cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of limonoids in the citrus hybrid calamondin

Abstract Radioactive tracer work showed that in young seeding of calamondin decetylnomilinate was converted to nomilin, obacunone and 6-keteb-nomilol, a new lim
VRS—A programming system for visual electrophysiological research

VRS is a system of separate routines programmed to perform one or more of the functions for mapping neuronal receptive fields and determining neuronal response characteristics. The organization and use of the programming system are described along with the details of the routines. One problem in the study of the visual system has been the accurate mapping of the receptive field characteristics of individual neurons. This report describes a computerized system designed to facilitate studies of neuronal response patterns within the visual pathway. A prominent feature of the system is the automated mapping of receptive fields. The receptive field may be defined as the portion of an animal's total visual field within which appropriate stimuli produce a reliable change in the recorded firing rate of a neuron or a group of neurons recorded simultaneously. There is a considerable amount of knowledge concerning the internal organization of visual receptive fields, their response characteristics, and their relations to one another (see, for example, Kuffler, 1953; Hubel & Wiesel, 1959, 1962, 1965; Spinelli, 1967; Spinelli & Barrett, 1969; and Barlow & Levick, 1965). In many animals, receptive fields at various levels of the visual pathway are complex, often displaying antagonistic (excitatory-inhibitory) internal organization. These antagonistic fields are sometimes organized in a concentric center-surround arrangement, while in other cases they are organized as adjacent areas, roughly rectangular in shape. The usual procedure for mapping receptive fields involves the use of a stimulus pattern to explore possible areas of sensitivity in the visual field, and an extracellular microelectrode-tipped system to record the neuronal responses evoked by the stimulus. The recorded responses are analyzed and displayed to demarcate the region of sensitivity. Further experiments
Some numerical studies of chaotic motions in tubes conveying fluid

Abstract The full non-linear system of equations governing the oscillations of a cantilevered tube conveying fluid in the presence of motion-limiting constraints is solved numerically by the finite element method. Time series, phase portraits and power spectra are presented for solutions corresponding to experimental results given by Paidoussis and Moon [3]. Numerical results and experimental data agree reasonably well. In both cases, chaotic phenomena were observed.
A Comparison of Fish Populations from Natural and Constructed Freshwater Marshes in Central Florida

ABSTRACT In Florida, freshwater marshes are constructed as mitigation for wetland loss associated with phosphate strip mining, but little is known regarding the similarity of fish communities in natural and constructed marshes. Fish from five constructed and eight natural marshes were sampled quarterly via throw-traps for one year. Gambusia holbrooki, Heterandria formosa, Poecilia latiuinna, Elassoma everqladei, Fundulus chrysotus, Jordanella floridae, Fundulus rubifrons, and unidentified juvenile centrarchids were found in both constructed and natural marshes, while Lucania goodei was found only in constructed marshes. A comparison between constructed and natural marsh populations showed that differences in mean abundance and biomass at p < 0.05 (Wilcoxon rank-sum teat) were present for G. holbrooki and E. everqladei. Differences in populations may be attributed to differences in conditions found in constructed and natural marshes.
Pulmonary Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Type) Associated With Pulmonary Hyalinizing Granuloma

A case of pulmonary hyalinizing granuloma (PHG) and concomitant low-grade, small lymphocytic lymphoma of the lung is presented. This is the first occurrence of pulmonary lymphoma in patients with PHG ever reported. The infiltrates around a left lower lobe nodule with left pleural effusion and thickening seen on chest CT were histologically proven to be lymphomatous infiltrates of the lung, pleura, and chest wall muscle. We believe that the lymphoma developed around the nodule and spread to the pleura and muscle in our patient. When infiltrates around the nodules, pleural effusion, or adenopathy are developed in a patient with proven PHG, close follow-up, biopsy, or careful cytology should be seriously considered to rule out a developing lymphoma.
The bigger, the better: Ring-size effects of macrocyclic oligomeric Co(III)-salen catalysts

Macrocyclic oligomeric Co(III)-salen complexes derived from cyclooctene salen monomers are among the most active catalysts for asymmetric epoxide ring-opening reactions. Due to the uncontrollable feature of the ring-expanding olefin metathesis step during catalyst synthesis, the macrocyclic oligomeric Co(III)-salen complexes are produced as mixtures of oligomers with different ring sizes. We rationalize that the ring size of the Co(III)-salen oligomers might have a significant effect on the catalytic efficiency and selectivity and report here a purification protocol to isolate macrocyclic dimers, trimers, tetramers and oligomeric mixtures with larger size rings. Hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) tests using allyl glycidyl ether as substrate show that the dimer is inactive at a catalyst loading of 0.01 mol%. Increasing ring size shows a remarkable effect on reaction rates with the largest ring-size species exhibiting superior selectivities and activities. NMR studies reveal that the dimeric catalyst is strained which is not observed for the larger ring-size catalysts. Computational modeling studies indicate that the dimer is lacking the flexibility to allow adjacent Co(III)-salen groups to form a bimetallic complex. Further catalytic tests of larger ring-size Co(III)-salen complexes (tetramer to hexamer mixture) by investigating the HKR of various racemic terminal epoxides and the asymmetric epoxide ring-opening with different nucleophiles demonstrate the superior catalytic activity of large ring-size macrocyclic catalysts. Furthermore, this study demonstrates again the structural (or configurational) sensitivity of Co(III)-salen catalyst towards the selectivity and efficiency of cooperative bimetallic reactions.
An Analysis of Change in Korean-American and Korean Students' Learning Styles:

