cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Insights Concerning the Glucose-dependent Insulin Secretagogue Action of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 in Pancreatic β-Cells

The GLP-1 receptor is a Class B heptahelical G-protein-coupled receptor that stimulates cAMP production in pancreatic β-cells. GLP-1 utilizes this receptor to activate two distinct classes of cAMP-binding proteins: protein kinase A (PKA) and the Epac family of cAMP-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factors (cAMPGEFs). Actions of GLP-1 mediated by PICA and Epac include the recruitment and priming of secretory granules, thereby increasing the number of granules available for Ca 2 + -dependent exocytosis. Simultaneously, GLP-1 promotes Ca 2 + influx and mobilizes an intracellular source of Ca 2 + . GLP-1 sensitizes intracellular Ca 2 + release channels (ryanodine and IP 3 receptors) to stimulatory effects of Ca 2 + , thereby promoting Ca 2 + -induced Ca 2 + release (CICR). In the model presented here, CICR activates mitochondrial dehydrogenases, thereby upregulating glucose-dependent production of ATP. The resultant increase in cytosolic [ATP]/ [ADP] concentration ratio leads to closure of ATP-sensitive K + channels (K-ATP), membrane depolarization, and influx of Ca 2 + through voltage-dependent Ca 2 + channels (VDCCs). Ca 2 + influx stimulates exocytosis of secretory granules by promoting their fusion with the plasma membrane. Under conditions where Ca 2 + release channels are sensitized by GLP-1, Ca 2 + influx also stimulates CICR, generating an additional round of ATP production and K-ATP channel closure. In the absence of glucose, no "fuel" is available to support ATP production, and GLP-1 fails to stimulate insulin secretion. This new "feed-forward" hypothesis of β-cell stimulus-secretion coupling may provide a mechanistic explanation as to how GLP-1 exerts a beneficial blood glucose-lowering effect in type 2 diabetic subjects.
Mathematical Removal of Positron Range Blurring in High Resolution Tomography

Positron range blurring can be removed from PET projection data by Fourier deconvolution. The method uses previously measured positron range spread functions whose 'cusp like' shape retains some of the higher spatial frequencey 'iformation. Although the deconvolution process amplifies the statistical noise, especially for for narrow projection bins and for isotopes with high positron energy, it can significantly improve the ability to estimate the amount of positron activity in each region of quantitation.
Derivation of structural restraints using a thiol-reactive chelator

Recognition and identification of protein folds is a prerequisite for high-throughput structural genomics. Here we demonstrate a simple protocol for covalent attachment of a short and more rigid metal-chelating tag, thiol-reactive EDTA, by chemical modification of the single cysteine residue in barnase(H102C). Conjugation of the metal-chelating tag provides the advantage of allowing a greater range of paramagnetic metal substitutions. Substitution of Yb(3+), Mn(2+), and Co(2+) permitted measurement of metal-amide proton distances, dipolar shifts, and residual dipolar couplings. Paramagnetic-derived restraints are advantageous in the NMR structure elucidation of large protein complexes and are shown sufficient for validation of homology-based fold predictions.
Observation of stimulated emission pumping spectra of jet-cooled NCS and C3

Abstract The observation of stimulated emission pumping (SEP) spectra of free-jet-cooled NCS and C 3 is reported. These species were generated by UV laser photolysis of a suitable precursor molecule in a large excess of inert gas in the throat of a supersonic free jet expansion. Individual rotational lines in the cold laser-induced fluorescence excitation spectrum were pumped and stimulated emission induced using two dye lasers pumped by a single excimer laser. The technique should be of general use in measuring vibronic level spacings in the ground electronic state of small free radicals.
Uptake of monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) by vascular aquatic plants

Abstract The herbicide MSMA is used extensively for grass control in non‐edible crops and for chemical mowing along roadside rights‐of‐way. Herbicide may reach adjacent water bodies either by accidental application or by runoff from sprayed plots. This study utilized floating, submerged and rooted plant species in hydroponic solution to monitor the uptake of trace levels of the herbicide from aqueous concentrations of 5 and 10 μg/ml, respectively. Plant species included Eichhornia crassipes, Ceratophyllum demer‐sum, Alternanthera philoxeroides and Hygrophila lacustris. Duplicate plants were analyzed over the 6 weeks of the study using the silver diethyldithiocarbamate (SDDC) procedure. Rates of uptake, partitioning of the herbicide in roots, stems and leaves and bioaccumulation ratios were determined for each plant species.
Influenza-induced depression of monocyte chemotaxis: Reversal by levamisole☆

Abstract Depression of monocyte chemotactic responsiveness that occurs in patients with acute influenza may be a factor in causing the high incidence of superinfection seen in this viral disease. Levamisole, a pharmacological agent capable of enhancing monocyte chemotaxis, was effective in counteracting the depression of chemotaxis produced by incubating normal monocytes with influenza in vitro . The drug, moreover, enhanced the subnormal in vitro chemotactic responses of monocytes from patients with serologically proven acute influenza. These studies suggest that levamisole may be useful in enhancing depressed cellular immune function in patients with acute influenza.
The Predictability of Rainfall over the Greater Horn of Africa. Part I: Prediction of Seasonal Rainfall

