cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Studies of glucagon resistance in large rat adipocytes: 125I-labeled glucagon binding and lipolytic capacity.

This study is concerned with potential modifications of large fat cells from adult rats (400–450 g) that make them resistant to stimulation by glucagon. The lipolytic capacity and 125I-labeled glucagon-binding capability of these cells were compared with these properties of small glucagon-sensitive cells from young rats (130–160 g). As determined by maximal stimulation with theophylline, dibutyryl cAMP, or epinephrine, the lipolytic capacity of large cells was not markedly different from small cells, which suggests that an alteration contributing to glucagon insensitivity is not present in the enzymes involved with hormone-mediated lipolysis. Glucagon-binding studies did indicate a difference between the two cell types. Both large cells and particulate fractions from large cells bound less 125I-labeled glucagon than small cells or small-cell particles. That diminished binding is not a consequence of glucagon degradation is indicated by the similar amounts of 125I-labeled glucagon degraded by both cell types. The decrease in 125I-labeled glucagon binding was not as marked as the decrease in lipolytic response to glucagon stimulation. This lack of correlation and the relationship between elevated phosphodiesterase levels and glucagon insensitivity described in the accompanying report suggest that diminished binding explains only in part the marked resistance to glucagon found in large cells.
An integrated expert system for optimal crop planning

Optimal crop planning is concerned with the allocation of land to crops with the objective of maximizing the profit of the production system. This problem is complex in the large number of factors involved, the interactions between these factors, and the enormity of allocation alternatives. Current planning systems rely solely on quantitative methods. These have limited usefulness and are rarely used by decision makers mainly because of the difficulty in formulating the mathematical model and interpreting its results, and the unrealistic representation of the production system. Motivated by the need for a tool that can be used effectively by the decision maker, this research utilized a knowledge-based approach in developing a PC-based expert system for the design of an optimal cropping plan. The system integrates rule-based components implemented in PROLOG, a declarative language, with a mathematical optimization module coded in C, a procedural language, in creating a mixed-language program. The combination of problem-solving techniques and development environments offers several advantages over the use of either one alone, including flexibility in representing a wide range of planning considerations, high level of inference control, an efficient planning process, and customized user interfaces (e.g., explanation and calibration facilities). The system obtains essential information on the specific conditions of a production system by questioning the user or directly from a database. Analysis on the farm, field, and crop levels determines the effect of these conditions on potential crops. The analysis results are used during the synthesis phase to formulate a linear programming model of the problem. The model is solved by the simplex method, and the output is interpreted by the expert system. An iterative refinement process follows, generating a practical as well as mathematically feasible cropping plan. The recommendations specify the field and area assigned to each of the selected crops and the expected profit, in a simple, ready-to-implement format. In its current state, the prototype system is designed to illustrate concepts. To make it ready for practical use, its knowledge base should be expanded to include additional crops and planning considerations.
Ethnic Differences in Colorectal Cancer Screening

The present study was designed to assess ethnic disparities in CRC screening rates in a low-income population and to examine factors that could account for those differences. Participants were randomly selected and asked to complete a questionnaire about CRC screening. After controlling for gender, age, education, income, health insurance, and family history of CRC, differences in screening rates as a function of ethnicity remained. Physicians' recommendations and perceived efficacy of screening were also strong predictors of CRC screening. Psychological factors accounted in part for differences in screening rates between European Americans and Mexican Americans.
An Efficient Method for Discretizing Continuous Attributes

In this paper the authors present a novel method for finding optimal split points for discretization of continuous attributes. Such a method can be used in many data mining techniques for large databases. The method consists of two major steps. In the first step search space is pruned using a bisecting region method that partitions the search space and returns the point with the highest information gain based on its search. The second step consists of a hill climbing algorithm that starts with the point returned by the first step and greedily searches for an optimal point. The methods were tested using fifteen attributes from two data sets. The results show that the method reduces the number of searches drastically while identifying the optimal or near-optimal split points. On average, there was a 98% reduction in the number of information gain calculations with only 4% reduction in information gain.
The utility of indirect measures of obesity in racial comparisons of blood pressure

The associations between estimates of obesity derived from anthropometric measurements (body mass index, the sum of three skin folds, and the computed percent body fat) and blood pressures were examined by multiple regression analysis in 4508 young black and white adults. The three estimates of obesity yielded similar results in regression analyses. The strength of associations between these three estimates of obesity and systolic and diastolic blood pressures did not differ in black and white subjects of either sex. All three estimates lead to the same interpretation of the relationship between obesity and systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Estimated percent body fat offered no advantage over the other indices in this context.
Characterization of family D DNA polymerase from Thermococcus sp. 9°N.

