cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A biomarker perspective on prymnesiophyte productivity in the northeast pacific ocean

Abstract Long-chain alkenones derived from prymnesiophyte algae were analysed in 1-year sediment trap time series (September 1987–1988) from three sites along a 630 km offshore transect at ∼42°N in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Biomarker flux monitored at 1000 m water depth was evident throughout the year at all sites and showed a consistent seasonal maximum in late spring which increased in amplitude with distance offshore. The integrated annual biomarker flux was constant along the transect, despite differences in seasonality between sites. Alkenone unsaturation patterns were remarkably uniform throughout the time series, reflecting an algal growth temperature of 10.6 ± 1.1°C. This value corresponds to regional water temterature at the sea-surface in winter. It recurs in seasonal upwelling near the coast and at the depth of the subsurface chlorophyll maximum offshore during seasons of stratification. These biomaker observations, interpreted in view of trap data for total organic (TOC) and inorganic carbon and ancillary hydrographic information, help to clarify seasonal productivity patterns for alkenone-producing prymnesiophytes in the northeast Pacific Ocean. Sediments accumulating with distance offshore along the sampling transect change from suboxic and Mn-reducing at the water-sediment interface to aerobic throughout the depths penetrated by box coring. Comparison of alkenone and TOC accumulation rates in surface (0–1 cm) sediments with corresponding annual fluxes integrated by the trap time series, shows that the fraction of both properties accounted at the seafloor is highest and similar under sub-oxic conditions (∼25%), and declines steeply and disproportionately as aerobic conditions are encountered farther offshore. Only 0.25 and 3.1% of the annual inventory for alkenones and TOC in traps are accountable in surface sediments from the slowest accumulating, most oxidizing site farthest offshore. Despite major loss of biomarker to early diagenesis, surface sediments and trap particles display consistent alkenone unsaturation patterns. Results from this study provide a necessary background for palaeoceanographic reconstruction of the northeast Pacific Ocean from stratigraphic analysis of alkenone abundances, unsaturation patterns and isotopic compositions in sediment cores.
A Comment on ‘Rewarding Impatience’

In Lisa Blaydes's article, â€œRewarding Impatience: A Bargaining and Enforcement Model of OPEC,â€ (International Organization, Spring 2004), the oil production of members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) depends on the extent to which they discount future gains. This comment discusses computer-related errors in the original article and determines how the results change when the errors are rectified. I then add country fixed effects and some additional control variables to the corrected models.I would like to thank Lisa Blaydes for data and helpful discussions and to thank Jim Alt and Mike Kellerman for comments on previous drafts. All remaining errors are my own.
Multiple-wavelength plasmonic nanoantennas

We propose a type of photonic-plasmonic antennas capable of focusing light into subwavelength focal point(s) at several wavelengths, which are formed by embedding conventional dimer gap or bow-tie nanoantennas into multiple-periodic gratings. Fano-type coupling between localized surface plasmon resonances of dimer antennas and photonic modes in the gratings adds new functionalities, including multiple-wavelength operation and controllable enhancement of the field intensity in the focal point. Multiple-wavelength operation of nanoantennas provides tremendous opportunities for broadband single-molecule fluorescence and Raman sensing, emission enhancement, and near-field imaging.
Parenting the young gifted child: Supportive behaviors

Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to determine the role that parents of precocious children play in the lives of their child and to arrive at a description of parenting behaviors in five categories considered important in child development. Analysis revealed that the parents in the study were dedicated parents who practiced an authoritative style of parenting. Data obtained on a standardized instrument showed that the parents fostered creativity, showed low levels of frustration, exerted an appropriate amount of flexible control, viewed play as a highly valuable activity, showed confidence in their ability as teachers, and acted as facilitators of the teaching/learning process.
Drug testing sworn law enforcement officers: One agency's experience

Abstract The use of drug testing to detect drug use and to screen prospective employees has become commonplace in many occupations, both in the public and private sector. Due to the sensitive nature of their duties, drug testing in law enforcement agencies has become nearly universal, especially as a tool to screen applicants. Despite the fact that many large agencies routinely use drug testing, relatively little is known about the rate at which officers test positive for drug use, characteristics of officers who test positive, nor the drug of choice among currently employed sworn law enforcement personnel. The purpose of this article is to discuss various issues related to drug testing in the workplace and to explore one agency's experience with randomized drug testing of its sworn officers.
Fluorescence Studies on the Age Related Changes in Bovine and Human Lens Membrane Structure

