cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endocrine regulation of diuresis in insects

Abstract Insects, because of their small size and high surface area: volume ratios, face formidable problems of water and ion balance. Water loss is minimized by a number of physical and behavioural mechanisms, but ultimately the homeostatic maintenance of the internal milieu is dependent upon the control of excretion. In every species which has been studied, hormones which affect diuresis have been reported. These hormones, usually low molecular weight peptides, may enhance fluid loss (diuretic hormone) or retard it (antidiuretic hormone). The application of very sensitive analytical techniques, such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to the study of diuretic hormones/antidiuretic hormones has indicated that they are widely distributed throughout the insect central nervous system, although the most concentrated source, and presumably the main site of release, is the corpus cardiacum. HPLC techniques have also revealed that many species contain more than one diuretic hormone, with each acting via a different second messenger system and exerting different effects on the Malpighian tubules. The integrated action of multiple diuretic hormones, and the overall intergration of the secretory and reabsorptive segments of the excretory system, represent one of the more interesting and least well understood aspects of the endocrine control of excretion.
Immunogold-localization and synthesis of an oil-body membrane protein in developing soybean seeds.

The synthesis of a major oil-body membrane brotein was studied in maturing soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cotyledons. The membrane contained four abundant proteins with apparent molecular mass (Mr) of 34000, 24000, 18000 and 17000. The Mr=24000 protein (mP 24) was selected for more detailed analysis. The protein was purified to apparent homogeneity by preparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and isolated from the gel by electroelution or chemical hydrolysis of gel crosslinks. It was then used to elicit rabbit antibodies which were judged to be specific when assayed by SDS-PAGE-immunoblot procedures. The mP 24 was localized in immature soybean cotyledon cells by indirect immunogold procedures on thin sections of Lowicryl- and LR-White-embedded tissue. Indirect labeling with the primary antiserum followed by colloidal gold-protein A showed specific labeling of the oil-body membrane and an absence of label on the other subcellular organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Parallel tissue samples were studied by conventional transmission electron microscopy. Although segments of the ER were observed to be closely juxtaposed to the oil bodies, continuity between the two organelles was not observed. The synthesis of mP 24 was studied by in-vitro translation and in-vivo labeling with [3H]leucine followed by indirect immunoaffinity isolation of the labeled products. The SDS-PAGE fluorography results indicated that the primary translation product and the in-vivo synthesized protein have the same Mr, and this is also the same Mr as the protein in the mature membrane.
National disaster medical system.

Robert F. Knouss, MDa This discussion focuses on the functions of the Office of Emergency Prepared ness (OEP) within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), particularly as they relate to responses to any release of a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). It is important to be aware that an infrastructure is avail able to address consequences that will be created for the health care delivery system. Our office, OEP, is responsible for responses to a variety of disasters that could overwhelm local and state health systems with casualties. Examples in clude natural disasters, transportation disasters, technological disasters, and disasters that may be caused by the use of WMDs by terrorists. A fact that may be surprising to you is that our office, under agreement with the National Transpor tation Safety Board, also provides the teams for victim identification when we have transportation disasters such as commercial airline crashes. In addition, the OEP provides health care teams in response to a terrorist attack, which could overwhelm local health care systems. We may be called on to respond to techno logical disasters, if they would cause significant shortfalls in health care capacity. The Federal Response Plan has made the federal response to disasters very understandable. Essentially, it states that during any presidentially declared disaster in the United States, 12 essential functions might have to be performed to be able to have an effective response in support of state and local govern ments, ranging from mass care to transportation, urban search and rescue, environmental health services, and health and medical services. The health and medical services function is called Emergency Support Func tion #8 (ESF-8), for which DHHS has the lead but is supported by 12 other departments. These departments work with us in providing resources to assist in meeting the challenges that would be faced by our health care system in the event of a significant disaster creating mass casualties. ESF-8 provides four principal types of services: preventive health services, environmental health services, medical services, and mental health services. Two of these services are resource intense: medical services, which might have to be provided to mass casualty victims, and mental health services. These two potentially resource intense responses are largely accommodated through the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), which has been in existence for more than 15 years.
Large- N expansion for frustrated quantum antiferromagnets

A large-{ital N} expansion technique based on symplectic (Sp({ital N})) symmetry for frustrated magnetic systems is proposed and applied to the square-lattice quantum antiferromagnet with first-, second-, and third-neighbor antiferromangetic coupling. In addition to disordered states similar to those in unfrustrated systems, phases with incommensurate coplanar spin correlations and unconfined bosonic spinons are found. The occurrence of order from disorder'' is discussed. Neither chirally ordered nor spin-nematic states are found.
Modification of electron‐beam dose distributions by transverse magnetic fields

