cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dopa accumulation is a measure of dopamine synthesis in the median eminence and posterior pituitary.

A radioenzymatic assay was employed to measure the accumulation of DOPA in a variety of rat brain tissues 30 min after the administration of a decarboxylase inhibitor in order to estimate the activity of dopamine (DA) nerves which terminate in these regions. In the median eminence and posterior pituitary the accumulation of DOPA appears to occur primarily in DA nerves since: (1) the rate of synthesis of norepinephrine (NE), as estimated from theα-methyltyrosine-induced decline of catecholamines, accounts for less than 10% of total catecholamine synthesis in these two brain regions; and (2) the accumulation of DOPA is not significantly altered when the NE concentrations in these regions are reduced to 40–50% of control by prior intraventricular injections of 6-hydroxydopamine. These results suggest that the accumulation of DOPA in the median eminence and the posterior pituitary can be used to estimate the activity of tuberoinfundibular and tuberohypophyseal DA nerves, respectively.
Identifying Linking-Pin Organizations in Inter-Organizational Networks

Within the large literature on inter-organizational networks, there has been some discussion of linking-pin organizations and the role they play in integrating these networks. Based on this verbal specification of linking-pin organizations, we construct operational criteria and empirical methods for identifying these structurally important organizations in potentially large and complex inter-organizational networks. These methods are based on ideas drawn from blockmodeling, structural holes, centrality and centralization of networks, and identifying cut-points in networks. These methods are applied to a constructed example and then to real empirical inter-organizational networks. Implications and contrasts with other methods are discussed, together with some open problems.
Changes in the Expression of Calcitonin Receptor-Like Receptor, Receptor Activity-Modifying Protein (RAMP) 1, RAMP2, and RAMP3 in Rat Uterus During Pregnancy, Labor, and by Steroid Hormone Treatments

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its related peptide, adrenomedullin (AM), are potent smooth muscle relaxants in a variety of tissues. The CGRP has been reported to play an important role in maintaining uterine relaxation during pregnancy. We have previously reported that CGRP-induced uterine relaxation was gestationally regulated. Calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR), a seven-domain transmembrane protein functions as CGRP-A receptor, in association with receptor activity-modifying protein (RAMP) 1, a single-domain transmembrane protein, whereas CRLR and RAMP2 or RAMP3 constitute a receptor for AM. In the present investigation, we examined the mRNA expression of CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2, and RAMP3 in rat uterus (n = 8) by reverse transcriptional analysis and polymerase chain reaction to assess the changes in the expression of CGRP-A- and AM-receptor components during pregnancy and labor and by steroid hormone treatments in adult ovariectomized rats. The changes in mRNA are expressed relative to the 18S mRNA in the uterus of rats at various stages: nonpregnant, pregnant on Day 18, spontaneous labor at term, Day 2 postpartum, and in pregnant rats on treatment with RU486. Ovariectomized rats treated for 3 days twice daily s.c. with estradiol-17beta (2.5 microg/injection), progesterone (2 mg/injection), and the combination of estradiol-17beta and progesterone (same doses as above) were also examined for the expression of various receptor components. Results showed that mRNA expression of the receptor components was significantly higher (P < 0.001 for CRLR, P < 0.01 for RAMP1, P < 0.05 for RAMP2, and P < 0.01 for RAMP3) in pregnant compared to nonpregnant rats. Except for RAMP3, expression of all the other three genes decreased significantly (P < 0.05) during labor. A progesterone antagonist, RU486 significantly decreased (P < 0.01 for CRLR, P < 0.05 for RAMP1, RAMP2, and RAMP3) all the receptor components during pregnancy. In adult ovariectomized rats, progesterone caused significant increases in CRLR (P < 0.001), RAMP1 (P < 0.05), and RAMP2 (P < 0.01). Levels of RAMP3 were unaffected by the progesterone treatment. Estradiol-17beta treatment decreased all of the four receptor components significantly (P < 0.01 for CRLR, P < 0.05 for RAMP1, RAMP2, and RAMP3). Our results demonstrate that both CGRP and AM may play a role in uterine quiescence during pregnancy and that their receptor components are regulated by the steroid hormones.
Effects of three systemic insecticides on seed germination and growth ofPinus halepensis seedlings

The systemic insecticides Acephate, Chlorpyrifos, and Oxamyl were variously toxic toPinus halepensis seeds and seedlings. When applied directly to seeds. Oxyamyl completely suppressed germination; Acetate and Chlorpyrifos greatly inhibited germination. The insecticides either prevented emergence or inhibited elongation of cotyledons and radicals. The insecticides were toxic to youngPinus halepensis seedlings whether applied to the soil or as shoot dips. Oxamyl was the most toxic of the three insecticides
β-sheet breaker peptide inhibitor of Alzheimer's amyloidogenesis with increased blood–brain barrier permeability and resistance to proteolytic degradation in plasma