Bovine and human lens fiber cell plasma membranes were isolated as the urea-insoluble fraction for a study of age related changes. The changes in fluorescence intensity, both intrinsic (tryptophan) and extrinsic probes ANS (1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid) and DPH (1,6-diphenyl 1,3,5-hexatriene), as well as DPH anisotropy and lifetime were measured. The results of tryptophan fluorescence indicate that tryptophan residues in membrane proteins are in a very hydrophobic environment and do not show a change with aging. ANS reacts with surface protein in the polar-apolar interface, while DPH penetrates into the interior of membranes. Both probes show a decrease in fluorescence intensity in the old membranes. The decrease in ANS fluorescence may result from the conversion of MP26 to MP22, while the decrease of DPH fluorescence intensity may indicate a decrease in accessibility of lipid to DPH. To further delineate the change, fluorescence anisotropy and lifetime data of the lipid probe DPH were obtained, W...
PRODUCTION TRIALS OF PRAWNS COMPARING A MARINE RATION, CATFISH DIET AND AGRICULTURAL RANGE PELLET

Supplemental prawn feeds were investigated in 1982 and 1983 at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in southwest Louisiana. Brackish water ponds were stocked with postlarvae at 4.4/m2 and production compared among prawns fed: a commercially produced marine ration (25% protein); catfish ration (30% protein); or agricultural range pellets (10% protein). Prawns fed marine ration achieved the largest size and greatest biomass during both years. Excluding ponds which experienced survival less than 60% due to low oxygen, production of marine ration fed prawns ranged from 556 to 828 kg/ha (av. 704 kg/ha) in 1982 and 704 to 808 kg/ha (av. 733 kg/ha) in 1983. Production in ponds receiving catfish pellets ranged from 483 to 780 kg/ha (av. 588 kg/ha) and prawns fed crushed range pellets had production of 613 kg/ha. Average size of prawns receiving marine ration was 24 g in 1982 and 20 g in 1983. Those fed catfish ration averaged 17 g and range pellet produced prawns averaging 17 g. Food conversion factors were 0.9 and 1.1 for marine ration in 1982 and 1983, respectively; catfish ration and range pellets resulted in average factors of 1.0 and 1.1, respectively. Dissolved oxygen was a continuing problem throughout the study in most ponds. The ponds which received range pellets displayed the poorest water quality.
Controlled sensor network installation with unmanned aerial vehicles

Robots improve wireless sensor network (WSN) deployments by reducing deployment times, deploying nodes to improve coverage, and ferrying data. Utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to install sensor networks in environmentally sensitive areas is especially valuable, as the UAVs are able to quickly traverse rough and environmentally sensitive terrain. UAV based deployments are challenging, as the UAVs may need to install nodes in a specific orientation or location type, which is difficult to sense from a UAV. We present our work towards resolving these difficulties by first classifying the surface a UAV has landed on, and then conducting a post-deployment analysis of the installation.
A Skeptical Look At A (DIGITAL) Sacred Cow

Digital imaging in one form or another is being used for virtually every aspect of medical imaging. Many are predicting that the diagnostic department of the future will be entirely digital. However, upon careful consideration, many questions remain to be answered concerning the monumental quantities of digital data which must be acquired, processed, transmitted, displayed, stored, and recalled. In order to be acceptable to the clinician the digital systems of the future must be able to produce images with image quality which is at least as good as that presently available, at costs similar to those incurred in today's imaging environment, and with the same ease of use as the clinician experiences today. If future digital systems only meet these goals without providing additional significant benefits then one must wonder if digital imaging will ever be adopted as the sole means of image acquisition, display, and storage. This paper attempts to answer the question--is the total digital medical imaging department of the future a dream or a nightmare?
Development of tolerance in rats to the hypothermic effects of d-amphetamine and apomorphine

Abstract Rats given d-amphetamine (15 mg/kg i.p.) or apomorphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) and placed in a cold environment (4°C) developed marked hypothermia. After daily injections of either drug for seven weeks, the maximal hypothermic responses to d-amphetamine or apomorphine were reduced to 72% and 19% of those obtained initially. Subsequent injection of ET-495, a central dopamine receptor stimulant, caused rectal temperature to decrease only 72% and 49% as much as in control animals. The hypothermic response to apomorphine was also depressed in d-amphetamine-treated animals. These observations suggest that the tolerance to the hypothermic effects of both d-amphetamine and apomorphine that develops is due at least in part to alterations in the sensitivity of dopamine receptors.
The proteolytic enzyme system of skin. IV. The purification of proteinase A.

Abstract Proteinase A, an enzyme whose esterase and proteinase activity can be completely abolished by an inhibitor in blood, has been purified 850-fold in approximately 40% yield. The purified enzyme preparation is free of Proteinase C and the A 2 enzyme, but a complete separation from A 1 activity was not achieved.
31P-NMR spectra of methanogens: 2,3-cyclopyrophosphoglycerate is detectable only in methanobacteria strains.

