cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agricultural management impacts on soil organic carbon storage under moist and dry climatic conditions of temperate and tropical regions

We conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the impact of changing agricultural land use and management on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage under moist and dry climatic conditions of temperate and tropical regions. We derived estimates of management impacts for a carbon accounting approach developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, addressing the impact of long-term cultivation, setting-aside land from crop production, changing tillage management, and modifying C input to the soil by varying cropping practices. We found 126 articles that met our criteria and analyzed the data in linear mixed-effect models. In general, management impacts were sensitive to climate in the following order from largest to smallest changes in SOC: tropical moist>tropical dry>temperate moist>temperate dry. For example, long-term cultivation caused the greatest loss of SOC in tropical moist climates, with cultivated soils having 0.58 ± 0.12, or 58% of the amount found under native vegetation, followed by tropical dry climates with 0.69 ± 0.13, temperate moist with 0.71 ± 0.04, and temperate dry with 0.82 ± 0.04. Similarly, converting from conventional tillage to no-till increased SOC storage over 20 years by a factor of 1.23 ± 0.05 in tropical moist climates, which is a 23% increase in SOC, while the corresponding change in tropical dry climates was 1.17 ± 0.05, temperate moist was 1.16 ± 0.02, and temperate dry was 1.10 ± 0.03. These results demonstrate that agricultural management impacts on SOC storage will vary depending on climatic conditions that influence the plant and soil processes driving soil organic matter dynamics.
Bayesian learning behaviour and the stability of equilibrium forecasts

Abstract The issue of learning in an intertemporal, stochastic, rational expectations, setting is studied here. We study a sequence of games in which the stochastic kernel that links the state variable is unknown. Successive stage games are played by successive generations of identical players. Each generation makes a rational expectations forecast of the state, given their belief about the true kernel and the equilibrium implemented by the players. Beliefs are updated by Bayes rule after observing the actual state. The results concern the dynamic behaviour of the forecasts, beliefs, and the state variable. We show that while full learning in the sense of ultimately learning the true transition structure of the economy may not occur, partial learning in the sense of being able to better predict the future of the state variable does occur. We also characterize the limiting behaviour of the processes of beliefs, forecasts, and the state variable.
Solution rate of theophylline salts and effects from oral administration

The solution rate of several theophylline salts was determined in buffer solutions covering a range of hydrogen ion concentrations somewhat greater than those to which the salts would be exposed after oral administration. It was found that marked differences existed in the rate with which the several salts dissolved and the rates were relatively independent of buffer pH. It was suggested that the fundamental reason for differences found by clinical workers in comparing blood levels from oral administration of the choline and isopropanolamine salts with the ethyl-enediamine salt was due to differences in solution rate. The in vitro solution rates determined strongly support this explanation. The effect of solution rate on maximum blood level and rate of build-up of blood level with time was discussed by means of a mathematical model relating blood level with solution rate and elimination rate from the blood stream. The solution rate of theophylline in acidic and basic media was determined and found to vary inversely with the hydrogen ion concentration of the diffusion layer. A relationship was developed between solution rate of theophylline and diffusion layer pH and it was shown to be capable of roughly predicting solution rate of salts from measurement of this pH.
Evoked potentials in suspected multiple sclerosis: diagnostic value and prediction of clinical course.

Abstract Pattern visual, somatosensory and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (EPs) of 14 patients with definite multiple sclerosis, 222 patients suspected of having multiple sclerosis, 26 patients with isolated optic neuritis and 40 patients with a chronic not diagnosed neurologic disorder, were compared with their clinical diagnoses on 2 1 2 - year follow-up. In the MS suspects, an EP abnormality demonstrating a clinically silent lesion in any modality (65 patients) was associated with a 71% chance of clinical deterioration (48% chance of definite MS within the follow-up period). Normal EPs (121 patients) were associated with a 16% chance of deterioration (4% chance of definite MS). EPs in patients in whom the only abnormalities confirmed known lesions (36 patients) did not predict follow-up status. Visual EPs demonstrated clinically silent lesions more frequently than somatosensory and auditory EPs (22%, 12% and 5% of patients). Only one of the patients with optic neuritis and 3 of the chronic not diagnosed group had EPs demonstrating clinically silent lesions. CSF and NMR studies also correlated with follow-up in subseries of the patients.
The measurement of absorbed dose and dose gradients

Abstract The more reliable systems and procedures of dosimetry for radiation sterilization applications are described, along with sources of uncertainty and ways to achieve optimum accuracy and reproducibility. Dosimetry practice in production must be accompanied by correct methods of dosimeter calibration to achieve measurement assurance and quality control. For routine use and for determination of dose distributions, certain thin-film dosimeters satisfying cavity-theory requirements are most suitable.
Analysing spatio-temporal autocorrelation with LISTA-Viz

