cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparisons of zooplankton community size structure in the Great Lakes

[1] Zooplankton mean size and size spectra distribution potentially reflect the condition of trophic interactions and ecosystem health because they are affected by both resource availability and planktivore pressure. We assessed zooplankton mean size and size spectra using an optical plankton counter (OPC) on 35 site visits among lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario (2002–2003). The surveys were conducted in both nearshore regions (5–20 m depth) and on associated transects to offshore regions either greater than 8 km from shore or greater than 100 m depth. The survey sites were distributed across a gradient of land use disturbance in watersheds adjacent to the nearshore regions. The mean size, biomass density, statistical size distribution, and normalized biomass size spectra of zooplankton were determined from OPC measurements for all locations. Significant differences among lakes were observed in mean size, biomass, and the parameters of size spectra distributions for both nearshore and offshore regions. Significant differences within lakes were observed in some parameters that also allowed for significant discrimination between nearshore and offshore zooplankton communities in lakes Michigan (mean size, biomass, one spectral parameter), Ontario (mean size, three spectral parameters), and Superior (one spectral parameter). Similarly, some parameters allowed for discrimination between offshore epilimnion and hypolimnion waters in lakes Michigan (mean size, biomass, and four spectral parameters), Huron (biomass), and Ontario (two spectral parameters). The use of OPC technology and parameters that characterize spectral shape may have potential as an efficient and economic way for developing a size-based zooplankton metric to discriminate among zooplankton communities in the Great Lakes.
Novel single nucleotide polymorphisms in the human immune inhibitory immunoglobulin-like T cell receptor type 4

Abstract The capacity of antigen presenting cells to induce anergy in T helper cells and elicit the generation of T suppressor cells is regulated by a variety of positive and negative signals. Antigen-specific CD8 + CD28 − and CD4 + CD25 + T suppressor/regulatory cells induce the upregulation of inhibitory receptors expressed by antigen-presenting cells (APC) belonging to the family of immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs) and downregulation of costimulatory molecules in APC. Immunoglobulin-like immune inhibitory receptor (ILT4), one of the inhibitory receptors expressed by tolerogenic APC, interacts with human leukocyte antigen A, B, and G molecules and transmits negative signals that interfere with the activation of monocytes and dendritic cells. Reported is the identification of two single nucleotide polymorphisms within domain 1 (IgD1) of ILT4 at positions 113 and 144. Domain 1 is part of the distal membrane portion of ILT4, which is engaged in protein-protein interactions between APC and T cells.
Extended Binding Site on Fibronectin for the Functional Upstream Domain of Protein F1 of Streptococcus pyogenes

The 49-residue functional upstream domain (FUD) of Streptococcus pyogenes F1 adhesin interacts with fibronectin (FN) in a heretofore unknown manner that prevents assembly of a FN matrix. Biotinylated FUD (b-FUD) bound to adsorbed FN or its recombinant N-terminal 70-kDa fibrin- and gelatin-binding fragment (70K). Binding was blocked by FN or 70K, but not by fibrin- or gelatin-binding subfragments of 70K. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that FUD binds with Kd values of 5.2 and 59 nm to soluble 70K and FN, respectively. We tested sets of FUD mutants and epitope-mapped monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for ability to compete with b-FUD for binding to FN or to block FN assembly by cultured fibroblasts. Deletions or alanine substitutions throughout FUD caused loss of both activities. mAb 4D1 to the 2FNI module had little effect, whereas mAb 7D5 to the 4FNI module in the fibrin-binding region, 5C3 to the 9FNI module in the gelatin-binding region, or L8 to the G-strand of 1FNIII module adjacent to 9FNI caused loss of binding of b-FUD to FN and decreased FN assembly. Conversely, FUD blocked binding of 7D5, 5C3, or L8, but not of 4D1, to FN. Circular dichroism indicated that FUD binds to 70K by β-strand addition, a possibility supported by modeling based on crystal structures of peptides bound to 2FNI-5FNI of the fibrin-binding domain and 8FNI-9FNI of the gelatin-binding domain. Thus, the interaction likely involves an extensive anti-parallel β-zipper in which FUD interacts with the E-strands of 2FNI-5FNI and 8FNI-9FNI.
Evolutionary structure in the informational environmental field of large-scale human systems

Abstract The collective consciousness or mind of humanity, especially that aspect that deals with the world “economic system,” is the environment of major interest in this paper. The meaning of environment is discussed, and the environment is considered to be a force field. Field theory is briefly summarized, and some examples of human induction and destabilization of fields given. An overview of the Kondratiev cycle/structure (“economic long wave”) including relevant modeling approaches is presented. A new conceptual model is initiated. The Kondratiev is conceptualized as an evolving informational field. The informational field is related to the various kinds of attractors and to the expansion and contraction of phase space. The model is then extended to incorporate self-replicating micro-units. The conceptual model, with an integration of several facets to the extent now possible, is summarized, and some comparison made with other models. Suggestions for further work are offered.
Nicotine Concentrations With Electronic Cigarette Use: Effects of Sex and Flavor