Whether changes in children's learning styles can occur from cultural, social, and environmental changes within an ethnic group was investigated in 49 Korean-American (20 boys and 29 girls) and 146 Korean children (78 boys and 68 girls). Similarities as well as differences in learning styles were found between the two nationalities and between boys and girls in both groups. Those learning styles on which differences, e.g., mobility, structure, were significant might have been influenced by the social and environmental differences found between Korea and the United States. The pattern of preferred learning styles for Korean-American students tended to be similar to that reported for students in the United States, indicating that the Korean-American students had become acculturated and their learning styles became close to the learning-style pattern of students in the United States. The authors suspect that the development of learning styles is partly influenced by cultural and environmental forces.
Representing forecast error in a convection-permitting ensemble system

AbstractEnsembles provide an opportunity to greatly improve short-term prediction of local weather hazards, yet generating reliable predictions remain a significant challenge. In particular, convection-permitting ensemble forecast systems (CPEFSs) have persistent problems with underdispersion. Representing initial and or lateral boundary condition uncertainty along with forecast model error provides a foundation for building a more dependable CPEFS, but the best practice for ensemble system design is not well established.Several configurations of CPEFSs are examined where ensemble forecasts are nested within a larger domain, drawing initial conditions from a downscaled, continuously cycled, ensemble data assimilation system that provides state-dependent initial condition uncertainty. The control ensemble forecast, with initial condition uncertainty only, is skillful but underdispersive. To improve the reliability of the ensemble forecasts, the control ensemble is supplemented with 1) perturbed lateral bou...
Autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance using navigation laws with time-varying deviation functions

In this paper we introduce a new family of navigation functions for robot navigation and obstacle avoidance. The method can be used for both path finding and real-time path planning. Each navigation function is composed of three parts: a proportionality term, a deviation function and a deviation constant. Deviation functions are time-varying functions satisfying certain conditions. These functions and parameters are updated in real-time to avoid collision with obstacles. Our strategy uses polar kinematics equations to model the navigation problem in terms of the range and direction between the robot and the goal. The obstacles are mapped to polar planes, and represented by the range and the direction from the robot or the final goal in polar coordinates. This representation gives a certain weight to the obstacles based on their relative position from the robot and facilitates the design of the navigation law. There exists an infinite number of navigation functions obtained by changing the proportionality ...
Relationships between Large-Scale Motion and Convective Precipitation During GATE

Abstract Upper air and surface data from the GARP Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) are used to examine the interrelationships between convective-scale precipitation and the larger scale wind field. The upper air winds from the inner (B) and outer (A/B) hexagonal observational arrays are fit with second-order polynomials to provide smooth estimates of the vorticity, divergence and vertical motion in the observational array. In these analyses we examined archived validated data from all three phases of the experiment and we formed averages based on the radar-estimated precipitation rates. Mean profiles for 19-day periods during each of the three observational phases establish the basic similarity of the kinematics during each phase. Strong boundary-layer convergence balanced, for the most part, by upper tropospheric divergence, is common to all three phases. Radar-estimated precipitation rates are used to define suppressed (precipitation rates 0.5 m...
Benzyl alcohol adverse effects in the rat: implications for toxicity as a preservative in parentral injectable solutions.

Abstract 1. Short-term intake of a 2% benzyl alcohol in the rat drinking fluid resulted in sex-dependent inhibition of hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase. 2. Benzyl alcohol intake also inhibited female but not male mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase isoenzymes with the apparent low and high K m . 3. The benzyl alcohol inhibition kinetics were found non-competitive with the major differences in V max , being confined to the cytoplasmic enzymes. 4. The velocity of the enzymatic reaction was greater for the substrate benzaldehyde than benzyl alcohol. 5. The results suggest sex-dependent hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase-substrate competition between benzyl alcohol and ethanol which may precipitate adverse metabolic interaction particularly in the susceptable female subject. 6. Modulation of the activity of this enzyme by benzyl alcohol may contribute to its toxicity as preservative in parentral injectable solutions.
Purification of NADH-Nitrate Reductase by Affinity Chromatography

Assimilatory nitrate reductase (NADH: nitrate oxidoreductase, EC 1.6.6.1) from Chlorella vulgaris has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity with an overall yield of 60% by a procedure that utilizes blue dextran-agarose as an affinity column. Nitrate reductase binds to blue dextran and is not eluted in the presence of high ionic strength buffer but is rapidly eluted in the presence of μmolar concentrations of NADH.
INVOLVEMENT OF PHOSPHOPROTEIN PHOSPHATASE 1 IN COLLAGEN-PLATELET INTERACTION

