cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Single-shot positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy using a liquid scintillator

Liquid scintillators provide a fast, single component response. However, they traditionally have a low flashpoint and high vapor pressure. We demonstrate the use of an EJ-309 scintillator (high flashpoint and low vapor pressure variant) to acquire single-shot positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy spectra using a trap-based positron beam.
Geriatric pain

Geriatric pain will be a significant health care problem in the next millennium. Pain can be acute due to trauma or surgery, and chronic due to medical illnesses and their sequels. In this article, management of geriatric chronic pain is discussed.
The social psychology of economic inequality, redistribution, and subjective well-being

As economic inequality continues to rise, there is increased concern about both the consequences of inequality and what can be done to reverse this trend. In the present paper, we review the social...
Dysphagia, COVID-19, and the Clinical Swallow Evaluation: Consistently Inconsistent

Purpose Dysphagia management in COVID-19 patients during the New York City spring surge in early 2020 was challenging for many speech-language pathologists, as instrumental swallow evaluations were...
Fragmentos de apocalipsis: la Guerra Civil española en Miserias de la guerra, de Pío Baroja

En "Miserias de la guerra", redactada entre 1949 y 1951, Pio Baroja recurre a las convenciones del genero apocaliptico para articular una vision retrospectiva de la Guerra Civil y hacer una serie de vaticinios "ex eventu" acerca de los resultados de esta. A diferencia de otros textos apocalipticos que conciben la Historia como una totalidad predeterminada por Dios, Baroja niega la intervencion divina en los asuntos de los hombres e incide en la responsabilidad individual de los que decidieron unirse a la lucha en nombre de unas utopias religiosas o politicas. Frente a los autores de los textos apocalipticos, que interpretan la violencia y la destruccion como el inicio de la transformacion cosmica, y un paso previo a la llegada de un nuevo orden en el que reinara la armonia y la paz, Baroja incide en la falsedad de todas las utopias y en la finalidad de la muerte.
1,1,2,2-Tetra-kis(di-o-tolyl-phosphino)ethane.

The complete molecule of title compound, C58H58P4, is generated by a crystallographic twofold rotation axis that passes through the center of the C(methine)—C(methine) bond of length 1.582 (4) A. The C—P bond lengths are 1.8824 (19) and 1.8991 (19) A. The P—C—P angle of 109.69 (9)° is essentially equal to the expected value of 109.5° for a tetra­hedral C atom. Although the C(methine)—P—C(aromatic) bond angles range from 102.67 (9) to 107.04 (9)°, the C(aromatic)—P—C(aromatic) bond angles of 96.72 (9) and 97.29 (9)° are significantly smaller. The steric demands of the o-tolyl groups cause deviations from the bond lengths and angles reported for its phenyl analog.
Reconstructing Transcriptional Regulatory Networks Using Three-Way Mutual Information and Bayesian Networks

Probabilistic methods such as mutual information and Bayesian networks have become a major category of tools for the reconstruction of regulatory relationships from quantitative biological data. In this chapter, we describe the theoretic framework and the implementation for learning gene regulatory networks using high-order mutual information via the MI3 method (Luo et al. (2008) BMC Bioinformatics 9, 467; Luo (2008) Gene regulatory network reconstruction and pathway inference from high throughput gene expression data. PhD thesis). We also cover the closely related Bayesian network method in detail.
La valeur sociale du vodou à travers l’histoire : esclavage, migrations et solidarité

Ne parmi les flots qui ont berce les autochtones tainos vaincus et charrie avec les victimes de la traite negriere d’Afrique en Haiti, le vodou constitue aujourd’hui un vigoureux composite d’ou le peuple haitien tire la fermete de sa resistance et son courage de vie dans de redoutables circonstances. Il represente autant un modele organisationnel de peuples divers rassembles de force sur cette terre qu’un ciment universel de peuples en lutte, resistant, tout en refletant les contradictions et conflits historiques de cette formation sociale et economique.
An 8-bit, 1mW successive approximation ADC in SOI CMOS

A low-power 8-bit successive approximation Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) was designed and fabricated in a 0.5/spl mu/m Silicon on Sapphire CMOS technology. The ADC is capable of 32MHz operation, producing 1.23MS/s, consuming 1.5mW at 3.3V supply. It uses an active area of 450/spl times/315/spl mu/m/sup 2/ and 916/spl times/790/spl mu/m/sup 2/ including output pads. The acceptable input swing is 2.1V at 3.3V supply. The ADC is a mixed mode analog-digital circuitry performing algorithmic conversion of an analog input voltage into an 8-bit binary code. The lack of parasitics in the Silicon on Sapphire fabrication process simplifies the design of analog to digital converters. The circuit design is freed from the unaccounted bulk capacitances which generate feedback and corrupt the performance of the ADC at high frequency.
INTENTIONAL LEARNING OF NONVERBAL MATERIAL WITH SIMULTANEOUS OR INCIDENTAL LEARNING OF VERBAL MATERIAL.