Many interesting analysis problems (e.g. disease surveillance) would become more tractable if their spatio-temporal structure was better understood. Specifically, it would be helpful to be able to identify autocorrelation in space and time simultaneously. Some of the most commonly used measures of spatial association are LISA statistics, such as the Local Moran's I or the Getis-Ord Gi*; however, these have not been applied to the spatio-temporal case (including many time steps) because of computational limitations. We have implemented a spatio-temporal version of the Local Moran's I and claimed two advances: first, we exploit the fact that there are a limited number of topological relationships present in the data to make Monte Carlo's estimation of probability densities computationally practical, and thereby bypass the 'curse of dimensionality'. We term this approach 'spatial memoization'. Second, we developed a tool (LISTA-Viz) for interacting with the spatio-temporal structure uncovered by the statistics that contains a novel coordination strategy. The potential usefulness of the method and the associated tool are illustrated by an analysis of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, with the finding that there was a critical spatio-temporal 'inflection point' at which the pandemic changed its character in the United States.
Field conductor material for turbine generators

THE present demands for large unit ratings in 2-pole high-speed turbine generators have dictated that the field-winding conductor materials be unusually strong to withstand the various mechanical stresses applied during the operation of the machine. At the same time, high electrical conductivity must be maintained so that the material can be most efficiently utilized.
Frequency-dependent transmission characteristics of curved microstrip bends

The frequency-dependent transmission characteristics of curved microstrip bends are calculated by utilising a secondorder perturbation analysis of the equivalent curved waveguide model and a mode-matching method that includes the higher-order modes. Computational results for the transmission coefficient of typical curved microstrip bends are presented and compared to results obtained for right-angle and chamfered right-angle bends.
HIGHWAY-RELATED LANDSLIDES IN MOUNTAINOUS VOLCANIC TERRAIN: AN EXAMPLE FROM WEST-CENTRAL UTAH

Mountainous volcanic terrain presents a special challenge in avoiding highway-related landslides. Volcanic bedrock is commonly very susceptible to landsliding because of varying physical properties of the rocks and the abundance of potential failure surfaces. Mountainous terrain further limits the areas in which roads can be built and makes avoiding potential landslide areas difficult. Landslides along Utah Highway 153 along Beaver River Canyon in the Marysvale volcanic field of west-central Utah provide an example of the difficulties of road construction and maintenance in such terrain. Debris slides and rockslides are chronic problems along 5.1 km of this highway in Beaver Canyon where the road was built along a natural bench on the canyon slope that coincides with an inherently weak zone in the stratigraphic succession of the volcanic bedrock. Numerous landslides have resulted, with attendant costly operational and environmental consequences. Detailed, comprehensive geologic investigations are clearly a necessary prerequisite to locating roads in mountainous volcanic terrain. (Author)
Solution-adaptive magnetohydrodynamics for space plasmas: Sun-to-Earth simulations

Space-environment simulations, particularly those involving space plasma, present significant computational challenges. Global computational models based on magnetohydrodynamics equations are essential to understanding the solar system's plasma phenomena, including the large-scale solar corona, the solar wind's interaction with planetary magnetospheres, comets, and interstellar medium, and the initiation, structure, and evolution of solar eruptive events.
Inferior frontal sensitivity to common speech sounds is amplified by increasing word intelligibility

The left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) exhibits increased responsiveness when people listen to words composed of speech sounds that frequently co-occur in the English language (Vaden, Piquado, & Hickok, 2011), termed high phonotactic frequency (Vitevitch & Luce, 1998). The current experiment aimed to further characterize the relation of phonotactic frequency to LIFG activity by manipulating word intelligibility in participants of varying age. Thirty six native English speakers, 19-79 years old (mean=50.5, sd=21.0) indicated with a button press whether they recognized 120 binaurally presented consonant-vowel-consonant words during a sparse sampling fMRI experiment (TR=8 s). Word intelligibility was manipulated by low-pass filtering (cutoff frequencies of 400 Hz, 1000 Hz, 1600 Hz, and 3150 Hz). Group analyses revealed a significant positive correlation between phonotactic frequency and LIFG activity, which was unaffected by age and hearing thresholds. A region of interest analysis revealed that the relation between phonotactic frequency and LIFG activity was significantly strengthened for the most intelligible words (low-pass cutoff at 3150 Hz). These results suggest that the responsiveness of the left inferior frontal cortex to phonotactic frequency reflects the downstream impact of word recognition rather than support of word recognition, at least when there are no speech production demands.
Loss Reduction in Axial-Flow Compressors Through Low-Speed Model Testing

