cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internuclear Distances of Methyl and Methylene Radicals

THE experimental determination of the geometry of the methyl and methylene radicals is very difficult1,2. Hence it may be of some interest to report estimates of the internuclear distances of the methyl and methylene radicals. Comparisons were made of several hydride radicals and molecules of the first row of the Periodic Table as shown in Table 1 and Fig. 1. The arrangement indicates regularity in the differences of the internuclear distances of these structures.
Youssou N'Dour's Sant Yàlla/ Egypt: a musical experiment in Sufi modernity

In collaboration with the Cairene composer Fathy Salama, Youssou N'Dour released an album that appeared in Dakar in 2003 as Sant Yalla (‘Praise God’), and internationally in 2004 as Egypt. Sung in Wolof to the accompaniment of an Egyptian orchestra, the album consists of a suite of eight interrelated pieces, seven of which are praise songs to Senegalese Sufi shaykhs, while the remaining piece praises God, the Prophet Mohammed, and some important Mauritanian shaykhs. In this essay I argue that in bringing Senegalese Islam to the international arena, N'Dour uses his stature as a world-class musician to both articulate and participate in the creation of a Sufi modernity, namely a way of being a Sufi Muslim in a globalised world. In addition to being a personal journey for Youssou N'Dour, both musically in its orientation towards the East rather than the West, and in his own religious faith, Sant Yalla/Egypt also echoes many of the current preoccupations of Muslim intellectuals and artists as they seek to renew and reinterpret their own local religious traditions for a global audience.
Mechanical properties of PECVD thin ceramic films

Abstract Silicon dioxide (thickness 350 nm and 969 nm) and silicon nitride (thickness 218 nm) films deposited on silicon substrate using plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process were investigated using a Berkovich nanoindenter. The load-depth measurements revealed that the oxide films have lower modulus and hardness compared to the silicon substrate, where as the nitride film has a higher hardness and slightly lower modulus than the substrate. To delineate the substrate effect, a phenomenological model, that captures most of the ‘continuous stiffness measurement’ data, was proposed and then extended on both sides to determine the film and substrate properties. The modulus and hardness of the oxide film were around 53 GPa and 4–8 GPa where as those of the nitride film were around 150 GPa and 19 GPa, respectively. These values compare well with the measurements reported elsewhere in the literature.
High-throughput identification of putative receptors for cancer-binding peptides using biopanning and microarray analysis

Phage-display peptide biopanning has been successfully used to identify cancer-targeting peptides in multiple models. For cancer-binding peptides, identification of the peptide receptor is necessary to demonstrate the mechanism of action and to further optimize specificity and target binding. The process of receptor identification can be slow and some peptides may turn out to bind ubiquitous proteins not suitable for further drug development. In this report, we describe a high-throughput method for screening a large number of peptides in parallel to identify peptide receptors, which we have termed “reverse biopanning.” Peptides can then be selected for further development based on their receptor. To demonstrate this method, we screened a library of 39 peptides previously identified in our laboratory to bind specifically to cancers after irradiation. The reverse biopanning process identified 2 peptides, RKFLMTTRYSRV and KTAKKNVFFCSV, as candidate ligands for the protein tax interacting protein 1 (TIP-1), a protein previously identified in our laboratory to be expressed in tumors and upregulated after exposure to ionizing radiation. We used computational modeling as the initial method for rapid validation of peptide–TIP-1 binding. Pseudo-binding energies were calculated to be −360.645 kcal mol−1, −487.239 kcal mol−1, and −595.328 kcal mol−1 for HVGGSSV, TTRYSRV, and NVFFCSV respectively, suggesting that the peptides would have at least similar, if not stronger, binding to TIP-1 compared to the known TIP-1 binding peptide HVGGSSV. We validated peptide binding in vitro using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, which showed strong binding of RKFLMTTRYSRV and the truncated form TTRYSRV. This method allows for the identification of many peptide receptors and subsequent selection of peptides for further drug development based on the peptide receptor.
Augmenting convection-enhanced delivery through simultaneous co-delivery of fluids and laser energy with a fiberoptic microneedle device

Abstract This paper describes a new infusion catheter, based on our fiberoptic microneedle device (FMD), designed with the objective of photothermally augmenting the volumetric dispersal of infused therapeutics. We hypothesize that concurrent delivery of laser energy, causing mild localized photothermal heating (4-5 °C), will increase the spatial dispersal of infused chemotherapy over a long infusion period. Agarose brain phantoms, which mimic the brains mechanical and fluid conduction properties, were constructed from 0.6 wt% Agarose in aqueous solution. FMDs were fabricated by adhering a multimode fiberoptic to a silica capillary tube, such that their flat-polished tips co-terminated. Continuous-wave 1064 nm light was delivered simultaneously with FD&C Blue #2 (5%) dye into phantoms. Preliminary experiments, where co-delivery was tested against fluid delivery alone (through symmetrical infusions into in vivo rodent models), were also conducted. In the Agarose phantoms, volumetric dispersal was demonstrated to increase by more than 3-fold over a four-hour infusion time frame for co-delivery relative to infusion-only controls. Both forward and backward (reflux) infusions were also observed to increase slightly. Increased volumetric dispersal was demonstrated with co-delivery in an in vivo rodent model. Photothermal augmentation of infusion was demonstrated to influence the directionality and increase the volume of dye dispersal in Agarose brain phantoms. With further development, FMDs may enable a greater distribution of chemotherapeutic agents during CED therapy of brain tumors. Keywords: convection-enhanced delivery, fiberoptics, malignant glioma, simultaneous co-delivery, photothermal, minimally-invasive, chemotherapy, micorneedles
Gender differences in perceptions and self-reported driving behaviors among teenagers.