Abstract The binding of type I collagen to its receptor initiates platelet aggregation, but the relationship of the receptor to other signal transduction components is not yet established. Correlation of platelet aggregation and anti-type I collagen receptor antibody immunoprecipitation of type I collagen treated [ 32 PO4]-labeled platelets showed that there are two phosphoproteins (M r 53 kDa and 21 kDa) that coprecipitated with the 65 kDa platelet type I collagen receptor. In the present investigation, we have identified one of the phosphoproteins. A soluble component the 100,000×g supernatant fraction of 53 kDa protein is recognized by polyclonal anti-PP1 antibody. The activity of the precipitated phosphatase is inhibited by okadaic acid and inhibitor 1, suggesting that it is protein phosphatase 1 (PP 1). Phosphorylation decreases PP 1 activity as was found with [ 32 PO4]-phosphorylase b as the substrate. The immunocoprecipitation of the type-1 collagen receptor and PP 1 inot the result of cross reactivity of the anti-type I collagen receptor antibody with the PP I protein. These results indicate that the platelet type I collagen receptor, PP 1, and unidentified 21 kDa protein are in close association with the platelet type I collagen receptor upon the binding of type I collagen by the receptor. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd
Surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with anterior compression: a review of 67 cases.

Object In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), ventral disease and loss of cervical lordosis are considered to be relative indications for anterior surgery. However, anterior decompression and fusion operations may be associated with an increased risk of swallowing difficulty and an increased risk of nonunion when extensive decompression is performed. The authors reviewed cases involving patients with CSM treated via an anterior approach, paying special attention to neurological outcome, fusion rates, and complications. Methods Retrospectively, 67 cases involving consecutive patients with CSM requiring an anterior decompression were reviewed: 46 patients underwent anterior surgery only (1-to3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion [ACDF] or 1-level corpectomy), and 21 patients who required > 3-level ACDF or ≥ 2-level corpectomy underwent anterior surgery supplemented by a posterior instrumented fusion procedure. Results Postoperative improvement in Nurick grade was seen in 43 (93%) ...
Impact of Brownian motion on the particle settling in molten metals

Understanding the settling behavior of nanoparticles in molten metals/alloys is important as it will aid in achieving uniform dispersions of reinforcement particles in metal matrix nanocomposites. Uniform dispersions are necessary to activate the Orowan strengthening mechanism, which can increase yield strength without significant diminishment of ductility. In this work, an analytical model of particle size effects on settling is described that takes into account both deterministic Stokes’ law and stochastic Brownian motion. The model shows a clear transitional behavior where settling velocity follows Stokes’ law for large particles and then drops to zero for small particles implying that Brownian motion predominates. It indicated that, in the Brownian motion regime, where the discrete nature of the liquid must be considered, the random motion imparted by unbalanced collisions can overwhelm the motions normally imposed by forces such as gravity, viscous drag, and thermal/concentration gradients.
The π-bonding effects of other ligands on co-ordinated nitrite ion in palladium (II) and platinum (II) complexes

Abstract The preparation of a series of dinitro complexes of palladium (II) and platinum (II) with a variety of neutral ligands is described. The complexes were characterized with respect to their geometric structure (cis or trans) and the mode of co-ordination of the nitrite ion (N-bonded in all cases) on the basis of their infra-red spectra. A correlation has been found to exist between the π-bonding ability of the neutral ligands and the NO stretching frequencies of the co-ordinated nitrite ion. This is interpreted in terms of the extent of π-bonding between the filled dπ orbitals of the metal and the vacant π-antibonding orbital of the nitrite ion. Further support for this hypothesis is found in the effect of cis-trans isomerism on the NO stretching frequencies.
The influence of copper concentration and source on ileal microbiota

Copper is normally supplemented in poultry diets as a growth promotant and antimicrobial. However, there are conflicting reports about the growth benefits and little information about how Cu affects the microbiota in the intestinal tract of poultry. Therefore, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted with broilers to determine the effects of Cu source and supplementation on ileal microbiota. The influence of Cu on growth of lactobacilli and Escherichia coli in media inoculated with ileal contents was determined in the first study. When Cu sulfate pentahydrate was supplemented to the cultures, quadratic increases in lactobacilli to graded concentrations of Cu up to 125 mg/kg and quadratic decreases in E. coli up to 250 mg/kg of Cu were observed after 24 h of incubation at 37 degrees C. However, when tribasic Cu chloride (TBCC) was supplemented, neither linear nor quadratic responses to graded concentrations of dietary Cu were observed on number of lactobacilli or number of E. coli. The effects of Cu and Cu source on ileal microbiota and growth performance in broiler chickens were determined in the second study. Bird performance was not affected by Cu source or concentration. The bacterial culture enumeration results revealed that supplementation with 187.5 mg/kg of Cu from Cu sulfate pentahydrate and TBCC had no effect on number of ileal lactobacilli of birds. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analyses of ileal microbial communities revealed that neither Cu supplementation nor source had effects on the number of bacterial species predominant in the ileal digesta or associated with the ileal mucosa. Supplementation with TBCC supplementation significantly increased the similarity coefficients of microbiota in the ileal mucosa compared with cross-products of all individuals. This suggests that TBCC may alter the intestinal microbiota, yet this shift had no effect on bird performance.
Lubrication of a Porous Bearing—Reynolds’ Solution