The unique compound 2,3-cyclopyrophosphoglycerate occurs at a detectable concentration in the genera Methanobacterium and Methanobrevibacter but not in Methanococcus, Methanospirillum and Methanosarcina, as shown by a 31P-NMR survey of several different methanogens. Metabolic poisons (carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone and valinomycin) do not decrease the level of the cyclic pyrophosphate in Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum; therefore, it cannot be a phosphagen, i.e., an energy storage material. 13CO2 is rapidly incorporated into this cyclic compound which represents the major soluble carbon as well as the phosphorus component of this methanobacteria. 13C-NMR analysis demonstrates that the pKa of the 2,3-cyclopyrophosphoglycerate carboxyl group is 2.55. The unusual pseudomurein cell wall structure of methano- and methanobrevibacteria necessitates a high demand on carbohydrate metabolism. For this reason, and the fact that when its concentration is decreased no new phosphorus resonances appear in the high resolution spectra, it is suggested that 2,3-cyclopyrophosphoglycerate has a function in carbohydrate metabolism.
Use of regression and discriminant analyses to develop a quality classification system for hard red winter wheat

ABSTRACT An attempt to create a segregation system that uses rapid quality detection instrumentation and represents value to millers and bakers led to the development of a single value called “dough factor.” The dough factor value represents the amount of flour-water dough that can be produced by a given unit of wheat. Samples of hard red winter wheat (≈100/location) collected from five Kansas country elevators during the 1995 and 1996 harvests were evaluated for dough factor. Single kernel properties, sample protein content, and test weight measurements were subjected to regression and discriminant analyses for the purpose of developing a dough factor classification system. Regression analysis identified kernel weight, kernel weight standard deviation, and protein as important characteristics for predicting dough factor, however, the resulting model possessed poor predictive ability (adjusted R2 = 0.39). Classifying wheat into dough factor groups of <107, 107–112.9, and ≥113 using discriminant analysis r...
Electrical study of Schottky-barrier heights on atomically clean p-type InP(110) surfaces

We report here a systematic study of the electrical properties of a large number of metal (Ag, Cr, Cu, Au, Pd, Mn, Al, Ni) on p-type InP diodes. Schottky-barrier diodes were fabricated by in situ metal deposition on atomically clean InP(110) surfaces in ultrahigh vacuum. Schottky-barrier heights were determined from current-voltage (I-V) and capacitance-voltage (C-V) measurements. A small, but finite, range in barrier heights (0.76--0.98 eV) is found for the metal--p-type InP systems investigated. When a comparison is made to our earlier work on n-type surfaces, we find that the interface Fermi level of n-type and p-type samples pins at the same position within the band gap for each of the metal InP systems studied. Our experimental results indicate that models that use metal-independent surface states (energy and density) and potential normalization conditions (i.e., natural band lineups) can predict the general trends in the interface Fermi-level pinning behavior. They cannot, however, successfully predict the details of this behavior to within measurement error. A theoretical method to determine the natural band lineups at the interface (using a scheme developed by Anderson) is presented within this context. Also investigated was the effect of air exposure on the electrical characteristics of diodes. For in situ I-V measurements, the metal semiconductor systems were characterized by a near-unity (1.03--1.10) ideality factor n. Upon exposure to air, a large increase in the current and ideality factor n was found for several (Cu, Au, Pd, Mn, Ni) metal--p-type InP systems at all measured biases. A detailed investigation of the Pd--p-type InP system indicated that the ``excess'' current pathway which results from exposure to air is at the periphery and can be eliminated by mesa etching.
Carbon consequences of land cover change and expansion of urban lands: A case study in the Seattle metropolitan region

Abstract Understanding the role humans play in modifying ecosystems through changing land cover is central to addressing our current and emerging environmental challenges. In particular, the consequences of urban growth and land cover change on terrestrial carbon budgets is a growing issue for our rapidly urbanizing planet. Using the lowland Seattle Statistical Metropolitan Area (MSA) region as a case study, this paper explores the consequences of the past land cover changes on vegetative carbon stocks with a combination of direct field measurements and a time series of remote sensing data. Between 1986 and 2007, the amount of urban land cover within the lowland Seattle MSA more than doubled, from 1316 km 2 to 2798 km 2 , respectively. Virtually all of the urban expansion was at the expense of forests with the forested area declining from 4472 km 2 in 1986 to 2878 km 2 in 2007. The annual mean rate of urban land cover expansion was 1 ± 0.6% year −1 . We estimate that the impact of these regional land cover changes on aboveground carbon stocks was an average loss of 1.2 Mg C ha −1 yr −1 in vegetative carbon stocks. These carbon losses from urban expansion correspond to nearly 15% of the lowland regional fossil fuel emissions making it an important, albeit typically overlooked, term in regional carbon emissions budgets. As we plan for future urban growth and strive for more ecologically sustainable cities, it is critical that we understand the past patterns and consequences of urban development to inform future land development and conservation strategies.
The response of hydrophobic organics and potential toxicity in streams to urbanization of watersheds in six metropolitan areas of the United States.

Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were deployed in streams along a gradient of urban land-use intensity in and around six metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Georgia; Raleigh–Durham, North Carolina; and Denver–Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2003; and Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas; Milwaukee–Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Portland, Oregon, in 2004 to examine relations between percent urban land cover in watersheds and the occurrence, concentrations, and potential toxicity of hydrophobic compounds. Of the 142 endpoints measured in SPMD dialysates, 30 were significantly (alpha = 0.05) related to the percent of urban land cover in the watersheds in at least one metropolitan area. These 30 endpoints included the aggregated measures of the total number of compounds detected and relative toxicity (Microtox® and P450RGS assays), in addition to the concentrations of 27 individual hydrophobic compounds. The number of compounds detected, P450RGS assay values, and the concentrations of pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were significantly related to percent urban land cover in all six metropolitan areas. Pentachloroanisole, the most frequently detected compound, was significantly related to urban land cover in all metropolitan areas except Dallas–Fort Worth. Petrogenic PAHs and dibenzofurans were positively related to percent urban land cover in Atlanta, Raleigh–Durham, Denver, and Milwaukee–Green Bay. Results for other endpoints were much more variable. The number of endpoints significantly related to urban land cover ranged from 6 in Portland to 21 Raleigh–Durham. Based on differences in the number and suite of endpoints related to urban intensity, these results provide evidence of differences in factors governing source strength, transport, and/or fate of hydrophobic compounds in the six metropolitan areas studied. The most consistent and significant results were that bioavailable, aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists increase in streams as basins become urbanized. Potential toxicity mediated by this metabolic pathway is indicated as an important factor in the response of aquatic biota to urbanization.
Portfolios for Technical and Professional Communicators (Smith, H.J. and Haimes-Korn, K.; 2007) [Book review]

This book explains the paper and electronic portfolio-building process, using the portfolio for job seeking, and relevant legal and ethical issues. Included in its nine chapters are the following topics: an overview of the importance of portfolios, their various types and formats, and strategies to organize a portfolio; creating a personal identity; the content, design, and structure of portfolios; revising and improving portfolio quality; representing skills and expertise in electronic portfolios; ethical and legal issues; strategies for getting feedback; and the use of portfolios for job hunting. Each chapter opens with an introduction and closes with a summary of the key ideas. Much of the information is explained in tables and as checklists, making it efficient to find particular information of readers' interest. Another unique feature is that each chapter is relatively independent. This book is recommended for technical and professional communication students and practitioners who seek a practical guide on portfolio creation.
A NONLINEAR COUPLED PHYTOPLANKTON DYNAMICS MODEL

ABSTRACT In this paper a model describing dynamics of phytoplankton population with aggregation and competition for resources between individuals is presented. The model is in the form of a coupled system of two nonlinear partial differential equations. The first equation describes population dynamics while the second describes how amount of available nutrient, necessary for sustenance of phytoplankton, changes with time in the environment. Model solution is approximated using a finite difference approximation and convergence of this approximation to a unique weak solution is established.
High negative appendectomy rates are no longer acceptable

Background A 10% to 20% negative appendectomy rate has been accepted in order to minimize the incidence of perforated appendicitis with its increased morbidity. We reviewed our experience with appendicitis in order to determine the incidence of negative appendectomies and perforation, and the role of delay in diagnosis or treatment. Methods We reviewed 659 appendectomies performed over a 12-month period. Incidental and pediatric appendectomies were excluded. Results Seventy-five percent of patients were male and 25% female. Nine percent had negative appendectomies and 28% had perforated appendicitis. Perforated appendicitis resulted in increased morbidity and length of stay. Delay in presentation greater than 12 hours after the onset of symptoms significantly increased the perforation rate. In-hospital delay did not affect perforation rate. Conclusions We have achieved a negative appendectomy rate lower than that in other reported series, while maintaining an acceptable perforation rate. In the majority of patients, perforated appendicitis is a result of late presentation.
Invasive disease caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae III in a child with uropathy.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Haemophilus parainfluenzae represent a very small percentage of this kind of pathology in children, and it has scarcely been described in the medical literature. According to previous studies of over 800 urine samples in children under 15 years old, a decrease of 50 % (from 0.13 % to 0.07 %) is estimated in its occurrence over the last two decades. This can be explained by the early detection of UTIs and their early empirical treatment, because this micro-organism shows high sensitivity to antibiotics. Also, the culture media in which this bacterium grows are not included in most current protocols. Here we report a case of a UTI caused by H. parainfluenzae in a 4-year-old boy.
Gas discharge ion source. I. Duoplasmatron.

The effects of the plasma expansion cup on the operation of a duoplasmatron ion source have been investigated by measuring the total ion current and the distributions of the ion energy, mass, and current density. A copper expansion cup did not affect the magnetic field near the anode of the ion source and consequently the ion current density distribution was sharply peaked near the center of the cup. Ion energy distributions were approximately symmetrical about anode potential. The dominant ionic species were D+3 and D+ at low and high arc currents, respectively. Changes in the electrical potential of the copper cup with respect to the anode produced negligible changes in the above data. A mild steel plasma expansion cup caused the magnetic field to diverge and intercept the cup walls, resulting in ion current density distributions that were flatter and more amenable to focusing than the ones with the copper cup. With the steel cup at anode potential, the ion mass distribution was similar to that from the copper cup; however, the ion energy distribution was asymmetrical about the anode potential with a peak about 10–20 V above anode potential. The total ion current from this mode of operation was about one‐third the value from the copper cup. If the steel cup assumed floating potential, about 50 V below anode potential, the total current increased to the level observed from the copper cup and the ion energy distribution was similar to that observed with the copper cup but the current density distribution was much flatter than that of the copper cup. The ion mass distribution was 60%–70% atomic ions over the entire arc current range investigated. Based on these data, a modified plasma expansion cup was designed with tapered steel walls lined with a boron nitride insert. The overall performance of the duoplasmatron ion source with this cup was superior to any of the previous three modes of operation. The improved design uses a molybdenum anode insert which is far superior to copper in regard to erosion over extended operating times. A total beam current of 200 mA was produced at an arc current of 24 A.
Gröbner bases and triangulations of the second hypersimplex