Accurate DNA replication is essential for maintenance of every genome. All archaeal genomes except Crenarchaea, encode for a member of Family B (polB) and Family D (polD) DNA polymerases. Gene deletion studies in Thermococcus kodakaraensis and Methanococcus maripaludis show that polD is the only essential DNA polymerase in these organisms. Thus, polD may be the primary replicative DNA polymerase for both leading and lagging strand synthesis. To understand this unique archaeal enzyme, we report the biochemical characterization of a heterodimeric polD from Thermococcus. PolD contains both DNA polymerase and proofreading 3′–5′ exonuclease activities to ensure efficient and accurate genome duplication. The polD incorporation fidelity was determined for the first time. Despite containing 3′–5′ exonuclease proofreading activity, polD has a relatively high error rate (95 × 10−5) compared to polB (19 × 10−5) and at least 10-fold higher than the polB DNA polymerases from yeast (pole and polδ) or Escherichia coli DNA polIII holoenzyme. The implications of polD fidelity and biochemical properties in leading and lagging strand synthesis are discussed.
Nuclear physics using lattice QCD in the SciDAC era

Lattice QCD currently provides our only means of solving QCD (Quantum Chromo Dynamics) – the theory of the strong nuclear force – in the low-energy regime, and thus of crucial importance for theoretical and experimental research programs in High Energy and Nuclear Physics. Under the SciDAC program, a software infrastructure has been developed for lattice QCD that effectively utilize the capabilities of the INCITE facilities. These developments have enabled a new generation of Nuclear Physics calculations investigating the spectrum and structure of matter, such as the origin of mass and spin. This software infrastructure is described and recent results are reviewed.
Effects of Photoperiod and Feeding Schedule on Diel Variations of Locomotor Activity, Cortisol, and Thyroxine in Goldfish

Abstract Goldfish Carassius auratus held on a 14L:10D (14-hour-light:10-hour-dark) photoperiod and fed once daily at unscheduled times during light and darkness had a diurnal activity pattern beginning about light onset; this rhythm lasted at least 3 days when fish subsequently were held in constant light or constant darkness. When goldfish were fed once daily at scheduled times during a 12L:12D photoperiod (the schedule varying among treatments with respect to light and darkness), their activity was entrained by the feeding time, and the activity cycle persisted through 3–10 days of starvation. Serum-cortisol concentrations also were entrained by feeding regimen, peaking 0–6 (often 4) hours before feeding, and mean daily titers were unaffected by the time of day feeding occurred. Serum-thyroxine concentrations, in contrast, were entrained by photoperiod, though daily mean titers were affected by feeding time. Thus, feeding schedule, when it provides a consistent cue, overrides photoperiod to entrain cycl...
Local interactions drive the formation of nonnative structure in the denatured state of human alpha-lactalbumin: a high resolution structural characterization of a peptide model in aqueous solution.

There are a small number of peptides derived from proteins that have a propensity to adopt structure in aqueous solution which is similar to the structure they possess in the parent protein. There are far fewer examples of protein fragments which adopt stable nonnative structures in isolation. Understanding how nonnative interactions are involved in protein folding is crucial to our understanding of the topic. Here we show that a small, 11 amino acid peptide corresponding to residues 101−111 of the protein α-lactalbumin is remarkably structured in isolation in aqueous solution. The peptide has been characterized by 1H NMR, and 170 ROE-derived constraints were used to calculate a structure. The calculations yielded a single, high-resolution structure for residues 101−107 that is nonnative in both the backbone and side-chain conformations. In the pH 6.5 crystal structure, residues 101−105 are in an irregular turn-like conformation and residues 106−111 form an α-helix. In the pH 4.2 crystal structure, residu...
Bohr Effect: Absence in a Molluscan Hemocyanin.

The hemocyanin of the keyhole limpet, Diodora aspera, shows no Bohr effect within the p H range 6.88 to 7.84. At 10°C the pressure of half-saturation is 5 mm-Hg of oxygen pressure. A moderately positive interaction occurs among the oxygen-combining sites during oxygenation. The heat of oxygenation is calculated to be approximately -12.6 kcal/mole of oxygen. The p H of normal blood of Diodora is lower than that of many other marine molluscs.
Identity of the Photosystem II reaction center polypeptide

A Photosystem-II (PS-II)-enriched chloroplast submembrane fraction has been subjected to non-denaturing gel-electrophoresis. Two chlorophyll a (Chl a)-binding proteins associated with the core complex were isolated and spectrally characterized. The Chl protein with apparent apoprotein mass of 47 kDa (CP47) displayed a 695 nm fluorescence emission maximum (77 K) and light-induced absorption characteristics indicating the presence of the reaction center Chl, P-680, and its primary electron acceptor, pheophytin. A Chl protein of apparent apoprotein mass of 43 kDa (CP43) displayed a fluorescence emission maximum at 685 nm. We conclude that CP43 serves as an antenna Chl protein and the PS II reaction center is located in CP47.
MO‐B‐L100E: Magnitude of Medical Radiation Exposures to US population: Preliminary results from NCRP Scientific Committee 6‐2

