cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Light, nutrients and the fatty acid composition of stream periphyton

Summary 1. While the balance of light and nutrients is known to influence the food quality of herbivores by altering algal phosphorus and nitrogen content, the combined effects of light and nutrients on fatty acid synthesis in freshwater periphyton are relatively unknown. In this study, we manipulated light and phosphorus concentration in large, flow-through experimental streams to examine their effects on both elemental stoichiometry and fatty acid content in periphyton. 2. Two levels of phosphorus (4 and 80 μg L−1) and three of light (17, 40, 110 μmol photons m−2 s−1) were applied in a factorial design in two separate experiments. Diatoms dominated periphyton communities in both experiments, comprising >95% of algal biovolume. Periphyton growth in the streams was simultaneously affected by both resources, even at low rates of supply. 3. Periphyton C/P and C/N ratios increased with light augmentation and decreased with phosphorus enrichment, and consistent with the light : nutrient hypothesis (LNH). Light effects were strongest in streams with low phosphorus concentrations. 4. Periphyton fatty acids reflected the dominance of diatoms : palmitic (16 : 0), palmitoleic (16 : 1ω7) and eicosapentanoic (20 : 5ω3) were the principal saturated (SAFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), respectively. Linoleic (18 : 2ω6) and linolenic (18 : 3ω3) acids, characteristic of chlorophytes and cyanophytes, were rare, comprising <2% of total fatty acids. 5. Periphyton fatty acid profiles were highly sensitive to light and phosphorus. The proportion of fatty acids comprised by SAFA and MUFA increased with light augmentation and decreased with phosphorus enrichment, whereas PUFA decreased with light and increased with phosphorus. Light effects on fatty acid composition were strongest in phosphorus-poor streams. PUFA declined with increasing light/phosphorus ratios in the streams, whereas ‘energy’ fatty acids (16 : 0 and 16 : 1) increased. The ratio of SAFA/PUFA was strongly and positively correlated with C/P and C/N ratios. SAFA and MUFA, normalised to dry mass, increased two- to threefold with increasing light, while PUFA normalised to dry mass was not significantly affected by light. 6. Similarities in the responses of fatty acids and elemental stoichiometry to light and phosphorus treatments suggested that they were influenced by a common mechanism. Both components of food quality appeared to be sensitive to light-regulated rates of carbon fixation which, when coupled with insufficient supplies of phosphorus, caused diatom cells to store surplus carbon in SAFA, MUFA and other carbon-rich compounds that diluted both essential fatty acids and mineral nutrients.
Convergence of U(1)3 lattice gauge theory to its continuum limit

It is shown that in three space-time dimensions the pure U(1) lattice gauge theory with Villain action and fixed coupling constant converges to the free electromagnetic field as the lattice spacing approaches zero. The same holds for the Wilson action on the electric sector.
Development of PTH eluting microspheres for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism.

Background Parathyroid hormone (PTH) replacement has been demonstrated to be superior to conventional treatment with calcium supplementation and vitamin D analogs for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism. In this investigation we evaluated the feasibility of using PTH microsphere encapsulation as a potential delivery system for PTH. Materials and methods Using the spontaneous emulsion technique, PTH microspheres were created by encapsulating PTH (1–34) in a copolymer of polyglycolic and polylactic acid (PLGA). Additional microspheres were constructed by coencapsulating calmodulin with PTH (1–34) in the PLGA microspheres. Microsphere production was confirmed using electron microscopy. PTH release was measured in vitro using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The bioactivity of PTH released from the microspheres was confirmed in vivo using a hypoparathyroid rat model by measuring serum calcium concentrations before and 3 h after subcutaneous injection of PTH microspheres. Results PTH microsphere and PTH/calmodulin microspheres could be created using the spontaneous emulsion technique. Physiologically significant PTH release was measured in vitro for 20 days. PTH release was calcium sensitive and exhibited negative feedback. This effect was augmented by coencapsulation with calmodulin. PTH released from the microspheres caused a significant rise in serum calcium levels from an average of 6.35 (6.19–6.48 mg/dL) to 8.55 mg/dL (8.22–8.73). PTH released from the PTH/calmodulin microspheres resulted in an increase in serum calcium from a mean of 6.8 (6.7–6.9 mg/dL) to 8.1 mg/dL (7.8–8.2). Conclusions The PLGA microspheres can be used to provide calcium sensitive controlled release of biologically active PTH and offer a potential mean of providing biomimetic hormone replacement therapy.
Solid state thin-film lithium battery systems

Thin-film rechargeable lithium batteries, less than 15 μm thick, are being developed as micro-power sources. Batteries with long cycle lives have been constructed with a variety of electrode materials and cell configurations onto thin ceramic, metal, and Si substrates. Improvements in the properties of several well-known cathode thin-film materials have been reported, while several novel thin-film anode materials have been introduced in recent papers. All recent thin-film batteries with moderate discharge powers and cycle lives rely on the amorphous lithium phosphorus oxynitride electrolyte, known as Lipon, deposited by rf magnetron sputtering.
A3-2: The Signs and Symptoms of Heart Failure are Frequently Documented to Wax and Wane in the Years Prior to a Clinical Diagnosis of Heart Failure: Data from 4,644 Patients Followed in Primary Care.

