cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Excerpts: Brief Therapy

This chapter consists of excerpts from brief therapy, two from first sessions and one from a final session. Megan, age twenty-four, was a student and a waitress; she lived with her boyfriend, Oliver. Megan came in complaining about “problems with her father.” Her father had lied to Megan, he was always critical, and he had been verbally abusive. The second session was about Jack, age twenty-eight, a married computer scientist, called requesting for a “nonmedication therapy” for his trichotillomania, a problem of six years' duration. Jack had requested service after reading an article on trichotillomania that referred him to a national Obsessive Compulsive Disorders foundation. He had written to that group and had received information about medication and behavior therapy.
Size-Dependent Strength in Single-Crystalline Metallic Nanostructures

The emergence of a substantial body of literature focusing on uniaxial compression experiments of micro- and nano-sized single-crystalline cylindrical papers has unambiguously demonstrated that, at these scales, the sample dimensions dramatically affect crystalline strength (for reviews, see [1-3]). In most of these experimental studies, cylindrical pillars with diameters ranging from ~ 100 nm up to several micrometers were fabricated, largely by the use of the focused ion beam (FIB) method, with some non-FIB-based methods as well, and were subsequently compressed in a nanoindenter with a custom-made flat punch indenter tip. More recently, small-scale mechanical behavior has also been explored through uniaxial tensile experiments, usually performed inside of in-situ scanning electron microscopes (SEM)- or transmission electron microscopes (TEM)-with the custom-built mechanical deformation instruments by a small number of research groups [3-6]. Intriguingly, the results of all of these reports for single-crystalline metals with a variety of crystal structures - face-centered cubic (fcc), body-centered cubic (bcc), hexagonal close-packed (hcp), and tetragonal -show power-law dependence between flow stress and pillar diameter. Further, within the fcc family, the slopes of all metals tested converge on a unique value of approximately -0.6 [1-3,7] (see Figure 7.1), which is not the case for all other crystals.
Understanding the nonverbal behavior of socially anxious people during intimate self-disclosure

This study explores the types of nonverbal behavior exhibited by socially anxious users over the course of an interview with virtual agent counselors that talked about themselves. The counselors provided self-disclosure using human back stories or computer back stories. The video data was collected from a previous study. We defined nine types of nonverbal behavior to investigate the associations between the types of nonverbal behavior and users' anxiety levels. The results of preliminary data analysis show that five features out of the nine features are positively correlated with different levels of users' anxiety in the "computer back stories" condition. These five types of nonverbal behavior are gaze aversion, moving arms and hands, constant rocking, shaking a head, and fidgeting arms and hands. There are no significant relationships between the kinds of nonverbal behavior and users' anxiety levels in the "human back stories" condition.
Sterols of Glaucocystophytes

SUMMARY Glaucocystophytes are a group of evolutionarily important freshwater algae that have an almost intact cyanobacterium, referred to as a cyanelle, as the photosynthetic organelle. Because of this, they have been the subject of a large number of studies over the past few decades on how a cyanobacterium transitioned into a chloroplast. However, studies on their lipid composition have lagged behind those on other areas of glaucocystophyte cell biology. To this end, we have examined the sterol composition of Cyanophora paradoxa Korshikov and Glaucocystis nostochinearum Itzigsohn in order to identify sterols left unidentified in previous studies. We have found that two isolates of G. nostochinearum and one of C. paradoxa uniformly produced three sterols: 24-methylcholest-5-en-3β-ol, 24-ethylcholesta-5,22E-dien-3β-ol, and 24-ethylcholest-5-en-3β-ol.
The conundrum of the honey bees: One impediment to the publication of Darwin's theory

It is generally agreed that Darwin came upon the essence of his theory of evolution by natural selection in the early fall of 1838. However, he did not publish his discovery in complete form until the Origin appeared in 1859, and a perennial question in the history of science has been "Why did Darwin delay?" Of the many answers that have been offered, one is particularly amenable to close historical scrutiny. That suggestion, which prompted this study, was offered briefly by Robert Richards.' Richards's argument is that one of the forces staying Darwin's hand was the fact that he could not explain to his own satisfaction the evolution of what were called the "wonderful instincts" of the social insects, which included slave-making by some ant species and hive building by the honey bees. I wish to consider the latter of these two and will argue that the honey bees were, in fact, a serious conceptual stumbling block for Darwin. If it is true that the honey bees posed a theoretical problem for Darwin, then the following three historical questions must be answerable. First, why was it important for Darwin to explain the evolution of honey bee behavior? Second, is there evidence that the bees were, in fact, a serious problem for Darwin and not just a straw man, easily vanquished in the Origin? And third, how did Darwin attempt to solve the theoretical problem of the honey bees? Each of these questions can be answered, and will be discussed in turn.
Non-contact measurement of creep resistance of ultra-high-temperature materials

