cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Late Blancan (Pliocene) microtine rodents from Jackson Hole, Wyoming: biostratigraphy and biogeography

ABSTRACT Fossil voles (Pliophenacomys primaevus, Ophiomys meadensis), a muskrat (Pliopotamys near meadensis), and a lemming (Synaptomys) are described from the Shooting Iron Formation in Jackson Hole, Teton County, Wyoming. These microtines indicate that the base of the formation is of late Blancan age (=latest Gauss or early Matuyama magnetic epochs, between 2.4 and 1.8 million years old). All four taxa show affinity with species to the east, implying faunal continuity between Jackson Hole and the Great Plains in the late Blancan. After the late Blancan, barriers to microtine dispersal developed or were accentuated near Jackson Hole, so that the modern microtine fauna of the region lacks a strong eastern affinity. Probable mechanisms that helped to develop barriers and redefine microtine distributions near Jackson Hole include: (1) climate change, which altered vegetation and glacial limits; (2) competition from immigrant taxa; and (3) tectonism, all of which took place during the Pleistocene.
Pseudotumor syndrome associated with cerebral venous sinus occlusion and antiphospholipid antibodies.

Antiphospholipid antibodies are known to be associated with increased risk of venous and arterial thrombotic events, including cerebral venous thromboses. Pseudotumor syndrome can be produced by cerebral venous thrombosis. A patient with cerebral venous thrombosis associated with antiphospholipid antibodies who exhibited pseudotumor syndrome is reported.A 49-year-old man who noted visual blurring and persistent vertical wavy lines in his fields of vision was found to have papilledema. Cerebrospinal fluid values were normal except for an opening pressure increase to 510 mm of fluid. His visual symptoms improved with lumbar puncture and the use of acetazolamide. Imaging studies showed that the transverse sinus was occluded completely on the left and partially on the right and that there was a small left cerebellar cortical venous infarction.Antiphospholipid syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pseudotumor syndrome related to cerebral venous thrombosis.
The basilar pontine gray of the opossum (Didelphis virginiana). I. Morphology.

The basilar pontine nuclei were described for the opossum in Nissl stained, serial, transverse sections, and named (dorsal, ventral, medial, and lateral) with reference to the pontine pyramidal bundle. The details of neuron morphology were determined by employing Nissl stains and the Golgi technique. The neuron cell bodies of the basilar pontine gray were round, oval or spindle in shape and displayed little angularity. Measurements of neuronal perikaryia indicated a size range of from 8 to 20 μ. The Nissl substance appeared finely granular with some cells displaying large discrete granules. Dendrites observed in Golgi preparations either extended some distance from the perikaryon or ended adjacent to the cell body in terminal arborizations. The phylogenetic significance of the nucleur groups and the primitive condition of a limited pre-trigeminal basilar pons is discussed.
An Objective Measure of Nutrition Facts Panel Usage and Nutrient Quality of Food Choice

Objective: The relationship between time viewing nutrition information and nutrient quality of foods chosen in a food selection task was objectively evaluated through direct observation using an eye-tracking camera. Methods: A total of 202 participants’ food choices were scored for nutrient density. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted with mean nutrient density of foods selected regressed on mean label viewing time and participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Label viewing time was not significantly associated with nutrient density food score. A significant relationship emerged between the covariate, age, and mean nutrient density food score such that mean nutrient density scores were higher for older participants compared with younger ones (P ¼ .04). Foods selected by males had a higher mean nutrient density score than foods selected by females (P ¼ .03). Conclusions and Implications: Findings suggest that those who spend more time viewing nutrition facts panels during a single shopping trip may not select more nutritious foods.
Discrimination of ocean wave features by hatchling loggerhead sea turtles, Caretta caretta

At the beginning of their offshore migration, hatchling sea turtles orient directly into oceanic waves as they swim away from land. Recent experiments have demonstrated that hatchlings swimming underwater can determine the propagation direction of waves by monitoring the circular movements they experience as waves pass above. During July and August 1993, we studied how loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings (Caretta caretta L.) from the east coast of Florida, USA, responded to a range of wave parameters. We constructed a wave simulator to reproduce in air the circular movements that normally occur beneath small ocean waves. Hatchlings suspended in air and subjected to these orbital movements attempted to orient into simulated waves when periods and amplitudes were similar to those found near the Florida coast. Orbital movements with longer periods (greater than 10 s), however, failed to elicit responses. The results demonstrate that hatchling loggerheads can distinguish between waves with different periods and amplitudes, and that Florida hatchlings respond most strongly to orbital movements closely resembling those of waves that occur near their natal beach.
Sugar utilization and anoxia tolerance in rice roots acclimated by hypoxic pretreatment