A systematic procedure for reducing losses in axial-flow compressors is presented. In this procedure, a large, low-speed, aerodynamic model of a high-speed core compressor is designed and fabricated based on aerodynamic similarity principles. This model is then tested at low speed where high-loss regions associated with three-dimensional endwall boundary layers flow separation, leakage, and secondary flows can be located, detailed measurements made, and loss mechanisms determined with much greater accuracy and much lower cost and risk than is possible in small, high-speed compressors. Design modifications are made by using custom-tailored airfoils and vector diagrams, airfoil endbends, and modified wall geometries in the high-loss regions. The design improvements resulting in reduced loss or increased stall margin are then scaled to high speed. This paper describes the procedure and presents experimental results to show that in some cases endwall loss has been reduced by as much as 10 percent, flow separation has been reduced or eliminated, and stall margin has been substantially improved by using these techniques.
The association of manganese superoxide dismutase expression in Barrett's esophageal progression with MnTBAP and curcumin oil therapy

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between reflux induced bile insult and MnSOD expression, as well as to examine therapies to preserve MnSOD expression. Additionally, we sought to examine the relationship between MnSOD protein expression and MnSOD enzymatic activity. Methods MnSOD protein expression was determined by Western blot assay and enzymatic activity was determined by SOD assay. The enzymatic activity of the Het-1A and Bar-T cells were compared both before and after treatments. Results MnSOD expression in Het-1A cells was decreased after bile salt exposure. The cells that received MnTBAP or curcumin oil pretreatment showed increased MnSOD expression compared with control untreated cells. The Bar-T cells showed an increase in MnSOD expression after treatment with bile salts. The cells that were pretreated with MnTBAP displayed a larger increase in MnSOD expression compared with the cells that were not pretreated prior to bile salt exposure. The MnSOD activity was significantly different between the untreated cell lines (P = 0.01) and after treatment with bile salt (P = 0.03). Additionally, Bar-T cells had significantly less MnSOD activity than Het-1A cells after each of the pretreatments. Conclusions We demonstrated preservation of MnSOD expression in Het-1A cells that were pretreated with antioxidants including MnTBAP, curcumin oil, and certain berry extracts. Additionally, we demonstrated that Bar-T cells have significantly less MnSOD activity than Het-1A cells. These finding have important implications for future studies regarding chemoprevention and the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Three new asporogenous yeasts found in industrial waste water.

Representatives of three new asporogenous species,Candida flavificans, Candida inositophila, andTorulopsis sorbophila were isolated from washings of ion-exchange resin in a guanosine monophosphate manufacturing plant. The DNA base composition, proton-magnetic-resonance spectrum of extracted polysaccharides, and serological characteristics of the yeasts were investigated in addition to the characteristics commonly employed. Descriptions of the new species are given.
AN APPROACH TO THE DIRECT MEASUREMENT OF COMMUNITY MEAN INFORMATION FIELDS

The authors are, respectively, Associate Professor of Geography at Northwestern University and Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Michigan. The work was carried out while Professor Marble was attached to the faculty of the Department of Regional Science of the University of Pennsylvania. The authors would like to express their appreciation to Professors Waldo Tablet and Forrest Pitts for their assistance and commenls, and to the National Science Foundation which supported the research through a grant to the Regional Science Research Institute.
Could CAFTA be the latest conduit for outsourcing pollution

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to use the experience of pollution in the Imperial and Baja California Valleys under NAFTA, as a cautionary model to provide recommendations for deterrence of similar ecological degradation effects that could emerge under the newly‐approved CAFTA.Design/methodology/approach – Analysis of the region using existing statistical data and content analysis of qualitative data from the Imperial and Baja California Valleys, and Costa Rica.Findings – Economics and ecology have thus far not proved to have a complementary relationship, based on the NAFTA experience in the Imperial and Baja California Valleys. Early data on environmental law suits in the CAFTA region against environmental regulations also point to a negative attitude by business to environmental protections of nation‐states. CAFTA's investment rules puts corporate rights over ecosystems by limiting public regulation and granting legal avenues to corporations to sue governments for “barriers to trade”, where nati...
The Newsboy Problem with Multiple Discounts Offered by Suppliers and Retailers

Recent extensions of the newsboy problem have focused on multiple discounts used by retailers to sell excess inventory. Earlier extensions have focused on quantity discounts offered by suppliers. An important practical extension would address a combination of the two previous extensions. In this paper, a newsboy problem with supplier quantity discounts and retailer multiple discounts is formulated and solved. The case of all-units supplier quantity discounts is addressed, and the results with numerical examples are illustrated.
Psychogenic coughing: a review and case report.

