cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatigue characterization of nine dental amalgams.

Abstract Dental amalgams prepared from nine commercially available dental amalgam alloys, including high copper ternary, high copper blend, and a conventional alloy, were evaluated for their compressive fatigue behaviour to at least 10 6 cycles. While the fatigue behaviour of all high copper amalgams was similar, statistically significant differences in cycles to failure amongst these amgalgams were detected as a function of load, with Sybraloy demonstrating the greatest overall resistance to fatigue failure.
Respiratory responses to intermittent and prolonged exercise in a hot-dry environment.

Abstract Ventilatory gas exchange ratio (R), VO 2 , ventilation (V E ), respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (T re ), and heart rate (HR) were determined for four acclimatized subjects during intermittent and prolonged exercise on a treadmill at 24° and 45°C (dry) as follows: 1) 8 cycles (10 min. exercise and 5 min. rest), and 2) prolonged exercise lasting for 90 min. While during intermittent and prolonged exercise, VO 2 and V E did not differ in the heat, RR, T re , HR and the respiratory dead space were higher in the hot ambient environment. After steady-state attainment, exercise R was higher in the initial as compared to the last cycles with higher values in neutral as compared to the hot ambient condition. It was concluded that heat was more effective than time in lowering the R, probably with a greater dependence on fat oxidation in the latter exercise cycles which seemed to be more pronounced in the heat.
Electron Transport in Deformed Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are a material system of increasing technological importance with superb mechanical and electrical properties. It is well known that depending on details of atomic structure, nanotubes may be electrically conducting, semiconducting, or insulating, so deformation is believed to have strong effects on nanotube electrical properties. In this paper a combination of continuum, empirical atomistic, and quantum atomistic modeling methods are used to demonstrate the effect of homogeneous deformation-tension, compression, and torsion-on the electrical conductance and current versus voltage (I(V)) characteristics of a variety of single wall carbon nanotubes. The modeling methods are used in a coupled and efficient multiscale formulation that allows for computationally inexpensive analysis of a wide range of deformed nanotube configurations. Several important observations on the connection between mechanical and electrical behavior are made based on the transport calculations. First, based on the I(V) characteristics, electron transport in the nanotubes is evidently fairly insensitive to homogeneous deformation, though in some cases there is a moderate strain effect at either relatively low or high applied voltages. In particular, the conductance, or dl/dV behavior, shows interesting features for nanotubes deformed in torsion over small ranges of applied bias. Second, based on a survey of a range of nanotube geometries, the primary determining feature of the I(V) characteristics is simply the number of conduction electrons available per unit length of nanotube. In other words, when the current is normalised by the number of free electrons on the tube cross section per unit length, which itself is affected by extensional (but not torsional) strain, the I(V) curves of all single walled carbon nanotubes are nearly co-linear.
Proteomic Analysis of Hydroxyapatite Interaction Proteins in Bone

Biomineralization involves proteins and/or other macromolecules directly in controlling the mineral crystal nucleation/induction, growth, and maturation. To identify these proteins in bone, bovine bone EDTA/NaCl extract was passed through a hydroxyapatite column followed by washing with 0.5 M NaCl and the bound proteins were collected and analyzed by mass spectrometry. More than 30 proteins were identified. While as described previously, albumin, alpha2-HS glycoprotein, decorin, biglycan, osteoadherin, osteonectin, etc. were included, collagen alpha2 (I), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein, secreted phosphoprotein 24, chondroadherin, lumican, perlecan, thrombospondin 1, nucleobindin, etc. were for the first time shown to directly interact with calcium phosphate mineral.
A study of azo and nitro dyes for the selection of candidates for carcinogen bioassay

Abstract A study of azo and nitro dyes as candidates for nomination to the NCI Chemical Selection Working Group (CSWG) for carcinogenesis bioassay is described. The preliminary candidate list of 383 dyes was provided by the Dyes Environmental and Toxicology Organization, Inc. (DETO)/(United States Operating Committee (USOC) of the Ecological and Toxicological Association of the Dyestuffs Manufacturing Industry (ETAD). After the identification and elimination of the chemicals considered previously by the CSWG, already tested adequately, or on test currently, the Information on the remaining candidates pertaining to chemical structure, potential exposure, and suspicion of carcinogenicity was evaluated. On the basis of these considerations, 37 chemicals were initially judged to be the best candidates for carcinogenesis bioassay. Further prioritization of these candidates resulted in a list of 14 final candidates.
Intermodal chassis supply in the US — A Bayesian game model

Abstract A container requires a chassis for every over the road move. In North America, unlike Europe, approximately 30% of chassis have been owned by ocean carriers, who are divesting their chassis. Older chassis bring higher risk for damage or disruption on a trip, though they cost much less than new chassis. Who will provide chassis to facilitate container moves by truck for the growing amount of intermodal traffic flowing through the US? The issue is important for successful port operation, and may require at least operational improvements, and governance decisions by ports or terminal operators. We examine strategic possibilities for a trucker and shipper supplying chassis, using a Bayesian game. We find equilibrium and estimate typical values of decision parameters to make predictions about the signals shippers will send and corresponding truckers' strategy. Making truckers supply chassis may not be practical in North America, so additional specific policies and practices are needed. Inducing truckers to supply chassis under present economic conditions may require capital subsidies or higher freight costs, as well as improved operations.
Accurate thickness/density measurements of organic light-emitting diodes

