cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interobserver reliability of the Teller Acuity Card procedure in pediatric patients.

Purpose To compare interobserver agreement for Teller Acuity Card estimates of grating acuity between children with ocular or neurologic abnormalities, or both, and age-matched healthy preterm children. Methods Subjects were 57 children, 3 to 38 months of age, who were referred for visual assessment because of diagnosed or suspected visual impairment (clinical group), and 57 healthy preterm children with no known visual or neurologic abnormalities (control group), each of whom was matched to a clinical subject, based on corrected age at the time of testing, and type of testing (monocular or binocular). Each child's grating acuity was tested by two independent observers. Results Interobserver agreement of 1 octave or better was found in 91% of the monocular and 96% of the binocular clinical test-retest comparisons and in 95% of the monocular and 96% of the binocular control comparisons. For estimates of interocular acuity difference, interobserver agreement of 1 octave or better was found in 88% of clinical subjects and 88% of control subjects. Average test time was significantly longer in the clinical group (4.1 minutes [SD = 1.9] for monocular and 3.6 minutes [SD = 1.9] for binocular tests) than in the control group (2.5 minutes [SD = 0.9] for monocular and 2.4 minutes [SD = 0.6] for binocular tests), suggesting that children in the clinical group were more difficult to test. Conclusions Teller Acuity Card testing conducted by experienced testers is as reliable in children with mild to severe ocular or neurologic abnormalities as it is in healthy children, even though children with abnormalities may be more difficult to test.
A practical approach to fetal electrocardiography

Abstract The technical difficulties which have prevented the widespread use of fetal electrocardiography have been largely overcome by employing a very inexpensive fetal ECG preamplifier which is simple to operate and tolerant of poor electrode technique. Designed to appeal to those who are interested, but not active in fetal electrocardiography, the preamplifier selectively amplifies the fetal ECG so that any standard electrocardiograph will display fetal signals.
A human liver microphysiology platform for investigating physiology, drug safety, and disease models.

This paper describes the development and characterization of a microphysiology platform for drug safety and efficacy in liver models of disease that includes a human, 3D, microfluidic, four-cell, sequentially layered, self-assembly liver model (SQL-SAL); fluorescent protein biosensors for mechanistic readouts; as well as a microphysiology system database (MPS-Db) to manage, analyze, and model data. The goal of our approach is to create the simplest design in terms of cells, matrix materials, and microfluidic device parameters that will support a physiologically relevant liver model that is robust and reproducible for at least 28 days for stand-alone liver studies and microfluidic integration with other organs-on-chips. The current SQL-SAL uses primary human hepatocytes along with human endothelial (EA.hy926), immune (U937) and stellate (LX-2) cells in physiological ratios and is viable for at least 28 days under continuous flow. Approximately, 20% of primary hepatocytes and/or stellate cells contain fluor...
Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Peptide and Protein Analysis

Fluorescence spectroscopy and its multiple applications to the life sciences have undergone rapid development. This is due to numerous technical advances in both instrumentation and methods of data analysis as well as to a vast proliferation of basic techniques. Applications of fluorescence spectroscopy to protein and peptide analysis are governed by three principal factors: the dynamic nature of the signal, its localized nature, and its redundancy. Although these features can complicate interpretation of the experimental result, they also can be exploited to obtain unique structural and dynamic information. The availability and simplicity of basic data acquisition and analysis are important practical features behind the popularity of fluorescence as compared to other spectroscopic techniques. Yet this simplicity does not appear to compromise its advantages. This article is intended first to provide an overview of the fluorescence phenomenon in proteins, and second to illustrate applications of fluorescence spectroscopy in advanced (but not necessarily high-tech) studies. Three areas of protein studies, namely protein–ligand interactions, protein folding and studies of membrane proteins, have been chosen to demonstrate key advantages of fluorescence spectroscopy: it is sensitive, versatile, and it lends itself readily to fast data acquisition.
The Space Distribution of Planetary Nebulae

A punched-card catalogue of planetary nebulae has been prepared, using data extracted from all existing catalogues. A computer program calculates distances and radii using the method of Shklovsky, in which all nebulae are assumed to have the same ionized mass, and allowance for interstellar extinction is made assuming a continuous galactic-dust distribution. The assumption made in Shklovsky’s method, that the nebulae are optically thin, is considered to be satisfied if the calculated radii lie within a certain well-defined interval. The reddening constants obtained are in satisfactory statistical agreement with constants determined by other methods. The local density of planetary nebulae is in agreement with estimates of local white-dwarf densities.
Proton charge extensions