Abstract The cough is a protective reflex that defends the tracheobronchial tree against noxious substances, but may be initiated through voluntary motor pathways as a means of expressing unconscious conflict. This report attempts to translate the message of psychogenic coughing by reviewing the literature and by examining the case of a young woman who coughed for 7 years.
Coping with risk: Later stone age technological strategies at Blydefontein Rock Shelter, South Africa

Abstract I use Later Stone Age artifacts and faunal remains from Blydefontein Rock Shelter in the eastern Karoo, South Africa to investigate the interaction between risk and hunter–gatherer technological organization. Modifications in stone-tool repair and replacement are influenced by changes in past environments, resources, and the economic and settlement strategies of these Later Stone Age hunter–gatherers. The technological approaches range from time-minimization tactics to resource-maximization tactics. Time-minimization tactics favor the intense curation of extractive tools and the expedient use of maintenance tools, while resource-maximization tactics employ a more rapid replacement of extractive tools coupled with intense curation of maintenance tools. Time-minimization tactics occur with lower risk wetter conditions and the selection of larger animals for prey, while resource-maximization tactics correspond to higher risk conditions during drier periods and the more intensive exploitation of smaller animals. Efficient technologies were also employed for the rapid production of backed microlithic tools, but this does not appear to be in response to economic or environmental factors.
Vacuum pumping by the halo plasma

An estimate is made of the effective vacuum pumping speed of the halo plasma in a tandem mirror fusion reactor, and it is shown that, if the electron temperature and line density are great enough, the halo can be a very good vacuum pump. One can probably obtain the required density by recycling the ions at the halo dumps. An array of small venting ports in the dump plates allows local variation of the recycle fraction and local removal of the gas at a conveniently high pressure. This vented-port concept could introduce more flexibility in the design of pumped limiters for tokamaks.
The microsomal calcium-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin is a neurotoxin in perinatal rodent brain.

Abstract Thapsigargin is a potent inhibitor of the microsomal calcium-ATPase. We hypothesized that thapsigargin-induced liberation of calcium from sequestered intracellular sites could result in irreversible brain injury. To assess neurotoxicity, intracerebral injections of 0.1–100 nmol thapsigargin were performed in 7-day-old rats, and the severity of injury was assessed 5 days later by microscopy and measurements of lesioned areas. We found that thapsigargin elicited dose-dependent tissue injury in perinatal rodent brain.
Thermoelastic postbuckling response of strip delamination models

Postbuckling solutions are obtained for multilayered strip delamination models subjected to in-plane compression, bidirectional bending, twisting, and a temperature load that may vary arbitrarily in the thickness direction. The differential equations of equilibrium, the end conditions and the continuity conditions at the junction of the sublaminates are reduced to a system of algebraic equations governing the deformation parameters. Besides providing closed-form postbuckling solutions, these equations also reveal explicitly the effects on buckling due to various factors including delamination geometry, anisotropic elastic and thermal expansion coefficients, in-plane force and strain loads, bending and twisting curvatures, and the temperature field. A simple expression is given for the energy release rate in terms of the mid-plane strains and the curvatures of the sublaminates at the delamination front. A moderate temperature gradient in the thickness direction may severely aggravate the postbuckling deformation and increase the energy release rate.
Fine structure of the nasal barbel of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

Ultrathin sections of the nasal barbel of the channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were studied in the electron microscope and the fine structure was compared to that of barbels of other teleosts and to the mandibular (dentary) barbels of I. punctatus. While the overall histology of the nasal barbel is similar to that of barbels described previously, this study revealed far greater cellular complexity and variability than was previously reported. A layer of stratified epidermal cells rests upon a connective tissue dermis containing a cartilage rod, a large number of nerve fibers and numerous blood vessels, fibroblasts and pigment cells. Taste buds are present in the epidermal layer. This layer was found to contain probably 16 kinds of cell types, several of which may represent transitional stages, in addition to taste bud cells. Observations were made pertaining to innervation and cell types in the taste buds. A new terminology for designating the barbels of I. punctatus is suggested.
A curriculum for Burch colposuspension and diagnostic cystoscopy evaluated by an objective structured assessment of technical skills

Objective The purpose of this study was to develop an effective curriculum for teaching colposuspension and diagnostic cystoscopy. Study Design Fifty-five residents underwent an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills that was composed of a task-specific checklist and validated global assessment. Thirty of the residents had been exposed to a training curriculum, and 25 residents served as untrained control subjects. Results For the colposuspension and cystoscopy checklists, the reliability coefficient was 0.85 and 0.72, and the interrater reliability was 0.92 and 0.68, respectively. Although residents who were provided the curriculum performed better on both task-specific checklists, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Senior residents performed consistently better than junior residents for both tasks. When a comparison was made of the junior residents separately to account for previous experience, trained residents performed significantly better on the cystoscopy checklist ( P = .029). Conclusion This curriculum is an effective way to teach diagnostic cystoscopy to junior residents. The checklist for this Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills has good reliability and construct validity.
Influence of dietary zinc deficiency and parenteral zinc on rat liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase activity

Fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase activity in liver of rats fed a zinc deficient diet was decreased to 60% of that in zinc adequate controls. Activity in the zinc deprived rats was not restored to control values by in vitro addition of EDTA. When a physiological dose of zinc was tube fed to the depleted rats, activity increased approximately 150% within 0.5 hr of the dose, and by 1 hr plateaued to a level seen in zinc adequate controls. A significant transient decrease in activity occurred following an intraperitoneal zinc load. This is reversible by in vitro addition of EDTA. These results suggest that rat liver fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase activity is highly sensitive to zinc in vivo as has been demonstrated in vitro.
Effect Analysis of Statistical Unit on Relief Amplitude in Chongqing, China

This paper researches the influence rule of unit size on relief amplitude by analyzing relief amplitudes under various statistical units and determines the optimum statistical unit in study area-Chongqing using the correlation between different statistical data. The results show that relief amplitude increased with increasing area of statistical unit, but increasing rate finally becomes stable. When determining the optimum unit using artificial drawing method, the point maintains stable can be found. The optimum unit area is 4km2 of SRTM-DEM data in study area.
Acute pericytic response to cerebral ischemia

Abstract It has been suggested that the pericyte, through its close relationship to the capillary unit, is involved in several functional roles. In some pathological states the cell has been reported to transform into a phagocytic form and become mobile. The role of pericytic involvement in the ischemic brain has not been previously reported. In this study of effects of temporary occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in the baboon, the pericytes were found to contain abundant “lysosomal-like” material in the shorter vascular occlusive periods whereas in the animals with longer ischemia, extensive intrapericytic edema was observed within the brain parenchyma. Pericytic susceptibility to edema was found to be less than that of the astrocytes. No pericytes were observed penetrating the surrounding basement membrane or transforming into structures suggestive of phagocytes. The pathological pericytic changes were quite independent of those appearing in the endothelial cells.
A particulate fraction from Neurospora crassa exhibiting aryl sulfatase activity.

Abstract A particulate fraction isolated from Neurospora mycelia was found to contain aryl sulfatase activity. The association of aryl sulfatase with this fraction was labile to shear and to incubation with Lubrol, but not to short incubation at 37 ° or to nystatin. Mycelia were disrupted by three different techniques and the particulate fraction prepared from each homogenate was analyzed on a sucrose density gradient. A constant feature in these gradients was a peak of aryl sulfatase activity at a density of 1.16 to 1.17 g/ml. These results are consistent with a location for aryl sulfatase in Neurospora analogous to the mammalian lysosome. Alternative possible locations are discussed.
What Do I Do With the Rest of the Kids? Ideas for Meaningful Independent Activities During Small‐group Reading Instruction

The authors review several books that suggest ways to engage students in meaningful independent activities. Such activities are useful when the teacher is working with small guided reading groups and need to ensure that other students are still enhancing their literacy learning.
Serum growth factor analysis in dry eye syndrome

Background: To perform a comprehensive serum growth factor analysis in dry eye syndrome patients and to compare this with matched controls. Methods: Six female dry eye syndrome patients and six age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Whole blood was collected, allowed to clot and then centrifuged. Serum was extracted by using sterile technique. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to quantify serum growth factor levels. Results: Levels of transforming growth factor-beta 1 and 2 (TGF-β1 and β2), nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), acidic and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF), keratinocyte growth factor (KGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor-AA, AB and BB (PDGF-AA, AB and BB), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were quantified, and statistical analysis was performed by using the Mann–Whitney U-test with the Bonferroni correction. Conclusions: No significant difference was found between serum growth factor levels in dry eye syndrome patients versus controls. Our study provides comprehensive analysis of serum growth factor levels in autologous serum eye drops produced from ocular surface disease patients. A knowledge of growth factor levels in serum may be important because of the increasing use of autologous serum eye drops in refractory ocular surface diseases and for an understanding of how topical serum may provide benefit.
Two simple approaches to fabricate Au microlines on the outer surfaces of micropipettes

Various lithographic approaches have been developed to generate patterns on flat and non-flat surfaces. However, it still remains a challenge to produce patterns on irregular surfaces, such as on the curved tip of a glass micropipette. To overcome this challenge, we have developed two new approaches in this work, and explored the possibility of applying them to generate Au microlines on the outer surfaces of glass micropipettes. A glass micropipette includes a straight tube and a curved tip. In either approach, the outer surface of the glass micropipette was first thermally coated with a thin Au film. A photoresist (PR)-coated membrane was then pushed against this glass micropipette when the PR was still wet. During the contact, part of the PR was transferred from the membrane to the micropipette. After the membrane was removed, a continuous PR line was left on the outer surface of the glass micropipette. This line extended from the straight tube to the end of the curved tip. Another PR line was further generated on the other side of this micropipette using the same process. Finally, after the Au film was etched using the two PR lines as the masking patterns, followed by the removal of the PR using acetone, two Au lines were generated on the outer surface of the glass micropipette. The two approaches mainly differed in the ways of pressing the PR-coated membrane against the curved tip of the micropipette. In the first approach, a clip was applied for this purpose, while in the second approach a nitrogen flux was employed to make the membrane have intimate contact with the curved tip. To date, we have successfully fabricated Au lines on glass micropipettes of tip sizes down to 35 and 5 μm, respectively, using the two approaches.
Performance of nonpsychotic relatives of schizophrenic patients on cognitive tests