The algebraic technique of Grobner bases is applied to study triangulations of the second hypersimplex Δ(2,n). We present a quadratic Grobner basis for the associated toric idealK(K n ). The simplices in the resulting triangulation of Δ(2,n) have unit volume, and they are indexed by subgraphs which are linear thrackles [28] with respect to a circular embedding ofK n . Forn≥6 the number of distinct initial ideals ofI(K n ) exceeds the number of regular triangulations of Δ(2,n); more precisely, the secondary polytope of Δ(2,n) equals the state polytope ofI(K n ) forn≤5 but not forn≥6. We also construct a non-regular triangulation of Δ(2,n) forn≥9. We determine an explicit universal Grobner basis ofI(K n ) forn≤8. Potential applications in combinatorial optimization and random generation of graphs are indicated.
A vapor flow model for analysis of liquid-metal heat pipe startup from a frozen state

Abstract A free-molecular, transition and continuum vapor flow model, based on the dusty gas model, is developed and incorporated in HPTAM, a two-dimensional heat pipe transient analysis model, to analyze the startup of a radiatively-cooled sodium heat pipe from a frozen state. The calculated wall temperatures at different times during the startup transient are in good agreement with measurements. Results showed that minimal sublimation and resolidification of sodium occurred in the early time of the transient, during which the vapor flow is free molecular. The melting of sodium in the wick occurred initially in the radial direction, then axially after the complete thaw of the evaporator section. Subsequent evaporation of liquid sodium caused the vapor flow in the evaporator to transition to the continuum regime. A continuum vapor flow front propagated axially toward the condenser, following the melt front in the wick region. The heat rejection capability of the heat pipe increased gradually as the continuum vapor flow front traveled along the condenser.
Comparison of anodically etched porous silicon with spark-processed silicon

Abstract Anodically etched porous Si (AEPS) and spark-processed silicon (sp-Si) show interesting differences in some of their luminescence-related properties. Among these differences are: (1) the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of sp-Si have maxima between 550 and 410 nm (depending on the processing conditions) when sp-Si is excited at 325 nm, whereas PL spectra of conventional (unannealed) AEPS generally peak between 640 and 730 nm (depending on the degree of porosity); (2) the PL intensity of sp-Si remains relatively stable under UV illumination, whereas the PL intensity of conventional AEPS decreases substantially under these conditions; (3) the PL intensities of sp-Si and AEPS, when excited at 325 nm in the lower W cm−2 range, are initially comparable; (4) the pumping wavelength has a definite influence on the PL spectra of sp-Si (in contrast, the peak wavelength of conventional AEPS stays essentially constant under varying excitation wavelengths); (5) spark-processed Si displays a stable and visible cathodoluminescence (when exposed to electrons having an energy of about 0.8 keV) whereas conventional AEPS visibly cathodoluminesces under the same conditions for only a fraction of a second; and (6) The vibrational spectra for sp-Si as measured with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) favour those modes which involve silicon-oxygen bonds. FTIR spectra of conventional AEPS additionally show some hydrogen-related vibrational modes.
Primary repair of ultra-long-gap esophageal atresia: Results without a lengthening procedure

Ultra-long-gap esophageal atresia, defined as a gap length of 3.5 cm or greater, has proved difficult to repair. When primary repair has been attempted, even with bougienage, circular myotomy, or intraabdominal esophageal mobilization to lessen anastomotic tension, leaks, anastomotic disruptions, and recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas are frequent. Consequently, interposition grafts are commonly used. For long-term function the intact native esophagus should be preferable to an interposition graft or the consequences of circular myotomy. Therefore, even when an ultra-long gap is present, we have carried out a primary repair using our single-layer technique without myotomies. Since 1979, 8 of 58 infants (14%) with esophageal atresia had gaps ranging from 3.5 to 6 cm. All had a primary repair with follow-up from 1 to 11 years. Despite severe anastomotic tension in all cases, there were no anastomotic leaks, disruptions, recurrent tracheoesophageal fistulas, or deaths. The tension, however, may have led to major gastroesophageal reflux in 5 of 8 patients (62.5%), all treated by a Nissen fundoplication, and a stricture in 4 of 8 infants (50%). Three strictures responded to dilation and one was resected. Now, all children are eating a normal diet for age. In conclusion, this technique has allowed primary repair of ultra-long-gap esophageal atresia. Although the severe tension may contribute to strictures needing dilation and gastroesophageal reflux requiring fundoplication, primary repair resulted in a clinically functional native esophagus.
Effects of coal mining on ground and surface water quality, Monongalia County, West Virginia☆

