cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Aeration as a tool to improve water quality and reduce the growth of hydrilla

Abstract Aeration of artificial, model lake systems was studied as a tool to improve water quality and to control the growth of a nuisance aquatic weed, Hydrilla verticillata (L.F.) Royle, which has been recognized as a plant pest since the mid-1960s. Aeration decreased the growth of Hydrilla by 20% fresh weight and 18% dry weight on average after 21 days. The effect was due to the oxygenation of the water and not the mechanical effect of the bubbles, as verified by studies using pure nitrogen. Aeration also affected water quality. Inorganic carbon decreased; nitrate-nitrite-nitrogen decreased, more slowly in test systems than in control systems; dissolved oxygen increased to saturation within 24 h and pH increased 0.5–1.5 unit over the period of study. Phosphate-phosphorus concentration was unaffected. The concentrations of zinc, calcium and iron decreased as well. The effect of aeration upon Hydrilla growth appears to be correlated with a decrease of iron. After 7 days, iron concentrations decreased to less than 20 ppb. Iron toxicity is proposed as the mechanism responsible for creating a limiting condition for Hydrilla growth.
Metabolism of the herbicide metribuzin by an N-glucosyltransferase from tomato cell cultures☆

Abstract Callus and cell suspension cultures of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L. cv. ‘Sheyenne’) form a glucose conjugate of the herbicide metribuzin, an asymmetric triazinone that inhibits photosynthesis. The responsible enzyme, a soluble UDP-glucose: metribuzin N-glucosyltransferase (MGT) has been isolated and partially characterized from cells grown in B5 media containing 3 mg 1−1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The N-glucoside reaction product was identified by co-chromatography and mass spectrometry. Specific activity of MGT (nmol N-glucoside (mg prot.)−1 h−1) ranged from 0.1 to 3.5 in callus and from 0 to 7.5 in cell suspension cultures. In contrast to green plants, MGT activity of cell cultures was not increased by fluorescent light (70 μE m−2 s−1). Higher concentrations of 2,4-D had no effect on MGT specific activity, but omission of 2,4-D resulted in decreased specific activity. At 3 days after subculture, suspension cultures with 3 mg l−1 2,4-D had a maximum MGT specific activity of 4.8, which decreased to 2.3 by 14 days when maximum growth occurred and to zero activity by 23 days. Cell suspensions treated with 3 mg l−1 of four other auxins or auxinic compounds (dicamba, picloram, indoleacetic acid, and naphthaleneacetic acid) had MGT specific activities ranging from 0.3 to 1.9 with no correlation between growth and enzyme activity. Kinetin had no consistent effect on MGT specific activity in cell cultures.
The effect of physical status on the affective expression of handicapped infants

This study investigated the ability of handicapped infants to express laughter in response to specific stimuli and examined the effect of physical impairment in limiting an individual child's ability to laugh. Results were interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that as the degree of muscle tone involvement increased from normal to mild, moderate or severe, the child's ability to laugh decreased. The associated decrement in laugh responses occurred whether the child was classed as hypotonic or hypertonic. The authors suggest that consideration of this physical component is important if one is to use the number of laughing responses to specific stimuli as a gauge of a muscle involved infant's cognitive status.
Ligand field spectra of hydrazine complexes of NiII, and the spectrochemical position of hydrazine

Abstract Solid nickel(II)-hydrazine complexes, Ni(N2H4)2X2 and Ni(N2Ht)3X2, have ligand-field spectra corresponding to those expected for [trans-NiN4X2] and [NiN6] chromophores respectively. This contrasts with solution spectra of hydrazine complexes, where hydrazine is often unidentate and is often only partially substituted in the coordination sphere. The present study thus affords a unique occasion to establish the spectrochemical properties of the hydrazine ligand. The spectrochemical position of hydrazine is practically coincident with that of other diamines, and higher than that of, say, ammonia. The axial field strength is unusually low, and the nephelauxetic ratio unusually high in the trans-disubstituted octahedral chromophores [NiN4X2]. These date imply that (in these complexes) hydrazine can acquire a conformation which is particularly favorable for the formation of stable σ bonds, and that the axial field is particularly weak, thus implying weak σ-covalent character of the axial bonds and hence poor σ-delocalization and low nephelauxetic effect.
The histopathology of folliculitis in HIV-infected patients.

