cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total Nonstructural Carbohydrate Assessment in Creeping Bentgrass at Different Mowing Heights

Any future precision turfgrass management system will benefit from the evaluation of turfgrass stress through indirect measurements of plant components. One such component might be the accumulation dynamics of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC). The effects of mowing height (MH) on TNC concentrations were measured in a field experiment. Clippings were collected from eight creeping bentgrass cultivars {Agrostis palustris Huds. [= A. stolonifera var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.]} mowed at three different heights (0.64, 1.27, 1.90 cm) from 1998 through 2001. Clippings were evaluated 29 times by sampling early in the photoperiod before 1200 h. Collected clippings were instantly frozen in liquid nitrogen and freeze-dried before TNC analyses. The TNC levels were predicted with near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) after building a predictive equation for each carbohydrate fraction with conventional laboratory values. Seasonal trends in TNC concentrations and differences in TNC accumulation among creeping bentgrass cultivars were also evaluated. Mowing heights showed significant differences in TNC content, with 0.64-cm mowed plots having higher TNC levels than 1.27- and 1.90-cm mowed plots on 13 of the 29 dates of evaluation. No consistent differences were observed in TNC concentrations among different cultivars across different growing seasons. However, there were significant seasonal fluctuations in average TNC content at all MHs. The average TNC content of the clippings during 1999 and 2000 started decreasing in mid-July, showing the lowest TNC content in August. The average TNC content showed an increasing trend in September, exhibiting the highest amount of TNC accumulation in October and November.
AMIDS: A multi-sensor energy theft detection framework for advanced metering infrastructures

The advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is a crucial component of the smart grid, replacing traditional analog devices with computerized smart meters. Smart meters have not only allowed for efficient management of many end-users, but also have made AMI an attractive target for remote exploits and local physical tampering with the end goal of stealing energy. While smart meters posses multiple sensors and data sources that can indicate energy theft, in practice, the individual methods exhibit many false positives. In this paper, we present AMIDS, an AMI intrusion detection system that uses information fusion to combine the sensors and consumption data from a smart meter to more accurately detect energy theft. AMIDS combines meter audit logs of physical and cyber events with consumption data to more accurately model and detect theft-related behavior. Our experimental results on normal and anomalous load profiles show that AMIDS can identify energy theft efforts with high accuracy. Furthermore, AMIDS correctly identified legitimate load profile changes that more elementary analyses classified as malicious.
Geologic History of Pacific Ocean: ABSTRACT

Extrapolations from Deep Sea Drilling Project data suggest that the Pacific plate may be about 200 m.y. old at its west edge, but Cretaceous volcanism has largely buried the older record. Post-Jurassic sedimentary facies patterns reflect the northwestward motion of the plate relative to the equatorial zone of high biological productivity, as well as progressively increasing sea-floor depths as newly formed crust moves away from the East Pacific Rise. The Early Cretaceous volcanism which inundated much of the older western part of the plate was succeeded during the rest of Cretaceous and Cenozoic time by the building and subsidence of long chains of seamounts as the plate moved northwestward, possibly over hot spots beneath the lithosphere. A dearth of calcareous sediments of earliest Tertiary age in the central Pacific and a prominent unconformity beneath widespread middle Eocene cherts suggest a time of erosion and dissolution by especially vigorous deep currents, perhaps associated with the creation of a high-latitude circum-Antarctic Ocean. The Pacific is about a third narrower now than during the Jurassic, owing to the opening of the Atlantic. Crustal consumption has been faster along the east side of the Pacific than on the west, resulting in a progressive eastward shift of the rise crest from its earlier more central position. Additional extra losses of old lithosphere are chargeable to Cenozoic spreading behind the western island arc systems. End_of_Article - Last_Page 663------------
Working Supramolecular Machines Trapped in Glass and Mounted on a Film Surface

Two surface-tethered nanomachines have been constructed at a supramolecular level by employing cylinders of the π-electron deficient tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (blue), inside which polyether pistons incorporating π-electron rich dioxynaphthalene units (red and pink) can be induced to move when reductants are supplied either by chemicals or from a light source with 9-anthracenecarboxylic acid (yellow) as the photosensitizer and ethylenediaminetetraacetate (green) as a sacrificial reagent.
The effects of dexamethasone on human patellar tendon stem cells: Implications for dexamethasone treatment of tendon injury