Abstract Water quality data are compared. Areas disturbed extensively either by surface or underground mining for bituminous coal in Monongalia County, West Virginia yield water of poorer quality than similar terrain which is not so disturbed. Specifically, the disturbed areas yield hard water of the calcium-sulfate or calcium-magnesium-sulfate type which is low in pH, high in iron and aluminum, and which contains trace elements one or more orders of magnitude greater than water from undisturbed terrain. These hard waters differ from the more common type of hard waters in that sulfate rather than bicarbonate is the dominant anion. As such they may provide further insight into factors affecting the relationship between water hardness and cardiovascular disease rates. The necessary additional data are being collected.
Intrinsic circuitry and physiological properties of pyramidal neurons in rat barrel cortex

Pyramidal neurons in the rat posteromedial barrel subfield (PMBSF) were characterized physiologically and filled with biocytin in in vitro brain slices. Intrinsic axons belonging to supragranular neurons pro-jected horizontally and vertically, arborizing in layers II/III and V, but had few or no projections to layers IV or VI. These axons projected horizontally for up to 2 mm, spanning two to seven barrel columns. Layer V neurons had more diffuse axon arbors that projected either vertically, arborizing in layers III to V, or horizontally, branching profusely in layers V and VI. The basal dendritic trees of neurons in layers II/III, V and VI spanned one or two barrel columns without being skewed toward particular barrel columns. Physiologically, regular- spiking neurons were classified as ”RS1” or ”RS2” according to their degree of late spike frequency adaptation. RS1 neurons were found in superficial and deep layers, whereas RS2 neurons were significantly more prevalent in the latter. Infragranular, but not supragranular neurons showed slow, inward rectification at hyperpolarized potentials. All neurons generated fast and medium afterhyperpolarizations following individual spikes; however, only infragranular pyramids had depolarizing afterpotentials interposed between the two afterhyperpolarizations. RS1 neurons had larger cell bodies, longer total basal dendritic lengths, and more densely branched proximal dendritic trees than RS2 neurons. These findings indicate that pyramidal neurons in the deep and superficial layers of the rat PMBSF have distinct patterns of intracortical axon arbors and distinct physiological properties. These features are probably involved in shaping and modulating the response properties of PMBSF neurons.
Transient Thermal Analysis of a Translucent Thermal Barrier Coating on a Metal Wall

A common ceramic used for thermal barrier coatings is zirconia, and it is partially transparent for radiative energy at wavelengths up to approximately 5 {micro}m. Hence, at elevated temperatures such as in a turbine engine combustor, the temperature distribution in a coating can be affected by absorption of incident radiation, by internal emission, and by scattering which is large for zirconia. Transient temperatures are needed of evaluating thermal stresses, and for translucent materials numerical procedures can be used to solve the transient energy equation coupled with radiative transfer relations. For radiation, both exact and approximate equations have been used. With general external conditions of convection and radiation for a translucent layer with diffuse surfaces, it was demonstrated in Siegel (1996) that the two-flux method compares well with more exact methods for predicting transient temperature distributions and heat fluxes, including large scattering as needed in a material such as zirconia. The two-flux differential equation for the internal radiative source is solved here with a Green`s function as in Siegel (1997), including two-band spectral property variations for zirconia. Finite difference relations are developed for transient temperatures in a translucent coating on a metal substrate. Illustrative results for heating a coated wall inmore » a turbine engine combustor demonstrate transient heating behavior with translucent effects as compared with an opaque coating.« less
The GM Values of Mimas and Tethys and the Libration of Methone

We have determined the GM of the Saturnian satellite Mimas from an analysis of its resonance with Tethys and with the newly discovered satellite Methone (GM is the product of the Newtonian constant of gravitation G and the satellite's mass M). Observations of the latter permit a factor of 5 improvement in our knowledge of Mimas's GM; its value is 2.504 ± 0.002 km3 s-2. Tethys's GM was originally found from the Mimas-Tethys resonance. We, however, estimate it using observations of its two Lagrangian satellites, Calypso and Telesto; its value is 41.200 ± 0.007 km3 s-2.
An Evaluation of an Abstinence Education Curriculum Series: Sex Can Wait

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of an abstinence education curriculum series on student outcomes. The series was taught at upper elementary junior high and high school levels. A questionnaire was administered to all intervention and comparison students before and after implementation of the curriculum. At the upper elementary level the curriculum group had better outcomes on knowledge self-efficacy and a more hopeful outlook; at the middle school level no differences; at the high school level findings favored the curriculum group on attitude behavioral intent and the sexual behavior variables. Results are encouraging and should be considered by those interested in helping young people postpone sexual involvement. (authors)
Linkage between dynamics and catalysis in a thermophilic-mesophilic enzyme pair

