypothesis. Questionnaires were mailed to all municipal police departments in one southern state with 50 or more sworn personnel (n = 21) and produced 1,114 responses from 16 departments. Analysis revealed that women officers' (n = 89) professionalism, job satisfaction, stress, and confidence levels demonstrate a condition of psychological health and do not differ significantly from those of men officers. Essentially, the findings suggest that policewomen are mentally tough and resilient, and hence quite capable of modulating the demands of police careers.
Low levels of cell cycle inhibitor p27kip1 combined with high levels of Ki-67 predict shortened disease-free survival in T1 and T2 invasive breast carcinomas.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in North American women. There is considerable need for better prognostic markers to identify those subsets of patients who would benefit from more aggressive therapy because their tumors show an increased risk of poor clinical behavior, p27kipl is an important inhibitor of the cell cycle that acts by binding and inactivating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of loss of p27 protein in invasive breast cancer. We performed an immunohistochemical study of 147 patients with Tl and T2 invasive breast cancers and compared survival in the high p27 expressing group with that of the low p27 expressing group. On univariate analysis comparing tumor size, nodal status, Ki-67, c-erbB-2, p53 and estrogen receptor, low or absent p27kip1 is a strong predictor of reduced disease-free survival. Importantly, on multivariate analysis, the combined effect of low p27 with high Ki-67 is a stronger predictor of reduced disease-free survival than either marker alone. This simple, reliable and inexpensive assay, particularly when used in combination with Ki-67, improves the ability to predict disease recurrence and could become a useful adjunct of breast cancer evaluation to better identify high risk patients.
Tetrahymena Telomerase Catalyzes Nucleolytic Cleavage and Nonprocessive Elongation

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that adds telomeric repeats to chromosomes, maintaining telomere length and stabilizing chromosome ends. In vitro, telomerase from the ciliate Tetrahymena elongates single-stranded, guanosine-rich DNA primers by adding repeats of the Tetrahymena telomeric sequence, dT2G4. We have identified two activities of Tetrahymena telomerase in addition to the previously described processive elongation reaction: a 3'-5' nucleolytic cleavage of primer or product DNA and a nonprocessive mode of elongation. The nucleolytic cleavage activity removed residues not conforming to the telomeric repeat sequence from a primer 3' end, eliminating mismatch between DNA primer and RNA template sequences. Template-matched residues were also cleaved from primer or product DNA. Specific primer lengths, sequences, and concentrations stimulated cleavage and processive or nonprocessive elongation differentially. These newly identified activities suggest that telomerase may catalyze a range of telomere synthesis and repair functions and suggest mechanistic similarities between telomerase and RNA polymerase enzymes. On the basis of our results, we propose a model for telomerase primer binding, cleavage, and elongation.
Phase-Shift Calculation of High-Energy Electron Scattering

The details of a phase-shift calculation of high-energy electron scattering by nuclei are given, together with some preliminary results. A new method for summing the Legendre series for the Coulomb scattering amplitude is described. The results indicate that the first Born approximation does not give cross sections accurate enough for a reliable interpretation of the experiments. From a comparison of the few theoretical cross sections already obtained with the experiments in gold at 125 Mev, very tentative conclusions about the nuclear charge distribution are drawn. It is pointed out that an analysis of results at two or more energies will be a much more sensitive test of possible charge distributions.
ANALYSIS OF MULTI-CHANNEL GAMMA RAY SPECTROMETER DATA WITH ADJUSTMENT FOR GAIN AND BASELINE DISCREPANCIES.

Abstract A method is presented for correcting gain and baseline discrepancies based upon transforming reference pulse-height distributions until a best least-squares regression fit is obtained; the method does not require the use of an extraneous reference source to establish the energy scale. A modification in the correction method is utilized for a procedure to obtain libraries of reference pulse-height distributions wgich are internally consistent in gain and baseline.
Role of intensity fluctuations in laser-beam apodization with a graded random phase window.