Injection of Dexamethasone (Dex) is commonly used in clinics to treat tendon injury such as tendinopathy because of its anti-inflammatory capabilities. However, serious adverse effects have been reported as a result of Dex treatment, such as impaired tendon healing and tendon rupture. Using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, this study was to determine the effects of Dex treatment on the proliferation and differentiation of human tendon stem cells (hTSCs), which can directly impact tendon healing. We found that Dex treatment stimulated cell proliferation at lower concentrations ( 10 nM) of Dex were used. Implantation of Dex-treated hTSCs for a short time (3 weeks) resulted in the extensive formation of fatty tissues, cartilage-like tissues, and bony tissues. These findings suggest that Dex treatment in clinics may cause a paradoxical effect on the injured tendons it is supposed to treat: by inducing non-tenocyte differentiation of hTSCs, Dex treatment depletes the stem cell pool and leads to the formation of non-tendinous tissues (e.g., fatty and cartilage-like tissues), which make tendon susceptible to rupture. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:105–110, 2012
Radar signatures of indoor clutter for through-the-wall radar applications

In through-the-wall radar (TTWR) applications, scattering by indoor clutter elements can greatly confound the detection of humans. This paper analyzes the spectral and azimuthal scattering characteristics of various types of individual furniture targets and compares these to humans. Radar cross section (RCS) values of furniture and humans are obtained using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) technique over the 1-5 GHz frequency range and the 0-360 azimuth angle range for both co- and cross-polarized scattering. In the case of furniture, RCS responses show to the highest returns when viewing the planar surfaces of the clutter objects. Objects consisting primarily of smaller planar surfaces with more complex geometrical features showed a more uniform response with no preferred orientation showing a larger response. Human RCS produced from the biological models showed a more constant RCS when viewing the co-polarized response, where the back produced the highest response due to the more planar surface. The cross-polarized response was more varied providing for a wider range of RCS values.
Effects of increasing autonomy on tele-operation performance

Tele-operation of robotic platforms has long suffered from the inability of the operator to effectively perform ancillary tasks while controlling the robot. Because of the focus required to perform tele-operation, the operator is limited in their ability to use the robot to improve their situational awareness, with tele-operation often becoming a detriment to their task rather than an enhancement. We present experimental results on the use of a tele-operated robotic system modified to include layered obstacle detection and avoidance routines and an open space planner. These algorithms help the operator shift their focus towards high-level tasks instead of low-level navigation. While experimental data shows that the increase in autonomy did not lead to a reduction in task completion time, obstacle collisions were reduced and has led to further investigation of cognitive load reduction during operation.
Signal transduction mechanisms involved in ischemic preconditioning in the rat retina in vivo.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protects the rat retina against the injury that ordinarily follows severe ischemia. We showed previously that release of adenosine and de novo protein synthesis were required for IPC protection. The mechanisms of IPC were studied in the rat retina by examining the signal transduction mediators responsible, in particular, those theorized to be downstream of adenosine receptors. In addition, we examined the hypothesis that nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals were involved in the IPC protective phenomenon. Retinal ischemia was produced for 60 min in ketamine/xylazine-anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats, and recovery was measured using electroretinography. We tested the effects on the protective effect of IPC resulting from antagonism of protein kinase C, potassium ATP channels, nitric oxide synthase, or hydroxyl radicals. The effects of the inhibition of de novo protein synthesis or of protein kinase C, and blockade of potassium ATP channels on the mimicking of IPC by adenosine receptor agonists was examined.IPC protection was strongly attenuated by inhibition of protein kinase C and by blockade of potassium ATP channels, but unaffected by the inhibition of hydroxyl radicals. Blockade of nitric oxide synthase produced a trend toward enhancement of IPC protection. Mimicking of IPC protection by adenosine receptor agonists was inhibited by blockade of protein synthesis or of protein kinase C, as well as by potassium ATP channel antagonism. These results demonstrate that protein kinase C and potassium ATP channels are mediators of the protective effect produced by IPC. In addition, the results show that stimulation of adenosine receptor subtypes A1 and A2a is responsible for IPC protection via downstream stimulation of protein kinase C, the opening of potassium ATP channels, and de novo protein synthesis.
Grip strength, muscle fatigue, and body composition in nomadic Turkana pastoralists.

Tests of hand grip strength and hand grip muscle fatigue were conducted on Ngisonyoka Turkana pastoralists of northwest Kenya to explore some of the functional relationships between activity and body composition. The test of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of hand grip flexors was conducted on 151 Turkana and 38 U.S. men and women. The fatigue test was conducted on the same number of subjects who were instructed to attempt to maintain 80% of the MVC for 90 seconds. The results of these tests, combined with arm measurements of size and body composition, were used to evaluate muscle size and strength relationships and to estimate muscle fiber type distribution in the forearm. MVC values of Turkana men were low by U.S. and European standards. The low values resulted from smaller Turkana muscle areas. MVC values of Turkana women were comparable to those of U.S. and European women, reflecting comparable muscle areas. The fatigue curves of Turkana and U.S. men and women suggest that slow-twitch aerobic muscle fibers predominate for the hand grip flexors of the Turkana pastoralists.
Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 226