Background/Aims The diagnosis of heart failure (HF) is frequently delayed until patients are symptomatic enough to require hospitalization. Earlier identification of these patients would allow for the aggressive initiation of preventive strategies, potentially resulting in a decrease in hospitalizations and improved outcomes.
Steady-State and Dynamic Desorption of Organic Vapor From Activated Carbon With Electrothermal Swing Adsorption

A new method to achieve steady-state and dynamic-tracking desorption of organic compounds from activated carbon was developed and tested with a bench-scale system. Activated carbon fiber cloth (ACFC) was used to adsorb methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) from air streams. Direct electrothermal heating was then used to desorb the vapor to generate select vapor concentrations at 500 ppmv and 5000 ppmv in air. Dynamic-tracking desorption was also achieved with carefully controlled yet variable vapor concentrations between 250 ppmv and 5000 ppmv, while also allowing the flow rate of the carrier gas to change by 100%. These results were also compared to conditions when recovering MEK as a liquid, and using microwaves as the source of energy to regenerate the adsorbent to provide MEK as a vapor or a liquid.
Seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus-positive hospitalizations in children in Kiel, Germany, over a 7-year period.

Background: Elaborate, long-term data on the rhythm, seasonality and severity of the yearly respiratory syncytiaL virus (RSV) epidemics in Germany are lacking.
A new FACS approach isolates hESC derived endoderm using transcription factors.

We show that high quality microarray gene expression profiles can be obtained following FACS sorting of cells using combinations of transcription factors. We use this transcription factor FACS (tfFACS) methodology to perform a genomic analysis of hESC-derived endodermal lineages marked by combinations of SOX17, GATA4, and CXCR4, and find that triple positive cells have a much stronger definitive endoderm signature than other combinations of these markers. Additionally, SOX17+ GATA4+ cells can be obtained at a much earlier stage of differentiation, prior to expression of CXCR4+ cells, providing an important new tool to isolate this earlier definitive endoderm subtype. Overall, tfFACS represents an advancement in FACS technology which broadly crosses multiple disciplines, most notably in regenerative medicine to redefine cellular populations.
Characterization of Human TCR Vβ Gene Promoter ROLE OF THE DODECAMER MOTIF IN PROMOTER ACTIVITY

During T-lymphocyte development, the T-cell antigen receptor (TCR) gene expression is controlled by its promoter and enhancer elements and regulated in tissue- and development stage-specific manner. To uncover the promoter function and to define positive and negative regulatory elements in TCR gene promoters, the promoter activities from 13 human TCR Vβ genes were determined by the transient transfection system and luciferase reporter assay. Although most of the TCR Vβ gene promoters that we tested are inactive by themselves, some promoters were found to be constitutively strong. Among them, Vβ6.7 is the strongest. 5′-Deletion and fragmentation experiments have narrowed the full promoter activity of Vβ6.7 to a fragment of 147 base pairs immediately 5′ to the transcription initiation site. A decanucleotide motif with the consensus sequence AGTGAYRTCA has been found to be conserved in most TCR Vβ gene promoters. There are three such decamer motifs in the promoter region of Vβ6.7, and the contribution of each such motif to the promoter activity has been examined. Further site-directed mutagenesis analyses showed that: 1) when two Ts in the decamer were mutated, the promoter activity was totally abolished; 2) when two additional nucleotides 3′ to the end of decamer were mutated, the promoter activity was decreased to two-thirds of the full level; and 3) when the element with the sequence AGTGATGTCACT was inserted into other promoters, the original weak promoters become very strong. Taken together, our data suggest that the positive regulatory element in Vβ6.7 should be considered a dodecamer rather than a decamer and that it confers strong basal transcriptional activity on TCR Vβ genes.
Glucanases in Schizosaccharomyces. Isolation and properties of an exo-β-glucanase from the cell extracts and culture fluid of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var. versatilis

Abstract 1. (1)|Cell extracts and extracellular culture fluids of species of the yeast genus Schizosaccharomyces exhibited exo-β-(1 → 3)- and exo-β-(1 → 6)-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.-) activities. 2. (2)|Using a combination of Sephadex G-100 and DEAE-cellulose chromatography, the exo-β-(1 → 3)-glucanases from the cell extracts and culture fluid of Schizosaccharomyces japonicus var. versatilis were purified extensively. The enzymes from either location exhibited similar purification and other properties. 3. (3)|The purified enzymes hydrolysed the β-(1 → 6)-glucosidic linkage in addition to the β-(1 → 3) linkage. Heat denaturation, inhibition and electrophoretic studies indicated that both hydrolytic activities were the properties of a single protein. Laminarin and pustulan hydrolysis followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. The Km and V for laminarin hydrolysis were 6.25 mg/ml and 350 μmol of glucose released/min/mg protein, and for pustulan they were 166 mg/ml and 52 μmol of glucose released/min/mg protein. 4. (4)|The exo-β-glucanase was assigned a molecular weight of 43 000. 5. (5)|The purified enzyme failed to hydrolyse isolated cell walls from either baker's yeast or Schizosaccharomyces pombe or to induce protoplast formation from intact cells of S. japonicus var. versatilis or Saccharomyces cevisiae.
Bodies Matter in Literacy Coaching