Background: Cutaneous disease referable to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has become less common with the advent of widespread administration of antiretroviral medications, particularly the protease inhibitors. Pruritic eruptions that fall into the general categorization of folliculitis continue to be problematic. Methods: In this report, we describe 33 skin biopsy samples prospectively obtained of follicular papules and pustules from 33 HIV-infected individuals with the clinical diagnosis of HIV-related folliculitis. Results: The histopathologic findings were stratified as follows: (i) acute folliculitis with bacteria and/or yeast (n = 9); (ii) lymphocytic perifolliculitis (n = 7); (iii) eosinophilic folliculitis (n = 5); (iv) perifolliculitis with mixed inflammation (n = 11); (v) follicular rupture with predominant granulomatous inflammation (n = 1). Demodex organisms were found in 10 specimens scattered among these categories. Conclusions: The histopathology of folliculitis in HIV-infected patients is protean. No single factor could be identified as the cause, making targeted antibacterial or antifungal therapy unlikely to be successful across a wide range of patients.
The 1.8 Å Crystal Structure of PA2412, an MbtH-like Protein from the Pyoverdine Cluster of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Many bacteria use nonribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) proteins to produce peptide antibiotics and siderophores. The catalytic domains of the NRPS proteins are usually linked in large multidomain proteins. Often, additional proteins are coexpressed with NRPS proteins that modify the NRPS peptide products, ensure the availability of substrate building blocks, or play a role in the import or export of the NRPS product. Many NRPS clusters include a small protein of ∼80 amino acids with homology to the MbtH protein of mycobactin synthesis in Mycobacteria tuberculosis; no function has been assigned to these proteins. Pseudomonas aeruginosa utilizes an NRPS cluster to synthesize the siderophore pyoverdine. The pyoverdine peptide contains a dihydroxyquinoline-based chromophore, as well as two formyl-N-hydroxyornithine residues, which are involved in iron binding. The pyoverdine cluster contains four modular NRPS enzymes and 10–15 additional proteins that are essential for pyoverdine production. Coexpressed with the pyoverdine synthetic enzymes is a 72-amino acid MbtH-like family member designated PA2412. We have determined the three-dimensional structure of the PA2412 protein and describe here the structure and the location of conserved regions. Additionally, we have further analyzed a deletion mutant of the PA2412 protein for growth and pyoverdine production. Our results demonstrate that PA2412 is necessary for the production or secretion of pyoverdine at normal levels. The PA2412 deletion strain is able to use exogenously produced pyoverdine, showing that there is no defect in the uptake or utilization of the iron-pyoverdine complex.
The logic of collective action: Some experimental results

The results of an experiment to test hypotheses derived from Olson's theory of collective action at the group level are reported. Strong evidence in favor of the theory is found with respect to the effects of group size on the amount of the collective good provided and on the degree of suboptimality associated with noncooperative provision of the good. For reasons discussed in the paper, the experimental results do not support the exploitation hypothesis.
A resilient distributed protocol for network synchronization

We present a resilient distributed protocol that enables a synchronous algorithm to run on an asynchronous network. The protocol is resilient in the sense that it can continue providing network synchronization in the presence of topological changes in the underlying communication network of a distributed system. These changes are caused by link/node failures and recoveries that occur while running the protocol. In general, the protocol is a useful tool in the design of resilient distributed algorithms as it isolates the algorithm from the characteristics of the communication network.
Boundary value problems for abstract evolution equations

where J = [O, m). Let X be a Banach space. The operator A(t), t E J, is assumed to be linear with domain and range in X, F is defined on J x X with values in X, and U is a bounded linear operator on a Banach function space on X. The vector b E X is fixed. The author studied in [I] problems of the form ((E), (B)) with X = R”. The method employed there involved the application ofthe Leray-Schauder theorem to a single integral equation arising from (E) and (B). Of course, this can only be achieved in the non-resonance case, i.e., the case in which the problem F s 0, I = 0 has only the zero solution. Our purpose here is to obtain existence results for problems (E) and (B) by the method of [l]. The reader is referred also to the paper of Ward [2], where problems of the form (E) and (B) are handled on finite intervals. Ward used the Schauder-Tychonov theorem on a suitable Banach function space. In the application of the Leray-Schauder theorem, we introduce a parameter ~(0 < p < 1) as follows:
Drug overdose emergency room admissions.

The incidence and patterns of drug overdose admissions to the University of Michigan Medical Center Emergency Suite were studied for the first 3 months of each year from 1956 to 1970 Among variables investigated with regard to age, sex, and time comparisons were types of drugs used, purpose of ingestions, medical condition on arrival, disposition after emergency care, and history of treatment for emotional problems.
Failure to transmit avian vacuolar myelinopathy to mallard ducks

Avian vacuolar myelinopathy (AVM) is a neurologic disease that has been diagnosed in free-ranging birds in the southeastern United States. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leuocephalus), American coots (Fulica americana), and mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) have been affected. Previous investigations have not determined the etiology of this disease. In November and December 2002, we attempted to induce AVM in game-farmed mallards through four, 7-day exposure trials. Mallards were housed in six groups of eight, with two of these groups serving as controls. One group was housed with AVM-affected coots; one group was tube fed daily with water from the lake where affected coots were captured; one group was tube fed daily with aquatic vegetation (Hydrilla verticillata) from the same lake; and another group was tube fed daily with sediment from the lake. No ducks exhibited clinical neurologic abnormalities consistent with AVM and no evidence of AVM was present at histopathologic examination of brain tissue. Although limitations in sample size, quantity of individual doses, frequency of dose administration, duration of exposure, and timing of these trials restrict the interpretation of the findings, AVM was not readily transmitted by direct contact, water, hydrilla, or sediment in this investigation.
Identified higher-order neurons controlling the feeding motor program of helisoma