224 Ss were instructed to learn a series of 7 geometric forms, each enclosing 1 of 7 different nonsense syllables. Half the Ss were instructed to learn the syllables for recognition (Intentional) and half were not (Incidental). A given syllable either appeared in the same form on all trials (Constant) or in a different form on each trial (Varied). Stimuli were presented for either 2 or 8 sec. for either 1, 3, 5, or 7 trials. These data were compared with data previously obtained from Ss who learned the series of syllables and were tested for form recognition. Serial anticipation learning was slower for forms than for syllables. Varying the position of forms facilitated their recognition, but varied position had no effect upon syllable recognition. Serial position error curves were inspected.
Competitive exclusion of Salmonella enteritidis in chicks by treatment with a single culture plus dietary lactose.

Abstract Oral inoculation of lactose utilizing cecal bacteria plus 2.5% lactose treatments were tested in young chicks for protective efficacy against infection by Salmonella enteritidis. One-day-old chicks were treated with cecal bacteria upon arrival and challenged orally on day 3 with 104-106 cfu S. enteritidis. A single culture identified as Escherichia coli O75:H10 was found significantly more protective than all other isolates tested. This isolate excreted a metabolite(s) in vitro that was inhibitory towards the growth of S. enteritidis. The results of this study indicate that discovery of protective strains can be facilitated by screening isolates in vitro for lactose utilization and growth inhibition of S. enteritidis before administration of treatment.
Conceptual and Functional Form Issues in Estimating Demand Elasticities for Food

In estimating demand elasticities for food, we must choose a functional form for the statistical model. Because this choice can have untoward consequences for the user (King), we seek a form which does not impose undue restrictions on the estimated demand elasticities. Statistically, we seek a functional form which gives close approximations to the elasticities of interest. In this connection, Gallant (1981, 1982) points out that the key consideration is the method of approximation. There are two: Taylor's series and Fourier series methods. The problem with Taylor's theorem is that it applies only locally on a region of unspecified size. This method can yield testable implications of the theory at the point of approximation; but this point is in general unknown and may not even be in the range of the data (Caves and Christensen, White). Moreover, the approximation error from Taylor's series can be large for small departures from the (unspecified) point of expansion (White). In short, there is nd guarantee that Taylor's theorem will give close approximations at any point in the sample (Gallant 1981). Thus there is no assurance that even the recently popularized locally flexible functional forms (translog, generalized Leontief, almost ideal demand system) will give close approximations to the true demand system.
A common idiotope on human rheumatoid factors identified by a hybridoma antibody.

Human monoclonal and polyclonal anti-IgG autoantibodies [rheumatoid factors (RFs)] are composed primarily of kappa light chains, and may display cross-reactive idiotypes. However, the nature of the shared idiotope(s) has remained unclear. We have prepared a murine hybridoma antibody (17–109) that recognizes an idiotope present on 30% (310) of human IgM-RF paraproteins, and absent on immunoglobulins without RF activity. The idiotope was measurable on isolated, intact kappa light chains, but not on light-chain tryptic peptides, nor on isolated heavy chains. A comparison of the binding to 17–109 of five IgM-RF paraproteins, with known kappa chain amino acid sequences, suggested a relationship between the idiotope recognized by the hybridoma and the complementarity-determining regions. The serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis contained idiotope positive material that bound specifically to a 17–109 immunoadsorbent column. Moreover, the 17–109 anti-idiotope antibody partially inhibited the binding to IgG of IgM-RF and IgA-RF in serum, but did not effect the binding to antigen of IgM and IgA anti-tetanus toxoid antibodies. These results suggest that a significant proportion of IgM-RF paraproteins share an idiotope located at or near the complementarity-determining regions of the kappa light chain. Human serum RFs include a kappa light chain family that is idiotopically related to the kappa chains on IgM-RF paraproteins.
CD4(+) regulatory T cells in autoimmunity and allergy.

Regulatory T cells (also referred to as suppressor T cells) are important components of the homeostasis of the immune system, as impaired regulatory T cell activity can cause autoimmune diseases and atopy. It is now clear that the phrase ‘regulatory T cells’ encompasses more than one cell type. For instance, CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells have received attention due to their immunosuppressive properties in vitro and in vivo, but in several instances it has been shown that CD4+CD25− T cell populations also contain potent regulatory activity. Recent progress in the field of regulatory T cells includes the discovery of the role of two tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members (GITR and TRANCE-R/RANK) in Treg biology, the improved understanding of the role of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokines IL-10 and IL-2 in the induction and function of Tregs, and the generation of CD25+ and CD25− regulatory T cells in vivo through high-avidity T cell receptor interactions.
Non-radioactive DNA probe for the rapid identification of Mycobacterium avium complex from clinical specimens.