By applying a transverse magnetic field to a dosimetry phantom, an incident high-energy electron beam is made to follow a spiral path in the course of slowing down. Certain levels, determined by the electron energy and the magnetic field strength, will be traversed several times by the same electrons. The net result of this process is an enhancement of the depth dose in relation to the entrance dose, and a more sharply defined depth of penetration. Experiments with 50- and 55-MeV electrons traversing a 20.5-kG field are shown to support the predictions of a detailed Monte Carlo calculation.
Fluid‐pressure induced seismicity at regional scales

The role of high fluid pressure as a seismogenic agent has been the subject of intense study (Hubert and Rubey, 1959; Hanshaw and Bredehoeft, 1968; Healy and Rubey, 1968; Simpson, 1976; Walder and Nur, 1984; Sibson, 1990). Of particular interest is the so-called fault-valve mechanism (Sibson, 1976; Sibson, 1990) a hypothesis whereby fluid pressure rises (as a result of tectonic compression and pore volume reduction) until crustal failure occurs, triggering seismic activity and upward fluid discharge. Sealing and healing of the rock matrix (Richter and Simmons, 1977; Sprunt and Nur, 1979; Angevine et al, 1982) following coseismic stress drop facilitates reaccumulation of fluid pressure, initiating another loading cycle. The fault-valve mechanism is entertained as a plausible explanation for present-day seismic activity in the western Transverse Ranges of California. We provide a quantitative test of the fault-valve hypothesis that uses geologic data and rates of active tectonics for a cross-section through an active fold-and-thrust belt on the flank of a developing mountain range. Rates of fluid pressure buildup and average recurrence times of large earthquakes in the fold-and-thrust belt are estimated to be on the order of 104Pa/yrand hundreds of years, respectively.
Synthesis of Block Copolymers Using RAFT Miniemulsion Polymerization in a Train of CSTRs

Continuous reversible addition fragmentation transfer (RAFT) miniemulsion block copolymerization of styrene and n-butyl acrylate (BA) in a train of continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) is described. It is shown that a train of CSTRs can effectively be used to produce unique (multi)block copolymers. Comparison of gel permeation chromatography (GPC) refractive index (RI) traces and GPC UV traces revealed that the polymer formed has a very high percentage of living chains. The process variables such as flow rate, temperature, and injection point of the second monomer can easily be changed to obtain different block copolymers. The average composition and length of the individual blocks have been determined using 1H NMR, GPC, and mass balances. The advantages and disadvantages of the continuous process for the production of block copolymers are discussed.
Abnormality detection in noisy biosignals

Although great strides have been achieved in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) research, a major remaining problem is the ability to perform well under the presence of significant noise. In this work, we propose a mechanism to find instances of potential interest in time series for further analysis. Adaptive Kalman filters are employed in parallel among different feature axes. Lung sounds recorded in noisy conditions are used as an example application, with spectro-temporal feature extraction to capture the complex variabilities in sound. We demonstrate that both disease indicators and distortion events can be detected, reducing long time series signals into a sparse set of relevant events.
K-C model of three customer-contact dimensions: an exploratory hospital field test

This paper presents the results of an exploratory empirical field test of the K-C (Kellogg-Chase) model of customer-contact (Kellogg, 1991; Kellogg and Chase, 1995) in a hospital setting. Seventy service workers in seven departments of a regional hospital were surveyed regarding the elements of the K-C model based on their perceptions of a 'typical' service encounter with a customer/patient. Service worker SCORE results ranged roughly equivalent to the Contact Scores used by Kellogg (1991). Both the process and the results raise important questions concerning each element of the K-C model which are discussed. Implications for future research and practice are examined.
Acetylacetonate anchors for robust functionalization of TiO2 nanoparticles with Mn(II)-terpyridine complexes.

A novel class of derivatized acetylacetonate (acac) linkers for robust functionalization of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) under aqueous and oxidative conditions is reported. The resulting surface adsorbate anchors are particularly relevant to engineering photocatalytic and photovoltaic devices since they can be applied to attach a broad range of photosensitizers and photocatalytic complexes and are not affected by humidity. Acac is easily modified by CuI-mediated coupling reactions to provide a variety of scaffolds, including substituted terpy complexes (terpy ) 2,2':6,2''-terpyridine), assembled with ligands coordinated to transition-metal ions. Since Mn-terpy complexes are known to be effective catalysts for oxidation chemistry, functionalization with Mn(II) is examined. This permits visible-light sensitization of TiO2 nanoparticles due to interfacial electron transfer, as evidenced by UV-vis spectroscopy of colloidal thin films and aqueous suspensions. The underlying ultrafast interfacial electron injection is complete on a subpicosecond time scale, as monitored by optical pump-terahertz probe transient measurements and computer simulations. Time-resolved measurements of the Mn(II) EPR signal at 6 K show that interfacial electron injection induces Mn(II) f Mn(III) photooxidation, with a half-time for regeneration of the Mn(II) complex of ca. 23 s.
User's Guide to Spectral Sequences