Reading the implicit invitation in new literacies scholarship to reimagine pedagogy that leans into the lives of youth, Vasudevan reminds readers how the teacher's body is central to the meaning making of students in literacy classrooms. She extends this notion of embodiment to the work of the literacy coach and reiterates Skinner, Hagood, and Provost's call for a new literacies ethos in literacy coaching.
Heat capacity of zinc oxysulfate from 7.5 to 309.4 K with a transition from 270 to 306 K

Abstract The heat capacity of zinc oxysulfate (ZnO·2ZnSO4) was measured from 7.5 to 309.4 K by adiabatic calorimetry. A second-order transition was observed in the temperature range 270 to 306 K with a peak at 279.2 K. The values at 298.15 K for Cp,mo, {Smo(T)−Smo(0)}, −{G m o (T)−H m o (0)} T , and {Hmo(T)−Hmo(0)} are 246.86, 290.58, and 164.72 J·K−1·mol−1, and 37.53 kJ·mol−1, respectively. These properties are also reported from 5 to 1200 K at convenient temperature intervals.
Effect of L -Dopa on the Sleep of Man

NORMAL sleep in man consists of two alternating phases which may be distinguished by electroencephalographic (EEG), electromyographic, electro-occulographic, autonomic and psychologic criteria1–3. The initial period of nocturnal sleep is characterized by EEG spindles and slow waves, partial preservation of muscle tone, and regularity of pulse and respiratory rates. After about 90 min, this non-rapid eye movement (NREM) phase of sleep gives way to a period of irregular, low voltage electrocortical activity, bursts of rapid eye movements, profound hypotonia of certain muscles, rapid alterations in cardiorespiratory function and in human dreaming. Ordinarily, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep alternates with NREM sleep four or five times each night, and occupies 20 per cent to 25 per cent of total sleep time.
Some Observations on the Epidemiology of Benign Pleural Disease

The results from radiographic and respiratory function surveys in Quebec chrysotile miners and millers, Montana vermiculite workers and villagers from the Metsovo region of north-west Greece are co...
Challenges and benefits of assessment, diagnosis, and taxonomy for clinical practice and research.

Objective: To outline nosological (top-down) and empirically based (bottom-up) approaches to assessment and taxonomy of psychopathology.Method: The two approaches were compared and contrasted to highlight similarities and differences between them.Results and Conclusions: To advance services and research, we need to make optimal use of assessment data (i) to identify the distinguishing features of each case, and (ii) to link individual patterns of functioning with taxonomic constructs that can help us apply previously accumulated knowledge to new cases. The time may be ripe for integrating nosological and empirically based approaches. One way to integrate these approaches is to construct empirically based and DSM-oriented scales from the same item pools and to generate age- and gender-specific standard scores and cut-off points from the same normative samples. Integration of the approaches was illustrated with profiles of empirically based and DSM-oriented scales scored from the same item pools and quantif...
Identification and Implications of Biases in U.S. Surface Wind Observation, Archival, and Summarization Methods

Observational biases in hourly surface wind speed and direction measurements from 41 northeastern U.S. stations are evaluated. Based on this analysis, a number of consistent wind observation biases are detected which should be considered when using these data in modeling and other climatological applications. These biases include a preference to report wind speed as a multiple of either 2 or 5 kt and a similar bias for reporting even, in terms of tens of degrees, wind directions. Temporal and station-dependent trends in estimating winds less than the starting speed of the anemometer are also evident. Given these biases, potential inaccuracies in analyses using wind data are illustrated. In addition, analyses are conducted to identify biases related to archival and summarization practices. In particular, the comparability of wind climatologies based on varying record lengths is determined. These assessments suggest that at least nine years of data are required to obtain representative wind frequency tabulations. The potential consequences of using too small of a record length are also illustrated. To achieve this minimum record length, climatologies can be constructed using either hourly or 3-hourly observations.
Learning to Speak with a Professional Voice: Initiating Preservice Teachers into Being a Resource for Parents

Beginning teachers of young children often express concern that their professional preparation has not adequately prepared them to work effectively with families. This remains the case in spite of literature documenting the importance of involving parents in their children's early education. This article describes a service learning project designed to give students early in their professional preparation an authentic opportunity be a resource for the families of the children with whom they have worked. Service learning is a particularly appropriate pedagogical approach to enhance students' confidence and competence working with families because it provides authentic and hands-on opportunities to apply course content. This project effectively provided students an opportunity to assume a professional voice when working with families. It enhanced our program's success ensuring that our students take the requisite skills and dispositions to their work with families, while building their confidence and honing...
Line mixing and speed dependence in CO2 at 6227.9 cm−1: Constrained multispectrum analysis of intensities and line shapes in the 30013 ← 00001 band