AbstractThe predictability of each of the three rainy seasons affecting the Horn of Africa is examined using multiple linear regression and cross validation. In contrast to most other empirical forecast models, atmospheric dynamics are emphasized. Two geographical sectors are considered: the summer rainfall region with a single rainfall peak in the boreal summer and an equatorial rainfall region with rainy seasons in both the boreal spring and the boreal autumn. These two seasons are termed the “long rains” and “short rains,” respectively, in much of East Africa. Excellent predictability is noted 5 months in advance for both regions during the boreal autumn season and 2 months in advance for the summer season in the summer rainfall region. There is also excellent predictability for the short rains of the equatorial region 2 months in advance. Two notable findings are that atmospheric variables generally provide higher forecast skill than surface variables, such as sea surface temperatures and sea level pr...
Adapting to Bad News: Lessons From the Harlem Parole Reentry Court

The reentry court model was created to address the risks and needs of offenders returning to the community during the period immediately following release. While there is growing interest in reentry courts, research to date has been limited. This study utilized a quasi-experimental design, comparing reentry court participants with traditional parolees. Participants were found to have fewer reconvictions but increased parole revocations. Although results indicate a promising court model, higher rates of revocations for technical violations suggest the potential for “supervision effects.” Dissemination of negative program outcomes provided an opportunity for additional training and programmatic elements to limit and/or reverse possible iatrogenic effects.
Healthy Human T-Cell Responses to Aspergillus fumigatus Antigens

Background Aspergillus fumigatus is associated with both invasive and allergic pulmonary diseases, in different hosts. The organism is inhaled as a spore, which, if not cleared from the airway, germinates into hyphal morphotypes that are responsible for tissue invasion and resultant inflammation. Hyphae secrete multiple products that function as antigens, evoking both a protective (TH1–TH17) and destructive allergic (TH2) immunity. How Aspergillus allergens (Asp f proteins) participate in the development of allergic sensitization is unknown.
Notes on the Arms Trade and Government Policy in Southern Africa between 1870 and 1890

These notes are merely intended to point out some of the factors governing official policy towards the arms traffic in southern Africa in the years before the Brussels Act of 1890 came into force. They are sadly incomplete, having been collected in the course of other research, but are nevertheless put forward in the hope that they may add an extra dimension to this series of articles on the impact of firearms on the history of southern Africa.
Über fluorhaltige Verbindungen der Elemente der V. Hauptgruppe. XI. Über die Reaktion des Antimon(V)‐chlorides mit Fluorwasserstoff

Die Reaktion zwischen SbCl5 und HF wurde analytisch, praparativ und konduktometrisch untersucht. Bei −75°C erfolgt Auflosung von SbCl5 in HF unter Bildung der komplexen Saure HSbCl5F ohne ClF-Austausch. Oberhalb −40°C setzt die Austauschreaktion ein. Die ersten 3 Cl-Atome werden relativ leicht ersetzt. Oberhalb 0°C erfolgt der Austausch des vorletzten Cl-Atoms. Die Stufe HSbClF5 wird erst bei Zimmertemperatur langsam angegriffen. Dieser letzte Fluorierungsschritt ist die Ursache fur die schon von Ruff beobachtete Hemmung der Umsetzung. Die komplexen Sauren sind in HF in Form von [H2F][SbClnF6−n] gelost. Bei Entfernung des Fluorwasserstoffs bilden sich feste Produkte der wahrscheinlichen Konstitution [H2SbClnF6−n] [SbClnF6−n]. Reaction of HF on SbCl5 is studied again. At −75°C SbCl5 is dissolved in HF yielding HSbCl5F. Above −40° chlorine-fluorine exchange begins. Three Cl-atoms are ex-changed relatively quickly, the fourth Cl-atom is substituted above 0°C. [SbClF5]-ions react with HF very slowly also when room temperature is reached being the reason for retardation near the end of the studied reaction observed formerly by Ruff. Formed acids are dissolved in HF as [H2F] [SbClnF6−n]. After removing HF these compounds crystallize and finally products with a probable constitution [H2SbClnF6−n] [SbClnF6−n] are formed.
Historical Perspectives on Alcoholism Treatment for Women in the United States, 1870–1990

This article discusses different types of treatment modalities for alcoholic women over more than a century of American history, outlining several key themes. First, the notion that there may be fewer alcoholic women than men, but they are somehow “sicker” or more deviant than their male counterparts, has been remarkably persistent. Second, beliefs about maternity and sexuality have long shaped our understanding of alcoholism in women. Third, defining a clinical entity called alcoholism has been particularly difficult in the case of women, for whom any drinking may be viewed as a troublesome behavior. Finally, fitting women into research and treatment models designed for men has been immensely complicated, yet emphasizing gender difference has, in the past, sometimes excluded alcoholic women even more from the care they needed and added to the stigma they faced.
The effect of mean centering on prediction in multivariate calibration