Spectral sequences are among the most elegant, most powerful, and most complicated methods of computation in mathematics. This book describes some of the most important examples of spectral sequences and some of their most spectacular applications. The first third of the book treats the algebraic foundations for this sort of homological algebra, starting from informal calculations, to give the novice a familiarity with the range of applications possible. The heart of the book is an exposition of the classical examples from homotopy theory, with chapters on the Leray-Serre spectral sequence, the Eilenberg-Moore spectral sequence, the Adams spectral sequence, and, in this new edition, the Bockstein spectral sequence. The last part of the book treats applications throughout mathematics, including the theory of knots and links, algebraic geometry, differential geometry and algebra. This is an excellent reference for students and researchers in geometry, topology, and algebra.
Transparent stacked organic light emitting devices. I. Design principles and transparent compound electrodes

Vertical stacking of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) that emit the three primary colors is a means for achieving full-color flat panel displays. The physics, performance, and applications of stacked OLEDs (SOLEDs) are discussed in this and the following paper (Papers I and II, respectively). In Paper I, we analyze optical microcavity effects that can distort the emission colors of SOLEDs if not properly controlled, and describe design principles to minimize these parasitic effects. We also describe the fabrication and operating characteristics of transparent contacts that are an integral part of SOLEDs. We demonstrate that both metal-containing and metal-free transparent electrodes can serve as efficient electron and hole injectors into the stacked organic semiconductor layers. Two different transparent SOLED structures (metal-containing and metal-free) that exhibit sufficient performance for many full-color display applications will be discussed in Paper II.
A study of pyridyl nitrosyl iron(II) tetraphenyl 15N4-porphyrin. NO geometry and spin coupling to the pyrrole nitrogens

Abstract Spin coupling with pyrrole nitrogens and NO geometry in pyridyl-NO-Fe(II) tetraphenyl- 15 N 4 -porphyrin, examined with hyperfine sublevel correlation spectroscopy (HYSCORE), was studied because of renewed interest in diatomic molecule bound ferrous hemes, e.g. the physiologically important NO synthase. Dipolar coupling locates the effective electron spin position (0.109±0.008 nm from the ring center, 0.106±0.006 nm above the ring plane and projecting 37±2° from the nearest pyrrole nitrogen). The NO projection in an X-ray study of the 4-methyl piperidine complex is 38.6°. The negative pyrrole nitrogen spin densities induced by the NO obey a sinusoidal angular relationship.
Comparative toxicity and bioconcentration of nonylphenol in freshwater organisms.

Degradation of alkylphenol ethoxylates to more persistent alkylphenols such as nonylphenol occurs in wastewater treatment plants where nonylphenol is released to aquatic systems. In this study, acute and chronic tests were conducted to determine the toxicity and bioconcentration of nonylphenol to freshwater organisms for use in deriving national water quality criteria. Acute median effect concentrations (EC50s) based on loss of equilibrium, immobility, and lethality for species representing several taxonomic groups ranged from 21 to 596 µg/L. The EC50s were up to a factor of 2 less than median lethal concentrations (LC50s) and decreased with time over the test periods of 24 to 96 h. In chronic tests, early life stages of rainbow trout were 14 times more sensitive to nonylphenol than in acute tests and approximately 20 times more sensitive than Daphnia magna exposed over their complete life cycle. Comparisons of chronic test endpoints showed that 20% effect concentrations (EC20s), determined by regression testing, and chronic values, determined by hypothesis testing, were similar for both the rainbow trout and Daphnia magna. The lowest mean tissue–effect concentrations of nonylphenol appeared to be greater for the fathead minnow than bluegill, and ranged from approximately 130 to 160 µg/g after 96-h exposure and from approximately 20 to 90 µg/g after 28-d exposure. Mean lipid normalized bioconcentration factors (BCFs) associated with no-effect concentrations were approximately 180 and 50 for the fathead minnow and bluegill, respectively. The present test results suggest that long-term exposures to nonylphenol at concentrations found in some surface waters could adversely impact sensitive components of freshwater communities. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2104–2111. © 2010 SETAC
Teaching Strategies Used by Expert Nurse Practitioner Preceptors: A Qualitative Study

Nurse practitioner (NP) programs utilize expert clinicians as preceptors for their students. Little is written regarding this important role. This study explored teaching strategies used by expert preceptors. Fifteen preceptors in a master's level NP program participated in this qualitative study. The study identified (a) orientation strategies, (b) strategies used with all students, and (c) strategies used differentially according to level of learner. Two distinct preceptor styles emerged from the data (“incremental structure” and “sink or swim”). Preceptors also identified characteristics of student readiness for increased responsibility.Results of this qualitative study can be helpful in preceptor orientation and continued education.
Theoretical treatment of the spin-orbit coupling in the rare gas oxides NeO, ArO, KrO, and XeO