INTRODUCTION: This study examined overall changes in nicotine concentrations when using a popular e-cigarette and 18 mg/mL nicotine e-Juice, and it further explored effects of sex and flavorings on these concentrations. METHODS: We recruited nontreatment-seeking smokers who were willing to try e-cigarettes for 2 weeks and abstain from cigarette smoking. Subjects were randomized to either menthol tobacco or non-menthol tobacco-flavored e-cigarette use for 7-10 days, and the next week they were crossed over to the other condition. On the last day of e-cigarette use of each flavor, subjects completed a laboratory session in which they used the e-cigarette for 5 min ad libitum. Nicotine concentrations were obtained 5 min before and 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 min after the onset of e-cigarette use. RESULTS: Twenty subjects completed at least 1 monitoring session. Nicotine concentrations significantly increased from baseline to 5 min by 4 ng/mL at the first laboratory session (p < .01) and by 5.1 ng/mL at the second laboratory session (p < .01). Combining sessions, there were no main effects of sex or preferred flavor (based on smoking history) on changes in nicotine concentrations. After adding preferred flavor, sex, and visit order to the model, there was a significant preferred flavor by sex interaction (p < .01), such that women who received nonpreferred flavors had lower nicotine concentrations and rated their e-cigarette as less likeable (p < .01). CONCLUSION: We found nicotine concentrations significantly increase after e-cigarette use for 5 min, and flavor may impact nicotine concentrations with e-cigarette use in women.
Effect of theophylline and terbutaline on immediate skin tests

Abstract A questionnaire survey of board-certified allergists revealed that conflicting ideas exist as to the effect that drugs such as theophylline and β 2 agonists have on immediate skin tests. Approximately half of the respondents felt these drugs would obscure a skin response; the remainder would not withdraw the drugs prior to testing. As a result of this difference in opinion, we studied the effects of these drugs on skin tests in seven subjects taking terbutaline (5 mg three times daily) and 13 subjects taking theophylline (3 to 5 mg/kg every 6 hr). Neither an acute loading dose nor chronic administration of either drug singly produced significant changes in wheal size in response to histamine, ragweed, or grass allergens. We conclude that theophylline and terbutaline administered singly at these doses have no effect on immediate skin tests.
Lanthanum and caffeine affect both membrane responses and force in a molluscan muscle, the radular protractor of Busycon canaliculatum

Abstract 1. Treatment with 5 mM lanthanum for a relatively brief time blocks both the rapid initial depolarization of the radular protractor by 10 −5 M ACh and the accompanying rapid contraction. Longer treatment blocks both sustained depolarization in ACh solution and the accompanying sustained force. 2. Lanthanum pretreatment for a time long enough to abolish the force accompanying depolarization by 100 mM KCl also reduces the rate of depolarization markedly. 3. Treatment with 10 mM caffeine immediately induces slow irregular oscillations in membrane potential difference, with superimposed fast membrane responses. Fluctuations in tonus, with superimposed fast contractions, faithfully follow the time course of electrical membrane activity. Relatively brief pretreatment with 5 mM lanthanum blocks both membrane and contractile effects of caffeine. It is thus not necessary to postulate that lanthanum penetrates and affects intracellular sites of action of caffeine. 4. The interaction of 10 −5 M acetylcholine (ACh) with a high concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT) is complex but may result in potentiation of the ACh-response, with added depolarization and superimposed rhythmicity. 5. Lanthanum pretreatment blocks accompanying force, blocks the superimposed rhythmicity and blocks the added depolarization. After lanthanum treatment a repolarizing effect of 5HT predominates.
454 antibody sequencing - error characterization and correction

454 sequencing is currently the method of choice for sequencing of antibody repertoires and libraries containing large numbers (106 to 1012) of different molecules with similar frameworks and variable regions which poses significant challenges for identifying sequencing errors. Identification and correction of sequencing errors in such mixtures is especially important for the exploration of complex maturation pathways and identification of putative germline predecessors of highly somatically mutated antibodies. To quantify and correct errors incorporated in 454 antibody sequencing, we sequenced six antibodies at different known concentrations twice over and compared them with the corresponding known sequences as determined by standard Sanger sequencing. We found that 454 antibody sequencing could lead to approximately 20% incorrect reads due to insertions that were mostly found at shorter homopolymer regions of 2-3 nucleotide length, and less so by insertions, deletions and other variants at random sites. Correction of errors might reduce this population of erroneous reads down to 5-10%. However, there are a certain number of errors accounting for 4-8% of the total reads that could not be corrected unless several repeated sequencing is performed, although this may not be possible for large diverse libraries and repertoires including complete sets of antibodies (antibodyomes). The experimental test procedure carried out for assessing 454 antibody sequencing errors reveals high (up to 20%) incorrect reads; the errors can be reduced down to 5-10% but not less which suggests the use of caution to avoid false discovery of antibody variants and diversity.
Synthesis and Reactions of fac-Re(bpy)(CO)3(CH2OR) (R = H, Acetyl; bpy = 2,2‘-Bipyridyl)

