cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of Flowering of Xanthium pensylvanicum by Red and Far-red Light

A study was made of the effects of various durations, intensities and combinations of red and far-red light interruptions on the flowering responses of Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr. A dual response to treatments of far-red light was observed. In short dark periods, far-red light alone did not greatly affect flowering but was able to overcome the inhibition of flowering caused by red light. In dark periods longer than 15 hours, far-red inhibited flowering and added to rather than overcame the inhibition by red light. The dark period length required for far-red inhibition remained the same whether far-red was given at the start or at the eighth hour of darkness.In 48-hour dark periods Xanthium showed 3 responses to additions of red and far-red light breaks: A) response to red light; B) response to far-red light; and C) response to red followed by far-red light. Red light given any time in the first 30 hours of darkness overcame the inhibitory effect of far-red light given at either the start or the eighth hour of darkness. Red light given later than the thirtieth hour did not overcome the far-red effect.Approximately the same energy of red light was required to overcome the inhibitory effect of far-red at the second hour of darkness as was required to produce maximum red light inhibition at the eighth hour. Although far-red light was most inhibitory when given early in a long dark period, approximately the same energy of far-red light was required to saturate the far-red response at the fourth, eighth and sixteenth hours.The results are discussed in relation to other reports of far-red inhibition of flowering in short-day plants.
A Recess Evaluation with the Players: Taking Steps Toward Participatory Action Research

This playground study conceptualizes recess as a time and space that belongs to students; their inclusion in this evaluation is a notable difference from other recess/playground research. The goal was to help elementary school students make the changes they felt were needed on their playground. After conducting structured observations and student and recess aide focus groups, a report was presented to all stakeholders, and recess changes were made. We seek to show how the process of being inclusive during the evaluation was not only valuable for determining problem definition and potential interventions, but was also necessary to determine the best methods for solutions, move toward second-order change, and to create a space to facilitate children’s participation and empowerment.
Rapid anaerobic mineralization of pyridine in a subsurface sediment inoculated with a pyridine-degrading Alcaligenes sp.

A denitrifying bacterium capable of pyridine mineralization under anaerobic conditions was isolated from polluted soil. The bacterium, identified as Alcaligenes sp., was used in inoculation experiments. A subsurface sediment from a polluted site was amended with 10 μg/g 14C-labeled pyridine, and 250 μg/g nitrate, and then inoculated with the bacterium at an inoculum size of 4.5 × 107 cells/g. After 44 h incubation at 28° C under anaerobic conditions, 67% of the radioactivity was recovered as 14CO2: 2% was extracted with 50% methanol, and 24% was recovered by combustion of the sediment. Analysis of the methanol extract revealed that no pyridine could be detected in the inoculated sediment. In contrast, mineralization of pyridine by the native microflora in the sediment occurred much more slowly: after 7 days of incubation only 10% of the added radioactivity was recovered as 14CO2. At an inoculum size of 2 × 103 cells/g pyridine mineralization was not as effective as at an inoculum size of 2 × 107 cells/g. It is presumed that suppression of the introduced bacteria by the native microflora of the sediment prevents degradation at a low inoculum size. Amending the sediment with nitrate and phosphate improved pyridine mineralization by the introduced bacterium. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of using soil inoculation anaerobically for the bioremediation of pyridine-polluted soils.
Rotation of the cosmic microwave background polarization from weak gravitational lensing.

When a cosmic microwave background (CMB) photon travels from the surface of last scatter through spacetime metric perturbations, the polarization vector may rotate about its direction of propagation. This gravitational rotation is distinct from, and occurs in addition to, the lensing deflection of the photon trajectory. This rotation can be sourced by linear vector or tensor metric perturbations and is fully coherent with the curl deflection field. Therefore, lensing corrections to the CMB polarization power spectra as well as the temperature-polarization cross correlations due to nonscalar perturbations are modified. The rotation does not affect lensing by linear scalar perturbations, but needs to be included when calculations go to higher orders. We present complete results for weak lensing of the full-sky CMB power spectra by general linear metric perturbations, taking into account both deflection of the photon trajectory and rotation of the polarization. For the case of lensing by gravitational waves, we show that the $B$ modes induced by the rotation largely cancel those induced by the curl component of deflection.
Charge neutralisation in the PI9000 series implanters

Abstract The relationship between ion implantation system parameters, charge indications from a system charge sensor and various wheel current measurements, and the yield of devices have been investigated. It is found that beam balanced-charge conditions, as determined by either charge levels on dielectric films or by wheel current measurements, occur at consistent values of flood gun setting. This paper describes the charge control system design, the exploration of several charge measurements to determine effective control variables, and a new closed loop charge control system.
Temporary balloon occlusion of the inferior vena cava for immediate reversal of acute pulmonary edema

Abstract We describe a new method for treating acute pulmonary edema that immediately reduces systemic venous return and relieves pulmonary congestion.
Manchu : a textbook for reading documents