Traditionally, one form of preprocessing in multivariate calibration methods such as principal component regression and partial least squares is mean centering the independent variables (responses) and the dependent variables (concentrations). However, upon examination of the statistical issue of error propagation in multivariate calibration, it was found that mean centering is not advised for some data structures. In this paper it is shown that for response data which (i) vary linearly with concentration, (ii) have no baseline (when there is a component with a non-zero response that does not change in concentration) and (iii) have no closure in the concentrations (for each sample the concentrations of all components add to a constant, e.g. 100%) it is better not to mean center the calibration data. That is, the prediction errors as evaluated by a root mean square error statistic will be smaller for a model made with the raw data than a model made with mean-centered data. With simulated data relative improvements ranging from 1% to 13% were observed depending on the amount of error in the calibration concentrations and responses.
An Integrated Perspective of Performance Appraisal Interviews

This research assessed multidimensional aspects of the performance appraisal interview and the effect on employees' satisfaction with the interview and perceived effectiveness of the interview. The sample was comprised of 312 university staff employees. Results support combining judgmental and developmental components of the interview. Raters' and ratees' participation, as well as focusing on past and future goals were especially important predictors of the outcome measures.
Localization in One-Dimensional Lattices in the Presence of Incommensurate Potentials

The density of states and the localized or extended nature of the eigenstates is investigated in one-dimensional crystals with a modulation potential incommensurate with that of the underlying lattice. Studies of the transmission coefficient $T$ and of the spatial dependence of the eigenstates show that even in one dimension it is possible to have a mobility edge. The implications of these results on experimentally measured quantities are also discussed.
Garbage collection for monitoring parametric properties

Parametric properties are behavioral properties over program events that depend on one or more parameters. Parameters are bound to concrete data or objects at runtime, which makes parametric properties particularly suitable for stating multi-object relationships or protocols. Monitoring parametric properties independently of the employed formalism involves slicing traces with respect to parameter instances and sending these slices to appropriate non-parametric monitor instances. The number of such instances is theoretically unbounded and tends to be enormous in practice, to an extent that how to efficiently manage monitor instances has become one of the most challenging problems in runtime verification. The previous formalism-independent approach was only able to do the obvious, namely to garbage collect monitor instances when all bound parameter objects were garbage collected. This led to pathological behaviors where unnecessary monitor instances were kept for the entire length of a program. This paper proposes a new approach to garbage collecting monitor instances. Unnecessary monitor instances are collected lazily to avoid creating undue overhead. This lazy collection, along with some careful engineering, has resulted in RV, the most efficient parametric monitoring system to date. Our evaluation shows that the average overhead of RV in the DaCapo benchmark is 15%, which is two times lower than that of JavaMOP and orders of magnitude lower than that of Tracematches.
Medical Team Training: Using Simulation as a Teaching Strategy for Group Work

Described is an innovative approach currently being used to inspire group work, specifically a medical team training model, referred to as The Simulation Model, which includes as its major components: (1) Prior Training in Group Work of Medical Team Members; (2) Simulation in Teams or Groups; (3) Multidisciplinary Teamwork; (4) Team Leader Selection; and (5) a Facilitated Group Debriefing Process. This approach involves multidisciplinary medical teams and their leaders responding to changes in critical, stress-filled environments by organizing their approach to patient care through simulated practice sessions, using human patient simulators which mimic actual patients in the health care environment.
Opiate-Induced Hypersensitivity to Testosterone Feedback: Pituitary Involvement

We have examined the mode of morphine's (M) action to increase the sensitivity of castrated male rats to the inhibitory feedback action of testosterone (T) on LH release. In castrated rats, sc implantation of M pellets or 5-mm long Tfilled capsules (T5) failed to suppress LH release, but a combination of M and T5 drastically decreased serum LH levels. Likewise, while treatment with a higher dose of T (30-mm long implant, sc) suppressed LH release, combined treatment with M and T30 produced a further suppression of LH levels. We have now assessed the in vitro release rate of LHRH from the medial basal hypothalamus-preoptic area of castrated rats treated with M and/or T as well as the in vivo pituitary LH response to LHRH challenge in similarly treated rats. Interestingly, the in vitro basal and naloxone-induced LHRH release from the medial basal hypothalamus-preoptic area of the six groups of rats was similar, regardless of whether LH levels were in the high castrate or low basal range. On the other hand, ...
Scientific publishing in the era of Petabyte data