Although most cereal roots cannot elongate under anoxic conditions, primary roots of three-day-old rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings were able to elongate during a 24-h period of anoxia. Hypoxic pretreatment (H-PT) increased the elongation of their roots. Sucrose synthase (EC 2.4.1.13), glucokinase (EC 2.7.1.2), fructokinase (EC 2.7.1.4), pyruvate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.1) and alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1) activities were increased by anoxia in both H-PT and non-pretreated (N-PT) roots. However, these activities were greater in the H-PT roots than in the N-PT roots. The average rate of production of ethanol for the initial 6h after the onset of anoxia was 3.7 and 1.4 micromolg(-1) fresh weight h(-1) for the H-PT and N-PT roots, respectively, suggesting that ethanolic fermentation may increase more quickly in the H-PT roots than in the N-PT roots. Roots of the seedlings lost ATP and total adenine nucleotides in anoxia, however, the H-PT roots maintained higher levels of ATP and total adenine nucleotides compared to the N-PT roots. These results show that rice roots are able to utilize the set of enzymes involved in the metabolism of soluble sugars under anoxia. The ability to maintain an active fermentative metabolism for production of ATP by fueling the glycolytic pathway with fermentable carbohydrate is probably greater in H-PT than in N-PT roots.
Ground squirrel kin recognition abilities: are there social and life-history correlates?

The degree to which related individuals exhibit cooperative, aid-giving behavior varies interspecifically among the ground-dwelling sciuridae, and the use of particular mechanisms to mediate kin recognition has been predicted to vary accordingly. Recent studies of kin recognition mechanisms in Spermophilus indicate that both mother-offspring and sibling recognition is facilitated by familiarity established during early association and that odor is the most probable cue on which discriminations are based. In three of four species, empirical evidence suggests that phenotype matching and/or recognition alleles can supplement the familiarity effects for siblings. This interspecific variation is discussed in terms of (1) differential occurrence of the contexts proposed to promote phenotype matching, (2) differential opportunities for implementing discriminations of various classes of relatives, and (3) differential selection for channeling preferential treatment toward genetic relatives. Although the observed variation appears to be consistent with 3 and perhaps 2, the assumption that the mechanisms used in recognizing particular classes of relatives are ontogenetically stable and species typical is questioned.
P02.37. Mindfulness for caregivers

Purpose Caregivers have been shown to be at increased risk of emotional stress, depression, medical illness, and death. Studies of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) have established its efficacy in reducing stress and physical and psychological concomitants of stress in multiple patient populations. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of MBSR in reducing caregiver stress, as measured by psychological and biological markers.
Clearance of surfactant lipids by neutrophils and macrophages isolated from the acutely inflamed lung

Pulmonary surfactant reduces surface tension at the lung air-liquid interface and defends the host against infection. Several lines of evidence show that surfactant levels are altered in animal mod...
Relating injury to the forest ecosystem near Palmerton, PA, to zinc contamination from smelting

The forest on Blue Mountain, near Lehigh Gap, has been injured by emissions from two historical zinc (Zn) smelters in Palmerton, PA, located at the northern base of the mountain. The uppermost mineral soil and lower litter from sites along a transect, just south of the ridgetop, contained from 64 to 4400 mg/kg Zn. We measured forest metrics at 15 sampling sites to ascertain how forest structure, species composition and regeneration are related to soil concentrations of Zn, the probable principal cause of the injury. Understanding how ecotoxicological injury is related to soil Zn concentrations helps us quantify the extent of injury to the ecosystem on Blue Mountain as well as to generalize to other sites. The sum of canopy closure and shrub cover, suggested as a broadly inclusive measure of forest structure, was decreased to half at approximately 2060 mg/kg Zn (102 mg/kg Sr(N03)2-extractable Zn). Tree-seedling density was decreased by 80% (from 10.5/m2 to 2.1/m2) at a much lower concentration: 1080 mg/kg Zn (59 mg/kg Sr(N03)2-extractable Zn). Changes in species composition and richness were not as useful for quantifying injury to the forest. Phytotoxicity, desiccation from exposure, and a gypsy moth infestation combined to form a barren area on the ridgetop. Liming the strongly acid Hazleton soils at the sites would partially ameliorate the observed phytotoxicity and should be considered in planning restoration.
Monomeric, two-coordinate, univalent chromium(I) compounds: steric prevention of metal-metal bond formation.