Photoassisted reactions of fac-Re(bpy)(CO)3(CH2OR) (1, R = H; 2, R = OAc) and fac-Re(bpy)(CO)3CH2Ph (5) in MeOH provide fac-Re(bpy)(CO)3(OCH3) (3); 2 and 3 have been structurally characterized. Radical paths are indicated for 2 and 5; a nonradical path, involving photoassisted β-hydride elimination from the hydroxymethyl group, is proposed for 1.
Noise Propagation through Cytokine Signaling Leads to Fluctuations in Interferon-Induced Genes

We propose a general mechanism whereby fluctuations in cytokine production can cascade through inter-cellular diffusion to downstream induced genes. We thus highlight the importance of inter-cellular signaling in cell-to-cell variability. We simulate an agent-based model in two dimensions, which provides a mechanistic understanding of noise propagation through inter-cellular communication, and establish conditions under which the mechanism is operative. We illustrate it in the context of experiments on human dendritic cells infected with Newcastle Disease Virus, a non-pathogenic virus that shows large cell-to-cell variability of the interferon-induced gene DDX58. The stochastic induction of interferon-β itself leads to large spatial heterogeneity in the secreted cytokine at early times after infection; this heterogeneity results in large spatial variability in the bound receptors that induce the Jak-Stat pathway and therefore in the genes induced by the signaling. Our results give insight into the impact of spatial and temporal heterogeneity on autocrine and paracrine signaling in a collection of cells. We find that autocrine signaling is important immediately after IFNβ induction starts but eventually paracrine signaling dominates promoting spatial homogeneity.
Australian approaches to multicultural education

Abstract That Australia is a ‘multicultural’ society to some extent is a very recent phenomenon. The tremendous expansion in the number and the countries of origin of migrants since World War II has been accompanied by a greater recognition of the Aborigines and their rights. Educational provisions for Australia's ethnically diverse population have been tailored so as to provide multicultural education. This approach to education in Australia consists of (1) greater efforts to serve the Aborigine students, (2) a system of inducting migrants into Australian communities, the labour force, and schools, (3) instruction in English as a second language for newcomers, (4) Greek curriculum projects and Italian curriculum projects to enable ethnic schools to offer bilingual/bicultural education, (5) the revamping of social studies programmes in order to teach all students about the ethnic minorities residing in Australia, (6) teacher in‐service education to update teachers on this population in the schools, (7) ex...
Observations of protons in the magnetosphere with Mariner 4.

On November 28, 1964, the Mariner 4 spacecraft was launched toward Mars and passed through the outer magnetosphere near the geomagnetic equatorial plane on the dawn side of the earth. The University of Iowa experiment on Mariner 4 consists in part of a thin (∼35 microns) surface barrier detector sensitive to protons in the energy ranges 0.50≤Ep≤11 Mev (D1) and 0.88≤Ep≤4 Mev (D2) and insensitive to electrons of any energy. The maximum proton intensities observed were ∼6×107 (cm2 sec ster)−1 in D1 for 2.97≤ L≤3.80 and 9.3×106 (cm2 sec ster)−1 in D2 for L = 3.14. The observed counting rates are consistent with a spectrum of the form dj/dE = KE−γ with γ increasing monotonically from 1.38 at L∼2.35 to ∼8 at L∼6.5. The counting rates are also consistent with a spectrum of the form dj/dE = Ke−E/E with Eo decreasing monotonically from 740 kev at L∼1.88 to ∼100 kev at L∼6.5. These results represent a new body of measurements of trapped proton intensities near the equatorial plane in the magnetosphere at radial distances by ≳2.5 RE and have been obtained by a different detection scheme than that employed by Davis and Williamson [1963]. Our results are consistent with those of Davis and Williamson. The significance of the observations with respect to proposed theoretical models is discussed.
Absorption of the 3.39 μm He-Ne laser line by methane from 300 to 2400 K

Abstract The absorptivity of methane for the 3.39 μm He-Ne laser line was measured over the temperature range 300–2400 K using shock tube techniques. Theoretical understanding of the temperature, pressure and composition dependence could be achieved up to 1500 K with reasonable values of the line-shape and line-shift parameters. Above 1700 K, hot-band absorption from an unidentified excited state at ∼7000 cm-1 apparently begins to dominate the absorption.
Fabrication and characterization of graded impedance impactors for gas gun experiments from tape cast metal powders

Abstract Fabrication of compositionally graded structures for use as light-gas gun impactors has been demonstrated using a tape casting technique. Mixtures of metal powders in the Mg–Cu system were cast into a series of tapes with uniform compositions ranging from 100% Mg to 100% Cu. The individual compositions were fabricated into monolithic pellets for characterization by laminating multiple layers together, thermally removing the organics, and hot-pressing to near-full density. The pellets were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and measurement of density and sound wave velocity. The density and acoustic impedance were observed to vary monotonically (and nearly linearly) with composition. Graded structures were fabricated by stacking layers of different compositions in a sequence calculated to yield a desired acoustic impedance profile. The measured physical properties of the graded structures compare favorably with those predicted from the monolithic pellet characteristics. Fabrication of graded impactors by this technique is of significant interest for providing improved control of the pressure profile and impactor planarity in gas gun experiments.
Nutritional status of children: What do we know?