Analysis indicates that a transparent window with graded random surface modulation will apodize a laser beam. Following the apodizer the laser beam consists of a scattered component of mean intensity Īs and an apodized component of mean intensity Īa. The apodizer intensity transmission is exp[-k2(n-1)2t2¯(r)], where t2¯(r) is the window surface modulation mean-squared amplitude, k is the radiation wave number, and n is the window refractive index. Interference between the scattered and unscattered radiation produces intensity fluctuations similar to laser speckle. For high-power applications, minimization of the probability of optical damage due to intensity fluctuations requires that Īa/Īs ≳ 102.
Exact computation of loop averages in two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory

We present an explicit algorithm that allows the exact computation of all nonlocal gauge-invariant correlation functions in two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory. Explicit expressions are given for the expectation value of entangled loop operators and their products in the $\mathrm{U}(N)$ theory with arbitrary $N$.Using these results we show that the Schwinger-Dyson equation for loops holds without singularities in the continuum, and we verify the factorizability of the correlation functions in the $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ limit. A non-Abelian version of Stokes's theorem which is used in the calculations is derived for an arbitrary number of dimensions.
Corrosion susceptibility of potential rock bolts in aerated multi-ionic simulated concentrated water

Abstract Rock bolts used for the reinforcement of underground mines, tunnels and nuclear waste repositories are made up of low and medium carbon steels, and high strength low alloy steels. Typical rock bolt systems used for rock reinforcement are mechanically anchored bolts, grout anchored, frictional rock stabilizers and strand anchors. For nuclear waste repository sites such as Yucca Mountain (YM) as well as for mines and tunnels, in addition to mechanical properties, corrosion properties are also important due to potential seepage of water through the fractures or pores in the rock. During temporary rock support period of 50–100 years, the temperature of the tunnel at YM should be maintained at ambient conditions. For any reason if the rock bolts are exposed to YM waters and high temperatures in the tunnel then there is a chance of corrosion of steel rock bolts. In this study an attempt was made to study the corrosion properties of various potential rock bolts for YM tunnel support via the aid of electrochemical corrosion testing. At ambient temperature (25 °C) all the rock bolts that were studied showed good corrosion resistance in these waters. At higher temperatures, 60 °C and 90 °C, corrosion resistance of rock bolts decreased, but due to special stress relief heat treatment of one of the frictional rock stabilizers (Swellex Mn 24) the corrosion rates were lower than all other tested rock bolts. Note: Swellex, Split set and Williams are the proprietary names of Atlas Copco, International Roll Forms, Inc. and Williams Form Engineering Corp, respectively.
RUNX1 and RUNX2 upregulate Galectin-3 expression in human pituitary tumors

Galectin-3 is expressed in a cell-type specific manner in human pituitary tumors and may have a role in pituitary tumor development. In this study, we hypothesized that Galectin-3 is regulated by RUNX proteins in pituitary tumors. Transcription factor prediction programs revealed several putative binding sites in the LGALS3 (Galectin-3 gene) promoter region. A human pituitary cell line HP75 was used as a model to study LGALS3 and RUNX interactions using Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and electrophoresis mobility shift assay. Two binding sites for RUNX1 and one binding site for RUNX2 were identified in the LGALS3 promoter region. LGALS3 promoter was further cloned into a luciferase reporter, and the experiments showed that both RUNX1 and RUNX2 upregulated LGALS3. Knock-down of either RUNX1 or RUNX2 by siRNA resulted in a significant downregulation of Galectin-3 expression and decreased cell proliferation in the HP 75 cell line. Immunohistochemistry showed a close correlation between Galectin-3 expression and RUNX1/RUNX2 level in pituitary tumors. These results demonstrate a novel binding target for RUNX1 and RUNX2 proteins and suggest that Galectin-3 is regulated by RUNX1 and RUNX2 in human pituitary tumor cells by direct binding to the promoter region of LGALS3 and thus may contribute to pituitary tumor progression.
Optimization of Impedance Spectroscopy Techniques for Measuring Cutaneous Micropore Formation after Microneedle Treatment in an Elderly Population

Purpose The objective of this study was to optimize a reproducible impedance spectroscopy method in elderly subjects as a means to evaluate the effects of microneedles on aging skin.
Realization of the Harper Hamiltonian with Ultracold Atoms in Optical Lattices