Monomeric, two-coordinate, univalent, aryl chromium(I) species [(3,5-iPr2−Ar*)Cr(L)] (L = THF, PMe3) have been synthesized with use of a very bulky terphenyl ligand which prevents Cr−Cr bond formation.
Assessing characteristics related to the use of seatbelts and cell phones by drivers: Application of a bivariate probit model

INTRODUCTION: The effects of cell phone use and safety belt use have been an important focus of research related to driver safety. Cell phone use has been shown to be a significant source of driver distraction contributing to substantial degradations in driver performance, while safety belts have been demonstrated to play a vital role in mitigating injuries to crash-involved occupants. METHOD: This study examines the prevalence of cell phone use and safety belt non-use among the driving population through direct observation surveys. A bivariate probit model is developed to simultaneously examine the factors that affect cell phone and safety belt use among motor vehicle drivers. RESULTS: The results show that several factors may influence drivers' decision to use cell phones and safety belts, and that these decisions are correlated. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Understanding the factors that affect both cell phone use and safety belt non-use is essential to targeting policy and programs that reduce such behavior. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
Critical Theory and the Crisis of Social Theory

In this article I argue that the critical theory developed by the so-called Frankfurt School provides both a model for radical social theory and important perspectives on contemporary society. I provide some historical background on the origins of critical theory and then explicate the method and project through a close reading of key methodological texts by Horkheimer. I then examine the substantive contributions to contemporary social theory in the critical theory tradition and argue that they constituted the cutting edge of radical social theory from the 1940s through the 1960s. Yet critical theory failed to develop as social theory thereafter, focusing instead on philosophy and cultural critique. It has been postmodern theory which has attempted to articulate the current trends and new social conditions in contemporary society. Consequently, if critical theory is to once again become the avant-garde of social theory, it must be reconstructed in the present age in the light of the postmodern critique a...
Beyond Answering: Repeat-Prefaced Responses in Conversation

The article presents a conversation analytic investigation of one technique for responding to questions in naturally occurring social interactions: repeating the question verbatim in part or as a whole before providing a required response. A close examination of production features of repeat prefacing in Russian demonstrates that it is used by conversationalists to resist agendas and presuppositions generated by questions and other sequence initiating actions. The study shows that some repeat prefaces characterize questions as problematic by contesting or outright rejecting its presuppositions or implications. Depending on how precisely repeat prefaces are articulated, they may also display the speaker's difficulty in retrieving requested information. The study extends our understanding of devices conversationalists can deploy to resist, sidestep, or curtail the constraints imposed by questioners’ interactional agendas, thereby providing an insight into how communicative goals are discerned, responded to,...
Models for using nonfiction in the primary grades

Practitioners and scholars today are calling for the inclusion of nonfiction in primary-grade classrooms where in the past fiction has dominated. With the increasing availability of age-appropriate nonfiction texts, this request can now become a reality, and youngsters can read nonfiction books on their independent or instructional reading levels. To use nonfiction effectively, young readers must be taught the necessary skills. Three models show primary-grade teachers how to scaffold instruction. Using the gradual release of responsibility, the models represent a series of stages with the end product being independent student use of informational books. The three models are (1) teacher-directed instruction, (2) scaffolded student investigation, and (3) independent student investigation. Demands on both students and teachers increase as teachers scaffold students through each model. The article illustrates the models with the topics of frogs, life cycles, and animals, and suggests additional strategies, teaching ideas, and nonfiction books.
Modeling of Temperature Distribution Inside a Current Transformer

Current transformer (CT) is a device that transfers the electrical energy from one circuit to another through a shared magnetic field. In a CT, heat is generated in the core, tank wall, primary and secondary windings. The performance of current transformer is well indicated by the temperature distribution inside a CT. In this study, numerical analysis was performed to predict the temperature distribution inside a CT at every instant under different load conditions. It was found that the numerical results obtained were in good agreement with the experimental measurements.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Traumatic Optic Tract Injury

A patient with a traumatic optic tract hemorrhage is presented and discussed in the context of the literature on traumatic homonymous hemianopia. Radiographic demonstration of the injury on an MRI that was initially interpreted as normal emphasizes the difficulty of identification of small traumatic injuries and the importance of radiographic review in the context of clinical localization.
The Enzymatic Activity of Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase Does Not Fluctuate in Mouse Spermatogenic Cells Despite mRNA Changes

In the mammalian testis, multiple mRNAs encoding the copper zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) are expressed in postmeiotic male germ cells. Here we relate SOD-1 mRNA levels to SOD-1 protein and enzyme activity levels in mouse spermatogenic cells. Although the sizes and relative amounts of the multiple SOD-1 mRNAs vary as male germ cells enter meiosis and proceed into the postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis, the amount of SOD-1 protein and enzyme activity does not fluctuate significantly, suggesting a precise control of SOD-1 activity in male germ cells.
Masseter muscle hyperactivity and myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome: A relationship under stress

Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPD) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a psychophysiological disorder that develops because of hyperactive muscles of mastication. Ten women meeting criteria for MPD and 12 symptom-free women participated in the study. The rationale for this study was to observe cardiovascular and masseter muscle changes during four contiguous experimental periods: baseline/adaptation, reaction time, recovery, and relaxation. MPD patients showed less masseter muscle activity and higher heart rates at baseline than controls. Controls had significantly higher masseter EMG activity during reaction time. Both groups showed significant elevation in masseter muscle activity and heart rate over the 14-min reaction period. MPD patients' recovery from stress was equivalent to controls' for both heart rate and masseter muscle activity. MPD patients exhibited significantly slower reaction times than controls. The results suggest that masseter muscle hyperactivity may not account for the development and maintenance of MPD.
Evaluation of a three-dimensional Navier-Stokes solver for transonic flow over a low-aspect-ratio wing mounted in a wind tunnel