We report on the use of Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy for thickness analysis of organic light-emitting diode structures (OLEDs) with subnanometer resolution and a spatial resolution <1 mm. A careful study of ion beam induced effects revealed some organic film degradation, but not so severe as to inhibit meaningful measurements. The method is independent of the substrate and is still applicable if the organic film is capped with a metal cathode. Common OLED materials have been the subject of this study: poly(2-methoxy,5-(2′-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene (MEH-PPV), N′,N′-diphenyl-N, N′-bis(3-methylphenyl)-1,1′ biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (TPD), and tris-(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3). The densities of thin films of evaporated TPD (ρ=1.22±0.05 g/cm3) and Alq3 (ρ=1.51±0.03 g/cm3) have been established.
First-principles investigation of spin-polarized conductance in atomic carbon wires

We analyze spin-dependent energetics and conductance for one-dimensional (1D) atomic carbon wires consisting of terminal magnetic (Co) and interior nonmagnetic (C) atoms sandwiched between gold electrodes, obtained by employing first-principles gradient-corrected density functional theory and Landauer's formalism for conductance. Wires containing an even number of carbon atoms are found to be acetylenic with $\ensuremath{\sigma}\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\pi}$ bonding patterns, while cumulene structures are seen in wires containing an odd number of carbon atoms as a result of strong $\ensuremath{\pi}$ conjugation. In the case of even C-atom wires, the antiparallel Co spin state remains the ground state up to 12 carbon atoms. For odd C-wire systems, the antiparallel spin configuration between the two terminal Co atoms remains the ground state irrespective of the number of C atoms in the wire. The 14-carbon atom wire is seen to have a parallel Co spin configuration in the ground state. The stability of the antiferromagnetic state in the wires is ascribed to the superexchange effect. For the cumulenic wires, this effect is constant for all wire lengths. For the acetylenic wires, the superexchange effect diminishes as the wire length increases, with the exception of the wire containing two carbon atoms. The superexchange characteristic length in acetylenic C wires is found to be $\ensuremath{\sim}20\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\AA{}}$. Conductance calculations at the zero-bias limit show spin-valve behavior, the parallel Co spin-configuration state giving higher conductance than the corresponding antiparallel state, and a nonmonotonic variation of conductance with the length of the wires for both spin configurations.
Pneumonectomy in a patient with Swyer-James-MacLeod Syndrome

Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome is a rare disease that results in parenchymal damage believed to be caused by recurrent lung infections in childhood. We report a case of a previously healthy young woman that presented with insidious progression of exertional dyspnea with restrictive lung physiology. Axial imaging demonstrated a hyperinflated emphysematous right lung with lower lobe fibrosis, nodules and air-fluid filled cysts, with a small right pulmonary artery and con- tralateral shifting of the mediastinum. She underwent right pneumonectomy ultimately resulting in improvement of her symptoms, with surgical pathology indicating extensive emphysema, bron- chiectasis, fibrosis with osseous metaplasia, and placental transmogrification of alveolar septa, being consistent with a diagnosis of SJMS.
Korean Teachers' Beliefs and Teaching Practices in Korean Early Childhood Education.

The purpose of this study was to examine the beliefs and practices of early childhood teachers in Korea. 54 child care teachers, 58 private kindergarten teachers and 45 public kindergarten teachers participated in this study. The Teacher Questionnaire was adapted for the Korean situation using both Korean and American early childhood education experts to determine cultural appropriateness of items (i.e., a back translation procedure) and grammatical accuracy. Results indicated that public kindergarten teachers had more academic preparation and teaching experiences than other teachers. Public kindergarten teachers reported implementing significantly more appropriate teaching practics and fewer inappropriate practices in their classrooms than other teachers. There was a trend for all teachers who reported nondirective teaching strategy beliefs to use fewer inappropriate teaching practices; however, child care teachers used more inappropriate teaching strategies than other teachers. *This research is support...
Nitrous oxide release by soil fungi

Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani reduced nitrite in growing cultures and in resting cell experiments at low oxygen tensions with the simultaneous release of nitrous oxide. Nitrate, however, was not transformed during growth under aerobic or partially anaerobic conditions. No nitrous oxide was generated from nitrate, ammonium or hydroxylamine by resting cells. There are no plausible explanations for the physiological reaction involved in the release of nitrous oxide, but the finding that soil fungi are able to volatilize nitrogen implies a new factor in the disappearance of nitrogen from soil.
What is the Latent Variable in Causal Indicator Models

