cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Map-Enhanced Detection and Tracking from a Moving Platform with Local and Global Data Association

We present an approach to detect and track moving objects from a moving platform. Moreover, given a global map, such as a satellite image, our approach can locate and track the targets in geo-coordinates, namely longitude and latitude. The map information is used as a global constraint for compensating the camera motion, which is critical for motion detection on a moving platform. In addition, by projecting the targets? position to a global map, tracking is performed in coordinates with physical meaning and thus the motion model is more meaningful than tracking in image coordinate. In a real scenario, targets can leave the field of view or be occluded. Thus we address tracking as a data association problem at the local and global levels. At the local level, the moving image blobs, provided from the motion detection, are associated into tracklets by a MCMC (Markov Chain Monte Carlo) Data Association algorithm. Both motion and appearance likelihood are considered when local data association is performed. Then, at the global level, tracklets are linked by their appearance and spatio-temporal consistence on the global map. Experiments show that our method can deal with long term occlusion and segmented tracks even when targets leave the field of view.
Frequency and significance of antibodies to asialoglycoprotein receptor in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis

Antibodies to asialoglycoprotein receptor have diagnostic specificity for autoimmune hepatitis, but it is uncertain if they are complementary or redundant markers of the disease. Our aims were to assess their frequency and significance in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and determine their contribution to the evaluation of these patients. Sear from 54 well-characterized patients were evaluated for antibodies to asialoglycoprotein receptor by a radioimmunofiltration assay based on rabbit-derived protein. Forty-four patients (82%) were seropositive. Seropositive patients were distinguished from seronegative counterparts by having higher serum gamma globulin (3.7±0.2 g/dl vs 2.3±0.3 g/dl,P=0.0007) and immunoglobulin G levels (3707±179 mg/dl vs 2203±263 mg/dl,P=0.0005) at presentation and a greater frequency of relapse after drug withdrawal (88% vs 33%,P=0.01). Seropositivity for smooth muscle and/or antinuclear antibodies did not define treatment outcomes and antinuclear antibodies occurred less frequently than the other markers. Concurrent testing for antibodies to asialoglycoprotein receptor and smooth muscle identified all patients. We conclude that antibodies to asialoglycoprotein receptor are common in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis and they identify patients with a high frequency of relapse after corticosteroid withdrawal. Concurrent testing for these antibodies and smooth muscle antibodies has the same diagnostic sensitivity as testing for antinuclear and smooth muscle antibodies but a greater prognostic implication.
Hormonal control of cerebral amyloidogenesis in Alzheimer's diseases

Estrogen reduces the risk of Alzheimer disease (AD) in postmenopausal women, β-amyloid (Aβ) burden in animal models of AD, and secretion of Aβ from neuronal cultures. The biological basis for these effects remains unknown. Aβ is proteolytically derived from the β-amyloid precursor protein (βAPP) within the secretory pathway by distinct enzymatic activities known as β- and gamma-secretase. Aggregated Aβ peptides are found predominantly within extraneuronal space and are believed to initiate toxic and inflammatory cascades leading to neuronal death. The major population of secreted Aβ peptides is generated within the trans-Golgi-network (TGN), also the major site of βAPP residence in neurons at steady state. Utilizing cell-free systems derived from both neuroblastoma cells and primary neurons, we demonstrate that 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) stimulates formation of vesicles containing βAPP, from the TGN. Accelerated βAPP trafficking precludes maximal Aβ generation within the TGN. 17β-E2 appears to modulate TGN phospholipid levels, particularly those of phosphatidylinositol, and recruit soluble trafficking factors, such as Rab11, to the TGN. Together, these results suggest that estrogen may exert its anti-Aβ effects by regulating βAPP trafficking within the late secretory pathway. These results suggest a novel mechanism through which 17β-E2 may act in estrogen-responsive tissues and illustrate how altering the kinetics of a protein's transport can influence its metabolic fate.
Progesterone Receptor (PR) Inhibits Expression of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in Human Endometrial Cell Line HEC-1B: Characterization of the Inhibitory Effect of PR on the Distal Promoter Region of the IGFBP-1 Gene

Progestin has been shown to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in human endometrial cells. In this study, progestin was found to reduce levels of secreted IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-1 messenger RNA and IGFBP-1 promoter activity after stably transfecting a progesterone receptor (PR; B form) expression vector into HEC-1B cells. Deletion analysis of the IGFBP-1 promoter revealed that PR specifically inhibited promoter activity derived from a 59-bp distal BsaHI/RsaI fragment. It was concluded that PR inhibited the promoter activity through protein-protein interactions based on the facts that 1) no progesterone-responsive element was revealed by a series block mutation in the BsaHI/RsaI fragment; 2) PR bound by the antiprogesterone ZK98299 inhibited IGFBP-1 promoter activity; 3) a DNA-binding mutant of PR inhibited the IGFBP-1 promoter activity; and 4) in an in vivo competition assay, the DNA-binding domain of PR did not release the inhibitory effect of intact PR. Analysis of PR deletion mutants indicated that both transcriptional activation domains of PR (TAF-1 and TAF-2) were involved in the inhibition of IGFBP-1 expression. Thus, our data may explain the superinduction of IGFBP-1 in human endometrial cells after progestin withdrawal or progestin replacement with antiprogestin.
Effects of estrogen therapy on bone marrow adipocytes in postmenopausal osteoporotic women

Summary One-year treatment of osteoporotic postmenopausal women with transdermal estrogen resulted in significant decreases in bone marrow adipocyte volume and prevented increases in adipocyte number as compared to placebo-treated controls. Estrogen treatment also prevented increases in mean adipocyte size over 1 year.
Energy relations of winter roost-site utilization by American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis).