Abstract Abstract:The available nuclear structure information for all nuclei with mass number A=226 is presented. Various decay and reaction data are evaluated and compared. Adopted data, levels, spin, parity and configuration assignments are given.Cutoff Date:All data received prior to February 1996 have been considered in adopting the properties given in this evaluation.General Policies and Organization of Material:See the January issue of Nuclear Data Sheets.
Intraoral Extraction of Cheek Skin Cyst

Background. When a physician encounters a benign subcutaneous cyst in the cheek, his or her decision whether to excise and how to excise the cyst takes into account the potential risk of postsurgical scarring. Objective. To describe and show an intraoral buccal mucosal approach to excising a cyst in the inferior-anterior cheek so that skin scarring is avoided. Method. An incision was made intraorally in the buccal mucosa, and dissection was carried through the buccinator muscle until the cyst wall was seen. Careful separation of tissue around the cyst was done by blunt dissection, and the unruptured cyst was removed through the buccal mucosal incision. Result. The entire intact cyst was removed without creating any excision marks in the cheek skin. No complications were encountered, and buccal mucosal healing was excellent. Conclusion. A buccal mucosal intraoral approach is an alternative to a percutaneous excision to remove a cyst in the lower cheek region. The intraoral approach avoids a visible scar on the cheek skin. RICHARD BENNETT, MD, MUBA TAHER, MD, AND JUSTINE YUN, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.
Professional and Personal Experiences and Perceived Facilitator Effectiveness

This study analyzes the relationship between facilitator effectiveness ratings and several facilitator characteristics. Characteristics include professional and personal experiences as well as demographics. Participants attended Smart Steps, a relationship education course for stepfamilies, which was offered through community agencies. There were 858 participants with an overrepresentation of low-income and Latino participants. Facilitators who had specific training in Smart Steps and facilitators who had stepchildren of their own had higher effectiveness ratings. A regression model identified that both of these variables along with being female were significantly associated with higher effectiveness ratings as reported by the participants.
Multiple Sleep Latency Test and Maintenance of Wakefulness Test

Degrees of excessive daytime sleepiness can be quantified by obtaining a comprehensive history in conjunction with various diagnostic studies, such as an overnight polysomnography, the multiple sleep latency test, and the maintenance of wakefulness test. Although the multiple sleep latency test and maintenance of wakefulness test are laboratory-based assessments of sleepiness and wakefulness, respectively, these findings on these tests may not always correlate with patient safety in the workplace or while driving. Further research is needed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of our assessments of excessive daytime sleepiness.
FLOW STUDIES OF HIGHLY-LOADED-COAL-WATER MIXTURES AS A FUNCTION OF THE PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION

ABSTRACT Mixtures of pulverized coal in water (CWM's) are being studied as a retrofit fuel for boilers, process heaters, gas turbines and stationary diesel engines. Each application may possess design characteristics which restrict the maximum particle size of the CWM. PETC has been involved in a research program to examine the flow characteristics of highly-loaded CWM's in both a flow loop and in bench-scale laboratory experiments as a function of the particle size distribution. Extensive flow tests have been conducted on CWM's in 0.025-meter and 0.051-meter schedule 40 pipes. The facility includes appropriately sized pumps, horizontal and vertical test sections and flow, pressure and temperature measuring equipment. Nominal velocities range from 0.31 meters per second (mps) to 6 mps for each line size. In addition, extensive laboratory measurements of viscometric properties of CWM's have been made. The range of particle sizes examined either in the loop or the laboratory includes from 100% below 30μ to ...
Fatty acids and Pb-210 geochronology of a sediment core from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts☆

Abstract Four sections of a Pb-210 dated core of 62 cm length from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, were analyzed for fatty acids. A comparison of fatty acids extracted by Soxhlet extraction (unbound fatty acids) with fatty acids extracted by subsequent saponification extraction of the same sample (bound fatty acids) showed the former did not undergo diagenetic loss any faster than the latter. However, compositional differences between bound and unbound fatty acids were apparent in the top section of 1–2 cm and were less apparent in the 54–58 cm section. At least 14% of the bound fatty acids are esterified to non-solvent extractable material. The net conversion of fatty acids to other compounds is 32 μ/g dry weight sediment over the first 30 yr after deposition.
Effects of organic amendment and tillage on soil microorganisms and microfauna