BACKGROUND: The Centers for Disease Control reports that motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) are the leading cause of injury and death among U.S. teenagers, and disproportionately affect males. Among preventable causes of MVCs involving teenage drivers, distracted driving continues to be a serious public health problem. OBJECTIVES: To describe gender differences in teenage drivers' self-perceptions of safe driving behaviors, and self-reported risk behaviors and distractions while driving. METHODS: We prospectively surveyed teenage drivers from four high schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Gender comparisons were made between self-reported perceptions and self-reported driving behaviors. Descriptive statistics and chi-squared testing were used in data analyses; significance was set at p RESULTS: Seven hundred fifty-six high school teenage drivers completed surveys. Males (52%) and females (48%) were equally distributed; 32% of males reported that they were extremely safe drivers, whereas only 18% of females reported that they were extremely safe drivers (p CONCLUSION: Teenage male drivers perceive themselves to be safe drivers, but report engaging in more distracted driving and risky behaviors compared to females. These results suggest that there is an opportunity for gender-specific educational and injury prevention programs for teen drivers. Keywords: Driver distraction; Language: en
Sequential effects of signaled and unsignaled variations in reinforcement magnitude on fixed-interval performance

Nine rats were reinforced for barpressing on a FI 3-min schedule. Every odd-numbered interval (i.e., the first, third, fifth, etc. interval in the session) ended with a two-pellet reinforcement. Even-numbered intervals ended with either a one- or a three-pellet reinforcement. During nondiscrimination sessions, a light was on during the even-numbered intervals while no.light was on during the odd-numbered intervals. These were called nondiscrimination sessions because the subject could not predict the number of pellets it would receive at the end of the variable reinforcement interval. During discrimination sessions, light plus tone was presented in intervals which ended with one pellet, and light plus click was presented during intervals wnich ended with three pellets. The animals learned to discrimmate between these auditory stimuli. It was shown that the subjects made more responses during the last half of an interval following a one-pellet reinforcement during discrimination sessions as compared to nondiscrimination sessions. These results indicate that behavioral contrast was produced by the discriminative stimuli.
Goal Commitments and the content of thoughts and dreams: basic principles

A few empirically supported principles can account for much of the thematic content of waking thought, including rumination, and dreams. (1) An individual’s commitments to particular goals sensitize the individual to respond to cues associated with those goals. The cues may be external or internal in the person’s own mental activity. The responses may take the form of noticing the cues, storing them in memory, having thoughts or dream segments related to them, and/or taking action. Noticing may be conscious or not. Goals may be any desired endpoint of a behavioral sequence, including finding out more about something, i.e., exploring possible goals, such as job possibilities or personal relationships. (2) Such responses are accompanied and perhaps preceded by protoemotional activity or full emotional arousal, the amplitude of which determines the likelihood of response and is related to the value placed on the goal. (3) When the individual is in a situation conducive to making progress toward attaining the goal, the response to goal cues takes the form of actions or operant mental acts that advance the goal pursuit. (4) When circumstances are unfavorable for goal-directed operant behavior, the response remains purely mental, as in mind-wandering and dreaming, but still reflects the content of the goal pursuit or associated content. (5) Respondent responses such as mind-wandering are more likely when the individual is mentally unoccupied with ongoing tasks and less likely the more that is at stake in the ongoing task. The probability of respondent thought is highest during relaxed periods, when the brain’s default-mode network dominates, or during sleep. The article briefly summarizes neurocognitive findings that relate to mind-wandering and evidence regarding adverse effects of mind-wandering on task performance as well as evidence suggesting adaptive functions in regard to creative problem-solving, planning, resisting delay discounting, and memory consolidation.
Filter bank analyser for automatic analysis of the e.m.g.