Summary. American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) were observed roosting in Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens), which comprised part of a mixed stand of conifers. Their winter roost-sites were distally situated among the most densely-needled branches on the leeward sides of these trees. Heated and unheated taxidermic goldfinch mounts were placed within these sites and at the same height in an adjacent clearing. The radiative and convective characteristics of these locations were monitored simultaneously and compared to predicted power requirements of live goldfinches (based on laboratory calibration of heated mounts) and operative temperatures (Te; based on body temperatures of unheated mounts). The winter roost-sites significantly reduced radiative and convective heat exchanges between goldfinches and the environment. Based on body composition data for winter goldfinches, all but two birds sampled could endure a 15-h roost period at average overnight T~'s as low as -- 40 ~ C. In contrast, if these birds were prevented from feeding the following day, only 30% could survive the imposition of a 39-h fast at average T~'s of -2 ~ C. Winter roost-site selection may be more constrained by thermoregulatory considerations in small birds than in larger species.
AMPK at the Nexus of Energetics and Aging

When energy supply is low, organisms respond by slowing aging and increasing resistance to diverse age-related pathologies. Targeting the mechanisms underpinning this response may therefore treat multiple disorders through a single intervention. Here, we discuss AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as an integrator and mediator of several pathways and processes linking energetics to longevity. Activated by low energy, AMPK is both prolongevity and druggable, but its role in some pathologies may not be beneficial. As such, activating AMPK may modulate multiple longevity pathways to promote healthy aging, but unlocking its full potential may require selective targeting toward substrates involved in longevity assurance.
Vascular disorders in neuro-ophthalmology.

Purpose of review The aim is to briefly discuss the currently controversial management of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Recent findings The role of systemic corticosteroid therapy and aspirin in NA-AION and of thrombolysis in CRAO is discussed. Summary NA-AION is a major cause of seriously impaired vision. A recent large prospective study has shown that systemic corticosteroid resulted in a significantly higher probability of improvement in visual acuity (P = 0.001) and visual fields (P = 0.005), compared to an untreated group. In CRAO, the latest prospective study has shown that thrombolytic therapy not only has no beneficial effect but also is harmful.
Carter / Kerr-McGee Paleoindian Site: Cultural Resource Management and Archaeological Research

A decade of intensive archaeological survey of the Powder River Basin in Wyoming has revealed one stratified Paleoindian site along with several thousand sites of later age. This site is only a remnant of a much larger one. It has four cultural levels that include Clovis, Folsom, Agate Basin-Hell Gap, and Alberta-Cody respectively, with intervening sterile deposits. The site location and the taphonomics of the bone bed in the Alberta-Cody level suggest that the site was associated with the procurement of large animals. Interdisciplinary investigation of the site indicates that past geologic activity is largely responsible for the scarcity of Paleoindian sites in the basin. The history and basic philosophy of cultural resource management in this area are reviewed. Currently, land ownership is divided between federal and state agencies and private operators, such that the surface may be privately owned while the subsurface is federally owned. The argument is made for a future cultural resource management program for the Powder River Basin that is strongly oriented toward research in contrast to the present policy of inventory and avoidance of archaeological sites.
Sex differences, hemispheric laterality, and associated brain activity in the intellectually gifted

Benbow (1986) proposed that enhanced development of the right cerebral hemisphere may be associated with extreme intellectual giftedness. Here we report on a series of studies conducted to evaluate the viability of this hypothesis, using several neurop‐sychological methods (e.g., dichotic listening, concurrent finger‐tapping, chimeric face, and word processing). Also presented are new data from electroencepha‐lographic recordings of brain activity taken from precocious and average‐ability male and female adolescents while they performed two of the aforementioned tasks. These experiments provide convergent lines of evidence suggesting that enhanced right‐hemisphere involvement during basic information processing, as well as superior coordination and allocation of cortical resources within and between the hemispheres, are unique characteristics of the gifted brain. The evidence is especially compelling for precocious male adolescents, as gifted female adolescents tend to exhibit a somewhat more bilateral an...
Policing Styles and Organizational Priorities: Retesting Wilson’s Theory of Local Political Culture:

In Varieties of Police Behavior, a classic study of police organizational behavior published more than 30 years ago, James Q. Wilson discovered three distinctive styles of policing: the legalistic, the watchman, and the service styles. Police agencies with a legalistic orientation focused strictly on law enforcement activities, whereas those with a service style focused on providing needed services to residents and business owners. Furthermore, Wilson identified local political culture as the major determinant of variation in policing styles. Varieties of Police Behavior has become a classic work in police scholarship, described in almost all police textbooks, influencing a generation of students of policing. Citation analyses, additionally, have shown that it is one of the most frequently cited works in policing yet remains one of the least tested empirical studies. This study retests the validity of Wilson’s findings in today’s policing environment with the goal of furthering theoretical formation in po...
A Survey of Recent Research on the Ancient Versions of the New Testament

In the following chronicle an attempt is made to survey recent research on the ancient versions of the New Testament. By recent is meant publications which appeared during the five-year period from 1950 to 1954. Under the rubric ancient versions are included the following versions which were made during the first millennium of the Christian era: the Latin, Syriac, Coptic, Gothic, Armenian, Old Georgian, Ethiopic, Arabic, Sogdian and Old Slavic versions. In some cases it was difficult to discriminate between studies dealing with patristic authors and their Scriptural text, and studies dealing with the early versions per se. In most of such cases it was thought wise to follow an inclusive policy and to make some reference to the patristic study.
Quinacrine decreases the slow inward current and force in guinea pig ventricular tissue

In guinea pig isolated ventricular myocytes, quinacrine (40 μM) decreases the action potential amplitude and duration, and markedly decreases the slow inward current (Isi). A lower quinacrine concentration (20 μM) has similar but smaller effects. In guinea pig papillary muscles, quinacrine decreases contractile force reversibly. Thus, in myocardial fibers the decrease in Isi by quinacrine appears to predominate over the inhibition of Na-Ca exchange found in membrane vesicles.
Secondary structure predictions of human plasminogen and the bovine prothrombin kringle loops.

Abstract Secondary structural predictions, based upon the statistical methodology of Chou and Fasman, for the kringle loops of human plasminogen and bovine prothrombin suggest a “winding staircase” pattern of β-turns, spaced by short regions of ordered and coil structures. Analysis of the predicted structures of the regions containing the two His (113 and 387) and Asp (136 and 410) residues in plasminogen kringles 1 and 4, which have been found to be important in binding the ligand, ϵ-aminocaproic acid, shows that all are localized at the same positions on β-turns. In addition, both of the two Asp residues occur at the end of homologous nonapeptide regions common to all of the five human plasminogen and two bovine prothrombin kringles, indicating evolutionary conservation to preserve biologically critical conformations. Examination of the protein conformation in the region of Asn 288 , the residue which is glycosylated in one of the two circulating variants of human plasminogen, shows that it most likely exists in a position which may present topographical hindrance to post-translational attachment of carbohydrate, thus, possibly, explaining the incomplete glycosylation of human plasminogen with complex-type carbohydrate.
A Muscle Energy Converter for Powering Implantable Cardiac Assist Devices

Harnessing skeletal muscle for circulatory support would improve on current blood pump technologies by eliminating infection-prone drivelines and expensive transcutaneous transmission systems. Here we describe an implantable muscle energy converter (MEC) designed to transmit the contractile energy of the latissimus doris muscle in hydraulic form. The MEC weighs just 290 grams and comprises a metallic bellows actuated by a rotary arm fixed to the humeral insertion of the muscle via a looped artificial tendon. The housing is anchored to the ribcage using a perforated mounting ring (83 mm diameter). Lessons learned through six design iterations have produced a pump with excellent durability, energy transfer efficiency, anatomic fit, and tissue interface characteristics. This report describes recent improvements in MEC design and summarizes results from in silico, in vitro, and in vivo testing. The components most subject to wear in this device are the stainless-steel bellows, spring-loaded lip seals, and load-bearing surfaces (bearings, cams and shafts). Roller bearings supporting the camshaft and cam follower were replaced with needle bearings for better stress distribution and longer cycle life. Camshaft bearings were improved still further by changing to a full-complement configuration to lower stress concentration and reduce lateral (off-axis) shaft movement that could reduce lipseal life. Bellows cycle life was estimated using ANSYS V11 finite element analysis (FEA) software with a mesh size of 0.002”. In this simulation a pressure of 22 psi was applied to the internal surface of the bellows and compression length was set to the longest possible stroke (0.177”). All load-bearing surfaces were analyzed for fatigue stress and cycle life under these same loading conditions following closed form equations. Results show that the overall durability of the MEC device can be expected to exceed 450 million cycles, resulting in a minimum working life of 14.5 years given a 1 Hz cycle rate. Lipseal durability was tested empirically in a 37°C saline bath using a cycling apparatus designed specifically for that purpose. After 55 days (12.3 million cycles) the test was stopped and the unit disassembled and inspected. The shaft and seals showed evidence of contamination buildup in front of the lip seal but not behind it, indicating that the seal had functioned properly throughout the test period. Importantly, implant studies in 30–35 Kg dogs (n=7) confirm excellent anatomic fit, patient comfort, and device functionality to one month. These results suggest that muscle-powered cardiac assist devices are feasible and that efforts to further develop this technology are warranted.
The Self-Perception of a Learning Disability and Its Relationship to Academic Self-Concept and Self-Esteem