Abstract Line position, intensity and line shape parameters (Lorentz widths, pressure shifts, line mixing, speed dependence) are reported for transitions of the 30013 ← 00001 band of 16O12C16O (ν0 = 6227.9 cm−1). The results are determined from 26 high-resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio spectra recorded at room temperature with the McMath-Pierce Fourier transform spectrometer. To minimize the systematic errors of the retrieved parameters, we constrained the multispectrum nonlinear least squares retrieval technique to use quantum mechanical expressions for the rovibrational energies and intensities rather than retrieving the individual positions and intensities line by line. Self- and air-broadened Lorentz width and pressure-induced shift, speed dependence and line mixing (off-diagonal relaxation matrix elements) coefficients were adjusted individually. Errors were further reduced by simultaneously fitting the interfering absorptions from the weak 30012 ← 00001 band of 16O13C16O as well as the weak hot bands 31113 ← 01101, 32213 ← 02201, 40014 ← 10002 and 40013 ← 10001 of 16O12C16O in this spectral window. This study complements our previous work on line mixing and speed dependence in the 30012 ← 00001 band (ν0 = 6347.8 cm−1) [V.M. Devi, D.C. Benner, L.R. Brown, C.E. Miller, R.A. Toth, J. Mol. Spectrosc. 242 (2007) 90-117] and provides key data needed to improve atmospheric remote sensing of CO2.
Q Sort Approaches in Studying Sex, Socioeconomic Status, and Psychopathological Variables

Recent years have witnessed the growth of a large body of literature centering around Q-methodology and its variants. As it is well known, Stephenson (1953) has been largely responsible for the development of this methodology as a tool for the study of personality typologies. The promise of such an approach is recognized by Mowrer (1953, pp. 316375) in an extensive survey of Q-methodology. He concludes by stating thac this technique and its variants enable us to move toward a "statistics of the individual." For some reason, Q-methodology has not found the present climate of clinical diagnostic opinon favorable to its development. However, the author believes that certain aspects of the approach provide an especially satisfactory means for investigating some significant variables. Patterning of traits is often emphasized in evaluating personality. However, our objective measures require an individual to evaluate himself upon one trait at a time. In this way, it is difficult, if not impossible, to evaluate an individual with respect to some structure or type of structure based on a patterned interrelationship among traits. Indeed, the Q sort may well have a distinct advantage in that it forces an individual to make the perceptual comparisons thac might reveal something about the structure characteristic of the individual's life space. The article attempts TO relate patterned interrelationships of this type to psychopathological variables. In view of the fact that relationships between socio-economic variables and psychiatric diagnosis have been found (Hollingshead & Redlich, 1953, pp. 195-207), it was thought that an inclusion of socioeconomic status as a dimension for study might prove profitable. Sex is generally regarded as an important variable in most phases of behavior, hence sex was included as an additional dimension. THE EXPERIMENT The Inventory
On the correspondence between Walsh spectral anlaysis and 2k factorial experimental designs

This paper discusses the basic concepts of using a spectrally based approach to identify a polynomial response surface model. We show that this approach is closely related to classical experimental design methods. We concentrate on the use of Walsh Spectra, and show that an experiment which is constructed in this fashion corresponds to a traditional 2k factorial design.
GLUTAMINE DEPRIVATION DURING PREGNANCY: COMPENSATORY MECHANISMS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS. † 1368

GLUTAMINE DEPRIVATION DURING PREGNANCY: COMPENSATORY MECHANISMS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS. † 1368
SEGREGATION OF SUSCEPTIBILITY TO PARASITISM IN MAIZE

Various degrees of immunity, shown by cultivated plants to the attacks of parasitic organisms, have been recorded. Resistance of cotton, cowpeas, and melons to fungus injury has been reported by Orton (I, 2, 3), of potatoes by Stuart (4), and of flax by Bolley (5). Webber and Orton (6) have shown that the same variety of cowpeas which is resistant to wilt is also markedly resistant to the root knot nematode. Gernert (7) also states that teosinte and first generation teosinte-maize hybrids are not subject to injury by aphids which attack maize. The inbred strains of maize carried on at the Connecticut Experiment Station, reported by East and Hayes (8), which have been continuously selfed to the present time, show striking differences in the number of plants affected by the smut fungus (Ustilago zeae (Beck.) Ung.) and an unidentified leaf blight organism. In I9I5 a few inbred strains of flint maize were badly injured by this leaf blight organism. Again in I9I6 the same strains were affected in the same way, every plant being badly injured, while other selfed strains derived from different varieties and grown in adjoining rows were almost entirely unaffected. First generation hybrids of these susceptible strains with resistant types were grown in the same field and were only slightly damaged. In I9I7 no injurious effects of this nature could be seen on any plants. Several different strains, however, were badly attacked by smut. In table i are given the number of plants grown and the number of plants affected of sixteen different selfed strains of maize, inbred from nine to eleven generations. The relation of these to each other is shown by the pedigree numbers. Twelve of these were derived from one original variety. Of these, three strains were started from single plants in the first generation of inbreeding and numbered I-6, I-7, and I-9. In the third generation from I-7 two lines were started, I-7-I-I and I-7-I-2, and continued. After the seventh generation
Nondestructive readout in thick magnetic film devices