Short synthetic peptides homologous to the central region of Abeta but bearing proline residues as beta-sheet blockers have been shown in vitro to bind to Abeta with high affinity, partially inhibit Abeta fibrillogenesis, and redissolve preformed fibrils. While short peptides have been used extensively as therapeutic drugs in medicine, two important problems associated with their use in central nervous system diseases have to be addressed: (a) rapid proteolytic degradation in plasma, and (b) poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Recently, we have demonstrated that the covalent modification of proteins with the naturally occurring polyamines significantly increases their permeability at the BBB. We have extended this technology to iAbeta11, an 11-residue beta-sheet breaker peptide that inhibits Abeta fibrillogenesis, by covalently modifying this peptide with the polyamine, putrescine (PUT), and evaluating its plasma pharmacokinetics and BBB permeability. After a single intravenous bolus injection in rats, both 125I-YiAbeta11 and 125I-PUT-YiAbeta11 showed rapid degradation in plasma as determined by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) precipitation and paper chromatography. By switching to the all D-enantiomers of YiAbeta11 and PUT-YiAbeta11, significant protection from degradation by proteases in rat plasma was obtained with only 1.9% and 5.7% degradation at 15 min after intravenous bolus injection, respectively. The permeability coefficient x surface area product at the BBB was five- sevenfold higher in the cortex and hippocampus for the 125I-PUT-D-YiAbeta11 compared to the 125I-D-YiAbeta11, with no significant difference in the residual plasma volume. In vitro assays showed that PUT-D-YiAbeta11 retains its ability to partially inhibit Abeta fibrillogenesis and dissolve preformed amyloid fibrils. Because of its five- to sevenfold increase in permeability at the BBB and its resistance to proteolysis in the plasma, this polyamine-modified beta-sheet breaker peptide may prove to be an effective inhibitor of amyloidogenesis in vivo and, hence, an important therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Consistent inhibition of HIV-1 replication in CD4+ T cells by acyclovir without detection of human herpesviruses.

Acyclovir, a nucleoside analog, is thought to be specific for the human herpesviruses because it requires a virally encoded enzyme to phosphorylate it to acyclovir monophosphate. Recently, acyclovir triphosphate was shown to be a direct inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase. Here, we showed that acyclovir is an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in CD4 + T cells from cord blood that have undetectable levels of the eight human herpesviruses. Additionally, acyclovir phosphates were detected by reverse-phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and quantified in a primer extension assay from cord blood. The data support acyclovir as an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in herpesvirus-negative cells.
Public bookmarks and private benefits: An analysis of incentives in social computing

Users of social computing websites are both producers and consumers of the information found on the site. This creates a novel problem for web-based software applications: how can website designers induce users to produce information that is useful for others? We study this question by interviewing users of the social bookmarking website del.icio.us. We find that for the users in our sample, metadata reflecting who bookmarked a webpage better supports information seeking than free-form keyword metadata (tags). We explain this finding by describing differences in the way that the design of del.icio.us motivates users to contribute by providing personal benefits for bookmarking and tagging.
Numerical analysis of electromagnetic wave scattering and interaction based on frequency-domain integral equation and method of moments techniques

Abstract This paper discusses numerical modeling of electromagnetic wave scattering and interaction by general arbitrary-shaped two- and three-dimensional material objects in free space based on the frequency-domain integral equation method. Depending on the type of material object modeled, straightforward electromagnetic boundary value problems can be set up in terms of a set of coupled integro-differential equations with unknown surface equivalent current distributions. These unknown surface equivalent currents are determined by a numerical technique based on the method of moments (MOM) which involves reducing the exact coupled integro-differential equations to a corresponding partitioned dense matrix equation. Various electromagnetic fields (penetrating, near scattered, and far scattered) as well as the radar cross section can be calculated once the unknown surface current distributions are determined. Canonical two- and three-dimensional scattering and interaction examples are reported which illustrate the capabilities of this method for analyzing arbitrary-shaped objects comprised of conducting, dielectric, and anisotropic materials. For specific geometries, both the induced surface current distribution and the corresponding radar cross section are presented with either analytical or code-to-code validations. The paper concludes with a discussion of means to extend the applicability of the integral equation modeling technique to the case of electrically-large material objects.
Transport of hydrophobic organics by colloids through porous media 1. Experimental results

Abstract The transport of two hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs), namely, phenanthrene and pyrene, through model porous media (glass microsphere and quartz sand) in the presence of a homogenous colloid (polystyrene latex) was studied. The sorption and desorption of colloids were dependent on the pH and ionic strenght of the porewater. The sorption of colloids was only partially reversible even after modifying the aqueous solution chemistry, viz. the ionic strength and pH. The organic sorption on the porous media was directly related to the behavior of colloids. In the absence of an electrolyte, the HOCs showed an early brakthrough in the presence of the colloids compared to that without colloids. At higher ionic strength, the colloids were deposited on the porous medium. Owing to their high sorbed mass on the colloids, the HOCs remained on the porous material, thus decreasing their mobility in the column. Mobile colloids in porewater have been shown to impact the transport of HOCs through porous media.
Ventilation response thresholds do not change with age or self-reinforcement in workers of the bumble bee Bombus impatiens