National Council of Radiation of Protection formed Scientific Committee 6.2 to work on the estimation of radiation exposure to the US population from all sources. The intended goal of the Committee is to update the NCRP report 93 published in 1987. One sub group of the sub committee was assigned with the medical exposure. The medical sub committee comprised of medical physicists, physicians, and other health physics experts. The subcommittee examined variety of data sources including commercial surveys, Medicare, Veterans Administration and insurance carrier data. Radiation exposure to the US population from medical exposures was then estimated based on the number of medical procedures grouped by modality and body parts and the radiationdoses associated with each procedure. The modality groups were CT, nuclear medicine,radiography, general and interventional fluoroscopy, dental radiography, bone‐densitometry and radiation therapy. According to the preliminary results, the medicalradiation exposure to US population has increased by nearly 6 times compared to the previous NCRP publication (NCRP 93). The conventional pie‐chart indicating 3 mSv from background radiation and 0.6 mSv from man‐made (medical) exposure will undergo major shape change as these preliminary results are finalized. The largest contributor to the collective dose to US population is seen with CT and Nuclear Medicine.CT scanning has increased nearly 10–11% annually in the US in the past two decade. The number of CT procedures has increased from 3 million CT scans in 1980 to more than 62 million CT scans in 2006. Similarly, the nuclear cardiac procedures have increased significantly in the last two decades. The purpose of this talk is to provide an update on the results from the medical patient exposure subcommittee and to discuss the details on how the results were derived. Learning Objectives: 1. To learn about the magnitude of medicalradiation exposure to US population. 2. To familiarize with the types and distribution of medical imaging procedures in US. 3. To understand methods used in computing the radiation exposures to US population.
Do crystal structures obviate the need for theoretical models of GPCRs for structure‐based virtual screening?

Recent highly expected structural characterizations of agonist-bound and antagonist-bound beta-2 adrenoreceptor (β2AR) by X-ray crystallography have been widely regarded as critical advances to enable more effective structure-based discovery of GPCRs ligands. It appears that this very important development may have undermined many previous efforts to develop 3D theoretical models of GPCRs. To address this question directly, we have compared several historical β2AR models versus the inactive state and nanobody-stabilized active state of β2AR crystal structures in terms of their structural similarity and effectiveness of use in virtual screening for β2AR specific agonists and antagonists. Theoretical models, incluing both homology and de novo types, were collected from five different groups who have published extensively in the field of GPCRs modeling. All models were built before X-ray structures became available. In general, β2AR theoretical models differ significantly from the crystal structure in terms of TMH definition and the global packing. Nevertheless, surprisingly, several models afforded hit rates resulting from virtual screening of large chemical library enriched by known β2AR ligands that exceeded those using X-ray structures. The hit rates were particularly higher for agonists. Furthemore, the screening performance of models is associated with local structural quality, such as the RMSDs for binding pocket residues and the ability to capture accurately, most if not all critical protein/ligand interactions. These results suggest that carefully built models of GPCRs could capture critical chemical and structural features of the binding pocket, and thus may be even more useful for practical structure-based drug discovery than X-ray structures.
Potassium Utilization by No-till Full-Season and Double-Crop Soybean

(...) Potassium utilization by no-till soybean grown at two levels of soil K fertility and two row widths was evaluated under full-season and double-crop planting dates. Plant component dry weight and K concentration were determined at growth stages R1, R5, and R7. For both planting dates, high soil K fertility resulted in elevated tissue K concentration and K accumulation in all plant parts at all three growth stages. At R1, double-crop soybean tissue K concentrations were greater than that of full-season soybean, suggesting a disproportionately greater translocation of K out of the double-crop soybean leaf during seed-fill (...)
Time-Frequency Based Waveform and Receiver Design for Shallow Water Communications

In this paper, we propose a frequency-domain characterization of shallow water systems based on normal-mode acoustic processing that is applicable to a large class of signals. After studying the dispersive characteristics of this system, we propose a matched transmission waveform and receiver structure. The design uses a warping technique and the system characteristics to obtain time-dispersion diversity. Simulation results demonstrate that the system characterization and receiver schemes can improve processing performance.
The Origins Testbed: capturing the dynamics and control of future space-based telescopes