Today's scientific datasets are growing into Petabytes. A similar transition is happening in industry and society. Web search companies have to deal routinely with tens of Petabytes, a substantial fraction of the world's computers go into data warehouses of the Big 5. Scientists, librarians and publishers are just beginning to grasp the magnitude and multi-faceted nature of the problems facing us. Every step of the usual scientific process will need to change and change soon. Science in the 21st century will require a different set of skills than previously, more computational and algorithmic thinking and more interdisciplinary interaction will be hallmarks of a successful scientist. The talk will present the challenges and trends in this 'brave new world'.
Age determination of adult field crickets: methodology and field applications

Details of a method originated by A.C. Neville for aging adult insects by counting daily growth rings in tibial or other body sections are given. A test of the method's accuracy using laboratory-reared field crickets (Gryllus pennsylvanicus and Gryllus veletis) showed that the number of growth rings counted is equivalent to the number of days past adult molt until the insect is approximately 25–30 days old, when cuticle growth is completed and rings are no longer added. Field populations of the two cricket species sampled in 2 years seldom contained individuals with more than 18 rings. Several applications for the technique to ecological and behavioral studies are given, using examples from data on G. veletis and G. pennsylvanicus.
Tissue-specific regulatory regions of the PTH gene localized by novel chromosome 11 rearrangement breakpoints in a parathyroid adenoma.

Parathyroid adenomas can contain clonal rearrangements of chromosome 11 that activate the cyclin D1 oncogene through juxtaposition with the PTH gene. Here we describe such a chromosomal rearrangement whose novel features provide clues to locating elusive cis-regulatory elements in the PTH gene and also expand the physical spectrum of pathogenetic breakpoints in the cyclin D1 gene region. Southern blot analyses of the parathyroid adenoma revealed rearrangement in the PTH gene locus. Analysis of rearranged DNA clones that contained the breakpoint, obtained by screening a tumor genomic library, pinpointed the breakpoint in the PTH locus 3.3 kb upstream of the first exon. Accordingly, highly conserved distal elements of the PTH 5' regulatory region were rearranged at the breakpoint approximately 450 kb upstream of the cyclin D1 oncogene, resulting in overexpression of cyclin D1 mRNA. Thus, PTH-cyclin D1 gene rearrangement breakpoints in parathyroid tumors can be located far from those previously recognized. In addition to expanding the molecular spectrum of pathogenetic chromosomal lesions in this disease, features of this specific rearrangement reinforce the existence of one or more novel cis-enhancer/regulatory elements for PTH gene expression and narrow their location to a 1.7-kb DNA segment in the distal PTH promoter.
Microstructural and electronic transport properties of PtxSi/p-Si(100) metal-semiconductor composite films

Abstract Sputtered Pt x Si/p-Si(100) films were characterized to assess their potential for applications in buried Schottky barrier devices. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction and Hall measurements were used to measure structural and electronic transport properties and particle distribution. The findings presented in this paper provide insight into the potential device applications of these structures as photodetector devices operating in the 3–5 μm range.
Polyelectrolyte effect and conformational transition in a restricted polyacid structure

In a polyacid consisting of polyacrylic acid attached to a polyamide matrix, marked effects in equilibrium acid–base characteristics are observed, attributable to a hindered polyelectrolyte structure. In the presence of neutral electrolyte, the very high values found for pKa drop sharply. A break in the Henderson-Hasselbalch curve indicates a conformational transition at α = 0.55 which is deferred to 0.95 by the presence of neutral electrolyte.
Management of Cancer in the Older Adult

Cancer incidence and mortality rise exponentially in the elderly. With the aging of the population there is an urgent need to address this issue with evidence-based guidelines. Delayed diagnosis and incomplete workup and treatment are well documented in this population. Incorporation of a geriatric evaluation in oncology practice should be routinely implemented to prevent adverse outcomes. Treatment decisions in the elderly should not be based solely on survival gains but should also take quality of life into consideration. Cancer treatment is safe and effective in the elderly population. Social issues and other comorbidities should be addressed to improve compliance and outcome. Many unanswered questions regarding the optimal management of elderly cancer patients can be addressed only with the new clinical trials. Eliminating age bias among health care providers by providing education will help achieve optimal care for the elderly with cancer.
Conducting randomized trials in the prehospital setting.

(2002). Conducting Randomized Trials in the Prehospital Setting. Prehospital Emergency Care: Vol. 6, No. sup2, pp. S38-S47.
Vitamin D and its role in skeletal muscle.

