cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spatial heterogeneity of biochar (segregation) in biochar-amended media: An overlooked phenomenon, and its impact on saturated hydraulic conductivity.

Abstract While the use of biochar as a soil amendment is gaining popularity for environmental and agricultural purposes, spatial heterogeneity of biochar (segregation) in biochar-amended media and its underlying causes have been overlooked. In this study, for the first time particle segregation in biochar-amended media and its impact on the media's saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K s a t ) were investigated. Two uniformly graded media were amended with different sizes of a wood-based biochar under dry and wet conditions. While the intended biochar volume fraction ( b f ) was 17.5%, in dry-packed columns biochar was often segregated and the measured b f ranged from 7.5 ± 0.8 SE% (SE = standard error) to 23.6 ± 1.8 SE% across all spatial locations. If, however, 20% water (volume of water/bulk volume of packed media) was added to the mixtures during mixing, homogeneous packings were achieved. In dry-packing, segregation was governed by the difference in the physical properties of the media and the biochar: particle size, density, and shape. In wet-packing, segregation was prevented due to the inter-particle adhesion forces associated with water. Although X-ray computed tomography images showed that the presence of segregation altered particle distributions and pore morphologies, the K s a t for wet-packed and dry-packed columns were statistically identical. The results of this study suggest that laboratory methods for packing biochar-amended media should include moisturizing the mixture to inhibit particle segregation. Mixing under wet conditions is recommended for any type of soil and biochar and for any scale of application, in both the laboratory and field.
Recipes for Political Party Success … and Failure

This essay reviews the following works: Democracy and Its Discontents in Latin America. Edited by Joe Foweraker and Dolores Trevizo. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2016. Pp. xi + 325. $79.95 hardcover. ISBN: 9781626372764. Reformas politicas a las organizaciones de partidos en America Latina (1978–2015). Edited by Flavia Freidenberg and Betilde Munoz-Pogossian. Lima: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Peru, Organizacion de los Estados Americanos, Instituto de Investigaciones Juridicas de la UNAM y Sociedad Argentina de Analisis Politico, 2016. Pp. 524. ISBN 9786124713408. Recycling Dictators in Latin American Elections: Legacies of Military Rule. By Brett J. Kyle. Boulder, CO: First Forum Press, 2016. Pp. xii + 267. $79.95 hardcover. ISBN: 9781626374379. Democratization and Authoritarian Party Survival: Mexico’s PRI. By Joy K. Langston. New York: Oxford University Press, 2017. Pp. xii + 256. $29.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780190628529. Challenges of Party-Building in Latin America. Edited by Steven Levitsky, James Loxton, Brandon Van Dyck, and Jorge I. Dominguez. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2016. Pp. xxii + 574. $105.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9781107145948. Life after Dictatorship: Authoritarian Successor Parties Worldwide. Edited by James Loxton and Scott Mainwaring. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2018. Pp. xxii + 405. $34.99 paperback. ISBN: 9781108445412. Party Systems in Latin America: Institutionalization, Decay, and Collapse. Edited by Scott P. Mainwaring. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2018. p. xxviii + 496. $39.99 paperback. ISBN: 9781316627525. Party Vibrancy and Democracy in Latin America. By Fernando Rosenblatt. New York: Oxford University Press, 2018. Pp. xiv + 280. $82.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9780190870041.
Factors associated with anxiety and depression among U.S. doctoral students: Evidence from the gradSERU survey.

This study examined whether program climate factors, stressors, demographic, and institutional variables were associated with doctoral students’ clinically significant generalized anxiety disorder ...
Common proanthocyanidin-rich foods modulate gastrointestinal blooms of Akkermansia muciniphila in a diet-dependent manner

Developing methods to modulate growth of the mucin-degrading gut bacterium Akkermansia muciniphila could benefit patients with different health needs, as A. muciniphila has been associated with both positive metabolic health outcomes and detrimental neurodegenerative outcomes. Growth of A. muciniphila is sensitive to plant-derived polyphenols, and particularly proanthocyanidins (PACs), when administered in isolated form at supraphysiological doses. However, it remains unclear whether doses sufficient for these effects are achievable via diet. Here, we explore the extent to which nutritionally relevant doses of common polyphenol-rich foods - berries, wine, and coffee - influence A. muciniphila abundance in C57BL/6J mice under varying dietary conditions. By administering polyphenol-rich whole foods, comparing polyphenol-depleted and PAC-rich versus PAC-poor food supplements, and through gradient PAC-dosing experiments, we show that PAC-rich foods uniquely induce A. muciniphila growth at doses that are feasibly achieved through routine diet. Notably, the effects of PAC supplementation were detected against a high-fat diet but not a low-fat control diet background, highlighting the importance of habitual diet strategies in either amplifying or mitigating the prebiotic effects of PAC-rich food consumption. Ultimately, our work suggests that both PACs and diet influence A. muciniphila abundance with downstream impacts for human health.
Does Warning Language Impact Perceptions? Results from an Exploratory Experiment Comparing English, Spanish, and Dual Language E-Cigarette Warnings among Spanish Speakers in the US