We examine how corrections to $S\text{-state}$ energy levels ${E}_{nS}$ in hydrogenic atoms due to the finite proton size are affected by moments of the proton charge distribution. The corrections to ${E}_{nS}$ are computed moment by moment. The results demonstrate that the next-to-leading order term in the expansion is of order ${r}_{p}/{a}_{B}$ times the size of the leading order $\ensuremath{\langle}{r}_{p}^{2}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ term. Our analysis thus dispels any concern that the larger relative size of this term for muonic hydrogen versus electronic hydrogen might account for the current discrepancy of proton radius measurements extracted from the two systems. Furthermore, the next-to-leading order term in powers of ${r}_{p}/{a}_{B}$ that we derive from a dipole proton form factor is proportional to $\ensuremath{\langle}{r}_{p}^{3}\ensuremath{\rangle}$, rather than $\ensuremath{\langle}{r}_{p}^{4}\ensuremath{\rangle}$, as would be expected from the scalar nature of the form factor. The dependence of the finite-size correction on $\ensuremath{\langle}{r}_{p}^{3}\ensuremath{\rangle}$ and higher odd-power moments is shown to be a general result for any spherically symmetric proton charge distribution. A method for computing the moment expansion of the finite-size correction to arbitrary order is introduced and the results are tabulated for principal quantum numbers up to $n=7$.
Alternative Models for forecasting U.S. Exports

Traditionally, models of U.S. exports tend to emphasize relationships involving independent variables that measure demand in the importing countries, domestic (U.S.) demand or the level of business activity, direct foreign investment, U.S. grants and loans, etc. This paper compares several of these traditional forecasting methods with a number of time-series techniques. The results indicate that U.S. exports can be forecasted with the use of several alternative models.
Application of Physics in Medicine

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/22-2-13560 The application of physics principles to medical practice has made an outstanding contribution in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Further amalgamation of research, application, cooperation and understanding of physics and medicine will enhance new perspectives on the benefits of ionizing and nonionizing radiations for medical diagnosis and therapy. In this paper, a general survey has been made of physics applications in medicine.
Improving coding and delivery of video by exploiting the oblique effect

Oblique effect implies lower visual sensitivity to diagonally oriented spatial oscillations as opposed to horizontal and vertical ones. To exploit this phenomenon we propose to use an adaptive anisotropic low-pass filter applied to video prior to encoding. We then describe design of such a filter. Through experiments, we demonstrate that the use of this filter can yield appreciable bitrate savings compared to conventional filtering and encoding of the same content.
Purification of ribonucleoproteins by a novel approach: isolation of the SSB1 ribonucleoprotein from yeast and demonstration that it has no role in mRNA splicing.

Abstract A novel approach is described to purify potential ribonucleoproteins (RNP) of yeast. The method assays a yeast RNP complex, assembled in vitro on actin pre-mRNA, by low-ionic strength acrylamide gel electrophoresis. The minimal protein components of this RNP complex were three proteins, one of 30 kDa and two at 42–44 kDa, defined by formation of the complex on biotinylated-RNA, binding of this complex to avidin-agarose, and salt elution of the protein in the biotinylated-RNP complex. Using the assay for RNP complex formation, an RNP protein was purified to homogeneity on the basis of its affinity towards single-stranded DNA and RNA. This RNP protein turned out to be identical to a known RNP protein, the single-stranded binding protein 1 (ssb1) of yeast, on the basis of identical gel electrophoretic migration, antibody cross-reactivity, and identical properties on the gel complex formation assay. In vitro mRNA splicing was normal in extracts made from a yeast strain missing ssb1 (ssb1 − strain). Addition of anti-ssb1 antibody to splicing extracts made from a wild type strain did not inhibit or diminish splicing. Instead, mRNA splicing was reproducibly stimulated several fold, indicating competition between ssb1 and splicing factors for binding to single-stranded RNA in the extracts. RNP complexes still formed in the ssb1 − strain, demonstrating that it would be possible to purify other RNP proteins from this strain using the gel complex formation assay.
Holocene sediment distribution on the inner continental shelf of northeastern South Carolina: Implications for the regional sediment budget and long-term shoreline response

Abstract High-resolution geophysical and sediment sampling surveys were conducted offshore of the Grand Strand, South Carolina to define the shallow geologic framework of the inner shelf. Results are used to identify and map Holocene sediment deposits, infer sediment transport pathways, and discuss implications for the regional coastal sediment budget. The thickest deposits of Holocene sediment observed on the inner shelf form shoal complexes composed of moderately sorted fine sand, which are primarily located offshore of modern tidal inlets. These shoal deposits contain ∼67 M m 3 of sediment, approximately 96% of Holocene sediment stored on the inner shelf. Due to the lack of any significant modern fluvial input of sand to the region, the Holocene deposits are likely derived from reworking of relict Pleistocene and older inner-shelf deposits during the Holocene marine transgression. The Holocene sediments are concentrated in the southern part of the study area, due to a combination of ancestral drainage patterns, a regional shift in sediment supply from the northeast to the southwest in the late Pleistocene, and proximity to modern inlet systems. Where sediment is limited, only small, low relief ridges have formed and Pleistocene and older deposits are exposed on the seafloor. The low-relief ridges are likely the result of a thin, mobile veneer of sediment being transported across an irregular, erosional surface formed during the last transgression. Sediment textural trends and seafloor morphology indicate a long-term net transport of sediment to the southwest. This is supported by oceanographic studies that suggest the long-term sediment transport direction is controlled by the frequency and intensity of storms that pass through the region, where low pressure systems yield net along-shore flow to the southwest and a weak onshore component. Current sediment budget estimates for the Grand Strand yield a deficit for the region. Volume calculations of Holocene deposits on the inner shelf suggest that there is sufficient sediment to balance the sediment budget and provide a source of sediment to the shoreline. Although the processes controlling cross-shelf sediment transport are not fully understood, in sediment-limited environments such as the Grand Strand, erosion of the inner shelf likely contributes significant sediment to the beach system.
Josephson coupling and plasma resonance in a vortex crystal