In this report, we discuss the unique features which are introduced into the theory of hydrodynamic lubrication of bearings when the bearings are permeable and tolerate a flow of oil. The subject of the analysis is not entirely new, and a few aspects of the problem have been treated by several authors [1, 2, 4, 5, 9].
High-performance MWIR dual bandpass filter for thermal imaging

Bandpass filters transmitting the 3.5 to 5.0μm atmospheric window while simultaneously blocking the 4.3μm CO2 absorption band are in demand. However, realization of these dual bandpass filters is challenging from the standpoint of coating design, material selection, and manufacturing process. JDSU's Ucp-1 magnetron sputtering platform is ideally suited to the production of these types of filters. It enables the use of coating materials with higher transmission and lower temperature shifts than conventional (i.e. thermally evaporated) MWIR materials. Ucp-1 also has excellent layer thickness control, which allows complex designs to be realized. The performance of a dual bandpass filter manufactured for AFRL as part of their "Exploration of Novel Band-pass Filter Designs" program is discussed. The filter achieved average transmission in the passbands of greater than 94% with filter slopes of 1.1% or less. Blocking of the CO2 band was less than 1%, and the below and above band blocking was less than 0.1%. All of the filter requirements were met over the temperature range of 77K to room ambient. We also discuss the results achieved in extending the above approach to the design and manufacture of a quadruple bandpass filter (with passbands centered at 1.23, 1.6, 2.2, and 3.75μm).
Total cross section and neutron resonance spectroscopy for n+40Ar.

The neutron total cross section for $^{40}\mathrm{Ar}$ has been measured over the incident neutron energy range 0.007--50 MeV. R-matrix analysis of the cross section from 0.007 to 1.52 MeV provides resonance parameters which provide a complete description of the neutron scattering functions for the ${\mathit{s}}_{1/2}$, ${\mathit{p}}_{1/2}$, and ${\mathit{p}}_{3/2}$ scattering channels and less nearly complete scattering functions for the ${\mathit{d}}_{3/2}$ and ${\mathit{d}}_{5/2}$ channels. The back-shifted Fermi-gas model is used to model the level densities for s-, p-, and d-wave resonances.
Identification and evaluation of botanical extracts by paper chromatography.

The problem of identification of botanical drug extracts is enormous in view of the large variety of botanical species as well as other factors affecting the biosynthesis of plant constituents. This is particularly true for those drugs which do not have a pharmacologically active ingredient or chemical component which can be assayed for in a routine manner. A rapid method is proposed which utilizes an ascending paper chromatographic technique with slight modification, ultraviolet light for observation, and the use of appropriate chromogenic spray reagents. This procedure produces a chromatogram consisting of base, stem, cone, and solvent front regions. The resulting characteristic picture, when viewed as a whole in comparison with a standard or control sample, can then be used for the identification and evaluation of the drug extract.
Toward aerosol/cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) closure during CRYSTAL‐FACE

During July 2002, measurements of cloud condensation nuclei were made in the vicinity of southwest Florida as part of the Cirrus Regional Study of Tropical Anvils and Cirrus Layers-Florida Area Cirrus Experiment (CRYSTAL-FACE) field campaign. These observations, at supersaturations of 0.2 and 0.85%, are presented here. The performance of each of the two CCN counters was validated through laboratory calibration and an in situ intercomparison. The measurements indicate that the aerosol sampled during the campaign was predominantly marine in character: the median concentrations were 233 cm-3 (at S = 0.2%) and 371 cm(sup -3) (at S = 0.85%). Three flights during the experiment differed from this general trend; the aerosol sampled during the two flights on 18 July was more continental in character, and the observations on 28 July indicate high spatial variability and periods of very high aerosol concentrations. This study also includes a simplified aerosol/CCN closure analysis. Aerosol size distributions were measured simultaneously with the CCN observations, and these data are used to predict a CCN concentration using Kohler theory. For the purpose of this analysis, an idealized composition of pure ammonium sulfate was assumed. The analysis indicates that in this case, there was good general agreement between the predicted and observed CCN concentrations: at S = 0.2%, N(sub predicted)/N(sub observed)= 1.047 (R(sup 2)= 0.911)); at S = 0.85%, N(sub predicted)/N(sub observed)=1.201 (R(sup 2)= 0.835)). The impacts of the compositional assumption and of including in-cloud data in the analysis are addressed. The effect of removing the data from the 28 July flight is also examined; doing so improves the result of the closure analysis at S = 0.85%. When omitting that atypical flight, N(sub predicted)/N(sub observed) = 1.085 (R(sup 2) = 0.770) at S = 0.85%.
Proton Mobilities in Water and in Different Stereoisomers of Covalently Linked Gramicidin A Channels