We describe a laboratory test article developed to capture the dynamics and control problems anticipated for future space-based telescopes: the Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) and the Next Generation Space Telescopes (NGST). We motivate the design of the Origins Testbed (OT) by identifying three operational events common to spacebased telescopes and requiring the OT to simulate them in a laboratory: large-angle slew, optical capture (alignment), and observation. The OT is the first spacecraft-like testbed to include nanometer phasing and a large-angle slew capability in the presence of spacecraftlike disturbances. The OT is discussed in detail, including the testbed’s dynamics and control sensors and actuators, with particular emphasis on the optical system. We present the necessary optics to capture the phasing of SIM and NGST using three interferometer channels. Pointing optics are detailed, with a description of an implemented spiral-based autoalignment algorithm. Initial slew control is discussed, and experimental results are presented. Future experiments performed on the OT will provide critical heritage for control techniques to be implemented on SIM and NGST.
A Study of Turkey Curing and Smoking

Abstract AN ATTEMPT to find a more profitable outlet for surplus turkeys, together with the desire on the part of some for the meat of cured fowl, has undoubtedly contributed to the recent interest in smoked turkeys. Primary attention in such a development has naturally centered upon suitable procedures for processing the birds. The literature concerned with meat curing contains little reference to turkeys. Popular articles dealing with smoked turkeys have appeared in trade journals, bulletins, and the press—Anonymous (1937, 1937, 1939), Gurney (1940), Henderson (1940), Schaible, Davidson, and Sykes (1940), and Smith and Scholes (1940)—but for the most part these accounts give only general information as to methods and technic with few if any analytical data. The Department in October, 1938, first issued a set of suggestions for curing and smoking turkeys (A.H.D. No. 28). This release was revised in August, 1939, as a result of further research. . . .
Effects of Curriculum-Based Monitoring on Classroom Instruction and Math Achievement

Abstract In recent years, concerns about the math achievement of U.S. students have been highlighted in the popular press, journal articles, major conference presentations, and official U.S. Department of Education (1998) reports. School personnel have responded to the issue of low math achievement by a) writing or rewriting standards, b) “ratcheting up” current standards, c) building accountability systems that include all students, d) developing programmatic interventions, e) extending the school year, and f) implementing effective instructional management systems. Research on teaching has linked instructional environment and achievement. Thus, this study was designed to determine whether the implementation of an instructional management system served to improve student math achievement and the classroom instructional environment. In addition, the study examined the extent to which adding a curriculum-based monitoring system to an ongoing math curriculum would result in positive changes in the classroom instructional environment and in achievement.
Integral Equations for Extended Solutions in Field Theory: Monopoles and Dyons

In this paper we give a simple method to obtain extended solutions of nonlinear classical field theories. The technique applies to problems where the boundary values at either end of the domain are specified, and consists of converting the set of field equations to a system of coupled nonlinear integral equations that can be solved numerically by simple iteration. As an illustration, the 't Hooft monopole and the Julia-Zee dually charged monopole system are studied in detail. The physical structure of these extended solutions and the possible effects of quantum fluctuations are briefly discussed.
TDDFT Study of One- and Two-Photon Absorption Properties: Donor−π−Acceptor Chromophores

We report a comprehensive time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) study of one-photon and two-photon absorption (OPA and TPA, respectively) spectra for donor−π−acceptor molecules. The calculated excitation energies were generally shown to be in good agreement with experiment, particularly when compared to results from measurements carried out in a nonpolar solvent, although the oscillator strengths were overestimated in some cases. Calculated TPA cross sections applying the two-state approximation were shown to be highly dependent on the form of the line-shape function used. Although a good agreement with experimental TPA spectra was generally observed, the wide range in the experimentally measured values and lack of systematic experimental data on solvent effects limited a detailed comparison as yet.
Emergency Physician High Pretest Probability for Acute Coronary Syndrome Correlates with Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes

Objectives: The value of unstructured physician estimate of risk for disease processes, other than acute coronary syndrome (ACS), has been demonstrated. The authors sought to evaluate the predictive value of unstructured physician estimate of risk for ACS in emergency department (ED) patients without obvious initial evidence of a cardiac event. Methods: This was a post hoc secondary analysis of the Internet Tracking Registry for Acute Coronary Syndromes (i*trACS), a prospectively collected multicenter data registry of patients over the age of 18 years presenting to the ED with symptoms of ACS between 1999 and 2001. In this registry, following patient history, physical exam, and electrocardiogram (ECG), the unstructured treating physician estimate of risk was recorded. A 30-day follow-up and a medical record review were used to determine rates of adverse cardiac events, death, myocardial infarction (MI), or revascularization procedure. The analysis included all patients with nondiagnostic ECG changes, normal initial biomarkers, and a non-MI initial impression from the registry and excluded those without complete data or who were lost to follow-up. Data were stratified by unstructured physician risk estimate: noncardiac, low risk, high risk, or unstable angina. Results: Of 15,608 unique patients in the registry, 10,145 met inclusion ⁄exclusion criteria. Patients were defined as having unstable angina in 6.0% of cases; high risk, 23.5% of cases; low risk, 44.2%; and noncardiac, 26.3% of cases. Adverse cardiac event rates had an inverse relationship, decreasing from 22.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 18.8% to 25.6%) for unstable angina, 10.2% (95% CI = 9.0% to 11.5%) for those stratified as high risk, 2.2% (95% CI = 1.8% to 2.6%) for low risk, and to 1.8% (95% CI = 1.4% to 2.4%) for noncardiac. The relative risk (RR) of an adverse cardiac event for those with an initial label of unstable angina compared to those with a low-risk designation was 10.2 (95% CI = 8.0 to 13.0). The RR of an event for those with a high-risk initial impression compared to those with a low-risk initial impression was 4.7 (95% CI = 3.8 to 5.9). The risk of an event among those with a low-risk initial impression was the same as for those with a noncardiac initial impression (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.6 to 1.2). Conclusions: In ED patients without obvious initial evidence of a cardiac event, unstructured emergency physician (EP) estimate of risk correlates with adverse cardiac outcomes. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2009; 16:740‐748 a 2009 by the Society for Academic Emergency
Relationship between Actinic Damage and Chronologic Aging in Keratinocyte Cultures of Human Skin