Abstract Continuing pressures for higher performance and efficiency in energy conversion and propulsion systems are driving ever more demanding needs for new materials which can survive high stresses at the elevated temperatures. In such severe environments, the characterization of creep properties becomes indispensable. Conventional techniques for the measurement of creep are limited to about 1700 °C. A new method which can be applied at temperatures higher than 2000 °C is strongly demanded. This paper presents a non-contact method for creep measurements of ultra-high-temperature materials at 2300 °C. Using the electrostatic levitation facility at NASA MSFC, a spherical sample was rotated quickly enough to cause creep deformation due to centripetal acceleration. The deformation of the sample was captured with a digital camera, and the images were analyzed to measure creep deformation. To validate experimental results, numerical and analytical analyses on creep deformation of a rotating sphere have been conducted. The experimental, numerical, and analytical results showed good agreement with one another.
Comparing presentation summaries: slides vs. reading vs. listening

As more audio and video technical presentations go online, it becomes imperative to give users effective summarization and skimming tools so that they can find the presentation they want and browse through it quickly. In a previous study, we reported three automated methods for generating audio-video summaries and a user evaluation of those methods. An open question remained about how well various text/image only techniques will compare to the audio-video summarizations. This study attempts to fill that gap.This paper reports a user study that compares four possible ways of allowing a user to skim a presentation: 1) PowerPoint slides used by the speaker during the presentation, 2) the text transcript created by professional transcribers from the presentation, 3) the transcript with important points highlighted by the speaker, and 4) a audio-video summary created by the speaker. Results show that although some text-only conditions can match the audio-video summary, users have a marginal preference for audio-video (ANOVA f=3.067, p=0.087). Furthermore, different styles of slide-authoring (e.g., detailed vs. big-points only) can have a big impact on their effectiveness as summaries, raising a dilemma for some speakers in authoring for on-demand previewing versus that for live audiences.
Designing experiments to differentiate between adsorption isotherms using T-optimal designs

Abstract T-optimal experimental designs are developed to distinguish between the 3-parameter Guggenheim–Anderson–deBoer (GAB) and 2-parameter Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) adsorption isotherms. The results show that the designs are not dependent on one of the GAB model parameters (the monolayer capacity, which is a linear scaling factor), but are dependent on the other two, which determine the curvature and shape of the isotherms. Further analysis of the designs show that for the range of model parameters considered, misspecification of the model parameters can reduce the efficiency of the experimental design to 30% or less: proper selection of the model parameters at which the design is developed within the model-parameter space can increase the maximum–minimum design efficiency to nearly 55%. The experimental replication inherent in T-optimal designs is then used in combination with a statistical lack-of-fit analysis to illustrate the role of experimental variability on the ability to distinguish between the two isotherm models.
Identification of xyloside conjugates formed from anthracene by Rhizoctonia solani

Biotransformation experiments showed that a strain of Rhizoctonia solani was able to metabolize anthracene, a tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon. The fungus was grown in a complex liquid medium containing [9-14C]anthracene; after 6 d, 98·8% of the anthracene had been converted to ethyl acetate-extractable metabolites. These compounds were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc) and detected by ultraviolet (uv) absorbance and liquid scintillation counting. The major metabolites were identified by their uv, mass, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. One of the principal metabolites was identified as trans-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydroanthracene (anthracene trans-1,2-dihydrodiol), which was shown by circular dichroism spectroscopy to be a mixture of two enantiomers. Chiral stationary phase hplc was used to resolve the trans-1,2-dihydrodiol into a (−)-1S,2S enantiomer (60%) and a (+)-1R,2R enantiomer (40%). The other principal metabolites were novel xyloside conjugates of anthracene: 1-O-(2-hydroxy-trans-1,2-dihydroanthryl)-β- d -xylopyranoside, 2-O-(1-hydroxy-trans-1,2-dihydroanthryl)-β- d -xylopyranoside, and 1-O-anthryl-β- d -xylopyranoside. Anthraquinone was found in the culture media but was also present in non-inoculated controls.
1000–35 Differential Sizing for Balloon Angloplasty: Preliminary Results Using a New “Focal” Balloon with an Expanding Central Section