An electronic e.m.g. analyser is described which can continuously analyse the r.m.s. amplitude and the frequency components of the e.m.g. over the frequency range of 35 to 350 Hz. The analyser uses 10 active bandpass filters to measure some of the frquency components of the e.m.g. The amplitude of the frequency components of the e.m.g. are then processed by an analogue computer to calculate their median frequency. An r.m.s. converter is used to calculate the r.m.s. amplitude of the e.m.g. The degree of fatigue induced in the muscle is then quantified from the downward shift of the centre frequency of the e.m.g. Four subjects were asked to exert brief contractions at tensions up to 100% of their maximum strength and fatiguing isometric contraction at tensions of 25, 40 and 70% of their maximum strength to test the operation of the analyser. As a basis for comparison, the e.m.g. recorded during these contractions was also processed through Fourier analysis on a digital computer. The results of these experiments shows a striking similarity of the results between the two techniques.
Crystal Structures of the MJ1267 ATP Binding Cassette Reveal an Induced-Fit Effect at the ATPase Active Site of an ABC Transporter

Abstract Background: ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters are ubiquitously distributed transmembrane solute pumps that play a causative role in numerous diseases. Previous structures have defined the fold of the ABC and established the flexibility of its α-helical subdomain. But the nature of the mechanical changes that occur at each step of the chemical ATPase cycle have not been defined. Results: Crystal structures were determined of the MJ1267 ABC from Methanococcus jannaschii in Mg-ADP-bound and nucleotide-free forms. Comparison of these structures reveals an induced-fit effect at the active site likely to be a consequence of nucleotide binding. In the Mg-ADP-bound structure, the loop following the Walker B moves toward the Walker A (P-loop) coupled to backbone conformational changes in the intervening "H-loop", which contains an invariant histidine. These changes affect the region believed to mediate intercassette interaction in the ABC transporter complex. Comparison of the Mg-ADP-bound structure of MJ1267 to the ATP-bound structure of HisP suggests that an outward rotation of the α-helical subdomain is coupled to the loss of a molecular contact between the γ-phosphate of ATP and an invariant glutamine in a segment connecting this subdomain to the core of the cassette. Conclusions: The induced-fit effect and rotation of the α-helical subdomain may play a role in controlling the nucleotide-dependent change in cassette-cassette interaction affinity believed to represent the power-stroke of ABC transporters. Outward rotation of the α-helical subdomain also likely facilitates Mg-ADP release after hydrolysis. The MJ1267 structures therefore define features of the nucleotide-dependent conformational changes that drive transmembrane transport in ABC transporters.
Clinical outcomes and cost analysis of a "fast track" postoperative care pathway for ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: a case control study.

Traditional length of hospital stay after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis is 8 to 15 days. Fast track rehabilitation programs reduce stay, but there are concerns that readmission and complication rates may be increased. This study evaluated a fast track pathway after ileoanal pouch surgery. One hundred three consecutive patients underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis on two colorectal services using a fast track protocol with early ambulation, diet, and defined discharge criteria. Direct hospital costs and 30-day and long-term complication data were collected. Patients were matched to controls managed with traditional care pathways by other colorectal staff. Matching was established for 97 patients. Fast track patients had shorter hospital stay than controls (median 4 vs. 5 days; mean 5.0 vs. 5.9, P = 0.012). Readmission and recurrent operation rates were similar (24 vs. 20 percent, P = 0.49, and 9 vs. 10 percent, P = 0.8, fast track vs. control, respectively). Median direct costs per patient (US$) within 30 days were lower with fast track (5692 vs. 6672, P = 0.001), primarily because of reductions in postoperative management expenses. Complication rates, including pouch failure, bowel obstruction, pouchitis, and anastomotic stricture were comparable. Early discharge (≤ 5 days from surgery) occurred in 79 (77 percent) fast track patients. Failure with early discharge was associated with male gender, reoperations, and anastomotic complications. Fast track protocol after ileoanal pouch surgery reduces length of stay and hospital costs without increasing complication rates. Successful early discharge usually signals a benign postoperative course.
Tribute to Yasuji Katsuki's Major Findings: Sharpening of Frequency Tuning in the Central Auditory System

(1997). Tribute to Yasuji Katsuki's Major Findings: Sharpening of Frequency Tuning in the Central Auditory System. Acta Oto-Laryngologica: Vol. 117, No. sup532, pp. 9-12.
A longitudinal study of two groups of children with early reading problems.

The word lists of the Standard Reading Inventory were administered to five successive classes of beginning third graders in a single school. Those students scoring at the two lowest levels, preprimer and primer, all of whom had received consistent individualized reading instruction, were interviewed and tested individually when they were in junior or senior high school. The preprimer group continued to show serious disability at follow-up, with a mean retardation of 4.5 years in reading and 5.9 years in spelling, and continued to require help from learning-disabilities teachers. The primer group, only 1–2 years retarded in reading and spelling, were coping academically with little special help.
Chloroplast DNA codes for tRNA from cytoplasmic polyribosomes

CHLOROPLAST DNA (ctDNA) from Euglena gracilis contains 25–27 cistrons for tRNA1,2 and two cistrons each for 16S and 23S tRNA3, and 2.8% of the DNA codes for non-ribosomal RNA containing polyadenosine4. The tRNA from purified chloroplasts complements 18 cistrons, whereas whole cells contain species of tRNA complementing 7–9 additional cistrons1. Chromatography on DBAE-cellulose separates the tRNA into two fractions1. Uniquely modified bases are found in the fraction II tRNA. Isolated chloroplasts do not contain fraction II tRNA but this tRNA does hybridise to 7 or 8 cistrons on the ct DNA1. The present results demonstrate that fraction I and fraction II tRNAs are coded by separate and distinct cistrons and that cytoplasmic polyribosomes contain the fraction II tRNA. Further, the aminoacyl acceptor species in fraction II tRNA from whole cells and from cytoplasmic polyribosomes are the same, but the relative abundance of each species varies in the two samples.
Resting-state neuronal oscillatory correlates of working memory performance.