Eighty-seven children with learning disabilities, aged 9 through 11 years 11 months, completed measures of self-esteem, academic self-concept, and self-perception of their learning disability. The Self-Perception of Learning Disability (SPLD) instrument measures the extent to which children with learning disabilities perceive their disability as (a) delimited rather than global, (b) modifiable rather than permanently limiting, and (c) not stigmatizing. It was hypothesized that self-perception of one's learning disability would be related positively to both academic self-concept and self-esteem, and that each of these relationships would remain significant when controlling for sex, ethnicity, age, reading and math achievement, self-contained versus mainstreamed classroom setting, and age at diagnosis. Correlations and multiple regression analyses confirmed these hypotheses. Results were discussed in terms of helping children to develop less negative self-perceptions of their disabilities.
Solution structure and dynamics of cyclic and acyclic cholinergic agonists.

Two classes of nicotinic cholinergic agonists, which vary in flexibility and electronegativity, have been synthesized, and their structural and dynamic properties have been studied with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Although the compounds are chemically identical except for the presence or absence of one cyclicizing C--C bond, single channel recording and radioligand binding studies have shown that the cyclic compounds are considerably more potent than the acyclic derivatives (McGroddy, K.A., A.A. Carter, M.M. Tubbert, and R.E. Oswald. 1993. Biophys. J. 64:325–338). Using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, we have shown that these molecules exist in two distinct stable conformers, which differ in the orientation of the amide bond. The cyclic 1,1-dimethyl-4-trifluoroacetyl-piperazinium iodide and its trifluoromethyl derivative compounds are symmetric, and the two conformers are of equal energy. The acyclic N,N,N,N'-tetramethyl-N'-acetylethylene-diamine iodide (TED) and its trifluoromethyl derivative derivatives, however, populate two energetically unequal solution conformations. Using variable temperature NMR spectroscopy on these molecules and their uncharged precursors, we have characterized the energetics of amide bond isomerization and have distinguished steric and electrostatic contributions to the equilibrium between the two conformers. The more populated TED conformer has the amide methyl group trans to the carbonyl oxygen, and it is stabilized by an electrostatic attraction between the partially negative carbonyl oxygen and the positively charged quaternary amine nitrogen. As discussed in the accompanying paper (McGroddy, K.A., A.A. Carter, M.M. Tubbert, and R.E. Oswald. 1993. Biophys. J. 64:325–338), the differences in the stable solution structures of the TED derivatives and their interconversion kinetics may be of biological significance.
Comparison of recovery, recrystallization, and grain-growth characteristics in shock-loaded, explosively-expanded, and cold-rolled inconel 600

Abstract The annealing response of Inconel 600 alloy shock-loaded in the range 80–460 kbars, explosively expanded in cylindrical co-ordinates in a range 0.5–62%, and cold-rolled up to 40%, was studied and compared by optical metallography and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal recovery in the shock-loaded and explosively expanded samples up to approximately 25% expansion was characterized by a complete lack of recrystallization in the classical sense (compared with the cold-rolled samples), while at 62% expansion recrystallization did occur. No polygonization occurred, and an appreciable grain growth was observed in the shock-loaded and explosively-expanded samples (
Molecular evolution of the second ancient human mariner transposon, Hsmar2, illustrates patterns of neutral evolution in the human genome lineage

Abstract A consensus sequence for the second ancient mariner identified in the human genome, Hsmar2, was constructed by majority rule from full-length and partial sequences of 44 of the ± 1000 copies in the genome. This 1300 base pair (bp) consensus has 31 bp imperfect terminal repeats (ITRs) and encodes a 351 amino acid (aa) mariner transposase. The sequence of this transposase has allowed classification of Hsmar2 as a basal lineage of the irritans subfamily of mariners, sharing at most 38% aa identity with other members of the subfamily. The individual copies in the human genome are all highly mutated from the consensus, having suffered numerous small and some large insertions and deletions (indels), including many insertions of S and J subfamily Alu elements. The copies differ, on average, from the consensus by 11.6%, have suffered 11.8 indels per kilobase (kb), and only 3.7% of the 30 hypermutable CpG dinucleotide pairs in the consensus remain intact. This level of divergence indicates that the ancestrally active Hsmar2 element represented by the consensus was present in the human genome lineage about 80 million years (Myr) ago. Each copy has apparently evolved since then largely independently of the others, and with little constraint on its transposase coding capacity. This pattern of molecular evolution fits the current model for mariner transposon evolution. These copies provide multiple independent datasets for evaluating the pattern of neutral evolution in the human genome, for example, they confirm that most indels are very short and that deletions are twice as common as insertions.
Ionomeric Poly(phenylene) Prepared by Diels−Alder Polymerization: Synthesis and Physical Properties of a Novel Polyelectrolyte