The majority of lesions treated by conventional balloon angioplasty (PTCA) are focal and less than 10 mm in length. We sought to develop a balloon which could deliver dilating force to the stenosis in a “focal” manner and potentially decrease the chances of proximal and distal vessel dissection due to overexpansion. The CAT balloon (CVD, Irvine, CA) uses variably compliant material to maintain the proximal and distal 5 mm ends of the balloon at a constant diameter while allowing the central 10 mm “focal” segment to expand above nominal diameter at higher pressures. The additional central diameter achievable is approximately 0.7 mm at 16 atm. A prototype 2.5 mm (nominal) balloon was used in 30 lesions (23 pts). Success was achieved in all but 1 case (no balloon would cross). In 3 cases, predilation with a l 2.0 mm balloon was required. In two lesions a larger balloon was subsequently used. Quantitative analysis was available for 15 lesions. Diameter stenosis was reduced from 65 ± 15% to 23 ± 14%. There was one type A dissection and no complications. Initial inflation pressures averaged 6.0 ± 1.4 atm and final pressures 11.3 ± 2.7 atm. QCA measured balloon diameters over a range of pressures from 3 to 16 atm showed progressive relative enlargement of the center section with increased pressures (r = 0.52). At pressures l 10 atm the balloon center was 0.11 mm (5.6%) larger than the ends while at pressures ≥ 10 atm, the center was 0.44 mm (20.8%) larger (range 0.06 to 0.96 mm). Conclusion In this pilot series, the CAT focal balloon with a central expanding section was effectively used to dilate coronary lesions without complications and with a high success rate. A randomized trial is planned to determine if this design has advantages over standard balloon catheters.
Modality pairing effects and the response selection bottleneck.

The present experiment examined the effects of input/output modality pairings on dual-task performance using the psychological refractory period (PRP) procedure. Four groups of participants performed two tasks composed of the same sets of inputs (visual and auditory) and the same sets of outputs (manual and vocal), but with different input/output modality pairings. Whereas modality pairings had only small effects on single-task reaction times, they had large effects on dual-task reaction times. The modality pairing effect cannot stem from differences in the difficulty of stimulus classification or response execution, because these task demands were the same across groups. The effect also does not appear to result from changes in stimulus–response compatibility. The present findings suggest dual-task interference arises not only from postponement of central operations (due to a central bottleneck), but also from a slowing of central operations whose magnitude is sensitive to the input/output modality pairings.
Physical inactivity and overweight among Los Angeles County adults

Abstract Objectives The present study examines sociodemographic, health status, health behavioral, and health-related self-perception correlates of physical inactivity in a large, multiethnic urban population. Methods A random-digit-dialed telephone survey of a representative sample of 8353 Los Angeles County adults aged ≥18 years was conducted between September 17, 1999 and December 31, 2000. Data were analyzed to assess the prevalence and identify independent correlates of physical inactivity, defined as Results Overall, the prevalence of sedentary adults was 41%. Lower educational attainment, female gender, advancing age, non–U.S. birthplace, poorer self-perceived health status, self-perceived depression, smoking, leisure-time television watching/computer use, and receiving a diabetes diagnosis were significantly related to sedentariness in both bivariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusions Mental and physical health status were prominent correlates of sedentariness. Lower socioeconomic class was also associated with sedentary behavior. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between self-perceived overweight and sedentary behavior.
A New Fast-Multipole Accelerated Poisson Solver in Two Dimensions

We present an adaptive fast multipole method for solving the Poisson equation in two dimensions. The algorithm is direct, assumes that the source distribution is discretized using an adaptive quad-tree, and allows for Dirichlet, Neumann, periodic, and free-space conditions to be imposed on the boundary of a square. The amount of work per grid point is comparable to that of classical fast solvers, even for highly nonuniform grids.
How lack of clarity in regulation is stifling veterinary research

Veterinary practice and research are regulated through legislation, but current interpretation of this is threatening the advantages this research could bring for animals and the profession, says Nick Jeffery
The impact of electronic information sources on collection development: a survey of current practice

This study investigates the effects of electronic information sources on collection development in 15 academic libraries, primarily in the Midwest. A search of the literature and conference presentations also contributed to the findings. Areas studied included the materials budget, collection development policies, and licenses; identifying, evaluating, selecting, and developing the electronic sources collection; training subject specialists to use electronic resource tools; classifying electronic materials; and the changes in the role of the collection development librarian.
Linear and non-linear theory of the Doppler-shifted cyclotron resonance maser based on TE and TM waveguide modes

This paper presents a comprehensive theory of the cyclotron resonance maser (CRM) interaction in a circular waveguide. The kinetic theory is used to derive the dispersion relationships for both TE and TM modes. The TE mode case has been investigated by several authors, but there has been comparatively little work on the TM mode case. However, the TM mode interaction competes effectively with the TE mode interaction at relativistic electron energies. The conditions for maximum temporal and spatial growth rates are shown. The TM mode growth rates are found to vanish when the RF wave group velocity equals the beam axial velocity (‘grazing incidence’). The single particle theory is used to derive a compact set of self-consistent non-linear equations for the TE and TM mode interactions. These equations are particularly appropriate for the cyclotron auto-resonance maser (CARM) regime but applicability extends to other regimes as well. The conditions for optimum efficiency are investigated for oscillator and amp...
The adolescent brain and age-related behavioral manifestations