We experimentally realized the Harper Hamiltonian with charge neutral, ultracold atoms in optical lattices using laser-assisted tunneling and a potential energy gradient. The energy spectrum of this Hamiltonian is the fractal Hofstadter butterfly.
Inhibins and activins: chemical properties and biological activity

The long-sought, nonsteroidal, gonadal inhibitor of the secretion of FSH has been isolated, characterized, and the primary structure in several species (human, porcine, bovine, murine) has been deduced. Inhibins are proteins consisting of two subunits (18-kDa alpha- and 14-kDa beta-subunits) linked by disulfide bridges and two forms of inhibins were observed in human, porcine, and murine, but only one in bovine. Each form of inhibin (A and B) has a common alpha-subunit, but a highly homologous, distinct beta-subunit (beta A and beta B). The beta-subunits and the alpha-subunit are linked to form inhibins A and B which exert an inhibitory effect on basal FSH secretion, but the dimer formed by either two beta A-subunits or two distinct beta A- and two beta B-subunits (homoactivin-A and activin, respectively) possess FSH-stimulating activity. Inhibin secreted in response to FSH from the pituitary originates primarily from the granulosa cells of the ovary and the Sertoli cells of the testes, thus demonstrating a reciprocal feedback relationship.
Liquid crystal deposition on poled, single crystalline lithium niobate

Abstract For the purpose of elucidating the mechanisms for molecular organization at poled ferroelectric surfaces, single crystalline lithium niobate (LN), ‘Z-cut’ along the (0 0 0 1) plane, has been prepared and characterized and subsequently exposed to liquid crystal molecules. As a model system we chose to study the anchoring of 4-n-octyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (8CB) to LN. Liquid crystalline films are of interest because of their useful electronic and optical properties as well as chemical sensing attributes. Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface contact angle measurements (CA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the surface of lithium niobate as well as the nature of 8CB films grown on the surface. Atomically flat LN surfaces were prepared as a support for monolayer thick, 8CB molecular domains. 8CB liquid crystal molecules were deposited by an ambient vaporization technique and the films were analyzed using XPS and CA. Understanding electrostatic anchoring mechanisms and thin film organization for this molecule on uniformly poled surfaces allows for a fuller appreciation of how molecular deposition of other polarizable molecules on periodically poled and patterned poled lithium niobate surfaces would occur.
Genetic diversity of 38 spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) germplasm accessions and 10 commercial hybrids assessed by TRAP markers

Target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) markers were used to assess genetic variability among 38 germplasm accessions and 10 commercial hybrids of spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), an economically important leafy vegetable crop in many countries. Germplasm accessions with different geographic origins and 10 commercial hybrids were examined. For assessing genetic diversity within accessions, DNA was extracted from 12 individual seedlings from six germplasm accessions and two hybrids. A relatively high level of polymorphism was found within accessions based on 59 polymorphic TRAP markers generated from one fixed primer derived from the Arabidopsis-like telomere repeat sequence and two arbitrary primers. For evaluating interaccession variability, DNA was extracted from a bulk of six to 13 seedlings of each accession. Of the 492 fragments amplified by 12 primer combinations, 96 (19.5%) were polymorphic and discriminated the 48 accessions from each other. The average pair-wise genetic similarity coefficient (Dice) was 57.5% with a range from 23.2 to 85.3%. A dendrogram indicated that the genetic relationships among the accessions were not highly associated with the geographic locations in which the germplasms were collected. The seven commercial hybrids were grouped in three separate clusters, suggesting that the phenotype-based breeding activities tended to reduce the genetic variability. This preliminary study demonstrated that TRAP markers are effective for fingerprinting and evaluating genetic variability among spinach germplasms.
Scleral ring as template for corneoscleral graft.

A 19-year-old woman sustained a corneal laceration in her right eye. After bacterial keratitis was treated by antibiotics and a conjunctival flap, she developed a corneoscleral ectasia. We used a 15-mm diameter scleral ring as a template for corneoscleral graft. We obtained uniform donor and host buttons by suturing the ring alternately to donor and host eyes. One year postoperatively, the patient had a retrograft fibrous membrane with corneal edema, a visual acuity of R.E.: 6/60 (20/200), and intraocular pressure of 16 mm Hg.