The relationship of actinically-induced "premature aging" to chronological aging was studied in paired keratinocyte cultures obtained from the habitually sun-exposed (lateral) and nonexposed (medial) aspects of the arm of 5 male donors, aged 41 to 80 yr. In all cases, the number of cell generations in vitro was greater for cultures derived from sun-exposed skin, and this discrepancy increased with donor age and the severity of clinical aging changes. Hence, chronic sun exposure does accelerate aging in human skin by at least one previously established in vitro criterion: it decreased the lifespan of cultured keratinocytes. Plating efficiency was 11- to 32-fold higher for keratinocytes from chronically sun-exposed skin than nonexposed controls, perhaps reflecting the recognized carcinogenic potential of actinic radiation. Keratinocyte cultures appear to be as amenable to gerontologic studies as the already widely used human fibroblast cultures.
Optical damage observed in the LHMEL II output coupler

During the annual NIST calibration testing done at the LHMEL facility in FY06 on its high energy Carbon-Dioxide lasers, the LHMEL II device suffered severe damage to the internal surface of its ZnSe output coupler optics. The damage occurred during a high power, short duration run and it was believed to have been the result of a significant amount of surface contaminants interacting with the LHMEL cavity beam. Initial theories as to the source of the contamination led to the inspection of the vacuum grease that seals the piping that supplies the source gases to the laser cavity. Other contamination sources were considered, and analysis was conducted in an effort to identify the material found at the damage sites on the optic, but the tests were mainly inconclusive. Some procedure changes were initiated to identify possible contamination before high energy laser operation in an attempt to mitigate and possibly prevent the continued occurrence of damage to the output coupler window. This paper is to illustrate the type and extent of the damage encountered, highlight some of the theories as to the contamination source, and serve as a notice as to the severity and consequences of damage that is possible even due to small amounts of foreign material in a high energy laser environment.
Blockade of the sonic hedgehog pathway effectively inhibits the growth of hepatoma in mice: An in vivo study

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a worldwide malignancy, is prevalent in Asian countries. For individuals with unresectable HCC, the effect of chemotherapy or the present target therapy is limited. There is an urgent need to find innovative new therapies. It is believed that sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway activation may be essential for hepatocarcinogenesis. In the present study, we conducted an in vivo animal study using an Shh pathway inhibitor to elucidate the effect of treatment upon mice with HCC. Eighty C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups (groups A, B, C and D, with group A serving as a control; n=20 for each). We injected mouse hepatoma Mistheton Lectin-1 cells (5×106 cells/20 μl) into the left liver of each mouse in groups B, C and D. In the second week, we analyzed each mouse to assess the tumor growth status. Following the tumor injection, group B did not receive any additional intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, group C received cyclopamine 10 mg/kg/day i.p. and group D received cyclopamine 30 mg/kg/day i.p. every day for 10 days. After an interval of 4 weeks, harvesting and analysis of the liver was performed for each mouse. Tumor size measurement and real-time PCR of Shh pathway factors (Shh, Ptch-1, Gli-1 and Smoh) for livers of group A and tumors of group B, C and D were undertaken. The decrease in the tumor size of group D was found to be statistically significant (P= 0.047) when compared with groups B or C. The decrease of Shh mRNA of both groups C and D had borderline significance when compared with group B. However, Gli-1 mRNA of group D has statistically significant difference (P=0.044) when compared with group A, B or C. Inhibition of the Shh pathway significantly decreases the size and Gli-1 mRNA expression of the tumor. The Shh pathway may be an effective treatment target for HCC in the future.
German Engineers and American Social Theory: Historical Perspectives on Professionalization