Building on the work of Bollen (2007) and Bollen & Bauldry (2011), Bainter and Bollen (this issue) clarifies several points of confusion in the literature regarding causal indicator models. This author would certainly agree that the effect indicator (reflective) measurement model is inappropriate for some indicators (such as the social interaction or exposure to media violence examples they present) and that to try to model these using a reflective model would result in a misspecified model. He also agrees that clearly distinguishing between causal indicator models and composite indicators is beneficial. However, he disagrees fundamentally with regard to the interpretation of the latent variable (?1 in Figures 1 and 2 of Bainter & Bollen) in terms of its causal indicators, that is, as "the latent variable defined by causal indicators" (p. 133). In this author's view, it is not, and such an interpretation is misleading at best. He states that the latent variable in a causal indicators model is a common factor accounting for the covariance among its outcomes, and that it should not be construed in terms of the content of the causal indicators. If the outcomes included to identify the model are reflective measures such that the factor has a clear interpretation, all is well. The so-called causal indicants are simply predictors, call them what you may. If the outcomes are variables of interest whose covariance lacks a clear interpretation, there is a problem. The latent variable's meaning is indeterminate, but it cannot be inferred from the content of the causal indicators. Doing so can lead to interpretational confounding. Forming a composite with weights not determined with respect to an outcome variable or variables is a possible solution, as is using the causal indicators individually in a model without creating a composite. The use of the causal indicators individually may sacrifice parsimony, but could provide useful information and conceptual clarity (McGrath, 2005). Language: en
145: D-glyceric aciduria, an inborn error of serine metabolism?

An Afghanese boy is described who presented with severe metabolic acidosis, failure to thrive and recurrent infections in the neonatal period. Symptomatic treatment with bicarbonate, combined with a low protein diet, resulted in clinical improvement. Gas chromatographic analysis of organic acids (trimethylsilyl derivatives) in the patient's urine revealed high concentrations of glyceric acid (10 to 100 mM), confirmed by mass spectrometry. Amino acid excretion was normal, especially no excess of glycine was present. The optical configuration of glyceric acid was determined as follows: isolation of the acid by paper chromatography, esterification with L-menthol and acetylation of the OH-groups. Subsequent capillary gas chromatography, stationary phase SP-1000, yielded good separation of the enantiomers. Only D-glyceric acid was found in the urine. Glyceric acid may be derived from carbohydrate or amino acids. To elucidate its origin we loaded the patient with fructose and L-serine. Fructose loading caused no increase of glycerate excretion. On the contrary, the loading test with 200 mg/kg L-serine resulted in a significant increase of glyceric acid excretion. 25% of the ingested serine was retrieved as glyceric acid. L-serine loading in a control led to the excretion of only a trace of glyceric acid. It is suggested that the enzyme defect is located somewhere in the serine degradation pathway. At 1½ year the patient was moderately retarded and glyceric aciduria was persistent (˜12 mmoles/day).
A Circadian Rhythm in Oxygen Uptake by Samanea Pulvini

The rate of O(2) uptake by excised Samanea pulvini oscillates with a circadian rhythm during 52 hours of darkness. Rates of respiration increase during pulvinar opening and decrease prior to and during closure, consistent with the concept that opening requires a greater expenditure of energy. Externally supplied sucrose, necessary for perpetuation of the leaflet movement rhythm, has a small promotive effect on the rate of respiration.
A line search exact penalty method using steering rules

Line search algorithms for nonlinear programming must include safeguards to enjoy global convergence properties. This paper describes an exact penalization approach that extends the class of problems that can be solved with line search sequential quadratic programming methods. In the new algorithm, the penalty parameter is adjusted at every iteration to ensure sufficient progress in linear feasibility and to promote acceptance of the step. A trust region is used to assist in the determination of the penalty parameter, but not in the step computation. It is shown that the algorithm enjoys favorable global convergence properties. Numerical experiments illustrate the behavior of the algorithm on various difficult situations.
The Mn-Se (manganese-selenium) system

The only attempt to determine Se solubilities in the terminal Mn-base solid solutions is that of [62Say], who reported negligible solubilities in (~1Mn) and (~Mn) and small but finite solubility in (alVin). No specific temperatures were reported, and comparison of other results from this work with existing Mn phase diagrams suggests a considerable level of uncertainty. No liquidus measurements have been made in the system; the miscibility gap postulated in [Massalski2] is the result of analogy with the Mn-Te system. Although four crystalline modifications of MnSe exist, only the B1 NaCl-type (aMnSe) is stable at normal atmospheric pressure above room temperature. The solubility range is negligible at room temperature [69Wie], but excess Se solubility is indicated at higher temperatures by the vaporization experiments of [78Smo]. The congruent melting point of 1460 ~ given in [Massalski2] is taken from the measurement of [68Coo]; other reported values include 1510 ~ [69Van], 1610 ~ [79Leu], and 1615 ~ [67Meh]. At temperatures below ambient, aMnSe undergoes a solid-state transformarion to what most observers have identified as a B81 NiAstype structure, here designated as the 8 modification [63Mak, 66Sir, 70Jac, 80Hei, 88Mat]; the reported transformation temperature is usually in the-35 to 0 ~ range. Only one crystalline structure for MnSe 2 has been reported, the C2 pyrite type. As with MnSe, the stoichiometry range for this phase appears to be minimal [69Wie]. [69Wie] reported that MnSe 2 decomposed in sealed tubes at temperatures above 590 ~ to liquid Se and ~xMnSe, but [83Gar] was able to determine the magnetic susceptibility of solid MnSe 2 at temperatures up to 965 ~ and to report the solubility limit in molten Se in the same temperature range. Given the slowness of the decomposition reported by [69Wie], it is likely that the results of [83Gar] represent a metastable equilibrium; however, the need for accurate determination of the liquidus compositions for the whole system is apparent. No measurements of Mn solubility in solid Se have been reported.
X-ray diffraction evidence for the presence of discrete water layers on the surface of membranes.