Abstract Tobacco warnings written in English may not be as effective among Spanish speakers. We explored whether warning perceptions differ based on exposure to English, Spanish, or dual language warnings. From December 2020 – January 2021, we conducted an online experiment with a convenience sample of 776 Spanish-speaking adults in the US, randomizing each to one of three warning conditions: English only, Spanish only, or dual (both English and Spanish). Multivariable linear and logistic regressions examined associations between warning exposure and perceptions. Of 776 participants, 291 preferred to read in Spanish, 55.5% were male, 62.5% were Hispanic, and 48.1% reported past 30-day e-cigarette use. Negative affect (β=1.79, p=.007), perceived message effectiveness (β =0.84, p=.007), and psychological reactance (β =1.55, p
An Algorithm for the One Commodity Pickup and Delivery Traveling Salesman Problem with Restricted Depot

In this paper we study the one commodity pickup-and-delivery traveling salesman problem with restricted depot (1-PDTSP-RD), which is a generalization of the classical traveling salesman problem (TSP). We first introduce a polynomial size integer programming formulation for the problem and then study the feasibility issue which is shown to be $\mathcal {NP}$ -complete by itself. In particular, we prove sufficient conditions for the feasibility of the problem and provide a polynomial algorithm to find a feasible solution. We also develop a bound on the cost of the 1-PDTSP-RD solution in terms of the cost of the TSP solution. Based on this bound, we provide a heuristic algorithm to solve the 1PDTSP-RD. Extensive numerical experiments are performed to evaluate the efficiency of both the exact and approximation algorithms.
Complex Litigation: A Tort 'Doorstop'

Commentary and analysis of the Report of the Working Group on Mass Torts of the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules, issued February 15, 1999. The Report includes three studies from the Federal Judicial Center, as well as potential solutions for consideration. The various appendices to the Report include materials relating to the Working Group’s meetings; a Judicial Conference Study on mass tort problems and proposals; and a Judicial Conference Team Project entitled “Individual Characteristics of Mass Tort Case Congregations.” The Report also includes a Judicial Conference study “Mass Torts & Limited Fund Bankruptcy Reorganization Settlements,” by Professor S. Elizabeth Gibson, discussing case studies of bankruptcy or limited fund settlements of mass torts arising from asbestos, breast implants, and orthopedic bone screws. The Report’s final appendix contains fourteen separate proposals for dealing with mass tort litigation.
Mass storage system experiences and future needs at the National Center for Atmospheric Research

A summary and viewgraphs of a discussion presented at the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) Mass Storage Workshop is included. Some of the experiences of the Scientific Computing Division at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) dealing the the 'data problem' are discussed. A brief history and a development of some basic mass storage system (MSS) principles are given. An attempt is made to show how these principles apply to the integration of various components into NCAR's MSS. Future MSS needs for future computing environments is discussed.
Effect of Storage on the Ability of 2-Mercaptoethanol to Inactivate γM Antibody

A solution of 2-mercaptoethanol began to lose its reducing capacity after storage for a few days.
The “creative capitalism” corporate governance model

Purpose – The purpose of this article is exploratory; to evaluate the arguments for “creative capitalism” as a viable market alternative, i.e. corporate governance model, for MNCs in lieu of the capitalist model under which they presently operate.Design/methodology/approach – The paper will first explore the attributes making up the creative capitalism model; second, compare the core attributes of capitalism to Gates' conception of creative capitalism; third, analyze how creative capitalism fits (or does not fit) within the concepts of global corporate citizenship; fourth, present arguments for creative capitalism to be considered as a viable economic opportunity for MNCs and review the latest management strategy frameworks available for implementation; and lastly, summarize the article's major arguments and offer conclusions on the viability of creative capitalism in the global economy.Findings – When compared to the essential components of capitalism and the expansion of government interference in the m...
Maternal thrombocytopenia in pregnancy

Thrombocytopenia is a common occurrence in pregnancy. Although pregnancy is associated with physiological changes in platelet count, several pathological conditions cause thrombocytopenia, which can have a significant impact on the mother and the baby. There are diverse etiologies for thrombocytopenia, some of which are unique to pregnancy. This review provides a detailed discussion of the diagnosis and management of the various causes of thrombocytopenia in pregnancy. .
Competing for the Effort of a Common Agent: Contingency Fees in Commercial Insurance

Many insurers pay insurance agencies annual contingency fees, or bonuses, for profitable sales in excess of stipulated sales targets. This paper asks whether the prospect of such contingency fees influences an agency's sales among competing insurers. The analysis makes use of data on sales by individual insurance agents working for a privately-held insurance agency from 1994 through 2000. Identification turns on the observation that only some agents in the sample, those with an ownership stake in the agency, have an incentive to respond to contingency fees. The remaining agents serve as a control group. In a series of mixed logits, the sales patterns of the two types of agents are contrasted. The paper finds agents with equity positions to be more likely than those without such positions to write insurance with insurers offering contingency fees. The effect is found for new sales, as well as renewals, and is particularly pronounced for accounts which are identified as being more susceptible to sales distortions. For such accounts, the analysis finds evidence that agents with an ownership stake consolidate sales with insurers with greater sales volume and more profitable sales, both of which increase the contingency fee paid to the agency.
Political Ecology of Globality and Diference