Off-diagonal spin-orbit matrix elements are calculated as a function of internuclear distance for the rare gas oxides NeO, ArO, KrO, and XeO using the full microscopic spin-orbit Hamiltonian, including all one- and two-electron integrals, and POL-CI wave functions comparable to those of Dunning and Hay (1977). A good agreement was found when comparing these results in detail with the calculations of Cohen, Wadt and Hay (1979) that utilize an effective one-electron one-center spin-orbit operator. For the rare gas oxide molecules, it is suggested that the numerical results are a more sensitive test of the wave functions (particularly to the extent of charge transfer) than the exact evaluation of all terms in the full spin-orbit operator.
Analysis and Design of a Paraffin/Graphite Composite PCM Integrated in a Thermal Storage Unit

The addition of latent heat storage systems in solar thermal applications has several benefits including volume reduction in storage tanks and maintaining the temperature range of the thermal storage. A phase change material (PCM) provides high energy storage density at a constant temperature corresponding to its phase transition temperature. In this paper, a high temperature PCM (melting temperature of 80°C) made of a composite of paraffin and graphite was tested to determine its thermal properties. Tests were conducted with a differential scanning calorimeter and allowed the determination of the melting and solidification characteristics, latent heat, specific heat at melting and solidification, and thermal conductivity of the composite. The results of the study showed an increase in thermal conductivity by a factor of 4 when the mass fraction of the graphite in the composite was increased to 16.5%. The specific heat of the composite PCM (CPCM) decreased as the thermal conductivity increased, while the latent heat remained the same as the PCM component. In addition, the phase transition temperature was not influenced by the addition of expanded graphite. To explore the feasibility of the CPCM for practical applications, a numerical solution of the phase change transition of a small cylinder was derived. Finally, a numerical simulation and the experimental results for a known volume of CPCM indicated a reduction in solidification time by a factor of 6. The numerical analysis was further explored to indicate the optimum operating Biot number for maximum efficiency of the composite PCM thermal energy storage.
Interfacial crack in a two-dimensional hexagonal lattice.

In this paper we compare a set of atomic calculations of interfacial crack structure and properties with the predictions of an augmented elastic theory. Our intent is to critique the elastic predictions, especially the mode conversion and displacement closure oscillation features of the elastic theory. A simple physical picture is developed based on a crack stability diagram, using two sets of stress intensity axes. The first set is the normal applied stress intensity K and the second is a local stress intensity factor k, defined to describe the physics of the core region. The Griffith condition and dislocation emission criterion are defined in terms of the local k, and its associated effective core size parameter. Unfortunately, the physical core size is not a unique parameter in the problem, but varies directly with the amount of shear in the core. Thus, the effective core size for the Griffith condition is different from that for dislocation emission. In each case, the effective core size is much smaller than the physical core size, which means that the mode shift at the crack tip is considerably larger than would be expected on the basis of linear elasticity. However, with appropriately defined effective core size parameters, the Griffith condition is well satisfied, and the emission criterion based on the Rice unstable-stacking-fault condition is also surprisingly well satisfied in the mode-II emission configuration. The crack is found never to exhibit displacement oscillations, in part, because of the necessary condition that the Griffith condition be satisfied at the crack tip, and in part because the amount of shear in the core is limited by dislocation emission.
Studies of the metabolism of rhodamine B.

Abstract Rhodamine B (D & C Red No. 19) was metabolized identically in the dog, rat, and rabbit as evidenced by paper chromatograms and paper electrophoretograms of their urines and fecal extracts. The dye was extensively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract at low dietary levels. At the 1% dietary level, only 3–5% of the ingested material was recovered unchanged. Rhodamine B (tetraethyl-3′,6′-diaminofluoran), was de-ethylated when ingested by animals. Two of three observed metabolites were identified as 3′,6′-diaminofluoran, and N,N′-diethyl-3′,6′-diaminofluoran on the basis of their Rf values, fluorescence, color, diazotization characteristics, and activation and fluorescence spectra when compared to synthetic counterparts. Evidence presented indicates that the third metabolite is the monoethylated analog of Rhodamine B. Feeding studies with synthetic counterparts of the identified metabolites indicated that the basic fluoran structure of the Rhodamine B molecule was not destroyed and strengthened other evidence that no chemical changes other than de-ethylation occurred during the metabolism.
The dangers of underestimating the importance of data adjustments in band ratioing

The practical importance of simple data adjustments for path (atmospheric) radiance and sensor calibration offsets prior to band ratioing has often been overlooked or misjudged. This paper describes and demonstrates the critical nature of data adjustments for the production of useful ratio images, including ratio images derived solely from long wavelength bands. A simple bispectral graphic model is used for illustrating and evaluating the impact of data offsets upon ratio images. Orthogonal indices, used as alternatives to band ratios, are shown to be sometimes less sensitive to topographic influences than ratios of unadjusted data but not less sensitive than ratios of properly adjusted data.
Effect of Synchrotron Radiation in the Proposed 4-GeV Argonne Microtron