Abstract Soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) and microfauna (nematodes, protozoa) have been shown to be sensitive to organic amendments, but few experiments have investigated the responses of all these organisms simultaneously and across the soil profile. We investigated the impact of organic amendment and tillage on the soil food web at two depths in a field experiment. Over three growing seasons, field plots received seasonal organic amendment that was either incorporated into the soil (tilled) or not (no-till) as part of a tomato/soybean/corn cropping system. Un-amended, control plots that were either tilled or no-till were also included. We hypothesized that the addition of amendments would have a bottom–up effect on the soil food web, positively influencing the abundance of microorganisms, protozoa, and nematodes, primarily in the surface layers of the soil, but that this effect could be extended into deeper layers via tillage. Organic amendment had positive effects on most measured variables, including organic matter, respiration, protozoan and nematode density, and the abundance of PLFA biomarkers for bacteria and fungi. These effects were more pronounced in the 0–5 cm depth, but most variables increased with amendment in the deeper layer as well, especially with tillage. Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) of bacterial rDNA fragments indicated that distinct bacterial communities were selected for among tillage and amendment treatments and depths. Nematode faunal indices were not influenced by amendment, however. Increased nematode density in amended soils encompassed all trophic groups of free-living nematodes, with the greatest response among fungal-feeders, particularly with tillage. Increased biomass of microorganisms and decomposer microfauna in amended, tilled soils (0–5 cm depth) corresponded with a decline in the abundance of plant-parasitic nematodes. In control soils (0–5 cm depth), tillage reduced the relative abundance of fungal-feeding nematodes and increased the density of bacterial-feeding nematodes, in particular nematode species contributing to the Enrichment Index. When combined with organic amendment however, tillage was associated with increases in fungal-feeding nematodes and fungal biomarker PLFA. The results of this study suggest that when combined with amendment, tillage enhances the soil food web beyond the effect of amendment alone and is associated with declines in plant-parasitic nematodes.
Time-based flow injection analysis

Abstract Time-based flow-injection systems are novel measurement systems which use induced dispersion of the sample in the system and measurement of time to evaluate the concentration of the analyte in the sample. There are two types of time-based system. In the standard systems, assays are based on the chemistries of the classical intensity assays; in the pseudo-titration systems, the assays are based on classical titration chemistries. These systems are discussed in terms of basic theory, classification of the systems and their advantages.
Surgical intervention in children with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW We provide a summary of the literature published in the past year addressing the surgical approach to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 in the pediatric population. RECENT FINDINGS The review focuses first on medullary thyroid carcinoma and performing prophylactic thyroidectomy for the prevention or cure of this disease. The timing and extent of surgery as well as additional surgical intervention for persistent or recurrent disease is discussed. Then the surgical management of hereditary pheochromocytoma is reviewed. SUMMARY Surgery is often the only treatment that can prevent or cure the endocrinopathies associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Determining the proper timing and extent of surgical intervention in children affected with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 will lead to better outcomes and survival.
Neuroimaging supports central pathology in familial dysautonomia

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a hereditary peripheral and central nervous system disorder with poorly defined central neuropathology. This prospective pilot study aimed to determine if MRI would provide objective parameters of central neuropathology. There were 14 study subjects, seven FD individuals (18.6 +/- 4.2 years, 3 female) and seven controls (19.1 +/- 5.8 years, 3 female). All subjects had standardized brain MRI evaluation including quantitative regional volume measurements, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for assessment of white matter (WM) microstructural integrity by calculation of fractional anisotropy (FA), and proton MR spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) to assess neuronal health. The FD patients had significantly decreased FA in optic radiation (p = 0.009) and middle cerebellar peduncle (p = 0.004). Voxel-wise analysis identified both GM and WM microstructural damage among FD subjects as there were nine clusters of WM FA reductions and 16 clusters of GM apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) elevations. Their WM proportion was significantly decreased (p = 0.003) as was the WM proportion in the frontal region (p = 0.007). (1)H MRS showed no significant abnormalities. The findings of WM abnormalities and decreased optic radiation and middle cerebellar peduncle FA in the FD study group, suggest compromised myelination and WM micro-structural integrity in FD brains. These neuroimaging results are consistent with clinical visual abnormalities and gait disturbance. Furthermore the frontal lobe atrophy is consistent with previously reported neuropsychological deficits.
The Role of Fluid Mechanics in the Localization and Detection of Atherosclerosis

Fluid dynamics research over the past twenty years has contributed immensely to our knowledge of atherosclerosis. The ability to detect localized atherosclerotic plaques using noninvasive ultrasonic methods was advanced significantly by investigations into the nature and occurrence of velocity disturbances created by arterial stenoses, and diagnosis of carotid bifurcation disease using a combination of ultrasonic imaging and Doppler measurement of blood velocity is now quite routine. Since atherosclerotic plaques tend to be localized at sites of branching and artery curvature and since these locations would be expected to harbor complex flow patterns, investigators postulated that fluid dynamics might play an initiating role in atherogenesis. Several fluid dynamic variables were proposed as initiating factors. Investigations were undertaken during the 1980s in which fluid dynamic model experiments with physiologic geometries and flow conditions were employed to simulate arterial flows and in which morphometric mapping of intimal thickness was performed in human arteries. Correlations between fluid dynamic variables and intimal thickness revealed that atherosclerotic plaques tended to occur at sites of low and oscillating wall shear stress; and these observations were reinforced by studies in a monkey model of atherosclerosis. Concomitantly, it was realized that arteries adapt their diameters so as to maintain wall shear stress in a narrow range of values around 15 dynes/cm2, findings which were based both on observations of normal arteries and on animal studies in which flow rates were manipulated and arterial diameter adaptation was measured.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Why Should States Fund Schools