Executive Summary Optimal nutritional intake during childhood for prevention of chronic disease in adulthood is not clearly defined, because of a lack of information regarding the relationship of nutrient intake in childhood to the later development of chronic diseases. Thus, criteria for nutritional intake in children are based on data regarding associations of foods and nutrients with chronic diseases that have been seen among adults. Using this current body of knowledge, an evaluation of the limited data regarding the nutritional status of children and adolescents indicates that certain age and/or gender subgroups may be at increased risk of developing chronic diseases late in life, if their current nutritional intake practices are continued. While there are extensive data on children's intakes of some nutrients, such as calories, fat, and calcium, there is limited information available on dietary intake of many other foods and nutrients among children. Much work remains to be done to adequately evaluate children's nutritional intake patterns. It is essential that new and more effectively and comprehensively monitor children's dietary intake and nutrition behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes, and to utilize the information gleaned from these monitoring systems to provide effective and cost-efficient ways to evaluate dietary recommendations, implement nutrition interventions, and guide food distribution services.
Long-wavelength (λ≍ 12- 16 μm) and cascaded transition quantum cascade lasers

Long-wavelength (λ ≈ 12 - 16 μm) Quantum Cascade (QC) lasers are crucial devices for improving the detection sensitivity of QC-laser based sensing for important gases including BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) or uranium hexafluoride. A high-performance QC laser emitting at ~ 14 μm is reviewed, optimized by employing a diagonal optical transition and a “two-phonon-continuum” depletion scheme. It shows a low threshold current density of 2.0 kA/cm2, a peak power of 336 mW, all at 300 K, as well as a high characteristic temperature ~ 310 K over a wide temperature range around room temperature (240- 390 K). Single-mode operation is demonstrated with short cavities, with a mode-hop-free continuous tuning range of ~ 5.5 cm-1. The ridge-width dependence of threshold of ~ 14 μm QC lasers by both wet etching and dry etching is studied. The main challenge for narrowing wet-etched ridges is the high loss caused by mode coupling to surface plasmon modes at the insulator/metal interface of sloped sidewalls. Conversely, dryetched ridges avoid surface plasmon mode coupling due to the absence of transverse magnetic polarization for the vertical insulator and metal layers. To further improve the efficiency of QC lasers, a same-wavelength cascaded transition approach is developed, with two sequential cascaded transitions at the same wavelength ~ 14.2 μm in each stage. This same-wavelength cascaded-transition QC gain medium was inserted between two conventional QC stacks at the same wavelength. Slope efficiency is increased by 46% when laser operation changes from the single-transition region to the cascaded-transition region.
Nativism and the Obsolescence of Grand Narrative: Comprehending the Quandary of Anti-Immigration Groups in the Neoliberal Era

Fundamental to the neoliberal era has been the systemic obsolescence of grand narratives of group and national exceptionality. This paper contends that the demise of grand narratives has proved particularly detrimental to anti-immigration groups in the developed Western economies. The obsolescence of metanarratives has made it difficult for anti-immigration organisations to enlist the virtue of national exceptionalism due to their increasing inability to effectively rationalise—in cultural terms—the exclusion of the foreign ‘other’. Consequently, what is slowly emerging from the core of anti-immigration proponents on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean is an unprecedented mass rationale for peremptory privilege through immigration policy that is largely free of traditional conceptions of otherness (race, merit, industriousness, etc.).
Developing pathways for oral care in elders: evidence-based interventions for dental caries prevention in dentate elders

Background Dental caries is becoming an ever-growing challenge as the number of elders maintaining their teeth increases. There is a need for low-cost, effective preventive interventions to retain natural teeth for elders. Objective The purpose of this article is to evaluate evidence based interventions for dentate elders, specifically the adjunct therapies of fluoride, chlorhexidine, xylitol, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate, ozone, and herbal liquorice. Results Fluoride interventions have demonstrated prevention and remineralization of dental caries in elders. Systematic reviews of the literature are unable to establish definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness of other adjunct therapies in dental caries prevention. Conclusions Further research with elders requires improved study design with well designed multi-center trials. Considerations for new strategies for research of the effectiveness of therapies to reduce dental caries include the development and evaluation of combinations of therapeutic interventions and dental caries management by risk assessment.
The most frequently-used multi-word constructions in academic written English: A multi-corpus study

Abstract Using the academic writing sub-corpora of the Corpus of Contemporary American English and the British National Corpus as data and building on previous research, this study strives to identify the most frequently-used multi-word constructions (MWCs) of various types (e.g., idioms, lexical bundles, and phrasal/prepositional verbs) in general academic writing across the academic divisions of the corpora and to examine their usage patterns. The study produces: (1) a list of the 228 most common MWCs in general academic written English across the academic divisions in the corpora, organized by frequency and semantic function respectively, (2) new findings regarding the usage patterns of academic written MWCs, and (3) results about differences in the use of MWCs between American and British English. The study also demonstrates the critical importance of using large corpora in the study of MWCs in general academic writing.
The Jordan 1-structure of a matrix of Redheffer