A three dimensional Navier-Stokes solver is evaluated for transonic flow over a thin, swept, low-aspect ratio wing. The computational study was undertaken in support of a wind tunnel experimental program. The computational results are compared to experimental surface pressure data obtained in a cryogenic wind tunnel with an adaptive wall test section. The results show favorable agreement over a wide range of conditions, further the numerical results provide additional data of the complex three-dimensional flow field. Differences in the predictions and experiment suggest a need to conduct further experiments to evaluate the adaptive wall testing technique, and to model the tunnel sidewall boundary layer in the computations.
Variability of ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations in rainwater

Abstract Ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations were measured in 52 rain events collected between January 25, 2011 and March 4, 2012 in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA. Ethanol concentrations ranged from 23 nM to 908 nM with a volume weighted average concentration of 192 ± 20 nM while acetaldehyde ranged from 23 nM to 909 nM with a volume weighted average concentration of 193 ± 25 nM. There was a great deal of variability in the abundance of ethanol and acetaldehyde between rain events driven primarily by temporal and air mass back trajectory influences. The ratio of ethanol to acetaldehyde was at a minimum during periods of peak solar intensity underscoring the importance of alcohol oxidation by a photochemically generated oxidant such as hydroxyl radical in the gas and/or aqueous phase. Ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations were not strongly correlated with rain amount suggesting that gas-phase concentrations were not significantly depleted during the storm or that they were resupplied during the course of the rain event. The concentration of ethanol and acetaldehyde were correlated with nitrate and non-sea salt sulfate suggesting the importance of terrestrial and anthropogenic inputs at this location. Comparison of future ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations in rainwater to the data presented in this study will help delineate potential consequences of these labile oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs) on the chemistry of the troposphere as the United States transitions to more ethanol blended fuels. Aqueous phase impacts of increasing ethanol concentrations will be particularly significant to the oxidizing capacity of atmospheric waters because of its reactivity with OH and HO 2 radicals in solution. Increased rainwater concentrations could also have significant ramifications on receiving watersheds because of the biogeochemical lability of the alcohol.
Survey of feeding practices, supplement use, and knowledge of equine nutrition among a subpopulation of horse owners in New England.

Abstract Nutrition is a critical component of equine health. Horse owners' knowledge of nutrition is likely to affect their feeding practices. The aim of this study was to survey feeding practices, dietary supplement use, and knowledge about equine nutrition in New England by surveying a subpopulation of horse owners (67/337 or 19.8%) who brought their horses to the Large Animal Hospital at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University between July and September 2008. All owners reported feeding hay, with the majority feeding grass or timothy hay. Most owners (96%) reported feeding a concentrate in addition to hay. Approximately 84% of owners reported including at least one dietary supplement in their horse's daily feeding. The most commonly used supplements were chondroprotectives, electrolytes, and multivitamins. Survey questions designed to assess the owner's knowledge of nutrition suggested that many owners may not have a basic understanding of principles of equine nutrition; less than 50% knew the daily water and hay requirements for a horse, and 69% lacked knowledge about the proper use of concentrates in a diet. Most of the surveyed owners consulted multiple sources of information concerning equine nutrition, including veterinarians (n = 36), trainers (n = 27), feed stores (n = 10), and the internet (n = 7). Although the major source of information was the veterinarian, it appears that the communication between horse owners and their veterinarian about optimal feeding practices could be enhanced. This survey demonstrated areas in the veterinarian–client dialog that need to be addressed when evaluating the health and well-being of the horse.
Interactions of progesterone and dihydroprogesterone with dihydrotestosterone on estrogen activated sexual receptivity in female mice

Abstract Lordosis behavior in response to a mounting stimulation was quantified in ovariectomized female CD-1 and SW mice primed with estradiol benzoate and either progesterone or dihydroprogesterone. Both progestins were effective in stimulating receptivity, in CD-1 females, while only progesterone was effective in SW females. Dihydrotestosterone given concurrently with both the estrogen and progestin injections was found to have no effect on progesterone stimulated receptivity, but it produced a dose related inhibition of receptivity in the dihydroprogesterone treated females.
Novel Quinic Acid Derivative KZ-41 Prevents Retinal Endothelial Cell Apoptosis Without Inhibiting Retinoblastoma Cell Death Through p38 Signaling