Synchrotron radiation in the sector magnets of the 4 GeV microtron designed at the Argonne National Laboratory produces a small but noticeable distortion of the closed orbits of the system and a very significant growth of the horizontal and longitudinal phase space emittances. Because of the small apertures in the three 25 meter linacs, it is important that the expected growth of the beam be calculated as accurately as possible. The dynamical problem has been solved using a computer program which follows the motions of individual electrons in the four dimensional horizontal and longitudinal phase space as they are accelerated in the system. In this paper the authors call attention to the fact that there are 3 long 28 m linac sections separated by sector magnets from 3 dispersion sections where the orbits for different energies are separated. The interaction of the linac rf systems with the synchrotron energy loss in the sector magnets produces different orbit effects in the downstream and upstream linac sector magnets. The average synchrotron radiation energy loss per sector magnet is given.
LINKAGE OF NEURAMINIDASE AND α-MANNOSIDASE TO THE MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY COMPLEX IN THE RAT

Summary Variation in enzyme activity of liver neuraminidase and in electrophoretic mobility of liver α-mannosidase is controlled by a gene or by independently acting genes linked to the major histocompatibility complex of the rat.
The role of the splenic pancreatic lobe in regulating metabolic normalcy following 99% pancreatectomy in chickens.

Abstract The functional competency of the splenic pancreatic lobe of adult chickens was evaluated by studying plasma and tissue levels of insulin (IRI), glucagon (IRG), somatostatin (IRSRIF), and avian pancreatic polypeptide (IRAPP) for 16 days following surgical removal of 99% of the pancreas. The rationale underlying this approach was to assess whether the splenic remnant tissue after 99% pancreatectomy was capable of maintaining apparent metabolic normalcy as has been suggested in the literature. Partial (99%) pancreatectomy resulted in almost immediate enlargement of the splenic remnant, immediate decreases in both plasma IRI and IRAPP, both of which subsequently reattained normal levels (IRI in 4 days and IRAPP in 16 days). Hyperinsulinemia persisted from Days 4–7 and then returned to normal the remaining 9 days. Plasma IRG levels increased markedly and progressively for the entire 16-day observation period. Plasma I/G molar ratios indicated a strong catabolic trend in the 99% depancreatized group approaching values of 0.4 by 4 hr postop, returning to normal by Day 5, only to decrease progressively again into another sustained catabolic mode of 0.8 or less for the additional 11 days. Splenic lobe hormone (total) content of IRI, IRG, and IRAPP increased significantly throughout the 16-day observation period; however, parenchymal enlargement of nonendocrine lobe tissue was so great that actual concentrations of IRI and IRG decreased significantly while IRAPP concentration appeared to remain constant at control levels. IRSRIF levels were very sensitive both to pancreatectomy (increasing 140% 16 days later) and to fasting (decreasing 52% after 48 hr). IRG levels increase with fasting and with the exception of IRAPP, pancreatectomy appeared to increase the “sensitivity” of the splenic remnant in responding to the fasting stimulus. The results suggest that very rapid enlargement of the remnant splenic lobe following 99% pancreatectomy is probably adequate to maintain an apparent metabolic normalcy in adult chickens. The depancreatized animal enters a strongly catabolic mode, due mainly to hyperglucagonemia, even though food intake is normal and body weight is constant (though at subcontrol levels) after 16 days. There is no evidence to support the suggestion that SRIF stimulates glucagon release.
Gender differences in non-small-cell lung cancer survival: an analysis of 4,618 patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2002.

Abstract Background Gender has been reported as a predictor for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) survival. Most of the reports are limited to selected groups of patients. The magnitude of gender effect on NSCLC survival across disease stage, tumor histology, and therapies needs to be further characterized. Methods A cohort of 4,618 patients diagnosed with NSCLC was prospectively enrolled and actively followed. Vital status of each patient was verified through multiple complementary sources. Cox proportional hazards models were developed to compare postdiagnosis survival between genders adjusting for age at diagnosis, tumor histology and grade, stage, pack-years smoked, and treatment received (resection, radiation, or chemotherapy). Results There were 2,724 men (59%) and 1,894 women (41%), with a median age at diagnosis of 68 years in men and 66 in women ( p Conclusions Male gender is confirmed to be an independent unfavorable prognostic indicator for NSCLC survival.
WE‐E‐E‐611‐05: The ABR Examination in Physics for Diagnostic Radiologists