A series of poly(phenylene)-based polyelectrolytes were synthesized from 1,4-bis(2,4,5-triphenylcyclopentadienone)benzene and 1,4-diethynylbenzene by Diels−Alder polymerization. Postsulfonation of this high molecular weight and thermochemically stable poly(phenylene) with chlorosulfonic acid resulted in homogeneous polyelectrolytes with controllable ion content (IEC = 0.98−2.2 mequiv/g). Fuel cell relevant properties such as high proton conductivity (123 mS/cm), chemical/thermal stability, and film toughness suggest that this polyelectrolyte material shows promise as a potential candidate for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. Physical properties of this material, such as water uptake, thermal stability, and proton conductivity, are reported with respect to ion exchange capacity and compared to Nafion and a series of sulfonated poly(ether sulfone)s.
Ecological mechanisms of invasion success in aquatic macrophytes

Aquatic plants (macrophytes) are important components of freshwater ecosystems and serve numerous purposes that structure aquatic communities. Although macrophytes represent an essential component of stable aquatic communities, invasive macrophytes negatively alter ecosystem properties. Non-native, invasive species have been identified as a major cause of biodiversity loss and the increasing prevalence of invasive species has prompted studies to help understand their impacts and to conserve biodiversity. Studying mechanisms of invasion also give insight into how communities are structured and assembled. This paper examined mechanisms that contribute to macrophyte invasion through a literature review. Mechanisms identified with this review included competition, enemy release, evolution of increased competitive ability, mutualisms, invasional meltdown, novel weapons, allelopathy, phenotypic plasticity, naturalization of related species, empty niche, fluctuating resources, opportunity windows, and propagule pressure; and were then placed within the context of the invasion process. Results of this review indicated that many invasion mechanisms have been tested with fully aquatic macrophytes with varied levels of support (i.e., some mechanisms are not supported by evidence in the context of macrophyte invasions). Future research should continue the search for evidence of invasion mechanisms that allow introduced species to establish. It is likely that general principles governing these invasions do not exist, at least among comparisons across ecosystem types. However, ecologists should continue to search for general patterns within definable ecosystem units to increase understanding about factors contributing to invasibility.
Phospholipid Biosynthesis Genes and Susceptibility to Obesity: Analysis of Expression and Polymorphisms

Recent studies have identified links between phospholipid composition and altered cellular functions in animal models of obesity, but the involvement of phospholipid biosynthesis genes in human obesity are not well understood. We analyzed the transcript of four phospholipid biosynthesis genes in adipose and muscle from 170 subjects. We examined publicly available genome-wide association data from the GIANT and MAGIC cohorts to investigate the association of SNPs in these genes with obesity and glucose homeostasis traits, respectively. Trait-associated SNPs were genotyped to evaluate their roles in regulating expression in adipose. In adipose tissue, expression of PEMT, PCYT1A, and PTDSS2 were positively correlated and PCYT2 was negatively correlated with percent fat mass and body mass index (BMI). Among the polymorphisms in these genes, SNP rs4646404 in PEMT showed the strongest association (p = 3.07E-06) with waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) adjusted for BMI. The WHR-associated intronic SNP rs4646343 in the PEMT gene showed the strongest association with its expression in adipose. Allele “C” of this SNP was associated with higher WHR (p = 2.47E-05) and with higher expression (p = 4.10E-04). Our study shows that the expression of PEMT gene is high in obese insulin-resistant subjects. Intronic cis-regulatory polymorphisms may increase the genetic risk of obesity by modulating PEMT expression.
A chloride-activated dipeptidyl-β-naphthylamidase of the pituitary gland

Dipeptidyl-beta-naphthylamidase activated by chloride in extracts of rat and bovine anterior pituitary glands
Invasive plants on disturbed Korean sand dunes

Abstract The sand dunes in coastal regions of South Korea are important ecosystems because of their small size, the rare species found in this habitat, and the beautiful landscapes they create. This study investigated the current vegetative status of sand dunes on three representative coasts of the Korean peninsula, and on the coasts of Cheju Island, and assessed the conditions caused by invasive plants. The relationships between the degree of invasion and 14 environmental variables were studied. Plots of sand dunes along line transects perpendicular to the coastal lines were established to estimate vegetative species coverage. TWINSPAN (Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis), CCA (Canonical Correspondence Analysis), and DCCA (Detrended Canonical Correspondence Analysis) were performed to classify communities on sand dunes and assess species composition variation. Carex kobomugi, Elymus mollis, and Vitex rotundifolia were found to be the dominant species plotted on the east, the west, and the peripheral coasts of Cheju Island, respectively. Vegetation on the south coast was totally extinct. The 19 communities, including representative C. kobomugi, C. kobomugi–Ixeris repens, C. kobomugi–Oenothera biennis, E. mollis, Lolium multiflorum–Calystegia soldanella, and V. rotundifolia–C. kobomugi, were all classified according to TWINSPAN. Oenothera biennis and L. multiflorum were exotics observed within these native communities. CCA showed that invasive native and exotic species distribution was segregated significantly, according to disturbance level, exotic species number, gravel, sand and silt contents, as well as vegetation size. It further revealed that human disturbance can strongly favor the settlement of invasive and exotic species. Restoration options to reduce exotic plants in the South Korean sand dune areas were found to be the introduction of native plant species from one sand dune into other sand dune areas, prohibition of building and the introduction of exotic soils, and conservation of surrounding sand dune areas.
Charge compensation for imaging large insulating samples by using secondary ion tandem mass spectrometry.