A Manchu textbook, offering students of Chinese history and comparative literature the means to master documentary Manchu. It contains texts ranging from pre-1644 narratives recording the Manchu's rise to power, examples of the earliest Manchu writing, and samples of contemporary Sibe (Xibo).
Eight-year change in body mass index and subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease among healthy non-smoking men☆

Abstract Objective. To determine how change in BMI over 8 years is associated with risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD) among middle aged men. Methods. Prospective cohort study among 13,230 healthy men (aged 51.6 ± 8.7 years) in the Physicians' Health Study. BMI was collected at baseline in 1982 and after 8 years, at which time follow-up began. Subsequent CVD events were collected and confirmed through March 31, 2005. Cox proportional hazards models evaluated BMI at 8 years and risk of CVD, 8-year change in BMI and risk of CVD, and whether change in BMI added prognostic information after the consideration of BMI at 8 years. Results. 1308 major CVD events occurred over 13.5 years. A higher BMI at year 8 was associated with an increased risk of CVD. Compared to a stable BMI (± 0.5 kg/m2), a 0.5–2.0 kg/m2 increase had a multivariable-adjusted RR of 1.00 (0.86–1.16). A ≥ 2.0 kg/m2 increase had a multivariable-adjusted RR of 1.39 (1.16–1.68), however further adjustment for BMI reduced the RR to 1.00 (0.81–1.23). A decrease in BMI had a multivariable RR of 1.23 (1.07–1.42) which was unaffected by adjustment for BMI at 8 years. Conclusion. A higher BMI and a rising BMI were both associated with an increased risk of CVD, however an increasing BMI did not add prognostic information once current BMI was considered. In contrast, a declining BMI was associated with an increased risk of CVD independent of current BMI.
Ion channel expression by white matter glia: the type-1 astrocyte.

Abstract We describe the electrophysiological properties of acutely isolated type-1 astrocytes using a new "tissue print" dissociation procedure. Because the enzymes used did not destroy or modify the ion channels, and the cells retained many processes, the properties may reflect those in vivo. The types of ion channels in type-1 astrocytes changed rapidly during the first 10 postnatal days, when they attained their adult phenotype. This change was dependent on the presence of neurons. In culture, most of these channel types were not expressed, but a phenotype more typical of that in vivo could be induced by co-culture with neurons. The electrophysiological properties of astrocytes make some existing hypotheses of astrocyte function less likely.
The very far-infrared spectra of energetic materials and possible confusion materials using terahertz pulsed spectroscopy

Abstract We have measured the terahertz absorption spectra of 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX), pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazacyclooctane (HMX), 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), the plastic explosives Semtex H, SX2, and Metabel, and a number of confusion materials using terahertz pulsed transmission spectroscopy. Spectral fingerprints were obtained from 3 to 133 cm −1 . The spectra of the plastic explosives are dominated by the spectral signatures of their explosive components due to low frequency vibrations and crystalline phonon modes. Importantly, the terahertz spectra of the confusion materials show no resemblance to the explosives spectra. The refractive indices obtained for the plastic explosives and confusion materials allowed us to derive reflectance spectra, which appear distinct and so suggest that terahertz reflection spectroscopy is a suitable tool for the detection of concealed explosives in security applications.
Visual stimulus-seeking behavior in three homogeneous strains of mice

Activity and exploratory behaviors in three strains of mice (CBA/J, BALB/cJ, DBA/2J) were investigated on 2 consecutive days using a Greek cross maze with black, white, checkered, and striped compartments. Two measures were taken: frequency of entrance into each compartment and consecutive 10-sec sampling of the animals’ location throughout each 3-min trial. The results indicated differences among strains of both measures. These results were compared with prior findings with Swiss mice, rats, and gerbils.
Fish predation on juvenile brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus Ives: The effect of simulated Spartina structure on predation rates

Abstract The effect of artificial Spartina structure on the predation rates of four estuarine fish on juvenile brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus Ives) was examined under laboratory conditions. Vegetative structure reduced predation rates of pinfish and Atlantic croaker but did not affect predation rates of red drum and speckled trout. Pinfish and Atlantic croaker were inefficient predators, needing several strikes before successfully capturing prey. This inefficiency, necessitating repeated detection of prey organisms, probably contributed to the reduced predation rates by these fish in vegetated treatments. Although pinfish and speckled trout appeared to be strictly visual feeders, Atlantic croaker and red drum could apparently detect and feed upon shrimp through other sensory mechanisms. Differences in the mode of feeding among the fish, however, did not appear to be related to the effect of vegetative structure on predation rates. Over all of the experiments, predation rates on shrimp (50–69 mm) ranged between ≈2 and 13 shrimp·fish−1·day−1, and there was a positive relationship between the number of shrimp eaten and the size of the predator.
Destruction of Bacterial Communities using Gas Discharge Plasma.