To successfully negotiate the developmental transition between youth and adulthood, adolescents must maneuver this often stressful period while acquiring skills necessary for independence. Certain behavioral features, including age-related increases in social behavior and risk-taking/novelty-seeking, are common among adolescents of diverse mammalian species and may aid in this process. Reduced positive incentive values from stimuli may lead adolescents to pursue new appetitive reinforcers through drug use and other risk-taking behaviors, with their relative insensitivity to drugs supporting comparatively greater per occasion use. Pubertal increases in gonadal hormones are a hallmark of adolescence, although there is little evidence for a simple association of these hormones with behavioral change during adolescence. Prominent developmental transformations are seen in prefrontal cortex and limbic brain regions of adolescents across a variety of species, alterations that include an apparent shift in the balance between mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine systems. Developmental changes in these stressor-sensitive regions, which are critical for attributing incentive salience to drugs and other stimuli, likely contribute to the unique characteristics of adolescence.
Efficiency of Log-Rank Test Under Dependent Censorship

Abstract In this article, we extend the concept of univariate frailty to a bivariate case to quantify and visualize the loss of efficiency of the log-rank test when a dependence structure between failure and censoring times is being ignored. We assume that an unobservable frailty influences the risk of failure and the other affects the risk of censoring, and those two frailties are correlated. Under the model being compared as a benchmark, the dependence structure between failure and censoring times is assumed to be completely observed. Under the model where the log-rank test is constructed without considering the dependency between failure and censoring times, it is assumed that the unobservable dependence structure has been absorbed into the baseline distributions. We note in our particular example that the loss of efficiency is minimal under the proportional hazards model even when the correlation between potential failure and censoring times is strong unless the dependence censorship induces a severe ...
Porosity from Artificial Neural Network Inversion for Bermejo Field, Ecuador

Summary A porosity cube was generated using artificial neural network (ANN) inversion to populate a reservoir model for a producing zone in Bermejo Field, Ecuador. The stratigraphy and structure for the producing sand was extremely complex, and interpolation and conventional inversion techniques did not satisfactorily predict lateral and vertical variability within the volume. Porosity predicted by ANN correlated favorably with observed porosity at wells, and highlighted gas-bearing sands and lateral transitions between high- and low-porosity sands.
The effects of hydration on the luminescence spectra of trisodium tris(2,6-pyridinedicarboxylato)europium(III) compounds

Luminescence spectra of the hydrated and anhydrous salts of trisodium tris(2,6-pyridinedicarboxylato)europium(III) compounds have been measured at high resolution (better than 1.0 cm−1) and at low temperature (77 K). The alterations in the crystal field splittings, linewidths and relative intensities, as produced by the influence of crystal hydration, are examined and are discussed in detail.
Determination of the chiral indices of tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanotubes by electron diffraction

Abstract An electron diffraction method is described and applied to analyze the atomic structure of individual tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) nanotubes. The method is based on a recently developed zoning scheme to determine the chiral indices of nanotubes by nano-beam electron diffraction. The chiral indices of a WS 2 nanotube, which has its outermost shell missing on one end due to uneven growth of shells, is given to illustrate the indexing procedure. We also observed that the tubule chiralities within each WS 2 nanotube display a mono-helical structure on average with a dispersion of a few degrees.
Sexual dimorphism in the volume of song control nuclei in European starlings: assessment by a Nissl stain and autoradiography for muscarinic cholinergic receptors.

Previous studies have found that the volume of several song control nuclei is larger in male songbirds than in female songbirds. The degree of this volumetric sex difference within a given species appears to be systematically related to the degree of the behavioral sex difference. The largest volumetric differences have been reported in species in which the male sings and the female sings little, if at all, and the smallest sex differences in volume have been reported in species in which males and females both sing in nearly equal amounts. We compared the volume of three song control nuclei in male and female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), a species in which females are known to sing, though at a much lower rate than males. We investigated the volume of hyperstriatum ventrale, pars caudale, nucleus robustus archistriatalis, and area X of the lobus parolfactorius as defined with the use of a Nissl stain. In addition, we measured the volume of area X as defined by the density of muscarinic cholinergic receptors visualized by in vitro receptor autoradiographic methods. The volumes of all three of the song nuclei, as defined by Nissl staining, are significantly larger in males than in females. For area X, Nissl staining and receptor autoradiography indicate the same significant volumetric sex difference. The three nuclei are approximately one and one half to two times larger in males than in females, a degree of dimorphism that is intermediate to those reported for other species. Previous investigations of sex differences in the avian vocal control system have used only Nissl stains to define nuclear volumes. We demonstrate in this paper that receptor autoradiography can be used to assess dimorphisms in nuclear volume. Broad application of this approach to a number of neurotransmitter receptor systems will better characterize the dimorphisms in the song system, and therefore will provide greater insight into the neuroanatomical and neurochemical control of birdsong. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synergism between trematode infection and pesticide exposure: A link to amphibian limb deformities in nature?