The written certification examination in Diagnostic Radiology for radiologists consists of both a physics and a clinical test. The physics test is created by a committee composed of diagnosticradiologists and of practicing medical physicists who are content experts specializing in diagnostic radiology. There is input and review by officers and trustees of the ABR before and after the exam is administered. The test is composed of a predetermined number of used and unused question items and a predetermined number of items in the three general content areas of diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine and radiobiology. All items are randomized on the final exam. The process of new item development begins about 18 months before exam administration, while the exam assembly meeting occurs about 10 months before the test date. Throughout the process, the committee is conscious of the need for the subject material to be current and relevant to the practice of clinical radiology. Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy and clarity of the question items and that all distractors (incorrect choices) are plausible but clearly incorrect. Items are reviewed and revised as needed at each stage of the process. Following the assembly meeting, the ABR staff edits the items and prepares them for the test. The committee chair reviews all edits to ensure that item content and accuracy have not been altered. The staff then formats the exam and prepares proofs, which are again reviewed by the chair before it is sent to the printer. Following the exam, the statistical performance of each question is analyzed by the ABR psychometrician for difficulty and discrimination (point‐biserial correlation) to flag potential problem items and any such items are reviewed for possible ambiguity or inaccuracy of the key. Production of each test is a long and meticulous process with every effort expended to ensure a fair and meaningful certification examination. Educational Objectives: 1. To describe the process used in assembling the physics examination 2. To provide an overview of the content areas covered on the exam. 3. To review some of the changes that have been implemented by the ABR over the past several years
Operator-interactive method for simultaneous measurement of left and right ventricular volumes and ejection fraction by tomographic electrocardiography-gated blood pool radionuclide ventriculography

Background A method that uses single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA) to measure right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) volumes (in milliliters) and ejection fraction (EF) is described. Methods and Results We recorded 35 paired SPECT ERNA and electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) cardiac studies in 27 patients; for comparison with EBCT, a method for measurement of RV and LV volumes and EF with SPECT ERNA was developed in 18 paired studies and was validated and assessed for reproducibility in 17. Validation indicated that SPECT ERNA and EBCT were similar for measurement of RV volume (end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes in a combined analysis) and EF (180 ± 74 mL vs 182 ± 80 mL and 0.44 ± 0.11 vs 0.43 ± 0.11, respectively) and for measurement of LV volume and EF (88 ± 36 mL vs 84 ± 43 mL and 0.53 ± 0.081 vs 0.59 ± 0.07, respectively). The SPECT ERNA method was quite reproducible. Conclusions RV and LV volumes and EF can be measured readily via SPECT ERNA.
Paleohydrology of Lake Victoria, East Africa, inferred from 18O/16O ratios in sediment cellulose

Delta 18 O values of aquatic cellulose preserved in a 7.6 m sediment core from near the center of Lake Victoria, East Africa, record a 13 000 yr hydrological history of the basin. Relative to the present value (+3.4‰), highly elevated lake-water δ 18 O values of +8‰ ± 2‰ from 13 200 to 7250 14 C yr B.P. indicate closed-basin conditions and precipitation:evaporation ratios much smaller than at present. An abrupt drop in the lake-water δ 18 O to 0‰ ± 1‰ marks the rapid transition to an open basin between 7250 and 7150 14 C yr B.P. From 7140 to 5400 14 C yr B.P. increasing lake-water δ 18 O values from 0‰ ± 1‰ to +5‰ ± 1.5‰ are proposed to reflect outlet downcutting and a likely decrease in relative humidity. These data have unexpectedly shifted our view of the timing of changes in the Lake Victoria water balance and imply a period of at least 10 000 years (17 000 to 7000 14 C yr B.P.) when the Lake Victoria basin did not contribute waters to the main Nile River.
Effect of hydroxyapatite/tricalcium-phosphate coating on osseointegration of plasma-sprayed titanium alloy implants

This study determined the effects of a plasma-sprayed hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) coating on osseointegration of plasma-sprayed titanium alloy implants in a lapine, distal femoral intramedullary model. The effects of the HA/TCP coating were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months after implant placement. The HA/TCP coating significantly increased new bone apposition onto the implant surfaces at all time points. The ceramic coating also stimulated intramedullary bone formation at the middle and distal levels of the implants. Fluorescent bone labeling indicated that new bone formation occurred primarily during the first 3 months after implantation, with comparatively little activity detected in the latter stages of the study. There was no associated increase in pullout strength at either 3 or 6 months; however, post-pullout evaluation of the implants indicated that the HA/TCP coating itself was not the primary site of construct failure. Rather, failure was most commonly observed through the periprosthetic osseous struts that bridged the medullary cavity. The demonstrated osteoconductive activity of HA/TCP coating on plasma-sprayed titanium alloy implant surfaces may have considerable clinical relevance to early host-implant interactions, by accelerating the establishment of a stable prosthesis-bone interface.
An open-source toolbox for automated phenotyping of mice in behavioral tasks

Classifying behavior patterns in mouse models of neurological, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders is critical for understanding disease causality and treatment. However, complete characterization of behavior is time-intensive, prone to subjective scoring, and often requires specialized equipment. Although several reports describe automated home-cage monitoring and individual task scoring methods, we report the first open source, comprehensive toolbox for automating the scoring of several common behavior tasks used by the neuroscience community. We show this new toolbox is robust and achieves equal or better consistency when compared to manual scoring methods. We use this toolbox to study the alterations in behavior that occur following blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI), and study if these behavior patterns are altered following genetic deletion of the transcription factor Ets-like kinase 1 (Elk-1). Due to the role of Elk-1 in neuronal survival and proposed role in synaptic plasticity, we hypothesized that Elk-1 deletion would improve some neurobehavioral deficits, while impairing others, following blast exposure. In Elk-1 knockout (KO) animals, deficits in open field, spatial object recognition (SOR) and elevated zero maze performance after blast exposure disappeared, while new significant deficits appeared in spatial and associative memory. These are the first data suggesting a molecular mediator of anxiety deficits following bTBI, and represent the utility of the broad screening tool we developed. More broadly, we envision this open-source toolbox will provide a more consistent and rapid analysis of behavior across many neurological diseases, promoting the rapid discovery of novel pathways mediating disease progression and treatment.
Economic Causes of Late-Nineteenth Century Agrarian Unrest:New Evidence