To study the nondestructive readout properties of thick magnetic film devices, sense voltages are computed for triangular interrogate word pulses. Eddy currents are assumed to be the exclusive damping mechanism. For a given pulse rise time one can obtain a maximum signal peak value with a given optimum film thickness, and the read signal of an optimized film can be approximated by simple analytical functions. In an attempt to describe the nondestructive readout stability, a relation is developed between pulse widths, angle of rotation of the magnetization, and reversibility threshold.
Are counter-terrorism strategies effective? The results of the Campbell systematic review on counter-terrorism evaluation research

The events of September 11th have led to massive increases in personal, commercial, and governmental expenditures on anti-terrorism strategies, as well as a proliferation of programs designed to fight terrorism. These increases in spending and program development have focused attention on the most significant and central policy question related to these interventions: Are these programs effective? To explore this question, this study reports the results of a Campbell Collaboration systematic review on evaluation research of counter-terrorism strategies. Not only did we discover an almost complete absence of evaluation research on counter-terrorism interventions, but from those evaluations that we could find, it appears that some interventions either did not achieve the outcomes sought or sometimes increased the likelihood of terrorism occurring. The findings dramatically emphasize the need for government leaders, policy makers, researchers, and funding agencies to support both outcome evaluations of these programs as well as efforts to develop an infrastructure to foster counter-terrorism evaluation research.
Copper deposition and its replacement by platinum on a gold electrode

Abstract The decoration of single crystal gold electrodes with platinum using underpotential deposited copper as an intermediate has been studied in detail. It was found that a significant fraction of the copper is lost in the transfer process from the upd cell to the exchange cell. In addition the surface of the gold is not covered uniformly by the platinum. Nevertheless, acceleration of the electroreduction of oxygen was observed with a loading of 0.14 μg cm −2 . The structure of the decorating layer was studied by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy.
Properties of quark gluon plasma from lattice calculations

I discuss lattice QCD calculations of the properties of strongly interacting matter at finite temperature, including the determination of the transition temperature Tc, equation of state, different static screening lengths and quarkonium spectral functions. The lattice data suggest that at temperatures above 2.0Tc many properties of the quark gluon plasma can be understood using weak coupling approach, although non-perturbative effects due to static magnetic fields are significant in some quantities.
Observations and model predictions of daily areal primary production in a eutrophic brackish water culture pond

Abstract Observations of daily gross primary production of oxygen per unit area in a eutrophic, brackish water shrimp culture pond over a 14-day period are compared with predictions from two models in order to assess the utility of the model approaches for ponds and to refine observational protocols and techniques for pond assessment. The models predicted rates (3.2 to 37.7 g O 2 m −2 d −1 ) which exceeded observations (4.7 to 15.7 g O 2 m −2 d −1 ) at all but the lowest light levels. Observed rates were also lower than other observations at similar light levels. These shortfalls are attributed to (1) the inadequacy of the method for estimation of community respiration as a component of gross production, in the absence of direct observation; and (2) the possibility of nutrient limitation of rates in the pond ecosystem. The models are sufficiently sensitive to chosen parameter values, and the day-to-day variation of the parameters in the ecosystem likely sufficiently variable, that daily determinations of parameters should be made when possible, with particular attention to timing and use of surface water. Field observations of daytime community respiration, and improved knowledge of its controlling factors and relationships, are important needs for the advancement of model treatment of photosynthesis in ponds. Eutrophic pond ecosystems have characteristics (vertical temperature structure resembling natural water bodies, complete light extinction within the shallow water column) which make them amenable to study as microcosms of some general aspects of aquatic primary production, particularly problems involving the prediction of daily areal rates from small-scale volume-based rate data.
Double-patch technique for correction of complete atrioventricular canal.

Abstract This technique involves the use of a crescent-shaped Teflon patch to close the ventricular septal defect and resuspend the septal components of the atrioventricular valves. A pericardial patch is used to close the atrial septal defect. Exposure is excellent and allows accurate leaflet rearrangement.
Characterization of bone materials as ultrasonic transducers.

Abstract Physical, dielectric, piezoelectric and electromechanical parameters have been reported for bone and its two major constituents i.e. collagen and apatite, for their characterization as ultrasonic transducer materials. Collagen and apatite have been extracted from full bone using well known methods. These materials have been used to prepare simple disc-shaped test pieces (dimensions: diameter 10 mm and thickness 1.0 ± 0.01 mm). The variation of various electrical parameters with frequency in the region (1–108 MHz) is examined for these materials. These include impedance, phase angle, relative voltage output, quality factor ‘Q’, dielectric constant and resistivity. The data so obtained are compared with those for ceramic and quartz transducers. The observations on impedance, phase and relative voltage output for bone materials indicate that the first resonance peak falls around 56 MHz followed by second and third harmonics around 112 MHz and 168 MHz respectively. A low ‘Q’ value suggests a fairly wide band transducer, while other parameters compare favourably with ceramic and quartz materials. Bone material has also been used to obtain a transducer in the standard configuration and velocity dispersion in the frequency range 1–108 MHz is examined.
The effect of arterial pressure on the ocular pressure-volume relationship in the rabbit