In arguing for government withdrawal from funding and regulating schooling, James Tooley claims that equality of opportunity in education implies only that all deserve an adequate minimum education. However, he concedes the ‘abstract egalitarian thesis’that all should be treated with equal concern and respect. I show that this thesis indeed implies educational equality, and that Tooley's arguments against educational equality rest on a misunderstanding of the foundations of egalitarianism.
Aluminum-26 and beryllium-10 in greenland ice.

Activities of beryllium-10 and aluminum-26 dissolved in 200-year-old Greenland ice were found to be 18.4 (+ 8.4, - 4.8) x 10-6 and 3.2 ± 0.9 x 10-7 disintegration per minute per liter, respectively. From these values and the precipitation rate (30 milliliters of water per square centimeter per year), the production rates of these isotopes are calculated to be 3.6 (+ 1.6, - 0.9) x 10-2 and 1.7 ± 0.5 x 10-4 atom per second * square centimeter. These rates agree with the rates calculated for the production of these isotopes by cosmic rays in the atmosphere. Probably all the Al26 in the ice is accounted for by such atmospheric production; however, an upper limit for the influx of cosmic dust bearing aluminum-26 is calculated at 3.2 x 105 tons per year for Earth. Only upper limits could be found for Al26 and Be10 in the undissolved particulate matter in the ice; their addition to the activities in the dissolved material leaves our conclusions unchanged.
Properties of continuum source particle beams: II. Beams generated in capillary expansions

Abstract Choked capillary flow is described by an isothermal, locally developed flow model while flow in the supersonic free jet originating at the capillary exit is assumed isentropic in order to calculate volumetric gas flow through the capillary and the terminal velocity of particles suspended in the expanding gas. The results are compared to experimental data and found to agree within 2 to 3%. The principal cause of error is believed to be the failure of the capillary flow model near the capillary exit.
A SHORTENED ALGAL GROWTH POTENTIAL TEST

The Algal Growth Potential Test has been an accepted standard test for measuring the bioavailability of nutrients in water bodies. A shortened seven day test has been developed, tested, and shown to have a strong correlation relationship with algal tests grown to maximum dry weight yields. The new test will save time in processing the samples and processing of test data.
The effects of phencyclidine and N-allylnormetazocine on midbrain dopamine neuronal activity

Single unit recording techniques were used to determine the effects of intravenously and microiontophoretically administered phencyclidine (PCP) and the enantiomers of N-allylnormetazocine (SKF-10,047) on the activity of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. Intravenous PCP produced a biphasic effect on substantia nigra zona compacta (A9) and ventral tegmental (A10) DA neurons which consisted of excitation followed by inhibition below baseline firing rates as the dose was increased. The high-dose attenuation of firing by PCP, but not the excitatory effects, was antagonized by haloperidol pretreatment. Intravenous (+)- and (-)-SKF-10,047 increased the firing rate of most A9 and A10 DA neurons. In contrast to the intravenous findings, iontophoretic PCP generally exerted only very weak inhibitory actions on neuronal activity, while (+)- and (-)-SKF-10,047 produced no consistent effects. The results suggest that these drugs indirectly influence the activity of DA neurons and that this may be a property shared by drugs classified as sigma receptor agonists.
Chronic Hepatitis in Labrador Retrievers: Clinical Presentation and Prognostic Factors

Background: An increased incidence of chronic hepatitis has been reported in Labrador Retrievers. Hypothesis: A breed associated hepatopathy occurs in Labrador Retrievers. Animals: Twenty-four client-owned Labrador Retrievers. Methods: Medical records of dogs with histopathologic confirmation of chronic hepatitis were retrospectively reviewed. A clinical score based on clinical signs and the results of biochemical tests was generated for each dog. Hepatic biopsy specimens were scored for disease activity, fibrosis, and copper accumulation. Results: The median age was 9.3 years (range, 3.9–14.0 years). Clinical signs included inappetence, vomiting, lethargy, and weight loss. All dogs had increases in serum activity of one or more hepatobiliary enzyme. Hyperbilirubinemia and hypoalbuminemia were present in 45% and 21% of dogs, respectively. The median clinical score was 2.9, with a range of 0–8. The median histopathology activity and the fibrosis scores were 3.5 (range, 1–6) and 3.0 (range, 0–4), respectively. Rhodaninepositive copper staining was present in 15 of 17 biopsy specimens, with a median score of 2.0 (range, 0–3). Median survival was 374 days (range, 1–2645 days). A prolonged prothrombin time (P= .013) and thrombocytopenia (P= .041) were associated with survival < 2 months. The presence of anorexia (P= .049), hypoglobulinemia (P= .045), or prolonged partial thromboplastin time (P= .033) were associated with shorter overall survival times. The clinical score correlated with survival time (P= .030) and histopathologic staging (P= .049). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: A progressive hepatopathy in Labrador Retrievers in this study was marked by chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and copper accumulation. A clinical scoring system that correlates with survival time may be useful as a noninvasive method to predict prognosis.
Models of Post-Translational Protein Translocation