A fundamental question is how enzymes can accelerate chemical reactions. Catalysis is not only defined by actual chemical steps, but also by enzyme structure and dynamics. To investigate the role of protein dynamics in enzymatic turnover, we measured residue-specific protein dynamics in hyperthermophilic and mesophilic homologs of adenylate kinase during catalysis. A dynamic process, the opening of the nucleotide-binding lids, was found to be rate-limiting for both enzymes as measured by NMR relaxation. Moreover, we found that the reduced catalytic activity of the hyperthermophilic enzyme at ambient temperatures is caused solely by a slower lid-opening rate. This comparative and quantitative study of activity, structure and dynamics revealed a close link between protein dynamics and catalytic turnover.
CS4HS: an outreach program for high school CS teachers

In this paper, we describe a pilot summer workshop (CS4HS) held at Carnegie Mellon University in July 2006 for high school CS teachers to provide compelling material that the teachers can use in their classes to emphasize computational thinking and the many possibilities of computer science. Diversity and broadening participation was explicitly addressed throughout the workshop. We focused on broadening the image of what CS is -- and who computer scientists are -- since the reasons for under-representation in the field are very much the same as the reasons for the huge decline in interest. We describe the design of the workshop along with results from initial surveys and evaluations. Short-term evaluations show that this workshop was successful in changing the perception of CS for these teachers and giving them the impetus to include broader topics in their programming courses for the upcoming school year. Future surveys will track the long-term effect of this workshop.
Statistical Correlation of Quantitative Flavor Intensity Assessments and Individual Free Fatty Acid Measurements for Routine Detection and Prediction of Hydrolytic Rancidity Off‐Flavors in Butter

A method for detecting and predicting hydrolytic rancidity off-flavors in butter has been developed by correlating quantitative sensory data with individual free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations (ppm) in butters using stepwise regression and discriminant analyses. An equation for indexing rancid flavor intensities in butter (Rancidity Score = 1.93163 + 0.01754 butyric acid + 0.00054 C18 FFA congeners) gives Rancidity Scores for nonrancid, slightly rancid, and distinctly rancid butters between 1.00–2.80, 2.81–3.80, and 3.81–7.00, respectively. Hydrolytic rancidity off-flavors in butter are expressions of combinations of flavors in which rancid and goat-like flavors are principally caused by C4 and C6, and soapy and bitter flavors by C10, and C12 FFA.
Increased totipotency of protoplasts from Brassica oleracea plants previously regenerated in tissue culture

Factors affecting the division of cells derived from leaf and cotyledon protoplasts from Brassica oleracea L. var. italica (‘Green Comet’ hybrid broccoli) were examined to optimize conditions for plant regeneration and to determine whether there was a genetic basis for improved regeneration from protoplasts derived from plants previously regenerated from tissue cultures [15]. When leaf protoplasts from different plants grown from hybrid seed were isolated and cultured simultaneously, division efficiencies of 1–95% were obtained. Cells from some plants showed high division efficiencies in consecutive experiments while cells from other plants had consistently low division rates. More plants from hybrid seed gave high division efficiencies when cotyledon protoplasts were used. However, cotyledon or leaf protoplasts from selfed progeny of regenerated plants produced more vigorous calli and more shoots than protoplasts from hybrid seed. These results suggest that there may be a genetic component to the increased totipotency of Brassica oleracea protoplasts.
High responsivity, low dark current, large area, heterogenously bonded annular thin-film silicon photodetectors

Thin-film crystalline silicon photodiodes with the highest uncooled responsivity to dark current density ratio (0.30–0.54 cm2/nW for λ= 470 nm–600 nm) reported to date are described herein for integrated biomedical imaging and biochemical sensing.
Ras-dependent Signaling by the GTPase-deficient Mutant of Gα12

Abstract Gα12 and Gα13regulate diverse responses through the small GTPases Ras, CDC42, Rac, and Rho. Whereas they activate similar responses in many different cell types, they also activate more specific and critical signaling pathways in other cell types. In COS cells, in which both Gα12 and Gα13 stimulate Na+/H+ exchange, they do so by activating different signaling pathways. Here we report that the differential recruitment of specific small GTPases by Gα12 and Gα13 defines the molecular basis for their functional differences. We have observed that the stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange by the GTPase-deficient mutant of Gα12 (Gα12QL) requires a functional Ras and is independent of Rac/CDC42 and Jun kinase signaling module. By contrast, the stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange by Gα13QL requires a functional Rac/CDC42 and the Jun kinase signaling module. Our results also indicate that Gα12QL-Ras stimulation of Na+/H+ exchange involves a D609-sensitive phospholipase and protein kinase C. These studies, for the first time, describe a novel Gα12-specific signaling pathway involving Ras, phosphatidylcholine hydrolysis, and protein kinase C in the regulation of Na+/H+ exchange.
An analysis of the C-PODA protocol for a satellite data communication channel