Abstract We evaluated an alkaline phosphatase labelled oligonucleotide probe (SNAP ™ , Syngene Co., Molecular Biosystems, Inc., San Diego CA) for the direct culture identification of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) isolated from clinical specimens. Mycobacterial species identified by conventional biochemical methods were retested with this DNA probe using the Centri-Dot ™ format. The probe accurately identified all 69 pigmented M. avium complex and 15 non-pigmented isolates of M. avium complex. There were no false-positives with 45 non-MAC mycobacteria isolates (10 species) and 16 non-mycobacteria organisms (10 species). The sensitivity and specificity of the SNAP ™ culture identification for M. avium complex were 100%. The alkaline phosphatase labelled DNA probe is stable for at least 9 months. The procedure can be completed within 2 h and is easily adapted in the clinical laboratory. For the strains encountered in our laboratory, we conclude that the SNAP ™ hybridization is a rapid, specific, and reliable method for culture identification of M. avium complex.
The development and application of an ion implanter based on ion thruster technology

Abstract The design of a very simple 10 cm dia implantation ion source that can be operated over the energy and current ranges of 10–80 keV and 1–50 mA respectively is described. It is shown that a constrained sheath optics system facilitates operation of the source over a wide range of beam currents and accelerating voltages with no substantial changes in its ion beamlet divergence characteristics. Over the design beam current range, ion beam current densities ranging from 10 μA cm−2 to over 1500 μA cm−2 are measured at a target location 50 cm downstream of the source. Auger electron spectrographic depth profiling data suggest that operation at high current densities may be used to achieve increased penetration of nitrogen ions below the surface presumably as a result of thermal diffusion.
The Beowulf Analysis Symbolic INterface: Interactive Parallel Data Analysis for Everyone

The advent of affordable parallel computers such as Beowulf PC clusters and, more recently, multicore PCs has been highly beneficial for a large number of scientists and smaller institutions that might not otherwise have access to substantial computing facilities. However, there hasn't been an analogous progress in the development and dissemination of parallel software-scientists need the expertise to develop parallel codes and must invest a significant amount of time in the development of tools even for the most common data-analysis tasks. The authors describe the Beowulf analysis symbolic interface (BASIN), a multiuser parallel data analysis and visualization framework. BASIN is aimed at providing scientists with a suite of parallel libraries for astrophysical data analysis along with general tools for data distribution and parallel operations on distributed data that lets them easily develop new parallel libraries for their specific tasks.
Influence of surgery simulator training on ophthalmology resident phacoemulsification performance

Purpose To determine whether the use of an eye-surgery simulator during ophthalmology residency training improves cataract surgery performance. Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Associates, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. Design Comparative case series. Methods Residents were divided into a simulator group and a nonsimulator group based on the inclusion or absence of the eye-surgery simulator in residency training. Consecutive resident cataract surgeries with the same attending surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. The phaco time and percentage power and intraoperative complications in each case were recorded. The adjusted phaco time in each case was calculated. Results The study reviewed 592 surgeries. The mean values for phaco time, percentage phaco power, adjusted phaco time, complication rates, and complication grade were 1.88 minutes (range 0.11 to 7.20 minutes), 25.32% (range 2.2% to 50.0%), 47.58 minutes (range 0.24 to 280.80 minutes), 0.04, and 2.33, respectively, in the simulator group (n = 17) and 2.41 minutes (range 0.04 to 8.33 minutes), 28.19% (range 8.0% to 70.0%), 71.85 minutes (range 0.32 to 583.10 minutes), 0.06, and 2.47, respectively, in the nonsimulator group (n = 25). The Student t tests showed a statistically significant between-group difference in mean phaco time ( P P P P Conclusions Residents who trained using the simulator had shorter phaco times, lower percentage powers, fewer intraoperative complications, and a shorter learning curve. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Filling the disk hollow following binary black hole merger: The transient accretion afterglow

Tidal torques from a binary black hole empty out the central regions in any circumbinary gaseous accretion disk. The balance between tidal torques and viscosity maintain the inner edge of the disk at a radius $r\ensuremath{\sim}1.5a--2a$, where $a$ is the binary semimajor axis. Eventually, the inspiraling binary decouples from the disk and merges, leaving behind a central hollow (``donut hole'') in the disk orbiting the remnant black hole. We present a simple, time-dependent, Newtonian calculation that follows the secular (viscous) evolution of the disk as it fills up the hollow down to the black hole innermost stable circular orbit and then relaxes to stationary equilibrium. We use our model to calculate the electromagnetic radiation (``afterglow'') spectrum emitted during this transient accretion epoch. Observing the temporal increase in the total electromagnetic flux and the hardening of the spectrum as the donut hole fills may help confirm a binary black hole merger detected by a gravitational wave interferometer. We show how the very existence of the initial hollow can lead to super-Eddington accretion during this secular phase if the rate is not very far below Eddington prior to decoupling. Our model, though highly idealized, may be useful in establishing some of the key parameters, thermal emission features and scalings that characterize this transient. It can serve as a guide in the design and calibration of future radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations in general relativity.
Delayed Reward Discounting and Alcohol Misuse: The Roles of Response Consistency and Reward Magnitude