The response threshold model is a potential mechanism for task allocation in social insects, and it assumes that workers vary in the levels of task stimuli to which they respond. Furthermore, response thresholds of individual workers may change over time through self-reinforcement (experience), such that workers become more sensitive to task stimuli. However, in addition to self-reinforcement, aging is another process that occurs through time. Distinguishing whether response thresholds change within workers due to self-reinforcement or aging may give insight into the flexibility of this task allocation mechanism. Using a ventilation paradigm, we manipulated workers of Bombus impatiens to have either repeated or lack of exposures to increases in nest air temperature, thereby allowing us to manipulate experience and thus self-reinforcement. Nest air temperature was the task stimulus, and ventilation (fanning) was the behavioral response. We found that ventilation response thresholds do not decrease either with age or experience in workers of B. impatiens, contrary to what has been reported for B. terrestris workers (Weidenmuller, 2004). Instead, we found high levels of intra-individual variation in response thresholds. Our results also show that workers with lower average response thresholds respond to heating events with higher probability than those with higher ventilation thresholds. These results provide insight into the role of the response threshold framework for task allocation; we also discuss how response probabilities may play a role in task allocation among workers.
A His-Pro-Aib peptide that exhibits an Asx-Pro-turn-like structure

Small peptides 1 and 2, which differ only in that 1 possesses a BOC-Phe residue at the N-terminus, where 2 bears a BOC-(τ-benzyl)His, were found to exhibit very different structures. In both the solid state (X-ray) and in solution (NMR and IR), peptide 1 exists as a β-turn, whereas peptide 2 exists in a conformation that resembles the Asx-Pro motif.
Cephalocele detection in utero: sonographic and clinical features

Sonographic and clinical features of 26 fetal cephaloceles were reviewed retrospectively. The most frequent reason for referral was elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels. The smallest lesion identified was 0.4 × 0.5 cm (frontal, at 20 weeks); the largest was 9.0 × 10.0 cm (frontal, at 27 weeks). Twenty-four of 26 cephaloceles were detected on prenatal ultrasound examination; in 13 of these, more than 50% of the intracranial contents were exteriorized. Fifteen of 24 cephaloceles detected prenatally had a sulcal pattern (identified between 16 and 36 weeks' gestation); five were solid without a sulcal pattern (identified between 13 and 21 weeks' gestation), three were cystic, and one underwent a change in appearance from solid at 21 weeks to cystic at 26 weeks. Other cranial features were evaluated and included visible skull defect, seen in 23/24 (96%), ventriculomegaly, in 6/26 (23%); microcephaly, in 12/24 (50%); beaked tectal plate, in 6/16 (38%); and flattened basiocciput, in 9/24 (38%). Of the 26 cases, 14 had normal amniotic fluid volume, five had oligohydramnios and seven had polyhydramnios. Fetuses with oligohydramnios had the highest incidence of concurrent fetal abnormalities; four of five fetuses (80%) with oligohydramnios had additional structural abnormalities. In the overall population, a very high incidence of other abnormalities was found; 17/26 (65%) cases showed additional abnormalities, some of which were not detected by ultrasound. Five fetuses had Meckel-Gruber syndrome and three had amniotic band syndrome. Only one of the 18 karyotypes obtained was abnormal (trisomy 18). Survival was very poor; only two of the eight who survived until birth are currently living. Copyright © 1995 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Saccharomyces cerevisiae deletion strains with complex DNA content profiles

To identify Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes required for the proper timing of cell cycle transitions, we previously reported a systematic examination of the DNA content of homozygous diploid deletion strains. However, deletion strains with complex DNA content profiles were not examined in that study. Here, we report S. cerevisiae genes that when deleted give rise to DNA content profiles consistent with roles of the corresponding gene products during DNA replication. We also identified a set of genes whose deletion leads to increased DNA content, consistent with defects in mitosis, cytokinesis, or cell separation. Finally, we examined known interactions between the gene products of each group, placing these gene products in functional networks. Taken together, the data we present further validate the roles of the corresponding gene products in these processes, facilitating efforts to delineate gene function critical for genome replication, maintenance, and segregation.
Tuboovarian Abscess in the Adolescent

Tuboovarian abscess is a serious consequence of pelvic inflammatory disease, especially in the adolescent population. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further sequelae including infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Not all patients, however, present with pelvic pain, pelvic mass, fever, and leukocytosis. We present the case of a sexually active 15-year-old black girl who presented with mild abdominal pain and excessive vaginal bleeding without pelvic mass, fever, or leukocytosis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 66 mm/h. Pelvic ultrasound revealed bilateral complex ovarian masses. At laparoscopy, the patient had bilateral tuboovarian abscesses with extensive adhesions to the pelvic side walls. This case illustrates the need for a high index of suspicion of tuboovarian abscess in sexually active adolescents.
Characterization of the zinc-containing metalloprotease encoded by zpx and development of a species-specific detection method for Enterobacter sakazakii