Purpose Working memory (WM) represents the brain’s ability to maintain information in a readily available state for short periods of time. This study examines the resting-state cortical activity patterns that are most associated with performance on a difficult working-memory task. Methods Magnetoencephalographic (MEG) band-passed (delta/theta (1–7 Hz), alpha (8–13 Hz), beta (14–30 Hz)) and sensor based regional power was collected in a population of adult men (18–28 yrs, n = 24) in both an eyes-closed and eyes-open resting state. The normalized power within each resting state condition as well as the normalized change in power between eyes closed and open (zECO) were correlated with performance on a WM task. The regional and band-limited measures that were most associated with performance were then combined using singular value decomposition (SVD) to determine the degree to which zECO power was associated with performance on the three-back verbal WM task. Results Changes in power from eyes closed to open revealed a significant decrease in power in all band-widths that was most pronounced in the posterior brain regions (delta/theta band). zECO right posterior frontal and parietal cortex delta/theta power were found to be inversely correlated with three-back working memory performance. The SVD evaluation of the most correlated zECO metrics then provided a singular measure that was highly correlated with three-back performance (r = −0.73, p<0.0001). Conclusion Our results indicate that there is an association between WM performance and changes in resting-state power (right posterior frontal and parietal delta/theta power). Moreover, an SVD of the most associated zECO measures produces a composite resting-state metric of regional neural oscillatory power that has an improved association with WM performance. To our knowledge, this is the first investigation that has found that changes in resting state electromagnetic neural patterns are highly associated with verbal working memory performance.
Martinella (Bignoniaceae): a widely used eye medicine of South America.

Un extrait prepare a partir des racines de Martinella est largement utilise pour la medecine oculaire par les populations aborigenes au nord est de l'Amerique du sud. Une utilisation qui n'avait jamais ete rapportee auparavant. Les resultats montrent que Martinella contient des proprietes medicales utiles
Characterizing spatial patterns of land ownership at the parcel level in south-central Indiana, 1928–1997

Abstract Parcelization of land ownership is a process that has dramatic implications for how landscapes are managed and how socio-economic changes ultimately affect the pattern, composition and characteristics of the landscape. For a study area in south-central Indiana, a digital spatial dataset of ownership parcels was created from historical plat maps for the period of 1928–1997. The patterns of ownership parcelization were categorized into a typology based on characteristics of the parent and child parcels using a cluster analysis. These types were then used to describe the trajectory of parcelization, or life history, of a parcel using a transition matrix approach. Results show that the most common type of parcelization is one where a parent parcel splits into two equally sized child parcels. The results from the transition matrix analysis suggest that the history of a parcel is of importance in that it does enable and constrain future parcelization types. Possible relationships between the results from the quantitative analysis and underlying household social processes are also discussed and evaluated.
Territorial salamanders assess sexual and competitive information using chemical signals

Abstract Adult male and female red-backed salamanders, Plethodon cinereus , gain information about gender and body size of conspecifics through chemical signals. Responses to information about gender differed between the sexes: females produced faecal pellets (territorial pheromonal markers) fastest when exposed to their own pheromones while males produced faecal pellets fastest when exposed to pheromones of females. These data suggest that for females the primary pheromonal function of faecal pellets is advertisement (i.e. defence) of their own areas, and that faecal pellets produced by males are of primary importance in the attraction of mates. Two types of responses to information concerning body size were found. (1) Both male and female intruders exposed to the pheromones of resident males tended to produce larger faecal pellets when the intruder and resident were of similar body sizes. This phenomenon was not observed when the resident was female. (2) Male intruders were significantly more aggressive when exposed to the pheromones of individuals of similar body size and more submissive when exposed to pheromones of individuals that were larger. Therefore, information about body size (an indicator of competitive ability) of males may be transmitted via chemical signals and may cause changes in the behaviour of conspecifics.
Apparatus for recording scintillation pulse contours from liquid solutions excited by ionizing particles

Abstract Apparatus for accurately recording scintillation pulse contours is described and sample pulse shapes for excitation by α and β particles are presented. A favorable characteristic of this equipment is that it can reproduce the scintillation pulse with high fidelity in about 15 min. This equipment is well suited for studies of solutions to be used in pulse-shape discrimination and for studies of dynamic quenching.
The shaping of the departmental culture: Measuring the relative influences of the institution and discipline

Despite its fundamental role in the structure and function of higher education, departmental culture has received little attention from higher education scholars and virtually no research has been done on how departmental culture is shaped by the larger disciplinary and institutional cultures. This study demonstrates the extent to which different aspects of departmental culture can be attributed to the influence of institutional and disciplinary cultures.
Specific anion effects on ATPase activity, calmodulin sensitivity, and solubilization of dynein ATPases.