The authors consider the magnetic field dependence of the plasma resonance frequency in vortex crystal state. The authors found that low magnetic field induces a small correction to the plasma frequency proportional to the field. The slope of this linear field dependence is directly related to the average distance between the pancake vortices in the neighboring layers, wandering length. This length is determined by both Josephson and magnetic couplings between layers. At higher fields the Josephson coupling is suppressed collectively and is determined by elastic energy of the vortex lattice. Analyzing experimental data, they found that (1) the wandering length becomes comparable with the London penetration depth near {Tc}, (2) at small melting fields (< 20 G) the wandering length does not change much at the melting transition demonstrating existence of the line liquid phase in this field range, and (3) the self consistent theory of pancake fluctuations describes very well the field dependence of the Josephson plasma resonance frequency up to the melting point.
Optimization techniques: Studies in cell culture

AbstractWith the present large worldwide demand for vaccines and cellular by products, a number of anchorage-dependent cell mass culture systems have been developed. To obtain the maximum yield of product per run, the number of cells per system volume must be maximized and yet maintain efficiency. There is a large number of independent variables that could affect the cell yield. During the course of an experimental program to increase the cell yield, the usefulness of an existing computer optimization program was evaluated.A series of nine statistically designed experiments was done using multi-disk propagators for the mass culture of primary chick embryo cells. Cell input and time between medium refeeds were chosen as the independent variables from the many variables that could affect cell yield. The primary dependent variable was cell yield. The results indicated a substantial increase in cell yield as cell input was increased (57 to 85 percent increase by doubling the cell input) but a lesser increase ...
Instructional Design for E-Learning

(2007). Instructional Design for E-Learning. Journal of Hospital Librarianship: Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 109-115.
Behavioral choice theory can enhance our understanding of drug dependence and other behavioral disorders

I support the major theme of Heyman's target article that behavioral choice theory can enhance our understanding of drug dependence, but I raise concerns about the critique of the operant model of drug dependence, the underscoring of melioration to the exclusion of other theories of choice, and assertions about the unique effects of drug reinforcement.
A Comparative Evaluation of Hemostatic Agents in the Management of Soft Tissue Graft Donor Site Bleeding

Background: Periodontal plastic surgery has increased the use of palatal wounds for donor tissue, with the most common complication being excessive bleeding from the palate after harvesting tissue. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 3 methods for achieving hemostasis on the palate after harvesting donor tissue for autogenous soft tissue grafts. Methods: Thirty sites were evaluated at surgery for hemostasis and followed over 21 days for healing and adverse events. Three treatment groups were randomly selected and patients received either a test product or control comprising: 1) oxidized regenerated cellulose; 2) absorbable gelatin sponge; or 3) sterile gauze with external pressure as the control. All patients received a surgical stent for the palate. Results: The results were analyzed for smokers and non-smokers, and the median time to hemostasis was significantly shorter when a hemostatic agent was applied to the palatal wounds compared to controls in both groups. Pain assessment showed ...
The effect of turbulence upon supernova neutrinos

Multidimensional supernova simulations indicate the presence of large scale, low multipole, asphericity generated deep within the star during the accretion phase. When density fluctuations are present in the high (H) density resonance region the neutrino flavour evolution is modified compared to the case sans turbulence. We investigate the effects of the turbulent density profiles upon the neutrinos as a function of the fluctuation amplitude and the mixing angle θ 13 and find that: turbulence effects in the H resonance channel are inevitable if θ 13 is large, and large amplitude fluctuations extend the sensitivity to θ 13 , break high-low (HL) density resonance factorization and generate non-trivial survival probabilities in the non-resonant channels.
Construction of gene therapy vectors targeting adrenocortical cells: enhancement of activity and specificity with agents modulating the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate pathway.