A charge compensation technique has been developed for secondary ion mass spectrometry and imaging of insulating samples as large as 1 cm2 using a triple quadrupole-based microprobe. The microprobe secondary ion extraction field is synchronized with a periodic primary Cs+ beam to allow a sheetlike beam of 5-eV electrons to pass over the sample surface when the extraction field is zeroed. Electrons are attracted to, and neutralize, any points on the sample that have accumulated positive charge. Positive secondary ion images from Teflon®, a well-known insulator, illustrate the effectiveness of charge compensation. Locating and identifying analytes on dry filter paper by using tandem mass spectrometry are also demonstrated.
Formation of metal oxides by cathodic arc deposition

Abstract Cathodic arc deposition is an established and industrially applied technique for the formation of nitrides (e.g. TiN); it can also be used for metal oxide thin film formation. A cathodic arc plasma source with the desired cathode material is operated in an oxygen atmosphere of appropriate pressure, and metal oxides of various stoichiometric composition can be formed on different substrates. We report here on a series of experiments on metal oxide formation by cathodic arc deposition for different applications. Black copper oxide has been deposited on accelerator components to increase the radiative heat transfer between the parts. Various metal oxides such as tungsten oxide, niobium oxide, nickel oxide and vanadium oxide have been deposited on ITO glass to form electrochromic films for window applications. Optical waveguide structures can be formed by refractive index variation using oxide multilayers. We have synthesized multilayers of Al 2 O 3 -Y 2 O 3 -Al 2 O 3 -Si as possible basic structures for passive optoelectronic integrated circuits, and Al 2- x Er x O 3 thin films with a variable Er concentration which is a potential component layer for the production of active optoelectronic integrated devices such as amplifiers or lasers at a wavelength of 1.53 μm. Aluminum and chromium oxide films have been deposited on a number of substrates to impart improved corrosion resistance at high temperature. Titanium sub-oxides which are electrically conductive and corrosion resistant and stable in a number of aggressive environments have been deposited on various substrates. These sub-oxides are of great interest for use in electrochemical cells. Common features of all these depositions are the high deposition rate typical for cathodic arc deposition, the good adhesion of the films due to the high metal ion energy, and the advantage of an environmentally clean method in comparison to wet-chemical oxide formation techniques.
Acousto-optic tunable filter field spectrometer for validation of airborne and spaceborne imaging spectrometers

A new concept for a field portable spectrometer designed to meet the needs of the remote sensing community is presented. This instrument uses acoustooptic tunable filters (AOTFs) as wavelength sorters, allowing the design of a rugged, compact, light-weight tool that provides broad spectral coverage, great versatility, and ease of utilization. The spectrometer provides continuous spectral coverage from 0.4 to 2.5 microns with two channels defined by detector technology, while a visible channel covering the 0.4 to 1.0 micron spectral range uses silicon PV photodiodes. The short-wavelength IR channel covers the 0.9 to 2.5 micron special range with thermoelectrically cooled lead sulfide PC detectors.
Water quality, substrate, and distribution of macroinvertebrates in the Patuxent River, Maryland

The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in the Patuxent River, Maryland, was analyzed for the period between June 1975 and February 1976. Numerical diversity was analyzed using data collected from seven sampling stations along the nontidal portion of the Patuxent River. Both natural and artificial substrates were examined. Dissolved oxygen, temperature, soil texture, and amount of organic matter were also measured to determine their correlation with the invertebrate distribution measurements. A 2-way ANOVA revealed significant interaction between site and collecting period in the diversity measurements of the natural substrates. This site by collecting period interaction was not observed in the collections made from the artificial substrates. Dissolved oxygen and temperature did not change significantly with distance along the river. Soil texture and organic matter varied significantly with distance. The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates was more closely correlated to substrate than to water quality. this finding contradicts previous work on this portion of the Patuxent River.
The Effects of Review on Young Children's Memory for Prose.

Abstract The present study investigated the effects of review on young children's memory for prose. Prose passages were parsed into three levels of thematic importance. Five groups (128-year-old children each) participated in three experimental sessions, with each session separated by 1 week. During the first session all subjects listened to two passages. One week later, subjects in four of the groups received differing review experiences. During the third session, delayed retention was assessed. The data are interpreted to indicate that the repetition of the original learning experience was the most effective review; however, immediate reproduction following initial exposure also significantly attenuated forgetting. All groups favored the central passage ideas in their delayed recalls, regardless of their review treatment. The potential benefits of an immediate test as a review exercise was suggested.
Rapid Evolution of a Cyclin A Inhibitor Gene, roughex, in Drosophila