The basal ATPase activity of 30S dynein, whether obtained by extraction of ciliary axonemes with a high (0.5 M NaCl) or low (1 mM Tris-0.1 mM EDTA) ionic strength buffer is increased by NaCl, NaNO3, and Na acetate, with NaNO3 causing the largest increase. The calmodulin-activated ATPase activity of 30S dynein is also increased by addition of NaCl, NaNO3, or Na acetate, but the effects are less pronounced than on basal activity, so that the calmodulin activation ratio (CAR) decreases to 1.0 as salt concentration increases to 0.2 M. These salts also reduce the CAR of 14S dynein ATPase to 1.0 but by strongly inhibiting the calmodulin-activated ATPase activity and only slightly inhibiting the basal activity. Sodium fluoride differs both quantitatively and qualitatively from the other three salts studied. It inhibits the ATPase activity of both 14S and 30S dyneins at concentrations below 5 mM and, by a stronger inhibition of the calmodulin-activated ATPase activities, reduces the CAR to 1.0. Na acetate does not inhibit axonemal ATPase, nor does it interfere with the drop in turbidity caused by ATP and extracts very little protein from the axonemes. NaCl and, especially, NaNO3, cause a slow decrease in A350 of an axonemal suspension and an inhibition of the turbidity response to ATP. NaF, at concentrations comparable to those that inhibit the ATPase activities of the solubilized dyneins, also inhibits axonemal ATPase activity and the turbidity response. Pretreatment of demembranated axonemes with a buffer containing 0.25 M sodium acetate for 5 min followed by extraction for 5 min with a buffer containing 0.5 M NaCl and resolution of the extracted dynein on a sucrose density gradient generally yields a 30S dynein that is activated by calmodulin in a heterogeneous manner, ie, the “light” 30S dynein ATPase fractions are more activated than the “heavy” 30S dynein fractions. These results demonstrate specific anion effects on the basal and calmodulin-activated dynein ATPase activities, on the extractability of proteins from the axoneme, and on the turbidity response of demembranated axonemes to ATP. They also provide a method that frequently yields 30S dynein fractions with ATPase activities that are activated over twofold by added calmodulin.
The comparative clinical pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of vindesine, vincristine, and vinblastine in human patients with cancer

The pharmacokinetics of vindesine, vincristine, and vinblastine were investigated in patients with cancer. All drugs were administered rapidly via intravenous injection, and drug levels were determined in serum obtained at intervals after injection by radioimmunoassay. All three drugs exhibited a triphasic serum decay pattern, with no major differences in alpha or beta phase half-lives noted among them. However, vincristine had a longer and more variable terminal phase half-life (85 +/- 69 hr) than vindesine (24 +/- 10 hr) or vinblastine (25 +/- 7 hr). Central compartment volumes were also different. The most important finding was the observation of differences in the serum or body clearances of these drugs (vincristine 0.106 liter/kg/hr, vindesine 0.252 liter/kg/hr, and vinblastine 0.740 liter/kg/hr). These differences correlate well with the results of similar studies done in animals, with acute LD50 data in mice, and with the usually employed weekly clinical doses for these drugs. These findings support the hypothesis that differences in the toxicities of these alkaloids may be related in part to differences in their pharmacokinetics.
Burst kinetics of single NMDA receptor currents in cell-attached patches from rat brain cortical neurons in culture.

1. The patch-clamp technique was used to record single-channel currents from cell-attached patches on rat brain cortical neurons in culture. The composition of the open and shut intervals during bursts of openings was studied in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors exposed to 1 microM NMDA and 10 microM glycine at a membrane potential of -70 mV. 2. Open interval histograms were constructed for openings at each position (first, second, third, etc.) during all bursts. Distributions from openings two to five were fitted with similar (two or three) exponential components. The first opening from all bursts tended to be of shorter duration than the other openings. 3. Bursts were sorted according to the number of openings they contained and duration histograms were obtained for the openings at each position (one to five) during bursts of up to five openings. For bursts containing two or more openings, the distribution of open durations obtained at a given position were similar to each other regardless of the number of openings in the burst. 4. In bursts of two or more openings (up to five), duration histograms from the openings at each position in the burst were fitted with two or three exponential components that were similar for each opening. Bursts consisting of a single opening had a different distribution, having a relatively larger component of short duration. 5. Shut intervals during bursts were described by two exponential components with average time constants (and relative areas) (means +/- S.E.M.) of 0.06 +/- 0.01 ms (0.59 +/- 0.02) and 0.64 +/- 0.02 ms (0.41 +/- 0.02). Their distribution was independent of the numbers of openings in the bursts, their position within the burst, and the types of openings (long or short duration) contained within the burst. 6. These results suggest that each opening in bursts of two or more openings is kinetically similar to every other opening regardless of burst length. Analogously, each shut period during a burst was similar to every other. A kinetic model with three open and four closed intraburst states is shown to be consistent with these results for bursts of two or more openings.
Further Evaluation of Aortic Valve Homografts Sterilized by Electron-Beam Energy