Delayed reward discounting (DRD) is a common index of impulsivity that refers to an individual’s devaluation of rewards based on delay of receipt and has been linked to alcohol misuse and other maladaptive behaviors. The current study investigated response consistency and reward magnitude effects in two measures of DRD in a sample of 111 undergraduates who consumed an average of 10.7 drinks/week. These variables were also examined in relation to alcohol use and misuse. Results indicated highly consistent performance on both measures of DRD, although significant differences were evident based on task parameters. There was also clear evidence of a magnitude effect on DRD. Finally, a number of significant associations between DRD and both alcohol use and misuse were found. These findings suggest that individuals possess a relatively consistent cognitive template for DRD choice preferences, but that the template systematically varies by both reward magnitude and delay length.
A study of the relationships among speed and power, aptitude test scores, and ethnic identity

This is the fourth report in a series of research studies to determine the effects of altering time-per-item as it relates to the test candidate's ethnic identity, residence (rural or urban), and sex. Four specially designed SAT-like tests were administered to volunteer samples of black, Chicano, and white college-bound juniors in twelve high schools in urban and rural settings. Within each high school, the volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three time-limit conditions: speeded (20 minutes per section), normal (30 minutes per section), and unspeeded (40 minutes per section). Results of several independent analyses of variance (ANOVA's) did not reveal any differential performance related to residency or sex. Significant effects were detected for test-time limits and ethnic identity. No significant two-way interactions involving any of the four factors (time, ethnic identity, residence, or sex) were detected. Two significant findings were observed in the item analysis of the selected sections (verbal, math). There is some evidence that minority volunteers were employing less than optimal test-taking strategies. The average section scores of the volunteers “still working” near the end of the test section were often lower than the average sections scores for all candidates. Secondly, when alternate form reliability estimates were compared for minorities, the estimates of reliabilities for wrong scores were higher than those for rights or formula scores. Possible explanations of these phenomena are that the tests were too difficult for the volunteers or that the volunteers who persisted were being attracted to incorrect options by way of misinformation.
Chronic ethanol exposure increases gene transcription of subunits of an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-like complex in cortical neurons in culture.

Abstract Chronic exposure to ethanol leads to adaptive responses in neurons, including enhanced activity of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Chronic treatment of neurons with ethanol also leads to increases in the protein levels of three subunits of an NMDA receptor-like complex. In the present study, we explored whether the increases in subunit protein levels are the result of either increased transcription or diminished protein turnover. We found that a 72-h exposure of cortical neurons in culture to 100 mM ethanol caused enhanced transcription of the genes for the glutamate-binding (GBP) and glycine-binding protein subunits of the receptor-like complex. This treatment had no effect on protein turnover of either GBP or of the NMDA receptor subunit NR1, suggesting that the increases in protein expression are the result of increased DNA transcription.
Numerical investigation of particle impact dampers

Particle impact dampers (PIDs) have been shown to be effective in vibration damping. However, our understanding of such dampers is still limited, based on the theoretical models existing today. Although considerable research has been carried out in the generic field of 'impact oscillators,' much of it uses sophisticated mathematical tools and is somewhat inaccessible to the practicing engineer. Predicting the performance of the PID is an important problem, which needs to be investigated more thoroughly. This research seeks to understand the dynamics of a PID as well as what parameters govern its behavior. The system investigated is a particle impact damper with a ceiling, under the influence of gravity. The base is harmonically excited in the vertical direction. A discrete event approach is used, wherein the variables at one 'event' (or impact) uniquely dictate the variables at the next 'event', leading to a two-dimensional difference map. This map is then solved using a numerical continuation procedure. Periodic impact motions and 'irregular' motions are observed. The effects of various parameters such as the gap clearance, coefficient of restitution and the base acceleration are analyzed. The dependence of the loss factor on these parameters is also studied. The loss factor results indicate a peak for certain combinations of parameters. These combinations of parameters correspond to a region in parameter space where two-impact-per-cycle motions are observed over a wide range of non-dimensional base accelerations. The value of the non-dimensional acceleration at which the onset of two-impact-per-cycle solutions occurs depends on the non-dimensional gap clearance and the coefficient of restitution. The range of non-dimensional gap clearances over which two-impact-per-cycle solutions are observed increases as the coefficient of restitution increases. In the regime of two-impact-per-cycle solutions, the value of non-dimensional base acceleration corresponding to onset of these solutions initially decreases and then increases with increasing the non-dimensional gap clearance. As the two-impact-per-cycle solutions are associated with high loss factors that are relatively insensitive to changing conditions, they are of great interest to the designer.
Rapid response of a growing environmental craze to a stress pulse