This article is about politics of difference and sameness that accompany the enactment of globality. Is about the dynamic of the imperial globality and its global regime of coloniality as one of the most salient features of the modern colonial world system in the early twenty-first century. It is also, in a literal sense, about the geopolitics of knowledge. It develops its argument, in part, borrowing from Joan Martinez Alier's definition of political ecology as the study of ecological distribution conficts. It argues that a Eurocentric globality has an obligatory counterpart in the systematic act of encubrimiento del otro. A kind of "global coloniality". Six concepts are key to understand this argument: place, capital, nature, development e identify. Colombia is a theater of this imperial globality.
Study of the binding environment of α-factor in its G protein-coupled receptor using fluorescence spectroscopy

Mating in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is induced by the interaction of alpha-factor (W1H2W3L4Q5L6K7P8G9Q10P11M12Y13) with its cognate G protein-coupled receptor (Ste2p). Fifteen fluorescently labeled analogs of alpha-factor in which the 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl (NBD) group was placed at the alphaN-terminus and in side-chains at positions 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 12 and 13 were synthesized and assayed for biological activity and receptor affinity. Eleven of the analogs retained 6-60% of the biological activity of the alpha-factor, as judged using a growth arrest assay. The binding affinities depended on the position of NBD attachment in the peptide and the distance of the tag from the backbone. Derivatization of the positions 3 and 7 side-chains with the NBD group resulted in analogs with affinities of 17-35% compared with that of alpha-factor. None of the other NBD-containing agonists had sufficient receptor affinity or strong enough emission for fluorescence analysis. The position 3 and 7 analogs were investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and collisional quenching by KI in the presence of Ste2p in yeast membranes. The results showed that the lambda max of NBD in the position 7 side-chain shifted markedly to the blue (510 nm) when separated by 4 or 6 bonds from the peptide backbone and that this probe was shielded from quenching by KI. In contrast, separation by 3, 5, 10 or more bonds resulted in lambda max ( approximately 540 nm) and collisional quenching constants consistent with increasing degrees of exposure. The NBD group in the position 3 side-chain was also found to be blue shifted (lambda max=520 nm) and shielded from solvent. These results indicate that the position 7 side-chain is likely interacting with a pocket formed by extracellular domains of Ste2p, whereas the side-chain of Trp3 is in a hydrophobic pocket possibly within the transmembrane region of the receptor.
Adjuvant Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Survival for patients with pancreas cancer is correlated to stage. Only 20% of patients present with localized disease amenable to potentially curative resection but, despite resection, the 5-year survival rate for early stage patients remains less than 25%. Current accepted standard of care is adjuvant gemcitabine following curative resection but there have been no conclusions regarding the role or timing of adjuvant chemoradiation. Although systemic disease represents the major risk for failure following resection, there are patients who would benefit from adjuvant local therapy that remain difficult to identify at present. This year at 2014 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, Cho at al . (Abstract #325) presented the results of adjuvant gemcitabine with the addition of docetaxel followed by 5-FU chemoradiation for patients with resected pancreatic cancer. Kumar et al. (Abstract #330) compared adjuvant chemoradiation to adjuvant chemotherapy. Lastly Heestand et al. (Abstract #176) used a novel way to look at different biomarkers in serum of patients in the RTOG 9407 study and evaluated the survival depending on the type of chemotherapy used. A lower serum CEA and CA 19-9 gave a better overall survival in all patients which has already been established. Low levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) predicted an overall survival benefit from adjuvant gemcitabine, but not from 5-FU. Image: Schema of the treatment with gemcitabine plus docetaxel (Figure 1)
Evidence for a Conserved Role for CrkII and Rac in Engulfment of Apoptotic Cells

Apoptosis or programmed cell death occurs in multicellular organisms throughout life. The removal of apoptotic cells by phagocytes prevents secondary necrosis and inflammation and also plays a key role in tissue remodeling and regulating immune responses. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the engulfment of apoptotic cells are just beginning to be elucidated. Recent genetic studies in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have implicated at least six genes in the removal of apoptotic cell corpses. The gene products of ced-2, ced-5, and ced-10 are thought to be part of a pathway that regulates the reorganization of the cytoskeleton during engulfment. The adapter proteins CrkII and Dock180 and the small GTPase Rac represent the mammalian orthologues of the ced-2, ced-5 and ced-10 gene products, respectively. It is not known whether CrkII, Dock180, or Rac proteins have any role during engulfment in mammalian cells. Here we show, using stable cell lines and transient transfections, that overexpression of wild-type CrkII or an activated form of Rac1 enhances engulfment. Mutants of CrkII failed to mediate this increased engulfment. The higher CrkII-mediated uptake was inhibited by coexpression of a dominant negative form of Rac1 but not by a dominant a negative Rho protein; this suggested that Rac functions downstream of CrkII in this process, which is consistent with genetic studies in the worm that place ced-10 (rac) downstream of ced-2 (crk) in cell corpse removal. Taken together, these data suggest that CED-2/CrkII and CED-10/Rac are part of an evolutionarily conserved pathway in engulfment of apoptotic cells.
Combined Longitudinal and Lateral Control of a Platoon of Vehicles