Clinical results with the use of irradiated aortic valve homografts in 45 patients are reported. These valves have functioned satisfactorily up to 2 years. Forty-four per cent of the surviving patients developed a murmur suggestive of a degree of aortic valvular insufficiency. One required re-operation, and all others remain in excellent compensation. Emphasis is placed on the precise surgical technique of implantation and the proper selection of graft size, as well as the technique of preservation of the graft in obtaining a satisfactory hemodynamic result.
Internet-based attitude assessment: does gender affect measurement equivalence?

As researchers and practitioners increasingly turn to the Internet as a data collection medium, investigating the differential effects of administration mode on data quality becomes increasingly important. To date, no research has investigated whether data gathered from differing subgroups demonstrate measurement equivalence across Internet and paper-and-pencil administration modes despite the large literature suggesting that males and females differ in terms of computer anxiety. The present study, employing a repeated measures design, investigated systematic cross-mode differences in responding as a function of gender. Results demonstrate that both sexes use the same psychological metric when providing satisfaction ratings regardless of Internet or paper-and-pencil administration (equivalent factor structure and factor loadings). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in scale/item means over the modes of administration according to gender. These results suggest that gender does not lead to a negative impact on cross-mode measurement equivalence for self-report ratings.
The Shape of Pulverized Bituminous Vitrinite Coal Particles

The shape of pulverized bituminous coal particles (vitrinites) was determined by optical and laser light scattering. Vitrain samples were collected from obvious tree remains located in the ceilings of two Appalachian coal mines. Wet sieving produced narrow size cuts. The particles were determined to be oblong or blocky in shape, with average length-to-width ratio of 1.7 and sphericity of 0.78. They were analogous in shape to a square ended, rectangular "house brick" . The two bituminous coals and different size cuts of each coal had essentially the same shape parameters. Characteristic heating times and terminal velocities were higher by 22 and 20%, respectively compared to spherical par- ticles.
Synthesis of a transition metal-dithionite complex, (η5-C5H5)(CO)2FeS(O)2S(O)2Fe(CO)2(η5-C5H5)

Abstract The reaction of Na[η5-C5H5Fe(CO)2] with large excess of SO2 in THF at −78°C followed by warming to room temperature affords an iron—dithionite complex, (η5-C5H5)(CO)2FeS(O)2S(O)2Fe(CO)2(η5-C5H5).
Electrochemical capacitance voltage profiling of the narrow band gap semiconductor InAs

InAs is a narrow band gap compound semiconductor with potential applications in infra-red detectors and high speed transistors. In order to facilitate device design using this material, it is essential that carrier concentration profiles be accurately known. Capacitance-voltage (CV) profiling is often employed for this purpose. Due to surface Fermi level pinning, it is difficult to form metal Schottky contacts to InAs layers, making conventional CV profiling difficult. Electro-chemical CV (ECV) measurements have been successfully performed on InAs epilayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy on GaP. A solution of 0.2 M EDTA with 0.2M NaOH and 10–20% by volume of ethylenediamine acts both as an etchant and as a Schottky contact to InAs. The profiles obtained for undoped InAs layers were compared to Hall effect data, and showed good agreement. ECV profiling of thick layers with p- and n-type doped regions is also demonstrated.
Microglia derived from aging mice exhibit an altered inflammatory profile.

Microglia play a critical role in neurodegenerative diseases and in the brain aging process. Yet, little is known about the functional dynamics of microglia during aging. Thus, using young and aging transgenic mice expressing enhancedgreen fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the promoter of the c-fms gene for macrophage-colony stimulating factor receptor, we evaluated in vivo-induced inflammatory responses of EGFP-expressing microglia sorted by flow cytometry. Aging microglia were characterized by the presence of lipofuscin granules, decreased processes complexity, altered granularity, and increased mRNA expression of both proinflammatory (TNFa, IL-1b, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10, TGFb1) cytokines. Following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (1 mg/kg, 3 h), aging microglia exhibit increased basal expression of TNFa, IL-1b, IL-6, and IL-10. Yet, the foldover-basal LPS response remained constant across age, implying that the inflammatory machinery in aging microglia is functional and adjusted to the basal state. Gender differences were not overall observed across the treatments (age, LPS). The low but sustained production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by aging microglia may have a profound impact in the brain aging process. V V C 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Practice and theory (IC testing)