In preliminary studies we demonstrated that the CYP11B1 (11β-hydroxylase) promoter could direct specific expression of a suicide gene in adrenocortical cancer cells, providing a potentially specific therapeutic option for adrenocortical cancer. In this present study we describe our attempts to enhance the activity of the CYP11B1 promoter while maintaining its specificity for adrenal cells. Using a putative enhancer element from the cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc) gene, the activity of the CYP11B1 promoter in and its specificity for adrenocortical cells were enhanced. Treatment with 8-bromo-cAMP or forskolin resulted in further enhancement. In stably transfected Y-1 cells, in which the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) gene was driven by the CYP11B1 promoter with the P450scc enhancer element, HSV-TK expression and ganciclovir sensitivity were augmented by treatment with 8-bromo-cAMP, forskolin, and ACTH. In summary, we report the construction of a suicide HSV-TK vector with preferent...
Development of a self-referencing interferometer wavefront sensor

The self-referencing interferometer (SRI) is an innovative wavefront sensor (WFS) developed specifically for applications requiring laser propagation in strong scintillation. The performance of conventional gradient sensors, like Shack-Hartmann WFSs or lateral shearing interferometers, are severely limited in these environments due to the presence of branch points in the wavefront phase. In comparison, the SRI WFS directly measures the wavefront field so its performance is not affected by the presence of branch points. Over the last two years the Starfire Optical Range has been developing a prototype SRI WFS to demonstrate its advantages in strong scintillation environments. This paper discusses some practical lessons learned in building and operating an SRI WFS and presents initial results from laboratory tests.
Exponential data fitting applied to infiltration, hydrograph separation, and variogram fitting

Most lumped rainfall-runoff models separate the interflow and groundwater components from the measured runoff hydrograph in an attempt to model these as hydrologic reservoir units. Similarly, rainfall losses due to infiltration as well as other abstractions are separated from the measured rainfall hyetograph, which are then used as inputs to the various hydrologic reservoir units. This data pre-processing is necessary in order to use the linear unit hydrograph theory, as well as for maintaining a hydrologic budget between the surface and subsurface flow processes. Since infiltration determines the shape of the runoff hydrograph, it must be estimated as accurately as possible. When measured infiltration data is available, Horton’s exponential infiltration model is preferable due to its simplicity. However, estimating the parameters from Horton’s model constitutes a nonlinear least squares fitting problem. Hence, an iterative procedure that requires initialization is subject to convergence. In a similar context, the separation of direct runoff, interflow, and baseflow from the total hydrograph is typically done in an ad hoc manner. However, many practitioners use exponential models in a rather “layer peeling” fashion to perform this separation. In essence, this also constitutes an exponential data fitting problem. Likewise, certain variogram functions can be fitted using exponential data fitting techniques. In this paper we show that fitting a Hortonian model to experimental data, as well as performing hydrograph separation, and total hydrograph and variogram fitting can all be formulated as a system identification problem using Hankel-based realization algorithms. The main advantage is that the parameters can be estimated in a noniterative fashion, using robust numerical linear algebra techniques. As such, the system identification algorithms overcome the problem of convergence inherent in iterative techniques. In addition, the algorithms are robust to noise in the data since they optimally separate the signal and noise subspaces from the observed noisy data. The algorithms are tested with real data from field experiments performed in Surinam, as well as with real hydrograph data from a watershed in Louisiana. The system identification techniques presented herein can also be used with any other type of exponential data such as exponential decays from nuclear experiments, tracer studies, and compartmental analysis studies.
Optimization of magnetization transfer measurements: statistical analysis by stochastic simulation. Application to creatine kinase kinetics.

A systematic study was performed to optimize the accuracy of kinetic parameters derived from magnetization transfer measurements. Three techniques were investigated: time-dependent saturation transfer (TDST), saturation recovery (SRS), and inversion recovery (IRS). In the last two methods, one of the resonances undergoing exchange is saturated throughout the experiment. The three techniques were compared with respect to the accuracy of the kinetic parameters derived from experiments performed in a given, fixed, amount of time. Stochastic simulation of magnetization transfer experiments was performed to optimize experimental design. General formulas for the relative accuracies of the unidirectional rate constant (k) were derived for each of the three experimental methods. It was calculated that for k values between 0.1 and 1.0 s−1, T, values between 1 and 10 s, and relaxation delays appropriate for the creatine kinase reaction, the SRS method yields more accurate values of k than does the IRS method. The TDST method is more accurate than the SRS method for reactions where T1 is long and k is large, within the range of k and T1 values examined. Experimental verification of the method was carried out on a solution in which the forward (PCr ATP) rate constant (k) of the creatine kinase reaction was measured. © 1990 Academic Press, Inc.
Smooth electric power scheduling in power distribution networks

The emergence of Smart Grid (SG) brings about many fundamental changes in electric power systems. In this paper, we study the problem of smooth electric power scheduling in power distribution networks. We introduce an electricity supply/demand model that takes into account the time-varying demands and their deadlines. We formulate a constrained nonlinear programming problem and incorporate the theory of majorization to develop algorithms that can compute smoothness optimal schedules for deferrable load dominant system. An effective heuristic algorithm is also presented by extending the majorization-based algorithm for the general scenario with mixed priority loads and deferrable loads. After obtaining the smooth power schedule, a distributed user benefit maximization load control scheme is used to allocate the scheduled power to individual users, while maximizing their level of satisfaction. The simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed algorithms on smooth electric power scheduling.
The Nitrogen Adsorption Isotherm of Alpha-lactose Monohydrate