Abstract A bilaterally symmetrical pair of neurons in the anterior region of the cerebral ganglia of the snail Helisoma trivolvis were found to have excitatory input to the feeding motor program contained in the buccal ganglia. Intracellular microelectrodes were used to stimulate and record from these cells while the motor output of the buccal ganglia was monitored with a combination of intracellular and extracellular recordings. Experimentally evoked tonic activity in an individual cerebral cell could initiate and maintain the patterned motor output from buccal ganglia, characteristic of the activity underlying buccal mass feeding movements. The rate of buccal motor output could be modified directly by varying the firing frequency of the cerebral cell. Cobaltous chloride backfills of cerebrobuccal connectives revealed that these higher-order neurons were the only large cells in the anterior portion of the ganglia to send processes into the connectives. Furthermore, they are the only cells in this region to fluoresce when processed with a sucrose-phosphate-glyoxylic acid solution, indicating that they contain an indoleamine, probably serotonin. Application of low concentrations of serotonin to isolated buccal ganglia or buccal ganglia-buccal mass preparations mimics the effects of the cerebral cells' activity on the buccal motor output, implying that serotonin is a putative transmitter for these cerebral cells.
A Solid State Multispectral Imager

Photodiode arrays used as image sensors in satellite remote imaging systems offer the advantages of geometric accuracy, precise registration of scene elements, enhanced operational reliability, and wide spectral response. Principles of photodiode-array operation are reviewed, and the latest developments in self-scanned array chip technology are described along with optical system requirements for multispectral coverage. Results of development efforts with a spaceborne solid-state multispectral camera based on linear sensing array technology are outlined to demonstrate the capabilities of this approach to multispectral sensing.
A Regulatory Cascade in the Induction of rhaBAD

Abstract The RhaS and RhaR regulatory proteins are encoded in the Escherichia coli l -rhamnose gene cluster. We used complementation analysis and DNA mobility shift assays to show that RhaR is not the direct activator of the l -rhamnose catabolic operon, rhaBAD. An inframe deletion of rhaS (rhS-rhaR+) eliminated expression from the rhaBAD promoter, pBAD, while overexpression of rhaS greatly speeded the normally slow induction of transcription from pBAD. Expression from pBAD in a coupled transcription-translation assay was only detected when rhaS+ DNA was added to allow synthesis of RhaS protein. RhaS thus appears to be the direct l -rhamnose-specific activator of rhaBAD expression. Deletion mapping located the binding site for the l -rhamnose-specific regulator to a region overlapping position -70 relative to the rhaBAD transcription start site. Deletion mapping and DNA mobility shift assays located a CRP binding site just upstream from the binding site for the l -rhamnose specific regulator. Quantitative primer extension analysis showed that induction of both the rhaBAD and rhaSR messages was unusually slow, requiring 40 to 50 minutes to reach a steady state level. Induction of rhaBAD apparently involves a regulatory cascade in which RhaR first induces rhaSR expression, then RhaS accumulates and induces rhaBAD expression.
Chronic in vivo depletion of CD4 T cells begun in utero inhibits gut B cell differentiation.

Abstract We studied the role of CD4 T cells on the ontogeny of mucosal IgA compartment. We treated C57 BL 6 mice, beginning in utero and for 4 weeks thereafter, with anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody. Mice were evaluated at 1, 3, and 5 weeks after stopping the treatment. At 1 week, anti-CD4-treated mice had no detectable CD4 T cells in spleen or Peyer's patches. These CD4-depleted mice demonstrated a 40% reduction of surface Peyer's patch IgA+ B cells and a marked decrease in jejunal IgA secretion. By 5 weeks, CD4 T cells were detectable in spleen and Peyer's patch and the number of surface IgA+ B cells in Peyer's patch was increased, but they remained less than the control levels. Jejunal IgA secretion recovered to the control level by 5 weeks. LPS induced normal levels of in vitro IgM secretion by Peyer's patch B cells in anti-CD4-treated mice; thus, treatment with anti-CD4 does not nonspecifically inhibit the gut B cell compartment. This study demonstrates that CD4 T cell depletion begun in utero significantly inhibits the differentiation of mucosal B cells to IgA-secreting cells and partially inhibits swithching to IgA+ B cells in Peyer's patch.
Suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 is an IL-4-inducible gene in macrophages and feedback inhibits IL-4 signaling.