Abstract Let ϵ 1 = (1, 0,…, 0) and ϵ = (1, 1,…, 1) be complex vectors of length n , and let D n = ( d ij ), with d ij = 1 if ij and 0 otherwise, be an n × n complex matrix. Then the sizes of the Jordan blocks of the matrix ϵ T ϵ 1 + D n corresponding to the eigenvalue 1 are [log 2 ( n 3 )] + 1, [log 2 ( n 5) ] + 1,…, [log 2 ( n {n}) ] + 1 , where { n } is the greatest odd integer less than or equal to n .
Gender-inclusive quest design in massively multiplayer online role-playing games

Studying the genealogy of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG), it is easy to trace their lineage back to table-top RPG systems such as Dungeons & Dragons. Because these table-top games were built around a discrete system of rules and calculations, it was very simple to transfer these systems to their computer-based counterparts. Unfortunately, the majority of these calculations focused primarily on combat, leaving the dungeon master (DM) to integrate the players' non-combat role-playing efforts such as story-arc and character development into the game. While the math-based rules of the table-top RPGs were easily integrated into the computer role-playing games, it was not possible to convert the DM into a computer system [11]. With the loss of the DM, these games also lost their depth; typically becoming combat-centric systems with a thin story veneer and a shallow quest system focused on combat.
Application of immunomagnetic cell enrichment in combination with RT‐PCR for the detection of rare circulating head and neck tumor cells in human peripheral blood

Detection of rare, circulating tumor cells (CTC's) in human peripheral blood is a potential indicator of prognosis and diagnosis in oncology. Typical methods to detect these CTC's are either by immunocytochemistry (ICCS) or RT-PCR. However without accurate, rapid, and reproducible enrichment processes, these detection techniques are labor intensive and/or unreliable. In this article, a repeatable enrichment process that included a flow-through immunomagnetic cell separation system, the quadrupole magnetic sorter (QMS) was optimized with the aid of a statistical analysis software package. The QMS was operated in a negative mode of operation by immunomagnetically targeting normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) through the CD45 surface marker. Three head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines (HNSCC), Detroit-562, SCC-4, and CAL-27, were used to determine the sensitivity of RT-PCR for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in spiked PBL. The detection purity needed for detection was found to be one cell in 10(4), one cell in 10(3), and one cell in 10(5) for the Detroit-562, SCC-4, and CAL-27, respectively. The actual number of cancer cells needed for RT-PCR detection ranged from 30 to 1 cell. To mimic the potential concentration of rare CTC present in peripheral blood of cancer patients, the spiking concentration was chosen to be one cancer cell per 10(5) total leukocytes from healthy donors. Using a single step immunomagnetic labeling, the final, optimized enrichment process produced a 57.6 +/- 30.3-fold (n = 6) enrichment of the rare cancer cells with a final cancer cell recovery of (77.8 +/- 6.6)%.
Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities in Environmental Education: Where Are We Headed and What Deserves Our Attention?

Over the past four decades, numerous professionals in the field of environmental education (EE) have attempted to take stock of conditions within and outside of EE. In turn, many used the results of their analyses to describe challenges to and opportunities for EE. Many of these challenges and opportunities continue to ring true today, although the purpose of this article is not to explore those, but to explore several contemporary challenges and opportunities. The first challenge posed is to continue to expand and make use of the range of professional development opportunities within the field, such as is apparent in several of NAAEE's sets of Guidelines and related initiatives, particularly as the field continues to grow in numbers and in different directions. A second challenge pertains to the need for increased attention to sustainability in developed and developing nations' contexts, the rapid growth of “Education for Sustainability” (ESD) since UNCED, and the need to maintain clarity over the comple...
γ-rays >120 keV emitted in the decay of 23.5-min 239U

Abstract The β decay of 239 U populates at least 31 levels in 239 Np below 1100 keV, but the feeding of levels above 118 keV is weak (about 1%, total) and poorly characterized. We have prepared sources by neutron capture in 238 U followed by chemical purification. Spectra were obtained with Ge detectors, sometimes with absorbers. For energies above 120 keV, these spectra confirmed 94 and rejected 23 previously reported transitions, and revealed 43 new transitions.
Women's Work Motivations & Positive Action

Why are more and more women entering the employment market and remaining in it when they have children, and what can their employers do to help? Evelyne Serdjenian first looked into these questions ten years ago in a study of 3500 women in IBM France, which she edited, called Femmes 76. Here she reports the study's findings on women's work motivations and work dissatisfactions and goes on to consider the opportunities and limitations of equality at work and the conditions required for implementing affirmative action programmes.
Conditioned place aversion to the "hangover" phase of acute ethanol administration in the rat.