A complete nitrogen adsorption isotherm was measured for α-lactose monohydrate, from 0.001 to 0.995 relative pressure at 77 K. The isotherm was qualitatively classified as Type II, and was quantitatively analyzed for surface area, porosity, and surface heterogeneity. Surface area results revealed that the normal Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) range of 0.05–0.35 relative pressure was not suitable for this grade of lactose, but having full isotherm data enabled a more appropriate analytical range to be found, illustrating the importance of measuring the entire isotherm as an essential step in method development. The isotherm was analyzed for micro and mesoporosity, both of which were found to be insignificant for lactose. The low relative pressure range 0.001–0.005 did not obey Henry's law, indicating the presence of surface heterogeneity. Density functional theory was exploited to quantitatively measure heterogeneity in the surface energy of lactose, using the full nitrogen adsorption profile. As expected fo...
Assessment of Sexual Assault in Clinical Practice: Available Screening Tools for Use with Different Adult Populations

Clinicians agree that knowledge of clients' sexual victimization histories are invaluable in conceptualizing cases and choosing treatment interventions; however, the routine assessment of sexual assault in clinical practice is not standard (e.g., Hurst, MacDonald, Say, & Reed, 2003; Pruitt & Kappius, 1992). This article reviews recent research related to prevalence rates, short- and long-term consequences of sexual assault, available screening measures, and relevant resources for clinicians in screening for sexual trauma. Specifically, this article provides information to guide practitioners in adequately assessing sexual trauma among men and women abused either as children or adults, and addresses special issues for assessing sexual assault among elderly and disabled individuals.
On the Transformation of Histograms with Geometrically Progressing Class Intervals

A method is given for the transformation of an arbitrary distribution of circles in the plane to the corresponding distribution of spheres in space when the circle distribution can be represented by a histogram in which the class intervals form a geometric progression. Such a progression is commonly employed in sieving.
Storage function and ultrastructure of the adult fat body in workers of the ant Camponotus festinatus (Buckley) (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

Abstract The presence of storage proteins in ants is perhaps most remarkable in its abundance in some species in the adult stage. The ultrastructure of fat body in workers of Camponotus festinatus (Hymenoptera : Formicidae) confirms that they do indeed store large quantities of protein, as well as lipid and carbohydrate, under some conditions. Rounded electron-dense granules, which are abundant in workers maintained in groups isolated from the parent colony, probably contain an arylphorin-like protein. Irregularly shaped electron-dense granules present in all workers regardless of age, caste or social environment, resemble primarily lysosomes, but lack acid phosphatase activity. Peroxisomes were also identified but were not associated with either type of dense granule. Lipid analysis showed that lipid storage followed similar patterns to protein storage, with isolated workers, especially soldiers, accumulating huge quantities of triglycerides. The relationship between storage of nutrient reserves and the presence of larvae suggests that the stores may function in regulating seasonal brood production.
Sorption and desorption of phosphorus by shale: batch and column studies

Constructed wetland systems have gained attention as attractive solutions for wastewater treatment. Wetlands are not efficient to treat wastewater with high concentrations of phosphorus (P). In order to remove high soluble P loads by wetland, sorbent beds can be added prior to the discharge of wastewater into wetlands. Sorption by sorbent materials is identified as a method for trapping excess P in wastewaters. In the present investigation, shale has been identified as a sorbent material for removal of phosphate (PO 4 -P) due to the cost effectiveness, stability and possibility of regeneration. The study focuses on the removal of PO 4 -P from wastewater using shale and the feasibility of using the P-sorbed material as slow-release fertilizer. Phosphorus sorption experiments were conducted by using shale (2 mm and 2–4.7 mm). Results indicate that Shale I (particle size = 2 mm) showed the highest sorption of PO 4 -P (500 ± 44 mg kg −1 ). Breakthrough point was reached within 10 h in columns with flow rates of 2 and 3 ml min −1 . Lower flow rate of 1 ml min −1 showed an average residence time of about 2 h while columns with a higher flow rate of 3 ml min −1 showed a residence time of about 40 minutes. Variation in flow rate did not influence the desorption process. Since very low concentrations of PO 4 -P are released, Shale saturated with PO 4 -P may be used as a slow nutrient release source of P or as a soil amendment. The sorbent can also be regenerated by removing the sorbed PO 4 -P by using 0.1 N HCl.
Primary and secondary causes and consequences of contemporary forest decline