Interferon-γ and interleukin-4 (IL-4) induce distinct gene expression profiles in macrophages by differentially activating signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)1 and STAT6, respectively. The role of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-1 as a negative regulator of IFN-γ signaling is well established. However, its potential role as a negative regulator of IL-4 signaling has not been explored. We found that IL-4, like IFN-γ, induces rapid de novo expression of SOCS-1 in primary macrophages. Induction of SOCS-1 gene expression by IL-4 is STAT6-dependent, whereas induction of SOCS-1 by IFN-γ is STAT1-dependent. Unlike their common ability to induce expression of SOCS-1, IL-4 also induced expression of SOCS-2 but not SOCS-3 in macrophages, whereas IFN-γ induced expression of SOCS-3 but not SOCS-2. Forced expression of SOCS-1 or SOCS-3, but not SOCS-2, inhibited activation of STAT6 by IL-4. Moreover, SOCS-1 appears to serve as an endogenous regulator of IL-4 signaling in macrophages because the magnitude and duration of STAT6 activation as well as IL-4-mediated gene expression were much greater in SOCS-1-deficient (SOCS-1−/−) macrophages than in wild-type macrophages. Our findings demonstrate that, like IFN-γ, IL-4 also induces expression of SOCS-1 in macrophages, and SOCS-1 feedback inhibits expression of STAT6-responsive genes.
Participation in Decision Making and Committee Members' Intent to Remain

The present study tested the hypothesis that participation in decision making would account for significant variance in 34 individuals' intent to remain as members of a committee. Responses to a 12-item questionnaire supported the hypothesis, suggesting that organizations concerned with maintaining committee membership should allow members to share in the decision-making process
Primary structure of the polymerase acidic (PA) gene of an influenza B virus (B/SING/222/79)

A DNA copy of influenza B/Singapore/222/79 viral RNA segment 3 containing the gene coding for the polymerase acidic (PA) protein has been cloned in Escherichia coli plasmid pBR322, and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. The cDNA clone was incomplete and contained 1810 nucleotides (nt 396 to 2205). The remaining nucleotide sequence at both 5' and 3' ends of B PA gene was obtained by sequencing the viral RNA (minus sense) and messenger RNA (plus sense) using oligonucleotide primers. The influenza B PA gene contains 2304 nucleotides and codes for a protein of 725 amino acids with a molecular weight of 83,000. The predicted influenza B PA protein is less acidic than the influenza A PA protein. Computer alignment of the influenza B PA amino acid sequence with that of influenza A PA (A/PR/8/34) revealed an overall 38% direct homology which increases to 45% in the carboxyl terminus half of the protein. In addition, comparison of the secondary structural elements, hydropathy profile, and isofunctional amino acid changes between B PA and A PA proteins demonstrated a strong structural and possibly functional conservation between these two proteins. These data suggest that PA genes of influenza A and B viruses arose from a common ancestor gene.
A Process-Based Approach for Cradle-to-Gate Energy and Carbon Footprint Reduction in Product Design

Interest in accounting for environmental impacts of products, processes, and systems during the design phase is increasing. Numerous studies have undertaken investigations for reducing environmental impacts across the product life cycle. Efforts have also been launched to quantify such impacts more accurately. Energy consumption and carbon footprint are among the most frequently adopted and investigated environmental performance metrics. The purpose of this paper is to serve two objectives — first, it provides a review of recent developments for carbon footprint reduction in manufacturing processes and supply chain operations. Second, a future vision is shared toward developing a method for reducing carbon footprint through simultaneous consideration of manufacturing processes and supply chain activities. The approach is demonstrated by developing analytical models for alternative manufacturing processes and supply chain networks associated in the manufacture of a bicycle pedal plate to realize its potential in assessing energy and GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions. The sustainable design and manufacturing research community should benefit from the review presented. In addition, a point of departure for concurrent consideration of multiple stages of the product life cycle for environmental performance is established for the research community to move current efforts forward in pursuit of environmental, economic, and social sustainability.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Glycyl-glutamine reduces ethanol intake at three reward sites in P rats

Abstract β-endorphin, implicated in modulation of ethyl alcohol reward, has neuron terminals in several reward sites. Alcohol consumption was reduced after ventricular or site-specific injections into the nucleus accumbens of an opioid-derived dipeptide, glycyl-glutamine. The current study examined the effects of this dipeptide after site-specific injections into additional reward sites. Alcohol-preferring (P) rats, stereotaxically implanted with bilateral guide cannulae into the nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and the central nucleus of the amygdala were given 30% alcohol and water in a 24 h voluntary two-bottle choice paradigm. Upon achieving stable baseline intakes, glycyl-glutamine (GQ) doses were injected bilaterally, and the alcohol and water intakes and body weight recorded for the response and recovery. The data show reduced alcohol intake by 32–49.5% after 100-pmol glycyl-glutamine into reward sites (nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and central nucleus of the amygdala), but not after injections into control sites dorsal to reward sites. The order of sensitivity to the 1-fmol dose was amygdala ≥ ventral tegmental area > accumbens. GQ was effective in reducing ethanol intake at reported β-endorphin terminal regions in each of the three reward sites tested. The effective doses were similar to reported endogenous GQ levels, consistent with the notion that it may function as part of an endogenous counter regulatory mechanism and represent a “stop drinking” signal in the high drinking, P rats at these three reward sites.
Pseudopotential calculation of the elctronic structure of a transition metal-niobium☆

Abstract The electronic structure and density of states are calculated for niobium using the Empirical Pseudopotential Method with a non-local d-potential. The results are in good agreement with APW calculations for states near and below EF indicating that the niobium pseudopotential obtained here can now be used for pseudopotential calculations of niobium compounds.
Patterns of success: online self-monitoring in a web-based behavioral weight control program.