The purpose of this study was to examine ethanol's delayed effects (termed hangover) using conditioned place testing. Four groups of rats received a single pairing of a distinctive environment (tactile and visual) 10 h after injection with ethanol (0, 2, 3, 4 g/kg, i.p. ) or saline in a counterbalanced design. Rats receiving 3 and 4 g/kg ethanol showed a conditioned place aversion to ethanol hangover. Conditioning 10 h after 0 or 2 g/kg ethanol did not produce a significant place preference or aversion. The results suggest that the hangover following an acute injection of high doses of ethanol (3-4 g/kg) produces a significant and dose-related conditioned place aversion in the rat.
Altitude and birth weight

The effect of altitude on birth weight was measured with data in U.S. natality records from 1978 to 1981 after correlation with the mean altitude of the mother's resident county. For comparison of the low birth weight (LBW) rate at different altitudes, certain socioeconomic risk factors known to affect birth weight were controlled by the selection of an idealized subpopulation of singleton births. With 500 m gradations for altitude, a curvilinear dose-response relationship of birth weight reduction with increasing altitude was demonstrated (P 2000 m) had a twofold to threefold increase in LBW rate, mainly related to a higher incidence of intrauterine growth retardation. Comparison of the LBW rate on the basis of small geographic divisions in the mountain states showed a positive correlation between the LBW rate and the high altitude. The birth weight frequency distribution curves of the idealized subpopulation at each altitude approximate normal distributions and parallel one another, indicating that altitude has a general effect on all births. Such nearly normal birth weight distributions allowed the determination of altitude-specific LBW cutoff limits that can be used to detect areas of greater risk for LBW but independent of the altitude effect.
MRI of thermally denatured blood: Methemoglobin formation and relaxation effects

Abstract Focal regions of T1-shortening have been observed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-monitored thermal ablations of perfused tissues. The aims of this study were two-fold: to find evidence for heat-induced conversion of hemoglobin (Hb) to methemoglobin (mHb), and to investigate the effects of heat treatment of in-vitro blood components upon their MR relaxation times. Spectrophotometric studies were performed to confirm the heat-induced formation of methemoglobin. Preparations of whole and fractionated blood, previously submitted to elevated temperatures of 40°C to 80°C, were imaged and the relaxation times were calculated. Optical absorption spectra of samples containing free Hb, heated to 60°C, showed increased light absorption at 630 nm, evident of mHb presence. Short T1 values in whole blood (1.13 s) and packed red blood cell (0.65 s) compartments, heated at 60°C, compared to their baseline values (1.62 s and 0.83 s, respectively), were attributed to mHb formation. In relation to MRI-guided thermal interventions, these results suggest a possible explanation for observation of hyperintense regions on T1-weighted images.
SELECTION AND USE OF POSTHARVEST TECHNOLOGIES AS A COMPONENT OF THE FOOD CHAIN

Postharvest technologies refet to the stabilization and storage of unprocessed or minimally processed foods from the time of harvest until final preparation for human consumption. There is a special emphasis on seasonal crops, and simple, laber-intensive, capital-sparing technologies suitable for developing countries where food spoilage rates are high and malnutrition is prevalent. The first step is to determine the major spoilage vectors for each type of food and then identify a technology that will control that vector. For cereal grains the major spoilage vectors are mold, insects, rodents, and other vertebrate pests. Mold is controlled by prompt and adequate drying to a water activity below 0.7. Insects are controlled by good housekeeping, and use of insecticides and lumigants. Rodents are controlled by balts, traps, fumigants, and rodent-proof storage structures. For fruits, vegetables, roots, and tubers the main spoilage vectors are bruising, rotting senescence, and wilting. Bruising is avoided by careful handling and use of shock-resistant packaging. Rotting is controlled by good housekeeping, gentle handling to avoid breaking the skin, cool storage, and use of preservatives. Sensescence is retarded by cold storage or controlled atmosphere storage. Wilting is controlled by high humidlity and cold storage. Growth of microbes is the major spoilage of fish and other foods of animal origin. This is controlled by refrigerated or frozen storage, drying, freezing, or conning. Most spollage vectors accelerate as the temperature and bumidity increase; this makes it more difficult to control spoilage in tropical than in temperate regions.
Ultrafiltration of Acid Whey in a Spiral‐Wound Unit: Effect of Operating Parameters on Membrane Fouling

Membrane fouling by acid (cottage cheese) whey could be minimized by appropriate pH adjustment and removal of insoluble particulates. Acidifying pasteurized whey to pH 2 or 3 followed by conventional centrifugal clarification (e.g. 5000g for 20–30 sec) significantly improved flux over that of unadjusted whey. Neutralizing whey to pH 7 was also just as effective provided resulting insoluble particles could be removed efficiently. Operating at 50°C was slightly more beneficial than 40° or 30°C. High flow rates were beneficial only if transmembrane pressure was below some critical value (about 50 psig or 350 kPa in this case). At pressures higher than this, high flow rates significantly increased fouling rates. After prolonged operating time, neither flow rate nor pressure appeared to have a significant effect, due perhaps to a change in the mode of fouling from surface deposition to pore adsorption.
Band renormalization and dynamic screening in near band gap femtosecond optical probing of InGaAs