The recent sequencing of the complete genome of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has yielded about 30% of the predicted genes with no obvious counterparts in other organisms. These rapidly evolving genes remain largely unexplored. Here, we present evidence for a striking variability in an important Drosophila cell cycle regulator encoded by the gene roughex (rux) in closely related fly species. The unusual level of Rux protein variability indicates that there are very low overall constraints on amino acid substitutions. Despite the lack of sequence similarity, certain common features, including the presence of a C-terminal nuclear localization signal and a functionally important N-terminal RXL cyclin-binding motif, exist between Rux and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors of the Cip/Kip family. These results indicate that even some genes involved in key regulatory processes in eukaryotes evolve at extremely high rates.
Oxide heterostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy: Spin injection in superconductors and magnetic coupling phenomena

Interfacial phenomena control the performance of devices employing various oxides and designed to realize phenomena such as spin injection and magnetic coupling. Here we review our work on spin injection into oxide superconductors and briefly mention work on magnetic heterostructures. The focus will be on geometries prepared using ozone-assisted, oxide-molecular beam epitaxy. The implications for our results of recent applications of probes of buried interfaces will be discussed.
Correlations between ozone loss and volcanic aerosol at altitudes below 14 km over McMurdo Station, Antarctica

Ozone and aerosol profiles over McMurdo Station, Antarctica (78°S), have been measured August–October for the years 1986–1995. This spans the development and decay of the recent perturbation to stratospheric aerosol caused by Pinatubo. Volcanic aerosol surface areas, in the 11–14 km region, peaked near 100 µm² cm−3 in 1991, decaying to 20–30 µm² cm−3 in 1992, 15–25 µm² cm−3 in 1993, and to background levels of 4–8 µm² cm−3 in 1994. Based on these measurements the volcanic aerosol signal persisted over Antarctica for three austral springs, implying an exponential decay rate of about 14 months. The aerosol below 14 km was correlated with previously unobserved ozone loss at these altitudes. Ozone loss rates of 5–15 ppb dy−1 (0.3–0.5 DU dy−1) were observed in the 10–12 and 12–14 km layers. Beginning in 1994, when the aerosol approached its pre-Pinatubo level, ozone loss diminished in the 12–14 km layer, and was not observed in the 10–12 km layer.
Smooth muscle of rabbit isolated aorta contains the NK-2 tachykinin receptor.

Neurokinin A, neurokinin B and substance P caused concentration-related contractions of rabbit isolated aorta with pD2 values of 8.1, 6.9 and 6.0, respectively. [D-Pro2, D-Trp7,9]-substance P, a competitive tachykinin antagonist, had pA2 values of 5.3 against neurokinin A, 5.1 against neurokinin B and 5.2 against substance P indicating that tachykinin receptors mediated responses to the agonists. [pGIu5,MePhe8,-McGly9]-substance P 5–11 (DiMe-C7), senktide and septide did not contract the aorta. It is concluded that of the known tachykinin receptors smooth muscle of the rabbit isolated aorta contains only the NK-2 type.
White noise approach to multiparameter stochastic integration

Abstract In this paper we will set up the Hida theory of generalized Wiener functionals using S ∗ ( R d ), the space of tempered distributions on R d , and apply the theory to multiparameter stochastic integration. With the partial ordering on R + d : ( s 1 , …, s d ) t 1 , …, t d ) if s i t i , 1 ≤ i ≤ d , the Wiener process W((t 1 …, t d ), x) = 〈x, 1 [0,t 1 )x … x[0,t d ) 〉, ξ ϵ I ∗ (T d ) is a generalization of a Brownian motion and there is the Wiener-Ito decomposition: L 2 ( S ∗ ( R d )) = Σ n = 0 ∞ ⊕ K n , where K n is the space of n -tuple Wiener integrals. As in the one-dimensional case, there are the continuous inclusions (L 2 ) + ⊂ L 2 (I ∗ (R d )) ⊂ (L 2 − and ( L 2 ) − is considered the space of generalized Wiener functionals. We prove that the multidimensional Ito stochastic integral is a special case of an element of ( L 2 ) − . For d = 2 the Ito integral is not sufficient for representing elements of L 2 ( S ∗ ( R 2 )). We show that the other stochastic integral involved can also be realized in the Hida setting. For F ∈ S ∗ ( R ) we will define F ( W ( s , t ), x ) as an element of ( L 2 ) − and obtain a generalized Ito formula.
Macrophage regulation of DNA synthesis in lymphoid cells: Effects of a soluble factor from macrophages

Abstract Addition of rat peritoneal macrophages to nonadherent rat spleen cells in culture results in enhancement or suppression of DNA synthesis depending on the ratio of macrophages to lymphocytes. At high ratios of macrophages to lymphocytes (1:5), suppression can be observed as early as four hours. Macrophages suppress incorporation of thymidine (TdR) by nonadherent spleen, thymus and bone marrow cells, in most instances, to less than 5% of that observed in culture to which macrophages were not added. In the presence of macrophages, incorporation of [3H]uridine and [14C] amino acids by spleen cells was also moderately suppressed. Based on 51Chromium release and dye exclusion assays, it appears that suppression is not due to cytotoxicity. Furthermore, suppression of [3H]TdR incorporation by nonadherent spleen cells is reversible, in the presence of an antigenic stimulus, following removal of the macrophages from the cultures. The suppressive effects are not elicited by extracts of macrophages, freeze-thawed or heated macrophages, but appear to be due to a low molecular weight, heat stable factor released into the macrophage culture fluid.
Fisher information as a gamma-ray detector design tool