OBJECTIVES Online weight control technologies could reduce barriers to treatment, including increased ease and convenience of self-monitoring. Self-monitoring consistently predicts outcomes in behavioral weight loss programs; however, little is known about patterns of self-monitoring associated with success. METHOD The current study examines 161 participants (92% women; 31% African American; mean body mass index = 35.7 ± 5.7) randomized to a 6-month online behavioral weight control program that offered weekly group "chat" sessions and online self-monitoring. Self-monitoring log-ins were continuously monitored electronically during treatment and examined in association with weight change and demographics. Weekend and weekday log-ins were examined separately and length of periods of continuous self-monitoring were examined. RESULTS We found that 91% of participants logged in to the self-monitoring webpage at least once. Over 6 months, these participants monitored on an average of 28% of weekdays and 17% of weekend days, with most log-ins earlier in the program. Women were less likely to log-in, and there were trends for greater self-monitoring by older participants. Race, education, and marital status were not significant predictors of self-monitoring. Both weekday and weekend log-ins were significant independent predictors of weight loss. Patterns of consistent self-monitoring emerged early for participants who went on to achieve greater than a 5% weight loss. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of online self-monitoring were strongly associated with weight loss outcomes. These results suggest a specific focus on consistent self-monitoring early in a behavioral weight control program might be beneficial for achieving clinically significant weight losses.
Enrichment of Murine and Human Langerhans Cells with Solid Phase Immunoabsorption Using Pan-Leukocyte Monoclonal Antibodies

Using a solid phase immunoabsorption (panning) technique, we have employed pan-leukocyte monoclonal antibodies to enrich and deplete murine and human Langerhans cells from cell suspensions of normal skin. Langerhans cell-enriched fractions contained 80–99% mononuclear cells, almost all of which had the ultra- structural features of Langerhans cells. These results are comparable to those achieved by panning for human Langerhans cells with anti-Leu-6(T6) antibody. Similarly, less than 1% of these cells were detectable in Langerhans cell-depleted fractions and such fractions were incapable of stimulating allogeneic lymphocytes in the skin cell-lymphocyte reaction. We conclude that panning with pan-leukocyte antibodies is an effective means of enriching or depleting Langerhans cells from heterogeneous skin cell suspensions and can yield results similar to those achieved with more Langerhans cell-specific reagents such as anti-Leu-6(T6). These findings are of particular significance to the enrichment and depletion of murine Langerhans cells since they express no known correlate of the human Leu-6(T6) antigen.
Evaluating probabilities: asymmetric scoring rules

Proper scoring rules are over evaluation measures that reward accurate probabilities Specific rules encountered in the literature and used in practice are invariably symmetric in the sense that the expected score for a perfectly-calibrated probability assessor or model generating probabilities is minimized at a probability of one-half. A family of asymmetric scoring rules that provide better measures of the degree of skill inherent in the probabilities and render scores that are more comparable in different situations is developed here. One member of this family, a quadratic asymmetric rule, is applied to evaluate an extensive set of precipitation probability forecasts from the U.S. National Weather Service. Connections to previous characterizations of proper scoring rules are investigated, and some relevant issues pertaining to the design of specific asymmetric rules for particular inferential and decision-making problems are discussed briefly.
The effects of surface tension and viscosity on the rise velocity of a large gas bubble in a closed, vertical liquid-filled tube

Abstract The rise of a large gas bubble or slug through a closed vertial tube of radius R and diameter D containing liquid has been calculated by potential flow theory. The effects of interfacial surface tension are explicitly accounted for by application of the Kelvin-Laplace equation and solving for the bubble shape. The solution is expressed in terms of the Stokes stream function which consists of an infinite series of Bessel functions. The resultant equations have been solved for the first six terms in the series. For negligible surface tension and negligible liquid viscocity, the bubble slip velocity is given by U s = 0.352 √g D and the radius of curvature at the nose R c / R = 0.76. For air/water in a 2.54 cm dia tube, the inclusion of surface tension gives U s = 0.346 √g D , R c / R = 0.71, which is consistent with experimental observation. The shape of the gas—liquid interface is hemispherical near the nose for large-diameter tubes, where surface tension is negligible. For small-diameter tubes, however, the surface deviates from hemispherical. It is also shown that for viscous liquids the potential flow solution may be applied with good results to a tube of effective radius R eff = R − vδ, where δ is the laminar wall film thickness and v is a function of the liquid properties and tube size.
Updating Uncertainty in an Integrated Risk Assessment: Conceptual Framework and Methods