Enterobacter sakazakii causes a severe form of neonatal meningitis that occurs as sporadic cases as well as outbreaks. The disease has been epidemiologically associated with consumption of reconstituted, dried infant formulas. Very little information is available regarding pathogenicity of the organism and production of virulence factors. Clinical and environmental strains were screened for production of factors which have activity against Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells in tissue culture. Polymyxin B lysate and sonicate preparations but not culture supernatants from the strains caused “rounding” of CHO cells. Subsequent studies showed that the CHO cell-rounding factor is a proteolytic enzyme that has activity against azocasein. The cell-bound protease was isolated by using a combination of polymyxin B lysis, followed by sonication of cells harvested from tryptone broth. The protease was purified to homogeneity by sequential ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration chromatography with Sephadex G-100, hydrophobic interaction chromatography with phenyl-Sepharose CL-4B, and a second gel filtration with Sephadex G-100. In addition to activity against azocasein, the purified protease also exhibits activity against azocoll and insoluble casein but not elastin. The protease has a molecular weight of 38,000 and an isoelectric point of 4.4. It is heat labile and for maximal activity against azocasein has an optimum temperature of 37°C and a pH range of 5 to 7. Proteolytic activity is inhibited by ortho-phenanthroline and Zincov but is not affected by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride, N-ethylmaleimide, and trypsin inhibitors, which demonstrates that the protease is a zinc-containing metalloprotease. The metalloprotease does not hemagglutinate chicken or sheep erythrocytes. Twenty-three to 27 of the first 42 N-terminal amino acid residues of the metalloprotease are identical to proteases produced by Serratia proteamaculans, Pectobacterium carotovorum, and Anabaena sp. PCR analysis using primers designed from a consensus nucleotide sequence showed that 135 E. sakazakii strains possessed the metalloprotease gene, zpx, and 25 non-E. sakazakii strains did not. The cloned zpx gene of strain 29544 consists of 1,026 nucleotides, and the deduced amino acid sequence of the metalloprotease has 341 amino acid residues, which corresponds to a theoretical protein size of 37,782 with a theoretical pI of 5.23. The sequence possesses three well-characterized zinc-binding and active-site motifs present in other bacterial zinc metalloproteases.
EFFECT OF FINE AGGREGATE REPLACEMENT WITH CLASS F FLY ASH ON THE ABRASION RESISTANCE OF CONCRETE

Abstract This paper presents the abrasion resistance of concrete proportioned to have four levels of fine aggregate replacement (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) with Class F fly ash. A control mixture with ordinary Portland cement was designed to have 28 days compressive strength of 26 MPa. Specimens were subjected to abrasion testing in accordance with Indian Standard Specifications (IS: 1237). Tests were also performed for fresh concrete properties and compressive strength. Tests on compressive strength and abrasion were performed up to 365 days. Test results indicated that abrasion resistance and compressive strength of concrete mixtures increased with the increase in percentage of fine aggregate replacement with fly ash. Abrasion resistance of concrete was improved approximately by 40% over control mixture with 40% replacement of fine aggregate with fly ash, and concrete with fine aggregate replacement could be suitably used.
Plasma Channel Formation and Guiding during High Intensity Short Pulse Laser Plasma Experiments

A plasma channel is formed behind a self-guided, subpicosecond, 2 TW laser pulse in a hydrogen gas jet plasma. The channel is produced from the radial expulsion of plasma ions due to charge separation created in the displacement (or cavitation) of plasma electrons by the large ponderomotive force of the laser. Using Thomson scattering diagnostics and mode structure measurements, an intense trailing laser pulse $(I\ensuremath{\sim}5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{16}\mathrm{W}/{\mathrm{cm}}^{2})$ is observed to be guided throughout the length of this channel for about 20 Rayleigh lengths, approximately equal to the propagation length of the self-guided pump laser pulse.
The 25(OH)D3/1α,25(OH)2D3-24R-hydroxylase: a catabolic or biosynthetic enzyme?

The kidney is the major source of the circulating dihydroxylated metabolites of vitamin D, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1α,25(OH)2D3] and 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [24R,25(OH)2D3]. The enzymes which catalyze the production of these two dihydroxylated vitamin D metabolites are the 25(OH)D3-1α-hydroxylase (1α-hydroxylase) and –24R-hydroxylase (24R-hydroxylase), respectively. While there is no controversy regarding the fundamental importance of the 1α-hydroxylase in the production of the steroid hormone 1α,25(OH)2D3, the biologic significance of the 24R-hydroxylase has been the subject of ongoing discussion. Some hold that it is strictly catabolic, leading to side chain oxidation and cleavage of 25-hydroxylated vitamin D sterols, and others hold that it plays a biosynthetic role in the production of 24R,25(OH)2D3 which has biologic activities distinct from those of 1α,25(OH)2D3. The 24R-hydroxylase has properties in common with other multicatalytic steroidogenic enzymes: (1) the enzyme carries out multiple oxidative and carbon-carbon bond cleavages; (2) it utilizes two natural substrates; (3) its regulation varies depending on the cell or tissue in which it occurs. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature relevant to the characteristics of the 24R-hydroxylase and its regulation in the context of other multicatalytic steroid hydroxylases in order to provide a perspective regarding its possible function as both a catabolic and activating enzyme in the vitamin D endocrine system.
A discontinuous finite element method for hyperbolic thermal wave problems