Abstract X-ray diffraction spacings in multilayered membranes obtained from frog sciatic nerves were found to increase in discrete steps of approx. 5Aduring swelling. These observed jumps in the repeat period suggest that the lipid bilayers exist in distinct states of hydration, and perhaps the swelling occurs by step-wise addition of water layers between the polar head groups. Our analysis and statistical tests of this hypothesis are presented.
The International Anti-Doping Movement and UNESCO: A Historical Case Study

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) played a major role in the development of contemporary anti-doping policy. Throughout its existence, and especially since the 1970s, UNESCO has viewed sport as an educational tool. Though it acknowledged the unique problems that drug use in sport presented, UNESCO was reticent to take a leading role in creating and enacting global policy regarding the issue. However, UNESCO eventually came to endorse the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2005 when its member nations adopted the International Convention against Doping in Sport. UNESCO's shift in attitude is explained through the application of institutional isomorphism, an organisational theory that explains the tendency of organisations in a given area or industry to become more similar over time.
Pulse Oximetry as a Fifth Pediatric Vital Sign

Purpose. To determine the utility of pulse oximetry as a routine fifth vital sign in acute pediatric assessment. Design. Prospective study using pulse oximetry to measure oxygen saturation in children presenting to emergency department triage. Saturation values were disclosed to clinicians only after they had completed medical evaluations and were ready to discharge or admit each child. We measured changes in medical treatment and diagnoses initiated after the disclosure of pulse oximetry values. Setting and Participants. The study included 2127 consecutive children presenting to triage at a university emergency department. Measurements. Changes in select diagnostic tests: chest radiography, complete blood count, spirometry, arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, and ventilation-perfusion scans; treatments: antibiotics, β-agonists, supplemental oxygen; and hospital admission and final diagnoses that occurred after disclosure of triage pulse oximetry values. Results. Of 305 children having triage pulse oximetry values less than 95%, physicians ordered second oximetry for 49, additional chest radiography for 16, complete blood counts for 7, arterial blood gas measurements for 4, spirometry for 2, and ventilation-perfusion scans for 2. Physicians ordered 39 new therapies for 33 patients, including antibiotics for 15, supplemental oxygen for 11, and β-agonists for 8. Five patients initially scheduled for hospital discharge were subsequently admitted. Physicians changed or added diagnoses in 25 patients. Conclusions. Using pulse oximetry as a routine fifth vital sign resulted in important changes in the treatment of a small proportion of pediatric patients.
PSoL: a positive sample only learning algorithm for finding non-coding RNA genes

Motivation: Small non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes play important regulatory roles in a variety of cellular processes. However, detection of ncRNA genes is a great challenge to both experimental and computational approaches. In this study, we describe a new approach called positive sample only learning (PSoL) to predict ncRNA genes in the Escherichia coli genome. Although PSoL is a machine learning method for classification, it requires no negative training data, which, in general, is hard to define properly and affects the performance of machine learning dramatically. In addition, using the support vector machine (SVM) as the core learning algorithm, PSoL can integrate many different kinds of information to improve the accuracy of prediction. Besides the application of PSoL for predicting ncRNAs, PSoL is applicable to many other bioinformatics problems as well. Results: The PSoL method is assessed by 5-fold cross-validation experiments which show that PSoL can achieve about 80% accuracy in recovery of known ncRNAs. We compared PSoL predictions with five previously published results. The PSoL method has the highest percentage of predictions overlapping with those from other methods. Contact: [email protected] Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Sonographic detection of parallel great arteries in the fetus.

OBJECTIVE: Of all fetal malformations, those affecting the heart, particularly the great arteries, are most commonly overlooked during obstetric sonography. The appearance of normally related great arteries in the fetus is described. Abnormal parallel great artery orientation was detected on sonography in 24 fetuses over a 3-year period. This abnormality was most commonly due to double outlet right ventricle. CONCLUSION: Examination of the cardiac outflow tracts during obstetric sonography can detect great artery malformations prenatally, allowing optimum perinatal management.
Tell me more: roles of NPRs in plant immunity

Plants and animals maintain evolutionarily conserved innate immune systems that give rise to durable resistances. Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) confers plant-wide immunity towards a broad spectrum of pathogens. Numerous studies have revealed that NON-EXPRESSOR OF PATHOGENESIS-RELATED GENES 1 (NPR) is a key regulator of SAR. Here, we review the mechanisms of NPR1 action in concert with its paralogues NPR3 and NPR4 and other SAR players. We provide insights into the mechanisms of salicylic acid (SA) perception. We discuss the binding of NPR3 and NPR4 with SA that modulates NPR1 coactivator capacity, leading to diverse immune outputs. Finally, we highlight the function of NPR1 as a bona fide SA receptor and propose a possible model of SA perception in planta.
Sensitivity cycling to physical dormancy break and seed vigour of two Ipomoea species (Convolvulaceae).