Bayesian methods are presented for updating the uncertainty in the predictions of an integrated Environmental Health Risk Assessment (EHRA) model. The methods allow the estimation of posterior uncertainty distributions based on the observation of different model outputs along the chain of the linked assessment framework. Analytical equations are derived for the case of the multiplicative lognormal risk model where the sequential log outputs (log ambient concentration, log applied dose, log delivered dose, and log risk) are each normally distributed. Given observations of a log output made with a normally distributed measurement error, the posterior distributions of the log outputs remain normal, but with modified means and variances, and induced correlations between successive log outputs and log inputs. The analytical equations for forward and backward propagation of the updates are generally applicable to sums of normally distributed variables. The Bayesian Monte-Carlo (BMC) procedure is presented to provide an approximate, but more broadly applicable method for numerically updating uncertainty with concurrent backward and forward propagation. Illustrative examples, presented for the multiplicative lognormal model, demonstrate agreement between the analytical and BMC methods, and show how uncertainty updates can propagate through a linked EHRA. The Bayesian updating methods facilitate the pooling of knowledge encoded in predictive models with that transmitted by research outcomes (e.g., field measurements), and thereby support the practice of iterative risk assessment and value of information appraisals.
K− absorption and the neutron halo of Pb☆

Abstract We determine the amount of neutron halo in Pb implied by the recent K − absorption experiment of Bugg et al. and a local potential parametrization of K − X-ray data.
Three-dimensional reconstruction and surface rendering of the five different spectral types of cone pedicle in the turtle retina

Pseudo-3-dimensional models and surface renderings of a small group of neighboring cone pedicles in the turtle retina, in which the 5 different spectral types are represented, have been made from scanned serial electron micrographs using a Macintosh personal computer, Autocad and Studio Pro software. The resultant computer generated images clarify the morphological differences between the spectral types and show how they are related to each other via telodendrial connections and different levels of ending in the neuropil of the outer plexiform layer (OPL). The double cone pedicles end highest in the neuropil and the single red and green pedicles lie slightly lower into the OPL with the single blue and ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive cone pedicles coming in from obliquely angled axons to assume positions between the others much more vitread in the OPL. Telodendria interconnect the double and single red and green cones but not the blue and UV-sensitive cones.
Transrectal ultrasound-guidedinterstitial radiation therapy for localized prostate cancer

The use of interstitial implants for the treatment of low-stage prostate cancer using transrectal ultrasound guidance is evaluated in 80 patients. This outpatient procedure involves the placement of needles through a template and into the prostate. Ultrasound guidance is used to place the needles into a preselected location. The needles are loaded with a radioactive source. In this study Palladium-103 was utilized. This technique allows accurate and complete seeding of the prostate. There was a 50 percent or greater decrease in prostate size in all of the patients who were implanted. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels became normal or decreased by more than 50 percent in 97 percent of the patients. Most patients experienced urethral irritative symptoms which lasted up to five months, but none of the patients experienced rectal symptoms lasting longer than a month. The mean follow-up is 11.8 months which is too brief to ascertain the effectiveness of this therapy. The method appears to be safe and may represent an alternative to external beam irradiation.
Mitotic Activities of Normal Epidermal Langerhans Cells

We have previously reported a sequence of events which occurs during the recovery phase of the murine epidermal Langerhans cells (ELCs) after ultraviolet-B irradiation. We found that an ATPase-positive round cell divides, dendrites are gradually formed, and paired dendritic cells are eventually separated as the post-irradiation time elapses. We wondered if a series of events similar to this might occur in the normal murine epidermis without irradiation. In this study, we could identify exactly the same phases of the ELC mitotic cycle in normal mouse ear skin.
Modernizing consumer theory: some modeling efforts

Abstract Neoclassical consumer theory has been challenged recently on many fronts. Among them, choice among brands within product groups is a frequently encountered decision for the consumer and is not treated adequately in the present body of consumer theory. Indeed, substitution probably occurs most frequently within rather than between product groups. Brand loyalty is not adequately acknowledged in consumer choice. Frequently the consumer has no choice but to purchase from a particular product group when a periodic failure of a durable consumer good requires replacement. And, perhaps, most troubling of all, choices among purchases today, postponement via cash balances until tomorrow, or long-term investment are not adequately analyzed within the context of future consumption. This paper makes a start using noncontinuous modeling to combine choice among product groups with varying characteristics, the demand for cash balances, and long-term investment. It approaches the choice process in a more modern framework for consumers in the developed world, using prices of goods as one of a variety of characteristics and the “dollar’s worth” as a convenient unit of utility. Much remains to be done, but the paper suggests an appropriate framework for a beginning, and uses a nonlinear programming approach to derive some insights.
Beam couplings and phase conjugate effects in reflection and transmission in BaTiO 3