Double exposure holographic interferometry has been used to measure the response of a growing craze to a pulsed stress. The craze was grown in situ by application of methanol to a crack in a poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) strip under tension (K1 = 0.4 MN/m3/2). An incremental stress, approximating 15 percent of the overall crazing stress, is applied to the growing craze in a 1 s pulse. Incremental strain and stress profiles are measured along a line parallel to, but displaced 1.0 mm from, the growing craze, from a double exposure hologram triggered just before and during the pulse. The craze deforms rapidly, relieving the incremental stress concentration that can be shown to exist before craze growth. In a second set of experiments one holographic exposure is triggered during the incremental stress pulse, and a second exposure is triggered afterward. The results of such experiments indicate that the craze deformation is primarily plastic, and corresponds to a plastic strain rate of not less than 0.2 s−1. Consideration of the diffusion limitation of the rate of craze thickening leads to the conclusion that this plastic deformation is attributable to fibril creep rather than a surface drawing mechanism.
The Origins of the First United Front in China (2 Vols.): The Role of Sneevliet (Alias Maring)

Sneevliet (alias Maring) played a crucial role in the early years of the Chinese communist movement. This source publication of his personal archives provides new information on the development of the communist movement, the Soviet role in China, the communist labour movement and relations between the communists and nationalists.
Ultrastructural cytochemistry of complex carbohydrates in developing feline neutrophils

The feline species provides animal models for at least six congenital lysosomal disorders. Since knowledge of normal feline neutrophils is a prerequisite for studies of their abnormalities, the present report describes the morphology and cytochemistry of normal feline neutrophils and compares the subcellular distribution of sulfate- and vicinal-glycol-containing complex carbohydrates to that of peroxidase and acid phosphatase. Immature feline primary granules, formed in promyelocytes, were stained for peroxidase, acid phosphatase, sulfate, and vicinal glycols. During maturation, primary granules retained strong staining for peroxidase, but staining for vicinal glycols decreased, and acid phosphatase and sulfate reactivity was lost. Secondary granules formed in myelocytes lacked peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and sulfate staining, but stained intensely for vicinal-glycol-containing complex carbohydrates. No analogues of tertiary granules previously described in rabbits and humans were demonstrated in feline neutrophils. However, a new sequential staining technique for peroxidase and vicinal glycols has suggested the formation in myelocytes and late neutrophils of a third granule type that contained peroxidase, acid phosphatase, and vicinal glycols but lacked sulfate staining. Thus, the staining characteristics of primary and secondary granules in cats closely resembled those in humans and rabbits. The third (late-forming) type of granule has not previously been described in other species.
Androgen receptor overexpression is neuroprotective in experimental stroke.

Male sex is a known risk factor in human stroke. However, the role of the cognate receptor for androgens—the androgen receptor (AR)—in stroke outcome remains unclear. Here, we found that AR mRNA is downregulated in the peri-infarct tissue of gonadally intact male mice subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and 6 h reperfusion. We then used genetically engineered mice overexpressing AR in brain (AR-Tg) to compare outcomes from MCAO in intact or castrated males and to evaluate the neuroprotective role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) replacement in AR-Tg castrates. A further evaluation of AR overexpression in ischemic paradigms was performed using rat PC12 cells transfected with human AR and treated with oxidative and apoptotic stressors. We then studied the role of DHT in cultures overexpressing AR. Our results show (1) ischemia alters the expression of AR by decreasing AR mRNA levels, (2) AR overexpression is protective in vivo against MCAO in intact and castrated AR-Tg mice and in vitro against oxidative and apoptotic stressors in AR-PC12 cells, and (3) DHT does not enhance the protection triggered by AR overexpression in AR-Tg castrated mice nor in AR-PC12 cells.
Central CRF neurons are not created equal: phenotypic differences in CRF-containing neurons of the rat paraventricular hypothalamus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis

Corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a key role in initiating many of the endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress. CRF-containing neurons of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) are classically involved in regulating endocrine function through activation of the stress axis. However, CRF is also thought to play a critical role in mediating anxiety-like responses to environmental stressors, and dysfunction of the CRF system in extra-hypothalamic brain regions, like the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST), has been linked to the etiology of many psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. Thus, although CRF neurons of the PVN and BNST share a common neuropeptide phenotype, they may represent two functionally diverse neuronal populations. Here, we employed dual-immunofluorescence, single-cell RT-PCR, and electrophysiological techniques to further examine this question and report that CRF neurons of the PVN and BNST are fundamentally different such that PVN CRF neurons are glutamatergic, whereas BNST CRF neurons are GABAergic. Moreover, these two neuronal populations can be further distinguished based on their electrophysiological properties, their co-expression of peptide neurotransmitters such as oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin, and their cognate receptors. Our results suggest that CRF neurons in the PVN and the BNST would not only differ in their response to local neurotransmitter release, but also in their action on downstream target structures.
Evaluation of molecular visualization software for teaching protein structure differing outcomes from lecture and lab: Differing outcomes from lecture and lab