Purpose To determine whether a novel NF-κB inhibitor, KZ-41, can inhibit melphalan's actions on retinal endothelial cell (REC) inflammation and apoptosis, without eliminating the chemotherapeutic efficacy of melphalan on cell death of retinoblastoma cells (Y79). Methods RECs were cultured in M131 medium supplemented with growth factors and antibiotics. Once cells reached confluence, they were treated with or without 10 μM KZ-41, following treatment with 4 μg/mL melphalan. Cell proteins were extracted and analyzed for intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels and Cell Death ELISA. RECs were also transfected with or without NF-κB siRNA or treated with SB202190 (p38 [mitogen activated protein kinase] MAPK inhibitor) before melphalan treatment to determine the involvement of NF-κB and p38 MAPK in REC apoptosis and ICAM-1 levels. We also cultured retinoblastoma cells (Y79) in RMPI-1640 medium supplemented with 20% fetal bovine serum and performed a Cell Death ELISA after melphalan + KZ-41 treatment to determine if the treatments altered melphalan's ability to promote cell death of Y79 cells. Results KZ-41 inhibited melphalan-stimulation of ICAM-1 levels and REC apoptosis, whereas KZ-41 did not alter melphalan's effects on Y79 cells. KZ-41's protective effects on REC were mediated through p38 MAPK activation. Although KZ-41 blocked both NF-κB- and p38 MAPK-dependent ICAM-1 stimulation; the p38 MAPK/ICAM-1 pathway appears to be the primary pathway involved in melphalan-induced REC apoptosis. Conclusions KZ-41 protects REC against melphalan-induced upregulation of ICAM-1 and apoptosis through p38 MAPK-dependent pathways.
Domestic Calves (Bos taurus) Recognize their Own Mothers by Auditory Cues

The goal of this study was to determine if auditory cues are important in maternal recognition by domestic cattle calves, Bos taurus. Cows and their calves were separated and the vocalizations of the mothers were recorded. During experimental playbacks in a test enclosure, each calf (n = 9) was given a choice between a tape-recorded vocalization of its mother and that of a strange mother. Calves significantly preferred their own mother's vocalization as compared to the vocalization of the unfamiliar mother. Calves spent significantly more time near the speaker that played their own mother's call, and approached significantly closer to their mother's speaker. These results demonstrate that 3–5-wk-old calves can recognize their mothers by auditory cues alone. Visual inspection of audiospectrograms of the cows' vocalizations suggests that there are individual differences among cows.
Combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics study on the reversible isomerization of glucose and fructose catalyzed by Pyrococcus furiosus phosphoglucose isomerase

Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI), which catalyzes the reversible interconversion of glucose 6-phosphate (G6P) and fructose 6-phosphate (F6P), is represented by two evolutionarily distinct protein families. One is a conventional type in eubacteria, eukaryotes, and a few archaea, where the active sites contain no metal ions and reactions proceed via the cis-enediol intermediate mechanism. The second type, found recently in euryarchaeota species, belongs to metalloenzymes, and controversies exist over whether the catalyzed isomerization occurs via the cis-enediol intermediate mechanism or a hydride shift mechanism. We studied the reversible interconversion of the open-chain form G6P and F6P catalyzed by the metal-containing Pyrococcus furiosus PGI by performing QM(B3LYP)/MM single-point optimizations and QM(PM3)/MM molecular dynamics simulations. A zwitterion intermediate-based mechanism, which involves both proton and hydride transfers, has been put forward. The presence of the key zwitterionic intermediate i...
Fungi on Chamaecyparis Nootkatensis

Fungi were isolated and collected from Alaska-yellow cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) trees and identified to help determine if any could be the primary cause of the extensive decline and mortality of this valuable tree species in southeast Alaska. Ofthe 20 taxa of fungi isolated and 33 collected, 36 taxa are new reports on Alaska-yellow cedar and 24 are new reports from Alaska on any host. Previously, 41 fungi were reported on Alaska-yellow cedar, therefore, a total of 77 fungi have now been reported on this tree species in its native range. Several potential pathogens were found in southeast Alaska: Armillaria sp., Gymnosporangium nootkatense, Seiridium cardinale, and Apostrasseria sp.; however, their low incidence or association with non-symptomatic tissues of Alaska-yellow cedar suggests that none is the primary cause of the extensive decline and mortality.
Reducing redundant cross-ISP traffic in peer-to-peer systems via explicit coordination

Locality-aware P2P file sharing systems have drawn the attention of the research community as a promising technique to alleviate the tussle between P2P traffic and ISPs. However, existing locality-based schemes mainly focus on how to distinguish whether a peer is local or not and pay less attention to how to utilize the locality information. Typically, they simply bias the peer selection towards local peers in the hope that it will reduce cross-ISP traffic. In this paper, we argue that such coarse-grained control is inadequate and propose a fine-grained mechanism called Swarm-over-Swarm (SOS). Through explicit coordination on piece selection among local peers, SOS is much more effective in reducing redundant cross-ISP traffic than existing schemes. We implement SOS in both NS-2 and a real BitTorrent client and demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution via both simulations and Internet experiments.
Pollen morphology in Lysipomia (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae) and interpretation of shape artifacts