The details of experiments showing the effects of self-pumped phase conjugation on reflection and on transmission in barium titanate crystal are given. The specular reflection and the second-surface reflection of an extraordinary polarized beam, incident on the face of the crystal parallel to itsc-axis, get reduced in intensity as the phase conjugation develops. It has been found that parts of the self-pumped phase conjugate beam emerge out of the crystal as additional transmission beams. They grow in intensity as the phase conjugation develops. Other measurements which combine coherent or incoherent coupling beams are presented and used to explain the observations.
Pooled Segregant Sequencing Reveals Genetic Determinants of Yeast Pseudohyphal Growth

The pseudohyphal growth response is a dramatic morphological transition and presumed foraging mechanism wherein yeast cells form invasive and surface-spread multicellular filaments. Pseudohyphal growth has been studied extensively as a model of conserved signaling pathways controlling stress responses, cell morphogenesis, and fungal virulence in pathogenic fungi. The genetic contribution to pseudohyphal growth is extensive, with at least 500 genes required for filamentation; as such, pseudohyphal growth is a complex trait, and linkage analysis is a classical means to dissect the genetic basis of a complex phenotype. Here, we implemented linkage analysis by crossing each of two filamentous strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Σ1278b and SK1) with an S288C-derived non-filamentous strain. We then assayed meiotic progeny for filamentation and mapped allelic linkage in pooled segregants by whole-genome sequencing. This analysis identified linkage in a cohort of genes, including the negative regulator SFL1, which we find contains a premature stop codon in the invasive SK1 background. The S288C allele of the polarity gene PEA2, encoding Leu409 rather than Met, is linked with non-invasion. In Σ1278b, the pea2-M409L mutation results in decreased invasive filamentation and elongation, diminished activity of a Kss1p MAPK pathway reporter, decreased unipolar budding, and diminished binding of the polarisome protein Spa2p. Variation between SK1 and S288C in the mitochondrial inner membrane protein Mdm32p at residues 182 and 262 impacts invasive growth and mitochondrial network structure. Collectively, this work identifies new determinants of pseudohyphal growth, while highlighting the coevolution of protein complexes and organelle structures within a given genome in specifying complex phenotypes.
Grid bandpass filters for quasioptical frequency multiplier array application

A two-grid approach for quasioptical bandpass filter design is presented. In this design, an inductive/capacitive grid on one side of a dielectric substrate is transformed to an effective capacitive/inductive reactance at the other grid plate, producing a parallel resonant circuit. Two bandpass filters for use in the millimeter region have been fabricated. Low-loss power transmission at the design frequencies has been achieved with good quantitative agreement with theory. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Myelin Pathogenesis and Functional Deficits Following SCI are Age-Associated

Most spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur in young adults. In the past few decades however, the average age at time of SCI and the percentage of injuries in persons over the age of 60 have increased. Studies have shown that there is an age-associated delay in the rate of remyelination following toxin-induced demyelination of the spinal cord, suggesting that there may be an age-associated difference in regenerative efficiency. Here we examine for the first time locomotor recovery, bladder recovery, and myelin pathology in young (3 months), aged (12 months), and geriatric (24 months) female rats following contusion SCI. Our assessments indicate that aged and geriatric rats have a delayed rate of locomotor recovery following contusion SCI as compared to young rats. Additionally, aged and geriatric rats have significantly slower bladder recovery as compared to young rats. Examination of myelin pathology reveals that aged and geriatric rats have significantly greater area of pathology and amount of demyelination, as well as significantly less remyelination as compared to young rats following contusion SCI. These data are the first to indicate that there is an age-associated decline in the rate and extent of both locomotor and bladder recovery following contusion SCI, and that age adversely affects the degree of general pathology, demyelination, and remyelination that accompanies contusion SCI.
Instantaneous Properties of Multi-Degrees-of-Freedom Motions—Point Trajectories

A general framework is presented for the study of the properties of trajectories generated by points embedded in rigid bodies undergoing multi-degrees-of-freedom motions. Quantities are developed to characterize point trajectories generated by different mechanisms and to distinguish between different positions along the same trajectory. Point trajectories are classified into three types according to whether the number of degrees of freedom is less than, equal to, or greater than the dimension of the space in which the motion takes place. Local and global motion properties are developed for each of these three cases. A new way of using the redundant degrees of freedom in (redundant) mechanisms is presented. These analysis techniques are applied to two- and three-degrees-of-freedom mechanisms containing rotary and prismatic joints.
Perturbation theory for twisted automorphic functions