Realization that forest decline (Waldsterben) has become an ecological crisis throughout the developed world has resulted in massive research efforts to determine the causes of declines. It is now recognized that no single causal factor is responsible, but that there are a variety of anthropogenic causal factor complexes interacting with natural events and processes that, together, induce stresses in forests that culminate in declines of individual plants and of ecosystems. It is the thesis of this article that forest declines involve all biotic and abiotic facets and parameters of forested ecosystems and that the declines are themselves new causal factor complexes that continue to affect the stability of forested ecosystems independently of the initial causal factor complexes. Lacking direct field or laboratory studies on these cascades of causes and effects, this article attempts to utilize the growing body of information on plant physiological ecology to provide a heuristic framework for evaluating long-term forest declines.
Becoming a Marihuana User

An individual will be able to use marihuana for pleasure only when he 1. learns to smoke it in a way that will produce real effects; 2. learns to recognize the effects and connect them with drug use; and 3. learns to enjoy the sensations he perceives. This proposition, based on an analysis of fifty interviews with marihuana users, calls into question theories which ascribe behavior to antecedent predispositions and suggests the utility of explaining behavior in terms of the emergence of motives and dispositions in the course of experience.
A VIDEO TECHNIQUE FOR OBTAINING CORRECTED TRUE COMPRESSIVE STRESS

Summary A modification of the method of Watts and Ford is presented, which, when combined with the utilization of a video camera, allows standard compression tests to yield reliable true compressive stress versus strain data. The video images permit diameter measurements to an uncertainty of less than one percent. If radial asymmetries are minimized by proper consideration of end effects, area uncertainties of less than two percent can be achieved. Furthermore, if replicated experiments and statistical calculations are used at each step in the data reduction, one can determine the maximum uncertainty associated with the final true stress versus strain data.
Activation of γ-aminobutyric acid insensitive chloride channels in mouse brain synaptic vesicles by avermectin B1a

The interaction of avermectin B1a (AVMB1a) with mouse brain chloride channels was characterized using a radiochloride efflux assay. The loss of intravesicular chloride from synaptoneurosomes preloaded with 36Cl involved an initial rapid phase followed by a slower phase that approached equilibrium within 10 min. AVMB1a stimulated a 30% loss of intravesicular chloride within the first 2 s of exposure; however, AVMB1a had no effect on the rate of the slower phase of chloride loss. Experiments with lysed synaptoneurosomes showed that both chloride loading and basal and AVMB1a-stimulated chloride release required the presence of intact vesicles. The efflux of 36Cl from mouse brain synaptosomes and the stimulation of efflux by AVMB1a were qualitatively similar to the results obtained with synaptoneurosomes but involved much lower overall levels of chloride loading and release. AVMB1a produced half-maximal stimulation of chloride efflux from synaptoneurosomes at a concentration of 2.1 +/- 0.3 microM and a 35.4 +/- 1.4% maximal loss of intravesicular chloride at saturating concentrations. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), bicuculline, or the chloride channel blockers picrotoxinin, t-butylbicyclophosphorothionate (TBPS) 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS), and anthracene 9-carboxylic acid (9-CA) had little or no effect on the loss of chloride from synaptoneurosomes either in the presence or the absence of AVMB1a. However, the chlorinated cycloalkane insecticides dieldrin and lindane were equally effective as inhibitors of GABA-dependent chloride uptake and AVMB1a-stimulated chloride efflux. These data demonstrate that AVMB1a-stimulated chloride efflux from mouse brain synaptic vesicles results from the activation of GABA-insensitive chloride channels and that this action is distinct from their previously documented effects on GABA-gated chloride channels in mouse brain preparations. Our findings imply that both GABA-gated and GABA-insensitive chloride channels may be toxicologically significant targets for the action of avermectins.
Can Teacher Ratings of Students’ Skills at Kindergarten Entry Predict Kindergarten Retention?

ABSTRACT Though early childhood literature defines kindergarten readiness in the context of the whole child across multiple domains, there is little research to demonstrate the relative influence of these domains on success in the kindergarten year. In this study, we use teacher judgments of students at the start of the kindergarten year across multiple domains as predictors of retention in kindergarten the following year. The analyses demonstrated that low ratings of students’ skills are predictive of retention, particularly for young males eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. Further, the analyses showed that of the set of domains, low ratings of literacy and numeracy skills are most closely associated with increased likelihood of retention.
Application of the TraPPE Force Field to Predicting Isothermal Pressure–Volume Curves at High Pressures and High Temperatures

Knowledge of the thermophysical properties of materials at extreme pressure and temperature conditions is essential for improving our understanding of many planetary and detonation processes. Significant gaps in what is known about the behavior of materials at high density and high temperature exist, largely, due to the limitations and dangers of performing experiments at the necessary extreme conditions. Modeling these systems through the use of equations of state and particle-based simulation methods significantly extends the range of pressures and temperatures that can be safely studied. The reliability of such calculations depend on the accuracy of the models used. Here we present an assessment of the united-atom version of the TraPPE (transferable potentials for phase equilibria) force field and single-site exp-6 representations for methane, methanol, oxygen, and ammonia at extreme conditions. As shown by Monte Carlo simulations in the isobaric–isothermal ensemble, the TraPPE models, despite being parameterized to the vapor–liquid coexistence curve (i.e., relatively mild conditions), perform remarkably well in the high-pressure/high-temperature regime. The single-site exp-6 models can fit experimental data in the high-pressure/temperature regime very well, but the parameters are less transferable to conditions below the critical temperature.
JOB COMPLEXITY, PERFORMANCE, AND WELL-BEING: WHEN DOES SUPPLIES-VALUES FIT MATTER?