Purpose of reviewVitamin D is best known for its role in regulating calcium homeostasis and in strengthening bone. However, it has become increasingly clear that it also has important beneficial effects beyond the skeleton, including muscle. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of
Gravitational Red Shift of Hydrogen 21-cm. Radiation as a Method to measure Galactic Gravitational Potential

THE 21-cm. hyperfine emission from the neutral hydrogen atom has an exceedingly narrow natural width, corresponding to a transition probability of 2.84 × 10−15 sec.−1. Consequently, in principle, small variations in its frequency resulting from gravitational effects offer a method to measure gravitational potential in our Galaxy, provided that they are not too small compared with the temperature broadening. The galactic disk is well known to emit 21-cm. radiation, and from its observed Doppler shifts the radial dependence of its rotational velocity has been deduced. Because the true Doppler shifts of galactic rotational motion are large, it may be difficult to detect the expected gravitational shift, which also looks like a Doppler shift. But, in principle, the two effects may be separated because the true Doppler shifts have opposite signs at the same radius on opposite sides of the galactic centre, whereas the gravitational frequency shift has the same sign.
Theory of homopolymer retention in semidilute solutions using liquid chromatography

Extension aux interactions intermoleculaires polymere-polymere de la theorie de fractionnement d'homopolymeres flexibles par chromatographie en phase liquide a haute performance a gradient d'elution
Interplanetary trajectory analysis for 2020-2040 Mars missions including Venus flyby opportunities

This paper develops a tool which is capable of calculating ballistic interplanetary trajectories with planetary flyby options based on the knowledge of astrodynamics and analyzes Mars trajectories in the time frame 2020 to 2040, including transfer trajectories with Venus flybys. Using the trajectory programs developed in this work, we investigate the relation between departure and arrival dates and energy required for the transfer trajectories. The contours of C3 or ∆Vtot for a range of departure dates and times of flight would be useful for the creation of a long-term Earth-Mars and Mars-Earth transportation schedule for mission planning purposes. For planetary flybys, we allow simple powered flybys with the velocity impulse at periapsis to expand the flyby mission windows. Having obtained the results for Earth-Mars direct trajectories by a full-factorial computation and Earth-VenusMars flyby trajectories by a "pseudo full-factorial" computation, we discuss the nature of the trajectories and the competitiveness of Earth-Venus-Mars flyby trajectory windows with Earth-Mars direct trajectory windows.
Aggregation of divalent metal impurity in alkali halide crystals

Abstract In this paper the processes underlying the aggregation of divalent cation-cation impurity dipoles have been examined in some detail. It is shown that the experimentally observed third-order kinetics which govern the aggregation can be accounted for on the basis of a two-step process: (a) two dipoles come together to form a loosely coupled pair which in turn (b) captures a third dipole to form a trimer. This process can yield a reaction rate proportional to the cube of the dipole concentration only if the dimers are in quasi-equilibrium with the free dipoles, a condition which implies that the energy binding the pair together Eb is rather small (0.15–0.2 eV). A consequence of this kinetic model is that the activation energy for the aggregation reaction E∗ is not equal to the energy of motion of the dipole EM, but rather E M −E ∗ = E B . Rough estimates of the interaction energies of the trimer, the planar quadripole form of the dimer, and the linear dimer have been made and it is found that the energy per dipole in the planar quadripole is comparable to that for the trimer which would lead to the expectation that during the first third to one half of the aggregation reaction period a second order process should be observed. It is suggested that the formation of the planar quadripole is inhibited by electrostatic constraints imposed by the motion of the dipoles on the ionic lattice and this inhibiting effect favors relatively the formation and persistence of the loosely coupled pair and hence the two step mechanism of trimer formation.
The T-lock: automated compensation of radio-frequency induced sample heating

Modern high-field NMR spectrometers can stabilize the nominal sample temperature at a precision of less than 0.1 K. However, the actual sample temperature may differ from the nominal value by several degrees because the sample heating caused by high-power radio frequency pulses is not readily detected by the temperature sensors. Without correction, transfer of chemical shifts between different experiments causes problems in the data analysis. In principle, the temperature differences can be corrected by manual procedures but this is cumbersome and not fully reliable. Here, we introduce the concept of a “T-lock”, which automatically maintains the sample at the same reference temperature over the course of different NMR experiments. The T-lock works by continuously measuring the resonance frequency of a suitable spin and simultaneously adjusting the temperature control, thus locking the sample temperature at the reference value. For three different nuclei, 13C, 17O and 31P in the compounds alanine, water, and phosphate, respectively, the T-lock accuracy was found to be <0.1 K. The use of dummy scan periods with variable lengths allows a reliable establishment of the thermal equilibrium before the acquisition of an experiment starts.
Preparation of immobilized enzyme gel particles using an electrostatic atomization technique

Abstract To prepare small size particles of immobilized enzyme with high catalytic effectiveness factor, an electrostatic atomization technique was applied. Sodium-alginate solution containing enzyme was dispersed dropwise into CaCl2 aqueous solution by applying dc high voltage to prepare gel beads. The catalytic performance of the prepared immobilized-enzyme particles is described with evaluating the effectiveness factor. The prepared beads had the minimum diameter of 100 μm, which was one order smaller than that attainable by conventional dropping methods. The diameter can be controlled by changing the operating conditions, such as applied voltage and volumetric flow rate of the solution. The immobilized enzyme particles had higher effectiveness factors compared to those prepared by conventional methods.
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment and prescriptive practices for young children with disabilities: Preliminary examination of state practices

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) assessment and prescriptive practices for young children with disabilities: Preliminary examination of state practices *
Delayed photon emission from alpha-excited solid helium