Abstract We tested 54 nonpsychotic first degree relatives of 23 schizophrenic probands and 18 control subjects matched for age and education on several neuropsychological tests. The tests were selected to assess overall intellectual ability or because previous work indicated that they are particularly sensitive measures of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenic patients. The relatives of schizophrenic patients performed significantly worse than the control subjects on tests of verbal fluency and on Trailmaking, part B. Each of these tests contributed unique variance to the discrimination between groups. The groups did not differ significantly on the number of perserverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised block design or vocabulary, or Trailmaking, part A. Eight relatives who met DSM-III-R criteria for schizotypal personality disorder were more impaired than the remaining 46 relatives on letter fluency, but otherwise their performance was similar to that of nonschizotypal relatives. These data suggest that close relatives of schizophrenic patients may have subtle neuropsychological impairments that are not necessarily associated with clinical symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Comparison between correlated sampling and the perturbation technique of MCNP5 for fixed-source problems

Abstract Correlated sampling and the differential operator perturbation technique are two methods that enable MCNP (Monte Carlo N-Particle) to simulate small response change between an original system and a perturbed system. In this work the performance of the MCNP differential operator perturbation technique is compared with that of the MCNP correlated sampling method for three types of fixed-source problems. In terms of precision of predicted response changes, the MCNP perturbation technique outperforms correlated sampling for the problem involving variation of nuclide concentrations in the same direction but performs comparably with or even underperforms correlated sampling for the other two types of problems that involve void or variation of nuclide concentrations in opposite directions. In terms of accuracy, the MCNP differential operator perturbation calculations may predict inaccurate results that deviate from the benchmarks well beyond their uncertainty ranges for some of the test problems. However, the accuracy of the MCNP differential operator perturbation can be improved if the midpoint correction technique is used.
The use of multivariate techniques in the study of skeletal populations.

A major problem in taxonomic or evolutionary studies (micro or macro) of populations through their skeletal remains is what to do about single specimens, or samples of half a dozen, or fragments of skeletons. Multivariate analysis makes possible finer distinctions of all sorts than does univariate analysis, including sex and population assignment, allowing such placement objectively when adequate samples of identified populations are available to form the multivariate context. The history and essential nature of multivariate analysis is described briefly, and examples of its application to single specimens (the Fish Hoek and Keilor skulls) are given.
NAEP, TIMSS, and PSSM: Entangled Influences.

This article examines the interaction of large-scale mathematics assessments and standards efforts in the United States. In particular, it considers the (Principles and Standards for School Mathematics (2000) and the (Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989) developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). It traces possible influences the NAEP and TIMSS had on the development of standards, as well as the influence of the standards on the frameworks for these assessments, and speculates about the influence of the Principles and Standards for School Mathematics on future frameworks of the NAEP and the TIMSS.
Phosphatidylcholine monolayers observed with Brewster angle microscopy and π-A isotherms

Abstract Monolayers of distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and mixtures of these phospholipids, and distearoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), were observed at the air–water interface with Brewster angle microscopy. Their properties were compared to π-A isotherms. The length of the alkyl chain of phosphatidylcholine affected the morphological properties. At low surface pressure DSPC and DPPC formed the condensed domain; however, DMPC did not form a condensed domain and displayed a larger limiting area per molecule than DSPC. When DSPC and DMPC were mixed together at the same concentration, the property of the spread monolayer in a π-A isotherm was more likely to be DMPC; however, the BAM images were different from that of DMPC or DSPC at various surface pressures. The phase in π-A isotherms was not necessarily the same as the BAM images. Even when surface pressure increased with compression, a small collapse was observed in a microscopic region by BAM.
A Perspective on Non-Traditional Academic Programs in the Health Sciences

In the 1970s, non-traditional academic programs began to gain impetus, aided by studies and recommendations by such groups as the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education and the Commission on Non-Traditional study. Schools of public health have taken the lead in implementing non-traditional, off-campus programs which are relevant to personnel in health service agencies. Reported in this monograph are three programs representing alternative approaches to off-campus public health programs. As our data base increases and new programs are reported, we may see rapid growth in non-traditional programs, resulting in significant changes in academic programs preparing public health practitioners.
Racial Identity Change Among White Graduate Students