The author addresses the question of knowledge transfer between industry and academy in the area of integrated-circuit (IC) testing. He first examines the movement of theory from academia to industrial practice, finding two problems: designers are evaluated on meeting deadlines not on testability; and most designers do not know how to ensure testability in a systematic fashion. The solutions are technological-implementation of either design rules and design-rule checkers to guarantee testability or the use of testability measure programs-and educational, i.e. teaching design for testability as an integral part of logic design. The author then discusses the problems of teaching the relevance of theory to current industrial practice at the University ball. He finds more problems and lists the causes of the irrelevance of theory, including industry-university consulting policies, funding mechanisms that depend on peer review, and the frequent difficulty of determining the relevance of novel theory before its industrial applications. >
PATTERNS AND CONSEQUENCES OF SPORE DISPERSAL IN THE GIANT KELP, MACROCYSTIS PYRIFERA

We investigated patterns of spore dispersal in the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera by collecting 80 independent measurements of spore dispersal from isolated individuals and isolated groups of individuals over a two-year period. Our results indicate that giant kelp spores routinely disperse both short (i.e. a couple meters) and long (i.e. hundreds to thousands of meters) distances depending on the oceanographic conditions. One consequence of spore dispersal over short distances is self-fertilization (i.e., fertilization between male and female gametophytes derived from the same sporophyte). Field experiments designed to test the effects of self-fertilization on lifetime fitness in Macrocystis revealed significant inbreeding depression. Birth rates in self-fertilized populations were ca. 50% of those produced from outcrossing, which lead to significant differences in cohort size that persisted up through the adult stage. In contrast to outcrossed populations, very few individuals produced from selfing became reproductively mature, and those that did were significantly less fecund than outcrossed individuals. By contrast, long-range dispersal of spores leads to increased rates of outcrossing. However, long-range dispersal is typically accompanied by massive dilution of spores, leading to low densities of spore settlement. Sparse spore settlement decreases the overall chance of fertilization in the microscopic gametophyte generation thereby reducing the potential for colonization of the macroscopic sporophyte stage. Large population size of adult sporophytes coupled with the synchronous release of spores in response to environmental cues can help offset the effects of spore dilution and extend the distances over which giant kelp is able to colonize.
The role of nitric oxide in the biological activity of prolactin in the mouse mammary gland

In mouse mammary epithelial cells, prolactin transiently elevates nitric oxide (NO) to a maximum of 6 nmol/mg protein at 15 min, after which levels fall rapidly. This stimulation can be achieved by as little as 100 ng prolactin/ml and can be mimicked by 100 microg sodium nitroprusside/ml. NO is both necessary and sufficient to mediate the prolactin-induced redistribution of its receptor from internal pools to the cell surface. NO can also enhance DNA synthesis stimulated by submaximal prolactin concentrations (50 ng/ml), but it is not necessary at pharmacological prolactin concentrations (1 microg/ml). In contrast, NO completely inhibits alpha-lactalbumin production. In summary, prolactin transiently elevates NO to enhance DNA synthesis and suppress premature differentiation; thereafter, NO declines, DNA synthesis ceases and differentiation proceeds. This data suggest that NO may mediate some of the effects of prolactin on growth in the mammary gland.
A Sympatric Cryptic Species of Mammal: A New Species of Rhogeessa (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

A new species of bat from the genus Rhogeessa is described, which would not have been recognized as distinct if the karyotypes had not been available. The discovery of this species clearly documents that it is possible for two sympatric species of mammals to be so similar in external and cranial morphology that without chromosomal, genic, or some other data, a researcher would never realize a local sample contained more than a single biological species. (Cryptic species; karyotypes; morphometrics; Vespertilionidae; Rhogeessa.) In examinations involving defense of theses and dissertations, I have often heard the question asked, "How do you know the sample of animals that you studied was not composed of two morphologically cryptic species?" The question is a critical one, because the implications of data col- lected in many studies could be quite dif- ferent if more than a single species were included in a sample. However, I am not aware of an example from the class Mam- malia in which two sympatric species can- not be distinguished by classical methods utilizing morphology. The following de- scription of a new species is from a sample containing two species that would not have been recognized as distinct from each other if chromosomal data had not been available. This example serves as a warn- ing that two cryptic species of mammals may exist sympatrically, yet be indistin- guishable by classical methods of identi- fying congeneric taxa. In the course of chromosomal studies on New World bats, it has become apparent, for the reasons listed below, that there is an undescribed species in the tumida-par- vula complex of the genus Rhogeessa. The purpose of this paper is to describe this species and to point out the implication of its discovery.
Repulsive axon guidance cues ephrin-A2 and slit3 stop protrusion of the growth cone leading margin concurrently with inhibition of ADF/cofilin and ERM proteins.