Abstract Delayed photon emission ( t > 30 μsec ) has been observed following the prompt scintillation pulses produced by α-particles bombarding solid helium. It is thought to originate from excitons of the type proposed by Packard, Reif and Surko to account for a narrow emission line in solid neon.
Students’ images of two-variable functions and their graphs

This paper presents a conceptual analysis for students’ images of graphs and their extension to graphs of two-variable functions. We use the conceptual analysis, based on quantitative and covariational reasoning, to construct a hypothetical learning trajectory (HLT) for how students might generalize their understanding of graphs of one-variable functions to graphs of two-variable functions. To evaluate the viability of this learning trajectory, we use data from two teaching experiments based on tasks intended to support development of the schemes in the HLT. We focus on the schemes that two students developed in these teaching experiments and discuss their relationship to the original HLT. We close by considering the role of covariational reasoning in generalization, consider other ways in which students might come to conceptualize graphs of two-variable functions, and discuss implications for instruction.
Near-infrared dyes and upconverting phosphors as biomolecule labels and probes

Near-Infrared (NIR) absorbing chromophores have been used in analytical and bioanalytical chemistry extensively, including for determination of properties of biomolecules, DNA sequencing, immunoassays, capillary electrophoresis (CE) separations, etc. The major analytical advantages of these dyes are low background interference and high molar absorptivities. NIR dyes have additional advantages due to their sensitivity to microenvironmental changes. Spectral changes induced by the microenvironment are not desirable if the labels are used as a simple reporting group, e.g., during a biorecognition reaction. For these applications upconverting phosphors seem to be a better choice. There are several difficulties in utilizing upconverting phosphors as reporting labels. These are: large physical size, no reactive groups and insolubility in aqueous systems. This presentation will discuss how these difficulties can be overcome for bioanalytical and forensic applications. During these studies we also have investigated how to reduce physical size of the phosphor by simple grinding without losing activity and how to attach reactive moiety to the phosphor to covalently bind to the biomolecule of interest. It has to be emphasized that the described approach is not suitable for medical applications and the results of this research are not applicable in medical applications. For bioanalytical and forensic applications upconverting phosphors used as reporting labels have several advantages. They are excited with lasers that are red shifted respective to phosphorescence, resulting in no light scatter issues during detection. Also some phosphors are excited using eye safe lasers. In addition energy transfer to NIR dyes is possible, allowing detection schemes using donor-acceptor pairs. Data is presented to illustrate the feasibility of this phenomenon. If microenvironmental sensitivity is required, then specially designed NIR dyes can be used as acceptor labels. Several novel dyes have been synthesized in our laboratories for that purpose.
Thermoluminescence dosimetry of fast neutrons using silver activated lithium borate phosphors

Abstract A thermoluminescence dosimeter was developed consisting of a series of individual tubes of Li 2 B 4 O 7 :Ag powder covered with various thicknesses of polyethylene to enhance fast neutron response by means of increased proton recoil interactions.
Nonfunctioning Options: A Closer Look

In a previous study, Cizek and O'Day reported the effects of eliminating nonfunctioning options from five-option, multiple-choice test items. That study, however, only investigated the effect of option removal on item performance when items were studied as a set and not the effects of option removal for individual items. The authors also did not examine potential changes in dimensionality resulting from altering the items. The present study provides a closer look at the effect of removing nonfunctioning options by examining changes in difficulty, discrimination, and dimensionality. Results of these analyses supported the conclusions of the earlier research and provide additional support for benefits that may accrue from eliminating nonfunctioning options: enhanced score reliability, reduced testing time, potential for broader domain sampling, and consequent increased validity of score interpretation.
Using Confirmatory Factor Analysis for Construct Validation: An Empirical Review:

This study investigated the psychological assessment literature to determine what applied researchers are using and reporting from confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) studies for evidence of constru...
317 EFFECT OF GLUCOSE ADMINISTRATION ON FETAL BREATHING ACTIVITY (FBA) IN THE BABOON - EPOCH ANALYSIS RESULTS

The relationship of breathing to other fetal activities was studied in 8 chronically catheterized pregnant baboons at 138-155 days of gestation following i.v. infusion of 25g of glucose to the mother. No significant changes in fetal heart rate (FHR), FHR variability and fetal or maternal blood pressure were observed during the infusion period. A computer based epoch analysis method was used to automatically detect fetal breaths from a tracheal fluid pressure signal, distinguish episodes of breathing activity from apnea and generate parameters to characterize FBA. Although the number of epochs of FBA was essentially unchanged and breathing rate and variability increased slightly with glucose infusion, significant decreases in other FBA parameters were observed: mean epoch duration decreased from 13.7 to 12.4 sec; median number of breaths per epoch fell from 12 to 6 while the % of time spent in FBA dropped from 20.6% to 10.8%. Finally, mean breathing amplitude also decreased from −8.3 to −6.7 mmHg. These results were unexpected. In human fetuses increases in plasma glucose have been associated with increased FBA. Our results may reflect variation among primate species. Nonetheless we noted that the direction of change in FBA parameters was consistent among all animals and suggests a need for study of the effect of maternal metabolic state on FBA.
Biological Value of Bone-Precipitated Dicalcium Phosphate in Turkey Starter Diets