Several economic historians have suggested that economic instability in American agriculture was a primary cause of agrarian discontent during the late nineteenth century. This paper, in providing a rigorous analysis of the issue, presents estimates of economic instability in agriculture and evidence on the location and intensity of agrarian unrest for 14 northern states from 1866 to 1909. I statistically test for a relationship between the two. The results strongly suggest that late-nineteenth century agrarian unrest was directly related to a state's degree ofeconomic instability. This conclusion holds for the entire last third of the century and for several subperiods.
Elective Mutism and Mental Retardation

Abstract The association of elective mutism and mental retardation is noted. Two cases of elective mutism associated with mental retardation are presented. Both individuals had long-standing patterns of inhibition, shyness, and anxiety manifested by general refusal to talk outside the home, particularly at school. The importance of assessment of intellectual functioning and linguistic skills for the establishment of intervention priorities and clinical management is discussed. The possibility of the presence of mental retardation in individuals with elective mutism should be considered.
Performance of growing lambs fed Acremonium coenophialum infested tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) hay

Twenty-four lambs (13 wethers and 11 ewes) averaging 32.5 kg were blocked by sex and assigned to treatments of either Acremonium coenophialum infested (E+) or non-infested (E−) tall fescue hay in an 84-d growth trial. Lambs were group fed tall fescue hay ad lib. plus 230 g/head/d of a ground-corn mineral-vitamin premix. Average daily gains were lower (P < 0.10) for lambs consuming E+ hay (56 g/head/d) than for those on E− (78 g/head/d). Cumulative weight gains of lambs ingesting E+ hay were less (P < 0.05 or < 0.10) than for lambs on E− at weeks 4,8,10 and 12 of the trial. Hay dry matter intake was greater (P < 0.05) for lambs consuming E− hay (936 g/head/d) than for lambs on E+ hay (856 g/head/d). Rectal temperatures of E+ lambs were elevated (P < 0.05) above lambs consuming E− hay only when ambient temperatures were greater than 21°C. At four of the six sampling dates, serum prolactin (PRL) concentrations of lambs were lower (P < 0.0001) for E+ than for E− treatments. Serum PRL concentrations of lambs on E− hay declined from 162 ng/ml at week two to 5 ng/ml at week 12 as daylength declined from 14.5 to 11.1 h/d. This resulted in less difference among E+ and E− treatment groups as the study progressed. Performance of growing lambs was depressed when consuming endophyte infested tall fescue hay, while signs of toxicosis were evident during the time when ambient temperatures and daylength were greatest.
Step frequency waveform design and processing for detection of moving targets in clutter

Step frequency waveforms have been used in measurement radars in anechoic chambers for high resolution imaging of stationary or rotating targets in one or two dimensions. However in operational scenarios such as detection of moving targets, frequency step waveform spreads the target return and shifts the target range resulting in a loss of target magnitude, range accuracy and range resolution. This paper models target return, brings out the problems associated with step frequency waveform and then describes a method for detection of moving target in the presence of clutter. Also discussed are step frequency waveform design considerations.
An Application of the Barrett-Lampard Expansion to Obtain the Slope Characteristics of a Speech Signal

Many methods of speech waveform encoding utilize differential techniques for bandwidth compression. The channel bit rate of these systems is directly related to the slope characteristics of the speech signal. Employing well-known statistical characteristics of speech, this paper presents a derivation of the probability density function (pdf) for the differential slope of a speech signal and evaluates two families of pdfs. The technique used here, based on the Barrett-Lampard expansion, can also be applied to the general problem of obtaining the pdf of a random signal that has been digitally filtered. In this way, the frequent reliance upon a Gaussian assumption can be avoided.
Recent Increase in Nybelinia surmenicola Prevalence and Intensity in Pacific Hake (Merluccius productus) Off the United States West Coast

abstract: A larval marine cestode was found in 82.0% of 834 Pacific hake (Merluccius productus) stomachs collected from 341 trawl stations along the United States west coast during the summers of 2008 and 2009. Morphology and DNA sequencing was used to identify the cestode as Nybelinia surmenicola. In an examination of 131 Pacific hake stomachs collected from the same region in 1999, N. surmenicola prevalence was 35.1%. The results from a general linear model suggested that their prevalence is influenced by year and latitude, Pacific hake size, and sex. Mean intensity of N. surmenicola in 2008–2009 was 20.22 (±1.13 SE) and was positively related to Pacific hake length and the latitude of collection. Year-1 Pacific hake (<27 cm length) had significantly lower prevalence and intensity of N. surmenicola compared to older and larger fish. Pacific hake collected south of Point Conception, California (32.5 to 35°N) had lower prevalence and intensity of N. surmenicola compared to those collected in northern lat...
Single crystal silicon nanopillars, nanoneedles and nanoblades with precise positioning for massively parallel nanoscale device integration