Summary form only given. Biofilms are microbial communities attached to an environmental surface and embedded in an extracellular glue-like matrix. Biofilms are involved in bacterial pathogenesis and attachment to surfaces such as pipes and medical devices. Microorganisms in biofilms show different properties compared to free-living cells; thus, conventional methods of killing bacteria are often ineffective with biofilms. Therefore, the ability to destroy these organisms is critical. The use of non-thermal plasmas potentially offers an effective alternative to conventional sterilization methods because plasmas contain a mixture of charged particles, chemically reactive species, and UV radiation and their decontamination potential relative to individual microorganisms is well established. However, to our knowledge, there is no information about the use of plasma to destroy bacterial biofilms. 4 and 7 day-old bacterial biofilms were produced using two bacterial species Rhizobium gallicum, Chromobaderium violaceum CV026 or a mixture of both bacteria. Gas discharge plasma was produced by using an AtomfloTM 250 reactor (Surfx Technologies, CA). An atmospheric pressure plasma was generated by using a He flow of 20.4 L/min and a secondary gas flow (N2) of 0.305 L/min. Bacterial biofilms were exposed to plasma for different exposure times. Our results show that a 10-minute plasma treatment was able to kill 100% of the cells in most cases. Optical emission spectroscopy was used to study plasma composition and temperature which was then correlated with the effectiveness of killing. An emission spectrum from 200-450 nm will be presented. The characteristic features of the spectrum in the far ultraviolet are the NO gamma-bands near 250 nm and an OH band around 309 nm. The most prominent emission is due to the N2 2nd positive band. Using the N2 emissions, a plasma rotational temperature of 325 K was obtained with a margin of uncertainty of 20 K
Enhancement of heat transfer in square helical ducts

Abstract A three-dimensional numerical investigation of steady laminar flow and heat transfer is undertaken to determine the developing as well as fully developed temperature fields. Physical interpretation is given for the enhancement of the heat transfer coefficient at the thermal entrance region and the overall increase in heat transfer in helical ducts compared to straight ducts. The variation of peripherally averaged Nusselt number is studied for the constant wall temperature boundary condition. Detailed analysis is given for the peripheral variation of Nusselt number and the temperature field at different cross-sectional planes. The effect of the Prandtl number on the temperature field is also studied. The problem is solved using a segregated solution approach which reduces the total computer memory requirements.
Galvanic displacement of Pt on nanoporous copper: An alternative synthetic route for obtaining robust and reliable oxygen reduction activity

Abstract One of the key technical challenges for polymer electrolyte fuel-cell researchers is improving both the activity and stability of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts at the cathode. Pt-based alloys have shown great promise for achieving these targets. Herein, we report a new strategy for producing a highly active and stable class of PtCu catalysts with tunable compositions. Several unique nanoparticle catalysts were prepared by galvanically displacing a monolithic nanoporous Cu support with Pt, leading to a Pt-enriched PtCu shell over a PtCu core. It was observed that temperature during galvanic displacement is a key experimental parameter and a novel means to control catalyst particle size. This paper presents several modifications to the galvanic displacement process and describes the resulting enhancements in ORR activity (up to 2.1 mA/cm 2 Pt) and stability relative to pure Pt.
Uses of near-infared spectra for the identification of clay minerals

Abstract Aspects of clay mineralogy can be determined by the use of near-infrared (NIR) spectra. Beginning with fibrous clay minerals, the combination band spectra do not change position with changes in metal oxide content. Other clay mineral spectra were compared to determine whether this is unusual. These include NIR spectra of chlorite, micas and their alteration products, montmorillonites, and the kaolin group of clay minerals. None are fixed as sepiolite and palygorskite are. For all clay mineral IR spectra only the fibrous clay mineral spectra are fixed. The correlation of the OH fundamental and first overtone OH spectral wave numbers are a constant of 1.955. The kaolin group is readily differentiated by their combination band spectra, such as kaolinite and dickite.
Change in the Use of Breast-Conserving Surgery in Western Washington After the 1990 NIH Consensus Development Conference

Objective: To evaluate the use of breast-conserving surgery in western Washington before and after the National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference (June 18-21, 1990) during which breast-conserving surgery was recommended for most women with early invasive breast cancer. Design: Survey. Setting: Population-based cancer registry in the Seattle-Puget Sound (Washington) region. Participants: The survey included 13 541 women in whom American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I or II breast cancer was diagnosed between January 1, 1983, and December 31, 1993. Main Outcome Measure: Proportion of participants who underwent breast-conserving surgery. Results: From April 1985, after results of a US randomized controlled trial showing equivalent survival in women undergoing mastectomy or breast-conserving surgery were published, to the time of the Conference, breast-conserving surgery was performed on 44.8% of women with stage I and 25.8% with stage 11 breast cancer. These percentages increased to 54.9% and 35.2%, respectively, during the post-Conference period. While women with stage II breast cancer were less likely than women with stage I breast cancer to undergo breast-conserving surgery before and after the Conference, trends for age and education were attenuated after the Conference. Differences in the use of breast-conserving surgery observed before the Conference between counties of residence and among hospital types were also reduced after the Conference. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the Conference recommendations had an effect on the adoption of breast-conserving surgery, particularly among groups who were previously least likely to undergo such surgery. Despite progress toward the Conference recommendation that the majority of women with early invasive breast cancer undergo breast-conserving surgery, the majority of women with stage II breast cancer undergo mastectomy. Arch Surg. 1997;132:418-423
A different kind of vision: a comment on Hartmut Topp's “Traffic 2042—mosaic of a vision” ☆