Abstract Proton conductivities in bulk solution ( λ H ) and single-channel proton conductances ( g H ) in two different stereoisomers of the dioxolane-linked gramicidin A channel (the SS and RR dimers) were measured in a wide range of bulk proton concentrations ([H], 0.1–8000mM). Proton mobilities ( μ H ) in water as well as in the SS and RR dimers were calculated from the conductivity data. In the concentration range of 0.1–2000mM, a straight line with a slope of 0.75 describes the log ( g H )-log ([H]) relationship in the SS dimer. At [H]>2000mM, saturation is followed by a decline in g H . The g H -[H] relationship in the SS dimer is qualitatively similar to the [H] dependence of λ H . However, the slope of the straight line in the log( λ H )-log([H]) plot is 0.96, indicating that the rate-limiting step for proton conduction through the SS dimer is not the diffusion of protons in bulk solution. The significant difference between the slopes of those linear relationships accounts for the faster decline of μ H as a function of [H] in the SS dimer in relation to bulk solution. In the high range of [H], saturation and decline of g H in the SS dimer can be accounted for by the significant decrease of μ H in bulk solution. At any given [H], g H in the RR dimer is significantly smaller than in the SS. Moreover, the g H -[H] relationship in the RR stereoisomer is qualitatively different from that in the SS. Between 1 and 50mM [H], g H can be fitted with an adsorption isotherm, suggesting the presence of a proton-binding site inside the pore (pK a ≈ 2), which limits proton exit from the channel. At 100 mM g H increases linearly with [H]. The distinctive shape of the g H -[H] relationship in the RR dimer suggests that the channel can be occupied simultaneously by more than one proton. At higher [H], the saturation and decline of g H in the RR dimer reflect the properties of μ H in bulk solution. In the entire range of [H], protons seem to cross the SS and RR channels via a Grotthuss-like mechanism. The rate-limiting step for proton transfer in the SS dimer is probably the membrane-channel/bulk solution interface. It is also proposed that the smaller g H in the RR dimer is the consequence of a different organization and dynamics of the H-bonded network of water molecules inside the pore of the channel, resulting in a slower proton transfer and multiple pore occupancy by protons.
Variability of Classification by the Matching Familiar Figures Test as a Function of Grade Level Medians.

This study examined the variability of classification by the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFF) as a function of grade level medians. The MFF was administered to 52 kindergarten and 60 first-grade children, and classification was completed using two sets of medians. The first procedure involved classification based on medians for response time and errors computed from the combined MFF scores of the kindergarten and first-grade children. The second procedure involved clmsification of the same children based on separate medians for each grade. A x2 analysis indicated that MFF classification was highly dependent upon which sample medians were used; 18%(N = 20) of the sample failed to maintain the same classification across both procedures. Analysis also revealed that for the majority (65%) of the children change in classification was due to the change in the median error cutoff. The implications of these findings for future MFF research involving young children and the need for standardized norms for the MFF are discussed.
One Percent Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Prevents Experimentally Induced abdominal Adhesions in Horses

Objective— To evaluate the efficacy of 1% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) for prevention of experimentally induced abdominal adhesions in horses. Study Design— Prospective, controlled, experimental study. Animal Population— Twelve healthy adult horses Methods— The effect of 1% SCMC on adhesion formation was evaluated in 12 healthy horses by using an established model of serosal trauma to induce intraabdominal adhesions. After ventral median celiotomy, 2 separate areas of the jejunum were abraded, and three 2–0 chromic gut sutures were placed in each abraded area. Jejunal resection and end-to-end anastomosis was performed at 2 sites distant to the abrasion sites. In treated horses (n= 6), 2 L of 1% SCMC was applied to the intestine before and after intestinal manipulation. In control horses (n= 6), 2 L of saline solution were applied to the intestine before and after surgical manipulation. All horses were euthanatized 10 days after surgery, and the abdominal cavity was evaluated for adhesion formation. The frequency of intraabdominal adhesions between groups was compared with a chi-square test. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. Results— All control horses had intraabdominal adhesions. Fibrous adhesions were associated with both jejunal abrasion sites in 5 control horses. Fibrous adhesions were also associated with 1 or both jejunal anastomotic sites in 5 control horses. Only 1 treated horse developed adhesions at the jejunal abrasion sites, and no adhesions were present at the anastomotic sites in the treated horses. There were significantly fewer adhesions in the SCMC treatment group compared with the control group (P < .05). Conclusion— In this experimental model, application of 1% SCMC reduced the frequency of intraabdominal adhesions at areas of serosal abrasion and at jejunal anastomotic sites. Clinical Relevance— In horses at an increased risk for developing intraabdominal adhesions after intestinal surgery, the use of 1% SCMC during celiotomy may decrease the frequency of adhesion formation.
PHOTOPERIODIC ADAPTATIONS IN EUPATORIUM RUGOSUM