This paper presents an unstructured discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for the solution of hyperbolic heat conduction problems that have found a wide range of applications in the pulsating laser treatment of thin films for electronic and MEMS applications. The mathematical formulation is described in detail and computational procedures are given. The computational algorithm is validated using the analytical solution for 1D thermal wave equations. Numerical simulations are made for 2D and 3D thermal wave propagations in regular and complex geometric configurations exposed to ultra‐short laser pulses. The stability of the algorithm is also studied using the matrix eigenvalue method and appropriate time step is determined for simulations. The numerical solutions exhibit strong wave behavior and reflection and interactions of thermal waves at the boundaries in multi‐dimensions. Simulations also show that the thermal wave behavior disappears and the classical Fourier heat conduction resumes when there is an instantaneous response between the heat flux and temperature gradient.
Osmotic regulation in the crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus, stepwise acclimated to dilution of sea water

Abstract 1. 1. Crayfish were stepwise acclimated ro 20, 40, 60, 70, 80 and 00% sea water (100% = 30·67%). 2. 2. After 48 hr at each dilution, blood was analyzed for total osmotic concentration, sodium, chloride, potassium and calcium. Abdominal muscle was analyzed for sodium, chloride, potassium and free amino nitrogen. Per cent water content of whole animal and muscle was also determined. 3. 3. Under the conditions of these experiments, Pacifastacus is able to regulate its hypo-osmotically. 4. 4. Muscle sodium and chloride increased at the higher salinites but muscle amino nitrogen remained unchanged. 5. 5. Water content in both whole animal and muscle tissue did not change with salinity stress. Blood volume, measured with the inulin duiltuion technique, was the same at all salinities tested except 100% sea water, where a significant increase occured. 6. 6. Survival experiments showed that this crayfish can tolerate 70% sea water, a medium in which hypo-osmotic regulation occures, for atleast 21 days.
Significance of metal ions in galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase: an essential structural zinc and a nonessential structural iron.

Galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GalT) catalyzes the reversible transformation of UDP-glucose and galactose-1-phosphate (Gal-1-P) into UDP-galactose and glucose-1-phosphate (Glc- 1-P) by a double displacement mechanism, with the intermediate formation of a covalent uridylyl-enzyme (UMP-enzyme). GalT is a metalloenzyme containing 1.2 mol of zinc and 0.7 mol of iron/mol of subunits (Ruzicka, F. J., Wedekind, J. E., Kim, J., Rayment, I., and Frey, P. A. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 5610- 5617). The zinc site lies 8 A from His 166 in active site, and the iron site lies 30 A from the active site (Wedekind,J. E., Frey, P. A., & Rayment, I. (1995) Biochemistry 34, 11049-11061). Zinc is coordinated in tetrahedral geometry by Cys 52, Cys 55, His 115, and His 164. His 164 is part of the highly conserved active-site triad His 164-Pro 165-His 166, in which His 166 is the nucleophilic catalyst. Iron is coordinated in square pyramidal geometry with His 296, His 298, and Glu 182 in bidentate coordination providing the base ligands and His 281 providing the axial ligand. In the present study, site-directed mutagenesis, kinetic, and metal analysis studies show that C52S-, C55S-, and H164N-GalT are 3000-, 600-, and 10000-fold less active than wild-type. None of the variants formed the UMP-enzyme in detectable amounts upon reaction with UDP-Glc in the absence of Gal-1-P. Their zinc content was very low, and the zinc + iron content was about 50% of that for wild-type GalT. Mutation of His 115 to Asn 115 resulted in decreased activity to 2.9% of wild-type, with retention of zinc and iron. In contrast to the zinc-binding site, Glu 182 in the iron site is not important for enzymatic activity. The variant E182A -GalT displayed about half the activity of wild-type GalT, and all of the active sites underwent uridylylation to the UMP - enzyme, similar to wild-type GalT, upon reaction with UDP-Glc. Metal analysis showed that while E182A-GalT contained 0.9 equiv of zinc/subunit, it contained no iron. The residual zinc can be removed by dialysis with 1,10-phenanthroline, with the loss in activity being proportional to the amount of residual zinc. It is concluded that the presence of zinc is essential for maintaining GalT function, whereas the presence of iron is not essential.
Hybrid Technique for Calibrating Network-Level Performance Models of Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavements

Pavement performance models exist in various forms to cater to the pavement management agencies’ needs and resources. Well-calibrated models are needed to accurately predict future pavement conditions and to forecast and prioritize confidently the future rehabilitation and maintenance expenditures. Statistical tools are commonly used to develop the performance models. These statistical models may be impractical or misleading if they do not consider experts’ opinions. This paper presents a hybrid technique where statistical tools and expert knowledge are combined for the calibration of pavement performance models. This technique was validated using historical pavement condition data for continuously reinforced concrete pavements (CRCP) from the Texas Department of Transportation’s pavement management information system (TxDOT-PMIS). The recalibrated CRCP performance models obtained with the hybrid technique represent an improvement when compared to the current models since they merge expert opinion and statistical analysis, which better reflect field observations regarding distress initiation, distress evolution rate, and maximum allowable amount of distress growth.
Float-reaction between liquid bronze and magnesium aluminosilicate and ZnO-doped magnesium aluminosilicate glass–ceramic-forming glassmelts

Abstract Wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) was used to characterize the morphology of the reactions between a liquid bronze alloy (Cu–36 at.%Sn) and two magnesium aluminosilicate, glass–ceramic-forming glassmelts, one of which was doped significantly with ZnO. Two suites of experiments were pursued for each glassmelt, an isochronal series (30-min reactions with temperatures ranging from ∼1300 to 1400 °C) and an isothermal series (1350 °C reactions with durations ranging from 5 to 60 min). The reactions are decidedly complex. Transient behavior sees initially rapid incorporation of Cu +,2+ into the glassmelts, effected primarily by a redox couple involving the SiO 2 component of the aluminosilicate. This behavior gives way to a more dominant kinetic response in which Sn 2+,4+ is incorporated into the glassmelt in a reaction and chemical diffusion process that, in part, pulls the early-incorporated ionic copper back out of the aluminosilicate. In the case of the ZnO-doped glassmelt, coupled redox and interdiffusion of ionic Sn and ionic Zn is important in the longer-time response, giving rise to a Liesegang-band morphology. The extent of metal–silicate reaction diminishes as the temperature is increased, a thermodynamic effect related to the solution thermodynamics of the liquid bronze alloy. The reaction kinetics are interpreted following the Wagner–Schmalzried formalism for diffusion-effected redox reactions.
Speciation of aqueous methylmercury influences uptake by a freshwater alga (Selenastrum capricornutum)

Uptake of methylmercury (MeHg) by the alga Selenastrum capricornutum was measured in freshwater batch culture bioassays. The concentration of MeHg in the alga increased rapidly (within 15 min), reached a maximum by 6 h, and then declined because of growth dilution. The alga's rapid growth rate (doubling time, approximately 10 h) contributed to the importance of growth dilution. Conditional first-order rate constants were calculated for uptake (k1 = 6.95 x 10(-9) L/cell/h) and growth (kG = 0.07/h). A competitive synthetic ligand, disodium ethylenediaminetetra-acetate, formed strong complexes with MeHg and reduced MeHg uptake, consistent with the biotic ligand model. A conditional equilibrium formation constant (K) for the MeHg-algae complex was estimated to be approximately 10(16) and was used to model the influence of natural ligands on MeHg bioavailability. Model results suggested MeHg would be most bioavailable at concentrations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) less than 10 mg/L and increasingly unavailable at higher DOM concentrations for the specific humic acid modeled. Similarly, at molar concentrations of sulfide (and, possibly, metal-sulfide clusters) equal to approximately half the MeHg concentration, MeHg was predicted to be unavailable to algae because of the formation of strong 2:1 MeHg-sulfide complexes.
Modeling the neutralizing processes of acid precipitation in soils and glacial sediments of northern Ohio

Abstract Most studies of the acidic deposition phenomena have been focused on processes occurring in the northeastern USA and Scandinavia. In these regions the soil cover is thin, the bedrock is acidic, and the terrain has very poor acid buffering capacity. Most of the US Midwest, including northern Ohio, has been ignored because the terrain is covered by glacial sediments with an abundance of carbonate minerals. Yet, for the last three decades the area has been experiencing acidic precipitation with a pH range of 3.5–4.5. the lowest in the USA. Samples of precipitation, soil water, and shallow ground water from Leroy Township in Lake County, Ohio, and from Wooster Township in Wayne County, Ohio, were analyzed and processed using WATEQ3 and PHREEQE computer models to quantify the effects of the acidic deposition. The two regions are characterized by very similar topographic, geological and hydrogeological conditions. Although the cation content of the precipitation in both regions is similar, the anion concentrations are much higher (sulfate by 70%, nitrate by 14% and chloride by 167%) in Leroy, located 50 km east-northeast and downwind of the Cleveland-Akron industrial complex, than in Wooster, located 80 km south-southwest and off-wind from the industrial complex. Computer modeling results indicate that buffering of acidic deposition in the surficial sediments and glacial tills of the two regions is dominated apparently by calcite dissolution, and dissolution and exchange of hydrogen for magnesium ions are the dominant neutralizing processes. However, reaction simulations also suggest that the buffering capacity of the Leroy soils and tills has been depleted to a much greater degree than in Wooster Township. In Leroy more acidic input is reacting with less buffering material to produce lower soil and groundwater pH. The depletion of carbonate and alumino-silicate minerals in the soils of Leroy Township is occurring at a rate that is 3–5 times faster than in the same type of soils in Wooster Township.
Prenatal exposure to methadone affects central cholinergic neuronal activity in the weanling rat.