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of mean arterial pressure (MAP) on the ocular pressure-volume relationship. The experiments were performed in pentobarbital anesthetized rabbits instrumented with occluders on the thoracic aorta and inferior vena cava to control MAP which was measured via a cannula in the central ear artery. To vary the ocular volume and measure the intraocular pressure (IOP), two 23 gauge needles were inserted through the pars plana into the vitreous: one needle was connected to a saline-filled syringe and the other needle was connected to a pressure transducer. In one group of animals (n = 5), pressure-volume curves were determined at MAPs of 100, 80, 60, 40 and 20 mmHg and post mortem by cumulative saline injections (2 microliters) every 1-1.5 sec. In a second group (n = 7), pressure-volume curves were obtained at MAPs of 80, 60 and 40 mmHg and post mortem by saline infusion at 0.5 microliter sec-1 until the IOP reached 100 mmHg. The infusion protocol was repeated in a third group (n = 11) where the choroidal flux and the concentration of moving blood cells (CMBC) were measured by a laser Doppler flowmeter as indices of choroidal blood flow and the blood volume, respectively. MAP had three primary effects on the ocular pressure-volume relationship: (1) the baseline IOP varied exponentially with MAP, (2) the steepness of the initial portion of the pressure-volume curves was MAP-dependent and (3) the curves exhibited a 'plateau' as the IOP approached the prevailing MAP at MAPs > or = 40 mmHg. All of the curves in the living eye intersected and became indistinguishable from the post mortem curve when the IOP exceeded the prevailing MAP. The flux and CMBC measurements indicated that the MAP-dependence of the initial portion of the curves was due to failure of choroidal autoregulation and diminished increases in choroidal blood volume at the lower MAPs, and that the plateau portion of the curves was due to expulsion of blood from the eye. It is concluded that MAP has a significant effect on the ocular pressure-volume relationship.
Understanding ionospheric instabilities eludes current approaches

Ionized gases are heavily concentrated in the ionosphere's F zone, the region between 200 and 500 kilometers in altitude, which is critical for transmitting long-distance radio signals on Earth. However, instabilities in the F region plasma, which can last from seconds to hours and can be spread over centimeters to tens of kilometers, disrupt transmission of radio signals. The plasma instabilities, restricted to the equatorial region following sunset, are called equatorial spread F (ESF). Earth-based instruments perceive ESF events as “twinkling” radio signals. ESF events, first detected in the 1930s, affect the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based electronic systems; they can disrupt satellite operations and related communications and navigation systems.
A connection between structured uncertainty and decentralized control of spatially invariant systems

This paper considers the decentralized control of spatially invariant systems, i.e., systems of homogeneous interacting components. The main idea is for individual components to model interactions with neighbors as disturbances that satisfy certain magnitude bounds while simultaneously self-imposing symmetric magnitude bounds. These magnitude bounds can be interpreted as negotiated levels of interaction among components. It turns out that this approach is equivalent to constructing a feedback that is robust stabilizing with structured uncertainties.
Stress-motivated drinking in collegiate and postcollegiate young adulthood: life course and gender patterns.

Objective: This study examines stress-motivated drinking and its potential contribution to alcohol problems for young adults in college and subsequent postcollegiate contexts, specifically focusing on the simultaneous influences of life course stage and gender. Method: Data are drawn from a research project on health and well-being among multiple cohorts of college students and graduates from an undergraduate institution of higher education. Representative samples of students were surveyed in 1982 (n = 1,514), 1987 (n = 659) and 1991 (n = 926). Surveys were administered to graduates in 1987 (graduating classes of '79, '82 and '85; n = 860) and again in 1991 (graduating classes of '79, '82, '85 and '89; n = 1,151). Using this cross-sectional and longitudinal database, developmental aging effects are tested while checking for historical cohort and period effects. Results: Stress-motivated drinking is somewhat more prevalent in the undergraduate years as are other drinking motivations, but stress-related rea...
Comparative Analysis of Computed Tomographic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans in Alzheimer Patients and Controls

• Ten patients with Alzheimer's disease underwent computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging at the same point in time. The mean Mini-Mental State examination score of the patients was 23, indicating that they were mildly impaired. Ten age-equivalent controls also obtained computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans. A semiautomated computer program analyzed nine comparable regions of interest on each set of scans. When regions of interest from both types of scans were combined in the same discriminant function analysis, the first two variables selected were from the magnetic resonance imaging data set, and they significantly differentiated 95% of the patients and controls.
The organization of retinal projections to the diencephalon and pretectum in the cichlid fish, Haplochromis burtoni.