The physically dormant seeds of Ipomoea lacunosa and of I. hederacea undergo sensitivity cycling (insensitive ↔ sensitive) to dormancy-breaking treatment. Sensitivity cycling is important to seeds with physical dormancy in sensing appropriate environmental conditions for germination. Seed vigour is also important to seedling establishment, but no study has compared changes in vigour (or not) with changes in sensitivity. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between sensitivity cycling and seed vigour in I. lacunosa and I. hederacea. The seed moisture contents of insensitive and sensitive seeds of I. lacunosa and of sensitive seeds of I. hederacea were measured, and several vigour tests were performed. Vigour of sensitive seeds of I. lacunosa decreased more rapidly than that of insensitive seeds. No significant change in vigour was observed in either permeable or impermeable seeds of I. hederacea. We conclude that sensitivity cycling to physical dormancy break is important in maintaining vigour of I. lacunosa seeds in the soil seed-bank.
STUDIES ON NATURAL IMMUNITY TO PNEUMOCOCCUS TYPE III : IV. OBSERVATIONS ON A NON-TYPE SPECIFIC HUMORAL FACTOR INVOLVED IN RESISTANCE TO PNEUMOCOCCUS TYPE III.

Since there is no evidence for the occurrence of type specific antibody in the normal rabbit and since, as we have shown, the Pneumococcus Type III whether avirulent or virulent is not removed from the blood stream or destroyed when the capsule is intact, the following factors which have been revealed in the course of our work appear to represent certain essential components, if not the complete mechanism, upon which the natural immunity of the rabbit against this organism depends. (a) The elevation of the body temperature after intravenous infection to 41°C. or thereabouts and its maintenance for varying periods. (b) The ability of the phagocytic cells, both fixed and mobile, to attack any cocci which have become vulnerable through the deterioration of capsular integrity. (c) The adjuvant effect of an antibody, reacting with the somatic C carbohydrate, which enhances the phagocytosis of such organisms as no longer possess a completely intact envelope. Conversely, the varying degrees of virulence for rabbits observed among Pneumococcus Type III strains are based upon: (a) differences in the ability of the organisms to multiply at the elevated temperatures encountered in the infected host. Strains markedly susceptible to the harmful influence of this factor fail to induce a generalized fatal infection. Not all "thermo-resistant" strains are highly virulent, however, and these may contrast sharply with regard to (b) size of the capsule and the ease with which it is impaired or completely lost. The capsules must be maintained intact for a sufficient time until multiplication of the organisms can proceed to such a degree that death of the host results. Avirulent strains even when capable of growth at 41°C. appear to be unable to satisfy this requirement. The differences in virulence of various strains apparently conditioned by these factors are not limited solely to the case of the rabbit, since for at least two strains similar differences in virulence have been shown to exist when the intravenous route of infection is employed in mice.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BEEF ROASTS PREPARED WITH DIFFERENT FOODSERVICE COOKING METHODS

Effects of cooking rate, fat trim level, aging period, endpoint temperature and oven type (conventional, forced air convection and forced air/steam combination) on yield, composition and cooking parameters for eight types of beef roasts were investigated. Generally, fast cooking, higher endpoint temperatures, complete removal of external fat and the use of forced air/steam combination ovens increased cooking losses. Fast cooking rates and forced air/steam combination ovens increased moisture loss in some roasts. Reduced levels of external fat did not dramatically affect yields or relative changes in composition due to cooking, but did increase cooking time per unit weight. Forced air/steam combination ovens may reduce the required length of preparation per unit raw weight while conventional ovens may increase cooking time. Rapid cooking of larger roasts with moist heat increased postcooking temperature rise. These results should aid in the revision of foodservice beef cookery guidelines.
SUPERVISORY AND EMPLOYEE CHARACTERISTICS AS CORRELATES OF EMPLOYEE SALARY INCREASES

Previous research on merit pay has focused on the context in which merit decisions take place and on characteristics of the employee. In the present study it was hypothesized that not only do employee characteristics influence merit increases, but so do characteristics of the employee's supervisor. The results from 175 employees in a midwestern manufacturing plant showed that 11% and 24% of the variance in employee salary increases were attributable to supervisory and employee characteristics, respectively. These results suggest that supervisory characteristics should be included in future research involving correlates of employee salary increases and by organizations when auditing the administration of merit pay plans.
Enzymatic Reducing Pathways in Meat