A study was conducted to determine the relative biological value (RBV) of phosphorus from two bone-precipitated dicalcium phosphates (DCP-BP) in turkey starter diets. An estimated 40,000 metric tons of DCP-BP are produced annually in the United States as a by-product of gelatin production. The two DCP-BP sources were compared to commercial feed phosphates. Two bioassay experiments of 21-d duration were conducted with female turkeys. Phosphate sources were each fed at three levels (.18, .24, and .36% added total phosphorus) in a corn-soybean meal diet. Calcium level was maintained constant at 1.0% in all diets by adjusting the level of ground limestone. Four replicate pens of six poults were randomly assigned at 1 d of age to each level of each phosphorus source in each bioassay. The reference standard was United States Pharmacopeia (USP) grade calcium phosphate, dibasic dihydrate. Data representing three response criteria (weight gain, gain:feed ratio, and tibia ash percentage at 21 d) were combined to calculate a biological value (BV) for each test source and the reference standard phosphate. A RBV was then computed for each test source. The RBV of the two DCP-BP sources were 98.8 and 99.1, as compared to 100.0 for the reference standard, and 86.7, 87.1, and 88.4 for three commercial, thermochemically produced defluorinated phosphates. The RBV of one commercial mono-dicalcium phosphate, and three di-monocalcium phosphates were: 96.4, and 91.2, 94.7, and 101.5, respectively. The two DCP-BP sources compared favorably to commercial feed phosphates, and would be satisfactory supplements in diets for starting chicks, poults, pigs, and other species.
Overlap closures do not suffice for termination of general term rewriting systems

Abstract We present a nonterminating term rewriting system with only trivial overlap closures, thus settling two open problems concerning the use of the overlap closure construction as a criterion for termination.
Direct-current conductivity of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract There have been several previous studies of the dc conductivity of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Disagreement among the various authors indicates the difficulties inherent in this measurement: several authors [1,2] found evidence for ionic conduction through a hopping process; others [3,4] proposed conduction by electrons injected through a barrier.
On Negative Pricing

Is negative pricing a form of free lunch? This economist shows why he thinks it is. In considering the claim that there is no free lunch, he argues that we have to separate the individual from the economy at large.
Theories of Power, Poverty, and Law: In Commemoration of the Contributions of Peter Bachrach--Empowerment and Poverty.

My subject is the way Peter Bachrach addressed the question of poverty. But given that I was his student and research assistant and that I am a political scientist largely because of him, it is impossible to resist a few words about the experience of being in his classrooms. Peter was an inspiring teacher of politics. The substantive content of his courses was legendary, and he possessed an extraordinary capacity to elicit participation from classes of pre-feminists at our well-bred women's college. I know this cost him. Peter had an extra shirt in his Bryn Mawr office so that he could change out of the one he had sweated through during the considerable exertions of getting us to talk, let alone think.
Reactive oxygen species as important determinants of medullary flow, sodium excretion, and hypertension

The physiological evidence linking the production of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, and nitric oxide in the renal medullary thick ascending limb of Henle (mTAL) to regulation of medullary blood flo...
Investigation of gain and hyperfine splitting in the niobium X-ray laser

Neon-like niobium X-ray lasers have been studied using both slab and thin-foil target geometries. Niobium foils of various lengths were irradiated from both sides with two beams of the frequency-doubled Nova laser system using a line focus. We looked for gain by measuring spectrally integrated line intensities at different plasma lengths. Gain was observed in four neon-like niobium lines corresponding to 3s−3p transitions. The line profile of theJ = 0−1 line (λ = 145.9 A) shows splitting due to the hyperfine effect. Improved contrast in the hyperfine structure is observed as the plasma length is increased. Hyperfine splitting may be relevant to other 3s−3p transitions in neon-like niobium as well as other neon-like X-ray laser systems.
The influence of dietary protein and amino acids on brain function

Abstract It has been suggested that the ingestion of food may change brain levels of the aromatic amino acids (tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine) and of the acidic amino acids (glutamate and aspartate), and that such changes may influence brain function. Tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine are biosynthetic precursors for the neurotransmitters serotonin and the catecholamines; as the enzymes that catalyse the initial steps of the biosynthetic pathways are not normally saturated with substrate, food ingestion, by altering brain levels of the aromatic amino acids, can rapidly influence the synthesis of the neurotransmitters, and thereby possibly alter brain function. Aspartate and glutamate are, themselves, neurotransmitters in the brain; however, dietary aspartate and glutamate do not appear to have ready access to the brain. Monosodium glutamate and aspartame (which contains aspartate) have been reported to raise brain levels of acidic amino acids and cause neuronal degeneration when administered in large amounts, but present knowledge strongly suggests that aspartame does not cause such effects, and that such effects are caused by glutamate only when the amino acid is injected alone, in very large doses.
Intracardiac Echocardiographic Guidance During Microwave Catheter Ablation