In this paper, we consider the problem of combined longitudinal and lateral control of a platoon of non-identical vehicles on a curved lane of a highway. Based on nonlinear models of vehicles' combined longitudinal and lateral dynamics, we propose nonlinear control laws for a platoon of vehicles accelerating on a curved lane of highway. The implementation issues regarding the needed sensors, estimators, guidance system, and communication link are discussed. Simulation results show that the proposed control laws perform well, for roads with suitably large radius of curvature, under nominal operation.
Evaluation of citrus rootstocks for the high pH, calcareous soils of South Texas

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is one of the most devastating disease in areas where sweet orange or grapefruit are budded onto sour orange rootstock. In Texas, the citrus industry is located in the far south of the state in a high pH and calcareous soils region, which makes sour orange the best rootstock option. The Texas industry has been under a threat since the arrival in Florida and Mexico of the most efficient vector of CTV, the Brown Citrus Aphid. In an attempt to find a suitable replacement for sour orange rootstock a field trial was performed to evaluate 10 rootstocks with Rio Red grapefruit scion. Trees on C35 and Carrizo citranges, and Swingle citrumelo became very chlorotic and died. The other rootstocks also showed slight to severe chlorosis but were able to recover. C22 outperformed all rootstocks during the 6 years, producing more than 1.5 times the yield of sour orange, and ≈2-fold the production of Goutou which was the rootstock with the lowest production. Although significantly lower than C22, the cumulative production of trees on C57 and C146 rootstocks were excellent and their yearly fruit productions were similar to that of C22 in four (2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005) out of the 6 years of study. All three rootstocks originated from the same cross (Sunki mandarin × Swingle trifoliate orange). In all years, sour orange rootstock yielded the highest percentage of soluble solids (SS) and Troyer and Goutou rootstocks the lowest. Although the SS varied with rootstocks, the ratio of the SS and the percentage of acid did not significantly vary with rootstock type. Considering that C22, C57, and C146 are tolerant to CTV and other important diseases, these rootstocks are good options to replace Sour orange in Texas.
Spontaneous and MNNG-induced reversion of an EGFP construct in HeLa cells: an assay for observing mutations in living cells by fluorescent microscopy.

A HeLa cell line stably expressing the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) gene, interrupted by the HBB IVS2-654 intron, was studied without treatment and after treatment with a single standard dose of 15 μM of N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). This assay was done in order to prove that such a construct can revert by a variety of mechanisms and that it produces a visible phenotype, i.e., green fluorescence. The system permits visual detection of living mutant cells among a background of non-mutant cells and does not require a selective medium. The results show that the construct reverts by large deletions (–62, –100, and –162 bp), small insertions (+4 bp), small rearrangements (19 bp duplication), base substitutions at purines (G652, G653, A655, G579), and a pyrimidine (T654) between nucleotide positions 579 and 837. Splice-site mutations were recovered, and some of the mechanisms underlying these mutations are discussed. Because of the ease of detection of revertant cells under fluorescent light and the wide variety of mutations that can be recovered, further development of this system could make it a useful new mammalian cell mutagenicity assay. Hum Mutat 18:526–534, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Improper Lorentz Transformations

The irreducible representations of the extended Lorentz group, including the space- and time-like reflections, are discussed. It is shown that there exist certain representations (up to the sign) which can be used to describe a particle with two states of opposite parity.
Plasma membrane aminophospholipid distribution in transformed murine fibroblasts.

Abstract The possibility that the asymmetric distribution of aminophospholipids may be an intrinsic property of mammalian plasma membranes was examined in LM cells, a transformed murine fibroblast cell line. The cells were grown in suspension culture in a chemically defined medium without lipid, protein, or serum and then treated with 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS). A maximum of 4% of LM cell plasma membrane phosphatidylethanolamine and 5% of the phosphatidylserine was labelled with TNBS. Furthermore, long chain and unsaturated fatty acids were preferentially esterified to the non-derivatized phosphatidylethanolamine (inner monolayer) as compared to phosphatidylethanolamine derivatized with TNBS (outer monolayer). Isethionyl acetimidate, an alternative non-penetrating reagent, confirmed the results obtained with TNBS and provided supportive evidence for the highly asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylethanolamine; 6% of the phosphatidylethanolamine was labelled with isethionyl acetimidate. When the penetrating reagent methyl acetimidate was used, more than 80% of the phosphatidylethanolamine was derivatized. Although the growing of the LM cells in 10% calf serum significantly increased plasma membrane phosphatidylcholine while decreasing phosphatidylethanolamine, calf serum had no significant effect on phosphatidylethanolamine or phosphatidylserine asymmetry.
A research-oriented treatment planning program system