A B S T R A C T Racial differences based on flowering response to several photoperiods were detectable in two widely separated populations of white snakeroot, Eupatorium rugosum Houtt. The most favorable photoperiod for advanced flowering in Georgia stocks was 12 hr, for those from North Dakota, 14 hr. The difference in latitude between these populations was approximately 120 and represents a mean difference of 75 days in the frost-free season. Under noninductive photoperiod a 1-hr interruption of white light in the middle of 15 hr of darkness stimulated floral initiation in North Dakota plants, whereas the same application at the beginning or at the end of the dark period failed to produce flower buds. The effect of red light (660 m,) for 10 min given in the middle of the long night was similar to white light on the northern strain, and was negated by far-red (730 m,u). Georgia stocks initiated flowering under 15 hr of darkness but were retarded by white light applied in the middle of the period, thus differing in basic response from North Dakota plants. Red light, in contrast to effects observed in North Dakota plants, retarded initiation of flower buds. This effect was offset by far-red light. When compared with other studies on long-day and short-day species our results suggest that photoperiodic adaptations related to latitudinal distribution occur in white snakeroot. The North Dakota strain showed correspondence to long-day types while short-day tendencies were exhibited by Georgia plants.
Schistosoma mansoni: Insulin independence

Several authors have reported that schistosomes are affected by host hormones, including insulin. We found that insulin in a 10,000-fold range of concentrations failed to affect glucose consumption of males, females, or pairs of Schistosoma mansoni incubated for periods up to 24 hr. Insulin, vasopressin, or tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (an insulin mimic) did not affect the uptake and incorporation of [14C]glucose and [14C]deoxyglucose over the active transport range. Competitive binding studies using 125I-insulin and 125I-insulin-like growth factor II, with varying concentrations of unlabeled hormones, demonstrated only nonspecific binding to intact worms or subcellular fractions. This generalized nonspecific uptake of label was also shown by autoradiography, suggesting that specific insulin receptors are absent from S. mansoni. We conclude that plasma glucose levels are sufficient to supply the metabolic requirements of schistosomes by diffusion, and that no insulin-dependent mechanisms have evolved in these parasites.
Expression of branchial flavin-containing monooxygenase is directly correlated with salinity-induced aldicarb toxicity in the euryhaline fish (Oryzias latipes)

Abstract Earlier studies in our laboratory have demonstrated a reduction of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) activity when salt-water adapted euryhaline fish were transferred to water of less salinity. Since FMOs have been shown to be responsible for the bioactivation of the carbamate insecticide, aldicarb, to a more potent cholinesterase inhibitor, it would be predicted that euryhaline fish exposed to aldicarb at higher salinity should have greater levels of FMO and, hence, be more susceptible to aldicarb toxicity. It was not surprising, therefore, that mature female Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) were significantly more susceptible to aldicarb toxicity at higher salinity. A direct correlation was observed between salinity and FMO expression, but salinity had no significant effect on the uptake of aldicarb. These data suggest that FMOs are upregulated by salinity and may be responsible for the enhanced toxicity of aldicarb at higher salinities.
The effect of limestone treatments on the rate of acid generation from pyritic mine gangue

Surface water enters the Haile Gold Mine, Lancaster County, South Carolina by means of a small stream and is ponded behind a dam and in an abandoned pit. This water is affected by acidic drainage. In spite of the large exposures of potentially acid producing pyritic rock, the flux of acid to the water is relatively low. Nevertheless, the resulting pH values of the mine water are low (around 3.5) due to negligible buffering capacity. In view of the observed low release of acidity, the potential for acid drainage abatement by limestone ameliorants appears feasible.This study investigated the effects of limestone treatment on acid generation rates of the Haile mine pyritic rocks through a series of leaching experiments. Below a critical alkalinity threshold value, solutions of dissolved limestone were found consistently to accelerate the rate of pyrite oxidation by varying degrees. The oxidation rates were further accelerated by admixing solid limestone with the pyritic rock. However, after a period of about a month, the pyrite oxidation rate of the admixed samples declined to a level lower than that of untreated pyrite. Leachates produced by the pyrite and limestone mixtures contained little if any iron. Further, in the mixtures, an alteration of the pyrite surface was apparent.The observed behaviour of the treated pyrite appears to be related to the immersion of the pyrite grains within a high alkalinity/high pH environment. The high pH increases the rate of oxidation of ferrous iron which results in a higher concentration of ferric iron at the pyrite surface. This, in turn, increases the rate of pyrite oxidation. Above a threshold alkalinity value, the precipitation of hydrous iron oxides at the pyrite surface eventually outpaces acid generation and coats the pyrite surface, retarding the rate of pyrite oxidation.
Electron depletion in mesic atoms

Abstract Assuming there is no serious electron depletion in mesic atoms, most previously calculated Auger electron spectra for nuclear emulsion have ignored a large low energy (18–25 keV) contribution. A method for investigating electron depletion in mesic atoms is suggested.
Dust removal from the lung parenchyma: an investigation of clearance stimulants