SUMMARY Methods for measuring reducing capacity of meats are described. These include changes in oxidation-reduction potentials of ground meat and changes in oxygen tension of meat slurries, as well as reduction of metmyoglobin. Except for a small residual utilization of oxygen in meat slurries (ascribed to nonenzymatic oxidation), all reductive activity in meat can be stopped by inhibitors of DPNH oxidation via the electron transport chain. Added DPN accelerates all reductive activity. Metmyoglobin reduction does not occur until oxygen has snbstantially disappeared from the meat. Meat contains little or no snccinate. Added succinate greatly accelerates oxygen utilization, but affects metmyoglobin reduction only indirectly by establishing anaerobic conditions more rapidly. It is concluded that both oxygen utilization and metmyoglobin reduction in meat are normally mediated through DPN.
Reproductive performance of three strains of Oreochromis niloticus

Three strains of O. niloticus (Egypt, Ghana and Ivory Coast) were evaluated for reproductive performance both in intra-strain and inter-strain matings. Individuals examined in this experiment were progeny from Egypt (E) strain, a wild population; Ivory Coast (I) strain, a domesticated stock at Auburn University; and Ghana (G) strain, a domesticated stock in Israel. Fecundity (eggs kg body weight−1 spawn−1), egg length and width, percentage hatch and 24-h sac fry length were not different (P>0.05) among the three strains. Egypt and Ivory Coast sac fry were longer (P<0.05) than Ghana at 72 h. Ghana females averaged 2.11 spawns each which was more (P<0.05) than Egypt females, 1.59, and Ivory Coast females, 1.59. Subsequent egg and fry production were also higher for the Ghana strain. Fecundity was related to strain of female; inter-strain matings did not affect fecundity. However, inter-strain matings were less frequent (P<0.05) than intra-strain matings. Among inter-strain matings, those involving Ghana females were the most frequent (P<0.05). Correlations among reproductive traits were similar among strains.
Sudden and unexpected death in infancy and childhood.

One hundred twenty-six consecutive cases of sudden and unexpected death in children between the ages of 10 days and 2 years were studied. Anatomic and microbiologic studies were carried out and an investigation was made at the home in each case. Both sexes were equally vulnerable. Eighty-five per cent of the children were less than 6 months old. The peak incidence was at 2 months. Ninety-nine children were found dead and 27 were observed to die. The same variety and severity of anatomic lesions were found in both categories. Sixteen children in the same age range who died rapidly following known lethal voilence were studied as a control group. Of the nontraumatic sudden death ("unexplained") series 106 (84 per cent) revealed microscopic inflammatory changes in 1 or more sites of the respiratory tract, and histologic evidence of inflammatory disease in other organs was seen in many cases. Acute hemorrhagic pulmonary edema was a common anatomic finding (82 per cent). It was usually accompanied by visceral and cerebral congestion and hemorrhages. Special investigative procedures including staining of the liver for glycogen, determination of the glucose level of the cerebrospinal fluid and study of the adrenals for sudanophilia and birefringence indicated that these factors are without significance in sudden death in early life. A variety of congenital and acquired abnormalities, the presence of which had been unsuspected, was demonstrated at necropsy. Eleven per cent of the 126 cases showed no anatomic abnormalities other than the circulatory phenomena. No single bacterial organism or group of organisms was isolated with any degree of consistency from any site. All attempts to isolate viruses were negative. Ante-mortem symptomatology, circumstances of death, history of contact with infectious disease, and past history of repeated respiratory infection were without prognostic significance and were not pathognomic as to the cause of death. Eighty children had histories of mild illness for 48 hours or less prior to death. Fifty-three children had received some form of treatment during this interval. Sixty-nine children had histories of contact with infectious diseases. Forty-one children had past histories of repeated respiratory infections. The cases came from every social level. Sixty-five per cent had received good care while 35 per cent had received poor care. Many of the control cases showed inflamatory disease in the respiratory tract similar to that seen in the natural death group as well as anatomic evidence of lethal trauma. The inflammatory lesions are thus not incompatible with life. Several hypotheses are offered in an effort to link microscopic inflammatory respiratory tract changes with hemorrhagic pulmonary edema and sudden death. Anatomic and anamnestic evidence exclude mechanical suffocation by bedding. No statement as to the cause of death of an infant who has died suddenly and unexpectedly should be made without complete gross and microscopic studies and thorough investigation of the scene and circumstances of death.
Short-Term Electrical Insulating Characteristics of Some Polymeric Materials Immersed in Liquid Nitrogen

This paper reports the short-term partial-discharge and electrical breakdown characteristics of some film-type and fibrous materials and laminates of fibrous and film-type materials immersed in liquid nitrogen (LN2) Partial discharge inception and extinction voltages, and also the distribution of their magnitude and repetition rate are studied in the various specimens with and without artificial cavities at pressures up to 0.4 MPa. The results emphasize the relative roles played by the gas bubbles inside the cavity and the structure of the material.
Conspecific scent trailing by garter snakes ( Thamnophis sirtalis ) during autumn Further evidence for use of pheromones in den location