Abstract The function of a treatment planning program is to graphically simulate radiation dose distributions from proposed radiation therapy treatments. While many such programs are available which provide this much-needed service, none addresses the question of how to intercompare calculation and display techniques. This paper describes a program system designed for support of research efforts, particularly development and testing on new calculation algorithms. The system emphasizes a modular flexible structure, enabling programs to be developed somewhat as interchangeable parts. Thus multiple variants of a calculation algorithm can be compared without undue software overhead or additional data management. Unusual features of the system include extensive use of command procedures, logical names and a structured language (PASCAL). These features are described along with other implementation details. Obstacles, limitations and future applications are also discussed.
Matrix elements of many-particle-many-hole states with an application to isospin mixing in the mass-17 system

Abstract General formulae are given for the evaluation of matrix elements involving m-particle-n-hole states in the occupation number representation. The technique of algebraic computation has been used as a check on the explicit results. As an example, the isospin impurities in the lowest T = 3 2 , J π = 1 2 − 2 p -1 h states of 17F and 17O are predicted using a simple model. Three different contributions to isospin mixing; the particle-particle terms, particle-hole terms, and the off-diagonal matrix elements of the isospin dependent Hartree-Fock energies are discussed. The importance is emphasized of accurate estimates of the Hartree-Fock energies for even qualitative predictions of isospin mixing with the anti-analogue state.
Surface Resistance to Permeation Through the Silicalite Single Crystal Membrane: Variation With Permeant

The variation of surface resistances to diffusion of molecules through the silicalite single-crystal membranes as a function of permeants has been investigated using the Dual Control Volume-Grand Canonical Molecular Dynamics method. For this purpose three spherical molecules, CH4, Ar, and CF4, have been selected. This selection enabled the study of a range of molecular diameters and interaction energies. Simulation results showed that the magnitude of surface resistance in zeolite membranes depends on the permeant-crystal interaction size and energy. Furthermore, the range of the surface resistance, defined as the distance from the surface beyond which the surface resistance becomes constant, is primarily a function of molecular size: For smaller molecules the range of surface resistances is shorter while its magnitude is lower. Variations in mass-transfer resistances and diffusivities were studied in further detail with a parametric sensitivity analysis by varying permeant-crystal interaction size and w...
Chronic Wasting Disease Prion Trafficking via the Autonomic Nervous System

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal spongiform encephalopathy that is efficiently transmitted among members of the mammalian family Cervidae, including deer, elk, and moose. Typical of prion diseases, CWD is characterized by the conversion of the native protease-sensitive protein PrPC to a protease-resistant isoform, denoted PrPRES. In native species, spread of the disease likely results from the ingestion of prion-containing excreta, including urine, saliva, or feces. Although cervid prion protein-expressing transgenic [Tg(CerPrP)] mice have been shown to be effective surrogates of natural CWD, uncertainties remain regarding the mechanisms by which CWD prions traffic in vivo, including the manner by which CWD prions traffic from the gastrointestinal tract to the central nervous system. We used elk prion protein-expressing transgenic [Tg(CerPrP-E)] mice, infected by three different routes of inoculation, and tissue-based IHC to elucidate that centripetal and centrifugal CWD prion transit pathways involve cells and fibers of the autonomic nervous systems, including the enteric nervous system and central autonomic network. Moreover, we identified CWD PrPRES associated with the cell bodies and processes of enteric glial cells within the enteric nervous system of CWD-infected Tg(CerPrP-E) mice. The present findings demonstrate the importance of the peripheral and central autonomic networks in CWD neuroinvasion and neuropathogenesis and suggest that enteroglial cells may facilitate the shedding of prions via the intestinal tract.
On moravcsik’s principle of equivalence

It is shown that contrary to the conclusions of Moravcsik, SU/sub 3/ is consistent with his principle of equivalence, which is a particular statement of the general notion that in a theory of strong interactions it should not be possible to distinguish between elementary and composite particles, independent of the particle assignments. It is also suggested that the principle of equivalence is too restrictive an interpretation of the principle of indifference since it places special importance on certain particles. (C.E.S.)
Antinociceptive and hypothermic effects of trimethyltin.

Abstract Trimethyltin (TMT) induced a dose-dependent antinociceptive and hypothermic effect in mice. Antinociception was not attenuated by naloxone but was reversed by atropine. TMT, however, was ineffective in displacing (3H)-QNB binding in vitro and did not affect (3H)-QNB binding or acetylcholinesterase activity after in vivo administration. The ethyl ester of nipecotic acid, a specific inhibitor of synaptosomal GABA uptake, exerted a similar antinociceptive effect that could be blocked by atropine. The GABA receptor antagonist bicuculline attenuated antinociception induced by TMT and nipecotic acid ethyl ester but not by morphine or oxotremorine. γ-Vinyl GABA, an irreversible inhibitor of GABA metabolism, prolonged TMT but not morphine-induced antinociception. In contrast, neither the dose-response nor the time course of TMT-induced hypothermia were affected by any of the drugs tested. The findings suggest that the GABAergic system may be involved in TMT induced antinociception; however, the mechanism responsible for the hypothermic effect of TMT is not apparent.
Exploratory Analysis of Factors Associated with Participation in Self-Directed and Traditional Marriage and Relationship Education