(1.1) u(γz) = ρ(γ)u(z) for all γ in Γ . Let F = Γ\H be a fundamental domain for Γ and set κ equal to the number of cusps of F . We denote the parabolic subgroup of Γ in the ith cusp by Γi and set Vi = [v ∈ V ; ρ(γ)v = v for all γ in Γi] , (1.2) pi = dimVi and p = ∑ pi . We will assume that p > 0. Vi is called the singular part of the ith cusp and V ⊥ i the regular part. The spectrum of the Laplacian ∆ = y2(∂2 x + ∂2 y) acting on L2(F, ρ)d consists of 1) a continuous part of uniform multiplicity p filling out [1/4,∞), 2) a finite exceptional part in [0, 1/4), and 3) cusp form eigenvalues Ecusp(ρ) embedded in the continuous spectrum (see [P] and [V]). Set (1.3) Ncusp(T, ρ) = #[ri = (λi − 1/2)1/2 < T for λi in Ecusp(ρ)} and denote the density of Ecusp(ρ) by (1.4) δ = lim T→∞Ncusp(T, ρ)/T 2 . Selberg [Se] has shown for congruent subgroups of SL(2, Z) that
Alternative Splicing Factor/Splicing Factor 2 Regulates the Expression of the ζ Subunit of the Human T Cell Receptor-associated CD3 Complex

T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus express decreased levels of the T cell receptor-associated CD3 zeta chain, a feature directly linked to their aberrant function. The decrease in CD3zeta protein expression is in part due to decreased levels of functional wild type isoform of the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of CD3zeta mRNA with concomitant increased levels of an unstable alternatively spliced isoform. In order to identify factors involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of CD3zeta, we performed mass spectrometric analysis of Jurkat T cell nuclear proteins "pulled down" by a CD3zeta 3'-UTR oligonucleotide, which identified the splicing protein alternative splicing factor/splicing factor 2 (ASF/SF2). We show for the first time that ASF/SF2 binds specifically to the 3'-UTR of CD3zeta and regulates expression of CD3zeta protein by limiting the production of the alternatively spliced isoform. During activation of human T cells, an increase in the wild type CD3zeta mRNA is associated with increased expression of ASF/SF2. Finally, we show a significant correlation between ASF/SF2 and CD3zeta protein levels in T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Thus, our results identify ASF/SF2 as a novel factor in the regulation of alternative splicing of the 3'-UTR of CD3zeta and protein expression in human T cells.
Nanostructure of polymer-derived silicon nitride

Abstract Although silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) ceramics have considerable potential for use in high temperature applications such as engines, processing-related difficulties and associated high cost have hindered their acceptance. While chemical processing methods, such as those based on preceramic polymers, have the potential to overcome many of the difficulties inherent to traditional techniques, many features of polymer-derived Si 3 N 4 are poorly understood. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used to characterize the nanostructure of polymer-derived Si 3 N 4 . The polymer-derived material is found to consist of large grains composed of very fine crystallites, as well as fibrils 40–50 nm in diameter. If the factors responsible for the formation of these structures were understood, the understanding could be harnessed to produce Si 3 N 4 components with enhanced fracture resistance and other engineering properties.
AHA Science Advisory on wine and health: A confusing message about alcohol consumption.

To the Editor: I believe that the recent AHA Science Advisory on wine and health1 may have confused, rather than clarified, this complex topic. The advisory should have first addressed the relation of alcohol to coronary heart disease (CHD) and then discussed the potential advantages of wine. Unfortunately, the discussion alternated back and forth between alcohol and wine and between moderate drinking and heavy drinking, the last of which is universally acknowledged to be harmful. In the sections on the biological basis …
Television viewer types: A Q analysis

(1978). Television viewer types: A Q analysis. Journal of Broadcasting: Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 505-515.
Natural ELF electric oscillations in human life: From subterranean waters, earthquake forecasts and fire detection to brain waves entrainment

Extremely Low Frequency (ELF, up to 30Hz) electric oscillations play an important role in human life.
Harmonic functions on R-covered foliations

Let (M,F) be a compact codimension-one foliated manifold whose leaves are equipped with Riemannian metrics, and consider continuous functions on M that are harmonic along the leaves of F. If every such function is constant on leaves we say that (M,F) has the Liouville property. Our main result is that codimension-one foliated bundles over compact negatively curved manifolds satisfy the Liouville property. Related results for R-covered foliations, as well as for discrete group actions and discrete harmonic functions, are also established.
Examining the contributions of syntactic awareness and syntactic knowledge to reading comprehension

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the effect(s) of syntactic knowledge and syntactic awareness on adolescents' reading comprehension. Method One hundred and seventy-nine, 9th and 10th grade students' syntactic awareness, syntactic knowledge and reading comprehension skills were assessed. In addition, other known contributors to reading comprehension were assessed including word level reading, short-term memory and vocabulary knowledge skills. Results Path analysis was used to analyse the direct and indirect effects of syntactic awareness and syntactic knowledge on reading comprehension. Students' syntactic knowledge directly accounted for significant variance in reading comprehension. Syntactic awareness indirectly accounted for significant variance in reading comprehension through syntactic knowledge. Conclusions This study confirmed the significant effects of syntactic knowledge and syntactic awareness on reading comprehension among adolescent students. This is one of the very few studies to examine both knowledge and awareness of syntax simultaneously and to determine that syntactic knowledge mediates the contribution of syntactic awareness to adolescent students' reading comprehension.