This qualitative research study explored racial identity change among a group of White graduate students who took a multicultural course required for a master’s degree in counseling and psychology....
A vector for promoter trapping in Bacillus cereus

We constructed a promoter-trap plasmid, pAD123, for Bacillus cereus. This plasmid contains a promoterless gene that encodes a mutant version of the green fluorescent protein, GFPmut3a, that is optimized for fluorescence-activated cell sorting [Cormack, B.P., Valdivia, R.H., Falkow, S., 1996. FACS-optimized mutants of the green fluorescent protein (GFP). Gene 173, 33-38.]. The plasmid replicates and confers drug resistance in both Escherichia coli and B. cereus. We constructed a library in pAD123, which consists of 29000 clones containing chromosomal DNA from B. cereus strain UW85. A portion of the library (988 clones) was screened for GFP expression in B. cereus UW85 using a 96-well microtiter dish assay. GFP expression was detected by visual inspection with a fluorimager. We identified 21 clones as fluorescing in the initial screen, and further characterized these clones by restriction analysis, sequencing, and quantification of fluorescence intensity. Flow cytometry and cell sorting efficiently separated B. cereus cells expressing GFP from a 10000-fold excess of non-expressing cells. Selected clones provided useful markers to follow B. cereus populations on plant surfaces. Our results indicate that GFP and pAD123 are useful tools for identifying regulatory sequences in Bacillus cereus, and that flow cytometry and cell sorting is a useful method for screening large libraries constructed in this vector.
Functional neuroimaging using ultrasonic blood-brain barrier disruption and manganese-enhanced MRI.

Although mice are the dominant model system for studying the genetic and molecular underpinnings of neuroscience, functional neuroimaging in mice remains technically challenging. One approach, Activation-Induced Manganese-enhanced MRI (AIM MRI), has been used successfully to map neuronal activity in rodents 1-5. In AIM MRI, Mn2+ acts a calcium analog and accumulates in depolarized neurons 6,7. Because Mn2+ shortens the T1 tissue property, regions of elevated neuronal activity will enhance in MRI. Furthermore, Mn2+ clears slowly from the activated regions; therefore, stimulation can be performed outside the magnet prior to imaging, enabling greater experimental flexibility. However, because Mn2+ does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the need to open the BBB has limited the use of AIM MRI, especially in mice. One tool for opening the BBB is ultrasound. Though potentially damaging, if ultrasound is administered in combination with gas-filled microbubbles (i.e., ultrasound contrast agents), the acoustic pressure required for BBB opening is considerably lower. This combination of ultrasound and microbubbles can be used to reliably open the BBB without causing tissue damage 8-11. Here, a method is presented for performing AIM MRI by using microbubbles and ultrasound to open the BBB. After an intravenous injection of perflutren microbubbles, an unfocused pulsed ultrasound beam is applied to the shaved mouse head for 3 minutes. For simplicity, we refer to this technique of BBB Opening with Microbubbles and UltraSound as BOMUS 12. Using BOMUS to open the BBB throughout both cerebral hemispheres, manganese is administered to the whole mouse brain. After experimental stimulation of the lightly sedated mice, AIM MRI is used to map the neuronal response. To demonstrate this approach, herein BOMUS and AIM MRI are used to map unilateral mechanical stimulation of the vibrissae in lightly sedated mice 13. Because BOMUS can open the BBB throughout both hemispheres, the unstimulated side of the brain is used to control for nonspecific background stimulation. The resultant 3D activation map agrees well with published representations of the vibrissae regions of the barrel field cortex 14. The ultrasonic opening of the BBB is fast, noninvasive, and reversible; and thus this approach is suitable for high-throughput and/or longitudinal studies in awake mice.
A controlled trial of protein enrichment of meal replacements for weight reduction with retention of lean body mass

Background While high protein diets have been shown to improve satiety and retention of lean body mass (LBM), this study was designed to determine effects of a protein-enriched meal replacement (MR) on weight loss and LBM retention by comparison to an isocaloric carbohydrate-enriched MR within customized diet plans utilizing MR to achieve high protein or standard protein intakes.
Insecticides for Control of Insects Attacking Alfalfa Seed in Eastern Nebraska

Insecticides were compared with DDT for effectiveness against a wide range of insects known to affect the production of alfalfa seed adversely in eastern Nebraska. Azodrin® (3-hydroxy- N -methyl- cis -crotonamide dimethyl phosphate) at 0.8 lb per acre, dimethoate at 1.0 lb per acre, and General Chemical GC-6506 (dimethyl p -(methylthio) phenyl phosphate) at 1.0 per acre were equal to DDT in control of mirids and leafhoppers, and all were better than DDT in control of grasshoppers. However, no materials, including DDT, reduced the percentage of seed infested with the alfalfa seed chalcid, Bruchophagus roddi Gussakovskii. Endrin equaled DDT as a control for the garden webworm, Loxostege similalis (Guenee). No constant significant increase in seed yield was obtained with any insecticide. However, in 1 experiment, endrin at 0.5 lb per acre, and in 2 experiments, DDT at 2.0 per acre, significantly increased the yield in treated plots over that of the check.
Methylxanthine inhibition of neurosecretion in the brain and corpus cardiacum of Cecropia.