Adult garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis), collected in October near a traditional, communal hibernaculum in central Wisconsin, were acclimated to autumnal conditions and subjected to laboratory tests to determine whether they could follow scent trails of a conspecific. Graded responses were obtained, but 75% of the sample showed at least some inclination to follow scent trails. The results suggest that pheromone cues may be used by male and female garter snakes to locate traditional dens during autumnal migrations. Evidence from this and other studies suggests that pheromones are probably used in conjunction with other homing mechanisms and that the role of pheromones in den location may be more important in younger snakes and in populations inhabiting northern latitudes.
A new surface-streamline flow-visualization technique

This paper describes a new surface-streamline flow-visualization technique that is suitable for use in low-speed wind tunnels or other low-speed gas flows. The technique provides a permanent record of ink traces that show surface-streamline direction and shape. The visualization of the endwall surface flow of the horseshoe-vortex system formed around the base of a cylinder by a separating turbulent boundary layer is used as an example. The results of the new technique are compared with those obtained from a conventional flow-visualization technique. Good agreement was found between the two, with the new technique appearing to give more-accurate surface streamlines.
Temperature dependence of vacuum encapsulated resonators for humidity measurement

This paper demonstrates the effect of temperature on humidity measurements using a charge-biased microshell encapsulated single-anchored double-ended tuning fork resonator (DETF). The resonator is electrically connected to a metal bond pad on the external surface silicon dioxide. Changes in the ambient humidity alter the charge decay characteristics of the resonator by modifying the surface resistance of the oxide. This change is monitored by measuring the shift in resonant frequency due to electrostatic spring softening. Varying the temperature from 12°C to 32°C and the relative humidity (RH) from 0 to 60%, the temperature dependence of time decay ranged from −0.05/°C to −0.03/°C and the relative humidity dependence of time decay ranged from 0/RH to −15/RH.
Enhanced Ryanodine‐Mediated Calcium Release in Mutant PS1‐Expressing Alzheimer's Mouse Models

Intracellular Ca 2+ signaling involves Ca 2+ liberation through both inositol triphosphate and ryanodine receptors (IP3R and RyR). However, little is known of the functional interactions between these Ca 2+ sources in either neuronal physiology, or during Ca 2+ disrup- tions associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). By the use of whole-cell recordings and 2-photon Ca 2+ imaging in cortical slices we distinguished between IP3R- and RyR-mediated Ca 2+ components in nontransgenic (non-Tg) and AD mouse models and demonstrate powerful signaling in- teractions between these channels. Ca 2+ -induced Ca 2+ release (CICR) through RyR contributed modestly to Ca 2+ signals evoked by photore- leased IP3 in cortical neurons from non-Tg mice. In contrast, the exag- gerated signals in 3×Tg-AD and PS1KI mice resulted primarily from enhanced CICR through RyR, rather than through IP3R, and were as- sociated with increased RyR expression levels. Moreover, membrane hy- perpolarizations evoked by IP3 in neurons from AD mouse models were even greater than expected simply from the exaggerated Ca 2+ signals, pointing to an increased coupling efficiency between cytosolic (Ca 2+ ) and K + channel regulation. Our results highlight the critical roles of RyR-mediated Ca 2+ signaling in both neuronal physiology and patho-
An interactive voice response system to continue a hospital-based smoking cessation intervention after discharge.

Introduction: Hospitalized smokers benefit from tobacco counseling received in hospital only if it continues after discharge. Interactive voice response (IVR) technology may be useful in delivering this care. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial testing two intensities of follow-up contact using an IVR system; 738 cigarette smokers who received inpatient counseling at an academic medical center were enrolled. Participants were randomized to receive four IVR calls during the first month post discharge that included the offer of a call back (CB) from a smoking counselor (IVR + CB, N = 368) or 1 IVR call at 2 weeks postdischarge that assessed smoking outcomes without offering any counseling support (IVR, N = 370). All were assessed by human telephone call at 12 weeks. Postdischarge counseling and medication utilization rates and self-reported smoking cessation were assessed at 2 and 12 weeks postdischarge. Results: Of those randomized to IVR + CB, 59% received a CB offer and 34% of those receiving offers accepted. Cessation rates did not differ between IVR + CB and IVR at 2 weeks (39% vs. 39%, rate ratio: 1.02, 95% CI: 0.85–1.22) or 12 weeks (29% vs. 26%, rate ratio: 1.11, 95% CI: 0.90–1.41). Medication use did not differ by group but was higher among those accepting versus declining CB offers (69% vs. 52%, p < .05). Conclusions: An IVR system is feasible for postdischarge follow-up and support for hospitalized smokers. Participants, especially pharmacotherapy users, took advantage of post discharge counseling offers, although offers were not associated with increased smoking cessation.
56-OR: ACTIVATION AND CYTOSKELETAL REMODELING OF HUMAN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS BY HLA CLASS II ANTIBODIES