Organellar Hsp-70 is required for post-translational translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. The functional role played by Hsp-70 is unknown. However, two operating principles have been suggested. The power stroke model proposes that Hsp-70 undergoes a conformational change, which pulls the precursor protein through the translocation pore, whereas, in the Brownian ratchet model, the role of Hsp-70 is simply to block backsliding through the pore. A mathematical analysis of both mechanisms is presented and reveals that qualitative differences between the models occur in the behavior of the mean velocity and effective diffusion coefficient as a function of Hsp-70 concentration. An experimental method is proposed for measuring these two quantities that only relies on current experimental techniques.
Radiologic diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in adults and children

Rationale and Objectives. Most radiologists are familiar with the classic chest radiographic findings of cystic fibrosis (CF) when these occur in children. We hypothesized that given the same findings, a diagnosis of CF would be less likely to be considered in an adult than in a child. Methods. We compiled 30 pediatric and 28 adult CF chest radiographs and obtained two independent readings on each by different general radiologists among the eight who volunteered to participate as they performed their daily clinical work. The cases were presented to the readers so that they did not know which radiographs were part of the study. The association between the correct diagnosis of CF and whether the patient was an adult or a child was assessed using odds ratios and logistic regression, so that Brasfield score, Schwachman—Kulczycki score, and the patient's sex could also be considered as predictive of correct diagnosis. Results. In 67% of the pediatric cases, at least one of the radiologists considered CF as a possible diagnosis, whereas they considered CF a possibility in only 50% of the adults. Both radiologists suggested the correct diagnosis in 40% of pediatric cases and only 14% of adult cases ( p Conclusion. Because the radiographic findings were similar in the two groups of patients according to severity groupings, we believe CF was less commonly considered in the adult patient because of the traditional belief that CF is a childhood disease.
Control Growth Factor Release Using a Self-Assembled [polycation∶heparin] Complex

The importance of growth factors has been recognized for over five decades; however their utilization in medicine has yet to be fully realized. This is because free growth factors have short half-lives in plasma, making direct injection inefficient. Many growth factors are anchored and protected by sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the body. We set out to explore the use of heparin, a well-characterized sulfated glycosaminoglycan, for the controlled release of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). Heparin binds a multitude of growth factors and maintains their bioactivity for an extended period of time. We used a biocompatible polycation to precipitate out the [heparin:FGF-2] complex from neutral buffer to form a release matrix. We can control the release rate of FGF-2 from the resultant matrix by altering the molecular weight of the polycation. The FGF-2 released from the delivery complex maintained its bioactivity and initiated cellular responses that were at least as potent as fresh bolus FGF-2 and fresh heparin stabilized FGF-2. This new delivery platform is not limited to FGF-2 but applicable to the large family of heparin-binding growth factors.
Cellular signaling in eclosion hormone action.

Abstract Eclosion hormone (EH) is a 62 amino acid neuropeptide that plays an integral role in triggering ecdysis behavior at the end of each molt. At least three populations of cells are thought to be targets for EH, each of which show an EH-stimulated increase in the intracellular messenger guanosine 3′, 5′ cyclic monophosphate (cGMP). These EH target cells are believed to include two pairs of neurons in each of the ganglia of the ventral nerve cord (VNC) that contain the neuropeptide crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), the Inka cells of the peripheral epitracheal glands and intrinsic non-neuronal cells in the abdominal transverse nerves. This review describes likely signaling cascades that result in the EH-stimulated cGMP increase. Several lines of evidence suggest the involvement of a novel nitric oxide insensitive soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC). A novel GC with these properties has recently been identified and we also present evidence to suggest that it is activated by EH and describe possible pathways for its activation. In addition, we review our current knowledge on the cellular and molecular events that take place downstream of the increase in cGMP.
Routes of heat transfer in two teleosts, Ictalurus punctatus and Lepomis macrochirus

The proportion of heat transferred via the gills (Pg) was estimated for two morphologically divergent freshwater teleosts,Ictalurus punctatus (channel catfish) andLepomis macrochirus (bluegill). Methodology involved monitoring a fish's core temperature while its gills and skin surface were perfused with water of different temperatures. In both species, between 20 and 40 percent of heat was transferred via the gills. Pg depended on direction of the gill-skin temperature differential, suggesting that both species altered distribution of blood flow in response to polarity of the temperature differential. Pg of channel catfish was correlated positively with body mass; whereas, Pg and mass were uncorrelated in bluegill.
Mono Lake radiocarbon: The mystery deepens