Axonal growth cones turn away from repulsive guidance cues. This may start with reduced protrusive motility in the region the growth cone leading margin that is closer to the source of repulsive cue. Using explants of E7 chick temporal retina, we examine the effects of two repulsive guidance cues, ephrin-A2 and slit3, on retinal ganglion cell growth cone protrusive activity, total F-actin, free F-actin barbed ends, and the activities (phosphorylation states) of actin regulatory proteins, ADF/cofilin and ERM proteins. Ephrin-A2 rapidly stops protrusive activity simultaneously with reducing F-actin, free barbed ends and the activities of ADF/cofilin and ERM proteins. Slit3 also stops protrusion and reduces the activities of ADF/cofilin and ERM proteins. We interpret these results as indicating that repulsive guidance cues inhibit actin polymerization and actin-membrane linkage to stop protrusive activity. Retrograde F-actin flow withdraws actin to the C-domain, where F-actin bundles interact with myosin II to generate contractile forces that can collapse and retract the growth cone. Our results suggest that common mechanisms are used by repulsive guidance cue to disable growth cone motility and remodel growing axon terminals.
Imaging LWIR spectrometers for remote sensing applications

The advent of modern focal plane arrays has paved the way for the development of imaging spectrometers for use in remote sensing applications. This paper reviews four imaging spectrometer types: the dispersive spectrometer, the tunable Fabry-Perot filter, the Michelson Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS), and the spatially modulated FTS. Moreover, this paper identifies their strengths and weaknesses and considers their application to the LWIR region as defined by the Earth's atmospheric `windows' from 7.5 - 13.5 micrometers . Each instrument type places unique requirements on the performance of the focal plane arrays. The discussion centers on the dynamic range differences and dwell time difference for these instruments.
CHINA'S POMPEII: TWELFTH‐CENTURY DONGJING

(1995). China's Pompeii: Twelfth‐Century Dongjing. The Historian: Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 49-68.
Diffusion of oxygen in gamma‐irradiated polyethylene

Theories of gas flow in polymers developed by Michaels and co-workers have been used to calculate the diffusion coefficient for oxygen in γ-irradiated polyethylene. The value obtained is in good agreement with that obtained from an independent method. The possible effect of dose rate on Michaels' theories is presented.
Inhibition of radiation-induced up-regulation of leukocyte adhesion to endothelial cells with the platelet-activating factor inhibitor, BN52021

Abstract Purpose: The inflammatory process is likely involved in normal tissue damage after radiation exposure, yet few studies have directly evaluated the factors that might be involved in the regulation of inflammation after irradiation in vivo . We tested the hypothesis that platelet-activating factor, a neutrophil agonist synthesized by endothelial cells, is involved in the upregulation of radiation-induced leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions by using an inhibitor of its receptor, BN52021. Methods and Materials: Fischer-344 rats with dorsal skin-fold window chambers were randomized to three experimental groups: control (sham irradiation); 6 Gy radiation; and 6 Gy + BN52021. BN52021 (0.5 mg/kg) was administered 5 min prior to 6 Gy radiation. Leukocytes were stained in vivo with i.v acridine orange for visualization with fluorescent microscopy. Venous vessel diameters were measured and numbers of rolling leukocytes were counted per 30-s period. The number of adhering leukocytes per unit surface area was also determined. Differences among that three experimental groups for rolling and adhering leukocytes were analyzed using a mixed-effects linear model with vessel shear rate used as a covariate. Results are reported as means ± standard errors. Results: Irradiation caused upregulation of leukocyte rolling, as compared with sham-treated controls ( p = 0.04): the BN compound in addition to radiation did not downregulate this effect. Irradiation also upregulated leukocyte adhesion ( p Conclusions: These results support the hypothesis that radiation-induced upregulation of leukocyte adhesion is mediated by platelet-activating factor. These results are consistent with prior reports that platelet-activating factor is not involved in leukocyte rolling, which involves separate families of adhesion molecules from those that regulate adhesion. BN52021, a ginkolide, or other related drugs might provide a useful pharmacological means to prevent or ameliorate inflammatory pathways that are invoked after radiation exposure.
Porphyromonas gingivalis fimbriae are pro-inflammatory but do not play a prominent role in the innate immune response to P. gingivalis.

The fimA gene encodes the major fimbrial protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis. It has been shown to stimulate adhesion to salivary proteins and other bacteria. It is also thought to play a major rol...
Dynamical Balances and Tropical Stratospheric Upwelling

Abstract The dynamical balances associated with upwelling in the tropical lower stratosphere are investigated based on climatological 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data. Zonal mean upwelling is calculated from momentum balance and continuity (“downward control”), and these estimates in the deep tropics are found to be in reasonable agreement with stratospheric upwelling calculated from thermodynamic balance (and also with vertical velocity obtained from ERA-40). The detailed momentum balances associated with the dynamical upwelling are investigated, particularly the contributions to climatological Eliassen–Palm (EP) flux divergence in the subtropics. Results show that the equatorward extension of extratropical waves (baroclinic eddies and, in the NH, quasi-stationary planetary waves) contribute a large component of the subtropical wave driving at 100 hPa. Additionally, there is a significant contribution to subtropical forcing from equatorial planetary waves, which exhibit a st...