A discussion of a paper entitled "Traffic 2042: Mosaic of a Vision" by H. H. Topp, published in this issue of this journal, is presented. This discussion provides a different view of what transportation may be like in the year 2042 than the vision given in Topp's essay. Both visions see most progress in transportation to be the result of technological improvements. However, Wachs believes that the greatest changes in transportation may be those affecting freight movement. He also believes that energy efficiency and environmental protection may be the principle benefits of technological change. Wachs disagrees with the idea that car sharing will decrease car ownership, and believes instead that people will turn to car sharing at the expense of walking, public transit and taxi trips. Wachs' view of the future includes more emphasis on gaps between the rich and the poor, the highly mobile and the highly immobile and industrialized societies and developing countries. He also emphasizes human-centered institutions by which ordinary people collaboratively consider alternative courses of action to manage technological change in transportation.
Correlation Between Inter-Eye Difference in Average Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Afferent Pupillary Response as Measured by an Automated Pupillometer in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE To assess the correlations between the relative afferent pupillary defect measured by a binocular, computerized, and commercially available pupillometer and the inter-eye differences in average retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and visual field index (VFI) and mean deviation (MD) measured by automated static perimetry in patients with glaucoma. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS Thirty four patients with open-angle glaucoma. METHODS Pupillary constriction amplitudes were measured with an automated pupillometer. SD-OCT imaging of the circumpapillary RNFL and automated static perimetry were performed within 6 months of pupillometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Main outcome measures included Spearman correlation coefficients between relative afferent pupillary defect as measured by pupillometry and inter-eye differences in average RNFL thickness, VFI, and MD. RESULTS Correlation coefficients between relative afferent pupillary defect and inter-eye difference in average RNFL thickness, MD, and VFI were -0.81 (P<0.001), -0.73 (P<0.001), and -0.68 (P<0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The automated pupillometer quantifies asymmetry in afferent pupillary responses in proportion to structural and functional asymmetry as measured SD-OCT and automated static perimetry.
Trait-like immunological and hematological measures in female rhesus across varied environmental conditions.

In this 2-year longitudinal study, 45 2-year-old female rhesus were observed as they were captured and removed from a free-ranging setting (Phase I), single caged for 1 year (Phase II), and housed in small, stable social groups for an additional year (Phase III). During the study, eight blood samples were taken, and hematological, immunological, and hormonal variables were assayed to determine whether 1) any of the measures would exhibit trait-like, inter-individual longitudinal stability, despite fluctuations in population means induced by Phases I, II, and III; 2) plasma concentrations of cortisol, prolactin, and norepinephrine would be lowest in Phase III, and elevated during the periods of acute and chronic stress associated with Phases I and II; and 3) there would be any evidence of immunosuppression associated with Phases I and II. The results suggest that the majority of hematological/immunological variables were trait-like throughout the study in contrast to plasma cortisol, prolactin, and norepinephrine concentrations. Thus, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin, as well as white blood cells, the absolute number of CD4+ (T-helper/inducer) cells, the absolute number of CD8+ (T-suppressor/cytotoxic) cells, total T cells (CD2+%), total B cells (CD20+%), and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells were trait-like. The hematological measures were changed dramatically by capture and the subsequent single caging, with most not recovering to presumed baselines until after 12–28 weeks. The immune measures were depressed at capture (excepting B cells), and during 7 months of single caging failed to return to normal levels associated with social housing. We thus conclude that single housing can produce significant, long-term features of immunosuppression. Capture produced significant increases in plasma cortisol, prolactin, and norepinephrine concentrations. Long periods of single caging produced significant increases in plasma prolactin concentrations, indicative of stress-induced anxiety, and may also have been associated with down-regulation of plasma norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations. Am. J. Primatol. 48:197–223, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Vertebrate Use of Habitats Created by Installation of Field-Scale Erosion Control Structures

ABSTRACT Installation of field-scale erosion control structures or drop pipes is a common method for controlling knickpoint gully erosion in fields adjacent to incised streams. These structures transfer runoff water from field level to stream level through a metal drain pipe. The shape of the gully side collection basin at the pipe inlet allows small terrestrial and wetland habitats to develop with associated shallow pools that may be permanently or seasonally flooded. This study evaluated vertebrate use of habitats created by the installation of drop pipes. Four different habitats were categorized based on water depth and surrounding vegetation. Category 1 habitat has the smallest temporary pool, least vegetative structure, and is a terrestrial habitat. Categories consecutively increase to Category 4 which has the deepest pool, most vegetative structure, and is a wetland habitat. Study sites were surveyed for the five major vertebrate classes. Mean species richness and percentage capture abundance for al...
Retinal point-spread function after corneal transplantation for Fuchs' dystrophy.