The extraction of gamma-ray event information from detectors is an estimation problem as the signals are governed by multiple random effects such as information carrier (eg; scintillation-light photon, electron-hole pair) generation, propagation/transport and detection. A quantitative measure of how well the measured signals can be used to produce an estimate of the parameters is given by Fisher Information. In this work, we demonstrate several applications of Fisher Information as a powerful practical tool to quantify the information content in detector signals and help guide design decisions in scintillation and semiconductor detector development.
Rare earth element evidence for differentiation of McMurdo volcanics, Ross Island, Antarctica

Eighteen samples of the McMurdo volcanics on Ross Island, Antarctica consisting of basanitoid, trachybasalt and phonolite have been analyzed for rare earth elements (REE) in order to determine the details of differentiation using quantitative trace element modeling. The basanitoids have REE patterns similar to those for alkali basalts or nephelinites from ocean islands. Since there is no correlation between REE and silica contents among five basanitoids, some of the variability in the REE contents must be related to the extent of partial melting, variation in the residual mineralogies of the mantle during melting, or to inhomogeneities in the REE composition of the mantle.
Expansion of the Bevatron External Proton Beam Experimental Facilities

The External Proton Beam Channel has seen intensive utilization since its installation at the Bevatron. A program now in progress will further enhance its versatility by increasing target areas, beam intensities, experimental floor area, shielding and utilities. We describe here the physical facilities, among which is a truly unique overhead crane design. The proton beam operation and characteristics are discussed in the Bevatron Experimenters Handbook.
The effects of skilled health attendants on reducing maternal deaths in developing countries: testing the medical model

Abstract More than 500 000 women die each year from pregnancy related causes. Ninety-nine percent of these deaths occur in developing countries. This study examines the statistical relationship between maternal deaths and skilled health attendants. A skilled health attendant is a medical doctor, nurse, trained midwife, primary healthcare worker, or trained traditional birth attendant. A cross-national study was conducted using World Bank and United Nations data. A Medical Model was developed and tested using 100 countries identified as developing. The model consisted of the number of medical doctors in the country, number of nurses in the country, and the percentage of births attended by a skilled health attendant; the dependent variable was the maternal mortality ratio. Beta coefficients from multiple regression analysis indicated a strong association between maternal deaths and skilled health attendant. In addition, the Medical Model was capable of explaining 75% of maternal deaths. Future studies should focus on identifying ancillary or midlevel health care professionals, included in the skilled health attendant category, to ascertain their impact on maternal deaths in developing countries.
Correlation between the dampening of RHEED oscillations and the photoluminescence of quantum wells in the presence of AsO

Abstract We have intentionally introduced AsO during the growth of GaAs and AlGaAs to study its effects on the dampening of RHEED oscillations and the photoluminescence (PL) of quantum well (QW) structures. The amount of AsO was found to increase as the temperature of the cracking section of our As source was increased. The dampening of the RHEED oscillations for GaAs and AlGaAs were studied as the amount of AsO was increased. We found that the dampening of the AlGaAs increased with increasing AsO concentrations. Little effect was found upon the dampening of the GaAs. PL of QW samples grown with increasing AsO displayed a dramatic decrease in the integrated intensity and an equally dramatic increase in the transition linewidths. After reducing the AsO contamination, the experiments were repeated. The RHEED dampening became essentially independent of the cracking section temperature. The PL of the QW layers was also dramatically improved. However, the PL still displayed a trend toward lower integrated intensity and larger linewidths as the cracking temperature was increased. PL is thus an extremely sensitive tool for determining the presence of AsO at low levels in an MBE system.
Stable Carbon-Isotope Compositions of Compression Fossils from Lower Paleozoic Konservat-Lagerstätten

Abstract Taxon-specific stable carbon-isotope ratios were determined for 7 graptolite (consumer) and 4 alga (primary producer) taxa preserved as thin organic compressions within North American Silurian Konservat-Lagerstatten. Values range from −26.6‰ for a graptolite from the Goat Island Formation, New York, to −32.3‰ for an alga from the Cape Phillips Formation, Arctic Canada. Co-occurring graptolite taxa display nearly identical δ13C compositions (within 0.2‰). Algal taxa co-occurring with graptolite taxa have δ13C compositions which are 1–2‰ more negative than those of associated graptolites. The observed isotopic offset between associated graptolites and macroalgae, both of which are common sources of organic matter in Paleozoic strata, holds implications for the interpretation of time-series δ13Corg curves, and suggests that stable carbon-isotope composition could serve as a chemosystematic tool for discerning the affinities of organic macrofossil problematica.