The ratio of carbon-14 (14C) to carbon in the dissolved inorganic carbon (ΣCO2) of California's Mono Lake has continued to rise at a rate far faster than expected from the invasion of bomb-test14C-labeled atmospheric CO2. Two explanations can be given. One is that the invasion rate of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is 5 or so times higher than that for chemically inert gases. The second is tha Mono Lake has been used as a site for clandestine disposal of radiocarbon. In this paper, we attempt to reconstruct the radiocarbon history of the lake by invoking the addition of radiocarbon-free CO2 from the volcanic center that lies beneath the lake and the invasion of bomb-test tagged CO2 from above.
Effect of dietary composition and estradiol implants on hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase and lipid deposition in growing chicks.

Abstract Three experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of diet and estradiol (E2) administration on hepatic microsomal mixed function oxidase (MFO) activity, E2 metabolism, and liver lipid content in male broiler chicks. Broiler chicks (3 weeks of age) were fed either a corn-soybean (CS) diet or a diet containing fish meal, alfalfa meal, and torula yeast (FAY) for 19 days in Experiments 1 and 3 and for 14 days in Experiment 2, respectively. Half of the chicks were implanted with tubes containing E2. In all experiments when the chicks were estrogenized, feeding FAY significantly lowered liver lipid content and plasma E2 concentration. Activity of hepatic microsomal aniline hydroxylase and content of cytochrome P-450 were significantly increased by feeding FAY with or without E2 administration. The chicks fed the CS diet had a significantly lower content of cytochrome P-450 when E2 was administered. Activities of aminopyrine demethylase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced (NADPH)-cytochrome C reductase did not differ significantly between the diets. In in vitro studies, conversion of 14C-E2 into the water soluble fraction was significantly increased in microsomes from chicks fed the FAY diet as compared to ones from chicks fed the CS diet. The results suggest that some of the hepatic microsomal functions on the CS diet are modified by the change in diet composition and that these modifications are probably associated with E2 metabolism and occurrence of fatty liver.
Application of Regional Phase Amplitude Tomography to Seismic Verification

— We have applied tomographic techniques to amplitude data to quantify regional phase path effects for use in source discrimination studies. Tomography complements interpolation (kriging) methods by extending our ability to apply path corrections into regions devoid of calibration events, as well as raising levels of confidence in the corrections because of their more physical basis. Our tomography technique solves for resolvable combinations of attenuation, source-generation, site and spreading terms. First difference regularization is used to remove singularities and reduce noise effects.¶In initial tests the technique was applied to a data set of 1488, 1.0 Hz, P g /L g amplitude ratios from 13 stations for paths inside a 30° by 40° box covering western China and surrounding regions. Tomography reduced variance 60%, relative to the power-law distance correction traditionally applied to amplitude ratios. Relative P g /L g attenuation varied with geologic region, with low values in Tibet, intermediate values in basins and high values for platforms and older crust. Spatial patterns were consistent with previous path effect studies in Asia, especially local earthquake coda-Q. Relative spreading was consistent with expected values for P g and L g . Relative site terms were similar to one another, yet some tradeoff with attenuation was evident.¶Tomography residuals followed systematic trends with distance, which may result from the evolution from direct to coda phases, focusing, model tradeoff or data windowing effects. Examination of the residuals using a kriging interpolator showed coherent geographical variations, indicating unmodeled path effects. The residual patterns often follow geological boundaries, which could result from attenuating zones or minor blockages that are too thin to be resolved, or that have anisotropic effect on regional phases. These results will guide efforts to reparameterize tomography models to more effectively represent regional wave attenuation and blockage. The interpolated residuals also can be combined with predictions of the tomographic model to account for path effects in discrimination studies on a station by station basis.
Problem-Based Learning: Effects on the Early Acquisition of Cognitive Skill in Medicine

In this article, I present a longitudinal study comparing problem-solving performance for medical students trained using 2 different approaches to medical education. The first approach is the traditional medical education that involves lectures supplemented by laboratory exercises. The second approach is problem-based learning (PBL). In PBL, students learn basic science in small groups in the context of authentic patient problems. Because an expected outcome of medical education is to move students along the path from naive laypersons to novice physicians, the effects of these approaches should be understood in terms of how they affect the early acquisition of cognitive skill. The results indicate that there are important cognitive benefits of the PBL approach.
Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney: Cytopathologic findings

A 54-year-old woman was hospitalized for flank pain and acute renal failure when imaging studies revealed a 5.2 cm mass in the left kidney. She was referred for fine needle aspiration of the lesion, which showed an epithelial tumor with round to oval nuclei associated with strands of metachromatic stromal tissue. Cytopathologic diagnosis was consistent with renal cell carcinoma. Subsequent nephrectomy was performed and the surgical pathology specimen showed a mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma of the kidney. The patient has done well post-operatively with 10 months of benign follow-up.
Interstitial irradiation for newly diagnosed or recurrent malignant gliomas: preliminary results.