Abstract The Contention-Based Priority Oriented Demand Assignment (C-PODA) protocol is analyzed in this paper. The average waiting time of a message is derived by applying results from bulk service queueing systems. Analytical results are validated by simulation and experimentation. The fairness problem associated with the C-PODA protocol is also studied and a fairness control algorithm is proposed.
Direct interaction for production of (3, 3) resonance by neutrinos

This paper gives a discussion of the unique direct interaction Hamiltonians for the processes ν+p→N+μ− and ν+p→N+μ+. The cross-section is found to increase as the square of the neutrino energy, in agreement with the CERN experiment. The same interaction as for the ν+p→N+μ+ process is used to find the energy spectrum of the emitted leptons in the weak decay Ω−→Ξ0+ν+1−. The transition probability is estimated to be two orders of magnitude smaller than that of the mesic decay modes.
Hormonal Repair of Defective Lipogenesis from Glucose in the Liver of the Hypophysectomized Rat

1. The conversion of glucose carbon to fatty acids and CO2 was investigated in slices prepared from the livers of hypophysectomized rats that had been treated with 3 purified anterior pituitary preparations (ACTH, growth and lactogenic hormones) and L-thyroxine. 2. The daily injection of 50 μg of ACTH for 14 days brought about complete repair of the defective conversion of glucose to fatty acids observed in the liver of the hypophysectomized rat. 3. The daily administration of as much as 300 μg of growth hormone for 14 days had no effect on the lipogenesis. The same treatment with 100 jug of lactogenic hormone also failed to repair the defect in hepatic lipogenesis of the hypophysectomized rat. 4. Daily treatment with 6 μg of L-thyroxine for 14 days restored to normal the capacity of the liver of the hypophysectomized rat to convert glucose to fatty acids. The same treatment with 3 μg of this hormone was ineffective. 5. The combined daily administrations for 14 days of (a) 3 μg of L-thyroxine and 100 μg o...
Serum glycoprotein concentrations in rats infected with the cestode, Hymenolepis diminuta.

SummaryThe effects of experimental infection with Hymenolepis diminuta on the serum concentrations of total glycoprotein, seromucoid, γ-globulin polysaccharide, total protein, γ-globulin protein and on hemoglobin and hematocrit values have been determined in Long-Evans rats. No statistically significant differences occurred in serum values between the normal and the infected groups. An increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit values, significant at the 5% level, was observed in the infected group.
Inhibition Patterns of Brain Acetylcholinesterase and Hepatic and Plasma Aliesterases Following Exposures to Three Phosphorothionate Insecticides and Their Oxons in Rats

Inhibition Patterns of Brain Acetylcholinesterase and Hepatic and Plasma Aliesterases Following Exposures to Three Phosphorothionate Insecticides and Their Oxons in Rats. Chambers, J. E., and Carr, R. L. (1993). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 21, 111-119. Rats were administered high sublethal intraperitoneal dosages of the phosphorothionate insecticides parathion, methyl parathion, and chlorpyrifos, and their oxons. Acetylcholinesterase activities in cerebral cortex and medulla oblongata and aliesterase activities in liver and plasma were monitored at 2 hr and 1, 2, and 4 days after exposure. The maximal inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase activity was not immediate with parathion and chlorpyrifos, reflecting the time required for bioactivation of the phosphorothionates as well as the effectiveness of the aliesterases to inactivate much of the hepatically generated oxons. In contrast, brain acetylcholinesterase activities were more quickly inhibited following administration of paraoxon and chlorpyrifos-oxon, which do not require bioactivation. Brain acetylcholinesterase was also rapidly inhibited following administration of methyl parathion and methyl paraoxon, reflecting the low sensitivity of the aliesterases to methyl paraoxon. Aliesterases were inhibited to a greater extent than acetylcholinesterase at each sampling time with parathion and chlorpyrifos and their oxons, whereas the reverse was true with methyl parathion and methyl paraoxon. All of the above patterns correlate with the in vitro sensitivities of acetylcholinesterase and aliesterases to the oxons. The very prolonged inhibition of esterase activities following chlorpyrifos treatment probably results from its substantially greater lipophilicity compared to the other compounds, which would allow it to be stored and released for gradual bioactivation. The data reported indicate that the disposition and effects of different phosphorothionate insecticides will be influenced by the sensitivities of target and nontarget esterases for their oxons and by their lipophilicity, and that predictions of in vivo responses can be made from in vitro data.
The development of wing imaginal disks of Drosophila virilis after culture in vitro

Abstract Drosophila virilis wing disks cultured in vitro in Schneider medium and then transplanted into mature larvae for metamorphosis revealed a shift from successful development of the thoracic area accompanied by poor development of the wing area, to the opposite condition when the period in vitro was increased to 7 days. Cultures in adult hosts for the same length of time maintained the former condition. Labelling experiments with H 3 -thymidine revealed a substantial decrease in uptake during the first 24 hr in vitro followed by a slight increase after 4 days.