The organization of retinofugal projections was studied in a cichlid fish by labelling small groups of retinal ganglion cell axons with either horseradish peroxidase or cobaltous lysine. Two major findings resulted from these experiments. First, optic tract axons show a greater degree of pathway diversity than was previously appreciated, and this pathway diversity is related to the target nuclei of groups of axons. The most striking example is the formation of the medial optic tract. Fibers that will become the medial optic tract move abruptly away from their neighbors, at about the level of the optic chiasm, and coalesce at the dorsomedial edge of the marginal optic tract. The medial optic tract projects to the thalamus, the dorsal pretectum, and the deep layer of the optic tectum. The axial optic tract is a group of fibers which segregates from the most medial portion of the marginal optic tract, at about the level of the optic chiasm. The axial tract stays medial to the marginal optic tract for a few hundred microns and then curves laterally to rejoin the marginal optic tract. At least some axial trat axons terminate in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Within the marginal optic tract, retinal ganglion cell axons from a given retinal quadrant are always segregated into at least two groups. The smaller group projects to the superficial pretectal nucleus. The larger group projects to the superficial layer of the optic tectum. Second, each nontectal retinal termination site receives a unique pattern of retinal input. Within the pretectum the parvocellular superficial pretectal nucleus receives a highly retinotopically organized input from all retinal regions; the basal optic nucleus receives a roughly retinotopically orgnaized input from all retinal regions; the dorsal pretectum receives an input from all retinal regions; and the central pretectal nucleus receives input only from the ventral hemiretina. Within the diencephalon the thalamus receives an input from all retinal regions, but this input is not retinotopically organized; the suprachiasmatic nucleus receives input from the region of central retina that lies just dorsal to the optic nerve head, via the axial optic tract. The accessory optic nucleus receives input from the dorsal hemiretina.
THE EFFECTS OF ANTUITRIN-S,1 PROGESTIN AND A VITAL DYE ON LATE PREGNANCY IN THE RAT1 2

ANUMBER OF INVESTIGATORS have studied the effects of pregnancy urine and corpus luteum substances on pregnancy. Prolonged gestation with postmature fetuses in rabbits and rats by the use of P U extract (antuitrin-S) injected in late pregnancy has been reported (1–5). Crude P U extract gave results similar to those obtained with antuitrin-S (6, 7, 8). Extended pregnancy in the rat and ground squirrel by the injection of crude corpus luteum extracts has been reported (9, 10, 11). However, Bunde (12) was unable to prolong gestation in the rat with large doses of highly purified and active progestin. Allen and Heckel (13), by using progesterone, failed to prevent resorption of embryos in rabbits castrated in very early pregnancy, but in a later paper (14) they were able to maintain pregnancy in rabbits castrated on the IIth day of gestation.
Inflammasome-mediated cell death in response to bacterial pathogens that access the host cell cytosol: lessons from legionella pneumophila

Cell death can be critical for host defense against intracellular pathogens because it eliminates a crucial replicative niche, and pro-inflammatory cell death can alert neighboring cells to the presence of pathogenic organisms and enhance downstream immune responses. Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of cell death triggered by the inflammasome, a multi-protein complex that assembles in the cytosol to activate caspase-1. Inflammasome activation by pathogens hinges upon violation of the host cell cytosol by activities such as the use of pore-forming toxins, the use of specialized secretion systems, or the cytosolic presence of the pathogen itself. Recently, a non-canonical inflammasome has been described that activates caspase-11 and also leads to pro-inflammatory cell death. Caspase-11 is activated rapidly and robustly in response to violation of the cytosol by bacterial pathogens as well. In this mini-review, we describe the canonical and non-canonical inflammasome pathways that are critical for host defense against a model intracellular bacterial pathogen that accesses the host cytosol—Legionella pneumophila.
Coulomb plus nuclear scattering in momentum space for coupled angular momentum states.

The Vincent-Phatak procedure for solving the momentum-space Schr\"odinger equation with combined Coulomb-plus---short-range potentials is extended to angular momentum states coupled by an optical potential---as occurs in spin 1/2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1/2 scattering. A generalization of the Blatt-Biedenharn phase shift parametrization is derived and applied to 500 MeV polarized-proton scattering from $^{3}\mathrm{He}$. The requisite high-precision partial-wave expansions and integrations are described.
Polo-like kinase (Plk) 1: a novel target for the treatment of prostate cancer

Second only to skin cancer, cancer of the prostate gland (CaP) is the most commonly occurring cancer in American men. Existing treatment approaches and surgical intervention have been unable to effectively manage this dreaded cancer; therefore, efforts are ongoing to explore novel targets and strategies for the management of CaP. A complete understanding of the genetic control of the processes of cellular proliferation and programmed cell death, or “apoptosis,” may provide the basis for the rational design of novel therapeutic strategies against CaP. Key regulators for the mitotic progression in mammalian cells are the polo-like kinases (Plks). The activity of Plk1 is elevated in tissues and cells with a high mitotic index, including cancer cells. An increasing body of evidence suggests that the level of Plk1 expression has prognostic value for predicting outcomes in patients with some cancers such as lung cancer, squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, melanomas, and ovarian and endometrial carcin...
Dirac neutrinos in dense matter.