The pollen of 32 species of Lysipomia was examined by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Two pollen types occur in the genus: 3-colporate and 6-colporate. The 3-colporate condition occurs in only two species, L. laciniata and L. pumila. The remaining 30 species are 6-colporate, a condition known from only one other genus in the Campanulaceae. Surface sculpturing among the species is uniformly striate. Pollen shape was highly variable within a single individual in comparisons of pollen gathered from herbarium specimens, FAA preserved material collected in the field, and fresh pollen from cultivated individuals grown from seed. Shape may change from oblate spheroidal to subprolate as a result of drying time and temperature, and should not be used as a morphological character in systematic studies if infraspecific variation is seen. When fresh or preserved pollen is not available, rehydrated pollen should be compared to reduce the possibility of inadvertent artifact production confounding the analysis of morphological data.
Physics: Quantum outsiders

Hugh Gusterson enjoys a history of the quirky group that pursued quantum physics when it was unfashionable.
Relational succession in Kinyarwanda possessor ascension

Perlmutter and Postal's (1983) Relational Succession Law (RSL), meant to constrain raising constructions, has been challenged in two ways, both in the area of possessor ascension constructions. On the one hand, it has been proposed that in some languages possessors may raise to indirect object regardless of the grammatical relation of the host nominals; while on the other it has been proposed that possessors can only raise to direct object. Both types of structures have been proposed for Kinyarwanda (Bickford, 1986). The present paper adduces evidence that neither of these challenges to the RSL is empirically motivated. Rather Kinyarwanda provides compelling evidence for the correctness of the RSL and also provides surprising evidence for possessor ascension from an oblique host. Kinyarwanda thus proves important to the typology of raising constructions.
Antioxidant activity, fatty acids and phenolic acids compositions of potato peels

The effects of freeze-dried extracts from the peels of six potato varieties as antioxidants in pure soy oil were investigated using the active oxygen method (AOM) procedure, carotene bleaching and linoleic acid oxidation experiments on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plates. At 9 h under AOM conditions, 20 g soy oil treated with 0.05 g of these extracts attained lower peroxide values (PV, 22.0-28.0 meq kg−1) than the control oil sample (PV, 109.0 meq kg−1) indicating very strong antioxidant activities. Oils treated with the same amount of tertiary butylhydroquinone, butylated hydroxyauisol-butylated hydroxytoluene mixture and rosemary extract attained PV of 10, 19.0 and 16.0 meq kg−1, respectively. Results of the carotene bleaching and linoleic acid oxidation experiments on TLC plates indicated that the antioxidant activities of these extracts were due to the presence of phenolic acids. Among the phenolic acids separated and identified by both high-performance liquid chromatography and TLC, chlorogenic, proto-catechuic and caffeic acids were predominant and appeared to be mainly responsible for the strong antioxidant activities of the extracts. Peels from the red potatoes contained more polyphenols than those from the brown-skinned varieties, but their oil contents were similar.
Protective Effects of Middle School Comprehensive Sex Education With Family Involvement

BACKGROUND School-based comprehensive sex education programs can reduce early adolescents' risky sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 3-year comprehensive sex education program in delaying vaginal sex for middle school students and whether the family component of the intervention contributes to its effectiveness. METHODS This longitudinal evaluation followed a cohort of 6th graders (N = 2453) through the end of 8th grade. The design used random assignment of 24 schools into treatment and comparison conditions. The analysis included multiple-group logistic regression to assess differences in delay of sex between intervention and comparison groups. RESULTS In schools where the program was taught, 16% fewer boys and 15% fewer girls had had sex by the end of 8th grade compared to boys and girls at comparison schools. Completing family activities during the first year of the program predicted delayed sexual debut for boys. CONCLUSIONS Theory-based, developmentally appropriate, comprehensive sex education programs that include parent involvement can be effective in delaying vaginal sex for middle school students. Parent involvement is particularly important for boys, as family activities may encourage parents to talk with their sons earlier and more frequently.
Tracking career satisfaction and perceptions of quality among US obstetricians and gynecologists.