PURPOSE To determine the effect of corneal transplantation for Fuchs' dystrophy and of recipient age on the large- and small-angle domains of the retinal point-spread function. METHODS Retinal stray light (large-angle domain) and the full-width-at-half-maximum intensity of the point-spread function (50% width, small-angle domain) were measured in 40 pseudophakic eyes after keratoplasty (Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty [DSEK], 30 eyes; penetrating keratoplasty [PK], 10 eyes) for Fuchs' dystrophy and in 30 otherwise normal pseudophakic eyes. Correlations were assessed between the optical variables, high-contrast visual acuity (HCVA), and recipient age, and variables were compared between groups by using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS The 50% width was higher in pseudophakic eyes after DSEK or PK compared with otherwise normal pseudophakic eyes (P < 0.001) but did not differ between DSEK and PK (P = 0.36). After DSEK, HCVA correlated with the 50% width (r = 0.48, P < 0.001, n = 25) and stray light (r = 0.44, P = 0.01, n = 30), whereas after PK, HCVA correlated with the 50% width (r = 0.77, P = 0.003, n = 10) but not with stray light (r = 0.01, P = 0.98, n = 8). Stray light correlated with recipient age after DSEK (r = 0.67, P < 0.001, n = 30), but not after PK (r = 0.35, P = 0.39, n = 8,), and not with age of otherwise normal pseudophakic eyes (r = 0.32, P = 0.18, n = 29). CONCLUSIONS The degradation of the small-angle domain of the point-spread function after DSEK suggests that aberrations contribute to decreased visual acuity after DSEK. The poorer optical properties of the eye with older recipient age after DSEK can be attributed to the retained host cornea.
Dewey's Theory of Language with Some Implications for Foreign Language Teaching.

ABSTRACT John Dewey is an American philosopher who dedicated much thought to how school subjects should be related and taught. He developed a theory of language and meaning that has been analyzed in various philosophical journals and essays. It is the intent of this paper to extend Dewey's ideas on language into the domain of foreign language teaching. The discussion will focus on (1) the origins of language; (2) the relation between language and communication; and (3) the value of studying a foreign language. While Dewey did not always intend for foreign language teachers to be the beneficiaries of his general philosophy of language, he did make observations and distinctions from which worth-while pedagogical inferences can be drawn. Of special significance are the teaching practices that emanated from his theories as they were implemented by foreign language teachers in his University of Chicago Laboratory School. These strategies suggest certain positive directions for foreign language teaching in American schools. In particular, they respond to the imperative for our profession to convert strong arguments for foreign language study into successful programs that merit public support. Not only did the Dewey School anticipate the possibility of attributing communicative and cultural benefits to foreign language study, it organized the curriculum around this objective.
Modal Epistemology: Fortune or Virtue?

Critique de la conception de la concevabilite defendue par E. Sosa dans l'article precedent. Soulevant le probleme du type de processus a l'oeuvre dans l'apparence intellectuelle, l'A. montre que la these epistemologique de Sosa, fondee sur des exemples mathematiques et sur la reformulation du probleme de Benacerraf, ne rend compte ni de la justification a priori ni de la justification modale de la croyance.
Comparison of branch point and least-squares reconstructors for laser beam transmission through the atmosphere

In laser beam projection through the atmosphere under conditions where strong scintillation is present, real zeros can appear in the beacon field. Recent advances in phase reconstruction have enabled phase estimation from phase differences in the presence of branch points, or real zeros, in the beacon field. While it is not possible to perfectly fit a physically realizable deformable mirror to the resulting discontinuous phase, the errors in the deformable mirror figure can be minimized based on knowledge of the locations and general shape of the discontinuities. In this paper we review two approaches to reconstructing phase in the presence of branch points, and compare the performance of these approaches to each other and to a conventional least-squares phase reconstructor in a laser beam projection system.
Superspace unmasked: The physical interpretation of supergravity theory

Supergravity admits a geometric formulation in terms of an expanded algebra of functions on ordinary spacetime. This formulation, called graded manifold theory, is equivalent to the usual superspace supergravity constructions but avoids the anticommuting coordinates of superspace. The geometry suggests an operational interpretation of supergravity theory in terms of measurements made by local observers in spacetime.
The ability of agrin to cluster AChRs depends on alternative splicing and on cell surface proteoglycans