In this study we measured the learning outcomes resulting from using molecular visualization software in lecture and in the teaching laboratory of a large introductory-level undergraduate biology majors' course. The study was initially carried out in the Fall semester of 1999; the results of this study were used to devise an expanded laboratory component that was evaluated in a second study carried out in the Fall of 2000. In both studies, students (n = 175 and 161) attended two 50-min lectures that used molecular visualization software to explain protein structure and function and the gene-protein connection. Students also used this software during one 3-h laboratory session as a tool for exploring these topics. Students completed open-ended pre- and post-surveys that involved a related but unfamiliar task. Survey responses were scored for correctness, as well as by the type(s) of explanations used in the response. We found the following eight types of responses that students employed to explain protein structure and function: genetics, protein structure, chemical interactions, amino acid sequence, purpose/teleology, extrinsic factors, miscellaneous, and none. In both studies, the frequencies of correct answers, as well as the frequencies of each response type, showed significant changes as a result of lecture and/or lab. The effects of lecture were highly similar in both studies. The changes in the expanded lab resulted in significant changes in outcome. Overall, the curriculum effectively communicated several core concepts in protein biochemistry and expanded the conceptual “toolkit” that students applied to problems of protein structure and function. Lecture increased students' understanding of the role of amino acid sequence, whereas lab tended to increase their understanding of three-dimensional structure and the gene-protein connection. Our results demonstrate that exposure to molecular visualization, even for a relatively brief time, can improve students' understanding of protein structure and function. In addition, we demonstrate the differing and largely non-overlapping effects of lecture and lab, suggesting that effective use of molecular visualization should involve both types of activities.
Comparison between NOx Evolution Mechanisms of Wild-Type and nr1 Mutant Soybean Leaves

The nr1 soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) mutant does not contain the two constitutive nitrate reductases, one of which is responsible for enzymic conversion of nitrite to NOx (NO + NO2). It was tested for possible nonenzymic NOx formation and evolution because of known chemical reactions between NO2− and plant metabolites and the instability of nitrous acid. It did not evolve NOx during the in vivo NR assay, but intact leaves did evolve small amounts of NOx under dark, anaerobic conditions. Experiments were conducted to compare NO3− reduction, NO2− accumulation, and the NOx evolution processes of the wild type (cv Williams) and the nr1 mutant. In vivo NR assays showed that wild-type leaves had three times more NO3− reducing capacity than the nr1 mutant. NOx evolution from intact, anerobic nr1 leaves was approximately 10 to 20% that from wild-type leaves. Nitrite content of the nr1 mutant leaves was usually higher than wild type due to low NOx evolution. Lag times and threshold NO2− concentrations for NOx evolution were similar for the two genotypes. While only 1 to 2% of NOx from wild type is NO2, the nr1 mutant evolved 15 to 30% NO2. The kinetic patterns of NOx evolution with time were completely different for the mutant and wild type. Comparisons of light and heat treatments also gave very different results. It is generally accepted that the NOx evolution by wild type is primarily an enzymic conversion of NO2− to NO. However, this report concludes that NOx evolution by the nr1 mutant was due to nonenzymic, chemical reactions between plant metabolites and accumulated NO2− and/or decomposition of nitrous acid. Nonenzymic NOx evolution probably also occurs in wild type to a degree but could be easily masked by high rates of the enzymic process.
Economic Consequences of Invasive Species Policies in the Presence of Commodity Programs: Theory and Application to Citrus Canker ∗

any of the effects of invasive species occur in commodity markets affectedby agricultural programs and policies, such as price and income supports,crop insurance, and trade barriers. In this paper, we focus on how policies toexclude, monitor and control, or eradicate invasive species interact with otherpolicies. We present some general arguments, drawing on parallels in theliterature on farm program impacts on the returns to agricultural research, andsome preliminary results from a case study of citrus canker.
Micrograin models of reacting porous solids with approximations to logarithmic solid conversion

Abstract Several experimental studies of gaseous reactions with porous solids at slow reaction rates, where pore diffusion is not rate controlling, have shown that the heterogeneous reaction rate decreases following an apparent logarithmic law. This is superficially analogous with a first order homogeneous batch reaction. In the present study a micrograin model for a porous reacting pellet is proposed and several micrograin size distribution are examined. It is shown that dimensionless rates calculated for the expected log-normal distribution of micrograins, within a wide range of size distribution standard deviations, approximates the logarithmic law within the usual experimental error. Normal distributions and Gates-Gaudin-Schuhmann distributions for the aggregation of micrograins constituting the porous solid pellet are also considered.
Expression of soluble guanylyl cyclase in rat cerebral cortex during postnatal development