Arrays of precisely positioned single crystal silicon nanopillars, nanoneedles, and nanoblades with minimum feature sizes as small as 30 nm are fabricated using entirely scalable top-down fabrication techniques. Using the same scalable technologies, devices consisting of electrically connected silicon nanopillars with multiple addressable electrodes for each nanostructure are realized. The arrays of nanopillars, nanoneedles, and nanoblades are shown to exhibit Raman signal enhancement on 1,2-benzenedithiol monolayers, opening a path to nanodevices that manipulate, position, detect and analyze molecules.
Glycine Crystallization in Frozen and Freeze-dried Systems: Effect of pH and Buffer Concentration

(1) To determine the effect of solution pH before lyophilization, over the range of 1.5 to 10, on the salt and polymorphic forms of glycine crystallizing in frozen solutions and in lyophiles. (2) To quantify glycine crystallization during freezing and annealing as a function of solution pH before lyophilization. (3) To study the effect of phosphate buffer concentration on the extent of glycine crystallization before and after annealing. Glycine solutions (10% w/v), with initial pH ranging from 1.5 to 10, were cooled to −50°C, and the crystallized glycine phases were identified using a laboratory X-ray source. Over the same pH range, glycine phases in lyophiles obtained from annealed solutions (0.25, 2 and 10% w/v glycine), were characterized by synchrotron X-ray diffractometry (SXRD). In the pH range of 3.0 to 5.9, the extent of glycine crystallization during annealing was monitored by SXRD. Additionally, the effect of phosphate buffer concentration (50 to 200 mM) on the extent of glycine crystallization during freezing, followed by annealing, was determined. In frozen solutions, β-glycine was detected when the initial solution pH was ≥ 4. In the lyophiles, in addition to β- and γ-glycine, glycine HCl, diglycine HCl, and sodium glycinate were also identified. In the pH range of 3.0 to 5.9, decreasing the pH reduced the extent of glycine crystallization in the frozen solution. When the initial pH was fixed at 7.4, and the buffer concentration was increased from 50 to 200 mM, the extent of glycine crystallization in frozen solutions decreased with an increase in buffer concentration. Both solution pH and solute concentration before lyophilization influenced the salt and polymorphic forms of glycine crystallizing in frozen solutions and in lyophiles. The extent of glycine crystallization in frozen solutions was affected by the initial pH and buffer concentration of solutions. The high sensitivity of SXRD allowed simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple crystalline phases.
Surveys of Bees (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Anthophila) in Natural Areas of Alachua County in North-Central Florida

Bee surveys were conducted in Alachua County, Florida, at 1 to 6 sites within each of 4 natural areas including 2 large state preserves. Bees were collected passively with colored cups and actively with nets. A total of 2,590 bees were captured belonging to 34 genera and 111 species. Of the 5 bee families found, Apidae was represented by the most species, whereas the 6 most numerous species were Halictidae. Six species are new state records for Florida. Males of the rarely-collected Florida endemic bee Stelis ater Mitchell were discovered, and this species is reported for the first time as a cleptoparasite of Osmia chalybea Smith, confirmed by rearing from trap nests. Other potential new host-parasite associations are discussed. Bee species lists and ecological patterns are compared with those from previous surveys in southern Florida. Distinctive characteristics of the north-central Florida bee fauna are discussed including the presence of both northern and peninsular species, subspecies, and populations.
Diffusion barriers at Mars surface conditions: Salt crusts, particle size mixtures, and dust

The diffusion coefficient of water vapor through porous media at Mars-like surface conditions is measured for a variety of complex particle size distributions and soil compositions. Micron-sized dust simulants, mixtures of sand- and dust- sized particles, and salt- encrusted sand are examined. We find that while the value of the diffusion coefficient, D, can be reduced by up to a factor of 10 for heavily salt- encrusted soils (minimum observed D = 0.4 ± 0.04 cm^2 s^-1), moderate amounts of salt only produce minor reductions in D. Mechanical packing of pure dust can lower D by a similar amount, while mixtures of dust with sand- sized particles produce at most a factor of ~4 reduction. We conclude that present- day processes of aeolian redistribution, moderate levels of salt encrustation, and volatile loss from dirty ice would be inefficient at producing soil deposits and lags on Mars that pose significant barriers to diffusion. Therefore, subsurface ice deposits that are thermally unstable would not be protected against sublimative loss by such materials.