The evolution of a supernova core can be dramatically different if the neutrinos trapped in the core mix and/or flip helicity and escape as "sterile, right-handed" neutrinos. Thus the observation of neutrinos from supernova SN1987A constrains the mass and mixings of neutrinos. Here we develop the general description of neutrino mixing and spin flip in a background of matter when the nonforward scattering rate is important. The constraints are estimated.
Gelastic Seizures in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Case Report and Literature Review

Gelastic seizures are typically associated with hypothalamic hamartoma. Given the rarity of gelastic seizures, pathways for the motor and emotional aspects of laughter have been hypothesized but remain unclear. The authors perform a literature review to discuss what is known about these pathways. They also report a child who presented with tuberous sclerosis complex initially without cutaneous stigmata, who later developed gelastic seizures. Only 2 case reports of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex who subsequently developed gelastic epilepsy have previously been reported. In discussing his case, the authors postulate additional etiologies for gelastic seizures.
Photomultiplier tubes and detector packaging for hostile environments

The performance of a scintillation detector in well-logging environments depends critically on the thermal characteristics and mechanical ruggedness of the photomultiplier tube (PMT) used in the detector, and on the design of the PMT and scintillation crystal assembly. A tube is discussed that demonstrates excellent performance at temperatures as high as 200 degrees C, long life, and extreme mechanical ruggedness. Important mechanical design considerations for scintillation detector assemblies are discussed, and test results presented for the very rugged detector package designed for use in mechanically demanding measurement-while-drilling applications. >
KDM2b/JHDM1b, an H3K36me2-specific demethylase, is required for initiation and maintenance of acute myeloid leukemia

The histone H3 lysine 36 dimethyl-specific demethylase KDM2b/JHDM1b, which is highly expressed in various human leukemias, was previously found to be important in regulating cell proliferation and cellular senescence. However, its functions in leukemia development and maintenance are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of Kdm2b/Jhdm1b is sufficient to transform hematopoietic progenitors. Conversely, depletion of Kdm2b/Jhdm1b in hematopoietic progenitors significantly impairs Hoxa9/Meis1-induced leukemic transformation. In leukemic stem cells, knockdown of Kdm2b/Jhdm1b impairs their self-renewing capability in vitro and in vivo. The functions of Kdm2b/Jhdm1b are mediated by its silencing of p15(Ink4b) expression through active demethylation of histone H3 lysine 36 dimethyl. Thus, our study suggests that Kdm2b/Jhdm1b functions as an oncogene and plays a critical role in leukemia development and maintenance.
Thymidylate Dephosphorylation in Granulocytes.

SummaryHuman blood and marrow leukocytes were studied both cytochemically and biochemically for alkaline phosphatase activity. Naturally occurring nucleotides, as well as synthetic compounds, were tested as substrates for leukocytes from varied patients. All substrates reacted similarly with granulocytes from normal subjects. Granulocytes from patients with selected diseases showed proportional changes in reactivity for all substrates. These results suggest the presence of one common alkaline phosphatase. Dephosphorylation of thymidylate was consistently demonstrable. This unique deoxynucleotide may be an important natural substrate for granulocyte alkaline phosphatase.
Reversible work by electrochemical intercalation of graphitic materials

Graphite intercalation compounds are a class of materials systems formed as ions diffuse into a host graphite structure. The volume expansion associated with this process has been shown to be capable of performing work up to 3.8 MJ/m 3 . To evaluate GICs for solid state actuation, this study explores some factors affecting the rate at which the volume expansion occurs. Given that diffusion length has an exponential effect on rate, we tested a graphite paper comprised of 7-micron diameter PAN fibers. We found that the paper had ultimate strain and loading properties comparable to HOPG. The paper was cycled under various loads and temperatures to examine the strain rate and repeatability of the material. Testing showed a strong correlation between rate and temperature, while pressure had relatively little effect.
A Computer Ration Evaluation Program for Heifers, Dry Cows, and Lactating Cows

Abstract A computer program designed to calculate ration dry matter, crude protein, total digestible nutrients, acid detergent fiber, cost, macrominerals, and microminerals was developed. Feeds, designated by number, and amounts fed are entered by the program user. A library file contains feeds and their standard laboratory analytical concentrations for all nutrients to be evaluated. Modification of Standard nutrient concentrations is made via screen editing. Three screens are used to accommodate all nutrients. The first screen contains dry matter, crude protein, total digestible nutrients, acid detergent fiber, and cost. Screens 2 and 3 contain, respectively, the macrominerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, and potassium) and microminerals (iron, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, and selenium). National Research Council's nutrient requirements are calculated and printed on the screen, and the percent of the requirement met by the ration being fed is displayed. This program has been used extensively by extension personnel, faculty, and students for ration evaluation, problem solving, trial-and-error ration balancing, and instruction to demonstrate the principles of ration balancing.
Hybridization of optical phonons with double quantum-wire plasmons including drift instabilities

Abstract We examine the collective mode spectrum for a double quantum-wire system embedded in semi-infinite polar medium, taking account of the role of optical phonons in interaction with the double quantum-wire plasmons and bulk/surface plasmons. The collective mode frequencies are exhibited as functions of q x (wavenumber parallel to the wires) and as functions of z 0 (distance of first wire from the interface). We also find that the region of drift instability of the collective modes is split into two disjoint regions of instability by the optical phonons, with a region of stability between them.