We extend person‐job fit research by investigating job performance as a moderator of the supplies‐values fit relationship with strain outcomes (somatic complaints and depression). Drawing on cybernetic stress and psychological centrality perspectives, we argue that supplies‐values misfit relates to lower well-being levels when job performance is low but that this effect is attenuated when job performance is high. The results are consistent with this prediction across 3 studies that provide progressively more rigorous tests of the hypothesis. Implications of the results for theoretical and empirical person‐job fit research are addressed. There is consistent and compelling evidence that fit (or misfit) between individual preferences for various tasks characteristics and the characteristics actually present in the job is related to a variety of health and wellbeing outcomes (e.g., Caplan, Cobb, French, Harrison, & Pinneau, 1980; Edwards, 1996; Edwards & Parry, 1993; French, Caplan, & Harrison, 1982). The supplies‐values (S‐V) or needs‐supplies fit approach to stress offers conceptual extensions over job demands (e.g., Cooper & Marshall, 1976) or psychophysiological response theories (e.g., Parker & DeCotiis, 1983) by incorporating both the situations an individual encounters in the environment (task characteristics, in this case) and the individual’s preferences for, or interests in, jobs with these attributes. S‐V fit is defined as
Separating AC0 from depth-2 majority circuits

We prove that AC0 cannot be efficiently simulated by MAJoMAJ circuits. Namely, we construct an AC0 circuit of depth 3 that requires MAJoMAJ circuits of size 2Ω(n1/5). This matches Allender's classic result that AC0 can be simulated by MAJoMAJoMAJ circuits of quasipolynomial size.Our proof is based on communication complexity. To obtain the above result, we develop a novel technique for communication lower bounds, the Degree/Discrepancy Theorem. This technique is a separate contribution of our paper. It translates lower bounds on the threshold degree of a Boolean function into upper bounds on the discrepancy of a related function. Upper bounds on the discrepancy, in turn, immediately imply communication lower bounds as well as lower bounds against threshold circuits.As part of our proof, we use the Degree/Discrepancy Theorem to obtain an explicit AC0 circuit of depth 3 that has discrepancy 2-Ω(n1/5), under an explicit distribution. This yields the first known AC0 function with exponentially small discrepancy. Finally, we apply our work to learning theory, showing that polynomial-size DNF and CNF formulas have margin complexity 2Ω(n1/5).
Theory of Magnetic Properties of Actinide Compounds. I

UP, UAs, NpC, and crystals of other actinide compounds have metallic conductivity and are magnetically ordered. They exhibit discontinuous changes in the magnetic moment per actinide ion as a function of temperature. These are accompanied by large changes of the specific heat, magnetic susceptibility, and electrical conductivity, as well as in some cases by changes in the magnetic symmetry. The transition at the N\'eel temperature may also be of first order. A theory is developed that explains these phenomena quantitatively. Abandoning the concept of a specific configuration (valency) of the actinide ion, we show that the transition $5{f}^{n}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}5{f}^{n\ensuremath{-}1}{(6d\ensuremath{-}7s)}^{1}$ occurs for a certain fraction of the ions at different temperatures. The transition is induced by the combined effect of a small energy gap (or overlap) between the $5f$ localized and $6d\ensuremath{-}7s$ band states, the shielded and therefore short-range Coulomb interaction between band and localized electrons, and the variation of the exchange interaction between ions with the occupation of the band. The free energy is miminized with respect to the occupation numbers of the band states and of the magnetic sublevels of the ions in the two different configurations. This yields the temperature dependence of the band occupation and sublattice magnetization. The other observables are calculated from these quantities and fit the experimental data well.
Joint DAC/IWBDA special session engineering biology: fundamentals and applications

In the nascent field of synthetic biology, researchers are striving to create biological systems with functionality not seen in nature. This special session features talks that emphasize the fundamental engineering principles underlying this endeavor, highlighting possible synergies with electronic design automation (EDA). Pamela Silver will describe designing and constructing proteins and cells with predictable biological properties. These serve as potential therapeutics, cell-based sensors, factories for generating bio-energy, and bio-remediation. J. Christopher Anderson will demonstrate how complex biological functions can be decomposed into modular devices. He will describe the construction of therapeutic organisms and new tools for building complex systems. Richard Murray will discuss the use of concepts from control and dynamical systems in the analysis and design of biological feedback circuits at the molecular level.
Liver transplantation in a 7-month-old girl with Caroli's disease