The purpose of this study was to explore the potential of intracardiac echocardiography in monitoring lesion formation and assisting with the assessment of ablative lesions using microwave energy. Microwave energy is a promising modality for catheter ablation. Because microwave lesions may have considerable variability in dimension, the ability to assess them may be particularly useful. One hundred twenty-five microwave lesions were created in vitro in ovine left ventricles. Correct assessment of catheter-endocardial contact was possible in virtually all cases. Intracardiac imaging always identified correctly whether or not an ablation was performed. During ablation, gas formation was observed in all instances. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for identification of ablation lesions were 88% to 92%. Although the correlations with pathology for lesion dimensions were relatively poor, intracardiac imaging had a predictive accuracy of 80% to 85% to discriminate small from large lesions. Intracardiac guidance for microwave ablation is useful for verifying tissue-electrode contact, monitoring lesion formation, and localizing lesions. It is also a useful tool for the assessment of lesion size. These attributes, combined with the ability to facilitate transseptal catheterization and to identify complications such as hemopericardium, make intracardiac echocardiography a potentially useful method for guiding microwave ablation of arrhythmic foci.
Competency, prior performance, opportunity framing, and competitive response: Exploring some behavioral decision theory perspectives

Theoretical perspectives from behavioral decision research and strategic management are employed to make competing predictions of managers' competitive response decisions. Results indicate that responses of greater magnitude are more likely when an ambiguous situation surrounding the market entry of a new competitor is framed as an opportunity rather than as a threat and when the prior performance and competency of the firm are at high levels. Faster responses are more likely under high levels of competency, especially when prior performance has been good. These results run counter to two of three predictions of behavioral decision research and raise questions about limits to the generalizability of these theoretical perspectives.
Better Teaching—Some Curricular Aspects

B ETTER teaching can be approached in a variety of ways including creation of a better environment for learning, more careful attention to class preparation, examination techniques, changed motivations on the part of students and others. All are important, but I want to focus on another dimension-the dimension of what is to be learned. In addition to all the other attributes of good teaching, it is clear that one of the teacher's major roles is guiding the studies of students under his direction. Before a curriculum can be evaluated, we need to assess our student audience and define our educational goals. I assume that our educational goals involve developing the student into an educated man and into an applied problem solver with special emphasis on the practical social science problems of individuals or groups either in agriculture or in rural areas.
Inhibition of rat brain monoamine oxidase by insecticides, acaricides and related compounds

Abstract 1. 1. Sixty-one insecticides, acaricides and related compounds were examined for their potency as in vitro inhibitors of the deamination of biogenic amine substrates by rat brain monoamine oxidase (MAO). Substrates examined included serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), octopamine (OCP), tryptamine (TYP), and β-phenylethylamine (PEA). 2. 2. Twenty-eight compounds, including six organophosphates, four carbamates, eight formamidines, and two sulfonates, were considered active, since they gave greater than 50% inhibition of the deamination of at least one substrate when assayed at a concentration of 1 × 10 −4 M. 3. 3. Generally the active compounds were more potent MAO inhibitors when assayed with 5-HT or DA than with OCP, TYP, or PEA. 4. 4. Five of the six active organophosphates possessed a substituted coumarinyl moiety. Potosan or O , O -diethyl O -(4-methyl-7-coumarinyl) phosphorothioate was the most potent organophosphate MAO inhibitor giving pI 50 values of 5.95 and 5.75 for DA and 5-HT, respectively; inhibition of 5-HT deamination by Potasan was mixed. 5. 5. Carbaryl or 1-naphthyl methylcarbamate was the most potent carbamate with pI 50 values of 5.00 for DA and 4.80 for 5-HT. Inhibition by carbaryl of 5-HT, DA, and OCP deamination was competitive, while that of TYP was mixed. 6. 6. The formamidine chlordimeform or N ′-(4-chloro- o -tolyl)- N , N -dimethyl-formamidine gave pI 50 values of 4.50 for DA and 4.25 for OCP; its N -demethyl derivative, demethylchlordimeform, was somewhat more potent giving pI 50 values of 4.80 for DA and 4.60 for OCP. Inhibition of DA and OCP deamination by chlordimeform was competitive. 7. 7. Ovex or p -chlorophenyl p -chlorobenzenesulfonate was the most potent inhibitor of 5-HT and DA deamination with pI 50 values of 6.15 and 5.90, respectively; its pI 50 value with PEA was only 2.50. Thus ovex was greater than 4000 times more potent against rat brain MAO when assayed with 5-HT (MAO-A) than with PEA (MAO-B). Inhibition by ovex was mixed with all substrates examined.