When historians turn to the social sciences for help with the task of ordering their data or making their sources speak more clearly, the results can be rewarding in unexpected ways. So it is if one applies the twin concepts profession and professionalization to the German context-in particular, to the history of German engineers in the nineteenth century. At first sight, an idea like the “professionalization of the German engineers” seems straightforward enough. In tandem with the growth of Germany's science-based industries and unparalleled system of technical education, it suggests the emergence of the men who occupied the critical positions in these institutions and embodied technological progress. A notion such as the “rise of the German engineering profession,” therefore, stirs visions of a grand metamorphosis, in which the land of poets and thinkers—and of Junkers, bureaucrats, and mandarins—turned into the world of Siemens, Porsche, Mannesmann, Bosch, Diesel, Daimler-Benz, etc.
Dependence of two-particle correlation functions on linear momentum transfer to a composite system☆

Abstract Light particle correlations at small relative momenta were measured in coincidence with two fission fragments for 14N induced reactions on 197Au at E/A = 35 MeV. The selection of large linear momentum transfers to the heavy reaction residue leads to a strong suppression of the beam velocity component of the light particle spectra and to enhanced maxima in the p-p and α-d correlation functions.
Electron microscopic localization of substance P and enkephalin in axon terminals related to dendrites of catecholaminergic neurons

Morphological and pharmacological data suggest that catecholaminergic neurons receive afferent axons positively labeled for the peptides, substance P and [Met5]-enkephalin. In the present study, electron microscopic immunocytochemistry was used to determine whether a positive reaction for these peptides could be localized to axon terminals forming synapses with catecholaminergic neurons in the locus coeruleus and A2 regions of rat brain. Adjacent sections through these areas were incubated with antiserum to either substance P, [Met5]-enkephalin, or tyrosine hydroxylase, a specific marker for catecholaminergic neurons. The sections were subsequently processes by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical technique. In both the locus coeruleus and A2 region, tyrosine hydroxylase was localized primarily to perikarya and dendrites of intrinsic neurons; whereas substance P and enkephalin-like immunoreactivity was localized to axons and axon terminals. The axon terminals showing positive reactions for substance P and [Met5]-enkephalin were morphologically similar to each other and to one type of axon terminal which formed synapses with dendrites labeled for tyrosine hydroxylase. This type of axon terminal always formed asymmetric synaptic junctions and contained 3-4 large (75-100 nm) dense vesicles (LDVs) and many small (40-60 nm) clear vesicles (SCVs). The reaction product for substance P and [Met5]-enkephalin was distributed throughout the lumen of the LDVs and formed a rim of labeling around the outer boundaries of the SCVs. These findings demonstrate that substance P and [Met5]-enkephalin-positive reactions are selectively localized to subcellular organelles in axon terminals in the locus coeruleus and A2 region of rat brain. They further suggest that the labeled axon terminals form synapses with dendrites of the catecholaminergic neurons.
Centrality determination in pPb collisions with CMS

Abstract Centrality is very important for defining the collision system size in heavy ion collisions. It provides a tool for selecting events according to cross section in a similar way in different experiments and facilitates the comparison of experimental results and theoretical calculations. The progress of centrality determination in pPb collisions at CMS is presented. The choice of variables used for event classification will be discussed. Methods for the estimation of the number of nucleon–nucleon collisions will be shown.
Color Breaking in the Early Universe

We explore the possibility that SU(3)_C was not an exact symmetry at all times in the early Universe, using minimal extensions of the standard model that contain a color triplet scalar field and perhaps other fields. We show that, for a range of temperatures, there can exist a phase in which the free energy is minimized when the color triplet scalar has a nonvanishing vacuum expectation value, spontaneously breaking color. At very high temperatures and at lower temperatures, color symmetry is restored. The breaking of color in this phase is accompanied by the spontaneous breaking of B - L if the color triplet scalar Yukawa couples to quarks and/or leptons. We discuss the requirements on the minimal extensions needed for consistency of this scenario with present collider bounds on new colored scalar particles.
Negative treatment outcomes of behavioral parent training programs

The purposes of this review were to: (a) outline the literature on negative treatment outcomes of behavioral parent training programs, (b) detail variables found to be predictive of negative treatment outcomes, and (c) suggest future directions of study. We suggest that despite scores of studies documenting positive outcomes of behavioral parent training programs, negative treatment outcomes occur for a sizeable minority of families. Existing research has documented a relationship between a number of contextual stressors and negative outcomes. More research is necessary before the knowledge of the current literature can be applied to clinical practice. Suggestions for needed research are given, including determining which contextual life stressors play a critical role in the relationship, assessing the effect of contextual stressors on various treatments, and determining how contextual life stressors impact the treatment process. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Issues in choosing a strategy for achieving salary equity

This paper focuses on the issues involved in selecting a strategy that could be carried out by institutions to achieve salary equity between male and female faculty. My goal is to provide institutional researchers, analysts, and administrators with an understanding of the major issues that are involved in formulating a salary adjustment plan. I provide an overview of strategies that institutions could employ, and examine how they compare based on equity of salary adjustments, political constraints, cost to the institution, and whether the plan removes inequities.
The influence of dual-task conditions on movement in young adults with and without Down syndrome