Abstract The effect of prenatal exposure to methadone via maternal osmotic minipumps was studied on brain regional acetylcholine (ACh) turnover and dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and their metabolites in 21-day-old female and male rats. ACh content was not affected in any region studied. However, the turnover rate of ACh (TR ACh ) was increased significantly in the striata and parietal cortices of both sexes. Two gender-specific changes were observed: a profound decrease in hypothalamic TR ACh in the females and an increase in hippocampal TR ACh in the males. No changes were observed in TR ACh in the medulla-pons or the frontal cortex of either sex. The reduction in TR ACh was accompanied by a threefold increase in DA content in the hypothalamus of the methadone-exposed females. No other changes were observed in DA, NE, or 5-HT, save for increased 5-HT content in the medulla-pons of the male methadone-exposed rats. Thus, prenatal methadone exposure produces several lingering changes in cholinergic function, many of which were not apparent in the immediate postnatal period. Although striatal ACh content was no longer reduced in methadone-exposed rats, striatal cholinergic function remains disrupted. It remains to be proven whether these differences are a direct effect of methadone exposure or are a consequence of neonatal withdrawal.
The sequence of marital conflict: An analysis of seven phases of marital conflict in distressed and nondistressed couples.

Abstract Seven sequential stages of marital conflict are delineated: (a) conflicts of interest, (b) stressful circumstances, (c) precipitating events, (d) engagement versus avoidance, (e) interaction scenario, (f) immediate outcome, and (g) return to normal. Selected theory and empirical research concerning differences between distressed and nondistressed couples are presented for these stages.
Stabilization of α-chymotrypsin at air–water interface through surface binding to gold nanoparticle scaffolds

Gold nanoparticles stabilize chymotrypsin (ChT) against denaturation at the air–water interface through catenation and preferential localization of the nanoparticles at the air–water interface with concomitant decrease in interfacial energy.
Evidence of proteoglycan/proteoglycan interactions within aggregates.

Nonaggregated proteoglycan monomers, digested fragments of the monomers, as well as link proteins have been shown to self-associate. These associations have not been shown to occur on the aggregate. However, previous reports, using the Kleinschmidt technique of monolayer electron microscopy, have noted proteoglycan subunits on the aggregate that appear to interact, either as branched proteoglycans or as proteoglycan subunits that appear to share the same attachment site on the hyaluronic acid chain. Branching and shared attachments were noted in all aggregates analyzed in this study. Increasing the average space between proteoglycan subunits on the reconstituted aggregated resulted in a significant decrease in branched proteoglycans, indicating either a weak association occurring on the aggregate, or an artifact created by a three-dimensional structure being reduced to a two-dimensional monolayer image. The shared attachments were independent of both the presence of link proteins and changes in spacing between proteoglycans, suggesting a proteoglycan—proteoglycan interaction occurring before aggregation. The interactions were not influenced by proteoglycan concentration at the time of aggregation. Link proteins, however, did increase the number of proteoglycans on the aggregate that could be cross-linked with a bifunctional reagent, suggesting that link proteins facilitate proteoglycan—proteoglycan interactions.
Running Thoughts on the Library Association Meeting

IT may be safe enough to have thoughts, running or otherwise, on British libraries and librarians after so brief an experience of them in their habitat: the folly may well be in the expression thereof. In this case, however, I have no hesitancy in speaking because my treatment was so generous and so kind that only pleasant, even flattering, thoughts remain.
Effect of colostrum administration by use of oroesophageal intubation on serum IgG concentrations in Holstein bull calves.

Objective—To determine the amount of colostral IgG required for adequate passive transfer in calves administered colostrum by use of oroesophageal intubation and evaluate the impact of other factors on passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins in calves. Animals—120 Holstein bull calves. Procedures—Calves were randomly assigned to specific treatment groups on the basis of volume of colostrum administered and age of calf at administration of colostrum. Colostrum was administered once by oroesophageal intubation. Equal numbers of calves received 1, 2, 3, or 4 L of colostrum, and equal numbers of calves received colostrum at 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, or 22 hours after birth. Serum samples were obtained from calves 48 hours after birth for IgG determination by radial immunodiffusion assay. Effects of factors affecting transfer of colostral immunoglobulins were determined by use of a stepwise multiple regression model and logistic regression models. Results—A minimum of 153 g of colostral IgG was required for opti...
User Assessment of Standard and Reduced-Size Numeric Keypads

As technology improves, portable computers become smaller and more compact. A clear design challenge is to provide a system that is as compact as possible without degrading system usability. The keyboard is still the primary input device for compact computers. Previous research has indicated that reduced key spacing adversely affects skilled typing. Therefore, a portable computer system should provide a keyboard with full-sized keys in the primary typing area. The purpose of this study was to determine if reducing key size and spacing adversely affects the usability of a numeric keypad. Skilled keypad operators compared a standard-size numeric keypad to two keypads that had reduced center-to-center key spacing. One of these keypads achieved its reduction primarily by reducing the key spacing. The other reduced both key size and spacing. (Note that the small changes in key size and spacing have little effect on the overall device dimensions of a numeric keypad.) Operators typed numbers faster with and pref...
Wide band recording of the electrocardiogram and coronary heart disease.