Abstract Agrin, which induces acetylcholine receptor (AChR) clustering at the developing neuromuscular synapse, occurs in multiple forms generated by alternative splicing. Some of these isoforms are specific to the nervous system; others are expressed in both neural and nonneural tissues, including muscle. We have compared the AChR clustering activity of agrin forms varying at each of the three identified splicing sites, denoted x, y, and z. Agrin isoforms were assayed by applying either transfected COS cells, with agrin bound to their surfaces, or soluble agrin to myotubes of the C2 muscle line, or of two variant lines having defective proteoglycans. Dramatic differences in activity were seen between z site isoforms and lesser differences between y site isoforms. The most active agrin forms contained splicing inserts of 4 amino acids at the γ site and 8 amino acids at the z site. These forms are found exclusively in neural tissue. All forms were active on C2 myotubes in cell-attached assays, but muscle forms were less active than neural forms. AChR clustering activity of all agrin forms was decreased when assayed on the proteoglycan-deficient lines, suggesting that proteoglycans may help mediate the action of agrin. As neural agrin forms are more active than muscle forms, they are likely to play a primary role in synaptogenesis.
Preventive Medicine for Our Ailing Health Care System

AS THE national debate about our health care system intensifies, it is timely to raise some important issues that should be seriously considered. I refer to the need for more preventive medicine, which should be part of the national debate, but with other basic problems may be passed over in the haste to deal just with cost issues. My aim is not to review the potential health benefits of preventive medicine but to indicate how health promotion should be an essential ingredient combined with curative medicine to create a comprehensive health care system. Although preventive medicine is not solely the domain of physicians, physicians should lead its practice. Preventive cardiology will be considered because heart disease continues to be the leading cause of premature death in our society, because the current practice of cardiology is a major item in our health costs, and because much is known about how to
Ultrasound measurement of mandibular arterial blood supply: Techniques for defining ischemia in the pathogenesis of alveolar ridge atrophy and tooth loss in the elderly?

To adapt ultrasound methods used to measure blood flow in the extremities to quantify mandible blood flow in order to determine the role of ischemia in the pathogenesis of mandible atrophy and tooth loss in the elderly. Doppler and duplex ultrasound techniques as used in measurement of arterial pulse in the extremities were adapted for recording the intraoral pulse profile at 7 sites in 57 patients of varying ages. After omitting the large number (26 patients) with signals of indeterminate strength, the mental artery pulse was strong in 11 of 12 (92%) in those younger than 65 versus 9 of 19 (47% in those older than 65 years; P =. 02). The equivalent figures for the sublingual artery were 15 of 15 strong for those younger than 65 and 11 of 17 (65%) for those older than 65 years (P =. 02). The varying depth of soft tissue overlying the inferior alveolar artery made its signal difficult to evaluate, but there was no statistically significant age-related difference in the inferior alveolar artery signals. In 4 elderly patients (2 with established carotid artery disease), Doppler and duplex scanning showed reversal of mental artery flow, indicating collateral flow to the mandible. Ultrasound Doppler techniques used for measuring peripheral arterial flow can be adapted to quantify mandible alveolar ridge perfusion. This provides means to evaluate the role of arterial obstruction in mandible alveolar ridge atrophy and tooth loss in the elderly. The mental artery is the best site for this purpose. Preliminary data suggest an age-related reduction in mental artery flow.
Anomaly Instruction Detection of Masqueraders and Threat Evaluation Using Fuzzy Logic

One critical threat facing many organizations is the inside attacks from masqueraders, internal users or external intruders who exploit legitimate user identity and perform malicious attacks. Anomaly intrusion detection systems can be deployed to build a user behavior profile from his/her past activities in a computer system and detect masqueraders if a large deviation is observed. In this paper, we use a finite automata based model to construct a normal behavior reference model from the analysis of shell command sequences. A fuzzy evaluation mechanism is proposed to classify the degree of threat as linguistic terms. The fuzzy number calculated from the output of a fuzzy inference system is compared with predefined generalized fuzzy numbers representing different threat levels. A case will be labeled as the linguistic term which has the highest similarity value with it. Experiments conducted on two data sets both achieved high detection rates of masqueraders and few false alarms, which stand out other methods.
Microbial–metazoan reefs of the terminal Proterozoic Nama Group (c. 550–543 Ma), Namibia

Thrombolite and stromatolite reefs occur at several stratigraphic levels within the terminal Proterozoic Nama Group (c. 550–543 Ma) of central and southern Namibia. The reefs form integral parts of several carbonate platforms within the Nama Group, including the Kuibis platform of the northern Nama Basin (Zaris subbasin), and Huns platform (Witputs subbasin) of the southern Nama Basin. The reefs are composed of both thrombolites and stromatolites that form laterally continuous biostromes, isolated patch reefs, and isolated pinnacle reefs ranging in scale from a metre to several kilometres in width. In the majority of cases, the reefs occur stratigraphically as an integral facies within the transgressive systems tracts of sequences making up the Kuibis and Huns platforms. This suggests that a regime of increasing accommodation was required to form well-developed reefs, though reefs also occur sporadically in highstand systems tract settings. Within a given transgressive systems tract, a regime of increasing accommodation through time favours the transition from sheet-like biostromal geometries to more isolated patch and pinnacle biohermal geometries. Similarly, increasing accommodation in space, such as a transect down depositional dip, shows a similar transition from more sheet-like geometries in updip positions to more isolated geometries in downdip positions. Reefal facies consist of thrombolitic domes, columns and mounds with well-developed internal clotted textures, in addition to stromatolitic domes, columns and mounds, with crudely to moderately well-developed internal lamination. Stromatolites are better developed in conditions of relatively low accommodation, and updip locations, under conditions of higher current velocities and greater sediment influx. Thrombolites are better developed in conditions of relatively high accommodation and low sediment influx. Both types of microbialites are intimately associated with the first calcifying metazoan organisms, which may have attached themselves to the sediment surface or otherwise lived within sheltered depressions within the rough topography created by ecologically complex mats. The appearance of thrombolitic textures during terminal Proterozoic time is consistent with colonization of cyanobacterial mats by higher algae and metazoans, which would have been an important process in generating clotted textures. Fabrics in the Nama thrombolites are well preserved and show evidence of thrombolitic mesoclots being overgrown by fibrous marine carbonate, interpreted as former aragonite. This was followed by emplacement of geopetal micrite fills, and precipitation of dolomite as an isopachous rim cement, followed by occlusion of remaining porosity by blocky calcite spar.
A note on a scale-sensitive dimension of linear bounded functionals in Banach spaces