Abstract The effect of band renormalization and dynamic screening in near band edge femtosecond optical probing of In0.53Ga0.47As thin films has been investigated quantitatively. Simulated results, obtained from an ensemble Monte Carlo formulation, are in excellent agreement with measured equal pulse correlation data only if both processes are included. Band renormalization is found to be roughly twice as important as dynamic screening for these conditions.
A Filing Problem

n samples are drawn from a known distribution, ordered and placed in groups inside file drawers with a previously decided number of samples going in each drawer; the initial ordered sample in a drawer defines the “beginning” of a drawer, and the initial ordered sample of the next drawer defines the “end” of the drawer under consideration. If N new samples are drawn from the same distribution, what is the probability that x of them fall “inside” a given filing drawer? Is it shown that this probability depends only on the number of original samples “inside” a drawer, and is independent of the original sampling distributions and of the original sample which defines the beginning of the drawer. Hence, if the design objective is to equalize the overflow probability of each drawer, the best a priori policy is to divide the original ordered samples equally among the file drawers.
A simple, rapid method for prenatal detection of defects in propionate metabolism

Incorporation of radiolabel from propionate-1(-14)C into protein (TCA insoluble material) in fibroblasts or amniotic fluid cells, provides a rapid, simple means of detecting fetuses with inborn errors of propionate metabolism using small numbers of cells. Controls were easily differentiated from mutant lines over differing media pH conditions. This method was successfully used to diagnose correctly a normal fetus at risk for methylmalonic acidemia. This method can be used as an adjunct in diagnosis, but cannot replace direct enzyme analysis.
Adduct complexes of pentakis(phenylisocyanide)cobalt(I) perchlorate

Abstract Twelve adduct-complexes of pentakis(phenylisocyanide)cobalt(I) perchlorate and chlorinated-hydrocarbon solvents have been established by elemental analysis and proton NMR. The adducts are classified as two types according to i.r. pattern for the isocyanide function. Recrystallization from methanol or ethanol affords a hydrogen chloride adduct under slow precipitation by dropwise addition of water and the non-adducted pentakis(phenylisocyanide)cobalt(I) perchlorate when precipitation is rapid. The latter complex has a third type of isocyanide i.r.
Synthesis of a Rhenium(V) Polysulfide Complex and a Study of Its Reactivity with Hydrogen

The reaction of Cp‘ReCl4 (Cp‘ = EtMe4C5) with 2−3 equiv of bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfide in chloroform in the presence of an oxidant results in the formation of Cp‘Re(η2-S3)Cl2, 2. Complex 2 has been ...
Comparison of Steroid Receptors from the Androgen Responsive Ddt1 Cell Line and the Nonresponsive Hvp Cell Line

Two hamster cell lines have been isolated from androgen target tissue. The DDT, cells derived from ductus deferens tissue exhibit a growth response to androgens, while the HVP cells derived from ventral prostate are androgen unresponsive. Both cell lines contain androgen receptors that are similar when compared by kinetic methods, sedimentation velocity, chromatographic procedures or nuclear translocation ability. The forms of the high salt extracted nuclear receptors are indistinguishable chromatographically. Therefore, we postulate that the lesion preventing androgen induced growth in the HVP cell line is subsequent to nuclear translocation of the steroid receptor complex.
A review of post-concussion syndrome and psychological factors associated with concussion.

AbstractObjective: This study reviewed several topics related to post-concussion syndrome and psychological factors associated with concussion. Topics include neurobiological perspectives, psychological predictors of post-concussion syndrome including pre-morbid anxiety, anxiety sensitivity and cognitive biases and misattribution. In addition, the iatrogenic effects of excessive rest are reviewed and treatment options are discussed briefly.Main results: Animal models of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury suggest that a concussion can result in anxiety and fear reactions. The pathophysiology of depression following a concussion appears to be consistent with the cortico-limbic model of depression. Additionally, some individuals may be at risk for neurobiological depression and/or anxiety following a concussion. The literature also demonstrates that pre-morbid and concurrent anxiety increases the risk for prolonged concussion recovery. Cognitive biases and misattribution of symptoms contribute to len...
Genomic DNA microextraction: A method to screen numerous samples

Many experimental designs require the analysis of genomic DNA from a large number of samples. Although the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used, the Southern blot is preferred for many assays because of its inherent reliability. The rapid acceptance of PCR, despite a significant rate of false positive/negative results, is partly due to the disadvantages of the sample preparation process for Southern blot analysis. We have devised a rapid protocol to extract high-molecular-weight genomic DNA from a large number of samples. It involves the use of a single 96-well tissue culture dish to carry out all the steps of the sample preparation. This, coupled with the use of a multichannel pipette, facilitates the simultaneous analysis of multiple samples. The procedure may be automated since no centrifugation, mixing, or transferring of the samples is necessary. The method has been used to screen embryonic stem cell clones for the presence of targeted mutations at the Hox-2.6 locus and to obtain data from human blood.
Chlorambucil toxicity and EEG "centrencephalic" patterns.