Abstract Objective To assess recent trends in professional satisfaction, perceptions of ability to provide high-quality care, and perceptions of ability to obtain needed services for patients in a national sample of obstetricians and gynecologists; to compare obstetrician–gynecologists with physicians in other specialties; and to identify demographic, professional, and practice characteristics associated with high career satisfaction. Methods We used data from the 1996–1997 (n = 12,385; response rate, 65%) and 1998–1999 (n = 12,280; response rate, 61%) waves of the nationally representative Community Tracking Study physicians' survey. The principal outcome measures were one item related to overall career satisfaction, six items measuring physicians' perceptions of their ability to provide high-quality care, and five items measuring physicians' perceptions of their ability to obtain needed services for patients. All results were weighted and adjusted to reflect the complex survey design. Results In 1996–1997, 34% of obstetrician–gynecologists (n = 545) were very satisfied with their careers, and 24% were very or somewhat dissatisfied. Up to 45% perceived significant barriers to the delivery of high-quality care, and up to 58% were unable to “almost or almost always” obtain necessary services for patients. Results in 1998–1999 (n = 484 obstetricians and gynecologists) were similar, except for a deterioration in perceived amount of time with patients and ability to obtain high-quality ancillary services. In comparison with primary care physicians, obstetrician–gynecologists were less satisfied (P = .001); in comparison with both primary care physicians and general surgeons, they had more problems delivering high-quality care (P Conclusion Although most obstetricians and gynecologists are satisfied with their careers, many are experiencing significant professional distress.
Investigations of Particle Penetration in Fibrous Filters: Part I. Experimental

This article is the first of a two-part series. The second article titled "Investigations of Particle Penetration in Fibrous Filters, Part II. Theoretical" will appear in the upcoming March/April 1998 issue of the Journal of the IEST.The performance of high-efficiency filters is evaluated using a semiautomated test system. This system is used for accurate measurements of submicron particle penetrations and pressure drops of filters. The system is designed to minimize errors and uncertainties associated with filter testing procedures. New commercial filter media, rated from ASHRAE-grade to ULPA, are tested using this system. The particle penetration characteristics of these media are obtained at different face velocities, ranging from 2 to 20 cm/s (0.79 to 7.9 in/s), and the particle diameter is varied from 0.05 to 0.05μm. The efficiencies of these media range from 15 percent to 99.9999 percent. The particle penetration characteristics of the media are consistent with the theories of collection by diffusio...
Quenching of the fluorescence of proteins by silver nitrate.

Abstract The mechanisms by which Ag + may quench protein tryptophanyl fluorescence have been studied. A 1:1 Ag + -tryptophan complex was detected spectrophotometrically and shown to have a k a = 6.5 × 10 3 M −1 . The complex was nonfluorescent. Ag + and NO 3 − each caused collisional quenching which proceeded at nearly diffusion-controlled rates in a series of indole-containing compounds. Analysis of the rates by means of Stern-Volmer plots and lifetime measurements showed also that charge and the presence of salt influence the quenching rate constants. The fluorescence of nonsulfhydryl proteins was quenched by AgNO 3 only in concentrations needed for Stern-Volmer quenching of simple indole model compounds. However, the plots for protein quenching were generally nonlinear, a reflection of the heterogeneity of tryptophanyl residues. AgNO 3 quenching increased the polarization of protein fluorescence and decreased the lifetime. Rotational relaxation times were determined from Perrin plots of reciprocal polarization vs fluorescence intensity in the presence of various amounts of AgNO 3 . The fluorescence of the sulfhydryl proteins ovalbumin, yeast, and equine liver alcohol dehydrogenases was strongly quenched by AgNO 3 in parallel with the formation of Ag + -mercaptide bonds. The quenching of fluorescence of sulfhydryl proteins was exhibited even in 8 m urea, thus ruling out conformational change as a major basis for the quenching. It was found that Ag + mercaptide bond formation was accompanied by development of an ultraviolet absorption band. The reaction of Ag + with cysteine, for example, could be followed spectrophotometrically. The uv absorption of different silver mercaptides varied with the compound and pH. Since the uv absorption of Ag + -mercaptides extended up to 340 nm, and was also found in Ag + -treated sulfhydryl proteins, energy transfer from excited tryptophans seemed a reasonable basis for the observed fluorescence quenching. This possibility was confirmed by calculation of Forster critical transfer distances for a variety of donor-acceptor (Ag + -mercaptide) pairs. The lifetime of sulfhydryl protein fluorescence was decreased by AgNO 3 , but the emission spectrum was relatively little affected, in contrast to previously reported quenching by Hg 2+ . Additional mechanisms of fluorescence alteration by Ag + in proteins (e.g., “heavy atom” effect, conformational changes, enhancement of sulfhydryl quenching) are also considered. The spectral effects of Ag + interaction with proteins have the following practical applications:determination of —SH groups; probe of accessibility of binding sites and tryptophan-sulfhydryl distances; determination of rotational relaxation times by Perrin plots of reciprocal polarization vs lifetime; kinetic studies of Ag + interaction with proteins.
Mechanism of action of tablet disintegrants: correlation of tablet mean pore diameter and porosity.