We show that "B is of type p > 1" is a necessary and sufficient condition for a learnability of a class of linear bounded functionals with norm < 1 restricted to the unit ball in Banach space B. On the way, we give very short probabilistic proof for Vapnik's result (Hilbert space and improved) and improve our result with Pascal Koiran for convex halls of indicator functions. The approach we use in this paper allows to connect various results about learnability and approximation.
Biochemical Characterization of DNA Damage Checkpoint Complexes: Clamp Loader and Clamp Complexes with Specificity for 5′ Recessed DNA

The cellular pathways involved in maintaining genome stability halt cell cycle progression in the presence of DNA damage or incomplete replication. Proteins required for this pathway include Rad17, Rad9, Hus1, Rad1, and Rfc-2, Rfc-3, Rfc-4, and Rfc-5. The heteropentamer replication factor C (RFC) loads during DNA replication the homotrimer proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) polymerase clamp onto DNA. Sequence similarities suggest the biochemical functions of an RSR (Rad17–Rfc2–Rfc3–Rfc4–Rfc5) complex and an RHR heterotrimer (Rad1–Hus1–Rad9) may be similar to that of RFC and PCNA, respectively. RSR purified from human cells loads RHR onto DNA in an ATP-, replication protein A-, and DNA structure-dependent manner. Interestingly, RSR and RFC differed in their ATPase activities and displayed distinct DNA substrate specificities. RSR preferred DNA substrates possessing 5′ recessed ends whereas RFC preferred 3′ recessed end DNA substrates. Characterization of the biochemical loading reaction executed by the checkpoint clamp loader RSR suggests new insights into the mechanisms underlying recognition of damage-induced DNA structures and signaling to cell cycle controls. The observation that RSR loads its clamp onto a 5′ recessed end supports a potential role for RHR and RSR in diverse DNA metabolism, such as stalled DNA replication forks, recombination-linked DNA repair, and telomere maintenance, among other processes.
The Future of Psychological Warfare

AT A TIME when world attention is focused on new and terrible engines of physical destruction, the United States has allowed its psychological weapons to fall into desuetude. Our propaganda effort during the last war was characterized by improvisation, but in the event of another war it is doubtful whether time for renewed improvisation will be available. An analysis of the various types of wartime propaganda indicates that exhaustive study and preparation are necessary if this arm is to be kept in readiness. If it is to be prepared to seize the psychological offensive, the United States must first adopt a realistic attitude toward political warfare; secondly, it must devote far more energy to planning and preparation in this field than it has done in the past. The author is Professor of Sociology at the New School for Social Research, and former Associate Chief of the Division of Occupied Areas of the Department of State.
The Potential Response of Terrestrial Carbon Storage to Changes in Climate and Atmospheric CO2

We use a georeferenced model of ecosystem carbon dynamics to explore the sensitivity of global terrestrial carbon storage to changes in atmospheric CO2 and climate. We model changes in ecosystem carbon density, but we do not model shifts in vegetation type. A model of annual NPP is coupled with a model of carbon allocation in vegetation and a model of decomposition and soil carbon dynamics. NPP is a function of climate and atmospheric CO2 concentration. The CO2 response is derived from a biochemical model of photosynthesis. With no change in climate, a doubling of atmospheric CO2 from 280 ppm to 560 ppm enhances equilibrium global NPP by 16.9%; equilibrium global terrestrial ecosystem carbon (TEC) increases by 14.9%. Simulations with no change in atmospheric CO2 concentration but changes in climate from five atmospheric general circulation models yield increases in global NPP of 10.0–14.8%. The changes in NPP are very nearly balanced by changes in decomposition, and the resulting changes in TEC range from an increase of 1.1% to a decrease of 1.1%. These results are similar to those from analyses using bioclimatic biome models that simulate shifts in ecosystem distribution but do not model changes in carbon density within vegetation types. With changes in both climate and a doubling of atmospheric CO2, our model generates increases in NPP of 30.2–36.5%. The increases in NPP and litter inputs to the soil more than compensate for any climate stimulation of decomposition and lead to increases in global TEC of 15.4–18.2%.
Tritium monitoring system for near ambient measurements