The alveolar clearance of ten soluble and nine suspended materials (many with variations in physical state), all with radioactive labels, was studied in 77 dogs and 178 rats by external counting. For the investigation of rapidly absorbed materials (T2 less than 0.01 day), certain methodologic innovations were used to assist in the determination of the removal rates. From these studies it appeared that for the more rapidly cleared substances, extrapulmonary factors intervene and regulate the clearance, both with respect to amount and time, except for that occurring during the first few hours after exposure. With some “insoluble” aerosols, the long-term clearance component is often similarly regulated, e.g., by extrapulmonary factors. In distinction, some substances with the highest degree of retention appear to be cleared at a rate which is controlled by local (pulmonary) factors. A parallel study in 62 rats of the rates of removal of the same radioactive preparations from the sites of intramuscular injection revealed a remarkable similarity in clearance kinetics to those measured in the lungs. Results of over four hundred ultrafiltration tests in various biological media, including blood sera and bovine lung ranked the aerosol materials according to the dominant clearance half-times measured at the lung or intramuscular sites. Under the specific conditions employed for the ultrafiltration tests, materials with ultrafiltration in excess of 50% usually had clearance half-times of less than 1 day; those with ultrafiltrations between 10 and 50% had clearance half-times of greater than a day but less than 2 weeks; those with ultrafiltration percentages between 1 and 10 generally had half-times between 3 and 6 weeks; those with ultrafiltrations between 0.3 and 1% had half-times generally greater than 3 but less than 6 months; and finally, for those with ultrafiltration percentages less than 0.3%, the clearance half-times usually exceeded 6 months. There were some minor exceptions to this general progression; moreover, the results suggest protein complexes may play a major role in clearance phenomena and that certain in vitro and in vivo tests are reasonable prognosticators of pulmonary clearance, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Degrees of Disaster: Prince William Sound: How Nature Reels and Rebounds

In this account of the ecological effects of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill on Prince William Sound, the story is told of a region where natural disturbance is normal. While the spill had toxic short-term effects, the author concludes that the cleanup efforts perpetrated more damage than the oil.
Capacitive-Discharge Circuit for Controlled Heating of Anisotropic Graphite Tubes. Part II: Characterization for Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption

Performance data from a recently described capacitive-discharge heating system are presented. The capacitive-discharge heating circuit, which used a 0.15 F capacitor bank, is shown to provide reproducible heating of a small anisotropic graphite tube (5 mm o.d. × 9 mm long, 1 mm wall thickness) at heating rates of up to 65°C per ms to a final temperature of 2500°C. The performance and resistance of graphite from two manufacturers are compared. The effect of the capacitor bank voltage on the heating rate and maximum achievable temperature is studied. Photographic and optical pyrometric evidence of the circumferential temperature anisotropy is presented. Pyrolytically coated anisotropic graphite tubes were investigated. Preliminary investigations using Pb indicated that sample deposition on the unbroken lamellar graphitic planes provides about 1.5 times the peak-area and peak-height sensitivity obtained from sample deposition across the lamellar planes.
A phase 2 study of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitor MK-0646 in patients with metastatic, well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors†

BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell lines frequently express both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) ligand and the cognate IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and, as such, potentially depend on the activation of IGF-1R and its downstream effectors for growth and survival. Preclinical studies suggest that somatostatin analogs and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors exhibit antitumor activity against NETs through inhibition of IGF-1-dependent signaling, suggesting that IGF-1R inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach to NETs. Therefore, the authors of this report evaluated the safety and efficacy of MK-0646, a fully human monoclonal antibody (MoAb) that binds to the IGF-1R, as monotherapy in patients with metastatic, well-differentiated NETs. METHODS: A phase 2 study was performed in which patients received intravenous MK-0646 10 mg/kg once weekly over 1 hour. Archived pretreatment tumor tissue was obtained and genotyped for v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, catalytic, alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA); and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) mutations, and immunohistochemistry was performed to measure the expression IGF-1R. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients received treatment (40% women; median age, 61 years; age range, 37-83 years), including 15 patients with carcinoid tumors and 10 patients with pancreatic NETs. No partial or complete responses were observed. The median progression-free survival was 4.2 months in the pancreatic NET cohort (range, 0.7-6.7 months) and 2.7 months in the carcinoid cohort (range, 2-3 months). Serious adverse events that were potentially related to MK-0646 included grade 3/4 hyperglycemia in 8 of 25 patients (32%), grade 2 hypersensitivity reaction in 1 of 24 patients (4%), and grade 3 lipase elevation in 1 of 25 patients (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a compelling preclinical rationale, MK-0646 was inactive as a single agent in well-differentiated NETs. Further studies of MK-0646 as a monotherapy in unselected NETs are unwarranted. Cancer 2012. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Development of a wireless bridge monitoring system for condition assessment using hybrid techniques