Although self-directed marriage and relationship education (MRE) has the potential to reach a larger or different audience than traditional MRE, little has been done to examine the characteristics of self-directed MRE participants. This study examined whether various individual, couple, family, and sociocultural context variables predicted participation in both self-directed and traditional MRE programs. A series of logistic regressions were conducted on a cross-sectional data set. Different factors predicted participation for each intervention. For self-directed programs, factors predictive of involvement included older age, religiosity, higher education, being more self-regulated, having a neurotic partner, more open relationship boundaries, a history of divorce, more relationship problems, and more family-of-origin problems. A wider range of factors predicted participation in traditional programs. Some factors increasing odds for participation in one intervention decreased odds in the other. Implicatio...
Fetal mortality in oral cleft families (VII): birth intervals

Birth intervals in sibships of oral cleft probands are analysed to detect prolonged delays between successive pregnancies. Such intervals are useful indicators of undetected fetal mortality. The present study indicates that the average interval for 462 cleft families in Indiana is 30.61 months. The average interval leading to the birth of a cleft child is 33.94 and is significantly greater than the average interval for the entire sample. Although the contraception status of the Indiana population is not known, the significantly greater delay preceding the birth of a cleft child is indicative of a cause other than contraception. This finding is in agreement with the report by Drillien et al. (1966) that abnormal conceptions occur more frequently adjacent to cleft offspring. It is interesting that some increase in the average interval is also noted in the present study immediately following the birth of a cleft child. Such delays occurring both preceding and following the birth of a cleft child (in contrast to smaller intervals for other pregnancies in the same sibships) may indicate excessive fetal wastage due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The role of accessory molecules in T-helper activation induced by antigen, lectin, or CD3 antibodies

Abstract We examined the role of L3T4 and LFA-1 molecules in T-helper-cell activation, under conditions where the physical stability of T helper-accessory cell interaction was not an issue. T-helper hybridomas were activated by accessory cells coated either with concanavalin A (Con A) or with CD3 antibodies. Activation of the T helper cells was measured by microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) reorientation as an early activation event, and by interleukin-2 (IL-2) production as an indication of a fully matured response. Both parameters were strongly blocked by L3T4 and LFA-1 antibodies in the case of Con A activation. In the case of stimulation with accessory cell-bound CD3 antibody, activation was blocked by LFA-1 but not L3T4 antibody. These results support the notion that L3T4 and LFA-1 molecules play more than a simple adhesion role in T-cell activation. The differential effect of L3T4 antibody in the case of Con A activation vs CD3 activation is consistent with the possibility that L3T4 and the α β portions of the T-cell receptor must interact during antigen- and lectin-stimulated T-cell activation.
Quantitation of Enamel Demineralization Mechanisms: III. A Critical Examination of the Hydroxyapatite Model:

A physical model which assumes that hydroxyapatite is the thermodynamic governing phase for the acid dissolution-rate behavior of enamel has been critically examined theoretically and experimentally. Both enamel powder and synthetic hydroxyapatite initial dissolution-rate experiments were conducted under various conditions of acid-buffer type and concentration, pH, and common ion concentrations.
Influence of soil moisture on the seasonality of nitric oxide emissions from chaparral soils, Sierra Nevada, California, USA

Soil nitric oxide (NO) emissions are variable in both space and time, and are important pathways for N loss in seasonally dry ecosystems that undergo abrupt transitions from dry-to-wet soil conditions. We measured soil NO emissions from a chaparral catchment to characterize seasonal variability of, and triggers for enhanced NO losses. Pulses in NO emissions were observed in the summer and autumn when dry soils (soil water content (θ) 20%; wet season mean = 0.14 ng NO–N m−2 s−1). These observed seasonal patterns contrast with previous DAYCENT simulations of NO emissions in our catchment, which predicted higher NO emissions during the wet season. Our field observations are consistent with sustained rates of nitrification, reduced plant N uptake, and high soil gas diffusivity observed during the dry season in arid environments.
Visibility, luminance and vernier acuity

To assess the role of quantal limitations and target visibility on vernier acuity, we measured line detection thresholds and vernier thresholds for abutting dark line targets on a uniform background, for a range of retinal illuminance levels and target contrasts. Measurements were made for stimuli presented at the fovea, and at a retinal eccentricity of 2.5 deg. Although the relationship is truly curvilinear, line detection thresholds and vernier thresholds using targets of a fixed contrast, follow a square-root dependence on retinal illuminance over a significant portion of the illuminance range. Once the effect of retinal illuminance on line detection thresholds has been accounted for, there is little further effect of retinal illuminance on vernier thresholds, at least for visibility levels of up to five times the contrast detection threshold. This finding suggests that the spatial mechanisms which mediate changes in the detection threshold and vernier thresholds for abutting targets are similar, and are limited by the same sources of noise. Vernier thresholds for these thin line targets are approximately inversely proportional to target contrast for both retinal loci, and at all retinal illuminance levels tested. However, vernier thresholds for a constant visibility target are always lower for foveal than for eccentric stimuli, even after the effects of increased spatial pooling with increasing eccentricity are accounted for.
The neuroleptic threshold as a marker of minimum effective neuroleptic dose.