The apparently rapid increase in the prevalence of amphibian limb deformities has led to substantial interest from ecologists and public health professionals. Hypotheses proposed to explain the deformities fall into two broad categories: chemical contaminants and trematode infection. Although there are convincing experimental demonstrations that certain factors can lead to some deformities, the causes for recent increases in amphibian malformation remain controversial. Moreover, no experimental studies on amphibian deformities have been conducted in the field, and no studies have attempted to examine the synergistic effects of trematode infection and exposure to chemical contaminants. Here, I present the results of field and laboratory experiments that link increased trematode infection, and increased limb deformities, to pesticide exposure. Field experiments conclusively demonstrated that exposure to trematode infection was required for the development of limb deformities in wood frogs, Rana sylvatica. However, deformities were more common at sites adjacent to agricultural runoff. Laboratory experiments corroborated the association between pesticide exposure and increased infection with pesticide-mediated immunocompetency as the apparent mechanism. Given the conservative contaminant exposure levels used [Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards] and the widespread use of many pesticides, these negative impacts may help to explain pathogen-mediated amphibian declines in many regions.
First principles studies of adsorption of Pd, Ag, Pt, and Au on yttrium disilicide nanowires

Abstract Stability and electronic properties of pristine and metal covered cylindrical yttrium disilicide, YSi 2 , nanowires were investigated through first principles calculations. The YSi 2 nanowire prefers Y-rich surface morphology and is attractive toward metal adsorbates such as silver, gold, palladium, and platinum. Strong charge polarization is found from adsorbate to wires, which reduces the work function and alters the chemical activity of the core-shell structures.
Sensor-fused autonomous guidance of a mobile robot and applications to mars Sample Return Operations

Generally, there are multiple sensor suites on existing rover platforms such as NASA's Sample Return Rover (SRR) and the Field Integrated Design and Operations (FIDO) rover at JPL. Traditionally, these sensor suites have been used in isolation for such tasks as planetary surface traversal. For example, although distant obstacle information is known from the narrow FOV navigation camera (NAVCAM) suite on SRR or FIDO, it is not explicitly used at this time for augmentation of the wide FOV hazard camera (HAZCAM) information for obstacle avoidance. This paper describes the development of advanced rover navigation techniques. These techniques include an algorithm for the generation of range maps using the fusion of information from the NAVCAMs and HAZCAMs, and an algorithm for registering range maps to an a priori model-based range map for relative rover position and orientation determination. Experimental result for each of these techniques are documented in this paper.
Replacement of the infected composite aortic root prosthesis.

Background We sought to evaluate freedom from reinfection after surgery for infected aortic root replacement (ARR) and the impact of use of synthetic material at reoperation. Methods Adult patients (aged more than 18 years) undergoing surgery for infected composite aortic root prosthesis at our institution were identified and their perioperative outcomes and late survival evaluated. Results Between January 1, 1993, and December 31, 2009, 15 patients (male, 87%; mean [SD] age, 57 [16] years) underwent surgery. All but 1 patient (6.7%) underwent reconstruction with a homograft. Eight patients (53.3%) required synthetic material to complete the repair, including 4 patients who underwent hemiarch reconstruction. Ten patients (66.7%) had circulatory arrest (mean [SD] time, 23.3 [11.0] minutes) and 3 (20.0%) underwent concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. The 30-day mortality rate was 13.3% (n = 2). Three patients (20.0%)—2 of whom had positive blood cultures in hospital after redo ARR—had reinfection, for which 2 underwent re-replacement of the aortic root. Survival was 86.7%, 65.0%, and 50.6%, and freedom from reinfection was 90.9%, 79.5%, and 79.5% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Freedom from reinfection was less for the patients who had positive blood cultures within 2 weeks of redo ARR ( p p = 0.006). Use of synthetic graft material had no adverse impact. Conclusions Infected ARR prostheses can be replaced with a homograft with favorable outcomes. Use of synthetic material to complete the repair does not adversely impact outcome.
Ge laser and on-chip electronic-photonic integration

We present recent progress in monolithic Ge-on-Si lasers for on-chip electronic-photonic integration, with a highlight on electrically-pumped Ge-on-Si lasers with ∼1 mW output at λ∼1530-1650 nm.
Characterization and optimization of hydrogen production by a salt water blue-green alga oscillatoria sp. Miami BG 7. II. use of immobilization for enhancement of hydrogen production

The technique of cellular immobilization was applied to the process of hydrogen photoproduction of nonheterocystous, filamentous marine blue-green alga, Oscillatoria sp. Miami BG 7. Immobilization with agar significantly improved the rate and longevity of hydrogen production, compared to free cell suspensions. Rates of H2 production in excess of 13 microliters H2 mg dry/wt h were observed and hydrogen production was sustained for three weeks. Immobilization also provided some stabilization to environmental variability and was adaptable to outdoor light conditions. In general, immobilization provides significant advantages for the production and maintenance of hydrogen photoproduction for this strain.
Cell Envelope Phospholipid Composition of Burkholderia multivorans