Abstract Wide band, high frequency electrocardiography employing an expanded time scale and both greater amplitude and a greater frequency response than conventional electrocardiographs reveals small notches in the QRS complex which are obscured in the conventional electrocardiogram. A total of more than three high frequency notches in Leads V 4 , V 5 , and V 6 plus the notches in the three largest limb leads suggests a high probability of coronary heart disease. This criterion is a modification of one we previously reported in that now fewer leads need be examined and slurs are not counted. In a control group of 100 normal subjects and 76 subjects with coronary artery disease used to develop this new criterion, there were 8 false positives (8 per cent) and 5 false negatives (7 percent). The Health Evaluation Center group provided 966 new subjects who were studied using the high frequency technique; 875 were classified as normal; 11 per cent had an abnormal number of notches. Of 24 patients with histories of myocardial infarction, 79 per cent showed excess notching. Of 12 subjects with angina pectoris, 7 showed excess notching. Notching in the 35 patients with uncomplicated hypertension and in 20 subjects with hypercholesterolemia was within the normal range. Twenty-four additional Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company employees were added to our long term study. Of these, two developed coronary artery disease. Both exhibited serial changes in the high frequency electrocardiogram. Wide band electrocardiography using the sum of the notches in the three largest limb leads and the notches in V 4 , V 5 , and V 6 is a useful adjunct for the detection of coronary heart disease especially when the conventional electrocardiogram is normal.
Observations on stratified flow over a bank at low Froude numbers

Abstract : In June 2011, a 9 day oceanographic survey was conducted over the East Flower Garden Bank, a coral reef, located on the outer shelf in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Current, temperature, conductivity, and microstructure measurements were collected to characterize flow evolution, turbulence, and mixing over the bank. During the experiment, the flow was highly stratified, subcritical (Froude number below 0.4), hydrostatic, and nonlinear with rotational effects being important. Observations showed that flow structure, turbulence, and mixing were highly dependent on the direction and strength of the current; thus, they varied spatially and temporarily. Responses resulting from interactions between the free-stream flow and the obstacle were significantly different on the upstream and downstream sides of the bank. Blocking and diverging of the flow just below the bank height was observed on the upstream side. On the downstream side, a wake with imbedded vortices developed. Moreover, turbulence was amplified over the bank top and on its downstream side. Turbulent dissipation rates were as high as 1026 W kg21 and resulted in measured rates of energy dissipation and mixing by turbulence per unit width as high as 40 W m21. Mixing in the downstream side was elevated with eddy diffusivities reaching 1023 m2 s21, well above a typical value of 1025 m2 s21 commonly found in the ocean thermocline and over shelves with flat topography. On the upstream side, estimated eddy diffusivities were close to that for the ocean thermocline, i.e., they were generally less than 0.531024 m2 s21.
INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING IN FIVE COHORTS OF STUDENTS: IS ATTITUDE CHANGE ROBUST?

Service-learning evaluation rarely compares different cohorts of students, so it is difficult to determine whether the findings are reliable. This study compared attitudinal change in five successive cohorts of intergenerational service-learning students (n = 59) enrolled in an introductory gerontology course at a major Midwestern university. Quantitative and qualitative data were used to investigate the attitudes of students. Results indicated that only Cohorts 1 and 2 showed significant positive change at posttest in overall attitude toward the elderly. Additionally, only Cohort 1 showed significant positive change at posttest in overall attitude toward working with elders and on an “I fear getting really old” item. Content analysis of open-ended questions indicated that Cohort 1 had the highest proportion of students with positive attitudes toward their own aging at the end of the service-learning. Possible explanations for these findings and implications for evaluation of intergenerational service-lea...
Consumer Perceptions of Product Variants Positioned on Atypical Attributes

How do consumers perceive new product variants that are positioned on atypical attributes? The authors investigate the joint effects of three factors? brand familiarity, retail shelf display, and consumer goal orientation. The study focuses on snack foods positioned on the atypical attribute of low fat. There are three main findings. First, although high (vs. low) brand familiarity causes relatively unfavorable perceptions on the positioning attribute, it also creates sufficiently favorable perceptions on another determinant attribute, product taste, resulting in a net positive effect for brand equity on purchase likelihood. Second, goal-based versus taxonomic shelf display (i.e., placement with health foods vs. regular snack foods) results in relatively negative perceptions on the positioning attribute, yet more favorable buying intentions. Finally, more (vs. less) health-oriented consumers rate such product variants less favorably on fat content but more favorably on product taste; the former segment is also more likely to buy such product variants.
The effect of plant material on the relationship between sodium acetate and sodium bicarbonate extractable phosphorus in a Latahco silt loam soil

Standardization of the P soil test procedures is desirable; however, both NaOAc and NaHCO3 are currently used to extract P from soils in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. The purpose of this...