Abstract The neuroleptic threshold hypothesis states that the first appearance of slight increases in muscle tone during the initiation of neuroleptic treatment heralds the achievement of neuroleptic levels in the brain which are biologically significant and capable of provoking the poorly understood changes leading to therapeutic response. The hypothesis has not been adequately tested. If shown to be true, it represents a potential basis for rational prescribing of neuroleptic drugs. It is, at least, an empirical, testable question for the field of psychopharmacology to finally resolve.
Spatial arrangements of some cryoprolective compounds in ice lattices

Abstract By means of models it can be shown that the type of ice believed bound to biological cell structures (Ice Ie or cuboidal ice) has the correct stereoisometry, bond angles, and atom distances to allow hydrogen bonding to such cryoprotectants as inositol and glucose without undue bond strain. However, when ice lattices are constructed around the cryoprotectant molecule, fit does not occur below the cryoprotectant while it does above it. Distribution of cryoprotectant molecules in the ice lattice is suggested as alternating in either the equatorial or axial direction with ice as shown in diagrams.
Fourier analysis applied to SPDEs

Abstract Solutions of two nonlinear SPDEs are obtained as limits of systems of SDEs. Tightness of the approximating distributions and smoothness of the limiting processes, as measured by Hilbert space norms, are obtained by a maximal inequality applicable to “Ornstein-Uhlenbeck-like” processes.
Effect of antidepressants and their relative affinity for the serotonin transporter on the risk of myocardial infarction

Background— Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), attenuate platelet activation by depleting serotonin storage and may decrease risk of myocardial infarction (MI). These drugs differ in their affinity for the platelet serotonin transporter and therefore may vary in their effects on MI protection. Methods and Results— A case-control study of first MI in patients aged 40 through 75 years was conducted among 36 hospitals in a 5-county area during a 3-year period. Case subjects were patients hospitalized with a first MI, and control subjects were randomly selected from the same geographic area. Detailed information regarding medication use and other clinical and demographic data were obtained by telephone interview. Among the 1080 cases and 4256 controls who participated, there were 223 users of antidepressants with high serotonin transporter affinity, all of which were SSRIs (paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline). After adjustment with multivariable logistic regress...
Arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase in eucaryotic protists.

Abstract Soluble extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Blastocladiella emersonii were found to catalyze the specific transfer of arginine from a mixture of [14C] aminoacyl-tRNAs into protein. Arginine transfer was stimulated by bovine serum albumin. Glu-Ala, Asp-Ala and cystinyl- bis -Ala inhibited incorporation into protein, whereas dipeptides with other NH2-terminal residues linked to alanine did not. These results indicate the presence of an enzyme in eucaryotic protists with the same donor and acceptor specificity as mammalian arginyl-tRNA-protein transferase.
EFFECT OF EXCITATION WAVELENGTH ON THE RAMAN SPECTRUM OF HEXAGONAL DEFECTS IN 4H-SiC

The Raman spectra of 4H-SiC with hexagonal defect have been investigated as a function of the excitation wavelength. As the excitation wavelength increases, the excitation wavelength dependence of Raman spectrum of hexagonal defect is very different from that of the free defect zone in 4H-SiC. Four electronic Raman scattering peaks are seen to be significantly enhanced with longer wavelength excitation. In hexagonal defect, the optical modes (E2(TO), E1(TO) and A1(LO)) and the second-order Raman spectrum are broadened and redshifted as the excitation wavelength increased. But the positions of these bands obtained from the free defect zone do not change within our experimental error. Structure defects are regarded as the origin of those abnormal phenomena in hexagonal defect, and the structure ordering of hexagonal defect may have some similarity with SiC monofilaments.
Dietary antioxidants and plasma lipids: the CARDIA Study.

To determine if dietary antioxidants play a role in preventing coronary heart disease (CHD) by having an impact on lipid levels.Data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study were used to assess the associations of reported intake of vitamins A, C, E and beta carotene, and their use in supplements, with lipid levels in a black and white, healthy adult (18 to 30 years of age at the baseline examination) population.After adjusting for age, education level, physical activity, body size, alcohol consumption and caloric intake, vitamin A, beta carotene, and vitamin C (white women) intake were directly associated with HDL-cholesterol levels among women who smoked cigarettes, with the strongest associations being observed for white women. Black men who took supplements of vitamins A and C and did not smoke cigarettes had significantly higher HDL-cholesterol levels compared to those in the lowest levels of dietary intake. Although vitamin E was associated with higher levels of HDL-c...
The Subgrouping of the Semitic Languages