Burkholderia multivorans causes opportunistic pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis and immunocompromised patients. The purpose of the present study was to determine the nature of the phospholipids and their fatty acid constituents comprising the cell envelope membranes of strains isolated from three disparate sources. A conventional method for obtaining the readily extractable lipids fraction from bacteria was employed to obtain membrane lipids for thin-layer chromatographic and gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometric analyses. Major fatty acid components of the B. multivorans readily extractable lipid fractions included C16:0 (palmitic acid), C16:1 (palmitoleic acid), and C18:1 (oleic acid), while C14:0 (myristic acid), ΔC17:0 (methylene hexadecanoic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), and ΔC19:0 (methylene octadecanoic acid) were present in lesser amounts. Fatty acid composition differed quantitatively among strains with regard to C16:0, C16:1, ΔC17:0, C18:1, and ΔC19:0 with the unsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratios being significantly less in a cystic fibrosis type strain than either environmental or chronic granulomatous disease strains. Phospholipids identified in all B. multivorans strains included lyso-phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol in similar ratios. These data support the conclusion that the cell envelope phospholipid profiles of disparate B. multivorans strains are similar, while their respective fatty acyl substituent profiles differ quantitatively under identical cultivation conditions.
Purification of influenza virus glycoproteins for the preparation and standardization of immunological potency testing reagents

Antigenically stable hemagglutinin (HA) and enzymatically active neuraminidase (NA) have been isolated from a wide range of serologically distinct influenza virus strains. The simple purification technique requires non-ionic detergent solubilization and density gradient centrifugation to remove both the HA and the NA (HA-NA) from the whole virus. The NA is separated from the HA by affinity chromatography. Both products are highly antigenic and can be used to produce specific antisera needed in vaccine potency testing. An automated fluorescent protein assay was developed to measure, without detergent interference, the protein concentration of the purified viral components. This assay is highly sensitive, conservative of reagents and well suited for accurate reference vaccine calibration. The thermal stabilities of isolated HA and NA from several influenza virus subtypes are compared to delimit storage conditions of the purified products.
Comparative detectability of potato leafroll virus, potato virus X and potato virus S using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serologically specific electron microscopy (SSEM)

Detection of potato viruses in plants derived from tissue culture is sometimes difficult using ELISA when virus titers are low. Because of this, SSEM and ELISA were compared for the assay of dilution series of sap from potato plants known to be infected with PVX, PVS and potato leafroll virus. SSEM detected PVX, PVS and PLRV at 10, 10 and 100 times greater dilutions respectively than ELISA. SSEM was an effective method to check on or confirm ELISA questionable results.
A liquid film (soap film) tunnel to study two-dimensional laminar and turbulent shear flows

A new experimental approach to study two-dimensional flow phenomena is presented which uses a novel device capable of producing purely two-dimensional flows. In this new technique, a suspended liquid film (a soap film) is set in motion in a long frame using a planar water jet as a pulling mechanism. By producing film velocities up to 250 cm/s, this device can generate a variety of shear flows for quantitative studies via laser Doppler velocimetry. Several examples of shear flows are presented. It is shown that this device can be valuable tool in establishing a quantitative experimental basis for two-dimensional flows including wakes, jets, mixing layers and grid-generated turbulence.
Radiation Hardness of a High Speed ECL Microcircuit

The results of gamma irradiation (both break-out transistors and complete microcircuits) lead us to conclude that circuits produced using this process are very tolerant to this type of hostile environment. This would indicate good surface passivation resulting in low surface leakage currents. The circuits are reasonably tolerant to neutron radiation. As expected, the transistor current gains are degraded. However, the circuits are still functional after exposure to 1 × 1015 n/cm2. The probable reasons for this tolerance are (1) the construction necessary to produce such high speed circuitry results in a very narrow base region with a small emitter-base depletion region and (2) Emitter Coupled Logic operates at higher currents (than TTL for example) and the gain is degraded less (relatively) at higher currents (and thus higher operating frequencies). The above conclusion regarding higher tolerance at higher frequency is true for ECL circuits in general and this differential configuration in particular. However, it is not valid for high-speed circuits in general. If transistors are switched at higher current levels for higher frequencies, they would probably be more tolerant to neutron radiation. Each high speed logic family will have to be evaluated on its own merits and for particular applications for use in radiation environments. Another result that would be desirable is the transient response of the complete microcircuit to ionizing radiation pulses.
Quantification of HIV-1-specific T-cell responses at the mucosal cervicovaginal surface.