Abstract The fine-structure of the median neurosecretory cells and corpora cardiaca of the Cecropia silkmoth during the first 7 days after transfer from cold conditions to room temperature was compared to that of similar animals whose development was arrested with aminophylline. The major difference observed was the failure of the intrinsic secretory cells of the corpus cardiacum to degenerate in the arrested animals. This failure to degenerate coincides with the expected period of brain hormone release. After long periods of arrest, the medial neurosecretory cells and their axons became distended with neurosecretory granules. The significance of these observations in the initiation of adult development is discussed.
NMR-BASED LIPOPROTEIN PARTICLE PROFILING IDENTIFIES NOVEL SIGNATURES FOR CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

The standard lipid panel routinely performed for cardiovascular risk assessment measures the cholesterol and triglyceride content of lipoproteins. Lipoprotein particle concentrations measured by NMR spectroscopy more strongly associate with coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. We hypothesized that
Endothelin-1 and osteoblastic metastasis

When cancer metastasizes to distant sites, it essentially forms an army of occupation. Just as the presence of an army of occupation alters the behavior of the preexisting resident population, the resident host cells react in a variety of ways to the presence of the metastatic cancer cells. In the majority of cases, they increase their resorptive or destructive capacity, and the result is an osteolytic bone lesion. However, in some notable cases, the response is predominantly formative or osteoblastic. This is particularly true for metastatic prostate cancer, although it is also frequent in a variety of hematologic malignancies as well as in patients with breast cancer. The mechanisms responsible, until recently, have been largely unknown and undefined. It is well known and widely lamented that animal models that consistently produce prostate cancer-induced osteoblastic metastases are virtually nonexistent. Recently, however, there have been successful efforts to use breast cancer models to reliably produce these lesions (1, 2). The study by Yin et al. (3) in this issue of PNAS also uses a preclinical model of osteoblastic metastasis caused by human breast cancer cells to show that endothelin-1 is the responsible mediator for these lesions in this case, and that specific antagonists to the endothelin-1 receptor inhibit the osteoblastic response to the presence of tumor in the bone marrow cavity. The model comprises nude mice inoculated with human breast cancer cells in the left cardiac ventricle, after which the cancer cells invade bone marrow and other distant sites to form metastases. The particular human tumors studied by Yin et al. formed osteoblastic metastases, although other human breast tumors form osteolytic or mixed osteolytic–osteoblastic metastases under these circumstances (1, 2, 4). These observations represent a major step forward in our understanding of the potential mechanisms involved in the …
Strategic Response to Non‐Bank Competition and Deregulation in the United States

The impact of the deregulation movement in the United States on commercial banks and other depository institutions is evaluated and their strategic responses to the intensification of non‐bank competition on the financial services industry are considered.
Discovery of a new stable polymorph of 4-(3-ethynylphenylamino)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)quinazolinium methanesulfonate using near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor form change kinetics

Polymorphism is an important property of crystalline organic molecules, particularly when used to develop medicines. Discovery of all the polymorphs in a series is often difficult. This paper highlights the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to monitor the kinetics of form changes of polymorphs and solvates (hydrates). In the case of mesylate salt 5, this led to the discovery of a new preferred form. Identification and confirmation of unique polymorph crystal states are determined using X-ray powder diffraction patterns. This complements and confirms the kinetic change observed in the near-infrared. The technique is generally applicable to the study of two-phase solid–liquid crystal slurries under isothermal conditions.
Horizontal well hydraulics in leaky aquifers

Abstract This paper presents a general study of horizontal well hydraulics for three aquifer types: a leaky confined aquifer, a leaky water table aquifer, and a leaky aquifer under a water reservoir. Semi-analytical solutions are obtained for cases that exclude and include the aquitard storage. The type curves and derivative type curves for these different conditions are provided. A graphically integrated MATLAB program named HW_LEAK is written to facilitate numerical calculations and generation of the type curves and derivative type curves. This study shows that (1) derivative type curves are more sensitive to the aquitard parameters than the type curves; and that (2) drawdown is sensitive to the aquitard/aquifer thickness ratio and the hydraulic conductivity ratio at the intermediate and later time. Both curves are less sensitive to the aquitard/aquifer specific storage ratio, while the degree of sensitivity of the drawdown to the aquitard parameters is high in a leaky confined aquifer, moderate in a water table aquifer, and low in an aquifer under a water reservoir.