SUMMARY The effects of chlorambucil administration upon the brain electrical activity were investigated in rabbits and cats (acute preparations) by means of cortical and subcortical recording. The drug-induced changes, reproducible in their rather stereotyped sequence, were quite prominent and of a clearly epileptiform type. In the course of their development they would consist of a very characteristic pattern suggestively reminiscent of that commonly associated with human “centrencephalic” epilepsy (bilaterally synchronous 3–4/sec spike-wave complexes). A combined study at various brain levels indicated that these electrographic changes would appear earlier, predominantly or exclusively in certain subcortical structures. Observations of similar changes induced by the drug in human are briefly reported. The findings obtained, while emphasizing the marked CNS effects of chlorambucil suggest that the drug might be usefully employed as a convenient tool for reproducing experimentally the EEG patterns characteristic of “centrencephalic” epilepsy. RESUME Les effets produits par 'administration de chlorambucil sur l'activiteelectrique du cerveau ont etes etudies chez le lapin et le chat (preparations aigues) a l'aide 'enregistrement cortical et sous-cortical. Les modifications induites par ce medicament, facilement reproductibles dans leur succession stereotypique, sont tres marquees et de caractere clairement epileptiforme. Pendant leur developpement elles se caracterisent par un “pattern”electrographique qui rappelle de tres pres celui ordinairement associea l'epilepsie humaine du type “centrencephalique” (complexes pointes-ondes a 3–4/sec bilateraux, synchrones). Une etude simultanee de l'activite de differents niveaux du cerveau semble indiquer que ces modifications paraissent a l'avance, d'une maniere predominante et, parfois, exclusive dans certaines structures sous-corticales. Une observation d'anomalies electrographiques semblables produites par le meme medicament chez l'homme est brievement presentee. Les resultats obtenus tout en soulignant les effets tres marques du chlorambucil sur le SNC, suggerent que ce medicament peut etre utilement employe pour la reproduction experimentale du “pattern” EEG caracteristique de l'epilepsie “centrencephalique”.
Parathyroid hormone-responsive clonal cell lines from rat osteosarcoma

Several clonal cell lines from a transplantable rat osteosarcoma, selected on the basis of parathyroid hormone (PTH)-sensitive adenylate cyclase, were established in culture. Bovine PTH-(1-84) (0.1 microM) stimulation of adenylate cyclase varied among clones from 8-fold to none. The level of PTH response was a stable property of each clonal line that was retained through numerous passages in vitro (nearly 3 yr in the oldest clone). Highly PTH-responsive lines had a cuboidal-eliptoid morphology and differed from the nonresponsive lines, which had a more fibroblastic appearance. PTH responsiveness correlated with several properties, presumably associated with the osteoblastic phenotype: elevated alkaline phosphatase activity, synthesis of the gamma-carboxyglutamic acid-containing bone protein, and production of mineralized tumors in host rats. PTH (1.0 nM; 24 h) reduced the alkaline phosphatase activity by 40% when tested in a responsive clone. The acid phosphatase activity of the various cell lines was uniformly low. These osteosarcoma-derived cell lines which are stable in vitro thus seem to reflect the phenotypic heterogeneity observed in the tumor in situ. They could be useful in studies of phenotypic expression, PTH action, and a possible relationship between the two.
A semi-classical description of excitation in sputtering and in electron-atom collisions

Abstract The application of a simplistic, semi-classical approach for describing excitation in sputtering and in electron-atom collisions is discussed. It is shown that the approach is able to describe relative populations when Si I, Si II and Si III are formed in sputtering as well as relative populations when Rb I, Rb II and Rb III are formed in electron-atom impact. The approach also compares favorably with the Born-approximation calculations of Vainshtein et al. for Rb I, provided it is again used to describe populations in a relative (rather than absolute) sense.
Enkephalin: a peptide with morphine-like properties

Abstract Although morphine and related compounds have been used as drugs for many centuries. It is only in the last few years that an endogenous material has been discovered in the nervous system which appears capable of occupying opiate receptor sites. Our present knowledge, and the exciting future, concerning the enkephalins and related compounds is summarized in this article.
Performance of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) local area and wide area networks for medical imaging transmission in clinical environment

Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology emerges as a leading candidate for medical image transmission in both local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) applications. This paper describes the performance of an ATM LAN and WAN network at the University of California, San Francisco. The measurements were obtained using an intensive care unit (ICU) server connecting to four image workstations (WS) at four different locations of a hospital-integrated picture archiving and communication system (HI-PACS) in a daily regular clinical environment. Four types of performance were evaluated: magnetic disk-to-disk, disk-to-redundant array of inexpensive disks (RAID), RAID-to-memory, and memory-to-memory. Results demonstrate that the transmission rate between two workstations can reach 5-6 Mbytes/s from RAID-to-memory, and 8-10 Mbytes/s from memory-to-memory. When the server has to send images to all four workstations simultaneously, the transmission rate to each WS is about 4 Mbytes/s. Both situations are adequate for radiologic image communications for picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) and teleradiology applications.