Aim The development of anti-donor HLA class II antibodies (Ab) is associated with chronic allograft rejection. The endothelial cell (EC) barrier is controlled by adhesive structures called cadherins which regulate permeability, migration and proliferation. We hypothesize that Ab ligation of HLA class II molecules on EC contributes to chronic rejection by transducing intracellular signaling cascades leading to remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, redistribution of VE-cadherin and changes in EC barrier function. Methods Class II expression on primary cultures of EC was achieved by adenoviral infection with recombinant Class II Transactivator (CIITA) sub-cloned with pAd/PL-DEST. Mouse monoclonal Ab that reacts with a monomorphic determinant of class II antigens (F26C6G1) was used to treat EC. Stress fiber formation was assessed using Texas Red-phalloidin staining. Protein phosphorylation was assessed by Western blot. VE-cadherin localization was measured by immunofluoresence. Results Treatment of class II-positive EC with class II Ab significantly increased Akt, ERK and p70 S6 Kinase phosphorylation. Class II-augmented ERK phosphorylation was accompanied by a substantial increase in stress fiber formation that was abrogated by pretreatment with the ERK inhibitor UO126 (Fig. 1A). Treatment of EC with class II Ab markedly reduced VE-cadherin localization in EC tight junctions which could be reversed by pretreatment with U0126 (Fig. 1B). Conclusions Ligation of HLA class II molecules with Ab stimulates intracellular signaling cascades leading to activation of the ERK signaling pathway, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, relocalization of VE cadherin and changes in EC barrier function. Download : Download full-size image
Theoretical Analysis of Miscibility Gaps in the Alkali-Borates

A thermodynamic approach based on the regular solution concept is applied to the description of miscibility gap boundaries in the alkali-borate systems. It is suggested that in each system the structural units which control the entropy of mixing are the stoichiometric compounds at the apparent limit of the alkali-rich edge of the gap, and a complex boron trioxide structure. (The former is inferred by the shape of the gap, and the latter is chosen to fit the regular mixing equation.) The same boron trioxide complex is used for all the systems analyzed. The physical implications of this analysis are discussed.
Woodrow Wilson's neurological illness.

W OODROW Wilson had a long history of cerebral vascular disease, beginning when he was a professor at Princeton and culminating in September 1919, when he had a massive stroke which paralyzed the left side of his body and affected his vision and sensation on that side. His illness was also associated with alterations in behavior and personality, and there is a relationship between these changes and the events of Woodrow Wilson's later professional and political careers. This study is limited by the paucity of medical records, by the state of medical knowledge in his time, and by the circumstances connected with the unique office of President of the United States. Following his major stroke, President Wilson was not hospitalized; case records were not kept (or they may have been kept and subsequently destroyed); no technical procedures to define the exact location and extent of the brain lesion were carried out; and no tests to evaluate mental function were made. The medical data are restricted further by the nature of the relationship of the President's physicians to their patient, and some of the observations of other persons on the scene are biased for personal and political reasons. There is also the methodological problem of clinical versus historical evidence. The report of one observer may be credited more than that from a more qualified source if the event fits into some clinical syndrome or meets with medical expectations. The demonstration on neurological grounds of impaired brain function does not necessarily mean that such impairment will contribute in a major way to political inefficiency. In a political system with checks and correctives an executive may respond to reduced capacity by accepting more help and delegating more responsibility. The behavioral sequelae of brain damage, also, may appear predominantly in the area of "private" activity rather than in the political sphere. Moreover, grossly irrational political behavior
Polar-drive Direct-drive Ignition

Polar-drive is an alternate inertial fusion concept being pursued at the NIF. This talk will describe the concept and scientific basis as well as the facility modifications required to perform polar-drive ignition experiments on NIF. Article not available.
Computational evaluation of the dynamic fluctuations of peripheral loops enclosing the catalytic tunnel of a family 7 cellobiohydrolase.

The size and character of the peripheral loops enclosing the active site for cellulase enzymes is believed to play a major role in dictating many critical enzymatic properties. For many cellulases it is observed that fully enclosed active sites forming a tunnel are more conducive to cellobiohydrolase activity and the ability to processively move along the substrate. Conversely, a more open active site groove is indicative of endoglucanase activity. For both cellobiohydrolases and endoglucanases, the loop regions have been implicated in the ability of the enzyme to bind substrate, influence the pKa of active site residues, modulate the catalytic activity, and influence thermal stability. Reported here are constant pH molecular dynamics (CpHMD) simulations that investigate the role of dynamic fluctuations, substrate interactions, and residue pKa values for the peripheral loops enclosing the active site of the cellobiohydrolase Melanocarpus albomyces Cel7B. Two highly flexible loop regions in the free enzyme have been identified, which impact the overall dynamical motions of the enzyme. Charge interactions between Asp198 and Asp367, which reside on two adjacent loops, were found to influence the overall loop conformations and dynamics. In the presence of a substrate the protonation of Asp367, Asp198, and Tyr370 were found to stabilize substrate binding and control the movement of two peripheral loops onto the active site containing the substrate (i.e., clamping down). The substrate-induced response of the loop regions secures the cellulose polymer in the catalytic tunnel and creates an environment that is conducive to hydrolysis of the glycosidic bond.