The authors describe the current status of research on an improved tritium measurement system at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for the US Navy. Present tritium-in-air monitoring systems installed by the Navy can reliably measure to less than 10 mu Ci/m/sup 3/, but medical and safety issues are pushing measurement needs to below 1 mu Ci/m/sup 3/, which is equivalent to 1-10 mu Ci/ml in liquid samples, using calcium metal converter. A significant effort has been expended over the past 10 years by the Navy RADIAC development program at ORNL on various schemes to improve the detection of tritium in both air and liquid at near ambient levels. One such scheme includes a liquid flowthrough system based on an NE 102 sponge scintillator with dual photomultiplier tubes for tube noise rejection. >
Morphological foundations of fiber properties

Structural theories which have been developed to interpret the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of fibers are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the natural fibers. It is pointed out that many of the current theories of fiber structure derive from early concepts of the natural cellulosic or vegetable fibers. The micellar, the fringed micellar, and the fringed fibrillar theories, as well ay the concept of lateral order distribution are presented. The growth and development of cotton fibers are discussed and variations in structure are shown to be reflected in their properties. In this connection fibrillar orientation and helical reversals in cotton fibers are particularly important. The complex organochemical and supermolecular structure of keratin fibers is presented and is shown to be related to the chemical and mechanical properties of these fibers. Cortical asymmetry is a unique structural feature of keratin fibers which is responsible for the characteristic three-dimensional crimp of wool fibers. The well-known supercontraction of keratin fibers in a variety of chemical systems is discussed in terms of a chemical mechanism involving sulfhydryl-disulfide interchange.
Four Genes Responsible for a Position Effect on Expression From HML and HMR in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Mating type interconversion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae occurs by transposition of copies of the a or ci mating type cassettes from inactive loci, HML and HMR, to an active locus, MAT. The lack of expression of the a and LY genes at the silent loci results from repression by trans-acting regulators encoded by SIR @lent information Regulator) genes. In this paper we present evidence for the existence of four SIR genes. Inactivation of any of these genes leads to expression of cassettes at both HML and HMR. Unusual complementation properties are observed for a number of sir mutations. Specifically, some recessive mutations in different genes fail to complement. The correspondence between SIRI, SIR2, SIR3, SIR4 and other genes with similar roles (MAR, CMT, STE8 and STEP) is presented. ELL type in the unicellular eucaryote SaccharoC myces cerevisiae is under control of a single genetic locus, the mating type locus (MAT). The two mating types of yeast, a and a, are determined by the MATa and MATa alleles, respectively (LINDEGREN and LINDEGREN 1943). The gene products that are encoded by both MATa and MATa are regulatory proteins UOHNSON and HERSKOWITZ 1985). The genetic and physical structure of the mating type locus is known (SPRAGUE, RINE and HERSKOWITZ 198 1, a, b; ASTELL et al. 198 1 ; NASMYTH and TATCHELL 1980). MAT consists of a block of DNA approximately 2 kilobase pairs (kb) in length. The structural details of MATa and MATa are indicated in Figure 1 [adapted from ASTELL et al. (1 98 1) and ABRAHAM et al. (1984)]. Two points are particularly relevant to this work: (1) the central regions of MATa and MATa are nonhomologous; (2) both MATa and MATa encode two transcripts, a1 and a2 in a celIs and a1 and a2 in a cells, that are transcribed from divergent promoters located in the regions of nonhomology between a and a. Certain strains of yeast, namely those containing the HO gene (WINCE and ROBERTS 1949), are capable of switching from one cell type to another as frequently as once per generation (HICKS and HERSKOWITZ 1976; STRATHERN and HERSKOWITZ 1979; RINE et al. 1981). When a cell switches from a to a, MATa is replaced by MATa; switching from a to a results from the opposite change. HMLa and HMRa are additional genes required for mating type intercon
MMPI-168 Factor Score Profiles for Major Diagnostic Groups

The purpose of the present study was to examine the MMPI-168 factor score profiles for groups of psychiatric patients whose clinical scale score profiles matched prototype patterns for schizophrenia (N = 199), depression (N = 215), and personality disorder (N = 126). The MMPI-168 factor score profiles for a sample of 27 psychiatric outpatients meeting DSM III criteria for borderline personality were also examined. Suggestion of significant psychopathology was attributed to mean factor scores at or above the 90th percentile in a college student normative sample. According to this criterion, the personality disorder group had mean factor score: profile that evidenced significant elevation only on the Somatization factor. The depression group evidenced significant elevation on the Somatization and Depression factors. The borderline personality group evidenced significant elevation on Somatization and Depression, plus marginal elevation on Low Morale and Psychotic Distortion. The schizophrenia group evidenced...