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), the principle "receptor" for nitric oxide (NO), catalyzes the formation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), an intracellular second messenger. Studies in invertebrates have shown that the NO/cGMP pathway is involved in several aspects of neural development, including neuronal migration, dendritic and axonal outgrowth, and synaptogenesis. In vitro studies suggest a developmental role also in mammals. To investigate whether the NO/cGMP pathway might mediate these processes in vivo, we performed immunohistochemistry for sGC on sections from postnatal rat cerebral cortex. Early in postnatal development, migrating neurons in the cortical plate were immunonegative, whereas neurons deeper in the cortex that had completed migration were immunopositive. At the subcellular level, sGC preferentially stained dendrites rather than axons, but, at postnatal day 1 (PND1), sGC was found in a large fraction of axonal growth cones, especially those oriented toward the pial surface. At PND10-20 (the period of maximal synaptogenesis), sGC immunostaining was located mainly in dendritic shafts and was only occasionally associated with spines or axon terminals. These results support a role for the NO/cGMP pathway in dendritic development but argue against a major role in neuronal migration and synaptogenesis.
Partial Purification of Enzymes of Bovine Kidney Mitochondria Activating Volatile Fatty Acids

Abstract Mitochondria were prepared from kidney cortex tissue of lactating Holstein cows, and enzymes activating volatile fatty acids partially purified. Two fractions activating volatile fatty acids were obtained; one was similar to components isolated from bovine heart mitochondria activating acetate and propionate (acetyl CoA synthetase). The other was similar to components of bovine liver mitochondria and activated propionate, butyrate, and valerate but not acetate. On calcium phosphate gel chromatography this latter fraction could be separated into a distinct propionyl CoA synthetase (Michaelis-Menten constant for propionate 2.54 × 10−3 M) and a fraction activating butyrate and valerate. The role of a distinct propionyl CoA synthetase in kidney mitochondria remains to be elucidated because propionate is not a major substrate in peripheral blood of ruminants. We concluded that volatile fatty acid activation by bovine kidney mitochondria is due to an acetyl CoA synthetase, a propionyl CoA synthetase, and a butyrate and valerate-activating fraction probably composed of separate butyryl and valeryl CoA synthetases.
Three-dimensional wave propagation analysis of a smoothly heterogeneous solid

Abstract A method of analysis is presented for three-dimensional wave propagation problems of a vertically-heterogeneous half-space with a linear shear wave velocity profile. With the aid of a displacement-potential representation, Hankel transforms and Fourier decompositions, the dynamic response of the semi-infinite solid to an arbitrarily distributed buried source is shown to admit integral representation in terms of modified Bessel functions. Specific aspects of the problem such as the multiple poles along the inversion path on the complex plane and the characteristics of the wave propagation in the vertical direction are elucidated. Apart from its intrinsic interest, the solution can be degenerated to ring-load and point-load Green's functions which are fundamental to boundary integral equation formulations.
Applying pattern recognition methods and structure property correlations to determine drug carrier potential of nicotinic acid and analogize to dihydropyridine

Abstract Multivariate methods are utilized to compare nicotinic acid and dihydropyridine as a drug carrier. Nicotinic acid and dihydropyridine form ester groups on 10 β-lactam antibiotics with an oxymethyl group forming a linkage between the antibiotic and the drug carrier (nicotinic acid or dihydropyridine). Calculated molecular properties are analyzed by self-organizing tree algorithm (SOTA), bivariate regression, cluster analysis, factor analysis, discriminant analysis, hierarchical classification, and principal coordinates analysis. Ten important pharmacological properties for each of the nicotinic acid and dihydropyridine antibiotic derivatives are numerically similar and highly correlated. Calculated molecular properties include molar refractivity, molar volume, parachor, index of refraction, partition coefficient ( log P), polarizability, and polar surface area. Dermal permeability coefficients (Kp) for nicotinic acid derivatives are similar to values for dihydropyridine derivatives. Dermal permeabliity coefficients analyzed by hierarchical classification and SOTA analysis were shown to be closely interrelated and highly correlated. Ten properties of the nicotinic acid and dihydropyridine were compared by Passing–Bablok regression analysis and shown to be highly correlated (r=0.9879). Box plot analysis of 10 properties, inclusive of both groups of derivatives, showed narrow ranges in values. Cluster analysis of derivative properties showed the nicotinic acid derivatives to be highly similar to the dihydropyridine derivatives of the same antibiotics. Cluster analysis was performed by single linkage, complete linkage, and centroid linkage. Factor analysis showed the nicotinic acid derivatives to be interrelated and similar to the dihydropyridine derivatives. Discriminant analysis performed on all derivatives formed a single highly cohesive and non-differentiated cluster, demonstrating strong similarity among nicotinic acid and dihydropyridine derivatives. Principal coordinates analysis (determines similarity) of Kp values showed high similarity between the nicotinic acid and dihydropyridine antibiotic derivatives.
Attitudes of male and female cadets toward military sex integration