The preliminary results obtained in 19 patients treated with interstitial irradiation for malignant gliomas are reported. Three different groups are included in the study: I Newly diagnosed tumours not suitable for surgery: 13 cases (10 anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and 3 glioblastomas (GBM), mean volume 46.56 cc, source Ir 192) were implanted permanently (n = 11, mean peripheral dose 93.54 Gy) or temporarily (n = 2, 50 Gy = 0.5 Gy/hr). External beam irradiation was additionally applied in all cases. II Residual or recurrent tumours: 5 patients (2 AA and 3 GBM, mean volume 7.2 cc, source Ir 192) received temporary implants (150 Gy peripheral dose = 1.5 Gy/hr) after surgery and conventional radiotherapy. III Newly diagnosed surgically removable tumours: only one patient with AA (15 cc volume, source Ir 192) received temporary implantation with the same dose regimen used in Group II before surgery and external beam irradiation.
Heterogeneous redundancy for fault and defect tolerance with complexity independent area overhead

The continuous increase in digital system complexity is raising the area cost of redundancy-based fault and defect tolerance. This paper introduces a technique for heterogeneous redundancy in control path and datapath circuitry that provides high reliability with area overhead that is independent of system complexity. Small amounts of circuit-specific reconfigurable logic are finely integrated with fixed-logic circuitry to provide fine-grained heterogeneous fault and defect tolerance. Results reveal that the technique is effective for a variety of circuits, providing high reliability with a constant magnitude area overhead that is independent of system complexity.
A Longitudinal Examination of the Dimensionality and Stability of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ)

Confirmatory factor analytic techniques were used to examine the dimensionality and stability of the Organizational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Based on the item responses of a cohort of 440 Navy personnel at three time periods, the results suggest that the OCQ is composed of two separate, but highly correlated, dimensions. The dimensions of the OCQ were not stationary, but the results suggest that the value commitment dimension comprised of the nine positively worded items becomes more stable over time. Based on the pattern of factor loadings, squared multiple correlations of the items, and correlations among the factors it would appear that there would not be a loss in validity by using the short form of the OCQ, which consists of the items of value commitment dimension. These results also suggest that the OCQ may not be valid for individuals who have been with an organization for only a short time.
Understanding bichromatic emission from scattering gain media.

Intense optical pumping of solutions of high-gain laser dyes and TiO2 nanoscatterers in methanol is found to result in narrow-linewidth bichromatic emission. Experimental studies of the long-wavelength emission peak show that weak pumping of the scattering gain medium by the primary lasing emission results in a random system that lases at longer wavelengths. Measurements with other dyes show that the bichromatic emission effect is very general.
Destruction of the Germinal Disc Region of an Immature Preovulatory Chicken Follicle Induces Atresia and Apoptosis

The germinal disc region (GDR), which contains the germinal disc and overlying granulosa cells, is essential for completion of maturation of the preovulatory chicken follicle. The current study was conducted to test the hypothesis that destruction of the GDR (GDRX) of an immature preovulatory chicken follicle blocks ovulation, induces apoptosis, and causes atresia. The GDR of immature preovulatory follicles (F2) were destroyed by freezing with dry ice (3 mm in diameter) 48-50 h before ovulation. As a control for the effect of freezing, a nonGDR portion (a portion of the follicular wall opposite to the GDR relative to the follicular stalk) of other F2 follicles were destroyed (non-GDRX). Treatment of F2 follicles by GDRX caused atresia and blocked ovulation of all treated follicles (6 of 6), whereas none of the nonGDRX follicles (0 of 5) underwent atresia. Treatment of follicles by GDRX induced apoptotic DNA fragmentation (laddering) in theca and granulosa layers obtained from the frozen area and in the theca layer obtained from the follicular wall distal to the frozen area. In contrast, apoptosis was only present in theca and granulosa layers in the frozen area of the nonGDRX follicle. Furthermore, the in situ DNA end-labeling technique demonstrated that in the GDRX follicle 24 h after treatment, cells in the theca interna, endothelial cells in blood vessels of the theca externa, and a few granulosa cells underwent apoptosis. These results indicate that destruction of the GDR of an immature preovulatory follicle causes atresia and apoptosis and blocks ovulation. These novel findings suggest that the GDR maintains development of the chicken preovulatory follicle by producing one or more survival factors. Without the GDR, chicken follicles cannot develop further and they eventually die.