OBJECTIVE To characterize HIV-1 specific cellular immune responses at mucosal surfaces using a rapid, sensitive enzyme-linked immuno-spot (ELISPOT) technique. DESIGN Cervicovaginal mononuclear cells obtained from cytobrush and cervicovaginal lavage were assessed for production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) in response to stimulation by HIV-1 antigens. HIV-1 specific responses were compared in a cross-sectional study of two HIV-1-positive patient groups: women not currently on antiretroviral therapy with peripheral CD4 cell counts > 250 x 10(6)/l (n = 12); and women on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (n = 9). METHODS Mononuclear cells from peripheral blood or cervicovaginal specimens were assessed in an ELISPOT assay for responses to HIV-1 antigens expressed by recombinant vaccinia viruses. This assay detects primarily CD8 T cells and shows good correlation with MHC class I tetramer staining of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. RESULTS HIV-1 specific IFN-gamma spot-forming cells were detected in cervicovaginal samples of one out of nine women (11%) on HAART and five out of 12 women (42%) not currently on HAART. In peripheral blood mononuclear cells, HIV-1 specific IFN-gamma spot-forming cells were significantly more numerous in women not currently on HAART than in women on HAART (P = 0.009). In most cases, antigens recognized by mucosal T cells were also recognized by PBMC; however, there were exceptions. CONCLUSIONS HIV-1-specific antigen-reactive T cells may be detected in routine, noninvasive gynecological specimens. The results suggest that cervicovaginal HIV-1-specific T cells may be less numerous in individuals on HAART than in those not on HAART, as shown previously for HIV-1-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.
A high resolution 4π alpha spectrometer with silicon surface barrier detectors

An alpha counting system has been designed which gives counting geometry of nearly 4π with resolution capabilities of 25 keV or better. The alpha source is electro-deposited onto a thin gold foil which is sandwiched between two silicon surface barrier detectors. Alpha pulses from the two detectors are amplified, normalized and summed as a single pulse height spectrum. The techniques for the electrodeposition of the alpha activity onto the thin gold foil are described.
Interaction of Negative Pions with Mercury

Radiochemical separation of expected fission products from mercury irradiated with 122-Mev ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ mesons demonstrates that fission occurs. The fission products are distributed in yield similar to those from the fission of mercury by high-energy neutrons. The branching ratio for meson fission is about 0.5 percent. Thallium activities found in the meson-irradiated mercury are explained as produced by secondary fast protons.
Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis of Degree of Polymerization in Unfilled Resins—Methods Comparison

Two methods of transmission Fourier Transform Infrared analysis were compared to determine the degree of polymerization (DP) in unfilled Bis-GMA-based dental resins. Diluent concentration, curing mode, and activator type were investigated. DP ranged from 55-72% and was highest for the most diluted resins. The effects of polymerization activation mode and type were insignificant. DP was slightly enhanced in the bulk of the resin, as determined by a KBr-pellet technique, in comparison with results from a thin film method, but both techniques seem to provide useful and reproducible results for dental resins.
Bilingual Education in Rural Schools with Native and Non-Native Students: Indigenous-Language Programme Elements for an Inclusive Model

The inclusive bilingual-education programme suggestions and insights presented here are derived from grassroots input on the Flathead Reservation. This study focuses on the emic point of view. Views from the inside are valuable because they provide authoritative interpretations of local conditions. The author conducted 101 interviews with 89 educational stakeholders holding diverse perspectives on indigenous-language education in public schools on the Reservation. The bilingualeducation components addressed by the research participants include objectives, target population, frequency, and curriculum. Some of the participants' suggestions are applicable reservation-wide and some are specific to one of the three rural school districts selected for the study. These data are separately analysed and reported in two different sections in this paper. Although the envisioned bilingual-education programme will not, by itself, save any language, it can complement other community efforts by supporting Native-languag...
Hydroxyproline content determines the denaturation temperature of chick tendon collagen.

Abstract A series of nine procollagen samples in which the hydroxyproline content varied from
Actor theories in rewriting logic

The actor theory framework is a general semantic framework, based on the actor computation model, for specifying and reasoning about components of open distributed systems. It can be used to define both operational and trace-like interaction semantics for actor programming languages and specification notations. It can also be used to directly specify actor system components. The framework allows descriptions of system components written using different notations or at different levels of abstraction to be related: translations between actor programming languages can be shown to preserve interaction semantics, notions of satisfaction and refinement for specification notations can be defined and, using actor theory transformations, different descriptions of a component can be shown to be equivalent. In this paper we define the notion of an equationally presented actor theory and a mapping of equational presentations to theories in rewriting logic. We show that this mapping gives a correct representation of actor theory semantics by defining a correspondence between finite actor theory computations and rewrite theory proofs. To treat infinite computations and admissibility we extend the rewriting logic initial model construction to include infinite proofs, extend the mapping to infinite computations, and show that the correspondence preserves interaction semantics.
Multiple sequence signals direct recognition and degradation of protein substrates by the AAA+ protease HslUV.