This investigation compared spatial and temporal movement parameters of a sample of young adults with Down syndrome (DS) (N=12) and individuals without disabilities (IWD) (N=12) under dual-task conditions. Subjects performed a walking task at a preferred speed in isolation and again while holding a plate and cup, carrying tray and cups, talking on a phone, or buttoning a shirt. Spatial and temporal values were compared using a 2 (group) × 5 (conditions) repeated measures analysis of variance. Analysis of spatial components separately indicated that step length, step width, stride length and stride width revealed significant group and condition interactions (p ≤.01). Temporal components yielded significance in velocity and single-leg support time (p ≤.01). The current results support the notion that along with impairments to qualitative motor skills, individuals with DS are also impaired in higher order executive functioning (EF), as measured by a dual-task paradigm. It was concluded that movements are less efficient and functional in individuals with DS when an additional task is encountered while walking. We theorized that the motor program was sufficient for general locomotion but was not sufficiently developed to allow individuals with DS to modify or alter their movements to changing cognitive conditions that increasingly taxed EF. As gait and balance are trainable in this population, we recommend developing appropriate exercise and motor skill interventions during childhood and adolescents to increase strength, stability, and more "robust" ambulatory motor schema.
Comparison of models for neutral and charged pion multiplicities observed in 25 GeV/c π−p collisions☆

Abstract Cross sections have been obtained for events having a topology of 0 to 16 charged tracks and no strange particles in 25 GeV/c π−p interactions. The average number of neutral pions, n π o , for each topology was determined from a study of e+e− pairs converting in the hydrogen and in a Ta plate. Topological cross sections agree rather well with the multiperipheral model of Chew and Pignotti, with the conjecture of Wang on local production of pion pairs, or with a Poisson distribution of produced pions coupled with isospin independence. The latter model also sucessfully describes the number of charged tracks occuring with ΛoKo and K o K o . However, these models do not reproduce the measured value of nπo.
Feasibility of augmenting text with visual prosodic cues to enhance oral reading

Abstract Reading fluency has traditionally focused on speed and accuracy yet recent reports suggest that expressive oral reading is an important component that has been largely overlooked. The current study assessed the impact of augmenting text with visual prosodic cues to improve expressive reading in beginning readers. Customized reading software was developed to present text augmented with prosodic cues to convey changes in pitch, duration and/or intensity. Prosodic modulation was derived from the recordings of a fluent adult model and rendered as a set of visual cues that could be presented in isolation or in combination. To establish baseline measures, eight children aged 7–8 first read a five-chapter story in standard text format. In the subsequent three sessions, participants were trained to use each augmented text cue with the guidance of an auditory model. They also had the opportunity to practice reading aloud in each cue condition. At the post-training session, participants re-recorded the baseline story with each chapter read in one of the different cue conditions (standard, pitch, duration, intensity and combination). Post-training and baseline recordings were acoustically analyzed to assess changes in reading expressivity. Despite large individual differences in how each participant implemented the prosodic cues, as a group, there were notable improvements in marking pitch accents and elongating word duration to convey linguistic contrasts. In fact, even after only three training sessions, participants appeared to have generalized implementation of pitch and word duration cues when reading standard text at post-training. In contrast, while participants manipulated pause duration when provided with explicit visual cues, they did not transfer these cues to standard text at post-training. These findings suggest that beginning readers could benefit from explicit visual prosodic cues and that even limited exposure may be sufficient to learn and generalize skills. Further discussion focuses on the implications of this work on struggling readers and second language learners.
Randomized trial of endovaginal ultrasound in preterm premature rupture of membranes

Objective : To assess the effect of weekly endovaginal ultrasound on the incidence of maternal infection and the time from rupture to delivery in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Methods : Women with singleton pregnancies complicated by preterm PROM at 24–34 weeks' gestation were assigned randomly to groups having endovaginal ultrasound or no vaginal sonography. Along with the standard expectant management, the endovaginal-ultrasound group had weekly vaginal probe ultrasound scans. Power analysis based upon expected maternal infection required a sample size of 45 patients in each group. Results : Forty-seven and 45 subjects were assigned to the no-probe and probe groups, respectively. The latency period, defined as days from rupture to delivery, was 9.8 and 11.7 days for the no-probe and probe groups, respectively (95% confidence interval −5.9, 2.1). There were no significant differences in the incidence of chorioamnionitis (28% and 20%), endometritis (6% and 9%), or neonatal infection (17% and 20%). The mean latency period in women who went into spontaneous labor and whose initial cervical length was 3.0 cm or less was 9.4 days, compared with 11.0 days if the cervix exceeded 3.0 cm, a nonsignificant difference. There were three neonatal deaths, all in the probe group and none directly related to infection. Conclusions : Endovaginal ultrasound in patients whose pregnancies are complicated by preterm PROM does not appear to increase the incidence of maternal infection.
The perspectives of femtosecond imaging and spectroscopy of complex materials using electrons