The introduction and development of wireless sensor network technology has resulted in rapid growth within the field of structural health monitoring (SHM), as the dramatic cable costs associated with instrumentation of large civil structures is potentially alleviated. Traditionally, condition assessment of bridge structures is accomplished through the use of either vibration measurements or strain sensing. One approach is through quantifying dynamic characteristics and mode shapes developed through the use of relatively dense arrays of accelerometers. Another widely utilized method of condition assessment is bridge load rating, which is enabled through the use of strain sensors. The Wireless Sensor Solution (WSS) developed specifically for diagnostic bridge monitoring provides a hybrid system that interfaces with both accelerometers and strain sensors to facilitate vibration-based bridge evaluation as well as load rating and static analysis on a universal platform. This paper presents the development and testing of a wireless bridge monitoring system designed within the Laboratory for Intelligent Infrastructure and Transportation Technologies (LIITT) at Clarkson University. The system interfaces with low-cost MEMS accelerometers using custom signal conditioning for amplification and filtering tailored to the spectrum of typical bridge vibrations, specifically from ambient excitation. Additionally, a signal conditioning and high resolution ADC interface is provided for strain gauge sensors. To permit compensation for the influence of temperature, thermistor-based temperature sensing is also enabled. In addition to the hardware description, this paper presents features of the software applications and host interface developed for flexible, user-friendly in-network control of and acquisition from the sensor nodes. The architecture of the software radio protocol is also discussed along with results of field deployments including relatively large-scale networks and throughput rates sufficient for bridge monitoring.
Synthesis and in vitro anti-human immunodeficiency virus activity of artemisinin (qinghaosu)-related trioxanes

Abstract A series of artemisinin (qinghaosu)-related trioxanes has been prepared and assayed in vitro for anti-HIV activity. One of these compounds, 12-n-butyldeoxoartemisinin shows a good antiviral activity against HIV-1.
Impact of layout at advanced technology nodes on the performance and variation of digital and analog figures of merit

New technologies and integration schemes introduced over the last few generations have increased the sensitivity of transistor performance and variation to its layout and environment. This paper describes an infrastructure for efficient statistical characterization of the transistor variation. The impact of the increased sensitivity of transistor characteristics to its layout and environment is illustrated through a variety of figures of merit for digital, analog and RF design. Examples of layout parameters and their interaction that cause a large variation in these figures of merit illustrate the applications of this infrastructure.
Atomic layer deposition and chemical vapor deposition precursor selection method application to strontium and barium precursors.

A new selection method for atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) precursors is proposed and tested. Density functional theory was used to simulate Sr and Ba precursors, and several precursors were selected and used to grow films via ALD as test cases for the precursor selection method. The precursors studied were M(x)2 (M = Sr, Ba; x = tetramethylheptanedionate (tmhd), acetylacetonate (acac), hexafluoroacetylacetonate (hfac), cyclopentadienyl (H5C5), pentamethylcyclopentadienyl (Me5C5), n-propyltetramethylcyclopentadienyl (PrMe4C5), tris(isopropylcyclopentadienyl) ( H2C5), tris(isopropylcyclopentadienyl)(THF) ( H2C5)(OC4H8), tris(isopropylcyclopentadienyl)(THF)2 ( H2C5)(OC4H8)2, tris(tert-butylcyclopentadienyl) ( H2C5), tris(tert-butylcyclopentadienyl)(THF) ( H2C5)(OC4H8), heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionate (fod)). The energy required to break bonds between the metal atom and the ligands was calculated to find which precursors react most readily. In the case of tmhd and ...
Knowledge of human papillomavirus and effects on sexual behaviour of gay/bisexual men: a brief report

The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge and misinformation about human papillomavirus (HPV) and differences in sexual risk practices. Self-report surveys assessing the history of HPV/genital warts and sexual practices were completed by 1065 gay/bisexual men in New York City. Of the men reporting a history of HPV, genital warts, or both, the majority reported having warts but not HPV, demonstrating inaccurate knowledge. A significantly greater percentage of men who reported both HPV and warts (HPV+) reported having unsafe sex compared with men reporting neither (HPV-) and men reporting warts but not HPV (HPV+ uninformed). HPV + and HPV + uninformed men reported significantly more men non-primary sex partners in the past three months than HPV- men. Findings indicate that many gay/bisexual men, a population at risk for HPV, are misinformed about its various permutations. Men who are HPV + report increased sexual risk practices and more sexual partners. Comprehensive gay men's health programmes must include HPV education.
Phenyl-phenyl coupling in triphenylantimony catalysed by palladium (O)

Abstract The Pd(O) induced coupling of phenyl groups in triphenylantimony to afford diphenyl and Sb(O) has been studied in a search for possible intermediates. Two complexes containing antimony and palladium have been isolated. Their structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is made up of triphenylantimony coordinated to palladium diacetate. It affords diphenyl nearly quantitatively on pyrolysis. Complex 2 contains a phenyl-palladium σ-bond as well as two coordinated triphenylantimony residues.
SUPPRESSION OF NORMAL SPEECH DISFLUENCIES THROUGH RESPONSE COST1

The speech disfluencies of five normal-speaking college students were modified in a series of 10 to 17 sessions by means of response cost. During Point-loss, each disfluency (repetition or interjection of a sound, syllable, word, etc.) resulted in the loss of a penny, as indicated on a screen in front of the subject. Disfluencies were suppressed and kept at very low levels for four of the subjects during the punishment procedures, and there was general resistance to extinction. Even though points were subtracted only during speech, there was a tendency for disfluencies to decrease, though not as markedly, during reading probes as well.