Abstract Proteolysis is important for protein quality control and for the proper regulation of many intracellular processes in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Discerning substrates from other cellular proteins is a key aspect of proteolytic function. The Escherichia coli HslUV protease is a member of a major family of ATP-dependent AAA+ degradation machines. HslU hexamers recognize and unfold native protein substrates and then translocate the polypeptide into the degradation chamber of the HslV peptidase. Although a wealth of structural information is available for this system, relatively little is known about mechanisms of substrate recognition. Here, we demonstrate that mutations in the unstructured N-terminal and C-terminal sequences of two model substrates alter HslUV recognition and degradation kinetics, including changes in Vmax. By introducing N- or C-terminal sequences that serve as recognition sites for specific peptide-binding proteins, we show that blocking either terminus of the substrate interferes with HslUV degradation, with synergistic effects when both termini are obstructed. These results support a model in which one terminus of the substrate is tethered to the protease and the other terminus is engaged by the translocation/unfolding machinery in the HslU pore. Thus, degradation appears to consist of discrete steps, which involve the interaction of different terminal sequence signals in the substrate with different receptor sites in the HslUV protease.
Reduction of digoxin effect during the digoxin-quinidine interaction.

The effects of the digoxin-quinidine interaction on cardiac function was examined in healthy subjects. Our results indicate that while serum digoxin levels were elevated, the improved cardiac function due to digoxin declined during combined therapy. Our data also provide an alternate explanation for the changes previously interpreted as “enhanced digitalis effects” during the interaction. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1984) 35, 317–321; doi:10.1038/clpt.1984.36
Radiation Sensitivity of High Performance Computing Applications on Kepler-Based GPGPUs

In this paper we assess and discuss the radiation sensitivity of a set of HPC applications executed on NVIDIA K20 GPGPUs. The occurrence of both radiation-induced silent data corruption and functional interruption will be experimentally addressed for Hotspot, LavaMD, and Matrix Transponse. Each of the tested codes requires a proper computational power and elaborates a different amount of data. Both these characteristics play a significant role in the application radiations sensitivity. Additionally, an evaluation of the error rate at sea level will be provided for all the tested codes.
Human SWI/SNF Interconverts a Nucleosome between Its Base State and a Stable Remodeled State

Abstract The human SWI/SNF complex remodels nucleosome structure in an ATP-dependent manner, although the nature of this change has not been determined. Here we show that hSWI/SNF and ATP generate an altered nucleosomal structure that is stable in the absence of SWI/SNF. This product has an altered sensitivity to digestion by DNAse, restriction enzymes, and micrococcal nuclease, and an increased affinity for GAL4. It has the same protein composition but is approximately twice the size of a normal nucleosome. Incubation of the altered nucleosome with hSWI/SNF converts this structure back to a standard nucleosome in an ATP-dependent process. These results suggest that hSWI/SNF acts by facilitating an exchange between normal and altered, more accessible, nucleosome conformations.
Molecular Mechanisms of Retinoid Receptors in Diabetes-Induced Cardiac Remodeling

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients, is characterized by ventricular dysfunction, in the absence of coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension. There is no specific therapeutic strategy to effectively treat patients with DCM, due to a lack of a mechanistic understanding of the disease process. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of vitamin A, is involved in a wide range of biological processes, through binding and activation of nuclear receptors: retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and retinoid X receptors (RXR). RAR/RXR-mediated signaling has been implicated in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Recently, it has been reported that activation of RAR/RXR has an important role in preventing the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, through improving cardiac insulin resistance, inhibition of intracellular oxidative stress, NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses and the renin-angiotensin system. Moreover, downregulated RAR/RXR signaling has been demonstrated in diabetic myocardium, suggesting that impaired RAR/RXR signaling may be a trigger to accelerate diabetes-induced development of DCM. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of retinoid receptors in the regulation of cardiac metabolism and remodeling under diabetic conditions is important in providing the impetus for generating novel therapeutic approaches for the prevention and treatment of diabetes-induced cardiac complications and heart failure.
Elbow arrester for windfarm collector circuit protection

The collector circuits of large windfarms contain hundreds of circuit miles of underground cable and equipment. Voltage transients which enter the underground system propagate as traveling waves which can double in magnitude when they reach an open point. Deadfront arresters are applied at the ends of collector circuit feeders to limit transient overvoltages to an acceptable level. This paper provides a description of the design, application, and testing of an elbow arrester for collector circuit application.
Some chemical aspects of solar energy utilization

Abstract For solar energy to have a significant impact on the energy economy of the United States, hundreds of square miles of solar collectors will have to be constructed. The chemistry of materials fabrication and stability will play an important role in the economics of collector fabrication and service life. This paper reviews some of the materials aspects of the materials involved and the environments to which they are exposed. In many cases, few data are available on the applicability of materials to solar applications.