The coexistence of various electronic and structural phases that are close in free-energy is a hallmark in strongly correlated electron systems with emergent properties, such as metal-insulator transition, colossal magnetoresistance, and high-temperature superconductivity. The cooperative phase transitions from one functional state to another can involve entanglements between the electronically and structurally ordered states, hence deciphering the fundamental mechanisms is generally difficult and remains very active in condensed matter physics and functional materials research. We outline the recent ultrafast characterizations of 2D charge-density wave materials, including the nonequilibrium electron dynamics unveiled by ultrafast optical spectroscopy-based techniques sensitive to the electronic order parameter. We also describe the most recent findings from ultrafast electron crystallography, which provide structural aspects to correlate lattice dynamics with electronic evolutions to address the two sides of a coin in the ultrafast switching of a cooperative state. Combining these results brings forth new perspectives and a fuller picture in understanding lightmatter interactions and various switching mechanisms in cooperative systems with many potential applications. We also discuss the prospects of implementing new ultrafast electron imaging as a local probe incorporated with femtosecond select-area diffraction, imaging and spectroscopy to provide a full scope of resolution to tackle the more challenging complex phase transitions on the femtosecond-nanometer scale all at once based on a recent understanding of the spacespace- charge-driven emittance limitation on the ultimate performance of these devices. The projection shows promising parameter space for conducting ultrafast electron micordiffraction at close to single-shot level, which is supported by the latest experimental characterization of such a system.
Tritrichomonas foetus: preparation of monoclonal antibodies with effector function

Monoclonal antibodies were prepared against Tritrichomonas foetus and characterized with regard to binding and immune effector activities. Nine of 27 monoclonal antibodies which reacted with T. foetus appeared to bind to the surface of live parasites. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed the surface binding of two of these. At least six of these surface reactive monoclonal antibodies facilitated complement mediated lysis of T. foetus and one acted as an opsonin for phagocytosis by peripheral blood bovine monocytes. Five surface reactive monoclonal antibodies identified a molecule of approximately 150,000 relative molecular weight on Western blots of whole parasite preparations. These results collectively suggest the 150,000 relative molecular weight molecule may be an important target antigen for the immune response to T. foetus.
Cystic mucinous hyperplasia in the gallbladder of a ferret

An 8-year-old male ferret had icterus, hepatomegaly and an enlarged gallbladder. Microscopically, the gallbladder had numerous mucinous cysts and papillary hyperplasia of the mucosa, consistent with a diagnosis of cystic mucinous hyperplasia. No previous published reports of this condition in ferrets were found.
A RESPONSE TO CARL HELRICH: THE LIMITATIONS AND PROMISE OF QUANTUM THEORY

. I respond to Carl Helrich's criticism of my proposition that the emergence of complex order in the universe is from Virtual State Actualization (VSA). The question is discussed as to whether quantum theory is able to afford any kind of quantum ontology or whether it merely allows an epistemological view. I point out that, even though many contradictory interpretations of quantum theory are currently possible, the concept of VSA is based on molecular properties that are so simple and factual that they are beyond interpretation. Helrich's appeal for caution in proceeding from physical reality to Divine Reality is wholeheartedly supported and a detailed discussion is given.
Comparison study of finite element and basis set methods for finite size scaling

We compare two methods of obtaining critical parameters for a quantum Hamiltonian using a finite size scaling approach. A finite element and basis set method were used in conjunction with the finite size scaling to obtain the critical parameters for the Hulthen potential. The critical parameters obtained analytically were the coupling constant λc=12, the critical exponents for the energy α=2 and for the “correlation length” ν=1. The extrapolated results for finite size scaling with the basis set method are λc=0.49999, α=1.9960, and ν=0.99910. The results for the finite element solutions are λc=0.50184, α=1.99993, and ν=1.00079 for the linear interpolation and λc=0.50000, α=2.00011, and ν=1.00032 for the Hermite interpolation. The results for each method compare very well with the analytical results obtained for the Hulthen potential. However, the finite element method is easier to implement and may be combined with ab initio and density functional theory to obtain quantum critical parameters for more comp...
Exact Realization of SO ( 5 ) Symmetry in Extended Hubbard Models

Zhang recently conjectured an approximate SO(5) symmetry relating antiferromagnetic and superconducting states in high-T_c cuprates. Here, an exact SO(5) symmetry is implemented in a generalized Hubbard model (with long-range interactions) on a lattice. The possible relation to a more realistic extended Hubbard Hamiltonian is discussed.