The Semitic languages have enjoyed a long tradition of linguistic study, and remain one of the most widely studied of the world's language families. The large amount of scholarship that is generated on both the ancient and modern languages continues to have an effect on our understanding of the internal subgrouping of the Semitic family. Unfortunately, for both the specialist and non-specialist, reliable and up-to-date treatments of this topic are not easily found. This article will survey the current views on Semitic subgrouping and highlight recent scholarship on the issue.
Phosphorylation of Connexin 50 by Protein Kinase A Enhances Gap Junction and Hemichannel Function

Phosphorylation of connexins is an important mechanism regulating gap junction channels. However, the role(s) of connexin (Cx) phosphorylation in vivo are largely unknown. Here, we showed by mass spectrometry that Ser-395 in the C terminus of chicken Cx50 was phosphorylated in the lens. Ser-395 is located within a PKA consensus site. Analyses of Cx50 phosphorylation by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography tryptic phosphopeptide profiles suggested that Ser-395 was targeted by PKA in vivo. PKA activation increased both gap junction dye coupling and hemichannel dye uptake in a manner not involving increases in total Cx50 expression or relocation to the cell surface or gap junctional plaques. Single channel recordings indicated PKA enhanced transitions between the closed and ∼200-pS open state while simultaneously reducing transitions between this open state and a ∼65-pS subconductance state. The mutation of Ser-395 to alanine significantly attenuated PKA-induced increases in dye coupling and uptake by Cx50. However, channel records indicated that phosphorylation at this site was unnecessary for enhanced transitions between the closed and ∼200-pS conductance state. Together, these results suggest that Cx50 is phosphorylated in vivo by PKA at Ser-395 and that this event, although unnecessary for PKA-induced alterations in channel conductance, promotes increased dye permeability of Cx50 channels, which plays an important role in metabolic coupling and transport in lens fibers.
1371 PHARYNGEAL AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION IN INFANTS WITH MIXED AND OBSTRUCTIVE APNEA

We investigated the site of obstruction in infants with periodic complete airway obstruction by monitoring heart rate, abdominal excursion, nasal and oral airflow, and pharyngeal pressure. Pharyngeal pressure was recorded with a saline filled silastic catheter inserted 5cm into one nostril. Apneic spells (absent airflow ≥20sec or 2sec CA plus OA). We identified 58 MA and 10 OA spells in 6 infants (GA 26-32wks). The pharyngeal position of the catheter tip (below the soft palate and above the glottis) was periodically confirmed by the characteristic pressure wave pattern seen during swallows. The site of obstruction was shown to be above the catheter tip (i.e. pharynx) if pressure changes during obstructed respiratory efforts were conducted to it and below the tip (i.e. hypopharynx or larynx) if pressure was not conducted. The site of obstruction was above the catheter tip in all 27 spells in 3 infants and in 35 of 41 spells in the remaining 3 infants. In 5 of 6 spells in 3 infants the first effort was obstructed above the tip but subsequent efforts were obstructed below and in one spell all efforts were obstructed below the tip. Therefore, although the hypopharynx and/or larynx possibly became involved in occasional spells, we conclude that the pharynx was the most common site of obstruction in these infants. (Funding: NIH grant #HD 10993).
3D measurement using circular gratings

3D measurement using methods of structured light are well known in the industry. Most such systems use some variation of straight lines, either as simple lines or with some form of encoding. This geometry assumes the lines will be projected from one side and viewed from another to generate the profile information. But what about applications where a wide triangulation angle may not be practical, particularly at longer standoff distances. This paper explores the use of circular grating patterns projected from a center point to achieve 3D information. Originally suggested by John Caulfield around 1990, the method had some interesting potential, particularly if combined with alternate means of measurement from traditional triangulation including depth from focus methods. The possible advantages of a central reference point in the projected pattern may offer some different capabilities not as easily attained with a linear grating pattern. This paper will explore the pros and cons of the method and present some examples of possible applications.
Synthesis, Characterization and Pseudocapacitive Behaviour of MnOx/CNT Heterostructures

Manganese oxide based nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel process. Methanol, ethanol, and propanol were used as alternative solvent during sol-gel process with manganese acetate as precursor for the preparation of pristine manganese oxide. Hybrid MnOx modified by additions of carbon nanotubes was further prepared. Smallest particle size was observed for manganese oxide prepared from propanol, with diameters range from 16 nm to 50nm. XRD results showed that the as prepared manganese oxide based samples at calcination temperature of 300°C and above were composed of Mn2O3 as dominant phase, with Mn3O4 as minor phase. Specific capacitance measured from two electrode systems of manganese oxide prepared from methanol, ethanol, and propanol at scan rate of 10 mV/s were 88.3, 66.0, 104.8 F/g and the result for the hybrid sample was 140.5 F/g. The highest capacitance of the MnOx revealed a specific capacitance of 231.4 F/g when a 1:1 mixture of propanaol and methanol was employed as the solvent for the sol preparation. Results from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) also showed superior electrochemical properties of the hybrid sample over pristine manganese oxide samples.