Caroli's disease (including Caroli's syndrome) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the liver characterized by diffuse cystic dilatation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. The disease may present at any age and is characterized by recurrent episodes of biliary obstruction, cholangitis, hepaticolithiasis, and liver abscesses. Caroli's syndrome is further associated with congenital hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. Patients with recurrent complications or cirrhosis may die because of recurrent infection, portal hypertension, liver failure, or cholangiocarcinoma. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for these complicated patients. Here we describe the youngest reported patient with Caroli's syndrome treated successfully using liver transplantation and review the recent literature.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joint meniscus

This report describes early experience with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the temporomandibular joint meniscus in which surface coil technology was used. The results suggest remarkable imaging capabilities and speed with noninvasive methods.
Olfactory bulb removal vs peripherally induced anosmia: differential effects on the aggressive behavior of male mice.

A variety of studies have shown that bilateral removal of the olfactory bulbs renders male mice nonaggressive. In the present study aggressive male mice were rendered anosmic by intranasal application of a zinc sulfate solution. Many males continued to fight even though apparently totally lacking sense of smell. We conclude that the abolition of intermale aggressive behavior after bulb removal is not due to the production of anosmia per se.
Effect of natural or vaccine-induced porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) immunity on fetal infection after artificial insemination with PCV2 spiked semen.

The objectives of this study were to determine if vaccination against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) or previous PCV2 infection of the dam are sufficient to prevent fetal infection when dams are artificially inseminated with PCV2-spiked semen. Nine sows (Sus domestica) were allocated into three groups of three dams each: The PCV2 naive negative control Group 1 was artificially inseminated with extended PCV2 DNA negative semen during estrus, whereas the extended semen used in the vaccinated Group 2 (PCV2 vaccine was given 8 wk before insemination) and PCV2-exposed Group 3 (infected with PCV2 12 wk before insemination) was spiked with 5 mL of PCV2 inoculum with a titer of 10(4.2) tissue culture infectious dose (TCID(50)) per milliliter at each breeding. The dams in the vaccinated and PCV2-exposed groups were positive for PCV2 antibody but negative for PCV2 DNA in serum at the time of insemination. Three negative control dams, two vaccinated dams, and three dams with previous PCV2 exposure became pregnant and maintained pregnancy to term. After artificial insemination, viremia was detected in one of three vaccinated dams and in two of three dams with previous PCV2 exposure. At farrowing, PCV2 infection was not detected in any piglets or fetuses expelled from the negative control dams or from dams with previous PCV2 exposure. In litters of the vaccinated dams, 15 of 24 live-born piglets were PCV2 viremic at birth, with 6 of 26 fetuses having detectable PCV2 antigen in tissues. In conclusion, vaccine-induced immunity did not prevent fetal infection in this sow model using semen spiked with PCV2.
Self-Assembly of C-Methyl Calix[4]resorcinarene with 5,5′-Bipyrimidine

The X-ray crystal structure of the complex formed between 5,5′-bipyrimidine and C-methylresorcinarene is described. The structure (C41H45N5O12) is triclinic with a = 12.8610(10), b = 13.0560(10), c = 13.6068(11)A, α = 104.0730(10), β = 104.9260(10), γ = 111.6430(10)° and space group P-1. The structure reveals that the resorcinarene adopts a boat conformation and forms a three-dimensional network through hydrogen bonding to two water molecules and one dipyrimidine ligand. A single nitromethane molecule is included in the superstructure. Self-Assembly of C-Methyl Calix[4]resorcinarene with 5,5’-Bipyrimidine Charles L. Barnes(1) and Eric Bosch(2)* The X-ray crystal structure of the complex formed between 5,5′-bipyrimidine and C-methylresorcinarene is reported.
The synaptic ribbons of the guinea pig pineal gland in sterile, pregnant and fertile but non-pregnant females and in reproductively active males

Pinealocyte ultrastructure has been studied in four sterile, four pregnant and three fertile but non-pregnant females, and also in three reproductively active male pigmented Duncan Hartley guinea pigs. Synaptic ribbons are dense, rod-like structures with a linear arrangement of clear vesicles periodically spaced on both sides of the rodlet. Although these structures were observed in the pinealocytes of all of the animals studied, they were scarce and difficult to locate in tissue from the fertile, non-pregnant females and from the reproductively active males. They were numerous in the pineal glands of the pregnant and sterile females. Typically they lie perpendicular to the cell membrane of the pinealocyte polar process and in close proximity to a polar process of a neighboring cell. The increased incidence of synaptic ribbons in pinealocytes which appear to be in a heightened state of activity strongly suggests a function for this structure. Synaptic ribbons are also present in sensory systems such as rods and cones of the retina, hair cells of the organ of Corti and hair cells of the vestibular apparatus. This fact, plus the photoreceptor function of pinealocytes in lower vertebrates, lends credence to the possibility that this structure may serve a sensory or receptor function in the guinea pig gland.