Two studies examine the attitudes of male and female Army ROTC cadets toward the movement of women into nontraditional and leadership positions in the military. As expected, female cadets reacted more favorably toward women than did male cadets. The time spent in sexually integrated school year ROTC units did not appear to influence opinions, while experience of the integrated summer training camp produced more negative attitudes on the part of men. The results suggest that the ROTC socialization process is ineffective in overcoming traditional sex-role biases against women in the military and that alternative structural changes may be needed to facilitate sexual integration.
Acute Arsenic Intoxication from Environmental Arsenic Exposure

Abstract Reports of acute arsenic poisoning arising from environmental exposure are rare. Two cases of acute arsenic intoxication resulting from ingestion of contaminated well water are described. These patients experienced a variety of problems: acute gastrointestinal symptoms, central and peripheral neurotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, hepatic toxicity, and mild mucous membrane and cutaneous changes. Although located adjacent to an abandoned mine, the well water had been tested for microorganisms only and was found to be “safe.” Regulations for testing of water from private wells for fitness to drink are frequently nonexistent, or only mandate biologic tests for microorganisms. Well water, particularly in areas near mining activity, should be tested for metals.
Effect of intrinsic damping on vibration transmissibility of nickel-titanium shape memory alloy springs

A research study was undertaken to measure the transmissibility of nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) shape memory alloy (SMA) springs and to compare the results to corresponding data on steel and IN-CONEL springs. It was motivated by interest in an effective metal alternative to rubber-based machinery isolation mounts, with possible active control features. Ni-Ti was used due to its well-known properties of shape memory and high intrinsic damping. Acceleration transmissibility was measured on a spring-mass system. Due to the distributed mass in the spring coils, standing waves occurred at high frequencies. However, due to the high intrinsic damping in Ni-Ti, the standing wave resonance peaks were as much as 20 dB lower than corresponding peaks in steel and 1NCONEL springs. Thus, the capability of Ni-Ti springs for high frequency acoustic isolation is significantly better than that of steel or INCONEL. Also, it is judged that the Ni-Ti material could be used in a variety of other isolation mount designs with a high likelihood for further improvement in passive isolation properties. In addition, it may be possible to use the shape memory effect (SME) in active control concepts.
Natural Variation in Drosophila Stressed Locomotion Meets or Exceeds Variation Caused by Hsp70 Mutation: Analysis of Behavior and Performance

Thermotolerance involves more than life or death. Investigating the complexity of this trait will aid identification of its genetic contributors. We examined variation in thermally stressed walking behavior and performance in natural Drosophila melanogaster strains and strains mutant for the heat shock protein Hsp70, to determine which aspects of locomotion are affected by heat shock and genotype. We developed software for the large-scale capture, analysis, and visualization of locomotion, and determined: (1) Heat shock and thermal pretreatment significantly and differentially impact fly locomotor behavior and performance. (2) Stressed locomotion traits vary extensively among natural strains. (3) Interactions among treatments, strains, and traits are substantial and often counterintuitive. (4) Hsp70 overexpressing flies are faster and more basally thermoprotected in performance than Hsp70 null flies, but null flies are more unidirectional. (5) Natural variation in most stressed locomotion traits exceeds that caused by Hsp70 mutation, reveals uncoupling between thermoprotection of behavior and performance, and suggests significant genetic variation for trait-specific modifiers of thermotolerance.
Current Vaccine Trials in Glioblastoma: A Review

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor, and despite aggressive therapy with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, average survival remains at about 1.5 years. The highly infiltrative and invasive nature of GBM requires that alternative treatments for this disease be widespread and targeted to tumor cells. Immunotherapy in the form of tumor vaccines has the potential to meet this need. Vaccines against GBM hold the promise of triggering specific and systemic antitumor immune responses that may be the key to eradicating this unrelenting cancer. In this review, we will discuss past and present clinical trials of various GBM vaccines and their potential impact on the future care of GBM patients. There have been many promising phase I and phase II GBM vaccine studies that have led to ongoing and upcoming phase III trials. If the results of these randomized trials show a survival benefit, immunotherapy will become a standard part of the treatment of this devastating disease.
Collaborative tracking in mobile underwater networks

A key requirement of underwater sensing systems is to track the position of devices while submerged. Traditionally, such tracking has relied on inertial navigation units and acoustic range measurements with surface beacons to estimate node positions over time. While effective for small clusters of instruments, these approaches do not scale well when underwater systems become truly networked. Instead, networked instruments can rely on collaborative localization techniques. However, as these only estimate node positions for time snapshots of the network, this solution breaks down in sparse deployments. In this paper we propose an innovative new approach, collaborative tracking, that marries the benefits from both existing solutions, while overcoming their disadvantages. Our scheme provides complete 4D trajectory estimation, leveraging both time and spatial dimensions, and operates well into regions where both surface beacons and network connectivity are sparse.