Data from a previous study were used to obtain correlations between log mean pore diameter and porosity of tablets. Cornstarch appears to modify this relationship of mean pore diameter and porosity in magnesium oxide and magnesium trisilicate tablets. Dilution of salicylamide with cornstarch and aspirin by three different disintegrants (cornstarch, cation‐exchange resin, and waxy maise starch) had little effect on this relationship. The one exception was 10% cationic‐exchange resin‐90% aspirin mixture. The equation, log y = mX + b, where y is the mean porediameter and X the porosity, can be used to calculate the mean pore diameter from the more easily obtained porosity.
The use of chemiluminescence and ligand competition with EDTA to measure copper concentration and speciation in seawater

Abstract A batch chemiluminescence method for measurement of copper in seawater was developed from an existing flow injection technique. The method involved the reaction of copper in the sample with 1,10-phenanthroline, and subsequent release of photons from the oxidation of copper(II)-phenan-throline chelates by H2O2 at alkaline pH. The method was extremely sensitive with a detection limit in the range of 0.05–for 200 μl samples. Because of its sensitivity, it could be used to measure copper directly in seawater without a preconcentration step. To measure total copper, samples had to be acidified to pH 2 and stored for weeks to months (and in some cases also photo-oxidized by UV light) to release copper from kinetically inert species. Total copper concentrations measured by the chemiluminescence method in natural seawater agreed well with those obtained by more traditional methods. The chemiluminescence method was sensitive to copper speciation due to the slow dissociation of many bound copper species. This property was utilized to develop a ligand competition technique for measurement of free cupric ion concentrations. The method involved additions of EDTA and copper to seawater and was based on the lack of detectability of CuEDTA chelates by the chemiluminescence method. Free cupric ion concentrations measured by this method ranged from 10−12.9 M for a relatively clean estuarine sample containing 5 nM total dissolved copper to 10−10.9 M for a sample from a polluted harbor which contained 38 nM copper. Cupric ion concentrations measured by the new method were in good agreement with those measured in the same samples by a previously published method: EDTA competition combined with copper adsorption on to C18 Sep—Pak cartridges. Copper was found to be heavily (>99%) complexed by natural organic ligands in both shelf and estuarine water samples and the concentrations of these ligands generally increased with dissolved copper concentration and decreasing sample salinity. These results agree with those of several previous studies.
The relationship between atmospheric water vapor and temperature in simulations of climate change

Atmospheric moisture (Q) and temperature (T) relationships simulated by two general circulation models (GCMs) and that of a recent operational analysis are intercompared. The GCMs represent two important stages of model development, with the earlier one using a simplistic convective adjustment scheme and the more recent one employing a more physically-realistic convective parameterization. While the models agree in some fundamental qualitative aspects of the Q-T relationship, they differ quantitatively in the correlations of Q with T, and in the vertical dependencies of moistening to increasing CO2. As the sophistication of convective parameterizations has increased, model sensitivity to changes in atmospheric CO2 has decreased markedly. This study indicates the reduction in sensitivity is primarily due to a reduction in simulated moisture amount along with changes in vertical distributions. While the more recent model shows clear signs of improvements, there is also indication that it may have underestimated the Q-T correlations, leading to a somewhat lower climate sensitivity with increasing CO2.
OCD: An Analysis of Clinical Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Modern Society

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, known as OCD in short, is a relatively recent psychological phenomena that has begun to demand an increasing amount of attention and focus from medical and psychiatric institutions due to higher rates of clinical diagnosis. While estimates of OCD sufferers range from less than 1% to more than 5% of the total population, symptoms of OCD are commonly found within a significant percentage of all individuals at one point or another of their lives. This paper attempts to examine the current research that has been conducted of OCD and to examine released statistical data for any emerging patterns of diagnosis. This paper also attempts to clear up any current myths about OCD as portrayed by either the media or pop culture. The importance of research on OCD to our society is also mentioned within the paper, as well as potential root causes of the disorder. Finally, a prescriptive section dealing with possible effective treatment techniques and methods is detailed at the end of the paper.
Effect of microwave radiation on the beating rate of isolated frog hearts

One hundred and two isolated frog hearts were divided into ten groups and placed individually in a waveguide filled with Ringer's solution and exposed to 2,450-MHz CW radiation at 2 and 8.55 W/kg. Heart rate was recorded using one of the following methods: 3-M KCl glass electrode, ultrasound probe, tension transducer, Ringer's solution glass electrode, and a metal wire inserted in the Ringer's solution electrode. An accelerated decrease of heart rate was observed only in those groups recorded using the 3-M KCl electrode and the metal wire Ringer's solution electrode. No effect was found in the other groups. These results indicate that bradycardia in isolated hearts could be caused by electrode artifacts resulting from the intensification of electromagnetic fields.
Improving sampled probability distributions for Markov random fields

Abstract Sampling the distribution of labeled neighborhoods in a collection of test images is a natural way to estimate the marginal probabilities of a Markov random field. This paper tests a suggestion of Hancock and Kittler (1990) for supplying the probabilities of improbable labelings which are otherwise not estimated correctly by sampling. We determine the parameters that optimize the reconstruction of binary images.